Abstract: The invention provides an endless rotary band cleaning device comprising an endless cleaning band mounted on three rollers disposed parallel to each other, namely: a drive roller, a guide roller and a secondary roller disposed in the space between the other two rollers. These rollers are arranged so that the lower part of the band follows a sinuous path comprising an upgoing path in which the band is washed and a downgoing path after which the band is impregnated with cleaning liquid. The upper part of the band situated between the drive roller and the guide roller serves as cleaning area.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning apparatus for household use includes a horizontal rotary brush to clean a toe portion of the sole of a shoe, a reciprocating brush to clean a heel portion of the shoe, and a vertical oscillating brush to clean side portions of the shoe. All the brushes are driven by a single motor which, along with the brushes, is mounted in a housing. A shoe rest bar extends across the housing between the rotary brush and the reciprocating brush. A user of the apparatus places an instep of the shoe on his foot on the shoe rest bar and pivots about the bar to vary the degree of engagement between portions of the shoe and the rotary and reciprocating brushes. The rotary brush includes baffles which cooperate with the rotary brush to create an airflow to carry away material removed from the shoe to a filter bag.

Abstract: A machine is provided for cleaning and polishing a bowling ball and for removing dirt and debris from the soles of shoes. The machine includes: a ball cleaning and polishing apparatus adapted for receiving a bowling ball at the top of the machine; a shoe cleaning apparatus in the lower front of the machine for cleaning the soles of shoes of the user while the ball cleaning mechanism cleans the ball; and interrelating controls that regulate the operation of the cleaning apparatus. The controls activate the ball cleaning apparatus when the user has inserted the appropriate coin or coins in the machine and has completely enclosed the ball in the machine's housing. They will activate the shoe cleaning apparatus only when the ball cleaning mechanism is activated and while the user holds a spring loaded switch closed. A display structure is included for displaying educational or advertising material to the user while he or she use the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for cleaning the soles of shoes such as bowling shoes. A rotary brush for cleaning leather shoe soles and an elastomeric roller for cleaning rubber shoe soles are mounted on a hinged platform along with a drive motor and a fan which is used to dry the shoes. The machine is equipped with a solid state circuit which provides an attract sound periodically and a sound which simulates the sound of an electric motor during operation. A power boost arrangement permits operation of the machine at a high speed and provides a sound simulating high speed operation of the motor.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning device primarily intended for domestic use includes an elongated casing with an open top end; a pair of parallel rollers rotatably mounted in the casing; pads carried by the rollers, the pad on one roller having a deep pile for picking up cleaning water and for removing dirt from the bottom of a shoe sole when the sole is rubbed against the roller, the second roller constantly engaging the first roller and having a shorter, brush-like pile for removing dirt from the first roller. The first roller is slidably mounted in the casing for movement between a rest position and an operating position, in which the roller moves downwardly against the bias of springs into contact with the cleaning water. The springs return the first roller to the rest position at the end of a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A floor mat apparatus comprises a length of synthetic plastic material having a high plasticizer content, and therefore having a tacky surface to collect dirt and bacteria, trained about rollers one of which is driven by a motor to bring fresh portions of the mat to the upper stretch between rollers across which people walk to a clean-room area. Portions of the mat leaving the upper stretch are washed and dried before returning to the upper stretch.

Abstract: The device has a motor with an elongated shaft rotated thereby. Mounted on the shaft is a flexible wire or nylon brush for cleaning leather soles of shoes. Also attached to the shaft is a rubber wheel for cleaning the rubber soles and heels of shoes. The motor, shaft, brush and rubber wheel are attached to a spring supported platform such that when pressure is applied to the rubber wheel or brush, the platform will move in a vertically downward direction thus maintaining the proper amount of pressure between the shoe and cleaning implement. The device is also provided with a coin operated switch controlling a timer for activating the motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for quickly and easily removing the soil from the lower portions of shoes by means of powered brushes adapted to the contours of the shoe and including means for self-cleaning the brushes and collecting the soil.

Abstract: A support structure is provided for recessing below the upper surface of a floor or walk and an elongated horizontal grill is mounted from the support structure and includes a plurality of elongated horizontally laterally spaced apart grill members spaced longitudinally along and extending transversely of the grill. The grill members are free of interconnecting structure throughout substantial portions of their length aligned longitudinally of the grill and a pair of parallel rollers are journaled from the support structure and spaced beneath the grill with the rollers extending longitudinally of the grill and transversely of the grill members. A wide endless flexible belt is trained about the rollers and includes outwardly projecting bristles projectable upwardly through the generally vertical slots defined between adjacent grill members. A motor is supported from the support structure and drivingly connected to one of the rollers whereby the belt may be orbited about the rollers.

Abstract: A device for cleaning shoe soles, which can be stepped over, includes a grid with cylindrical rings having engaged surfaces and forming circular passages through the grid. A frame encloses these rings and has vertical pins extending through the axes of the rings. The cleaning brushes are plate-like and ring shaped and are rotatable upon these pins. The brushes extend into the circular passages of the grid. The pins also carry upper round plates, whereby the plates and the rings constitute edge supports for the brushes.