Door threshold vacuum
First Claim
1. A threshold vacuum apparatus for cleaning footwear, the apparatus located adjacent to a door, the apparatus comprising:
- a low profile frame having a tray on a top surface, the tray having a plurality of openings for accepting debris from a user'"'"'s footwear, the frame creating a plenum;
a first port and a second port, wherein the first and second ports are affixed to the frame and open into the plenum;
a debris collection container, wherein the debris collection container is located outside the frame;
a vacuum source coupled to the plenum by the first port, wherein the vacuum source creates a low pressure that pulls debris from the footwear and transports it to the debris collection container; and
a control means for controlling the operation of the vacuum source.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for automatically cleaning dirt and debris from a pedestrian'"'"'s footwear. The apparatus can be an integral portion of the entryway door'"'"'s threshold or else can be made portable. The pedestrian steps upon a removable tray and activates a vacuum source. The vacuum source pulls the dirt and debris from the pedestrian'"'"'s footwear through a multitude of openings in the removable tray. The dirt and debris is captured within the tray (large particles) and debris collection container (smaller particles) for later disposal. The apparatus cleans the welts and also provides a means for drying wet footwear. The apparatus can be either AC or DC powered and can be automated to only operate when a pedestrian is standing upon the tray, can operate continuously, or can be manually switched on and off.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A threshold vacuum apparatus for cleaning footwear, the apparatus located adjacent to a door, the apparatus comprising:
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a low profile frame having a tray on a top surface, the tray having a plurality of openings for accepting debris from a user'"'"'s footwear, the frame creating a plenum; a first port and a second port, wherein the first and second ports are affixed to the frame and open into the plenum; a debris collection container, wherein the debris collection container is located outside the frame; a vacuum source coupled to the plenum by the first port, wherein the vacuum source creates a low pressure that pulls debris from the footwear and transports it to the debris collection container; and a control means for controlling the operation of the vacuum source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification