Adaptable Rack-Based Cleaning and Disinfecting System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept extends the core technology of a dishwasher with a rack to various industries, enabling efficient cleaning, disinfecting, and refurbishing of diverse items, from medical instruments to pet accessories and sporting goods.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a dishwasher with a rack, limited to household dishwashing applications. However, this concept recognizes the potential of adapting the rack-based technology to address specific cleaning challenges in distinct industries, such as hospitals, fitness centers, pet care, and sports equipment maintenance. The inventive concept solves the problem of inadequate or inefficient cleaning methods in these industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable rack-based cleaning and disinfecting system comprises a tub and at least one rack designed to hold specific items, such as medical instruments, gym equipment, pet accessories, or sporting goods. The system is configured to operate with various cleaning cycles, including sterilization, sanitizing, deodorizing, and refurbishing, tailored to the specific industry's requirements. The rack's design allows for easy loading and unloading of items, ensuring efficient cleaning and minimizing manual labor.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce an inventive step by applying the core technology of the original patent to entirely different industries and use cases, leveraging the rack-based design to provide innovative cleaning solutions. The novelty lies in the adaptation of the dishwasher technology to address specific challenges in various industries, resulting in a system that is both effective and efficient.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include adjustable rack configurations, specialized cleaning agents, or integrated sensors for monitoring cleaning efficacy. Variations could also involve modular tub designs, enabling the system to be easily scaled up or down depending on the industry's needs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable rack-based cleaning and disinfecting system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, fitness, pet care, and sports equipment. The system's ability to provide efficient, effective, and customized cleaning solutions can help businesses reduce costs, improve hygiene, and enhance customer satisfaction.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47L15/504 |
| A | A47 | A47L15/18 |
| A | A47 | A47L15/4278 |
| A | A47 | A47L15/503 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Cleaning and Disinfecting Systems, specifically automated rack-based cleaning technologies for household and industrial applications, involving mechanical design, fluid dynamics, and process engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or industrial design professional with expertise in cleaning system design, familiar with rack configurations, fluid circulation methods, and adaptable cleaning technologies across multiple domains
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental rack-based cleaning architecture from the source dishwasher patent can be readily adapted to alternative cleaning scenarios by modifying rack geometry, cleaning agents, and cycle parameters while maintaining core mechanical principles. The core technological concept of a tub-based cleaning system with configurable racks represents a transferable design paradigm across multiple industries. The variations disclosed in the PTD represent predictable extensions of known cleaning system technologies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,135 |
|---|---|
| Title | Dishwasher with rack |
| Assignee(s) | Whirlpool Corporation |