Abstract:
A membrane designed to surround the front portion of the foot and protect it from pressure that may be applied by shoes. The membrane acts as a protective barrier between the shoe and the wearer&#39;s foot. As a result, direct abrasion of the foot caused by portions of the shoe is reduced. Additionally, the membrane is designed to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the shoe, such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the wearer&#39;s foot. The membrane is worn on the front portion of the foot between the toes and the heel.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/911,728, filed Apr. 13, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention generally relates to foot comfort and specifically relates to a membrane for protecting a foot from pressure applied to the foot by shoes worn over the foot. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is well known that people&#39;s feet are subject to constant pressure and wear throughout the day. For this reason, there is an abundance of podiatric products available for both preventing and treating foot injuries. Most preventative products are directed at providing additional padding or pressure distribution on the bottom of the foot, particularly the heel or balls of the feet. However, many shoes place tremendous pressure on the sides and top of the foot, as well as the bottom. Open-toed and high-heeled shoes particularly place great pressure on the front portion of the foot just behind the toes. The straps of many women&#39;s fashionable high-heeled shoes are designed to fit tightly around the wearer&#39;s foot. This, in combination with the added pressure caused by the angle of the high-heeled shoe can cause extreme discomfort or even damage to the foot. Therefore, there is a need for a podiatric product that protects the front of the foot on all sides and distributes or lessens pressure to the foot. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, the invention provides a membrane that surrounds the front portion of the foot to protect it from pressure that may be applied by shoes. The membrane acts as a protective barrier between the shoe and the wearer&#39;s foot. As a result, direct abrasion of the foot or pressure applied to the foot caused by portions of the shoe contacting the foot are dramatically reduced. Additionally, the membrane is designed to cushion the foot from pressure and/or to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the shoe, such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
         [0005]    The membrane of the present invention may be made in one of a variety of configurations as described below. In its most general form, the membrane is a band that wraps around the front portion of the foot between the area of the foot that is just behind the toes and the heel. In one embodiment, the back of the membrane falls within the arch of the foot. Having an embodiment of the inventive membrane in the form of a band, such that the toes are left open, is advantageous for the design of open-toed shoes. The wearer may enjoy the comfort of the membrane without restricting their wardrobe to close-toed shoes. Using the membrane, the wearer may comfortably wear high heels, open-toed shoes or any traditionally uncomfortable shoes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    These and other objects and features of the invention will become more apparent by referring to the drawings, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of the invention in use on a foot; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a top view of an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section of one embodiment of the invention taken along line  4 - 4 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section of another embodiment of the invention taken along line  4 - 4 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a cross-section of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  taken along line  6 - 6 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section of yet another embodiment of the invention taken along line  4 - 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in use; 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15   
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a shoe with which the invention may be used; 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in use; 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a side view of another embodiment of the invention in use; 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention in use; 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is a side view of still another embodiment of the invention in use; 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a side view of another embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 23  is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The inventive membrane  1  is shown in use in  FIG. 1  on the front portion of a wearer&#39;s foot. The membrane  1  is in the form of a band and is wrapped around the front portion of the foot  100  between the toes  104  and the heel  102  of the foot. The inventive membrane protects the foot from the front sections of a shoe which may place great pressure on the foot  100 . The membrane  1  can provide cushioning from pressure exerted on the foot or spread the pressure exerted on the foot by the shoe. The membrane can be configured to provide cushioning along the top and/or sides of the foot near the toes. If the desired shoes have tight straps or firm contours, the inventive membrane will protect the foot from abrasion or pressure caused by the straps or contours. The inventive membrane is in the form of a band so that the membrane will mostly be concealed should the wearer choose to wear open-toed shoes. Even with this advantageous design, it is not possible to design the membrane such that it will be concealed under all types of shoe. Therefore, the membrane can be formed of a translucent or transparent material. The material may also be somewhat dull to reduce reflections which would otherwise reveal the presence of the membrane. For example, the membrane can include a matted finish, so that light reflections are reduced. In this way, it is less likely that observers will notice that the wearer is using the inventive membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may have a color that matches the skin color of the wearer. Thus, the inventive membrane may be made in a variety of skin-tone colors. 
         [0031]    The membrane  1  may be in the form of a straight loop, having a constant circumference along its length, such as that shown in  FIG. 2 . In order to fit over the foot, the membrane  1  can be made of a flexible material, such as an elastic polymer. Alternatively, the membrane  1  can taper along its length, such as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . This embodiment may also be elastic to closely conform with the foot. Alternatively, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  may be made of an inelastic material, such as inelastic plastic and can come in various sizes to fit different feet. The remaining descriptions are made with reference to an embodiment that has a uniform circumference along its length, such as that shown in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that these descriptions can also pertain to the tapered embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of membrane  1 . As shown, the membrane has a uniform length about its circumference. Thus, the membrane  1  provides significant protection around the front section of the foot. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show cross sections of two different embodiments of membrane  1  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 4 . The embodiment in  FIG. 5  has a uniform construction and thickness about its circumference. The membrane of  FIG. 5  is in the form of a single band of material. In contrast, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  is formed as a sheath having an inner layer  2  and an outer layer  4 . A gap  10  is formed inside the sheath between layers  2  and  4 . As shown in the cross section presented in  FIG. 7 , the gap  10  is closed off by front end  6  and back end  8  of the sheath. The gap  10  can be filled with air to provide added cushion without any additional cost. Alternatively, the gap  10  can include a filler such as gel to provide more substantial added cushioning. 
         [0034]    It is not necessary for the membrane to be uniform in thickness or construction around its circumference. A first portion of the membrane may have a first thickness and a second portion may have a second thickness. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the membrane may be in the form of a sheath for a portion of its circumference. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  includes a gap  10  which extends from a section where one side of the foot meets the bottom of the shoe, over the top of the foot, to a section where the other side of the foot meets the bottom of the shoe. Again, the gap  10  can include air or gel. Further, the sheath may include an open end and one or more pads may be included that can be inserted into the gap. The pad can supply additional cushion and protection from abrasion. To complete the band, a connector  12  is included which passes under the bottom of the foot. As shown in the bottom view of  FIG. 9 , the connector  12  does not have to be the same length as the rest of membrane  1 . Accordingly, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  does not have a uniform length about its circumference. The connector  12  can be made of an elastic material, such that the membrane  1  as whole may have elastic properties regardless of the elasticity of the inner layer  2  and outer layer  4 . The connector  12  can be used in any embodiment of the band. For example, the band could have a gap, as described above, or an elastic connector  12  could be used with a transparent membrane  1 . 
         [0035]    In order to target specific parts of the foot that are most prone to injury or pressure when inserted into a shoe, the membrane  1  may include an outer sheath  16  that wraps around a portion of the membrane  1 . The outer sheath  16  may rotate freely about the membrane  1  so that the outer sheath  16  moves freely with the wearer&#39;s skin, thus preventing abrasion. The outer sheath  16  is also designed such that it may rotate about the circumference of the membrane  1 . Accordingly, the outer sheath  16  can be positioned for any target area of the front portion of the foot. A lock  18  can be included to lock the outer sheath  16  in a particular place with respect to the circumference of the membrane  1 . The embodiment of lock  18 , shown in  FIG. 10 , is in the form of two tabs  31  extending outward from the sheath  16 . A plurality of slits  32  are formed in the membrane at various locations about its surface. In order to lock the sheath  16  in place with respect to the membrane  1 , the two tabs  31  are inserted into the desired slits  32 . In this way, the sheath  16  can be positioned and locked in place at one of several alternative locations on the membrane  1 . 
         [0036]    It may be advantageous to design the inner side  20  and the outer side  22  of the membrane  1  of different materials. This can be accomplished by spraying a coating on the inside  20  or the outside  22  of the membrane  1  ( FIG. 11 ). For example, if it is desired to have the membrane  1  stay in place with respect to the wearer&#39;s foot, the inner side  20  of the membrane may be made of a highly frictional material, while the outer side  22  can be made of a smooth low friction material. On the other hand, if it is more desirable to have the membrane stay in place with respect to the shoe, the inner side  20  of the membrane may be made of a smooth, low friction material while the outer side  22  can be made of a high friction material. A membrane with inner side  20  and outer side  22  made of different materials is shown in  FIG. 11 . To further aid in increasing friction to the outer side  22  of the membrane  1 , the membrane may include a grip pattern on its bottom. For example the membrane can include ribs  24 , such as those shown on the bottom of the membrane  1  depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0037]    Although the use of the membrane  1  will help reduce injury and discomfort for the user, it is possible that it will reduce the foot&#39;s ability to “breathe.” That is, the foot may become hot and perspiration could become trapped beneath the membrane  1 . To reduce this effect, the membrane  1  may be made out of a breathable material. Alternatively, or in addition, the membrane  1  may include slots  26  or holes  28 , such as those shown in the bottom of membrane  1  illustrated in  FIG. 12 . These slots  26  and holes  28  allow cool air to contact the foot and allow perspiration to escape. Another approach to address the potential increase in perspiration, the foot membrane may be covered in a foot powder. The foot powder can include an odor absorbent, deodorant or antiperspirant. These same features could also be part of a foot lotion that is included on the foot membrane. 
         [0038]    The membrane  1  may include additional features. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the membrane  1  may include a toe loop  30 . In use, the toe loop  30  slips over one toe of the user. In the illustrated embodiment, toe loop  30  fits on the big toe of the user. However, the membrane  1  may be designed with a toe loop  30  operable to receive any toe. The toe loop  30  holds the membrane  1  in place on the users foot. When the toe loop  30  is fit over a toe, the membrane  1  is prevented from rotating around the user&#39;s foot, or from moving too far up onto the user&#39;s foot. An alternative configuration to keep the membrane secure on the user&#39;s foot is to include specific toe holes in the front portion of the membrane. For example, the membrane may be similar to a glove with finger holes included therein. 
         [0039]    The membrane  1  can also be formed in more than one band. Embodiments with more than one band are shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  each include two strips  34  that extend around the foot. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the strips run parallel to one another, while in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the strips  34  crisscross. As shown in these figures, the strips  34  may extend along a majority of the length of membrane  1 . However, the strips  34  may be much smaller. For instance, the strips could only extend along a small portion of the length of the membrane  1 , leaving just a small gap therebetween. The two strips  34  may be made of the same material as the rest of the membrane  1 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , or may be made of a different material, as shown in  FIG. 16 . For example, the strips may be substantially inelastic, while the rest of the membrane is a highly elastic material, or a connector, such as that described above. 
         [0040]      FIG. 17  shows a foot wearing a shoe  70 . The present invention may be beneficially used with such a shoe  70 .  FIG. 18  shows a foot and an embodiment of the invention that would be suitable for use with the shoe  70 . The shoe  70  includes two crisscrossing straps  72  that pass over the top of the foot. As the user walks, the straps dig into the user&#39;s foot. The membrane  1  shown in  FIG. 18  includes two strips  34  which are each designed to fit below the straps  72 . Accordingly, the strips  34  protect the user from the straps  72 . In the illustrated embodiment, an elastic connector  12  is used to connect the strips  34  around the bottom of the foot. The strips  34  are shown in this embodiment as integrally connected where they cross. However, they may also be overlapping and separate strips. 
         [0041]    Even if the foot membrane  1  is transparent or has a skin-tone color, seams or the border of the membrane  1  may still be visible. To conceal the border of the membrane, the membrane may include an image  36  thereon that replicates a tattoo, as shown in  FIG. 19 . The tattoo image  36  will thus mask the area where the border or seam would be visible. Additionally, the tattoo may be provided at any location on the membrane to provide a decorative appearance. 
         [0042]    For added protection to the foot, the membrane may include additional protective elements on either the top or bottom of the foot. As shown in  FIG. 20 , the membrane can include a plastic plate  38  configured to cover the top of the foot. In an advantageous embodiment, the plastic plate  38  can be moldable to the shape of the top of the foot. For example, the moldable plate  38  can include toe grips  40  to secure the plastic plate  38  on each toe. To further form the plastic plate  38  to the foot, the plate may be heat moldable. Other forms of added protection may also be included in the membrane for the bottom of the foot. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the membrane  1  can include a bottom pad  42  that is disposed on the bottom of the membrane  1 . The bottom pad  42  can be positioned to add comfort for the bottom of the foot. The bottom pad  42  may be made of a clear material, such as a silicon pad. In another embodiment, the bottom pad  42  could be made of memory foam. For even further protection to the bottom of the foot, the membrane can include a molded base  44 , such as that shown in  FIG. 22 . The molded base  44  can stretch across substantially the entire bottom of the foot. 
         [0043]    To fit the membrane  1  snuggly on the foot, the membrane may also include a heel strap  46  shown in  FIG. 23 , in addition to or in place of the toe loop or toe holes mentioned above. The heel strap  46 , extends from the body of the membrane to the rear side of the heel of the user. In an advantageous embodiment, the heel strap  46  is transparent or skin-toned, regardless of the color of the remainder of the membrane. In another embodiment, the foot membrane may be used with a shear or ultra shear stocking that covers a substantial portion of the user&#39;s leg and holds the foot membrane securely in place. 
         [0044]    A custom fit version of the membrane may be made in the form of a sock that includes a polymer material. To custom fit the membrane, the user may remove unwanted sections from the sock. 
         [0045]    Although the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, many features may be varied, as will readily be apparent to those skilled in this art.