THONG FOOTWEAR CUSHION

Abstract

The present invention 10 discloses a cylindrically-shaped cushion 32 for attachment around the straps 16 of footwear 14, 15 having straps 16 thereon which cushion 32 is designed to be worn between the big toe 20 and the pointer toe 22 of a user 18. The cylindrically shaped cushion has an inner fabric 36 and an outer fabric design 30 which can be made in many different designs and colors. The cushion 32 also has a split 34 running vertically therethrough which allows the cushion 32 to be opened at 38 so that it can be placed around the straps 16 of the footwear. Located on one side of the split 34 is a vertical adhesive strip 26 having a peel-off strip 27 which will adhesively seal to the opposing vertical face of the non-adhesive side 40. Also disposed on the inner bore of the cushion 32 is a horizontal adhesive strip 28 having a peel-off strip thereon 29 which is used for attachment to the strap 16.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to cushions for foot wear and more specifically to cushions that may be applied to any foot wear consisting of midsection straps that go between the big toe and the pointer toe. The Thong Footwear Cushion of the present invention is a circular or cylindrical cushion attached to and enclosing around the midsection straps in an area where the straps meet the foot wear and between the big toe and the pointer toe. The cylinder shaped cushion device is comprised of a fabric, which may come in different designs and colors and covers the exterior wall of the cushion. The inner portion is a foam core or other soft materials that separate the toes from the straps of the thong. The cushioning device of the present invention may be used on a variety of foot wear consisting of straps that are between the midsection of the big toe and the pointer toe as in flip flop type foot wear. The Thong footwear cushion has a split to allow the cushion to be placed around the straps of the footwear. Located along one side of the split is an adhesive strip that when the covering strip is removed the adhesive layer can make contact with the opposite side of the split and make a bonding attachment. The inner portion of the cushion device consists a coating or a material or fabric. Along a horizontal plane, a strip of adhesive is provided for added attachment to the straps from the inner portion of the cushion device. The cushion of the present invention is designed to add comfort to the midsection of the big toe and the pointer toe on footwear consisting of midsection straps.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] There are other ice chests designed for holding food products. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 399,568 issued to VanCleave on Oct. 13, 1998.

[0005] Another patent was issued to Smith on Sep. 19, 1978 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,296. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,880 was issued to Zinkovich on Jun. 17, 1980 and still yet another was issued on Nov. 15, 1983 to Farino et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,964.

[0006] Another patent was issued to Bierk et al on Sept. 12, 1989 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,736. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,018 was issued to Ikebe on Oct. 31,1989 and still yet another was issued on Dec. 31, 1991 to Funatogawa et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,263.

[0007] Another patent was issued to Zook et al. on Mar. 24, 1992 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,421. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,496 was issued to Sharpstein, on Apr. 1, 1997 and still yet another was issued on Sep. 7, 1999 to Yates as U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,823. And still yet another was issued on Jan. 18, 2000 to Smith as U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,822.

[0008] This United States Patent discloses an ornamental design for a toe and finger wrap as illustrated in the drawings of the patent.

[0009] A shoe adapted for facile interchangeability into a multiplicity of styles comprising an outsole having a heel portion, with there being an intervening zone of flexure therebetween. Forward and rearward inner soles are provided on said outsole and with their adjacent end portions in overlapping relationship for relative slidability during foot movement. A retaining strap extending lengthwise of the shoe serves to optionally maintain a rear upper in operative position as well as to promote integration of the shoe components in selected mode of wear. A readily widthwise-adjustable front upper or vamp is detachably mounted upon the forward portion of said outsole and replaceable by a thong detachable to the forward portion of the sole.

[0010] Apparatus utilized as both a corrective aid for separating overlapping or crooked toes, and as a pedicure aid to keep toes separated during pedicures, polish or medicine applications, etc. The apparatus can be worn either interiorly of an appropriate shoe or slipper, or as a separate article of footwear such as a scuff or sandal, and includes a sole portion, padding attached to the underside of the sole portion, and slits formed in the toe region of the sole portion to provide pockets for positive retention of as many toe separator elements as needed.

[0011] A post-operative pliable protector device for the hallux or big toe of a patient has a cushion pad with at least a portion thereof adapted to encircle the toe and formed with separable fastener (of the type marketed by Velcro, USA, Manchester, N.H.) having its loop-type fabric component fastened to and covering the backside of the pad and a strip of its hook-type fabric component fastened onto the front side of the pad across one end of the pad portion. A stiffening stay strip member may be fastened transversely across the backside of the pad portion at a location thereon generally medially between its opposite ends. The cushion pad may also have a rearwardly extending portion for encircling and fastening around the forefoot as by a similar hoop/loop-type separable fastener. A separate strip or tape of the hooked-type fastener fabric material may be fastened taut across the toe and forefoot encircled portions of the applied protector device to shift the toe from its normal position and hold it in a desired displaced position.

[0012] A thong sandal having a sole fastened to the foot of a wearer by means of an instep strap and a toe tab connected to the sole and latched in the instep strap. The sole and instep strap are made from a flat sheet of material which is flexible and provides a comfortable support when walking of a size and shape to fit under the wearer's foot. The instep strap is partially cut away from the sole around the heel but remains attached to the sole on opposite sides of the instep. It is adapted to fold upward and forward and to latch on the toe tab. The toe tab is formed of a durable material which does not break during normal wear and has a protuberance at its free end distal its attachment to the sole for use as a display surface or it latches to the sole at the toe end such that the sandal folds substantially flat or both. The display surface can be customized to the customer's specifications and the protuberance is advantageously attached to the stem of the toe tab on what is otherwise a stock sandal.

[0013] A device for deodorizing and drying a portion between toes used by putting it between toes. The device comprises two rod-shaped flexible fibrous elements or layers formed of a large number of fibers disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of said layers, an air- and water-permeable flexible shell member being wound around said flexible fibrous layers such that a cavity is formed between the upper fibrous layer and the lower fibrous layer, and particulate substances having a hygroscopic function being housed in said cavity in a quantity corresponding to a part of a volume of said cavity.

[0014] A toe stretcher comprising stretching posts stood upright at positions corresponding to spacings between toes, the stretching posts being formed of an elastic material having a diameter capable of spreading a portion between toes on a base plate of the size capable of putting the tip of toes thereon.

[0015] A padding and medicating device for the human foot comprising a sheet structure, preferably of an elastic fabric material and partially coated on one surface with a pressure sensitive adhesive, in combination with a pad of viscoelastic gelatinous material impregnated onto a portion of the same surface of the sheet structure as the pressure sensitive adhesive. The pad of viscoelastic gelatinous material is preferably made with an oleaginous plasticizer such as Mineral Oil USP, and may contain one or more pharmacologically active agents. The sheet structure is oil impervious or a separating layer of material impervious to the oleaginous plasticizer is incorporated on either surface of the sheet structure adjacent to the area of the sheet structure to be impregnated with the viscoelastic gelatinous material to prevent the oleaginous plasticizer from bleeding onto the sock or shoe of the wearer. Ideally the viscoelastic gelatinous material is thermoplastic, ultrasoft, able to stretch to many times its relaxed dimensions without tearing, and capable of bleeding a significant amount of a liquid hydrocarbon plasticizer such as Mineral Oil USP onto the skin of the wearer. The present invention can also function as a blister dressing which is able to internally absorb horizontal shearing forces when the gel is employed in thin layers. An alternative embodiment comprising only the viscoelastic gel molded into the shape of a toe spacer, crest pad, corn or bunion pad and the like is also contemplated.

[0016] The instant invention is a one-piece thong constructed from a flexible base. A cut line along the front of the base provides an upwardly extending tab for insertion between the first and second toe. The tab is shaped to conform to the toes and uses an enlarged upper portion for securing the base to the foot. A second cut disposed along the back of the base provides a flexible strap for securement around the heel of the foot. In the preferred use, the heel strap couples directly to the toe tab providing a slip-on thong by forming a strap that fits over the bridge of the foot.

[0017] A pedicure sandal system that includes a sandal assembly having a number of user positionable toe separation cushion assemblies securable to the sole of the sandal assembly for keeping the user's toes separated and a toe cover assembly for shielding the toes having a number of airflow apertures formed therethrough that is securable to the sandal assembly and shaped to cover the user's toes while providing sufficient clearance to prevent contact between the freshly manicured toe nails and the toe cover assembly.

[0018] A foot cover insert (1) adapted to be slid over a wearer's foot (2) and to cover the instep and sides of the foot for keeping feet inside straps (3) of sandal shoes (4). The foot cover insert having an upper (5) consisting of a clear, smooth, firm, pliable, vinyl material; and a flat sole (6) consisting of a thin cork material or a fabric material that has a heavy grain. The upper (5) and sole (6) joined together at their edges to form a tubular shaped member with an enlarged first opening (7) to permit the insert to be slid over the foot of the wearer, and an enlarged second opening (8) at the front of the tubular member. The insert (1) adapted to cover only the portion of the foot between the toes and the instep, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, wherein the foot cover insert (10) can be removed and placed in any type of sandal and give a smooth and perfect look to the foot hiding imperfections of the foot and keep the foot within the boundaries of the sandal.

[0019] While these mobile cushion devices may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. It is thus desirable to provide a cushion device that may be used on a variety of foot wear consisting straps that are between the midsection of the big toe and the pointer toe, that provides comfort to the said area of the foot.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0020] The present invention discloses a cylindrically shaped cushion for attachment around the straps of footwear having straps thereon which cushion is designed to be worn between the big toe and the pointer toe of a user. The cylindrically shaped cushion has an inner fabric and an outer fabric design which can be made in many different designs and colors. The cushion also has a split running vertically therethrough which allows the cushion to be opened at so that it can be placed around the strap of the footwear. Located on one side of the split is a vertical adhesive strip having a peel-off strip which will adhesively seal to the opposing vertical face of the non-adhesive side. Also disposed on the inner bore of the cushion is a horizontal adhesive strip having a peel-off strip thereon which is used for attachment to the strap.

[0021] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a circular or cylindrical cushion that may be attached to the toe section of foot wear that consist midsection straps that go between the big toe and the pointer toe of the foot.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a foot wear cushion consisting a soft, foam-like material covered with a fabric.

[0023] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cushion that provides comfort to the wearer of said foot wear.

[0024] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cushion that may be applied to the straps of foot wear by means of a split in the cushion that is separated and applied around the straps.

[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cushion that may be applied to the straps of foot wear by means of a split in the cushion that is separated and applied around the straps and seals the cushion to the straps with adhesive strips.

[0026] Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.

[0027] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a circular or cylindrical cushion that may be attached to the toe section of foot wear that consist midsection straps that go between the big toe and the pointer toe of the foot. Another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear cushion consisting a soft foam like material covered with a fabric. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cushion that provides comfort to the wearer of said foot wear. Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cushion that may be applied to the straps of foot wear by means of a split in the cushion that is separated and applied around the straps. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.

[0028] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of the device of the present invention in use.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the device of the present invention showing the cushion applied to straps of a flip flop type foot wear to the midsection of the big toe and the pointer toe.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention consisting adhesive strips, and fabric design.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the present invention. Shown is the adhesive strip provided on one side of the split in the cushion wall. Also an adhesive strip located on a horizontal plane on the inner portion of the cushion.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the cushion spread open to be applied to the straps of foot wear.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of the cushion of the present invention applied to straps of footwear to provide comfort to the big toe and the pointer toe.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a top view of the cushion of the present invention. Shown is the split down the cushion for application to straps on footwear.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view depicting a variety of foot wear consisting straps that are between the midsection of the big toe and the pointer toe that may be applicable to the device of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.

[0038] 10 present invention

[0039] 12 toe area

[0040] 14 casual footwear

[0041] 15 dress footwear

[0042] 16 straps

[0043] 18 user

[0044] 20 big toe

[0045] 22 pointer toe

[0046] 24 foot

[0047] 26 vertical adhesive strip

[0048] 27 peel-off strip

[0049] 28 horizontal adhesive strip

[0050] 29 peel-off strip

[0051] 30 outer fabric design

[0052] 32 cushion

[0053] 34 split

[0054] 36 inner fabric

[0055] 38 opening in cushion

[0056] 40 vertical face of non-adhesive side

[0057] 42 bore

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0058] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate the present invention being a footwear thong cushion.

[0059] Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a pictorial illustration of the device of the present invention 10 in use. The present invention 10 discloses a footwear thong cushion which is attached to the toe section 12 of a flip-flop 14 and is placed in the area of the location where the thong or strap 16 meets the flip flop shoe 14. The cushion 10 adds comfort to the midsection between the big toe and the pointer toe of the user 18.

[0060] Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is a pictorial view of the device of the present invention 10 showing the cushion 32 applied to straps 16 of a flip flop type foot wear 14 to the midsection between the big toe 20 and the pointer toe 22 of the foot 24. The thong cushion 32 of the present invention 10 may be applied to any type of footwear consisting of midsection straps 16 that go between the big toe 20 and the pointer toe 22.

[0061] Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a perspective view of the present invention 10 consisting of adhesive strips 26, 28, and fabric design 30. The present invention 110 is a cylindrically shaped device having a throughbore 42 therein formed around a cylindrically shaped cushion 32 for attachment to an enclosure around the strap of footwear as previously discussed. The cylindrically shaped cushion 32 has a fabric design 30 which may come in different designs and colors and covers the exterior wall of the cushion member 32. The present invention has a vertical split 34 allowing the cushion 32 to be separated and thereby placed around the strap of the footwear. Located along one side of the split 34 on a vertical plane is a vertical adhesive strip 26 that operates when the covering peel-off strip is removed and the adhesive layer can make contact with the opposite side of the split and thereby make a bond therewith. A second adhesive strip 28 lies in the horizontal plane and is provided for added attachment to the straps in the area of the inner portion or surface of the bore of the cushion 32.

[0062] Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a sectional view of the present invention 10. Shown is the vertical adhesive strip 26 with peel-off strip 27 provided on one side of the split in the cushion wall 32. Also shown is a second adhesive strip 28 with peel-off strip 29 located on a horizontal plane on the inner bore or portion 42 of the cushion 32. The inner bore 42 of cushion 32 may consist of an inner coating, material or fabric 36. Outer fabric 30 is also shown.

[0063] Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a perspective view of the present invention 10 showing the cushion 32 spread open at 38 to be applied to the straps of the foot wear. Also shown are the adhesive strips 26, 28 along with their respective peel-off strips 27, 29. The removal of the peel-off strips 27, 29 reveals both adhesive layers 26, 28. When the cushion 32 is applied around the strap of the footwear, the adhesive side 26 contacts with the opposing, non-adhesive side 40 creating adhesion between the two so as to seal the cushion 32 around the strap. The horizontal adhesive strip 28 then adheres to the outer surface of the strap of the footwear.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is a pictorial view of the cushion 32 of the present invention 10 applied to straps 16 of foot wear 14 to provide comfort to the big toe 20 and the pointer toe 22. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown.

[0065] Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a top view of the cushion 32 of the present invention 10. Shown is the split 34 down the cushion 32 for application to the straps on footwear. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown.

[0066] Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a pictorial view depicting a variety of foot wear 14, 15 being casual and dress, respectively, consisting of straps 16 that are between the midsection of the big toe and the pointer toe that may be applicable to the device of the present invention 10 as previously disclosed.

[0067] What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by letters patent is set forth in the appended claims:

Claims

1. An apparatus for attachment to the thong of footwear so as to be disposed between the big toe and the pointer toe of a user, comprising:

a) a cushion, said cushion being generally cylindrically shaped, said cushion having a through bore t herein, said bore for receiving the thong of the footwear; and,

b) a split disposed in a wall of said cushion, said split being generally vertically disposed therein so that said cushion can be placed around the thong between the big toe and the pointer toe of a user.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first fabric disposed on the outer surface of said cushion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second fabric disposed on the surface of the bore of said cushion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said split forms a first wall and a second wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, said first wall further comprising a first adhesive layer disposed thereon for adhesion to said second wall.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, said first wall further comprising a first peel-off adhesive strip disposed on said first wall so that said first wall will not adhere to said second wall.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bore of said cushion further comprises a second adhesive layer disposed about the inner surface of said bore, said second adhesive layer being generally horizontally disposed about said bore so that said second adhesive layer can adhere to the thong.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, said second adhesive layer further comprising a second peel-off adhesive strip so that said second adhesive layer will not adhere to the thong when said second peel-off adhesive strip is in place.