EP1716799A2 - Tool for the hygiene of the feet - Google Patents

Abstract

The aid for assisting elderly or handicapped people to wash and dry between the toes comprises a bar (1) with a handle (2) and tapered end (3). An absorbent sleeve can be fitted over this. An independent claim is included for an aid for assisting elderly or handicapped people to wash and dry between the toes comprising a board with a rib on its surface which fits between the toes and the ball of the foot.

Description

The invention relates to aids for foot hygiene, in particular for limited in their body movement persons, such as the elderly and the physically disabled.

For people who are limited in their musculoskeletal system, such as some seniors or people with disabilities in general, the care of the feet, even the regular washing and the subsequent drying of the feet, often without great help connected with great difficulty or not possible. It therefore happens that the care of the feet and thereby the necessary hygiene are neglected. If there is no help from others, the washing of the feet often consists only of moving the feet in the water, and the subsequent, equally important, drying of the feet then happens only very imperfectly. This naturally causes hygienic and health problems. Especially in the toe gaps and in the fold at the transition from the toes to the sole of the foot creates a fertile soil for athlete's foot in the case of poor hygiene or it can lead to soreness.

The object of the invention is to provide auxiliaries, with the help of a limited in their musculoskeletal system, especially when bending person limited their feet without help in the toe spaces and the fold at the transition between the toes to the sole of the foot to wash in a hygienic satisfactory manner and then dry.

This is inventively achieved with an aid consisting of a rod with handle at one end and a slightly conical shaped and slightly downwardly inclined tip at its opposite end. The tip is preferably coatable with a suitably shaped coating of absorbent material. With the help of the rod, the tip can be inserted into the toe spaces of the feet and moved back and forth in it. With a wet coating on the top, it can be washed in the toe gaps and then dried on the top with a dry coating.

The handle is preferably designed as a closed ring and provided on the inside with recessed grips, so that it can be taken and kept well and safely.

If the rod is about the length of a walking stick, a person can be comfortably, e.g. while sitting, do the washing and drying of the toe spaces without outside help. The rod can also be telescopic, so that it can be adapted to different body sizes and the aid, when it is not needed, can accommodate space.

It is advantageous if the rod has a groove at the transition to the tip or the tip has an edge into or behind which the elastic band of a coating of absorbent material can grip the tip. The coating is thus sufficiently fixed during use and can be easily and quickly replaced with another, new or dry.

Alternatively, the coating can also be fixed with a clamp on the rod behind the tip, preferably on Rod is firmly attached so that it can not get lost.

As a skin-friendly and highly absorbent material for the coating is particularly cotton terry. Disposable coatings, e.g. made of cotton or a fleece. Such a web would at the same time apply e.g. of ointments and the like.

According to a preferred embodiment, the point has in side view a slightly conical, slightly downwardly inclined, rounded at one end shape and in cross-section a triangular basic shape with rounded corners, the side surfaces are slightly curved outward and the base surface is slightly curved inwards , Such a shaped tip is easy to insert into the toe spaces and snugly nestles therein.

According to another embodiment, the tip may be narrow cylindrical, tapering towards the rounded end. Instead of a longitudinal reciprocating motion can then be performed between the toes, a rotating movement, which may facilitate handling for some people, because the tip then can not accidentally slip out.

Preferably, the tip is formed as a separate, replaceable part and can be fixed by means of a detachable plug or snap connection on the end facing away from the handle of the rod. So the tip can be easily replaced if necessary.

The replaceable tip is also provided with an absorbent surface. It also has a side view a slightly conical, slightly downwardly inclined, rounded at one end and at the opposite end an edge having shape and in rear view, ie in the direction of its edge, a triangular basic shape with rounded corners. The side surfaces are also preferably slightly curved outward and the base surface is slightly curved inward so that it can nestle in the toe space. An opening is provided which serves to connect the tip to the rod.

For its purpose, the tip about 5cm long and at its end remote from its rounded end or at the transition to the bar about 1cm high and at the base about 0.8 to 0.9 cm wide.

According to a particular embodiment, an actuatable by a actuator, mechanical or battery-powered drive is provided, which allows the tip to perform a relative to the rod in the longitudinal direction reciprocating motion. Thus, the degree of movement can be determined well and the risk that the tip is unintentionally pulled out of the toe space and must be reintroduced is low.

For this, the rod may be hollow and driven by a battery powered drive shaft may be rotatable therein, which is connectable at its protruding from the rod end with the tip and whose rotational movement is convertible into a linear movement of the tip.

Alternatively, in the hollow rod, a plunger which can be acted upon by a spring that can be tensioned and relaxed by means of an actuating element can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction, whose end protruding from the rod can be connected to the tip.

The tip may be formed as a hollow body and in its wall openings may be provided, can be pressed through the air, which specifically the drying process can be supported; in the cavity then a possibility for receiving the drive shaft of the battery-powered drive or the plunger of the mechanical drive is provided.

The aid described can be supplemented by a second aid, which consists of a board whose dimensions allow the comfortable placement of a foot or both feet and on the surface of the front region a transverse bead is formed, which forms the fold between the toe and sole of a foot is overreachable. By spreading this bead with the toes and light back and forth and the fold can be effectively washed and dried, including the board should be coated with a coating of absorbent, preferably roughened material. By moving on the roughened material also softened horny cells of the soles of the feet are removed.

For washing, the coated board can be placed in a container filled with water, then removed for drying and provided with another, dry coating.

The board can be provided on its underside with suction cups and thus made non-slip.

The two aids, one for washing and drying the toe gaps, the other for washing and drying the fold at the transition from the toes to the sole of the foot, complement one another and can preferably be provided as a set.

Fig. 1

ein Hilfsmittel zum Waschen und Trocknen der Zehenzwischenräume in seiner einfachsten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 2

eine bevorzugte Fortbildung des Hilfsmittels zum Waschen und Trocknen der Zehenzwischenräume,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung zur Veranschaulichung des Gebrauchs des Hilfsmittels nach Fig. 1 oder 2,

Fig. 4

eine Teilansicht des Hilfsmittels nach Fig. 1 oder 2 von oben gesehen zur Veranschaulichung von dessen Gebrauchslage am Fuß,

Fig. 5a und 5b

die jeweilige Seitenansicht der Spitze des Hilfsmittels und des zugehörigen Wasch- bzw. Trockenüberzugs,

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht der Spitze in Richtung des Pfeiles P in Fig. 5a,

Fig. 7

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 6 mit aufgebrachtem Überzug,

Fig. 8

den vorderen Abschnitt einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 9

die Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A - A in Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Hilfsmittels zum Trocknen des Falzes am Übergang von den Zehen zur Fußsohle,

Fig. 11

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie B - B in Fig. 10 mit aufgesetztem Fuß zur Veranschaulichung der Benutzung des Hilfsmittels nach Fig. 10.

In the following the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings; show it:

Fig. 1

an aid for washing and drying the toe gaps in its simplest embodiment,

Fig. 2

a preferred embodiment of the aid for washing and drying the toe gaps,

Fig. 3

1 is a schematic representation for illustrating the use of the aid according to FIG. 1 or 2, FIG.

Fig. 4

1 is a partial view of the aid according to FIG. 1 or 2, seen from above, illustrating its position of use on the foot;

Fig. 5a and 5b

the respective side view of the tip of the auxiliary and the associated washing or dry coating,

Fig. 6

a view of the tip in the direction of arrow P in Fig. 5a,

Fig. 7

a view according to FIG. 6 with applied coating,

Fig. 8

the front portion of a preferred embodiment of the invention in side view,

Fig. 9

the sectional view taken along the line A - A in Fig. 8,

Fig. 10

a perspective view of an aid for drying the fold at the transition from the toes to the sole of the foot,

Fig. 11

a section along the line B - B in Fig. 10 with an attached foot to illustrate the use of the aid of FIG. 10th

In its simplest embodiment according to Fig. 1, the means for washing and drying the toe spaces consists of a rod 1 with a handle 2 at its one end and a slightly downwardly inclined, slightly conical tip 3 at its other end, on the one This tip 3 correspondingly shaped wash or dry coating 4 shown in FIG. 5b can be postponed. This is preferably made of a cotton terry fabric or other suitable, in particular absorbent material and is on the top 3, for. held by an elastic band 7 (see Fig. 7), which engages in an annular groove 5 or groove 5 on the rod 1. The handle 2 is preferably designed as a closed ring with recessed grips on the inside, so that it can be taken and held well and safely.

For use, a washcoat 4 is first pushed onto the tip 3 in such a way that it sits firmly enough thereon, for example, by the engagement of an elastic band 7 in the groove 5. Then, as schematically shown in Fig. 3, a person in comfortable posture, for example, sitting on a chair, clean or wash their own toe spaces without assistance by inserting the coated tip 3 successively in the individual toe spaces and lightly into it moved (see also Fig. 4). Of course, the washcoat 4 is naturally moistened or wetted beforehand, or the subject puts his foot into a water-filled container and uses the aid in the manner described.

For subsequent, to avoid athlete's foot very important, thorough drying of the toe gaps of the washcoat 4 is replaced by a dry identical in the form of dry coating 4. Thereafter, the toe spaces may be in the same manner, i. Dry thoroughly by inserting the tip coated with a dry coating 4 and gently rocking. The coatings 4 can be provided for change into packs of a certain number. If appropriate, washcoat and drycoat can be made distinguishable by different staining. For washing in the washing machine would be a Wäschenetz useful, which may be attached to the article in the sale, so that the per se small coatings can not be lost. Disposable coverings 4 are also hygienically advantageous.

Likewise, if the aid is to be used by different people, the coatings may be differently colored for differentiation.

The rod 1 may preferably be telescopic, so that its length can be adapted to the size of a person's body and the device can be set aside after use until re-use also save space.

There may be a need or need to replace not only the wash and dry covers 4 but also the tip 3 after a few uses. In order not to have to exchange the entire device, according to a development of the invention, the tip 3 shown in FIG. 2 as a separate, replaceable on the rod 1 part can be formed (see Fig. 5a). It then forms a separate tip 3, which is placed on the remote from the handle 2 end of the rod 1 and for example by means of a simple snap connection 6 (see Fig. 8) can be releasably secured. A cover 4 according to FIG. 5b is mounted in the same way as already described and can be gripped behind the edge 8 of the tip 3 with an elastic band 7 (see FIG. 7). Another way to fix the cover 4 on the top 3 may be a clamp that holds the cover 4 on the top 3. The clamp should then be secured captive on the rod.

Fig. 2 shows yet another development of the invention. It may also be difficult for some people to perform the above-described reciprocating movement of the tip 3 between the toes, e.g. without this unwanted again and again completely pulled out of the toe space and then must be re-introduced, which in itself can make circumstances. It can therefore be provided a mechanical or a battery-powered drive 9, which can be actuated by means of an actuator provided on the handle 2 10 and causes only short reciprocating movement of the tip 3. The actuator 10 may, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, be mounted so that it can be conveniently operated with the thumb closed around the handle 2 fist with the thumb or it may be located at the recessed grips of the handle inside (not shown), so that it can be operated by opening and closing the fist. For example, the tip 3 itself may have a length of about 5 or 6cm, for the amount of movement about 2cm are quite sufficient.

The mechanical drive (not shown) can be done by means of a spring which is tensed by repeated actuation of the actuating element 10 and relaxed again, while each time the tip 3 with the cover 4 is applied to make the desired movement.

The rod 1 may be formed to hollow, and in the cavity, the spring and an acted upon by her plunger can be accommodated, which protrudes with its one end at the rod end and the tip 3 carries.

According to FIGS. 2 and 6 to 9, a battery-powered drive 9 is to be provided which can be switched on and off with the aid of the actuating element 10. In the hollow rod 1 there is a driven by the drive 9 drive shaft 11, the rotational movement is converted by an indicated in Fig. 4 eccentric in the linear, reciprocating movement for the tip 3, which extends to the protruding from the rod 1 end 12 of the drive shaft 11 is placed (see Fig. 8).

FIGS. 5a to 9 show a form of the tip 3 together with the coating 4, which is considered particularly suitable for the purpose described. Other training is possible. Thus, the tip can also have a narrow cylindrical, tapered towards its rounded end shape. Instead, by a reciprocating motion, the desired effect can then be achieved by a rotating movement between the toes, the risk is lower that the tip slips out of the toe space unintentionally.

According to Fig. 5a, the tip 3 in side view has an elongated, slightly conically inclined downwards shape and is rounded at its outermost end; their length can be for example about 5 to 6 cm. At its end remote from the rounded tip end, the edge 8 is formed. Each cover 4 is formed according to the tip 3 and held at the edge 8 preferably by an elastic band 7 (see Fig. 7).

In the view of Fig. 6, i. in the direction of the arrow P in Fig. 5a, it has a triangular basic shape, the tips are rounded. The side surfaces 13 of the top 3 are slightly curved outward, the narrower base 14, however, is slightly curved inwards. In addition, the tip 3 has a circular opening 15, with which it can be plugged onto the drive shaft 11 or on the plunger of a mechanical drive (not shown). The connection between the tip 3 and the free end of the drive shaft 11 or plunger may be a simple snap connection 6; other types of connection are possible.

The tip 3 may be a plastic molded part. For the coverings 4, a cotton terry fabric is preferred as the material, it is skin-friendly and, in particular, is highly absorbent for use as a dry coating 4. However, another material with these properties can also be used.

For its purpose, the tip about 5cm long and at its end remote from its rounded end or at the transition to the bar about 1cm high and at the base about 0.8 to 0.9 cm wide.

To support the drying process in the toe gaps, the tip 3 can be designed as a kind of toe hair dryer. The tip 3 would then form a hollow body, and in the wall 16, a number of small openings would be provided, could be blown through the air. The battery operation could be switched from the reciprocating movement of the tip 3 to hair dryer operation. In the cavity 17 of the tip 3 also a special receiving possibility 18 for the drive shaft 11 would be provided.

The above-described aid can be useful in washing and drying the toe spaces. In order to be able to wash and dry in the fold at the transition of the toes to the sole of the foot, an additional aid according to FIGS. 10 and 11 is proposed. It consists of a simple board 19, preferably made of plastic, whose size is chosen so that one foot or both feet can be placed on it at the same time and comfortably find space on it (see Fig. 11). On the top of the board 19, a transverse bead 20 is formed in the front region. Also, the board 19 can be coated for its use with a cover, preferably made of cotton terry (not shown). This coating is then for example so much larger than the board 19 that he can grab with an elastic band under the edges of the board 19. So it is easily interchangeable and washable between applications. It would also be conceivable to form this cover as a type, preferably closable, bag in which the board 19 can be inserted. A disposable cover can also be chosen for hygienic reasons.

To apply the provided with a coating board 19 is first placed in a ready for the Fußwaschung and filled with sufficient water container on the bottom. Thereafter, one foot or both feet are simultaneously placed on the board 19 so that the bead 20 is overlapped with the fold of each foot (see Fig. 11, shown without a coating). By light, especially sideways movements of each foot can be washed in the fold. For drying the fold may preferably be another same board 19 with a dry coating ready. The drying in the fold is done in the same way by placing and moving one or both feet on the coated board 19. To make the board 19 slip resistant, it may be provided on its underside with suction cups 21.

The two tools described are preferably provided together as a set for foot hygiene and hygienic foot care.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Rod

2

Handle

3

top

4

coating

5

Groove or groove

6

snap

7

elasticated

8th

edge

9

drive

10

actuator

11

drive shaft

12

The End

13

faces

14

Floor space

15

opening

16

wall

17

cavity

18

recording capability

19

board

20

bead

21

suckers

Claims (24)

Aid for foot hygiene, in particular for persons restricted in their body movement, such as the elderly and the physically handicapped, consisting of a rod (1) with handle (2) at one end and a slightly conical and slightly downwardly inclined tip (3) at its opposite end , Aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (2) is designed as a closed ring and has recessed grips on its inside. An aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip (3) can be covered with a correspondingly shaped coating (4) of absorbent material. Aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod (1) has approximately the length of a walking stick and is telescopic. An aid according to claim 3, characterized in that the rod (1) at the transition to the tip (3) has a groove (5) or the tip (3) has an edge (8) into or behind which the elastic band (7) a cover (4) of absorbent material for the tip (3) can engage. Aid according to claim 3, characterized in that the coating (4) with a clamp on the rod (1) behind the tip (3) is fixable. Aid according to claim 6, characterized in that the clamp on the rod (1) is fastened captive. Aid according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover (4) consists of cotton terry. Aid according to claim 3, characterized in that the coating (4) consists of a non-woven and is formed as a disposable part. An aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip (3) in side view has an elongated, slightly conical, slightly downwardly inclined, rounded at one end shape and has a triangular basic shape with rounded corners in cross section, wherein the side surfaces (13 ) are curved slightly outward and the narrower base (14) is slightly curved inwards. Aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip (3) has a narrow cylindrical shape tapering at its rounded end. Aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip (3) is designed as a separate, replaceable part and by means of a detachable plug or snap connection (6) on the handle (2) facing away from the end of the rod (1) can be fastened. Aid according to claim 12, characterized in that the tip (3) is provided with an absorbent surface. Aid according to claim 12, characterized in that the tip (3) in side view an elongated, slightly conical, slightly downwardly inclined, at its one end rounded and at the opposite end an edge (8) having the shape that the tip (3 ) in rear view, ie in the direction of the edge (8), a triangular basic shape with rounded corners, wherein the side surfaces (13) are slightly curved outward and the narrower base (14) is slightly curved inwards and that an opening ( 15) is provided for connecting the tip (3) with the rod (1). Aid according to claim 12, characterized in that the tip (3) has a narrow cylindrical shape tapering at its rounded end. Aid according to claim 1 or 12, characterized in that the tip (3) about 5cm long and at its end remote from its rounded end or at the transition to the rod (1) about 1cm high and at the base about 0, 8 to 0.9cm wide. Aid according to claim 12, characterized in that an actuatable by a on the handle (2) actuating element (10), mechanical or battery-powered drive (9) is provided, the tip (3) with respect to the rod (1) in Longitudinal reciprocating or only rotating movement can perform. An aid according to claim 17, characterized in that the rod (1) is hollow and therein a driven by the battery-powered drive (9) drive shaft (11) is rotatable, at its from the rod (1) projecting end (12) with the top (3) is connectable and the rotational movement in a linear movement of the tip (3) can be implemented. Aid according to claim 17, characterized in that the rod (1) is hollow and therein by a by means of an actuating element (10) tensionable and releasable spring acted upon plunger in the longitudinal direction is movable back and forth from the rod (1) outstanding End with the top (3) is connectable. Aid according to claim 17, characterized in that the tip (3) is a hollow body and in its wall (16) openings are provided, can be pressed through the air, and that in the cavity (17) receiving means (18) for the drive shaft (11) or the plunger of the mechanical drive (9) is provided. Aids for foot hygiene, in particular for persons restricted in their body movement, such as seniors and the physically handicapped, consisting of a board (19) whose dimensions allow the comfortable placement of one or both feet and on whose surface in the front region a transverse bead (20) is formed, which is overlapped with the fold between the toe and sole of a foot. Aid according to claim 21, characterized in that the board (19) is coatable with a coating of absorbent material. Aid according to claim 21, characterized in that the board (19) is provided on its underside with suction cups (21). Foot care set consisting of an aid according to one or more of claims 1 to 20 and an aid according to one or more of claims 21 to 23.

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