CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus for removing at least some unwanted material from footwear, feet or an object comprises a frame, and at least one cleaning element and at least one elongate drum, The frame provides an upper surface with at least one cleaning element slot therein. Each cleaning element includes rotating or rotatable unwanted materials transferring surfaces, movably mounted to the frame on an end supported elongate drum. At least a portion of the at least one cleaning element extends outwardly and upwardly through the at least one cleaning element slot so that the at least one cleaning element is adapted to be driven so as to rotate in a certain plane through the at least one cleaning element slot, to provide newly exposed unwanted materials transferring surfaces.

Description

The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus to enable items or objects to be cleaned or unwanted material removed. The invention is directed particularly but not solely towards cleaning footwear or feet adjacent entrance floors of buildings.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

When entering a building, facility or in situations of entry or passage through a certain area or pathway, people need to wipe their footwear on some kind of floor mat usually placed adjacent or near an entrance way or in some other appropriate position, to remove any unwanted materials such as for example solid debris, particles or fluids, dirt, mud and contaminants. Problems can also occur in pathways in any situations where there is a risk of people spreading disease from one area to another like, for example in pathways or bush trails as found with the New Zealand kauri tree die back disease problem.

However the degree of wiping achieved is limited by the effort that the person using the mat is willing to put into the wiping or cleaning action or by the effectiveness of the matting system. In some cases this may be minimal leading to a situation where unwanted materials such as for example dirt, mud or the like from outside a building may be carried into the building on the footwear of the person entering the building. This is clearly undesirable.

Some efforts have been made to provide water baths to assist in the cleaning action but in fact these achieve little as the effect may be only to smear wet dirt or mud over the sole of the footwear which is still brought into the building on the footwear.

In public places such as, for example, shopping malls, it is desirable to minimise the spread of, for example, soil, grit, snow and water within buildings so as to reduce the maintenance requirements of the building and to promote safety or reduced risk of contamination within a building.

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning apparatus that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first aspect the invention resides in a cleaning apparatus comprising a frame, the frame providing an upper surface with at least one slot therein, rotating or rotatable brushes having cleaning elements, mounted to the frame, the cleaning elements extending outwardly through one of the slots so that at least some slots have cleaning elements extending therethrough, at least some brushes being driven so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the brush.

Preferably the cleaning elements comprise bristles.

Preferably, a plurality of bristles is provided at least some of the bristles being provided as rotating in the same direction or in contra-rotating pairs.

Preferably the rotating bristles are driven.

Preferably the rotating bristles are independently driven.

Preferably the rotating bristles are substantially dry.

In a second aspect the invention resides in a cleaning apparatus for removing at least some unwanted material from footwear, feet or an object, the apparatus comprising a frame, and at least one cleaning element, and at least one elongate drum, the frame providing an upper surface with at least one cleaning element slot therein, wherein each cleaning element including rotating or rotatable unwanted materials transferring surfaces, movably mounted to the frame on an end supported elongate drum, wherein at least a portion of the at least one cleaning element extending outwardly and upwardly through the at least one cleaning element slot whereby at least one cleaning element is adapted to be driven so as to rotate in a certain plane through the at least one cleaning element slot to provide newly exposed unwanted materials transferring surfaces.

Preferably the certain plane is a vertical plane.

Preferably the frame includes a peripheral frame comprising wall members supporting the upper surface which provides a substantially horizontal walking surface and surrounds an enclosed space therein, wherein the upper surface is formed as part of a planar member which is hinged to one of the wall members.

Preferable the cleaning elements 52 can be any means that is shaped to be able to be rotated while being fixed to the drum or shaft and be able to protrude through a cleaning element slot to present a cleaning surface, wherein the cleaning elements 52 can be at least one bristle of any length and width and material type or can be a brush or wiper member(s) that can be replaceable integrally made with the drum, solid or hollow or could be a replaceable pad or a series of spaced or continuous pads or bands or the cleaning elements can be flexible or solid or hollow spike like members.

Preferably the cleaning element include at least one bristle(s) or wiping member which are movably peripherally supported on a shaft member at an angle to the elongate drum so that the bristles are outwardly protruding peripherally in a set of bristles which are spaced along the drum, and the drum is movably end supported by end fixing members to the peripheral frame.

Preferably the planar member includes a member having a plan area bordered by end edges, the area being sized to span between and be supported on top of the wall members and is provided with the at least one cleaning element slot for each bristle set and also is provided with slots to receive any unwanted materials wherein the bristle slot has tapered walls to assist with keeping the bristles together.

Preferably the end fixing members comprise at one end of the drum, a movable or sprung protruding pin member centrally located which slidably interfits with a fixing means as a first slot member in an adjacent perimeter wall and at the other end of the same drum, there is a second slot member located in one end of the drum and fixing means being a non sprung protruding member located in the adjacent perimeter wall which also slidably interfit together to allow rotation of one drum and bristles with respect to the frame, wherein The end fixing members 82 as rotatably affixed to the ends of drum roller 75 and to the flame, also enables the drum 81b to rotate thereabout to allow the rotation of the cleaning elements such that the sprung protruding pin member 86 rotates within first slot member 73 and the second slot member 87 rotates with the drum 81b and drum cap 85 which rotates with the non sprung protruding pin member 88 within and with second slot member 87.

Preferably the sprung protruding pin member is cone shaped and first slot member is cup shaped, the second slot member is square in shape and the non sprung protruding member is square in shape, the cone shape having wide end and narrow end wherein the wide end is affixed to the drum wherein the end fixing means as rotatably affixed to the ends of drum roller 75 and to the frame, also enables the drum 81b to rotate thereabout to allow the rotation of the cleaning elements such that the sprung protruding pin member rotates within first slot member and second slot member with the roller rotates with the non sprung protruding pin member.

Preferably the sprung protruding pin member includes at least one spring mounted within the cone shape to cause the cone shape to be kept in an extended outward position with the spring in a relaxed or non compressed shape and if the cone shape is pressed inwardly the spring is compressed.

Preferably the drum including the cleaning elements, can be removed from the peripheral flame to enable assembly, cleaning, repair or replacement of any part of the cleaning apparatus without having to remove the cleaning apparatus from the floor or ground.

Alternatively the bristles extend radially from an inner ring member which together are shaped as a planar circular shaped member, wherein each ring member is oriented side by side on each shaft member.

Preferably the shaft member Or drum can be substantially horizontally oriented with the bristles being oriented in a substantially vertical plane and being rotatably supported by the perimeter frame to suspend the cleaning element assemblies to enable them to rotate,

Preferably a cleaning element assembly includes cleaning elements, at least one shaft member, and end fixing members.

Preferably the wall members of the frame include wall members separating each cleaning element assembly, and the frame includes a floor.

Preferably the bristles of adjacent assemblies do not intermesh with each other. Alternatively the bristles of adjacent assemblies intermesh with each other.

Preferably the upper surface 60 includes at least a portion of anti skid or non skid texture members or any means to provide for a decrease in the likelihood of skidding thereon wherein the anti skid or non texture dirt transferring surfaces includes friction increasing material such as for example rubber disks.

Preferably the shaft members can be operatively interconnected by gears or belts

Preferably the shaft members can be driven passively by strike by a foot or object of the bristles.

Preferably the at least one shaft member is mechanically driven.

Alternatively the shaft members are driven by active means including being motor driven.

Preferably the bristles function to interact with each other to drive the shaft members 69, which produces counter rotating shaft motion.

Preferably at least one ratchet mechanism can be connected between adjacent shaft members, rollers or drums whereby, rotating is restricted to one selected direction such that a ratchet stopping direction would be different in odd and even shaft member positions wherein the ratchet mechanism is located in at least one of the end fixing members, wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a drum end cap with inner ratchet teeth that operative engage with resilient arms, the drum end cap being slidably attached to an end of the drum which is also connected to the perimeter frame wall and the resilient aims are formed as part of the non sprung protruding member being located within the drum end cap and which is affixed to the drum end.

Preferably air heating, walking surface heating and sub-walking surface cleaning fluid can be added to the current cleaning apparatus, as optional extras, which can be suitably powered and engaged to be dispensed as required.

Preferably the cleaning apparatus can includes at least one agitating member positioned to cause or enhance the removal of the unwanted material gathered by the cleaning surface of the cleaning elements wherein the agitating member is located underneath the planar member and attached to the frame to protrude to be able to at least touch by taping or scrapping the cleaning elements.

Preferably the cleaning apparatus includes the perimeter frame and spaced cleaning element assemblies separated by intermediate wall members and rotatably end supported.

Preferably the cleaning apparatus can include a method of assembly which includes forming frame 51 by joining or connecting wall members to form a perimeter frame and optional intermediate wall members, next attach part of end fixing members to adjacent inside wall member surfaces, then assemble each cleaning element assembly by attached other part of end fixing members to each end of the drum which will have the cleaning elements formed or assembled thereon, next, attach each cleaning element assembly to the inside of the frame 51 and then attach planar member or lid to top of frame and rotate down to cover the cleaning element assemblies leaving cleaning elements partially exposed through the cleaning element slots 91.

To those skilled in the art, to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top perspective view of a cleaning apparatus in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic end elevation of a cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic underneath perspective view of a cleaning apparatus as shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a cleaning apparatus in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 is a side cross-section of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is an end cross-sectional view of the a cleaning apparatus of FIG. 4,

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a “T” section for use in the a cleaning apparatus of FIG. 4,

FIG. 8 is an end view of the “T” section of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a brush for use in the a cleaning apparatus of FIG. 4,

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a brush for use in the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 4,

FIG. 11 is a side elevation of an end cap for use in the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 4,

FIG. 12 is an end elevation of the end cap of FIG. 11,

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a lateral side strut for use in the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 4,

FIG. 14 is an end elevation of the lateral side strut of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve used in the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the sleeve of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is an end view relating to FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional side view relating to FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of the cleaning apparatus in use with two side walls removed to enable one to see inside.

FIG. 21 is a side view of another cleaning apparatus

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view A-A

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of several cleaning apparatus

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of one cleaning apparatus

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 24 showing the cleaning elements

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 24

FIG. 27 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 24

FIG. 28 is close up side view entitled Detail A of part of the apparatus from FIG. 27

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of one cleaning element assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a cleaning apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1-29. The invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention. A method of assembly can also be included.

FIG. 1 shows a cleaning apparatus 1 which has a frame 2. The frame 2 provides an upper surface 3 with a plurality of slots such as slot 4 therein. Rotating or rotatable cleaning elements such as for example a brush 5, having cleaning surfaces in the form of bristles 6 are mounted to the frame 2 and cross beams 11.

The cleaning elements 6 extend outwardly through one of the slots 4 so that at least some slots 4 have cleaning elements 6 extending therethrough. In the embodiment shown each slot 4 has cleaning elements extending therethrough.

At least some brushes 5 are driven so as to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the brush 5. Again in the preferred from of the invention each brush 5 is driven. Also in the preferred form of the invention the brushes 5 are substantially in the form of a disc being somewhat narrower when compared to their diameter. The cleaning elements 6 preferably comprise bristles.

The frame 2 may be formed from members in the form of rails 10 which are “T” shaped in cross section so that the gaps between the cross bars of the “T” form the gaps 4. The rails 10 may be formed of any suitable structural material such as aluminium or fibre glass and may be mounted on cross beams 11, or end transverse members (not shown)

The brushes 5 are preferably provided in contra-rotating pairs. For example the brushes 5 in row 12 may rotate in one direction and the brushes 5 in row 13 may rotate in the other direction. Preferably the direction of rotation alternates between adjacent rows of brushes 5.

The rotating brushes are driven and this may be achieved in any suitable manner. For example a shaft 15 may be provided which is rotated by a motor (not shown). The rotation of the brushes may then be achieved by a suitable drive from shaft 15. As an alternative a suitable cog drive could be used, or a worm drive could be used. In one form of the invention the rotating brushes could be independently driven.

Though the rotating brushes are substantially dry, it is also possible that the brushes pass through any liquid bath or spray or similar additive treatment process.

It is envisaged that the brush mechanism would sit onto or within or into a containment area or well so that dirt, soil or water brushed from the soles of shoes would substantially fall into the well. By providing that the brush mechanism or part of it can be removed from the well maintenance of the building is facilitated as dirt, soil and water need only be removed from the well with little spreading over surrounding areas. Thus entrances to buildings may be able to be reduced in size.

Embodiments as Covered by FIGS. 4-16

Turning now to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 to 16, a cleaning apparatus 1 is provided which has a frame 2. The frame 2 provides an upper surface 3 with a plurality of slots 4 through which cleaning elements like for example brushes 5 having cleaning elements 6, such as bristles, extend.

The upper surface 3 is formed by a plurality of “T” section rails 10 positioned so that the gaps 4 are formed between the side edges of the rails 10. The upper surface of the rails 10 may be facetted to provide a non-skid surface, for example, by providing a “random” texture as can be seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 for example. The rails 10 may be formed from aluminium such as cast aluminium.

Along the underside of the rails 10 are provided a number of upwardly extending slots 20 and these engage a number of lateral frame struts 21 by way of slots 22 in the upper edge of the struts 21. In the embodiment shown the struts 21 have a rounded or bull nose upper edge 23. The mat is intended to sit in a well 24 and the ends of the struts 21 may sit on a ledge 25 formed in the sides 26 of the well 24. Thus the struts 21 and rails 10 form a grid structure. The struts 21 may be formed from aluminium. An advantage of this construction is that the top of the grid can be removed for ease of cleaning.

The frame is completed by the provision of end caps 27 which are positioned in notch 28 in rail 10. End caps 27 can be formed from aluminium such as cast aluminium.

The brushes 5 are provided with bristles as above described. Some bristles 30 may be coloured differently to the others to provide coloured bands. The brushes 5 are mounted on a sleeve 35 which may he made of nylon or other suitable material. The sleeves 35 include a flange 36 which may be fastened to the brush 5 by means of screws such as for example grub screws 37. Extending outwardly from the flange 36 is a collar 38 which in use is mounted on a rod or axle 39. The rod or axle 39 passes through holes 40 in the rails 10, the brushes 5 being positioned on the rails 5 and the dimensions being such that the brushes 5 extend outwardly through the slots 4.

A suitable drive mechanism, such as that provided in the first embodiment is provided. The dimensions are such that a usable area of mat is provided at, for example, the entrance to a building.

Embodiments of the Invention as Shown in FIGS. 17-20

FIGS. 17-20 show a cleaning apparatus 50 which includes a frame 51 and at least one cleaning element 52. The frame 51 is shaped and constructed to operatively support the cleaning elements 52 which are adapted to rotate with respect to the frame 51. Each cleaning element 52 is substantially planar circular shape including a central rotating point comprising a central aperture 55 formed by a ring member 56. Each cleaning element 52 comprises unwanted material or fluid transferring surfaces such as for example a plurality of bristles 52 radially extending from an outer portion of the ring member 56.

Frame 51 includes a running surface for supporting someone's feet or shoes while using the apparatus which includes an upper surface 60 and an outer or peripheral frame 62 which can be shaped and dimensioned according to any desired dimensions of any material or of any design shape. Peripheral frame 62 forms an at least partially enclosed area whereby support surface 60 is connected and supported therein. hi this example peripheral frame 62 is rectangular shaped providing upright wall members 63 on at least two sides or ends to support the cleaning elements 52 there between.

Wall members 63 in use have an upper edge 65 and lower edge 66 whereby the lower edge 66 is supported directly or indirectly by a substrate such as a floor or ground surface in a recessed or well area. The ‘indirectly’ can be with feet which can be fixed or removable and be adjustable. Upper surface 60 spans a distance between the wall members 63 forming a suspended horizontal surface as provided by a panel and is located close to or at the upper edge to form a sort of roof like structure with a covered space therein and is adapted to provide a stepping surface to allow a foot or footwear to be supported while being brushed by the moving bristles. Upper surface 60 can include at least a portion of anti skid or non skid texture or any means to provide for a decrease in the likelihood of skidding thereon which can include surface roughness or comprise spaced raised or depressed areas thereon or therein or other friction increasing surface materials.

Upper surface 60 includes a substantially horizontal planar like body with at least one slot 68 therein or there through. Each cleaning element 52 is movably supported by a support shaft member 69 which spans a distance between adjacent wall members 63. Support shaft 69 is formed as an elongate rod member sized to slidably slide through the central aperture of each cleaning element 52 adapted to be oriented in a horizontal plane, to allow each cleaning element 52 which are oriented in a vertical plane to vertically rotate about the shaft member 69.

Also shaft member 69 is positioned and supported by the wall members 63 to cause at least a portion of each cleaning element 52 to poke or upwardly protrude through slot 68. As shown in FIG. 19 the cleaning elements 52 can also be suspended above the ground or floor surface or lower edge 66 of the frame 51

Each support shaft member 69 includes washers 72 on each side of wall members 63 and end fixing 73. End fixing 73 can include a nut. Spacer members (eg rollers) 75 can be located between each cleaning element 52. Support shaft members 69, washers 72, end fixing members 73 and roller spacers can be said to form a cleaning element assembly 77.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 there can be more than one cleaning element assembly 77 oriented with the shaft members 69 parallel with each other and positioned to allow the bristles 52 of adjacent assemblies 77 to make contact and intermesh with each other below the support surface 60 to assist in clearing the bristles of loaded dirt.

Also as shown frame 51 can include at least one intermediate upright wall support 79 and a floor 80. In terms of assembly for the cleaning assembly, the axles/rollers 75, bristles and upper surface 60 can be made to be lifted out of the well area, so all of the assembly can be raised rather than just the upper surface 60.

Cleaning elements 52 and/or shaft members 69 can be mechanically driven by a rotation mechanism, to cause a certain rate of rotation of the cleaning elements. For example there can be an active mechanism comprising belt or chain driven or cord driven or direct motor driven using electrical energy. The drive mechanism can allow an amount of slip, of the drive mechanism to the bristles, to prevent applying rotational or other excessive forces/loadings to the under surface of foot soles (e.g. if a user stands still on the foot support surfaces).

The rate of rotation can be extremely slow, such as one rotation per day or utilize intermittent rotation, such as a fraction of one rotation in a given time period and then stationary for a period. The variation can be from constant rotation at one rate, to continuous varying rate rotation, or intermittent rotation and nonrotation. The control of the rate will relate to the purpose and geometry of the assembly. e.g., “cleaning mode” producing different rotational speeds when supervised by a trained user and the general public is not present.

The rotation mechanism can also include a passive mechanism to rotate the shaft members 69 and or rollers 75 and/or cleaning elements 52, to remove dirt or debris without using electrical energy. Rotation powering can be achieved by foot strike supplying the energy to rotate one or more of the cleaning elements 52. Each shaft member 69 can be individually driven by foot contact or one roller could drive another individual shaft or series of shaft members 69 by interaction of the bristles ie interacting bristles. If one shaft member 69 with at least one bristle or brush thereon is used to drive others called a driving bristle or brush to provide a driving force, the driving bristle or brush could be positioned slightly higher than the other brushes in order to encourage foot strike of the driver brush over the driven rollers.

Interacting bristles or brushes is one mechanism to connect two or more bristle with shaft members 69 according to the rotating force. Gears or belts could also connect two or more rolls to the driving roll. Belts could allow the rotation of the bristles to be in the same direction. Interacting bristles to drive the shaft members 69 would produce counter rotating shaft motion. For example, shaft members 69 numbered one and three would rotate in one direction and shaft members 69 two and four would rotate in the other direction in a four shaft 69 train of shafts with one driving the train. If ratchet mechanisms were used, a ratchet stopping direction would be different in odd and even shaft member 69 positions.

A ratchet mechanism could be built into some or all of the shaft members 69 so that reverse rotation is prevented. The range of rotation can be as desired such as for example, it could be as low as one rotation per month and as high as 288,000 per day (ie 200 rpm). Rubber disks and other suitable flexible materials could be used instead of bristles to form the dirt transferring surfaces.

Embodiments of the Invention as Shown in FIGS. 21-29

As shown in FIGS. 21-29 the cleaning apparatus 81a can be formed without a separate axle or shaft member 69 as in the previous version whereas in this embodiment cleaning elements 52 (eg bristle(s), brushe(s) or wiper member(s) like blade(s)) are movably and peripherally affixed directly to a shaft member in the form of a roller or drum 81b, in discrete or continuous clumps in a series of spaced bristle sets along each drum, whereby each bristle set is substantially vertically spaced peripherally around the shaft 69 or drum 81b. Drum 81b is elongate in shape which also functions also as a shaft member 69 to rotationally support cleaning elements or cleaning element assemblies.

The cleaning elements 52 can be any means that is shaped and spaced to be able to be rotated while being fixed to the drum or shaft and be able to provide a newly exposed cleaning surface to protrude through a cleaning element slot.

One cleaning element assembly 81c (see FIG. 29) includes shaft member 69 or drum 81b, cleaning elements 52 (e.g. bristles) which provide a strike or cleaning surface or rotating or rotatable unwanted materials transferring surfaces, and end fixing members 82 which include washers, first slot member 82a, roller spacers 82b, sprung protruding pin member 86, spring 82d, and ratchet mechanism 82e. As shown in FIG. 29 ratchet mechanism 82e includes drum end cap 82f with inner ratchet teeth 82g and ratchet member 82h and non sprung protruding member 88 and second slot member 87.

Frame 51 includes wall members including a peripheral frame to surround a space to form an enclosed space or sub flooring chamber therein. Some of the wall members can be located as intermediate wall members in the space, between adjacent wall members of the perimeter frame to separate cleaning element assemblies from one another. Frame 51 includes a running or an upper surface 60 which is formed as part of a planar member 51 a having a plan area bordered by end edges which are at least space between and supported by adjacent wall members of the perimeter frame. Upper surface 60 is provided to enable a user or whatever part of the user is to be supported while operating the cleaning element assemblies to brush off at least a portion of unwanted material.

Each drum 81b has ends with end fixing members 82 attachable to frame 51 by a perimeter frame and wall members 63. End fixing members 82 are adapted to provide end support and allow each drum 81b and/or cleaning elements 52 to rotate when required and also be removable or be able to be installed, from or to the frame 51 for manufacture, assembly or repair, cleaning and replacement.

End fixing members 82 comprise at one end of the drum 81b, comprising a removable or sprung protruding pin member 86 centrally located which slidably interfits with a fixing means as a first slot member 82a in an adjacent an inside of the perimeter wall and at the other end of the same drum 81b there is a second slot member 87 and fixing means formed as a non sprung protruding member 88 located in the adjacent inside of perimeter wall which also slidably interfit together to allow rotation of the drum 81b with respect to the frame 51.

The slidable interfitting is comparable to a male-female type connection. Sprung protruding pin member 86 is for example cone shaped (other shapes are also possible) and first slot member 73 is cup shaped (other shapes are also possible), the second slot member 87 is for example square in shape and the non sprung protruding member 88 is square in shape. Non sprung protruding member 88 can include a square shape protruding member affixed to a drum cap 85 all attached to the inner wall surface of the perimeter frame. Drum cap 85 slides over an end of the roller 75 or drum 81b while protruding member 88 slots into second slot 87 of the drum 81b. The cone shape of pin member 86 has a narrowest end 86a and wide end 86b whereby the cone shape is positioned to protrude from the end of the roller or drum 81b with the widest end 86b attached and the narrowest end 86a outwardly protruding.

The end fixing members 82 as rotatably affixed to the ends of drum roller 75 and to the frame, also enables the drum 81b to rotate thereabout to allow the rotation of the cleaning elements such that the sprung protruding pin member 86 rotates within first slot member 73 and the second slot member 87 rotates with the drum 81b and drum cap 85 which rotates with the non sprung protruding pin member 88 within and with second slot member 87. As shown in FIG. 29 the sprung protruding pin member 86 includes at least one spring mounted within the cone shape to cause the cone shape to be kept in an extended outward position from the drum end whereby the spring is in an extended or relaxed shape. If the cone shape is pressed inwardly, the spring is compressed to allow the cleaning element to be inserted in the match cup of the first slot member 73.

As seen in FIG. 27 frame 51 includes a peripheral frame 51a comprising wall members supporting the upper surface 60 which provides a substantially horizontal walking surface. Upper surface 60 is formed as part of a planar member 51b which is moveably connected to one of the wall members by an optional hinge assembly (see FIGS. 27 and 28). The planar member 51b is formed as a panel or grid with side edges and sized to cover cleaning elements and be edge supported by the frame 51 or wall members. The panel 51b includes cleaning element slots 91 to receive at least a portion of the upwardly protruding bristles 52 (see FIG. 27 to see them having a portion protruding above frame and slots) and dust slots 92 to receive any of the unwanted material such as dust particles and/or fluid downwardly there through from any type of surface shape or object moving over the cleaning apparatus. Cleaning element slots 91 can be shaped with tapered slot walls to assist in gathering of any spread or splayed bristles.

In this example the hinge assembly as in FIG. 28 is formed by having along one edge bulbous or thickened rounded end 93 and extending at least a portion of one side edge of the planar member, to slidably interfit into an elongate complementary slot located on one top or upper edge of one of the wall members of the frame 51. Upper surface 60 includes at least a portion of anti skid or non skid texture members or any means to provide for a decrease in the likelihood of skidding thereon. For example the anti skid or non texture dirt transferring surfaces include any friction enhance material such as for example rubber disks. The cleaning apparatus 81a can also include a floor adapted to gather any material cleaned by the bristles. Drainage means can be included such as by drainage slots in the upper surface 60 of the panel and in the floor.

Shaft members 69, roller 75 or drum 81b can be operatively interconnected by gears or belts and or can be driven passively by foot strike of the bristles. At least one shaft member 69, roller 75 or drum 81b can also be mechanically driven. Alternatively, the shaft members 69, roller 75 and drum 8 lb are driven by active means including being motor driven. The bristles 52 can also function to interact with each other to drive the shaft members 69 or drum 80 which produces counter rotating shaft motion. The drums and bristles can be arranged to rotate in any desired rotational direction either in similar directions to other drums or in contra-rotating directions.

At least one ratchet mechanism. 82e (see FIG. 29) can be connected between adjacent shaft members, rollers or drums 81b whereby, rotating is restricted to one selected direction such that a ratchet stopping direction would be different in odd and even shaft member roller or drum positions. Ratchet mechanism 82e is located in at least one of the end fixing members 82 and includes the drum end cap 82f having inner ratchet teeth 82g and ratchet member 82h which includes body with non sprung protruding pin member 88 thereon and flexible resilient arms 82j. Arms 82j are shaped and oriented to engage one way with teeth 82g of the end cap 82f. At least one arm 82j is preferred. Strike energy as provided by a user or object to bit the a surface of each cleaning element, can be used to move or rotate the cleaning element and drum by movement of the ratchet mechanism.

Drum end cap 82f is fitted with ratchet member 82h having a body formed as a square shaped non protruding member 88, is fitted to an inner side of one of perimeter walls. Second slot member 87 is formed as a complementary shaped central depression at the end of the drum 81b.

The end fixing members 82 as rotatably affixed to the ends of drum roller 75 and to the frame, also enables the drum 81b to rotate thereabout to allow the rotation of the cleaning elements such that the sprung protruding pin member 86 rotates within first slot member 73 and the second slot member 87 rotates with the drum 81b which rotates with the non sprung protruding pin member 88 with second slot member 87.

As shown in the figures cleaning apparatus can be rectangular or square in area shape having a depth less than the area with a perimeter frame and intermediate wall members 51c, separating each cleaning element assembly 81c whereby a portion of bristles 52 upwardly protrude through cleaning element slots 91 and past a top edge of the frame 51 and panel 51b as seen in FIG. 27.

Advantages

• • a) The cleaning apparatus of the invention is able to provide a readily usable cleaning to any object, item or footwear held against or passing over the cleaning elements eg bristles or brushes or wipes. A simple side to side movement of the footwear if needed will aid the cleaning process.
  • b) As no water bath is provided in one option, there is no smearing of mud or dirt on the footwear.
  • c) The construction or apparatus is easy to use even in a mass user situation such as a shopping mall or walking track or path. By restricting much of the dirt, soil and water coming into a building on the soles of footwear to a relatively small area maintenance is made easier and safety is promoted.
  • d) The top of the grid or panel can be removed for ease of cleaning.
  • e) Removable parts or components for assembly, repair or replacement
  • f) Can be powered actively or passively
  • g) Any surface that is able to move or be moved over the cleaning apparatus can be cleaned
  • h) Any type of cleaning element is possible which can be made replaceable, including brushes, wipers
  • i) Can include heating, air or fluid to assist in cleaning and drying
  • j) Cleaning apparatus is adapted to provide a renewable continuous cleaning surface after use

Variations

Throughout the description of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Any type of surface that is presented to the cleaning apparatus such as moving or made to move can be cleaned by the cleaning apparatus such as for example feet, hooves, boxes or any object or being that touches the floor of the cleaning apparatus.

The cleaning elements can be any type of object that is adapted to present a suitable means for cleaning such as brushes, bristles, wipers or roughened surfaces which can be in clumps or discrete position or spaced. The cleaning elements can be oriented onto the drum 81b or shaft member 69 in or at any suitable angle as long as they are able to provide a protruding portion through the cleaning element slots which means that peripherally each set will be substantially in a vertical plane, though other plane may be possible as long as the slots 91 are oriented to match. Cleaning elements can be provided on the drum 81b or shaft member 69 in any suitable density eg spaced and/or continuous. Because the cleaning elements are rotatable by strike energy of a user, a new surface for cleaning can always be provided ie the cleaning elements continuously renew their position.

The cleaning elements 52 can be any means that is shaped to be able to be rotated while being fixed to the drum or shaft and be able to protrude through a cleaning element slot to present a cleaning surface. Therefore the cleaning elements 52 can be at least one bristle of any length and width and material type or can be a brush or wiper member(s) that can be replaceable integrally made with the drum, solid or hollow or could be a replaceable pad or a series of spaced or continuous pads or bands. In yet other variations, the cleaning elements can be flexible, solid or hollow spike like members. Furthermore the cleaning apparatus can include some form of agitating means to cause or enhance the removal of the unwanted material gathered by the cleaning surface of the cleaning elements 52. This agitating means can include at least one agitating member in the form of a protruding member located within the chamber or space under the lid or planar member which can be located by being attached to an inside surface of a suitable wall member of the frame 51, to protrude at least close to S each or at least one cleaning element set or to all or to some of the cleaning elements of each drum as required. The agitating member can be fixed or adjustable and be solid or flexible as required to dislodge any such material by either touching tapping or scrapping and be able to be activated or deactivated manually or automatically as required. The agitating member can include blowing with solids, air or fluid if desired.

The rotation of the ratchet mechanism 82e allows the new surfaces to be presented by transferring strike energy. The method of rotation uses surface material characteristics of the cleaning elements to make use of innate energy source of problem cause (usually foot traffic). Additional slots, proximate to the cleaning element slots 91 can be useful for facilitating the cleaning surface strike, to allow contamination easy unobstructed access to the sub flooring chamber for containment. Other slots can be provided to be used as means to access the sub flooring chamber by enabling the opening of the panel.

Frame 51 can be formed from a plate like material such as for example, plastics and/or metal such as steel and aluminium. The plate like material can be a solid piece of material or have various apertures and/or ribs or inserts. Alternatively the plate like material can be formed of at least a portion of mesh like or grid like material and can be made up of interchangeable or removable components or be foldable.

The frame 51 and components of the cleaning element assemblies can be formed by moulding or by extruding in one piece or in components or be formed as solid or hollow members. In this example, the cross section of the perimeter frame and walls can be formed of an upright slender member when in use, comprising two parallel vertical walls with intermediate cross members between the vertical walls and side flanges extending outwardly of the vertical walls. Also the hinge mechanism is located on a top of the vertical walls comprising an open channel whereas the rest of the top of the walls can be capped. Shaft member 69 and drum 80 can also be formed of any suitable material or be formed as a solid or hollow member. Drum 81b, rollers 75 and shaft member 69 can be solid or hollow and be integrally formed or be modular.

The end fixing members though shown as having one end of the axle, rollers 75, drum 81b or shaft member 69 being fixed and the abutting end on the perimeter wall fixed, this can be swapped around if required. Also the means of fixing the axle rollers 75, drum 81b or shaft member 69 to the perimeter frame can be varied by adding a downward slot to each end or one end to simply allow the ends of the axle roller 75, drum 81b or shaft to be slotted down into place and yet be rotationally and pivotally mounted. Alternatively, the end fixing can be made to be non removavble.

The slots 91 and 92 can be of any shape and spacing as required. The hinge assembly can utilize other means such as swapping the bulbous end and hinge slot from panel to top edge or utilizing a butt hinge or living hinge or even not using a hinge assembly at all but just allow the panel to clip into place. Locking means can also be provided to prevent unauthorized entry or removal of the cleaning apparatus and cleaning element assemblies.

Alternatively end fixing member 82 includes an end drum cap member 85 with a central aperture for a pin member 86 with fixing means including washers 72, roller spacers and end fixing 73 (eg nut). End support members 82 are arranged such that the sprung pin member 86 can be compressed to allow easy removal of the drum to effect cleaning or repair and replacement as required without having to replace the whole cleaning apparatus or remove the cleaning assembly from its fitting in the floor or ground. The number of cleaning elements 52 can be varied as well as the size or diameter and length of drum 81b.

The shapes of the sprung pin member 86 and first slot member can be varied as long as they both slidable interfit together. Also non sprung protruding member 88 and second slot member can also be varied in shape as long as they both interfit. Sprung protruding pin member 86 can be on the ends whereby at least one is spring loaded or affixed with a cotter pin or the pin member can be located in the middle of the cleaning apparatus to be just a simple pin member just to provide rotational support and not necessarily required to be affixed, though that is another option if required.

Heating, air and cleaning fluid can be added to the cleaning apparatus as optional extras which can be electrically powered (battery or mains electricity) or other thermal means of heating or manually operated as required. There can include air heating, walking surface heating and sub-walking surface cleaning fluid can be added to the current cleaning apparatus, as optional extras, which can be suitably powered and engaged as required. Feet not shown can be attached or be formed at a base of the wall members of the frame 51.

These can be fixed and/or adjustable. Also spraying mechanisms can also be used in combination with any of the above mentioned options to provide agitation, cleaning, cooling, heating, sterilizing, materials breakdown or pest control. Additionally sensors can be added to allow for automatic cleaning element rotation when tripped or wireless technology can be used to provide for remote checking and metering.

The cleaning apparatus can include a method of assembly which includes forming frame 51 by joining or connecting wall members to form a perimeter flame and optional intermediate wall members. Next attach part of end fixing members to adjacent inside wall member surfaces, then assemble each cleaning element assembly by attached other part of end fixing members to each end of the drum which will have the cleaning elements formed or assembled thereon. Next, attach each cleaning element assembly to the inside of the frame 51. Finally attach planar member or lid to top of frame and rotate down to cover the cleaning element assemblies leaving cleaning elements partially exposed through the cleaning element slots 91. This method can be varied like putting the lid on before inserting the cleaning element assemblies.

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described. It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as a “kit of Parts”, that such exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the method of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economics of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.

For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific apparatus illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Claims

1: A cleaning apparatus for removing at least some unwanted material from footwear, feet or an object, the apparatus comprising a frame, and at least one cleaning element, and at least one elongate drum, the frame providing an upper surface with at least one cleaning element slot therein, wherein each cleaning element including rotating or rotatable unwanted materials transferring surfaces, movably mounted to the frame on the end supported elongate drum, wherein at least a portion of the at least one cleaning element extending outwardly and upwardly through the at least one cleaning element slot whereby at least one cleaning element is adapted to be driven so as to rotate in a certain plane through the at least one cleaning element slot to provide newly exposed unwanted materials transferring surfaces.

2: The cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the frame includes a peripheral frame comprising wall members supporting the upper surface which provides a substantially horizontal walking surface and surrounds an enclosed space therein, wherein the upper surface is formed as part of a planar member which is hinged to one of the wall members.

3: The cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein the planar member includes a member having a plan area bordered by end edges, the area being sized to span between and be supported on top of the wall members and is provided with the at least one cleaning element slot for each bristle set and also is provided with slots to receive any unwanted materials wherein each cleaning element slot has tapered walls to assist with keeping the bristles together.

4: The cleaning apparatus of claim 3 wherein the cleaning elements can be any means that is shaped to be able to be rotated while being fixed to the drum or shaft and be able to protrude through a cleaning element slot to present a cleaning surface wherein the cleaning elements are at least one bristle or wiper member which is movably peripherally supported on a shaft member at an angle which is the elongate drum so that the bristles are outwardly protruding peripherally in a set of bristles in a certain plane which are spaced along the drum, and the drum is movably end supported by end fixing members to the peripheral frame.

5: The cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the end fixing members comprise at one end of the drum, a removable or sprung protruding pin member centrally located which slidably interfits with a fixing means as a first slot member in an adjacent perimeter wall and at the other end of the same drum, there is a second slot member located in one end of the drum and fixing means being a non sprung protruding member located in the adjacent perimeter wall which also slidably interfit together to allow rotation of one drum and bristles with respect to the frame wherein the end fixing members as rotatably affixed to the ends of drum roller and to the frame, also enables the drum to rotate thereabout to allow the rotation of the cleaning elements such that the sprung protruding pin member rotates within first slot member and the second slot member rotates with the drum and the drum cap which rotates with the non sprung protruding pin member with and within second slot member.

6: The cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the sprung protruding pin member is cone shaped and first slot member is cup shaped, the second slot member is square in shape and the non sprung protruding member is rectangular in shape, the cone shape having wide end and narrow end wherein the wide end is affixed to the drum and the sprung protruding pin member includes at least one spring mounted within the cone shape to cause the cone shape to be kept in an extended outward position with the spring in an relaxed or uncompressed shape and if the cone shape is pressed inwardly the spring is compressed.

7: The cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein the drum including cleaning elements, can be removed from the peripheral frame to enable cleaning repair or replacement of any part of the cleaning apparatus without having to remove the cleaning apparatus from the floor or ground.

8: The cleaning apparatus of claim 7 wherein the shaft member or drum can be substantially horizontally oriented with the bristles being oriented in a substantially vertical plane and being rotatably supported by the perimeter frame to suspend the cleaning element assemblies to enable them to rotate in any desired rotational direction either in similar directions to other drums or in contra-rotating directions.

9: The cleaning apparatus of claim 8 wherein a cleaning element assembly includes cleaning elements, at least one shaft member or drum, and end fixing members.

10: The cleaning apparatus of claim 9 wherein the wall members of the frame include wall members separating each cleaning element assembly, and the frame includes a floor.

11: The cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the bristles of adjacent cleaning element assemblies do not intermesh with each other or the bristles of adjacent assemblies intermesh with each other.

12: The cleaning apparatus of claim 11 wherein the upper surface includes at least a portion of anti skid or non skid texture members or any means to provide for a decrease in the likelihood of skidding thereon wherein the anti skid or non texture dirt transferring surfaces include fiction increasing material.

13: The cleaning apparatus of claim 12 wherein the shaft members can be operatively interconnected by gears or belts.

14: The cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the shaft members can be driven passively by strike by the object or foot of the bristles.

15: The cleaning apparatus of claim 14 wherein the at least one shaft member is mechanically driven.

16: The cleaning apparatus of claim 15 wherein the shaft members are driven by active means including being motor driven.

17: The cleaning apparatus of claim 16 wherein the bristles function to interact with each other to drive the shaft members which produces counter rotating shaft motion.

18: The cleaning apparatus of claim 17 wherein at least one ratchet mechanism can be connected between adjacent shaft members, rollers or drums whereby, rotating is restricted to one selected direction such that a ratchet stopping direction would be different in odd and even shaft member positions wherein the ratchet mechanism is located in at least one of the end fixing members wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a drum end cap with inner ratchet teeth that operative engage with resilient arms, the drum end cap being slidably attached to an end of the drum which is also connected to the perimeter frame wall and the resilient arms are formed as part of the non sprung protruding member being located within the drum end cap and which is affixed to the drum end.

19: The cleaning apparatus of claim 18 wherein air heating, walking surface heating and sub-walking surface cleaning fluid can be added to the cleaning apparatus, which can be suitably powered and engaged to be dispensed as required.

20: The cleaning apparatus of claim 19 wherein the cleaning apparatus includes at least one agitating member positioned to cause or enhance the removal of the unwanted material gathered by the cleaning surface of the cleaning elements wherein the agitating member is located underneath the planar member and attached to the frame to protrude to be able to at least touch by taping or scrapping the cleaning elements.