US 5,491,908 A · Drying device

Abstract

A device for drying the feet of invalids and physically challenged persons includes a foot support surface upon which a person may step without significant vertical transition from the surrounding floor surface. A plenum chamber is disposed adjacent to a distal and two lateral side edges of the foot support surface. Airflow means provides a flow of heated air to the plenum chamber. The airflow is directed through openings in corresponding distal and lateral walls of the plenum chamber toward the user's foot or feet in a path along and substantially parallel to the foot support surface. Foot operated control means allow the user to control the airflow to the distal, proximal, lateral and medial regions of the foot to dry the same.

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Claims10

Dependent claims

A foot drying device adapted to be supported on a floor surface defining a floor plane, comprising:

a base having a foot support surface adapted to accept and support a human foot, the foot support surface comprising a distal and two lateral side edges and being in a plane coincident with the floor plane;
airflow means;
a plenum chamber for receiving air from the airflow means and situated relative the foot support surface to direct toward the foot airflow from the distal and lateral side edges of and in a plane parallel to the plane of the foot support surface, the plenum chamber having a distal wall and two lateral walls adjacent the distal and lateral edges of the foot support surface, each of the plenum chamber walls having openings therethrough for directing airflow toward the foot along and parallel to the plane of the foot support surface, the openings through the lateral walls of the plenum chamber including openings of larger individual and aggregate area than the openings through the distal wall of the plenum chamber such that the airflow to the foot is preferentially directed in greater proportion toward the sides of the foot;
and
control means for regulating the airflow means.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description1,980 words

Summary816 words

#The present invention relates to an improved drying device for human feet, and in particular, a device comprised of a foot support surface and airflow means for directing an airflow substantially parallel to the foot support means and toward the user's feet.

#Most persons find it desirable and healthful to bath on a regular basis. For some individuals, however, problems are encountered when attempting to dry various portions of their bodies after bathing. These problems are especially true with respect to invalids, the elderly and other physically challenged persons, where personal mobility is often restricted. Those portions of their bodies creating the greatest challenges are often the feet.

#The inability to adequately dry one's feet often creates adverse health consequences beyond the consequences of discomfort. For example, various fungal infestations tend to thrive in the presence of moisture, and are often encouraged by the lack of proper drying of the feet. Thus, the inability of many persons to adequately dry their feet is of considerable importance.

Brief description of the drawings4 figures

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the foot drying device of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the device;

#FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the device; and

Detailed description1,094 words

#The following is a description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. Other modes of carrying out the invention, without departing from the scope of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description proceeds.

#Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the foot drying device 10 of the invention comprises a base portion including a foot support surface or platform 12, only slighted raised in elevation from the surrounding floor surface (e.g., one half inch), upon which a person may stand or otherwise place his/her feet. The foot support surface 12 is preferably provided with a toughened or other non-skid finish and its perimeters are substantially defined by a rear or distal edge 14 and two side edges 16. An open front or proximal edge 18, is positioned adjacent a water collection trough 20. The foot support surface 12 is preferably slightly inclined (i.e., 0.5 to 1.0 degrees) from horizontal, such that any water deposited thereon will run off the foot support surface 12 for collection in the water trough 20. The trough is preferably removable from the device 10 for disposal of any water which may run off the foot support surface 12.

#As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plenum chamber 22 is positioned adjacent the rear edge 14 and side edges 16 of the foot support surface 12. The plenum chamber 22 is comprised of a distal chamber 24 and two opposite lateral chambers 26, 28. The plenum chamber 22 is preferably constructed from two interfitting molded plastic chamber members 30, 32, which can be made of any durable and readily formable plastic material, as can the foot support surface or base 12. A sealing means (not shown) can be placed between the chamber members 30, 32 when joined to provide a substantially airtight seal.

Drying device

Life of this patent

Drying device

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims10

Description1,980 words

Drawings

Classification2 codes

Life of this patent

Description1,980 words