Shoe bottom cleansing apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Athletic shoes, particularly basketball shoes, face issues with dirt and debris accumulation on the soles, leading to reduced grip, unsanitary playing conditions, and lack of effective cleaning solutions during gameplay, along with discomfort, shoelace issues, and limited customization options.

Innovation Solution

A shoe bottom cleansing apparatus featuring a cleansing portion with elastic edges and attachment members that securely affix to the shoe, allowing for easy cleaning without hands and providing a customizable, washable, and secure platform for small items, while maintaining shoe closure and grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a player wipes the bottom of their shoe on their hand, then the shoe bottom is cleaned, but the player's hand becomes dirty and slick

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidhand contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is extracted from the hand and transferred to a dedicated cleaning surface attached to the shoe. The cleansing portion is removably attached to the upper surface of the shoe, providing a dedicated area for removing debris without contaminating the player's hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If a player spits on their hand to clean the shoe bottom, then the shoe is cleaned, but the playing surface becomes contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidplaying surface contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is extracted from the hand and transferred to a dedicated cleaning surface attached to the shoe. This eliminates the need to spit on the hand, preventing contamination of the playing surface while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If a traction mat is placed on the side of the court, then shoe cleaning is possible, but the cleaning solution is not accessible during gameplay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidaccessibility during gameplay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning surface is merged with the shoe itself, forming an integrated system. The cleansing portion is attached to the upper surface of the shoe, combining the shoe and cleaning functions into a single portable unit that is always accessible during gameplay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a cleansing material is attached to the shoe, then cleaning is possible during gameplay, but the attachment must be secure yet removable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The cleansing portion can be removably attached and detached as needed, allowing flexibility in use while maintaining security during gameplay. This dynamic attachment system balances ease of operation with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11337584B2Shoe bottom cleansing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 STOMP PATENT LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, system and method for efficiently and rapidly cleaning the bottom of a shoe. The system includes a base having a plurality of alternating, complementary shaped cleansing portions separated by grooves. The configuration of the cleansing portions provides for a sturdy and efficient device for cleaning the bottom of a shoe.