Foot and body maintenance massage and scrubbing tool

A dual purpose massage and foot and body maintenance device for imparting a massaging action to the body and for removing dry skin and calluses from the feet and body. The tool has top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral wall extending circumferentially therearound. The peripheral wall is inclined downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and provides a gripping surface for holding the tool. The top surface being adapted for the massaging function and the bottom surface adapted for the foot and body maintenance function. The top surface has a plurality of generally hemispherically shaped protrusions adapted to contact and massage the body. The bottom surface performs the foot and body maintenance function. A plurality of depressions and riser portions or grooves is formed in the bottom surface of the tool. These grooves may be used to remove dry skin and calluses from the feet and body by rubbing the bottom of the tool against the dry skin and calluses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Technical Field 
The apparatus of the present invention relates generally to a body 
maintenance apparatus. More specifically, it relates to a dual purpose 
apparatus for providing both a means of massaging the body as well as a 
means for removing dry skin and calluses from the bottom of the feet, and 
the body. 
Currently, no dual purpose devices such as that disclosed by the present 
invention exist providing an apparatus for both removing dry skin and 
calluses and body massage as well as providing additional mechanical 
advantages increasing the efficiency of the tool. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
As mentioned, current prior art devices are generally limited to unitary 
purpose devices which provide either a massage function or foot 
maintenance function but not both. Furthermore, even considered 
separately, neither device as it exists in the prior art has the 
advantages shown by the present invention. 
Prior art devices for removing dry skin and calluses from the bottom of the 
feet and body generally consist of an elongated, generally flat body 
having a rough surface thereon. This rough surface is placed in rubbing 
contact with the dry skin and calluses on the bottom of the feet and body. 
The device is grasped by hand and a rubbing motion generated against the 
dry skin and calluses with the rough surface of the device. This 
repetitive frictional contact between the rough surface of the device and 
the dry skin and calluses eventually causes the dry skin and calluses to 
be worn down and removed. One drawback of such prior art devices is the 
lack of an effective means of grasping the device. Consequently, there is 
a great need for a dual purpose foot maintenance massage and scrubbing 
tool which is capable of scrubbing the bottom of the feet and body as well 
as providing a massage of an afflicted area and which has a means for 
facilitating the mechanical motion necessary to remove the dry skin and 
calluses. 
Therefore, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide an 
apparatus having both a massage and foot and body maintenance 
capabilities. 
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus 
which has as part of its design a means facilitating the grasping thereof. 
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus 
taking mechanical advantage of this grasping motion, facilitating the 
application of pressure and rubbing of dry skin and calluses. 
A further objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus 
which has a bottom surface which is adapted to conform to the general 
shape of the bottom of a foot, and the curved surfaces of the body. 
A further objective is to provide an apparatus having an appropriately 
lengthen securement member for releasably securing the device to the wrist 
of the individual using it. 
A further objective is to provide an apparatus which may be used as a 
promotional item for beauty salons and the like. 
A final objective is to provide an apparatus which has a sufficient 
thickness so as to avoid biting into the skin and having a smooth surface 
which is soft to the skin. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A dual purpose massage, foot and body maintenance device for imparting a 
massaging action to the body and for removing dry skin and calluses from 
the feet and the body. The tool has a top and bottom surfaces and a 
peripheral wall extending circumferentially therearound. The peripheral 
wall is inclined downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and 
provides a gripping surface for holding the tool. The top surface being 
adapted for the massaging function and the bottom surface adapted for the 
foot and body maintenance function. The top surface has a plurality of 
generally hemispherically shaped protrusions adapted to contact and 
massage the body. The bottom surface performs the foot and body 
maintenance function. A plurality of depressions and riser portions or 
grooves is formed in the bottom surface of the tool. These grooves may be 
used to remove dry skin and calluses from the feet and the body by rubbing 
the bottom of the tool against the dry skin and calluses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The foot maintenance massage and scrubbing tool of the present invention is 
a dual function apparatus. The two primary functions served by the present 
invention are the massaging function and the foot maintenance function. 
These two functions are provided by the top 20 and bottom 30 portions, 
respectively, of the tool of the present invention. 
The massaging function is provided by a plurality of hemispherically shaped 
protrusions 22 on the top surface 20 of the tool apparatus 10. These 
hemispherical protrusions 22 are, in the preferred embodiment, adapted to 
be arranged on the top surface 20 in approximately the same position as 
would be the fingers of a masseuse (FIG. 3). Therefore, the top surface 20 
of the maintenance tool 10 is adapted to simulate a massage. 
The foot maintenance function of the apparatus 10 is provided by a series 
of depressions and riser portions or grooves 32 and 34, arranged on the 
bottom surface 30 of the maintenance tool 10. The foot maintenance 
function is accomplished by the frictional force of rubbing the rough 
underside of the maintenance tool across the bottom of the foot. These 
functions and features of the tool 10 are described in more detail below 
in conjunction with the individual figures. 
FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the maintenance tool 10 of the 
present invention. As mentioned above, the bottom portion 30 of the 
maintenance tool is operative to effect the foot and body maintenance 
function of the apparatus. In the present invention, it is anticipated 
that this foot and body maintenance function will consist primarily of the 
removal of dry skin and calluses from the bottom of the feet and the rest 
of the body. This removal is effectuated by the repetitive frictional 
rubbing of the dry skin and calluses on the foot with the rough surface 
provided by the bottom 30 of the tool 10. In the present invention, this 
rough surface is formed by a series of depression and riser portions "cut" 
into the bottom 30 of the maintenance tool 10. In the present invention, 
these depression and riser portions are formed by a series of grooves 32, 
34 (FIG. 5) in the bottom surface 30 of the maintenance tool 10. The 
grooves are preferably arranged in two series of parallel lines. The first 
series 32 is inclined at an approximately 45.degree. angle to the 
longitudinal axis of the maintenance tool 10. Another series of parallel 
grooves 34 is oriented at approximately a 90.degree. angle to the first 
set of parallel grooves. Thus, the two series of grooves 32, 34 form a 
"criss-cross" pattern on the bottom surface 30 of the tool 10. This 
"criss-cross" pattern of grooves comprises the rough surface which is 
placed in rubbing contact with the bottom sole of the foot and, which when 
rubbed against the dry skin and calluses, is operative to remove them from 
the bottom of the feet, and the rest of the body. 
As indicated in FIG. 1, the maintenance tool 10 is adapted to be grasped on 
the side thereof. In order to facilitate this grasping of the maintenance 
too, a wall 40 extends circumferentially around the maintenance tool 10. 
As seen in FIG. 1, the individual using the maintenance tool 10 would 
grasp the wall 40 with the hands, exposing the bottom surface 30 thereof 
for placement adjacent the bottom surface of the sole of the foot and the 
rest of the body. Additional details of the wall 40 and the hemispherical 
protrusions 22 are shown in the side view of FIG. 2. 
The side view of FIG. 2 illustrates in better detail the design of wall 40 
which circumferentially surrounds the maintenance tool 10. Also shown in 
this figure are the plurality of hemispherical protrusions 22 projecting 
from the top surface 20 of the maintenance tool 10. As discussed above and 
shown in more detail in later figures, these hemispherical protrusions 22 
are arranged in a pattern on the top surface 20 of the maintenance tool 10 
to simulate the approximate placement of the finger tips of a hand as they 
would be placed adjacent the massaged body portion. As seen in FIG. 2, 
these hemispherically shaped protrusions 22 are placed on the top surface 
20 of the maintenance tool 10. As also seen in this figure, wall 40 is 
inclined at approximately a 45.degree. angle. This inclination facilitates 
the grasping of the tool 10 by the hand. Additionally, a gripping surface 
is provided by a plurality of vertically oriented ridges 42 placed 
circumferentially surrounding the wall 40. This plurality of ridges 42 in 
wall 40 further serves to facilitate the frictional grasping and 
engagement of the tool 20 with the hand. 
Also illustrated in the figures is the connection means 50. In the 
preferred embodiment, connection means 50 may be a single piece of rope, 
twine or the like which is looped through hole 14 in rear portion of tool 
10. The connection means 50 is of a length which allows the hand to be 
inserted therethrough. The length of connection means 50 also allows the 
tool 10 to be grasped by the hand in a working position as shown in FIG. 
1. Connection means 50 is short enough, however, that when the tool 10 is 
held in the working position indicated in FIG. 1, a minimum amount of 
slack exists in connection means 50. Thus, if the user were to lose his or 
her grip on the tool 10, it would fall a minimum distance. 
FIG. 3 shows with particular clarity the positioning of the generally 
hemispherical protrusions 22 on the top surface 20 of the maintenance tool 
10. As mentioned above, these hemispherical protrusions 22 are preferably 
placed in a position on top surface 20 simulating the approximate 
positioning of the finger tips. Also indicated in FIG. 3 is the inward 
inclination of wall 40 at top surface 20 of the maintenance tool 10. 
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the maintenance tool 10 showing the 
hole 14 in tool 10 for receiving connection means 50. As mentioned above, 
connection means 50 in the present invention would preferably be a single 
piece of rope or the like which would have the ends thereof tied together, 
forming a closed loop. FIG. 4 also shows the inward inclination of the 
wall 40 at the top surface 20 of the maintenance tool 10. 
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the maintenance tool showing the plurality of 
depression and riser portions, or grooves, 32 and 34, formed in the bottom 
surface 30 adapted to accomplish the foot and body maintenance function of 
the apparatus. As mentioned above, the maintenance function of the 
apparatus primarily comprises removal of dry skin and calluses from the 
bottom of the feet and the rest of the body. In the preferred embodiment, 
this foot and body maintenance is accomplished by the continuous and 
repetitive rubbing and frictional engagement of the foot bottom and the 
rest of the body with a rough surface. This rough surface in the preferred 
embodiment is the aforementioned plurality of depressions and risers, or 
grooves, 32 and 34 in the bottom surface 30 of the maintenance tool 10. As 
mentioned above, the preferred pattern for this plurality of depression 
and riser portions comprises a series of grooves 32 running in one 
direction at essentially a 45.degree. angle to the longitudinal axis of 
the maintenance tool. A second series of grooves 34 is cut at a 90.degree. 
angle to the original set. Thus, the "criss-cross" pattern, illustrated in 
FIG. 5, is formed in the bottom 30 of the maintenance tool 10. Clearly 
other patterns are possible although the "criss-cross" pattern is believed 
to be the most efficient. 
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines indicated in FIG. 3 
above. FIG. 6 illustrates with particular clarity the slight concave 
nature of the bottom 30 of the maintenance tool 10. Additionally, FIG. 6 
illustrates the integral formation of the hemispherical protrusions 22 in 
the top surface 20 of the tool 10. As illustrated clearly in the figure, 
the plurality of grooves 32 and 34 are cut in this bottom concave surface 
30. As mentioned above, the purpose for the concave shape of this bottom 
surface 30 is so that it will more closely adapt to the shape of the 
bottom of the foot and the curves of the body maximizing the pressure 
applied thereto. 
As mentioned above and indicated in the figures, the preferred overall 
shape of the maintenance tool 10 is generally oval, allowing the 
maintenance tool 10 to fit comfortably in a hand. 
As mentioned above, the positioning and spacing of the hemispherical 
protrusions 22 on the top surface 20 of the maintenance tool 10 are 
designed to perform the massage function of the tool 10. There are two 
opposing considerations when determining the height of protrusions 22. 
First, they should not be so high that they are felt individually. Rather, 
they should be felt as part of a network. Conversely, if they are too 
shallow, they will not properly massage the muscles. The height of the 
hemispherical protrusions in the preferred embodiment are approximately 
1/2 inch or approximately 1/4 the thickness of the body. This depth 
prevents the hemispherical protrusions being sensed individually but 
rather allows the overall sensation of a masseuse to be achieved. 
Obviously this height is not a precise requirement. Rather, it is simply 
believed that the height permits the desired effect. 
The curved nature of the bottom surface 30 of the maintenance tool 10 
permits better surface contact with the bottom sole of the foot and the 
curved surfaces of the body. Additionally, this curved surface 30 reduces 
the amount of wrist movement necessary to impart the frictional rubbing 
due to the natural curving movement provided thereby. Still further, this 
concave surface facilitates application of the amount of pressure which 
may be applied by this natural gripping of the tool. Conversely, the 
convex shape of the top surface 20 of the maintenance tool 10 facilitates 
a natural curved movement with even pressure at the contact points with 
hemispherical protrusions 22. The hemispherical protrusions 22 are of a 
sufficient diameter that any contact with any sharp corners of the 
maintenance tool, such as at the junction of the top surface 20 and wall 
40, is avoided. As mentioned, the maintenance tool 10 comprises an 
ergonomic design adapted to fit the hand for gripping thereof. 
One possible use embodiment of the apparatus is that it may be used when 
wet such as with the application of oils to the skin or when it is used in 
the shower. The design of the hemispherical protrusions on the top 
surface, and the grooves cut in the bottom surface 30, allow for better 
airflow and drying of the tool, even when placed on a flat surface. With 
the unique design of the maintenance tool apparatus 10, the water drips 
downwardly and away, allowing the airflow surrounding the tool to dry it. 
In addition to the removal of dry skin and calluses from the underside of 
the foot and body, the maintenance tool 10 may also be used for cleaning 
of the foot. One example of this use embodiment is to clean grass stains 
from the underside of the foot. Of course, the use of the maintenance tool 
10 is not limited to the underside of the feet, but rather may be used 
wherever contact with the ground is made, such as on the heels, soles, 
tips of the toes, knees, etc., or wherever dry skin and calluses occurs on 
the body. 
In the preferred embodiment, the edges formed by the joining of the wall 
40, top surface 20, and bottom surface 30, respectively, would be tapered 
slightly so as to avoid any sharp edges at the junctions thereof. As 
mentioned above, the wall 40 comprises a series of generally vertically 
oriented grooves 42 placed circumferentially therearound to facilitate the 
gripping of the maintenance tool 10. This feature is of great utility when 
the maintenance tool is utilized in a wet configuration, wherein oil may 
be first applied to the skin. In this situation, obviously the oil will be 
transmitted to the surface of the maintenance tool itself, causing it to 
become slippery. Alternatively, the maintenance tool may be utilized in 
the shower or the like wherein soap and water may be transmitted against 
the surface of the maintenance tool, causing it to become quite slippery. 
In either case, the plurality of vertical ridges 42 in the wall 40 allows 
a tight, secure grip to be placed on the maintenance tool regardless of 
the use environment. 
In the preferred embodiment, the maintenance tool 10 may be constructed of 
a terra cotta material. This material has several qualities which make it 
well suited for use in fabricating the maintenance tool. For example, 
another use envisioned with the present invention is to warm the apparatus 
prior to use. The terra cotta material is adapted to hold heat for an 
extended period. The heat can then be radiated through the hemispherical 
protrusions in the top surface 20 during use. Obviously, there are many 
methods of heating the tool. For example, the maintenance tool 10 may be 
heated in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds or perhaps in warm 
water or even by the sun prior to use. This ability to hold heat presents 
a unique advantage of the present invention over prior art devices. 
Another benefit to use of the preferred terra cotta material is the 
resistance to absorbing moisture due to its density and its disability and 
lack of decomposition, due to its becoming "vitrified" during its 
manufacture. Thus, it is well suited for use in the aforementioned uses 
with soap and water or body oils. 
The preferred method of fabricating the maintenance tool 10 is to stamp out 
individual units using the RAM press, as opposed to pouring. This press 
method generates intense pressure in forming the maintenance tool which 
causes the terra-cotta to be extremely dense. Immediately after stamping 
the individual units, they may be removed from the mold. Unlike pouring 
with a plaster of Paris mold, there is no need to wait for any extended 
time for drying. Other fabrication methods may also be suitable. 
Another benefit of the density of terra cotta material is that it may be 
easily sanitized or sterilized using either a liquid treatment or through 
heat or chemical treatments. The sterilization is facilitated by the 
design of the maintenance tool which inhibits the harboring of any 
bacteria thereon and encourages quick drying. For use in the professional 
environment, the maintenance tool may be sanitized by placing it in a 
sanitizing liquid for some period of time, perhaps 20 minutes between 
patients. 
As mentioned above, the maintenance tool 10 is adapted to receive a 
connection means 50 facilitating the handling thereof. In the preferred 
embodiment, this connection means 50 is a single strand of ropes which has 
its ends tied together to form a closed loop. As also mentioned, in 
designing a connection means, the length thereof is an important 
consideration. It is necessary, of course, that the length be sufficient 
so that a person can get his or her hand therethrough. Conversely, it is 
important that the length not be too great such that if the grip on the 
maintenance tool is lost, the connection means is engaged prior to its 
falling to the floor or onto the foot. Another consideration for 
connection means 50 is that it be sufficiently thick so as to not cut into 
the skin when the means is engaged. Another purpose for the connection 
means 50 is that it be sufficiently thick so as to not cut into the skin 
when the means is engaged. Another purpose for the connection means 50 is 
to provide a mechanism whereby the maintenance tool 10 may be hung on a 
post for drying. Additionally, from a marketing standpoint,t he 
maintenance tools may be displayed for sale by hanging them on a post 
using the connection means 50. 
Another possible use of the apparatus is in an environment referred to as 
"aroma therapy". In this situation,t he fragrance oil may be placed on 
some of the hemispherical protrusions 22 wherein heat or friction would 
cause the aroma to be released from the protrusions 22. As is well 
understood in the art, the fragrance oil is generally not placed directly 
on the skin due to its concentration, and expense, and risk of skin 
irritation. Rather, it is desirable to place a small amount of the 
fragrance oil on an object and then transmit it indirectly to skin already 
moistened with massage oil or soap and water. 
Obviously, the maintenance tool may be fabricated using many different 
colors. As will be understood in the art, if the maintenance tool is to be 
utilized for massage therapy, it may be desirable to fabricate the 
maintenance tool out of a dark color so that application of the oil to the 
maintenance tool will not cause it to look dirty or stained. Additionally, 
fabrication of the maintenance tool using the terra cotta material allows 
the maintenance tool to be cleaned with soap and water. 
As mentioned above, the sloping nature of sidewall 40, illustrated best in 
FIGS. 2 and 6, facilitates the application of downward pressure which is 
especially helpful in the foot-scrubbing use embodiment. This sloping wall 
40 also prevents the fingers from overlaying the scrubbing area which 
might occur if a straight side were used. Conversely, when the maintenance 
tool 10 is flipped over for use of the massage function, it is not a 
concern that the hand may overlap some of the surface since the 
hemispherical protrusions 22 already establish a contact with the body 
surface. 
Cleaning of the maintenance tool is greatly facilitated by the fact that 
the surface of the maintenance tool 10 on and around the hemispherical 
protrusions is very smooth and lacking any grooves or the like. 
Consequently, oil is not retained in the surface and may be easily cleaned 
off. In the preferred embodiment, the maintenance tool would be 
constructed of a thickness sufficient to comfortably fit in the hand. This 
thickness, in addition to the comfort factor, facilitates the absorption 
and storage of heat therein for use in heated treatments as discussed 
above. It will finally be noted that there is a relatively flat surface 36 
on the underside of the apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. This 
flat surface may be used for display of name or other logo or the like. 
It is obvious that numerous other modifications and variations of the 
present invention are possible in view of the above teaching. For example, 
the size, shape and construction material may all be altered. 
Additionally, different groove patterns on the underside of the tool may 
be utilized. Still further, the size and height of the hemispherical 
protrusions may be altered. 
Therefore, it is to be understood that the above description is in no way 
intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims and the 
representative only of the several possible embodiments of the present 
invention. 
There has thus been shown and described an invention which accomplishes at 
least all of the stated objectives.