TOE NAIL POLISH GUARD

Abstract

The present device generally relates to a toe nail polish guard and more particularly, the device relates to a toe nail polish guard for assisting a user after receiving a pedicure. The device acts as a removable portion of an article of footwear which attaches to the front of the footwear. A series of toe dividers separates the toes and protects them from contacting each other. The device is secured to the footwear by a securing mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/212,729 filed Apr. 15, 2009 the same being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present device generally relates to a toe nail polish guard and more particularly, the device relates to a toe nail polish guard for assisting a user after receiving a pedicure. The device acts as a removable portion of an article of footwear which attaches to the front of the footwear. A series of toe dividers separates the toes and protects them from contacting each other. The device is secured to the footwear by a securing mechanism.

The average adult takes a staggering eight to ten thousand steps a day. Adding up to over one hundred thousand miles in the course of a lifetime, feet can carry a person just about anywhere they want to go. Unfortunately, most people tend to take their feet for granted. Whether by wearing impossibly tall heals, oxfords with little cushioning or shoes that do not fit properly most put their feet through endless abuse and then complain when they are tired, aching or sore.

Luckily, millions of Americans routinely treat their feet to a little pampering in the form of a pedicure. A pedicure involves soaking the feet in a warm bath to soften the skin, a gentle massage, removal of dead skin around the foot and a neat trim of the toenails and cuticle area. For woman, this is then usually followed up with a few coats of nail polish. Although typically thought of as cosmetic indulgence, a pedicure is a healthy part of routine foot care because it can prevent the buildup of calluses and dry skin.

Additionally, as most pedicures involve grooming the toenails, this relaxing treatment can also effectively reduce the painful problems of ingrown nails.

As mentioned, for female consumers, a pedicure typically involves the application of polish to the toes. Whether one prefers pale pink polish or bright red toenails, polishing the toe allows a female to showcase her feet when wearing sandals or other open toe shoes. Simply stated, most fashion conscious females would not be caught dead sporting “naked toes.” As such, caring for toe nail polish is crucial. Unfortunately, simply by donning a pair of shoes before the nails have thoroughly dried can mar perfectly applied toe nail polish, resulting in a pristine pedicure become smeared, streaked, and otherwise ruined. Perhaps that is why so many people improvise; walking haphazardly on their heels, shoving rolled tissue between their toes or simply sitting stranded until their nails are completely dry. As can be imagined, all of these “solutions” can be awkward at best, with one ending up with dirty feet, lint between their toes, or a wasted afternoon spent waiting for the sticky, tacky nail polish to become dry and hardened.

Some inventions have been created in an attempt to correct these problems. U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,880 to Zinkovich discloses an apparatus which utilizes 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.

U.S. Pat. No. D415,858 to Funatogawa discloses an ornamental design for a toe stretcher. U.S. Pat. No.: D420,785 to Perez discloses an ornamental design for a pedicure slipper. U.S. Pat. No.: D439,704 to Ikeda discloses an ornamental design for a toe opener.

However, these patents fail to provide a toe nail polish guard which is suitable for use in an easy and convenient manner. More specifically, the previous toe nail polish guards fail to provide a reliable mechanism for protecting newly polished toe nails. A need therefore exists for a new toe nail polish guard which incorporates the features of the present toe nail polish guard. Further, a need exists for a toe nail polish guard which may be easily used and provides protection to the user during normal daily activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present device generally relates to a toe nail polish guard and more particularly, the device relates to a toe nail polish guard for assisting a user after receiving a pedicure. The device acts as a removable portion of an article of footwear which attaches to the front of the footwear. A series of toe dividers separates the toes and protects them from contacting each other. The device is secured to the footwear by a securing mechanism.

An advantage of the toe nail polish guard is to provide a guard which protects the look and strength of toe nails after polish has been applied.

Yet another advantage of the toe nail polish guard is to provide a toe nail polish guard which allows a user to alternate between an open toe or a closed toe sandal.

And another advantage of the toe nail polish guard is to provide a device which separates the toes after a pedicure.

Another advantage of the toe nail polish guard is to provide a device which provides a corrective guide to position the toes of a person in a proper orientation.

And another advantage of the toe nail polish guard is to provide a guard which is light weight and easy to produce.

Still another advantage of the toe nail polish guard is to provide a device which allows a user to walk comfortably in sandals after receiving a pedicure.

For a more complete understanding of the above listed features and advantages of the toe nail polish guard, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. Further, additional features and advantages of the present toe nail polish guard are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the toe nail polish guard.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the device being placed over a sandal.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the device having a securing mechanism to secure to an article of footwear.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the sandal wherein the device is secured onto the sandal.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the sandal

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of the sandal.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the device wherein the device is tear-shaped.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of device wherein the toe dividers are tear-shaped and a divider is part of the strap.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the dividers of the sandal.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the device secured onto a sandal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present device generally relates to a toe nail polish guard and more particularly, the device relates to a toe nail polish guard for assisting a user after receiving a pedicure. The device acts as a removable portion of an article of footwear which attaches to the front of the footwear. A series of toe dividers separates the toes and protects them from contacting each other. The device is secured to the footwear by a securing mechanism.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present device 1 is a toe nail polish guard for assisting a user following, for example, a pedicure. Similar in appearance to a thong style sandal, the article of footwear of the present device 1 is comprised of a cushiony foam rubber molded insole and sole, on top of which a single or series of rubber toe dividers would be integrally attached.

The device 1 may have a top side 2, a bottom side 3, a front 4, a back 5, a first side 6 and a second side 7. In addition, the device 1 may have an exterior surface 146 (see FIG. 9) facing away from the toes and an interior surface 147 (see FIG. 9) facing the toes. The device 1 may largely take the shape of, for example, a quarter of a circle (or tear-shaped as described below) which fits on the front end of a sandal 40. The device 1 may have different shapes, as will be described below in the description and in the accompanying drawings.

The device 1 is suitable for attachment on a sandal 40. The sandal 40 may have a front side 41, a back side 42, a top side 43, a bottom side 44 (FIG. 6), a first side 45 and a second side 46. While in use, the toes of a person may be located at the front side 41 of the sandal 40. A strap 25 may extend from the first side 45 to the second side 46 of the sandal 40. The trap may take alternative forms, as described below. The strap 25 may help secure the foot of the user into the sandal 40 during use. In an embodiment, a second and or third strap (not shown) may be located near the heal of the foot to further secure the foot of the user within the sandal 40 during use. A series of dividers 50 may be located near the front side 41 of the sandal 40. Generally, four dividers 50 are provided to separate the five toes of a typical person. The dividers 50 may have a width 51 which may extend the normal distance between the toes so that the toes do not contact each other during use of the sandal 40. The dividers 50 may have a length 83 which may be substantially similar to the length of the toes it separates. As a result, the typical dividers 50 range from a half inch to two inches in length 83. In an embodiment, the dividers 50 may be tear-shaped, as discussed below.

The dividers 50 may further have a height 86 (FIG. 9). In an embodiment, the height 86 of the dividers 50 may be generally greater than the height of the toes so that the device 1 does not come into direct contact with the toes while in use. More specifically, in an embodiment, the dividers 50 may have a height 86 great enough so that the top 87 of the dividers 50 may come into direct contact with, and support, the interior surface 147 of the device 1. As a result, in an embodiment, the device 1 may be vertically supported by the dividers 50. Further, in an embodiment, the interior surface 147 (FIG. 9) of the device 1 may have a plurality of receiving indentations 148 for receiving and securing the plurality of dividers 50. More specifically, the receiving indentations 148 may receive the top 87 of the dividers 50 of the sandal 40 thereby providing greater support to the article of footwear. In an alternative embodiment, the height 86 of the dividers 50 may be less than the height of the toes (see FIG. 4 and the description below).

The bottom side 44 of the sandal 40 may have a sole 60. The sole 60 may be made from, for example, rubber, plastic or leather. The sole 60 may protect the sandal 40 from wear and tear and may have a tread to help the user obtain traction and reduce the chances of slipping. The thickness of the sole 60 of the sandal 40 may be larger at the back side 42 than at the front side 41 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the user may have more support on the heal of the foot. In addition, the larger sole 60 at the back side 42 of the sandal 40 may slightly elevate the user and allow them to appear taller.

The strap 25 of the sandal 40 may have a first end 80 and a second end 81. The first end 80 of the strap 25 of the sandal 40 may be permanently secured to the first side 45 of the sandal 40 and the second end 81 of the strap 25 may be permanently secured to the second side 46 of the sandal 40. When secured, the distance 71 between the first end 80 of the strap 25 of the sandal 40 and the second end 81 of the strap 25 of the sandal 40 is substantially similar to a width of the sandal 72. Further, when secured to the sandal 40, the strap 25 may create an arch having a generally consistent greatest height 90 over the sandal 40. The strap 25 of the sandal 40 may further have a front edge 70.

An edge 100 may be located at the back 5 of the toe nail polish guard 1. The edge 100 of the toe nail polish guard 1 may be substantially similar in size and shape with the front edge 70 of the strap 25 of the sandal 40.

The toe nail polish guard device 1 may be removable from the sandal 40. More specifically, the toe nail polish guard device 1 may be removable from the sandal 40 by, for example, a temporary securing device running along an outer perimeter 110 of the device 1 which correspondingly secures to an outer perimeter 115 located on the top side 43 of the sandal 40. More specifically, a plurality of magnets 120 may be embedded within the top side 43 of the sandal 40 running along the outer perimeter 115. Further, magnets 120 having opposite polarity may be secured within the outer perimeter 110 of the device 1. The plurality of magnets 120 in both the sandal 40 and the device 1 may be obscured from view within the sandal 40 and the device 1 by, for example, being sewn into the same. Preferably, the same number of magnets 120 are located within the sandal 40 as are located within the removable device 1. Further, the magnets 120 in the sandal 40 substantially align with the magnets 120 in the device 1 while the device 1 is placed over the front 43 of the sandal 40.

The magnets 120 of both the sandal 40 and the device 1, when aligned together, create enough force to secure the device 1 onto the sandal 40 such that the device 1 will not inadvertently become dislodged from the sandal 40 during normal use. When the user desires to remove the device 1 from the sandal 40, the user may exert enough force to overcome the interaction of the magnets 120.

In use, a person may obtain a pedicure and/or may polish the toe nails while wearing the sandal 40. After the toes are finished, the user may secure the device 1 over the front 43 of the sandal 40 without having to move the foot from the sandal 40. The user may elect to wear the sandal 40 with the device 1 secured onto the sandal 40 or may elect to wear the sandal 40 without the device 1, thereby allowing the toes to be freely exposed to the elements.

A flap 140 may hang over the outer perimeter 110 of the device 1. The flap 140 may be made from, for example, cloth, leather, plastic, rubber or the like. When the device 1 is secured onto the sandal 40, the flap 140 may help cover the slight opening created between where the sandal 40 and the device 1 meet. As a result, dirt or other debris may be prevented from finding its way into the interior of the sandal 40 during use.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the device 1 may be secured to the top 43 and front side 41 of the sandal 40 by, for example, not magnets 120, but a hook and look fastener system 200, such as Velcro®. The magnets 120 and/or the hook and loop fastener system 200 may also run along the front edge 70 of the strap 25 and the edge 100 of the device 1 to further temporarily secure the device 1 to the sandal 40 when in use.

Alternatively, the device 1 may be secured to the sandal 40 by, for example, a series of three snap buttons 100. More specifically, three snap button attachments 101 located on, for example, the bottom side 44 of the device 1 may be removable secured to the top side 43 of the sandal 40. The snap buttons 100 of the device 1 may snap onto the sandal 40 while in use and may be removed by applying substantially equal force in the opposite direction.

During use, the user may insert his or her foot into the sandal 40. More specifically, the foot goes under the strap 25 and is secured to the sandal 40. The toes of the user are spread apart by the four dividers 50 attached to the top side 43 of the sandal 40. When the device 1 is attached to the sandal 40, the toes and toe nails are protected from objects falling on them or from other objects which may come into contact with the toes during everyday life.

The device 1 may be produced in a variety of colors and printed designs, including transparent so that the toe nails may be viewed while the guard is locked into place on the sandal 40. Further, the sandals 40 and corresponding device 1 may be produced in a variety of sizes to accommodate men and or women of different body sizes and ages. When not in use, the user may simply carry the device 1 in, for example, a purse after the toe nails have dried.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in an embodiment, the device 1 may be tear-shaped. More specifically, the first side 6 of the device 1 may be larger than the second side 7 of the device 1. As a result, the device 1 may be tear-shaped. The first side 6, the thicker side, of the device may cover the large toe of the user while the second side 7, the smaller side, may cover the pinky toe with the device 1 progressively becoming narrower from the first side 6 to the second side 7. The benefit of only covering the actual toe nail is that air may easily access the remaining uncovered portions of the toes and may allow for healthier feet and allow for quicker drying of nail polish. In the embodiment wherein the device 1 is tear-shaped, the back 5 of the device 1 does not connect directly with the strap 25 of the sandal. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in an embodiment, the dividers 50 may be tear-shaped. More specifically, the dividers 50 may be tear-shaped such that the end closest to the front 41 of the sandal 40 is thicker than the end closest to the back 42 of the sandal 40. As a result, the proper orientation and position of the toes with respect to each other is obtained while the sandal 40 is in use. More specifically, the toes may be separated by the dividers 50 so that wet toe nail polish may properly dry and the toes are restricted from contacting each other. In an embodiment, the divider 50a separating the large toe from the second toe may extend to become part of the strap 25 of the sandal 40. In this embodiment, the divider 1 covers the portion of the strap 25 as well as the toes and remaining dividers 50. FIG. 10 illustrates the tear-shaped device 1 secured to the sandal 40.

Finally, in an embodiment, the height 86 of the dividers 50 may be less than that of the height of the toes. As a result, air flow may be created between the toes and the nail polish may dry in a quick and efficient manner. Further, having a lower height 86 of the dividers 50 with respect to the toes may allow the toes to move and wiggle slightly over the dividers 50, thereby allowing slight movement and added comfort for the user.

When not in use on the sandal, the user may easily carry the device 1 in, for example, until the next time the device is needed.

Although embodiments of the toe nail polish guard are shown and described therein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the toe nail polish guard and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1) A removable guard for protecting toe nails in an article of footwear comprising:

a device having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, a first side, a second side and an interior and wherein the back side has an opening allowing access to the interior of the device and wherein the bottom side has an opening allowing access into the interior of the device; and

a securing device for removably securing the device to a front of an article of footwear wherein the device covers at least a portion of the toes of the user while the device is secured onto the article of footwear.

2) The removable guard for protecting toe nails of claim 1 further comprising:

a flap running along a perimeter of the bottom side of the device wherein the flap conceals an opening created between the device and the article of footwear while the device is in use on the article of footwear.

3) The removable guard for protecting toe nails of claim 1 wherein the device is transparent thereby allowing the toes to be visible while the device is secured onto the article of footwear.

4) The removable guard for protecting the toe nails of claim 1 wherein the securing device is a plurality of magnets located entirely within a wall of the device and wherein the magnets correspondingly aligns and mates with a plurality of magnets having opposite polarity located within the article of footwear.

5) The removable guard for protecting the toe nails of claim 1 wherein the securing device is a hook and loop fastener system which runs along a perimeter of the device and mates with a corresponding hook and loop fastener strip located on a front side of the article of footwear.

6) The removable guard for protecting the toe nails of claim 1 wherein the securing device is a snap button system which removable attaches buttons of the guard to button receiving means located on a front side of the article of footwear.

7) An article of footwear having a removable guard comprising:

a removable guard for protecting toe nails wherein the guard has a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, a first side, a second side and an interior and wherein the back side of the guard has an opening allowing access to the interior of the device and wherein the bottom side of the device has an opening allowing access into the interior of the device;

a securing device for removably securing the device to a front of an article of footwear wherein the device covers at least a portion of the toes of the user while the device is secured onto the article of footwear; and

a top surface of the article of footwear for receiving a foot wherein the top surface has a plurality of dividers and wherein the plurality of dividers have a plurality of heights which are attached to a top surface of the article of footwear and wherein the dividers separate toes of the user and wherein the heights of the dividers are greater than a plurality of heights of toes of a user therein preventing the toes from contacting the interior surface of the removable guard.

8) The article of footwear having a removable guard of claim 7 wherein one of the plurality of dividers of the article of footwear extends upward and forms a portion of a strap for securing a top side of a foot onto the article of footwear.

9) The article of footwear having a removable guard of claim 7 wherein the dividers are tear-shaped and wherein the dividers have a first end and a second end and wherein the first ends are oriented toward the front of the article of footwear and wherein the second ends of the dividers are orientated toward a back of the article of footwear and wherein widths of the dividers are greater at the first ends than at the second ends of the dividers.

10) The article of footwear having a removable guard of claim 7 wherein the removable guard has an interior surface and wherein a plurality of receiving means is located in the interior surface and wherein the receiving means receives the plurality of corresponding dividers of the article of footwear.

11) An article of footwear having a removable guard comprising:

a removable guard for protecting toe nails wherein the guard has a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a back side, a first side, a second side and an interior and wherein the back side of the guard has an opening allowing access to the interior of the device and wherein the bottom side of the device has an opening allowing access into the interior of the device;

a securing device for removably securing the device to a front of an article of footwear wherein the device covers at least a portion of the toes of the user while the device is secured onto the article of footwear; and

a top surface of the article of footwear for receiving a foot wherein the top surface has a plurality of dividers and wherein the plurality of dividers have a plurality of heights which are attached to a top surface of the article of footwear and wherein the dividers separate toes of the user and wherein the heights of the dividers are less than a plurality of heights of toes of a user therein allowing the toes to easily shift and pivot with respect to each other within a space created by the dividers.