Soaking basin and disposable liner

• US 7,559,096 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2004
• Issued: 07/14/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vladimir Zolotnik
• Original Assignee: Vladimir Zolotnik
• Inventors: Zolotnik, Vladimir
• Primary Examiner(s): Fetsuga; Robert M
• Application Number:
  US10/867,964
• Publication Number:
  US 20040237185A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,856 Days
• Field of Search: 462/1, 462/2, 4DI/G 1.8, 458/0, 465/5, 601/22, 601/55, 132/73.5, 132/73.6
• US Class Current: 4/622
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 19/06 in the form of bowls or similar open containers
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 29/00 Manicuring or pedicuring implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 35/006 for the feet

Abstract

A soaking apparatus utilizing a soaking basin and a disposable liner configured to fit within the basin cavity. The basin is comprised of a material layer formed to define an integral floor and a peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The basin floor and peripheral wall together define the boundary of a basin cavity. An elongate protrusion protrudes from the floor into the basin cavity between left and right foot areas. The liner is comprised of a thin (e.g., 3-12 mils) material layer formed to define an integral floor and peripheral wall projecting upwardly therefrom. The liner floor and peripheral wall are dimensioned to closely nest within the basin cavity. The liner floor also defines left and right foot areas spaced by a protrusion projecting into the liner cavity. The underside of the liner protrusion forms a concave recess for accommodating the basin floor protrusion.

Claims

1. In combination:

a reusable basin; and

a single use liner;

said basin comprising

a substantially rigid material layer formed to define an apertured basin floor and a basin peripheral wall projecting upwardly from said basin floor, said basin floor and peripheral wall forming a boundary around a basin cavity;

said liner comprising;

a liquid impermeable material layer formed to define a liner floor and a liner peripheral wall projecting upwardly from said liner floor, said liner floor and peripheral wall forming a boundary around a liner cavity;

said liner floor defining a left foot area and a right foot area; and

a protrusion formed on said liner floor protruding into said liner cavity; and

wherein

said liner floor and peripheral wall are dimensioned to allow said liner to be removably accommodated in said basin cavity supported by said basin floor and peripheral wall.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said protrusion on said liner floor comprises an elongate protrusion located between said left foot area and said right foot area.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said elongate protrusion protrudes from an upper surface of said liner floor and defines a concave recess in a lower surface of said liner floor.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein said basin floor defines a protrusion protruding into said basin cavity;

and wherein

said basin protrusion is shaped and dimensioned to closely fit into said liner floor concave recess.

5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said protrusion on said floor comprises multiple bumps protruding into said liner cavity for engaging the soles of a user placed on said left and right foot areas.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said basin peripheral wall has an outwardly turned lip at its upper end defining a peripheral recess;

and wherein

said liner peripheral wall has an outwardly turned lip at its upper end shaped and dimensioned to be accommodated in said basin lip peripheral recess.

7. The combination of claim 1 further including a tab extending outwardly from the upper edge of said liner peripheral wall to facilitate manual handling of said liner.

8. The combination of claim 1 further including a base unit for supporting said basin;

said base unit including means for vibrating said basin.

9. The combination of claim 1 further including a base unit for supporting said basin;

said base unit including means for heating said basin.