Separated Toe Sock and Method for Producing a Separated Toe Sock

Abstract

A protective, separated-toe garment comprises a first, big-toe element, a second, pinky-toe element, and a third foot-pad element. The big-toe element comprises a front first edge disposed substantially perpendicular to opposing side edges, first and second curved edges from respective side edges in a curve to meet at a first point opposite the front first edge. The pinky-toe element comprises a front fifth edge substantially perpendicular to opposing third and fourth side edges, third and fourth curved edges tapering from the side edges in a curve to meet at a second point opposite the front fifth edge. The third foot pad element comprises a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such that ends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into sixth and seventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a respective side of an eighth rear edge.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present systems, apparatuses, and methods lie in the field of clothing, more specifically in the field of protective garments, and even more specifically in the field of protective garments for the feet. The present disclosure relates to a separated toe sock that is a protective toe garment for use with most shoe types and a method for producing a protective toe garment. The disclosed separated toe sock is used primarily with closed toe and open toe shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A separated toe sock has the primary purpose of providing protection to the skin around the toes and the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot. This protection helps the user avoid abrasions, blisters, or other foot problems that may develop due to frictional rubbing against the inside of a shoe when walking, running, jogging, dancing, or any other activity or movement performed on the feet.

A separated toe sock is considered a formfitting protective toe garment comprising, generally, a protective sheath that only envelops either all or some toes of the foot and adds comfort to the ball of the foot.

Unsuccessful attempts have been made at creating separated toe socks that provide the necessary protection while also maintaining many necessary abilities. These products typically lack coverage on the individual toes, leaving them exposed to frictional rubbing inside of the shoe. This produces abrasions blisters, and other foot problems.

Additionally, other separated toe socks are not secure in place on the foot, and with constant movement the product shifts position on the foot inside the shoe.

Furthermore, many separated toe socks are not designed correctly for some shoes, which often exposes the fabric slightly out of the shoe.

Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The systems, apparatuses, and methods described provide a separated toe sock that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provide such features with a formfitting protective toe garment that surrounds only each individual toe, leaving the rest of the foot exposed and with support to the ball of the foot.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, a sock that provides protection for the skin on the toes and the first metatarsophalangeal joint, while adding comfort to the ball of the foot. The systems, apparatuses, and methods focus on the toes by creating toe sleeves made of a breathable and flexible material that may be mixed with other fibers. These toe sleeves wrap around individual toes and cover over the first metatarsophalangeal joint, while also focusing on the ball of the foot by adding a shock absorbing material made of either or any combination of, for example, foam, batting, memory foam, gel, silicone gel, and/or other shock-absorbing material(s) to add comfort to the foot. The ball of the foot pad connects with the toe sleeves, where both act as a stabilizer for each other, which prevents slippage within a shoe.

In one exemplary embodiment, an article of clothing is worn on the foot as a toe garment that is capable of protecting the skin on the first digit (big toe) and fifth digit (pinky toe) of the foot and the skin on the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot and the protection prevents development of abrasions, blisters, and/or other foot problems. These problems may be caused by frictional rubbing on a toe, or toes, and/or the skin on the first metatarsophalangeal joint against the inside of a shoe due to movement of a foot.

In another exemplary embodiment, an article of clothing is worn on the foot as a toe garment capable of protecting all five digits (toes) of the foot and the skin on the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot and the protection prevents development of abrasions, blisters, and/or other foot problems. These problems may be caused by frictional rubbing on a toe, or toes, and/or the skin on the first metatarsophalangeal joint against the inside of a shoe due to movement of a foot.

In many or all of the exemplary embodiments, there is provided at the separated toe sock a support cushion for the ball of the foot. Non-slip grips made of either or combination of, for example, silicone, rubber, and/or other material are added to key places on the separated toe sock to add further stability to the object of the present invention. This allows the sock to not slip out of place, which keeps all parts comfortably inside the shoe and prevents the toe garment from showing outside of the shoe. The separated toe sock can be made in assorted colors to coordinate with different shoe colors. The separated toe sock is made in various sizes to fit comfortably for each individual wearer with various foot sizes. The separated toe sock provides comfort and protection of the skin of the toe, or toes, and/or skin on the first metatarsophalangeal joint against the rubbing and frictional movement inside most to all shoe types. The separated toe sock exists as an article of clothing worn on the foot as a toe garment that is durable, reusable, and washable. The separated toe sock is worn on the foot as a toe garment that is unobtrusive to the user, but also can be of any color, which allows the user to coordinate the separated toe sock with various shoe colors.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, a protective, separated-toe garment comprising a first, big-toe element, a second, pinky-toe element, and a third foot pad element. The first, big-toe element is of a flexible and breathable material and comprises opposing first and second side edges, a front first edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second side edges, a first curved edge tapering from the first side edge in a curve to meet at a first point opposite the front first edge, and a second curved edge tapering from the second side edge in a curve to meet at the first point opposite the front first edge. When the opposing first and second side edges are connected together, the first, big-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a big toe of a foot. The second, pinky-toe element is of a flexible and breathable material and comprises opposing third and fourth side edges, a front fifth edge disposed substantially perpendicular to third and fourth side edges, a third curved edge tapering from the third side edge in a curve to meet at a second point opposite the front fifth edge, and a fourth curved edge tapering from the fourth side edges in a curve to meet at the second point opposite the front fifth edge. When the opposing third and fourth side edges are connected together, the second, pinky-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a pinky toe of the foot. The third foot pad element is shaped as a foot pad, is of a material protecting a ball of the foot when worn, and comprises opposing sixth and seventh side edges, a eighth rear edge, and a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such that ends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into the sixth and seventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides of the third foot pad element at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a respective side of the eighth rear edge. The second curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge and the fourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge to form a protective toe sock.

With the objects in view, there is also provided a protective, separated-toe garment comprising a first, big-toe element, a second toe element, and a third foot pad. The first, big-toe element is of a flexible and breathable material comprising opposing first and second side edges, a front first edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second side edges, a first curved edge tapering from the first side edge in a curve to meet at a first point opposite the front first edge, and a second curved edge tapering from the second side edge in a curve to meet at the first point opposite the front first edge. When the opposing first and second side edges are connected together, the first, big-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a big toe of a foot. The second toe element is of a flexible and breathable material comprising opposing third and fourth side edges, a front fifth edge disposed substantially perpendicular to third and fourth side edges, a third curved edge tapering from the third side edge in a curve to meet at a second point opposite the front fifth edge, and a fourth curved edge tapering from the fourth side edges in a curve to meet at the second point opposite the front fifth edge. When the opposing third and fourth side edges are connected together, the second toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a toe of the foot other than the big toe. The third foot pad element is shaped as a foot pad, is of a material protecting a ball of the foot when worn, and comprises opposing sixth and seventh side edges, a eighth rear edge, and a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such that ends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into the sixth and seventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides of the third foot pad element at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a respective side of the eighth rear edge. The second curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge and the fourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge to form a protective toe sock.

In accordance with another feature, the first, big-toe element is of a non-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the big toe while worn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with a further feature, the first, big-toe element has a non-slip material applied to the front first edge and the first curved edge to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the big toe while worn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with an added feature, the second, pinky-toe element is of a non-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the pinky toe while worn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with an additional feature, the second, pinky-toe element has a non-slip material applied to the front fifth edge and the third curved edge to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the pinky toe while worn inside of a shoe.

In accordance with yet another feature, the sixth and seventh side edges meet at the eighth rear edge in a obtuse-angled manner with respect to the eighth rear edge.

In accordance with yet a further feature, the first and second side edges are joined by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with yet an added feature, the third and fourth side edges are joined by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with yet an additional feature, the second curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with again another feature, the fourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

In accordance with again a further feature, the protective toe sock further comprises a mirror-image pair of protective toe socks one for each of left and right feet.

In accordance with again an added feature, the third foot pad element has non-slip grips at bottom to prevent the third foot pad element from moving inside of a shoe.

In accordance with again an additional feature, there is provided a fourth, middle-toe element of a flexible/breathable material comprising opposing tenth and eleventh side edges, a front twelfth edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the tenth and eleventh side edges and having a given length, a rear thirteenth edge substantially parallel to the front twelfth edge, having ends, and being shorter than the given length, opposing fourteenth and fifteenth edges tapering from a respective one of the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges to meet a respective end of the rear thirteenth edge, and, wherein, when the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges are connected together and the rear thirteenth edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the front ninth edge, the fourth, middle-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a middle toe of the foot.

In accordance with still another feature, the fourteenth and fifteenth edges taper in a curved manner from the respective one of the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges to the respective end of the rear thirteenth edge.

In accordance with still a further feature, there are provided three of the fourth, middle-toe elements to form three sleeves each sized to fit around one of the three middle toes of the foot.

In accordance with still an added feature, the material is of at least one of neoprene, silicone, rubber, foam, batting, memory foam, gel, or silicone gel.

In accordance with still another feature, the sleeve of at least one of the first, big-toe element and the second, pinky-toe element extends to a distal end of the respective toe therein and has a closure closing off at least a portion of an opening formed at the distal end of the sleeve.

In accordance with a concomitant feature, the material has a base material of at least one of cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide.

Although the systems, apparatuses, and methods are illustrated and described herein as embodied in a separated toe sock, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be set forth in the detailed description that follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments. Still other advantages of the systems, apparatuses, and methods may be realized by any of the instrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the systems, apparatuses, and methods are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. While the specification concludes with claims defining the systems, apparatuses, and methods of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the systems, apparatuses, and methods. Advantages of embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective, separated-toe garment with protective sleeves over the first digit and fifth digit of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary, perspective view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1 with a foot pad on a ball of the foot;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of pattern construction elements of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1 with protective sleeves for the first and fifth digits of the foot;

FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above a right front corner of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective separated-toe garment with protective sleeves over all five digits of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 8A is a fragmentary, perspective view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7 from a right side of the right foot;

FIG. 8B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7 with a foot pad on a ball of the foot;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of pattern construction elements of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above a front right corner of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective, separated-toe garment with complete protective sleeves over the first digit and fifth digit of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 14A is a fragmentary, perspective view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13 with a foot pad on a ball of the foot;

FIG. 15A is a top plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13 with complete protective sleeves for the first and fifth digits of the foot;

FIG. 15B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view from above a right front corner of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective separated-toe garment with complete protective sleeves over all five digits of a right foot of a user;

FIG. 19A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19B is a bottom plan view of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view from above a front right corner of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 21 is a rear elevational view of a right and left pair of the protective separated-toe garment of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the systems, apparatuses, and methods, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the systems, apparatuses, and methods in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the systems, apparatuses, and methods that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the systems, apparatuses, and methods will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the systems, apparatuses, and methods.

Before the systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The description may use the terms “embodiment” or “embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.

The terms “coupled” and “connected,” along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. “Coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact (e.g., directly coupled). However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other (e.g., indirectly coupled).

For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form “A/B” or in the form “A and/or B” or in the form “at least one of A and B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), where A and B are variables indicating a particular object or attribute. When used, this phrase is intended to and is hereby defined as a choice of A or B or both A and B, which is similar to the phrase “and/or”. Where more than two variables are present in such a phrase, this phrase is hereby defined as including only one of the variables, any one of the variables, any combination of any of the variables, and all of the variables, for example, a phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, and C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, top/bottom, and proximal/distal. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of disclosed embodiments. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in tum, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. As used herein, the terms “substantial” and “substantially” means, when comparing various parts to one another, that the parts being compared are equal to or are so close enough in dimension that one skill in the art would consider the same. Substantial and substantially, as used herein, are not limited to a single dimension and specifically include a range of values for those parts being compared. The range of values, both above and below (e.g., “+/−” or greater/lesser or larger/smaller), includes a variance that one skilled in the art would know to be a reasonable tolerance for the parts mentioned.

Herein various embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, and methods are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

Described now are exemplary embodiments. Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a protective separated-toe garment 10. This embodiment comprises of flexible/breathable sleeves 110, 510 that fit comfortably over the first 100 and fifth 500 digits of a foot, each sleeve 110, 510 having an inward portion or edge, a top 610, and a bottom 600. The sleeves 110, 510 are made from a non-slip material or are surrounded by a non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied to the top 610 and bottom 600 to prevent the sleeves 110, 510 from moving out of place while worn inside a shoe. Exemplary embodiments of the non-slip material include, but are not limited to, neoprene, silicone, rubber, or an anti-slip coating. In an embodiment where the non-slip material is attached to a base material, the base material can be of any suitable breathable/flexible material such as, but not limited to, cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide, or a moisture-wicking material. It is also understood that any of these materials may be mixed with other fibers or materials such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastane, or copper.

The sleeves 110 and 510 attach to or are integral with a foot pad 620. The foot pad 620, located below the ball of a user's foot when worn, is of a protective material sufficient to protect the ball of the foot when worn inside a shoe. Exemplary embodiments of the foot pad 620 include, but are not limited to, foam, batting, memory foam, gel, or silicone gel that is covered by any suitable breathable/flexible material such as cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide, or a moisture-wicking material and has at least one non-slip grip 630 on the bottom to reduce or prevent the foot pad 620 from sliding when worn inside of the shoe (not illustrated). Exemplary embodiments of the non-slip material for the foot pad 620 include, but are not limited to, neoprene, silicone, rubber, or an anti-slip coating. In an embodiment where the non-slip material is attached to a base material, the base material can be of any suitable breathable/flexible material such as, but not limited to, cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide, or a moisture-wicking material. It is also understood that any of these materials may be mixed with other fibers or materials such as spandex, elastane, or copper.

FIG. 3 shows the construction elements of the first exemplary embodiment of the protective separated-toe garment 10 described in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. As shown in FIG. 3, the protective separated-toe garment 10 is constructed of three elements. The first element (sleeve 110) is of a flexible/breathable material have a first edge 700 disposed substantially perpendicular to side edges 710 and 711. Two curved edges 720, 721 taper from side edges 710, 711, respectively, in a curve to meet at a point opposite first edge 700. The first element is intended and sized to fit around a first or big toe. The first element may be of a non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied to the edges 700, 720 to prevent sleeve 110 from moving out of place while worn inside of a shoe.

FIG. 3 also shows the second element (sleeve 510) of the construction elements. Second element 510 also is of a flexible/breathable material having a first edge 730 disposed substantially perpendicular to side edges 740, 741 thereof. Two curved edges 750, 751 taper from side edges 740, 741 in a curve to meet as a point opposite first edge 730. The second element 510 is slightly smaller than first element 110, as it is intended and sized to fit around a fifth or pinky toe. The second element 510 may be a non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied to the edges 730, 750 to prevent sleeve 510 from moving out of place while worn inside of a shoe.

FIG. 3 also shows a third element (foot pad 620) of the construction elements of the protective separated-toe garment 10. The third element is shaped as a foot pad capable of protecting the ball of the foot and has a first edge 760 defining an oblique curve such that the ends of the first edge 760 develop and merge into the side edges 770, 771, respectively at opposite sides of the foot pad 620 at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a second rear edge 780. The side edges 770, 771 meet at the second rear edge 780 in a large-angled manner to second rear edge 780, meaning here that the angle formed by these two lines meeting are ninety degrees or more (i.e., a substantially obtuse angle).

In various exemplary embodiments, the third element 620 may be constructed of any suitable material, including foam, batting, memory foam, gel, or silicone gel covered with any suitable breathable/flexible material. The third element 620 may have non-slip grips 630 made of any combination, or be a single, integral element of silicone, rubber, or anti-slip coating applied to the bottom of the pad to add stability from sliding while worn in a shoe. The non-slip grips 630 can be applied in various patterns, for example, in lines, dots, zig zags, or other wavy or curved patterns or can cover the bottom of the foot pad.

To construct the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B using the construction elements of FIG. 3, the sides 710 and 711 of the first element 110 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive, along their edges, leaving an opening that is capable of accommodating the insertion of the first digit (big toe) 100 of the foot. The edge 721 is joined to third element 620 along side 770, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive. The sides 740 and 741 of second element 510 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive, along their edges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating the insertion of the fifth digit (pinky toe) 500 of the foot. The edge 751 is joined to the third element 620 along side 771, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive. With reference to FIG. 3, it is noted that the construction of these elements may be performed in a different sequence than described.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show plan views of the constructed protective separated-toe garment 10 made from elements shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 offers a perspective view at an angle from the top of the constructed toe garment made from the elements shown in FIG. 3. Finally, when a mirror-image pair of the protective separated-toe garment 10 is made, as shown in FIG. 6, the two protective separated-toe garments 10 provide one garment for each of the left and right feet. In the view of FIG. 6, the holes for which the toes 100 and 500 can fit through can be seen clearly.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of a protective separated-toe garment 10 worn on a right foot of a user. As seen in FIG. 7, this embodiment of the protective separated-toe garment 10 comprises flexible/breathable sleeves, 110, 210, and 510, that fit comfortably over each of the five digits of the foot—100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. Additionally, in this exemplary embodiment, there exists a non-slip material 600 surrounding sleeves 110, 210, and 510 at the top, and a non-slip material 610 surrounding sleeves 110 and 510 at the bottom, in which both materials 600 and 610 are to prevent the sleeves 110, 210, and 510 from moving out of place while worn inside a shoe. In an alternative embodiment, the non-slip material can be the material of the sleeves 110, 210, and 510 instead of being attached thereto.

The ball of the foot pad 620 is constructed of a protective material sufficient to protect the ball of the foot when worn, and has non-slip grips 630 on its bottom to prevent the ball of the foot pad 620 from moving inside of a shoe.

FIG. 9 shows the construction elements of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B. As shown in FIG. 9, the embodiment has four different elements. The first element (sleeve 110) is of a flexible/breathable material having a first edge 700 disposed substantially perpendicular to side edges 710 and 711. Two curved edges 720 and 721 taper from side edges 710, 711, respectively, in a curve to meet at a point opposite first edge 700. The first element 110 is intended and sized to fit around a first or big toe. The first element 110 may be of a non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied to the edges 700, 720 to prevent sleeve 110 from moving out of place while worn inside a shoe.

FIG. 9 also shows the second element (sleeve 510) of the construction elements. The second element 510 also is of a flexible/breathable material having a first edge 730 disposed substantially perpendicular to side edges 740, 741 thereof. Two curved edges 750, 751 taper from side edges 740, 741 in a curve to meet at a point opposite first edge 730. The second element 510 is slightly smaller than first element 110, as it is intended and sized to fit around a fifth or pinky toe. The second element 510 may be a non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied to the edges 730, 750 to prevent sleeve 510 from moving out of place while worn inside of a shoe.

FIG. 9 also shows the third element (foot pad 620) of the construction elements of the protective separated-toe garment 10. The third element 620 is shaped as a foot pad capable of protecting the ball of the foot and has a first edge 760 defining an oblique curve such that the ends of the first edge 760 develop and merge into the side edges 770, 771, respectively, at opposite sides of the foot pad 620 at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at the second rear edge 780. The side edges 770, 771 meet at the second rear edge 780 in a large-angled manner to second rear edge 780, meaning here that the angle formed by these two lines meeting are ninety degrees or more (i.e., a substantially obtuse angle).

In various exemplary embodiments, the third element 620 may be constructed of any suitable material, including foam, batting, memory foam, gel, or silicone gel covered with any suitable breathable/flexible material. The third element 620 may have non-slip grips 630 made of any combination, or be a single, integral element of silicone, rubber, or other materials applied to the bottom of the pad to add stability from sliding while worn in a shoe. The non-slip grips 630 can be applied in various patterns, for example, in lines, dots, zig zags, other wavy or curved patterns, or cover the bottom of the foot pad.

FIG. 9 also shows the fourth element (toe sleeve 210) of the construction elements. The fourth element 210 is also of a flexible/breathable material having a first edge 790 disposed substantially perpendicular to the side edges 800, 801 thereof. Two edges 810, 811 taper off at an angle from the side edges 800, 801 substantially in a curved manner such that the ends of side edges 800, 801 develop and merge into the two edges 810, 811 and then merge into the second edge 820 that is substantially parallel to the first edge 790. The fourth element 210 may be a non-slip material or have a non-slip material applied thereto to prevent the fourth element 210 from moving out of place while worn inside of a shoe.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first element 110, the fourth element 210, and the second element 510 may be constructed of any suitable breathable/flexible material such as, but not limited to, cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide, or a moisture-wicking material. It is also understood that any of these materials may be mixed with other fibers or materials such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastane, or copper.

To construct the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8B using construction elements of FIG. 9, the sides 710, 711 of first element 110 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive, along their edges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating the insertion of the first digit (big toe) 100 of the foot. The edge 721 is joined to third element 620 along side 770, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive. The sides 800 and 801 of the fourth element 210 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive, along their edges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating the insertion of the second 200, third 300, or fourth 400 digits (toes) of the foot. The edge 820 is joined to the third element 620 along side 760, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive. If all five toes are to be separately covered, this fourth element 210 is repeated twice more so that there are up to three of the fourth elements 210 in total, one for each of the three central toes. FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B each show a total of five toe holes but, if desired, the number of toe holes can be reduced by taking away any of the elements 110, 210, 510. The sides 740, 741 of the second element 510 are joined, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive, along their edges, leaving an opening capable of accommodating the insertion of the fifth digit (toe) 500 of the foot. The edge 751 is joined to third element 620 along side 771, for example, by stitching or with an adhesive. With reference to FIG. 9, it is noted that the construction of these elements may be performed in any sequence different than described.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show plan views of the constructed protective separated-toe garment 10 made from elements shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 offers a perspective view at an angle from the top of the protective separated-toe garment 10 made from the elements shown in FIG. 9. Finally, when a mirror-image pair of the protective separated-toe garment 10 is made, as shown in FIG. 12, the two protective separated-toe garments 10 provide one garment for each of the left and right feet. In the view of FIG. 12, the holes for which the toes 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 can fit through can be seen clearly.

It is noted that various embodiments described herein refer to a sleeve that is, for example, tubular with an open distal end so that the toe within the sleeve is able to be seen from the distal side of the toe. Each of these sleeves can be formed, in alternative embodiments, to extend to the distal end of any respective toe and, if desired, a little further and provided with a closure that closes off at least a part or seals of the entirety of the distal opening so that the respective toe within the closed-end sleeve cannot be seen when viewed from the distal end of the sleeve. Examples of such embodiments are shown in FIGS. 13 to 21. Regarding the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 the sleeves of FIG. 1 are extended to cover the toes in FIG. 13, the sleeves of FIGS. 2A and 2B are extended to cover the toes in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the sleeves of FIGS. 4A and 4B are extended to cover the toes in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the sleeves of FIG. 5 are extended to cover the toes in FIGS. 16, and the sleeves of FIG. 6 are extended to cover the toes in FIG. 17. Regarding the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 12 the sleeves of FIG. 7 are extended to cover the toes in FIG. 18, the sleeves of FIGS. 10A and 10B are extended to cover the toes in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the sleeves of FIG. 11 are extended to cover the toes in FIG. 20, and the sleeves of FIG. 12 are extended to cover the toes in FIG. 21. The descriptions of each of these variations are identical with the exception of extending the sleeves to cover the distal ends of the respectively enclosed toes. Therefore, the description is not repeated herein but is incorporate by reference for each of the corresponding figures. Further, these figures show that the distal ends of the respective toes are completely covered. The covering can be partial and, therefore, have breathing openings at a portion of the ends so that only some of the ends of the toes are covered, such as, for example, with a strip that extends along a middle of a toe from the top of the sleeve to the bottom of the sleeve around the distal end of the toe to bifurcate the toe when viewed from the distal end.

It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processes and systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein. The particular choice for description herein with regard to a single exemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that the particular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it is described. All features described herein are equally applicable to, additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplary embodiments described herein and in any combination or grouping or arrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein to illustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean that the feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature in another drawing figure or description. Further, where two or more reference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, this should not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments or features, they are equally applicable to similar features or not a reference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the systems, apparatuses, and methods. However, the systems, apparatuses, and methods should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the systems, apparatuses, and methods as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A protective, separated-toe garment, comprising: a first, big-toe element of a flexible and breathable material comprising: opposing first and second side edges;a front first edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second side edges;a first curved edge tapering from the first side edge in a curve to meet at a first point opposite the front first edge;a second curved edge tapering from the second side edge in a curve to meet at the first point opposite the front first edge;wherein, when the opposing first and second side edges are connected together, the first, big-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a big toe of a foot;a second, pinky-toe element of a flexible and breathable material comprising: opposing third and fourth side edges;a front fifth edge disposed substantially perpendicular to third and fourth side edges;a third curved edge tapering from the third side edge in a curve to meet at a second point opposite the front fifth edge;a fourth curved edge tapering from the fourth side edges in a curve to meet at the second point opposite the front fifth edge;wherein, when the opposing third and fourth side edges are connected together, the second, pinky-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a pinky toe of the foot;a third foot pad element shaped as a foot pad and of a material protecting a ball of the foot when worn and comprising: opposing sixth and seventh side edges;a eighth rear edge;a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such that ends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into the sixth and seventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides of the third foot pad element at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a respective side of the eighth rear edge; andthe second curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge and the fourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge to form a protective toe sock.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the first, big-toe element is of a non-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the big toe while worn inside of a shoe.

3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the first, big-toe element has a non-slip material applied to the front first edge and the first curved edge to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the big toe while worn inside of a shoe.

4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the second, pinky-toe element is of a non-slip material to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the pinky toe while worn inside of a shoe.

5. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the second, pinky-toe element has a non-slip material applied to the front fifth edge and the third curved edge to prevent the sleeve from moving out of place on the pinky toe while worn inside of a shoe.

6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the sixth and seventh side edges meet at the eighth rear edge in a obtuse-angled manner with respect to the eighth rear edge.

7. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the first and second side edges are joined by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

8. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the third and fourth side edges are joined by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

9. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the second curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

10. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the fourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge by at least one of stitching and an adhesive.

11. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the protective toe sock further comprises a mirror-image pair of protective toe socks one for each of left and right feet.

12. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the third foot pad element has non-slip grips at bottom to prevent the third foot pad element from moving inside of a shoe.

13. The garment according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth, middle-toe element of a flexible/breathable material comprising: opposing tenth and eleventh side edges;a front twelfth edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the tenth and eleventh side edges and having a given length;a rear thirteenth edge substantially parallel to the front twelfth edge, having ends, and being shorter than the given length;opposing fourteenth and fifteenth edges tapering from a respective one of the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges to meet a respective end of the rear thirteenth edge; andwherein, when the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges are connected together and the rear thirteenth edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the front ninth edge, the fourth, middle-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a middle toe of the foot.

14. The garment according to claim 13, wherein the fourteenth and fifteenth edges taper in a curved manner from the respective one of the opposing tenth and eleventh side edges to the respective end of the rear thirteenth edge.

15. The garment according to claim 13, further comprising three of the fourth, middle-toe elements to form three sleeves each sized to fit around one of the three middle toes of the foot.

16. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the material is of at least one of neoprene, silicone, rubber, foam, batting, memory foam, gel, or silicone gel.

17. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the material has a base material of at least one of cotton, nylon, polyester, bamboo, silk, polyamide.

18. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve of at least one of the first, big-toe element and the second, pinky-toe element extends to a distal end of the respective toe therein and has a closure closing off at least a portion of an opening formed at the distal end of the sleeve.

19. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve of at least one of the first, big-toe element and the second, pinky-toe element extends to a distal end of the respective toe therein and has closes off the distal end of the sleeve to completely encase the toe therein.

20. A protective, separated-toe garment, comprising: a first, big-toe element of a flexible and breathable material comprising: opposing first and second side edges;a front first edge disposed substantially perpendicular to the first and second side edges;a first curved edge tapering from the first side edge in a curve to meet at a first point opposite the front first edge;a second curved edge tapering from the second side edge in a curve to meet at the first point opposite the front first edge;wherein, when the opposing first and second side edges are connected together, the first, big-toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a big toe of a foot;a second toe element of a flexible and breathable material comprising: opposing third and fourth side edges;a front fifth edge disposed substantially perpendicular to third and fourth side edges;a third curved edge tapering from the third side edge in a curve to meet at a second point opposite the front fifth edge;a fourth curved edge tapering from the fourth side edges in a curve to meet at the second point opposite the front fifth edge;wherein, when the opposing third and fourth side edges are connected together, the second toe element forms a sleeve sized to fit around a toe of the foot other than the big toe;a third foot pad element shaped as a foot pad and of a material protecting a ball of the foot when worn and comprising: opposing sixth and seventh side edges;a eighth rear edge;a front ninth edge defining an oblique curve such that ends of the front ninth edge develop and merge into the sixth and seventh side edges, respectively, at opposite sides of the third foot pad element at an oblique angle and curve rearwards to end at a respective side of the eighth rear edge; andthe second curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the sixth side edge and the fourth curved edge is joined to the third foot pad element at the seventh side edge to form a protective toe sock.