Patent Publication Number: US-2010130946-A1

Title: Heel cap for skin treatment

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a heel cap for use in therapeutic treatment of the skin of the user. More particularly, the present application involves a heel cap for use in containing therapeutic lotions and creams onto the heel of the user while preventing such therapeutic applications from being inadvertently spilled or otherwise transferred to the surrounding environment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Topical applications are often employed in the treatment of skin ailments that effect the skin of individuals. For example, the heels on the feet of individuals often become dry or cracked thus requiring the application of an ointment thereon for correction. Cracked heels can be caused by dry skin in combination with other factors. For example, prolonged standing, existing medical conditions, shoe types, and being overweight may also cause cracked heels. In certain cases, cracked heels amount to nothing more than a cosmetic problem. However, in other instances cracked heels may lead to long, deep fissures that can cause significant pain and bleeding which may lead to infections. 
     Treatment of dry or cracked heels often involves the application of a moisturizing agent thereon in order to reduce dryness and promote healing. The topical application may be an oil based moisturizing cream, a lotion that includes glycolic or lactic acid, or can be any of a variety of ointments. Once applied, the topical application must remain on the heel of the user for a period of time in order to allow same to be absorbed therein to deliver its intended benefits. The heel typically has a layer of thickened, callused skin thereon which acts to prevent topical applications from being absorbed. As such, the user must avoid contact between his or her heel and the floor, bed, couch, clothing or other items to prevent the topical application from being removed. 
     Various methods have been employed in order to maintain a topical application onto the heel of a user. For example, plastic wrap may be employed to cover the topical application when applied. Such a technique may be problematic in that the plastic wrap can be relatively easily moved out of position should the user move his or her heel against an object. Also, placement of a sock over the topically applied heel has been employed. Aside from staining the sock, the topical application may flow out of the sock and away from the heel of the user since a sock is not a fluid impervious object. 
     Wraps are known that include cotton gauze applicators for topical applications that are configured in such a manner to allow a sock to be worn over the wrap and applicator. Aside from allowing the topical application to flow therethrough, wraps of this type are configured in a manner that requires the user possess a great degree of dexterity in attaching the wrap to his or her heel. Other types of footwear include a slipper that has a multi-layered insert that includes a topical application. The entire foot of the user is contained within the slipper so that the foot is kept warm to enhance treatment. Further, the complete containment of the foot within the footwear prevents the topical application from flowing to the outside of the footwear. Although suitable for their intended purpose, slippers of this type are not reusable with other topical applications and are uncomfortable to wear when sleeping. As such, there remains room for variation and improvement within the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended Figs. in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a heel cap in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the heel cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the heel cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the heel cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the heel cap of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the heel cap of  FIG. 1  shown attached to the heel of a user. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations. 
     It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5. 
     The present invention provides for a heel cap  10  for use in applying a topical application  74  onto the heel  64  of a user  30  in order to treat skin conditions associated with the heel  64 . The heel cap  10  prevents the topical application  74  from being wiped away from the heel  64  and onto covers when the user sleeps or onto the floor when the user walks. The heel cap  10  may have a body  12  that is made from plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride, and can be rigid enough so that left and right side walls  20  and  22  of the body  12  are formed and extend vertically from a bottom wall  24  of the body  12  when the body  12  is not attached to the user  30 . In this manner, the user  30  may more easily place his or her heel  64  into the body  12  when attaching the heel cap  10 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of the heel cap  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6  in which the heel cap  10  is not attached to a heel  64  of a user  30 . The heel cap  10  includes a body  12  that may be a single, molded integral piece in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. In this regard, the body  12  can be a single piece of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride, and may be made through a molding process. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the body  12  is made of APEX® 3210-60 flexible polyvinyl chloride provided by the Teknor Apex Company having offices at 505 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, R.I., 02861, USA. This polyvinyl chloride material may have a tensile strength at 100% strain of 480 psi, a tensile strength at break of 1200 psi, and a tensile elongation at break of 390% all evaluated under an ASTM D638 test method. This polyvinyl chloride material may have a durometer hardness of Shore A at 15 seconds of 60 as evaluated under the ASTM D2240 test method. This material may also have a specific gravity of 1.35 as measured under the ASTM D792 test method, and a brittleness temperature of −36.4° F. as measured under the ASTM D746 test method. 
     In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the material that makes up the body  12  may have a tensile strength at 100% strain from 440-520 psi, the tensile strength at break from 1100-1300 psi, and the tensile elongation at break from 370% to 420% all evaluated under the ASTM D638 test method. Further, the material included within body  12  may have a durometer hardness of Shore A at 15 seconds from 50-70. Also, the material may have a specific gravity of 1.20-1.5 as measured under the ASTM D792 test method, and a brittleness temperature of −40° F. to −30° F. as measured under the ASTM D746 test method. Also, although described as being a single piece of molded polyvinyl chloride, it is to be understood that the body  12  can be made of other types of plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. The plastic making up the body  12  can be medical grade flexible plastic in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Further, the body  12  need not be made out of a single type of plastic but may be made of multiple types of plastic in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. Still further, the body  12  may include other materials, such as fabric, metal, or hook and loop type fasteners, which are attached to the plastic. 
     The body  12  has an outer surface  14  and an inner surface  16 . The body  12  can be a single integral piece so that the body  12  is a single layer such that the entire outer surface  14  and inner surface  16  are made from the same material. Alternatively, the body  12  can be constructed so that only a portion of the outer surface  14  and/or inner surface  16  are made of plastic. The body  12  is arranged so as to form a back wall  18 , a left side wall  20 , a right side wall  22 , and a bottom wall  24 . The back wall  18 , left side wall  20  and right side wall  22  extend upwards from the bottom wall  24  in the vertical direction. The vertical direction of the body extends in the direction of the vertical axis  58 . The walls  18 ,  20  and  22  have enough rigidity so that they maintain their vertical extension from the bottom wall  24  when the body  12  is not attached to the heel  64  of the user  30 . As such, the body  12  is a substantially rigid structure capable of maintaining its shape when placed onto the floor or when turned onto its side. However, in certain embodiments the walls  18 ,  20  and  22  are sufficiently flexible so that they can flex with respect to the bottom wall  24  when the user  30  places his or her heel  64  into the body  12 . In this regard, the walls  18 ,  20  and  22  are capable of flexing so that the volume of the body  12  can expand in order to accommodate different sized heels  64  of different users  30 . In this way, the heel cap  10  can be provided in a particular size that accommodates variously sized users  30 . 
     The inner surface  16  of the bottom wall  24  may be planar in certain embodiments. As shown in the top view of  FIG. 3 , the inner surface  16  of the bottom wall  24  is irregular in shape. However, the inner surface  16  of the bottom wall  24  may be rectangular in shape in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. The bottom wall  24  has a leading edge  52  that is located at the forward most location of the body  12  along the longitudinal axis  54 . The back wall  18  is located on the side of the bottom wall  24  that is opposite the leading edge  52  in the longitudinal direction. The back wall  18  may be defined as having a width in the lateral direction, that is in the direction along the lateral axis  56 , which is the same as the point of greatest width in the lateral direction of the bottom wall  24 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the greatest width of the bottom wall  24  in the lateral direction is at the leading edge  52 . As such, the back wall  18  has a width in the lateral direction that is the same as the width of the leading edge  52  in the lateral direction. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the bottom wall  24  may be rectangular in shape so that the back wall  18  has a width in the lateral direction that is essentially the same as the width of the bottom wall  24  in the lateral direction. 
     As shown with reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  7  the bottom wall  24  includes a slight arch such that the inner surface  16  and outer surface of the bottom wall  24  arch upwards near the center of the bottom wall  24  in the longitudinal direction. Such arch may assist in the retention of topical application  74  within the heel cap  10  and prevent same from leaking across the leading edge  52  and out of the heel cap  10 . The arch of the bottom wall  24  can be present at times when the heel cap  10  is not worn by the user and present at times when the heel cap  10  is worn by the user. The arch may be arranged in certain embodiments in which the portion of the inner surface  16  on one side of the arch in the longitudinal direction has the same height in the lateral direction as the portion of the inner surface  16  near the leading edge  52  that is located on the other side of the arch in the longitudinal direction. Although described as including a slight arch, the bottom wall  24  need not include such arch in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the heel cap  10 . 
     A portion  32  of the back wall  18  is attached to the bottom wall  24  and is curved or concave in shape. Other portions of the back wall  18  besides portion  32  may be planar or curved in shape. As shown with reference to  FIG. 4 , the entire inner surface  16  of the back wall  18  is concave in shape. The concave shape of the back wall  18  may allow for a more comfortable and secure fit and receipt of the back of the heel  64  due to their complimentary curvature. With reference now to  FIG. 5 , the inner surface  16  of the left side wall  20  has a portion  34  that extends from the bottom wall  24 . Portion  34  is concaved or curved in shape. The remaining portions of the left side wall  20  are both concave and planar in shape. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the entire inner surface  16  of the left side wall  20  may be planar or concave in shape. The right side wall  22  also has a portion  36  on its inner surface  16  that is curved or concave in shape and is attached to the bottom wall  24 . The remaining portions of the inner surface  16  of the right side wall  22  may also be planar or concave in other exemplary embodiments. As disclosed, the inner surface  16  of the body  12  is curved or concave in shape around the entire perimeter of the inner surface  16  of the bottom wall  24  except for around the leading edge  52  which forms an exterior boundary of the body  12 . As shown with reference to  FIG. 5 , the inner surfaces  16  of the left side wall  20  and the right side wall  22  proximate to the upper edges  70  and  72  are not co-planar with one another along the forward half of the left and right side walls  20  and  22  in the longitudinal direction. 
     The body  12  may be constructed so that its length is sufficient to cover a sizable amount of the foot of the user  30  in the longitudinal direction while covering a smaller amount of the foot in the vertical direction. As shown with reference to  FIG. 4 , the body  12  has an overall length that is represented by distance  60 . Distance  60  extends from the leading edge  52  of the bottom wall  24  to the most remote portion of the outer surface  14  of the back wall  18  in the longitudinal direction. As previously discussed, the longitudinal direction extends in the same direction as the longitudinal axis  54 . Distance  60  may be from 3.5 inches to 5.0 inches in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, distance  60  is 5.0 inches. However, it is to be understood that distance  60  may be variously sized in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. On most users  30 , the length of distance  60  is selected so that the body  12  extends from the heel  64  of the user  30  to a location approximately midpoint of the arch of the foot of the user  30  in the direction from the heel  64  to the toes  66  of the foot. 
     The body  12  is arranged so as to have a maximum height that extends from the outer surface  14  of the bottom wall  24  to the upper edge  68  of the back wall  18  in the vertical direction which extends in the same direction as the vertical axis  58 . The maximum height of the body  12  may extend from the outer surface  14  of the bottom wall  24  to the upper edges  70  and  72  of the left and right side walls  20  and  22  in accordance with other exemplary embodiments if these components of the body  12  are configured differently. The distance  62  may be from 1.50 inches to 2.00 inches in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. In accordance with one embodiment, distance  62  is 2.00 inches. However, it is to be understood that the distance  62  may be yet a different value in other embodiments. The value of distance  62  may be selected so that the height of the body  12  does not reach the ankle of the user  30  when the body  12  is attached to the heel  64  of the user  30 . The upper edges  70  and  72  of the left and right side walls  20  and  22  have an irregular curvature such that they extend towards the bottom wall  24  and then away from the bottom wall  24  in the longitudinal direction extending from the back wall  18  to the leading edge  52 . The upper edges  70  and  72  then extend downwards towards the bottom wall  24  and engage the leading edge  52 . As shown with reference to  FIG. 3 , the upper edges  70  and  72  both engage the leading edge  52  of the bottom wall  24  such that the leading edge  52  remains the outer most portion of the body  12  in the longitudinal direction. 
     The upper edges  68 ,  70  and  72  define an open top  26  of the body  12 . The upper edges  70  and  72  along with the leading edge  52  define an open front  28  of the body  12 . The open top  26  and open front  28  are defined when the body  12  is not attached to the heel  64  of the user  30 . During attachment, the foot of the user  30  is located within the open top  26  and open front  28 . 
     A strap  38  may be attached to one of the side walls  20  or  22  of the body  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , strap  38  is attached to the outer surface  14  of the left side wall  20 . The strap  38  may be attached in a variety of manners. For example, the end of strap  38  may be attached to the left side wall  20  through welding, adhesion, molding, or by way of mechanical fasteners. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the end of strap  38  is attached through the use of a braid  40  to the left side wall  20 . The braid  40  may be arranged so that the strap  38  can pivot with respect to the left side wall  20  or may be made so that it is incapable of pivoting therewith. The braid  40  can include a rivet or a pin that is attached to the left side wall  20  in a pivoting engagement therewith. As such, the strap  38  may be rigidly attached to the left side wall  20  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The strap  38  may be made of a material that is different than the material making up with body  12 . For example, the strap  38  may be made of fabric or can be made of a different type of plastic than the plastic making up body  12 . However, in certain instances the strap  38  may be made of the same material as the body  12 . The strap  38  is constructed so that it enjoys some degree of flexibility. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the heel cap  10  as attached to the foot of the user  30  in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. In use, the user  30  may apply a topical application  74  to his or her heel  64 . Additionally or alternatively, the user  30  may apply the topical application  74  to the inner surface  16  of the body  12 . Next, the user  30  can place the heel cap  10  on the floor and may position his or her heel  64  therein. Should the user  30  possess sufficient dexterity, the user  30  may place the heel cap  10  onto his or her heel  64  by manually grasping the heel cap  10  and placing the heel cap  10  into the desired position. The body  12  includes a back wall  18 , left side wall  20  and a right side wall  22  that maintain their shape when the heel cap  10  is positioned on the floor so that the user  30  may more easily slide his or her heel  64  into the body  12  without the need to pull any part of the heel cap  10  around his or her foot. 
     Any combination of the back wall  18 , left side wall  20  and right side wall  22  of the body  12  may be sufficiently flexible so that if the foot of the user  30  is wide or larger than the initial volume of the body, the walls  18 ,  20  and  22  may flex outwards some degree in order to accommodate the user&#39;s  30  slightly larger foot. However, it is to be understood that the walls  18 ,  20  and  22  need not be flexible in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. The foot of the user  30  is positioned within the body  12  so that the heel  64  is contained therein and engages the topical application  74 . The body  12  is not provided with an applicator pad in the disclosed embodiment. In this regard, the topical application  74  contacts directly the inner surface  16  of the body  12 . However, it is to be understood that an applicator pad may be present in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. 
     The body  12  has a height in the vertical direction such that the ankle  76  of the user  30  is located above the body  12 . In this regard, the ankle  76  does not engage the upper edges  68 ,  70  or  72 . Placement of the body  12  below the ankle  76  affords the user  30  with a greater range of motion and less irritation since the ankle  76  is not constrained by the heel cap  10 . The foot of the user  30  extends outwards from the open front  28  of the body  12 . The body  12  has a length in the longitudinal direction such that the leading edge  52  is may be located at the midpoint of the arch  78  of the foot of the user  30 . However, depending upon the selected length of the body  12  and the particular size of the user&#39;s foot, the leading edge  52  may be located at a position other than the midpoint of the arch  78  in other embodiments. Placement of the leading edge  52  at a distance from the heel  64  functions to prevent topical application  74  on the inner surface  16  and heel  64  from escaping due to the extended length of the body  12  in the longitudinal direction. Further, the function of the foot of the user  30  is not significantly impacted since the arch  78  of the user  30  typically does not flex or bend a significant degree during use of the foot. As such, the portion of the foot of the user  30  forward of the leading edge  52  is disposed outside of the body  12 . 
     The strap  38  may be employed in order to securely hold the body  12  to the heel  64  of the user  30 . The strap  38  may be positioned over the top of the foot of the user and slid through a side wall aperture  48  formed in the right side wall  22 . The side wall aperture  48  may be a slot that is completely disposed through the right side wall  22 . The side wall aperture  48  may be located on the left side wall  20  and the strap  38  attached to the right side wall  22  when the heel cap  10  is configured for use on the right foot of the user. However, it is to be understood that the side wall aperture  48  and the attachment point of the strap  38  may be provided either on the right or left side wall  22  or  20  regardless of whether the heel cap  10  is used for the left or right foot of the user in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. 
     When provided as a slot, the side wall aperture  48  may be arranged at an angle of 25° to the planar inner surface  16  of the bottom wall  24 . However, in other exemplary embodiments, the side wall aperture  48  may be at an angle from 15° to 35° to the planar inner surface  16  of the bottom wall  24 . The strap  38  is disposed through the side wall aperture  48  and brought back up over and onto itself on the top of the foot of the user  30 . The strap  38  includes a hook and loop type fastener  42  thereon. The hook and loop type fastener  42  includes hooks  44  and loops  46  that can engage one another in order to effect attachment of the hook and loop type fastener  42 . The user  30  may apply a significant amount of force to the strap  38  so that the left and right side walls  20  and  22  flex inwards. In this regard, the side walls  20  and  22  may be pulled against the sides of the foot of the user  30  to provide a secure attachment. Inward flexing of the side walls  20  and  22  may allow for the body  12  to be more securely attached in instances when the foot of the user  30  is narrower than the initial distance between the left side wall  20  and the right side wall  22 . The front of the foot of the user  30  extends outward from the strap  38  and the body  12  so that this portion of the foot is uncovered by the heel cap  10 . The hook and loop type fastener  42  may be disengaged and the strap  38  can be pulled through the side wall aperture  48  when the user desires the removal of the heel cap  10 . 
     The heel cap  10  may be worn at night when the user  30  is sleeping so that the topical application  74  remains on the heel  64  of the user  30  and does not stain or otherwise damage covers or bed sheets. The topical application  74  may thus be retained onto the heel  64  for a sufficient time so as to cause absorption therein to obtain beneficial results. Although intended for nighttime sleeping use, it is contemplated that the user  30  will wear the heel cap  10  when walking, such as when using the bathroom at night or at other times before or after sleep. In these circumstances, the heel cap  10  is provided with a plurality of traction elements  50  located on the outer surface  14  of the body  12 . The traction elements  50  may be made of the same material as the body  12  and can be integrally formed with the body  12  in instances in which the body  12  is formed through molding. The traction elements  50  can be parallel in formation to one another and may be located on the outer surface  14  of the bottom wall  24 . Additionally or alternatively, the traction elements  50  may also be located on the outer surface  14  of the left side wall  20  or right side wall  22 . The traction elements  50  may also be located on the outer surface  14  of the back wall  18  in other exemplary embodiments. The traction elements  50  function to provide some degree of traction to the heel cap  10  should the user  30  attempt to walk while wearing the heel cap  10 . 
     When composed of plastic and lacking an applicator pad, the body  12  of the heel cap  10  may be easily washed so that dried topical application  74  and can be removed in order to allow the heel cap  10  to be reused. The construction of the strap  38  may also allow this component to be washed and hence reused as desired. However, it is to be understood that the heel cap  10  may be provided in other embodiments in such a manner so as to be a single use, disposable item. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the inner surface  16  of the bottom wall  24  may have a greater surface area than the inner surface  16  of the back wall  18 . In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, a lesser portion of the inner surface  16  of the body  12  contacts the heel of the user  30  than contacts other portions of the foot of the user  30  besides the heel of the user  30 . 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.