WO2012140449A2 - Foot protector - Google Patents
Foot protector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012140449A2 WO2012140449A2 PCT/GB2012/050834 GB2012050834W WO2012140449A2 WO 2012140449 A2 WO2012140449 A2 WO 2012140449A2 GB 2012050834 W GB2012050834 W GB 2012050834W WO 2012140449 A2 WO2012140449 A2 WO 2012140449A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- foot
- membrane
- protector according
- outer footwear
- foot protector
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 84
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 74
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 claims description 180
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 210000003371 toe Anatomy 0.000 claims description 20
- 229920005573 silicon-containing polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001935 styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001400 block copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N butadiene-styrene rubber Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 MTAZNLWOLGHBHU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000549 coloured material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- BXOUVIIITJXIKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N ethene;styrene Chemical group C=C.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 BXOUVIIITJXIKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004945 silicone rubber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 8
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 3
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 208000003643 Callosities Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 206010020649 Hyperkeratosis Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 241000209149 Zea Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000005824 Zea mays ssp. parviglumis Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000002017 Zea mays subsp mays Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000005822 corn Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000001255 hallux Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- YGSDEFSMJLZEOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N salicylic acid Chemical compound OC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1O YGSDEFSMJLZEOE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 210000000453 second toe Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 206010006585 Bunion Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920000079 Memory foam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- RAQQRQCODVNJCK-JLHYYAGUSA-N N-[(4-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-N-[(E)-5-hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxyethyldisulfanyl)pent-2-en-2-yl]formamide Chemical compound C\C(N(Cc1cnc(C)nc1N)C=O)=C(\CCO)SSCCO RAQQRQCODVNJCK-JLHYYAGUSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010033425 Pain in extremity Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000934136 Verruca Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000000260 Warts Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000000844 anti-bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002421 anti-septic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001821 foam rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000004744 fore-foot Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000416 hydrocolloid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007721 medicinal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008210 memory foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- FJKROLUGYXJWQN-UHFFFAOYSA-N papa-hydroxy-benzoic acid Natural products OC(=O)C1=CC=C(O)C=C1 FJKROLUGYXJWQN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229960004889 salicylic acid Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004243 sweat Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002759 woven fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/142—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the medial arch, i.e. under the navicular or cuneiform bones
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0027—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/22—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
- A43B13/223—Profiled soles
- A43B13/226—Profiled soles the profile being made in the foot facing surface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
- A43B13/386—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process multilayered
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
- A43B17/003—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined characterised by the material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
- A43B17/14—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined made of sponge, rubber, or plastic materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B19/00—Shoe-shaped inserts; Inserts covering the instep
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/28—Devices to put in shoes in order to prevent slipping at the heel or to prevent abrading the stockings
Definitions
- This invention relates to footwear intended to be worn on the wearer's foot for the purpose of protecting the wearer's foot and reducing or alleviating discomfort or soreness due to rubbing of an outer piece of footwear (such as a shoe, sandal, slipper, or boot) on the wearer's foot.
- an outer piece of footwear such as a shoe, sandal, slipper, or boot
- Insoles that are shaped to the shape of the base of the foot or shoe and are placed in the bottom of the shoe by cutting them to size. Some insoles are sized to fit the full length of the shoe or are half-size to fit under the ball of the foot. Insoles are generally made from gel, foam rubber, or memory foam or latex but again often do not prevent the wearer's foot slipping inside the outer footwear and also make the outer footwear tight creating different foot problems.
- Pads that have an adhesive backing to enable the pads to be stuck to the inside of the shoe sole and upper.
- Some forms of pads are in the form of gel filled heel shield or sling back strips.
- Another form of protective pad is known as a foot cover that is fastened inside the shoe and comprises a gel located inside a fabric cover that covers the front part of the foot.
- Other foot pain relief remedies have included plasters of various shapes and thicknesses with the aim of providing foam cushioning, pressure relief for ball of foot, relief of rubbing, chaffing, or friction or pressure on bunions, callous and corns, and are also used to try to prevent build up of hard skin.
- Some of these dressings have added medication such as Salicylic Acid, or hydrocolloid or felt pads, or foam pads to treat corns, blisters and verrucas.
- foot fashion garments Some include knitted or woven fabric foot fashion garments. Some are plain and some are decorative (including lace). Some cover part of the foot i.e. the front of foot (some have an elasticated strap for the heel), toe or heel/ankle. Some cover all the foot and are low cut slipper style socks / footsies / invisible sneakers / Mini socks. Some come with ankle and leg ties. Many of the fashion garments are like sock/pop sock/tights/stocking type fabrics.
- foot garments come in various shapes, sizes, thicknesses and fabrics with the aim of providing cushioning from rubbing or friction. Many of these products do not stop the wearer's foot slipping forward from inside the outer footwear, causing pain, and also chaffing.
- Another proposal has been to provide foldable shoes for carrying in a handbag that can be unfolded and worn on the foot as an item of footwear. All of the known proposals to reduce pain or discomfort suffer from the disadvantage that they do not prevent the wearer's foot moving relative to the outer footwear and in some cases are not readily interchangeable for use with different items of outer footwear.
- An object of the present invention is to provide an independent, interchangeable piece of footwear to be placed on the foot of a person to reduce or prevent movement between the wearer's foot and outer footwear (shoe sandal, slipper and the like) that reduces or eliminates discomfort, or soreness or injury caused by the outer footwear relative to the foot which rubs the foot.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide such footwear that is unobtrusive, unnoticeable, and attractive when worn.
- Footwear comprising a thin, flexible, resilient, elastic, non-slip, membrane shaped to grip the foot without slipping that constitutes the upper, and a sole.
- the membrane is bonded or moulded to a sole made from a material selected from leather, manmade materials, rubber compound, or plastics material to form an item of outer footwear.
- a discrete foot protector adapted to be worn on a person's foot between the foot and item of outer footwear ( 10) to protect the foot against rubbing by the outer footwear, said protector comprising a thin flexible resilient elastic non-slip membrane shaped to grip the foot without slipping on the foot and which in use provides a barrier between the foot and the outer footwear.
- the foot protector adapted to be worn between the foot and a predefined shaped item of outer footwear in which case the membrane is of a complementary shape to the predefined shape of the outer footwear.
- the membrane is selected from of a silicone polymer, polyvinylchloride, polyester, polythene, silicone rubber, SEBS Block Copolymers, Styrene-ethylene, butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic elastomer. It is preferred that the membrane is made of a porous or gas permeable material to allow the foot of the wearer to breath, or is made of a non porous material that is perforated or foraminated to allow the foot of the wearer to breathe
- the preferred thickness of the membrane is in the range of 0.1mm to 2.0 mm. If desired the thickness of the membrane (10) may varies at different regions of the foot protecto. For example it may be thicker under the ball of the foot .
- the membrane may be made of a transparent or translucent material.
- the material may be clear or may be made of a coloured material.
- the membrane may be skin-coloured. If desired the membrane may be decorated or patterned.
- the membrane may be is shaped, dimensioned and comprise an integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the position of the straps of the outer footwear to provide a barrier between the wearer's foot and the outer footwear.
- the membrane may be shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes, body of the foot and the heel of the foot of the wearer.
- the membrane may comprise two discrete parts, one of which is shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes and ball of the foot, and a second part which extends around the heel without being joined by a sole.
- the membrane may be shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes and sole of the foot but leaves the side of the foot uncovered.
- the membrane is preferably of a corresponding shoe shape that covers the toes and sole of the foot and has an integral portion that covers the heel but leaves the side of the foot uncovered.
- the membrane may comprises an integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the shape of the boot.
- the membrane may comprise an integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the position of the straps of the sandal.
- the foot protector may include an orthopaedic style of support to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer.
- the support may be integrally incorporated into the membrane to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer.
- the support comprises a sac containing a gel.
- the membrane may be bonded or moulded to a sole made from a material selected from leather, manmade materials, rubber compounds, or plastics material to form an item of outer footwear.
- the membrane is preferably shaped, dimensioned to have an integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the position of the straps of the outer footwear connected to the sole.
- the membrane is shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes, body of the foot and the heel of the foot.
- the membrane may be shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes, and the heel of the foot.
- the membrane may be shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes and sole of the foot but leaves the side of the foot uncovered.
- the membrane comprises a shoe shaped membrane that covers the toes and sole of the foot and has an integral portion that covers the heel but leaves the side of the foot uncovered.
- the membrane may comprise an integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the shape of the boot.
- the membrane may comprise an integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the position of the straps of the sandal.
- Figures 1 to 9 show, schematically various known shapes of outer footwear with which the present invention can be used;
- Figures 10 to 12 show respectively a plan view, side view and cross sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention of a foot protector constructed in accordance with the present invention suitable for use with a open toed sandal;
- Figure 11 is a cross sectional view along line 11-11 of Figure 10 and
- Figure 12 is a view taken along line 12-12 of figure 10;
- Figures 13 and 14 are respectively a side view and a cross sectional view similar to that of figures 11 and 12 showing a modified version of the foot protector of Figures 10 to 12;
- Figure 14 is a cross sectional view along line 14-14 of figure 13
- Figures 15 and 16 show respectively a plan and cross sectional views of a further modification of a foot protector constructed according to the present invention
- Figures 17 shows a foot protector constructed in accordance with the present invention for wear with flip flops , sling backs and thongs;
- Figure 18 shows a foot protector constructed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention for covering the toes of a wearer;
- Figure 19 shows a foot protector constructed in accordance with yet a further embodiment the present invention comprising two parts that are used together to form the foot protector;
- Figures 20 and 21 show a foot protector constructed in accordance with the present invention that incorporates an orthopaedic style foot arch support.
- Figure 20 is a side view and
- Figure 21 is a cross sectional view along line 21-21 of Figure 20; and.
- Figure 22 shows a foot protector constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention incorporating an integral sole.
- Figures 1 to 9 there is shown schematically various items of outer footwear 10,
- the outer footwear 10 is in the form of a sandal 10 with straps 11, 12, and 13 fixed to a conventional sole 14.
- FIG 2 there is shown a flip flop 10 that has a strap 15 fixed to the sole 16 and running from one side near the heel end of the sole over the top of the flip flop to the other side.
- a central strap 18 is connected to the strap 15 and runs forwards and downwards to be connected to the sole 16 at a location between the big toe and second toe of the wearer's foot.
- FIG 3 there is shown a modification of the flip flop 10 of figure 2 that has a larger width strap 15 that covers more area of the top of the wearer's foot.
- Figure 4 shows another type of flip flop that is similar to the flip flop of figure 3 but having an additional strap 19 that encompasses the ankle of the wearer's foot.
- Other forms of flip flop are those called "thongs" that have very thin straps 18 that pass between the big toe and second toe of the wearer and attach to the ankle strap 19.
- FIGs 5 and 6 there are shown two types of court shoes 10; the shoe in figure 5 has a low heel whereas that of figure 6 has a high heel. Both of the shoes of figures 5 and 6 have an upper 20 that is made of leather of manmade fibre.
- FIG 7 there is shown a variation of the court shoes of figure 5 and 6 wherein the shoe 10 has open sides formed by having a front portion 21 that covers the toes and a heel portion 22 that wraps around the rear of the heel. The two portions 21 and 22 are connected together by a leather or rubber sole 23.
- An ankle strap 24 is provided that encompasses the ankle.
- Another form of court shoe is that called a "sling- back". It has the front shape and upper of the court shoe which partway up the foot ends replaced and held in place by a strap that extends from the upper around the heel.
- FIG 8 there is shown a boot style of outer footwear 10 the upper 25 of the boot 10 covers the complete foot and ankle of the wearer.
- the boot upper may be made of leather or man made fabric or could be an open network of straps, chains or textile elements.
- the boot 10 shown in figure 9 is a high heeled boot.
- sandals known as "strappy sandals”, trainers, sports shoes, and pumps.
- All of the above mentioned outer footwear may be in flat soled, low heel or high heel versions with, or without, platform soles.
- FIG 10 there is shown the plan view of one of a pair of foot protectors
- the foot protector 30 is a discrete item adapted to be worn on the foot of a wearer to provide an interface between the foot and an item of outer footwear 10 (not shown in Figures 10 to 21).
- the foot protector 30 is made of very thin resilient, elastic or elasticised membrane, such as, for example, a silicone polymer membrane typically ) 0.4 to 1.0 mm (0.020 to 0.040") thick of the type sold by Polymer Systems Technology Ltd and Clinical Polymer Technologies Ltd. as an air permeable membrane supplied for medical applications but it need not be of such high quality.
- the membrane 30 is made from an air permeable or porous material but could be made from a non porous material that is foraminated or perforated.
- the foot protector 30 comprises an integral sole 31 and a tubular front upper 32 that is dimensioned to grip and mould itself to the shape of the front and upper part of the wearer's foot lightly, leaving the toes to project forwards of the upper 32.
- the upper 32 is a complete tubular shape.
- the foot protector 30 may be made in many different shoe sizes or there may be one size to fit many sizes of feet.
- the foot protector 30 of Figure 10 to 12 are intended to be worn on the foot and used with the outer footwear 10 shown in figures 1 to 9 and other types of outer footwear.
- the width of the upper 32 of the foot protector 30 of figure 10 when measured in a direction from the toes towards the heel can be smaller than that shown in figure 10, and one or more hoops or straps 33 (shown in Figure 15 and 16) corresponding to the position of the straps of the shoe shown in Figures 2 and 3.
- the foot protector 30 could have straps (not shown) that are positioned and correspond to the straps 15, 18, 19 of the shoes shown in Figures 1 to 4 to enable the foot protector 30 to be used with the style of outer footwearlO shown in figures 1 to 4.
- FIG. 13 and 14 there is shown a modification of the foot protector 30 in which the cylindrical tubular upper 32 of the footwear of figures 10 to 12 is replaced by a slightly frusta-conical tubular upper 32. It is thought that this may provide more comfort with less tight a grip than that of the cylindrical tubular upper shown in Figure 12.
- the footwear of figure 13 also has a sole 3.
- the foot protector 30 of figures 12 and 13 may, or may not, have an additional feature of a heel grip 36 (as shown in Figure 13) shaped to lightly grip around the heel of the wearer enabling this foot protector to be worn with items of outer footwear that have heel covers such as those shown in figures 1, and 4 to 9.
- the Foot protector 30 shown in figures 17 and 18 have an upper 32 for covering the front of the foot and a sole 31.
- FIG 17 two holes 34, 35 are provided to allow the toes to project through the upper 32 of the foot protector 30.
- the foot protector 30 of Figure 18 does not have the holes 34, 35.
- the foot protector 30 of figure 17 is suitable for wear with the shoes shown in figures 1 to 9.
- the foot protector 30 of figures 187 and 18 may or may not have an optional heel grip 36 (as shown in figure 18), and would be suitable for wear with the shoes of figure 7 or those of figures 6 and 9.
- a foot protector 30 made of two parts 39 and 40 that constitute a foot protector 30 for wearing on one foot.
- One part 39 is a thin silicone polymer membrane (or SEBS or TPE) shaped to cover the toes of the wearer. If desired, the part 39 may, or may not, have holes to receive the toes of the wearer that are similar to the holes 34, 35 shown in Figure 17.
- the second part 40 is a thin silicone polymer membrane (or SEBS or TPE) shaped to cover the heel of the wearer (similar to the shape of the heel cover shown in Figure 13) but there is no sole interconnecting the parts 39 and 40.
- the foot protector 30 of Figure 19 can be worn when wearing outer footwear of the type shown in any of figures 1, 4 to 9.
- a foot protector 30 that has an orthopaedic style of support 41.
- This support 41 may be a discrete separate item, or could be integrally incorporated into the foot protector 30, to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer.
- the support 41 is made separately and could be made of a pre- shaped silicone polymer sac 42 that is filled with a gel material 43 and is either placed into the outer footwear (or inside the tubular upper 32 of the foot protector 30 or is subsequently incorporated into the foot protector 30 by moulding or forming the membrane of the foot protector 30 around the sac 42.
- the uppers 32 of the foot protector 30 of Figures 15 to 22 could be a cylindrical tube (as shown in Figure 12) or a frusta-conical tube (as shown in Figure 13).
- the membranes 30 are preferably made of air permeable materials that allow the foot to breathe and perspire.
- the membrane has slightly tacky or clingy surfaces (not adhesive) that prevents the footwear slipping on the foot and but allows the foot protector 30 to slip relative to the outer footwear 10.
- the prototypes of the foot protector 30 were made from a sheet of silicone polymer, but other resilient, pliable, elastic membrane materials may be suitable.
- the membrane 30 may be made from other materials than silicone rubber polymers, such as, for example polyethylene, polyurethane, or polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyesters, SEBS Block Copolymers (Styrene- ethylene / butadiene-styrene) or TPE (Thermo Plastic elastomer). It is thought that a typical range of preferred thicknesses for the membrane is in the range of 0.40mm to 1.0mm thick. The membrane 30 may be of varying thicknesses at different regions of the foot protector 30.
- PVC polyvinylchloride
- SEBS Block Copolymers Styrene- ethylene / butadiene-styrene
- TPE Thermo Plastic elastomer
- the membrane sheet was cut to shape to form a tongue that constitutes the sole 31 and the uppers 32 and the sheet wrapped to form the tubular or frusta conical uppers 32 and glued or heat sealed to form the tubular cross sectional shaped uppers 32. Whist this provided a comfortable fit for the foot protector 30, it is thought that it may be better to make the foot protector 30 as a seamless construction.
- the sole shape 31 (and where appropriate the heel supports 36) may be made by cutting them out of the tubular parts of the membrane that form the uppers 32 to leave an integral flat sole 31 (and heel support 36 where appropriate).
- the membrane 30 is preferably moulded , fabricated, or cut, to form shapes that complement predefined shapes of outer foot wear, so that the foot protector 30 is shaped to confront the parts of the outer footwear (such as straps, heel supports and uppers) where it is expected the outer footwear might chafe the foot of the wearer.
- the foot protector 30 be unobtrusive or unnoticeable when worn, it could be made of a transparent material that is of a matt or gloss finish or could be made of skin coloured materials. Where it is desired to show off or add to the footwear the footwear could be made of highly coloured or patterned materials.
- the membrane 30 could be coated in places with various non-stick products such as polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe) to aid comfort and easy of use. Indeed the membrane may be coated with, or impregnated with, medical preparations such as an antiseptic, anti bacterial, or deodorising material or substance. Indeed the medical properties could be incorporated into the membrane 30 as it is moulded or extruded.
- Figures 10 to 21 show only the right foot of the foot protector 30.
- the foot protector 30 of the present invention is to be sold as matching pairs of left and right foot shapes, although some foot protectors 30 could be made of identical shapes (that is to say that it is not shaped for either the right or left foot) and the sole shapes may be cut out by the wearer to suit each foot.
- foot protectors 30 for wear with an item of outer footwear.
- Figure 22 there is shown one example of foot protector constructed in accordance with the present invention adapted to be worn in place of an item of outer footwear.
- the upper 32 and sole 31 of the foot protector is made from a thin elastic membrane such as that disclosed above with reference to Figures 10 to 21 that lightly moulds to the foot of the wearer.
- the upper 32 and sole 31 is made of an elastic silicone polymer membrane that is bonded or integrally moulded to a wear resistant sole 40 that is made of, for example, leather, manmade materials, rubber or plastic to form an item of outer footwear similar to any one of figures 1 to 9.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
- Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
- Socks And Pantyhose (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/111,595 US20140196306A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2012-04-16 | Foot protector |
CN201280026016.9A CN104159467A (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2012-04-16 | Foot protector |
BR112013026462A BR112013026462A2 (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2012-04-16 | foot protector |
EP12721894.9A EP2696716A2 (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2012-04-16 | Foot protector |
GB1320128.0A GB2505119A (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2012-04-16 | Foot protector |
EA201370227A EA201370227A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2012-04-16 | DEVICE FOR PROTECTION OF THE FOOT |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1106315.3A GB2489977A (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2011-04-14 | Membrane for gripping footwear |
GB1106315.3 | 2011-04-14 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2012140449A2 true WO2012140449A2 (en) | 2012-10-18 |
WO2012140449A3 WO2012140449A3 (en) | 2013-01-03 |
Family
ID=44147003
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2012/050834 WO2012140449A2 (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2012-04-16 | Foot protector |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140196306A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2696716A2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104159467A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112013026462A2 (en) |
EA (1) | EA201370227A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB2489977A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012140449A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014064445A1 (en) * | 2012-10-23 | 2014-05-01 | Innover Limited | Protective clothing |
JP2015188720A (en) * | 2014-03-29 | 2015-11-02 | 美津濃株式会社 | Insole for sport shoe |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10039329B2 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2018-08-07 | Rose Anne SHERRY | Hosiery article |
US10945488B2 (en) * | 2013-08-09 | 2021-03-16 | Reebok International Limited | Article of footwear with extruded components |
US20150047092A1 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2015-02-19 | Suzanne SCHLIER | Sole-less sandal |
US20160295954A1 (en) * | 2015-04-07 | 2016-10-13 | Bichloan Tran | Shoe Insert |
US20170267847A1 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2017-09-21 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
CN116138540A (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2023-05-23 | 耐克创新有限合伙公司 | Two-part sole structure and use thereof |
US11523655B2 (en) | 2018-12-03 | 2022-12-13 | Nike, Inc. | High energy return foam compositions having improved abrasion resistance and uses thereof |
US20240148104A1 (en) * | 2022-11-08 | 2024-05-09 | Rosa De Jesus | Selectively removable insole for high heel shoes |
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GB279327A (en) | 1927-04-19 | 1927-10-27 | Francesco Saverio Bozza | Improvements in sheaths for protecting the vamps of boots and shoes against the sweat of the feet |
GB281565A (en) | 1927-07-05 | 1927-12-08 | Franz Noetzel | Improvements in oversocks or protectors for the feet |
US1901659A (en) | 1931-05-11 | 1933-03-14 | Frank A Larack | Instep protector |
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US20060288609A1 (en) | 2005-06-28 | 2006-12-28 | Pointe Noir Pty Ltd. | Dance footwear |
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US20080250669A1 (en) * | 2007-04-13 | 2008-10-16 | Michele Laurie Hallivis | Protective foot membrane |
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2011
- 2011-04-14 GB GB1106315.3A patent/GB2489977A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-04-16 BR BR112013026462A patent/BR112013026462A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-04-16 WO PCT/GB2012/050834 patent/WO2012140449A2/en active Application Filing
- 2012-04-16 CN CN201280026016.9A patent/CN104159467A/en active Pending
- 2012-04-16 EA EA201370227A patent/EA201370227A1/en unknown
- 2012-04-16 EP EP12721894.9A patent/EP2696716A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-04-16 US US14/111,595 patent/US20140196306A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-04-16 GB GB1320128.0A patent/GB2505119A/en not_active Withdrawn
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GB204562A (en) | 1922-10-30 | 1923-10-04 | Walter Scriven | An auxiliary waterproof foot covering |
GB270033A (en) | 1926-02-22 | 1927-05-05 | Charles Pearce | Improvements in or relating to foot coverings for use inside boots, shoes and like footwear |
GB279327A (en) | 1927-04-19 | 1927-10-27 | Francesco Saverio Bozza | Improvements in sheaths for protecting the vamps of boots and shoes against the sweat of the feet |
GB281565A (en) | 1927-07-05 | 1927-12-08 | Franz Noetzel | Improvements in oversocks or protectors for the feet |
US1901659A (en) | 1931-05-11 | 1933-03-14 | Frank A Larack | Instep protector |
US2332252A (en) | 1941-04-28 | 1943-10-19 | Edna S Payne | Shoe construction |
US20100154251A1 (en) | 2005-03-01 | 2010-06-24 | Ballet Makers, Inc. | Protective foot covering and dance shoes incorporating same |
US20060288609A1 (en) | 2005-06-28 | 2006-12-28 | Pointe Noir Pty Ltd. | Dance footwear |
US20070283598A1 (en) | 2006-06-09 | 2007-12-13 | Kevin Levin Gray | Cushioning foot insert |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014064445A1 (en) * | 2012-10-23 | 2014-05-01 | Innover Limited | Protective clothing |
JP2015188720A (en) * | 2014-03-29 | 2015-11-02 | 美津濃株式会社 | Insole for sport shoe |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2505119A (en) | 2014-02-19 |
US20140196306A1 (en) | 2014-07-17 |
GB201320128D0 (en) | 2014-01-01 |
EA201370227A1 (en) | 2014-06-30 |
GB201106315D0 (en) | 2011-06-01 |
WO2012140449A3 (en) | 2013-01-03 |
EP2696716A2 (en) | 2014-02-19 |
BR112013026462A2 (en) | 2016-12-20 |
GB2489977A (en) | 2012-10-17 |
CN104159467A (en) | 2014-11-19 |
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