Environmentally friendly disinfection basket for vegetables

Abstract

A vegetable disinfection basket, including: a rectangular container (101); a mesh basket arranged in the container (102); a disinfectant dispenser (103) attached to the top of the container; a drain pipe (104) connecting the bottom of the wire basket to a drain hole in the container; a handle (105) attached to the top of the container; and a hose holder attached to the side of the container (106).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an environmentally friendly disinfection basket for vegetables. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Problem of the invention:

[0002] While current electronic vegetable disinfectors effectively clean vegetables, they have several drawbacks that limit their usability and affordability. These devices typically require a constant power supply, making them impractical for use in areas without reliable electricity. Furthermore, they are generally expensive and therefore unaffordable for many consumers. The durability of these electronic devices is also a concern, as they may not last long with regular use.

[0003] Traditional vegetable baskets, on the other hand, require no electricity and are generally durable and affordable. However, these baskets are not specifically designed for disinfecting vegetables. Cleaning vegetables with traditional baskets is often time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring several steps to ensure proper disinfection.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that combines the advantages of both electronic disinfectors and traditional baskets. The ideal product should effectively disinfect vegetables, be affordable, durable, and easy to use, and require no electrical connection. This solution should simplify the cleaning process while ensuring proper disinfection of vegetables, making it accessible and practical for everyday use. RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PATENTS

[0005] 1. True Wash Universal Wet / Dry Disinfection System: This system combines UV light and activated oxygen to disinfect fruits, vegetables, and other produce. It uses advanced UV-O3 technology to eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria and is FDA-approved for food contact. The system offers both wet and dry cleaning modes and reduces water consumption through its efficient use.

[0006] 2. Green Disinfection Compartment for Fruits and Vegetables: This patented invention focuses on controlling the ripening process and extending the freshness of fruits and vegetables by removing ethylene gas through a photocatalytic process. The compartment uses UV light and a titanium dioxide catalyst to convert ethylene into carbon dioxide and water, thereby slowing down the ripening process and preserving freshness.

[0007] 3. Ozone vegetable washing machines: These machines use ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent, to disinfect vegetables by reducing pesticide residues and killing bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Ozone washing machines effectively extend the shelf life of produce and are widely used in fruit and vegetable processing plants due to their high degree of automation and efficiency in cleaning large quantities of produce.

[0008] 4. Ozone vegetable disinfection devices: These devices use ozone to remove pesticides, bacteria, and viruses from fruits and vegetables.

[0009] 5. Ultrasonic vegetable cleaners: These use ultrasonic waves to clean the surface of fruits and vegetables.

[0010] These solutions demonstrate different approaches to disinfecting vegetables, such as the use of UV light, activated oxygen, and ozone, each offering specific advantages and applications. The current state of the art shows that while effective methods exist, there may still be room for improvement in terms of efficiency, cost, and ease of use. Shortcomings of the currently available solution: 1. Electronic fruit / vegetable disinfectants: Disadvantages:

[0011] Power dependency: They require a continuous power supply and are therefore impractical in areas with unreliable power supplies.

[0012] High costs: Generally expensive, which limits their affordability for many consumers.

[0013] Durability: Electronic components are subject to wear and tear, which shortens the product's lifespan.

[0014] Complexity: May require regular maintenance and occasional parts replacement, increasing costs and effort in the long run. 2. Traditional vegetable / fruit baskets: Disadvantages:

[0015] Insufficient disinfection: Not specifically designed for disinfecting vegetables, resulting in an inefficient cleaning process.

[0016] Manual effort: To ensure that the vegetables are cleaned properly, considerable manual effort and time are required.

[0017] Uneven cleaning: Manual rinsing may not effectively remove all impurities, pesticides, or bacteria from the vegetables. 3. Combination appliances (multifunctional washing machines): Disadvantages:

[0018] Cost and complexity: Due to the high cost and complexity, these devices are unsuitable for personal or small-scale use.

[0019] Bulkyness: Often bulky and requiring a lot of space, which makes them impractical for small kitchens or households.

[0020] Limited accessibility: Primarily geared towards commercial environments, which limits availability and practical use in normal households. Fundamental difference between currently available solutions and the proposed invention: 1. Non-electronic vs. electronic:

[0021] The main difference is that the proposed solution is not electronic, whereas existing solutions such as ozone vegetable washing machines and ultrasonic cleaners rely on electricity for their operation. 2. Cost structure:

[0022] The proposed basket is designed to be cost-effective. The estimated total manufacturing cost is around 410 rupees. In contrast, electronic disinfection devices are very expensive and can cost several hundred to thousands of rupees / dollars. 3. Portability and user-friendliness:

[0023] The manual basket is lightweight, portable and easy to use anywhere, unlike electronic devices which are often bulky, require a stable power source and are less portable. 4. Maintenance:

[0024] The proposed solution requires minimal maintenance and focuses on simply refilling the disinfectant dispenser and basic cleaning of the basket, unlike electronic devices which may require regular technical maintenance and the replacement of parts. 5. Simplicity of design:

[0025] The basket's simple design ensures ease of use and allows for easy integration into daily workflows. Unlike electronic disinfection devices, no extensive user manuals or training are required.

[0026] By overcoming the main limitations of existing solutions in terms of cost, energy dependence and complexity, the proposed vegetable disinfection basket offers a practical, efficient and accessible alternative for consumers who want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their vegetables. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The proposed vegetable disinfection basket offers a practical and cost-effective solution for disinfecting vegetables without electricity. It combines the simplicity of traditional vegetable baskets with an effective disinfection mechanism, making it a convenient and reliable option for consumers.

[0028] Non-electronic design: Unlike many existing disinfection devices, the Vegetable Sanitizer Basket is manually operated and requires no electricity. This allows it to be used in any environment, regardless of power supply, and significantly reduces overall costs.

[0029] Integrated disinfection mechanism: The basket features a refillable disinfectant dispenser, allowing users to easily treat vegetables with a disinfectant solution. The fine mesh and drainage tube ensure efficient cleaning and water removal.

[0030] Durable and user-friendly design: The basket is made of durable plastic, making it lightweight yet robust. Ergonomic handles and a practical size make it easy to use and carry.

[0031] Effective cleaning process: The user simply places the vegetables in the basket, applies the disinfectant liquid, and rinses with water. The sieve and drain tube ensure thorough cleaning and removal of excess liquid.

[0032] Design and prototyping: The design process includes the creation of CAD models and concept sketches to visualize the product and refine its functions. The basket is manufactured using injection molding and undergoes quality control to ensure durability and functionality.

[0033] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more detailed description of the invention is given with reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that these drawings represent only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The invention is described and explained with additional details and information with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The vegetable disinfection basket offers a practical, non-electronic solution for disinfecting vegetables, combining the ease of use and affordability of traditional baskets with an effective disinfection mechanism. This innovative product meets the needs of consumers seeking a reliable, cost-effective way to ensure their vegetables are clean and safe to eat, without the need for expensive, electricity-dependent electronic devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The proposed vegetable disinfection basket addresses the shortcomings of existing solutions by combining the disinfection effectiveness of advanced technologies with the simplicity, affordability, and convenience of traditional vegetable baskets. This is how the proposed invention works and solves the defined problem: The vegetable disinfection basket offers a practical, non-electronic solution for disinfecting vegetables, combining the ease of use and affordability of traditional baskets with an effective disinfection mechanism. This innovative product meets the needs of consumers seeking a reliable, cost-effective way to ensure their vegetables are clean and safe to eat, without the need for expensive, electricity-dependent electronic devices. Non-electronic design:

[0036] The basket is manually operated and requires no electricity. This allows it to be used in any environment, regardless of power availability. Furthermore, the overall cost is lower, making it affordable for a wider audience. Integrated disinfection mechanism:

[0037] Disinfectant dispenser: The basket includes a refillable disinfectant dispenser, allowing users to easily apply a disinfectant solution to the vegetables. The solution can be a natural, food-grade disinfectant that effectively kills bacteria and removes pesticide residues.

[0038] Mesh and drainpipe: The basket features a fine mesh that holds the vegetables while allowing water and disinfectant solution to pass through. A drainpipe at the bottom ensures efficient cleaning and allows excess liquid to drain away easily. Durable and user-friendly design:

[0039] Material: Made of durable plastic (polypropylene), the basket is lightweight yet robust, ensuring long-lasting use without breaking.

[0040] Handles: Strong, ergonomic handles make it easier to carry and use the basket without the risk of it breaking or causing injury.

[0041] Size and shape: The basket is the right size - not too big and not too small - to hold a good amount of vegetables and is therefore practical for everyday use. Effective cleaning process:

[0042] The user places the vegetables in the basket and applies the disinfectant using the built-in dispenser. They then rinse the vegetables with water, which, in combination with the disinfectant, ensures thorough cleaning.

[0043] Excess liquid can be easily removed via the sieve and the drainpipe, ensuring that the vegetables do not stand in contaminated water. Cost efficiency:

[0044] The materials and manufacturing process of the basket are chosen to keep production costs low. With estimated total costs of around 410 rupees, it offers an affordable solution without compromising on quality or effectiveness. Design and prototyping:

[0045] CAD models: The design process includes the creation of detailed CAD models to visualize the product and refine its functions. These models help to understand the dimensions and functionality of the basket.

[0046] Concept sketches: Sketches of the selected concept provide a clear visual representation of the basket and show dimensions and usage instructions. Manufacturing process:

[0047] Injection molding: The basket and its components are manufactured using the injection molding process, a cost-effective and efficient method for producing plastic parts.

[0048] Assembly: The disinfectant dispenser, the mesh and the drain pipe are assembled with the main basket body to produce the final product. Quality assurance:

[0049] The basket undergoes quality control checks to ensure durability, functionality, and safety. This includes testing the strength of the handles, the effectiveness of the sieve and drainage system, and the proper functioning of the disinfectant dispenser.

[0050] The present invention comprises the following components: 1. Container (101): A rectangular container with dimensions of 35 cm x 27.8 cm x 21 cm, probably made of a durable plastic such as polypropylene. 2. Wire mesh basket (102): A square wire mesh basket measuring 21 cm x 21 cm x 7 cm, which is placed in the container. 3. Disinfectant dispenser (103): A cylindrical dispenser with a diameter of 1.5 cm and a height of 7 cm, which is attached to the top of the container. 4. Drain pipe (104): A curved pipe with a diameter of 1.5 cm and a length of 21 cm, connecting the bottom of the wire basket to a drain hole in the container. 5. Carrying handle (105): A horizontal handle attached to the top of the container to facilitate carrying. 6. Hose holder (106): A small holder or clamp on the side of the container for holding a hose to drain excess liquid.

[0051] The wire basket is placed inside the container and ensures that the vegetables are held in place while the disinfectant solution and water flow through it.

[0052] The disinfectant dispenser is attached to the top of the container, thus enabling easy application of the disinfectant solution.

[0053] The drain pipe is connected to the underside of the wire basket and a drain opening in the container, allowing excess liquid to drain away.

[0054] The handle is attached to the top of the container so that you can carry and transport the basket comfortably.

[0055] The hose holder is attached to the side of the container and provides a safe storage place for the hose when it is not in use. Working methodology:

[0056] Fill the disinfectant dispenser: Fill the disinfectant dispenser with a food-grade disinfectant solution.

[0057] Place vegetables in the basket: Place the vegetables to be disinfected in the mesh basket inside the container.

[0058] Apply disinfectant: Pour the disinfectant solution from the dispenser over the vegetables in the basket.

[0059] Rinse with water: Rinse the vegetables with clean water to remove any disinfectant residue and dirt.

[0060] Draining excess water: The excess water drains through the wire basket into the drain pipe, which can be connected to a hose for easy disposal.

[0061] Remove the vegetables: Once the vegetables are clean, take them out of the basket and dry them as needed. Advantages of the invention: 1. Affordability:

[0062] The proposed vegetable disinfection basket is significantly more cost-effective compared to electronic vegetable disinfection devices and is therefore accessible to a wider range of consumers. 2. Energy independence:

[0063] Unlike electronic solutions that require a continuous power supply, the proposed basket is manually operated and does not depend on electricity. This allows it to be used in any environment, even in areas with unreliable power. 3. Ease of use:

[0064] The basket incorporates a simple, refillable dispenser for disinfectant, allowing users to easily apply the disinfectant solution. This simplifies the cleaning process without the need for complex machinery or maintenance. 4. Shelf life:

[0065] Made of robust plastic (polypropylene), the basket is designed for permanent use, unlike electronic devices which have a limited lifespan due to their electronic components. 5. Cleaning efficiency:

[0066] The combination of a wire basket and a dispenser for disinfectant fluid ensures thorough cleaning of the vegetables and effectively removes impurities and pesticides. This level of disinfection is comparable to that achieved by more expensive electronic devices. 6. Environmental impacts:

[0067] The manual design reduces energy consumption and the overall ecological footprint compared to electronic disinfection devices that consume electricity.

Claims

[1] A vegetable disinfection basket, comprising: a rectangular container (101); a mesh basket arranged in the container (102); a disinfectant dispenser (103) attached to the top of the container; a drain pipe (104) connecting the bottom of the wire basket to a drain hole in the container; a handle (105) attached to the top of the container; and a hose holder attached to the side of the container (106). [2] Vegetable disinfection basket according to claim 1, wherein the container is made of a durable plastic. [3] Vegetable disinfection basket according to claim 1, wherein the mesh basket has a fine net through which water and disinfection solution can flow. [4] Vegetable disinfection basket according to claim 1, wherein the disinfectant dispenser is refillable. [5] Vegetable disinfection basket according to claim 1, wherein the drain pipe is made of a durable material.