METHOD FOR INHIBITING FUNGAL AND BACTERIAL INFECTIONS OF THE FOOT

A method for inhibiting fungal and bacterial infections of the foot enables a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath is donned on the foot before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to protect against carriers of the fungal contaminants, such as liquids, debris, and soap that flow towards the foot. The sheath is sufficiently sized and dimensioned, so as to snugly encapsulate the foot, and thereby inhibit moisture, soap, fungus, and bacterium that originate at the upper regions of the body from engaging the foot, anywhere from the ankle to the toes. The method enables the entirety of the foot to be covered with the sheath through a simple tugging motion. After washing the upper region of the body, the sheath is urged off the foot, and the foot is washed independently.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed to a method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot. The method helps inhibit fungal and bacterial infections of the foot by covering the foot with a flexible, elastomeric, disposable and waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed, and then removing the sheath for washing the feet separately. Specifically, the method is configured to enable a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath is donned on the foot before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to segregate the foot, and thereby protect against contamination as liquids, debris, excrements, soap and other contaminants flow towards the foot. The sheath is removed for washing the feet separately and for disposing of in a biohazard disposal unit.

The inventor is a cardiac and vascular surgeon who treats vascular and fungal diseases, such as athlete's foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, onychomicosis, lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant. The inventor was aware that there are a number of conditions specifically affecting the feet and toe nails—specifically Athlete's Foot and Onychomycosis.

The inventor knew that Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail and is the most common disease of the nails, increasingly prevalent among adults, affecting up to 10% of the adult population. The inventor was also knowledgeable in that Athlete's Foot reportedly affects 15% of the global population.

Through research, the inventor knew that fungal infections can be difficult to treat, and has indicated that conventional approaches are effective in less than half of all cases, therefore prevention is key. This offers a potential market opportunity to both current sufferers and also individuals prone to developing the conditions, who may choose to protect their toes both in the home and away from home. To gain traction in the market, potential users would need to be educated as to the benefit of using the product alongside any other recommended regime for preventing and managing fungal infections.

The inventor was also aware that as fungus thrives in damp conditions, showering and bathing can be a possible source of potential infection as germs from elsewhere on the body are washed onto the feet. It was known in the inventor's medical circle that if these fungal contaminants and germs colonize the feet and enter the body's systems, they can lead to a range of serious illnesses and diseases. Further, the inventor knew that poor nail hygiene and fungal nail infections frequently serve as portals of entry for bacterial infection and cellulitis and other infections may progress more rapidly in diabetics due to the combination of immune dysfunction and delayed detection.

The inventor recognized a problem in that as the water, soap, and other carriers flowed from the anal and genital areas of high fungal content, the feet were subsequently affected. The inventor decided to segregate the feet from the rest of the body during shower.

Through additional research, the inventor learned that a condom formed a waterproof, sealed covering for the penis. The inventor wondered if the foot, which was elongated like the penis, could be covered in a similar fashion. The inventor fashioned an elongated sheath made of latex and having a restrictive rim at an open end and a reinforced patch at a closed end. The inventor finally conceived of a process in which the sheath could be donned before showering, removed after showering, and finally washing the feet separately from the rest of the body. The inventor realized that this protected the foot from fungal contamination as the water and soap flowed to the feet.

Foot protective medical devices and methods of use have been utilized in the past; yet none with the characteristics of the present invention. See U.S. Patent No. 2014196202; 20010046514; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,222.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot that enables a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed, and then removed for washing the feet separately.

SUMMARY

The present invention describes a method for inhibiting fungal infection of the foot. The method is configured to enable a foot to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath is donned on the foot before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to segregate the foot, and thereby protect against contamination as liquids, debris, soap, and other contaminants flow towards the foot.

The sheath is sufficiently sized and dimensioned, so as to snugly encapsulate the foot, and thereby inhibit moisture, soap, fungus and bacteria that originate at the upper regions of the body from engaging the foot, anywhere from the ankle to the toes. The method enables the entirety of the foot to be covered with the sheath through a simple tugging motion. In this manner, a fungus or other biological contaminant that originates at the upper, or other parts of the body is inhibited from transferring, i.e., washing, flowing, cascading, to the foot, and consequently causing infection thereof.

In one embodiment, the method may include an initial Step of providing a sheath, the sheath configured to snugly encapsulate the foot, the sheath comprising an open end, a closed end, an elongated body, an inner surface, and an outer surface.

A Step comprises orienting the open end of the sheath towards the toes of the feet.

In some embodiments, the method may include a Step of urging the closed end of the sheath towards the toes of the foot.

A Step may include encapsulating the foot, such that the elongated body of the sheath extends from the toes to the ankle.

Another Step includes sealing the open end of the sheath around the ankle.

Yet another Step may include washing an upper region of the body.

Another Step involves urging the sheath off the foot.

The method may include a Step of washing the foot.

A final Step comprises discarding the sheath.

In one alternative embodiment, an additional step of the method comprises moving away from a shower area after washing the upper region of the body.

One objective of the present invention is to inhibit fungus from engaging the foot while washing the upper body in a shower.

Another objective of the present invention is to fully seal the foot, so that moisture, soap, fungus, and bacteria is inhibited from engaging the foot.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a sheath that is flexible, thin, and anti-bacterial.

Yet another objective is to protect all surfaces of the foot with the sheath.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to facilitate donning and removal of the sheath from the foot.

Yet another objective is to protect the foot from fungus, Athlete's Foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, onychomicosis, lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant.

Yet another objective is to prevent hospitalization, doctors' visits, podiatrist and expenditures of money for medicine to treat Athlete's Foot and other fungal contaminations.

Yet another objective is to enable the sheath to be disposed of in a hygiene manner.

Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture sheath.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a treatment and a method of prevention for a diabetic foot.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a method100for inhibiting fungal and bacterial infections of the foot, as referenced inFIGS. 1-3B. The method100is especially effective when an upper, or other region of the body is infected with a fungus or other biological contamination, and the foot300must be protected from the fungus and bacteria during washing, i.e., showering. The method100is configured to enable a foot300to be covered with a flexible, waterproof sheath200while an upper region of the body is being washed. The sheath200is donned on the foot300before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to protect against contamination as liquids, debris, soap, and other carriers of fungus to flow towards the foot300. In some embodiments, the potentially contaminating fungus may include, without limitation, fungus, Athlete's Foot, nail fungi, foot ulcers, Onychomicosis, Lymphangitis, diabetics, gangrenous feet, and a biological contaminant.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that these fungal diseases are recurrent or first appear because of germs that colonize the pubic, anal, and other upper region areas of the body. The upper region of the body may include the region above the ankle304s. Often, the fungal contaminants and related germs come from the daily wash down during showers of the upper region of the body. Specifically, the fungal contaminants originate in the genitals and stools in the anal area of the body. These germs, once they colonize an area of the body, such as the foot300, may create blisters and cracks between the toes and nails. This causes deformities and huge expenses due to the use of medications and visits to the doctor and podiatrists.

Further, when these fungal contaminants penetrate the skin through the cracks, into the vessels, lymphatic system, subcutaneous tissue, they cause severe diseases, some of which are life threatening, including: cellulitis, erisipelas, vasculitis, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism followed by death. Severe gangrene, amputations in diabetics and ulcers also can occur when the fungal contaminants are allowed to contact the foot300.

As the flowchart inFIG. 1illustrates, the method100may include an initial Step102of providing a sheath200, the sheath200configured to snugly encapsulate the foot300, the sheath200comprising an open end202, a closed end204, an elongated body206, an inner surface214, and an outer surface212. The open end202receives and enables passage of the foot300. The closed end204engages the toes302to indicate that the sheath200is fully donned. The elongated body206extends between both ends202,204, forming a barrier for the foot300against the above mentioned fungal contaminants. The outer surface212engages liquid, soaps, and other carriers that may contain the fungal contaminants. The inner surface214engages the skin of the foot300.

Turning now toFIG. 2, one embodiment of the sheath200may be formed as a flexible, waterproof condom-like device, configured to snugly encapsulate the foot300. The sheath200is configured to follow the general contour of a foot300. In one embodiment, a left-footed sheath is used to cover the left foot, and a right-footed sheath is used to cover the right foot. In one embodiment, the sheath200is fabricated from a waterproof fabric (either treated or laminated with a wax or PVC or PU). The sheath200may be stitched and then taped along the stitching to ensure a waterproof seal, similar to a diver's dry suit.

Suitable materials for the sheath200may include, without limitation, latex, elastomer material, nylon, rubber, and polyurethane. Though the sheath200is fabricated from latex, there may be an option to create a non-latex version for those with latex allergies. Such a material may include vinyl, nitrile rubber or neoprene, which are all alternatives to natural rubber latex.

The sheath200may be manufactured and packaged for sale in a number of ways known in the art, i.e., dip molding, vulcanization, sterilization, and packaging. In one embodiment, the sheath200can be manufactured in one simple process and then packaged into a box, much like sterile medical gloves are packaged. Table 1, below focuses on some of the main processes that may be used for manufacturing, sterilizing, and packaging the sheath200. TABLE 1 is as follows:

TABLE 1ComponentsProcessDescriptionSWOTLatex forefootDip mouldingCeramic moulds are dipped into aStrengths:coverLatex vat to dip coat the surface with aSuitable for mass & batch manufacture.film of Latex.High accuracy.Fully Automated.Weaknesses:Moderate tooling cost.Opportunities:Widely used process.Threats:Medium unit costsVulcanisationA baking process in a furnace to ensureAn inherent process from Latex dipthe Latex when stretched will return tomoulding, without it the Latex whenits original shape.stretched will tear.Rim creationRollers will hem the neck of the coverStrengths:much like a prophylactic.Adds a rim to the cover, this gives addedstrength around the neck.Weaknesses:A further process increases the overallcost.Opportunities:The cover could roll over the whole footlike a condom.Threats:Added cost in manufacturing process.Washing andThe cover would be washed and driedStrengths:sterilisingand sterilised before packaging.Ensures the cover is sterile.Weaknesses:More legislation is needed for meetingsterile standardsOpportunities:The sock will not infect the user further.Threats:Added Cost in manufacturing process.PackagingThe cover would be packaged in an airStrengths:tight primary wrapper the packageThe end user knows the product is sterile.would be heat sealed.Weaknesses:A further process increases the overallcost.Opportunities:Further branding can be printed onpackaging.Threats:Added cost in manufacturing process.

In some embodiments, a Step104may further include orienting the open end202of the sheath200towards the toes302of the feet. In donning the sheath200, the sheath200is oriented towards the toes302. The rim208at the open end202of the sheath200is stretched wide, so as to allow passage of the foot300. The open end202is sized and dimensioned to enable the foot300to pass through with minimal obstruction. In one embodiment, the sheath200may have various sizes that fit differently sized feet. In another embodiment, a powder may be applied to the inner surface214of the sheath200to minimize friction with the foot300.

In some embodiments, the method100may include a Step106of urging the closed end204of the sheath200towards the toes302. In donning, the open end202of the sheath200is oriented towards the toes302. A slight tugging motion may be applied to urge the open end202of the sheath200past the toes302, and further to urge the elongated body206along the length of the foot300. The sheath200is fully donned when the closed end204of the sheath200engages the toes302.

AsFIGS. 3A and 3Bshow, a Step108may include encapsulating the foot300, such that the elongated body206of the sheath200extends from the toes302to the ankle304. The sheath200is entirely donned when the open end202encircles the ankle304and the closed end204engages the toes302. In this manner, the sheath200is sufficiently sized and dimensioned, so as to snugly encapsulate the foot300.

Because the sheath200is sized approximately the same as the foot300, the sheath200forms a snug fit around the foot300. The open end202of the sheath200may include an elastic rim208that constricts around the ankle304. The rim208may include a rubber rim208to ensure a skin tight seal against the skin.

The closed end204of the sheath200may include a reinforced patch210that resists tearing by the nails on the toes302. The substantially elastic configuration of the sheath200sticks to the surface of the skin to prevent slippage. The body206of the sheath200may be transparent to enable viewing of the foot300.

In one exemplary donning of an exemplary sheath, a waterproof sheath for the forefoot is formed as a thin walled elastomeric water proof bag or tube, open at the open end. The sheath200stretches skin tight over the foot300. The configuration of the sheath200enables the sheath200to circumferentially squeeze against the foot300. The sheath200may be donned similarly to a stocking. The sheath200may also be donned before showering, bathing, or when immersing into a public douche, a pool, and a gym shower.

Another Step110includes sealing the open end202of the sheath200around the ankle304. The rim208at the open end202of the sheath200constricts around the ankle304so that liquids are restricted from flowing into the inner surface214of the sheath200, and into contact with the foot300. It is significant to note that the sheath200is donned on the foot300before the upper region of the body is washed, so as to protect against contamination from the upper regions, or other parts of the body.

Thus, by forming a tight, compressed encapsulation of the foot300around the ankle, the moisture, soap, fungus, and bacterium originating at the upper region of the body is prevented from flowing down and engaging the foot300. And the foot300is protectively covered from the ankle304to the toes302. In this manner, a fungus or other biological contaminant that originates at the upper region, or other parts of the body is inhibited from transferring, i.e., washing, flowing, cascading, to the foot300, and consequently causing infection thereof.

Another Step112involves washing an upper region of the body. The upper region of the body may include any region of the body above the ankle304. It is known in the art that the fungal contaminants originate from the daily wash down during showers of the upper region of the body. Specifically, the fungal contaminants originate in the genitals and stools in the anal area of the body. These germs, once they colonize an area of the body, such as the foot300, may create blisters and cracks between the toes302and nails.

A Step114includes urging the sheath200off the foot300. After washing the upper and other regions of the body, the closed end204of the sheath200is pulled away from the toes302. It is known in the art that when the sheath200is wet, removing it from the foot300may require tugging along the elongated body206and inching the sheath200off the foot300. It is significant to note that contacting the foot300with the outer surface212of the sheath200should be avoided while urging the sheath200off the foot300. In one alternative embodiment, a spray on latex product is applied to an inner surface214of the foot300to ensure that the foot300stays dry while showering and so that the sheath200easily peels off after use.

Yet another Step116includes washing the foot300. The foot300is washed independently of the rest of the body. The foot300may be washed in a separate tub or stall than the upper region of the body was washed. Because the fungus and other biological contaminants are separated from the foot300during this subsequent foot washing, contamination of the foot300is prevented.

A final Step118comprises discarding the sheath200. The outer surface212of the sheath200may be contaminated after washing the upper region of the body. Thus, it is prudent to discard the sheath200in a biological disposal unit. In one alternative embodiment, an additional step of the method100comprises moving away from a shower area after washing the upper region of the body. In either case, the foot300is constantly segregated from the rest of the body during the entire washing process.

In essence, the sheath200is disposable, affordable, and easy to don prior to washing the upper regions of the body. By utilizing the sheath200in the method100disclosed herein, the prevention of occurrences of various diseases of the foot300, such as Athlete's Foot, Onychomicosis, and diabetic foot ulcers may be prevented.

While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the outer and inner surfaces212,214of the sheath200could be coated with an anti-bacterial composition. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.