NATURALLY ABSORBENT FOOTPAD

Abstract

A moisture and shock absorbing footpad is disclosed which wicks moisture away from the feet while reducing the friction produced by any additional footwear that is worn in conjunction with the footpad. The footpad is especially beneficial when used with skimmers, ballet flats and other stylish footwear trends. The footpad also proves beneficial when worn with open-toed shoes due to its minimalist appearance. In order to achieve environmental consciousness, its fabrication is simple enough to be hand-stitched and constructed from one hundred percent natural cotton fiber. The footpad also acts to line the bottom of shoes that often get filled with debris and possibly grow mold spores or fungi. In this manner, it can protect the feet from calluses, blisters, and infection, but generally serves to keep the user clean and comfortable. In one embodiment, the footpad comprises a pull tab in the form of a loop of material that is sewn onto the heel portion, which provides stability when inserting one's foot.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of footwear enhancements. More specifically, the invention relates to disposable, naturally absorbing and cushioning footpads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shoes are not inherently perfect. They are usually mass produced to provide some sort of covering for our feet in many different environments and situations in order to achieve varied results and serve a wide variety of functions. Unsurprisingly, a large number of enhancements have been devised to overcome the disadvantages of a diverse group of footwear. These began with the basic sock, which provided a slight layer of protection and cushioning over the entire foot. Beyond this, some devices have attempted to improve the size differential between a standard-sized shoe and a unique, individual foot. Other devices have gone one step further to improve the overall orthotics for correct foot positioning within a shoe. Still other devices provide a partial covering to protect tender spots of the metatarsal.

For instance, one example of an orthotic device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,282 and describes an insole with a number of fluid filled containers. The amount of fluid in the containers can be controlled by a user wearing the device. A change in the amount of fluid in each container will likewise change the pressure being exerted on each part of the foot. In sum, this disclosure provides a rather complex solution to an orthopaedic problem and clearly lacks simplicity and the advantage of being disposable.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,961 discloses a medical apparatus that can be worn by diabetics to cover the feet. This device involves an ankle length sock that would be visible when worn in conjunction with a typical shoe and also requires a hard coating at the bottom, which could preclude the device completely from being worn with a typical shoe. This device mainly serves a medical function targeting people with ulcers and lesions of the foot. As such, it is made to be a more permanent solution similar in nature to the previous disclosure.

In contrast, U.S. Pat. No. 7,037,571 discloses a disposable shoe liner that uses a laminate material. The described structure involves creating a liner from three distinct layers which include a functional material as the middle layer. However, similar to the last disclosure, the use of artificial materials does not offer an environmentally conscious solution. Also, although possibly disposable, the use of three layers most likely would be too bulky to achieve the presently desired results.

Still, other patent disclosures have attempted to suggest footwear enhancements which use elastic members as fasteners, contain multiple layers of cushioning or meshed fabrics, and even include deodorants, drying agents such as talcum powder, medications and antibacterial substances.

However, many types of footwear are incompatible with all of the foregoing because they are made to be worn without socks or other bulkier enhancements. Furthermore, in some instances, where more of the foot is visible, it is desirable to wear an enhancement that can not be seen at all. Yet, in these instances, it still may be important to use an enhancement that can provide some degree of cushioning, absorb moisture, possibly due to perspiration, keep the foot sanitary from dirt and debris, and protect tissues of the foot sole from friction that may cause blisters, calluses and other irritations or injuries. This enhancement should be able to keep its form and positioning while in use. It should also be capable of being removed for washing or disposal and be constructed from a breathable material. Finally, this footwear enhancement may be capable of being used in conjunction with other enhancements, whether known or unknown at the time of this disclosure.

The present invention provides for a specific footpad which overcomes all of the foregoing problems and other difficulties which have been known in the art for some time. Additionally, the presently disclosed footpad offers solutions that none of the previous enhancements have suggested and up until this point in time have not been able to solve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A moisture and shock absorbing footpad is disclosed which wicks moisture away from the feet while reducing the friction produced by any additional footwear that is worn in conjunction with the footpad. The footpad is especially beneficial when used with skimmers, ballet flats and other stylish footwear trends. The footpad also proves beneficial when worn with open-toed shoes due to its minimalist appearance. In order to achieve environmental consciousness, its fabrication is simple enough to be hand-stitched and constructed from one hundred percent natural cotton fiber. The footpad also acts to line the bottom of shoes that often get filled with debris and possibly grow mold spores or fungi. In this manner, it can protect the feet from calluses, blisters, and infection, but generally serves to keep the user clean and comfortable. In one embodiment, the footpad comprises a pull tab in the form of a loop of material that is sewn onto the heel portion, which provides stability when inserting one's foot.

These and other objectives of the claimed invention will no doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the prior art.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the prior art.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may still be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of the prior art is shown. A sub-ankle length sock is illustrated that functions as an invisible layer of padding when worn in conjunction with typical boating or dock shoes. The sock completely encircles a user's foot coming up partially over the top of the foot in order to stay in place. It also contains elastic material in order to avoid sliding off the foot.

Now referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of another type of prior art is shown. As referenced supra, this figure illustrates a typical multi-layered insole to be used in conjunction with an athletic shoe. The primary purpose of this type of device is for orthopaedic support, especially for the arch of a user's foot. It can usually be made of different artificial materials that are cemented together. The complex fabrication of such a device usually increases manufacturing cost which precludes it from operating as a disposable product in most circumstances.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Top side 10 of the footpad functions to come in contact with a user's foot, sock or other type of footwear. The shape of the footpad disclosed primarily mimics the insole of a typical shoe (not shown), including the isthmus 14, which usually occurs near the arch of the foot. It can be made in different sizes in order to fit securely within different types of footwear. In one embodiment, the toe of the footpad may be cut short ending at the ball of the foot in order to be worn with open-toed shoes such as sandals. The footpad is sewn to have minimal depth, shown by side 12, so that it can easily fit between a user's foot and any selected footwear. This allows the footpad to be invisible while in use. The simplicity of this device provides a key advantage of being disposable if necessary. The device can be made to fit within any type of footwear, including, but not limited to athletic shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, loafers, boots, clogs, moccasins, boating shoes, cleats, ballet taps and sandals.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the footpad is usually woven from cotton fiber, thread or yarn. Being constructed from a natural material allows the device to absorb moisture and keep the foot of a user dry, which inhibits blisters from forming, prevents slippage and also discourages microbes and fungi from growing on the foot or the footwear. In another embodiment, the footpad could be woven from wool, suede or other soft fabrics. These fabrics are intended to provide at least some degree of cushion and shock absorption for the user. They can be formed into textured pattern 16, which may vary but usually comprises terrycloth. Pull-tab 18 can be formed from the same materials or a unique material and be formed from the same piece or an independent piece of material. Pull-tab 18 is used as a gripping point to keep the footpad stable while inserting one's foot. This aids in preventing a bunching effect near the toes. It should be noted that side 12 will be thick enough to provide this effect while thin enough so that under the weight of a person, it can not be perceived, even while wearing footwear that is open on top. The fabrics may have the texture of terrycloth, felt or other types of material that are well known in the art.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Bottom side 20 is stitched together with top side 10 (not shown) inside the footpad along side 12 and is made to come in contact with any selected footwear. It also includes the same isthmus 14, side 12 and pull-tab 18 as in FIG. 3. At this angle, the bottom of textured pattern 24 can be viewed. Pattern 24 provides a high enough coefficient of friction to offer gripping strength so that the footpad will remain immovable while in use.

Still referring to FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, the presently disclosed footpad will include pull-tab 18, which is located at the rear of the footpad. Pull-tab 18 is designed to stay below the heel and comprises a loop large enough to inert varying size digits for the purposes of adjusting or securing the footpad. In one embodiment of the present invention, pull-tab 18 may extend beyond the heel of a typical shoe. In the preferred embodiment, pull-tab 18 will be an extension 22 of the same material that forms the rest of the footpad, however it could be envisioned that pull-tab 18 could be a separate entity attached to bottom side 20 through various means.

The present invention includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or any generalization thereof. While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described apparatus. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A woven footpad comprising:

a naturally absorbent material that is sewn from at least one piece to form a comprehensive surface with a top portion and a bottom portion, said surface containing a plurality of stitches that extend slightly below said bottom portion, and said surface containing edges that fold inward; and

a pull-tab attached to said bottom portion and in close proximity to a heel portion of said footpad.

2. The footpad of claim 1, wherein said footpad fits snugly within any sized footwear.

3. The footpad of claim 2, wherein said stitches extend below said bottom portion less than one millimeter.

4. The footpad of claim 3, wherein said top portion is located less than five millimeters from said bottom portion.

5. The footpad of claim 4, wherein said material comprises one or more of the group consisting of cotton, wool, suede and silk.

6. The footpad of claim 5, wherein said at least one piece comprises terrycloth.

7. The footpad of claim 5, wherein said at least one piece comprises felt.

8. The footpad of claim 6 further comprising a nonabsorbent material, said nonabsorbent material comprising one or more of the group consisting of polyester, rayon and nylon.

9. The footpad of claim 6, wherein said footpad is capable of being sewn by hand.

10. The footpad of claim 6, wherein said footpad is durable enough to withstand the forces of a washing-machine without said material deteriorating.

11. The footpad of claim 6, further comprising a means for keeping a set position while in use.

12. The footpad of claim 1, wherein said pull-tab is contiguously sewn from said bottom portion and forms a loop large enough to encompass a human digit.

13. The footpad of claim 1, wherein said pull-tab is constructed from a separate piece of material and forms a loop large enough to encompass a human digit.

14. A cotton footpad comprising:

a surface in the shape of a shoe insole, said surface sewn from two pieces of material with a top portion and a bottom portion, said surface containing a plurality of stitches that extend slightly below said bottom portion, and said surface containing edges that fold inward; and

a pull-tab attached to said bottom portion and in close proximity to a heel portion of said footpad.

15. The footpad of claim 14, wherein said pull-tab is contiguously sewn from said bottom portion and forms a loop large enough to encompass a human digit.

16. The footpad of claim 14, wherein said pull-tab is constructed from a third piece of material and forms a loop large enough to encompass a human digit.

17. The footpad of claim 14, wherein said footpad fits snugly within any sized footwear.

18. The footpad of claim 17, wherein said footpad is capable of being sewn by hand.

19. The footpad of claim 18, wherein said footpad is durable enough to withstand the forces of a washing-machine without said strand deteriorating.

20. The footpad of claim 19, further comprising a means for keeping a set position while in use.