Patent Publication Number: US-2011067195-A1

Title: Foot Care Apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to foot care and more specifically it relates to a foot care apparatus for efficiently cleaning, applying substances, and inspecting an individual&#39;s foot including the toes. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Foot cleaning apparatuses and products have been in use for years. Typically, to clean ones foot, an individual must either bend down or move their foot towards the rest of their body to access the foot and toes. This can be very difficult, especially for people not having sufficient flexibility, such as older, obese, and arthritic individuals. 
     Because of the difficulty associated with maintaining ones foot, the foot including the toes are often left uncleaned for substantial durations of time thus leading to fungus built up upon the foot and between toes as wells as an accumulation of dead skin, which can be hazardous to the health of the individual. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved foot care apparatus for efficiently cleaning, applying substances, and inspecting an individual&#39;s foot including the toes. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A system for efficiently cleaning, applying substances, and inspecting an individual&#39;s foot including the toes. The invention generally relates to a foot maintenance apparatus which includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, an attachment assembly extending from the shaft opposite the handle, wherein the attachment assembly is comprised of a threadable structure and an implement attachment for cleaning the foot of an individual and extending from the attachment assembly. The implement attachment is threadably connected to the shaft via the attachment assembly. The implement attachment may be comprised of various configurations, such as an inter digital absorbent member, a filing structure for corns and calluses, a louffa foot scrub, a sulcus cleaner, or a magnifying mirror. An extension may also be used with the shaft or the shaft may be comprised of a short structure and integral with the handle. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention with the implement attachment comprised of the absorbent member. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in use. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in use. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent member. 
         FIG. 6  is a lengthwise sectional member of the absorbent member showing the attachment assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the present invention being used with the extension member. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the present invention being used with as shortened structure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the absorbent member comprised implement attachment angled in a manner to clean underneath the foot and toes. 
         FIG. 10  is a first side view of the filing structure embodiment comprised implement attachment illustrating the abrasive structure. 
         FIG. 11  is a second side view of the filing structure embodiment comprised implement attachment illustrating the moleskin structure. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the first embodiment of the first louffa scrub comprised implement attachment without the widened support plate. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the second embodiment of the first louffa scrub comprised implement attachment with the widened support plate. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of the second louffa scrub comprised implement attachment. 
         FIG. 15  is an upper perspective view of the magnifying mirror embodiment comprised implement attachment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Overview 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 15  illustrate a foot care apparatus  10 , which comprises a handle  20 , a shaft  30  extending from the handle  20 , an attachment assembly  40  extending from the shaft  30  opposite the handle  20 , wherein the attachment assembly  40  is comprised of a threadable structure and an implement attachment  50  for cleaning the foot  12  of an individual and extending from the attachment assembly  40 . 
     The implement attachment  50  is threadably connected to the shaft  30  via the attachment assembly  40 . The implement attachment  50  may be comprised of various configurations, such as an inter digital absorbent member, a filing structure for corns and calluses, a louffa foot scrub, a sulcus cleaner, or a magnifying mirror. An extension member  34  may also be used with the shaft  30  or the shaft  30  may be comprised of a short structure and integral with the handle  20 . The apparatus  10  is generally waterproof to be submergible in the tub, shower, etc. 
     B. Handle 
     The sanitzable handle  20  is comprised of an ergonomic structure to allow for ease of gripping for the operator of the apparatus  10 . The handle  20  may be comprised of a soft material. The handle  2013  also generally comprised of an elongated structure and has a larger diameter than the shaft  30 . 
     The shaft  30  generally extends directly from one end of the handle  20  and is concentric with the handle  20 . In alternate embodiments, it is appreciated that the handle  20  and shaft  30  may be substantially integral to provide for a much shorter apparatus  10  that may be used in beauty salons, by nurses on patients, etc. 
     C. Shaft 
     The shaft  30  is generally comprised of an elongated structure to allow an individual to clean their feet  12  including their toes  13  from a sitting or standing position without substantially bending over. The shaft  30  is generally comprised of a rigid material, such as wood, metal, or plastic. The shaft  30  also generally employs a circular cross-sectional shape and may be solid or hollow. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft  30  is generally 2 feet in length; however various lengths may be appreciated. 
     For extended reach, an extension member  34  may be used as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The extension member  34  is comprised of a similar cross-sectional shape as the shaft  30 . The extension member  34  generally includes an attachment assembly  40 ′, similar to the attachment assembly  40  connecting the shaft  30  to the implement attachment  50 . Both attachment assemblies  40 ,  40 ′ will be described in a subsequent section. The added extension member  34  can be used to further assist individuals by limiting the need for bending over. In a preferred embodiment, the extension member  34  is generally 1.5 feet in length; however various lengths may be appreciated. 
     It is appreciated, that the shaft  30  may be comprised of a shortened structure as such as for use by caretakers (e.g. beauty salon professionals, nurses, etc.). The shaft  30  and extension member  34  are generally reusable. The shaft  30  may also be integral with the handle  20  or omitted completely. One embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , shows the handle  20  directly connected to the attachment assembly  40  which is attached to the absorbent member  51 . The preferred maximum length of this embodiment is 6 inches to allow for a caretaker to clean another&#39;s foot or toes. 
     D. Attachment Assembly 
     The apparatus  10  generally includes at least one attachment assembly  40  for removably connecting the implement attachment  50  to the shaft  30  or integrated handle  20 . The attachment assembly  40  preferably allows for a quick connect and disconnect attachment between the shaft  30  and the implement attachment  50  for individuals to quickly and easily interchange the implement attachments  50 . 
     The attachment assembly  40  may employ various functionally different means for connecting the shaft  30  and the implement attachment  50 . In one embodiment, the attachment assembly  40  employs a threadable structure. In another embodiment, the attachment assembly  40  may employ a clip structure. It is appreciated that various other structures may be used. 
     To employ the functional structure, the attachment assembly  40  generally includes at least a first connector  41  connected to the end of the shaft  30  opposite the handle  20  and a second connector  42  connected to the implement attachment  50 . The first connector  41  thus connects to the second connector  42  in a threadable, etc. manner to connect the implement attachment  50  to the shaft  30 . Additional supports, such as shown by reference numeral  43  may also be used to secure the second connector  44  to the implement attachment  50 . 
     A swivel structure  44  may also be employed with the first connector  41  or the second connector  42  for allowing the implement attachment  50  to swivel with respect to the shaft  30 . The swivel structure  44  is generally used with the magnifying mirror embodiment of the implement attachment  50  which will be described in the subsequent section. 
     It is appreciated that the second connector  42  may extend from various locations of the implement attachment  50 , but is generally centrally located upon an end opposite the working end of the implement attachment  50 . Even though the attachment assembly  40  is described as a separate structure, it is appreciated that the attachment assembly  40  may be integrally formed or fixedly connected with the shaft  30  and the implement attachment  50 , such as the first connector  41  being fixedly attached to the end of the shaft  30  and the second connector  42  being fixedly attached to the implement attachment  50 . 
     In alternate embodiments, such as including the extension member  34 , a second attachment assembly  40 ′ may be employed with the extension member  34  to easily interconnect the extension member  34  between the shaft  30  and the implement attachment  50 . The second attachment assembly  40 ′ is generally similar in structure to the first attachment assembly  40  thus includes a first connector and a second connector that preferably attach in a threadable manner. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the attachment assembly  40 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , the first connector includes a curved L-shaped slot  46  and the second connector includes a pin  47 . The pin  47  is insertable within the slot  46  and moves from the vertical portion of the slot  46  to the horizontal portion of the slot  46  via twisting either the first connector  41  or the second connector  42  to securely attach the first connector  41  to the second connector  42 . 
     E. Implement Attachment 
     The implement attachment  50  is used to clean, inspect, perform maintenance upon, or provide general care to the foot  12  including the toes  13  of an individual. The implement attachment  50  may be shaped in various structures to perform various different tasks. The implement attachment  50  may further be comprised of a disposable structure to prevent contamination between several users. 
     Some configurations of the implement attachment  50  include an inter digital absorbent member, a louffa foot scrubber, medication applicator, corn and callus file, under toe cleaner, and foot  12  inspector generally comprised of a mirror. It is appreciated that other similar attachments may be realized. 
     i. Absorbent Member 
     In one embodiment the absorbent member  51  is employed as the implement attachment  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . The absorbent member  51  is generally used for inter digital cleaning, such as cleaning between the toes  13  of the individual. Thus the absorbent member  51  generally includes a pair of first sides  52  each comprised of a first length and a pair of second sides  53  each comprised of a second length, wherein the pair of first sides  52  are connected between the pair of second sides  53  and wherein the first length is substantially longer than the second length for efficiently reaching all the way between each toe. The absorbent member  51  further generally takes the form of an ovular shape in cross-section. 
     The absorbent member  51  is further generally elongated in structure as illustrated. The absorbent member  51  is further preferably comprised of a soft absorbent material, such as tightly wound cotton and includes no external rigid metal, or plastic components to prevent scratching or hurting the feet or toes  13  of the individuals. The absorbent member  51  may also be comprised of a conventional sponge material. The absorbent member  51  does however include an internal support member  55  for maintaining the shape of the absorbent member  51 . The internal support member  55  may be comprised of wood, metal, or plastic.  FIG. 16  exemplifies an alternate embodiment of the absorbent member  51  showing a pointed structure on one end and a dull rounded structure on the other end. 
     In one manner of use, a liquid substance (e.g. medication, cleaner, soothing substance, etc.) may be absorbed by the absorbent member  51  and the substance may be applied between the toes  13  of the individual via employing an up and down motion of the absorbent member between the toes  13 . After use, the absorbent member  51  may be cleaned or simply disposed of. The absorbent member  51  may alternately be simply used to clean between the toes  13  by employing the up and down motion and not applying liquid substance to the absorbent member  51 . 
     In an embodiment to use the absorbent member  51  between the toes  13  of the individual, the absorbent member  51  is generally concentric with the shaft  30 , thus forming a linear apparatus. In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 9 , where the absorbent member  51  is used to clean underneath the foot  12  or toes  13 , the absorbent member generally forms a traverse angle with the shaft  30 . The traverse angle is approximately 70 degrees; however other angles may be appreciated. The traverse embodiment is generally referred to as a sulcus cleaner for individuals with contracted toes or hammer toes and is used in a side to side motion to remove dead skin and debris or apply medication. 
     The absorbent member  51  further preferably includes a stopper plate  54  laterally extending outwardly near the upper end of the absorbent member  51  to prevent the individual from sliding the absorbent member  51  too far and engaging the attachment assembly  40  with their foot  12  or between their toes  13 . The stopper plate  54  may extend directly from the absorbent member  51  or from the bottom end of the attachment assembly  40 . 
     ii. File 
     Another embodiment employs the filing structure  56  as the implement attachment  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The filing structure  56  is generally used for corns and calluses on the foot  12 . The filing structure  56  is generally comprised of an elongated structure. The filing structure  56  generally includes a first side  57  having an abrasive structure thereon and a second side  58  opposite the first side  57  having a soft cotton material thereon. The soft cotton material is further preferably comprised of moleskin. 
     iii. First Louffa Scrub 
     Another embodiment employs a first louffa scrub  60  as the implement attachment  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The first louffa scrub  60  is generally used to remove dead skin and debris from the top and bottom surfaces of the foot  12  and may be comprised of a material common with conventional cleaning louffa sponges or scrubbers. The first louffa scrub  60  may include a plastic scrubber for additional scrubbing force. 
     The first louffa scrub  60  further also may include a widened support plate  61  defining an upper end and attached to the attachment assembly  40 . The support plate  61  is used to equalize the pressure to the first louffa scrub  60  thus increasing the surface area of the louffa scrub  60  to allow for a more efficient cleaning of the foot  12 . The first louffa scrub  60  may be comprised of various materials, such as biodegradable corn starch. 
     iv. Second Louffa Scrub 
     Another embodiment employs a second louffa scrub  63  as the implement attachment  50  as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The second louffa scrub  63  is generally used to remove dead skin and debris from between the toes  13  and may be comprised of a material common with conventional cleaning louffa sponges or scrubbers. The second louffa scrub  63  is generally comprised of an elongated shape similar to the shape of the absorbent member. 
     The second louffa scrub  63  includes a rigid internal support rod  64  for holding the form of the second louffa scrub. The internal rod  64  may be comprised of metal, plastic, or various other rigid materials. The second louffa scrub  63  may also include the stopper plate  54  if desired. The second louffa scrub  63  may be comprised of various materials, such as biodegradable corn starch. 
     v. Mirror 
     Another embodiment employs a mirror  66  as the implement attachment  50  as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The swivel structure  44  is used with the mirror to allow the mirror  66  to be moved to see the desired portion of the foot  12  or toes  13 . The mirror  66  is generally comprised of a magnifying mirror to further assist individuals in viewing their foot  12  or toes  13 . 
     F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment 
     In use, the desired implement attachment  50  is threadably attached to the shaft  30  via the attachment assembly  40 . If desired, the extension member  34  may also be attached. The individual proceeds to clean, inspect, perform maintenance upon, or generally care for their foot  12  including their toes  13 . If desired, a different implement attachment  50  may be used. The implement attachments  50  may be disposed of after use or may be cleaned and reused as desired. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.