Boot Cleaners And Polishers Patents (Class 15/36)
  • Patent number: 11873596
    Abstract: A pedestal assembly for a laundry appliance configured to operably connect to a water supply and drain of the laundry appliance arranged above the pedestal, the pedestal may include a cabinet defining a cavity configured to receive items to be laundered; and a shoe holder having at least one shaft configured to maintain at least one shoe thereon, wherein the shoe holder is configured to rotate within the cavity during a pedestal wash cycle and the shoe holder is configured to maintain a fixed position within the cavity for storage when the pedestal is not operating in a wash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mansi Gajanan Katkar, Omkar Sunil Mithari, Shrinivas V. Pawar, Mohit Akhilesh Singh, Vivek Singh
  • Patent number: 11459682
    Abstract: A machine for managing laundry includes a first washing part including a first washing body and a first door, where the first washing part has a first washing capacity, a second washing part including a second washing body and a second door, where the second washing part has a second washing capacity that is less than the first washing capacity, and a third washing part including a third washing body and a third door, where the third washing part has a third washing capacity that is less than the first washing capacity. The third washing part includes a shoe mount configured to support one or more shoes. The first washing part, the second washing part, and the third washing part are configured to be stacked in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seongwoo An, Minkyu Oh, Yongnam Kim, Yanghwan No
  • Patent number: 11291349
    Abstract: A footwear cleaning system including an outer housing that encases an internal compartment, which is designed, sized, and shaped to receive a footwear item therein, such as an athletic shoe, dress shoe, platform shoe, or other similar footwear item. The footwear cleaning system includes one or more rotatable cleaning disks disposed within the internal compartment, such that the cleaning disks are configured to interact with a bottom surface of a footwear item. One or more fluidic conduits terminate at a location that is proximate to the internal compartment, such that water, cleaning solutions, concentrated cleaning products, alcohol, and other fluids can be dispelled into the internal compartment to interact with a footwear item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Cecilia Borgonovo
  • Patent number: 10856721
    Abstract: An improved floor mat apparatus is a low profile, rectangular, shoe cleaning apparatus that has an inner volume with two spaced apart rollers mounted within the inner volume that an elongated mat with the ends joined together forming a continuous loop, travels around. A motor turns a first roller and the second roller adjusts to remove slack to tighten the mat. The top surface of the housing is open to expose the mat for cleaning shoes upon. When the mat becomes dirty, the rollers turn via a button located on a panel situated adjacent to one end of the mat and a removable collection chamber at one end of the mat collects debris and helps remove dirt from the mat via a vibrator and brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Ayenew Marew, Bruke Alemayew
  • Patent number: 10786138
    Abstract: A footwear cleaning device comprises a housing, a brushing system disposed in an interior of the housing, and a spraying system disposed in the interior of the housing. The housing has a lid with an encasement portion. The encasement portion is formed of a semi-rigid, waterproof material and has an opening adapted to receive a footwear and expose only a sole of the footwear to the interior of the housing. The brushing system includes a brush and a driving device driving the brush to have a translational movement with respect to the housing and the sole of the footwear. The spraying system is adapted to spray a cleaning solution on the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Eartha Anderson
  • Patent number: 10654075
    Abstract: A cleaning device and methods for cleaning medical devices, in particular, stethoscopes, is provided. In one aspect, the cleaning device includes a housing defining an interior chamber and configured to mount a wipe device, the housing including an aperture configured to receive a medical device, and a wipe device mounted within the interior chamber and including at least two rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Zoran Lesic
  • Patent number: 10123679
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting footwear items are disclosed herein. In an aspect a cleaning belt element is configured to rotate a cleaning belt in a continuous loop around a first rotating cylinder and a second rotating cylinder wherein the first rotating cylinder and the second rotating cylinder are connected by the cleaning belt. In another aspect, a containment element is configured to receive the footwear item wherein the containment element comprises a shroud, one or more bristle protruding from at least one inside wall of the shroud, and a transparent floor layer wherein the received footwear item rests. In yet another aspect, an ultraviolet light element is configured to emit ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source wherein the ultraviolet light source is located below the transparent floor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Anu R. Desu-Kalyanam
  • Patent number: 9661983
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus including a housing unit having an interior compartment, an opening medially disposed through a top side of the housing unit, and a circular threaded aperture disposed through the top side proximal the opening. A horizontal axis rotary brush having a plurality of bristles is disposed within the opening of the housing unit. A motorized drive belt mechanism is disposed within the housing unit. The motorized drive belt mechanism is configured to rotate the horizontal axis rotary brush. A shoe drying mat has a rear surface attached to a bottom front edge of the housing unit. Each of a front splash guard and a back splash guard of a pair of vertically disposed adjustable dome-shaped splash guards is slidably attached to each of an inner front surface and an inner back surface, respectively, of the opening of the housing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Gonzales
  • Patent number: 9259139
    Abstract: A sanitizer assembly for foot wear is provided that includes a base platform, a plurality of nozzles and an activation pump. The base platform includes a grate upon which footwear can be placed. The plurality of nozzles are positioned under the grate. The nozzles are configured and arranged to dispense a fine mist of alcohol-based sanitizer on the footwear. The activation pump is in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles. The activation pump is further in fluid communication with a supply of alcohol-based sanitizer. In addition, the activation pump is configured and arranged to pump the alcohol-based sanitizer to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas J. Craven, Nathan A. Kodesh, Steven C. Wencl, Jacquie D. Deml
  • Patent number: 9179820
    Abstract: A doormat for the enhanced cleaning of footwear. Exemplary embodiments include a doormat capable of hands free cleaning and drying of footwear, comprising a cleaning stage and a drying stage. Stepping onto the cleaning stage of the mat releases a cleaning fluid onto rotating sponges, which physically clean footwear while applying a cleaning solution. Stepping into the drying stage of the mat dries the footwear. The cleaning mat may also further comprise a supplemental cleaning stage and/or supplemental drying stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Wyatt Mufson
  • Patent number: 9138127
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning device 10 comprises a rotatable cleaning disc 12, a housing 14 for mounting the cleaning disc 12 on, a motor 16 for driving the disc 12 rotatably, and an illuminatory power band 210, the power band 210 itself comprising at least one light-emitting element 212, and at least one outer screen 214 for the at least one light-emitting element 212, the illuminatory power band 210 spanning a circumference of the device 10 at least one of totally, substantially, in pattern, the illuminatory power band 210 thus being visible from all angles for a user. In a preferred embodiment, the power band 210 is located about a base of the housing 14, and may have multiple light-emitting elements 212 and screens 214. The power band 210 may work in conjunction with a pressure-activated function of the shoe cleaning device 10. In a second embodiment which does not span a circumference of the device 10, the power band 210 is at least 16 mm in dimension, and more preferably at least 25 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jethro Bennett
  • Patent number: 9126237
    Abstract: There is a device storage case including a housing having a device access aperture. The device storage case includes a device engagement mechanism coupled to the housing and configured to convert mechanical power derived through user interaction with deposition of a device through the device access aperture to a form usable by the device storage case. The device storage case includes a surface cleaning mechanism configured to clean a surface of a device disposed within the housing, and functionally coupled to the device engagement mechanism such that the device engagement mechanism powers operation of the surface cleaning device. The surface cleaning mechanism includes a plurality of rollers functionally coupled to the device engagement mechanism and configured to clean a surface of the device when powered by the device engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Roger Dale Wilson
  • Patent number: 8973197
    Abstract: The present invention is comprised of an antibacterial door mat system for cleaning, disinfecting and detection of bacteria and other organisms on footwear to control spread of biological infections and contamination. The present invention is further comprised of an antibacterial door mat that cleans footwear, detects the presence of bacteria and a bio detection clearance door entry system that controls the entry into sterile areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Julian Omidi
  • Patent number: 8931134
    Abstract: A rotating bathroom floor mat device is disclosed, comprising a series of carpeted, rotatable assemblies, a heating means and a gear and pulley mechanism. The device provides a wide, rectangular enclosure that allows a user to step directly onto its flat, upper surface, which is comprised of a series of adjoining, rotatable surfaces. Control buttons along one side of the upper service are operable via depression of a user's foot, which in turn activates a heating means and fan convection means to rapidly dry a user's feet and remove moisture from the carpeted assemblies. The assemblies are triangular sections that allow three distinct working surfaces. Once a first user has dried his or her feet, the assemblies are rotated to reveal a fresh, dry surface for a second user. The heating and convection means dries the previously used, moist carpet while in a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Curtis Jefferson, Kimberly Jefferson
  • Publication number: 20140305470
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting footwear items are disclosed herein. In an aspect a cleaning belt element is configured to rotate a cleaning belt in a continuous loop around a first rotating cylinder and a second rotating cylinder wherein the first rotating cylinder and the second rotating cylinder are connected by the cleaning belt. In another aspect, a containment element is configured to receive the footwear item wherein the containment element comprises a shroud, one or more bristle protruding from at least one inside wall of the shroud, and a transparent floor layer wherein the received footwear item rests In yet another aspect, an ultraviolet light element is configured to emit ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source wherein the ultraviolet light source is located below the transparent floor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Aishwarya, LLC
    Inventor: Anu R. Desu-Kalyanam
  • Patent number: 8763188
    Abstract: A powered scrubbing device includes a portable housing, a source of motive power, and a scrubber member. The source of motive power is coupled to the scrubber member, and the scrubber member is journaled for rotation within a recess of the housing. The recess is sized to accommodate a foot of a user below the scrubber member, and the recess is sized to permit access to an upper surface of the scrubber member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Dombro
  • Patent number: 8631533
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting footwear or the foot of a user. More particularly, a user controlled multi-functioning device that performs both cleaning and disinfecting of footwear upon contact. The cleaning and disinfecting apparatus includes one or more cleaning rollers physically contacting the footwear or foot and one or more disinfectant sources, which may be radiation sources that emits UV rays e.g., or charge particle source that emits a cold plasma blast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ana M. Gulian, Paul M. Gulian
  • Patent number: 8584293
    Abstract: A device for removing metallic and other contaminant particles accumulated on footwear, comprises in one embodiment, a housing and a grid of cleaning rods supported by the housing. The grid of cleaning rods typically includes rotating rods and non-rotating rods which vibrate. Some of the rotating rods are provided with brushing elements and some of the rotating rods are provided with magnetic elements or are magnetic. The rotating rods with the magnetic elements or which are magnetic, remove the metallic contaminant particles from the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Arnal, Timothy T. Broderick
  • Patent number: 8161590
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus is formed with a series of rotary brushes operable to clean the bottom of a shoe placed thereon and spring-loaded linear side brushes to clean the sides of the shoe. A supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid is retained in an elevated tank that feeds by gravity into the rotary brushes for application to the bottom of the shoe being cleaned. The flow of fluid is actuated by downward pressure on a hinged sub-frame that opens a valve. Each rotary brush is engaged by a comb that cleans the brushes upon rotation thereof. A removable debris tray is mounted within the frame to collect dirt and debris removed by the combs and to collect the cleaning fluid dispensed from the elevated tank. Resistance to the downward pressure is provided by springs to minimize accidental opening of the flow valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Berks Boys Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Feeg, Neil Vojtasek
  • Patent number: 8132848
    Abstract: A cleaning system is attached to a door pocket of a vehicle and allows, via a spinning brush head, to clean the outer surfaces of a person's footwear prior to stepping into the vehicle. The system uses a brush that has a handle and a rotating brush head powered by a motor within the handle. The handle is attached, via a clip or similar system, to the door pocket. The motor is powered either via a battery within the handle or via the vehicle's battery and is controlled either via a switch on the handle or via the door depression switch that detects whether the door of the vehicle is open or closed, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Samuel Knight
  • Patent number: 7937793
    Abstract: A vehicle tire cleaning system comprises a support grate, configured to enable positioning of a tire of a vehicle thereupon. The support grate is capable of supporting a load of the tire thereupon while the tire is mounted to the vehicle. A plurality of openings is formed in the support grate. A carrier is moveable with respect to the support grate. A plurality of abrading elements is coupled to the carrier and each is extendable through the openings. The abrading elements are operable to abrade the tire supported by the support grate as the tire and the abrading elements move relative to each another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: William Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7934285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric-powered, shoe care apparatus adapted for one-handed operation by a user. The shoe care apparatus is adapted to receive two removable and replaceable heads; a first head is for low-speed application of polish or cleaning material, and a second head is for high-speed polishing or buffing. In some embodiments of the invention, the two heads are driven simultaneously at these two different respective speeds. In alternate embodiments, the two heads are driven separately at these two different respective speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Boxwood Industries
    Inventors: John Nottingham, John Spirk, Trevor Jackson, Patrick Brown, Doug Whitner, Timothy Callahan
  • Patent number: 7930789
    Abstract: Footwear cleaning apparatus includes a receptacle well filled with a cleaning solution and a rotating brush. The rotating brush is supported by telescoping stems that extend and retract the rotating brush. In one embodiment, retracting a cover for the receptacle well activates the rotating brush, thus allowing a user to clean the sole of the footwear. In another embodiment, a sensor senses the presence of a user and automatically activates the rotating brush and telescoping stems for the apparatus to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: William Hollander
  • Patent number: 7676876
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning footwear includes a chamber having a toe area, a heel area, two opposed side areas and a bottom area. In one aspect, the apparatus includes two linearly reciprocating side brushes, wherein one side brush is disposed in each side area, each side brush being movable along a first direction. In another aspect, the apparatus includes two side brushes, the side brushes being linearly movable toward each other and way from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Terry Ewert
  • Publication number: 20080289127
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning device includes a housing member having at least one compartment for containing a predetermined amount of water therein. A cleaning member for cleaning shoes is operably and rotatably attached to the housing at a first predetermined location thereon such that the cleaning member is at least partially submerged in water when the housing contains such predetermined amount of water. At least one platform member is removably disposed on the housing at a second predetermined location such that a user may stand on the platform member above such predetermined amount of water. A motor is operably connected to the cleaning member for enabling the cleaning member to rotate. A power source is operably connected to the motor for supplying power thereto. A switch mechanism is operably connected to the power source for selectively turning the power source on and off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Guy, Debra Guy
  • Publication number: 20080256728
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus is formed with a series of rotary brushes operable to clean the bottom of a shoe placed thereon and spring-loaded linear side brushes to clean the sides of the shoe. A supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid is retained in an elevated tank that feeds by gravity into the rotary brushes for application to the bottom of the shoe being cleaned. The flow of fluid is actuated by downward pressure on a hinged sub-frame that opens a valve. Each rotary brush is engaged by a comb that cleans the brushes upon rotation thereof. A removable debris tray is mounted within the frame to collect dirt and debris removed by the combs and to collect the cleaning fluid dispensed from the elevated tank. Resistance to the downward pressure is provided by springs to minimize accidental opening of the flow valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Feeg, Neil Vojtasek
  • Publication number: 20080104782
    Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting system for the cleaning and disinfecting of footwear or feet. The system provides for cleaning and disinfecting the bottom of the feet or footwear. An optional brush on a wand provides cleaning to upper foot areas as required. The system is automatically activated only when a person stands on the device, thereby minimizing the volume of fluid required to perform the process. Optionally, a venturi component allows the addition of a cleaning or disinfecting fluid with the cleaning solution or water. When the system is attached to a hot water line and fitted with heating elements, it can be used to remove snow from shoes and boots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Randall L. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7114212
    Abstract: A boot cleaning device includes a base having a bottom surface and a top surface. The top surface has an opening extending therein. A water inlet extends though an outer wall of the base and into a cavity positioned in the based. The water inlet has a coupler extending outwardly from the base. A supply tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the water inlet. The second end extends upwardly through the opening. A water outlet extends into the outer wall of the base and into the cavity. A cleaning assembly is rotatably mounted in the opening. The supply tube extends upwardly through the cleaning assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Watts
  • Patent number: 7051393
    Abstract: This invention teaches both the means and the method for removing dirt and germs from a person's shoes before they enter a home or business. The invention uses four systems. The first system provides the method for initiating and replenishing fluids that contains a disinfectant. The second system presents the method of providing a new dampened wiping surface each time the device is ready for use. The third system provides a means of removing solid particulants from the wiping surface after it has been used. The fourth system provides the method of collecting the previously removed solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Alvin Emison Cox
  • Patent number: 7036178
    Abstract: A shoe cleaning machine is provided with one group of brushes (11) comprising at least one brush (11) with bristles aligned in a certain direction (11a) and at least a second brush (11b) with bristles aligned perpendicular to those of the preceding brush. A pan (13) for collecting dirt is positioned under the group of brushes and at least one nozzle (11c) sprays water on the group. An operator arm (8) carries at least one last (4) to which a shoe to be cleaned is tied: the arm has a linear actuator (9) with certain positions of extension, and is also intermediate to, a rotary actuator (10) which rotates the arm with respect to the frame (1) of the machine, to move the said lasts from the loading station (3) to the group of brushes and on to the discharge (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Nitty Gritty S.R.L.
    Inventor: Richard Sigrist
  • Patent number: 6912752
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic machine for cleaning and brushing shoes and, in particular, ski boots, after ski boots, boots, etc., which specifically cleans the soles of the shoes too, removing any snow, mud, dirt, sand and the like with specific means, such as brushes and jets of (warm or cold) air and jets of a disinfectant liquid, the dirt, etc. being collected inside a specific container, and which machine may also sanitize the shoes and, in particular, the soles of the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Luciano Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6813795
    Abstract: A shoe and boot cleaning device is disclosed, comprised of a main housing of a generally rectangular, hollow box configuration. A scraping blade is used to scrape mud off of shoes and boots. At least one rotating brush is used to clean off debris from the bottom of the shoes and boots. A drawer is located on the bottom of the main housing and collects the mud and dirt from the shoes and boots. The drawer can be removed for easy cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Judy Graves
  • Publication number: 20040200502
    Abstract: This invention teaches both the means and the method for removing dirt and germs from a person's shoes before they enter a home or business. The invention uses four systems. The first system provides the method for initiating and replenishing fluids that contain a disinfectant. The second system presents the method of providing a new dampened wiping surface each time the device is ready for use. The third system provides a means of removing solid particulants from the wiping surface after it has been used. The fourth system provides the method of collecting the previously removed solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Alvin Emison Cox
  • Patent number: 6584636
    Abstract: A footwear cleaning apparatus includes a vertically oriented frame with an upper frame for supporting the user that is standing while cleaning the footwear. The apparatus receives water from a garden hose and provides a control valve for regulating the water flow while the user is standing upright. The water is directed upwardly through a foot platform on the lower frame, and also through a lower brush onto the footwear sole, the resulting splash causing water to wet two side brushes that are oriented to bear upon the sides of the footwear. A scraper assembly is also on the lower frame and provides a horizontal scraping edge and two vertical scraping edges for the sole and sides of the footwear, respectively. After the water is turned off a drain outlet allows the device to be drained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Jon E Schlem
  • Publication number: 20030051300
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic machine for cleaning and brushing shoes and, in particular, ski boots, after ski boots, boots, etc., which specifically cleans the soles of the shoes too, removing any snow, mud, dirt, sand and the like with specific means, such as brushes and jets of (warm or cold) air and jets of a disinfectant liquid, the dirt, etc. being collected inside a specific container, and which machine may also sanitize the shoes and, in particular, the soles of the shoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Luciano Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6499171
    Abstract: Footwear cleaning apparatus includes a housing with an opening for receiving footwear to be cleaned. A first cylindrical brush is rotatably supported about a horizontal axis for cleaning the bottom of the footwear yielding to its insertion movement into the housing but preventing rotation in the opposite direction. A pair of second cylindrical brushes are rotatably supported about generally upright axes oppositely positioned adjacent the path of movement of the footwear for cleaning the sides of the footwear also in a manner yielding to its insertion movement but preventing rotation in the opposite direction. A third cylindrical brush also positioned in the path of movement of the footwear for cleaning its upper surfaces is rotatably supported about a substantially horizontally disposed axis on an axle extending between upright mounting braces for rotation, yielding to insertion movement of the footwear but preventing rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: John J. Nappi, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20020152566
    Abstract: Footwear cleaning apparatus includes a housing having front and top walls with an opening for reception of footwear to be cleaned and a base on which the housing is supported. A first cylindrical brush positioned in the path of movement of the footwear is rotatably supported about a substantially horizontally disposed axis for rotation in a manner to clean the bottom of the footwear yielding to its insertion movement into the housing but preventing rotation in the opposite direction. A pair of second cylindrical brushes are oppositely positioned adjacent the path of movement of the footwear. The second brushes are rotatably supported about generally upright axes for cleaning the sides of the footwear also in a manner yielding to its insertion movement but preventing rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: John J. Nappi
  • Patent number: 6406549
    Abstract: A method and a device for cleaning the undersurface of footwear and wheels of shopping trolleys and other transport expedients to minimize the amount of dirt and moisture brought into a building by persons entering the building. The objective of the invention is to provide a device which provides sustained high-performance cleaning, even in adverse weather conditions and with heavy use. To this end the invention uses a mat rotated as an endless loop between guide rollers within a floor opening at an entranceway or elsewhere within a building. In a section running in one direction, the mat acts at least partially as a tread surface and absorbs dirt and moisture, while in a section running back in the opposite direction, which has gathered dirt and moisture from its exposure to persons entering the building, the mat is cleaned and reconditioned by mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms within the floor opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: 2R Reha-Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Berg, Viola Holtkamp, Dirk Spaltmann
  • Publication number: 20020029432
    Abstract: A shoe and boot cleaning device is disclosed, comprised of a main housing of a generally rectangular, hollow box configuration. A scraping blade is used to scrape mud off of shoes and boots. At least one rotating brush is used to clean off debris from the bottom of the shoes and boots. A drawer is located on the bottom of the main housing and collects the mud and dirt from the shoes and boots. The drawer can be removed for easy cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Gary Graves, Judy Graves
  • Patent number: 6074490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a specialized shoe cleaning method that will clean athletic shoes in such a manner that the newly cleaned shoes resemble brand new shoes. The method or process includes applying a chemical to the outer part of the shoe, agitating the surface dirt via a motorized spinning brush, applying high pressure air to blow off any remaining dirt from the shoe, applying a chemical spray (e.g., for shoes with different type fabric), applying pressurized steam, applying an extraction process, using a specialized tool to extract dirt to clean the interior upper, and applying a drying process to dry the shoes. The application of cleaning solutions, high pressure air and steam in conjunction with the vacuum process is especially suited for the removal of dirt, stains and other foreign matter from the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Stephen Collin Brown
    Inventor: Stephen Collin Brown
  • Patent number: 6067688
    Abstract: A shoe bottom or side cleaning device which is either portable or installed in a floor of an entrance to a dwelling or building, and is either manually or automatically operated. The device includes a plurality of side-by-side, elongated and rotated brushes, a funnel beneath the brushes, a motor for driving the brushes and a squirrel cage fan for collecting dirt from the brushes via the funnel, and a chamber for accumulating the collected dirt. The chamber can be equipped with a dirt collection bag. A central building vacuum system can assist the device's fan. The elongated brushes can have either a solid core or a twisted" wire core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: William E. West
  • Patent number: 6032313
    Abstract: A household appliance of the type in which a cleaning, polishing, or massaging effect is obtained by a rotating head or tool is improved by splitting the cleaning, polishing, or massaging head or tool into concentric or parallel multiple heads or tools arranged for coaxial or side-by-side differential motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Koon Keung Tsang
  • Patent number: 5991967
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning device for shoe soles. The cleaning device includes a housing in which a brush rack assembly and an oscillating device for oscillating the brush rack assembly are housed. The brush rack assembly includes a plurality of brush rods situated in a spaced manner. Each of the brush rods defines a rod from which a multitude of bristles extend. The cleaning device also includes a vacuum assembly for catching and removing dirt removed from the shoe soles. Specifically, the vacuum assembly includes a vacuum device and a reservoir. The brush rack assembly is supported in the reservoir and the reservoir defines a port which extends through the housing and to which the vacuum device is connectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Bennie E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5950269
    Abstract: A sole cleaning device for cleaning the bottoms and sides of the soles of boots and shoes including a rotating brush mounted above a container of water so that upon rotation of the brush a portion of the brush extends into the water. The device further including a removable scraper grate for supporting a shoe above the water but in engagement with the brush. A motor for rotating the brush against the sole of the boot. The removable grate provided with a pair of spaced and parallel side rails having fixed brushes mounted to the side rails and facing one another. The removable grate further including a sieve platform extending on one side of the grate above the water. Sponges are positioned on top of the sieve for removing water from a boot or shoe placed on the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Deryl E. Openshaw, Jim E. Openshaw
  • Patent number: 5839144
    Abstract: An automatic boot cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus has at least three brushes and a scraper. The brushes are positioned to apply scrubbing force to the underside of the sole of a boot or shoe, as well as the sides of the boot or shoe. The scraper is positioned behind the brushes and may be used to remove the excess mud or dirt from the boot or shoe. The apparatus is preferably powered by an AC motor which is connected to a source of AC power. The brushes may be rotated continuously in one direction, or oscillated thereby increasing the effectiveness of the cleaning operation. In an alternative embodiment, the device is connected to a source of fluid pressure and has a plurality of fluid outlet nozzles secured to the scraper. The nozzles are arranged to spray fluid directly onto the brushes and thus are capable of effecting a self cleaning operation. The entire housing, including the activation switch, is sealed against environmental effects allowing for outdoor use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Byron J. Willner
  • Patent number: 5771528
    Abstract: An assembly for removing debris from the feet of persons and having the capability of cleaning the collected debris, comprises a housing extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and ending in a first and an opposite second end. A drive roller is mounted for rotational movement at the first end of the housing and is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. A driven roller is mounted for rotation on the second end of the housing and is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof. A means is associated with the driven roller and the housing second end for slide in connection and slide out removal of the driven roller with the housing. An endless loop carpet is trained about each of the drive and driven rollers and extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the endless loop carpet having an upper run and a lower run, the upper run being supported substantially by an upper plate supported by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: John J. Nappi, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5551114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoeshine assembly comprising a main body, a rotable transmission shaft, a power motor for driving said transmission shaft, an upper casing for receiving said members; and a brush member having a fixing hole for inserted in transmission shaft for removing dust and dirt on the shoe; and a polishing member having a fixing hole for inserted in said transmission shaft for shining the surface of shoe; and a polish cup for receiving polish; and a lower casing resembling a hollow cashing with opening upward, the edge wall of said casing for covering up said upper casing; the characteristics lie in: a room formed when said lower casing covering up said upper casing, and in the room of said lower casing having a proper number of fixing members, and accommodating portions formed among said fixing members for receiving brush member, polishing member and polish cup; with the assembly of said members to give facilities such as easy for carrying and use, shrinking time of shoeshine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Tao-Pan Lee
  • Patent number: 5418996
    Abstract: A shoe washing machine includes a case, a driving means, and a washing means. The case has a cover hingeably connected to the end on the top thereof, a sink being formed at inner portion having an opening at bottom portion adopted to drain water through the opening and out of the case, two water tanks at inner portion having connected with the inner wall in an inclining manner and a plurality of holes all over the tanks' wall. The driving means includes a driving motor adopted to drive a pair of driven motors to rotate. The driven motors drive a pair of discs to rotate, simultaneously. The washing means includes a pump at inner bottom portion of the case, one conduit extending from the pump to the bottom portion of the cover, and two manifolds extending from the conduits into the respective water tanks, each manifold having a plurality of apertures to sparkle water and a brush at the bottom portions to brush the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Glomax Waste Energy Plant
    Inventor: Hung-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 4922578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shoe sole cleaner 1 comprising a power section 2 and a brush section 3. The brush section is essentially planelike and it includes brush rods. The power section and the brush section are placed at a distance from each other. The power section is provided with a fluid power supply. The brush section includes a vibrating member such as a piston in a piston and cylinder combination. The fluid power supply is connected to the vibrating member by a fluid transmission means such as a pipe 5. The vibrating member is in contact with the brush rods and by means of the vibrating member the brush rods are made to move in a desired back and forth motion. The shoe sole cleaner according to the invention is low in construction so that it fits in the place of ordinary doormats. The cleaner can be extended simply by connecting serveral similar brush sections together as a large shoe sole cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Finkomat Oy
    Inventor: Veli V. A. Miettinen
  • Patent number: 4918778
    Abstract: The invention provides an endless rotary band cleaning device comprising an endless cleaning band mounted on three rollers disposed parallel to each other, namely: a drive roller, a guide roller and a secondary roller disposed in the space between the other two rollers. These rollers are arranged so that the lower part of the band follows a sinuous path comprising an upgoing path in which the band is washed and a downgoing path after which the band is impregnated with cleaning liquid. The upper part of the band situated between the drive roller and the guide roller serves as cleaning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: VIFE
    Inventors: Guillaume Chupin, Denis Dandeville