TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of devices for massaging body parts. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a foot massager.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] The present fast paced life, coupled with available amenities, does not allow individuals to get enough exercise through natural movements. Specifically, easy availability of means to commute has resulted in sedentary lifestyle resulting in inadequate exercise of muscles of legs and feet. It is well known that artery, capillary, and peripheral nerves are concentrated in the foot soles of the human body. If the legs and feet are not exercised, circulation of the blood to the foot and through the capillary becomes sluggish, causing the compression of the peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerves of the foot sole are connected with the brain through the automatic nervous system, which controls the speed of physical systems (e.g. blood flow) within the body. Stimulation of the foot sole causes the brain and autonomic nervous system to activate, after which increased blood flow through the legs and feet can be expected.

[0004] Massaging of body parts is well known to improve blood circulation. A number of devices for foot massaging are available in the market. Many of these devices are bulky and heavy, and cannot be carried along while travelling, depriving their owners benefit of massaging while travelling. Other devices that are lighter, are typically customized to fit a particular size of foot and are not adaptable to various foot sizes and shapes, and genders.

[0005] Therefore, there is a requirement of an improved foot massager that overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional foot massagers.

[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. [0007] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0008] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0009] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0010] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A general object of the present disclosure is to overcome drawbacks of the conventional foot mas sagers.

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that is compact and lightweight to make it portable.

[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that is adaptable to various foot sizes and genders.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that is adaptable to different heights of arch of the feet.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that massages foot sole, top of the foot as well as ankle.

[0016] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that is easy to use.

[0017] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that does not depend on grid power for massaging.

[0018] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that allows different modes of massaging.

[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a foot massager that allows massaging of feet while engaged in other activities.

SUMMARY

[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a foot massager. Specifically, the disclosed foot massager includes a massaging mechanism that can adapt to different shapes and sizes of foot, including different arch shapes of the foot. In particular, the disclosed foot massager includes an arch mechanism that can be moved up and down depending on arch height to facilitate effective massaging of the arch portion of the foot.

[0021] In an aspect, the disclosed foot massager includes a chassis for a user to rest his foot for massaging the foot; and one or more flaps to hold the foot on the chassis. The chassis comprises at least one massaging mechanism to massage sole of the foot. In an aspect, the massaging mechanism includes an adjustment mechanism to account for different arch shapes of the foot to ensure that all portions of the sole of the foot are massaged irrespective of variation is shape of the arch from one user to the other.

[0022] In an embodiment, the chassis may include a front chassis and a rear chassis. The front chassis may be pivotally coupled to the rear chassis to change an angle between the front chassis and the rear chassis. The change in the angel between the front chassis and the rear chassis causes lifting of a middle portion of the chassis to accommodate different arch shapes of the foot of the users.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the front chassis may be coupled to the rear chassis by a flexible means that allow change in a distance between the two for accommodating different foot lengths.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include a plurality of airbags having a plurality of projections. The plurality of airbags may be configured within a plurality of cavities in the chassis. The plurality of airbags may be configured to be filled with air and exhausted in a programmed and controlled by a control system to create different patterns of massaging effect. Flexibility of the plurality of airbags may allow to accommodate different arch shapes,

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include a plurality of parallelly disposed vertical plates placed adjacent to one other and configured to slide up and down to provide massaging. The plurality of plates may be coupled to at least one flexible shaft through a plurality of cams, such that when the shaft is rotated, the vertical plates slide up and down to provide massaging. Bending of the flexible shaft allows accommodating different arch shapes.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include a plurality of circular discs eccentrically mounted on at least one flexible shaft such that when the shaft is rotated high point of the eccentrically mounted disc traverses laterally over sole of the foot covering a distance of 10- 15mm.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of discs may be arranged on the shaft such that they come in contact with the sole of the foot progressively, such that points of contact of the plurality of discs with the sole moves longitudinally, in direction of the corresponding shaft.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include a plurality of inclined discs mounted on at least one flexible shaft at an angle to an axis of the corresponding shaft such that when the shaft is rotated, the uppermost point of the discs that is in contact with sole of the foot, traverses back and forth in in direction of the corresponding shaft.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the adjacent discs may be inclined in opposite directions such that the contact points of the adjacent discs move alternately closer and away from each other. [0030] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include a plurality of pegs mounted on at least one shaft for rotation. The plurality of pegs may be configured such that rotation of the plurality of pegs results in massaging action.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the at least one shaft may be a flexible shaft such that bending of the shaft allows accommodating different arch shapes.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, an upper part of the chassis may include a plurality of peg cavities for accommodating the plurality of pegs such that the pegs make contact with sole of the foot of the user placed on the chassis for the user to feel massaging action of the plurality of pegs.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of pegs may be of substantially cylindrical cross section mounted on the corresponding shafts such that axis of the cylinder is inclined to an axis of the corresponding shaft.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of pegs may include a pair of raised semi-spherical shaped projections that provide the point of contact with the sole of the foot, the pair of projections located at two ends of the cylinder in diametrically opposite orientations.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include arch mechanism having a platform configured movably in a vertical direction in an arch zone of the foot of the user. The platform may support one of the shafts for massaging the arch of the foot, moving the platform up and down can help in accommodating different arch shapes of the foot. [0036] In one or more embodiments, the arch mechanism may be configured movably by a screw mechanism such that rotation of the screw in a first direction results in lifting of the platform, and rotation of the screw in a second direction results in lowering of the platform, to meet requirement of different arch shapes.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include a front massaging portion and a rear massaging portion to massage a front portion and a rear portion of the foot that are in general alignment with the arch. The shafts of the front massaging portion, the arch mechanism and the rear massaging portion may be coupled to each other by any or a combination of gears and articulation joints for transfer of drive from a motor to the front massaging portion, the arch mechanism and the rear massaging portion.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the massaging mechanism may include a lateral massaging portion placed parallel to the front massaging portion, the arch mechanism and the rear massaging portion, and a heel massaging portion located adjacent and parallel to the rear massaging portion. [0039] In one or more embodiments, the one or more flaps may include one or more air bags for massaging sides and ankle portion of the foot by controlled and cyclic inflation of the corresponding air bags.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the foot massager may include a rechargeable battery pack, a USB port to connect the battery pack with a charging cable, and one or more LED indicators to indicate status of any or a combination of the battery and working of the foot massager.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the foot massager may include an angle stand pivotally coupled to the chassis for ergonomic angular resting of foot.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the foot massager may be configured to be accommodated in a docketing unit configured with a pair of vibrating pads for accommodating a pair of foot massagers. The docking unit may include control means for controlling intensity and duration of massaging. The docketing unit may further include a pair of upper limb compression modules to massage legs/calf muscles of the user simultaneous to the foot massage.

[0043] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates different views of the disclosed foot massager, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIGs. 2A to 2E illustrate different configurations of chassis assembly and foot massaging mechanism of the disclosed foot massager, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIGs. 3 A to 3F illustrate different configurations providing different types of points of contact on the foot sole during massaging using the disclosed foot massager, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0048] FIGs. 4A to 4D illustrate exemplary views of the disclosed foot massager incorporating the peg type massaging mechanism mounted on a plurality of flexible shafts and incorporating massaging bags for ankle and top of the foot, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the foot massager of FIGs. 4A to 4D showing its constituent parts in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary perspective views of a chassis assembly with peg-based massaging mechanism of the foot massager of FIGs. 4A to 4D, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIGs. 7A to 7C illustrate exemplary views showing massaging flow due to rotation of the pegs of the peg-based massaging mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary orthographic views of the peg of the peg-based massaging mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary side view of the of the chassis assembly with pegbased massaging mechanism, showing bending of the shafts to accommodate different arch shapes of the user, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate exemplary views showing system adapters configured to adapt the foot massager of FIGs. 4A to 4D, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIGs. 11A and 11B illustrate exemplary side views of a massaging mechanism having a movable platform to accommodate different arch shapes of the user, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIGs. 12A illustrates an exemplary top view of the massaging mechanism of FIGs. 11A and 11B, showing arrangement of pegs on different shafts to provide massaging to different zones of sole of the foot, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIGs. 12B illustrates an exemplary view showing arrangement of pegs on different zones of sole of the foot that can be massaged by the disclosed massaging mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0059] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0060] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0061] Embodiments explained herein relate to a foot massager that includes features to make it compact, lightweight and portable; adaptable to various foot sizes and genders; adaptable to different heights of arch of the feet; and enable effective massaging of foot sole, top of the foot as well as ankle.

[0062] In another embodiment, the disclosed foot massager can include massaging mechanism that enables different types of massaging effects.

[0063] In another embodiment, the disclosed foot massager can be based on a peg-based massaging mechanism that provides massaging flow due to rotation of the pegs. Rotation of the pegs mounted on shafts results in change in point of contact of the pegs with the sole of the foot.

[0064] In another embodiment, the disclosed foot massager can include a set of accessories, such as airbags, to enhance usage and coverage of massaging, such as portions of the foot other than sole.

[0065] In another embodiment, the disclosed foot massager can be operated using buttons on device or remotely through a mobile application.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 1, where different views of the disclosed foot massager are disclosed, the foot massager 100 can include a bottom chassis (also referred simply as chassis) 106 that includes a sole portion 102 having a hard surface where a user shall rest his foot 108 (shown with socks on bottom right side) for massaging. The foot massager 100 further includes an upper flap 104, or a strap, that can hold the foot 108 in position, as shown in on top left side, through fasteners, such as but not limited to Velcro or a buckle. The chassis 106 can include a battery compartment to hold a rechargeable battery, a port, such as USB port to plug in charging cable, and one or more indicators, such as LED indicators 110, to indicate status of any or a combination of the battery and working of the foot massager 100. As shown on top right side, the foot massager can also include an angle stand 112 pivotally coupled to the chassis 106, for ergonomic angular resting of foot, as shown therein.

[0067] The chassis 106 can be configured to cover the foot from sides as well as in ankle portion, and can include suitable means, such as but not limited to air bags, for massaging the sides and ankle portion of the foot, such as by controlled and cyclic inflation of the air bags.

[0068] In an embodiment, the foot massager 100 can be made in a combination of plastics and soft materials to make it portable, lightweight massager that could be carried by the user for use during travel or at home. The overall look of the foot massager 100 can be like of a shoe and can fit to the foot snugly. The size, shape and features, as would be disclosed in subsequent paragraphs, of the foot massager 100 ensure maximum adaptability to various foot sizes and genders.

[0069] For massaging sole of the foot, the foot massager 100 can include multiple sets of pegs located below the sole portion 102 of the chassis 106. The foot can be rested thereon and forced against the surface of the sole portion 102 by means of the upper flap 104 for an effective massaging. The upper flap 104 can include airbag for applying the force as well as to enable adapting to various heights of foot. The airbags in the flap and sides can also be used to apply gentle pressure to the foot to help relieve tension.

[0070] The pegs in the chassis assembly 106 can be configured for deep kneading massage, and a control mechanism can enable the user to customize the massage by adjusting strength and speed of massaging.

[0071] FIGs. 2A to 2E illustrate different configurations of chassis assembly and foot massaging mechanism of the disclosed foot massager, wherein FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of bendable chassis. The chassis can consist of a back chassis 202 and a front chassis 204 coupled to each other through a bending mechanism 206 that enables relative angular movement between the back chassis 202 and the front chassis 204 about a horizontal axis located in arch region of the foot. Bending of the chassis allows to bend the foot to simulate a massaging effect similar to pressing the foot arch from below. Each of the front and the back chassis can include massaging pegs 210 actuated by independent motors, such as motor 208.

[0072] FIG. 2B shows an embodiment of massaging mechanism that is based on a plurality of parallelly disposed vertical plates 226 placed adjacent to one other that slide up and down to provide massaging. The plates 226 are driven by a shaft 228 for reciprocating up and down movement, such as through cams (not shown here) mounted on the shaft 228 that engage with respective plates 226 to move them up and down as the shaft is rotated by a motor 224. The cams can be configured to provide an un and down wave pattern that moves from front to rear or vice versa, depending on direction of rotation of the shaft 228. The assembly of the motor 224, the shaft 228 and the plates 226 can be positioned below a footrest part 22 of the chassis of the foot massager. The shaft can be a flexible shaft suitably supported at different support points that allows it’s bending in a vertical plane. At the support points the shaft can be biased in the vertically up direction such that, when foot is placed on the massaging mechanism, the plates mounted on the shaft remain in contact with sole of the foot. The bending of the shaft in the vertical plane can allow the massaging mechanism to accommodate different arch shapes. [0073] FIG. 2C shows an embodiment of massaging mechanism that includes feature of being adaptable to arch shape of the user. In this embodiment, the roller pegs 234 for massaging are mounted on a bendable plate 232. The bendable plate 232 can be made to bend by a bending mechanism 236 such that the plate takes a shape matching the arch of the foot of the user thereby adapting to different individuals by accommodating various foot arch sizes. As shown, the bending mechanism 236 can include a knob located on the outside for foot massager to help user to control the arch manually.

[0074] FIG. 2D shows an embodiment of massaging mechanism that includes feature of being adaptable to length of the foot of the user. The chassis of the foot massager includes a front section 248 and a rear section 242 connected to each other by an elastic member 244 that enables relative movement of the two in longitudinal direction to adapt to different lengths of the foot. Each of the front section 248 and the rear section 242 can include massaging pegs 246 that work independently to massage the front part and the back part of the foot.

[0075] FIG. 2E shows an embodiment of massaging mechanism that works based on a plurality of airbags 252 made of silicone elastomer material with small protrusions. The airbags are arranged in a top element and a bottom element that together cover the foot. A pump can be provided to fill air into the airbags 252. Filling and exhausting of air can be programmed and controlled by a control system to create massaging effect. Besides, the airbags 252 being flexible, can be inflated to different volumes to accommodate different arch shapes, such as different heights of the arch of the user. As can be appreciated, the plurality of airbags 252 based massaging mechanism can be implemented with other variations such as with two piece chassis having a front chassis and a rear chassis coupled to each other by pivot and flexible coupling for adjustment of length and angle. Also the programmed and controlled filling and exhausting of air can be used to create different patterns of massaging, such as wave pattern. [0076] FIGs. 3 A to 3F illustrate different configurations providing different types of points of contact on the foot sole during massaging using the disclosed foot massager, wherein FIG. 3A shows a mechanism that is based on circular discs that are mounted on a flexible shaft eccentrically such that as the shaft is rotated high point of the eccentrically mounted disc traverses laterally over sole of the foot covering a distance of 10- 15mm. Discs are arranged on the shaft such that they come in contact with the sole of the foot progressively, thereby the point of contact moves longitudinally, i.e., in direction of the shaft. As shown, there can be two shafts, each mounted with eccentric discs to cover more sole area. There can be multiple contact points for each shaft moving longitudinally like a wave, The mechanism can be designed to cover anthropometric 95 percentile foot size.

[0077] FIG. 3B shows a mechanism that is based on inclined discs mounted on a shaft at an angle to an axis of the shaft such that when the shaft is rotated, the uppermost point of the discs that is in contact with sole of the foot, traverses back and forth in longitudinal direction, i.e., in direction of the shaft. As shown, the adjacent discs can be inclined in opposite directions such that the contact points of the adjacent discs move alternately closer and away from each other. There can be multiple such pairs of discs mounted on two shafts to cover larger area of the sole of the foot. The mechanism can also include means to move the chassis, on which the shafts are mounted, back and forth in any or both of longitudinal, i.e., front and rear direction, and traverse, i.e., left and right directions to cover full area of the sole.

[0078] FIG. 3C shows a mechanism that is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3B, except that the discs movement is based on cams provided on the shaft.

[0079] FIG. 3D shows a mechanism that is based on a plurality of pegs that undergo movement based on cams to give pressure at a pointed/ or along a line contact. The mechanism can also include means to move the chassis, on which the shafts are mounted, back and forth in any or both of longitudinal, i.e., front and rear direction, and traverse, i.e., left and right directions to cover full area of the sole.

[0080] FIGs. 3E and 3F show a mechanism that includes flexible shafts on which the discs are pegs are mounted. The flexible shaft can bend to create foot arch, thereby adapting to arch shape of the user’s foot. It is to be appreciated that the concept of the flexible shaft to accommodate different arch shapes is not limited to the peg based massaging mechanism and can be applied to other massaging mechanisms as well, such as those disclosed in FIGs. 2B- 2D and FIGs. 3A - 3D, with suitable modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art. [0081] Referring now to FIGs. 4A to 4D and 5, where different exemplary views of the disclosed foot massager incorporating the peg type massaging mechanism mounted on a plurality of flexible shafts and incorporating massaging bags for ankle and top of the foot, are disclosed, foot massager 400 can include a chassis assembly 502 that supports a plurality of shafts 504 arranged in longitudinal direction, i.e., front to rear direction, on which a plurality of pegs 506 are mounted for rotation along with the corresponding shaft 504. The shafts 504 are driven by a motor 510 through a gear box 508. Rotation of shaft results in massaging action by the pegs 506. An upper part of the chassis assembly 502 includes peg cavities, such as peg cavity 512 shown in FIG. 5, through which massaging action of the pegs 506 is felt on sole of the foot. The foot massager also includes a top strap 516 that includes an airbag for massaging an upper part of the foot and another airbag, referred to as ankle airbag 518, located in ankle portion of the upper part of the chassis 502. Sole enclosures 514 cover internal massaging mechanism from sides, as shown in the figures.

[0082] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary perspective views of a chassis assembly with peg-based massaging mechanism of the foot massager of FIGs. 4A to 5. Shown therein are further details of the internal mechanism located within the chassis 502, which includes a chassis frame 602 which supports the shafts 504-1, 504-2 and 504-3 through bearings, such as bearing 604. Each shaft can include a multiple of pegs 506. The pegs 506 can be in different shapes and sizes, such as short pegs 506-1 and large pegs 506-2.

[0083] FIGs. 7A to 7C illustrate exemplary views of the massaging mechanism, showing massaging flow due to rotation of the pegs of the peg-based massaging mechanism, wherein different positions of a shaft 504 and corresponding pegs 506 are shown indicating change in point of contact of the pegs 506 mounted on the shafts 504 with the sole of the foot. The pegs 506 can include a pair of raised portions 702 that provide the point of contact with the sole of the foot.

[0084] FIG. 8 shows orthographic views of the peg 505 including projections 702-1 and 702-2 located on opposite sides of the peg 506. As can be further seen from the orthographic views, the pegs 506 can be of substantially cylindrical cross section mounted on the shafts 504 such that axis of the cylinder is inclined to the shaft axis. The pegs can include semi- spherical shaped projections located at two ends of the cylinder in diametrically opposite orientations. Inclined cylindrical shape of the pegs 506 results in movement of the point of contact with sole of the foot in longitudinal as well as in lateral direction, as the peg 506 rotates, i.e., the point of contact moves forward and outward direction, when the shaft is rotated in one direction, as shown in FIG. 7A, or rearward and inward direction, when the shaft is rotated in the opposite direction,

[0085] In an embodiment, the shafts 506 can be flexible shafts that can bend to bow shape to adapt to arch of the foot. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary side view of the of the chassis assembly with peg-based massaging mechanism, showing bending of the shafts 506 to accommodate different arch shapes of the user. The bending may be facilitated by a bending mechanism 902, which supports the shafts at two pints and undergoes translatory motion to lift up or lower down, resulting in bending of the shafts 506 supported there on between the ends of the shafts 506 supported on the bearings 508.

[0086] FIGs. 10A and 10B illustrate exemplary views showing system adapters configured to adapt the foot massager of FIGs. 4A to 4D. The system adapter can be a docking unit 1000 that can include a pair of vibrating pads 1010 for accommodating a pair of foot massagers 400. The docking unit 1000 can also include control means, such as buttons 1004 and knobs 1006 for controlling intensity of massaging and duration of massaging. There can be a pair of upper limb compression modules 1008 to massage legs/calf muscles of the user simultaneous to the foot massage.

[0087] FIG. 10B shows an alternate system adapter having a base module 1050 configured to receiving a pair of docking adapters 1054 for leg pants. The upper limb compression modules can include a number of independent air chambers 1060, which can receive air at pressure through tubes 1058. Controlled supply of air to the air chambers 1060, such as alternate inflating and deflating, can result in massaging of the upper limb of the user.

[0088] FIGs. 11A and 11B illustrate exemplary side views of a massaging mechanism having a movable platform based arch mechanism 1108 to accommodate different arch shapes of the user. The arch mechanism 1108 can have a platform 1102 configured movable in a vertical direction guided in pillars 1104. The movement of the platform 1102 can be facilitated by a screw 1106 such that rotation of the screw 1106 in a first direction results in lifting of the platform 1102, as shown in FIG. 11 A, to meet the requirement of the arch of the foot. On the other hand, rotation of the screw 1106 in the opposite second direction results in lowering of the platform 1102, as shown in FIG. 1 IB. The screw 1106 can be rotated manually, or can be coupled to a remotely operated stepper motor, such that rotation of the stepper motor to different predefined positions results in achieving different predefined arch heights. The platform 1102 of the arch mechanism 1108 can support a shaft carrying one or more pegs such that rotation of the shaft results in massaging of arch portion of the foot. [0089] The massaging mechanism of FIG. 11A and 11B can further include a front massaging portion 1112 and a rear massaging portion 1114 to massage a front portion and a rear portion of the foot that are in general alignment with the arch. The shafts of the front massaging portion 1112 and the rear massaging portion 1114 can be coupled to each other by suitable mechanisms, such as gears and/or articulation joints for transfer of drive from a motor to the front massaging portion 1112, the arch mechanism 1108 and the rear massaging portion 1114. In an alternate arrangement the shafts of the front massaging portion 1112, the arch mechanism 1108 and the rear massaging portion 1114 can be a common flexible shaft that allows lifting and lowering of the arch mechanism 1108.

[0090] FIGs. 12A illustrates an exemplary top view of the massaging mechanism of FIGs. 11A and 11B, showing a lateral massaging portion 1202 and a heel massaging portion 1204. The lateral massaging portion can include an arrangement of pegs on a shaft located parallel to the front massaging portion 1112, the arch mechanism 1108 and the rear massaging portion 1114. The parallel shaft can also include pegs in different positions to facilitate massaging of different lateral portions of foot as identified in FIG. 12B. The heel massaging portion 1204 of the massaging mechanism can include yet another shaft located adjacent and parallel to the rear massaging portion 1114, and one or more pegs to massage a heel portion of the foot.

[0091] The shafts of lateral massaging portion and the heel massaging portion can be coupled to a common motor that also drives the shaft of the rear massaging portion 1112, such as through gears. Thus, the present disclosure provides an improved foot massager that is compact, lightweight, and adaptable to various foot sizes and genders. The disclosed foot massager is configured to massage not just the foot sole but also top of the foot as well as ankle and works based on a rechargeable battery.

[0092] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0093] The present disclosure provides an improved foot massager that overcomes drawbacks of the conventional foot massagers. [0094] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that is compact and lightweight to make it portable.

[0095] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that is adaptable to various foot sizes and genders. [0096] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that is adaptable to different heights of arch of the feet.

[0097] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that massages foot sole, top of the foot as well as ankle.

[0098] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that is easy to use. [0099] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that does not depend on grid power for massaging.

[00100] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that allows different modes of massaging.

[00101] The present disclosure provides a foot massager that allows massaging of feet while engaged in other activities.