The invention relates to an arrangement with a round brush, with a rotary drive for the round brush, wherein the rotary drive has a motor that is preferably driven by flowing water.
A round brush, which is rotated by a motor driven by flowing water, is known from U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,762 B2. The water exits from openings that are provided in the wall of a chamber that holds the rotor and is fed to the round brush from outside. An embodiment of a device with a rotating nozzle head that is designed like a fountain is also known in U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,762 B2. The nozzle head is rotated and exposed to water pressure by its high shaft.
A hydraulic motor for driving rotating tools is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,038 B1. As tools, i.a., round brushes are mentioned. The water, which drives the motor, exits the housing of the motor laterally through openings and is fed to the round brush. It is proposed to provide a sleeve in order to improve the feeding of water to the round brush.
A system that is driven by a hydraulic motor (turbine) with a round brush is also known that is marketed under the name “Renovator.” The round brush can be used for animal care, washing cars, and the like. This handheld round brush is rotated by a water-driven turbine. Water exits from the brush-side end of the turbine housing in the form of water jets moving in a circle.
The object of the invention is also to form an arrangement of the above-mentioned type so that it can advantageously be used for washing feet.
This object is achieved according to the invention with an arrangement that has the features disclosed herein.
The arrangement according to the invention can be used without the assistance of third parties when the individual whose feet are to be washed is, for example, physically disabled.
Since, in the arrangement according to the invention, the round brush is arranged on a carrier with a rotary drive, it can be set up, fastened, or incorporated anywhere. Because of the stirrup that is provided in the arrangement according to the invention, which stirrup is arranged on the carrier, it is possible to rest the foot on the stirrup during washing, in particular when the sole of the foot is to be washed. Thus, excessive loads on the round brush itself are avoided. This advantageously occurs in particular when the stirrup is provided in the area of the round brush above the axis of rotation of the round brush.
Nevertheless, in the arrangement according to the invention, the round brush is easily accessible, so that the toes and the top of the foot (the instep) and also the heel area can be easily washed, since the round brush below the stirrup is accessible from either side, from the bottom and from the front.
In one embodiment, the stirrup is an essentially U-shaped stirrup, which has the advantage that the stirrup can be adapted to the shape of the round brush.
In a practical embodiment, the stirrup is fastened via its shank to the carrier of the arrangement, so that sufficient stability is provided.
In a practical embodiment, the crosspiece of the stirrup is curved, in particular curved essentially in the shape of an arc of a circle, so that the shape of the stirrup can be easily adapted to the shape of the round brush.
Within the framework of the invention, it is especially advantageous when the shaft, and thus the axis of rotation, of the round brush is oriented essentially horizontally, and the stirrup is also essentially horizontal when the arrangement is in its operating position.
In order to make it as easy as possible to clean the bottom of a foot (sole of the foot), it can be provided in one embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention that the upper part of the round brush extends through the stirrup and projects upward over the stirrup.
When it is provided according to a proposal of the invention that the free end of the round brush that is opposite to the rotary drive projects over the, for example curved, crosspiece of the stirrup, the free end of the round brush is easily accessible and makes it possible to wash feet in the toe area and in the instep area.
In a practical embodiment, it is provided that the stirrup has a width that is essentially equal in value to the diameter of the round brush.
In a practical embodiment, the carrier is designed as a housing, so that fixtures (shut-off devices and control devices) and lines can be accommodated inside the housing.
When the arrangement according to the invention is to be set up, the carrier has a base.
Also, the installation of the arrangement according to the invention in a shower or the like is possible. The embodiment with the base makes possible not only the free setting-up of the arrangement according to the invention but also concealed wiring of the arrangement according to the invention before tiles are laid.
For example, holes are provided in the base through which screws can be inserted in order to fasten the arrangement to, for example, a subfloor made of concrete, tile, or wood. When the arrangement is to be set up outdoors, screw pegs can be used for fastening.
In order to make the bottom of the round brush easily accessible when cleaning the top (the instep) of the foot, it is provided in one embodiment of the invention that there is a free space between the base and the round brush.
In order to supply the arrangement according to the invention with water, for example from a water line, it can be provided that a connector for flowing water is provided on the housing and that a line is provided that runs from the connector to the motor, which is, for example, a turbine, of the rotary drive.
In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a container with at least one space for liquid soap and/or sanitizer is assigned to the housing. This makes it possible to configure the washing of feet more effectively and/or to sanitize feet, for example after washing.
In this embodiment, it has turned out to be good practice that, when provided, the container is removably attached to the housing.
In order for the liquid soap and/or sanitizer to be able to exit through the stirrup, it can be provided in one embodiment of the invention that the stirrup is hollow and outlet openings for liquid soap and/or sanitizer are provided in the stirrup. These outlet openings are provided in a preferred embodiment on the lower side of the stirrup in the operating position of the arrangement.
In this case, according to a proposal of the invention, it can be provided that the outlet openings are designed as nozzles or are provided with nozzles.
An especially simple way of attaching the container is for at least one connector for a container to be provided on the housing, in particular on its upper wall in the operating position, so that the medium that is contained in the container can be easily fed. In this case, it has turned out to be good practice that when at least one line is provided according to a proposal of the invention, at least one of the shanks of the stirrup should run from the connector to the housing to the end that is fastened to the housing.
In order to improve the feeding of cleaning agent (liquid soap) and/or sanitizer, the container can be equipped with a pump that can be actuated by a pressing button, which is designed, for example, as a deformable bellows.
In order to simplify the refilling of cleaning agents and/or sanitizer, it is provided in one embodiment that the container has a preferably closable fill opening.
In order to improve the stability of the arrangement according to the invention, the carrier, in particular the housing of the arrangement, can be connected to a plate that is arranged on the side of the carrier that is opposite to that of the round brush.
In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the carrier and/or the base of the arrangement according to the invention is/are made of plastic-coated metal parts (metal plates).
When, according to a proposal of the invention, the motor of the rotary drive is a turbine that is driven by flowing water, the action of a friction clutch is produced, which clutch prevents damage to the motor when the round brush is inadvertently halted, i.e., is motionless.
In one embodiment of the invention, water exits through an opening on the round-brush-side end of the motor housing, through which opening the shaft of the round brush is also guided. Water thus moves effectively into the radial inner area of the round brush and is well distributed.
In a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, it is advantageous that water with a flow exits from the opening of the motor housing, through which the shaft of the round brush projects, with a flow that is oriented essentially parallel to the axis of rotation (axis of the shaft of the round brush).
In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, it is advantageous that water exits from the opening of the motor housing, through which the shaft of the round brush projects, into the area of the shaft of the round brush.
For example, water exits from the motor housing through an annular gap, which is provided between the shaft of the round brush and the opening of the motor housing, through which the shaft of the round brush projects, in the direction toward the round brush.
In order to configure the feeding of water to the round brush more effectively, it can be provided that the shaft of the round brush is designed to be hollow and that openings are provided in the wall of the shaft. In this embodiment, a part of the water that exits from the motor housing enters into the hollow shaft, so that the inside space of the shaft is exposed to water pressure. Thus, a uniform feeding of water to the round brush is possible, since the inside space of the shaft communicates (indirectly) with the inside space of the motor housing of the rotary drive.
In a practical embodiment, it can be provided that the carrier is part of a shower panel, a bidet, or a shower tray.
In addition, there is the possibility of integrating the arrangement according to the invention into a, for example, free-standing backyard shower. In this case, the arrangement can be supplied with water via a garden hose.
In a practical embodiment, the round brush has an essentially cylindrical area.
In a practical embodiment, it can be provided in addition that the free end of the round brush is essentially hemispherical.
In order to securely hold the arrangement according to the invention when the latter is not installed permanently, at least one suction cup can be provided on the carrier on its side facing away from the round brush. This embodiment allows for a secure attachment of the arrangement according to the invention to essentially freely-selectable spots, for example in tiled rooms.
In order to make it possible to change round brushes for brushes of a different shape and/or brush quality, the round brush can be detachably connected, for example screwed, to the rotary drive. The connection of the round brush to the rotary drive can also be designed as a plug-in coupling or as a coupling such as a bayonet closure.
The feeding of water to the arrangement according to the invention can be done via a permanent connection to a (household) water line or via a connector using a flexible hose (hose such as hoses of hand showers). Advantageously, the arrangement according to the invention can be connected to a shower fixture, in particular to the mixer for setting the temperature of the fed water (thermostat mixer).
The carrier of the arrangement according to the invention can be optionally removably fastened by a fitting panel directly to tiles.
In order to simplify the operation, in particular the start-up and the shutdown of the arrangement according to the invention, a pedal that can be actuated, for example, with a foot can be provided. The pedal is preferably arranged below the round brush and projects from either side and to the front over the round brush, so that it is easily accessible during actuation. For example, by depressing the pedal, a shut-off device is opened, and water flows to the rotary drive and onward to the then rotating round brush. In a preferred embodiment, the, for example, U-shaped pedal is mounted to pivot around a horizontal axis on the carrier, in particular the housing. It can be provided that after being depressed, the pedal (pivoting downward) remains in its position that keeps the shut-off device open. To close the shut-off device, the pedal is raised again (pivoted upward). In a modified embodiment, the pedal is stressed by a spring in its position that corresponds to the closed shut-off device, i.e., in the direction of pivoting upward.
Additional details and features of the invention follow from the description below of embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention that are shown diagrammatically in the drawings. Here:
In the embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention, shown in
On the carrier 3, a stirrup 7 is provided, which stirrup is fastened with its shanks 8 on the carrier 3 that is designed as housing 4. The stirrup 7 has a crosspiece 9 that is bent essentially in the shape of a hemisphere, so that the stirrup 7 has essentially a shape that corresponds to the outline of the round brush 2.
In the housing 4 that serves as carrier 3, a plate 10, which is, for example, a plastic-coated metal plate, is provided on the side that faces away from the round brush 2.
The arrangement 1 according to the invention also comprises a base 11 in the embodiment that is shown in
The round brush 2 is rotated by a rotary drive 12, as is symbolized by the arrow 13 in
The motor 14 of the rotary drive 12 that is designed in particular as a water turbine has a rotor 16, which is mounted to rotate in a motor housing 15. In the embodiment of the rotary drive 12 that is shown by way of example in
The shaft 19 of the round brush 2 is in particular detachably coupled to the rotor 16 of the motor 14, for example screwed, plugged in or connected via a bayonet-closure-type coupling. Thus, the round brush 2 can be changed, cleaned, sanitized, and/or replaced.
The shaft 19 of the round brush 2 is plugged in through an opening 20, which is provided on the brush-side end of the motor housing 15. In this case, there is play between the shaft 19 and the opening 20, so that water can flow from the motor housing 15 to the round brush 2 (arrow 21 in
In the embodiment of the rotary drive 12 that is shown in
Although not absolutely necessary, the shaft 19 of the round brush 2 can be designed to be hollow, wherein holes 22 are provided in the shaft 19. In this possible embodiment, water that exits through the opening 20 from the motor housing 15 can enter into the inside space of the shaft 19 and flow onward in the direction toward the end 6 of the round brush 2 and can exit from the shaft 19.
As shown by way of example in
As an alternative, the pedal 31 can be upright under the action of a spring that places a load on the pedal 31 in its “closed shut-off device 30” position.
The arrangement according to the invention can have a retaining clip, in particular when it is combined with a shower panel (
In a further development, the retaining clip can be equipped like the pedal 31 for actuating a shut-off device, similar to the shut-off device 30. Thus, the feeding of water to the rotary drive 12 and onward to the round brush 2 can be regulated by pivoting the retaining clip.
In
It can be seen that the arrangement 1 according to the invention makes it possible even for individuals with physical disabilities or for individuals who for reasons of age can no longer or not easily reach their feet to wash their feet even without the assistance of third persons.
In this case, it is advantageous that with the arrangement 1 according to the invention, water can be used economically. Even children can easily use the arrangement 1 according to the invention when they want to wash their feet quickly.
In embodiments, the arrangement 1 according to the invention comprises the rotating, horizontal round brush 2 (roller brush) with a rounded free end 6 (head section), wherein the round brush 2 is accessible from the front, from the side, and from above, as well as from the bottom. It is thus possible to clean feet easily from the heel to the toes and also the sole and the instep.
Using a motor 14 that resembles a turbine, which is driven by flowing water, the rotary drive 12 of the round brush 2, preferred within the framework of the invention, produces the effect of a “friction clutch,” which prevents the rotary drive 12 from being damaged when the round brush 2 is unintentionally and inadvertently halted for any reason. This friction clutch also prevents feet or toes from being pinched and injured.
The stirrup 7 that is provided in the arrangement 1 according to the invention acts as a safety stirrup, which prevents the round brush 2 and its shaft 19 from being damaged.
In one embodiment, the round brush 2 can, for example, be unscrewed from the rotor 16 of the motor 14, removed, and changed, so that various brush hardnesses can be used or the round brush 2 can be cleaned, sanitized, and/or replaced. The cleaning and sanitizing of the round brush 2 is important in particular when the device according to the invention is used in hotels or other locations (baths, saunas, etc.) open to the public.
When, in the arrangement according to the invention, a slip-on container 23 that can be filled with sanitizer and liquid soap is provided, an additional improvement of cleaning and subsequent sanitization of feet is produced. For example, it is possible to proceed in such a way that first the feet are washed, and then, after the water is turned off, sanitizer is sprayed onto the round brush 2—and thus also onto the cleaned foot.
The arrangement 1 according to the invention can be easily attached to or integrated into any shower fixture or shower tray. This also makes it possible for the arrangement according to the invention to be integrated into a shower panel 40 (
The arrangement 1 according to the invention can, as shown by way of example in
In the base 11 of the carrier 3, for example, holes 33 (fastening eyes) are provided. The holes 33 are preferably provided in the corner areas of an approximately quadrangular base 11. This makes it possible to fasten the arrangement 1 by screws (countersunk heads) to any subfloor (bottom). When the arrangement 1 that is combined with a backyard shower 32 is set up, it can be fastened using screw pegs on the bottom, e.g., in a meadow.
The arrangement 1 according to the invention can also be installed in a shower later. In this case, it can be provided that the arrangement 1 according to the invention is connected via a manually-actuatable manifold valve, such as a three-way valve, to the shower fixture by a flexible hose. In addition, it can be provided that the arrangement 1 according to the invention is attached with one or more suction cups to the tiled floor or to the wall of the shower. Thus, attaching without drilling or mortising is possible.
As an alternative, the arrangement 1 according to the invention can be installed as a concealed device before tile is installed, wherein it is preferred for the visible parts of the arrangement 1 to be matched in color.
The arrangement 1 according to the invention can also be set up in free-standing form outside of a shower, when a corresponding water connector and drain are provided, so that the arrangement according to the invention is also suitable for wheelchair users.
The arrangement 1 according to the invention can be combined with a round brush, driven in rotation around an essentially vertical axis, for washing body parts such as backs or buttocks that are not easily accessible. This combination is shown by way of example in
In summary, an embodiment of the invention can be described as follows:
An arrangement 1 for cleaning feet has a round brush 2 that is driven in rotation. The water-operated rotary drive 12 is arranged on a carrier 3 that is designed as housing 4. Water exits in the area of the shaft of the round brush 2 from the rotary drive 12 to the round brush 2. A U-shaped stirrup 7 is fastened to the housing 4, which stirrup is arranged above the round brush 2 in such a way that the upper area of the round brush 2 projects through the stirrup 7. The feeding of water to the rotary drive 12 is regulated by a shut-off device 3, which is actuated by a pedal 31. The pedal 31 is arranged between a base 11 of the housing 4 and the round brush 2.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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A 50594/2020 | Jul 2020 | AT | national |
This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2021/068787 filed Jul. 7, 2021 which designated the U.S. and claims priority to AT A 50594/2020 filed Jul. 9, 2020, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2021/068787 | 7/7/2021 | WO |