US20100043137A1

US20100043137A1 - Automatic Apparatus for Washing Feet

Info

Publication number: US20100043137A1
Application number: US12/520,390
Authority: US
Inventors: Paolo Zavan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-12-20
Filing date: 2007-09-25
Publication date: 2010-02-25
Also published as: WO2008075392A1; EP2101709A1; ITPD20060457A1

Abstract

Automatic apparatus for washing feet comprising:

- a containment body 10 intended for being placed on the floor and delimiting a tank 20;
- washing means 31, 81, 91; 41, 82, 92 arranged in the containment body 10 for operating at tank 20; and
  a device 50 for actuating the washing means connected to the containment body 10. Apparatus 1 is characterised in that it is provided with a support structure 60 suitable for supporting a user in standing position. The support structure 60 is connected to the containment body 10 and is provided with a gripping portion 61. The actuating device 50 is connected to the support structure 60 in the proximity of the gripping portion 61.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention relates to an automatic apparatus for washing feet.
The subject apparatus generally falls within the field of household appliances and in particular in the field of body care appliances.
Advantageously, such apparatus is designed to allow washing feet while remaining standing and is therefore particularly suitable for people with motion difficulties.

PRIOR ART

An accurate foot washing unavoidably requires keeping uncomfortable positions that may be tiring or sometimes impossible for people with difficulties moving and that in general one would gladly avoid even if only for laziness. An ever felt need therefore is that of carefully cleaning feet while remaining as much as possible standing.
To this end, several different pieces of apparatus for washing feet have been proposed in the past, all generally sharing the use of revolving brushes and/or nozzles for pressurised water for allowing the automation of the washing operations. These pieces of apparatus are often provided with quite cumbersome and heavy containment structures that require considerable space and are difficult to move.
An example of such apparatus is described in Italian patent IT 1146854. The apparatus is provided with a containment structure internally defining a closed chamber for feet washing operations. Inside such chamber there are arranged two revolving brushes and a series of nozzles for generating pressurised water jets. Outside the chamber there is arranged a hot air generator for drying feet at the end of the washing. The various functions of the apparatus are actuated by a special pushbutton panel arranged outside the containment structure.
A first disadvantage of this device is related to the fact that during the apparatus operation the user is forced to bend several times to reach the pushbutton panel and thus actuate the different functions (brush cleaning, rinsing, drying), to the disadvantage of the comfort and practicality of the apparatus itself.
To this end, pieces of apparatus have been proposed that are provided with sensors (for example, photocell) that allow the actuation of the different functions in automatic mode and in timed sequence, thus saving the user to have to bend. On the other hand, in this way the user cannot directly manage the various cleaning treatment steps, not being able for example to change the step time or sequence thereof as desired.
Another disadvantage of the apparatus described in Italian patent IT 1146854 and common to many other apparatus for washing feet of known type is related to the use of revolving brushes provided with bristles, generally soft. This choice in fact imposes the adoption of closed chambers for washing feet in order to contain the splashes that unavoidably generate from the movement of the bristles. Moreover, this type of brushes poses hygiene issues since they become receptacles of accumulation of residues and dirt and in any case they do not ensure accurate cleaning of the feet zones between the toes.
Apparatuses for washing feet have been proposed to this end that are provided with nozzles into the washing chamber in replacement of the above brushes. The nozzles are suitable for generating pressurised water jets that carry out the mechanical action of brushes. While this solution solves the above hygiene problems, it is not capable of guaranteeing a good cleaning between toes and in any case implies expensive choices at a construction level.
A further disadvantage of the apparatus described in Italian patent IT 1146854 is related to the fact that a connection to the water mains must be necessarily provided for supplying the cleaning means and the rinsing means with the necessary water flow.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above by providing an automatic apparatus for washing feet which should allow the user to remain standing during all the feet washing, allowing a direct setting of the operating modes to the user.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic apparatus for washing feet that should allow cleaning between toes.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic apparatus for washing feet that should allow accurate feet cleaning without using revolving brushes provided with bristles.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic apparatus for washing feet that should not require connection to the water mains.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an automatic apparatus for washing feet that should be compact and easily moved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technical features of the invention, according to the above objects, are clearly found in the contents of the claims below and the advantages of the same will appear more clearly from the following detailed description, made with reference to the annexed drawings, which show a purely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the automatic apparatus for washing feet according to the invention in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a side partly cutaway view of the automatic apparatus for washing feet according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a side perspective partly cutaway view of the automatic apparatus for washing feet according to the invention in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a cutaway plan view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of the apparatus along the line indicated by arrows V shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of the apparatus along the line indicated by arrows VI shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the apparatus with some portions shown in cutaway view;

FIG. 8 shows a view of a detail of the apparatus relating to a roller for cleaning feet;

FIG. 9 shows a view of the roller for washing feet of FIG. 8 illustrated separate from the rest of the apparatus with some cutaway parts for better highlighting others;

FIG. 10 shows an axial section view of the device shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a detail of the apparatus relating to a control device; and

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the annexed drawings, reference numeral 1 globally indicates the automatic apparatus for washing feet according to the invention.
Apparatus 1 generally falls within the field of household appliances and in particular in the field of body care appliances. Such apparatus is designed to allow washing feet while remaining standing and is therefore particularly suitable for people with motion difficulties.
Apparatus 1 comprises a containment body 10 intended to be placed on the floor and delimiting a tank 20 inside which the user will put a foot for the washing operations.
Apparatus 1 comprises feet washing means, connected to the containment body 10 and capable of operating at tank 20, as well as a device 50 for actuating the apparatus in general, and in particular the washing means, connected to the containment body 10, as will be better described in detail hereinafter.
According to the invention, apparatus 1 is provided with a support structure 60 suitable for supporting a user in standing position. Such support structure 1 is connected to the containment body 10 and is provided with a gripping portion 61 in the proximity of which the above actuating device 50 is connected to the support structure 60.
Apparatus 1 therefore allows a user to have a complete feet washing treatment while remaining standing for the entire duration of the treatment itself. Moreover, the user can directly manage the different operating modes of apparatus 1 operating the actuating device 50 without ever having to change the erected position. Moreover, given the close position between the actuating device 50 and the gripping portion 61, the user never has to leave the safe support offered by the support structure 60 to operate the control device. This is to the advantage comfort, practicality and safety of use of apparatus 1.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support structure 60 comprises at least one arm 62 connected at a first end 62 a thereof to the containment body 10.
Advantageously the first end 62 a of the arm is connected to the containment body 10 on the back side 10 a thereof. Arm 62 therefore extends towards the front side 10 b of the containment body with the second end 62 b that is at a predetermined height h from the floor. Advantageously, the gripping portion 61 is connected to the second end 62 b of the arm.
The reference to the front side and to the back side of the apparatus must be intended relative to the position that a user normally takes in using apparatus 1. Thus in this condition the front side will be the closest portion of apparatus to the user.
In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the arm consists of a single tubular body suitably shaped.
Advantageously, height h of the second end 62 b of the arm relative to the support surface of apparatus 1 is selected on the basis of the average height of people and is preferably comprised within the range from 90 to 120 cm.
According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 12, arm 62 consists of two segments connected to one another by an articulation 63 that allows adjusting the height from floor h of the second end 62 b. In this way the position of the gripping portion 61 relative to the support surface of apparatus 1 can be adapted to the user's requirements, without having to replace arm 62. In this case the apparatus can therefore be used also from sitting position, suitably adjusting the height h of the second end 62 b.
In accordance with another embodiment not illustrated in the annexed Figures, the adjustment of height h is obtained using a telescopic arm. Such solution is particularly advantageous if it envisages the adoption of the articulation also.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, illustrated in particular in FIGS. 3 and 11, the gripping portion 61 is U shaped, thus defining two appendices 61 a and 61 b that serve as grips. The two appendices are suitably shaped for allowing an adequate grip.
More in detail, the gripping portion 61 is connected to the second end 62 b of the arm in intermediate position between the two appendices 61 a and 61 b, so as to obtain a distribution of the strains on the arm as balanced as possible.
Advantageously, the actuating device 50 is connected to arm 62 so as to be arranged between the two appendices 61 a and 61 b and therefore be immediately reached by the user with both hands. Preferably, the actuating device 50 is made integrated in the gripping portion, so as to eliminate the need for a special independent connection to arm 62.
As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the containment body 10 consists of a closed shell 10′ shaped to centrally define a concave zone that forms the above tank 20. Internally, shell 10′ delimits an empty inside volume that develops about the concave zone and at the bottom of the latter.
However, alternative solutions may be provided wherein the inner volume develops on the tank bottom only, the tank external walls being solid, or it only develops on the external zone of the tank.
Preferably, tank 20 has a prevailing development along the front-back orientation axis of the containment body, as can be seen in FIG. 4. In the embodiment solutions illustrated in the annexed Figures, tank 20 has a substantially rectangular plan section, with rounded corners, but it can also be made with other sections, for example square or oval.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the volume delimited inside shell 10′ is closed and is divided into three chambers 71, 72, 73 that are not communicating with each other, as will be clear from the description below.
More in detail, a first 71 and a second chamber 72 are obtained at the portions of shell 10′ that externally delimit tank 20. The third chamber 73 on the other hand, is obtained in portion 23 of shell 10′ that makes the bottom of tank 20.
As will be explained hereinafter, these two chambers 71 and 72 serve as containment tank for the fluids that—as better explained hereinafter—can be used by the washing means of apparatus 1.
According to a preferred embodiment, the first chamber 71 serves as a tank for a detergent fluid while the second chamber 72 serves as a tank for feet rinsing water.
Advantageously, each of these two chambers 71 and 72 is provided with a closing opening 71′ and 72′ for allowing the refill of the liquids used during the operation of apparatus 1. Preferably, the two closing openings 71′ and 72′ are obtained on top of shell 10′.
The third chamber 73 defines a tank for collecting the fluids used during the feet washing and that have converged into tank 20. To this end, tank 20 communicates with the third chamber 73 through a draining outlet 15. Bottom 23 of tank 20 is suitably inclined for favouring the outflow of liquids towards the above draining outlet 15.
Thanks to the presence of these three chambers, and in particular of the second and third chamber, apparatus 1 can operate without the need of direct connections to the water mains and to the sewage to drain the used water.
Advantageously, the containment body 10 is provided with a plurality of wheels 17 fixed at base 16 thereof. Such wheels allow the movement of apparatus 1.
Advantageously, the containment body 10 is provided with a plurality of wheels 18 fixed at base 16 of the body itself. Suction cups 18 allow locking apparatus 1 to the floor and therefore prevent the apparatus from tilting while operating, for example due to a thrust by the user.
According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, suction cups 18 are adjustable in height so as to be moved close or away from base 16 of the containment body 10. In this way it is possible to alternately move only wheels 127 resting on the floor to allow the movement of apparatus 1, or only suction cups 18 for locking apparatus 1.
Advantageously, the washing means of apparatus 1 comprise means for cleaning feet 31, 81, 91.
The term “cleaning” herein must be understood to mean carrying out a cleaning action of mechanical and/or chemical type, such as what could result from the combination of the effects of a detergent substance (soap) and a mechanical rubbing.
Preferably, such means for cleaning feet comprise at least one roller 31 capable of rotating about its axis.
The roller is arranged into tank 20 and is suitable for generating a mechanical rubbing action in contact with the foot, as will be explained in greater detail in the following description.
Advantageously, such means for cleaning feet comprise at least one motor 36 connectable to roller 31 for allowing rotation thereof. Operatively, motor 36 is actuable by the user through the actuating device 50.
Preferably, motor 36 is capable of rotating roller 31 both in clockwise direction and in counter clockwise direction, allowing the user to select the most appropriate direction of rotation based on the parts of the foot that come into contact with the roller. The possibility of reversing the direction of rotation of the roller is particularly important if we consider for example the risk of lifting the nails that could result from a roller rotation tending to stress the nails from underneath (stressing them from the end towards the base) rather than from the top (that is, from the base to the ends).
More in detail, roller 31 is pivoted at ends 31 a and 31 b thereof at the walls of tank 20. Preferably, the axis of rotation X of roller 31 is substantially cross relative to the front-back axis of orientation of the containment body 10.
Preferably, roller 31 is arranged at a distance m from the bottom of tank 20 such as to allow the introduction of a foot. It is therefore possible to bring the foot in contact with the bottom zone of the roller also underneath the latter, and therefore bring the rubbing action not only on the sole, but also on the back and instep of foot.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in particular in FIGS. 4, 9 and 10, roller 31 consists of a tubular body 32 whereon a coating 33 of spongy material is applied.
Advantageously, the means for cleaning feet comprise a duct for feeding detergent fluid 91 connectable to the tubular body 32 and a first pump 81—hydraulically connected to body 91—that draws inside the above first inner chamber 71 of the containment body. As already mentioned before, the latter serves as containment tank for the detergent fluid.
Advantageously, the tubular body 32 is provided with a plurality of holes 34 that allow the detergent fluid, which is made to flow into the tubular body, to impregnate coating 33 of spongy material and therefore come into contact with the foot without generating irritating splashes.
Preferably the first pump 81 is of the plunger type and is arranged inside the first chamber 71. Functionally the first pump 81 is actuable by the actuating device 50, preferably concurrently with motor 36 of roller 31, so that the mechanical rubbing action is associated to the action of the detergent. The pump is electrically powered by the actuating device 50.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, coating 33 of spongy material exhibits a ring shaped protruding portion 35 intended for cleaning between toes.
Also alternative solutions may be provided, wherein the coating exhibits two or more rings suitably spaced from one another. In any case the surface shape of the coating could also be changed according to the type of mechanical action to be obtained on the foot.
Advantageously, coating 33 of spongy material is removably associated to the tubular body 32, for allowing easier cleaning and replacement thereof when worn.
As can be seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the tubular body 32 is connected at a first end 31 a to the shaft of motor 36 and at a second end 31 b to the duct for feeding detergent fluid 91.
Advantageously, roller 31 is removably connected to containment body 10, so as to allow easy replacement thereof. In this way it is possible to consider the use of customised rollers that can be easily applied to apparatus used in common by different users, so as to ensure better hygienic conditions.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the pin corresponding to the end portion of the duct for feeding detergent fluid is fixed. On the other hand, the pin connected to the shaft of motor 36 is capable of moving axially thanks to the presence of a spring. In this way it is possible to release the tubular body from the fixed pin pushing the roller in the direction of motor 36 and then pull out the roller from the fixed pin.
Advantageously, the washing means of apparatus 1 comprise means for rinsing feet 41, 82, 92.
Preferably, the means for rinsing feet comprise at least one shower dispensing device 41 and a water feeding duct 92 connected thereto.
Advantageously, such means for rinsing feet comprise a second pump 82 that draws inside the second chamber 72 of the containment body 10 and is hydraulically connected to the water feeding duct 92.
As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 2 and 6 such device 41 is suspended above tank 20, in the proximity of the back wall 10 a of the containment body 10.
More in detail, the shower device 41 is arranged on an appendix 11 of the containment body 10, which extends from the back side 10 a of the latter projecting over tank 20.
Advantageously, to prevent the escape of any splashes generated by the fall of water, the containment body 10 is provided with splash guard walls 12 that extend from the above appendix 11 to the edge of tank 20.
Preferably the second pump 82 is of the plunger type and is arranged inside the second chamber 72. Functionally the second pump 82 is actuable by the actuating device 50 and is electrically powered by the latter.
Advantageously, apparatus 1 comprises means for drying feet 101, 102.
Preferably, such means for drying feet comprise at least one fan 101 arranged in the containment body 10.
As can be seen in particular in FIG. 6, fan 101 is arranged inside a seating space 13 obtained in the containment body. More in detail, said space 13 is obtained at the base of appendix 11 that supports the shower device 41 and is provided with a diffuser element 102 for conveying the air flow generated by fan 101 towards tank 20.
Functionally, fan 101 is actuable by the actuating device 50, by which it is also electrically powered.
Advantageously, the means for drying feet 101, 102 may comprise at least one electrical resistance suitable for warming the air flow generated by fan 101. As for the fan, also the electrical resistance is electrically powered by the actuating device 50.
Advantageously, apparatus 1 comprises discharge means 83, 93 for allowing the automatic emptying of the third chamber 73.
More in detail, as can be seen in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the discharge means 110 comprise a third pump 83 that draws inside the above third chamber 73 and a discharge duct 93 that hydraulically connects the third pump 83 to the exterior.
Preferably the third pump 83 is of the plunger type and is arranged inside the third chamber 73. Functionally the third pump 83 is actuable by the actuating device 50 and is electrically powered by the latter.
According to a first embodiment solution illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, the above discharge duct 93 is connected to a discharge outlet 14 obtained in the containment body 10.
According to a second embodiment solution illustrated in FIG. 6, the discharge duct 93 is connected to a discharge outlet 14 obtained in the support structure 60. More in detail, such discharge outlet 14 is obtained in the proximity of the gripping portion 61. This solution makes the connection of this outlet to an external hose even more convenient.
According to a preferred solution not illustrated, apparatus 1 is provided with a seating space in the proximity of the discharge outlet, inside which an external hose is contained, intended for being connected to the above opening.
Advantageously, apparatus 1 is provided with an electrical power unit 51 such as to make it independent from the electrical supply network.
According to a preferred solution, the electrical power unit 51 is of the battery type, for example lithium rechargeable.
Preferably, the electrical power unit 51 is integrated in the control device 50, which therefore powers the electrical devices of the apparatus, such as the three pumps, the roller motor and the fan.
However, alternative embodiment solutions may be provided, wherein some or all the electrical devices are provided with their own power unit, or solutions wherein the battery power unit is replaced or associated to a standard connection to the electrical supply network.
Functionally, the control device is structured so that the different functions of apparatus 1, that is, cleaning by roller, rinsing, drying and discharge of the third chamber are independent of one another. The user can therefore manage such functions as desired, selecting the time and temporal sequence thereof.
Advantageously, apparatus 1 can also function according to a totally automatic mode, so that all the operating steps (cleaning by roller, rinsing and drying) occur in a sequence, with predetermined time and sequence. Such operating mode is actuable or deactuable by the user by the above actuating device.
According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the control device 50 is provided with a multi-position control lever 52 or joystick. In particular, lever 52 envisages at least five positions: a stand by one; two for actuating the roller in the two directions of rotation; one for actuating the rinsing means, and one for actuating the drying means.
For the general switch off of apparatus 1 and for actuating the discharge means, special buttons obtained in the proximity of said control lever 53 may be provided.
The use of apparatus 1 is very simple and convenient.
Once the apparatus has been prepared, that is, having at least checked that there are sufficient levels of detergent fluid and clean water for rinsing, the user must simply insert his/her foot into tank 20 and, keeping balanced through the support structure 60, actuate roller 31 and then move his/her foot in contact therewith. The roller actuation causes both the rotation thereof and the escape of detergent fluid and thus the soaking of the spongy coating.
Advantageously, thanks to the distance existing between the roller and to the tank bottom, the foot can be moved in contact with the roller also underneath the latter. In this way, the rubbing action can be brought not only on the sole but also on the back and instep of foot. The cleaning between toes and of the sides of the foot is guaranteed by the projecting ring portion of the roller.
Once the cleaning action has been completed, the user must simply move the foot underneath the shower device and suitably actuate the control lever. Once rinsing has been completed, the user can then proceed to drying the foot actuating the fan. The user needs not move the foot since the diffuser conveys the air flow towards the tank so as to impinge the foot itself fully.
In order to empty the third chamber 73, that is, that of collection of the washing water, the user must connect a hose to the discharge opening provided in the containment body. The hose must have sufficient length for reaching a suitable discharge point, such as a sink or a water closet. Once these operations have been completed, it is therefore sufficient to actuate the discharge means and wait for the third chamber to empty.
The automatic apparatus for washing feet 1 according to the invention allows the user to remain in standing position during all the washing of feet and at the same time adjusting and managing the different operating modes as desired.
Apparatus 1 allows an accurate cleaning between toes and does not require the use of revolving brushes provided with bristles.
The presence of three tanks, two for the washing fluids and one for collecting used fluids, ensures certain operating autonomy of apparatus 1, releasing it from the water and sewage network.
The shape of the containment body and in particular the distribution of the different chambers allows limiting the dimensions of the apparatus, which therefore is very compact. Moreover, the presence of wheels and the limited dimensions make the apparatus easy to move.
The invention thus conceived thus achieves the intended purposes.
Of course, in the practical embodiment thereof, it may take shapes and configurations differing from that illustrated above without departing from the present scope of protection.
Moreover, all the parts may be replaced by technically equivalent ones and the sizes, shapes and materials used may be whatever according to the requirements.

Claims

1-78. (canceled)

79. Automatic apparatus for washing feet comprising:

a containment body intended for being placed on the floor and delimiting a tank;

washing means arranged in said containment body for operating at said tank; and

a device for actuating said washing means connected to said containment body;

wherein said apparatus is provided with a support structure suitable for supporting in standing position a user, said support structure being connected to said containment body and being provided with a gripping portion, and characterised in that said actuating device is connected to said support structure in the proximity of said gripping portion.

80. Apparatus according to claim 79, wherein said support structure comprises at least one arm having a first end connected to said containment body, said arm extending towards the front side of said containment body with the second end at a predetermined height from the floor, said arm being articulated for allowing the adjustment of said height.

81. Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein said gripping portion is provided with two appendices that serve as grips, said actuating device being arranged between the two appendices of said gripping portion, said gripping portion being connected to the second end of said arm in intermediate position between said two appendices.

82. Apparatus according to claim 79, wherein said washing means comprise means for cleaning feet which comprise at least one roller capable of axially rotating for generating a cleaning mechanical action in contact with a foot, said roller (31) comprising a tubular body whereon a coating of spongy material is applied.

83. Apparatus according to claim 82, wherein said coating of spongy material exhibits at least one ring shaped protruding portion intended for cleaning between toes.

84. Apparatus according to claim 82, wherein said means for cleaning feet comprise a duct for feeding detergent fluid connectable to the tubular body of said roller, said tubular body being provided with a plurality of holes for allowing the detergent fluid to exit impregnating said coating of spongy material.

85. Apparatus according to claim 82, wherein said roller is arranged at a distance from the bottom of said tank such as to allow the introduction of a foot between said roller and the bottom itself.

86. Apparatus according to claim 79, wherein said washing means comprise means for rinsing feet, which comprise at least one shower dispensing device, said shower device being arranged on an appendix of said containment body, which extends from the back side of the latter projecting over said tank.

87. Apparatus according to claim 79, comprising means for drying feet arranged in said containment body, wherein said means for drying feet comprise at least one fan.

88. Apparatus according to claim 79, comprising a first tank intended for containing a detergent fluid and obtained inside said containment body.

89. Apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said cleaning means comprise a first pump that draws inside the first tank and is hydraulically connected to said duct for feeding detergent fluid.

90. Apparatus according to claim 89, wherein said first pump is actuable by said actuating device concurrently with the motor of said roller.

91. Apparatus according to claim 79, comprising a second tank intended for containing water for rinsing and obtained inside said containment body.

92. Apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said feet rinsing means comprise a second pump that draws inside said second tank and is hydraulically connected to said water feeding duct.

93. Apparatus according to claim 79, comprising a third tank intended for collecting the detergent fluid and the rinsing water that flow inside said tank, and obtained inside said containment body.

94. Apparatus according to claim 93, comprising discharge means intended for emptying third tank, said discharge means comprising a third pump, that draws inside said third tank, and a discharge duct hydraulically connected to said third pump.

95. Apparatus according to claim 94, wherein said discharge outlet is obtained in said support structure in the proximity of said gripping portion.

96. Apparatus according to claim 88, wherein said containment body consists of a closed shell shaped so as to exhibit a concave zone corresponding to said tank and so as to delimit a closed volume around said tank, said closed volume being divided into three chambers, a first and a second chamber being obtained at the side walls of said tank and respectively form said first and said second tank, a third chamber being obtained on the bottom of said tank (20) and forming said third tank, said tank communicating with said third chamber through a draining outlet.

97. Apparatus according to claim 91, wherein said containment body consists of a closed shell shaped so as to exhibit a concave zone corresponding to said tank and so as to delimit a closed volume around said tank, said closed volume being divided into three chambers, a first and a second chamber being obtained at the side walls of said tank and respectively form said first and said second tank, a third chamber being obtained on the bottom of said tank (20) and forming said third tank, said tank communicating with said third chamber through a draining outlet.

98. Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein said containment body consists of a closed shell shaped so as to exhibit a concave zone corresponding to said tank and so as to delimit a closed volume around said tank, said closed volume being divided into three chambers, a first and a second chamber being obtained at the side walls of said tank and respectively form said first and said second tank, a third chamber being obtained on the bottom of said tank (20) and forming said third tank, said tank communicating with said third chamber through a draining outlet.