Foot or Footwear Cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of cleaning systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a foot or shoe cleaner. The device has a housing, with an interior space, a brush head, at least one base member, and at least one opening. The interior space has piping with at least one horizontal member, at least one perpendicular member, and at least one jet head. The handle is attached to a hose and has a valve that controls fluid pressure.

Claims

1. A system for cleaning comprising: a housing having an interior space defined by side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein the interior space is sized and configured to receive a fluid conduit piping; a handle attached to the housing; a fluid supply attached to the handle; a fluid control valve attached to the handle to control the fluid supply; a fluid that travels through the fluid supply and through the fluid conduit piping; and a brush head.

2. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 1, wherein the system is configured and sized for cleaning a foot or an article of footwear.

3. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of jet heads connected to the fluid conduit piping to allow the fluid to travel to the brush head.

4. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 3, wherein the plurality of jet heads comprises first and second jet heads with different sized openings.

5. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 2 further comprising a timer.

6. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 1, wherein the brush head is comprised of a plurality of different sized bristles.

7. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 1, wherein the brush head is comprised of a plurality of same sized bristles.

8. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 1 further comprising a container attached to the handle for dispensing the fluid.

9. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 8, wherein the fluid is one of a soap, disinfecting agent, a deodorizing agent, a sanitizing agent, a fungicide and a combination thereof.

10. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 1 further comprising a heating element.

11. The system for cleaning as recited in claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit piping comprises at least one horizontal member and at least one perpendicular member.

12. A foot and shoe cleaner comprising; a top surface provided on a housing, wherein the top surface comprises a plurality of openings; a plurality of brush heads disposed on the top surface, wherein each of the plurality of openings is in alignment with a jet head disposed beneath the top surface; an interior space within the housing that is sized and configured to accommodate a fluid supply piping, wherein the fluid supply piping is in fluid communication with the jet head; and a handle connected to the housing and that is used for controlling a flow of fluid through the fluid supply piping.

13. The foot and shoe cleaner as recited in claim 12 further comprising a light source powered by a battery.

14. The foot and shoe cleaner as recited in claim 12, wherein the fluid supply pipping is comprised of a horizontal member and perpendicular members.

15. The foot and shoe cleaner as recited in claim 12 further comprising a fluid supply in fluid communication with the fluid supply piping.

16. The foot and shoe cleaner as recited in claim 15 further comprising a fluid that travels from the fluid supply and through the fluid conduit piping.

17. The foot and shoe cleaner as recited in claim 12, wherein the plurality of brush heads comprise a plurality of bristles having a first height and a second height.

18. The foot and shoe cleaner as recited in claim 12 further comprising a plurality of jet heads that are equally spaced apart on the fluid supply piping.

19. The foot and shoe cleaner as recited in claim 18, wherein the plurality of jet heads are provided with different sized openings.

20. A cleaner for use on footwear and feet, the cleaner comprising: a housing having an interior space defined by side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein the housing is spaced apart from a surface by at least one base member; the interior space having piping for distributing a water, the piping having at least one horizontal member and at least one perpendicular member; a plurality of jet heads disposed on the piping; a brush head disposed on a top surface of the housing, wherein the brush head is in fluid communication with the water; and a handle connected to the housing for controlling a supply of the water.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foot and shoe cleaning system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded side view of one potential embodiment of a footwear and foot cleaning device and system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of different height bristles or cleaning pads that may be used for cleaning of the feet or footwear of the user in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded top view of one potential embodiment of a foot and footwear cleaning device and system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a housing of a foot and footwear cleaning device and system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0028] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved foot and footwear cleaner system. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a cleaning device that provides a way to clean the base of one's foot or sole of a shoe without getting the upper portion of the shoe or pants of the wearer wet. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a cleaning system and device that allows a user to clean their feet or shoes with minimal effort. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a foot and footwear cleaning systems and device that is used to clean the soles of feet or shoes in a short period of time, such as a few seconds. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that removes germs, dirt, bacteria, and other debris from an individual's feet or shoes before they enter their home or other facility where individuals may congregate.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a shoe and foot cleaner. The cleaning system has a housing, a handle, and a connection member. The housing includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a brush head or cleaning pad or surface, at least one base member, and an interior space. The handle has at least one female attachment member, at least one heating element, and at least one valve. The handle is attached to the hose by the female attachment member. The handle has a continuous opening that is in fluid communication with the handle and the hose. The handle includes a valve that can control the water, solution, or air pressure that is output through the device.

[0030] The connection member includes a container that allows for a user to supply soap or other cleaning or disinfecting liquid into the system to further clean, disinfect and sanitize the feet and/or shoes of the user. The container is attached to the connection member via at least one male and one female fastener. The connection member is attached to the housing unit via at least one fastener. The interior space includes one or more pipes or tubes which use at least one perpendicular member and at least one horizontal member. The piping or tubing has at least one jet head, and preferably a plurality of jet heads that direct the water, cleaning or disinfecting solution or air through at least one opening and onto the user's feet or shoes. The interior space has at least one drain located on the bottom surface of the housing.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a foot, footwear and shoe cleaning system and device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The system and device 100 includes a housing 110, a handle 120, and a connection member 130.

[0032] The housing 110 has at least one base member 112, and preferably one base member at each corner of the housing and a plurality of brush heads or cleaning pads 114. In the preferred embodiment, the housing 110 is manufactured from a metal material that can hold the weight of a person such as, but not limited to: aluminum, stainless steel, iron, copper, brass, titanium, or combinations therein. In a differing embodiment, the housing 110 may be manufactured from a strong rigid plastic material that can hold the weight of a person such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, or combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the housing 110 is manufactured in a square shape that is large enough for a user to fit both their feet comfortably on the top 115 of the housing 110 having the brush heads or cleaning pads 114. In varying embodiments, the housing 110 may be any shape known in the art that allows a user to stand on the device 100 comfortably.

[0033] The housing 110 is further supported by at least one base member 112 although as shown in FIG. 1 a supporting base member is provided at each of the corners of the housing. The base members 112 elevate the housing 110 from a floor or other surface on which the system and device 100 are placed so that there is an adequate space to allow the water or other solution to drain out from underneath the housing 110 and escape the interior space 118 (FIG. 2). The base members may be any supporting base members known in the art. The brush heads 114 allow a user to clean the bottom of their feet and shoes more efficiently. The brush heads 114 provide a way for users to remove harder to reach dirt and debris. In one embodiment, the brush heads 114 are fixedly attached to the housing 110, in that they cannot be removed from the housing 110. In another embodiment, the brush heads or cleaning pads 114 are removably attached via at least one fastener and allow the user to interchange different brush heads 114 for different cleaning tasks. For example, an individual may choose a soft bristle or cleaning pad for cleaning the bottom of one's feet or shoe soles that may have a soft bottom such as sandals or flip flops and harder bristles or pads for cleaning athletic shoes. The lengths of the bristles of the heads 114 may also come in various lengths from ½ inch to up to 2 inches and more preferably around ½ inch to 1 inch. Longer bristles may be used for cleaning the bottom cleats or spikes. Harder bristles may be used for cleaning work boots.

[0034] The system and device 100 has a handle 120. The handle 120 includes at least one valve 126, at least one female attachment member 122, and at least one continuous opening 124. In the preferred embodiment, the handle 120 is manufactured from a metal material such as, but not limited to, aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel, iron, or combinations therein. In differing embodiments, the handle 120 may be manufactured from a plastic material such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, or combinations thereof.

[0035] The handle 120 has at least one female attachment member 122. The female attachment member 122 is connected to the hose 10. This attachment with the hose 10 supplies the device with the water, air, or other cleaning solution needed to clean the user's feet or shoes. The female attachment member 122 may be any fastener or connection member known in the art but in the preferred embodiment, the female attachment member 122 is that of a threaded fastener that cooperates with the threaded hose 10. The handle 120 is in fluid communication with the hose 10 via at least one continuous opening 124 located within the female attachment member 122. This allows the water, air, or other solutions to flow throughout the device 100 in order to clean the user's feet or shoes. While in the preferred embodiment, the system contemplates using water or liquid to clean the feet or footwear of the individual, it should be understood that air pressure may be used to help clean the feet or shoes, or in the alternative, air pressure can be used to dry the feet or footwear of the individual by switching the supply of fluid traveling to the system or device. The user may switch the fluid supply by the switch which turns on and off the fluid as previously discussed in connection with this invention.

[0036] The handle 120 also has at least one valve 126. The valve 126 is used to control the water or air pressure that is being output through the device 100 and onto the user's feet or shoes. The valve 126 may be any valve known in the art that allows the user to control the water pressure with minimal effort. In one embodiment, the valve 126 operates like a dial, allowing the user to twist the valve 126 to control the fluid under pressure, such as water or air. In another embodiment, the valve 126 is in the form of a lever which allows the user to control the pressure of the fluid entering the system.

[0037] In one embodiment, the handle 120 may have a heating element 125. The heating element 125 may be any heating element known in the art, but preferably it is heating tape. The heating element 125 allows the user to be able to use the system and device 100 in the winter or in freezing temperatures. The heating element 125 heats the system 100 which prevents the water from freezing within the device 100. This allows for year-round use no matter what the weather conditions are. The handle 120 may also include one or more fasteners or welds 128 that attaches the handle 120 to the connection member 130. The fastener or weld 128 may be any fastener known in the art, but it is preferably a threaded fastener to allow the user to disassemble the system when it is not in use making it more compact for storage.

[0038] The system and device 100 also includes a connection member 130. The connection member 130 is used to transport the water, solution, or other fluid, such as air, from the handle 120 to the housing 110. The connection member 130 includes at least one switch 132, at least one bent or shaped member 134, at least one container 136, at least one light source 138, at least one battery 139, and at least one male 135 and female fasteners 137.

[0039] The connection member 130 has at least one switch 132. The switch 132 is used to turn the water supply off and on. When the switch 132 is in the off position, it stops the water supply by closing a valve in the connection member 130. When the switch 132 is in the on position, a valve is opened allowing the water or other fluid to flow through the connection member 130 and to the housing 110. The switch 132 may be any switch that is known in the art.

[0040] The connection member includes a bent or shaped member 134 that allows for a container 136 to attach to the connection member 130. The bent or shaped member 134 has a length that is long enough to protect the container 136 from interfering with the individuals use of the system and may range from about 2 inches to about 6 inches. The bent or shaped member 134 has a female fastener 137 that attaches to the cooperating male threaded fastener 135 of the container 136. The male fastener 135 and female fastener 137 may be any fasteners known in the art such as, but not limited to: threaded fastener, hook and loop, snap-button, magnetic, adhesive, suction, or combinations thereof. The housing 133 of the container 136 may be filled with any liquid that can be used to clean and disinfect feet and shoes, such as soap, disinfecting, deodorizing, sanitizing, fungicide, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the container 136 automatically puts soap or other cleaning or disinfecting solution into the connection member 130, such as through a vacuum which occurs as the primary fluid, water or air, is drawn through the handle and pulls the cleaning solution along. In another embodiment, the user has to squeeze or apply pressure to the container 136 in order to push the soap into the connection member 130. In a still further embodiment, the container 136 may have a metered dispenser built into the container so that a predefined amount of solution is added to the cleaning fluid. The metered dispenser may dispense between 2 and 10 ounces of cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting solution. In any of these embodiments, the container 136 is refillable and can be detached and attached with ease. The handle may also be provided with a timer 135A so that an individual using the system knows how long to clean their feet or shoes before leaving the system and device.

[0041] In one embodiment, the device 100 has at least one light source 138 and at least one battery 139. The light source 138 provides a user with the ability to use the system and device 100 when lighting or visibility are limited. This allows a user to use the system and device 100 in all conditions. The light source 138 further may be any light source such as, but not limited to: LED light, LCD light, fluorescent light, white light, spotlight, area light, fiber optic illuminator, incandescent, halogen, or combinations therein. The light source 138 is further powered by at least one battery 139. The battery 139 may be a disposable battery 139 or a rechargeable battery 139 in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery 139, etc., such as any 3V-12 volts DC battery 139 or other conventional battery 139 such as A, AA, AAA, etc., that supplies power to the light source 138. Throughout this specification the terms “battery” and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries 139 of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries 139 may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries 139 of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as is appropriate for any given battery 139 technology that may be used. The light source 138 may be operated via at least one button 160. In one embodiment, the button 160 may be pressed to turn the light source 138 off and on. In another embodiment, the button 160 may have a plurality of functions such as changing the brightness of the light source 138 or changing the color of the light source 138.

[0042] FIG. 2A illustrates an exploded side view of one potential embodiment of a foot and shoe cleaner 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The housing 110 has an interior space 118 that is defined by side walls 121, a top wall 115, and a base wall 117. The housing 110 interior space or cavity 118 is sized and configured to receive a set of fluid conduits made up of piping 140. The piping 140 has at least one jet head 142 and the interior space or cavity 118 has at least one drain 150.

[0043] The housing 110 is connected to the connection member 130 via at least one fastener 131. The fastener 131 may be any fastener known in the art but is preferably a threaded fastener to allow the housing 110 and connection member 130 to be in fluid communication. The housing 110 has a brush head 114 and preferably a plurality of individual brushes that make up the brush head 114 surface. The brush head 114 has a plurality of bristles 116. The bristles 116 are used to further clean the bottom of the user's feet or shoe. The bristles 116 may be any natural or synthetic bristles known in the art such as, but not limited to: bamboo, broomcorn, yucca, rattan, boar hair, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, poly corn, nylon, styrene, or combinations thereof. The bristles 116 may have a height ranging from ½″ to about 2″ with about ½″ to about 1″ being preferred. The bristles 116 may also be arranged in patterns with shorter bristles in areas in contact with the sole of the foot or shoe and longer bristles being in contact with the edges of the feet or shoe as will be further described in connection with FIG. 2B.

[0044] The housing 110 has a series of fluid conduits made up of piping 140 that allows the water, air, or other fluids to flow throughout the housing 110. The fluid conduit piping 140 has at least one jet head 142 and preferably a number of jet heads 143 positioned on the top of the piping 140 and in differing positions on the piping to reach different areas of the shoes or feet. The jet heads 142 may be equally spaced around the fluid conduit piping 140 or may be provided in patterns to provide more cleaning power to areas of the feet or footwear that may require more cleaning than other areas of the feet or shoe. The jet heads 142 may all have the same size openings or may have larger openings 143A (FIG. 3) to provide more cleaning power, for example to the front of the feet or shoe. For example, the first set of jet heads 142 may have ⅛ inch openings while the second set of jet heads may have larger openings ranging from about ¾″ or ½″ openings. The jet heads 142 direct the water or other fluid through the openings 170 in the top surface 111 of the housing 110 and onto the user's shoe further cleaning the shoe. In one embodiment, the piping 140 is manufactured from a metal material such as, but not limited to: brass, aluminum, iron, stainless steel, copper, titanium. In another embodiment, the piping 140 may be manufactured from a rigid plastic material such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, or combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment the jet heads 142 are manufactured from either a metal or plastic material and are fixedly attached to the piping 140.

[0045] FIG. 2B provides a cross sectional view of the brush head or cleaning pads 114 which show a first set of bristles 116 having a first height that is greater than the second set of bristles 105 and 107. In this way the sole of the feet or shoes can be cleaned by the second set of bristles and the first set of bristles can clean the sides of the feet or footwear to make sure there is a more complete cleaning. The first set of bristles may be 2 inches in height and the second set of bristles may be ½″ to about 1″ in height.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded top view of one potential embodiment of a foot or shoe cleaner 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The piping 140 is housed and positioned within the interior space 118 of the housing 110 and has at least one perpendicular member 146 and at least one horizontal member 144. In the preferred embodiment, the jet heads 142 and 143 are located on the perpendicular member 146 and are oriented in a way that hits the bottom of the user's feet or shoes. Further, the horizontal members 144 connect the perpendicular members 146 and allow the water to flow between the perpendicular members 146, thus supplying water or other fluids to the jet heads 142 and 143. As shown in the present figure there is a clustering of jet heads 142 and 143 toward the forward area of the housing 110 so that the front of the feet or shoes will receive more fluid contact. In addition, the jet heads 143 have a larger diameter opening for increasing the amount of fluid contact that is dispensed from heads 143 as opposed to 142.

[0047] The bottom surface 113 of the housing 110 has at least one drain 150. The drain 150 provides a way for the water or other cleaning solution that flows through the jet heads 142 and 143 to clean the user's feet and shoes to escape the housing 110 and flow away from the device 100. This prevents the interior space 118 of the housing 110 from filling up with water and debris that falls off the user's feet or shoes. In one embodiment, there is only one drain 150 located on the bottom surface 113. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 113 is convex in such a way that all the water flows toward the drain 150. In another embodiment, the bottom surface 113 has many drain openings 150 that are located directly under each of the jet heads 142 and 143.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a housing 110 of a foot and shoe cleaning system and device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The device 100 has openings 170 located on the top surface 111 of the housing 110 that correspond with the jet heads 142 and 143. The jet heads 142 and 143 direct the water through the openings 170 and onto the user's feet or shoes. The user places their feet or shoes over top of the openings 170 allowing the water or other fluid to clean the bottom of their feet or shoes or, when air is dispensed, to dry their feet or footwear. They can also rub their feet or shoes on the brush head 114 to further clean their feet or shoes. The brush heads 114 may also be mounted so that they spin as the fluid is dispensed from the jet heads 142 or 143 or alternatively, only those brush heads 171 over the larger jet heads 143 spin due to the increased fluid being dispensed. In this way the rotating or spinning motion of the brush heads 171 further aids in cleaning the bottoms of the feet or footwear.

[0049] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “shoe cleaner device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the shoe cleaner device 100 of the present invention.

[0050] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the foot or shoe cleaning system and device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the cleaner 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the foot or shoe cleaner 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the cleaning system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the foot or footwear cleaning system and device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0051] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0052] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.