Foot and heel care appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for the care of soles and heels. The apparatus, according to the invention, comprises a main rod (1) threadedly joined at the upper end to a lower end of a secondary rod (2) having an outer diameter corresponding to or smaller than the inner diameter of the main rod (1), by means of a threaded locking system (3), the secondary rod (2) being provided at the upper end, considered in the position of use of the apparatus, with a handle (4), in which the lower end of the main rod (1) passes through a support (7) provided on the outside with a plurality of lobes of complementary shapes in the form of abrasive cushions (6a-d) intended to be fixed in the said support (7), and in which the lower end of the main rod (1) terminates in a sole (9) for resting the apparatus on the floor of the room in which the apparatus is used.

Description

[0001] FOOT AND HEEL CARE APPLIANCE

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for the care of soles and heels.

[0003] Foot and heel care is an arduous activity, particularly for older or overweight persons who may find it difficult to adopt a position suitable for washing their feet and heels.

[0004] Several devices are known at the state of the art which are intended to help users to better and easier care for their feet.

[0005] From US4532668 is known the device for cleansing feet comprising a housing, brushes attached to interior surfaces of the housing, at least one suction cup for attaching the housing to a surface, a compressible dispenser for dispensing liquid soap when pressure is applied, an arm for applying pressure to the compressible material, and a handle rigidly connected to the arm by a substantially vertically extending shaft. The arm can be moved vertically in a downward direction, thereby compressing the compressible dispenser, only when the handle is in a predetermined angular position. The suction cups attach the housing to a surface by a partial vacuum formed by depressing the handle when the handle is not in the predetermined angular position. The suction cups include a valve that is in the closed state when partial vacuum is present. In order to dissipate the partial vacuum and therefore release the suction cups, the valve is placed in the open position. This is accomplished by means of a release cable connected to a release lug rotatably arranged on the handle.

[0006] From document US9084514 is known an apparatus for washing and cleaning feet while showering or in the bathtub, and which is attached to the shower wall. The apparatus includes a soap reservoir having a manual pumping mechanism that forces liquid soap through a tube to a foot component. The foot component attaches to the floor and includes multiple bristles to clean the lower foot. The upper part of the foot is cleaned using a "U" shaped bristle that also has cleaning bristles. The soap is directed into the saddle area where it is discharged onto the foot through holes.

[0007] Other similar devices are disclosed in WO2022157546 or W02022020875.

[0008] The common disadvantages of all these devices or apparatus of the technical state consist in their massive, complicated construction and not at all ergonomic to use.

[0009] In addition, cleaning the devices or appliances themselves involves considerable effort and their storage in a bath or shower enclosure is problematic.

[0010] The main objective of this invention is to provide a device for the care of soles and heels which totally or partially eliminates the disadvantages associated with the technical state.

[0011] The sole and heel care apparatus according to this invention comprises a main rod threadedly connected at the upper end to a lower end of a secondary rod having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the main rod by means of a thread-locking system, the secondary rod being provided at the upper end, considered in the normal position of use of the apparatus, with a handle, in which the lower end of the main rod passes through a support provided on the outside with a plurality of sockets of complementary shapes in the form of abrasive cushions intended to be fixed in the said support, and in which the lower end of the main rod terminates in a sole to put the apparatus on the floor of the room in which the apparatus is used.

[0012] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, in said support are fixed a scoop-type cushion for the heel, made of a hard abrasive material, such as pumice stone, and outwardly curved cushions for sensitive areas such as the lower and outer sole area, made of a soft, waterproof material, coated with different textures, which allows the foot to be cleaned well, but also pleasant to the touch.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the cushions are glued to the back of a hard plastic support which is magnetically fixed in lobes provided in said support.

[0014] Preferably, the cushions are glued to the back of a hard plastic backing which is secured with Velcro tape in the lobes provided in said support.

[0015] Advantageously, the cushions have different degrees of abrasiveness.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the handle is provided at the top with an aperture allowing the removable insertion of a container containing gel or cream to be used together with one or more of said cushions.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, on the main rod at the bottom of said holder is provided a ring for locking the holder to the main rod.

[0018] Preferably, the sole is provided with a pedal for locking a suction cup provided at the bottom of the sole.

[0019] Advantageously, the main rod is provided at the lower end with a ball incorporated in a recess in the sole, the ball allowing the main rod to be fixed, by locking the pedal, in different angular positions of use relative to the sole.

[0020] The advantages of the sole and heel care apparatus as set forth in this invention are obvious:

[0021] - it does not require bending and straining the back to reach to clean the soles;

[0022] - it prevents thickening of the skin of the soles, being used with every shower / bath;

[0023] - it can be used in the lying position in the bathtub, and can be used for relaxing

[0024] - it eliminates unpleasant foot odour, especially for people who find it difficult or impossible to reach the soles;

[0025] - it totally eliminates the tickling effect when in use;

[0026] - it eliminates the use of metal products on the market, which are totally not recommended for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions;

[0027] - it improves active circulation by activating the stimuli found in the soles of the feet;

[0028] - it strengthens the muscles of people with gait deficiencies, by simple use;

[0029] - when used regularly, it prevents cracked soles;

[0030] - if medication is needed, the cream can be applied directly to one of the cushions;

[0031] - it is easy to use;

[0032] - it easy to store;

[0033] - with its telescopic rod it can be easily transported without taking up space;

[0034] - it is recommended for overweight people, pregnant women, the elderly and people with spinal problems who find it very difficult to clean the soles of their feet in a simple and relaxing way Other objectives, features and advantages of the apparatus according to this invention will further emerge from the following detailed description of an embodiment, given with reference to the attached figures, where:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a simplified side view of the sole and heel care apparatus according to this invention;

[0036] Fig. 2 is a detail view of the holder together with the four cleaning cushions of the sole and heel care apparatus according to this invention;

[0037] Fig. 3 is a side view of the heel and sole care apparatus according to this invention, illustrating the hollowed shape of the heel cushion;

[0038] Fig. 4 is a detail view of the handle and gel or cream container;

[0039] Fig. 5 is a detail view of the lower part of the apparatus, comprising the sole provided with a foot pedal for locking a suction cup, and the locking ring of the cushion support;

[0040] Fig. 6 is a view illustrating possible angular positions of use obtained by means of the ball mounted at the lower end of the main rod of the apparatus.

[0041] Figures 7-10 schematically show several illustrative positions of use of the sole and heel care apparatus according to this invention.

[0042] With reference to the appended Figures, the sole and heel care apparatus comprises a main rod 1 threadedly joined at the upper end to a lower end of a secondary rod 3 having an outer diameter corresponding to or smaller than the inner diameter of the main rod 1, by means of a thread-locking system 2. Rods 1 and 3 may be made of aluminium, its alloys, hard plastic or carbon fibre. As already mentioned, the secondary rod 3 is thinner than the main rod 1, to allow access inside the latter, offering the possibility of lengthening the apparatus according to the user's need.

[0043] The secondary rod 3 is provided at the upper end, considered in the position of use of the apparatus, with a handle made of silicone material. The fixing of the handle is performed by means of the thread 3a provided on the secondary rod 3, which cooperates with a conjugate thread, not shown, inside the handle. As can be seen but in Fig. 4, the handle 4 is provided at the upper part with a hole allowing the removable insertion of a container 5 which contains a gel or cream intended to be used together with one or more of the cushions 6a-d of the apparatus. The container 5 is made of plastic and is provided with a lid 12 made of silicone.

[0044] As represented in the Figures, the main rod 1 passes with its lower end through a support 7 provided on the outside with a plurality of lobes having shapes complementary in shape to the shape of the abrasive cushions 6a-d intended to be fixed in said support 7.

[0045] The cushion support 7 is made of hard plastic and its interior is filled with light foam to increase its strength when in use. Its shape can take different aspects depending on the intended use (home, hotel, senior homes, fitness rooms, SPA's.) This support can be constructed as shown in the Figures, with 4 abrasive cushions 6a-d, but also with 3 or even 2 cushions (rigid heel cushion, secondary cushions for the more sensitive parts of the soles). The support 7 is provided with an internal hole to allow it to be inserted through the main rod 1. Its shape is directly proportional to the model accessed by the user. Each side is provided with an internal recess to enable the cushions to be fixed in a more stable manner. Each side intended for a cushion is provided with three magnetic points, installed both on the support 7 and on the cushions 6a-d for better and easier attachment and detachment between them.

[0046] The method of fastening between the support and the cushions may vary, they may be in the system described above, or by Velcro type system for models intended for single use locations (hotel, senior homes, fitness rooms, SPA-type salons).

[0047] The inner hole of the holder 7 is provided with a notch allowing insertion through the main rod 1 to prevent unwanted twisting during use.

[0048] The abrasive cushions 6a-d are glued to a hard plastic support which is magnetically fixed in the spaces provided on their support. The cushions have a different, individual intended use depending on which part of the sole the user wishes to access.

[0049] Cushion 6a in the hollow form is intended for the heel. Its shape is specially designed to provide the best possible guidance during use. It can be made of a hard abrasive material, such as pumice stone, enabling the user to clean the heel area as deeply as possible. The material may vary according to demand, with only the deep shaped cushion being made of hard but lightweight material, and different abrasive sheets may be attached / detached to the area of use by Velcro system, these having different degrees of abrasiveness depending on the user's need.

[0050] The 6b-d secondary cushions have a domed shape on the outside and are intended for sensitive areas such as the lower and outer sole. They are made of soft, waterproof material, coated with different textures, which allow the foot to be cleaned properly, but at the same time pleasant to the touch, as these are sensitive areas that require the gentlest cleaning. These cushions can only be used with their lubrication before use with the gel, cream or ointment stored in the container 5 in the handle 4 of the apparatus, or in the case of use in immersion situation, only together with a bath or shower foam to provide a smooth glide.

[0051] With reference to Figures 3 and 5, the lower end of the main rod 1 terminates in a sole 9 for resting the appliance on the floor of the room in which the appliance is used. 7. In addition, on the main rod 1, at the lower end of the mentioned support 7, there is provided a locking ring 8 for locking the support 7 to the main rod 1. The locking ring 8 allows the height of the support 7 to be adjusted in relation to the sole seating surface, according to the user's preference.

[0052] Additionally, sole 9 is provided with a locking pedal 11 of a suction cup 10 provided at the bottom of sole 9. The suction cup 10 may be made of hard plastic or stainless metal to sustain long-term proper functioning. The suction cup is intended to keep the apparatus locked in order to provide the user with the most secure support during use. Locking pedal 11 acts as an over-vacuum, providing increased locking when depressed with the foot. Pedal 11 can be removed with both the hand and the foot for easy disengagement from the surface to which it has been fixed.

[0053] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the main rod 1 is provided at the lower end with a ball 13 incorporated in a recess in the sole 9 so as to allow the main rod 1 to be fixed by locking the pedal 11, in different angular positions of use in relation to sole 9.

[0054] Sole 9 is made of silicone or plastic material for slightly uneven surfaces. Sole 9 is provided on the lower part with small suction cups, non-sliding grooves, which act as a good grip, being usable in situations where the surface on which we wish to fix the suction cup of the appliance has small unevenness, grooves, spaces between tiles, etc. The upper part is provided with a smooth part, which allows the suction cup of the appliance to have a very good grip on it.

[0055] This manner of cleaning the soles is to rub them with different objects, using the hand on them. The purpose of this appliance is to eliminate the use of hands and objects kept by them and to fully use the feet to clean and maintain the soles and heels as correctly as possible. Illustrative examples of the positions of use of the sole and heel care apparatus, according to this invention, are shown schematically in the accompanying Figures 7-10.

[0056] Above have been presented some preferred examples of embodiments of the apparatus according to this invention. It is to be understood that these embodiments are not limiting for the protectable purpose of the invention. Persons skilled in the field will understand from reading this documentation and from viewing the appended Figures that numerous modifications and substitutions can be made within the apparatus according to the invention, all such modifications and substitutions being within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0057] List of reference signs:

[0058] 1 main rod

[0059] 2 locking system

[0060] 3 secondary rod

[0061] 4 handle

[0062] 5 container

[0063] 6a-d abrasive pads

[0064] 7 cushion support

[0065] 8 cushion locking ring

[0066] 9 sole

[0067] 10 suction cup

[0068] 11 locking pedal

[0069] 12 container lid

[0070] 13 ball

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for the care of soles and heels comprising a main rod (1) threadedly joined at the upper end to a lower end of a secondary rod (2) having an outer diameter corresponding to or smaller than the inner diameter of the main rod (1) by means of a threaded locking system (3), the secondary rod (2) being provided at the upper end, considered in the position of use of the apparatus, with a handle (4), in which the lower end of the main rod (1) passes through a support (7) provided on the outside with a plurality of lobes with complementary shapes in the form of abrasive cushions (6a-d) intended to be fixed in said support (7), and in which the lower end of the main rod (1) terminates in a sole (9) for resting the apparatus on the floor of the room in which the apparatus is used.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that in the support (7) are fixed a cushion (6a) of the scoop type intended for the heel, made of hard abrasive material, pumice stone type, and cushions (6b-d) curved on the outside intended for sensitive areas such as the lower and outer sole area, made of soft, waterproof material, coated with different textures, which allows the foot to be cleaned well, but also pleasant to the touch.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cushions (6a-d) are glued to the back of a hard plastic support which is magnetically fixed in the lobes provided in said support (7).

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cushions (6a-d) are glued to the back of a hard plastic support which is secured with Velcro tape in the recesses provided in said support (7).

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cushions (6a-d) have different degrees of abrasiveness.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (4) is provided at the top with a hole allowing the removable insertion of a container (5) containing gel or cream intended to be used together with one or more of said cushions (6a-d).

7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that on the main rod (1), at the lower part of said support (7) is provided a locking ring for locking said support (7) to said main rod (1).

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the sole (9) is provided with a locking pedal (11) of a suction cup (10) provided at the lower part of said sole (9).

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that the main rod (1) is provided at the lower end with a ball incorporated in a recess in the sole (9) so as to allow the main rod (1) to be fixed, by locking the pedal (11), in different angular positions of use relative to the sole (9).

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