Abstract:
Footwear with magnets systems provides a comfortable way to undergo magnetic therapy. The system covers a foot with magnetic energy while enabling people to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, fight infection, support healing, reduce fluid retention, increase cellular oxygen, and a variety of other positive benefits. The system may be conveniently used for individuals who practice magnetic therapy; the therapeutic treatment via magnetostatic fields which are static in nature.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/705,710, filed Sep. 26, 2012 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of footwear and more specifically relates to footwear with magnets. 
       2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    Footwear consists of garments worn on the feet, for fashion, protection against the environment, and adornment. Footwear may include various types of shoes, boots, sandals, sneakers, skates, slippers, and the like. Shoes and boots are intended to protect and comfort the human foot while doing various activities. Shoes and boots may be used for work or for fashion. Sandals are often worn for leisure. Many types of footwear may cause discomfort to wearers. Footwear generally is not traditionally multi-purpose in design. The human foot and ankle is a strong and complex mechanical structure containing exactly 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively articulated), and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Many individuals suffer from foot ailments which may be very uncomfortable. It is desirable that footwear be comfortable and also helpful to any foot ailments that may be present. 
         [0006]    A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet; a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, and attracts or repels other magnets. Magnets may serve many purposes. Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine practice involving the use of static magnetic fields. Practitioners are under the assumption that subjecting certain parts of the body to magnetostatic fields produced by permanent magnets has beneficial health effects. Many people undergo magnetic therapy for a variety of different aliments and conditions. A convenient means by which magnetostatic fields can be introduced to human feet is desirable. 
         [0007]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pub. Nos. 2012/0316382; 2012/0317843; U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,381; 2012/0304500; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,020. This art is representative of footwear. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0008]    Ideally, footwear with magnets should provide convenient magnetic therapy means for use on feet and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable footwear with magnets system to avoid the above-mentioned problems, one that may be worn on the feet of human wearers with ease over a duration. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known footwear art, the present invention provides a novel footwear with magnets system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide convenient magnetic therapy means for user-wearers feet. 
         [0010]    The present invention provides people with an easy and comfortable way to undergo magnetic therapy. The footwear with magnets covers a large surface area of the user&#39;s foot (feet) with magnetic energy while enabling people to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, fight infection, support healing, reduce fluid retention, increase cellular oxygen, and a variety of other things, yet not impeding them from completing their everyday tasks. The present invention is not cumbersome and may be ideal for individuals who practice magnetic therapy and for those with pain, swelling or the like in their feet. 
         [0011]    A footwear with magnets system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a footwear garment assembly having an inner layer; an outer layer; a middle layer; and magnets. The inner layer, outer layer, and middle layer in combination form a garment for wear on feet of a wearer; wherein the magnets are interspersed in the middle layer (the middle layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer). The inner layer is such that it is located adjacent the foot (feet) of a wearer when the foot garment is worn and the outer layer serving as protection from the elements. The middle layer may also comprise insulating means such as fill. 
         [0012]    The magnets don&#39;t physically touch the wearer (user) but are in relative proximity of the foot of the wearer when the foot garment (footwear) is worn, the magnets thereby able to positively affect the feet of the wearer. The magnets are embedded in the footwear garment assembly, with each North Pole of each magnet directly facing the foot of the wearer for maximum benefit. In certain embodiments the magnets are directly sewn into the middle layer. Strength of the magnets is preferably 3950 Gauss, and other strengths can also be used. Embedded magnet may be disc-shaped 3950 Gauss ceramic North facing permanent magnets made of rubber. It should be noted that other Gauss levels may be used as per a desired strength of embedded magnet. The foot garment and magnets in combination, as such, form the footwear garment assembly; wherein the footwear with magnets system serves to relieve pain when used. In this way the magnets are useful to promote (positively influence) the foot health of the wearer. 
         [0013]    A method of use for footwear with magnets is also disclosed herein preferably comprising the steps of: donning at least one foot garment, each of foot garment(s) comprising a footwear garment assembly having magnets; wearing footwear garment assembly to induce therapeutic treatment via magnets to feet of a wearer; and removing footwear garment(s) after a wearer-defined duration. 
         [0014]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a footwear with magnets system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, footwear with magnets system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating footwear with magnets in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an item of footwear (a shoe) of footwear with magnets system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the shoe embodiment of footwear with magnets system illustrating magnets as used according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating other possible embodiments of the footwear with magnets system (boots, sandals and the like) according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for footwear with magnets according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a footwear device and more particularly to footwear with magnets as used to improve the conditions whereby magnetic therapy of feet can be achieved over an extended duration in relative comfort. 
         [0023]    Generally speaking, footwear with magnets of the present invention preferably provides people with the convenience of simply wearing footwear to undergo magnetic therapy while worn. This innovative product may comprise a line of footwear with therapeutic magnets embedded or directly sewn into the footwear, with the magnet&#39;s North Pole directly facing the user&#39;s feet and portions thereof. The therapeutic magnets may be embedded evenly through the entire footwear device or the therapeutic magnets may be embedded only on the insole of the footwear with magnets. 
         [0024]    The line of footwear may include a variety of items, such as shoes, boots, sandals, sneakers, skates, slippers, and the like. Other footwear items may also be included within the scope of the present invention. The footwear can be made from natural fabrics, such as leather, fabric, and rubber, natural rubber, plastic, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds, as well as synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon and other suitable equivalents. The therapeutic magnets used may include ceramic magnets, neodymium magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, and flexible rubber magnets and other forms of magnets. Each of the magnets are placed at least about 1 inch (up to 2 inches) away from another adjacent magnet (diagonally and non-diagonally spaced) throughout the (entirety of) the foot garment such that the foot is able to be therapeutically treated via magnetostatic fields which are static in nature, the magnetostatic fields created by the magnets are used to improve the foot health of the user. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of magnetostatic fields as described herein, methods of therapy using static magnets will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
         [0025]    Turning now to discussing the feet of the wearer: The human foot and ankle is a strong and complex mechanical structure containing exactly 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively articulated), and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as previously mentioned. The foot can be subdivided into the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot: the hindfoot is composed of the talus (or ankle bone) and the calcaneus (or heel bone). The two long bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula, are connected to the top of the talus to form the ankle. Connected to the talus at the subtalar joint, the calcaneus, the largest bone of the foot, is cushioned inferiorly by a layer of fat. The five irregular bones of the midfoot, the cuboid, navicular, and three cuneiform bones, form the arches of the foot which serves as a shock absorber. The midfoot is connected to the hind- and fore-foot by muscles and the plantar fascia. The forefoot is comprised of five toes and the corresponding five proximal long bones forming the metatarsus. Similar to the fingers of the hand, the bones of the toes are called phalanges and the big toe has two phalanges while the other four toes have three phalanges. The joints between the phalanges are called interphalangeal and those between the metatarsus and phalanges are called metatarsophalangeal (MTP). Both the midfoot and forefoot constitute the dorsum (the area facing upwards while standing) and the planum (the area facing downwards while standing). The instep is the arched part of the top of the foot between the toes and the ankle. The complexity of the foot leads to many problems, as previously mentioned. 
         [0026]    Due to their position and function, feet are exposed to a variety of potential infections and injuries, including athlete&#39;s foot, bunions, ingrown toenails, Morton&#39;s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, plantar warts and stress fractures. This leaves humans vulnerable to medical problems that are caused by poor leg and foot alignments; these problems may be addressed by podiatry; however this may prove expensive and the individual may experience pain, swelling despite treatment. Thus, the present invention looks to solve these problems. 
         [0027]    Types of Magnets that may be used for magnetic therapy as disclosed herein; Gauss readings vary within each type according to the magnet&#39;s weight, size and shape: Ceramic #5 and Ceramic #8 (Manufacturer&#39;s rating 3950 and 4000 Gauss) Actual readings with a Gauss meter will range from 300 to 1200 Gauss. Made by mixing ceramic clay and iron powder. Flexible magnetic rubber (Manufacturer&#39;s rating 700 Gauss) Actual readings with a Gauss meter will range from 120 to 260 Gauss. Made by mixing iron powder with rubber. Neodymium (Manufacturer&#39;s rating 10200 to 12300 Gauss). Actual readings with a Gauss meter will range from 1700 to 2300 Gauss. A very costly magnet made from a combination of neodymium, iron and boron. Samarium Cobalt (Manufacturer&#39;s rating 8700 to 1100 Gauss). Actual readings with a Gauss meter range from 1000 to 2000 Gauss. Made from a combination of samarium and cobalt. Magnet strength is measured in units called Gauss. For comparison, the natural magnetic field of the Earth is about ½ of 1 gauss. The average “refrigerator” magnet is about 10 gauss. Magnets used in therapeutic products may vary from about 100 gauss to 2,500 gauss. The strength of a magnet is dependent on the size, weight and shape of the magnet. 
         [0028]    North-Negative Effects are used provides the following: has a counter-clockwise rotation; inhibits; relieves pain; reduces inflammation; produces an alkaline effect; reduces symptoms; rights infections; supports healing; reduces fluid retention; increases cellular oxygen; encourages deep restorative sleep; produces a bright mental effect; reduces fatty deposits; establishes healing polarity; stimulates melatonin production; and normalizes natural alkaline pH. 
         [0029]    Referring now to the drawings more specifically by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4  perspective views illustrating footwear with magnets  100  in an in-use condition  150  and various foot garments  104  with magnets  130  that may be employed for use with the present invention. 
         [0030]    Footwear with magnets system  100  comprises at least one footwear garment assembly  110  having inner layer  120 ; a middle layer  122 ; outer layer  124  (respectively from inside to outside of foot garment  104 ); and magnets  130 ; wherein inner layer  120 , outer layer  124 , and middle layer  122  in combination form foot garment  104  for wear. More layers may be used if desired. Magnets  130  are preferably interspersed in middle layer  122 ; middle layer  122  located between inner layer  120  and outer layer  124 ; wherein inner layer  120  is located adjacent the body of wearer  102  when the garment is worn, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0031]    Foot garment  104  comprises sole  140  which is located at the bottom; insole  142  located at the interior bottom; outsole  144  (the layer in direct contact with the ground); optionally midsole  146 ; heel  148  (bottom rear part); upper  138  (may comprise vamp and throat in certain embodiments); toe cap  136 ; (optionally) tongue  134 ; fastening member  118  such as laces that may be laced through eyelets; optionally pull tab; and toe box. Certain embodiments may comprise foxing, collars and other features. Magnets  130  are not only imbedded in sole(s)  140  of foot garment  104 , but also within the linings (in middle layer  122  between inner layer  120  and outer layer  124 ) of the entire foot garment  104 , and magnets  130  are preferably not imbedded in pods, and/or air pockets so that their position is maintained with accuracy. For footwear with magnets system  100 , magnets  130  are ideally placed about 1 to 2 inches away from each other, with North Pole  132  of magnets  130  directly facing the user&#39;s body (foot  106  of wearer  102 ). The distances described give optimum therapeutic coverage and the fact that magnets  130  surround (each) foot  106  provide for greater healing potential. 
         [0032]    Magnets  130  are held in relative proximity of wearer  102  when the garment is worn; magnets  130  thereby able to affect the body of wearer  102 . Magnets  130  are preferably embedded in footwear garment assembly  110 , with each North Pole  132  of magnets  130  directly facing foot  106  of wearer  102 , as mentioned previously and indicated in  FIG. 2 . In this way garment and magnets  130  in combination form footwear garment assembly  110 ; wherein magnets  130  are useful to promote the health of foot  106  of wearer  102  during in-use condition  150 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0033]    As such, footwear with magnets system  100  serves to relieve pain in foot  106  for wearer  102  when used, to reduce inflammation, to fight infection to support healing, to reduce fluid retention, and to increase cellular oxygen. 
         [0034]    Foot garment(s)  104  may comprise shoe(s)  160 ; boot(s)  162 ; sandal(s)  164 ; (various versions thereof) and other footwear items. Magnets  130  may be directly sewn into middle layer in preferred embodiments. Other fastening means may be used such as adhesive. Certain embodiments may use closable pockets or the like such that magnets  130  may be moved from their relative positioning, removed or replaced. 
         [0035]    Magnets  130  of footwear with magnets system  100  are therapeutic magnets selected from the group consisting of ceramic magnets, neodymium magnets, samarium cobalt magnets, and flexible rubber magnets. Footwear garment  104  material may be selected from the group consisting of natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, wool, down, and rubber, as well as synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. Other fabrics and materials may be used within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0036]    Footwear with magnets system  100  may be sold as kit  440  including foot garment  104  for comprising a footwear-line including: at least one (pair of) shoe(s)  160 ; at least one (pair of) boot(s)  162 ; at least one (pair of) sandal(s)  164 ; magnets  130  of various strengths; or combination thereof and at least one set of user instructions. Other garments may be included. Footwear with magnets system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart  550  illustrating a method of use  500  for footwear with magnets  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0038]    Method of using (method of use  500  for) footwear with magnets comprises the steps of: step one 501 donning at least one foot garment  104 , each of foot garment(s)  104  comprising footwear garment assembly  110  having magnets  130 ; step two  502  wearing footwear garment assembly  110  to induce therapeutic treatment via magnets  130 ; and step three  503  removing foot garment(s)  104  after a wearer-defined duration. 
         [0039]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0040]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.