GB2348807A

GB2348807A - Foot washing aid

Info

Publication number: GB2348807A
Application number: GB0009222A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Dorian Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-14
Filing date: 2000-04-14
Publication date: 2000-10-18
Also published as: GB0009222D0; GB9908465D0

Abstract

A foot washing aid 10 includes a platform 12 having suction cups 14 underneath for securing it to the base of a bath or the like and sponge pad 16 on top having a foot-shaped recess whereby the "toes" of the recess define cleaning projections. The sponge may be impregnated with soap or a soap dispenser may be included.

Description

Washing Aid This invention relates to a washing aid and in particular, but not exclusively, to a washing aid for use in or adjacent a bath or shower area.

It is often awkward to reach all parts of the body when bathing or showering. Certain devices exist such as long handled scrubbing brushes, towelling strips which can be passed behind the back, and so on. However these articles are not particularly easy to use, especially if the bather is standing up and needing support. This is particularly so where the user is elderly or infirm. Similarly, it can be awkward and unstable to clean the feet in a shower, as this requires the bather to stand on one foot whilst attempting to clean the other foot with one arm and using the other for support.

Accordingly there is a need for a washing aid which facilitates washing or treatment of awkward areas.

In one aspect, this invention provides a washing aid comprising a washing or treatment surface, and means for releasably securing said aid to a surface in or adjacent a bath or shower area.

The washing or treatment surface may take many forms and may typically comprise one or more of the following: natural or synthetic sponge, flannel or like material, a loofah or other abrasive material, a brush or another textured surface or a combination of one or more thereof.

If required, the treatment may be impregnated with soap or another treatment substance. Alternatively, if required, the washing aid may include dispensing means for dispensing soap or a treatment substance adjacent to the washing or treatment surface.

The attachment means for attaching the aid may comprise suction pads.

It is preferred for the aid to include platform means carrying said attachment means on one side into the washing or treatment surface on the other. Preferably, said washing or treatment surface is shaped, for example to have shape a in plan similar to that of the foot or hand etc. This may assist washing of the corresponding body part.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description.

The invention may be performed in various ways, and an embodiment thereof will now be described in detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a washing aid comprising a foot cleaning sponge; Figure 2 is top plan view of the washing aid of Figure 1, but with the sponge removed, and Figure 3 is a side view of the washing aid.

The washing aid 10 comprises a platform 12 with four suckers 14 secured in the corner regions of the underside of the platform 12. On the top of the platform is provided a sponge 16 which here has the plan view of a foot shape.

In use the washing aid may be secured by means of the suckers 14 to the base of a shower tray. When the bather wishes to clean his feet he may simply apply soap if required to the sponge and then rub his foot on it. The toe sections of the sponge enable the bather to clean between his toes.

As noted above, the sponge may take many forms and may be replaced by other cleaning surfaces. In one particular cleaning arrangement, the foot shaped sponge may be replaced by a plain rectangular sponge and the washing aid used as a back scrubber. Here the aid may be secured at the appropriate height to the wall adjacent a bath.

Claims

1. A washing aid comprising a washing or treatment surface and means for releasably securing said aid to a surface in or adjacent a bath or shower area.

2. A washing aid according to claim 1, wherein said washing or treatment surface comprises one or more of the following: natural or synthetic sponge, flannel or like material, loofah or other abrasive material, a brush, or other textured surface.

3. A washing aid according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein said treatment surface is impregnated with soap or a treatment substance.

4. A washing aid according to any of the preceding claims including means for dispensing a soap or treatment substance adjacent to said washing or treatment surface.

5. A washing aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said attachment means comprise suction pads.

6. A washing aid according to any of the preceding claims including platform means carrying said attachment means on one side and said washing or treatment surface on the other.

7. A washing aid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said washing or treatment surface has a shape in plan similar to that of the foot.

8. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.