Walking foot spa system

Abstract

A system for the treatment of a foot includes a waterproof boot capable of receiving an insert with a plurality of nozzles and a dispensing ring. The insert can receive a human foot to be treated therein. The plurality of nozzles and dispensing ring are each in fluid communication with a pump, when energized, delivers a continuous flow of a fluid therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid is a medicinal, toxin extracting fluid.

Claims

1. A foot spa, comprising: an insert configured to receive a foot of a human wearer, wherein said insert is a unitary molded shoe configured to securely retain said foot within said shoe, said insert comprising: an insert outsole, an insert footbed, and an insert sidewall; the insert sidewall comprising an insert toe cap located at a front portion of said insert sidewall, an insert heel located at a rear portion of said insert sidewall, and an upper opening towards the rear portion of the insert sidewall; wherein said insert toe cap and said insert heel are continuous portions of said insert sidewall, the insert sidewall is attached along all perimeter bottom edges to said insert outsole, and said insert outsole is continuous and forms a bottom of said insert; a boot capable of receiving said insert, wherein an outer contour of said insert is shaped to either conform to, or enable proper insertion and retention of the insert within, an interior of the boot, and wherein the insert outsole rests upon a footbed of the boot; said boot comprising: a boot upper, a boot lower, a boot outsole, a boot interior, a boot toe cap, and a boot heel; wherein said boot is formed in a right foot configuration, a left foot configuration, or a universal configuration, wherein said boot upper and said boot lower form a continuous sidewall of said boot; and wherein said boot outsole includes a boot front outsole adjacent said boot toe cap, and a boot rear outsole adjacent said boot heel, the boot front outsole and boot rear outsole being discontinuous with each other; and a pump in fluid communication with said insert and configured to deliver a pressurized dispensing of a fluid within an interior of said insert against said human foot when the insert is worn, the pump having an inlet and an outlet; wherein said fluid is configured to pool or collect in said insert interior to provide adequate head pressure to enable said pump to operate without cavitation, wherein said pump is sized and rated to enable a continuous transfer of said fluid within said insert interior; said insert further comprising: a plurality of spray tubing having a plurality of spray apertures, the plurality of spray tubing being affixed to an interior surface of said insert sidewall, an inlet port in fluid communication with said inlet of said pump via an inlet tubing, an outlet port in fluid communication with said outlet of said pump via an outlet tubing, and a plurality of nozzles embedded within said insert footbed; said boot further including a tubing port located at said boot heel, said tubing port in environmental communication with said boot interior, wherein said boot footbed is of a height that enables said inlet port and said outlet port of said insert to be aligned with and in fluid communication with said tubing port of said boot, and said tubing port includes a sealing grommet around an inner circumference of said tubing port, to enable said inlet tubing and said outlet tubing to pass, yet also provide a seal from said boot interior to an external environment, to prevent any of said fluid from passing through the tubing port; wherein said plurality of spray tubing and said plurality of nozzles are configured to deliver the pressurized dispensing of fluid from said pump to said wearer's foot.

2. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of spray apertures is located on said plurality of spray tubing such that said plurality of apertures faces said insert interior.

3. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of spray apertures is equidistantly spaced on said plurality of spray tubing or spaced apart ii on any other location on said insert sidewall.

4. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of spray tubing is located adjacent said upper opening of said insert and either forms a continuous ring encircling said interior surface of said insert sidewall or is bisected into two separate sections of spray tubing.

5. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of spray tubing is in fluid communication with a spray manifold located within said insert heel.

6. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said insert interior encompasses an area bounded by said insert sidewall, a planar area intersecting an uppermost perimeter edge of said insert sidewall, and said insert footbed.

7. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles is arranged in a predetermined pattern according to a reflexology chart.

8. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles is arranged in a symmetrical grid-like pattern.

9. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles is configured to conform to a sole of said wearer's foot.

10. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles form upstanding protrusions from said insert footbed and are identical in size and shape.

11. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles is unique in size and shape.

12. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles is flexible and rounded off in order to have a non-penetrative and massaging effect on said sole of said foot when trod upon.

13. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a nozzle manifold, which is located within said insert outsole.

14. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of nozzles each has a dispensing orifice in fluid communication with said insert interior.

15. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said insert interior is in fluid communication with said boot interior and said inlet port and said outlet port.

16. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said inlet port and said outlet port are located at said insert heel and adjacent said insert outsole.

17. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said insert inlet port and said insert outlet port comprise a plurality of fluid connection fittings that are a plurality of threaded fittings, a plurality of compression fittings, or a plurality of friction fit ports.

18. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said boot upper has a height able is configured to cover a majority of a lower half of a leg of said wearer, the boot upper having a diameter configured to permit easy passage of said foot of said wearer and said insert through the boot.

19. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein said boot is made of material selected from a group consisting of: unitary molded material, natural rubber and synthetic rubber.

20. The foot spa, according to claim 1, wherein: said boot, said insert, and said pump are each configured to withstand foot spa temperature treatments; an upper perimeter edge of said boot upper includes an elastic band and a drawstring secured within the elastic band; wherein distal ends of said drawstring are exposed via an opening of said elastic band; the boot includes a strap configured to enable said wearer to grasp said boot and aid in donning or doffing said boot; said boot heel further includes a reinforcing ring or a plurality of multiple rings traversing a circumference of the boot to provide additional support and protection; said inlet tubing and said outlet tubing are constructed out of an inert, resilient, and flexible hollow fluid transfer tubing; and said boot interior encompasses an area bounded by said boot upper, a planar area intersecting with said upper perimeter edge of said elastic band, and said boot footbed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away perspective view of a walking foot spa toxin extractor 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a foot insert 30, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the foot insert 30, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,

(5) FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the foot insert 30 taken along the section line I-I (see FIG. 3), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,

(6) FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram of the walking foot spa 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

(7) 10 walking foot spa toxin extractor 11 boot 12 strap 14 tubing port 15 elastic band 16 drawstring 17 keeper 20 boot lower 21 boot upper 22 boot interior 23 boot heel 25 boot toe cap 26 boot front outsole 27 boot rear outsole 28 boot footbed 30 foot insert 31 nozzle 32a spray tubing 32b spray aperture 33 insert toe cap 34 insert interior 35 insert heel 36 insert sidewall 37 insert outsole 38 insert footbed 40 sealing grommet 41a inlet port 41b outlet port 50 pump 51 inlet tubing 52 outlet tubing 54a spray manifold 54b nozzle manifold 54c insert inlet port 54d insert outlet port 60 toxin extracting composition

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(8) The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 through 5. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. All the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.

(9) The terms a and an herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items.

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

(10) Referring now to FIG. 1, a partial cut-away view of the walking foot spa toxin extractor (herein described as the system) 10, which describes a method for immersing a foot into a composition 60 including all-natural and organic ingredients that promote toxin extraction. The system 10 includes an insert 30 capable of securely and comfortably receiving a human foot therein, a boot 11 capable of securely receiving the insert 30 therein, either while a foot is or is not within the insert 30, and a pump 50 in fluid communication with the insert 30 for delivering a pressurized dispensing of the composition 60 within the insert interior 34, and ostensibly against the foot of a user when within the insert 30. The amount of the composition 60 is limited by the user, but for proper usage of the pump 50, the composition 60 must be large enough to pool or collect in the insert interior 34 to provide adequate head pressure to enable the pump 50 to operate without cavitation. The exact composition 60 is also determined by the user, as well as the temperature. As such, the boot 11, insert 30, and pump 50 must be able to withstand, but not be limited to, typical foot spa temperature treatments e.g., 85 F.-120 F.

(11) The boot 11 is preferably manufactured out a unitary molded material, such as natural or synthetic rubber. The boot 11 has expected features, such as a boot upper 21, a boot lower 20, and a boot interior 22, and is available in either a right foot configuration, a left foot configuration, or a universal configuration (e.g. able to be worn by either the right or the left foot). The boot upper 21 and boot lower 20 has a continuous sidewall. The boot upper 21 has a height able to cover most of the lower half of a leg of a user (i.e., the ankle, shin, and below-the-knee areas), and has a diameter permitting easy passage of the foot of the user and the insert 30 therethrough. The upper perimeter edge of the boot upper 21 has an elastic band 15 secured thereto, with a drawstring 16 secured therein. The distal ends of the drawstring 16 are exposed from an opening of the elastic band 15. A keeper 17 is mechanically fastened to both distal ends of the drawstring 16 and provides a secure fastening of the drawstring 16 at its desired length. Upon pulling outward of the drawstring 16, the elastic band 15 experiences a reduction in diameter, thereby tightening around the leg of the user. This aids in maintaining resistance in any composition 60 from exiting the boot 11. A strap 12 has a pair of distal ends each affixed to opposing sides of the boot upper 21 from the opening and subjacent from the elastic band 15. The strap 12 can enable a user to grasp the boot 11 and aid in donning or doffing the boot 11. In certain embodiments, the boot upper 21 is partially or fully transparent.

(12) As mentioned above, the boot lower 20 has a sidewall continuous with the boot upper 21 and comprises a boot heel 23 at a rear section (also continuous with a the sidewall of the boot upper 21), a boot toe cap 25 at a front section, a boot front outsole 26, located generally subjacent the boot toe cap 25, and a boot rear outsole 27, discontinuous with the boot front outsole 26, generally located subjacent the boot heel, and a tubing port 14 located at the boot heel 23 in environmental communication with the boot interior 22. The boot lower 20 also incorporates a boot footbed 28, upon which the insert 30 is placed. The boot footbed 28 is of a height that enables the inlet port 41a and outlet port 42b of the insert 30 to be in fluid communication with the tubing port 14 of the boot 11. The boot heel 23 may have a reinforcing ring or multiple rings traversing thereabout to provide additional support and protection. The boot toe cap 25 may also have a reinforced area also to provide additional support and protection. A sealing grommet 40 is provided about the inner circumference of the tubing port 14 to enable the inlet tubing 51 and outlet tubing 52 to pass, yet also provide a seal from the boot interior 22 to the environment to prevent any of the composition 60 from passing therethrough. Other embodiments of the system 10 for providing a positive seal from the boot interior 22 to the environment can be a sealing fastener between the sealing grommet 40 and the insert 30.

(13) The boot interior 22 is defined as encompassing the area bounded by the boot upper 21, a planar area intersecting with the uppermost perimeter edge of the elastic band 15, and the boot footbed 28 of the boot lower 20. The boot interior 22 is envisioned to be in fluid communication with the insert interior 34 and able to contain a certain volume of the composition 60.

(14) Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, which illustrate a side elevation and a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the insert 30. The insert 30 is preferably a unitary molded clog-type of slipper-type of shoe that is configured to securely retain a foot of a user therein but does not have any fasteners. The outer contour of the insert 30 is shaped to either conform to or enable proper and snug insertion and retention thereof within the boot interior 22. The insert 30 is properly placed and aligned when the insert outsole 37 rests upon the boot footbed 28. The insert outsole 27 is continuous and forms the bottom of the insert 30. An insert sidewall 36 is attached along all perimeter bottom edges to the insert outsole 37, and has an upper opening towards the rear thereof, providing environmental communication with the insert interior 34. An insert toe cap 33 is located at the fore of the insert sidewall 36 and an insert heel 35 is located at the rear of the insert sidewall 26. An insert footbed 38 is located opposite the interior outsole 37. As such, the insert toe cap 33 and insert heel 35 are continuous with, and are sections of, the insert sidewall 36. The insert interior 34 is defined as encompassing the area bounded by the insert sidewall 36, a planar area intersecting the uppermost perimeter edge of the insert sidewall 36, and the insert footbed 38. The insert interior 34 is envisioned to be in fluid communication with the boot interior 22 and the inlet port 41a and outlet port 41b. Both the inlet port 41a and outlet port 41b are located at the insert heel 35 and adjacent the insert outsole 37. Also, both the insert inlet port 41a and insert outlet port 41b comprise common fluid connection fittings, that are either threaded, compression fittings, or mere friction fit ports.

(15) Referring more closely now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a cut-away view of the insert 30 and a process flow diagram of the system 10, is illustrated herein. Embedded within the insert footbed 38 is a plurality of nozzles 31. The plurality of nozzles 31 in a preferred embodiment are arranged in a pattern reflecting that of common reflexology charts. The number of nozzles 31 and placements thereof can differ according to the reflexology chart being used, or the nozzles 31 can be arranged in a grid-like pattern, either symmetrical or conforming to a typical human sole. The nozzles 31 are upstanding protrusions from the insert footbed 38, and can be identical in size and shape, or each nozzle 31 can be unique in size and shape. The nozzles 31 are preferably integrally formed with the insert 30, or at least the insert footbed 38, and are therefore preferably identical in in material of construction. The nozzles 31 are flexible and rounded off in order to have a non-penetrative and massaging effect on the sole of the foot when placed therein or trod upon. Each nozzle 31 is in fluid communication with a nozzle manifold 54b, which is located within the insert outsole 37. Each nozzle 31 has a dispensing orifice in fluid communication with the insert interior 34.

(16) Embedded within, or alternately affixed to an interior surface of the insert sidewall 36, is spray tubing 32a, having a plurality of spray apertures 32b formed therein. The spray apertures 32b are located on the spray tubing 32a such that they face the insert interior 34. The spray apertures 32b may be equidistantly spaced thereon the spray tubing 32a, or spaced apart in any other location. The spray tubing 32a is located adjacent the upper perimeter of the insert sidewall 36 and can be a continuous ring encircling the interior surface of the insert sidewall 36 or bisected into two (2) separate pieces of spray tubing 32a. Other certain embodiments can provide for multiple elements of spray tubing 32a located at different vertical positions along the insert sidewall 36. The spray tubing 32a is in fluid communication with a spray manifold 54a located within the insert heel 35.

(17) The inlet of both the spray manifold 54a and nozzle manifold 54b are in fluid communication with an insert inlet port 54c. The insert inlet port 54c is in fluid communication with the inlet port 41a located at the rear of the insert heel 35. An insert outlet port 54d is in fluid communication between the insert interior 34 and the outlet port 41b. When the insert 30 is properly inserted into the boot 11, the inlet port 41a and outlet port 41b are aligned with the tubing port 14. The spray manifold 54a and nozzle manifold 454b are simultaneously delivered fluid from the pump 50 via the insert inlet port 54c and outlet port 41b. Certain embodiments may provide for a selective distribution only to the spray manifold 54a or only to the nozzle manifold 54b.

(18) The inlet port 41a is capable of being in fluid communication with the inlet of the pump 50 via inlet tubing 51. Similarly, the outlet port 41b is capable of being in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump 50 via outlet tubing 52. The pump 50 is sized and rated to enable a continuous transfer of the composition 60 with the insert interior 34. Such a pump can be a centrifugal pump, capable of being in electrical communication with a power source and having a power switch. Certain embodiments can also provide for a pump 50 having a variable speed transmission, thereby providing a range of fluid flow. Even another embodiment can provide for discrete speeds capable of being dialed in, to provide specific and reliable fluid flow. The inlet tubing 51 and outlet tubing 52 are constructed out of an inert, resilient, and flexible hollow fluid transfer tubing, such as Tygon.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

(19) The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the system 10 would be constructed in general accordance with FIG. 1 through FIG. 5. The user would procure the system 10 through normal channels while ensuring that the proper size of system 10 is obtained for the size and shape (e.g., right or left) of the foot the user wishes to treat, as well as obtain the inseret 30 having the desired pattern of nozzles 31.

(20) After procurement and prior to utilization, a desired amount, temperature, and specific ingredient list of the composition 60 is to be prepared. The user can then insert the desired foot within the insert 30, such that the sole of the foot engages or is immediately adjacent the nozzle 31. Alternately, the insert 30 can first be inserted into the boot 11. The user can then grasp the handle 12 if necessary, to insert the insert 30 with the foot already inserted into the boot 11, or alternately, their foot into the insert 30 that is already placed in the boot 11. The prepared composition 60 is then introduced into the boot 11 and insert 30. Alternately, the composition 60 can be introduced into the boot 11 and insert 30 prior to the foot of the user being inserted. The ends of the drawstring 16 can then be pulled or loosened such that the elastic band 15 snug fits about the outer circumference of the leg of the foot of the user being treated and secured with the keeper 17.

(21) The boot 11 and insert 30 with the foot inserted therein can be used just walking around or performing normal everyday activities. During a resting period when user with the boot 11 and insert 30 is not in motion, the system 10 can be fully utilized. The pump 50 is placed near the boot 11, the inlet tubing 51 is attached to and provided fluid communication between the inlet of the pump 50 and the inlet port 41a, and the outlet tubing 55 is attached to and provided fluid communication between the outlet of the pump 50 and the outlet port 41b. The pump 50 is energized as desired. The pump 50 thereby delivers a fluid flow of the composition 60 as described earlier to the insert interior 34. The pump 50 delivers the composition 60 to the outlet tubing 52, through the outlet port 41b, into the insert inlet port 54c, and into both the spray manifold 54a and nozzle manifold 54b to deliver the composition 60 to the insert interior 34 via the spray apertures 32b of the spray tubing 32a, and the nozzles 31, respectively. The composition 60 is drawn through the insert outlet port 54d, inlet port 41a, and inlet tubing 51, and the inlet of the pump 50 for subsequent continuous delivery.

(22) 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 considering 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.