GB2515268A - A portable pedicure system - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable pedicure solution comprising: an inflatable station for seating a client, having a back, seat, leg rest and foot rest, with at least one entirely displaceable section arranged to be displaced or removed from the station, and arranged with a lid over a lacuna or basin in the foot rest. The system in some embodiments further comprises an inflatable stool for a user to treat the client and may include a bag for storage of the deflated stool and station.

Description

tM:;: INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY OFFICE

Application No. 0B1308617.8 RTM Date:28 October 2013 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Velcro.

Intellectual Properly Office is an operaling name of Ihe Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk

A PORTABLE PEDICURE SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable pedicure system, more particularly but not exclusively a system for effectively achieving pedicures away from base.

Background

As a practitioner or user performing pedicures there are a number of pieces are equipment required in order to carry out the process of a pedicure. A priority is for the receiver of the pedicure, the client, to be comfortable through the process.

Typically the client is seated and their feet are elevated so that the user can work on the clients feet. For example the client may be seated in a specialist chair with integrated foot rest or with their feet positioned on a separate foot rest so that they are lifted from the ground in a suitable position for treatment.

For a mobile user it may not be practical to transport a specialist chair that may be large, heavy, expensive and cumbersome. Although without a specialist chair or client station the user may need to adapt a standard chair or sofa and often the client is therefore not in an ideal position for their comfort, or the position of the client makes it harder for the user to work comfortably. For example the practitioner may have to lean or hunch over in order to best reach the feet which can be uncomfortable and detrimental for health. This is undesirable for client and user.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Chinese utility model CN 201 743 308 (HAO) discloses an inflatable sofa, comprising a backrest component, a seat component and a bottom component which are arranged from top to bottom in sequence, wherein the backrest component is respectively, fixedly and seamlessly connected with the seat component and the bottom component, and the seat component is fixedly and seamlessly connected with the bottom component. Compared with the prior art, the inflatable sofa has the advantages that the inflatable sofa is made of soft nap and environment-friendly material, so the inflatable sofa compared with the sofa made of leather and wood saves resources: after the inflatable sofa is deflated and folded, the inflatable sofa has small volume and is easy for carrying and storing; and the inflatable sofa has low price, beautiful appearance and comfort and is suitable for home leisure.

Granted United States patent US 6 786 555 (BROOK) discloses a convertible inflatable furnishing which comprises an inflatable base including a base upper skin which forms a layer of the upper side of the base, a base lower skin which forms a layer of the lower side of the base, and a rim side which links the edge of the upper side of the base to the edge of the lower side of the base, an inflatable backrest! a fixing means to fix the backrest to the base upper skin, and an air passage between the base and the backrest allowing a flow of air between the inside of the base and the inside of the backrest when loads on the base and backrest change.

Granted United States patent US 6 328 385 (LAU) discloses an inflatable chair, comprising: an outer chamber that defines the shape and size of the chair, the outer chamber having an interior; a support section positioned in the interior of the outer chamber, wherein the support section is a first support section; a second support section positioned in the interior of the outer chamber behind the first support section; a third support section positioned in the interior of the outer chamber behind the second support section; and wherein the third support-section has two vertical arm sections.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable pedicure system comprising an inflatable station for seating a client, in which the inflatable station comprises a back; a seat; a leg rest and a foot rest; in which the inflatable station further comprises at least one entirely displaceable section arranged to be displaced from the station, and in which the station comprises a lid arranged to be received over a lacuna in the foot rest.

In some embodiments to complete the system an inflatable stool for a user may accompany the station in a kit. The kit further comprise a bag to store and transport deflated parts.

In preferred embodiments said stool and station are separate, separable, independent and not in every circumstance to be used exclusively as a kit of units in order to operate the system.

The station in preferred embodiments has a displaceable section in the foot rest.

The displaceable section may provide or reveal an internal lacuna for filling directly with liquid or for reception of a displaceable container section for accomplishing a pedicure pr for washing purposes of a client's feet.

The station may comprise a plurality of displaceable sections. Advantageously further displaceable sections allow further replaceable and cleanable areas, to improve hygiene and reusability.

Said sections may interact or be retained within the station through magnetic or detent mechanisms, aided by structural strengthening in key areas or lacunae allow resilient deformation or friction fitting of the sections.

The station alone provides a portable beauty station comprising an inflatable chair with an inflatable body dimensioned to support a seated client; wherein the body includes a concealed lacuna made accessible by displacing a first displaceable section or lid over a second displaceable section or removable container.

In preferred embodiments the portable beauty station, or station, is for use by the user whilst performing pedicures on the client wherein the station is provided for the client and the inflatable stool is provided for use by the user whilst treating the client.

In this way the system enables the user to be able to transport all necessary seating equipment required for treatment and does not require use of other seating units.

A unit is taken to refer to any inflatable part of the system and may include the station, a stool, foot rest or table. The term unit is taken to be synonymous to the aforementioned examples for the purposes of the description.

Most preferably the system is provided with at least two units comprising one station for treating the client and one stool for the user.

Advantageously as the units are inflatable they can be collapsed and readily transported when not in use but may be easily erected for use when required.

Furthermore the units are also capable of flexing in response to the client when seated so as to mould to their shape providing full body support and comfort with no rigid or sharp poi-tions.

In preferred embodiment each unit includes at least one opening for input and exit of air so as to allow the unit to be readily inflated and deflated. Ideally the openings include valves so as to control exit of air, thereby enabling units to be filled to a suitable pressure so as to be able to support users. In some embodiments the units comprise multiple linked compartments to improve structure, wherein said compartments comprise linking valves or restricted airflow passages.

Ideally the valve may be a one way value so as to allow air in but only allow air to be released upon manual opening of the valve. In this way quick inflation is ensured without risk of loss of air pumped in, for example if the pump were accidentally disconnected during inflation.

Typically inflation is provided by means of a pump. It may be envisaged that a manual or automatic pump such as an electric pump may be used so as to inflate the units. Advantageously the electric pump may optionally be powered by a battery so that nearby location of a mains supply is not essential. Therefore treatment can readily be performed in any location. In some embodiments the units may include integrated inflation pumps.

In some embodiments the units may include multiple internal and separate compartments so as to prevent complete deflation in the incident of puncture.

Typically each compartment may include a separate valve for inllationfdeflation purposes.

Ideally the valves are located on portions of the unit that will not come into contact with the user when seated so as not to lead to discomfort and so as to be accessible for top up inflation during use. For example the station may have one valve positioned on the rear of the back.

In preferred embodiments the units are formed from a strong, flexible durable material that is water resistant. In this way the units are less susceptible to puncture.

Typically the units may be comprise a synthetic plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

In preferred embodiments the units may include a textured outer layer or finish in part or all over the unit. Typically this serves to prevent the clients slipping when seated and can reduce the likelihood of sweating when in contact with the unit as well as providing enhanced comfort.

Preferably the units may be textile coated in a material that is water resistant and can be readily cleaned, for example being washed and/or wiped for optimal hygiene.

In preferred embodiments the units may accept a piurality of displaceable sections that can be replaced for each different client for optimal hygiene. For example in preferred embodiments the station includes entirely displaceable container and lid sections for where the client's feet are located so that after the treatment contents and or section can be changed and residue from the treatment such as spift nail varnish, or moisturiser residue from the client feet is removed and new or cleaned sections may be added.

It may be envisaged that the displaceable sections may be reusable, for example being washable or may be designed for single use. For example the displaceable sections may adhesive backed tissue for temporary securement to the chair.

Preferably the system is constructed for optimal postural support for the client. For example the station may be arranged to allow the client to be seated and reclined.

Preferably the chair includes a contoured backrest so as to provide optimal spinal support. Ideally the backrest also extends to support the cheAt's head. The station may also include arm rests so that the client is fully supported and contained within the station during treatment.

Accordingly the clients feet are supported off the ground by the station so that their feet may be readily accessed and worked on by the user. Typically the station includes an integrated footrest thereby enabling the client to be reclined in the station with their feet elevated from the ground.

In this way the client is fully supported by the station and is able to relax their body.

In preferred embodiments the station includes a substantially rectangular base so as to be able to support the client and to ensure the station is balanced enabling the client to easily sit upon and stand up from the station without risk of toppling over.

The base may be reinlorced for example being formed from thicker material or for example being double skinned so as reduce likelihood of punctures.

In preferred embodiments the section of the station upon which the client's feet are located in use includes the lacuna for holding the container. Ideally the container that can be located in the lacuna is capable of holding liquid so that it may serve as a foot bath. In this way the client's feet may be washed or soaked during treatment.

The container may be any suitable shape. For example, the container may be substantially square. The container is preferably dimensioned so as to accept both feet at one time. For example the container may be at least 30cm x 30cm.

The container may be formed from insulating materials so as maintain the temperature of the liquid such as water whilst in use.

In this way the container can be removed from the station, filled with warm liquid, typically water, and returned to the unit for the user to comfortably place their feet in.

Advantageously the user is not required to move from the seat during this process.

Additionally the container can be readily cleaned therefore reducing likelihood of the container harvesting bacteria or fungi that may lead to infection or disease.

Preferably the lacuna is concealed by the lid section when not in use therefore the users feet rest upon said lid. The lid may be dimensioned to fit and cover the lacuna, for example the container may be dimensioned to fit within the lacuna with

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the lid thereover. For example the lid may be an inflatable cushion formed from the same material as the chair. In some embodiments the lid and chair may include a means of attachment to one another so as to be secured in use, for example hook and loop means such as Velcro (Trade Mark).

In preferred embodiments the second unit comprising the system, or stool, enables the user to be seated whilst treating the client and to be seated with a neutral spinal alignment so as not to incur spinal damage whilst treating the client in the station.

The stool may be of any suitable shape, for example the stool may include a square base and square top. The stool may include leg gullies to allow the users legs to be supported in use as if kneeling and thus ensuring neutral spinal alignment It may be envisaged that the system or station may be suitable for use in hospitals or care homes, wherein injured, elderly or infirm may require or desire a pedicure.

In some embodiments a table unit may be provided as part of the system where the user may position implements and applications such cuticle sticks, nail varnish and moisturiser during treatment. The table may include recessed or displaceable sections for holding and supporting items used during the treatment.

In some embodiments the units may be dimensioned so as to be collapsed in a particular way, for example in a concertina fashion so that as air is released it collapses in a way that can be transported with minimal requirement from the user to rearrange the unit. And wherein the unit is therefore also quick to inflate.

Once deflated so as to be flat the units may also be folded so as be more manageable when transported.

The system may be provided with a case to carry the unit or units. The case may include handles so as to be readily carried and in some embodiments may include rollers so as to be wheeled from one location to another.

* It may be envisaged that the case includes at least one compartment for storing other items such as treatment equipment or client information.

Preferably the units may be available in various sizes and colours. For example different sizes may be available for adults and children. Also the units may be coloured to provide different appearances, for example to match corporate colours, to indicate the type (chair, stool or table) or size of unit (adult or child).

Brief DescriDtion of Figures Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the station; Figures 2 show front and rear views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 show views from below and above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 6 show various views of the embodiment shown in Figure in a preferred embodiment of the system comprising a stool; And Figures 7 show various views of the embodiment of the stool shown in the embodiment of the system shown in Figure 6.

Detailed Descriøtion of Figures With reference to the figures the station comprises a back 1, arm rests 2, leg rest 3 and foot rests 4. The foot rest includes an entirely displaceable lid 5.

Furthermore the back 1 includes a displaceable head rest section, which can be removed from an appropriately sized lacuna 9 for cleaning purposes.

The station further comprises a displaceable container section 7, which displaces entirely from the lacuna 8 for cleaning, filling and emptying purposes. Said container is advantageously collapsible to minimise spatial requirements. The station 1 is inflatable at a single valve 6.

The stool 11 is also inflatable, at a valve 15, and comprises a seat 12 and kneel pad 13, joined by a bridge 14.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. * 25

Claims (9)

1. Claims 1. A portable pedicure system comprising an inflatable station for seating a client, in which the station comprises a back; a seat; a leg rest and a foot rest; in which the station comprises at least one displaceable section arranged to be displaced from the station, and in which the station further comprises with a lid for locating over a lacuna in the foot rest.
2. 2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the displaceable sectiOn is in the foot rest.
3. 3. system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the displaceable section comprises the lid.
4. 4. A system according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the displaceable section provides or reveals an internal lacuna for tilling directly with liquid.
5. 5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a separate inflatable stool for a user.
6. 6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a separateinflatable table.
7. 7. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one integrated pump.
8. 8. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a bag arranged to receive the station for storage and transport.
9. 9. A system according to any of the figures and substantially as herein described.