Patent Publication Number: US-10765271-B2

Title: Sanitizing device with a removably attached brush component

Description:
FIELD 
     Apparatuses and devices consistent with example embodiments relate to a sanitizing device comprising a handle component, a shaft component that extends in a vertical direction to connect the handle component and a connection component, the connection component to adhere to a surface and to permit stabilization during operation, and a brush component that is removably connected to the connection component to permit a user to sanitize a distal appendage while grasping the handle component. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A user can use a sanitizing device when performing a sanitation process of the user. For example, a user may use a brush, a sponge, a cloth, etc. to sanitize an appendage of the user such as a foot, a toe, a leg, etc. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some possible implementations, a device may include a handle component that is configured to permit a user to grasp the handle component during a sanitation process of the user wherein the user sanitizes a distal appendage using the device. The device may include a shaft component that extends in a vertical direction and that is configured to connect the handle component and a connection component. The device may include the connection component that is configured to removably adhere to a surface to permit the device to remain substantially stationary during the sanitation process of the user. The device may include a brush component that is configured to permit the user to perform the sanitation process of the user and that is removably connected to the connection component. 
     According to some possible implementations, a system may include a handle component that is configured to permit a user to grasp the handle component during a sanitation process of a distal appendage of the user. The system may include a shaft that extends in a vertical direction and that is configured to connect the handle component and a connection component. The system may include the connection component that is configured to adhere to a surface to permit the system to remain substantially stationary during the sanitation process. The system may include a brush component that is configured to permit the user to perform the sanitation process of the user and that is connected to the connection component. 
     According to some possible implementations, a sanitizing apparatus may include a handle component that is configured to permit a user to grasp the handle component during a sanitation process of a foot of the user. The sanitizing apparatus may include a shaft component that extends in a vertical direction and that is configured to connect the handle component and a connection component. The sanitizing apparatus may include the connection component that is configured to removably adhere to a surface to permit the sanitizing apparatus to remain substantially stationary during the sanitation process of the foot of the user. The sanitizing apparatus may include a brush component that is configured to permit the user to perform the sanitation process of the foot, leg, toes, etc. of the user and that is removably connected to the connection component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of an example sanitizing device described herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the example sanitizing device described herein; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of an example primary core component of a primary brush component described herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an example connection component described herein; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an example secondary brush component described herein; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the example secondary brush component described herein; and 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the example connection component described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. 
     A user can use a hand-held device such as a brush having bristles, a sponge, a cloth, etc. to sanitize a distal appendage of the user such as a foot, a toe, a leg, etc. For example, the user may apply a sanitizing agent, such as soap, to the hand-held device and sanitize the appendage using the sanitizing device. However, this operation requires the user to bend at the waist, or squat, to reach the distal appendage. Alternatively, the user can lift the distal appendage, which thereby requires the user to balance on a single foot. In all of those cases, the user&#39;s risk of falling is greatly enhanced. Similarly, particular users (e.g., elderly persons, pregnant women, persons suffering from ailments, etc.) may be incapable of performing the foregoing operations. 
     Some implementations described herein provide a sanitizing device that permits a user to sanitize distal appendages without requiring the user to bend at the waist, without requiring the user to balance on a single foot or leg, without requiring that the user operate the sanitizing device with a hand, among other things. Additionally, some implementations described herein provide a sanitizing device that permits a user to grasp a handle during operation of the sanitizing device. 
     In this way, some implementations described herein provide a sanitizing device that improves safety of the user during operation, that permits users with limited mobility to sanitize themselves, that is modular, that reduces harboring of bacteria, mold, fungi, etc., that includes improved sturdiness, that offers reduced required assembly, that is low cost, among many other benefits. 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of an example sanitizing device  100  described herein. As shown in  FIG. 1 , sanitizing device  100  may include a handle component  110 , a shaft component  120 , a connection component  130 , a primary brush component  140 , and an adherence component  150 . Sanitizing device  100  may be configured to permit a user to perform a sanitation process of the user. In other words, a user may sanitize a distal appendage (e.g., a foot, a leg, a heel, a toe, etc.) of the user using sanitizing device  100 . 
     Handle component  110  may include a component that is configured to permit a user to grasp handle component  110  during a sanitation process of the user. Handle component  110  may be comprised of any suitable material such as polycarbonate plastic, polyethylene plastic, polypropylene plastic, polystyrene plastic, an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, a carbon fiber plastic, and/or the like. 
     Handle component  110  may include any suitable dimensions to permit a user to grasp handle component  110 . As a particular and non-limiting example, handle component  110  may include a width, in a horizontal direction shown in  FIG. 1 , of nine inches, and include a substantially circular cross-section including a diameter of one inch. Handle component  110  may include a surface coating and/or a surface property to provide any suitable texture such as a smooth texture, a coarse texture, an abrasive texture, a rubberized texture, etc. 
     Shaft component  120  may include a component that extends in a vertical direction and that is configured to connect handle component  110  and connection component  130 . Shaft component  120  may be comprised of any suitable material, and include any suitable dimensions. As a particular example, shaft component  120  may include a height, in a vertical direction shown in  FIG. 1 , of twenty five inches, and include a substantially circular cross-section including a diameter of one inch. 
     Shaft component  120  may be selectively adjustable to permit a height of shaft component  120  to be adjusted. For example, shaft component  120  may include telescoping functionality. Alternatively, shaft component  120  may include a set of components that permits the height of shaft component  120  to be adjusted based on insertion and/or removal of the components. 
     Connection component  130  may include a component that is configured to removably adhere to a surface to permit sanitizing device  100  to remain substantially stationary during the sanitation process of the user. Additionally, connection component  130  may include a component that is configured to permit primary brush component  140  and/or secondary brush component  160  to be removably attached to connection component  130 . 
     Connection component  130  may be comprised of any suitable material, and include any suitable dimensions. As a particular example, connection component  130  may include a height, in the vertical direction shown in  FIG. 1 , of eleven inches, and a width, in the horizontal direction shown in  FIG. 1 , of five and one half inches. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , connection component  130  may include a substantially arched shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , connection component  130  may include a first portion  131  that extends to a left side in the horizontal direction shown in  FIG. 1 , and a second portion  132  that extends to a right side in the horizontal direction shown in  FIG. 1 . Collectively, the first portion  131  and the second portion  132  may form a substantially arched shape including a space formed between first portion  131  and second portion  132  to accommodate an appendage of the user, as described elsewhere herein. 
     Primary brush component  140  may include a component that is configured to permit the user to perform the sanitation process of the user. As shown in  FIG. 1 , primary brush component  140  may include a primary core component  141  and a primary bristle component  142 . 
     Primary core component  141  may include a component that permits primary brush component  140  to connect to connection component  130 , and that accommodates primary bristle component  142 . Primary core component  141  may be comprised of any suitable material and include any suitable dimensions. Primary core component  141  may include a similar stiffness as compared to connection component  130 . Alternatively, primary core component  141  may be less stiff than as compared to connection component  130  to facilitate connection of primary core component  141  to connection component  130 . 
     Primary bristle component  142  may include a component including a set of bristles. Primary bristle component  142  may include any suitable material such as a nylon, a plastic, a synthetic polymer, and/or the like, to permit a user to sanitize an appendage by interacting with the bristles of primary bristle component  142 . Collectively, primary core component  141  and primary bristle component  142  may include a width, in the horizontal direction shown in  FIG. 1 , of nine and one half inches. Primary bristle component  142  may include any bristle stiffness and/or texture to permit the user to sanitize a distal appendage. 
     Primary core component  141  may be removably connected to connection component  130 . Primary core component  141  may connect to connection component  130  at a middle portion of connection component  130  in the vertical direction shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, a height between a surface, to which sanitizing device  100  is adhered, and a middle portion of primary core component  141  may be five and one half inches, and a height between the middle portion of primary core component  141  and a top of connection component  130  may be five and one half inches. In this way, connection component  130  and primary brush component  140  may be configured to accommodate an appendage of the user via the space between first portion  131  and second portion  132  of connection component  130 . 
     Adherence component  150  includes a component that is configured to removably adhere to a surface to permit sanitizing device  100  to remain substantially stationary during the sanitation process of the user. For example, adherence component  150  may include a suction device that utilizes a negative fluid pressure of air or water to adhere to a surface. Adherence component  150  may be comprised of any suitable material such as a silicone, a plastic, a rubber, and/or the like. 
     As used herein, the surface, to which sanitizing device  100  is adhered, may be a surface of a shower, a surface of bathtub, and/or the like. It should be understood that sanitizing device  100  may be used at various locations, and thereby is capable of being adhered to myriad surfaces. 
     While  FIG. 1  depicts a set of adherence components  150 , it should be understood that any number of adherence components  150  may be used. For example, sanitizing device  100  may include three adherence components  150 , four adherence components  150 , six adherence components  150 , etc. In this way, the stability of sanitizing device  100  may be improved by utilizing additional adherence components  150 . 
     In some implementations, handle component  110 , shaft component  120 , connection component  130 , primary brush component  140 , and adherence component  150  may be a single unitary component. In other words, the foregoing components may be formed as a single component. 
     Alternatively, handle component  110 , shaft component  120 , connection component  130 , primary brush component  140 , adherence component  150 , and/or one or more combinations thereof may be a single unitary component. In other words, any of the foregoing components, or a combination of the foregoing components, may be removably connected to another component, or a combination thereof, of the set of foregoing components. As such, modularity of sanitizing device  100  may permit selective replacement of any of the foregoing components. 
     Any of the foregoing components may be connected via connection mechanisms such as connectors, inserts, threads, pins, coupling members, and/or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, any of the foregoing components may connect via press-fit, friction-fit, and/or the like. The connection mechanisms may be configured to reduce an amount of movement of various components of sanitizing device  100  in relation to one another, and may reduce an amount of movement of sanitizing device  100  during operation of sanitizing device  100 . In this way, sanitizing device  100  may remain substantially stationary during operation, thereby improving safety of the user, efficacy of sanitizing device  100 , and/or the like. 
     Further, it should be understood that dimensions of sanitizing device  100  may be modified to accommodate a specific need of a user. For example, the user may adjust a height of sanitizing device  100 , a width of connection component  130 , a position of primary brush component  140 , and/or the like, based on the particular needs of the user. 
     During a sanitation process of the user, the user may manipulate sanitizing device  100  to adhere sanitizing device  100  to a surface. For example, the user may manipulate sanitizing device  100  to adhere adherence component  150  to a surface of a shower, a bathtub, and/or the like (e.g., an area where the user intends to perform the sanitation process). 
     Further, the user may apply a sanitizing agent (e.g., a soap, a lotion, a solution, and/or the like) to an appendage of the user that the user desires to sanitize, such as a foot, a lower leg portion, and/or the like. Additionally, the user may apply a sanitizing agent to primary brush component  140 . Further still, the user may apply water to the appendage to be sanitized to permit the sanitizing agent to sanitize the appendage, to improve spreading of the sanitizing agent, and/or remove the sanitizing agent from the appendage. 
     The user may grasp handle component  110 , and place the appendage to be sanitized through a space formed by connection component  130 . For example, the user may place a foot of the user through the space formed between primary brush component  140  and the top of connection component  130  and between first portion  131  and second portion  132  of connection component  130 . In this case, the user may sanitize a bottom of the foot of the user by placing the foot on top of primary brush component  140 , and moving the foot across primary bristle component  142  of primary brush component  140 . 
     As another example, the user may place the foot of the user through another space formed between a bottom of primary brush component  140  and the surface to which sanitizing device  100  is removably adhered. In this case, the user may sanitize a top of the foot of the user by placing the foot underneath primary brush component  140 , and moving the top of the foot across primary bristle component  142 . Similarly, the user may sanitize a portion of a leg by placing the portion of the leg in contact with primary brush component  140 , and moving the portion of the leg in relation to primary brush component  140 . 
     It should be understood that the user may interact with sanitizing device  100  in numerous other ways to sanitize various appendages and/or portions of appendages. 
     By grasping handle component  110 , the user may improve balance of the user, safety of the user, efficacy of sanitizing device  100 , and/or the like, during operation of sanitizing device  100 . In this way, some implementations described herein improve user safety, improve sanitation of the user, reduce an amount of time associated with sanitizing the user, and/or the like. 
     While a particular configuration is shown and/or described in association with  FIG. 1 , it should be understood that implementations described herein are applicable to other configurations than as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the example sanitizing device  100  described herein. As shown in  FIG. 2 , sanitizing device  100  may further include a secondary brush component  160 . Secondary brush component  160  may include a component that is configured to connect to connection component  130  to permit a user to sanitize an appendage. For example, secondary brush component  160  may be removably connected to connection component  130 . 
     Secondary brush component  160  may include a secondary core component  161  and a secondary bristle component  162 . As similar to primary core component  141 , secondary core component  161  may be comprised of any suitable material, and include any suitable dimensions to permit secondary core component  161  to connect to connection component  130 . Further, as similar to primary bristle component  142 , secondary bristle component  162  may be comprised of any suitable material, and include any suitable dimensions to permit a user to sanitize an appendage. Secondary bristle component  162  may include bristles that are the same type, stiffness, size, etc. as bristles of primary bristle component  142 , that differ from bristles of primary bristle component  142 , and/or the like. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , connection component  130  may include an extension section  133  that extends in a horizontal direction shown in  FIG. 2 . (e.g., to a right side in  FIG. 2 ). As a particular example, extension section  133  may extend two and one half inches in a horizontal direction. As shown, and as described in more detail in association with  FIGS. 4 and 7 , primary brush component  140  may connect to connection component  130  via extension section  133 . In this way, primary brush component  140  may extend to a first side of sanitizing device  100  based on being connected to extension section  133 . For example, primary brush component  140  may be laterally offset to permit a user to more effectively sanitize myriad portions of distal appendages. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , secondary brush component  160  may extend to another side of sanitizing device  100 , such as the left side as shown in  FIG. 2 , as compared to primary brush component  140 . In this way, a user may interact with primary brush component  140  without having secondary brush component  160  interfere, and may also interact with secondary brush component  160  without having primary brush component  140  interfere. Alternatively, primary brush component  140  and secondary brush component  160  may extend to a same lateral side of sanitizing device  100 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , primary brush component  140  may be disposed substantially horizontally to thereby permit primary brush component  140  to be substantially parallel to a surface to which sanitizing device  100  is adhered. Further, secondary brush component  160  may be disposed substantially vertically to thereby permit secondary brush component  160  to be substantially perpendicular to the surface to which sanitizing device  100  is adhered. In this way, some implementations described herein permit a user to interact with primary brush component  140  to sanitize a bottom of a foot, a top of a foot, a heel of a foot, a portion of a leg, and/or the like, and interact with secondary brush component  160  to sanitize toes, a space between toes, and/or the like. In other words, a user may perform different types of motions of an appendage to interact with primary brush component  140  and secondary brush component  160  to sanitize appendages in different ways. 
     While a particular configuration is shown and/or described in association with  FIG. 2 , it should be understood that implementations described herein are applicable to other configurations than as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of an example primary core component  141  of a primary brush component  140  described herein. As shown in  FIG. 3 , primary core component  141  may include a first set of indents  143 , and a second set of indents  144 . 
     The first set of indents  143  may be configured to permit primary core component  141  to connect to connection component  130 . Further, the second set of indents  144  may be configured to permit primary core component to connect to connection component  130 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first set of indents  143  and the second set of indents  144  may include a substantially square shape. In this way, movement of primary core component  141  in relation to connection component  130  is reduced, thereby improving stabilization of sanitizing device  100  during operation. 
     The first set of indents  143  may interface with first portion  131  of connection component  130 , and the second set of indents  144  may interact with second portion  132  of connection component  130 . For example, primary core component  141  may be inserted into a space formed by connection component  130 , as described in more detail in association with  FIG. 4  below, and be retained by connection component  130  via the first set of indents  143  and the second set of indents  144 . 
     While a particular configuration is shown and/or described in association with  FIG. 3 , it should be understood that implementations described herein are applicable to other configurations than as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an example connection component  130  described herein. As shown in  FIG. 4 , connection component  130  may include extension section  133 , a primary connection component  134 , a set of retaining components  135 , a secondary connection component  136 , and a shaft connection component  137 . 
     It should be understood that connection component  130  includes first portion  131  and second portion  132 . As such,  FIG. 4  may represent a view of either first portion  131  or second portion  132 . Additionally, each of first portion  131  and second portion  132  may include respective extension sections  133 , primary connection components  134 , retaining components  135 , and/or secondary connection component  136 . Alternatively, sanitizing device  100  may include a single secondary connection component  136  that is provided on either first portion  131  or second portion  132 . That is, a single secondary brush component  160  may attach to connection component  130 , thereby requiring a single secondary connection component  136 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , extension section  133  may extend in a horizontal direction, and may include primary connection component  134  and retaining components  135 . In this way, primary brush component  140  may be laterally offset in relation to connection component  130  (e.g., first portion  131  or second portion  132  of connection component  130 ). Primary connection component  134  may be configured to accommodate primary core component  141 . For example, primary connection component  134  may accommodate primary core component  141  via a space formed by primary connection component  134  shown in  FIG. 4 . The first set of indents  143  and the second set of indents  144  of primary core component  141  may be configured to mate with primary connection component  134  to thereby permit primary core component  141  to be attached to connection component  130 . Further, retaining components  135  may improve retention of primary core component  141  while primary core component  141  is attached to connection component  130  via primary connection component  134 . In some implementations, the first set of indents  143  and the second set of indents  144  may include substantially square shapes, thereby reducing an amount of translation between primary core component  141  and primary connection component  134 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 4 , secondary connection component  136  may extend substantially vertically in association with connection component  130  to accommodate secondary brush component  160 . In some implementations, secondary connection component  136  may be indented in relation to connection component  130  to permit attachment of secondary brush component  160 . In other words, a surface of secondary connection component  136  may be indented, recessed, etc. in relation to a surface of connection component  130 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 4 , shaft connection component  137  may be configured to connect connection component  130  and shaft component  120 . For example, as shown, shaft connection component  137  may include a male connector that is configured to interface with a corresponding female connector of shaft component  120 . Further, the male connector of shaft connection component  137  may be substantially square in shape, and may correspond to a substantially square female connector of shaft component  120 . In this way, an amount of translation (e.g., rotation) between connection component  130  and shaft component  120  may be reduced. 
     While a particular configuration is shown and/or described in association with  FIG. 4 , it should be understood that implementations described herein are applicable to other configurations than as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of an example secondary brush component  160  described herein. As shown in  FIG. 5 , secondary brush component  160  may include a secondary core component  161 , a secondary bristle component  162 , a retention space  163 , and a set of retention components  164 . 
     Secondary brush component  160  may be formed to include retention space  163 . In this way, secondary brush component  160  may connect to secondary connection component  136  via retention space  163 . Further, retention components  164  may improve retention and connection of secondary brush component  160  and connection component  130 . Retention components  164  may interface with a recessed portion of secondary connection component  136 , detents of secondary connection component  136 , and/or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , secondary bristle components  162  may extend laterally in a horizontal direction shown in  FIG. 5 . As a particular example, secondary bristle components  162  may extend one and one half inches in the horizontal direction. 
     While a particular configuration is shown and/or described in association with  FIG. 5 , it should be understood that implementations described herein are applicable to other configurations than as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the example secondary brush component  160  described herein. For example,  FIG. 6  depicts a partial cut-away view of secondary brush component  160 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , secondary brush component  160  may include secondary bristle component  162  that extends vertically in a vertical direction shown in  FIG. 6 . As a particular example, secondary brush component  160  may include a height of five inches. 
     While a particular configuration is shown and/or described in association with  FIG. 6 , it should be understood that implementations described herein are applicable to other configurations than as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the example connection component  130  described herein. As shown in  FIG. 7 , connection component  130  may further include flexion slots  138 . 
     Flexion slots  138  may include slots formed in extension section  133  of connection component  130 . Flexion slots  138  may be configured to permit primary core component  141  of primary brush component  140  to connect to primary connection component  134 . For example, flexion slots  138  may improve the ease at which primary core component  141  is connected to primary connection component  134 , and improve retention of primary core component  141  during operation of sanitizing device  100  by permitting translation of primary connection component  134  in relation to extension section  133 . 
     While a particular configuration is shown and/or described in association with  FIG. 7 , it should be understood that implementations described herein are applicable to other configurations than as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustion or to limit the implementations to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. 
     Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of possible implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. 
     No functionality used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, etc.), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.