A washing device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a washing device for washing at least one shoe (A). Said washing device comprises at least one washing body; at least one tub provided in the washing body; at least one drum (T) located in the tub; at least one door providing access into the drum; at least one driving system for actuating the drum during a washing process; and at least one apparatus adapted to be connected to said drum (T) so as to wash a shoe (A). Said apparatus comprises at least one body (1) with a hollow cage structure, suitable for placing at least one shoe (A) to be washed therein, wherein a depth ratio of said body (1) to the depth of the drum (T) is sufficient to prevent the shoe (A) placed in the body (1) from escaping; and at least one magnet (3) provided on the body (1) for magnetically connecting the body (1) to the drum (T).

Description

[0001] A WASHING DEVICE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a washing device comprising an apparatus for washing shoes. of the Invention

[0004] A washing device such as a washing machine comprises at least one body; at least one tub provided in the body; at least one drum located in the tub; and a door providing access into the drum. Here, a washing agent, such as water or detergent, is supplied into the tub to perform a washing step. Once the washing step is completed, at least one rinsing step is typically carried out to remove the washing agent remaining on the washed items. In the rinsing step, clean water is directed onto the items to clean residues, such as detergent, remaining on the items. After the rinsing step, a spinning step is performed to remove at least a portion of the water absorbed by the washed items. This spinning step is achieved by rotating the drum at a relatively high speed, expelling the liquid absorbed by the laundry through centrifugal force.

[0005] During the washing process performed in said drum-type devices, stains are better removed by the surfaces of the washed textile items rubbing against each other as the drum rotates. Thanks to this process, textile items can be washed effectively; however, washing items such as shoes (the term “shoe” herein also covers other footwear, including slippers, as well as various open and closed shoes) presents a challenge. When items such as shoes are placed directly into the drum for washing, their relatively thick and heavy structure may cause them to strike different surfaces inside the drum and become damaged. Therefore, it is not possible to wash shoes effectively and reliably in drum-type washing devices.

[0006] Brief Description of the Invention The present invention discloses a washing device for washing at least one shoe therein. Said washing device comprises at least one washing body; at least one tub provided in the washing body; at least one drum located in the tub; at least one door providing access into the drum; at least one driving system for actuating the drum during a washing process; and at least one apparatus adapted to be connected to said drum so as to wash a shoe. Said apparatus comprises at least one body with a hollow cage structure, suitable for placing at least one shoe to be washed therein, wherein a depth ratio of said body to the depth of the drum is sufficient to prevent the shoe placed in the body from escaping; and at least one magnet provided on the body for magnetically connecting the body to the drum.

[0007] In the washing device according to the present invention, a shoe to be washed is placed inside the body of the apparatus, and the body is connected to the drum via the magnet. Thus, the shoe is protected against damage arising from the rotational movement of the drum during the washing process. Furthermore, since the depth ratio of the body to the depth of the drum is sufficient to prevent the shoe placed in the body from escaping, the shoe is also prevented from escaping the body during the washing process.

[0008] Object of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a washing device comprising an apparatus for washing shoes.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing device for washing shoes effectively and without causing damage.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a practical and reliable washing device.

[0012] Description of the Drawings

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the washing device according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus used in the washing device according to the invention.

[0014] Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the apparatus used in the washing device according to the invention.

[0015] Figure 3 is a bottom detailed view of the apparatus used in the washing device according to the invention.

[0016] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus in use in the washing device.

[0017] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0018] Shoe (A)

[0019] Drum (T)

[0020] Body (1)

[0021] Brush (2)

[0022] Magnet (3)

[0023] Foot (4)

[0024] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Drum-type washing devices such as washing machines enable textile items placed inside the drum to be washed by rotating the drum. During said rotation process, stains are effectively removed by the different surfaces of the textile items rubbing against each other. However, relatively thick and heavy items such as shoes may be damaged during the rotational movement of the drum and therefore cannot be washed safely inside drumtype washing devices. For this reason, the present invention provides a washing device comprising an apparatus for washing shoes.

[0026] The washing device according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 1-5, comprises at least one washing body; at least one tub provided in the washing body; at least one drum (T) located in the tub; at least one door providing access into the drum; at least one driving system for actuating the drum during a washing process; and at least one apparatus adapted to be connected to said drum (T) so as to wash a shoe (A). Said apparatus comprises at least one body (1) with a hollow cage structure, suitable for placing at least one shoe (A) to be washed therein, wherein a depth ratio of said body (1) to the depth of the drum (T) is sufficient to prevent the shoe (A) placed in the body (1) from escaping (for example, the depth ratio of the body (1) to the drum (T) being in the range of 55%-95%); and at least one (preferably, six) magnet (3) provided on the body (1) for magnetically connecting the body (1) to the drum (T).

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the washing device is a washing machine, and the apparatus is used for washing a shoe (A) inside the washing device. Here, the shoe (A) to be washed is placed into the body (1), and the body (1) is connected to the drum (T) via the magnet (3). When the washing device is in operation, said magnet (3) prevents the apparatus from separating from the drum (T) during the rotational movement of the drum (T). Thus, during rotation of the drum (T), the shoe (A) inside the body (1) is prevented from striking different surfaces within the drum (T) and from being damaged. Because the depth ratio of the body (1) to the drum (T) is set at a specific value, the shoe (A) inside the body (1) is prevented from escaping the body (1) during the washing process. In addition, since a magnet (3) is used to connect the body (1) to the drum (T), this connection is both practical and reliable, and once the washing process is complete, the apparatus can be easily detached from the drum (T).

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said apparatus comprises at least one (preferably a plurality of) brush (2) located in the body (1). In this embodiment, while the drum (T) performs a rotational movement during the washing process, the shoe (A) rubs against the brushes (2) in the body (1). This rubbing process enables the shoe (A) to be cleaned effectively. Therefore, thanks to said apparatus, a shoe (A) can be effectively cleaned in the washing device without damage.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, front and / or rear portions of the body (1) are open. By leaving the front and / or rear portions open, a larger volume of washing liquid can be supplied into the inner section where the shoe (A) is placed. After the shoe (A) is placed into the body (1) for washing, the door of the washing device is closed. In this state, the shoe (A) is delimited laterally by the body (1), and at the front and rear portions by the corresponding front and rear walls of the drum (T). As a result, the shoe (A) is prevented from escaping the body (1), ensuring the safety of the washing process. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a lower portion of the body (1) is open. In this way, a larger volume of washing liquid can be supplied into the inner section where the shoe (A) is placed.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said apparatus comprises at least one foot (4) (preferably six feet (4) in total, one for each magnet (3)) provided at a lower portion of the body (1), wherein the magnet (3) is connected to the foot (4). Therefore, the connection of the magnet (3) to the body (1) is provided in a reliable manner. In this embodiment, the base of said foot (4) has an inclined (convex) structure. Thus, the base of said foot (4) fits precisely onto the inner surface of the cylindrically structured drum (T). Thus, the body (1) is connected to the drum (T) in a more reliable manner.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the body (1) comprises square- and triangular-shaped openings. Here, the grid structure formed with square and triangular openings increases the strength of the body (1), which may for example be made of plastic. Accordingly, damage to the body (1) is prevented during the washing process, thereby enhancing the durability of the apparatus.

[0032] In the washing device according to the present invention, a shoe (A) to be washed is placed inside the body (1) of the apparatus, and the body (1) is connected to the drum (T) via the magnet (3). Thus, the shoe is protected against damage arising from the rotational movement of the drum (T) during the washing process. Furthermore, since the depth ratio of the body (1) to the depth of the drum (T) is sufficient to prevent the shoe (A) placed in the body (1) from escaping, the shoe (A) is also prevented from escaping the body (1) during the washing process.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A washing device comprising at least one washing body; at least one tub provided in the washing body; at least one drum (T) located in the tub; at least one door providing access into the drum; at least one driving system for actuating the drum during a washing process; and at least one apparatus adapted to be connected to said drum (T) so as to wash a shoe (A), characterized in that said apparatus comprises: at least one body (1) with a hollow cage structure, suitable for placing at least one shoe (A) to be washed therein, wherein a depth ratio of said body (1) to the depth of the drum (T) is sufficient to prevent the shoe (A) placed in the body (1) from escaping; and at least one magnet (3) provided on the body (1) for magnetically connecting the body (1) to the drum (T).

2. A washing device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the depth ratio of the body (1) to the drum (T) is in the range of 55%-95%.

3. A washing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said apparatus comprises at least one brush (2) located in the body (1).

4. A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that front and / or rear portions of the body (1) are open.

5. A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lower portion of the body (1) is open.

6. A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus comprises at least one foot (4) provided at a lower portion of the body (1), wherein the magnet (3) is connected to the foot (4).

7. A washing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the base of said foot (4) has an inclined structure.

8. A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (1) comprises square- and triangular-shaped openings.

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