US20100088816A1

US20100088816A1 - Washer Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20100088816A1
Application number: US12/249,839
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian David Rollins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-10
Filing date: 2008-10-10
Publication date: 2010-04-15

Abstract

A washing apparatus and method is disclosed that is adapted to be disposed within a bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes a base having a first side and a second side that is adjacent to a bathtub floor or a shower stall floor. Further included in the apparatus is an open receptacle that is disposed adjacent to the base first side, with the base first side having a user foothold area adjacent to and external to the open receptacle. Also included in the apparatus is an extension member having a distal end portion with a handle and an extension member proximal end portion that extends from the base first side. The receptacle further includes a plurality of washing bristles disposed on an interior of the receptacle and a manually operated reservoir for selectively dispensing soap adjacent to the bristles.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a washer apparatus that is adapted to be placed in a shower or bathtub. More particularly, the present invention is a washer apparatus that is designed to assist an elderly or disabled individual to wash their feet in the shower or bathtub. This is accomplished by eliminating the need for the individual to bend over to apply soap and to scrub their feet using their hands which would be a difficult and a potentially dangerous situation in the shower or bathtub that has a slick surface from the presence of soap and water that could easily lead to a fall of the individual in the shower or bathtub possibly resulting in injury. The present invention helps in overcoming this problem by allowing an individual to wash their feet while remaining in a standing position while grasping with their hands a handle to help stabilize their standing position while washing their feet. Additional features such as scrubbing bristles and selectable soap dispensing being all operated by the individual's foot further result in sufficient foot washing while standing and not needing any hands for the foot washing.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

For many people, cleaning their feet in a shower or tub by bending over or balancing with their foot lifted can prove difficult because of a disability, a handicap, an injury, being overweight, trouble balancing, lack of flexibility, and other similar issues. Apparatus for cleaning feet are known in the prior art, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,668 to Slonicki that discloses a foot scrubber with a soap dispenser for a user who is unable to reach his feet. The foot scrubber in Slonicki comprises a housing with brushing attached to the inner surfaces of the housing, at least one suction cup for attaching the housing to the surface, a compressible dispenser for dispensing selected fluid when pressure is applied, an arm for applying pressure on the compressible means, and a handle rigidly connected to the arm by a substantially vertical shaft. The suction in Slonicki is releasable by a lever located on the handle (Column 2, lines 6-21). However, Slonicki does not offer an accessible method for cleaning the top portion of the user's foot or a plausible route for the water collected in the housing to exit. Slonicki offers suction cups to hold the apparatus in the shower, although with the numerous styles of showers and bathtubs, suction cups will not adhere to an uneven surface such as tile or slip-resistant protrusions, also suction cups lose effectiveness with soap scum buildup and time aging, further the suction cup is activated by a handle control, which reduces the stabilizing effect of the handle for the user. Another difference, Slonicki's foot cleaner does not offer lateral support commissioned by the user placing their body weight on the apparatus. The user must stand away from Slonicki's foot cleaner, either to the side or in front of, and separate their balance between their lower body by standing on one foot and their upper body by holding the handle for upper body support. This separation disrupts the user's symmetry making the apparatus difficult to coordinate for users with a disability, an injury, trouble balancing, etc.
Additional prior art for foot scrubbing devices for washing a user's foot within a shower employing bristles on a base member are known, such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,729,858, 6,223,379, 5,813,078 follows as detailed. Contrary to the present invention, these foot scrubbing devices do not offer stabilization to the user by a grasping means, such as a handle for the user to rely on. Starting with U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,858 to Riffel disclosed is a foot scrubbing system with suction cups on the lower surface of the base member, a plurality of foot bristles extend upwardly from the base member, and three toe bristles are disposed within the base member inwardly of an end portion thereof (Column 2, lines 48-54). Continuing with U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,379 to Martin disclosed is a foot cleaner device with a housing having an extended upper and bottom portion spaced apart forming a foot-receiving slot in between with bristles disposed on extended portions. The device also has a compartment for storing selected fluid with a pump member on the housing, and suction cups on the bottom side of the housing for attaching and detaching to the floor (Column 3, lines 20-40). Further in, U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,078 to Hogan Sr. disclosed is a shower foot washer having a casement having vertical partitions with brush extensions to aid in cleansing of one's foot and toes. A button on Hogan, Sr. is positioned on the casement for dispensing soap when pressed also a plurality of bores extending from the top surface to bottom surface of casement allowing water and soap to drain through the shower foot washer, as well as suction cups positioned along the bottom surface of casement allowing the washer to be positioned and removed in the shower stall or tub. (Column 1, lines 62-67. Column 2, lines 1-13).
Other foot scrubbing devices for washing a user's foot include U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,631 to Keith having a bristled top and bottom wall with a reservoir disposed between the top and bottom wall to store soap and water therein (Abstract). Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,398 to Thomson having a bath mat with a raised bristled foot pad containing a selected fluid bladder underneath (Abstract), and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,893,508 to Andrews having a pedestal with a rough surface pad to step on with four vertical scrubbing posts for scrubbing in between the toes, as well as a pressurized selected fluid compartment via a foot pump (Abstract). Once again, these foot scrubbing devices do not offer a stabilizing grasping means for the user nor entire foot scrubbing, typically only scrubbing a portion of the foot. They require the user to trust their own balance as they scrub their own foot, rather than assist the user's balancing.
Numerable patents discuss a foot washing apparatus, as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,870 to Farias having a foot washer comprising a coupler valve capable of attaching to a shower outlet, with a hose allowing the passage of water between the shower outlet and hollow frame with the hollow frame being capable of spraying water, wherein the user places a foot (Abstract), noting that there is no stabilizing handle. Continuing, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,720 to Stephens et al. having a valve structure actuating water through a fluid conduit utilized as a manipulatable valve, or as a lever arranged to displace a piston within a valve housing permitting fluid flow into a fluid manifold (Abstract). Whereby, both Farias and Stephens et al., gently wash the feet in a shower type manner without foot scrubs or a stabilizing hand grasping means.
The present invention relates to a foot scrubbing apparatus for cleaning and washing the feet of people who have difficulty washing their own feet. The foot scrubbing apparatus is disposed within the shower or tub with a substantially flat base for the user to stand on with both feet. The standing base has drain holes throughout the base preferably including anti-slip surfaces on both the underside and the topside of the base, thus operationally the drain holes directing the water to pass through the base preventing water from puddling up and thus making the surface more slip-resistant for the user. The apparatus includes an adjustable extension with a handle and handgrips further allowing the user to set the height of the handle to a selected elevation, operationally giving the user balance and stabilization while standing on the base. A housing positioned in the center portion of the base includes bristles disposed within an interior of the housing, with the housing forming a foot slipper type of enclosure. The housing also has an open portion adjacent to the user's heel area for accommodating the user to slide one foot inside the housing like a slipper with the foot adjacent to the bristles, whereby the user may scrub clean their foot on all sides using the bristles. A soap dispenser, located inside the housing underneath the bottom bristles, assuages the user to discharge soap upon their foot by pressing down on the dispenser with their foot and body weight while the user can maintain a firm stabilizing grip on the handle with the user's hands not being required for dispensing the soap. Also, the bristled housing and soap dispenser removably disengage from the housing for decontamination. By having the user stand on the base with both feet, their body weight becomes the medium for helping to maintain the apparatus in a stable and secure position in the shower or tub. As the user is cleaning their foot in the housing, they naturally shift their body weight to one side, wherein the foot not being cleaned supports a majority of the user's weight thus providing stability of the base and thus the handle for grasping for the foot scrubbing apparatus as against the shower or tub.
None of the prior art offer a foot scrubbing apparatus for scrubbing the feet of people who have difficulty washing their own, that includes a perforated base for the user to stand on with a bristled housing in the middle, wherein the user may apply pressure to release soap from the soap dispenser and scrub clean their foot, in addition to a height adjustable handle that helps support the user while they are using the foot scrubber. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that there is a continuing need for and interest in improvements to foot washers, and in this respect, the present invention addresses this need and interest.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention is a washing apparatus and method is disclosed that is adapted to be disposed within a bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes a base having a first side and a second side that is adjacent to a bathtub floor or a shower stall floor. Further included in the apparatus is an open receptacle that is disposed adjacent to the base first side, with the base first side having a user foothold area adjacent to and external to the open receptacle. Also included in the apparatus is an extension member having a distal end portion with a handle and an extension member proximal end portion that extends from the base first side. The receptacle further includes a plurality of washing bristles disposed on an interior of the receptacle and a manually operated reservoir for selectively dispensing soap adjacent to the bristles.
These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the washing apparatus, that is adapted to be disposed within a bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes a base that is adjacent to a bathtub floor or a shower stall floor, also shown is an open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having a user foothold area, also included in the apparatus is an extension member terminating in a handle;

FIG. 2 shows a view of the washing apparatus from the user's perspective, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also shown is the handle;

FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the washing apparatus, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, also shown is the open receptacle that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also shown is the extension member handle;

FIG. 4 shows a view of the washing apparatus from the bathtub or shower stall side, showing the base with the apertures for fluid flow;

FIG. 5 shows a close up view of FIG. 1, which shows a perspective view of the washing apparatus, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also shown is a partial view of the extension member;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the open receptacle with washing bristles, from the user foot entry side;

FIG. 7 shows cross section 7-7 from FIG. 5, specifically detailing the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, with the base apertures, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also shown is a partial view of the extension member;

FIG. 8 shows cross section 8-8 from FIG. 1, specifically detailing the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, with the base apertures, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also shown is the extension member with a proximal end portion adjacent to the base with a means for selectably adjusting the extension member length and an extension member distal end portion terminating in the handle;

FIG. 9 shows expanded view 9 from FIG. 8, of the means for selectably adjusting the extension member length;

FIG. 10 shows expanded view 10 from FIG. 8, of the open receptacle that is adjacent to the base, wherein the open receptacle has washing bristles disposed within and in addition to showing the detail on the soap dispensing bladder also disposed within the open receptacle;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective exterior view with an interior cutaway of the soap dispensing bladder having a filling port with a sealing cap and a plurality of one-way flow dispensing nozzles, also showing the fluid communication of the selected fluid passage through the nozzle;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the one-way flow dispensing nozzle;

FIG. 13 shows cross section 13-13 of FIG. 12 of the one-way flow dispensing nozzle in the closed state;

FIG. 14 shows cross section 14-14 of FIG. 12 of the one-way flow dispensing nozzle in the open state;

FIG. 15 shows a use drawing of the washing apparatus, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also included in the apparatus is the extension member terminating in the handle, wherein a user is utilizing the foothold area with both feet while not using the open receptacle while in a shower;

FIG. 16 shows a use drawing of the washing apparatus, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also included in the apparatus is the extension member terminating in the handle, wherein a user is utilizing the foothold area with one foot and using the open receptacle for foot washing with the other foot, while in a shower;

FIG. 17 shows cross section 13-13 from FIG. 12 for a use drawing of the washing apparatus, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also included in the apparatus is the extension member, the means for selectably adjusting the extension member length that terminates in the handle, wherein only the user foot is shown for pictorial clarity, and the user foot is being inserted into the open receptacle;

FIG. 18 shows cross section 14-14 from FIG. 12 for the use drawing of the washing apparatus, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub or shower stall, the apparatus includes the base that is adjacent to the bathtub floor or the shower stall floor, also shown is the open receptacle with washing bristles that is disposed adjacent to the base having the user foothold area, also included in the apparatus is the extension member, the means for selectably adjusting the extension member length that terminates in the handle, wherein only the user foot is shown for pictorial clarity, and the user foot is fully inserted into the open receptacle; and

FIG. 19 shows expanded view 19 from FIG. 8, of the open receptacle in use with a user's foot that is adjacent to the base, wherein the open receptacle has washing bristles disposed within and in addition to showing the detail on the soap dispensing bladder also disposed within the open receptacle, wherein the soap dispensing bladder is compressed by the user's foot to selectably dispense soap.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS

50 Washer apparatus
55 Base
60 Plane formed from the base 55
65 First side of base 55
70 Second side of base 55
75 Plurality of drain ports therethrough the base 55
76 Environmental fluid flow
77 Lateral drain channels
80 High friction surface of the base first side 65
85 High friction surface of the base second side 70
90 Open receptacle structure
95 Radial axis of the open receptacle structure 90
100 Substantial parallel position of the radial axis 95 to the plane 60
101 Plurality of drain passages therethrough the open receptacle structure 90
105 Interior of the open receptacle 90
110 Plurality of foothold areas on the base second side 70
115 Entrance passage opening of the open receptacle structure 90
120 Perimeter of the entrance passage opening 115
121 Planar projection of the entrance passage perimeter 120
125 Substantially parallel relationship of the entrance passage opening to the plane 95
130 Opening of the access passage 90
135 Perimeter of access passage opening 130
136 Planar projection of the access passage perimeter 135
140 Substantially transverse relationship of the access passage opening 130 to the plane 60
145 Extension member
150 Longitudinal axis of the extension member 145
155 Proximal end portion of the extension member 145
160 Distal end portion of the extension member 145
165 Means for selectably adjusting the extension member 145
170 Telescoping tube arrangement for the means 165 for selectable adjusting the extension member 145
175 Movement of telescoping tube arrangement 170
180 Selectably engagable lockable element to fix the telescoping tube arrangement 170 from movement 175
190 Distance or length between the base and the handle 210
195 Adjusting the means 165 for selectable adjusting the extension member 145
200 Adjacent positioning of the proximal end portion 155 to the base second side 70
205 Substantially perpendicular positional relationship of the longitudinal axis 150 to the plane 60
210 Handle
215 Lengthwise axis of the handle 210
220 Substantially transverse relationship between the lengthwise axis 215 and the longitudinal axis 150
225 Means for scrubbing a body part 415
230 Adjacent positioning of the means 225 for scrubbing a body part 415 to the open receptacle 90
235 Plurality of bristles disposed within the open receptacle interior 105
240 Means for selectable fluid dispensing
245 Flexible bladder for the means 240 for selectable fluid dispensing
250 Surrounding sidewall of the bladder 245
255 End portion of the bladder 245
260 Opposing end portion of the bladder 245
265 Interior of the flexible bladder 245
270 Aperture of bladder 245
275 Selected fluid or selected fluid product
280 Fluid disposed within the bladder interior 265
285 Filling port of bladder 245
290 Sealing cap of bladder 245
295 One-way flow flexible protrusion dispensing nozzle
300 Exit portion of nozzle 295
305 Fluid communication between the bladder interior 265 and the nozzle exit portion 300
310 Open state of nozzle 295
315 Closed state of nozzle 295
320 Yieldable movement of nozzle 295
325 Resilient arcuate wall portions of the nozzle 295
330 Common discharge wall passage of the nozzle 295
335 Normally urged movement direction in a radially inward position of the resilient arcuate wall
325 portions of the nozzle 295 against one another to the closed state 315 of the nozzle 295
345 Normally urged movement direction in a radially outward position of the resilient arcuate wall portions 325 of the nozzle 295 to separate from one another defining the common passage
330 to the open state 310 of the nozzle 295
350 Selected fluid flow
355 Distribution or dispensing of selected fluid
360 Nozzle is urged into the closed state 315
370 Allowing selected fluid flow 350 in the open state 310 of the nozzle 295
375 Environmental source or characteristic of the shower 400 or bathtub 385
380 Substantially precluding dilution or contamination of the selected fluid 33 disposed within the bladder interior 265 from the environmental source 375
385 Bathtub
390 Floor of bathtub 385
400 Shower stall
405 Floor of shower stall 400
410 User
415 Body part of user 410
420 Foot of user 410
425 Waist of user 410
430 Selected position of user 410
435 Selected body part portion by user 410
440 Placing the washer apparatus 50 in the shower 400 or bathtub 385 such that the base first side 65 is adjacent to the shower floor 405 or bathtub floor 390
450 Positioning the user 415 into the shower 400 or bath tub 385 with one foot 420 placed upon the base second side 70 and another foot 420 inserted into the open receptacle 90
455 Majority of the user's 410 weight placed on the base second side 70 foot 420
460 Minority of the user's 410 weight placed upon the foot 420 in the open receptacle 90
465 Uneven stance of the user 410
470 Grasping by the user 410 of the handle 210
475 Positioning the handle 210 to be approximately adjacent to the user 410 waist 425
480 Stabilizing of the user 410 position in the uneven stance 465
485 Selected pressure on bladder 245 from the body part 415
490 Removing selected pressure on bladder 245 from the body part 415
495 Moving the user's 410 body part 415 omni-directionally within the open receptacle 90
500 Placing both feet 420 of the user 410 on the base second side 70
505 Placing equal weight on both feet 420 that are on the base second side 70 by the user 410
510 Maintaining stability of the user 410 in the standing position
515 Grasping the handle 210 when the user 410 has placed equal weight on both feet 420 to help maintain stability 510

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1 shown is a perspective view of the washing apparatus 50, that is adapted to be disposed within a bathtub 385 or shower stall 400, the apparatus 50 includes a base 55 that is adjacent to a bathtub floor 390 or a shower stall floor 405, also shown is an open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235, wherein the open receptacle 90 is disposed adjacent to the base 55 having a user 410 foothold area 110 on the second side 70 of the base 55, also included in the apparatus 50 is an extension member 145 terminating in a handle 210. Continuing, FIG. 2 shows a view of the washing apparatus 50 from the user's 410 perspective, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub 385 or shower stall 400, the apparatus 50 includes the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that are disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user 410 foothold area 110 on the base 55 second side 70, also shown is the handle 210.
FIG. 3 shows a side elevation view of the washing apparatus 50, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub 385 or shower stall 405, the apparatus 50 includes the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, also shown is the open receptacle 90 that is disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user foothold area that is disposed on the base second side 70, also shown is the extension member 145 handle 210. Next, FIG. 4 shows a view of the washing apparatus 50 from the bathtub floor 390 or shower stall floor side 405, showing the base 55 with the drain ports 75 for the environmental fluid flow 76. Continuing, FIG. 5 shows a close up view of FIG. 1, which shows a perspective view of the washing apparatus 50, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub 385 or shower stall 405, the apparatus 50 includes the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that are disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user 410 foothold area 110 that is outside of the base second side 70, also shown is a partial view of the extension member 145. Moving onward, FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235, from the user 410 foot 420 entry side or the open receptacle entrance passage 115.
Further, FIG. 7 shows cross section 7-7 from FIG. 5, specifically detailing the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, with the base 55 drain ports 75, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that are disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user 410 foothold area 110 also shown is a partial view of the extension member 145. Continuing, FIG. 8 shows cross section 8-8 from FIG. 1, specifically detailing the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, with the base 55 drain ports 75, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that are disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user 410 foothold area that is outside of the open receptacle 90 on the base second side 70, also shown is the extension member 145 with the proximal end portion 155 adjacent to the base 55 with a means 165 for selectably adjusting the extension member 145 length 190 and an extension member distal end portion 160 terminating in the handle 210. Further, FIG. 9 shows expanded view 9 from FIG. 8, of the means 165 for selectably adjusting the extension member 145 length 190 and FIG. 10 shows expanded view 10 from FIG. 8, of the open receptacle 90 that is adjacent to the base 55, wherein the open receptacle 90 has washing bristles 235 disposed within and in addition to showing the detail on the soap dispensing bladder 245 also disposed within the open receptacle 90.
Moving onward, FIG. 11 shows a perspective exterior view with an interior 265 cutaway of the soap dispensing bladder 245 having a filling port 285 with a sealing cap 290 and a plurality of one-way flow dispensing nozzles 295, also showing the fluid communication 305 of the selected fluid 275 passage exit 300 through the nozzle 295. Next, FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the one-way flow dispensing nozzle 295, FIG. 13 shows cross section 13-13 of FIG. 12 of the one-way flow dispensing nozzle 295 in the closed state 315, and FIG. 14 shows cross section 14-14 of FIG. 12 of the one-way flow dispensing nozzle 295 in the open state 310. Further, FIG. 15 shows a use drawing of the washing apparatus 50, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub 385 or shower stall 400, the apparatus 50 includes the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that is disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user 410 foothold area that is outside of the open receptacle 90 on the base second side 70, also included in the apparatus 50 is the extension member 145 terminating in the handle 210, wherein a user 410 is utilizing the foothold area 110 with both feet 420 while not using the open receptacle 90 while in a shower 400.
Moving onward, FIG. 16 shows a use drawing of the washing apparatus 50, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub 385 or shower stall 400, the apparatus 50 includes the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that are disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user foothold area 110 that is outside of the open receptacle 90 on the base second side 70, also included in the apparatus 50 is the extension member 145 terminating in the handle 210, wherein a user 410 is utilizing the foothold area with one foot 420 and using the open receptacle 90 for foot washing 495 with the other foot 420, while in a shower 400. Yet further, FIG. 17 shows cross section 13-13 from FIG. 12 for a use drawing of the washing apparatus 50, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub 385 or shower stall 400, the apparatus 50 includes the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that is disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user foothold area 110 that is outside of the open receptacle 90 on the base second side 70, also included in the apparatus 50 is the extension member 145, the means 165 for selectably adjusting the extension member length 190 that terminates in the handle 210, wherein only the user 410 foot 420 is shown for pictorial clarity, and the user 410 foot 420 is being inserted into the open receptacle 90 through the entrance passage 115.
Next, FIG. 18 shows cross section 14-14 from FIG. 12 for the use drawing of the washing apparatus 50, that is adapted to be disposed within the bathtub 385 or shower stall 400, the apparatus 50 includes the base 55 that is adjacent to the bathtub floor 390 or the shower stall floor 405, also shown is the open receptacle 90 with washing bristles 235 that are disposed adjacent to the base 55 having the user foothold area 110 that is outside of the open receptacle 90 on the base second side 70, also included in the apparatus 50 is the extension member 145, the means 165 for selectably adjusting the extension member 145 length 190 that terminates in the handle 210, wherein only the user 410 foot 420 is shown for pictorial clarity, and the user 410 foot 420 is fully inserted into the open receptacle 90 through the entrance passage 115. Further, FIG. 19 shows expanded view 19 from FIG. 8, of the open receptacle 90 in use with a user's 410 foot 420 that is adjacent to the base 55, wherein the open receptacle 90 has washing bristles 235 disposed within and in addition to showing the detail on the soap dispensing bladder 245 also disposed within the open receptacle 90, wherein the soap dispensing bladder 245 is compressed 485 by the user's 410 foot 420 to selectably dispense soap 275.
Broadly the present invention of the washer apparatus 50, as best shown in the structural drawings in FIGS. 1 through 14 that is adapted to be disposed within a bathtub 385 or shower stall 400, as best shown in the use FIGS. 15 through 19, includes a base 55 substantially forming a plane 60, with the base 55 also including a first side 65 and a second side 70, the base first side 65 being adapted to be adjacent to a bathtub floor 390 or a shower stall floor 405. Also included in the washer apparatus 50 is an open receptacle structure 90 that is configured about a radial axis 95 to define an interior 105, as best shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, wherein the open receptacle structure 90 is disposed adjacent to a portion of the base second side 70 such that the radial axis 95 is substantially parallel 100 to the plane 60, see FIG. 10, also the base second side 70 having a plurality of foothold areas 110 outside of the open receptacle structure 90, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 15, and 16. The open receptacle 90 also includes an entrance passage 115 opening forming a planar projection 121 substantially parallel 125 to the plane 60, see FIG. 10, furthermore the open receptacle 90 has an access passage opening 130 forming a planar projection 136 that is substantially transverse 140 to the plane 60. In addition, on the open receptacle 90, the entrance passage opening 115 has a entrance passage perimeter 120 greater than a access passage 130 perimeter 135 of the access passage opening 130, also as best shown in FIG. 10.
Further included in the washer apparatus 50 is an extension member 145 having a longitudinal axis 150, the extension member 145 also including a proximal end portion 155 and a distal end portion 160, with the extension member 145 extending from the proximal end portion 155 that is positioned adjacent 200 to the base second side 70 and the access passage 130, wherein the longitudinal axis 150 is substantially perpendicular 205 to the plane 60, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 8. Also included in the washer apparatus 50 is handle 210 positioned adjacent to the extension member distal end portion 160, the handle is positioned lengthwise along its lengthwise axis 215 to be substantially transverse 220 to the longitudinal axis 150, as best shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Further included in the washer apparatus 50 is a means 225 for scrubbing a body part 415, wherein the means 225 is positioned adjacent 230 to said open receptacle structure 90, as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. The means 225 is preferably constructed of a plurality of bristles 235 as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 to 8, and 10, wherein the bristles 235 are typically of a resilient nature being flexible with some degree of stiffness, similar to a soft scrub brush in both materials and construction, the bristles 235 are preferably also removably engagable from the interior 105 for the purpose of cleaning. Alternatively, the means 225 could be different materials of construction for the bristles 235 such as natural fibers, rubber, plastics, and the like in addition to alternatives of sponge, cloth, mop type, scrub pads, or any other type cleaning structure for a body part 415. Further, the combination of the open receptacle 90 and the means 225 act to encompass the user's 410 foot 420 for cleansing, i.e. for the bottom, sides, and top of the user's 410 foot 420
Optionally, the washer apparatus 50 can further comprise a means 240 for selectable fluid dispensing within the open receptacle 90, as best shown in FIGS. 10 through 14, and 19. The main impetus of the means 240 is to facilitate preferably “hands free” selectable fluid dispensing, such that the user 410 can dispense a selected fluid 275 to their body part 415 while focusing upon their stability 480 from their stance 465, such that the user's 410 feet 420 and grasping 470 are substantially secure for the user's 410 stability 480 in the potentially risky environment 375, i.e. a shower wherein the surfaces are wet and soapy adding greatly to the risk of a fall for an older or disabled user 410, as best shown in FIG. 16. The means 240 is preferably is constructed of a flexible bladder 245 positioned between the open receptacle 90 and the second side of said base 70, with the flexible bladder 245 including an aperture 270 for distributing 355 a selected fluid product 275 adjacent to the means 240 for scrubbing a body part 415 when the bladder 245 is subjected to selectable pressure 485 from the body part 415, as best shown in FIGS. 10 through 14, and 19. Noting that the selected fluid product 275 is typically a liquid soap, however, other fluid or treatments for the body part 415, such as lotions, medical skin treatments, deodorants, or any other fluids that the user's 410 may select.
Further on the means 240 for the washer apparatus 50, optionally the flexible bladder 245 is more specifically constructed of a surrounding sidewall 250 having an end portion 255 and an opposing end portion 260, wherein the end portion 255, the sidewall 250, and the opposing end portion 260 define a bladder interior 265 that is operational to have the selected fluid 275 disposed 280 within the bladder 245 interior, as best shown in FIG. 11. Note, that the preferred materials of construction for the bladder 245 are a resilient material that is compatible with the selected fluid 275 and the environment 375 or a shower 400 or a bathtub 385, which would typically be a rubber type material or any suitable alternative. Also on the bladder 245 can optionally include on the end portion 255 a filling port 285 than removably engages a sealing cap 290, that is operational to add the selected fluid 275 to the bladder interior 265, also as best shown in FIG. 11.
As an optional enhancement to the bladder 245 aperture 270 on the washer apparatus 50 the bladder 245 further includes a one-way flow flexible protrusion dispensing nozzle 295 disposed within the aperture 270, wherein the nozzle 295 is in fluid communication 305 with the bladder interior 265, as best shown in FIGS. 11 through 14 and 19. Wherein, operationally the nozzle 295 distributes 355 the selected fluid product 275 from the bladder interior 265 to a user 410 selected position 430 within the means 225 for scrubbing to a selected body part portion 435 upon the selectable pressure 485 of the body part 415 upon the bladder 245, as best shown in FIG. 19. Wherein the one-way flow dispensing nozzle 295 substantially precludes dilution or contamination 380 of the selected fluid 275 disposed 280 within the interior 265 from an environmental source 375, also as best shown in FIG. 11. Note, that the nozzle 295 has the ability to be manipulated by the user 410 to a selected position 430 toward a selected body part 435, such as in-between the user's 410 toes via manipulation of the foot 420 only, not requiring the user 410 to grasp anything other than the handle 210 so as not to compromise stability 480, see FIGS. 11 and 16, while operationally allowing the user 410 to direct the selected fluid 275 to their selected location 435 with only the manipulation of the user 410 foot 420.
Further in referring specifically to FIGS. 12 through 14, on the nozzle 295 for the washer apparatus 50, wherein the nozzle 295 is normally urged into the closed state 315 and yieldable 320 into an open state 310 when the nozzle 295 is exposed to a selected fluid flow 350 stemming from the selectable pressure 485 allowing the nozzle 295 to distribute 355 the selected fluid 275 from the bladder 245 interior 265 to a user selected position 430 within the means 225 for scrubbing to the selected body part portion 435. Wherein the nozzle 295 is urged 360 to the closed state 315 upon a termination of the selected fluid flow 350, thus being operational to only allow the selected fluid product 275 to flow from the interior 265 to the user 410 selected position 430 within the means 225 for scrubbing to the body part portion 415 and substantially blocking the fluid flow 350 from the environmental source 375 to the interior 265 while the selectable pressure 485 of the body part 415 upon the bladder 245 is relieved. Continuing, on the nozzle 295 for the washer apparatus 50, wherein the nozzle 295 includes resilient arcuate wall portions 325 that are diametrically opposed to one another to define a common discharge wall passage 330 therebetween and are normally urged 335 in a radially inward direction against one another to substantially close the nozzle 295 placing the nozzle 295 in the closed state 315, wherein when the nozzle 295 is exposed to the selected fluid flow 350 the resilient arcuate wall portions 325 are urged 345 in a radially outward direction to separate to define a common passage 330 placing the nozzle 295 in the open state 310 to allow the fluid communication 305 of the selected fluid 275 from the bladder 245 interior 265 to a user 410 selected position 430 within the means 225 for scrubbing to a selected body part portion 435. The nozzle 295 is preferably constructed of a silicone type rubber or rubber like material that has a varying resilience depending upon the viscosity of the selected fluid 275 and that is compatible with the selected fluid 275. Further, there can be a plurality of nozzles 295 that function in a likewise manner, as best shown in FIGS. 11 and 19.
Returning to the extension member 145 of the washer apparatus 50 wherein the extension member 145 further includes the means 165 for selectably adjusting the extension member 145 along the longitudinal axis 150, wherein operationally the distance 190 between the base 55 and the handle 210 results in being selectably adjustable 175, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 8, and 9. Continuing, on the extension member 145 the means 165 is preferably is constructed of a telescoping tube arrangement 170 with a selectably engagable lockable element 180 that is operational to fix the telescoping tube arrangement 170 movement 175 along the longitudinal axis 150, as best shown in FIG. 9. The lockable element 180 is preferably a spring loaded rod in hole arrangement, however, for the means 165, structure other than the telescoping tube arrangement 170 and lockable element 180 could be employed as long as the means 165 were selectably adjustable and suitable for the environmental source 375, typically being a shower 400 or bathtub 385 environment.
Looking back toward the base 55 of the washer apparatus 50, wherein the base 55 can further include a plurality of drain ports 75 therethrough, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, that are operational to allow the environmental fluid flow 76 to reduce its buildup upon the base second side 70, thus enhancing the friction between the base second side 70 and the user's 410 body part 415, as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. With particular reference to FIG. 19, a plurality of lateral channels 77 facilitate fluid flow 76 from the first side 65 of the base 55 when the first side 65 is adjacent to the shower floor 405 or bathtub floor 390. To further enhance stability 480 and 510 of the user 410 optionally the base first side 65 further includes a high friction surface 80 that is preferably a rough surface treatment similar to what is put on sidewalks and stairs or a rubberized surface treatment similar to what is put on utensil handles, or any other type of surface treatment that adds friction to the base 55 second side 70 that is acceptable for contact with a body part 415 and in the environment 375. In addition, to also further enhance stability 480 and 510 of the user 410 optionally the base second side 70 further includes a high friction surface 85 that is preferably a rough surface treatment similar to what is put on sidewalks and stairs or a rubberized surface treatment similar to what is put on utensil handles, or any other type of surface treatment that adds friction to the base 55 second side 70 that is acceptable for contact with a body part 415 and in the environment 375. The attachment 200 of the base 55 to the extension member 175 or more specifically the base second side that is adjacent to the extension member proximal end portion can be removably engagable to better facilitate shipping purposes, thus the attachment 200 can be of any type such as socket arrangement, threaded, snap in, or any other type that has enough strength to facilitate the stability required 480 and 510 in the environment 375. The material of construction for the base 55, extension member 175, and the open receptacle 90 are preferably a composite having high strength and light weight, however, other materials would be acceptable as long as they had enough strength to facilitate the stability required 480 and 510 in the environment 375.

Method of Use

Looking in particular at FIGS. 15 through 19 for the method of use and also FIGS. 1 through 14 for the accompanying structure a method for using a washer apparatus 50 by a user 410 in a shower 400 or a bathtub 385 is disclosed, stating with the steps of firstly providing the washer apparatus 50 as previously described. Next, a step of placing 440 the washer apparatus 50 in shower 400 or bathtub 385 such that the first side 65 is adjacent to the shower floor 405 or bathtub floor 390, as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, and to some extent FIG. 19 for the first side 65 being adjacent to the shower floor 405 or bathtub floor 390. Continuing, a further step in positioning 450 the user 410 into the shower 400 or bathtub 385 such that one foot 420 is placed upon the base 55 second side 70 and another foot 420 is inserted within the open receptacle 90 or specifically the entrance 115, see FIGS. 17 and 18, also FIG. 16 to some extent. Wherein the majority 455 of the user's 410 weight is placed upon the second side 70 and a minority 460 of the user's 410 weight is placed upon the foot 420 inserted within the open receptacle 90 resulting in an uneven stance 465 in the shower 400 or bathtub 385 by the user 410. Continuing, a step of grasping 470 or 515 by the user 410 of the handle 210, to operationally to help stabilize 480 or 510 the user 410 in a standing position 465 or 500 from their uneven stance 465 or even type stance 505, as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Next, a step of applying slight pressure 485 by the user 410 upon their foot 420 disposed within the open receptacle 90 moving toward the base 55 second side 70 to operationally dispense 355 the selectable fluid 275 upon their foot 420 disposed within the open receptacle 90, as best shown in FIGS. 16, 18, and in particular FIG. 19.
Optionally, in the method of use for the washer apparatus 50, wherein in the providing step, looking in particular at FIGS. 11 and 19, the means 240 for selectable fluid dispensing 355 within the open receptacle 90 is constructed of a flexible bladder 245 as previously described, wherein the selected fluid 275 disposed 280 within the bladder interior 265, the flexible bladder 245 also including an aperture 270 with a one-way flow flexible protrusion nozzle 295 that is in fluid communication 305 with the interior 265. Wherein the nozzle 295 distributes the selected fluid 275 adjacent to the means 225 for scrubbing a foot 420 when the bladder 245 is subjected to selectable pressure 485 from the body part 415, wherein said applying step is modified to only apply the slight pressure 485 momentarily and an added step of moving the user's 410 body part 415 omni-directionally 495 within the open receptacle 90 by coming in dynamic contact with the means 225 for scrubbing the foot with the user's 410 foot 420, wherein operationally the one-way flow nozzle 295 further controls the amount of selected fluid 275 dispensed 355. Also, optionally, of the method for using a washer apparatus 50 wherein the step in providing the one-way flow flexible protrusion nozzle 295 is further utilized in the moving step that further comprises further applying the selectable pressure 485, and reversing the pressure 490 from the body part 415 to initiate momentary fluid communication 305 of the selected fluid 275 from the bladder interior 265 to a user selected position 430 within the means 225 for scrubbing to a selected body part portion 415, or in other words manually directing the nozzle exit 300 and thus the selected fluid 275 to for instance in-between the toes of the user's 410 feet 420 by movement 495, with the single foot 420 only, not requiring the other foot 420 or their hands, while maintaining stability 480 by the user grasping 470 the handle with both arms and using their other foot 420 to stabilize, as best shown in FIGS. 16 and 19.
Continuing, on the method for using the washer apparatus 50 an optional further step can be performed of adjusting 195 the means 165 for selectably adjusting the extension member 145 along the longitudinal axis 150, wherein operationally a distance 190 between the base 55 and the handle 210 results in being selectably adjustable. Wherein operationally the handle 210 should be approximately positioned 475 adjacent to a waist 425 of the user 410 to further enhance stability 480 of the user 410 from their uneven stance 465, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 16. Further, on the method for using the washer apparatus 50 further comprising an optional step of the user 410 placing both feet 420 on the base 55 second side 70, with the user 410 substantially placing equal weight 505 on both feet 420 while simultaneously grasping 515 the handle 210 for the purpose of operationally rinsing the user's 410 feet 420 while substantially maintaining stability 510 of the user 410 in their standing position 500, as best shown in FIG. 15.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly, the present invention of a washer apparatus 50 has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though; that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications of the changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.

Claims

1. A washer apparatus adapted to be disposed within a bathtub or shower stall, comprising:

(a) a base substantially forming a plane, said base including a first side and a second side, said base first side being adapted to be adjacent to a bathtub floor or a shower stall floor;

(b) an open receptacle structure that is configured about a radial axis, said open receptacle structure is disposed adjacent to a portion of said base second side such that said radial axis is substantially parallel to said plane, also said base second side having a plurality of foothold areas outside of said open receptacle structure, said open receptacle also includes an entrance passage opening substantially parallel to said plane and an access passage opening that is substantially transverse to said plane, said entrance passage opening having a entrance passage perimeter greater than a access passage perimeter of said access passage opening;

(c) an extension member having a longitudinal axis, said extension member also including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, said extension member extending from said proximal end portion that is positioned adjacent to said base second side and said access passage opening, wherein said longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to said plane;

(d) a handle positioned adjacent to said extension member distal end portion, said handle is positioned lengthwise to be substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis; and

(e) a means for scrubbing a body part positioned adjacent to said open receptacle structure.

2. A washer apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for scrubbing the body part is constructed of a plurality of bristles that are disposed within an interior of said open receptacle.

3. A washer apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a means for a selected fluid dispensing within said open receptacle.

4. A washer apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said means for selectable fluid dispensing is constructed of a flexible bladder positioned between said open receptacle and said second side of said base, said flexible bladder including an aperture for distributing a selected fluid product adjacent to said means for scrubbing a body part when said bladder is subjected to selectable pressure from the body part.

5. A washer apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said flexible bladder is constructed of a surrounding sidewall having an end portion and an opposing end portion, wherein said end portion, said sidewall, and said opposing end portion define a bladder interior that is operational to have said selected fluid disposed within said bladder interior.

6. A washer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said end portion further includes a filling port than removably engages a sealing cap.

7. A washer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said bladder further includes a one-way flow flexible protrusion dispensing nozzle disposed within said aperture, wherein said nozzle is in fluid communication with said bladder interior, wherein operationally said nozzle distributes the selected fluid product from said bladder interior to a user selected position within said means for scrubbing to a selected body part portion upon the selectable pressure of the body part upon said bladder, wherein said one-way flow dispensing nozzle substantially precludes dilution or contamination of said selected fluid disposed within said interior from an environmental source.

8. A washer apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said nozzle is normally urged into a closed state and yieldable into an open state when said nozzle is exposed to a selected fluid flow stemming from said selectable pressure allowing said nozzle to distribute the selected fluid from said bladder interior to said user selected position within said means for scrubbing to said selected body part portion, wherein said nozzle is urged to said closed state upon a termination of the selected fluid flow, thus being operational to only allow the selected fluid product to flow from said interior to said user selected position within said means for scrubbing to a body part portion and substantially blocking a fluid flow from said environmental source said interior while said selectable pressure of the body part upon said bladder is relieved.

9. A washer apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said nozzle includes resilient arcuate wall portions that are diametrically opposed to one another to define a common discharge wall passage therebetween and are normally urged in a radially inward direction against one another to substantially close said nozzle placing said nozzle in said closed state, wherein when said nozzle is exposed to said selected fluid flow said resilient arcuate wall portions are urged in a radially outward direction to separate to define a common passage placing said nozzle in said open state allow said fluid communication of the selected fluid from said bladder interior to said user selected position within said means for scrubbing to said selected body part portion.

10. A washer apparatus according to claim 9 further comprising a plurality of nozzles.

11. A washer apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said extension member further includes a means for selectably adjusting said extension member along said longitudinal axis, wherein operationally a distance between said base and said handle results in being selectably adjustable.

12. A washer apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said means for selectably adjusting said extension member is constructed of a telescoping tube arrangement with a selectably engagable lockable element that is operational to fix a telescoping tube arrangement movement along said longitudinal axis.

13. A washer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base further includes a plurality of drain ports therethrough.

14. A washer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base first side further includes a high friction surface.

15. A washer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said base second side further includes a high friction surface.

16. A method for using a washer apparatus by a user in a shower or a bathtub, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing said washer apparatus that includes a base substantially forming a plane, said base including a first side and a second side, said base first side being adjacent to a bathtub floor or a shower stall floor, further included in said washer apparatus is an open receptacle structure that is configured about a radial axis, said open receptacle structure is disposed adjacent to a portion of said base second side such that said radial axis is substantially parallel to said plane, also said base second side having a plurality of foothold areas outside of said open receptacle structure, said open receptacle also includes an entrance passage opening substantially parallel to said plane and an access passage opening that is substantially transverse to said plane, said entrance passage opening having a entrance passage perimeter greater than a access passage perimeter of said access passage opening, said washer apparatus also includes an extension member having a longitudinal axis, said extension member also including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, said extension member extending from said proximal end portion that is positioned adjacent to said base second side and said access passage opening, wherein said longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to said plane, also included is a handle positioned adjacent to said extension member distal end portion, said handle is positioned substantially transverse lengthwise to said longitudinal axis, said extension member further includes a means for selectably adjusting said extension member along said longitudinal axis, wherein operationally a distance between said base and said handle results in being selectably adjustable, continuing, said washer apparatus includes a means for scrubbing a body part positioned adjacent to said open receptacle structure, in addition, said washer apparatus also includes a means for a selected fluid dispensing within said open receptacle;

(b) placing said washer apparatus in the shower or the bathtub such that said first side is adjacent to the shower stall floor or the bathtub floor;

(c) positioning the user into the shower or the bathtub such that one foot is placed upon said base second side and another foot is inserted within said open receptacle, wherein the majority of a user's weight is placed upon said second side and a minority of the user's weight is placed upon the foot inserted within said open receptacle resulting in an uneven stance in the shower or the bathtub by the user;

(d) grasping by the user of said handle, to operationally to help stabilize the user in a standing position from the uneven stance; and

(e) applying slight pressure by the user upon their foot disposed within said open receptacle moving toward said base second side to operationally dispense said selectable fluid upon their foot disposed within said open receptacle.

17. A method for using a washer apparatus according to claim 16, wherein in said providing step, said means for selectable fluid dispensing within said open receptacle is constructed of a flexible bladder positioned between said open receptacle and said second side of said base, said flexible bladder is constructed of a surrounding sidewall having an end portion and an opposing end portion, wherein said end portion, said sidewall, and said opposing end portion define a bladder interior that is operational to have said selected fluid disposed within said bladder interior, said flexible bladder also including an aperture with a one-way flow flexible protrusion nozzle that is in fluid communication with said interior, wherein said nozzle distributes said selected fluid adjacent to said means for scrubbing a foot when said bladder is subjected to selectable pressure from the body part, wherein said applying step is modified to only apply said slight pressure momentarily and an added step of moving a user's body part omni-directionally within said open receptacle by coming in dynamic contact with said means for scrubbing the foot with the user's foot, wherein operationally said one-way flow nozzle further controls an amount of selected fluid dispensed.

18. A method for using a washer apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said step in providing said one-way flow flexible protrusion nozzle is further utilized in said moving step that further comprises further applying said selectable pressure from the body part to initiate said fluid communication of the selected fluid from said bladder interior to a user selected position within said means for scrubbing to a selected body part portion.

19. A method for using a washer apparatus according to claim 16 further comprising a step of adjusting said means for selectably adjusting said extension member along said longitudinal axis, wherein operationally said distance between said base and said handle results in being selectably adjustable, wherein operationally said handle should be approximately adjacent to a waist of the user to further enhance stability of the user from the uneven stance.

20. A method for using a washer apparatus according to claim 16 further comprising a step of the user placing both feet on said base second side, with a user substantially placing equal weight on both feet while simultaneously grasping said handle for the purpose of operationally rinsing the user's feet while substantially maintaining stability of the user in the standing position.