Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward a foot scrubber and massager formed of modular parts. The foot scrubber has a base module that defines a foot print shaped recess. Inside the recess are a number of holes that aid in securing the bristle module and retaining module in the recess. The bristle module corresponds in size and shape to the recess in the base module has bristles extending outward from the bristle module. A securing module secures the bristle module in the base module.

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for scrubbing, massaging and increasing circulation in the feet. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular foot scrubbing and massaging device for individuals having impaired circulation in the lower extremities and/or impaired mobility. 
     2. Background 
     Certain medical conditions impair a person&#39;s blood circulation to his or her lower appendages. This condition is commonly the result of peripheral vascular disease or arteriosclerosis of the extremities. Many diabetics suffer from this condition, having impaired circulation to their lower extremities, and in particular to their feet. As arteriosclerosis progresses in a person&#39;s artery, the artery walls thicken and the lumen becomes more narrow, decreasing blood flow and potentially occluding the artery completely. The disorder is common in older people and in individuals with a personal or family history of heart or cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease involving hemodialysis. Smoking and obesity also increase the risk. The condition may result in numbness or pain in the extremities, hair loss, and skin slough. In extreme cases, cyanosis, ulcers, gangrene and other infection can result. 
     A person suffering from impaired circulation may benefit from medical treatment and a measure of self care. Medications are often prescribed and occasionally surgery (such as bypass surgery or angioplasty) is required to treat the disease. In addition to these medical treatments the patient may require self treatments such as specialized exercise to improve circulation and develop collateral vasculature. Specialized foot care may be necessary, particularly if the patient is suffering from diabetes mellitus. The decreased circulation to the person&#39;s feet increases the likelihood of infection in the feet. Furthermore, the outer skin layers of these areas of the body may shed or be sloughed off more quickly. Diabetics are often required to more vigorously and frequently scrub their feet in order to remove the outer layers of shedding skin. 
     To assist in the specialized foot care required by individuals suffering from arteriosclerosis of the lower extremities, a number of circulation enhancing and cleaning devices have been designed. However, these devices do not adequately address the needs of individuals in need of specialized foot care. A number of these devices are designed to either scrub the feet or massage the feet by having the patient hold the instrument in his or her hand and manually scrub or massage the foot. One of the drawbacks of the prior art is that it is generally difficult to keep the device sufficiently clean where the device has multiple parts. Scrubbing type devices with bristles or brushes often trap and maintain dead skin and oils, which are not readily rinsed off. Maintaining the device in a clean and preferably sterile condition, which is important under normal circumstances, is particularly important given how susceptible to infection a person suffering from arteriosclerosis in the lower extremities can be. 
     Another drawback of the prior art is that prior art devices can be difficult to use by elderly patients, who make up a good part of those suffering from arteriosclerosis. Instruments that require the user to lean over and scrub or massage the feet may be difficult to use for those who have impaired mobility. Hand-held devices may require the user to exert a level of upper body strength not typically found in elderly people. Other devices are too heavy or bulky for those who are with impaired mobility to handle. 
     It would be advantageous to provide a device for scrubbing and massaging feet designed to address the needs of individuals suffering from poor circulation in their lower extremities. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a foot massaging and scrubbing device to stimulate circulation in the feet and facilitate the scrubbing of feet for individuals who have restricted blood flow in their lower appendages. One advantage of the present invention is its modular configuration. The apparatus has a base module that is designed to be water resistant and is designed to not slip on wet floors. The base has a footprint-shaped recess into which the massaging and scrubbing bristles, the second module of the apparatus, can be inserted. The base also contains a series of fin-like projections along a portion of the footprint-shaped recess. The finned portions provide both scrubbing and massaging effects to the user&#39;s foot when the user places his or her foot into the recess. The base has a wide surface area to give the base both stability and a broad surface area for increased friction to enhance its non-slip characteristics. 
     The bristle module fits into the footprint shaped recess within the base module and provides a variety of bristle patterns, shapes, and sizes. A bristle module having a variety of bristle patterns, shapes, and sizes design can be replaced by bristle module having a different variety of bristle patterns, shapes, and sizes, according to the user&#39;s preference and needs. For example, one style of bristle module may have more bristles per square inch than another. Unique “bristle projections” provide massaging and scrubbing actions along the sides of the foot. In one preferred embodiment, the bristle module has three types of bristles at different positions having different shapes, thickness, lengths, flexibility, and densities. The tips of the bristles collectively form an initial contact surface of the bristle module. The contact surface of the bristle module may be shaped to correspond to the shape and contours of the sole of a user&#39;s foot. Alternative configurations of the bristle module are anticipated, such as configurations including abrasive surfaces, pumice stones, or loofah scrubs in the bristle module. The removable bristle module also allows the bristles to be more easily cleaned and for the module to be replaced as necessary. 
     A third component, the securing module, secures the bristles firmly within the footprint shaped recess. In a preferred embodiment, the securing module has poppettes or tabs that are inserted through corresponding holes in the bristle module and bristle base. 
     In an alternative embodiment, cleaning agents and moisturizers may be released from the apparatus into the footprint-shaped recess and surrounding area and onto the user&#39;s foot. The device has multiple apertures that allow for the drainage of water from the recess in the base, which facilitate use of the apparatus in the shower or bathtub. A user of the device can place the device in the shower or bathtub and placing his or her foot on the bristles in the footprint-shaped recess can effectively massage and scrub the foot without having to bend over, an important benefit to individuals who may be in some way impaired in their mobility. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the accompanying drawings when considered in conjunction with the following description and appended claims. Although the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are thus not to be deemed limiting of the invention&#39;s scope, the accompanying drawings help explain the invention in added detail, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of the present invention in use; 
     FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in use; 
     FIG. 6 cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the present invention with poppets disposed on the bristle module; 
     FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment having a reflexology bump module; 
     FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of one embodiment having a pumice stone in the bristle module; 
     FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the present invention having extended base wings with a base wing pumice stone module and a base wing reflexology bump module; 
     FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a mat having two foot-scrubbers disposed therein; and 
     FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another mat having two foot-scrubbers disposed therein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The figures listed above are expressly incorporated as part of this detailed description. 
     It is emphasized that the present invention, as illustrated in the figures and description herein, can be embodied or performed in a wide variety of ways. Thus, neither the drawings nor the following more detailed description of the various embodiments of the system and method of the present invention limit the scope of the invention. The drawings and detailed description are merely representative of the particular embodiments of the invention; the substantive scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims. The various embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like alphanumeric characters throughout. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  2  and  3 , the present invention is a foot scrubber  10  comprising a base module  20 , a bristle module  40 , and a securing module  60 . Specifically, FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of foot scrubber  10  with base module  20 , bristle module  40 , and securing module  60  in alignment to be secured. The modular construction of foot scrubber  10  allows foot is scrubber  10  to be easily disassembled and cleaned. Because of the potential risk of infection of individuals who have arteriosclerosis of the lower extremities, it is critical that any device that comes into contact with the foot be clean and preferably sterile. In order to properly clean sloughed skin and body oils from any foot scrubbing device, it is advantageous to be able to separate the various portions of the device and clean them individually. Additionally, the modular construction allows for variation in the bristle module  40  or additional attachment to allow for the customizing of foot care. 
     Base module  20  defines a recess  22  capable of receiving bristle module  40 . Recess  22  and bristle module  40  correspond in size and shape such that bristle module  40  is capable of being secured within a recess  22 . Within recess  22 , base module  20  additionally defines a plurality of holes  26 . Holes  26  extend through the base module  20 . Holes  26  receive and releasably secure poppets  64  on the securing module  60 , as explained in additional detail below. Base module  20  additionally defines a plurality of drainage apertures  28 . Drainage apertures  28  extends completely through base module  20  and allow liquid on the upper surface of base module  20  to drain off of the surface, into apertures  28  and under and away from base module  20 . Apertures  28  facilitate the use of the present invention in conjunction with water, steam, lotions, oils, or other fluids that could build up on the surface of base module  20 . 
     Protrusion ribs  30  are disposed about recess  22 . Protrusion ribs  30  provide additional massaging and scrubbing stimulation of a user&#39;s foot. Base module  20  additionally comprises a base wing  24 . Base wing  24  extends laterally from base module  20  and is substantially flat. A plurality of foot grips  32  extend upwardly from the surface of base wing  24 . Base wing  24  helps to secure the invention to the floor in two ways when the invention is in use. First, by increasing the contact surface of the present invention with the floor, base wing  24  creates additional friction and inertia to prevent foot scrubber  10  from moving when in use. Second base wing  24  also provides a large, flat contact surface onto which the user may step with the foot that is not being scrubbed. The weight of the user on base wing  24  additionally secures foot scrubber  10  to the floor and prevents its moving during use. 
     The perimeter of bristle module  40  is substantially footprint shaped, corresponding to recess  22  in base module  20 . A plurality of bristles  44  extend upwardly from the surface of bristle module  40 . Bristles  44  may have a variety of lengths, shapes, and sizes and may be designed in a number of patterns according to the user&#39;s preferences and needs. Bristles  44  may have varying shape thickness and flexibility. The pattern of bristles  44  as disposed upon bristle module  40  may also vary depending upon the needs of the user. 
     In order to secure bristle module  40  to base module  20  as shown in FIG. 4, a securing module  60  is provided. Securing module  60  is a ring having a plurality of poppets disposed thereon. Poppets  64  extend from the ring outwardly and are disposed on the ring in positions that correspond to holes  46  in bristle module  40  and holes  26  in base module  20 . Poppet  64  can be inserted through holes  46  and holes  26  so as to secure bristle module  40  into recess  22  of base module  20 . Alternatively, other means for securing may be used such as loop and hook fasteners or snaps. Use of a securing module  60  is advantageous in that while the user is scrubbing his or her foot against the bristles  44  of bristle module  40 , the securing module does not receive direct pressure from the user&#39;s foot, which allows the poppets  64  to remain more secure within holes  46  and holes  26 . 
     FIG. 4 shows bristles  44 (A)(B), and (C), having different shapes, flexibility, and length. A plurality of holes  46  extend through bristle module  40  and correspond in relative position to holes  26  in base module  20 . Bristle module  40  may further comprise one or more projections  42 . Projections  42  also have bristles  44  extending from the surface of projection  42 , however, projection  42  is placed along the perimeter of bristle module  40  allowing bristles  44  on extension  42  to contact the side of a user&#39;s foot when foot scrubber  10  is in use. In a preferred embodiment, projection  42  is located at a position on bristle module  40  that allows bristles  44  to contact a user&#39;s foot near the user&#39;s arch. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 show the foot scrubber  10  in use. Foot scrubber  10  is placed on the floor with the bristle module  40  secured in recess  22  of base module  20 . The user places his or her foot on bristle module  40  and moves the foot back and forth allowing bristles  44  to scrub the foot. Additionally, protrusion ribs  30  may massage and scrub the foot and bristles  44  on projection  42  may massage and scrub the side of the user&#39;s foot. In embodiments containing other scrubbing devices, such as pumice stones within bristle module  40 , the user can adjust the pressure of the foot on the alternative scrubbing device and thereby customize the type of scrubbing applied to a particular part of the foot. Likewise, with attachments such as massaging bumps attachment  70 , pumice attachment  100 , loofah attachment, and abrasive sponge attachment or, the user can remove his or her foot from the bristle module  40  and place it on the attachment and move his or her foot across the attachment to provide more customized foot care. 
     In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, bristle module  40  has a plurality of poppets  45  for securing the bristle module  40  to the base module  20 . Poppets  45  correspond in relative position to the base holes  26 , obviating the need for a separate securing module or ring. 
     In addition or an alternative to bristles  44 , bristle module  40  may include various scrubbing devices such as a reflexology bumps  80  or pumice stone  82 , as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, or an abrasive sponge or loofah (not shown). 
     In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 9, base wings  24  are provided with an additional attachment allowing the user to customize foot care. For example, massage reflexology bump attachment  70  having a base and a plurality of poppets may be attached to base wing  24  through base wing holes. A plurality of massaging bumps  76  on attachment  70  extend upwardly from base wing  24 . Likewise, a loofah attachment (not shown) or an abrasive sponge attachment (not shown) may likewise be disposed upon base wing  24 . Similarly, pumice attachment  100  comprises a base with a plurality of poppets, and a pumice stone  106  secured to the base. Other attachments, such as pumice inset  120 , can optionally be attached into one or more of the drainage apertures. 
     Attachments such as massaging bump attachment  70 , pumice attachment  100  and loofah attachment, and abrasive sponge attachment, and all provide the user with the ability to customize foot care by selecting one or more of the attachments and securing the attachment to base module  20 . While using foot scrubber  10 , the user can alternate between scrubbing the foot on bristle module  40  and employing one of the additional attachments. In other alternative embodiments, an attachment or bristle module may include all or combination of the scrubbing and massaging elements described. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate different embodiments of multiple foot scrubber devices  10 A and  10 B incorporated into a single rubber mat  90 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments herein should be deemed only as illustrative. Indeed, the appended claims indicate the scope of the invention; the description, being used for illustrative purposes, does not limit the scope of the invention. All variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.