U.S. patent application number 11/715004 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-11 for exfoliating apparatus.
Invention is credited to Brian R. Nasca.
Application Number | 20080216855 11/715004 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39740418 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080216855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nasca; Brian R. |
September 11, 2008 |
Exfoliating apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for exfoliating skin is provided which includes a
base having at least one leg depending from the underside thereof.
The leg(s) are configured for removably securing the apparatus into
a fixed position against a surface. The apparatus includes a
plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions having a variety of
texture grades.
Inventors: |
Nasca; Brian R.; (Myrtle
Beach, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
P. Jeff Martin of The McGougan Law Firm, LLC;Suite 200
2120 Sea Mountain Hwy., P.O. Box 4369
N. Myrtle Beach
SC
29597
US
|
Family ID: |
39740418 |
Appl. No.: |
11/715004 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
132/76.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/320004
20130101; A61B 17/54 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
132/76.5 |
International
Class: |
A45D 29/20 20060101
A45D029/20 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for exfoliating skin, the apparatus comprising: a
base; at least one leg depending from an underside of the base, the
at least one leg securing the apparatus into a fixed position; and
at least one abrasive region coupled to the base.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises at least
one margin, the margin having a beveled form.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one leg comprises
a suction cup coupled to the base.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one abrasive
region comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the abrasive sheet comprises a
plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive textures.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality
of mutually adjacent abrasive regions, each one of the abrasive
regions comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of mutually
adjacent abrasive regions comprises at least one coarse texture
grade and at least one fine texture grade.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising an intermediate
texture grade.
9. An apparatus for exfoliating skin, the apparatus comprising: a
base; at least one leg depending from the underside of the base,
the at least one leg securing the apparatus into a fixed position;
and a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions, the
plurality of abrasive regions comprising at least one coarse
texture region and at least one fine texture region.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the base comprises at least
one margin, the margin having a beveled form.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one leg
comprises a suction cup coupled to the base.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an intermediate
texture region disposed intermediately between the coarse texture
region and the fine texture region.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each one of the abrasive
regions is coupled to the base via hook and loop material.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a hook or loop material
strip is adhered to the underside of the abrasive region, and
wherein a complementary hook or loop material strip is adhered to
the topside of the base, the hook and loop mutually engaging in an
interlocking and separable manner.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein each one of the abrasive
regions comprises an overhang for grasping and removing one of the
abrasive regions by separating the hook and loop material.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein each one of the abrasive
regions utilizes a water-resistant paper liner.
17. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an open-cell sponge
attachment, wherein the sponge attachment comprises hook or loop
material applied to the underside of the attachment, the hook or
loop material complementary to the hook or loop material adhered to
the topside of the base.
18. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an attachable and
removable platform, the platform comprising: a base having a
dimension smaller than the base of the apparatus; at least one leg
coupled to the underside of the base, the at least one leg utilized
for coupling the platform to the base of the apparatus; an abrasive
sheet coupled to the base; hook or loop material applied to the
topside of the platform base; and hook or loop material
complementary to the topside of the base applied to the underside
of the abrasive sheet of the platform, the abrasive sheet coupled
to the base via the hook and loop material.
19. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a semicircular
exfoliating attachment, wherein the semicircular exfoliating
attachment comprises hook or loop material applied to the underside
of the semicircular exfoliating attachment, the hook or loop
material complementary to the hook or loop material adhered to the
topside of the base.
20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base includes a pliable
abutment boss suitably attached centrally to the underside thereof.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention was first described in Disclosure
Document No. 604,330 filed on Aug. 03, 2006 under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.122, 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.14, and MPEP .sctn.1706. It is
respectfully requested that said Disclosure Document remain a
permanent part of the file history of the present application and
be relied upon during the pending prosecution, and for any other
matters that may arise concerning said present application and the
subject matter contained therein. There are no previously filed,
nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the
world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to scrubbing devices
and, more particularly, to a portable, lightweight exfoliating
apparatus adapted for stationary, callus-removal operation.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Calluses and corns are areas of thick, hardened, dead skin.
They form to protect the skin and body structure under the skin
from pressure, friction, and injury. Calluses generally form on the
palms of the hands or the soles of the feet when the epidermis
thereof becomes partially keratinized due to repeated pressure or
friction on an area of skin over time. The pressure causes the skin
to die and form a hard, protective surface.
[0006] Calluses on the hands are often caused by the regular
handling of an object that puts pressure on the hand, such as tools
or sports equipment. Calluses and corns on the feet are often
caused by pressure from footwear such as tight shoes, high-heeled
shoes, loose shoes, and thin-sole shoes. Walking barefoot can also
cause calluses. The outer edge of the big toe and the sides of the
heel are the most common areas for callused feet.
[0007] Calluses and corns can cause discomfort and can also become
painful. Thus, it is often necessary to periodically remove such
calluses from the palms of the hands, elbows or soles of the feet.
Traditionally, a pumice stone or a mechanical sander device have
been employed for manually filing the calluses and corns in order
to facilitate their removal. However, these conventional methods
and apparatuses for callus removal require the use of ones hands
and bending over. Furthermore, such methods and apparatuses are
time consuming, laborious, inefficient, and often painful.
[0008] Accordingly, a need has arisen for a stationary,
foot-operated exfoliating device adapted to allow for the removal
of calluses in a manner which is quick, easy, efficient and
painless. The development of the exfoliating apparatus fulfills
this need.
[0009] A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that
read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the
following references were considered related:
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,660, issued in the name of Park;
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,034, issued in the name of Biernacinski
et al.;
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,055, issued in the name of Connor;
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,042, issued in the name of Sakai;
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,262, issued in the name of Lechtman;
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,563,012, issued in the name of Hill;
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,250, issued in the name of Robbins, III
et al.;
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,052, issued in the name of Regner,
and
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. D475,792, issued in the name of Robbins,
III.
[0019] Consequently, a need has been felt for a stationary,
foot-operated exfoliating device adapted to allow for the removal
of calluses in a manner which is quick, easy, and efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a lightweight, portable exfoliating apparatus adapted for
stationary operation.
[0021] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exfoliating apparatus having a base with at least one leg depending
from the underside thereof.
[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
plurality of legs each comprising a suction cup coupled to the
base.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide
base having a plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions,
wherein each one of the abrasive regions comprising a removable and
replaceable abrasive sheet with a plurality of mutually adjacent
abrasive regions comprising at least one coarse texture grade, at
least one intermediate texture grade, and at least one fine texture
grade.
[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
base comprising a variety of aesthetics, including a variety of
solid colors, clear or translucent, multi-color patterns, and
indicium or indicia (including the use of licensed
trademark(s)).
[0025] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus adapted for allowing the user thereof to exfoliate
his/her foot, hand, or elbow in a manner which is quick, easy,
efficient, and painless.
[0026] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an exfoliating apparatus adapted for filing
fingernails.
[0027] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an exfoliating apparatus adapted for exfoliating feet without
requiring hand manipulation or bending over.
[0028] Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present
invention, a an apparatus for exfoliating skin is disclosed, the
apparatus comprising a base, at least one leg depending from the
underside of the base, the at least one leg securing the apparatus
into a fixed position, and at least one abrasive region coupled to
the base. The apparatus may also be utilized for filing
fingernails.
[0029] In another embodiment, an apparatus for exfoliating skin is
disclosed, the apparatus comprising a base, at least one leg
depending from the underside of the base, the at least one leg
securing the apparatus into a fixed position, and a plurality of
mutually adjacent abrasive regions, the plurality of abrasive
regions comprising at least one coarse texture region and at least
one fine texture region.
[0030] In each of the embodiments described above, the base may
comprise at least one margin, the margin having a beveled form.
[0031] In each of the embodiments described above, the at least one
leg may comprise a suction cup coupled to the base.
[0032] In each of the embodiments described above, the at least one
abrasive region comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive
sheet. The abrasive sheet comprises a plurality of mutually
adjacent abrasive textures. The base comprises a plurality of
mutually adjacent abrasive regions, each one of the abrasive
regions comprises a removable and replaceable abrasive sheet. The
plurality of mutually adjacent abrasive regions comprises at least
one coarse texture grade and at least one fine texture grade.
[0033] In each of the embodiments described above, each one of the
abrasive regions may be coupled to the base via hook and loop
material. The hook or loop material strip is adhered to the
underside of the abrasive region, and wherein a complementary hook
or loop material strip is adhered to the topside of the base, the
hook and loop mutually engaging in an interlocking and separable
manner. Each one of the abrasive regions comprises an overhang for
grasping and removing one of the abrasive regions by separating the
hook and loop material.
[0034] In each of the embodiments described above, each one of the
abrasive regions utilizes a water-resistant paper liner.
[0035] In each of the embodiments described above, the apparatus
may further comprise an open-cell sponge attachment, wherein the
sponge attachment comprises hook or loop material applied to the
underside of the attachment, the hook or loop material
complementary to the hook or loop material adhered to the topside
of the base.
[0036] In each of the embodiments described above, the apparatus
may further comprise an attachable and removable platform, the
platform comprising a base having a dimension smaller than the base
of the apparatus, at least one leg coupled to the underside of the
base, the at least one leg utilized for coupling the platform to
the base of the apparatus, an abrasive sheet coupled to the base,
hook or loop material applied to the topside of the platform base,
and hook or loop material complementary to the topside of the base
applied to the underside of the abrasive sheet of the platform, the
abrasive sheet coupled to the base via the hook and loop
material.
[0037] The use of the present invention allows for the quick, easy,
efficient, and painless removal of calluses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The advantages and features of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the following more
detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with
like symbols, and in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the exfoliating apparatus,
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;
[0042] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the hook and loop material
strips of FIG. 3;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of the abrasive
region;
[0044] FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the top view as
depicted in FIG. 5;
[0045] FIG. 7 is an alternate embodiment of the top view as
depicted in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a side view of a sponge attachment;
[0047] FIG. 9 is a side view of a platform attachment attached and
removable from the base structure of the apparatus;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a side view of a semicircular exfoliating
attachment; and
[0049] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the semicircular
exfoliating attachment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
1. Detailed Description of the Figures
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus 10 for
exfoliating skin is disclosed and described in accordance with at
least one conceived embodiment. The apparatus 10 comprises a base
12 having at least one leg 14 depending from the underside of the
base 12, and at least one abrasive regions 16 coupled to the
topside of the base 12. The apparatus 10 may be placed or
positioned so that the leg(s) 14 are fixedly secured to a surface,
thereby inhibiting movement of the apparatus 10 during use. Once
the apparatus 10 is in position, a user may exfoliate his/her foot
by passing the foot over the abrasive region(s) 16 in a
longitudinal path (forward and backward relative to the user's
orientation), which may be repeated with additional abrasive
region(s) 16 of varying texture grade if so desired and if so
provided.
[0051] It is envisioned that the apparatus 10 may comprise a
plurality of legs 14 (as depicted in FIG. 1, with the legs denoted
by 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d, respectively), and/or a plurality of
abrasive regions 16 (as depicted in FIG. 6, with the abrasive
regions denoted by 16a, 16b and 16c, respectively).
[0052] The base 12 may comprise a variety of shapes or forms,
dimensions, materials, and combinations thereof. For instance, it
is envisioned that the base 12 may have an orthogonal, circular or
elliptical shape, among other forms. The outer margin(s) of the
base 12 may have a beveled and/or rounded edge to decrease the
likelihood of injury. It is further envisioned that the base 12 may
have a variety of dimensions, especially dimensions conducive for
use within a tub or shower. In one embodiment, the base 12
comprises an orthogonal form having the dimensions 7''
(height).times.9'' (width).times.1/4'' (thickness). The height,
width and/or thickness may vary in accordance with tub or shower
widths. It is further envisioned that the base 12 may comprise a
variety of materials, including a number of plastic materials, and
including transparent or translucent materials, or non-corrosive
metal materials, or combinations thereof. Additionally, it is also
envisioned that the base 12 may comprise a variety of aesthetics,
including a variety of solid colors, clear or translucent,
multi-color patterns, and indicium or indicia (including the use of
licensed trademark(s)).
[0053] An underside of the base 12 may also include a pliable
abutment boss 40 suitably attached centrally thereto. During use of
the apparatus 10, the pliable abutment boss 40 functions to provide
centralized subjacent support to the base 12 when base 12 is
secured to a selected surface.
[0054] The leg(s) 14 may comprise a variety of devices. In one
embodiment, the leg(s) 14 may comprise a durable silicone or other
plastic-based suction cup 15, to which pressure may be applied to
generate a secure seal between the stall surface and the suction
cup 15. In another embodiment, the leg(s) 14 may comprise a leg or
post having an adhesive material affixed to the end engaging the
stall surface. Each leg 14 is secured to the base via a threaded
bolt or stud and a non-corrosive nut coupled thereto. It is
envisioned that other similar devices and substitutes may be
utilized to achieve the same effect and function without departing
from the scope of the disclosure and the claims herein.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, the abrasive region 16 is
positioned along the topside of the base 12, thereby easily
accessed by the user. The abrasive region 16 may comprise a single
abrasive sheet of a particular texture grade (see FIG. 5), a single
abrasive sheet having a plurality of varying texture grades (see
FIG. 2), or a plurality of abrasive sheets of varying texture
grades (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, respectively), and is discussed in
greater detail below. The abrasive region(s) 16 may be coupled to
the base 12 by a variety of means, including the use of hook 24 and
loop 26 material. For instance, and but one example of the
possibilities available, a complementary set of hook and loop
material strips 18 and 20, each having an adhesive agent 28 along
the backside of each protected by a removable protective backing,
may be used so that one of either the hook or the loop material
strip 18 or 20 is adhered to the base and the remaining one of
either the hook or the loop material strip 18 or 20 is adhered to
the underside of an abrasive sheet used as at least a portion of
the abrasive region(s) 16. In such a configuration, the
complementary hook and loop material strips 18 and 20 may be
coupled or interlocked so that subjacent material firmly (such as
hook material adhered to the base) and securely maintains the
superjacent material (such as loop material adhered to the
underside of the abrasive sheet) into a fixed position during use.
Additionally, in such a configuration, the abrasive sheet(s) of the
abrasive region(s) 16 is/are removable by separating the hook 24
and loop 26 material and substituting a new and/or different
texture grade abrasive sheet as desired. It is envisioned that hook
and loop material strips 18 and 20 may be oriented or sized so that
the hook or loop material adhered to the underside of the abrasive
sheet has an excess or overhang 22 relative to the hook or loop
material adhered to the topside of the base 12. The excess or
overhang 22 provides means for easy disposal and replacement of the
exhausted abrasive sheet of the abrasive region(s) 16, wherein the
user grasps the excess or overhang 22 and separates the hook and
loop material, thereby releasing the abrasive sheet from the
abrasive region 16. It is envisioned that each one of the abrasive
regions 16 utilizes a water-resistant paper base abrasive sheet so
as to extend the life of the abrasive sheet(s) and the abrasive
region(s) 16 for use in a bath or shower.
[0056] In one embodiment, as described above, and as depicted in
FIG. 5, the abrasive region 16 comprises a single abrasive sheet
having a single texture grade, which may comprise coarse, fine or
intermediate textures, thereby giving the user flexibility in
choice. In another embodiment, as described above, and as depicted
in FIG. 6, the abrasive region 16 comprises a single abrasive sheet
having a plurality of texture grades sheets disposed thereon, and
denoted by reference characters 16a, 16b and 16c, respectively. In
such an embodiment, having at least two abrasive regions (and
depicted as three regions), the user is given the opportunity to
utilize more than one texture grade for treatment. It is envisioned
that the abrasive regions 16a, 16b and 16c may be separated by
indicia for the user's convenience. In a related embodiment, the
apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 7 utilizes a plurality of distinctive
abrasive regions 16, and illustrates three abrasive regions 16
utilizing three distinctive abrasive sheets (also using reference
characters 16a, 16b and 16c, respectively).
[0057] In the embodiments depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it is
envisioned that 16a may comprise a coarse texture grade, 16b may
comprise an intermediate texture grade, and 16c may comprise a fine
texture grade. In this configuration, the most preferable sequence
would begin with 16a, then move to 16b, and finish with 16c. The
coarse texture grade 16a is utilized in removing the build-up of
hard skin calluses. The intermediate texture grade 16b is utilized
in softening the skin after the bulk of the callus(es) have been
removed. The fine texture grade 16c is utilized for completely
removing any rough portions or edges from the skin once the coarse
and intermediate grades have been utilized.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 8, the apparatus 10 may further
comprise an open-cell sponge attachment 30. The attachment 30 may
comprise a hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 applied to the
underside of the attachment, the hook or loop material strip 18 or
20 complementary to the existing hook or loop material strip 18 or
20 applied to the topside of the base 12. The attachment 30 may be
substituted for the abrasive region 16, or one of the abrasive
regions 16a, 16b or 16c as depicted in FIG. 7, and utilized for the
application of a lotion, oil, or topical medicine to the foot or
feet. In such an application, the lotion, oil or topical medicine
is placed onto the top surface of the sponge, and the user passes
the foot or feet over the sponge in a manner similar to that
utilized with regard to the abrasive region(s) 16. As the foot or
feet is/are passed over the sponge, the lotion, oil and/or medicine
is transferred to the foot or feet.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 9, the apparatus 10 may further
comprise an attachable and detachable platform 32 comprising a base
34 of smaller dimension than the base 12 of the apparatus 10. The
base 34 may comprise at least one leg 36 coupled to the underside
of the base 34. A hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 is applied
to the topside of the base 34, and complementary hook or look
material strip 18 or 20 is applied to the underside of an abrasive
sheet or region 38, wherein the hook and loop material strips 18
and 20 cooperatively couple the abrasive sheet or region 38 to the
base 34.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the apparatus 10 may
further comprise a semicircular exfoliating attachment 50 defining
an elongated configuration. The semicircular exfoliating attachment
50 may comprise a hook or loop material strip 18 or 20 applied to
the underside thereof, with the hook or loop material strip 18 or
20 complementary to the existing hook or loop material strip 18 or
20 applied to the topside of the base 12. The semicircular
exfoliating attachment 50 includes an abrasive region 16 coupled to
the outer external circumferential surface 51 thereof. The abrasive
region 16 may comprise a single abrasive sheet of a particular
texture grade. The semicircular exfoliating attachment 50 may be
substituted for the abrasive region 16, or one of the abrasive
regions 16a, 16b or 16c as depicted in FIG. 7, and is utilized for
exfoliating particularly the arch and outer edges of the foot or
feet.
[0061] It is envisioned that the apparatus 10 may be retrofit to an
existing tub or shower stall, or integral to a tub/shower stall. It
is envisioned that the floor surface of the stall is the expected
placement, although installation at other locations is envisioned,
such as along the front wall just below the faucet, angled for ease
of use. It is also envisioned that the apparatus 10 may be
installed in the floor of the tub or shower stall with a removable
panel recessed just below the surface of the floor, and having a
drain line running from recess into standard drain line of the tub
or shower stall.
2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment
[0062] To use the present invention, user fixedly secures the
exfoliating apparatus 10 via the suction cups 15 thereof at a
desired location such as the floor surface of the tub/shower stall
or along the front wall just below the faucet. User next exfoliates
his/her foot, hand, or elbow by passing the foot, hand, or elbow
over the abrasive region(s) 16 in a longitudinal path, which may be
repeated with additional abrasive region(s) 16 of varying texture
grade if so desired. More specifically, user slides his/her foot,
hand, or elbow forward and backward relative to the user's
orientation against the coarse texture grade 16a for removing the
build-up of hard skin calluses. User then slides his/her foot,
hand, or elbow forward and backward relative to the user's
orientation against the intermediate texture grade 16b for
softening the skin after the bulk of the callus(es) have been
removed. Finally, user slides his/her foot, hand, or elbow forward
and backward relative to the user's orientation against the fine
texture grade 16c for completely removing any rough portions or
edges from the skin.
[0063] The use of the present invention allows for the quick, easy,
efficient, and painless removal of calluses.
[0064] Therefore, the foregoing description is included to
illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not
meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an
individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the
present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor
modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. The
foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope
of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following
Claims.
* * * * *