Friction reducing barrier

Disclosed herein is a device for reducing friction, caused due to contact or rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner portion of footwear. The device is composed of a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction. The material of the device is molded into different shapes and sizes to fit different portions of a shoe of any shape and size. The device may be attached temporarily or embedded permanently to the inner heel portion of the shoes, or socks of the user. The device may also be used in any article of clothing or protective covering to reduce the effects of friction. Disclosed herein are various methods of attaching or affixing the device to the inner heel portion of the shoes, socks, and any other article of clothing or protective covering. Also, disclosed is a method to hold the device in place without using any kind of adhesive material on the device itself. The device avoids formation of blisters, calluses, and other irritations caused due to friction between any external garment or surface such as a shoe and the part of the body such surfaces come in contact with. In addition to reducing the effects of friction, this device also acts as a very tough yet comfortable physical barrier between the body and an external garment or surface such as a shoe; doing so this device protects the skin from any physical irritants, e.g. sharp edges and points in the shoe.

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Description

This non-provisional patent application has been derived from a previously filed provisional application, filed on Jun. 08 2007; application number: 60/933,867

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention in general relates to footwear and in particular relates to a device composed of a material with a low coefficient of friction and used for reducing friction between rear portion of a foot heel and the inner surface of footwear. However, this device may be used in different parts of any article of clothing or protective covering to reduce the effects of friction. In addition to reducing the effects of friction, this device serves as a tough, yet very comfortable physical, protective barrier between the friction causing surfaces. The material with a low coefficient of friction used in the device can belong to any group of plastics or any other material as long as the material can be transformed into a thin, smooth, slippery, and flexible form.

Blisters, abrasions, calluses, and other irritations of feet may be caused due to friction occurring between footwear and the feet during intense activities such as walking, running, jogging, etc. Further, the friction between the inner surface of the footwear and an outer fabric covering the feet, such as socks, may induce faster wear and tear of the fabric as well as the inner surface of the footwear. The existing techniques of rendering footwear that is physically comfortable to a user mainly deal with shock absorbing mechanisms in footwear to reduce the stress on the feet of the user. Such existing techniques may not particularly address the need for reducing blisters, abrasions, calluses, etc., for example on back of the foot heel, caused due to friction.

Also, in existing devices for reducing friction, the device may be permanently incorporated in the fiber of the fabric, such as a sock or permanently or semi permanently adhered to the piece of clothing or footwear, such that it becomes an integral part of the article.

Hence there is a need for a device to avoid blisters, abrasions, calluses, etc. by reducing friction caused by rubbing of a user's skin against an article of clothing or a protective covering, for example a footwear. There is a need for a device that may be incorporated temporarily or permanently or semi permanently with the article of clothing, footwear, or protective covering as per the requirements of the user. Further, there is a need to reduce the wear and tear of the article of clothing, such as socks that covers the user's feet, as well as to reduce the wear and tear of the inner surface of a shoe, by reducing the friction between the inner surface of the footwear and the socks or foot.

Differences from Earlier Art Work

Unlike the prior art meaning to prevent blisters, abrasions, calluses, etc by reducing friction:

This device is not only very flexible but also very tough; it will last much longer. If the device is attached with an adhesive and it comes off, it can be very easily glued again without reducing its effectiveness.

This device is not incorporated in the fiber of an article, neither it is applied in a way that becomes a part of the fiber so that it cannot be removed or separated.

This device can be applied with heavy duty water resistant glues, such as used in controlling water leaks, which may cause wrinkling, hardening, breakage, or unevenness of the prior art.

This device can be very securely placed in the desired area even without the used of any adhesive. This would be achieved by using “sleeves”, which is discussed in detail in the description of the invention.

This device can be very effectively applied with Velcro. One of the several ways Velcro can be used is, e.g. when the inner surface of the footwear is lined with the smoother female component of the Velcro and the male component of Velcro is applied to the outer surface of the device. This way the device can be very easily used on as needed basis.

This device can be applied to the footwear or an article of clothing even when they are wet (by using the sleeves technique).

This device will not come off even if the person/footwear/article of clothing remains wet for very long period of time. (if built-in sleeves method of application is used),

This device can be removed before washing the footwear or the article of clothing and reapplied/reinserted afterwards.

Single device can be used in multiple footwear or articles of clothing.

The nature of this device is such that it will not wrinkle, even without the use of any additional layers such as a foam or a silicon gel layer. It is flexible and can be bent with very ease. This device can also be thick but then it cannot easily be bent, in this case the device has to be molded according to area of use.

This device can be very effectively applied over almost any surface, even if the surface is very rough, slippery, or very uneven.

This device, due to its particular nature, will physically cover and thus smoothen any irregularities, unevenness, curves or fissures etc, which can be present, for example even in a brand new footwear and contribute to producing friction by providing an uneven surface for the foot to glide over. This device will provide a very tough, even, and a smooth and slippery comfortable shell, if placed, e.g. in the heel region of the footwear. This shell will, very effectively cover any friction producing curves, raised ridges, gaps and any unevenness, and thus reducing the amount of friction produced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention helps to prevent blisters, abrasions, calluses, and other irritations, which occur when two or more irritating surfaces come in contact with each other. The invention achieves this not only by reducing the friction between the two or more surfaces but also by acting as a tough yet very comfortable physical barrier, preventing the surfaces to come in direct contact with each other. Also, this invention reduces friction not only by its smooth surface and slippery nature but also by the way it covers a particular surface and thus eliminating any irregularities, unevenness, curves, gaps or fissures etc.

Similarly, this invention reduces the wear and tear of the article of clothing, such as socks that covers the user's feet, as well as to reduce the wear and tear of the inner surface of a shoe.

The material with a low coefficient of friction used in the device can belong to any group of plastics or any other material as long as the material can be transformed into a thin, smooth, slippery, and flexible form. The use of “sleeves” provides a very easy and reliable way of securing this device in place without using any kind of adhesive on the device. Further, the material with low coefficient of friction used in different embodiments of the device can be painted with a very thin layer of a low coefficient of friction paint to further enhance its function.

The thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction used in the different embodiments can be replaced with a thin and flexible material, which is then covered by a very thin layer of a material with low coefficient of friction.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, and FIG. 1D illustrate a first, simple form of the device. FIG. 1E illustrates an example of the use of sleeves to hold the device in place.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C illustrate a modified version of the first form of the device with tapering ends. FIG. 2D illustrates an example of the use of sleeves to hold the device in place.

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C illustrate a shoe with device placed in several sections of the shoe.

FIG. 4 illustrates the top view of the heel region of a shoe with the device in place. The device is covering the unevenness of the inner surface of the heel region of the shoe.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sock with the device in place, in different parts of the sock.

FIG. 6 illustrates running/gym pants with the device placed in the thigh region.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. 7C illustrate a second form of the device comprising of a heel cup affixed with the low friction material. FIG. 7D illustrates a modified version of the heel cup, wherein it extends over the entire length on the insole.

FIG. 8 illustrates a third form of the device comprising of a heel cup affixed with the low friction material; the heel cup is provided with a strap or plurality of straps.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth form of the device; comprising of a full-length insole and a thin, smooth, and flexible material with low coefficient of friction applied to its upper surface.

FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth form of the device; a material with a low coefficient of friction is applied over a gel or a foam base. The other surface of the gel or foam base is provided with a form of adhesive.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, 11H, 11I, and 11J illustrate examples of various forms of the sleeves with the device held in place without the use of any adhesive.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show a side view of a device to reduce friction, wherein the thin, smooth flexible material with low coefficient of friction is replaced by a thin, flexible material; further the said material is then covered by a very thin layer of a material with low coefficient of friction.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a device for reducing friction, such as caused due to rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe. The device is composed of a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction. The material with a low coefficient of friction used in the device can belong to any group of plastics or any other material as long as the material can be transformed into a thin, smooth, slippery, and flexible form. Additionally, the thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction can be applied/painted with a low friction paint/enamel. Also the thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction can be applied over a cushioning material such as a foam or silicon gel or like. Neither the low friction paint/enamel nor the cushioning material is a must, however these may enhance the function of the device. Also, the device may have plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

The material of the device is molded into different shapes and sizes to fit, e.g. different portions of a shoe. The device may be attached temporarily, semi permanently, or embedded permanently e.g. to the inner heel portion of the shoes, or socks of the user. Disclosed herein are various methods of attaching or affixing the device to the inner surface of the shoes, socks, and an article of clothing or a protective covering. The device avoids formation of blisters, calluses, and other irritations caused due to friction, e.g. between the rear portion of the foot heel and the inner surface of the shoe. However, the device may be used to reduce the effects of friction in any article of clothing or a protective covering and may not be limited to a shoe or a sock. The device prevents the formation of blisters, calluses, etc. by not only reducing friction but also by acting as a tough and yet very comfortable physical barrier between the two surfaces and thus preventing the surfaces to come in direct contact with each other, e.g. rear portion of the foot and the inner surface of the shoe.

The device can be fixed to given surface temporarily, permanently or semi permanently. The use of Velcro® and sleeves with the current device provides a very easy and secure way of using this device on as needed basis. Velcro® may be used either by applying the male and female components of Velcro® to the posterior surface of the device and the anterior surface of an article, for example, inner surface of a shoe. Better would be to incorporate the smoother female component of Velcro® in the surface of the article, e.g. the inner surface of the heel region of the shoe, during the manufacturing process and then the device, with the male component of the Velcro® on its posterior surface, can be applied to the surface of the article on as needed basis.

The use of sleeves is described in more detail in the following paragraphs as well as in the diagrams. The term sleeve in relation to the current invention/device is defined as a pocket/sheath/slit specifically designed to receive the device, either in whole or a part of it, and thus securing the device in the intended place. Sleeves can secure the device in place without the use of any adhesive material, for example a glue or Velcro® etc, on the device itself. The sleeves can either be incorporated permanently in an article, e.g. a shoe, or attached temporarily as per the needs of the user. The sleeves can also be built in an article, e.g. a shoe, during the manufacturing process of the shoe. The sleeves may cover the device either partially or completely. The sleeves may be made of any material, which is comfortable and durable. The sleeves may be lined with a material of high coefficient of friction to provide a better grip.

The device disclosed herein may be provided with one of a hook and loop arrangement, a special form of glue, adhesive tape, Velcro®, and an affixing mechanism on the posterior surface of the device to attach the device to the inner heel surface of a shoe. The anterior, smooth and slippery surface of the device that has low coefficient of friction is in contact with the rear portion of the foot heel. Hence, when a user uses the shoe provided with the device, the rear portion of the foot heel is not in direct contact with the inner surface of the shoe that causes friction. Further, the device may be provided with small perforations for the easy release of sweat and body heat.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device may be permanently embedded in the inner heel portion of the shoe. In another embodiment, the device may be slid into a sleeve or a plurality of sleeves, which are either incorporated permanently or later attached temporarily within the shoe as per the needs of the user. The sleeves may cover the device either partially or completely. The sleeves may be made of any material, which is comfortable and durable.

In another embodiment of the invention, the low coefficient of friction material may be affixed to the inner surface of a heel cup. The low coefficient of friction material may cover the entire inner surface of the heel cup or a part of it. Further, the heel cup is attached to the inner heel portion of the shoe with one of a special glue, a hook and loop arrangement, Velcro®, sleeves, and an affixing mechanism. The heel cup may comprise a central cavity to reduce the stress on heel bone. The bottom of the heel cup may be extended so that it covers the entire length of the insole of a shoe; further the material with low coefficient of friction is affixed to the entire inner surface of the heel cup, including the extension. The heel cup may comprise a central cavity to reduce the stress on heel bone. The heel cup may have narrow extension or plurality of narrow extensions on the left and right side; further, the narrow extensions/endings may be encapsulated with a material of high friction. These extensions will be used to secure the device in the shoe along with built-in or temporarily placed sleeves in the shoe. Further, the material with low coefficient of friction in the device has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat and/or the material of the heel cup has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

In another embodiment of the invention, the low coefficient of friction material will be applied to the outer walls of a heel cup. The low coefficient of friction material may cover the entire outer surface of the heel or a part of it. Further the heel cup is provided with a strap or plurality of straps and may be secured across a foot of a user using the straps and worn either inside or outside a sock of the user. The heel cup may comprise a central cavity to reduce the stress on heel bone. Further, the material with low coefficient of friction in the device has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or the material of the heel cup has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

In another embodiment of the invention, low coefficient of friction material may be affixed to the outer surface of a gel or a foam base; further the surface of the gel or foam base with the low friction material is in contact with the inner surface of the shoe, while the other surface of the gel or foam base is applied either directly to the foot or to a sock by means of a special adhesive.

In another embodiment of the invention, the device, comprising of a thin, smooth, and flexible material with low coefficient of friction may be embedded permanently in the layer of a sock or temporarily placed in a sleeve or a plurality of sleeves incorporated within the sock. The sleeves can be built-in the sock or later temporarily attached, for example, by using a special adhesive. The low friction material of the device may be applied to a cushioning material such as foam or silicon gel or like. Further, the material with low coefficient of friction in the device has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or the cushioning material has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

In another embodiment of the invention, the device may be affixed to any article of clothing, footwear, sock, or a protective covering to reduce the effect of friction. The device may be embedded permanently in the layers of the article or attached with one of a hook and loop arrangement, a special glue, Velcro®, and an affixing mechanism. In particular, the device may be placed in sleeves as per the needs of the user. The sleeves can be either built-in the article or later temporarily attached using, for example, a special adhesive. The low friction material of the device may be applied to a cushioning material such as foam or silicon gel or like. Further, the material with low coefficient of friction in the device has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or the cushioning material has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

The use of such sleeves in footwear, socks, or any other article of clothing provides the user a convenient way to use the device temporarily as per the needs of the user. The device may be inserted in a sleeve or a plurality of sleeves and removed as per the needs of the user. The sleeves may either be built in or later attached to the footwear, socks, or any other article of clothing. The sleeves can be very easily attached temporarily, on as needed basis by using a special adhesive or Velcro®. In case, Velcro® is being used, the posterior surface of the sleeves can be covered by the male component of the Velcro®; this sleeve can then be attached to a surface that is covered by the female component of Velcro®, for example, inner surface of a shoe. The sleeves may completely or partially cover the device such that the device may come in direct contact with one of the regions of the human body, the surface of footwear or any article of clothing or protective covering, and a combination thereof. For example, the device inserted in a sleeve built in a sock may come in direct contact with either the heel of the foot or the inner surface of the heel region of the shoe or both.

Further, the material with low coefficient of friction used in different embodiments of the device can be painted with a very thin layer of low coefficient of friction paint to further enhance its function.

The thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction used in the different embodiments can be replaced with a thin and flexible material, which is then covered by a very thin layer of a material with low coefficient of friction.

The use of the device may not be limited to the heel region, but may be used on any portion in the body where relief from the effects of friction is required, for example, around the elbow, the wrist, the thigh region, in underwear etc. Also, in addition to relief from the effects of friction, the device also acts as a tough, yet very comfortable physical barrier between two surfaces and thus preventing them to come in direct contact with each other. The usage of the device may not be limited to humans but may also be used on animals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C, FIG. 1D, and FIG. 1E illustrate a first form of a device used for reducing friction caused by rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe. The device is composed of a material with a low coefficient of friction, a. The device is provided with one of a special glue, Velcro®, and an affixing mechanism, b, on the posterior surface of the device to attach the device to the inner heel portion of the shoe. The anterior surface of the device is in contact with the rear portion of the foot heel. Hence, the device prevents the direct contact of the rear portion of the heel with the inner surface of the shoe. The device is composed of a thin, smooth, slippery, tough, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction; the device can be of any color, size and shape with a consistency, for example, as that of a credit card. However, the thickness of the material is less in comparison to that of the credit card. The device is flexible and can be easily bent without being broken. A thin coating of a smooth paint, enamel, etc can be applied on the anterior surface of the material with low coefficient of friction. The device may cover the entire height of the inner heel portion of the shoe. The device need not require additional layers of fabric, foam or silicon etc to either maintain its shape or to prevent blisters on the rear portion of the foot heel. However, additional layers may be incorporated for cushioning of the foot heel. Small perforations, p, may cover a portion or the entire surface of the device; these perforations are for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

FIG. 1A shows the first form of the device; the material with low coefficient of friction is represented by, a, and the dotted lines, b, represent an affixing mechanism, either an adhesive, Velcro® or similar affixing mechanisms. Small perforations, p, may cover a portion or the entire surface of the device; these perforations are for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat. FIG. 1B shows the acquired shape of the device while placed in the heel region of the shoe. FIG. 1C shows a curved lower edge of the device, c; this curve will help to eliminate the sharp angle formed by the meeting of the edge of the shoe sole with walls of the shoe. Small perforations, p, may cover a portion or the entire surface of the device; these perforations are for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat. FIG. 1D shows a side view, in magnification, of the device, where a cushioning layer, f, is applied to the low coefficient material, a. FIG. 1E illustrates use of sleeves, s, to fix the device consisting of a thin material with low coefficient of friction, a, in place on an article, x. Sleeves are either built in the article, x, or later applied on a temporary basis. The article, x, may be one of a clothing, a shoe, a sock, and a protective covering. The use of sleeve eliminates the need of an adhesive or Velcro® etc.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C, and FIG. 2D: In another embodiment of the invention, the device may be permanently embedded in the inner heel portion of the shoe or temporarily placed in a sleeve or a plurality of sleeves built within the shoe. Further the sleeves may be attached and removed from the shoe as per needs of the user. The design of the device may be modified, as shown in FIG. 2A, 2B, and 2C to allow easy and very secure insertion into the sleeves. The narrow endings, n, of the device, a, as shown in FIG. 2A, 2B, and 2C may be encapsulated with a high friction material, g (as shown in FIG. 2A), which would provide a better grip in the sleeves. The narrow endings, n, may be of any length and width. FIG. 2D illustrates the use of sleeves, s, to hold the device, a, in place on an article, x. The narrow endings, n, of the device, a, slip into the sleeves, s, which are either built in the article, x, or later applied on a temporary basis. The article, x, may be one of a clothing, a shoe, a sock, and a protective covering. Small perforations, p, may cover a portion or the entire surface of the device; these perforations are for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

The surface of the device with a low coefficient of friction avoids formations of blisters, abrasions, calluses, etc. by reducing the friction caused by rubbing of the rear portion of the foot heel with the inner surface of the shoe. Further, the usage of such a device minimizes the wear and tear of clothing, such as socks that covers the user's feet or inner surface of the shoes by reducing the friction between the inner portions of the shoe and the sock. The device may be used in other regions of the shoes to relieve the user from friction blisters. The device also acts as a very tough but comfortable barrier between two friction causing surfaces.

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C illustrate the use of sleeves to fix the device in various parts of the shoe. Low co-efficient of friction material is inserted into sleeves. The sleeves partially cover the surface of the low coefficient material device, so that the device will come in contact with the foot/sock and reduce the friction. The sleeves can be built in the shoe or attached later, on a temporary, as needed basis (e.g. with an adhesive, Velcro® and like). Also, the device can be inserted and taken out on as needed basis very easily. The device can also be permanently placed in the sleeves.

In FIG. 3A, the device, a, with narrow endings, n, is inserted into the sleeves, s. In FIG. 3B, the device, a, is shown inserted into the sleeves, s, in different parts of the shoe, namely the heel region, the lateral wall of the shoe, and in the roof of the toe region of the shoe. In FIG. 3C, the device, a, is shown inserted into a different kind of sleeve, s, in the heel region of the shoe; device, a, is also shown inserted into a sleeve, s, in the roof of the middle of the shoe; device, a, is also shown to be permanently embedded in the floor of the toe region of the shoe without the use of any sleeves.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the heel region of a sneaker. The dotted line, y, represents the end of the heel region. The thickness of the wall of the shoe, j, is represented by the shaded area. The device, a, eliminates the unevenness, e, of the inner surface, i, of wall of the shoe, j. Due to the thin, flexible nature of the device, the device will, very effectively, eliminate any unevenness and irregularities, which are can result from the softer inner covering of the shoe. This soft inner covering provides cushioning but can also contributes to friction due to its uneven surface. This device will help to cover up any unevenness and thus will provide a very smooth surface for the foot to glide over. Due to the particular nature of the device, the device when applied, even with an adhesive, will not conform to the unevenness of the surface below, thus maintaining its even and smooth surface. Similarly, this device can also eliminate sharp, irritating points in the inner surface of the shoe.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sock with the device, a, placed in various parts of the sock. The low friction device, a, is placed in sleeves, s, in the heel and shin region of the sock. The sleeves can be built in the sock or attached later on, on as needed basis; the device can be placed in the sleeves when needed or permanently placed. Also, the sleeves may either completely or partially cover the device. In partial coverage the device may come in direct contact with either the inner surface of the shoe or the foot or both. The sleeve in the heel region is partially covering the device, so that the device comes in direct contact with the friction-producing surface such as the inner surface of the heel region of a shoe. However, the sleeves entirely cover the device in the shin region and acts as a tough yet comfortable barrier to protect the leg from the effects of friction. The low friction device, a, is permanently embedded in the layers of the sock in the toe and the ball of foot region and acts as a barrier to protect the foot from the effects of friction as well as any sharp, uneven points in the shoe. It should be noted that the device can be placed in any region of the sock in any way i.e. by use of a sleeve, which may cover the device entirely or partially, or embedded in the layers of the sock without the use of a sleeve.

FIG. 6 illustrates a device for reducing friction in the thigh region of running/gym pants. The device, a, is inserted into sleeves, s, provided on the thigh or groin region of running pants. The sleeves, s, either completely or partially cover the inserted device, a. The disclosed device can also be permanently embedded in the thigh region or groin region of running pants. The device reduces the friction produced by rubbing of the human thighs with each other and/or against the inner surface of the running pants, while running or walking.

FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 7C, FIG. 7D illustrate second form of the device for reducing friction caused by rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe. The second form of the device comprises of a heel cup, h, affixed with the low friction material, a. Small perforations, p, may cover a portion or the entire surface of the heel cup; these perforations are for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat. The heel cup can be made of any material and can have any thickness. The material with low coefficient of friction, a, is affixed to the inner surface of the heel cup. Further, the heel cup is attached to the inner heel surface of the shoe with one of a special glue, a hook and loop arrangement, Velcro, and an affixing mechanism. In one embodiment of the disclosed device as shown in FIG. 7B, the heel cup has narrow extensions, n, on the left and right side; these narrow extensions will be used to fix the device in a shoe using sleeves. In one embodiment of the disclosed device as shown in FIG. 7C, the heel cup may be provided with a central cavity, u, to reduce stress on the heel bone. In another embodiment of the disclosed device as shown in FIG. 7D the heel cup, h, may extend so that it covers the entire length of the insole of a shoe; further the material with low coefficient of friction, a, is affixed to the entire inner surface of the heel cup, including the extension.

FIG. 8 illustrates a third form of the device for reducing friction caused by rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe. The third form of the device comprises a heel cup, h, provided with a strap or plurality of straps, t, and affixed with the low friction material, a. The material with low coefficient of friction, a, is affixed to the outer surface of the heel cup such that the said material, a, comes in contact with the inner surface of the shoe while the soft material of the heel cup, h, is in contact with the foot heel. Further, the heel cup is provided with a strap or a plurality of straps, t, to secure the heel cup across a foot of a user. The heel cup with the low friction material may be worn either inside or outside a sock. The surface of the heel cup with the low friction material slides over the inner surface of the shoe while walking or running. The figure also shows an optional central cavity, u, to reduce stress on the heel bone. Small perforations, p, may cover a portion or the entire surface of the device; these perforations are for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth form of the device; an insole comprising of the low friction device, a, and a cushioning material, f. This insole will prevent blisters on the sole of the foot by making it easier for the foot to move within the shoe during the act of walking or running. This insole can be used without the cushioning layer, f. It can be placed in the shoe without the use of any adhesive or affixing mechanism. Small perforations, p, may cover a portion or the entire surface of the insole; these perforations are for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat

FIG. 10 illustrates a fifth form of the device for reducing friction caused by rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe. The fifth form of the device comprises a gel or a foam base, f. A material with a low coefficient of friction, a, is applied to the outer surface of the gel or foam base, f. The inner surface of the gel or foam base is provided with an adhesive, k. The gel or foam base is affixed to the rear portion of a foot heel through the inner adhesive surface: The outer surface of the gel or foam base with the low friction material comes in contact with the inner surface of a shoe. The gel or foam base with the low friction material may be cut into patches of different shapes and sizes, and the patches may be attached to any portion of the skin that requires protection from friction and rubbing.

FIG. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, 11H, 11I, and 11J illustrate various forms of the sleeves, s, with the device for reducing friction, a, held in place on an article, x, without the use of any adhesive. The sleeves can be either built in the article or later attached to it, either permanently or temporarily. FIG. 11A shows the device, a, consisting of a material with low coefficient of friction, held in place by its ends being inserted into the sleeves, s. FIG. 11B shows the device, a, consisting of a material with low coefficient of friction, held in place by its ends being slipped through the sleeves, s. FIG. 11C shows the device, a, consisting of a material with low coefficient of friction, held in place by 4 sleeves, s, on the four corners of the device. FIG. 1D shows the device, a, consisting of a material with low coefficient of friction, held in place the sleeves, s. The sleeve covers the device partially so that the device can come in contact with, for example, ankle of a foot. FIG. 11E shows the device, a, consisting of a material with low coefficient of friction, held in place by the sleeves, s. The sleeve covers the device completely. FIG. 11F shows the device, a, consisting of a material with low coefficient of friction, held in place by its ends being slipped into the sleeves, s, from above. The shaded portion of the sleeves represents the area of the sleeve not accessible to the device. FIGS. 11G, 11H, and 11I show the device, a, consisting of a material with low coefficient of friction, held in place by its narrow ends, n, being inserted into the sleeves, s. FIG. 11J illustrates an article, x, composed of two layers, which are not attached to each other. A sleeve, s, is formed in between these two layers, and two slits, o, give access to this sleeve. The narrow endings, n, of the device, a, pass through these slits, o, and this keep the device in place.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show a side view, in magnification, of a device to reduce friction, wherein the thin, smooth, and flexible material with low coefficient of friction is replaced by a thin, flexible material, m; further the said material, m, is then covered by a very thin layer of a material with low coefficient of friction, w. The resulting device can then be used in the above mentioned different embodiments in place of the thin, smooth, and flexible material with low coefficient of friction, a.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device for reducing friction caused by contact of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe comprising the steps of:

a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction contoured to fit according to size and shape of said shoe; and
the said device is attached to the inner heel surface of the shoe with one of a special glue, an adhesive tape, a hook and loop arrangement, Velcro®, sleeve or plurality of sleeves, and an affixing mechanism, to prevent said rear portion of said foot heel to come in direct contact with said inner surface of the shoe; further the device can be permanently embedded in the inner heel area of the shoe.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction is applied to a cushioning material, such as foam, silicon gel, cotton padding, or similar.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein:

a material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or
a cushioning material has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the material with a low coefficient of friction has one or plurality of narrow endings on each side; further, the narrow endings may be encapsulated with a material of high friction.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said device is permanently embedded in the inner heel portion of the shoe or temporarily placed in one of a sleeve and a plurality of sleeves, wherein said sleeve is built within the shoe or attached as per the needs of said user.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

8. The device of claim 5, where in the thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction is applied to a cushioning material, such as a foam, silicon, gel or similar.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein:

a material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or
a cushioning material has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

10. A device for reducing friction caused by contact of the rear portion of a foot heel with inner surface of a shoe comprising the steps of:

a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction contoured to fit according to size and shape of said shoe; and
a heel cup, wherein said material is affixed to the inner posterior and lateral walls or the entire inner surface of said heel cup; and
the said heel cup is attached to inner heel surface of the shoe with one of a special glue, a hook and loop arrangement, Velcro®, sleeves, and an affixing mechanism.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the heel cup comprises a central cavity to reduce the stress on heel bone.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the heel cup has narrow extension or plurality of narrow extensions on the left and right side; further, the narrow extensions may be encapsulated with a material of high friction.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the bottom of the heel cup is extended so that it covers the entire length of the insole of a shoe; further the material with low coefficient of friction is affixed to the entire inner surface of the heel cup, including the extension.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein:

a material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or
material of the heel cup has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

15. A device for reducing friction caused by contact of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe comprising the steps of:

a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction, contoured fit according to size and shape of said shoe; and
a heel cup provided with a strap or plurality of straps, wherein said material with a low coefficient of friction is applied to either the outer posterior and lateral walls or the entire outer surface of said heel cup; and
the heel cup provided with said strap or plurality of straps is secured across a foot of a user using a strap or plurality of straps, and worn inside or outside a sock of said user.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the heel cup comprises a central cavity to reduce the stress on heel bone.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein:

a material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or
a material of the heel cup has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

18. A device for reducing friction caused by contact of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe comprising the steps of:

a thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction; and
a gel or a foam base provided with an adhesive on inner surface of said gel or foam base, wherein said material with a low coefficient of friction affixed to the outer surface of the gel or foam basis in contact with the inner surface of said shoe; and
the said adhesive surface of the gel or foam base is used to affix the gel or foam base to the foot heel.

19. The device of claim 18, used on a region of a human or an animal body to reduce the effects of friction between said region of human or animal body and an article, wherein said article may be one of a clothing, a footwear, a sock, and a protective covering.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein:

a material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or
a gel or foam base has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

21. A device for reducing friction between a region of a human or an animal body and an article, comprising:

a size-free and shape-free, thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction, wherein said material is either embedded permanently in the layers of an article or placed temporarily in a sleeve or plurality of sleeves on a portion or entirety of said article or attached with one of a special glue, an adhesive tape, a hook and loop arrangement, Velcro®, and an affixing mechanism to the portion or entirety of the said article, wherein the article may be one of a clothing, a shoe, a sock, and a protective covering.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction is painted with a low friction paint/enamel.

23. The device of claim 21, where in the thin, smooth, and flexible material with a low coefficient of friction is applied to a cushioning material, such as a foam, silicon, gel or similar.

24. The device of claim 21, wherein the material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

25. The device of claim 23, wherein:

a material with low coefficient of friction has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or
a cushioning material has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

26. The device of claim 21, where in:

the thin, smooth, and flexible material with low coefficient of friction is replaced by a thin, flexible material; further
the said thin, flexible material is covered with a very thin layer of a material with low coefficient of friction.

27. The device of claim 26 is applied to a cushioning material, such as a foam, silicon, gel or similar.

28. The device of claim 26, wherein the device has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

29. The device of claim 27, wherein:

the device of claim 26 has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat; and/or
a cushioning material has plurality of perforations for the easy release and dispersion of sweat, and body heat.

30. A method of using one of a sleeve and a plurality of sleeves of predetermined shape and size, in conjunction with a device for reducing friction, such as caused by rubbing of the rear portion of a foot heel with the inner surface of a shoe, comprising the steps of:

an article with built-in one of said sleeve and said plurality of sleeves or attaching said one of said sleeve and said plurality of sleeves to an article either permanently or temporarily as per the needs of a user, wherein said article may be one of a clothing, protective covering, a footwear, and a sock;
further, one of the said sleeve and the said plurality of sleeves covers said device for reducing friction either partially or completely;
further, the said sleeve and said plurality of sleeves may be lined with a material of high coefficient of friction.

31. The design, to be used along with the said sleeve and said plurality of sleeves of claim 30, which would allow a friction reducing device to be attached to an article without the use of an adhesive, comprising the steps of:

a friction reducing device having a narrow ending/protrusion or plurality of narrow endings/protrusion; and
a said article with a sleeve or plurality of sleeves, which are either built in the said article or applied on it at a later time; and
the said narrow ending/protrusion or said plurality of narrow endings/protrusions will be inserted into the said sleeve or said plurality of sleeves to secure the said friction reducing device to the said article.
Patent History
Publication number: 20080301860
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 10, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 11, 2008
Inventor: Hasan Iqbal (Astoria, NY)
Application Number: 12/008,262
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Guard Or Protector (2/455); Body Garments (2/69); Supporting Features (2/240); Foot-supporting Or Foot-conforming Feature (36/88); Shoe Attachment (e.g., Ornament, Pocket, Etc.) (36/136)
International Classification: A41D 13/00 (20060101); A41D 1/00 (20060101); A43B 17/00 (20060101); A43B 7/14 (20060101); A43B 23/00 (20060101);