MODULAR FOOT SCRUBBING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A modular foot scrubbing assistive device, comprising a curve-shaped plate 101 developed to installed on a fixed horizontal surface mimicking shape of a flip-flop slipper, multiple suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the plate for affixing the plate on the surface, a touch sensor for determining contact of the user’s body with the plate, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 to detect dimensions of foot portion of the user, a motorized drawer arrangement to extend/ retract for increasing/ decreasing dimensions of the plate, multiple inflatable pins 104 to get inflated for allowing the user to rub the user’s foot on the plate, a container is to dispense cleaning solution over the user’s foot, multiple rotatory brush 105 to translate the brushes along the sliding unit towards foot portion of user to scrubbing the user’s foot, an U-shaped elastic strap 106 for gripping the user’s foot over the plate.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular foot scrubbing assistive device that is capable of assisting the user in scrubbing the user's foot in appropriate manner in order to remove dust/dirt from the user's foot by means of cleaning solution and further sanitizing the user' foot for cleaning germs and bacteria from the user's foot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cleaning the feet is crucial for hygiene, removing dirt, sweat, and bacteria to prevent infection and foot odor. People regularly cleaning his/her foot to prevent infection or another problem related to foot. People typically clean their feet by washing them with soap and water in the shower or bath. They use their hands to scrub the feet, focusing on removing dirt, sweat and bacteria. After rinsing, they dry their feet thoroughly with a towel to prevent moisture related issues like fungal infection.

[0003] Traditionally, foot scrub brush is uses where foot scrub brushes typically have a rough surface designed to exfoliate the feet when rubbed against them. But they not reach all area of the feet thoroughly, especially between toes or in curved areas, leading to uneven exfoliation. Another traditional method is scrubbing with a washcloth which rubbing the feet with a wet washcloth and soap. However, scrubbing with a washcloth includes difficulty reaching all areas of the feet. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a more time-efficient and consistent where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US6253407B1 discloses about an invention related to a foot scrubber designed to be placed on a shower floor to allow a person who experiences difficulty to cleanse their feet. The foot scrubber consists of a base having an upper surface, a lower surface and side edges. From the upper surface extends upward a multiplicity of bristles. The foot scrubber can be also designed to include an upward extending section that is attached to each of the side edges. The sections include an inner surface having a multiplicity of inward extending bristles that allow the sides of the feet to easily cleaned. To use the foot scrubber, a person applies soap to the bristles and then rubs his/her foot on the bristles. Although, US' 407 discloses about the method that is designed to be placed on a shower floor to allow a person who experiences difficulty to cleanse their feet. However, the above-mentioned invention lacks features for providing massage to the feet of user during cleaning the feet.

[0005] US5983433A discloses about an invention related a foot 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 foot of the user. Though, US' 433 discloses about the method that includes a reservoir to hold a cleaning fluid that is dispensed when the user steps upon the device for cleaning the foot. However, the above-mentioned invention lacks in sanitization the user's feet for eliminating germs.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that is capable of scrubbing the foot. However, these device incapable of assisting the user in scrubbing the user's foot and lack in sanitizing the user' foot, thereby chances of developing infection or encountering skin problems increase significantly in user foot.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting the user in scrubbing the user's foot without any manual efforts in order to remove the dirt/dust from the user's foot and also capable of dispensing a cleaning solution over the user's foot in automated manner, for sanitizing the user' foot, thereby eliminating germs and bacteria from the foot. Further, capable of providing massaging sensation to the user's foot while cleaning, thereby allow user's muscles to relax and feel a sense of calmness.

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 is capable of assisting the user in scrubbing the user's foot without any manual efforts in order to remove the dirt/dust from the user's foot.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of sanitizing the user' foot upon cleaning of the foot, thereby eliminating germs and bacteria from the user's foot.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing massaging sensation to the user's foot while cleaning, thereby allow user's muscles to relax and feel a sense of calmness.

[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 modular foot scrubbing assistive device that is capable of assisting the user in scrubbing the user's foot in appropriate manner along with dispensing a cleaning solution over the user's foot for cleaning dust/dirt from the user's foot. In addition, the proposed device is capable of sanitizing the user's foot for eliminating germs and bacteria from the user's foot.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular foot scrubbing assistive device, comprising of a curve-shaped plate developed to installed on a fixed horizontal surface mimicking shape of a flip-flop slipper, multiple suction cups are arranged underneath the plate for affixing the plate on the surface, a touch sensor installed on the plate for determining contact of the user's body with the plate, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit is installed on the plate and paired with a processor to detect dimensions of foot portion of the user, a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within the plate for accommodating the user's foot over the plate, multiple inflatable pins mounted on the plate to get inflated for allowing the user to rub the user's foot on the plate, a container is arranged on the plate and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle to dispense a cleaning solution over the user's foot.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed devices further comprise of multiple rotatory brushes arranged on the peripheral portion of the plate by means of a motorized sliding unit to translate the brushes along the sliding unit towards foot portion of user, the brushes to rotate in order to assist the user in scrubbing the user's foot, an inverted U-shaped elastic strap is configured on upper portion of the plate in a manner the strap aids in gripping the user's foot over the plate, plurality of vibrating units are arranged on the plate to produce vibrating sensations on the plate for massaging sensation to the user's foot while cleaning, a weight sensor is installed on the plate to detect weight of the accommodated individual, a UV (Ultra-violet) sanitizing unit is configured on the plate that is actuated by the microcontroller to sanitize the user' foot upon cleaning of the foot, an battery is associated with the device that is utilized for powering up 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 modular foot scrubbing assistive 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 modular foot scrubbing assistive device that is capable of scrubbing the user's foot in order to remove the dust/dirt from the user's foot in appropriate manner as well as capable of sanitizing the user's foot thus eliminating germs and bacteria from the user's foot.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a is illustrated, modular foot scrubbing assistive device is illustrated, comprising a curve-shaped plate 101 developed to installed on a fixed horizontal surface, plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the plate 101, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 is installed on the plate 101, plurality of inflatable pins 104 mounted on the plate 101, plurality of rotatory brushes 105 arranged on the peripheral portion of the plate 101, an U-shaped elastic strap 106 is configured on upper portion of the plate 101, a UV (Ultra-violet) sanitizing unit 107 is configured on the plate 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a curve-shaped plate 101 developed to be installed on a fixed horizontal surface which is mimicking shape of a flip-flop slipper. The plate 101 herein made up of any material which includes but not limited to hard plastic like reinforced nylon and ferrous metals like stainless steel and iron that is positioned over a fixed surface. Further, multiple suction cups 102 ranging to 4 to 6 are arranged underneath the plate 101 for affixing the plate 101 on the surface. Herein, the suction cup is made of elastic, flexible material and the surface is curved. The cups create partial vacuum within the cups upon pressing over the surface by squeezing out air from the cups due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Atmospheric pressure outside the cups presses down low-pressure area inside the cups to generate suction to adhere the surface and affix the plate 101 with the surface thereby accommodating the plate 101 over the surface in an appropriate manner.

[0024] After the plate 101 accommodate over the surface, an inverted U-shaped elastic strap 106 is configured on upper portion of the plate 101 in order to gripping the user's foot over the plate 101. Herein, the U-shaped elastic strap 106 is made up of stretchable material. The strap's end is fastened to opposite of the plate 101, creating tension to provide gripping the user's foot over the plate.

[0025] Further, a touch sensor installed on the plate 101 in order to determining contact of the user's body with the plate 101. Herein, the touch sensor comprises of capacitance and resistance sensor where capacitive touch sensor use electrode to create an electric field on a surface. When the user foot, approaches, it disrupts the field, causing a change in capacitive, which is then detected by sensor. The resistive touch sensor consists of two layers separated by insulating dots. When pressure is applied by the foot of user, the layer touches, completing a circuit and triggering a response regarding contact of the user's foot with the plate 101 and send the acquired details to a microcontroller linked with the sensor for processing.

[0026] Upon detecting the contact of the user's foot with the plate 101, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on the plate 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings. Herein, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation by an inbuilt microcontroller to capture the multiple image of the surrounding which are transmitted to the processor. The processer further processes the received images by means of the encrypted protocols of artificial intelligence. Based on the processed images, the microcontroller detects dimensions of foot portion of the user. The imaging unit 103 comprises of a processor and a camera which on actuation capture the multiple surrounding images. The camera is comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around the foot portion of the user and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on a digital camera sensor, create a digital image of foot portion of the user by performing various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which is transmitted to the processor. The processor further extracts all the required information from the digital images and transmit to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device, which further processes multiple surrounding images, respectively in view of dimensions of foot portion of the user.

[0027] After successfully detection of dimensions of foot portion of the user, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within the plate 101. The drawer arrangement comprises of a carriage assembly and a DC (direct current) motor that works in collaboration to extend/ retract for increasing/ decreasing dimensions of the plate 101. The carriage assembly fitted with two rails that are used for sliding the block up and down. The block opening located at the end of the rail and have two clips that are used to secure the ring with the barrel. To extend the drawer, the drawer is pushed to open and the carriage assembly slide outward. This creates an opening to allow extension and retraction for increasing/ decreasing dimensions of the plate 101 in view of properly accommodating the user's foot over the plate 101.

[0028] After properly accommodating the user's foot over the plate 101, multiple inflatable pins 104 ranging from 20 to 25 in numbers is installed on the plate 101 to get inflated for allowing the user to rub the user's foot on the plate 101 in order to scrub the user's foot. Herein, the inflatable pin made up of soft material. Further, a container is arranged on the plate 101 and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle. On actuation the electronic nozzle dispenses the cleaning solution stored within the container over the user's foot. The electronic nozzle comprises of a gate and a magnetic coil which uses electricity from microcontroller to generate the force to control the opening/closing of gate to control the flow of a cleaning solution through a small aperture of the nozzle, allowing for precise control of the flow of the cleaning solution over the user's foot. Additionally, the container is typically made from stainless steel which is a versatile material known for its corrosion resistance and durability. It is used to deal with aggressive and corrosive solutions.

[0029] Further, multiple rotatory brushes 105 ranging from 4 to 6 in number mounted on the peripheral portion of the plate 101 by means of a motorized sliding unit. The motorized sliders discloses herein is consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the slider moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion for scrubbing the user's foot. This involves the use of ball bearings. The slider incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to translate brushes along the sliding unit towards foot portion of user in order to assist the user in scrubbing the user's foot without any manual efforts.

[0030] After scrubbing the user's foot, a UV (Ultra-violet) sanitizing unit 107 is attached on the plate 101 that is actuated by the microcontroller to sanitize the user' foot. Herein, the UV (Ultra-violet) sanitizing unit 107 emits UV-C light, which damage the DNA and RNA of microorganism on user foot like bacteria and viruses, rending them unable to replicate or causing them die. Further, exposing the user's foot to UV-C light for a specific period, usually ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on type microorganism thereby eliminating germs and bacteria from the foot.

[0031] Afterword, plurality of vibrating units are arranged on the plate 101. The vibration unit operates by utilizing an electric motor to providing a vibrating sensations on said plate 101. Upon actuation of the vibration unit by the microcontroller, the motor imparts a back-and-forth motion to the plate 101 causing the plate 101 to vibrate in order to massaging sensation to the user's foot while cleaning.

[0032] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein the battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes 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.

[0033] The proposed device works the best in the following manner, where the curve-shaped plate 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to install on a fixed horizontal surface mimicking shape of a flip-flop slipper. For affixing the plate 101 on the surface multiple suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the plate 101. After affixing the plate 101 the touch sensor installed on the plate 101 for determining contact of the user's body with the plate 101. Further, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is installed on the plate 101 and paired with a processor for detecting dimensions of foot portion of the user. After, detecting dimensions of foot portion of the user, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within the plate 101 to extend/ retract for increasing/ decreasing dimensions of the plate 101 in view of properly accommodating the user's foot over the plate 101. After accommodating the user's foot over the plate 101, plurality of inflatable pins 104 mounted on the plate 101 to get inflated for allowing the user to rub the user's foot on the plate 101 in order to scrub the user's foot. Additionally, a container is arranged on the plate 101 and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle that is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense a cleaning solution stored within the container over the user's foot. After, dispense the cleaning solution multiple rotatory brushes 105 arranged on the peripheral portion of the plate 101 by means of a motorized sliding unit that is actuated by the microcontroller to translate the brushes along the sliding unit towards foot portion of user, followed by actuation of the brushes to rotate in order to assist the user in scrubbing the user's foot without any manual efforts. Further, an inverted U-shaped elastic strap 106 is configured on upper portion of the plate 101 in a manner the strap aids in gripping the user's foot over the plate 101. Moreover, plurality of vibrating units is arranged on the plate 101 that are actuated by the microcontroller to produce vibrating sensations on the plate 101 in order to massaging sensation to the user's foot while cleaning. After massaging sensation to the user's foot while cleaning the UV (Ultra-violet) sanitizing unit 107 is configured on the plate 101 that is actuated by the microcontroller to sanitize the user' foot upon cleaning of the foot, thereby eliminating germs and bacteria from the foot.

[0034] 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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A modular foot scrubbing assistive device, comprising:

i) a curve-shaped plate 101 developed to be installed on a fixed horizontal surface mimicking shape of a flip-flop slipper, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath said plate 101 for affixing said plate 101 on said surface;
ii) a touch sensor installed on said plate 101 for determining contact of said user's body with said plate 101, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 103 is installed on said plate 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect dimensions of foot portion of said user, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within said plate 101 to extend/ retract for increasing/ decreasing dimensions of said plate 101 in view of properly accommodating said user's foot over said plate 101;
iii) plurality of inflatable pins 104 mounted on said plate 101 to get inflated for allowing said user to rub said user's foot on said plate 101 in order to scrub said user's foot, wherein a container is arranged on said plate 101 and integrated with an electronically controlled nozzle that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense a cleaning solution stored within said container over said user's foot; and
iv) plurality of rotatory brushes 105 arranged on said peripheral portion of said plate 101 by means of a motorized sliding unit that is actuated by said microcontroller to translate said brushes along said sliding unit towards foot portion of user, followed by actuation of said brushes to rotate in order to assist said user in scrubbing said user's foot and eliminate dirt and dust from the foot of the user without any manual efforts.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inverted U-shaped elastic strap 106 is configured on upper portion of said plate 101 in a manner said strap aids in gripping said user's foot over said plate 101.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of vibrating units are arranged on said plate 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller to produce vibrating sensations on said plate 101 in order to massaging sensation to said user's foot while cleaning.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a UV (Ultra-violet) sanitizing unit 107 is configured on said plate 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller to sanitize said user' foot upon cleaning of said foot, thereby eliminating germs and bacteria from said foot.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device that is utilized for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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