CN102459745A - Device for permitting washing of footwear in washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In general, the present invention relates to a device allowing the washing of footwear, in particular sports footwear, in a washing machine. According to a basic aspect of the invention, the device comprises means (1; 201; 301; 401) designed to allow at least one shoe to be hung on the drum of the washing machine, so as to be able to keep the shoe substantially in a position corresponding to its hanging while washing it.

Description

Apparatus allowing washing of footwear in a washing machine

technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of auxiliary devices for cleaning and maintaining footwear. In particular, the invention relates to a device capable of allowing washing of footwear in an ordinary washing machine.

Background technique

It is well known that a given type of footwear is washable. Of these types, e.g. espadrilles or athletic footwear are usually made of rubber or rubber/fabric. There are other types of footwear that are also washable, such as shoes made entirely of fabric or shoes made entirely of rubber. Among them, it usually refers to flip-flops, pool shoes and so on.

In general, for washing footwear, washing machines that are generally used or even specifically for washing clothes may also be suitable for washing footwear. However, there can be many drawbacks and technical problems because the washing machine is not specifically designed to wash footwear. For example, footwear laundering is inefficient, causing abnormal and undesirable wear and tearing of the footwear.

First, even assuming that the washing temperature is chosen to be suitable for the material from which the shoe is made, the end result is often uncomfortable permanent deformation of the shoe, wear and tear or even outright creases. This wrinkling is caused by the shoe moving freely inside the drum completely randomly. Thus, during normal washing the shoes hit each other and against the drum wall, while during the subsequent spin cycle the shoes remain pressed against the drum wall. It is obvious that the combination of impact and washing temperature causes permanent deformation and large wear of the footwear. On the other hand, during the rotation cycle, the footwear is subjected to strong pressure, which increases the deformation effect mentioned above. Regardless of the type of shoe, these deformations often lead to the loss of the ergonomic features of the shoe, making the shoe unusable because it causes painful and uncomfortable ailments for the user.

Primarily in the case of athletic footwear, generally running shoes, it is well known that their shape is important to ensure good performance. People who wear mid-distance running shoes expect to run several hundred kilometers per week during training sessions or during competitions. Obviously, deformed shoes can cause painful blisters, or even more serious conditions like tendinitis, making them unusable for this purpose. So the only solution to this kind of problem is to buy a new pair of shoes after being washed in the washing machine. As an option, shoes must be hand washed.

Another drawback is directly related to the spin cycle. At this stage, the shoe remains pressed against any position on the drum wall, and uniform drying cannot be guaranteed. In fact, it is clear that the shoes even partially overlap each other, since water cannot flow properly through their different parts (e.g. insole, upper, outsole, closure devices such as Velcro fasteners) , therefore, cannot be dried uniformly. In fact, it is known that during use these soles of the shoe are usually impermeable to prevent the foot from entering water, for example in rainy weather. Therefore, when the shoe is attached to the drum wall, the sides of the sole must contact the bottom surface of the drum, which, due to the material from which the sole is made and its high thickness, prevents the flow of water to the outside by centrifugal force. In this case, the shoe does not dry evenly and parts remain wet even after intensive and prolonged spin cycles.

It is thus evident that the aforementioned drawbacks make washing footwear in a washing machine inconvenient and, above all, that the results are truly unpredictable.

Known devices attempting to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks are described, for example, in patents or patent applications US6067729A, US2003/084585A1 and US5365675A.

US6067729 describes a device that keeps two shoes in relative position against the drum of a washing machine by means of a flexible rod that is inserted into the shoes until it reaches the inner area of the toe. The rod, which has a larger diameter than the drum, pushes the outer toe of the shoe from the inside against the cylindrical wall of the drum. But, apparently, the bar allows the shoe to rotate around its toe during drum rotation. Thus, it is clear that the device may have the following situation: the part of the upper near the heel presses on the device, or during the rotation of the drum, the water-filled shoe tends to rotate around the toe and pulls the Part of the upper of the shoe, and this occurs especially during the rotation cycle, where the shoe can be rotated until the sole contacts the cylindrical wall of the drum. During the wash phase, these rotations of the shoe can also move the point of contact of the toe of the shoe on the drum, thus placing the entire shoe-flexible rod arrangement diagonally, i.e. geometrically, on a non-vertical plane; thus, the flexible The rod loses its curvature and finally, when the pressure on the toe drops, the contact disappears and the integrity between the flexible rod-footwear device and the drum of the washing machine is lost.

The device in US2003/0084585A1 is provided with an elongated tube with a T-shaped end adapted to fit in two shoes pushed into a cylinder with the soles in opposite positions contacting the drum shaped side walls. The T-shaped end does not impede the movement of the wet upper towards the sole; the continued stress and flexing of the fabric/upper during the wash cycle creates a hazard for the seams, heat-welds or glued seams of the upper for which the shoe is not designed. In addition, in the vertical position during the rotation, the weight of the entire device and the upper shoe is placed in the lower shoe, moreover, the effect produced by the T-shaped part of the device is only locally in the shoe and in the inner sole of the shoe. It is carried out in a limited portion, thereby causing a permanent deformation of the latter under the action of higher pressures, which makes the footwear uncomfortable to wear.

In US5365675A, the shoes rest on pins protruding from extendable rods inserted radially into the drum, and are tied there by lacing around them on the outside. Since the shoe is limited locally only under the sole, and mainly on the outer surface of the upper, and it is more precisely fixed only in the heel area, less effectively in the front part of the sole and upper, the During washing and rinsing, i.e. during the rotation of the drum, the shoe itself sinks inside, subject to continuous buckling in the sole that can lead to detachment of the non-fixed inner sole; moreover, due to the laces and pins, the instep The upper in the front part is subject to continuous wear, or at least to cyclic stress, for which the shoe is not designed.

In all three cases described above, the shoe assumes a position in which the impermeable sole and the peripheral portion of the upper (usually also impermeable) prevents water from flowing out of the shoe, resulting in possible stagnation of dirty water until the wash is complete, and soil may also remain inside the shoe, resulting in an unsatisfactory or bad wash. In fact, in these examples, the sole mostly faces the cylindrical side wall of the drum, and the inner concave surface of the shoe (ie the area of the shoe that accommodates the foot) faces the axis of rotation of the drum itself. In US2003/084585A1 this position is constant, in US6067729A and US5365675A especially during the rotation phase. Centrifugal force moves the water radially, so the sole tends to stop water from leaving the inside of the shoe. Due to the resulting stagnation of water between the upper and the sole, the shoe takes a long time to dry and the seams, heat-welds and glued edges weaken due to the high pressure that can arise in the stagnant area.

Furthermore, in all three cases mentioned above, the device is realized locally in two more or less restricted opposing areas of the cylindrical side wall of the drum, since the device is fixed by pressure to the cylindrical shape of the drum. on the wall, which can cause deformation of the drum barrel, which is sometimes not designed for these concentrated actions.

Contents of the invention

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a device allowing washing of footwear in a washing machine, which overcomes all the aforementioned drawbacks.

In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows efficient and uniform washing of footwear in a washing machine and, at the same time, allows subsequent uniform and efficient drying of the shoes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows washing of footwear in a washing machine that protects the footwear from deformation and wear caused by collisions with the drum and abnormal pressure or traction caused by the spin cycle, which may cause Damage to the shoe, as the shoe is not designed for this, the shoe cannot withstand these stresses.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that allows washing of footwear in a washing machine while maintaining the integrity of the drum, the integrity of the sealing gasket between the cabinet containing the drum and the door, and the door integrity.

In general terms, these and other objects are achieved by the present device for allowing the washing of footwear, in particular sports footwear, in a washing machine, characterized in that it comprises means (1; 201; 301; 401) , said device is designed to allow at least one shoe to be hung in the drum of a washing machine, such that said shoe can be kept substantially in a position corresponding to its hanging while washing said shoe.

During the washing, rinsing and spinning phases, the shoes are always suspended (i.e. suspended) inside the drum in the same position during the rotation of the drum, the shoes are spaced apart from the inner surface of the drum (there is no space between the footwear and the drum). contact), so all defects related to impact, wear and damage to shoes during washing are avoided.

In particular, the above-mentioned device (1; 201; 301) comprises a suspension unit (7) designed to be inserted inside the shoe to be washed (ie the suspension unit is designed to wear the shoe). The suspension unit (7) is associated with the drum so as to rotate rigidly with the drum. It should be noted that the part of the suspension unit that is inserted into the shoe does not contact the drum, but is spaced therebetween so as to allow the thickness of the shoe to be between the suspension unit and the drum.

By means of the abutment (most part of the unit 7) inside the shoe itself to arrest the shoe, the contact between the most part of the suspension unit 7 and the inner surface of the shoe is evenly distributed and not limited to a specific inner area of the shoe, thus avoiding Local deformation of the shoe during washing, which could lead to permanent deformation of the shoe; moreover, in this way, the points of contact of the outer surface of the shoe with the suspension means are reduced or eliminated, with the result that the wear of the shoe at these points is also reduced and tear. In addition, the blockage of the shoe is more stable, while, as mentioned earlier, shoe deformation, if any, is greatly reduced.

The suspension unit (7) suitably comprises a portion defining a surface facing the inner face of the sole or insole, said surface being preferably in contact with the shoe when the suspension unit is inserted inside the shoe. When the suspension unit is inserted inside the shoe (or when the shoe is mounted on the suspension unit), the above-mentioned surface of the suspension unit (7) faces the axis of rotation of the drum, thereby allowing during rotation, especially in the rotation phase, Water runs from the sole of the shoe towards the upper. In fact, the above-mentioned surface of the suspension unit facing the axis of the drum divides the drum into two parts, of which the first part contains its axis of rotation, while the second part is designed to contain the relevant upper of the shoe (i.e. outside the sole) part; this part is preferably located on the periphery of the axis of rotation so as to have an axis of rotation geometrically such that during the rotation phase an effective centrifugal force is produced on the water contained in the shoe or in which the shoe is immersed.

Obviously, the shoe mounted on the suspension unit (7) is oriented with the sole facing the axis of rotation of the drum and the inner part of the upper facing the cylindrical side surface of the drum, ie facing the outside of the drum.

Obviously, in this configuration, during the rotation phase, the water tends to flow out of the shoe in a radial direction, actually starting from the sole or from the surface of the upper, spreading along its outer and inner surfaces until the water Separates from the shoe (actually the part closest to the axis of rotation) and flows out towards the outside, so the shoe doesn't hold back the water.

Advantageously, the suspension unit (7) comprises a last or a foot or shoe shape 19 designed to be inserted inside a shoe. In this way, the shoe is "filled" with a non-deformable volume, which is not affected by the deformation.

Advantageously, the first set of embodiments comprises:

- at least one support element (5; 205; 305) comprising fixing means (3; 203; 303) for fixing the support element to the drum profile in use for rotation in the drum (2) make the supporting element rotate stably;

- Suspension means (7, 17) for suspending at least one shoe to a support element (5; 205; 305) so that the shoe can be washed and rotated and kept substantially in relation to the suspension of the shoe Corresponding positions of supporting elements.

According to this solution, the fixing means (3; 203; 303) allow to engage said support element with respect to the drum wall of the washing machine, thereby allowing the drum to rotate the support element in a rigid, integral manner. This blocking can conveniently be realized on the side wall of the drum, ie the side wall of the cylinder forming the drum, preferably in the position of the calendered sheets.

The suspension means (7, 17) are thus used to physically suspend the shoe to the drum by using said elements. In this way, the shoe is rotated by the rotating drum through the support means and is forced to remain in a constrained position given by the suspension means (7, 17), where the shoe is physically suspended. According to this solution, the shoes do not collide randomly with the walls of the drum or with other shoes during washing.

Furthermore, this solution avoids that the shoes are pressed against the side walls of the drum during the rotation cycle, occupying a position not suitable for uniform drying.

Advantageously, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, the suspension device (7, 17) comprises in combination at least one support (17) formed corresponding to the supporting element (5; 205; 305) and for The shoe is releasably coupled to the suspension unit (7) of said support (17).

In this way, by means of the suspension unit ( 7 ), it is easy to couple the shoe to and release the shoe from the support element, both when the support element is already installed in the drum and before this installation.

Advantageously, the suspension unit (7) comprises snap pins (18) or similar attached to a last (19) designed to be inserted inside the shoe and means (20, twenty one).

According to this solution, in use, the pin 18 is inserted into the seat 17, thereby suspending the profile to the supporting element, on which the shoe is pre-placed. At this point, the shoe is secured to the unit by means of the aforementioned means (20, 21), which may consist of, for example, Velcro or similar, button means, snap buttons, straps, etc., which all is well known.

Obviously, it is also possible to secure the shoe for washing by a simple closure of the laces on the last, instead of said means (20, 21).

From a structural point of view, in order to allow the support elements to be arranged inside the drum of the washing machine so as to be attached to the drum wall, according to a possible construction solution, the support elements are firmly connected to the frame (3; 203).

Advantageously, the frame (3; 203) comprises three bars (8; 208) firmly connected to the three support elements (5; 205) by means of three brackets (4; 204) .

According to a possible configuration of the invention, said three rods ( 208 ) are configured in a frame ( 203 ) according to a star configuration.

Thus, in use, said three rods extend radially towards the side surface of the drum so that the above-mentioned three supporting elements, firmly connected to them by means of brackets, snap onto said side surface. In this way, the device is always firmly fixed to the drum, and is dragged by the drum to rotate stably.

Alternatively, the bars (8) are constructed in the frame according to a triangular configuration. In this case, in use, the apex of the triangle brings the support element 5 into contact with the drum wall.

For easy fixing of the device to the drum, easy extraction and removal, it is advantageous that at least one of the aforementioned rods (8; 208) comprises first parts (9; 209 ) assembled together in a movable manner relative to each other. ) and the second part (10; 210).

In this way, by closing the two parts of at least one rod relative to each other, it is possible to reduce the overall diameter of the device, allowing detachment from the drum wall. Conversely, extending the rod in reverse allows easy attachment of the device to the inner wall of the drum.

Advantageously, according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, said first part (9) and second part (10) are respectively hinged so as to be foldable relative to each other, said second part (10) comprising an integrated a threaded collar (12) onto which a sleeve (11) can be screwed, said sleeve being slidably mounted on said first part (9) to close the hinge and in use Make the lever (8) in the unfolded position. In this way, the device remains fixed to the wall. Alternatively, it is also possible to release the hinge and close the two parts one above the other by acting in the opposite direction to the preceding one. In this way, the levers of the device can be folded closed for removal.

Alternatively, the first part (209) and the second part (210) of the rod are arranged in a telescopic manner.

In this case, it can be closed by retracting one part inside the other, and opened by extraction and snap arrest.

Advantageously, a further embodiment of the invention provides a support element (305) comprising magnetic elements (303) enabling the support element to engage the contour of the drum in use. This simple construction solution avoids the use of frames.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device (401) comprises a unit (407) designed to be directly coupled to the drum of a washing machine.

To this end, the unit (407) comprises a plug-in joint (418) or similar and at least one last (19) adapted to be inserted inside the shoe to be washed.

This solution is especially convenient to implement when a simple unit (407) and pre-arranged drums are required.

In connection with this, the drum of a washing machine is also described and foreseen below, characterized in that it is designed so that the unit (407) can be connected thereto by means of a plug-in connector (418) or the like.

Description of drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the device for washing footwear in a washing machine according to the invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 show a general view of the invention according to a first possible configuration of an embodiment;

- Figure 3 shows a side view of the invention, while Figure 4 shows a detail of the movable connection between the two bars forming the frame of the device;

- Figure 5 shows a configuration in which the device is closed to allow insertion into the drum of a washing machine or removal at the end of use;

- Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of the invention;

- Figures 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of the invention and a detail of the unit 407 that allows the suspension of the shoe to the supporting element 405;

- Figure 11 shows a detail of the unit 7 that allows the suspension of the shoe to the support element;

- Figures 12 and 13 show side views of two first preferred embodiments in which the shoes are suspended and inserted in the washing machine drum.

Detailed ways

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a conventional tub 2 of a washing machine has inside it equipment allowing the washing of footwear, in particular sports footwear or footwear made of fabric and/or rubber.

In its most fundamental aspect, the device is provided with means (1; 201; 301; 401) designed to suspend at least one shoe in the drum of a washing machine so that the shoe can be washed, rinsed and spun, and Hold the shoe basically in the position corresponding to where it hangs.

In particular, according to a first group of embodiments common to the three possible variants of the invention (for this see eg Figures 1, 6 and 8), at least one support element (5; 205; 305) is provided, It comprises fixing means (3; 203; 303) to engage the support element to the contour of the drum in use. Thus, when the drum rotates, the above-mentioned elements can be stably rotated. In use, means (7, 17) cooperate with said support element to suspend at least one shoe from said support element (5; 205; 305) so that the shoe can be washed, rinsed and/or rotated while The shoe is held substantially in a position corresponding to the relative support on which it hangs (see especially FIG. 11 ).

Going into the construction details of the present invention, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 specifically show the feasible first preferred embodiment of the present invention. According to this configuration, the three supporting elements 5 are realized in the form of plates and are substantially V-shaped so as to reproduce the three corresponding classical calendered sections 6 of the washing machine drum. The application of calendered sheets inside the drum ensures a better grip and thus a better drag of the drum on the above-mentioned support elements.

According to this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixing means 3 for engaging, in use, the support element 5 on the contour of the drum comprises a frame 3 . In structural detail, the frame is composed of three brackets 4 having an inner contour adapted to encircle the corresponding three support elements 5 and therefore also substantially V-shaped. In particular, the bracket is firmly connected to the support element 5, whereby a one-piece compact structure is achieved. As described in FIGS. 1 and 2 , three rods 8 respectively connect the brackets to each other, thereby giving the device 1 as a whole a generally triangular shape. Each bar 8 (for this, see FIGS. 3 , 4 and 5 ) is formed by two parts 9 and 10 respectively hinged so as to be movable relative to each other, in particular foldable. As highlighted in FIG. 3 , said parts 9 and 10 of rod 8 are held rigidly in line with respect to each other by using sleeves or similar that can slide over said parts 9 and 10 . In particular, for the sake of simplicity of description, only a part of one of the rods 8 is highlighted with reference to FIG. on the ring. In this way, the sleeve can pass from a first state (in which the sleeve is unscrewed from said collar and slides freely on said portion 9, as shown in FIG. 5 ) into another state (in which the The sleeve is screwed onto the collar, closing the hinge, as shown in Figure 3). In this way, in the state shown in Figure 5, since the hinges are freely movable, the frame can be folded, reducing the overall diameter of the entire triangular device and thus allowing the device to be easily inserted into the drum of the washing machine and from the Drum removed. On the contrary, the rods in the deployed position securely fix the support element on the wall of the drum 2 .

A second preferred embodiment of the present invention (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ) provides a star frame 203 . In this case, a central joint 213 couples together a plurality of rods 208 according to a star arrangement, wherein the rods extend radially towards the drum wall, so that the support element 205 connected to the bracket 204 can grip The inner side of the calendered part 6 of the drum is exactly as described in the first configuration.

As highlighted in Figure 6, two of the three rods 208 are one-piece, while the third rod is telescoping. The third lever may thus comprise a simple release means 211 , such as a button, which allows the release/blocking of the two parts 209 and 210 relative to each other. Thus, said part 210 can slide inside the cylindrical seat of said part 209, so that said part 210 can move backwards inside it, or extend towards the outside. Going into constructional details of the release means, the release means comprise a resilient pin arranged on said part 210 . The pin (not shown for simplicity of description) extends outwardly from a portion of the cylindrical surface of the portion 210 and remains attached during sliding due to elastic action such as a spring exerted. On the inner cylindrical surface of this part 209 . Said part 209 is moreover provided with corresponding holes, so that the pins of said part 210 come into contact with elastically exposed holes formed on said part 209 once the preset height for carrying out the removal has been achieved. Thereby, the portion 210 is blocked relative to the portion 209 . The pin can then be retracted inside the hole and the portion 210 retracted into the portion 209 simply by compressing the pin with a finger.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the center joint 213 may be rotatably connected to the rod 208 . To this end, Figure 7 better highlights the articulated connection of the rod 208 to the central joint 213, so that at the end of use it is also possible to close the rod in the manner of a fan. This solution is advantageous from a volumetric point of view. In this way, it is possible in a simple and quick manner to release said support element 205 from the calendered sheet of the washing machine to remove the whole device in one piece from the drum, or to insert and connect the whole device to the drum.

Removal requires rotation of the rod 208 about the joint. Preferably, in consideration of the functional stability of the device, at least one rigid connection piece may also be arranged between the rod 208 and the bracket 204 . The above-mentioned connection provided can preferably be rigid with respect to the telescoping rod, while the remaining connection can also be of the rotary type.

Obviously, with reference to the configuration described above, solutions with two, three or more rods can easily be realized. In addition, even more rods (8; 208) than a single rod can be implemented as telescoping, articulated or a combination thereof type opening/closing system without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

A third preferred embodiment of the invention (see figure 8 for this) may be modified to provide one or more support elements 305, but without a frame with a support function for attachment positioning to the drum. In this case, as an option, the fixing means can consist of magnets 303 arranged on the support element, said magnets directly enabling the adhesive connection of the support element to the drum shell. For clarity, FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of a support element 305 according to this configuration, simply showing the magnets 303 . Furthermore, it is evident from the said figures that this support element is V-shaped, fully identical to the corresponding support elements 5 and 205 described above. Instead of magnets, simple screw arrangements or the like can also be used, which allow a simple detachable connection to the drum. In this case, therefore, screws for quick coupling can be provided for the support element.

Furthermore, in all the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, it is also possible to provide a covering of soft material on the supporting element, which covering is arranged on the surface of the calendered part which will face the drum in use, so as to protect the surface of the drum No scratches and a contact that eliminates any gap between the equipment and the calendered part, so that there is no noisy contact during the rotation of the drum.

Furthermore, it is evident from the above description that in practically all described configurations the application of the support elements corresponding to the calendered parts of the drum has the function of ensuring a better grip and thus a better rotation . However, it is also clear that this inclination is not necessary and that the connection to the device can also be provided on the smooth part of the drum.

Continuing with the description of the structure of the invention, Figure 11 depicts the means (7, 17) for suspending at least one shoe on the support element (5; 205; 305) described above with reference to the first to third configurations above. As is clearly shown in the figures, the shoe is suspended from the drum, that is to say it is suspended in the drum without being in contact with it.

Going into details of construction, these means comprise in combination at least one seat 17 formed corresponding to the support element for releasably housing the suspension unit 7 of the shoe in use. For the sake of clarity, the support 17 is shown in all figures in relation to various preferred configurations of the invention.

As will be better described below, this suspension unit 7 provides the part to be inserted inside the shoe, ie the shoe to be washed has to be worn on this part. This portion has a surface 19A that contacts or faces the inner sole of the shoe. In a preferred embodiment, this part is a shoe last, or equivalently a shaped piece that follows the contours of a human foot or shoe, designated as a whole by the number 19 . The above-mentioned surface 19A of the suspension unit 7 that touches or faces the inner sole of the shoe is actually a part of a shoe last or its shape corresponds to the sole of a human foot. In a preferred embodiment, this surface 19A of the suspension unit 7 faces the axis of rotation of the drum.

Obviously, in other embodiments of the suspension unit, this surface may not correspond to the sole of a human foot. For example, the suspension unit 7 may provide a part to be inserted into the inside of the shoe, said part being formed only by a toe and a heel connected by a rod of adjustable length to suit the size of the shoe (for example by screws /nut system, or via elastic rods that can be compressed from the largest size to the smallest size, similar to shoe lasts used to help shoes retain their shape when not in use); in this case, the side of the suspension unit that faces the shoe The surface of the axis of rotation of the sole and drum may be part of the shaft between the toe and heel.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension unit 7 comprises snap pins 18 connected to the last 19 and means (20, 21 ) allowing to fix said shoe to the last. These means ( 20 , 21 ) may comprise a strap 20 attached to the last, said strap being provided with a closure 21 of the Velcro type at the ends. Alternatively, the buckle may also be formed by a button/eyelet system, snap buttons or the like. According to all preferred configurations of the invention, each support element ( 5 ; 205 ; 305 ) preferably provides two seats 17 .

A fourth preferred configuration of the invention (for this, see FIGS. 9 and 10 ) provides the aforementioned device 401 substantially comprising a suspension unit 407 for footwear substantially identical to the aforementioned suspension unit 7 . The only substantial difference (see Figures 9 and 10) is that the suspension unit comprises a plug-in connector 418 or similar arranged to be plugged into a suitable seat 417 formed directly or pre-arranged on the drum of the washing machine. In this sense, the drum may provide a simple coupling designed to receive the nipple 418 in the calendered section or in other areas. Thus, the drum has been pre-arranged to connect the suspension unit 407 .

Alternatively (see in particular FIGS. 9 and 10 ), in order to strengthen the connection, the drum may comprise support elements 405 or be formed directly by support elements prearranged inside the calendered part 6 from the outside. The connection of the supporting element 405 can be achieved by eg common screws or by encapsulating the extruded part from the outside by the same drum sheet defining its cylindrical shape. In this connection, as shown in FIG. 10 , a triangular shape is particularly convenient, adapted to adapt to the shape of the outer support of the calendered part. According to this solution, a seat 417 is formed in the joint 405 in order to engage the suspension unit 407 in use.

For all the described configurations of the suspension unit (7; 407), it should be stated that the last 19 is made of plastic material or light metal alloy, or of any substantially non-absorbent material, and that it is provided with a plurality of through holes 19B . In particular, a particularly advantageous embodiment consists in manufacturing the last such that it is hollow inside (cavity marked with dotted lines in FIG. 11 , referenced 19C) and has a sufficient thickness. In this way, water flows through the holes into the cavity and exits at high speed. So, besides guaranteeing an optimal outflow of liquid, the last has the additional function of an efficient rinsing, thus avoiding water retention due to the presence of the last.

In addition, due to the existence of a plurality of small-diameter through holes, the water outflow speed is significantly higher than the speed of water generated by the rotation, which makes the washing effect better.

As can be easily seen from the figures, it should be noted again that the last 19 on which the shoe is worn is positioned such that the "sole" of the last faces the axis of the drum, resulting in the same orientation of the soles of the shoe. In this way, during the rotation of the rotation cycle, the water moving radially towards the cylindrical side surface of the drum is not prevented from flowing from the impermeable sole of the shoe or from the impermeable periphery of the upper adjacent thereto.

In general, the terms "facing" and "facing" the axis of the surface of the suspension unit 7 in relation to the surface of the drum, refer to the axis of the surface of the body lying mainly in a plane but not passing through the drum. From a geometric point of view, it can actually be said that the surface of the suspension unit facing the axis of the drum divides the drum into two parts, where the first part contains the axis of rotation of the drum, while the second part is adapted to Contains the part of the shoe relating to the upper (i.e. outside the sole);

Having described the structure of the present invention in its most critical aspects, its operation will be described below.

Figures 12 and 13 show respectively a first and a second preferred configuration for installation in use inside the drum of a washing machine. Obviously, the third configuration and the fourth configuration have completely similar functions, which are not shown for the sake of simplicity only. First, the device is inserted inside the drum to be fixed to the drum wall by the frame (see first and second configurations) or by magnets or similar as described in the third configuration. As described in the two stages of Fig. 11, the shoe is then put on the last 19 and secured to the last 19 by straps 20 or by laces. At this time, the shoes are hung on the corresponding mounts 17 by engaging the snap pins 18 in the mounts 17 .

In the case of the fourth preferred embodiment, the plug-in connector 418 plugs into an already pre-arranged seat in the drum (or in the barrel). Depending on the required number of shoes, this operation is repeated until a situation such as that shown in Figures 12 and 13 is achieved, in which the device supports six shoes (three in front and three in the back - see stand 17 in Figure 1) . As clearly highlighted in Figure 2, the present device can actually accommodate up to three pairs of shoes. Here, it is possible to wash shoes, which are restrained by the device from bumping and moving arbitrarily inside the drum, but are always fixed in the position where they hang.

At the end of the wash, the entire suspension unit 7 with the suspended shoes is removed from the drum by acting on the snap pin 18 or, in the case of the suspension unit 407 , the plug joint 418 relative to the device 401 . Finally, the device is removed by folding the bars ( 8 ; 208 ) of the frame in the case of the first and second configurations, or by removing the element 305 directly in the case of the third configuration.

It should be noted that during the rotation cycle, the centrifugal force acting on the shoe will hold the shoe in place and push the shoe with its inner sole resting on the last inside the sole. In this way, the fabric of the upper, which usually extends a certain centimeter between the lower sole and the inner sole inside the shoe, will be highly compressed by the outer sole of the shoe, and the compression of the inner sole on the last can effectively hold the fabric without making the upper on the sole The thermally welded or glued seams or seams on the shoe are subjected to stresses caused by centrifugal forces that create one-way traction in the glued or similar areas of the fabric that can cause the fabric of the upper to separate from the sole.

During the spin cycle, the water in which the shoe is impregnated is subjected to centrifugal force and flows out towards the outside of the shoe in the region of the foot inlet, either through a part of the water-permeable upper, or it spreads to the inner or outer surface of the upper. In this way, the rotational action is uniform for each shoe and is very efficient; in fact, the soles of general sports or technical shoes (which are fixed to the equipment) are usually impermeable and Together with the indentations of the cylindrical side wall of the drum, during the swiveling action, water can flow from the shoe towards said wall of the drum by means of the device of the invention, without being hindered by the impermeable sole.

During the rotation phase, the sole of the shoe will be subjected mainly to the same types of uniform pressures that are exerted on the sole during walking, that is to say, the stresses for which the shoe is expressly designed.

Like this, by means of the equipment of the present invention, the following problems that are prone to occur when the equipment is not in use will not occur: the washed shoes move arbitrarily inside the bucket; Possibility of wall contact. By means of the device of the present invention, it is prevented that: water flows towards the impermeable sole under the effect of centrifugal force; The space inside the inner frame of the sole constitutes, thereby hindering the range of rotational operation. With the device of the invention, at the end of the washing, the shoes will have an extremely low residual humidity in the fabric and, most importantly, the distribution of humidity in the shoes will be uniform, so that a uniform drying can subsequently be achieved without causing the shoes deformation.

It should be noted that, with wash water and prewash water loaded, a given height can be achieved inside the drum, an alternating rotation will start, ie a series of clockwise rotations and a series of counterclockwise rotations. When the shoes rotate in the lower part, they take in the water in a very efficient way because of the way they move. The water will flow into the interior of the shoe through the perforated last 19 of the suspension unit 7, and during the movement, the water will flow into the cavity 19C defined inside the last 19 and out from the other holes 19B, thereby simultaneously Generates numerous washing jets. During the rotation, as the shoe rises to a higher level inside the bucket, water simultaneously flows into the interior area of the shoe that has not yet reached; thus, the water flowing from the inside of the last through hole 19B will create a jet of increased velocity.

On the one hand, the perforated last 19 allows water to flow into all internal areas of the shoe, thereby increasing washing efficiency due to the higher velocity of the water flowing from the jets, and on the other hand, it maintains the shape of the shoe during washing, Prevent it from being pressed or deformed, even if a washing cycle with hot water is provided.

Comparing with the currently known devices described in the cited patents, it is evident that the device according to the invention is able to more stably arrest the shoes to be washed, avoiding collisions or abrasions of the shoes and avoiding deformations and, moreover, avoiding Water stagnates in the area of the interior of the shoe in relation to the sole and the surrounding area near it. Finally, the invention allows to achieve a truly more efficient washing effect, at the end of each rinse cycle, after the spin phase, there is very little water left in the shoes due to the lack of stagnation, so fresh water per load contributes to Effectively washes at the end of the final spin cycle.

Here, it is evident that the objects of the present invention have been fully achieved. It is especially evident that such a device enables the washing of the shoes avoiding their collision with each other and with the walls of the drum, thereby avoiding damage to the drum, deformation and wear of the shoes. Furthermore, since the shoe cannot be placed so that the sole faces the cylindrical side wall of the drum during the spin cycle, the drying that takes place is very efficient.

The specific embodiments described above are able to illustrate the invention from a conceptual point of view, so that others, using known techniques, can change and/or modify it in various applications without further study and without departing from the concept of the present invention. The specific embodiments, therefore, such modifications and changes should be considered as equivalents of the specific embodiments. Devices and materials embodying various described functions may have various characteristics without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the expressions and terms used are descriptive only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims (19)

1. the equipment of common footwear, especially sport footwear is washed in a permission in washing machine, and this equipment comprises device (1; 201; 301; 401), said device is designed to allow at least one shoes are suspended on the drum of washing machine, like this; Can in the said shoes of washing, shoes be remained essentially in the position corresponding to its suspension place; In this position, shoes and drum are spaced apart, said device (1; 201; 301,401) comprise that at least one can be inserted into the inner suspension unit of shoes to be washed; In use, said suspension unit (7) is associated with said drum, so as with the drum barrel rigid rotating.

2. equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said suspension unit (7) comprises a part (19), this part is limited to and is inserted into shoes surface (19A) towards the sole of shoes when inner; In use, the said surface (19A) of suspension unit (7) is towards the rotation of drum, thereby during rotation, permission water flows out towards upper of a shoe from the sole of shoes.

3. according to claim 1 or claim 2 equipment, wherein, said suspension unit (7) comprises a shoe tree or a pin profiles or shoes profiles, said shoe tree or pin profiles or shoes profiles are designed to be inserted in shoes inside.

As aforementioned claim in one or more described equipment, wherein, said device (1; 201; 301) comprising:

-at least one support component (5; 205; 305), said at least one support component comprises in order in use said support component is fixed on the profile of drum so that when drum (2) rotates, make the fixer (3 of said support component rigid rotating; 203; 303);

-suspension arrangement (7,17), this suspension arrangement is hanging to said support component (5 with at least one shoes; 205; 305) go up so that can wash shoes and shoes are remained essentially in and the shoes suspension corresponding position of relevant support on it.

5. equipment as claimed in claim 4, wherein, said suspension arrangement (7,17) comprises corresponding to said at least one support component (5 in combination; 205; 305) at least one bearing (17) that forms and will releasably be coupled in the said suspension unit (7) that is used for footwear of said bearing in use.

6. equipment as claimed in claim 5, wherein, said suspension unit (7) comprises that one is connected in engagement pin (18) that is inserted into inner shoe tree (19) of shoes or equivalent and the device (20,21) that allows said shoes are fixed to shoe tree.

7. like one or more the described equipment in the claim 4 to 6, wherein, said at least one support component (5; 205) be connected to a framework (3 securely; 203) on, said Frame Design becomes said support component (5; 205) be tied on the surface of drum.

8. equipment as claimed in claim 7, wherein, said framework (3; 203) comprise three bars (8; 208), said three bars are through three carriages (4; 204) be rigidly connected to three support components (5; 205) on.

9. equipment as claimed in claim 8, wherein, according to star like arrangement, structure said three bars (208) in framework (203).

10. equipment as claimed in claim 8, wherein, according to triangular arrangement, structure said three bars (8) in framework.

11. like claim 9 or 10 described equipment, wherein, said bar (8; 208) at least one in comprises the first (9 that relative to each other can assemble with moving; 209) and second portion (10; 210).

12. equipment as claimed in claim 11; Wherein, said first (9) and second portion (10) are correspondingly hinged so that can relative to each other collapse, and said second portion (10) comprises a thread ring (12); One sleeve (11) can be screwed on the said thread ring; This sleeve can be assembled in the said first (9) slidably, so that closed articulated elements, and block said bar (8).

13. equipment as claimed in claim 11, wherein, said first (209) and second portion (210) are assembled with the mode that can stretch.

14. like one or more the described equipment in the claim 4 to 6, wherein, said support component (305) comprises makes said support component be bonded on the magnetic element (303) on the profile of drum in use.

15. like one or more the described equipment in the claim 1 to 3, wherein, said device (401) comprises the unit (407) of the drum that is configured to be coupled directly to washing machine.

16. equipment as claimed in claim 15, wherein, the said unit (407) that is coupled directly to the drum of washing machine comprises a bayonet joint (418) and can be inserted in shoes inner at least one shoe tree (19) or analog.

17. like one or more the described equipment in the claim 2 to 16, wherein, said shoe tree (19) or analog are provided with a plurality of through holes (19B) that water is passed through of being used to.

18. like the one or more described equipment in the claim 2 to 16, wherein, said shoe tree (19) or analog inner hollow; On the thickness of said shoe tree (19), have a plurality of through holes that water is passed through of being used to, said through hole is communicated with between said cavity (19C) and shoe tree (19) outside.

19. a drum that is used for washing machine is characterized in that, its be arranged such that in advance as aforementioned claim 15 and/or 16 and/or subsequently the described unit of claim (407) can be connected in drum through bayonet joint (418) or analog.

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