Patent Publication Number: US-2007119470-A1

Title: Skin abrasion device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a skin treatment device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device used to remove dry skin, bunions, calluses and the like from various areas of the body. More particularly still, the present invention relates to an abrasion device for the reduction or removal of dry skin, bunions, calluses and the like from the bottom and/or sides of the feet and toes, but which, in operation, does not require the use of hands.  
      2. Description of the Prior Art  
      Prior art devices designed for the reduction and/or removal of dry skin, bunions, and calluses are well known in the art. Such prior art devices frequently utilize pumice, sandpaper, and/or other abrasive materials to wear down or abrade a user&#39;s skin. Although many existing devices are designed for abrading a user&#39;s foot, such devices typically require the use of one or both hands for proper operation. In many cases, such prior art devices require the use of an operator&#39;s hands to manually manipulate the devices against target area(s) in order to achieve desired results.  
      Frequently, it can be difficult for users of prior art skin abrasion devices to maintain balance during operation, especially if such users are elderly, obese, disabled, or pregnant. Moreover, with respect to existing foot abrasion devices, such prior art devices do not permit simultaneous removal of dry skin from the sides and bottom of the foot.  
      Hands-free foot treatment devices exist for use in showers or tubs. However, such devices require a user to balance on one foot while manipulating the other foot against an abrasive surface. In the wet environment of a shower or tub, such devices pose a significant risk that a user could slip and fall. As such, said existing prior art devices can present a significant danger to users. Other existing devices, such as foot soaking and massage devices, fail to fully and effectively remove dry skin, thus providing only temporary relief from calluses and bunions.  
      Thus, there is a need for a safe, efficient, hands-free device which can be used to remove dry skin, bunions, calluses and the like. The device should be operable on multiple surfaces and provide abrasive surfaces which can be quickly and easily interchanged or replaced.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention comprises a substantially planar base having a top and a bottom. Although said base can have any number of shapes, in the preferred embodiment said base is wide at one end and more narrow at the other end. Further, in the preferred embodiment, said base also has a friction promoting material disposed on its bottom surface.  
      The top of said planar base has an abrasive surface. In the preferred embodiment, the top of said substantially planar base provides a surface to which varying grades of abrasive material, such as sandpaper and the like, may be affixed or attached. In the preferred embodiment, said abrasive material can be affixed to the top of said base using any of several types of fasteners, glues, epoxies, or adhesives. Said abrasive surface is used for the reduction and/or removal of dry skin, bunions, and calluses.  
      In the preferred embodiment, a channel substantially surrounds said abrasive surface. Said channel permits easy collection and removal of epithelial material or other debris resulting from use of the present invention. Further, said channel also permits drainage of water, particularly in the case of shower/tub usage.  
      In the preferred embodiment, a pair of opposing, substantially upright members are provided along the sides of said planar base; one member runs along one side, while the other opposing member runs along the opposite side of said base. Said substantially upright members are tapered, thereby forming a pair of opposing “ramp-like” features along the sides of said base.  
      In the preferred embodiment, a friction-promoting surface is provided along the bottom of said base which permits usage of the present invention on many different surfaces and, therefore, in many different locations. Moreover, a user of the abrasion device of the present invention can also utilize such device in any number of different positions. As a result, a user can remain in balance before, during, and after such use, thereby improving overall safety compared to existing prior-art foot care devices.  
      A user can move a body part (such as, for example, a foot) against the stationary abrasion device of the present invention. Alternatively, it is to be observed that said device can be manipulated back and forth across a target area by its operator or by a third party. Unlike prior art abrasion devices, such as handheld pumice blocks, interchangeable abrasion surfaces also increase longevity of the device of the present invention, and permit convenient, repeated use over an extended period of time.  
      Important objects and advantages to the abrasion device of the present invention include: 
      (a) a safe, efficient, hands-free device for the removal of dry skin, bunions, calluses and the like;     (b) an abrasion device operable on a wide variety of surfaces; and     (c) an abrasion device having easily replaceable and/or interchangeable abrasive surfaces.   

    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  depicts an overhead view of the abrasion device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  depicts a side view of the abrasion device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 3  depicts a cross sectional cut away view of the abrasion device of the present invention along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 4  depicts bottom view of the abrasion device of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  depicts an end view of the abrasion device of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)  
      Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts an overhead view of abrasion device  10  of the present invention. Abrasion device  10  has substantially planar base  1 . Although said base  1  can have any number of different shapes, in the preferred embodiment said base is generally wider at end  1   a  and narrower at end  1   b . Although the abrasion device of the present invention can be used on any part of the body, it is ideally suited for use on the foot. Thus, end  1   a  is generally shaped to accommodate the ball and toes, (i.e., the widest portion) of a user&#39;s foot, while end  1   b  is shaped to accommodate the heel of a user&#39;s foot.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , base  1  has top  2  and bottom  3 . Top  2  of planar base  1  has an abrasive surface. In the preferred embodiment, the top of said substantially planar base  1  provides a platform to which varying grades of abrasive material, such as sandpaper, may be affixed or attached. Such abrasive material can be affixed to the top of said base using any of several types of mechanical fasteners, glues, epoxies, or adhesives.  
      Still referring to  FIG. 2 , substantially upright side member  5  is disposed along one side of base  1   a  long top surface  2 . Although not visible in  FIG. 2 , an opposing side member  6  is provided along the opposite side of base  1 . In the preferred embodiment, substantially upright members  5  and  6  are provided along opposing sides of said base  1 ; upright member  5  extends along one side of base  1 , while upright opposing member  6  extends along the opposite side of said base  1 . In the preferred embodiment, said substantially upright members  5  and  6  are tapered, thereby forming a pair of opposing ramp-like structures along the sides of said base.  
       FIG. 3  depicts a cross-sectional view of the skin abrasion device  10  of the present invention along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 2 . Base  1  provides a substantially planar foundation for said skin abrasion device. Substantially upright side members  5  and  6  are disposed along both sides of base  1 , and extend upward above upper surface  2  of base  1 .  
      Means for anchoring or securing the skin abrasion device of the present invention to a surface is provided. In the preferred embodiment, a friction-promoting surface, comprised of a plurality of cleats  7 , is provided along the bottom of said base which permits usage of the present invention on many different surfaces including, without limitation, on carpeting and similar types of flooring. Although the pattern of such cleats  7  can be altered, in the preferred embodiment said cleats are disposed along the bottom  3  of base  1  (see  FIG. 4 ). Alternatively, the skin abrasion device of the present invention can be anchored to a surface using adhesive tape or other similar material. Because the present invention can be anchored to a surface, a user can remain in balance before, during, and after such use, thereby improving overall safety. Moreover, a user of the abrasion device of the present invention can also utilize said device in any number of different positions.  
       FIG. 5  depicts an end view of skin abrasion device  10  of the present invention. Substantially upright side members  5  and  6  are disposed along both sides of base  1 , and extend upward above upper surface  2  of base  1 . Although substantially upright side members  5  and  6  can have any number of different configurations, in the preferred embodiment said side members from ramp-like elements. Angles  20  are acute and, in the preferred embodiment, are fixed at about 45 degrees.  
      An abrasive material is provided on the upper surface of said upright side members. In the preferred embodiment, said abrasive material is sandpaper that can be affixed to the upper surface of said upright side members using any of several types of mechanical fasteners, glues, epoxies, or adhesives.  
      While a user can move a body part (such as, for example, a foot) against the abrasion device of the present invention, it is to be observed that said device can be manipulated back and forth across a target area by its operator or by a third party. Unlike prior art abrasion devices, such as handheld pumice blocks, files or emery boards, interchangeable abrasion surfaces also increase longevity by allowing convenient, repeated use over an extended period of time.  
      The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.