FOR

(A) LAVIFEET

Inventors: Syed Mukarram, Woodbine, Maryland.

(B) CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

(C) FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

(D) MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

(E) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wash their feet while standing, sitting, upon entering a home or when visiting religious places. The invention allows repeated use of a device to cleanse the foot, without having to reach up to standard sink heights, which is usually between 32" to 40". Moreover, the device allows automated rinsing and disposal of the water, to insure a more sanitary. (2) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The importance of cleaning one's feet adequately has long been recognized. It is not always; however, convenient or physically easy enough to clean one's feet properly. The problem is particularly acute when a person is showering in that the feet are difficult to reach unless one is particularly supple. On the other hand, if one attempts to lift one foot in order to clean it, it is difficult to keep one's balance whilst standing on one foot and cleaning the other.

The use of foot washing is known in the prior art. More specifically, foot washing heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of washing a user's feet are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

Prior to the present invention other inventions have suggested various types of trays or foot cleansing devices usable at poolside or elsewhere. U.S. Patent No. 1,060,236 to W. Dodge shows a tray having a series of ribs 4 to engage the sole areas of a person's feet.

U.S. Patent Nos. 5,729,858; 5,321,867 and 5,724,695 all described complicated brushes and other cleaning equipment having special designs and configurations so that a foot can be cleaned on the top as well as all sides with the cleaning apparatus positioned on the floor, for example of a shower. All three of these prior patents have numerous brush elements generally configured to a channel or tunnel shape and resting on feet, typically in the form of suction cups. All of these prior patents suffer from the disadvantage that they have, in applicant's view, become unnecessarily complicated and, accordingly, costly. The complexity of these types of arrangement not only increases the cost but also increases the difficulty of cleaning the assembly itself and, indeed, makes cleaning rather difficult, if not tedious and that is if the configuration allows for proper cleaning of the brush assembly at all. What is needed is a portable foot washer that can be placed at location that is distal from a water source that washes feet with a combination of cleaning device and water. The proposed foot washer provides this solution with a portable foot washer having its own water reservoir and cleaning components.

(F) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved foot cleaning device. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved foot cleaning device which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

The present invention is directed to a device to wash feet while standing, sitting, upon entering a home or when visiting religious places. The invention allows repeated use of a device to cleanse the foot, without having to reach up to standard sink heights, which is usually between 32" to 40".

The device of this invention includes that the device allows automated rinsing and disposal of the water, to insure a more sanitary, more rapid and more satisfying experience, while handling a larger number of visitors/users than a device which would require manual, filling and emptying after each use. In an embodiment, the vessel of the invention is supplied with water and the water is discharged manually, after each wash, or discharges after a few washes. Containers for water incoming to the conveyers and out going from the vessel are supplied.

Next provided that invention consists of a vessel into which the foot is placed. Ideally the vessel is made up of plastic or rubber; however, alternatively, it can be made up of ceramic, or any metal like copper or stainless steel. The choice of material allows for easy rinsing/washing and maintenance of the vessel, while it can withstand the weight, pressure and temperatures indicated below.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention the device has a mechanism for water temperature and/or pressure controlling at the water input line. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

(G) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the a ppended drawing. It is appreciated that the drawing depicts only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the foot washing system.

FIG. 2 is a section view representing internal parts of foot washing system.

(H) DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate the embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not meant to limit the invention. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the views provided, a Foot Washing device is shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The foot washing device comprises a frame 1 that forms the periphery or like for a vessel 2 placed inside it. The device is self-contained where some or all of the components are enclosed within the vessel. In general when sufficient weight is placed on the vessel, the weight activates a switching mechanism that activates the device. The vessel is provided with scrubbing grooves 3, 4 and 5 for user to clean his/her feet of dirt or filth attached to it. The perforations 6 and 7 provide water jets that open and start spraying water on the foot of the user as soon as the switching mechanism is activated. The water flows through different lines into the vessel. A spring (not shown) is provided to support upper surface of device that is comprised of scrubbing grooves. In this embodiment, the spring is designed to allow its attachment to the front of the vessel or Basin.

The scrubbing grooves are the materials appropriate to scrape/rub against the foot. They can be at the bottom of the vessel or any one or more sides of the vessel. Alternatively or additionally, instead of scrubbing grooves, brushes are used. The perforations are a support for components such as rollers and/or scrubbing grooves and/or brushes. An outlet (not shown) for the water, is also provided below the vessel or Basin. Additionally, scrubbing grooves are provided in the front area for the cleaning of the toe. The shape of the vessel 2 can be for example rectangle, square, circle, hexagon, octagon, but preferably an oval shape or rectangle with curved corners. Optionally, the height and shape at the rear of the device facilitates the easy entry of the foot into the device by, being a little shorter for example up to about two inches in the back, and/or having a "lip" shape that gives extra room for the foot to enter the vessel. This "lip" shape is shown on the vessel depicted in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig.2 shows the bottom of the vessel or the internal roller mechanism 8 is raised at between about 5° to 25° or degrees, preferably about 10° or 10 degrees, on the front end, slopping backward, and allowing the user to get a natural front lift as the foot is moved forward to rub against the brushes or scrubbing grooves. The height of this vessel is ideally about 6" or six inches, but can vary from about 3" or three inches to about 10" or ten inches. The top cover 9 is located toward the front of the device. It is connected to the device in a manner that allows its easy removal. Typically it is made of translucent plastic or rubber, so user can most easily watch the activity of the foot washing process. However, the top cover's role is to prevent excessive spray, so any material, of any color that fits the overall design is permitted. The base 10 of this vessel is rested on the floor or whatever space is available for the installation of this frame. The base can be lifted to any desire height by placing pads made up of, ideally, plastic or rubber any other material underneath the vessel. For example, this allows the bottom of the vessel to be raised about 1", 2", 3", up to about 6" above the floor. The padding material is typically of the same length and breadth of the vessel or up to about 2" bigger in length and/or breadth relative to the vessel. The vessel is of a sturdy design, such as it can support a load of at least about 200, 210, 220 lbs, up to about 300 lbs. The vessel can be lifted off the floor also by adjustable screws available at the four corners of the vessel. In addition to providing height, the screws allow the vessel to be placed effectively on a surface, flooring or ground that might be uneven. The vessel is preferably 18" X 6" X 5" (length x height x width) in size, however, can be of any desired sizes between 6" X 3" X 3" to 24"X 10" X 8". The vessel is made up of material to withstand the pressure of at least about 200 lbs.

A water conveyer is attached around the top perimeter of the vessel. In Fig. 1, a U-shaped conveyor is shown, covering all the area but portions towards the rear of the vessel. However, in other embodiments, the conveyor may provide a complete circuit. The conveyor contains perforations causing water jets aimed at a downward angle delivers a water spray directed at the foot. As noted above, more than one conveyer might be used, providing multiple heights of water spraying the foot. The conveyor is typically attached to a water line and it is fixed to the wall of the vessel. Each conveyer typically has six to 15 jets (perforations), more preferably about 8-12 of such jets. The water pressure can be between 60 psi to 120 psi; with the idea l pressure is 80 psi. The water pressure is a function of the exit volume, relative to the input volume. Therefore, it can be adjusted by the user and/or at the time it is installed, as desired. The user can simply adjust a faucet-like control for volume and/or, as discussed below, temperature. Water is released evenly throughout the conveyer. The material used for the water conveyer is non corrosive. One more water conveyer can be added at different heights, ideally at about the middle of the perimeter wall of the vessel. Optionally, when the user places their foot inside the vessel a motion sensor or a tap activates the water supply.

The water temperature and/or pressure can be controlled at the water input line. A standard household water supply line, for example, allows delivery of water in a temperature range from about 45°F to about 250°F. Preferably water at a temperature of between about 80°F to 120°F is delivered to the vessel.

Brushes or scrubbing grooves are attached around the inside sidewalls and/or bottom of the vessel allow the user to scrub their foot. A set of roller can be added at the bottom of the vessel to help the user to move the foot forward and backwards to rub against the bottom brushes or scrubbing grooves. I n one embodiment, the scrubbing grooves and/or brushes located on the sides of the vessel have the option to move in closer to the foot and sense contact, such as a more rigorous, mechanically aided, washing is achieved. The user rubs their foot to the inside brushes which act to clean the foot. The scrubbing grooves and or brushes are constructed of materials such as nylon, plastics, rubber or any material unlikely to shatter or otherwise cause injury to the foot.

The waste water drains through the hole located at the bottom of the device, for self-drainage in a floor drain or connected to a hose for moving the waste water to a drain. Throughout this specification we relate to "water." It will be understood that other liquids might be employed. For example, a small amount of detergent is released into the water, or other disinfectants, oils, or smell producing chemicals. The water conveyer will receive water through the inlet either from the available water pipeline or from an attached container and will distribute water to all the perforations located in the water conveyor. The outlets in turn will spray the water into the vessel. These outlets are located evenly or unevenly on either side of the vessel as well as front and back ends of the vessel. The water is supplied to the water conveyer through the waterline coming to the wash basins wherever they may be located. For example, typically this water line might be from a sink. The water will be triggered for running into and through the conveyor by a motion sensor, sensing the entry of the foot into the device. An optional user controlled knob is provided. The water will stop running after a predetermined amount of time, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds and so on up to five minutes. I n an alternative object, the water will continuously run while the foot is in the field of the sensor. I n another description, the water flow is controlled mechanically, by the user.

The brushes or scrubbing grooves are installed on the sides, front and bottom of the vessel. They are normally two to four inches in length. However, the length can be adjusted to make sure that the user is getting enough rubbing to clean the foot and between the toes. The material of the brushes or scrubbing grooves can be plastic, rubber or any other material that can serve the purpose. The material of the brushes may vary but preferably nylon and can be adapted to the availability in the market. Additionally, the front part of the vessel is a steel, rubber or plastic made spring. The spring can by covering with sleeves made up of rubber or plastic or nylon. When the foot is moved beyond this device the springs go in between the toes and clean this area.

The wastewater will be removed through the outlet located at the bottom of the vessel to any existing discharge plumbing or may be pumped into any adjacent plumbing device, or can be collected in an attached removable container that can collect waste water and can be discharge by removing the container and emptying it at any suitable self-drain. If a pump is involved, it can be controlled mechanically by user or person maintaining the facility, or it can be functionally connected to the sensor mechanism (or the mechanically triggered flow, controlled by user) that triggers the inflow of liquid in the device. The outflow, whether facilitate by gravity or assisted by a pump, allows the water to be removed at least as fast as it enters the vessel, so no unhygienic accumulation of fluids occurs which might affect the next user, if he placed his foot in sta nding water. Alternatively, the water flow is calibrated to flow out just a little slower than the inflow, so a small amount of water accumulates during usage and allows the wetting of the bottom of the foot. If so, then the outflows is calculated to be sufficient for complete draining after the inflow stops, within a limited time period, say 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds and so on, up to, at most, 2 minutes.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. Finally, boundaries between various components are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific ill ustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. I n general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.