Station for rinsing and drying at least one foot of a user

Abstract

The invention relates to a station (10) for rinsing and drying at least one foot of a user (11), comprising: - an opening (70) at a small distance from the ground, which opening is dimensioned so as to allow at least one foot of a user (11) to pass through and is defined by at least two edges (72a, 72b) positioned approximately in a first plane (P1) that forms an angle of greater than 30° with the ground; - a rinsing device (24) comprising at least one pair of first and second rinsing nozzles (28a, 28b) which are configured to spray a stream of water; - a drying device (26) comprising at least one pair of first and second drying nozzles (46a, 46b) which are configured to eject a stream of air; - the rinsing and drying nozzles (28a, 28b, 46a, 46b) being positioned at the edges (72a, 72b) so as to clean and dry all the surfaces of the foot when said foot passes through the opening (70).

Description

[0001] Rinse and dry station at least one foot from a user

[0002] The present application relates to a rinsing and drying terminal for at least one foot of a user, and more particularly to a rinsing and drying terminal adapted to be arranged around a sandy beach, a swimming pool or even a playground or a sports ground. Other applications of the present invention can be envisaged, for example in public restrooms or others.

[0003] Beach areas, whether by the sea or a lake, are sometimes equipped with a water point that includes a shower or a tap and allows the public to rinse all or part of their body, for example to get rid of sand, salt or any other deposits on the body. Although this type of water point provides many services, its effectiveness for rinsing feet is limited.

[0004] Indeed, we find that it is sometimes difficult to rinse your feet properly using a simple tap or shower, especially when the deposit to be rinsed adheres strongly to the user's feet, which is the case with fine sand for example.

[0005] With existing solutions, you often have to bend down to press the button and try to get enough pressure to remove the sand from between your toes.

[0006] The applicant further submits that the solutions known to date are unsightly and degrade the environment. The applicant also submits that the known solutions most often result in areas that are soiled and / or flooded due to a lack of water recovery.

[0007] In addition, after rinsing, the feet are wet and it is difficult to avoid getting them dirty again when leaving the water point. This means putting wet feet back into open or closed shoes, at the risk of causing fungal infections or burns when walking due to the friction of wet feet, sometimes with sand still clinging to them.

[0008] Also, this type of water point is rarely suitable for use by people with reduced mobility who cannot bend down easily to access the button, who cannot bend down to scrub and remove sand or impurities, or who no longer have the strength to balance on one foot, or raise their leg high enough to rinse properly, without being able to hold on to avoid falling. Not to mention the push buttons that are degraded and difficult to activate or that remain stuck, discharging excessive and wasted quantities of water.

[0009] GB2314015 proposes a tub that has an upper opening through which a foot to be cleaned is inserted. This opening is distant from the ground. This tub is equipped with a multitude of water jets positioned on the periphery of the opening and oriented towards the center and the bottom of the tub. In addition, the tub is equipped with two drying nozzles positioned at the front of the tub and oriented so as to blow air towards the rear and downwards. This embodiment is not satisfactory because it is necessary to lift the foot to a certain height to pass it over the edge of the tub in order to introduce it into the tub via the opening. According to another disadvantage, the drying of the foot is not satisfactory.

[0010] Document US2010 / 0043137 proposes a solution similar to that described in document GB2314015. According to this document US2010 / 0043137, a device for rinsing and drying a foot comprises a tub with an upper opening through which a foot to be cleaned is introduced, a tap positioned above the tub for rinsing the foot, and a drying nozzle positioned at the front of the tub and oriented so as to blow air backwards. This embodiment has the same drawbacks as that described in document GB2314015.

[0011] Document CN213001337 proposes a device for rinsing and drying a foot comprising a rinsing chamber and a drying compartment separate from the rinsing device. The rinsing chamber comprises an upwardly offset opening for introducing the foot. This arrangement is not practical because it is necessary to lift the foot to a relatively large height to introduce it into the rinsing chamber. In addition, since the drying compartment is offset from the rinsing chamber, it is not easy for a user to maintain balance while removing the foot from the rinsing chamber until it is introduced into the drying compartment. According to one embodiment, the drying compartment comprises a front opening through which the foot is introduced as well as an air nozzle positioned on one side of the compartment and oriented so as to blow air on only one side of the foot. Consequently, drying is not satisfactory.

[0012] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art. To this end, the invention aims to propose a terminal for rinsing and drying at least one foot of a user which is ergonomic and hygienic, which allows both effective rinsing and drying of the feet in a comfortable and secure position, in a minimum of time while limiting water waste.

[0013] This objective, as well as others that will become apparent upon reading the following description, is achieved with a terminal for rinsing and drying at least one foot of a user, which comprises: a rinsing area positioned at ground level and sized to contain at least one foot of a user, at least one structure attached to the rinsing area, a rinsing device comprising at least one pair of first and second rinsing nozzles configured to project a flow of water in first and second water flow directions respectively, a drying device comprising at least one pair of first and second drying nozzles configured to project a flow of air in first and second air flow directions respectively.

[0014] According to the invention, the structure comprises an opening delimited by at least two edges positioned approximately in a first plane forming an angle greater than 30° with the rinsing area and on either side of a second plane, the opening being sized to allow the passage of at least one foot of a user and slightly spaced from the rinsing area. In addition, the first rinsing and drying nozzles are positioned at the first edge of the opening and the second rinsing and drying nozzles are positioned at the second edge of the opening, the first and second directions of water flow and air flow forming with the first plane an angle less than 60°, the first directions of air flow and water flow having a component towards the second edge, the second directions of air flow and water flow having a component towards the first edge.

[0015] According to this arrangement, the arrangement of the rinsing and drying nozzles at the opening makes it possible to clean and dry all surfaces of the foot when the latter passes through the opening. Furthermore, the positioning of the opening provides the terminal with better ergonomics. Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description of the invention, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rinse and dry terminal illustrating one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Figure 2 is a front view of the rinse and dry terminal shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rinse and dry terminal shown in Figure 1 in use by a user,

[0018] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view along axis 4-4 of Figure 2.

[0019] In the description and the claims, the terminology longitudinal, vertical and transverse will be adopted without limitation with reference to the trihedron L, V, T indicated in the figures, considering that the rinsing terminal is arranged on a horizontal floor.

[0020] Also, the expressions “low” and “high” will be used without limitation in reference to the upper part and the lower part respectively of figure 1.

[0021] Throughout these figures, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs and distinguished by the letters “a” and “b”.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a terminal 10 for rinsing and drying at least one foot of a user 11 visible in Figure 3. The terminal 10 comprises a platform 12 and a structure 14 which is integral with the platform 12.

[0023] The platform 12 is intended to be anchored on a flat and preferably horizontal ground. Also, the platform 12 includes a rinsing area 16 for the feet of the user 11. In addition, the platform 12 is designed to be substantially flush with the ground on which it rests to facilitate access for people with reduced mobility.

[0024] It will also be noted that the platform 12 is sufficiently large and that the rinsing area 16 is substantially in the center of the platform 12, to limit the arrival of sand or other particles within the rinsing area 16.

[0025] The structure 14 of the terminal 10 comprises a column 18 which extends generally vertically from the platform 12. In addition, the structure 14 comprises a first pair of arms comprising a first arm 20a and a second arm 20b which extend from the platform 12 to a middle section of the column 18, and a second pair of arms comprising a third arm 22a and a fourth arm 22b which extend from the platform 12 to an upper section of the column 18. The first pair of arms 20a, 20b and the second pair of arms 22a, 22b promote the mechanical strength of the column 18 by connecting it to the platform 12. Also, the first pair of arms 20a, 20b, the second pair of arms 22a, 22b and the column 18 are tubular, to allow the passage of conduits and cables as described by the following.

[0026] In addition, the second pair of arms 22a, 22b forms a pair of handles which allow the user 11 to hold on to them so as not to lose their balance. It will be noted that the terminal 10 has a general symmetrical design along a plane P of vertical and longitudinal symmetry, shown in Figure 2.

[0027] Terminal 10 comprises a rinsing device 24 and a drying device 26 for the feet of the user 11.

[0028] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the rinsing device 24 comprises a first rinsing nozzle 28a which is oriented towards the rinsing area 16, that is to say generally downwards towards the platform 12, to spray water onto the top of a foot, or feet, of the user 11. In addition, the rinsing device 24 comprises a second rinsing nozzle 30a which is oriented generally upwards, away from the platform 12, so as to spray water onto the underside of a foot of the user 11 when the foot of the user 11 is detached from the rinsing area 16. By symmetry along the plane P of symmetry, the rinsing device 24 comprises a third rinsing nozzle 28b which is transversely opposite the first rinsing nozzle 28a, and a fourth rinsing nozzle 30b which is transversely opposite the second rinsing nozzle 30a.

[0029] Thus, the first rinsing nozzle 28a and the second rinsing nozzle 30a are arranged to rinse a first side of the user's foot 11 and the third rinsing nozzle 28b and the fourth rinsing nozzle 30b are arranged to rinse a second, opposite side of the user's foot 11.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2, the first rinsing nozzle 28a and the second rinsing nozzle 30a are mounted on the first arm 20a of the structure 14. By symmetry, the third rinsing nozzle 28b and the fourth rinsing nozzle 30b are mounted on the second opposite arm 20b of the structure 14.

[0031] As can be seen in Figure 4, the terminal 10 is connected to a source 31 of pressurized water which supplies the rinsing nozzles 28a, 30a, 28b, 30b with water via a first supply conduit 32 shown schematically in Figure 4. The first supply conduit 32 extends inside the tubular structure 14. By way of non-limiting example, the rinsing terminal 10 may be equipped with a compressor designed to increase the pressure of the water flowing through the rinsing nozzles 28a, 30a, 28b, 30b to increase the rinsing efficiency. In addition, the rinsing terminal 10 is equipped with a control device 34 which comprises a touch screen 36 designed to allow the user 11 to control the activation of the rinsing nozzles 28a, 30a, 28b, 30b.

[0032] This touch screen 36 can also serve as a means of communication and information to provide information to its user (weather data, tourist information, etc.).

[0033] For this purpose, the control device 34 comprises an electronic management unit 38 which cooperates with the touch screen 36 and which controls a first solenoid valve 40 mounted on the first water supply pipe 32. Without limitation, the first solenoid valve 40 can be controlled automatically by detecting the presence of a foot by means of a suitable sensor (not shown). This sensor, in addition to detecting the presence of a foot, is also designed to determine and analyze the quantity of sand in the foot and adapt the washing accordingly.

[0034] This will involve, for example, image processing to evaluate a quantity of sand and generate a control signal to trigger washing according to a calculated quantity of water. To promote the evacuation of the rinsing water, the rinsing area 16 forms a bowl 42 which is equipped with a duct 44 for discharging the rinsing waste water.

[0035] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the drying device 26 comprises a first drying nozzle 46a which is designed to blow air towards the rinsing area 16, on the foot of the user 11. The first drying nozzle 46a is mounted on the first arm 20a of the structure 14, and it is for example interposed between the first rinsing nozzle 28a and the second rinsing nozzle 30a. By symmetry along the plane P of symmetry, the drying device 26 comprises a second drying nozzle 46b which is transversely opposite the first drying nozzle 46a. Thus, the first drying nozzle 46a is oriented so as to promote the drying of a first side of the foot of the user 11 and the second drying nozzle 46b is oriented so as to promote the drying of a second opposite side of the foot of the user 11.

[0036] It will be noted that the drying nozzles 46a, 46b participate in washing the feet of the user 11 by mechanical action, with an efficiency which depends in particular on the power of the air flow ejected by the drying nozzles 46a, 46b. The water flow ejected by the rinsing nozzles 28a, 30a, 28b, 30b then acts above all as a solvent which reduces the adhesion effects of the deposit on the feet to be washed, which makes it possible to limit the consumption of water used. Also, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the rinsing terminal 10 comprises a blower 48 which is driven by an electric motor 50 and which supplies the drying nozzles 46a, 46b with pressurized air via a conduit 52 shown schematically.

[0037] The blower 48 and the associated motor 50 are housed inside the tubular column 18. The touch screen 36 of the control device 34 allows the user 11 to control the activation of the blower 48 to supply the drying nozzles 46a, 46b with air. It also allows the broadcasting of remotely controlled and updated messages. By way of non-limiting example, the activation of the blower 48 can be controlled automatically by detecting the presence of a foot by means of a suitable sensor (not shown). This sensor, in addition to detecting the presence of a foot, is also configured to determine and analyze the quantity of sand in the foot and adapt the washing accordingly.

[0038] It will be noted that the terminal 10 is connected to an electrical energy source via a connection box 54. Without limitation, the terminal 10 may be equipped with an autonomous electricity production device (not shown) which comprises for example a photovoltaic (or wind) panel and which supplies electricity to the terminal 10.

[0039] Finally, as can be seen in Figure 4, the rinsing terminal 10 comprises a fountain 56 which comprises a spout 58 for discharging drinking water and a receptacle 60 which is arranged directly above the spout 58. The receptacle 60 is connected to the wastewater discharge pipe 44 by a pipe 61 shown schematically in Figure 4. The spout 58 of the fountain 56 is connected to the water source 31 via a second supply pipe 62. The fountain 56 is mounted on the column 18 of the structure 14 of the terminal 10, longitudinally opposite the rinsing device 24 and the drying device 26, to allow a user to use the fountain 56 while at the same time another user rinses their feet with the rinsing device 24. In addition, the column 18 carries a push button 64 which is associated to a second solenoid valve 66 to control the water supply to the spout 58 of the fountain 56.This spout is limited in its water flow rate to only dispense a programmed quantity of water into the device, so as not to spill and waste drinking water. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown, the rinsing nozzles 28a, 30a, 28b, 30b are designed to eject a flow of water and a flow of air simultaneously. This variant makes it possible to limit water consumption when rinsing the user's feet.

[0040] According to a preferred variant, it is therefore possible to combine a mixture comprising a water flow for rinsing and an air flow for drying. This mixture is produced in the cleaning cavity via an injection ramp composed of adjacent or combined water nozzles and air blades.

[0041] Adjusting the flow rates and jet direction optimizes the removal of deposits and limits splashes that can escape from the cavity. It should be noted here that drying is carried out by activating the air flow only, at its maximum power.

[0042] The shape of the cavity and the jets on the foot allow for optimal cleaning.

[0043] It should also be noted that the present invention meets constraints of mechanical size, internal and external sealing and thermal management. The design of the present invention in fact meets thermal constraints linked to heating (due to components and radiation) which can lead to the safety of the device and its unavailability.

[0044] To meet these constraints, it is possible to plan the implementation of an internal water / air heat exchanger and / or a water exchanger integrated into the engine.

[0045] Alternatively (or in addition), a self-cooled solar shield by natural convection can also be provided on all these surfaces (e.g.: openwork wooden cladding at the bottom and top, spaced a few centimeters from the casing, allowing natural air circulation). It is also envisaged that the evaporation of the rinse water via a medium in contact with the casing. All or part of the rinse water is then captured by the medium (foam / felt) installed in the evacuation zone and rising along the casing of the device. This water rises by capillarity (or actively) along the equipment and ensures its cooling by evaporation. A water top-up through nozzles installed on the upper part of the casing can be considered in the event of high heat. This active supply circuit is connected to the water supply circuit of the device and is triggered via a temperature sensor.

[0046] To limit the dispersion of water around the rinsing area 16, the rinsing and drying terminal 10 comprises at least one wall 76. According to one arrangement, the terminal 10 comprises two walls 76, 76' (visible in FIG. 1), a first wall 76 which extends between the floor, the first arm 20a and the column 18 as well as a second wall 76' which extends between the floor, the second arm 20b and the column 18. These first and second walls 75, 76' may be slightly curved towards the outside of the rinsing area 16. These first and second walls 76, 76' are configured to direct the used water towards the bowl 42 in order to collect it and possibly recycle it.

[0047] Finally, a green space can also be considered for receiving / covering the device, which covers it up to the evacuation area. This green system takes advantage of the rinsing water and allows for cooling by evaporation, hydration of the vegetation and sun protection. In order to optimize water consumption, capture means (camera or other) are provided to detect the size and shape of a foot. Ultrasonic sensors or a camera system associated with AI software capable of implementing image processing algorithms to identify the desired information are envisaged. Preferably, these means can also be configured to detect the quality and volume of sand on the foot in order to adapt the washing and drying of the foot.

[0048] Naturally, the invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that a person skilled in the art is able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other.

[0049] Regardless of the embodiment, the rinsing and drying terminal 10 comprises a rinsing area 16 positioned at ground level and sized to contain at least one foot of a user 11, at least one structure 14 attached to the rinsing area 16, a rinsing device 24 comprising at least one pair of first and second rinsing nozzles 28a, 28b configured to project a flow of water in first and second water flow directions respectively, and a drying device 26 comprising at least one pair of first and second drying nozzles 46a, 46b configured to project a flow of air in first and second air flow directions respectively.

[0050] According to the invention, the structure 14 has an opening 70 delimited by at least two edges 72a, 72b positioned approximately in a first plane PI (visible in FIG. 4), the opening 70 being sized to allow the passage of at least one foot of a user 11 and slightly spaced from the rinsing area 16. By slightly spaced from the rinsing area 16, it is meant that the opening 70 is separated from the rinsing area 16 by a distance of less than 15 cm. According to another point, the first plane PI forms with the rinsing area 16 an angle a greater than 30°, less than 150°. According to one arrangement, the edges 72a, 72b are positioned on either side of a second plane P2 (which may be the vertical plane P of symmetry, a horizontal plane or a plane more or less inclined relative to the vertical plane P of symmetry). According to one configuration, the plane P2 is perpendicular to the plane PI and intersecting with the opening 70.

[0051] According to the invention, the first rinsing and drying nozzles 28a, 46a are positioned at the first edge 72a of the opening 70 and the second rinsing and drying nozzles 28b, 46b are positioned at the second edge 72b, the first and second directions of water flow and air flow forming with the first plane PI an angle of less than 60°, the first directions of air flow and water flow having a component in the direction of the second edge 72b, the second directions of air flow and water flow having a component in the direction of the first edge 72a.

[0052] Thus, when the user's foot 11 passes through the opening 70, both sides of the foot are simultaneously impacted by the water flows exiting the first and second rinsing nozzles 28a, 28b and then by the air flows exiting the first and second drying nozzles 46a, 46b. Thus, the foot is correctly cleaned and dried. The fact that the opening 70 is close to the ground and inclined facilitates the use of the terminal 10.

[0053] To improve ergonomics, the opening 70 intersects with the rinsing area 16. According to this arrangement, the first and second edges 72a, 72b comprise first and second lower ends 74a, 74b at the rinsing area 16 spaced from each other.

[0054] According to one configuration, the first plane PI forms an angle of between 45° and 60° with the rinsing area 16. According to one embodiment, the first and second edges correspond respectively to the first and second arms 20a, 20b of the first pair of arms.

[0055] The first and second edges 72a, 72b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane P of symmetry.

[0056] To improve drying, the first and second airflow directions form an angle of less than or equal to 10° with the first plane PI. In addition, the first and second airflow directions form an angle of less than or equal to 10° with a direction parallel to the rinsing area 16. The first and second nozzles 46a, 46b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane P of symmetry.

[0057] To improve cleaning, the first and second directions of water flow form with the first plane PI an angle less than or equal to 10°. According to one configuration, the rinsing device 24 comprises first and second pairs of first and second rinsing nozzles 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b, the first and second nozzles of the first pair 28, 28b being positioned above a horizontal plane PH, having first and second water flows having a downwardly oriented component and being intended to clean the top of the foot, the first and second nozzles of the second pair 30a, 30b being positioned below the horizontal plane PH, having first and second water flows having an upwardly oriented component and being intended to clean the bottom of the foot.

[0058] For each pair, the first and second rinsing nozzles 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b are positioned symmetrically with respect to the vertical plane P of symmetry.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Rinsing and drying station (10) for at least one foot of a user (11), comprising a rinsing area (16) positioned at ground level and sized to contain at least one foot of a user (11), at least one structure (14) attached to the rinsing area (16), a rinsing device (24) comprising at least one pair of first and second rinsing nozzles (28a, 28b) configured to project a water flow in first and second water flow directions respectively, and a drying device (26) comprising at least one pair of first and second drying nozzles (46a, 46b) configured to project an air flow in first and second air flow directions respectively, characterized in that the structure (14) comprises an opening (70) delimited by at least two edges (72a,72b) positioned approximately in a first plane (PI) forming an angle greater than 30° with the rinsing area (16) and on either side of a second plane (P2), the opening (70) being sized to allow the passage of at least one foot of a user (11) and closely spaced from the rinsing area (16), and in that the first rinsing and drying nozzles (28a, 46a) are positioned at the first edge (72a) of the opening (70) and the second rinsing and drying nozzles (28b, 46b) are positioned at the second edge (72b) of the opening (70), the first and second directions of water and air flow forming an angle of less than 60° with the first plane (PI), the first directions of air and water flow having a component in the direction of the second edge (72b), the second directions of flow of air and water flow having a component in the direction of the first edge (72a).

2. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening (70) is secant with the rinsing area (16).

3. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second airflow directions form with the first plane (PI) an angle less than or equal to (10°) and with a direction parallel to the rinsing area (16) an angle less than or equal to 10°.

4. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second directions of water flow form with the first plane (PI) an angle less than or equal to 10°.

5. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rinsing device (24) comprises first and second pairs of first and second rinsing nozzles (28a, 28b, 30a, 30b), the first and second nozzles of the first pair (28, 28b) being positioned above a horizontal plane (PH) and having first and second water flows having a downwardly oriented component, the first and second nozzles of the second pair (30a, 30b) being positioned below the horizontal plane (PH) and having first and second water flows having an upwardly oriented component.

6. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second edges (72a, 72b), the first and second rinsing nozzles (28a, 28b, 30a, 30b) of each pair as well as the first and second drying nozzles (46a, 46b) are positioned symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane (P) of symmetry.

7. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control device (34) which is designed to selectively control rinsing and drying by means of the rinsing nozzles (28a, 28b, 30a, 30b) and the drying nozzles (46a, 46b) respectively.

8. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a blower (48) which is electrically driven and which supplies the drying nozzle (46a) with air.

9. Rinsing and drying station (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fountain (56) which includes a water outlet spout (58) and a wastewater receptacle (60), the fountain (56) being mounted on the structure (14) of the rinsing station (10).

10. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (14) comprises a column (18) extending from a platform (12) and at least one pair of first and second arms (20a, 20b) each extending from the platform (12) to said column (18), the first arm (20a) corresponding to the first edge (72a), the second arm (20b) corresponding to the second edge (72b).

11. Rinsing and drying station (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the station (10) comprises a first wall (76) extending between the floor, the first arm (20a) and column (18) as well as a second wall (76') which extends between the ground, the second arm (20b) and column (18).

12. Rinsing and drying station (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, characterized in that the structure (14) comprises a second pair of arms including a third arm (22a) and a fourth arm (22b) which extend from the platform (12) to an upper section of the column (18) and which form a pair of handles.

13. Rinsing and drying terminal (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the structure (14) is tubular to allow the passage of conduits and cables through said structure (14).

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