EP4335320A1 - Device for applying cream to a foot - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (10) for applying cream to a foot is proposed, which has a foot shell (11) for holding a foot and a rod-shaped holding element (30) for moving the foot shell.

Description

The invention relates to a device according to claim 1.

State of the art

Foot care by applying cream is an important part of body care. There are many sweat glands on the soles of the feet, but no sebaceous glands. Applying cream to your feet daily prevents the development of dry, cracked skin and new calluses. In addition, the feet are effectively protected against fungal and wart infestation. Older people in particular often have greater problems applying cream to their feet due to limited mobility. The same applies to people with other mobility restrictions or even disabilities, for example due to obesity or problems with the spine or upper extremities.

According to the current state of technology, the application of cream to the feet of people who cannot do this themselves without help is preferably carried out by third parties. These can be relatives, chiropodists or professional podiatrists. In addition, the market offers various devices to help with applying cream, which, however, are not necessarily suitable for the special needs or requirements when applying cream to the feet of people with mobility restrictions.

Disclosure of the invention: task, solution, advantages

The present invention is based on the object of improving a device for applying cream to a foot in such a way that the process of applying cream is made possible or easier, especially for people with limited mobility, while at the same time preventing a possible fall or excessive consumption of cream during the application of cream is prevented.

The present task is solved by a device for simplified Application of cream to a foot, which has a foot tray for holding a foot. Furthermore, the device has a rod-shaped holding element for moving the foot shell. With the help of the holding element, the foot shell can be lifted up and easily but reliably fixed during use. The foot shell can therefore be placed precisely and safely on the floor without a corresponding bending movement, and the foot can then be placed on the foot shell in order to apply cream to it.

In particular, the foot shell is designed to accommodate only one foot. The foot shell can have a length of a maximum of 40 cm, more preferably a maximum of 35 cm. Furthermore, the foot shell can have a width of a maximum of 35 cm, more preferably a maximum of 30 cm. The foot shell can be used for both the left and right foot.

In particular, the foot shell is formed from a flexible plastic material, for example foam resin. Furthermore, the foot shell can be made of a thermoplastic. The choice of material means that the foot shell is light in weight, but is equally robust, non-slip and waterproof. Furthermore, the material does not become porous, which is particularly important with regard to the possible formation of bacteria or fungi. Because the material has a cell-closed nature, bacteria and fungi cannot settle in it, so that the foot shell remains odorless and hygienic. The footrest is also easy to clean.

In particular, the foot shell is designed to be open. The foot shell is therefore not closed or is designed to be half closed. In other words, the foot shell has no covering, such as a strap or an element for spreading the toes. If the foot shell is placed on the floor, the upward-facing surface of the foot shell is not covered in the vertical direction by any other component of the device. The user therefore does not have to slip his foot into the foot shell, but can easily place the foot in the foot shell in a vertical direction. This is particularly essential for users with mobility restrictions, for example users who have difficulty lifting their feet. Even users with very wide feet, for example due to water retention or users with a very high instep, can use their feet with as little physical strain as possible Put effort into the foot shell in a comfortable way.

In particular, the device does not offer a massage function that is electrically controlled, for example by an automated movement or vibration of the foot shell. Alternatively, the device can have a massage function that is electrically or battery-operated, for example through automatic movement or vibration of the foot shell.

Overall, the device can be used on a daily basis because it can be used with minimal effort. Users can therefore carry out their individual foot care independently and independently up to old age and a very limited degree of mobility. The device thus offers people with severe mobility limitations freedom, autonomy and independence when caring for their feet, which, especially for this group of people, have often been exposed to high levels of stress for a very long time. People without mobility restrictions can also use the device.

The holding element can in particular be detachably connected to the foot shell. The holding element can alternatively be firmly connected to the foot shell. However, it is preferred that the holding element can be connected to the foot shell, but can also be released again.

In particular, the holding element can have an L-shape, with a first leg and a second leg which is shorter in comparison to the first leg. The length of the first leg can extend in particular between 30 cm and 100 cm, more preferably between 40 cm and 70 cm, while the length of the second leg and width can range between 20 cm and 35 cm, more preferably between 25 cm and 30 cm, can extend. The two legs are in particular at a right angle to one another. The width of the holding element can preferably be a maximum of 10 cm, more preferably a maximum of 5 cm. The width is preferably constant over its length.

Furthermore, it can extend in a straight line. The holding element can be foldable, foldable or telescopically inserted, so that the length of the holding element can be reduced or adjusted.

Above all, the foot shell can have at least one side opening for inserting the holding element in order to create a detachable connection. The foot shell can have two side openings in order to connect the foot shell to the holding element at two different locations, in particular depending on the foot that is to be creamed. The opening is designed as a through opening and extends in particular in the thickness direction of the foot shell and thus in the vertical direction when the foot shell is placed on the floor.

In particular, the at least one opening is located in a lateral end region in the width direction of the foot shell. Above all, there is an opening in each end region in the width direction. Above all, the openings are located in the front third of the foot shell. The openings can be arranged in the center in a front half of the foot shell in the longitudinal direction. If the holding element is thus detachably connected to the foot shell, the first leg of the holding element extends in the most favorable area possible with respect to the user's calves. If the opening and thus the first leg were arranged further back in the longitudinal direction, there would possibly be problems with particularly wide calves, which could come into contact with the holding element and thus hinder the ease of use.

In particular, the foot shell can have at least one recess on its underside for receiving the second leg of the holding element. Because the foot shell is preferably formed from a flexible plastic material, the holding element can first be guided through the opening with its second leg. The second leg can then be received in the recess, while the first leg extends through the opening in the thickness direction of the foot shell - upwards in the vertical direction when the foot shell is placed on the floor. The recess is also located in a front third of the foot shell. The recess can be arranged centrally in a front half of the foot shell in the longitudinal direction. The recess further extends in particular from one end in the width direction of the foot shell to the other end in the width direction, so that the second leg of the holding element can be inserted into the recess through both side openings.

The holding element is released by leading the holding element, in particular the first and second legs, out of the opening. Overall, the result is an easy-to-use and detachable fastening technology.

The holding element can have a latching area in one end region for latching into the foot shell. The holding element can thus be constricted in the latching area. In other words, the width of the holding element can in particular taper and widen again, preferably to the original width or an overall reduced width to the remaining holding element. The constriction can serve to create a positive connection with a corresponding latching area in the foot shell and thus enable a releasable connection to the foot shell. The latching area on the side of the foot shell is located in particular in the area of the opening for inserting the holding element. For example, highlights can be provided in the inner wall of the corresponding opening with which the constriction can be brought into interaction.

The foot shell in particular has a peripheral edge area. The edge region extends in particular from an upper side of the foot shell at least 1 cm, more preferably at least 2 cm or 4 cm or 6 cm, further preferably at most 5 cm or 10 cm, most preferably at most 3 cm, in the thickness direction of the foot shell. The edge area is particularly important because it ensures that the outer edge of the foot is applied, which is the most stressed and also the most prone to cracking.

The device in particular has a sole, which can preferably have knob-like elevations. The sole extends in particular over the entire top of the foot shell and over an inner wall of the edge area, so that the edge areas of the foot and the sole are also covered.

Alternatively or in addition to the knob-like elevations, the sole can include slats. The slats serve to create the most pleasant feeling on the skin and to distribute the cream within the skin as optimally as possible.

The knob-like elevations are mainly between 1 mm and 200 mm long mm, preferably a maximum of 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, most preferably between 2.5 mm and 5 mm. In particular, the knob-like elevations have a round cross section, and their diameter can be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 6 mm. The distance between knob-like elevations is preferably between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, most preferably between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. In particular, the interaction of the expansion of the knob-like elevation ensures that cream does not seep between the knob-like elevations, but is applied to the foot effectively and in a material-saving manner.
The sole can be understood in particular as an inner shell that lines the interior of the foot shell. The rest of the foot shell can then be understood as the outer shell. The sole can be firmly connected to the foot shell, alternatively it can be designed to be detachable from the foot shell. For example, the attachment can be done by putting the sole on/putting it on the foot shell. If the sole is designed to be detachable, different soles can be used which, for example, have different knob-like elevations. Because the material can warm up during use, the foot shell can adapt to the individual foot shape and feels comfortable for the user.

If the sole can be detachably attached to the foot shell, the attachment can be carried out primarily via pins, especially retaining pins. For this purpose, the foot shell, especially the top of the foot shell, points over an inner wall of the edge area. Above all, these have recesses into which the pins can be inserted. In particular, the sole has through openings that are compatible with the recesses, so that the position of the sole is precisely established. In particular, the top can have between 5 and 30 recesses for receiving retaining pins, while the edge area can have between 20 and 50 recesses. Above all, the recesses and pins have a round diameter. The diameter of the pins is mainly between 2 mm and 10 mm. As an alternative to the pins, the sole can be held in the foot shell by its fit.

The sole may comprise silicone and/or a plastic. It can also have a gel pad insert for cooling or warming the foot, which is incorporated into the sole. The surface of the sole and the foot shell can preferably not be flush with one another when brought together, so that the sole can be easily separated from the rest of the foot shell. The opening for inserting the holding element can be provided both in the sole as an inner shell and in the remaining foot shell as an outer shell.

The foot shell can include a circumferential anti-slip ring made of an anti-slip material, for example rubber, which extends completely around the edge on the underside.

When using the device, the cream is applied to the foot shell, especially to the sole of the device, in order to distribute it on the underside and a side area of the foot. The distribution of the cream on the foot can be made possible in particular by a slight back and forth movement of the foot, which is inserted into the device, in the horizontal direction. This promotes both the blood circulation in the feet and the mobility of the feet, which also has a therapeutic effect.

In particular, the underside of the foot shell is designed to be non-slip. The underside can have a profile, for example slats. Furthermore, the underside can have a non-slip coating. The outside of the short leg of the holding element can also have a non-slip surface.

Short description of the characters

Figur 1:

eine Vorrichtung zur Applikation von Creme;

Figur 2:

eine Draufsicht auf die Unterseite der Vorrichtung der Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine Draufsicht auf die Oberseite der Fußschale der Vorrichtung der Figuren 1 und 2;

Figur 4:

eine Schnittdarstellung entlang der Linie AA in Figur 3;

Figur 5:

eine Schnittdarstellung entlang der Linie BB in Figur 3;

Figur 6:

eine perspektivische Darstellung der noppenartigen Erhebungen auf der Sohle der Vorrichtung der Figuren 1 bis 5;

Figur 7:

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Vorrichtung zur Applikation von Creme;

Figur 8:

eine Schnittdarstellung im Bereich des Einrastbereich in der Fußschale;

Figur 9:

eine Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung der Figuren 7 und 8;

Figur 10:

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die Unterseite der Vorrichtung nach den Figuren 7 bis 9;

Figur 11:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Haltelementes; und

Figur 12:

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Einrastbereichs.

It shows in a purely schematic representation:

Figure 1:

a device for applying cream;

Figure 2:

a top view of the underside of the device Figure 1 ;

Figure 3:

a top view of the top of the foot shell of the device Figures 1 and 2 ;

Figure 4:

a sectional view along line AA in Figure 3 ;

Figure 5:

a sectional view along the line BB in Figure 3 ;

Figure 6:

a perspective view of the knob-like elevations on the sole of the device Figures 1 to 5 ;

Figure 7:

a perspective view of another device for applying cream;

Figure 8:

a sectional view in the area of the latching area in the foot shell;

Figure 9:

a top view of the device Figures 7 and 8th ;

Figure 10:

a perspective view of the underside of the device according to the Figures 7 to 9 ;

Figure 11:

a perspective view of a holding element; and

Figure 12:

an enlarged view of a snap area.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

Figure 1 shows a device 10 for applying cream in a perspective view. The device 10 has a foot shell 11 and a holding element 30. Of the holding element 30, only the first leg 31 is in Figure 1 can be seen, although this is shown in a much shorter form. The foot shell 11 has two side openings 12. The holding element 30 is inserted into one of the two openings 12. These side openings 12 are formed in an end region in the width direction 51 of the foot shell 11. The foot shell 11 has an edge area 15. Furthermore, a sole 17 is formed, which extends over the top 20 of the foot shell 11 and the inner wall 16 of the edge region 15. The sole is in Figure 1 only indicated, but can have a significant thickness compared to the thickness of the foot shell. Knob-like elevations 18 are formed on the entire sole 17 Figure 1 However, they are not shown for simplified illustration.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the underside 13 of the device 10 Figure 1 , whereby it can be seen that on the underside 13 of the foot shell 11 slats 21 are formed, which help ensure that the foot shell 11 can be placed in a non-slip manner. Furthermore, the opening 12 can be clearly seen, into which the holding element 30 is not inserted. In addition, the second leg 32 of the holding element 30 is shown, which is inserted into a recess 14 on the underside 13 of the device 10, so that overall a flat underside 13 is created.

In Figure 3 is a top view of the top 20 of the foot shell 11 of the device 10 Figures 1 and 2 shown. It can be clearly seen how the first leg 31 is inserted into one of the openings 12, while the other opening 12 is free. The openings 12 are arranged in the front third of the foot shell 11. This corresponds to the ball of the foot. In detail, the openings 12 are in the middle of a front one Half of the foot shell arranged. Furthermore, in Figure 3 the longitudinal direction 50 and the width direction 51 can be seen. The foot shell 11 has a bulge 19 on both sides.

Figure 4 is a sectional view along line AA in Figure 3 shown. The recess 14 can be clearly seen on the underside 13 of the foot shell 11.

In Figure 5 is a sectional view along line BB Figure 3 to see. The first leg 31 of the holding element 30 extends in the thickness direction 52 of the foot shell 11 and is inserted into the recess 14 on the underside 13 of the foot shell 11.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the knob-like elevation 18 on the sole 17 of the device 10 Figures 1 to 5 . It can be clearly seen how the knob-like elevations extend over a length 18a with a diameter 18b.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of another device 10 for applying cream. It can be clearly seen how the device includes a foot shell 11 and a sole 17, the sole 17 being accommodated in the foot shell 11 with a precise fit. It lines the inside of the foot shell 11.

It can be clearly seen that a side opening 12 is provided both in the foot shell 11 and in the sole 17, with these being arranged to fit one another when the sole 17 is inserted into the foot shell 11 in such a way that a holding element 30 can be inserted. In the opening 12 there is a latching area 12a, in which a latching area 33 of the holding element 30 can be introduced (see Figure 8 ).

Furthermore, you can clearly see knob-like elevations 18 and slats 21, the latter being arranged in the edge area of the sole 17. Furthermore, the surface of the sole 17 is not flush with the surface of the foot shell 11, but protrudes slightly so that the sole 17 can be easily separated from the foot shell.

Figure 8 shows a sectional view in the area of the latching area 12a in the foot shell 11, specifically in the area of the opening 12. It can be clearly seen how the material of the foot shell 11 bulges. In other words, highlights 12b are provided which has a constriction 34 in the latching area 33 of the holding element 30 (see also Figure 11 ) can snap into place.

In Figure 9 is a top view of the device 10 Figures 7 and 8th shown. The slats 21 can extend in a direction normal to the curved shape of the sole 11. The foot shell 11 stabilizes the sole 17, which can be made of a softer material. A corresponding lateral opening 12 can be arranged at both end regions of the device 10 in the width direction 52.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the underside of the device according to the Figures 7 to 9 . The foot shell 11 has recesses 14. These are designed as through openings. The foot shell 11 has a thickness that is designed in such a way that when the foot shell 11 is loaded with the sole 17 inserted, the sole 17 does not touch the floor despite the recesses 14.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a holding element 30 that is designed to be foldable, so that its dimensions can be reduced, for example for transporting the holding element 30. The holding element 30 has a latching area 33 at one end of the holding element 30, in which there is a constriction 34 . In other words, the width of the holding element 30 tapers and widens again, with the constriction 34 serving to engage with a latching area 12a of the foot shell 11. In Figure 12 you can see the latching area 33 of the holding element 30 enlarged.

Reference symbol list

10

contraption

11

foot shell

12

side opening

12a

Snap area

12b

Emphasis

13

bottom

14

recess

15

Edge area

16

Inner wall of the edge area

17

sole

18

knob-like elevation

18a

length

18b

diameter

19

bulge

20

Top

21

lamella

30

Holding element

31

first leg

32

second leg

33

Snap area

34

constriction

50

Longitudinal direction

51

Width direction

52

Thickness direction

Claims (10)

Device (10) for applying cream to a foot, wherein the device (10) has a foot shell (11) for receiving a foot, characterized in that the device (10) has a rod-shaped holding element (30) for moving the foot shell. Device (10) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the foot shell (11) is open. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the holding element (30) can be detachably connected to the foot shell (11). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the holding element (30) has an L-shape with a first leg (31) and a second leg (32) which is shorter than the first leg.
4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the foot shell (11) has at least one side opening (12) for inserting the holding element (30). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the foot shell (11) has at least one recess (14) on its underside (13) for receiving the second leg (32) of the holding element (30). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the foot shell (11) comprises a circumferential, protruding edge region (15). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the device (10) has a sole (17) with knob-like elevations (18). Device (10) according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the sole (17) extends over an inner wall (16) of the edge region (15). Device (10) according to claim 7 or 8,
characterized in that
the knob-like elevations (18) have a length (18a) between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 6 mm, most preferably between 2.5 mm and 5 mm. Device (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9,
characterized in that
the sole (17) is firmly connected to the foot shell (11) or is designed to be detachable from the foot shell (11).

Images