Abstract:
A foot care device for removing build-up and diminishing calluses. The foot care device comprises a frame and one or more blades connected to the frame at an angle thereto. The device may further comprise a brush attached to the frame.

Description:
[0001]    This application relates to Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/303,358 filed Jul. 6, 2001. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to foot care products, and more particularly to a device for removing skin cells and other build-up from the foot and diminishing calluses.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Build-up from skin cells, perspiration and foot care products such as powders and lotions may promote foot odor, fungus growth and infection if not properly removed from the foot. Additionally, calluses may form on the sole or other portions of the foot of which removal is desirable. Abrasive products such a pumice stones, files and flexible materials having abrasive particles embedded therein, have been used to remove build-up and calluses. These products, however, typically have limited life spans because material removed from the foot causes the devices to glaze after repeated uses, thereby diminishing their effectiveness. A further disadvantage is that material removed from the foot and embedded in the device may facilitate bacterial growth on the product leading to an unhygienic foot care implement.  
           [0004]    Accordingly, there is a need for a foot care product that is effective in removing build-up and diminishing calluses, and is easily kept hygienic.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a foot care device for removing build-up and diminishing calluses that is effective over repeated uses and may be easier to clean compared to conventional foot care products. The foot care device is held in the hand and is used to scrape buildup from the foot and smooth areas that may be prone to calluses.  
           [0006]    In an illustrative embodiment of the invention the foot care device comprises a frame and one or more blades connected to the frame, and at an angle thereto. The invention may further comprise a brush, preferably attached to an end of the frame. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 depicts a bottom view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2 depicts an end view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 depicts a foot care device  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Device  100  includes a frame  102  having side portions  104  and bottom portion  106 . Blades  108  are attached to side portions  104  and bottom portion  106 . It is sufficient for the frame to have only a bottom portion, provided that it adequately supports blades  108  during device use. FIG. 1 depicts a device having two blades  108 , however, the device may have a single blade or more than two blades. The greater the number of blades the more scraping accomplished in a given time period. The advantages of more blades must be weighed against the increase work necessary to clean the device. Two blades should be sufficient for most applications.  
         [0014]    Side portions  104  may include one or more end portions and/or one or more longitudinal portions  110 . Side portions  104  may help to support blades  108  and may also serve to more comfortably hold the device during use. To further assist in holding the device, a handle or strap may be incorporated into the device. FIG. 5 shows an illustrative handle  502 . Handle  502  maybe rigid or flexible and may be a separate piece affixed to the device or may be integrally formed therewith.  
         [0015]    Blades  108  may be integrally formed with frame  102 , removably affixed thereto, or may comprise separate pieces permanently attached to frame  102 . Blades  108  are preferably at approximately ninety degrees to bottom portion  106 , but may be at any other angle that allows unwanted material to be scraped from the foot without causing damage to the foot. FIG. 1 depicts blades  108  having a slight curve, however, blades  108  may be straight across the device or have a more significant curve than depicted. Blades  108  may also be curved around a line perpendicular to the top edge of the blade.  
         [0016]    For additional foot care capabilities, a brush  404 , as depicted in FIG. 4, may be attached to the device. Brush  404  is preferably attached to an end portion of frame  102 . This would enable the brush to be used in hard-to-reach areas of the foot such as between the toes. The brush may serve to remove build-up that does not require the scraping action of blades  108 .  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 depicts an end view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, side portion  102  is slightly smaller in height than blade  108 . The primary height requirement of blade  108  as compared to frame  102  is that blade  108  protrudes sufficiently from frame  102  to allow adequate scraping action. The primary requirement for the height of frame  102  is that it is structurally sound enough to support blade  108  during use.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Frame  102  as depicted in FIG. 3 includes indentations  302  to enhance gripping ability. The inventive foot care products will typically be used with water. Therefore, indentations  302  or other means for enhanced grasping ability, such as a roughened surface may be beneficial to the user. In a plastic foot care device, all or part of frame  102  may be molded with a rough surface. The improved gripping ability that this would provide should be weighed against the ease with which the device may be thoroughly cleaned.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a foot scraper according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. This embodiment shows a thicker end portion  402  of frame  102 . Thickened end portion  402  may be necessary to accommodate brush  404 . Further shown in FIG. 4 are blades  108  as having a relatively wide base that decreases until a sharp edge  406  is formed at the top. Other geometries are possible according to the invention. For example, blades  108  may have a uniform cross-section through most of their length, with a sharp edge that takes shape toward the end of blade  108 .  
         [0020]    Blades  108  may have any spacing but are preferably spaced to facilitate easy cleaning. The overall size of the device is preferably comparable to a standard bar of soap, however, other sizes are possible and may be preferable depending on the hand size of the user.  
         [0021]    Illustrative frame materials include plastic, wood and metal. Illustrative blade materials include plastic or metal. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, blades  108  and frame  102  are made of plastic and are integrally formed, such as by molding. Blades  108  may be removable from frame  102  for replacement and cleaning.  
         [0022]    While the invention has been described by illustrative embodiments, additional advantages and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to specific details shown and described herein. Modifications, for example, to the dimensions and geometry of the device, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the specific illustrative embodiments but be interpreted within the full spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.