Pedicure station

Abstract

A pedicure station includes an angled support for supporting the foot undergoing a treatment, a storage compartment for storing the accessories and supplies needed for performing the pedicure, and at least one sidewall with a moveable portion that can be opened to access the storage compartment. The station can include a moveable accessory platform for positioning the pedicure accessories during the pedicure. The station can include a base and a top member, with the support member pivotally connected to the top member.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/583,462, filed Jun. 28, 2004.

TECHNICAL FILED AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the present application relates to an apparatus for supporting a person's foot while the foot is undergoing a treatment, such as a pedicure or medical procedure. The invention is particularly useful as a support or rest on which the foot of the user is placed in a position that is conducive to performing pedicures. The invention provides a comfortable and ergonomic device for assisting in performing pedicures, while also providing a convenient place to store the items used during pedicures. In addition, the device n is portable and provides a convenient way for transporting pedicure-related items.

Pedicures are a common grooming activity, particularly among women. When having a pedicure done, it is desirable to position one's foot on a stable support at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees. Pedicures require a variety of instruments and supplies, such as clippers, nail files, nail polish, polish remover, lotion, scissors, nail hardener, cuticle softener and pumice stones. As such, it is necessary to store these items when not in use. Furthermore, it is inconvenient and difficult for the user get up from her set position when in the process of giving herself a pedicure in order to obtain another needed item. This is due to the fact that the user's toes are typically wet with nail polish, and therefore shoes cannot be placed on the feet and there is a potential for the user's movement to result in the polish rubbing off on carpet, furniture and other parts of the user's foot. It is likewise desirable for the professional giving others pedicures to have all necessary instruments conveniently at her disposal. As such, it is generally desirable to have a convenient place where all necessary items can be placed so that the user is not required to get up and search for additional needed items while recently applied nail polish or remover is still wet.

The present invention provides a pedicure station on which the user can place her foot at a comfortable angle. In addition, the invention provides a drawer with ample room for storing pedicure equipment, and easy slide access to the pedicure equipment. The station fits in any compact space for storage, and a folding top allows the user to put items thereon during storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for positioning the foot of a person receiving a pedicure, that also provides a compartment for storing instruments and supplies needed for performing pedicures.

It is another object of the invention to provide a pedicure station that provides a support on which pedicure related items can be placed and easily accessed by the user while performing a pedicure.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a foot support station includes a base member, at least one side member carried by the base member, a top member carried by the at least one side member, and a support member pivotally connected to the top member. The station has an interior space for storing one or more objects, and the support member is moveable between a closed position in which the support member extends in an incline from the side member to the top member to support a foot thereon, and an open position in which the support member is removed from the side member to expose the interior space.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a container is positioned within the interior space.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the station includes first, second, third and fourth side members extending upwardly from the base member, and the top member is carried by at least one of the first, second and third side members.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the station has a trapezoidal shape when the support member is in the closed position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member extends in an incline from the fourth side member to the top member when in the closed position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fourth side member has a height approximately half of the height of each of the first, second and third side members.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the top member is mounted on the first, second and third side members.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member resides at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees when in the closed position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the station is adapted for use in performing pedicures.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the foot support station includes a base, at least one sidewall carried on the base, and a support member carried on the sidewall and angled for supporting a foot thereon. The station defines an interior space for storing one or more objects therein, and at least a portion of the sidewall is moveable between a closed position and an open position for exposing the interior space.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the sidewall includes a front member, a rear member, a first side member and a second side member extending upwardly from the base member, and the rear panel extends higher than the front panel. At least one of the front member, the rear member, the first side member and the second side member is moveable between a closed position and an open position for exposing the interior space.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first side member and/or the second side member is pivotally connected to the rear member so that the pivotally connected side member(s) is moveable between the closed position and the open position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member includes a lower edge connected to the front member and a top edge connected to the rear panel. The front member extends higher than the lower edge of the support member to form a rest for supporting a heel portion of the foot positioned on the support member.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the station includes an accessory member pivotally connected to a top edge of the rear member, so that the accessory member is moveable between a first position in which the accessory member is positioned on the support member, and a second position in which the accessory member is removed from the support member and extends substantially parallel to the base member so that one or more objects can be carried on the accessory member while a foot is positioned on the support member.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the accessory member is substantially perpendicular to the rear member when in the second position.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a handle is mounted on the sidewall for facilitating transport of the station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pedicure station according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1A is another perspective view of the pedicure station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the pedicure station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a pedicure station according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is another front elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is another side elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is yet another side elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is yet another side elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 7, and showing an accessory drawer;

FIG. 13 is yet another side elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 8, also showing the accessory drawer;

FIG. 14 is a rear elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 7, showing the accessory drawer on top of the pedicure station; and

FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the pedicure station of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a pedicure station according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The pedicure station 10 comprises a back panel 14, left side panel 15, right side panel 16, and a relatively shorter front panel 17 mounted on a base panel 18. A top panel 12 is mounted on the rear panel 14, left side panel 15 and right side panel 16. The pedicure station 10 preferably has a trapezoidal shape, and includes a foot support panel 11 for positioning the foot of the user thereon. The foot support panel 11 is pivotally connected to the top panel 12 of the pedicure station 10 so that the support panel 11 can be opened to access an interior space of the pedicure station 10, as shown in FIG. 1A. An accessory drawer 13 can be placed within the interior of the pedicure station 10. The accessory drawer 13 can hold pedicure related instruments and supplies, such as clippers, nail files, nail polish, polish remover, lotion, scissors, nail hardener, cuticle softener and pumice stones. These items can be placed on the top panel 12 of the pedicure station 10, while a pedicure is being given to provide easy access for the person performing the pedicure. The pedicure station can be made from wood, plastic or any other suitable material.

The pedicure station 10 can have the following dimensions:

Measurements for Both Left and Right Side Panels 15, 16:

side panel back is 14 inches

side panel top back to front is 3 inches middle back to front is 9 inches

bottom back to front is 9½ inches

Back Panel 14 Measurements:

Length is 14 inches

Width is 11 inches

Foot Support Panel 11 Measurement:

Length is 11½ inches

Width is 11 inches

Half Front Panel:

Width 11 inches

Length 6 inches

Base Panel 18 Measurement:

Length 11¼ inches

Width 9¼ inches

Accessory Drawer 13 Measurement:

Length 11¼ inches

Width 9¼ inches

A pedicure station according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-15, and shown generally at reference numeral 20. The pedicure station 20 comprises a back panel 24, left side panel 25, right side panel 26, and a relatively shorter front panel 27 mounted on a base panel 18. A foot support panel 21 extends at an incline from the front panel 27 to the top of the rear panel 24. The pedicure station 20 preferably has a trapezoidal shape.

An accessory platform 22 is pivotally connected to the top edge of the rear panel 24 by a suitable pivoting connector, such as hinges 35. The foot support 21 is preferably positioned at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees. When in use, the accessory platform 22 can be lifted off of the foot support 21 and pivoted to be substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 24, substantially parallel to the base member 28, and extending on the opposite side of the station 20, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. In this position, the user places her foot to be pedicured on the foot support 21, while instruments and supplies needed for the pedicure can be placed on the accessory platform 22.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, one of the side panels 26 is pivotally connected to the side edge of the rear panel 24 by a suitable pivoting connector, such as hinges 35. As such, the side panel 26 can be opened, as shown in FIG. 11, to expose the interior of the pedicure station 20, which provides a storage area. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an accessory drawer 23 can be placed within the interior of the pedicure station 20. The accessory drawer 23 can hold the instruments and supplies needed for pedicures. The accessory drawer 23 is sized to fit snugly within the bottom of the interior of the pedicure station 20, as shown in FIG. 13.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the front panel 27 extends slightly higher than the lower edge of the foot support panel 21 to provide a comfortable rest for the heel portion of the user's foot. Complimentary latching mechanisms 29 and 30 are positioned on the front panel 27 and right side panel 26, respectively. The latching members 29 and 30 engage each other to keep the side panel 26 securely closed, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

As shown in FIG. 15, the outer surface of the rear panel 24 has a handle 32 affixed thereto. The handle 32 provides a convenient means for the user to carry the pedicure station 20 from one location to another.

Although the invention is described above as being a pedicure station, it is contemplated that the invention can be used in other fields and applications that can utilize a foot rest. For example, the invention can be useful to podiatrists and other medical practitioners, as well as footwear retailers. In addition, the invention can be made in a variety of shapes, such as with a circular or triangular base.

A pedicure station, and a method for using same are described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A foot support station comprising:

(a) a base member;

(b) at least one side member carried by the base member;

(c) a top member carried by the at least one side member; and

(d) a support member pivotally connected to the top member, and defining with the base member and the at least one side member an interior space for storing one or more objects therein, the support member moveable between a closed position wherein the support member extends in an incline from the at least one side member to the top member for supporting a foot thereon, and an open position wherein the support member is removed from the at least one side member to expose the interior space.

2. A foot support station according to claim 1, further comprising a container for positioning within the interior space.

3. A foot support station according to claim 1, and comprising first, second, third and fourth side members extending upwardly from the base member, and wherein the top member is carried by at least one of the first, second and third side members.

4. A foot support station according to claim 3, wherein the station has a trapezoidal shape when the support member is in the closed position.

5. A foot support according to claim 3, wherein the support member extends in an incline from the fourth side member to the top member when in the closed position.

6. A foot support station according to claim 3, wherein the fourth side member has a height approximately half of the height of each of the first, second and third side members.

7. A foot support station according to claim 3, wherein the top member is mounted on the first, second and third side members.

8. A foot support station according to claim 1, wherein the support member resides at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees when in the closed position.

9. A foot support station according to claim 1, wherein the station is adapted for use in performing pedicures.

10. A foot support station comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) at least one sidewall carried on the base;

(c) a support member carried on the sidewall and angled for supporting a foot thereon; and

(d) wherein the base, the sidewall and the support member define an interior space for storing one or more objects therein, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one sidewall is moveable between a closed position and an open position for exposing the interior space.

11. A foot support station according to claim 10, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a front member, a rear member, a first side member and a second side member extending upwardly from the base member, the rear panel extending higher than the front panel, and further wherein at least one of the front member, the rear member, the first side member and the second side member is moveable between a closed position and an open position for exposing the interior space.

12. A foot support station according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first side member and the second side member is pivotally connected to the rear member whereby the pivotally connected side member is moveable between the closed position and the open position.

13. A foot support station according to claim 11, wherein the support member includes a lower edge connected to the front member and a top edge connected to the rear panel, and further wherein the front member extends higher than the lower edge of the support member to form a rest for supporting a heel portion of the foot positioned on the support member.

14. A foot support station according to claim 11, further comprising an accessory member pivotally connected to a top edge of the rear member, whereby the accessory member is moveable between a first position wherein the accessory member is positioned on the support member, and a second position wherein the accessory member is removed from the support member and extends substantially parallel to the base member whereby one or more objects can be carried on the accessory member while a foot is positioned on the support member.

15. A foot support station according to claim 14, wherein the accessory member is substantially perpendicular to the rear member when in the second position.

16. A foot support station according to claim 10, further comprising a container for positioning within the interior space.

17. A foot support station according to claim 10, wherein the station has a trapezoidal shape.

18. A foot support station according to claim 10, wherein the station is adapted for use in performing pedicures.

19. A foot support station according to claim 10, wherein the support member extends at an angle of approximately forty-five degrees.

20. A foot support station according to claim 10, further comprising a handle mounted on the sidewall for facilitating transport of the station.