Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a feet scouring device that automate and enhance the feet cleaning process by offering features for exfoliation, cleaning, rinsing, and drying, with user-friendly functionality to ensure effective and hygienic feet care.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The development of feet cleaning solutions stems from the growing need for personal hygiene, convenience, and the desire for healthier feet care routines. Historically, feet care has been an essential part of maintaining general health and well-being, with various cultures and societies developing their own methods for cleaning and caring for the feet. For centuries, people have used simple practices such as washing with water, soaking in medicinal solutions, or scrubbing with brushes to keep their feet clean and prevent infections. As societies progressed and technology advanced, there was a shift toward products that could improve the ease and effectiveness of feet care. This shift was influenced by an increasing understanding of feet health and the desire for more efficient, hygienic solutions, especially with growing concerns about fungal infections, dry skin, and other foot-related issues. The growing interest in self-care, wellness, and personal hygiene led to the demand for more specialized tools and devices aimed at improving the cleanliness and overall health of the feet.

[0003] Traditional methods of feet cleaning typically involve washing with soap and water, using brushes or pumice stones for exfoliation, and soaking feet in footbaths with salts or essential oils. While these methods effectively clean the feet, they often require manual effort and time. Brushes and pumice stones be harsh on sensitive skin, leading to discomfort or abrasions if not used properly. Footbaths, while relaxing, be messy and time-consuming, and they not reach all areas of the feet evenly. Additionally, these methods not effectively address issues like poor circulation, dry skin, or fungal infections without the use of additional treatments. Overall, traditional methods be labor-intensive and not provide the thorough, consistent cleaning and care needed for optimal feet health.

[0004] US5173972A discloses about an invention an automatic feet washer for being located on a treatable surface and including, in its most preferred embodiment, a hollow frame structure which rests on the treatable surface, bounds a central open area, and defines both a hollow inner space and a plurality of spray outlets extending into the hollow inner space, a valve assembly which is connected to the hollow frame structure, extends into the hollow inner space, and includes both a supply connector for connection to a pressurized water source and a flexible valve hose, a grated actuating platform which is located within the central open area and rests partially on the treatable surface.

[0005] US5983433A discloses about an invention a feet cleaning device for use by a user in a bathing chamber. The device, which will preferably be situated on the floor or bottom surface of the bathing chamber, includes a reservoir to hold a cleaning fluid that is dispensed when the user steps upon the device. Bristles are provided on wall surfaces of the reservoir, and scrubbing arcs may further be included to assist in cleaning and scrubbing of a feet of the user. The arch is so dimensioned that a user may slip (or insert) a feet into the `arch` and cause the contacting of side and top portions of the feet with the scrubbing arcs during feet cleaning activities. Such `activities` would typically involve the user stepping upon the feet cleaning device to dispense the cleaning fluid therefrom, moving a feet forward and backward, and possibly side to side.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in market that offers feet cleaning. However, these devices lacks in providing automated feet cleaning process, offers a personalized experience, supports feet health by preventing skin irritation, often requiring manual intervention for optimal results.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing automated feet cleaning process, offers a personalized experience, supports feet health by preventing skin irritation, often requiring manual intervention for optimal results, ensuring an efficient, thorough, and user-friendly experience.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that automates the feet cleaning process, offering exfoliation, cleaning, rinsing, and drying, with user-friendly features to ensure efficient and hygienic feet care.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that offers a personalized experience, providing various cleaning modes and adjustable settings to suit individual preferences for optimal feet care.

[0011] Yet, another object of the present invention is to develop a device that supports feet health by preventing skin irritation, blisters, and fungal growth caused by moisture and bacteria, promoting overall feet hygiene and comfort.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a feet scouring device that automates the feet cleaning process, providing exfoliation, cleaning, rinsing, and drying with user-friendly features for efficient and hygienic care. The proposed device further offers a personalized experience, featuring various cleaning modes and adjustable settings tailored to individual preferences, ensuring optimal feet care while enhancing comfort and convenience for users.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a feet scouring device comprises of a wedge shaped hollow body having a first section, a second section having raised edges, and a third section, developed to be positioned on a fixed surface and configured with plurality of suctions cups, to be adhered with the surface in view of mounting the body, on the surface, a communication module is integrated in a built-in microcontroller, to establish a wireless connection between the device and a computing unit of a user to provide input command for scouring of feet, an audio unit installed on the body, to generate audible instructions to notify the user to place the feet over first section, a set of motorized rollers having a textured surface made of coarse materials, integrated in the first section, to rotate and scrub the feet, in view of removing callused skin from the feet, a timer module is integrated to keep track of time on scrubbing by the rollers, and on completion of a pre-set duration.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an audio unit to notify the user to place the feet on a pair of plate attached on the second section, plurality of motorized scrubbers arranged on each the plates, for scrubbing the feet, to remove dirt, plurality of chamber housed in the second section to store cleaning solutions, an electronically controlled nozzles configured with the plate and connected to the chambers, to dispense the cleaning solutions on the feet for effective scrubbing and on completion of a pre-set duration as monitored by the timer module, an electronically controlled valve configured with each the plates and connected to a vessel housed in the second section, to dispense water stored in the vessel, on the user’s feet for rinsing, a pair of hot air blower housed in the third section that is to be accessed by the user to place rinsed feet on the third section, followed by actuation of the blowers, to blow heated air on the user’s rinsed feet, for drying the feet, thereby limiting bacterial growth, and prevents blisters and skin irritation caused by moisture, a level sensor is integrated in each the chamber and vessel, to monitor level of cleaning solutions and water and in case of receding of the detected level beyond an allowable limit, the raised edges of the section restricts the waste water, to enter into the third section, a weight sensor, integrated on each the sections, to detect placement of the feet one after another, and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a feet scouring device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a feet scouring device that is capable of effectively cleaning, exfoliating, and caring for the feet by removing dead skin, calluses, and dirt, providing a hygienic and comfortable feet care experience thereby improve condition of feet up to optimal level.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a feet scouring device is illustrated, comprising, a wedge shaped hollow body 101 having a first section 102, a second section 103 having raised edges, and a third section 104, plurality of suctions cups 105 arranged beneath the body 101, an audio unit 106 installed on the body 101, a set of motorized rollers 107 integrated in the first section 102, a pair of plates 108 attached on the second section 103, plurality of motorized scrubbers 109 arranged on each the plates 108, plurality of chambers 110 housed in the second section 103, an electronically controlled nozzles 111 configured with the plate 108 and connected to the chambers 110, an electronically controlled valve 112 configured with each the plates 108, a vessel 113 housed in the second section 103, a pair of hot air blower 114 housed in the third section 104, plurality of iris pores 115 carved on the second section 103 and a box 116 housed in the body 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein includes a wedge shaped hollow body 101 is developed to be positioned on a fixed surface for scouring of feet. The body 101 is constructed from durable materials for withstand the weight of a user while scouring. The body 101 having three sections like first, second and third section 104 for different operations. The body 101 incorporates plurality of suction cups configured with the body 101 to adhere the body 101 with the surface.

[0024] The multiple suction cups used herein are made up of silicone rubber that easily eliminates pressure inside the suction cup and creating a vacuum between the body 101 and surface which creates an air-tight seal, resisting any slipping of the body 101. The body 101 integrates a push button that is accessed by the user for activating/deactivating the device.

[0025] Once the user presses the button, then the button completes the electrical circuit, which turn the device on. The button contains an actuator and a spring, which triggered upon pressing. The actuator moves the internal contact that complete the circuit and allow electrical current to flow, thereby powering the device. Once the button is released, the spring resets the button and return to original position.

[0026] Once the push button is pressed, an inbuilt microcontroller gets activated that is linked with a computing unit via a communication module. The microcontroller used herein is pre-fed using artificial intelligence and machine learning protocols to coordinate the working of the device.

[0027] The computing unit includes a user interface for enabling the user to input commands regarding the scouring of the feet. The user-interactive provides a series of questions regarding scouring of the feet. The user either selects from a list of options provided on the display or manually enters the details, wherein the user is required to enter details. The computing unit is linked with the microcontroller embedded within the body 101 via a communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit. The computing unit used herein is capable of computing operations.

[0028] The body 101 incorporates an audio unit 106 installed on the body 101 for notifying the user to place their feet on the first section 102 of the body 101. The audio unit 106 mentioned herein is a speaker that works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user to place the feet over the first section 102 of the body 101 for scrubbing the feet. Followed by, the microcontroller actuates a weight sensor both are embedded on each of the sections of the body 101 to detect placement of the feet over the section.

[0029] The weight sensor is used here in for detecting the placement of the user’s feet by detecting the weight exerted by the user feet on the section. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of the user’s feet over the section, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the placement of the feet and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of an electrical signal. Then, the microcontroller processes the received signal of both the sensors to determine the presence and placement of the feet over each the section one after another.

[0030] Upon detecting the feet’s placement on the first section 102, the microcontroller actuates a set of motorized rollers 107 arranged in the first section 102 for removing callused skin from the feet. The motorized roller features a textured surface typically made of coarse materials, which helps to perform tasks like scrubbing or exfoliating. The motorized roller operates using a motor connected to a cylindrical roller via a shaft. Upon actuation of the roller by the microcontroller, the motor generates rotational motion, which transfers to the roller, causing the roller to turn. The coarse texture of the roller aids in removing dead skin cells, calluses, or rough patches, providing a gentle yet effective treatment. Simultaneously, the microcontroller activates a timer module that is integrated with the microcontroller to keep track of time on scrubbing by the roller.

[0031] The timer module is used to control time-based operations within a circuit or device. The timer module consists of a clock oscillator, counter, and control logic. The timer counts pulses from the clock oscillator and, when a pre-set duration is reached, the module sends this signal to the microcontroller and in response the microcontroller triggers the alert unit to notify the user to place the feet on a pair of plate 108 attached on the second section 103. The pair of plate 108 are developed to hold the user’s feet during the cleaning process. These plates 108 are carefully positioned to ensure that the feet are properly aligned for optimal scrubbing and cleaning.

[0032] Upon notification, the user places their leg on the second section 103. Followed by the microcontroller actuates the weight sensor for detecting the placement of the user’s feet, in case placement is off then the microcontroller again actuates the alert unit to notify the user to place the feet properly over the plates 108. Once the user places their feet on the plates 108, then the microcontroller actuates plurality of motorized scrubbers 109 (preferably in range 2-4) arranged on each of the plates 108 for scrubbing the feet’s of the user to remove dirt and simultaneously the timer module to keep track of time on scrubbing by the scrubber.

[0033] The motorized scrubbers 109 are developed to remove dirt, debris, and any remaining residue from the feet, thus ensuring a thorough cleaning after the exfoliation process. The motorized scrubbers 109 use a motor to power rotating brushes or pads for scrubbing surfaces. The motor drives the brushes, which rotate or oscillate rapidly to agitate dirt, grime, or stains from the feet. The scrubbers 109 are equipped with an electronically controlled nozzle 111 configured with the plates 108 that releases cleaning solutions includes but not limited to detergent or water during operation. The motorized action ensures consistent pressure and coverage, making cleaning more efficient compared to manual scrubbing.

[0034] The electronically controlled nozzle works by utilizing electrical energy to automize cleaning solutions in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to dispense the cleaning solutions on the feet. Upon actuation of nozzle by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming of the cleaning solutions, increasing the solutions pressure significantly. The high pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force, thus dispense the cleaning solutions on the feet for effective scrubbing. Further, the nozzles 111 are connected to plurality of clamber (preferably in range 2-3) housed in the second section 103 of the body 101 to store the cleaning solutions. The chambers 110 are rectangular in shape, also made of durable material that effectively stores the cleaning solutions.

[0035] On completion of the pre-set duration monitored by the timer module, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled valve 112 arranged with each of the plates 108, which is connected to a vessel 113 positioned in the second section 103. This valve 112 dispenses water stored in the vessel 113 to rinse the user’s feet. The electronically controlled valve 112 consists of a gate, nozzle, and a magnetic coil, which is energized by the microcontroller. Upon energizing the magnetic coil, a force is generated that pushes the gate open, allowing water to flow out through the nozzle and onto the user’s feet for rinsing. The second section 103 is designed with raised edges that effectively restrict any waste water from flowing into the third section 104, ensuring proper water containment and preventing spillage. Thereby, plurality of iris pores 115 (preferably in range 4-5) are carved into the second section 103 of the body 101 that are strategically designed to manage waste water during the feet care process. These iris pores 115 are actuated by the microcontroller, which controls their opening and closing.

[0036] The motorized iris pores 115 are an adjustable aperture that controls the flow of the water through the spout. The hole expands or contract to regulate the volume or pressure of the fluid passing through, allowing precise control over the flow rate through the spouts. Thereby, the hole consists of overlapping, moveable blades arranged in as circular pattern that expand or contract by a motor as per the microcontroller instructions. When the motor is activated, the motor moves the blades, opening or closing the aperture. Thus, enable the waste water to flow from the spouts towards the pre-determined location such as a box 116 housed in the body 101.

[0037] Additionally, a level sensor is integrated into each chamber 110 and vessel 113 to monitor the levels of the cleaning solution and water, respectively. The level sensor used is a pressure-based type, operating on the principle that the pressure exerted by a liquid at a specific depth is directly proportional to the height of the liquid column in the sensor. The pressure-based sensor incorporates a piezoelectric sensing element. When the element is exposed to the liquid, hydrostatic pressure is exerted on it, and this pressure varies in accordance with the liquid's height. The pressure transducer then converts this hydrostatic pressure into an electrical pulse. The microcontroller processes the electrical signal to assess the remaining liquid levels in the chambers 110 and vessel 113. In case the detected liquid level falls below a predefined threshold, the microcontroller activates the audio unit 106 to issue audible instructions for alerting the user to refill the chambers 110 and vessel 113 to maintain proper functionality.

[0038] Upon completion of rinsing of the feet, the microcontroller actuates the alerting unit to notify the user regarding placing their rinsed feet on the third section 104. Once the placement of their feet is detected, then the microcontroller actuates a pair of hot air blower 114 installed in the third section 104 to blow heated air on the user’s rinsed feet for drying the feet. The hot air blower 114 comprises of a vortex, heater, impeller and an outlet duct. The blower 114 increases the pressure of the air drawn for the surrounding of the body 101 by a series of vortex motions formed by the centrifugal movement of the impeller.

[0039] Upon actuation of the blower 114 by the microcontroller, the impeller is rotating wherein the channels in the impeller push the drawn air from the surrounding forward through a heating unit, that increase the temperature of the absorbed air by creating the centrifugal movement that generates a helical movement of the air. During this centrifugal movement, the absorbed air is continuously compressed along the channel and the pressure increases linearly. The pressurized air is transferred from the outlet duct of the blower 114 to the surface of the user’s feet for drying their feet, thereby limiting bacterial growth, and prevents blisters and skin irritation caused by moisture.

[0040] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically and electronically operated components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0041] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the wedge shaped hollow body 101 is positioned on the fixed surface and consists of three sections for different operations. The body 101 features the suction cups for secure attachment of the body 101 to the surface. The user activates the device via the push button, thus triggering the inbuilt microcontroller linked to the computing unit with the user interface. The body 101 incorporates the audio unit 106 to guide the user in placing their feet on the first section 102. The weight sensor detects feet placement, and the motorized rollers 107 remove calluses while the timer tracks the process. Once completed, the audio unit 106 instructs the user to move their feet to the second section 103, where the motorized scrubbers 109 clean the feet. The cleaning solutions are dispensed through the nozzles 111, with the microcontroller managing the time and flow. After rinsing, the iris pores 115 manage wastewater, and the level sensor monitor solutions and water levels, prompting the user to refill in case needed. Finally, the user places their feet on the third section 104, where the pair of hot air blower 114 s dry their feet

[0042] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A feet scouring device, comprising:

i) a wedge shaped hollow body 101 having a first section 102 and a second section 103 having raised edges, and a third section 104, developed to be positioned on a fixed surface and configured with plurality of suctions cups 105, to adhere said body with said surface, wherein a user-interface installed in a computing unit wirelessly associated with said device, that is accessed by a user to provide commands for scouring of feet;
ii) an audio unit 106 installed on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller, to generate audible instructions to notify said user to place said feet over said first section 102, wherein a set of motorized rollers 107 having a textured surface made of coarse materials, integrated in said first section 102 actuated by said microcontroller, to rotate and scrub said feet, in view of removing thickened skin from said feet;
iii) a timer integrated with said microcontroller to keep track of time on scrubbing by said rollers 107, and on completion of a pre-set duration, said microcontroller actuates said audio unit 106 to notify said user to place said feet on a pair of plate 108 attached on said second section 103, wherein plurality of motorized scrubbers 109 arranged on each said plates 108, for brushing said feet, to remove dirt;
iv) plurality of chamber 110 housed in said second section 103 to store cleaning solutions, wherein an electronically controlled nozzle 111 configured with said plate 108 and connected to said chambers 110, to dispense said cleaning solutions on said feet for effective scrubbing and upon completion of a pre-set duration as monitored by said timer module;
v) an electronically controlled valve 112 configured with each said plates 108 and connected to a vessel 113 housed in said second section 103, stored with water to dispense said water on said user’s feet for rinsing; and
vi) a pair of hot air blower 114 housed in said third section 104, wherein said user requires to place rinsed feet on said third section 104, followed by actuation of said blowers 114, to blow heated air on said user’s rinsed feet, for drying said feet, thereby limiting bacterial growth, and prevents blisters and skin irritation caused by moisture.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is integrated in each said chamber 110 and vessel 113, to monitor level of cleaning solutions and water and in case of receding of said detected level beyond threshold limit, said microcontroller actuate said audio unit 106 to generate audible instructions, to notify said user to refill said chambers 110 and vessel 113.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of iris pores 115 carved on said second section 103, actuated by said microcontroller to open and direct waste water into a box 116 housed in said body 101 for collecting said waste water.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said raised edges of said section restricts said waste water, to enter into said third section 104.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor, integrated on each said sections, to detect placement of said feet over said sections in a sequential manner, and in accordance to which corresponding components are actuated by said microcontroller.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.