FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to foot comfort and specifically relates to a membrane for protecting a foot from pressure applied to the foot by shoes worn over the foot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that people's feet are subject to constant pressure and wear throughout the day. For this reason, there is an abundance of podiatric products available for both preventing and treating foot injuries. Most preventative products are directed at providing additional padding or pressure distribution on the bottom of the foot, particularly the heel or balls of the feet. However, many shoes place tremendous pressure on the sides and top of the foot, as well as the bottom. Open-toed and high-heeled shoes particularly place great pressure on the front portion of the foot just behind the toes. The straps of many women's fashionable high-heeled shoes are designed to fit tightly around the wearer's foot. This, in combination with the added pressure caused by the angle of the high-heeled shoe can cause extreme discomfort or even damage to the foot. Therefore, there is a need for a podiatric product that protects the front of the foot on all sides and distributes or lessens pressure to the foot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, the invention provides a membrane that surrounds the front portion of the foot to protect it from pressure that may be applied by shoes. The membrane acts as a protective barrier between the shoe and the wearer's foot. As a result, direct abrasion of the foot or pressure applied to the foot caused by portions of the shoe contacting the foot are dramatically reduced. Additionally, the membrane is designed to cushion the foot from pressure and/or to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the shoe, such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the wearer's foot.
The membrane of the present invention may be made in one of a variety of configurations as described below. In its most general form, the membrane is a band that wraps around the front portion of the foot between the area of the foot that is just behind the toes and the heel. In one embodiment, the back of the membrane falls within the arch of the foot. Having an embodiment of the inventive membrane in the form of a band, such that the toes are left open, is advantageous for the design of open-toed shoes. The wearer may enjoy the comfort of the membrane without restricting their wardrobe to close-toed shoes. Using the membrane, the wearer may comfortably wear high heels, open-toed shoes or any traditionally uncomfortable shoes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent by referring to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an illustration of the invention in use on a foot;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross-section of one embodiment of the invention taken along line 4-4;
FIG. 6 is a cross-section of another embodiment of the invention taken along line 4-4;
FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 taken along line 6-6;
FIG. 8 is a cross-section of yet another embodiment of the invention taken along line 4-4;
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in use;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a shoe with which the invention may be used;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in use;
FIG. 19 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention in use;
FIG. 20 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention in use;
FIG. 21 is a side view of still another embodiment of the invention in use;
FIG. 22 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 23 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The inventive membrane 1 is shown in use in FIG. 1 on the front portion of a wearer's foot. The membrane 1 is in the form of a band and is wrapped around the front portion of the foot 100 between the toes 104 and the heel 102 of the foot. The inventive membrane protects the foot from the front sections of a shoe which may place great pressure on the foot 100. The membrane 1 can provide cushioning from pressure exerted on the foot or spread the pressure exerted on the foot by the shoe. The membrane can be configured to provide cushioning along the top and/or sides of the foot near the toes. If the desired shoes have tight straps or firm contours, the inventive membrane will protect the foot from abrasion or pressure caused by the straps or contours. The inventive membrane is in the form of a band so that the membrane will mostly be concealed should the wearer choose to wear open-toed shoes. Even with this advantageous design, it is not possible to design the membrane such that it will be concealed under all types of shoe. Therefore, the membrane can be formed of a translucent or transparent material. The material may also be somewhat dull to reduce reflections which would otherwise reveal the presence of the membrane. For example, the membrane can include a matted finish, so that light reflections are reduced. In this way, it is less likely that observers will notice that the wearer is using the inventive membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may have a color that matches the skin color of the wearer. Thus, the inventive membrane may be made in a variety of skin-tone colors.
The membrane 1 may be in the form of a straight loop, having a constant circumference along its length, such as that shown in FIG. 2. In order to fit over the foot, the membrane 1 can be made of a flexible material, such as an elastic polymer. Alternatively, the membrane 1 can taper along its length, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. This embodiment may also be elastic to closely conform with the foot. Alternatively, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may be made of an inelastic material, such as inelastic plastic and can come in various sizes to fit different feet. The remaining descriptions are made with reference to an embodiment that has a uniform circumference along its length, such as that shown in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that these descriptions can also pertain to the tapered embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of membrane 1. As shown, the membrane has a uniform length about its circumference. Thus, the membrane 1 provides significant protection around the front section of the foot.
FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross sections of two different embodiments of membrane 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 4. The embodiment in FIG. 5 has a uniform construction and thickness about its circumference. The membrane of FIG. 5 is in the form of a single band of material. In contrast, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is formed as a sheath having an inner layer 2 and an outer layer 4. A gap 10 is formed inside the sheath between layers 2 and 4. As shown in the cross section presented in FIG. 7, the gap 10 is closed off by front end 6 and back end 8 of the sheath. The gap 10 can be filled with air to provide added cushion without any additional cost. Alternatively, the gap 10 can include a filler such as gel to provide more substantial added cushioning.
It is not necessary for the membrane to be uniform in thickness or construction around its circumference. A first portion of the membrane may have a first thickness and a second portion may have a second thickness. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the membrane may be in the form of a sheath for a portion of its circumference. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a gap 10 which extends from a section where one side of the foot meets the bottom of the shoe, over the top of the foot, to a section where the other side of the foot meets the bottom of the shoe. Again, the gap 10 can include air or gel. Further, the sheath may include an open end and one or more pads may be included that can be inserted into the gap. The pad can supply additional cushion and protection from abrasion. To complete the band, a connector 12 is included which passes under the bottom of the foot. As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 9, the connector 12 does not have to be the same length as the rest of membrane 1. Accordingly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 does not have a uniform length about its circumference. The connector 12 can be made of an elastic material, such that the membrane 1 as whole may have elastic properties regardless of the elasticity of the inner layer 2 and outer layer 4. The connector 12 can be used in any embodiment of the band. For example, the band could have a gap, as described above, or an elastic connector 12 could be used with a transparent membrane 1.
In order to target specific parts of the foot that are most prone to injury or pressure when inserted into a shoe, the membrane 1 may include an outer sheath 16 that wraps around a portion of the membrane 1. The outer sheath 16 may rotate freely about the membrane 1 so that the outer sheath 16 moves freely with the wearer's skin, thus preventing abrasion. The outer sheath 16 is also designed such that it may rotate about the circumference of the membrane 1. Accordingly, the outer sheath 16 can be positioned for any target area of the front portion of the foot. A lock 18 can be included to lock the outer sheath 16 in a particular place with respect to the circumference of the membrane 1. The embodiment of lock 18, shown in FIG. 10, is in the form of two tabs 31 extending outward from the sheath 16. A plurality of slits 32 are formed in the membrane at various locations about its surface. In order to lock the sheath 16 in place with respect to the membrane 1, the two tabs 31 are inserted into the desired slits 32. In this way, the sheath 16 can be positioned and locked in place at one of several alternative locations on the membrane 1.
It may be advantageous to design the inner side 20 and the outer side 22 of the membrane 1 of different materials. This can be accomplished by spraying a coating on the inside 20 or the outside 22 of the membrane 1 (FIG. 11). For example, if it is desired to have the membrane 1 stay in place with respect to the wearer's foot, the inner side 20 of the membrane may be made of a highly frictional material, while the outer side 22 can be made of a smooth low friction material. On the other hand, if it is more desirable to have the membrane stay in place with respect to the shoe, the inner side 20 of the membrane may be made of a smooth, low friction material while the outer side 22 can be made of a high friction material. A membrane with inner side 20 and outer side 22 made of different materials is shown in FIG. 11. To further aid in increasing friction to the outer side 22 of the membrane 1, the membrane may include a grip pattern on its bottom. For example the membrane can include ribs 24, such as those shown on the bottom of the membrane 1 depicted in FIG. 13.
Although the use of the membrane 1 will help reduce injury and discomfort for the user, it is possible that it will reduce the foot's ability to “breathe.” That is, the foot may become hot and perspiration could become trapped beneath the membrane 1. To reduce this effect, the membrane 1 may be made out of a breathable material. Alternatively, or in addition, the membrane 1 may include slots 26 or holes 28, such as those shown in the bottom of membrane 1 illustrated in FIG. 12. These slots 26 and holes 28 allow cool air to contact the foot and allow perspiration to escape. Another approach to address the potential increase in perspiration, the foot membrane may be covered in a foot powder. The foot powder can include an odor absorbent, deodorant or antiperspirant. These same features could also be part of a foot lotion that is included on the foot membrane.
The membrane 1 may include additional features. For instance, as shown in FIG. 14, the membrane 1 may include a toe loop 30. In use, the toe loop 30 slips over one toe of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, toe loop 30 fits on the big toe of the user. However, the membrane 1 may be designed with a toe loop 30 operable to receive any toe. The toe loop 30 holds the membrane 1 in place on the users foot. When the toe loop 30 is fit over a toe, the membrane 1 is prevented from rotating around the user's foot, or from moving too far up onto the user's foot. An alternative configuration to keep the membrane secure on the user's foot is to include specific toe holes in the front portion of the membrane. For example, the membrane may be similar to a glove with finger holes included therein.
The membrane 1 can also be formed in more than one band. Embodiments with more than one band are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 each include two strips 34 that extend around the foot. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the strips run parallel to one another, while in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the strips 34 crisscross. As shown in these figures, the strips 34 may extend along a majority of the length of membrane 1. However, the strips 34 may be much smaller. For instance, the strips could only extend along a small portion of the length of the membrane 1, leaving just a small gap therebetween. The two strips 34 may be made of the same material as the rest of the membrane 1, as shown in FIG. 15, or may be made of a different material, as shown in FIG. 16. For example, the strips may be substantially inelastic, while the rest of the membrane is a highly elastic material, or a connector, such as that described above.
FIG. 17 shows a foot wearing a shoe 70. The present invention may be beneficially used with such a shoe 70. FIG. 18 shows a foot and an embodiment of the invention that would be suitable for use with the shoe 70. The shoe 70 includes two crisscrossing straps 72 that pass over the top of the foot. As the user walks, the straps dig into the user's foot. The membrane 1 shown in FIG. 18 includes two strips 34 which are each designed to fit below the straps 72. Accordingly, the strips 34 protect the user from the straps 72. In the illustrated embodiment, an elastic connector 12 is used to connect the strips 34 around the bottom of the foot. The strips 34 are shown in this embodiment as integrally connected where they cross. However, they may also be overlapping and separate strips.
Even if the foot membrane 1 is transparent or has a skin-tone color, seams or the border of the membrane 1 may still be visible. To conceal the border of the membrane, the membrane may include an image 36 thereon that replicates a tattoo, as shown in FIG. 19. The tattoo image 36 will thus mask the area where the border or seam would be visible. Additionally, the tattoo may be provided at any location on the membrane to provide a decorative appearance.
For added protection to the foot, the membrane may include additional protective elements on either the top or bottom of the foot. As shown in FIG. 20, the membrane can include a plastic plate 38 configured to cover the top of the foot. In an advantageous embodiment, the plastic plate 38 can be moldable to the shape of the top of the foot. For example, the moldable plate 38 can include toe grips 40 to secure the plastic plate 38 on each toe. To further form the plastic plate 38 to the foot, the plate may be heat moldable. Other forms of added protection may also be included in the membrane for the bottom of the foot. As shown in FIG. 21, the membrane 1 can include a bottom pad 42 that is disposed on the bottom of the membrane 1. The bottom pad 42 can be positioned to add comfort for the bottom of the foot. The bottom pad 42 may be made of a clear material, such as a silicon pad. In another embodiment, the bottom pad 42 could be made of memory foam. For even further protection to the bottom of the foot, the membrane can include a molded base 44, such as that shown in FIG. 22. The molded base 44 can stretch across substantially the entire bottom of the foot.
To fit the membrane 1 snuggly on the foot, the membrane may also include a heel strap 46 shown in FIG. 23, in addition to or in place of the toe loop or toe holes mentioned above. The heel strap 46, extends from the body of the membrane to the rear side of the heel of the user. In an advantageous embodiment, the heel strap 46 is transparent or skin-toned, regardless of the color of the remainder of the membrane. In another embodiment, the foot membrane may be used with a shear or ultra shear stocking that covers a substantial portion of the user's leg and holds the foot membrane securely in place.
A custom fit version of the membrane may be made in the form of a sock that includes a polymer material. To custom fit the membrane, the user may remove unwanted sections from the sock.
Although the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, many features may be varied, as will readily be apparent to those skilled in this art.
Patent Application
20080250669
