Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to a foot inspection mirror and, more particularly, to a foot inspection device comprised of an assembly of mirrors positioned in such an array so as to assist diabetics and other users in visually self-inspecting all sides of an illuminated foot without unnecessary standing or maneuvering. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60/597,128, filed Nov. 11, 2005. The entire disclosure and contents of the above application is hereby incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to a foot inspection mirror and, more particularly, to a foot inspection device comprised of an assembly of mirrors positioned in such an array so as to assist diabetics and other users in visually self-inspecting all sides of an illuminated foot without unnecessary standing or maneuvering. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Diabetics are especially susceptible to both cardiovascular disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet, and nerve damage, which causes numbness in the feet. Oftentimes, diabetics aren&#39;t aware that an ulcer or sore is developing on the bottom of their feet because they experience a loss of feeling. A common problem with abnormalities that go unnoticed is that they lead to amputation. One key component to preventative diabetic foot care is to visually examine foots regularly. Early detection of irritations can prevent the development of severe ulcers or infections. The problem with routine visual examinations, however, is that many elderly and overweight diabetics experience difficulty reaching their feet. 
   As is well known in the art, there are a number of foot inspection devices provided to diabetics for self-monitoring foot health. These devices are most commonly comprised of mirrors and illuminating lamps, but their construction tends to be small or difficult to use. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. 
   Of considerable relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,992, issued on Jul. 29, 2003, which discloses a portable foot inspection mirror having a magnified reflective surface, a frame surrounding the perimeter of the reflective surface, and a small high intensity light directed downward toward the reflective surface. One of the device&#39;s disadvantages is its construction. The light is positioned at the distal end of a curved rod connected to the frame. The light is positioned to adequately illuminate the back or side of the foot, but its position fails to fully illuminate the underside of the foot. In fact, light is emitted from behind the foot, so the foot itself can actually obstruct the light path if it is positioned in the center of the mirror. The device also comprises only one flat mirror, so a person is required to maneuver his or her foot to inspect it one side at a time. 
   The foot inspection and recording device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,136,832, issued Nov. 15, 1938, teaches two side walls extending upwards from a glass supporting member to form a box-like cabinet, a mirror located angularly below the glass, and similarly positioned mirrors located at the opposite sides of the cabinet above the glass. Lamps located behind the glass bottom, adjacent to the opposite side walls, illuminate the mirror. There are two problems with this device. First, the very purpose of observing the underside of a foot is hindered when a person is required to stand on the device. Secondly, the mirrors and lamps are positioned to better record and print the condition of the foot verses inspect it. The device is too bulky and complex for simple use. 
   The foot-care accessory kit disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,655, issued on Dec. 28, 2004, comprises a plurality of light bulbs disposed about the perimeter of a mirror in the shape of a foot. The device further comprises an elongated handle for pivotally moving the mirror when a person is inspecting the lower appendages of the foot. The mirror is too small to view the entire foot at one time and it requires unnecessary maneuvering of both the mirror and foot to conduct an examination. This can be especially cumbersome to the elderly, overweight or people who experience difficulty with flexibility and movement. 
   While the foregoing features disclosed in the prior art are incorporated into this invention, other elements are different enough as to make the combination distinguished over the inventor&#39;s own prior art. Consequently, a need has been long-felt for a foot inspection device comprised of an assembly of mirrors constructed in such a way as to assist the user in visually self-inspecting all sides of an illuminated foot without unnecessary standing or maneuvering. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved foot inspection device that allows a user to quickly and efficiently conduct a visual examination of his or her foot. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the foot inspection mirror comprises a mirror assembly portion that is pivotally supported by a stand portion. The stand portion comprises a base provided to support the foot inspection mirror on floors and flat surfaces. 
   The mirror assembly portion preferably comprises a plurality of five individual mirrors arranged in a fixed array that allows a user to quickly and efficiently conduct a visual inspection of all portions of his or her feet, one at a time. It is a feature of the present invention to provide a magnifying mirror, preferably being the largest of the plurality of mirrors. It is another feature of the present invention to position two smaller mirrors adjacent to the vertical sides of the largest mirror. These mirrors are angled toward each other and facilitate inspection of the underside and sides of a foot. Two additional mirrors extend outwards from the bottom sides of the first three mirrors and meet at opposing sides. These mirrors are angled downwards towards one another and facilitate inspection of the heel of a foot. It is a further advantage to the present invention if the mirror assembly comprises all magnifying mirrors. 
   The foot inspection mirror according to the present invention further comprises a plurality of lighting elements, i.e. light emitting diodes (LED) to illuminate the user&#39;s foot during inspection. The lights surround the perimeter of the mirrors and are angled to illuminate the entire foot regardless of the ambient room lighting. The lights are powered by batteries, thus eliminating the tripping hazard of an electrical cord. A large switch positioned at the top of the device handle is easily accessible for turning the lights on and off. An automatic off-timer saves battery. 
   The foot inspection mirror according to the invention can be produced in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors and materials and is thus particularly suitable for placement on the floor next to a user&#39;s bed, in a user&#39;s bathroom or at any other location that encourages daily foot inspection. The user, in the course of a normal day, can view both of his or her feet, one at a time, in a matter of seconds. Presently available commercial products for self-inspection of feet are unsightly and must be stored elsewhere (e.g., in drawers or cabinets), which contributes to patients forgetting to inspect their feet. Some presently available commercial products require users to hold the inspection device while inspecting their feet. Other products do not allow the user to sit and have a clear and complete view of the foot. The foot inspection mirror according to the present invention, with its pivoting mirror assembly portion, allows the user to sit or stand for a complete, clear view of the foot. The feature is important to obese and elderly patients or other persons who experience difficulty with flexibility and balance. The LED lights are positioned to illuminate the foot and angled to highlight calluses and raised areas. The foot inspection mirror aids in the early detection of calluses, sores and infections that lead to amputation. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a foot inspection mirror according to the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a front plan view showing a preferred ornamental design of a foot inspection mirror according to the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a right side plan view of the foot inspection mirror shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a rear plan view of the foot inspection mirror shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a left side plan view of the foot inspection mirror shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the foot inspection mirror shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the foot inspection mirror shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures; 
   1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
   With reference to the accompanying figures, particularly  FIG. 1 , a foot inspection mirror according to the present invention comprises a mirror assembly portion  10  that is pivotally supported by a stand portion  12 . The stand portion  12  comprises a base portion  14  provided to support the foot inspection mirror on floors and flat surfaces. The stand portion further comprises two arm members  16  that are pivotally attached to the lower halves of the vertical sides of the mirror assembly portion  10 . The mirror assembly portion  10  is easily tilted to provide the best viewing angle. The stand portion  12  is preferably made of plastic or any other suitable material. 
   The mirror assembly portion  10  comprises a plurality of mirrors  18 ,  20 ,  22  arranged in a fixed array that permits a user to efficiently conduct a visual inspection of the bottom or underside of a foot positioned in front of the mirrors  18 ,  20 ,  22 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the array comprises a large mirror  18 , which is preferred to be a magnifying mirror having a magnification of about 5X. Two side mirrors  20  are positioned adjacent to the vertical sides of the larger mirror. The side mirrors  20  are angled towards each other. The side mirrors  20  are also magnifying mirrors having preferable 5X magnification to facilitate easy viewing and inspection of the underside and sides of a foot. Two identical smaller mirrors  22  are angled outward and downward with respect to one another and with respect to the larger mirror. The smaller mirrors  22  are also magnifying mirrors that connect at opposing sides. A preferable 5X magnification of the smaller mirrors  22  facilitates easy viewing and inspection of the heel of a foot. The mirrors  18 ,  20 ,  22  are preferably coated with a protective polymer coating. The mirror assembly portion  10  is preferably made with plastic or any other suitable material. 
   The preferred embodiment comprises LED lighting elements  24  arranged around the perimeter of the array of mirrors. The LED lighting elements  24  emit white light at an intensity that is sufficient to illuminate the underside of a user&#39;s foot during the inspection process. The LED lighting elements  24  are powered by one or more batteries, which are received in a compartment  26  positioned on the backside of the mirror assembly portion  10 . The LEDs  24  can be activated by the user via an easily accessible switch  28  disposed on a handle  30  positioned on the mirror assembly portion  10 . 
   The foot inspection mirror according to the invention is approximately 18 inches tall, when measured from the base  14  of the stand portion  12  to the handle  30  of the mirror assembly portion  10 . The foot inspection mirror measures approximately 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep. The mirror assembly portion  10  is connected by pivots  32  to the stand portion  10  such that the large mirror  18  in the array is disposed at an initial angle of about 70° relative to the floor or other flat surface on which the base portion  14  is resting. The mirror assembly portion  10  can pivot over a range of at least 40° (i.e., such that the large mirror  18  in the array is disposed at an angle of about 90° to about 50° relative to the floor or other flat surface on which the base portion  14  is resting). The user can pivot the mirror assembly as needed to fully inspect his or her foot. 
   2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
   A foot inspection mirror according to the present invention comprises a mirror assembly portion that is pivotally supported by a stand portion. The stand portion comprises two arm members that are pivotally attached to the lower halves of the vertical sides of the mirror assembly portion. The stand portion further comprises a base portion provided to support the foot inspection mirror on floors and flat surfaces. The stand portion is preferably made of plastic or any other suitable material. 
   The mirror assembly portion comprises a plurality of mirrors arranged in a fixed array that permits a user to efficiently conduct a visual inspection of the bottom or underside of a foot positioned in front of the mirrors. In the preferred embodiment, the array comprises a large magnifying mirror having a magnification of about 5X. Two magnifying side mirrors are positioned adjacent to the vertical sides of the large mirror. The side mirrors are angled towards each other. The side mirrors are also magnifying mirrors having 5X magnification to facilitate easy viewing and inspection of the underside and sides of a foot. Two identical smaller mirrors are angled outward and downward with respect to one another and with respect to the larger mirror. The smaller mirrors connect at opposing sides. A 5X magnification of the smaller mirrors facilitates easy viewing and inspection of the heel of a foot. The mirrors are coated with a protective polymer coating. The mirror assembly portion preferably made with plastic or any other suitable material. 
   The preferred embodiment comprises LED lighting elements arranged around the perimeter of the array of mirrors. The LED lighting elements emit white light at an intensity that is sufficient to illuminate the underside of a user&#39;s foot. The LED lighting elements are powered by one or more batteries, which are received in a compartment disposed opposite the array of mirrors. The LEDs can be activated by the user via an easily accessible switch disposed on a handle positioned on the top of the mirror assembly portion. 
   The foot inspection mirror according to the invention is approximately 18 inches tall, when measured from the base of the stand portion to the handle of the mirror assembly portion. The foot inspection mirror measures approximately 12 inches wide and 8 inches deep. The mirror assembly portion is pivotally connected to the stand portion such that the large mirror in the array is disposed at an initial angle of about 70° relative to the floor or other flat surface on which the base portion is resting. The mirror assembly portion can pivot over 40° to a comfortable angle between 50° and 90° relative to the floor. The user can pivot the mirror assembly as needed to fully inspect his or her foot. 
   To use the present invention, a person preferably places the foot inspection mirror on a floor or other flat surface. The user chooses to either comfortably sit or stand at a position approximate to the device. The user turns on the LED lights by means of the switch positioned on a handle. The user adjusts the mirror assembly portion at its pivot to provide for the best viewing angle. The user places one foot in front of the mirrors to obtain an illuminated and magnified view of the heel, sides and underside of the foot. The entire foot can be viewed at one time without any unnecessary bending, maneuvering or strain on the user. The visual inspection only takes seconds. The user repeats the inspection process for the other foot. If the user detects any abnormalities, s.a. sores, calluses, infections, etc., he or she can immediately contact a physician for treatment, the detection and treatment of which will prevent any severe health problems from arising. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.