WASHING MACHINE DESIGN TO WASH FOOTWEAR

Abstract

The invention is directed to a shoe washing machine comprising a housing, having a substantially hollow chamber, a plurality of cleaning brushes disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing, a rotatable shaft disposed in the center of the housing, at least two platforms attached to the rotatable shaft, a motor for rotating the rotatable shaft, a plurality of water outlets disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing, and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the washing process.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of washing machines, and more particularly to washing machines specially adapted for washing footwear.

[0002] There are many washing machines on the market and many proposals for washing machines and washing compositions, but neither disclose a machine specifically designed for or suitable for cleaning footwear nor compositions specially adapted for and suitable for washing footwear.

[0003] In the past, it has been the conventional practice to clean or wash tennis shoes by placing them in a conventional washing machine of the agitator type. When using such a washing machine, the machine employs a powered agitator which churns the wash water and circulates the clothes, shoes or other materials intended to be cleaned. However, problems and difficulties have been encountered when attempting to wash tennis shoes, which stem largely from the fact that the shoe is light in weight and has a tendency to float on the top of the wash water at a substantial distance away from the agitating area. Because of this characteristic of tennis shoes, the shoe is seldom thoroughly cleaned and the washing procedure must be done by hand rather than through the use of an automatic machine.

[0004] Footwear requires a special approach, as placing footwear in ordinary washing machines with agitators results in them banging about and the effect of being immersed in water with typical detergent washing substances are to loosen the adhesives used in sneakers and similar footwear. The washing causes this effect and a general wear and tear on the footwear. Premature deterioration of the footwear tends to result from washing in this way and hand washing is unpopular and tedious. Another problem resulting from washing with water is that it takes a long time for the footwear to dry out, often the footwear is laid out in the sun to dry, which again exposes it to radiation that is harmful to polymers used typically in sneakers and like footwear. Alternatively placing footwear in tumble dryers is harmful both to the tumble dryer and the footwear.

[0005] Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a novel means by which the shoes can be effectively cleaned and dried. Such a device must not restrict the washing procedure and must ensure that all the areas of the shoe are washed and cleaned during the washing procedure. There is further a need of such a machine that enables best utilization of space in washing area.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to have a way to revolutionize the ease and effectiveness of cleaning and washing shoes using a simple device. Further, it is desirable to have a machine that can replace the pedestrian of a washing machine utilizing the space underneath a regular washing machine. In addition, it is desirable to have a machine that can wash without any hindrance to the wash cycle of a regular washing machine.

SUMMARY

[0007] The invention is directed to a shoe washing machine comprising a housing, having a substantially hollow chamber, a plurality of cleaning brushes disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing, a rotatable shaft disposed in the center of the housing, at least two platforms attached to the rotatable shaft, a motor for rotating the rotatable shaft, a plurality of water outlets disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing, and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the washing process.

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of washing machines in the prior art, the present invention provides a shoe washing machine that can be placed under all types of existing top and front loaded washing machines. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved shoe washing machine which.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawing. It is appreciated that the drawing depicts only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a washing machine with the shoe tray in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

[0013] The following embodiments and the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this disclosure, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the invention are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed and the subject invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

[0014] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0016] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0017] The present invention provides a washing machine for shoes. The purpose of the invention is to provide an independent washing machine compartment for at least one pair of shoes that can substitute the unused space of a regular washing machine with a washing machine for shoes. Examples of shoes that can be washed in the shoe washing system are, but not limited to, sports shoes, plimsolls, training shoes, soft soled canvas shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, and the like. The present invention provides a shoe washing system that cleans, rinses, and dries at least one pair of shoes easily in a user friendly manner. The present invention can be incorporated in a current washing machine designs, or can be incorporated in new designs. The shoe washing machine of the current invention can function independently without any interruption to the regular washing machine when it is being run. In some embodiments, the shoe washing machine will run simultaneously with the clothes washing machine.

[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a washing machine 100 with the shoe washing system 102 integrated into the washing machine.100. In the shown embodiment, the shoe washing system 102 has a control panel 104 incorporated into the front side of the shoe washing system 102, and a handle 106 to allow a user to easily open the shoe washing system 102. In one embodiment, the control panel 104 is integrated into the clothes washing machine control panel 103.

[0019] The shoe washing system 102 is integrated into the clothes washing machine 100. In one embodiment, the shoe washing system 102 is constructed out of similar material that is used to construct the clothes washing machine 100. In other embodiments the housing for the shoe washing system is made of predetermined metals, plastics, and hybrids to provide a sturdy and safe system. In the shown embodiment, the shoe washing system 102 is a drawer that is opened from the front side of the clothes washing machine 100. In additional embodiments, the shoe washing system 102 is accessed on the sides or top of the clothes washing system 100.

[0020] The control panel 104 provides all the types of cycles and cycle options for the wash cycles for the shoe washing system 102. In one embodiment, the control panel 104 controls the time, temperature, water quantity, and other factors that one would want the ability to control to select the correct washing cycle for the type of shoes. In one embodiment, the control panel 104 is integrated into the clothes washing control panel 103 to allow for a simple design. In one embodiment, the control panel 104 does not allow the shoe washing machine to be operated or being the or operation until the handle 106 is latched close.

[0021] Handle 106 can be made of the same types of material the shoe washing system 102 is constructed from, or can be made from a different type of material. In one embodiment, the handle 106 is sized and shaped for ergonomics and comfort of us.

[0022] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a washing machine 100 with the shoe washing system 102 draw open to expose the internal components. In the shown embodiment, the shoe washing system 102 is comprised of a tub 118, a center shaft 116, shoe platforms 114, hoses 112, brushes 110, a draining system, water outlets 115, a plurality of connectors 108.

[0023] The plurality of connectors 108 are for connecting a power supply (not shown) to the control panel 104 to allow for communication between the control panel 104 and the motor (not shown), the drain system 115, and the water spraying system 115, and additional components. In one embodiment, the plurality of connectors 108 restrict the shoe washing system 102 from being activated when the shoe washing system 102 is not locked. In one embodiment, the control panel 104 is fed power through the plurality of connectors 108 at 120 VAC.

[0024] The water outlets 115 are positioned at predetermined location on the interior surfaces of the tub 118 to allow the water to come in contact with as many surfaces of the shoes for maximum efficiency when cleaning the shoes. In the shown embodiment, the water outlets 115 are positioned on the sides of the tub 118. In additional embodiments, the water outlets 115 are positioned on the bottom of the tub 118 or on a bottom surface of the clothes washing machine 100. The water outlets 115 are connected to at least one of the hoses 112 which is connected to a water pump (not shown) to allow for the water to be pumped into the tub 118. In one embodiment, the water outlets 115 are designed nearly identical to one another to direct the water in a predetermined direction at a predetermined pressure. In additional embodiments, the water outlets 115 are designed different from one another to allow for different spraying directions and of varying pressures. In additional embodiments, the water outlets 115 can be connected to a heater (not shown) to adjust the temperature of the water. This heater can be but does not have to be the same heater that is used to heat the water for the clothes washing machine 100.

[0025] The brushes 110 are used to scrub the dirt and debris off the shoes while they are spun in the tub 118. In the shown embodiment, several brushes 110 are shown in the side walls of the tub 118. In additional embodiments, more or less brushes 110 can be placed in the tub 118 and can be, but not limited to, be placed on the bottom of the tub 118, the top of the tub 118, or on the central shaft 116 to allow the majority of the exposed surfaces of the shoes to be scrubbed. The brushes 110 can be made from a material that is durable enough to remove dirt and debris from the shoes, but soft enough to not damage the shoe.

[0026] The draining system (not shown) is designed to remove the water which is pumped into the tub 118 by the water outlets 115. The draining system is a series of ports that allow the water, soap, dirt, and debris to be removed from the tub 118 so the shoes can be dried. The series of ports are placed in predetermined locations to allow for maximum water and debris removal. In the shown embodiment, the ports are located on the lower surface of the tub 118. In additional embodiments, the ports are located on the bottom of the tub 118 and may be located on the show platforms 114 and the center shaft 116. The draining system connects at least one of the hoses 112 (which are not connected to the water outlets 115) to the at least one ports. In one embodiment, the draining system has a pump to assist in removal of the water and debris if gravity does not provide enough force to remove the water and debris. In one embodiment, the draining system with at least one port coupled with a `Y` to the clothes washing machine 100 draining system such that the draining system is similar to a standard ac drain pump enabled whenever the water in the tub 118 needs to be evacuated.

[0027] The hoses 112 are designed to allow the flow of water and debris into and out of the tub 118 via the ports of the draining system and the water outlets 115. The hoses 112 can be, but are not limited to plastics, polymers, composites, rubbers, and the like used. The hoses 112 have a predetermined interior diameter to allow adequate flow through the hoses 112, and to hinder the opportunity for the hose or hoses 112 to get blocked.

[0028] The shoe platforms 114 are designed for the shoe or shoes to be secured on, so that the shoes can be cleaned. In one embodiment, there are an even number of shoe platforms 114 connected to the center shaft 116, and are event spaced from one another so that the weight of the shoes is balanced and the center shaft 116 is able to spin evenly. In one embodiment, the shoe platforms 114 have a means to secure the shoes to them, so the shoes will not come detached during the cleaning and drying cycles. The securing means, can be, but not limited to clasps, locks, tie downs, clips, tie through, or the like. In one embodiment, there are four (4) shoe platforms 114. In one embodiment, the shoe platforms 114 are a unitarily constructed element that is connected to the center shaft 116. In additional embodiments, the shoe platforms 114 may be constructed of several parts, or may be modifiable based on the type of shoes or the size of the shoes. In other embodiments, the shoe platforms 114 may have an additional weight element that can be added if an odd number of shoes are being cleaned. In the shown embodiment, the shoe platforms 114 are positioned equal distances from one another to balance the central shaft 116. In additional embodiments, the shoe platforms 114 can be moveable about the central shaft 116.

[0029] The center shaft 116 is connected to the shoe platforms 114 and the power source (not shown). The center shaft 116 is set in the center of the tub 118 to allow for a balanced operation of the shoe washing system 102. In one embodiment, the center shaft 116 is connected to a transmission shaft and then connected to the motor to allow the center shaft 116 to rotate allowing the shoes when placed on the shoe platforms 114 to be exposed to water on all sides and surfaces. In one embodiment, the central shaft 116 can be rotated clock wise and counter-clock wise.

[0030] tub 118 is the open area inside the shoe washing system 102 where the center shaft 116, the shoe platforms 114, the water outlets, and the draining system, are located. The tub is sized to allow there to enough room for the shoes to be placed inside on the shoe platforms 114, but small enough so that the motors, pulleys, cables, hoses 112, connectors 108, wires, and other elements to have adequate space within the shoe washing system 102. The tub 118 can be made from the same material as the exterior surfaces of the shoe washing system. In additional embodiments, the tub 118 is made from a water resistance and rust resistance material such as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0031] In some embodiments, the shoe washing system 102 can be a separate machine from the clothes washing machine 100. In additional embodiments, the shoe washing system 102 can be an attached to a clothes washing machine 100 to share electricity to power the motors, and water.

[0032] In the shown embodiment, the shoe washing station is the lower portion of a clothes washing machine. This is one setup that is possible and allows for the use of a single motor, water supply and drainage system, and control panel to help reduce the number of parts needed and allow for a more compact design. In additional embodiments, the shoe washing machine 100 can be a separate entity, or can be an attachment for a clothes washing machine with the proper connection points for the motor, heater, water systems, and control panel accessible.

[0033] This invention may come in an array of similarly fashioned shapes, colors, and sizes to accommodate retailer preferences and specifications. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a washing machine for shoes which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such composition economically available to the buying public. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a washing machine for shoes which is of a durable and reliable construction.

[0034] An example of the process the shoe washing system 102 performs is as follows. Note that other processes or methods can be performed based on the type of shoe, the type of dirt or debris on the shoe, and so forth. Pulling the handle 106 and placing shoes paired in opposites shoe platforms 114 to keep the machine balanced. Placing a predetermined amount of soap in the tub 118 in a predetermined location. Closing the drawer and locking it. Selecting the proper run cycle from the control panel 104. The shoe washing machine 102 then performs the different stages of the cleaning process. In one embodiment the tub 118 is filed with a water soap mixture, the shoes are rotated back and forth through the water soap mixture, the water soap mixture is drained, and the shoes are spun around at a predetermined rotational velocity to dry the shoes. Then opening the draw and removing the shoes.

[0035] A new and useful shoe washing machine having been described, all such foreseeable modifications, adaptations, substitutions of equivalents, mathematical possibilities of combinations of parts, pluralities of parts, applications and forms thereof as described are not intended to be the sole embodiment of the invention and other variations or embodiments are possible.

Claims

1. A shoe washing machine comprising: a housing, having a substantially hollow chamber; a plurality of cleaning brushes disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing; a rotatable shaft disposed in the center of the housing; at least two platforms attached to the rotatable shaft; a motor for rotating the rotatable shaft; a plurality of water outlets disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing; and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the washing process.

2. The shoe washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least two platforms are positioned on equal distances from one another about a central axis of the rotatable shaft.

3. The shoe washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a drainage system disposed within a bottom surface of the substantially hollow chamber of the housing.

4. The show washing machine of claim 1, wherein the at least two platforms further comprise a securing means to hold the shoes in place.

5. The shoe washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a lock on the housing, wherein the shoe washing machine will not operate until the lock is engaged.

6. The shoe washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a heater connected to the plurality of water outlets, wherein the heater is controlled by the control circuit and activated based on a predetermined cycle operation.

7. The shoe washing machine of claim 1, wherein the rotatable shaft can rotate clockwise and counter-clock wise.

8. A shoe washing machine comprising: a housing; a substantially hollow chamber; an access door which is selectively opened in order to place or remove shoes from the shoe washing machine after they have been thoroughly cleaned and dried; a plurality of cleaning brushes disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing; a rotatable shaft disposed in the center of the housing; at least two platforms attached to the rotatable shaft; a motor for rotating the rotatable shaft; a plurality of water outlets disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing; and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the washing process.

9. The shoe washing machine of claim 8, wherein the at least two platforms are positioned on equal distances from one another about a central axis of the rotatable shaft.

10. The shoe washing machine of claim 8, further comprising a drainage system disposed within a bottom surface of the substantially hollow chamber of the housing.

11. The show washing machine of claim 8, wherein the at least two platforms further comprise a securing means to hold the shoes in place.

12. The shoe washing machine of claim 8, further comprising a lock on the housing, wherein the shoe washing machine will not operate until the lock is engaged.

13. The shoe washing machine of claim 8, further comprising a heater connected to the plurality of water outlets, wherein the heater is controlled by the control circuit and activated based on a predetermined cycle operation.

14. The shoe washing machine of claim 8, wherein the rotatable shaft can rotate clockwise and counter-clock wise.

15. A combination washing machine and shoe washing machine comprising: a shoe washing machine comprising: a housing; a substantially hollow chamber, wherein the chamber has a top, bottom, and side; an access door which is selectively opened; a plurality of cleaning brushes disposed on the sides of the substantially hollow chamber of the housing; a rotatable shaft disposed in the center of the housing; at least two platforms attached to the rotatable shaft; and a plurality of water outlets disposed inside the substantially hollow chamber of the housing and a washing machine comprising: a housing, wherein the housing is supported by the housing of the shoe washing machine; a substantially hollow chamber; and an access door which is selectively opened.

16. The combination washing machine and shoe washing machine of claim 15, further comprising a unitary water system for both the washing machine and the shoe washing machine, wherein the unitary water system supplies and drains the water.

17. The combination washing machine and shoe washing machine of claim 15, further comprising a single control circuit for controlling the washing machine and the shoe washing machine.

18. The combination washing machine and shoe washing machine of claim 16, further comprising a heater connected to the unitary water system.

19. The combination washing machine and shoe washing machine of claim 15, wherein the control circuit disables the washing machine or the shoe washing machine if the associated selectively opening means is not engaged.