FOOTWEAR WITH CHARCOAL SYSTEMS

Abstract

A footwear with charcoal system includes a footwear garment assembly having a sole, an inner layer, an outer layer forming an outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner and/or the insole comprising active charcoal. The foot garment and the liner comprising the charcoal in combination form the footwear garment assembly useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from the foot during active use and promoting good health of the foot. Further, the footwear with charcoal system serves to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on the foot; foot garment may include shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates. The liner wraps around the foot of a wearer thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of the charcoal, and is removably-fastened via at least one fastener to the foot and the foot garment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/705,710, filed Oct. 10, 2012 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of footwear and more specifically relates to footwear with charcoal.

2. Description of the Related Art

Footwear comprises garments worn on the feet, for fashion, protection against the environment, and adornment. Footwear may include various types of shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates, and the like. Shoes and boots are intended to protect and comfort the human foot while doing various activities. Shoes and boots may be used for work or for fashion. Sandals and slippers are often worn for leisure. Athletic shoes include sneakers and skates. Many types of footwear may cause discomfort to wearers. Footwear generally is not traditionally multi-purpose in design. Unfortunately, footwear, especially athletic shoes and heavy boots, can quickly become odorous and sweaty. This can cause bacteria and fungi to grow around the foot. Some people may wear insoles, but the insoles normally only protect the bottom of the foot.

Charcoal is dark grey residue consisting of carbon, and any remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances. Charcoal is usually produced by slow pyrolysis, the heating of wood or other substances in the absence of oxygen. It is usually an impure form of carbon as it contains ash; however, sugar charcoal is among the purest forms of carbon readily available, particularly if it is not made by heating but by a dehydration reaction with sulfuric acid to minimize introducing new impurities, as impurities can be removed from the sugar in advance. The resulting soft, brittle, lightweight, black, porous material resembles coal. Charcoal can be used to remove odors. A convenient means by which charcoal can be introduced to human feet is desirable.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pub. Nos. 5,117,566; 7,254,903; 5,996,250; 5,499,459; 2005/0262727; and 8,099,881. This art is representative of footwear. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, footwear with charcoal system should enable a wearer to control their foot odor and sweat, which can reduce the foot's exposure to bacteria and fungi and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable footwear with charcoal system to avoid the above-mentioned problems, one that may be worn on the feet of human wearers with ease over a duration.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known footwear art, the present invention provides a novel footwear with charcoal system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a footwear with charcoal system to enable a wearer to control their foot odor and sweat, which can reduce bacteria and fungi affecting the feet.

The present invention provides people with a line of footwear featuring imbedded, activated charcoal that surrounds the foot. The present invention controls foot odor and absorbs excessive moisture from sweat and limits bacterial and fungi growth while eliminating the use of insoles, which may not cover the entire foot. Footwear with Charcoal can be offered in various types of footwear, including shoes, boots, slippers, sandals, sneakers and skates.

A footwear with charcoal system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a footwear garment assembly having a sole, an inner layer, an outer layer forming an outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner comprising active charcoal. The inner layer, the outer layer, and the middle layer in combination form a foot garment for wear. The sole provides cushioning for a foot when wearing the foot garment. The inner layer is located adjacent the foot of a wearer when the foot garment is worn. The foot garment and the liner comprising the charcoal in combination form the footwear garment assembly useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from the foot during active use and promoting good health of the foot. Additionally, the footwear with charcoal system further serves to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on the foot. The foot garment comprises at least one (pair of) shoe(s).

In preferred embodiments the liner wraps around the foot of a wearer thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of the charcoal, and is removably-fastenable via at least one fastener to the foot and the foot garment. The liner is replaceable and disposable, thus eliminating the need for the wearer to don socks. The liner comprises natural materials. The natural material is selected from the group consisting of cotton, linen, wool, leather, and rubber. The fastener comprises at least one adhesive or other suitable fastening means such as snaps, clips or the like. The adhesive, when used, comprises at least one peel-away protective sheet to protect the adhesive when not in-use. Versions with both a removable liner with charcoal and footwear with charcoal embedded may be combined for additional protection.

A method of use for footwear with charcoal system is also disclosed herein preferably comprising the steps of: locating at least one re-usable liner comprising active charcoal; wrapping the re-useable liner around a foot of a wearer; fastening the re-useable liner around the foot of the wearer; inserting the foot into the footwear; wearing at least one foot garment, each of the foot garment(s) comprising a foot garment assembly having the liner comprising the active charcoal to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on the foot; removing the foot garment(s) after a wearer-defined duration; and un-fastening the liner comprising active charcoal from the foot after the wearer-defined duration.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a footwear with charcoal system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, footwear with charcoal system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a footwear with charcoal system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an item of footwear (a shoe) of footwear with charcoal system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a charcoal inner liner for use in conjunction with the foot garment of the footwear with charcoal system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating other possible embodiments of the footwear with charcoal system (shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates, and the like) according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the footwear with charcoal system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a footwear device and more particularly to a footwear with charcoal system to enable a wearer to control their foot odor and sweat, which can reduce the foot's exposure to bacteria and fungi.

Generally speaking, the Footwear with Charcoal of the present invention may comprise a line of footwear, including shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates and virtually any other type of shoe, with an imbedded liner of activated charcoal. The charcoal may be imbedded in the inner linings of the footwear, which can be made of natural and synthetic materials, the natural materials may include cotton, linen, wool, leather, rubber, etc., and the synthetic materials may include plastic, polyester, nylon, latex, silicone gel, etc. For the re-useable form, the charcoal lining is non-removable and held within the inner linings of the footwear, and/or the insoles of the footwear. The whole foot is wrapped via the charcoal lining, creating a large surface area of charcoal coverage, so it is more effective in controlling foot odors, absorbing excess moisture from sweat, and limiting bacterial and fungi growth. The footwear may be offered in a variety of designs, styles, and types, depending on user preference. The exact specifications may vary upon manufacturing. Footwear with charcoal is for better hygiene and sanitation purposes. It keeps the foot fresh, dry, and comfortable while enabling better performance of the athlete.

Referring now to the drawings more specifically by numerals of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 perspective views illustrating footwear with charcoal system 100 in an in-use condition 106 and various foot garments 180 having at least one liner 150 comprising charcoal 154 that may be employed for use with the present invention.

Footwear with charcoal system 100 comprises at least one footwear garment assembly 110 having sole 116, inner layer 122, outer layer 130 forming outsole 134 and upper inner layer 138; middle layer 142 (respectively from inside to outside of foot garment 180); and at least one liner 150 comprising active charcoal 164. Inner layer 122, outer layer 130, and middle layer 142 in combination form foot garment 180 for wear. More layers may be used if desired. Inner layer 122 is located adjacent foot 194 of wearer 190 when the foot garment 180 is worn. Sole 116 provides cushioning for foot 194 when wearing foot garment 180. Foot garment 180 preferably comprises at least one (pair of) shoe(s) 182.

Foot garment 180 and liner 150 preferably comprise charcoal 154 in active form in combination to form footwear garment assembly 102 useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from foot 194 during active use and thereby promoting good health of foot 194. Further, footwear with charcoal system 100 serves to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on foot 194 as an unfriendly environment is created wherein moisture is not present over an extended duration.

Liner 150 in certain embodiments preferably wraps around foot 194 of wearer 190 thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of charcoal 154, and is removably-fastened via at least one fastener 160 to foot 194 and foot garment 180. Further, liner 150 is replaceable and disposable, thus eliminating the need for wearer 190 to don socks. Other versions may be attached to shoe(s) 182. Other versions may have embedded active charcoal 164 in foot garment 180.

Fastener 160 may comprise at least one adhesive 170. Adhesive 170 may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Other fastening means may be used including other adhesives, non-adhesives, static electricity (cling) means, mechanical fasteners for securing liner 150 around foot 194 of wearer 190 and the like.

The at least one adhesive 170 in certain embodiments is able to be exposed via removing at one protective peel-away sheet 172. Protective peel-away sheet 172 preferably covers adhesive 170 serving to protect adhesive 170 until ready for use when employing footwear with charcoal system 100 around foot 194 of wearer 190. Further, protective peel-away sheet 172 may comprise an optional tab (not shown) for ease of use. The tab may provide a finger engageable portion whereby wearer 190 may grasp protective peel-away sheet 172 to remove protective peel-away sheet 172 from adhesive 170 on footwear with charcoal system 100.

Further, in an alternate embodiment, liner 150 may be re-useable. When liner 150 is re-useable, liner 150 is able to be securely attached to inner layer 122 of footwear assembly 102. In the re-usable form of liner 150, fastener 160 comprises at least one hook and loop fastener system. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener arrangements such as, for example, buttons, snaps, clips, etc., may be sufficient.

Liner 150 may comprise both natural and synthetic materials. The natural materials are preferably selected from the group consisting of cotton, linen, wool, leather, and rubber; while the synthetic materials are selected from the group consisting of plastic, polyester, nylon, latex, and silicone gel.

Foot garment(s) 180 may comprise shoe(s) 182; boot(s) 184; sandal(s) 186; skates 188 (various versions thereof) and other footwear items. Foot garment 180 material may be selected from the group consisting of natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, wool, down, and rubber, as well as synthetic fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. Other fabrics and materials may be used within the scope of the present invention.

Footwear with charcoal system 100 may be sold as kit 440 including foot garment(s) 180 for comprising a footwear-line including: at least one (pair of) shoe(s) 182; at least one (pair of) boot(s) 184; at least one (pair of) sandal(s) 186; at least one (pair of) skates (s) 188; and a plurality of liners 150 both re-usable and disposable; and at least one set of user instructions. Other garments may be included. Footwear with charcoal system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart 550 illustrating a method of use 500 for footwear with charcoal system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

Method of using (method of use 500 for) footwear with charcoal system 100 preferably comprises the steps of: step one 501 locating at least one re-usable liner 150 comprising active charcoal 154; step two 502 wrapping re-useable liner 150 around foot 194 of wearer 190; step three 503 fastening re-useable liner 150 around foot 194 of wearer 190; step four 504 inserting foot 194 into footwear (foot garment 180); step five 505 wearing at least one foot garment 180, each of foot garment(s) 180 comprising foot garment assembly 102 having the liner 150 comprising active charcoal 154 to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on foot 194; step six 506 removing foot garment(s) 180 after a wearer-defined duration; and step six 506 un-fastening liner 150 comprising active charcoal 154 from foot 194 after wearer-defined duration.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A footwear with charcoal system comprising:

a footwear garment assembly having; a sole; an inner layer; an outer layer forming an outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner comprising charcoal;

wherein said inner layer, said outer layer, and said middle layer in combination form a foot garment for wear;

wherein said sole provides cushioning for a foot when wearing said foot garment;

wherein said inner layer is located adjacent said foot of a wearer when said foot garment is worn;

wherein said liner wraps around said foot of a wearer thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of said charcoal, and is removably-fastened via at least one fastener to said foot and said foot garment; and

wherein said foot garment and said liner comprising said charcoal in combination form said footwear garment assembly useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from said foot during active use and promoting good health of said foot.

2. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said footwear with charcoal system further serves to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on said foot.

3. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 2 wherein said foot garment comprises at least one sandal.

4. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 2 wherein said foot garment comprises at least one boot.

5. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 2 wherein said foot garment comprises at least one shoe.

6. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said charcoal is active.

7. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner is replaceable and disposable, thus eliminating the need for said wearer to don socks.

8. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 7 wherein said fastener comprises at least one adhesive.

9. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 8 wherein said adhesive comprises at least one peel-away protective sheet to protect said adhesive when not in-use.

10. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner is re-useable.

11. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 10 wherein said re-useable said liner is able to be securely attached to said inner layer of said footwear assembly.

12. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 10 wherein fastener comprises at least one hook and loop fastener system.

13. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 10 wherein fastener comprises at least snap.

14. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner comprises natural materials.

15. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 14 wherein said natural material is selected from the group consisting of cotton, linen, wool, leather, and rubber.

16. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner comprises synthetic materials.

17. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 16 wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of plastic, polyester, nylon, latex, and silicone gel.

18. A footwear with charcoal system comprising:

a footwear garment assembly having; a sole; an inner layer; an outer layer forming an outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner comprising charcoal;

wherein said inner layer, said outer layer, and said middle layer in combination form a foot garment for wear;

wherein said sole provides cushioning for a foot when wearing said foot garment;

wherein said inner layer is located adjacent said foot of a wearer when said foot garment is worn;

wherein said footwear with charcoal system further serves to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on said foot;

wherein said foot garment comprises at least one shoe.

wherein said charcoal is active;

wherein said liner is replaceable and disposable, thus eliminating the need for said wearer to don socks;

wherein said liner comprises natural materials;

wherein said fastener comprises at least one adhesive; and

wherein said adhesive comprises at least one peel-away protective sheet to protect said adhesive when not in-use;

wherein said liner wraps around said foot of a wearer thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of said charcoal, and is removably-fastened via at least one fastener to said foot and said foot garment;

wherein said foot garment and said liner comprising said charcoal in combination form said footwear garment assembly useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from said foot during active use and promoting good health of said foot.

19. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 18 wherein said footwear garment material is selected from the group consisting of natural fabrics of leather, fabric, and rubber.

20. A method of using footwear with charcoal comprising the steps of:

locating at least one re-usable liner comprising active charcoal;

wrapping said re-useable liner around a foot of a wearer;

fastening said re-useable liner around said foot of said wearer;

inserting said foot into said footwear;

wearing at least one foot garment, each of said foot garment(s) comprising a foot garment assembly having said liner comprising said active charcoal to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on said foot;

removing said foot garment(s) after a wearer-defined duration; and

un-fastening said liner comprising active charcoal from said foot after said wearer-defined duration.