Washing station

Abstract

A washing station comprising: a base tray; a porous platform positionable over the base tray upon which a user or an object can be rinsed; and a receptacle associated with the base tray, wherein rinsing liquid and debris is configured to travel through the porous platform for collection in the receptacle.

Description

[0001] Washing station

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a washing station. I n particular, there is disclosed a washing station for rinsing and collecting debris from a user or an object.

[0004] Background

[0005] After returning from a location such as the beach, one’s feet and / or shoes may be covered in debris such as sand. It is common to rinse such debris off from oneself before entering one’s home so that the debris does not enter the home. This can involve rinsing the debris at a proximate location, such as one's driveway. With repeated rinsing over time, significant amounts of such debris can collect and be inconvenient to dispose of. Additionally, the debris may continue to collect on oneself (e.g., from walking on the debris) . Of course, there are many other situations where debris needs to be rinsed off, such as rinsing dirt from objects such as bicycles and trailers. However, having the rinsed debris collect or scatter randomly at a location such as one's driveway is not a convenient nor clean method of disposing of the debris.

[0006] There is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0007] Summary

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing station comprising: a base tray; a porous platform positionable over the base tray upon which a user or object can be rinsed; and a receptacle associated with the base tray, wherein rinsing liquid and debris is configured to travel through the porous platform for collection in the receptacle. The receptacle may be housed within the base tray and may be removable therefrom to permit disposal of debris collected within the receptacle.

[0009] I n certain embodiments, the base tray comprises a sloped surface underlying the porous platform configured to receive and direct toward the receptacle the rinsing liquid and debris.

[0010] The base tray of the washing station may have a lip overhanging at the housing of the receptacle, wherein the lip overhang directs the rinsing liquid and debris toward the receptacle.

[0011] It is envisaged that the receptacle is disposed toward one end of the base tray and the sloped surface slopes downwardly toward the receptacle from an opposite end of the base tray.

[0012] The receptacle in the washing station may also comprise a discharge outlet via which rinsing liquid collected in the receptacle can be discharged. For example, the discharge outlet may be securable to a hose through which the rinsing liquid collected in the receptacle can be discharged. Preferably, the discharge outlet is disposed at a distance above the floor of the receptacle. I n some embodiments, the discharge outlet of the receptacle further comprises a filter. Preferably, the filter is threadbly fitted into the discharge outlet.

[0013] Preferably, the porous platform is arrangeable on the base tray so as to house the receptacle therebeneath. Even more preferably, in situ, an upper surface of the porous platform is substantially flush with an upper edge of the base tray.

[0014] I n certain embodiments, the porous platform comprises a handle to permit removal of the platform from the base tray. It is also envisaged that the receptacle is houseable in a recess of the base tray. The base tray may comprise upwardly projecting ribbing for supporting the porous platform thereon.

[0015] I n some embodiments, the receptacle comprises a handle to permit removal of the receptacle from the washing station.

[0016] I n some embodiments, the base tray comprises a handle to permit moving and carrying of the washing station.

[0017] The base tray may also comprise a drain outlet for removing the rinsing liquid.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of rinsing debris from a user or an object using a washing station according to a first aspect of the present invention, comprising: positioning the user or object on or above the porous platform ; and rinsing debris from the user or object such that rinsing liquid and debris travels through the porous platform into the receptacle.

[0019] The method may further comprise discharging contents collected in the receptacle via a discharge outlet of the washing station. Additionally, the method may also comprise removing the porous platform to access the receptacle. I n certain embodiments, the method further comprises removing the receptacle from the base tray so that debris collected therein can be disposed of.

[0020] Brief lotion of the

[0021] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a washing station according to a first embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 2 is a partially disassembled view of the washing station of Fig. 1 ; and

[0024] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a washing station, showing the overhang lip at the housing of the receptacle. Detailed description

[0025] Figs. 1 and 2 show a washing station 2 according to the present invention. The depicted washing station 2 is configured to be stood on by a user so that debris, such as sand, can be rinsed off from the user. The washing station 2 comprises a base tray 4 and a porous platform 6 positionable thereover upon which the user can stand. The washing station 2 also comprises a receptacle 8 associated with the base tray 4 for collecting rinsing liquid and debris. I n the depicted embodiment, the receptacle 8 is housed in and is removable from the base tray 4, though of course it is within the scope of the present specification that the collection receptacle 8 can simply form part of the base tray 4.

[0026] I n the depicted embodiment, the base tray 4 is configured to be placed on a relatively flat surface for use. The porous platform 6, which may be a mesh or grating-like cover having small apertures therethrough, is positionable over the base tray 4 and is sufficiently sturdy to receive a user thereon. Preferably, the apertures in the porous platform 6 are sized so that debris can readily travel through the apertures, but are too small for users to insert their fingers and toes therethrough, thereby ensuring that one’s fingers and toes cannot get inadvertently trapped within the apertures. I n certain embodiments, it is envisaged that the apertures may be shaped and sized such that even aglets of shoelaces cannot get caught therein.

[0027] I n use, a user stands on the porous platform 6 and can rinse debris off their body using a liquid such as water (e.g., poured from a bucket or sprayed from a hose) . The rinsing liquid and debris flow off the user, through the apertures of the porous platform 6 and into the base tray 4. Referring to Fig. 2, an internal and upper surface 10 of the base tray 4 may slope downward toward the receptacle 8 so as to direct the rinsing liquid and debris toward the receptacle 8 for collection therein.

[0028] The receptacle 8 is in the form of a portable tray which is housable within a correspondingly shaped recess 12 in the base tray 4 and is manually removable therefrom to enable disposal of debris collected therein. Referring to Fig. 2, the receptacle 8 is configured with a discharge outlet 1 1 (an opening) via which liquid collected in the receptacle 8 can be discharged therefrom such that the receptacle 8 does not overflow during use. Beneficially, liquid can be discharged from the receptacle 8 while debris remains therein. This makes the receptacle 8 easier to carry and manoeuvre (as opposed to having to carry a receptacle 8 with water sloshing around therein) when debris collected in the receptacle 8 is to be disposed of. The discharge outlet 11 can of course simply be an opening formed in a wall of the receptacle 8, though, in the depicted embodiment, the outlet is fitted with a hose adapter 14 to which a hose (not shown) may be connected. As such, during use, water collecting in the receptacle 8 can readily flow out thereof through the hose, discharging from the hose at a location remote from the washing station 2 and in accordance with the user’s preference (e.g., into a drain) . I n some embodiments, the discharge outlet 11 , adapter 14 may be provided with a filter 24 to prevent debris from draining out of the receptacle 8. The filter 24 may be screwed into the discharge outlet 11 . The filter 24 may filter out larger particles, whether it be organics or larger sand granules.

[0029] The base tray 4 may have a lip overhang 32 at the housing of the receptacle, so that the lip overhang 32 directs the rinsing liquid and debris toward the receptacle. The presence of the lip overhand 32 avoids the possibility of the rinsing liquid and debris flowng into the base tray 4.

[0030] I n case that the rinsing liquid does enter the base tray 4, the base tray 4 may further comprise a drain outlet (not shown) for removing the rinsing liquid. Advantageously, the drain outlet would avoiding the floating of the receptacle 8 if there is any water ingress under the receptacle 8.

[0031] The discharge outlet 11 may be disposed at some distance above the floor of the receptacle 8. The advantage of this is that by disposing the discharge outlet at a distance above the floor of the receptacle 8, the debris will sediment on the floor of the receptacle 8 and the rinsing liquid can flow freely from the receptacle through the discharge outlet 11 . I n the Figures, the internal recess 12 of the base tray 4 comprises an adaptershaped channel portion or opening 18 configured to snugly receive the hose adapter 14. Advantageously, this helps a user to correctly orient the receptacle 8 for placement within the recess 12 of the base tray 4 since the hose adapter 14 is to be received within the channel portion 18. Additionally, and with reference to Fig. 2, the outer face of the base tray 4 is provided with a recess 20 that aligns with the hose adapter 14 and the hose. The recess 20 provides sufficient clearance so a user can manually configure the adapter 14, hose, etc.

[0032] Once rinsing is complete, a user can simply lift the porous platform 6 (via a handle 22 thereof) off the base tray 4 (Fig. 2) , revealing the receptacle 8 therebeneath. The user can lift the receptacle 8 out of the base tray 4 via the carry handle 24 of the receptacle 8, optionally tipping the receptacle 8 in the direction of the discharge outlet 11 to drain liquid that might be remaining in the receptacle 8. Finally, the user can take the receptacle 8 to a location (e.g., a bin) where debris collected in the receptacle 8 can be conveniently disposed of. The base tray 4 itself may have a carry handle portion 26 which enables a user to readily carry or move the washing station 2 to a location for use or storage. Advantageously, the depicted washing station 2 has a relatively small footprint and a low profile, enabling easy storage thereof.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a washing station 2 wherein the sloped surface 10 of the base tray 4 comprises upwardly extending ribbing 28 configured to engage an underside of the porous platform 6. Since the surface 10 slopes downward toward the receptacle 8, each rib 28 increases in height in correspondence with the downward sloping of the surface 10 such that the tip of each rib 28 lies on a common and flat support plane configured to support the porous platform 6 thereon. So supported, the porous platform 6 is less vulnerable to buckling or warping beneath a user’s weight. The ‘valleys’ of the sloped surface 10 between the ribs 28 slope downwardly in the direction of the receptacle 8 to promote the flow and collection of liquid and debris therein. Of course, a person skilled in the art may appreciate that the surface 10 may be flat or may have another type of corrugation or groove pattern. Still referring to Fig. 2, it can be seen that an inner perimeter of the base tray 4 along an upper end thereof may be provided with a series of spaced apart flanges or ledges 30 configured to receive an underside of the porous platform 6 along the outer edge or perimeter thereof. When fitted to the base tray 4, an upper surface of the porous platform 6 is substantially flush or continuously integrated with the upper edge of the base tray 4. Advantageously, the fit between the porous platform 6 and the base tray 4 is quite snug and any gap therebetween is insufficiently large for fingers, toes, shoelaces etc. to be trapped. It is envisaged that an upper perimeter of the receptacle 8 may also be provided with spaced apart flanges or ledges for receiving and supporting an underside of the porous platform thereon.

[0034] Many modifications of the above embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the depicted washing station is configured for being stood on to wash debris from a user, the washing station can of course be adapted (e.g. , different sizing, materials, configuration etc.) for different applications, such as the rinsing of objects such as edible product, bicycles, trailers, surfboards etc. Although the depicted washing station is portable, the washing station can indeed be fixed in place, particularly for heavier-duty applications.

[0035] Although the figures show a receptacle that is separately removable from the base tray, it is considered within the scope of the present specification that the base tray itself may define or comprise a receptacle. I n a particular embodiment, the base tray comprises an internal receptacle portion (or is substantially hollow) configured to collect liquid and debris. Liquid could be drained directly from the base tray, leaving debris therein for separate disposal.

[0036] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0037] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it) , or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A washing station comprising: a base tray; a porous platform positionable over the base tray upon which a user or an object can be rinsed; and a receptacle associated with the base tray, wherein rinsing liquid and debris is configured to travel through the porous platform for collection in the receptacle.

2. The washing station of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is housed within the base tray and is removable therefrom to permit disposal of debris collected within the receptacle.

3. The washing station of claim 1 or 2, wherein the base tray comprises a sloped surface underlying the porous platform configured to receive and direct toward the receptacle the rinsing liquid and debris.

4. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base tray has a lip overhang at the housing of the receptacle, wherein the lip overhang directs the rinsing liquid and debris toward the receptacle.

5. The washing station according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the receptacle is disposed toward one end of the base tray and the sloped surface of the base tray slopes downwardly toward the receptacle from an opposite end of the base tray.

6. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle further comprises a discharge outlet via which the receptacle contents can be discharged.

7. The washing station of Claim 6, wherein the discharge outlet is disposed at a distance above the floor of the receptacle.

8. The washing station of Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the discharge outlet of the receptacle further comprises a filter.

9. The washing station of Claim 8, wherein the filter is threadbly fitted into the discharge outlet.

10. The washing station of Claims 6-9, wherein the discharge outlet is securable to a hose through which the rinsing liquid collected in the receptacle can be discharged.

11. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the porous platform is arrangeable on the base tray so as to house the receptacle therebeneath.

12. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in situ, an upper surface of the porous platform is substantially flush with an upper edge of the base tray.

13. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the porous platform comprises a handle to permit removal of the platform from the washing station.

14. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is houseable in a recess of the base tray.

15. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base tray comprises an upwardly projecting ribbing for supporting the porous platform thereon.

16. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle comprises a handle to permit removal of the receptacle from the washing station.

17. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base tray further comprises a drain outlet for removing the rinsing liquid.

18. The washing station of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base tray comprises a handle to permit moving and carrying of the washing station.

19. A method of rinsing debris from a user or an object using a washing station according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: positioning the user or the object on or above the porous platform; and rinsing debris from the user or object such that the rinsing liquid and debris travel through the porous platform into the receptacle.

20. The method of Claim 19, further comprising discharging contents collected in the receptacle via a discharge outlet of the washing station.

21. The method of Claim 19 or Claim 20, further comprising removing the porous platform to access the receptacle.

22. The method of Claim 21, further comprising removing the receptacle from the base tray so that debris collected therein can be disposed of.

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