Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Light application
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-21
2004-07-13
Gibson, Roy D (Department: 3739)
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Light application
C607S090000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06761730
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to foot-care device, and, more specifically, to a portable foot tanning device. Although other foot-care, tanning devices have been devised, the current invention provides the convenience of compact, energy efficient, ergonomic and a multi-functional tanning device that the prior arts lack.
The current invention provides an additional element in the form of a hinged panel having the lamp assembly thereon that can be swung through approximately 270° and hingedly positioned to a point whereby the tanning device can be used on other body parts.
Feet tanning not only provides care for the feet in terms of circulation and hygiene, but it also provides cosmetic benefits in that the feet look healthier and blend in with the rest of a tanned leg by eliminating tan lines.
The current invention is, in its basic form, an enclosure. In the enclosure is found a lamp that can be energized to emit UVA and/or UVB rays within the interior. In its basic form, the device can be solid on the outside. The removable feet compartment allows access to the internals.
An aperture is positioned on the top of the device wherethrough one of more feet can be inserted for tanning purposes. The aperture is not sealed like other prior art device which in themselves would create tan lines having appendage gripping members. The natural, loose allowance in space around the ankle makes it possible for the degree of tanning to be graduated, thereby eliminating tan lines.
Upper front portion of the device, directly above the tanning lamp, is slotted for the passage of hot air from the inside. This hot air can be allowed to escape naturally, or forced by the cooling fan.
The rest of the front portion of the device, directly behind the tanning lamp, is used to equip control devices such as timer and switch as well as a handle and air-intake openings.
What makes the current invention energy efficient is the inside reflective surfaces that are also gently curved, which act like lenses, focusing lights emitted by the tanning lamp to the center of the void.
The center portion of the void is separated from the tanning lamp by the transparent feet compartment liner that protects feet from the heat of the tanning lamp by preventing direct contact. This liner is designed to contain the feet and can be removed for external cleaning and sterilization. A mechanical interlock prevents the lamp(s) from being activated without the liner in place.
The front portion of the device where the tanning lamp and the control devices are found is generally shaped convex, reminiscent of a half sphere. The alternative embodiment of the current invention is envisioned, in which the front portion of the tanning lamp and control device assembly is hinged on top, thereby allowing it to be opened upward to a predetermined height such that the assembly is fixable in between by means therefor. This allows the lamp to be pointed outward and toward the front of the device, thereby allowing tanning on other parts of the body of a user positioned in the front of the device.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are other tanning devices designed for portable tanning. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 1,280,857 issued to V. L. Ruiter on Oct. 8, 1918.
Another patent was issued to V. L. Ruiter on Apr. 20, 1920 as U.S. Pat. No. 1,337,798. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 1,660,794 was issued to W. Hudson on Feb. 28, 1928 and still yet another was issued on Jun. 25, 1929 to M. N. Zublin as U.S. Pat. No. 1,718,770.
Another patent was issued to Lower, et al., on Sep. 15, 1936 as U.S. Pat. No. 2,054,332. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 2,311,415 was issued to R. Rouat on Feb. 16, 1943. Another was issued to J. T. Sexton on Jun. 29, 1948 as U.S. Pat. No. 2,444,379 and still yet another was issued on Aug. 27, 1963 to E. S. Cornell, Jr. as U.S. Pat. No. 3,101,716.
Another patent was issued to F. Wolff on Sep. 1, 1981 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,554. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,248 was issued to J. Whitson-Newman on Nov. 14, 1995. Another was issued to J. D. Swanson on Aug. 14, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,906 and still yet another was issued on Oct. 30, 2001 to R. E. Maxwell as U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,366.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,280,857
Inventor: V. L. Ruiter
Issued: Oct. 8, 1918
This invention has for its object a novel and efficient therapeutic apparatus in which various diseases and ailments of the limbs of the body may be effectively treated by the application of an intense dry heat and strong rays of light.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,337,798
Inventor: V. L. Ruiter
Issued: Apr. 20, 1920
One of the main objects of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the character stated by means of which the lower potion of the body may be subjected to the action of heat and light rays from all sides thereof so as to effectually penetrate the body so as to kill the disease germs and reduce inflammation and promote circulation.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,660,794
Inventor: W. Hudson
Issued: Feb. 28, 1928
In a therapeutic appliance for the purpose described, an inlet for alternating current, an inlet for direct current, a resistance element comprising a plurality of turns of resistance wire, and having one end connected to the direct current circuit and the other end connected to the alternating current circuit and a regular arm engaging said resistance and having a connection to both the direct current and alternating current line, whereby a portion of the resistance is included in the direct current circuit and another portion of said resistance in included in the alternating current circuit.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,718,770
Inventor: M. N. Zublin
Issued: Jun. 25, 1929
The invention provides a reducing and light treatment cabinet in which a person with a weak heart may be effectively treated. In actual practice, it is possible to keep a patient having a weak heart in a cabinet of the invention for twenty-eight minutes at a temperature of 120° F., whereas the patient can be kept only ten minutes in the common type of cabinet and only at a temperature of 80° F.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,054,332
Inventor: A. E. Lower, et al.
Issued: Sep. 15, 1936
The invention relates to therapeutic lamps and particularly to one of a type designed for treating the feet and the lower portions of the legs of a patient. The principal objects of the invention are to provide an electric apparatus of this character so constructed that a great concentration of heat or light rays on the members being treated may be had with a relatively low consumption of electric current; one in which such heat or rays may be selectively directed against the feet from different directions and with different intensities without moving the feet and without the use of any complicated electrical apparatus; and one in which a comfortable support for the feet is provided, which may be manipulated by the patient to alter the position of the feet in the zone of heat as may be desired and arranged so that the entire area of the feet is exposed to the heat and light rays.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 2,311,415
Inventor: R. Rouat
Issued: Feb. 16, 1943
The invention relates to an electric bath and particularly to a bath in which the beneficial rays and heat from the electric element are reflected and projected onto and into the body of the bather while enclosed and reclining.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,444,379
Inventor: J. T. Sexton
Issued: Jun. 29, 1948
This invention relates to ray treating appliances of the portable character, and has for its primary aim to provide a therapeutic cabinet, designed to house ray lamps of the type known to be helpful in the treatment of skin diseases and that has unique structure for holding the member being treated in, proper position with respect to said lamps.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,101,716
Inventor: E. S. Cornell, Jr.
Issued: Aug. 27, 1963
This invention relates to apparatus for treating parts of the human body with radiation and in particular skin diseases of the feet and hands, for example, athlete's foot.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,287,554
Inventor: F. Wolff
Issued: Sep. 1, 1981
Apparatus for
Johnson Colleen
Johnson William
Gibson Roy D
Johnson, III Henry M.
Kroll Michael I.
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