APPARATUS FOR DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING BRUSHES
An apparatus ( 100, 200 ) is described for disinfecting and sanitizing up to three brushes ( 16 ) with steam, where the brushes ( 16 ) are placed in a horizontal position in the apparatus, such that the handles ( 16 a ) of the brushes ( 16 ) protrude from the apparatus and are not exposed to the steam generated for disinfecting and sanitizing the brushes. The apparatus ( 100, 200 ) comprises a case ( 1 ) covered by a tilting lid ( 8 ) and supported by a base ( 2 ), a water tank ( 3 ) and a chamber ( 4 ) located inside the case ( 1 ), the chamber ( 4 ) having a system for evaporating the water contained inside the tank ( 3 ), a support ( 5 ) for the brushes ( 16 ), a resistance heating system ( 6 ) for heating the water, a protection screen ( 7 ), a thermostat ( 26 ) and an electronic or mechanical control and operation system.
1 . Apparatus for disinfecting and sanitizing brushes, comprising a case ( 1 ) covered by a tilting lid ( 8 ) and supported by a base ( 2 ), and, inside the said case ( 1 ), a water tank ( 3 ), a chamber ( 4 ) with system for steaming the water contained in the tank ( 3 ), a support ( 5 ) for brushes ( 16 ), a shielded resistance heating system ( 6 ) for heating the water, a protection screen ( 7 ), a thermostat ( 26 ) and a control and operation system.
2 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the case upper part ( 1 ) is provided with two holes ( 19 ) intended for fitting the said tilting lid ( 8 ).
3 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the tilting lid ( 8 ) is transparent.
4 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the base ( 2 ) is fitted and attached by screws to the case ( 1 ), the lower part of the said base ( 2 ) being provided with supports ( 9 ).
5 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising two holes ( 29 ) to fit the screws or hooks to attach in the wall.
6 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the chamber ( 4 ), together with the case ( 1 ) and the lid ( 8 ) allow the said brushes ( 16 ) to be arranged in the apparatus in a horizontal position, contacting the steam emanating from the bottom to the top from the said chamber ( 4 ).
7 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the steam needed to disinfect and sanitize the brushes ( 16 ) is produced thought the shielded resistance contact ( 6 ) with the water in the tank ( 3 ).
8 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each disinfecting and sanitizing cycle of the brushes ( 16 ) uses the total amount of water contained inside the tank ( 3 ).
9 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the support ( 5 ) for the brushes body ( 16 ) supports up to three units at the same time for each disinfecting and sanitizing cycle of the brushes ( 16 ).
10 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the support format ( 5 ) is a rod shaped with concave fits ( 5 a ) for handles ( 16 a ) of the brushes ( 16 ).
11 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the support ( 5 ) is fitted inside the chamber ( 4 ) in housing ( 13 ).
12 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , additionally comprising a support shaped with the proper chamber ( 4 ), case ( 1 ) and tilting lid ( 8 ) thereof, the said support being used to hold the handles ( 16 a ) of the brushes ( 16 ) through semicircular or concave accommodations ( 17 ) molded in the chamber ( 4 ), case ( 1 ) and lid ( 8 ) such that the handles ( 16 a ) protrude outside the apparatus and are free of heating.
13 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the water tank base ( 3 ) is provided with fits ( 28 ) for the screen insertion ( 7 ) provided with holes ( 7 a ) for better temperature diffusion during the water heating of the said tank ( 3 ).
14 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the shielded resistance ( 6 ) is dully stopped with high temperature resistant silicon seal ( 27 ).
15 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control and operation system is electronic.
16 . Apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the said system i) is inserted between the base ( 2 ) and the chamber ( 4 ) of the apparatus; and ii) comprises the electronic circuit board ( 10 ), transformer ( 11 ), fuse holder ( 12 ), power cable ( 14 ), thermostat ( 26 ), on/off switch ( 15 ), two blue LEDs ( 18 ), two red LEDs ( 18 a ) and sensor ( 20 ).
17 . Apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the beginning of the disinfecting and sanitizing process is indicated by lighting up the blue LEDs ( 18 ) and the end of the process is indicated by keeping the LEDs ( 18 ) on.
18 . Apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the lack of water or overheating inside the tank ( 3 ) is indicated by alternated blinking of the red LEDs ( 18 a ).
19 . Apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein in the case of i) lack of water in the tank ( 3 ) or ii) overheating the security thermostat ( 26 ) stops feeding power into the shielded resistance ( 6 ).
20 . Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control and operation system is mechanic.
21 . Apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the said system i) is inserted between the base ( 2 ) and the chamber ( 4 ) and ii) comprises the thermostat ( 26 ), button ( 21 ) connected to the pilot lamp ( 24 ), timer ( 22 ), fuse holder ( 12 ) and power cable ( 14 ).
22 . Apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the pilot lamp ( 24 ) remains on only when the timer ( 22 ) and the shielded resistance ( 6 ) are on.
23 . Apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein the pilot lamp ( 24 ), the shielded resistance ( 6 ) and the thermostat ( 26 ) are connected in series.
24 . Apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein in the case of i) lack of water in the tank ( 3 ) or ii) overheating the security thermostat ( 26 ) stops feeding power to the shielded resistance ( 6 ).