Shoe cleaning apparatus

Abstract

An improved shoe cleaning apparatus which includes a shoe cleaning station having a toe portion, a heel portion, two side portions, an upper surface platform; an air pipe in fluid communication with a source of compressed air; air control means for selectively allowing compressed air to flow through the air pipe; air outlet means in fluid communication with the air pipe for directing air along the sole of the shoe; and a debris catcher to capture and contain material blown from the shoe.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/364,674, filed Mar. 13, 2002.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates generally to shoe cleaners, and more particularly to a compressed air shoe sole cleaner especially well suited for cleaning golf shoes.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0005] Non-mechanical shoe cleaning devices are well known. Most common among such devices are those comprising a mat with bristles or a plurality of brushes disposed in a configuration that allows a user to insert a shoe and move it across the bristles of the brush to clean the sole and, perhaps, the sides of the shoe. It is also well known to provide mechanical brushes to clean shoes. The following are illustrative of the art.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,967 to Williams discloses a cleaning device for shoe soles. The device includes an oscillating brush rack assembly contained within a housing. The brush rack assembly includes a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel brush rods with bristles. The device also includes a vacuum and a reservoir for catching and removing dirt removed from the shoe soles.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,201 to Min teaches a shoe cleaning device comprising a housing having a grid for placement of a shoe to be cleaned. The housing includes a low pressure chamber in communication with the openings in the grid, an air sucking and compressing device disposed in the housing and communicating with the low pressure chamber for sucking air, a heating chamber disposed in the housing and communicating with an outlet of the air sucking and compressing device, and a nozzle disposed outside the housing and having a flow path communicating with the heating chamber to eject compressed air passing through the air sucking and compression device. A liquid valve is attached to the flow path to provide moisture to air passing through the flow path. Soils and grass attached to the shoe can be blown off by compressed air ejected from the nozzle, which is manipulated by the user, and the material can then be collected through the opening. Chemicals are cleaned from the shoe by the moisture ejected together with the compressed air.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,707 to Leblanc, shows an apparatus for cleaning footwear comprising a closed system utilizing brushes and with recirculating compressed air. The apparatus has a housing and a cover containing a grill mounted to the housing by springs. Beneath the grill are a pair of cylindrical brushes rotated by electric motors in a direction toward the center of the grill. A combined vacuum cleaner and air compressor beneath the grill provides both a source of compressed air to help clean the shoes and suction to collect the dirt and any other debris dislodged by the apparatus. The brushes clean the bottoms of the shoes and direct any dislodged dirt and other debris toward the center area of the grill. A pair of air tubes disposed along the edges of the grill direct the compressed air over the shoes and toward the center of the grill, along with any debris dislodged. Beneath the center of the grill is a removable collection tank having a slot facing the grill and having an open end connected by a filter to the intake of the air compressor. The air compressor draws air into the tank through the slot and draws any debris in the collection area into the tank. The debris is removed from the air by the filter and the filtered air is then recompressed and recirculated via the air tubes over the top of the shoes.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,737,942 to Casey discloses a power operated cleaning device comprising a housing enclosing power operated brushes and a vacuum for cleaning dirt from shoes and other articles.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,144 to Willner, teaches an automatic boot cleaning apparatus having at least three brushes and a scraper. The brushes are positioned to scrub the sole and sides of a 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 brushes are rotated by an electric motor, preferably in one direction, but optionally with an oscillatory motion to increase the effectiveness of the cleaning operation. In an alternative embodiment, the shoe cleaner 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.

[0011] While the foregoing patents teach and disclose useful shoe cleaning devices, none are particularly well suited to clean golf shoes after a round of golf. Min, while teaching a method and apparatus for using compressed air to clean a shoe, requires manipulation of the air outlet to thoroughly clean the shoe, and it further requires bending over by the user. Leblanc also teaches a combined brush and compressed air cleaning apparatus, but the device captures soil and other debris within the same housing in which mechanical devices are housed, making cleaning and maintenance clumsy and difficult.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is an improved shoe cleaning apparatus especially well-suited for use by a fatigued golfer to clean his or her golf shoes after a tiring round of golf.

[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shoe cleaning apparatus that permits a user to control the cleaning operation while standing.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved that cleans a shoe sole primarily with compressed air, while also providing brushes to clean the sides of the shoe.

[0015] A further object or feature of the present invention is a new and improved shoe cleaning apparatus that blows soil and other material off a shoe and directs the debris into a receptacle.

[0016] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a novel shoe cleaning apparatus that provides physical support for the user while having his or her shoe cleaned.

[0017] In its most essential aspect, the inventive apparatus is an improved shoe cleaning apparatus comprising a shoe cleaning station that includes a toe portion, a heel portion, two side portions, an upper surface platform, and holding means for elevating and holding a shoe above the upper surface platform so as to allow a sustained blast or stream of compressed air to be directed along the sole of the shoe when a shoe is placed in the shoe cleaning station. The shoe cleaner utilizes compressed air as the primary mechanical means to force mud, grass, and other material and debris from the sole of a shoe. The compressed air system includes an air pipe in fluid communication with an air compressor. A manual control valve is provided for selective control of the compressed air which is released through an air outlet pipe and directed along the sole of a shoe placed in the station. Debris is blown from the heel portion of the station through the toe portion and into a debris receptacle installed at the toe portion of the cleaning station.

[0018] Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention resides not in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified.

[0019] There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0020] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trade-mark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0021] Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward,” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shoe cleaning apparatus of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 1A is a side view in elevation showing three possible aperture/slot configurations for the air outlet pipe from which compressed air is directed to the sole of a shoe;

[0025] FIG. 2 is top view of the shoe cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a front view in elevation of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view in elevation of the device of FIGS. 1-3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, wherein like numerals represent like elements in the various views, the shoe cleaning apparatus of the present invention, generally denominated 10 herein, comprises, firstly, a shoe cleaning station 12, which includes a toe portion 14, a heel portion 16, two side portions, 18, 20, an upper surface platform 22, and holding means 24 for elevating and a shoe above the upper surface platform so as to allow a sustained blast or stream of compressed air 25 to be directed along the sole of the shoe when a shoe is placed in said shoe cleaning station. The shoe cleaner utilizes compressed air as the operative force in blowing mud, grass, and other debris from the sole of a shoe. Accordingly, the shoe cleaner includes an air pipe 26 in fluid communication with an air compressor (not shown) through an air pipe connection 27. For the convenience of the user, a control valve 28 (preferably manual) is provided for selective control of the compressed air. Finally, in its most essential aspect, the shoe cleaner includes an air outlet pipe 30 in fluid communication with the air pipe for directing air along the sole of a shoe placed in the station.

[0029] While not essential to the effectiveness of the inventive shoe cleaning apparatus, it is highly desirable that it also include a debris catcher 32. Because the cleaning air stream 25 is preferably directed from the heel toward that toe of the shoe being cleaned, the debris catcher is preferably disposed outwardly from the toe portion of the shoe cleaning station.

[0030] Additionally, it is preferable that the shoe cleaning apparatus of the present invention include brushes 34, 36, positioned at the side portions of the shoe cleaning station so that while the user is blowing air from the sole of the shoe, he or she may also move his or her foot back and forth (heel to toe and back) to clean the sides of the shoe.

[0031] The configuration of the functional components of the inventive apparatus is one of elegance and economy, in that the components are fully integrated and utilized. Most notably, the air pipe includes first and second vertical segments 38, 40 and a transverse segment 42 interposed between the upper ends 44, 46 of the vertical segments. The vertical segments are disposed upwardly from the sides of shoe cleaning station so that a user may hold onto the transverse segment 42 to steady himself or herself during use. Additionally, the control valve 28 is located on the transverse segment 42, so that the user has immediate and easy access to control of the compressed air. As noted, the shoe remains elevated above the upper surface platform via holding means 24, which preferably comprises a length of pipe or an elevated ridge member disposed on the upper surface platform of the shoe cleaning station and extending longitudinally from the heel portion to the toe portion of the platform.

[0032] For optimum effectiveness, the air outlet pipe comprises a direct extension of the air pipe, bent inwardly from the side to be disposed transversely across the upper surface platform at the heel portion of the shoe cleaning station. The air outlet pipe includes a plurality of apertures for releasing compressed air underneath and along the sole of a shoe held in place between the brushes. FIG. 1A shows a variety of possible configurations of apertures and/or slots that would provide air flow patterns useful for comprehensive cleaning. The configurations include holes 50, slots 52, and combinations thereof.

[0033] In another aspect the inventive apparatus is a novel shoe cleaning apparatus comprising a cleaning platform having a heel portion and a toe portion and two side portions; at least one brush disposed on each of the side portions so as to engage the side of a shoe when the shoe is placed on the cleaning platform; a compressed air system for forcefully blowing material debris from the sole of a shoe when the shoe is placed on the cleaning platform. The platform includes means, e.g., an elevated ridge, to keep the shoe sole elevated while disposed in the cleaning station. The air system is in fluid communication with a source of compressed air and includes an air outlet pipe disposed at the heel portion of the cleaning platform and includes openings through which air is released and directed at high velocity along the sole of a shoe. It also includes control means for regulating the volume and rate at which air is released from the openings in the air outlet pipe. Finally, the shoe cleaning apparatus includes a debris catcher for capturing and containing debris blown from a shoe by the compressed air system.

[0034] The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

[0035] Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shoe cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a shoe cleaning station including a toe portion, a heel portion, two side portions, an upper surface platform;

an air pipe in fluid communication with a source of compressed air;

air control means for selectively allowing compressed air to flow through said air pipe; and

air outlet means in fluid communication with said air pipe for directing air along the sole of the shoe.

2. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further including holding means for elevating and holding a shoe sole above said upper surface platform so as to allow a sustained blast of air to be directed along the shoe sole when a shoe is placed in said shoe cleaning station.

3. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein said holding means comprises a length of pipe disposed on said upper surface platform of said shoe cleaning station.

4. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further including a debris catcher disposed outwardly from said toe portion of said shoe cleaning station.

5. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 1, further including brushes disposed at said side portions of said shoe cleaning station so as to engage and clean the sides of a shoe when the shoe is placed in said shoe cleaning station and pressed against the bristles of said brushes while moving the shoe forward and back from said toe portion to said heel portion of said cleaning station.

6. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air pipe includes a first and second vertical segment and a transverse segment interposed therebetween, and wherein said first and said second vertical segments are disposed upwardly from said side portions of said shoe cleaning station such that a user may hold said transverse segment to steady himself or herself during use.

7. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air control means comprises a manually activated air control valve.

8. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 7, wherein said air control means is situated on said transverse segment of said air pipe.

9. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein said air outlet means comprises an extension of said air pipe disposed transversely across said upper surface platform at said heel portion of said shoe cleaning station, and wherein said extension includes a plurality of apertures for releasing compressed air.

10. A shoe cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a cleaning platform having a heel portion and a toe portion and two side portions;

at least one brush disposed on each of said side portions so as to engage the side of a shoe when the shoe is placed on said cleaning platform;

a compressed air system for forcefully blowing material debris from the sole of a shoe when the shoe is placed on said cleaning platform, said air system in fluid communication with a source of compressed air and including an air outlet pipe disposed at said heel portion of said cleaning platform and including openings through which air is released and directed at high velocity along the sole of a shoe, and control means for regulating the volume and rate at which air is released from said openings in said air outlet pipe; and

a debris catcher for capturing and containing debris blown from a shoe by said compressed air system.

11. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein said cleaning platform includes elevation means for keeping the sole of a shoe exposed while the wearer of the shoe stands in the cleaning station.

12. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein said elevation means comprises a elevated ridge member running longitudinally from said heel portion to said toe portion of said cleaning station.

13. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein said openings in said air outlet pipe are holes.

14. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein said openings in said air outlet pipe are slots.

15. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein said openings in said air outlet pipe include both holes and slots.

16. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 10, further including support means for a user to steady himself or herself while using said shoe cleaning apparatus.

17. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 16, wherein said support means comprises a length of air pipe in said compressed air system.

18. The shoe cleaning apparatus of claim 17, wherein said control means is disposed on said support means so as to be manipulable by a user while standing at said shoe cleaning apparatus with one shoe placed on said cleaning platform.