GB2562055A

GB2562055A - Shower-area foot cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2562055A
Application number: GB1706952.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ashley Marilyn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-02
Filing date: 2017-05-02
Publication date: 2018-11-07
Also published as: GB201706952D0

Abstract

A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus 1000 comprises a sheet 1 positionable on or at a floor of a shower-area and at least one soft cleaning element 2 positioned on an upper surface 5 of the sheet 1. The at least one cleaning element 2 is formed from at least one, preferably pliantly, flexible, cleaning member 2a. The soft cleaning element 2 is may be spheroidal in shape. The cleaning element may include at least one opening therein to receive a users foot. Preferably, a releasable securing means secures the cleaning element to the sheet and the releasable securing means may include at least one magnetic element.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Marilyn Ashley

Tennyson Gardens, GOSPORT, Hampshire, PO12 1LW, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2518459 A GB 2348807 A CA 002200878 A1 US 7266857 B1 US 5933909 A

GB 2442439 A CA 002783165 A1 DE 202011105764 U1 US 6343774 B1 (72) Inventor(s):

Marilyn Ashley (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47K

Other: Online: WPI, EPODOC (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Albright IP Limited

County House, Bayshill Road, CHELTENHAM, Gloucestershire, GL50 3BA, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Shower-area foot cleaning apparatus Abstract Title: Shower-area foot cleaning apparatus (57) A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus 1000 comprises a sheet 1 positionable on or at a floor of a shower-area and at least one soft cleaning element 2 positioned on an upper surface 5 of the sheet 1. The at least one cleaning element 2 is formed from at least one, preferably pliantly, flexible, cleaning member 2a. The soft cleaning element 2 is may be spheroidal in shape. The cleaning element may include at least one opening therein to receive a user’s foot. Preferably, a releasable securing means secures the cleaning element to the sheet and the releasable securing means may include at least one magnetic element.

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Shower-Area Foot Cleaning Apparatus

The present invention relates a shower-area foot cleaning apparatus, particularly for more effective cleaning of the feet during showering.

Showering is a common method of washing in which a user stands in a shower-area beneath a shower of water. However, when showering and thus standing, a user may only effectively wash their feet by either balancing on one leg and raising the foot on the other leg to be manually manipulated, or by bending over so as to wash their feet whilst both feet are on the ground. Either of these methods can be potentially hazardous due to loss of balance, especially to those who are elderly, infirm or otherwise disabled.

Shower mats with a non-slip upper and lower surface are known. These can be placed within a shower area, providing an area for a user to stand on whilst reducing any slip hazard. These shower mats however do not provide any kind of washing or cleaning action to the feet.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shower-area foot cleaning apparatus comprising: a sheet positionable on or at a floor of a shower-area; at least one soft cleaning element engaged with an upper surface of the sheet to enable a user to clean their foot without undue abrasion and without using a handheld cleaning implement; and said at least one soft cleaning element being formed from at least one flexible cleaning member being devoid of bristles.

A soft cleaning element being positioned on a sheet in the shower allows for a user to wash, clean and/or massage their feet whilst in the shower without performing an awkward balancing act. The cleaning element is not unduly abrasive, and thus is preferably devoid of bristles. This is due to, in use, the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus being positioned on the floor and thus the cleaning element being at or substantially at foot level. A user can therefore wash their feet without raising them for manual manipulation. This may be particularly advantageous for use by the elderly, infirm or otherwise disabled. This shower-area foot cleaning apparatus may be permanently, semi-permanently or temporarily positioned in the shower area.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 18, inclusive.

Amongst these preferable features, the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus may further comprise releasable securing means for releasably securing the cleaning element to the sheet. The ability to release the cleaning element enables the cleaning element to be removed and washed and/or interchanged with a replacement cleaning element if the original cleaning element becomes worn or damaged.

Advantageously, the releasable securing means may include at least one magnetic element. A magnetic securing means allows for the cleaning element to be easily and rapidly released from the mat or sheet and would not require fine motor control to attach or detach.

Alternatively, the releasable securing means may include a rotatable locking element for push-fit securement providing a secure attachment that is unlikely to be unsecured during the action of cleaning a user’s feet.

Advantageously, the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus may further comprise a releasable attachment means for releasable attachment to a floor of a shower-area, fixed to a lower surface of the sheet. A releasable attachment means allows for the showerarea foot cleaning apparatus to be easily repositionable or removable from a shower area floor as required.

Beneficially, the releasable attachment means may include at least one suction cup element. A suction cup enables a strong bond to be formed between the apparatus and the floor of the shower area, which may be smooth and/or wet and thus a potentially problematic surface for the fixing of objects.

In a preferable embodiment, the or releasable attachment means element may have an engagement member for attachment of the releasable attachment means to the sheet.

In a preferable embodiment, the sheet comprises at least two layers. Layers allows for a different material to be used for an upper surface of the sheet or mat as compared to a lower surface of the sheet or mat. Therefore, for example, an upper layer, which may be in contact with the user’s feet, may be made from a sponge-like material to assist cleaning, whilst the lower layer may be made from a non-slip material or a material which allows case of attachment of any releasable attachment means.

Optionally, the layers each have a plurality of apertures which can allow the ease of attachment of releasable attachment means.

Preferably, each aperture may be covered by an attachment ring for the attachment of the or each releasable attachment means and the joining of the layers. Preferably, each engagement member is engageable with said at least one attachment ring.

Each engagement member engaging an attachment ring can allow for joining of the suction cup element and the sheet, as well as the joining of the layers of the sheet. This joining method allows for fast and efficient manufacture and assembly of the sheet.

Advantageously, the upper surface is made from a non-slip material which in use can prevent the user from slipping on the sheet whilst in the shower.

Optionally, each cleaning member may have a or a substantially sinusoidally-shaped cross-section or may be irregularly-shaped. A sinusoidally-shaped cross-section or an irregular shape provides a surface which enables the efficient cleaning of the feet, particularly between the digits of the feet.

Beneficially, wherein a plurality of cleaning members is provided, each cleaning member may be radially arranged around a common axis. In a preferably embodiment, the cleaning element may be substantially spheroidal in shape.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of construction of a shower-area foot cleaning apparatus, the method comprising: attaching a cleaning element to an upper surface of a sheet, the sheet having layers and each layer having at least one aperture; positioning each layer such that the said at least one aperture of each layer is collinear with the aperture of another layer; covering the or each aperture with an or part of an attachment ring; and the engagement member being inserted through an aperture so as to engage the associated attachment ring.

This method provides a fast, efficient and cost-effective method of manufacture.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure l;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 5a to 5c show further embodiments of the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus according to the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a cross sectional view of a suction cup attached to the sheet of the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus according to the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 and 6, there is shown an embodiment of the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus 1000 comprising a planar mat or sheet 1 for receipt of a user's feet after or during showering, the device further comprising a soft, non- or not overly abrasive, cleaning element 2 arranged to allow the user to rub their feet thereagainst.

In the pictured embodiment, the cleaning element 2 comprises a thermoplastics netting, which is secured to the mat or sheet 1, and projects upwardly from it. In some further embodiments, the cleaning element may comprise a natural loofah.

The cleaning element 2 may be comprised of at least one pliantly flexible cleaning member 2a arranged around a common axis so as to together form a or a substantially spheroidal shape. The or each cleaning member 2a may have a sinusoidal cross-section to provide an effective cleaning surface.

The cleaning element 2 may be positioned at or adjacent to an edge of the mat or sheet 1 and comprises a substantially spherical shower puff, or similar, made from thermoplastics netting. The puff may be considered an irregular arrangement or entanglement of the netting material. Alternatively, the puff may be made from a sponge-like material or may alternatively comprise at least one brush. Although only one cleaning clement is described there may in fact be more than one cleaning clement such as two or three.

In the pictured embodiment, the cleaning element 2 is bonded permanently to an upper surface 6 of the mat or sheet 1. This bonding may be achieved through the use of one or more fasteners or may be affixed through the use of a water and/or heat resistant adhesive. Although not shown, the cleaning element may alternatively be integrally formed with the mat.

It may be envisaged that embodiments of the mat or sheet 1 comprise a grippy and/or non-slip upper surface 6 coating or material, for example comprising a matte finish silicone covering or material, to prevent slipping. In the pictured embodiments, the upper surface 6 comprises a resiliently deformable loofah layer and may therefore be formed from a porous sponge-like material.

The embodiment thereby provides a non-slip shower mat or sheet 1 with a washing puff or cleaning element 2 for cleaning and stimulating the feet; allowing the user to wash their feet and between their toes without bending down. Benefits include a massage-like action on 10 the feet.

It may be envisaged that embodiments of the device come in various shapes (such as but not limited to square, triangular and rectangular) for a variety of showers, as shown in Figure 5.

The shower-area foot cleaning apparatus 1000 may be releasably attachable in use to an underlying surface or structure such as a shower base via releasable attachment means 5. In the pictured embodiment, this releasable attachment means 5 comprises a plurality of suction cups 5.

The suction cups 5 are clipped onto the mat or sheet 1 through: apertures 64 in the upper surface or upper layer 6, apertures 64 in a durable silicone planar sheet 4 comprising the bottom surface or lower layer of the mat or sheet 1, and annular clip rings 7.

The apertures 64 may be in the shape of the edge of a circle and may be continuous or discontinuous. Alternatively, the apertures may be of the shape of a complete circle. During construction, the apertures 64 in the upper and lower layers 6, 4 of the sheet 1 may be positioned colinearly and clip rings 7 clipped over the top surface 6 of the upper layer covering the apertures 64. The clip ring comprises a further aperture for passage and engagement of a resiliently deformable barbed ring 76 or engagement member, which clips through the clip ring 7 to maintain the upper and lower surfaces 6,4 respectively sandwiched together.

The embodiment is arranged for easy manufacture and assembly through the use of these suction cups 5 and snap fitting clips 7, which may be replicated on the bottom of the cleaning element so as to hold the cleaning element on the silicon shower mat, wherein the cleaning element 2 is permanently secured to the mat or sheet in the pictured embodiment by a cleaning element securement mechanism 77.

In other embodiments, the cleaning element may be releasable from, and thus be temporarily or semi-permanently attached to the mat or sheet 1 via releasable securing means, for example so as to facilitate replacement and/or cleaning. For example, the releasable securing means may comprise a reversible slip securement, ferro-magnetic or any other magnetic securement, a rotatable locking for push-fit securement or securement via fabric hook and loop fasteners. In some embodiments, each of the perforations may comprise an attachment point for a cleaning element.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning element may be retrofitted to an existing mat or sheet and therefore the cleaning element may comprise further releasable securing means. These further releasable securing means may be clips or straps or any other releasable attachment means 5, such as those described previously. In yet further embodiments the device may be formed in use, for example comprising a standard or known mat or sheet and a standard or known loofah or similar which is attached using a securement mechanism clip or similar device. The loofah or other suitable cleaning and/or exfoliating device may be elongate and rough or abrasive, and for example with a lateral cross-section along at least a majority of its longitudinal extent which is semi- or part-spherical to present a wide stable base and a domed or convex upper surface against which a user can move a sole of their foot.

Furthermore, the cleaning element or device may include a recess, aperture or other suitable opening to allow a user to insert their foot, thereby allowing an upper surface of the foot to be cleaned without a user having to bend or otherwise apply the cleaning element by hand. In this case, the opening preferably presents a tight or interference fit for a user’s foot to allow suitable abrasion and thus cleaning to take place.

In use, the shower-area foot cleaning apparatus 1000 may preferably be positioned on the floor on the floor of a shower area such that the releasable attachment means 5, which may be suction cups, engage with the shower area floor and the cleaning element 2 projects upwards from an upper surface of the mat or sheet 1. The shower-area foot cleaning apparatus may be positioned under or substantially under the shower head. A user may then for example stand on the mat or sheet and may rub their foot on the cleaning element 2 to work shower gel in between their toes and around their foot. The material of the cleaning element 2 removes dirt, and thus cleans and washes the foot, and provides a mild massaging action to their feet whilst being cleaned. The showerarea foot cleaning apparatus 1000 may be used whilst the shower is operating or alternatively when the shower is not operating.

The cleaning element 2 will be made from the netting used in existing products. Materials used in the embodiment have minimal water-absorption/ hydrophobic properties. Further materials may be antibacterial, or hypoallergenic. Although netting is feasible, other sponge-like or lightly abrasive materials, or a combination thereof, may be used. Preferably, a reasonably robust and stable material would be utilised to provide suitable longevity whilst imparting a vigorous clean.

In a preferred arrangement, the cleaning member is part-spherical and therefore presents a domed upper surface to the user for use.

Traditional cleaning of your feet in the shower can be an awkward balancing act.

The device of the present invention allows you to easily clean both the sides of feet and the bottom of feet.

It is therefore possible to provide a shower mat or sheet capable of cleaning the user's feet in the shower without bending down, and which can remain in the shower indefinitely until replaced.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus comprising:

a sheet positionable on or at a floor of a shower-area;

at least one soft cleaning element engaged with an upper surface of the sheet to enable a user to clean their foot without undue abrasion and without using a handheld cleaning implement; and said at least one soft cleaning element being formed from at least one flexible cleaning member being devoid of bristles.

2. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning element is substantially spheroidal in shape.

3. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning element has a part-spherical lateral cross-section along at least a majority of its longitudinal extent, the part-spherical lateral extent enabling a stable base portion and a convex sole-receivable upper surface.

4. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cleaning element is elongate.

5. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the said cleaning element includes at least one opening therein to receive a user’s foot as a close fit, the opening enabling an upper surface of the user’s foot to be cleaned.

6. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising releasable securing means for releasably securing the cleaning element to the sheet.

7. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the releasable securing means includes at least one magnetic element.

8. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the releasable securing means includes a rotatable locking element for push-fit securement.

9. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a releasable attachment means for releasable attachment to a floor of a shower-area, fixed to a lower surface of the sheet.

10. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the releasable attachment means includes at least one suction cup element.

11. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the or each releasable attachment means has an engagement member for attachment of the releasable attachment means to the sheet.

12. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet comprises at least two layers.

13. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the layers each have a plurality of apertures.

14. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each aperture is covered by an attachment ring for the attachment of the releasable attachment means and the joining of the layers.

15. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein each engagement member is engageable with said attachment ring.

16. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface is made from a non-slip material.

17. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each cleaning member has or has a substantially sinu soidally- shaped cro s s - section.

5

18. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

17, wherein each cleaning member is irregularly-shaped.

19. A shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of cleaning members is provided, each

10 cleaning member is radially arranged around a common axis.

20. A method of construction of a shower-area foot cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

attaching a cleaning element to an upper surface of a sheet, the sheet 15 having layers and each layer having at least one aperture;

positioning each layer such that the said at least one aperture of each layer is collinear with the aperture of another layer;

covering the or each aperture with an or part of an attachment ring; and an engagement member of a releasable attachment means being inserted

20 through an aperture so as to engage the associated attachment ring and attached the releasable attachment means to the sheet.

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