ORTHOPEDIC CUSHIONING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shoe-cover system. The shoe-cover system includes a flexible shoe cover sized to substantially envelope an outside shoe and a cushion member disposed within, and along a bottom aspect of, the shoe cover. The cushion member is sized to receive the outside shoe. The shoe cover secures the cushion member to the outside shoe and the cushion member is isolated from contaminants by the shoe cover. The cushion member reduces discomfort in a wearer's feet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference, for any purpose, the entire disclosures of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/541,337, filed Sep. 30, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to shoe covers with foam cushions therein.

HISTORY OF THE RELATED ART

Many industries such as, for example, the medical industry and semiconductor manufacturing require sterile working environments. Sterile working environments often require that outside shoes be covered by shoe covers to prevent infiltration of contaminants into the sterile working environment. In addition, many non-sterile working environments also frequently use shoe covers. For example, shoe coverings are frequently used in janitorial and contractor professions as a way to protect a worker's shoes. Shoe covers often include a thin layer of flexible material such as, for example, vinyl or plastic that forms an envelope into which an outside shoe is inserted. The outside shoe is substantially covered by the shoe cover. The shoe cover is typically held in place by an elastic band disposed near an ankle region of a wearer.

Of particular concern in many working environments where shoe coverings are typically worn is that workers are often standing for many hours. Prolonged standing has been shown to cause discomfort in a worker's feet, legs, and back. Such discomfort can lead to compromised concentration and a loss of accuracy or productivity. This can be of particular importance in, for example, operating-room environments where total concentration and accuracy of a surgeon is critical to successful completion of a procedure. In many working environments, a common solution is to place cushioned pads in work areas and other regions with large amounts of foot traffic. However, cushioned pads are often difficult to move making them ineffective in environments where a worker is not confined to a specific location. This is frequently the case in the janitorial and contractor industries. Furthermore, cushioned pads often absorb and hold contaminants and are often difficult to clean making them impractical for many working environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a shoe-cover system. The shoe-cover system includes a flexible shoe cover sized to substantially envelope an outside shoe and a cushion member disposed within, and along a bottom aspect of the shoe cover. The cushion member is sized to receive the outside shoe. The shoe cover secures the cusion member to the outside shoe and the cushion member is isolated from contaminants by the shoe cover. The cushion member reduces discomfort in a wearer's feet.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cushion member for use with an outside shoe. The cushion member includes a raised lip disposed about a perimeter. The raised lip defines an internal cavity and the internal cavity is sized to receive the outside shoe. A first knurled surface is disposed along a bottom surface of the internal cavity. The first knurled surface provides frictional engagement between the cushion member and the outside shoe. A second knurled surface is disposed along a bottom of the cushion member. The cushion member is generally symmetrical about a medial axis.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of increasing comfort while standing. The method includes providing a shoe cover and forming a cushion member with a raised lip that defines an internal cavity. A first knurled surface is disposed on a bottom surface of the internal cavity and a second knurled surface is disposed along a bottom of the cushion member. The cushion member is generally symmetrical about a medial axis. The method further includes inserting the cushion member into the shoe cover such that the cushion member is completely contained within the shoe cover and inserting an outside shoe into the shoe cover such that the outside shoe engages the cushion member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the method and system of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a photographic perspective view of a shoe-cover system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a cushion member according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a cushion member according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a cushion member according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for using a cushion member with a shoe cover according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a cushion system according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cushion system of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of a cushion system according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a photographic perspective view of a shoe-cover system according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in the broadest terms, a shoe-cover system 100 includes a cushion member 102 received within a shoe cover 104. The shoe cover 104 may be constructed of a thin flexible material such as, for example, vinyl, nylon, plastic, non-woven fabric, or other appropriate material. In a typical embodiment, the shoe cover 104 includes a non-skid coating (not shown) applied to an underside thereof. In a typical embodiment, the shoe cover 104 is disposable. The cushion member 102 is constructed of a foam-like material such as, for example, closed cell foam, high-density foam, latex-rubber foam, poly-vinyl chloride, urethane, cross-link poly-ethylene, polyethylene, rubber, or other appropriate material. In a typical embodiment, the cushion member 102 is disposable or recyclable. The cushion member 102 is received within, and is disposed along a bottom surface of, the shoe cover 104. An outside shoe 106 is received within the shoe cover 104 and rests upon the cushion member 102. In a typical embodiment, the cushion member 102 is sized to accommodate a variety of sizes of the outside shoe 106. An elastic cord 108 is connected to the shoe cover 104 near an opening 120. The elastic cord 108 binds the shoe cover 104 around an ankle region of a wearer. In a typical embodiment, the elastic cord 108 binds the shoe cover 104 sufficiently tight so as to prevent the wearer from stepping out of the shoe cover 104 during use. In a typical embodiment, the shoe cover 104 substantially encloses the outside shoe 106 and the cushion member 102.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the cushion member 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cushion member 102 is generally symmetrical about a medial axis 202. Such symmetry allows the cushion member 102 to accommodate the outside shoe 106 (shown in FIG. 1) of a wearer's right foot or left foot. A raised lip 204 is disposed about a perimeter of the cushion member 102. The raised lip 204 defines an interior cavity 206 for receiving the outside shoe 106. In a typical embodiment, the raised lip 204 keeps the outside shoe 106 approximately centered on the cushion member 102 and prevents the outside shoe 106 from becoming disengaged from the cushion member 102. A first knurled surface 208 is disposed on a bottom surface 203 of the interior cavity 206. The first knurled surface 208 provides frictional engagement between the outside shoe 106 and the cushion member 102 thus preventing slippage of the outside shoe 106. In a typical embodiment, the first knurled surface 208 is formed by a plurality of score lines 205 etched in the bottom surface 203; however, in other embodiments, the first knurled surface 208 may be formed through other methods. In other embodiments, cushion members utilizing principles of the invention may omit the raised lip 204 or the first knurled surface 208. In embodiments omitting the raised lip 204, the first knurled surface may be disposed along a top face of the cushion member 102.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the cushion member 102 according to an embodiment. A second knurled surface 300 is disposed along an underside 301 of the cushion member 102. The second knurled surface 300 provides frictional engagement between the cushion member 102 and the shoe cover 104 (shown in FIG. 1) thus preventing slippage of the cushion member 102. In a typical embodiment, the second knurled surface 300 is formed by a plurality of score lines 302 etched in the underside 301 of the cushion member 102; however, in other embodiments, the second knurled surface 300 may be formed through other methods. In other embodiments, cushion members utilizing principles of the invention may omit the second knurled surface 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, in various alternative embodiments, the cushion member 102 may omit one or more of the raised lip 204, the first knurled surface 208, and the second knurled surface 300. Further, in various alternative embodiments, the cushion member 102 may not be generally symmetrical about the medial axis 202. In this particular embodiment, individual right and left cushion members 102 would be necessary to accommodate a right foot and a left foot of the wearer.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the cushion member 102 according to an exemplary embodiment. The raised lip 204 captures the outside shoe 106 (shown in FIG. 1) and prevents the outside shoe 106 from becoming disengaged with the cushion member 102. The second knurled surface 300 provides increased frictional engagement between the cushion member 102 and the shoe cover 104 (shown in FIG. 1) thus preventing slippage of the cushion member 102.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for using a cushion member with a shoe cover according to an exemplary embodiment. A process 500 begins at step 502. At step 504, a shoe cover 104 is provided. At step 506, a cushion member 102 is formed. At step 508, the cushion member 102 is inserted into the shoe cover 104. In a typical embodiment, the cushion member 102 is substantially contained within the shoe cover 104. At step 510, an outside shoe 106 is inserted into the shoe cover 104 such that the outside shoe 106 engages the cushion member 102. In a typical embodiment, the outside shoe 106 is substantially contained by the shoe cover 104. The process 500 ends at step 512.

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. First, the cushion member 102 provides a cushion for use by workers in many working environments. Second, the cushion member 102 is contained within the shoe cover 104 thereby reducing the possibility that the cushion member 102 will be exposed to or absorb contaminants. Third, the cushion member 102 may be discarded after a single use along with the shoe cover 104 thereby eliminating the need for cleaning.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a cushion system according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cushion system of FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, a cushion system 600 includes a cushion member 602, a toe strap 604, and an ankle strap 606. In a typical embodiment, the cushion member 602 is constructed of a similar material as the cushion member 102 discussed above. In a typical embodiment, the cushion member 602 is disposable or recyclable. A first pair of generally-parallel slots 608 is formed in the cushion member 602 near a toe region 603 of the cushion member 602. A first groove 610 is formed in a bottom surface 607 of the cushion member 602. The first groove 610 extends between the first pair of generally parallel slots 608. The toe strap 604 is threaded through the first pair of generally parallel slots 608 and the first groove 610. The toe strap 604 rests in the first groove 604 thereby improving comfort for a wearer and preventing the toe strap 604 from disrupting engagement of the bottom surface 607 with a ground. In a typical embodiment, the toe strap 604 is of sufficient length to encompass an outside shoe of a wearer such as, for example, the outside shoe 106 (FIG. 1).

Still referring to FIGS. 6-7, a second pair of generally parallel slots 612 are formed in the cushion member 602 near a heel region 605 of the cushion member 602. A second groove 614 is formed in the bottom surface 607 of the cushion member 602. The second groove 614 extends between the second pair of generally parallel slots 612. The ankle strap 606 is threaded through the second pair of generally parallel slots 612 and the second groove 614. The ankle strap 606 rests in the second groove 614 thereby improving comfort for a wearer and preventing the ankle strap from disrupting engagement of the bottom surface 607 with the ground. In a typical embodiment, the ankle strap 606 is of sufficient length to encompass an outside shoe of a wearer such as, for example, the outside shoe 106.

Still referring to FIGS. 6-7, during operation, a wearer's shoe such as, for example, the outside shoe 106 is positioned on the cushion member 602. The toe strap 604 is tightened around a toe region of the outside shoe 106 and the ankle strap 606 is tightened around an ankle region of the outside shoe 106. In other embodiments, the ankle strap may be tightened about an ankle region of the wearer above the outside shoe. The cushion system 600 allows the cushion member 602 to be attached to the outside shoe to allow added comfort to the wearer. In various embodiments, after the cushion system 600 is attached to the outside shoe, the shoe cover 104 (shown in FIG. 1) may be placed over the cushion system 600 and the outside shoe. Such an arrangement is suitable for use in clean or sterile environments.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a cushion system 800 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cushion system 800 includes a cushion member 802. In a typical embodiment, the cushion member 802 is of similar construction to the cushion member 102 (shown in FIG. 1) discussed above. In a typical embodiment, the cushion member 802 is disposable or recyclable. An adhesive 804 such as, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, is applied to a top surface of the cushion member 802. A release layer (not shown) is applied to the adhesive. During operation, the release layer is removed to expose the adhesive 804. The adhesive 804 is then pressed against a bottom surface of an outside shoe such as, for example, the outside shoe 106 (shown in FIG. 1) discussed above. The adhesive 804 secures the cushion member 802 to the outside shoe 106. In various embodiments, after the cushion system 800 is attached to the outside shoe, the shoe cover 104 (shown in FIG. 1) may be placed over the cushion system 800 and the outside shoe. Such an arrangement is suitable for use in clean and sterile environments.

Although various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is cable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

1. A shoe-cover system comprising:

a flexible shoe cover sized to substantially envelope an outside shoe;

a cushion member removably disposed within, and along a bottom aspect of, the shoe cover, the cushion member being sized to receive the outside shoe;

wherein the shoe cover secures the cushion member to the outside shoe;

wherein the cushion member is isolated from contaminants by the shoe cover; and

wherein the cushion member reduces discomfort in a wearer's feet.

2. The shoe-cover system of claim 1, further comprising a raised lip disposed about a perimeter of the cushion member, the raised lip defining an internal cavity.

3. The shoe-cover system of claim 2, further comprising a first knurled surfaced disposed along a bottom surface of the internal cavity, the first knurled surface providing frictional engagement between the cushion member and the outside shoe.

4. The shoe-cover system of claim 1, further comprising a second knurled surface disposed along a bottom of the cushion member, the second knurled surface providing frictional engagement between the cushion member and the shoe cover;

5. The shoe-cover system of claim 1, wherein the cushion member is generally symmetrical about a medial axis.

6. The shoe-cover system of claim 5, wherein the outside shoe is one of a left shoe and a right shoe.

7. The shoe-cover system of claim 1, wherein the cushion member is disposable.

8. A cushion member for use with an outside shoe, the cushion member comprising:

a raised lip disposed about a perimeter of the cushion member, the raised lip defining an internal cavity, the internal cavity being sized to receive the outside shoe;

a first knurled surface disposed along a bottom surface of the internal cavity, the first knurled surface providing frictional engagement between the cushion member and the outside shoe;

a second knurled surface disposed along a bottom of the cushion member; and

wherein the cushion member is generally symmetrical about a medial axis.

9. The cushion member of claim 8, comprising:

a first pair of generally parallel slots formed near a toe region of the cushion member;

a second pair of generally parallel slots formed near a heel region of the cushion member;

a toe strap disposed through the first pair of generally parallel slots; and

an ankle strap disposed through the second pair of generally parallel slots.

10. The cushion member of claim 9, wherein a shoe cover is disposed over the cushion member and the outside shoe.

11. The cushion member of claim 9, comprising a first groove extending between the first pair of generally parallel slots and a second groove extending between the second pair of generally parallel slots.

12. The cushion member of claim 8, wherein an adhesive is applied to the internal cavity of the cushion member.

13. The cushion member of claim 12, wherein a shoe cover is disposed over the cushion member and the outside shoe.

14. The cushion member of claim 8, wherein the cushion member is disposable.

15. A method of increasing comfort while standing, the method comprising:

providing a shoe cover;

forming a cushion member comprising a raised lip that defines an internal cavity, a first knurled surface disposed on a bottom surface of the internal cavity, and a second knurled surface disposed along a bottom of the cushion member, the cushion member being generally symmetrical about a medial axis;

inserting the cushion member into the shoe cover such that the cushion member is completely contained within the shoe cover; and

inserting an outside shoe into the shoe cover such that the outside shoe engages the cushion member.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first knurled surface provides frictional engagement between the cushion member and the outside shoe.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the second knurled surface provides frictional engagement between the cushion member and the shoe cover.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the cushion member is generally symmetrical about a medial axis.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the outside shoe is at least one of a left shoe or a right shoe.