CLEAN FEET FOOT WASH

Abstract

Improvements in a foot washing device is disclosed. The improvements include the use of air with water to increase the washing efficiency with minimal use of water. The device is ideally used where clean water is limited such as on a boat, ship or other device where a person enters the boat with sand dirt or debris on not only the bottom but also the sides and top of the feet. The device blows water and air over the top of the feet and under the feet to wash off the sand. The amount of cleaning force is critical to reduce sand that can leave the feet and enter into the boat. The water can be filtered and recycled to reduce clean water use. The device may further include its own power supply, chemical cleaning agent and a water heating or cooling mechanism.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant's co-pending application Ser. No. 61/181,257 filed May 26, 1009 the entire contents of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The removal of sand from feet is important to minimize damage to the carpeting and deck of a boat. In some locations, such as on the ocean, the supply of clean water is limited and while there may be water that is available around a boat the quality of the water is often questionable. To minimize the amount of water that is being used and to optimize the velocity of the limited water that is being sprayed, the water is supplemented with air pressure or a vacuum to increase the flow rate and enhance the removal of debris from feet.

Field of the Invention

Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

This invention relates to improvements in a foot washing mechanism. More particularly the present foot washing mechanism uses a limited water reservoir with an air assist to improve the removal of sand and debris from feet. Most foot washing devices operate with either a bath of water or with water that is supplied from a nearly infinite source of water with high spray pressure. Exemplary examples of foot washing devises are found in the following references.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,654,894 issued Oct. 13, 1953 to C. M. G. Van Dijck discloses a Foot Bath. The weight of a person on the apparatus opens a valve to allow water to flow through the open grates of the apparatus and spray up at the bottom of the feet. While this apparatus provides some cleaning to the feet the water is sprayed upwards at the feet and not downward. Because of the spray direction and sand would be further blown onto the legs of a person instead of off of them. This apparatus further uses water supplied from a nearly infinite supply and the water is not assisted with air to provide some drying.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,925,830 issued Dec. 16, 1975 to Francis Bud Delaney discloses a Foot Shower and Spray Device. This device is intended for use at the base of a water slide ladder to wash debris off a foot. When a user steps onto the devise water is sprayed at the sides of a foot to wash off any debris. While this device provides some cleaning of a foot the direction of the spray allows the debris to be washed onto the legs of a user. The device further uses water from a hose and does not utilize air to promote drying.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,972 issued Dec. 29, 1992 to John D. Goodman discloses an Automatic Foot Washer. The foot washer uses a hose to supply water to slots placed around a central platform. While this washer provides basic foot washing function the water sprays across the top of the foot to push debris around the top of the foot and the leg(s). This washer uses pressure from a city water supply, does not re-circulate the water and does not use air pressure to supplement the washing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,720 issued Nov. 29, 1994 discloses a Foot Washer Apparatus. This apparatus also uses a city water supply for the pressurized water that is sprayed over the top of the users' feet. The apparatus does not recycle the water and does not use air to assist in the washing process.

What is needed is a portable foot washer that can be placed at location that is distal from a water source that washes feet with a combination of air and water. The proposed foot washer provides this solution with a portable foot washer having its own water reservoir and pressurized air tank.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the clean feet foot wash to provide a water reservoir for storing water that may not be available at the location where the foot was is being used. The water storage tank can be connected to an available fresh water storage tank or a separate or an existing water tank. Typically this water supply has little or no pressure to create flow of any velocity. The water can be recycled to minimize water use using a simple filter mechanism to strain sand or debris from the reclaimed water. The filter can be a simple mesh or metal strainer where the debris is easily discarded. If a larger amount of water is available the sand and debris can be drained from the foot wash and not recycled.

It is an object of the clean feet foot wash to provide a pump to increase the amount of pressure for the water that is being used to wash feet. This water pump is connected to the water storage tank and can either be a separate water pump or can connect to an existing pump. The pump can be used to further increase the water pressure to increase the spraying/washing pressure.

It is an object of the clean feet foot wash to use air in combination with the water. An air compressor is used to increase the velocity of the water being used and also to provide some drying to the feet. The air can be stored in an air tank to increase the volume of air that is quickly available. The air pump can operate with a lower power requirement to store air when the wash is not being used. It is also contemplated that a vacuum system can be incorporated to increase the velocity of water being sprayed. The vacuum can also be used to assist in drying wet feet.

It is another object clean feet foot wash to be self-contained with its own rechargeable power supply. The rechargeable power supply can be connected to an 110AC or 12DC supply to recharge on-board batteries. Because the foot wash is self powered a switching mechanism allows the foot washer to be temporally operated when a user steps upon the foot wash. When the user is no longer on the foot washer the foot washer can recycle any water and recharge any air storage tank to prepare for the next person.

It is still another object clean feet foot wash for the spraying jets to exist both on the outsides of the feet as well as between the feet. This allows the foot washer to spray all around the feet and wash debris into the bottom of the washer and ensures a more complete wash without removing just the sand or debris from the outer legs and outsides of the feet.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the foot washing device.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment the foot washing device.

FIG. 3 shows a side cross sectional view of the first embodiment without a person on the feet washer.

FIG. 4 shows a side cross sectional view of the first embodiment with a person on the feet washer.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the feet washer.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross sectional view of the second embodiment of the feet washer.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the foot washer.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the feet washer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the foot washing device 10. The foot washing device has a step pad or platform 11 in a basin 31 that is shown and described in FIGS. 2-8. The device is self contained where some or all of the components are enclosed within the basin. These components are shown in the block diagram outside of the basin, but are preferably enclosed within or in the underside of the basin. In general when sufficient weight is placed on the step pad 11 the weight activates a switching mechanism 13 that activates the device 10. The switch 13 opens a water valve 14 and or an air valve 15. In one embodiment the air and water flow through different lines into the basin 31. In an alternative embodiment the water and air lines are combined 21 where they flow into the basin 31.

The device 10 can be self contained with a power supply 20 such as a battery or can be powered from an external power supply 25. The external power supply 25 can charge the power supply 20 (battery) for self contained operation. The power supply provides power to an air compressor 18, a pump 17 and a thermal device 29. While a thermal device 29 is shown and described this device is an option and is not a requirement of any embodiment. The thermal device 29 provides for an adjustment of the temperature of the water and or air that is emitted into the basin 31. Fluid could be applied at different temperatures (hot, warm or cold). It is further contemplated that the device 10 can be used only with air.

The power supply operates the pump 17. The pump 17 moves water from either a fresh water supply 24 and or from a water tank 19. The water tank 19 can be the bottom of the basin 31. Collecting and reusing water from the bottom of the basin 31 allows for a more efficient use of water. A filter 23 removes sand and or other debris from the bottom of the basin through a drain 12. Drain system would immediately empty back into the water such as a direct transom mount system or run through a hose 22 to a water tank 19 or a return that is mounted with a thru hole in the side of the boat that would be standard in a marine application. It is also contemplated that the foot wash has a connection 40 for an external water supply.

The fresh water can be a city water supply, from a holding tank 24 of a vehicle such as a boat or RV or can be pumped from a lake or ocean. The pump 17 can also be the pump from a boat or RV. The size, volume and pressure of the pump will be dependent upon the integration and mixing of the water flow with the pressure, and flow through the air compressor.

The pump 17 pumps water through an optional thermal device. A soap or chemical dispenser 30 is optionally included to provide an added cleaning agent to the water being pumped. The soap or chemical dispenser 30 aids in cleaning and can also provide for more sanitary feet. This is especially important when the water is from an ocean or other potentially contaminated source that can include organisms that can cause mold or other undesirable growths.

The power supply 20 also powers an air compressor 18. In one embodiment the air compressor pressurizes an air tank 16. The air tank allows for an increase in the amount and pressure that can be dispensed because the air compressor can operate when a person is not on the platform 11. A combination of water or chemical and air pressure is emitted once the activation switch has been applied. The emitted spray is precision directed to minimize the amount of fluid and overspray. In the preferred embodiment the air compressor 18 is a small air compressor that is integrated into the hosing system. The air compressor 18 could operate as both an air compressor for the feet wash and for emergency use with an inflatable. The air tank 16 can also operate as a vacuum tank to draw water through the basin 31.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment the foot washing device 10. FIG. 3 shows a side cross sectional view of the first embodiment without a person on the feet washer. FIG. 4 shows a side cross sectional view of the first embodiment with a person on the feet washer. FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the feet washer 10. The item numbers are identified in one or more of these figures. These figures should be viewed as a collective group that identifies the first preferred embodiment.

The foot wash 10 has a foot pad 11. In FIG. 2 the top of the foot pad 11 is shown with the indicia of bare feet to show how they should be placed onto the pads within the basin 31. The basin 31 is preferably made out of a mold and or injected plastic, composite, steel or Fiberglass but other materials are contemplated that will provide equivalent function. The basin 31 can be configured for an over-mount, under-mount or a partial configuration of both. In these figures the basin 31 is shown mounted into a deck 32. The shape of the basin is shaped to allow a person to step onto the step pad 11 to compress the springs 28 to allow the step pad 11 to sink to a level that is about the same height as the deck 32. The step pad 11 platform(s) could be molded out of plastics and or composites, light weight none corrosive aluminum metal. They preferably have a mesh or waffled pattern to allow air and water introduction from side and below. FIGS. 3-8 show the waffle pattern. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 that show cross sections of the feet wash in an unloaded (FIG. 3) and a loaded (FIG. 4) configuration.

When a person stands on the step pad a switch hydraulic or spring 28 resistance lowers the foot or feet into basin 31 to desired depth. The path of the step pad is guided by the guide pins 34. The activation is either continual, with an external or internal switch 13 or pressure sensing activating by pressure lowering the platform applying pressure on the hydraulic or spring 28 system. A water pump 17 and or an air pump or compressor 18 sprays 35 the water and or air combination through the jet(s) 27 and or bubbles from bubblers 26 placed on the bottom of the feet wash 10. The bubbling water-air combination provides water with minimal splash or overspray while providing removal of surface debris from feet. Metal or composite tips direct air and/or water. Once a specific peripheral diameter is identified it could be added to cover the most efficient design. Tips or heads 26 and 27 can be changeable for different regions with different—conditions of sand and debris that must be removed from feet. The configuration of the feet wash has a central hub 39 with spray jets 27 that exist on the central hub 39 to wash between the feet instead of washing the outsides of the feet.

It is contemplated that initially the washing spray 35 comes from jets 27, then from a combination of jets 27 and bubblers 26 to remove the sand and or debris. The device may then only spray 35 air from the jets to dry and push any sand or debris into the drain. A filter 23 can be optionally included to capture some of the particles before the water exits the drain 12.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross sectional view of the second embodiment of the feet washer. This configuration shows self contained feet wash 10 that is configured as an elevated device. The configuration is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment a lip 35 extends over the air and water pump 17, compressor 18 and storage tanks 16/19. The lip 36 is shown resting on housing or other support 37 that elevates the feet wash. The feet wash 10 is shown with the step pad 11 elevated and with the sprayers in operation. One or more springs 28 maintain the step pad 11 in the elevated or off position.

In most contemplated embodiments the water and air only spray when one or more feet sufficiently depress the step pad 11 to activate a switch 13 or valve. In this embodiment the water tank 19 is shown and the water level 38 within the basin 31 that further provides for a storage of water. Water from the bottom of the basin 31 is drawn through the filter 23 and into water tank 19 through pipe 12 and into the pump 17 where it is pumped out of the jets 27 where it sprays 35 and or the bubblers 26.

An air compressor 18 and an air tank 16 is shown to hold pressurized air that allows for greater volume and pressure than the air compressor 18 can provide by operating for the brief period while a person is on the step pad 11. The central hub 39 allows for spray jets 27 to be placed between the feet to provide virtually a 360 degree spray of water around each foot of a user.

It is further contemplated that the feet wash can be fabricated from a heavy woven material such that when pressure from the foot is applied, the valve(s) open to allow water and air at the pressure point thereby in turn trapping over spray of both air and water below the housing.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the foot washer and

FIG. 8 shows a side cross sectional view of the third embodiment of the feet washer. This embodiment is similar the previously described embodiments with a few exceptions that are noted and identified herein. In this embodiment only a single foot pad is used to wash only one foot at a time. This reduces some redundant parts of the device and further reduces the foot print of the foot wash. In this embodiment the foot wash has risers 50 that exist on at least two sides of the foot wash. The risers allow for a lower profile of the foot wash and also are elevated with a pivot arm 51 that elevates the risers 50 when a foot is placed onto the bottom step 11 of the foot wash. In FIG. 8 the left side is shown with the step 11 depressed and the right side is shown with the foot pad 11 in the normal position. Another contemplated feature show in FIG. 8 is a bladder 52. The bladder 52 is squeezed when a user 33 steps onto the step pad 11. The weight of the user creates the pressure that forces water and or air out of the jets 27 to wash the foot. When the foot 33 is removed from the step pad 11, the bladder will re-expand and fill to “load” for the next foot. While this embodiment shows risers on only two sides it is contemplated that the risers can exist on one to four sides.

Thus, specific embodiments of a clean feet foot washing device has been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self contained foot washer comprising:

a dish shaped basin having a plurality of dispensing heads;

a pressure activated device;

a water reservoir

a pump connected between said water reservoir and said dispensing heads;

an air compressor;

a power source;

connected in a self contained unit whereby when a person steps their foot or feet onto said pressure activated device, water from said water reservoir is combined with air from said air compressor and emitted though said dispensing heads to remove debris from said persons' feet into the bottom of said dish shaped basin.

2. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 that further includes an air pressure storage tank.

3. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said pressure activated switch is an electrical contact switch.

4. The self contained foot washer according to claim 3 wherein said power source is batteries.

5. The self contained foot washer according to claim 4 wherein said batteries are rechargeable.

6. The self contained foot washer according to claim 5 wherein that further includes a wall charger.

7. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said pressure switch is a pneumatic switch.

8. The self contained foot washer according to claim 6 wherein said power source is compressed air.

9. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said dish shaped basin provides for placement of one or two feet.

10. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of dispensing heads exists around each said persons' feet.

11. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said foot washer further includes a drain.

12. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said foot washer further includes a filter to filter sand and debris such that water can be reused.

13. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said washing first is with water and then with air through said plurality of dispensing heads.

14. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 that further includes a thermal water heater or cooler.

15. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 that further includes a soap dispenser.

16. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 that further includes a connection for an external water supply.

17. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 that includes a separate pressure switch for each foot.

18. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 that further includes a step pad.

19. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said step pad is supported by springs that lower into and out of said dish shaped basin.

20. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said pump is a bladder that is pressurized from weight of said person.