Patent Application
20220361728
The present invention relates, generally, to a shoe sole cleaning device and a shoe sole cleaning kit comprising the shoe sole cleaning device.
There are many situations in which it is important for the sole of a piece of footwear to be cleaned effectively, in a timely and cost efficient manner. For example, many building sites generate a large amount of dirt and detritus that may be carried on the soles of the footwear worn by the ground workers and office staff. There may be environmental reasons for limiting the spread of this detritus, such as due to contamination, or to ensure that the rest of the site and surrounding area is kept in a clean manner. There are many other situations such as stables, farms, dog kennels, café, hotels, exhibitions, sporting events, home use and mobile ground workers in which an apparatus is needed to clean the soles of varying footwear quickly and effectively, with ease.
Moreover, there are particular infections that can be spread in agricultural environments and to trees to name but a few and can significantly damage the health of forests. These infections (such as Kauri Dieback—Phytophthora agathidicida in New Zealand and in Cheshire UK Phytophthora Ramorum) can be carried on the soles of the footwear of hikers and the like. It is therefore essential that here exists an apparatus to enable the cleaning of the soles effectively of said footwear in a quick and efficient manner.
Shoe footwear sole cleaning devices for removal of debris such as soil, mud, clay, wet concrete, sewage, food wastes, chemicals and sand from the sole of a shoe have been known from the state of the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,425,477A discloses a shoe cleaner comprising a foramina scraper which is particularly a grate composed of a plurality of cubelet foramina. The cubelets provide an upper scraping surface across which the sole of shoe is moved to remove debris therefrom. With the flat scraping surface, debris, especially debris that enters the grooves of the sole, is hardly to remove. Further, the removed debris tends to clog the cubelet foramina in the scraping surface, resulting in more deteriorated removal and/or re-adhesion of debris onto the sole. Moreover, it is troublesome to remove the clogged debris from the foramina scraper after the use.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,866,805A discloses a shoe sole cleaner comprising a liquid containment tray. Cleaning liquid is stored within a lower portion of the tray. A shoe sole-engagement mat structure with bristles is partially immersed in the cleaning liquid. Although this arrangement may improve the removal of debris from the sole by invasion of the bristles into the grooves of the sole, the improved removal does not last for long because the bristles would permanently be buckled by the user's weight and mud may clog up in bristles Moreover, the production of the mat structure is comparatively complicated and thus expensive.
As such there at present does not exist an apparatus to enable the quick, effective and efficient cleaning of all sole types of footwear. There is a need for a device that can clean wellingtons, work boots, sport shoes, formal thin sole shoes for the office and even sandals with very little water used especially on the upper part of the footwear unless required. Moreover the use of reusable water, without a constant water supply, may allow the device to be used in mobile or fixed operation.
Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a footwear cleaning device, comprising a lower tray having a bottom wall and one or more side walls which define a first compartment for cleaning liquid; and an upper tray having a bottom wall and one or more side walls which define a second compartment for cleaning aggregate, wherein the upper tray is shaped and dimensioned such that at least a part thereof is accommodated in the first compartment of the lower tray, and wherein the upper tray includes one or more holes communicate between the first and second compartments. This is advantageous as the apparatus is effective at removing detritus from the soles of footwear, and storing said detritus in the lower tray beneath the cleaning aggregate so as to avoid contamination.
Optionally, the device may comprise a third compartment for containing cleaning fluid, wherein the first and third fluid compartments are in fluid communication.
Optionally, wherein the third compartment is positioned within the lower tray.
Optionally, wherein a divider separates the first and third compartments such that fluid flows from the third compartment to the first compartment when water in the third compartment exceeds the depth of the divider, such that the third department is kept substantially free from detritus contained in the first compartment by said divider. It is stressed that the divider and third compartment are optional.
Optionally, the device may comprise a fluid inlet, optionally wherein the fluid inlet feeds fluid into the third compartment. This allows the first compartment to have its fluid level topped up when the fluid level is low.
Optionally, the device may comprise a fluid outlet to output fluid from the first compartment when the level of fluid within the first compartment is raised above the level of the fluid output. To maintain the desired fluid level, optionally a drain plug for draining/cleaning may be located below the ball valve.
Optionally, wherein the one or more holes are formed in the bottom wall of the upper tray.
Optionally, wherein the one or more holes are arranged in matrix.
Optionally, the device may comprise a supporting means for supporting the upper tray.
Optionally, wherein the supporting means includes one or more columns arranged between the bottom wall of the upper tray and the bottom wall of the lower tray, or alternatively wherein the supporting means comprises a ledge positioned in the lower tray.
Optionally, wherein the one or more columns, or the ledge, are formed integrally with the lower tray.
Optionally, wherein the supporting means includes one or more hook flanges which project outwardly from the one or more side walls of the upper tray so as to be hooked to upper edges of the one or more side walls of the lower tray.
Optionally, the device may comprise a wiping mat tray for receiving a wiping mat thereon.
Optionally, wherein the wiping mat tray is supported by one or more supporting ribs which project from inner surfaces of the one or more side walls of the lower tray.
Optionally, wherein the wiping mat tray is further supported by one or more supporting ribs which project from outer surfaces of the one or more side walls of the upper tray.
Optionally, the wiping mat tray including one or more holes communicating with the first compartment. Optionally, a pre scraping grate could be added to remove bulk mud.
Optionally, wherein the side walls of the lower tray form a rectangular cross-section.
Optionally, wherein the side walls of the upper tray form a rectangular cross-section.
Optionally, the device may comprise a lid element, wherein the lid element is configured to be removably coupled to the upper tray, and where the lid element and the coupling between the lid element and the upper tray are configured to be substantially impermeable to fluid.
According to a second aspect there is provided a footwear cleaning kit, comprising, a shoe sole cleaning device according to the first aspect and cleaning aggregate to be received in the first compartment of the shoe sole cleaning device.
Optionally, wherein the cleaning aggregate comprises pebbles or crushed stone, and optionally wherein the pebbles or crushed stone is made of limestone, granite or other hard stone/recycled media glass or similar.
Optionally, wherein the maximum diameter or width of the pebbles or crushed stone is 5.0 cm or less, preferably 4.0 cm or less, more preferably 3.0 cm or less. In some embodiments the crushed stone, such as limestone may be classified as 20 mm stone and may vary in size from 10 mm-25 mm approx.
According to a third aspect there is provided method of installing the shoe sole cleaning kit of the first aspect, the method comprising digging a trench with the approximate dimensions of the footwear cleaning device, positioning the footwear cleaning device within the trench such that the upper surface of the footwear cleaning device is approximately flush with ground level, filling the first compartment with cleaning fluid, and filling the second compartment with cleaning aggregate. The device may form part of a pedestrian footway.
According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of using the footwear cleaning device of the first aspect, the method of use comprising the steps of positioning the sole of a piece of footwear in contact with the cleaning aggregate, moving the sole of the footwear such that the cleaning aggregate provides a frictional force against the sole of the footwear and in conjunction with the cleaning fluid acts to remove detritus from the sole of the footwear. The use of this method means that in the majority of circumstances he dirt will fall into the first compartment below.
According to a fifth aspect there is provided a method of manufacturing the cleaning device of any the first aspect, the method of manufacture comprising the steps of injection moulding the lower tray, and injection moulding the upper tray. Alternatively the device may be manufactured using construction from brick/precast concrete or metal
The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a footwear cleaning device, comprising a lower tray having a bottom wall and one or more side walls which define a first compartment for cleaning liquid; and an upper tray having a bottom wall and one or more side walls which define a second compartment for cleaning aggregate, wherein the upper tray is shaped and dimensioned such that at least a part thereof is accommodated in the first compartment of the lower tray, and wherein the upper tray includes one or more holes communicate between the first and second compartments. This is particularly advantageous as it has been found that the detritus attached to the sole of footwear is substantially removed from the footwear during use, and is contained at the bottom of the lower tray, thus removing the risk of contamination.
The first V1 and third compartment V2 are configured to be in fluid communication. The third compartment V3 is configured to act as a reservoir for the first compartment. For example, a fluid inlet may be positioned to allow fluid to enter the third compartment V3. Once the third compartment V3 is filled and fluid reaches the level of the divider 26 between the first compartment V1 and the third compartment V3 fluid then overflows over the divider 26 and enters the first compartment V1. Therefore, fluid can enter the first compartment V1 from the third compartment V3. This ensures that the third compartment V3 is kept substantially clean of debris and detritus from use of the device. This ensures that clean fluid enters the device 10.
This fluid communication may be implemented in a number of alternative ways. For example, a valve may be positioned between the first V1 and third V3 compartments. The valve may allow fluid to enter the first compartment V1 from the third compartment V3 when the level of fluid in the first compartment V1 is below a pre-set level. The valve may be implemented using a stop-cock type arrangement, or any other suitable valve. This may allow the divider 26 for example to be higher so that more fluid can be stored in the third compartment V3 and allow the third compartment V3 to top up the fluid level of the first compartment V1 as fluid evaporates due to evaporation.
The lower tray 20 is shown to have a substantially rectangular footprint. In this embodiment a cut-out is shown in one corner of the lower tray. This cut-out may be used to position a fluid overflow/outlet, and drain plug outlet for emptying and optionally the fluid inlet. For example, the fluid outlet may be used to ensure that fluid is not above a pre-set level in the lower tray 20. The cut-out is designed for ergonomic efficiency such that users do not knock or damage the fluid inlet or outlet.
This device may be installed by digging a trench with the approximate dimensions of the footwear cleaning device 10. The footwear cleaning device 10 may then be positioned within the trench such that the upper surface of the footwear cleaning device 10 is approximately flush with ground level 70. Alternatively, the device may be positioned such that it sits on top of the ground as a temporary unit. The sides may be raised to keep the stone in the cleaning zone. The device may then be configured for use by filling the first compartment V1 with cleaning fluid and filling the second compartment V2 with cleaning aggregate 60. A hand rail frame can be fitted or added for safety and balance. Optionally digital images may be taken of user's footwear post cleaning to confirm they meet a satisfactory standard.
a, b, c, d, e and f show cross sectional views of various embodiments of the upper tray 30, showing various shapes the bottom wall 32 may take. The holes 36 are provided in the bottom wall 32. It is noted that the bottom wall 32 includes any surface adjoining the bottom of the upper tray 30 to the side wall 34.
The device described above may be used by positioning the sole of a piece of footwear in contact with the cleaning aggregate and then moving the sole of the footwear such that the cleaning aggregate provides a frictional force against the sole of the footwear and in conjunction with the cleaning fluid acts to remove detritus from the sole of the footwear. This method may be particularly advantageous for cleaning the footwear.
With reference to
The upper tray 30 includes one or more holes 36 to communicate between the first compartment V1 and the second compartment V2, with the result that when the cleaning liquid is supplied in the first compartment V1, it enters the second compartment V2 through the one or more holes 36 of the upper tray 30. In the illustrated example, a large number of holes 36 with square shape are formed in the bottom wall 32. These holes 36 may be arranged in matrix. The shape, arrangement and number of the holes 36 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the hole 36 may have a circular shape, triangular shape, elongate shape, polygonal shape, or irregular shape. Additionally or alternatively, one or more holes 36 may be provided in the lower portion of the side wall 34.
In use of the device 10, such pebbles or crushed stone 60 is disposed in the second compartment V2 of the upper tray 30, preferably to the extent that the bottom wall 32 of the upper tray 30 is covered thereby. Preferably, the pebbles or crushed stone 60 is disposed to be generally flat. Before or after, or at the same time with the disposition of the pebbles or crushed stone 60, cleaning liquid such as water, preferably water containing one or more additives such as an antifreeze to form antifreeze liquid or mild salt solution, is provided in the first compartment V1 to a level above the bottom wall 32 of the upper tray 30, preferably to a level where the cleaning liquid at least partially soaks the pebbles or crushed stone 60 on the bottom wall 32.
When a user moves the shoe(s) back and forth on the pebbles or crushed stone 60, the shoe sole(s) comes into contact with the cleaning liquid, and at the same time the pebbles or crushed stone 60 scrapes the debris from the wet shoe sole(s).
The pebbles or crushed stone 60, by virtue of its ridgy and/or edgy shape, allows for effective scraping of debris from the shoe sole(s). Further, the cleaning liquid prevents the scraped debris from re-adhering onto the sole. Moreover, with the solidity of the pebbles or crushed stone 60, the effective removal of debris is ensured over a long period of time.
After cleaning the shoe sole(s), it may be wiped by a wiping mat (not shown) supported on the wiping mat tray 40. The wiping mat may be liquid absorbable and/or permeable mat. An exemplary wiping mat is a porous body made from polyvinyl alcohol. Preferably, liquid oozing or permeating from the mat returns to the first compartment V1. To this end, the wiping mat tray 40 may be arranged over a part of the first compartment V1 exposed from the upper tray 30 and include one or more holes 42 communicating with the first compartment V1.
The wiping mat tray 40 may be supported by one or more supporting ribs 24a each projecting from an inner surface of the side wall 24 of the lower tray 20 (see
The wiping mat tray 40 may be supported by one or more supporting ribs 34a each projecting from an outer surface of the side wall 34 of the lower tray 30 (see
Now referring back to
As can be seen in
Additionally or alternatively, as can be seen in
Without showing, further variants are possible. For example, the lower tray 20 may include two or more separated compartments V1 arranged in line and respectively storing cleaning liquid.
The lower tray 20 may include connection(s) for supply and/or drain pipe(s) for the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may be supplied and drained at all times via the connections.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2106932.3 | May 2021 | GB | national |
