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WO2001045542A1 - A foot care device - Google Patents

A foot care device

Info

Publication number
WO2001045542A1
WO2001045542A1 PCT/AU1999/001147 AU9901147W WO0145542A1 WO 2001045542 A1 WO2001045542 A1 WO 2001045542A1 AU 9901147 W AU9901147 W AU 9901147W WO 0145542 A1 WO0145542 A1 WO 0145542A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
foot
housing
care device
foot care
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU1999/001147
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
James Fraser
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
KDB Engineering Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
KDB Engineering Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to AUPQ2394A priority Critical patent/AUPQ239499A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPQ2394A external-priority patent/AUPQ239499A0/en
Application filed by KDB Engineering Pty Ltd filed Critical KDB Engineering Pty Ltd
Priority to PCT/AU1999/001147 priority patent/WO2001045542A1/en
Priority to AU65444/99A priority patent/AU6544499A/en
Priority to AU22694/00A priority patent/AU2269400A/en
Publication of WO2001045542A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001045542A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H35/00—Baths for specific parts of the body
    • A61H35/006—Baths for specific parts of the body for the feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
    • A47K3/02—Baths
    • A47K3/022—Baths specially adapted for particular use, e.g. for washing the feet, for bathing in sitting position
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K7/00—Body washing or cleaning implements
    • A47K7/02—Bathing sponges, brushes, gloves, or similar cleaning or rubbing implements
    • A47K7/026—Bathing sponges, brushes, gloves, or similar cleaning or rubbing implements for cleaning the feet or toes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H7/00—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for
    • A61H7/002—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for by rubbing or brushing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
    • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
    • A61H2203/0406—Standing on the feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
    • A61H2205/12—Feet

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a foot care device for washing a foot of a user and/or massaging the foot of the user.
  • Some mobility impaired people often find it difficult to wash their feet. For example, if the person has limited movement in his or her lower spine as a result of a spinal fusion operation they may not be able to bend down to adequately wash their feet in the shower. There is therefore a need for a foot care device that enables mobility impaired persons to maintain good hygiene where they are not able to bend to wash their feet.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a foot care device for use by a person to clean/massage their feet.
  • a foot care device including a housing including an inside surface defining a foot receiving cavity and a foot contacting means projecting inwardly from the inner surface, for cleaning the foot as it is moved about the inside of the cavity of the housing and/or for massaging the foot as it is moved about inside the cavity of the housing.
  • the contacting means is in the form of a plurality of bristles and/or a sponge.
  • the foot contacting means is in the form of a plurality of projections for massaging the foot.
  • the housing is arranged to receive the foot within the cavity so that, in use, the housing surrounds the foot transverse to the length of the foot.
  • the housing has a base for engaging the ground. Opposite the base, the housing has a cut out for the ankle and lower leg of the person to move within.
  • the base is provided with one or more drains for water to drain from the foot care device.
  • the housing is elongate and open at opposite ends so that the foot may move in and out of the interior of the foot care device without obstruction.
  • the foot contacting means is disposed on the upper portion, the base and sides of the interior of the housing.
  • the foot care device includes a dispensing means for providing soap to the interior of the housing.
  • Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a foot care device in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a front view of the foot care device of Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 is a rear view of the foot care device of Figure 1.
  • a foot care device 10 which includes an elongate housing 12 in the form of a relatively flat base 30 and an upper portion.
  • the housing is provided with an interior 14 between the base 30 and the upper portion.
  • the housing is formed of, for example, injection moulded plastics.
  • Each of the ends 16 and 18 of the housing 12 are open.
  • the housing 12 may be tapered from the end 16 to the end 18 so that it narrows slightly towards end 18.
  • a part of the roof of the upper portion is provided with a cut out 20.
  • the interior of the housing 12 is in the form of a cavity suitable for receiving a foot of a person so that the toes of the foot are adjacent the end 18, the heel is adjacent the end 16 and the ankle and lower leg protrudes from the cut out 20.
  • the upper portion of the housing 12 provides sufficient clearance so that the foot may move about within the interior.
  • cleaning means 22 in the form of a plurality of bristles.
  • the bristles are arranged into groups that project from small holes in the inside surface of the housing.
  • groups of bristles 24 and 26 are indicated in Figure 1.
  • sponge may be used for the cleaning means, however this is not shown in the drawings.
  • the bristles project inwardly so as to make contact with the foot when it is inside the interior of the housing. The foot, when moved about inside the interior of the housing, will be cleaned by interaction with the bristles/sponge.
  • Bristles may be made of a suitable material such as plastics or natural hair and are water resistant.
  • the foot care device may be installed in a shower so the user may wash their feet while showering. Alternatively, the bristles may be used to massage the foot.
  • other forms of projections such as rounded nodules may be more suitable for massaging.
  • the bristles are shown projecting from the base, the upper portion and lateral sides of the interior of the housing. However, the bristles may be oriented in some other fashion provided that they are able to make contact with and effectively clean the foot.
  • the base may be provided with a plurality of drains 28 which allow water that is inside the housing to flow out through the drains and escape the foot care device 10.
  • the foot care device 10 may be provided with a dispensing means that provides soap to the interior of the housing to assist in the washing of the foot.
  • the housing may be pivotally mounted within the shower so that it may fold down for use and then fold up out of the way after use, suction cups may be provided on the base to secure it, or the base may be provided with some other suitable gripping means.
  • suction cups may be provided on the base to secure it, or the base may be provided with some other suitable gripping means.
  • the form of bristles within may change as may their construction and orientation. The bristles may be in combination with the sponge and/or massaging nodules.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Dermatology (AREA)
  • Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)

Abstract

A foot care device (10) including a housing (12) including an inside surface defining a foot receiving cavity (14) and a foot contacting means (22) projecting inwardly from the inner surface. The foot contacting means (22) is for cleaning the foot as it is moved about the inside of the cavity (14) of the housing (12) and/or for massaging the foot as it is moved about inside the cavity (14) of the housing (12).

Description

A FOOT CARE DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a foot care device for washing a foot of a user and/or massaging the foot of the user.
BACKGROUND
Some mobility impaired people often find it difficult to wash their feet. For example, if the person has limited movement in his or her lower spine as a result of a spinal fusion operation they may not be able to bend down to adequately wash their feet in the shower. There is therefore a need for a foot care device that enables mobility impaired persons to maintain good hygiene where they are not able to bend to wash their feet.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a foot care device for use by a person to clean/massage their feet.
According to the present invention there is provided a foot care device including a housing including an inside surface defining a foot receiving cavity and a foot contacting means projecting inwardly from the inner surface, for cleaning the foot as it is moved about the inside of the cavity of the housing and/or for massaging the foot as it is moved about inside the cavity of the housing.
Preferably, the contacting means is in the form of a plurality of bristles and/or a sponge. Alternatively, the foot contacting means is in the form of a plurality of projections for massaging the foot.
Typically, the housing is arranged to receive the foot within the cavity so that, in use, the housing surrounds the foot transverse to the length of the foot. Preferably, the housing has a base for engaging the ground. Opposite the base, the housing has a cut out for the ankle and lower leg of the person to move within.
Preferably, the base is provided with one or more drains for water to drain from the foot care device. More preferably, the housing is elongate and open at opposite ends so that the foot may move in and out of the interior of the foot care device without obstruction.
Preferably, the foot contacting means is disposed on the upper portion, the base and sides of the interior of the housing. Preferably the foot care device includes a dispensing means for providing soap to the interior of the housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In order to provide a better understanding, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a foot care device in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front view of the foot care device of Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 is a rear view of the foot care device of Figure 1.
Referring to the figures, there is shown a foot care device 10 which includes an elongate housing 12 in the form of a relatively flat base 30 and an upper portion. The housing is provided with an interior 14 between the base 30 and the upper portion. The housing is formed of, for example, injection moulded plastics. Each of the ends 16 and 18 of the housing 12 are open. The housing 12 may be tapered from the end 16 to the end 18 so that it narrows slightly towards end 18. In the upper portion adjacent end 18 a part of the roof of the upper portion is provided with a cut out 20. The interior of the housing 12 is in the form of a cavity suitable for receiving a foot of a person so that the toes of the foot are adjacent the end 18, the heel is adjacent the end 16 and the ankle and lower leg protrudes from the cut out 20. The upper portion of the housing 12 provides sufficient clearance so that the foot may move about within the interior.
Lining the inside surface of the interior is cleaning means 22 in the form of a plurality of bristles. The bristles are arranged into groups that project from small holes in the inside surface of the housing. For example, groups of bristles 24 and 26 are indicated in Figure 1. Additionally, sponge may be used for the cleaning means, however this is not shown in the drawings. The bristles project inwardly so as to make contact with the foot when it is inside the interior of the housing. The foot, when moved about inside the interior of the housing, will be cleaned by interaction with the bristles/sponge. Bristles may be made of a suitable material such as plastics or natural hair and are water resistant. The foot care device may be installed in a shower so the user may wash their feet while showering. Alternatively, the bristles may be used to massage the foot. In addition, other forms of projections, such as rounded nodules may be more suitable for massaging.
The bristles are shown projecting from the base, the upper portion and lateral sides of the interior of the housing. However, the bristles may be oriented in some other fashion provided that they are able to make contact with and effectively clean the foot.
The base may be provided with a plurality of drains 28 which allow water that is inside the housing to flow out through the drains and escape the foot care device 10.
The foot care device 10 may be provided with a dispensing means that provides soap to the interior of the housing to assist in the washing of the foot.
Now that an example of the present invention has been described, it will be clear to a skilled addressee that many modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the inventive concept. Such as, the housing may be pivotally mounted within the shower so that it may fold down for use and then fold up out of the way after use, suction cups may be provided on the base to secure it, or the base may be provided with some other suitable gripping means. The form of bristles within may change as may their construction and orientation. The bristles may be in combination with the sponge and/or massaging nodules.
All such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description and appendant claims.

Claims

1. A foot care device including a housing including an inside surface defining a foot receiving cavity and a foot contacting means projecting inwardly from the inner surface, for cleaning the foot as it is moved about the inside of the cavity of the housing and/or for massaging the foot as it is moved about inside the cavity of the housing.
2. A foot care device as defined in claim 1, wherein the cleaning means is in the form of a plurality of bristles and/or sponge.
3. A foot care device as defined in claim 1, wherein the foot contacting means is in the form of a plurality of projections for massaging the foot.
4. A foot care device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the housing is arranged to receive the foot within the cavity so that, in use, the housing surrounds the foot transverse to the length of the foot.
5. A foot care device as defined in claim 1, wherein the housing has a base for engaging the ground, opposite the base, the housing also having an upper portion provided with a cut out for the ankle and lower leg of the person to move within.
6. A foot care device as defined in claim 4, wherein the base is provided with one or more drains for allowing water to drain from the foot care device.
7. A foot care device as defined in claim 1, wherein the housing is elongate and open at opposite ends so that the foot may move in and out of the interior of the foot care device without obstruction.
8. A foot care device as defined in claim 4, wherein the foot contacting means is disposed on the upper portion, the base and sides of the interior of the housing.
9. A foot care device as defined in claim 1, wherein the foot care device includes dispensing means for providing soap to the interior of the housing.
PCT/AU1999/001147 1999-08-24 1999-12-22 A foot care device Ceased WO2001045542A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPQ2394A AUPQ239499A0 (en) 1999-08-24 1999-08-24 Shower foot washer
PCT/AU1999/001147 WO2001045542A1 (en) 1999-08-24 1999-12-22 A foot care device
AU65444/99A AU6544499A (en) 1999-08-24 1999-12-22 A foot care device
AU22694/00A AU2269400A (en) 1999-12-22 1999-12-22 A foot care device

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPQ2394A AUPQ239499A0 (en) 1999-08-24 1999-08-24 Shower foot washer
PCT/AU1999/001147 WO2001045542A1 (en) 1999-08-24 1999-12-22 A foot care device
AU65444/99A AU6544499A (en) 1999-08-24 1999-12-22 A foot care device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001045542A1 true WO2001045542A1 (en) 2001-06-28

Family

ID=27155590

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1999/001147 Ceased WO2001045542A1 (en) 1999-08-24 1999-12-22 A foot care device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6544499A (en)
WO (1) WO2001045542A1 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3888242A (en) * 1974-08-23 1975-06-10 Stephen W Harris Compression massage boot
US4617917A (en) * 1984-01-09 1986-10-21 Dr. Miller's Health Care Products, Inc. Foot hygiene device
DE3802244C1 (en) * 1986-12-11 1989-04-06 Mag Walter Frenkel Medizinische Apparate Und Geraete, 7483 Inzigkofen, De Foot reflex zone massage stool with accessories
DE4425667A1 (en) * 1993-09-10 1995-03-16 Rudolf Bertrams Device for reflex zone massage
US5605533A (en) * 1995-09-20 1997-02-25 Badilla; Bernard D. Touch activated foot massage device
US5729858A (en) * 1997-05-30 1998-03-24 Riffel; Sophia M. Foot scrubbing system
FR2770398A1 (en) * 1997-11-03 1999-05-07 Jean Patrick Errera Foot-massaging sock
DE29900194U1 (en) * 1999-01-08 1999-07-29 Mentges, Günter, 47057 Duisburg Foot washing and massage brush

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3888242A (en) * 1974-08-23 1975-06-10 Stephen W Harris Compression massage boot
US4617917A (en) * 1984-01-09 1986-10-21 Dr. Miller's Health Care Products, Inc. Foot hygiene device
DE3802244C1 (en) * 1986-12-11 1989-04-06 Mag Walter Frenkel Medizinische Apparate Und Geraete, 7483 Inzigkofen, De Foot reflex zone massage stool with accessories
DE4425667A1 (en) * 1993-09-10 1995-03-16 Rudolf Bertrams Device for reflex zone massage
US5605533A (en) * 1995-09-20 1997-02-25 Badilla; Bernard D. Touch activated foot massage device
US5729858A (en) * 1997-05-30 1998-03-24 Riffel; Sophia M. Foot scrubbing system
FR2770398A1 (en) * 1997-11-03 1999-05-07 Jean Patrick Errera Foot-massaging sock
DE29900194U1 (en) * 1999-01-08 1999-07-29 Mentges, Günter, 47057 Duisburg Foot washing and massage brush

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6544499A (en) 2001-03-01

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