Toe Spacer Patents (Class 36/94)
  • Patent number: 11832687
    Abstract: An interchangeable ornamentation system for a footwear comprises a base fastener affixed to a base. The base and the base fastener collectively define a foundation. A first strap and a second strap are coupled to the base. The first strap and the second strap are both configured to individually couple to foot straps of the footwear for matingly and removable attachment to the base fastener so that the foundation is removably attached to the footwear. A removable ornamentation includes a decorative member and an ornamentation fastener. The decorative member oppositely faces the ornamentation fastener. The ornamentation fastener is configured to matingly and removably attach to the base fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Flipping Bling, LLC
    Inventor: Kay Van Hoesen
  • Patent number: 10993826
    Abstract: An orthopedic system includes a base shell forming an opening over a dorsal aspect thereof and a dorsal shell contoured to generally correspond to the opening of the base shell. The base shell has a proximal member and a distal member connected to the proximal member, each has a semi-rigid shell configuration to protect and support a lower leg, an ankle, or a foot of a user when received in the orthopedic system. A flexible toe portion is attached to a distal terminal end area of the distal member and formed of a different material than the distal member. The flexible toe portion is arranged to terminate above an upper surface of the user's toes and to flex relative to the distal member and the toes so as to reduce the likelihood of pressure points on the toes from the distal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Harry Duane Romo, Jonathan Walborn
  • Patent number: 10765169
    Abstract: High foot mobility footwear, including a sole and an upper that define separated front seats to hold respectively toes or groups of toes, where the sole includes a plurality of portions resting on the ground, substantially contiguous to each other along the plantar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: VIBRAM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marco Bramani
  • Patent number: 8959796
    Abstract: A shoe that includes a shoe sole having a medial side and a lateral side, a top insole surface for placement of the foot sole and toes thereon and a bottom outsole surface. The shoe sole has a plurality of toe extensions projecting below the toes. Each toe extension is configured to support and retain at least one toe. Preferably there are five toe extensions, one for each toe. A shoe upper overlays the arch region, is attached to the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe sole and extends toward the toes. The upper is joined to the insole of each toe extension to partially encircle the toe(s) supported and retained on such toe extension, and leaving at least the front region of all the toes exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Vasilios Lazaris
  • Publication number: 20140259772
    Abstract: An article of footwear for use before and after a pedicure including a toe separator, strap securing mechanisms and an offset toe stem adapter end for connecting straps of footwear to the foot without compromising or damaging pedicured toenails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Natasha Virginia Hazarian
  • Patent number: 8832971
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to therapeutic footwear such as sandals, conventional shoes, and corrective inserts that may be inserted into conventional shoes. Specifically, the therapeutic footwear may be used for maintaining, correcting, or repositioning the great toe to decrease pressure on the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint or bunion. Additional therapeutic features may include spreading of the wearer's toes, supporting the wearer's arch to control excessive pronation, and providing sustained heel cord stretch at rest, during ambulation, pedicure, and before, during, or after medical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Chele Suzanne Heid
  • Patent number: 8806781
    Abstract: A device that engages a stem of a sandal and, in turn, allows the position of toes and web space of a user around the device. The device is constructed to ease the frictional and compression forces on the user by the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Hasmig Sabounjian
  • Publication number: 20140174969
    Abstract: A disposable footwear for being worn on a human foot. The disposable footwear protects the foot. The disposable footwear can be made from rubber material. The disposable footwear can form to the contours of the foot. The disposable footwear can be provided in a discrete package to be portable as a kit. The disposable footwear covers the foot to protect the foot from debris, moisture, contaminants, and/or bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Maceo WRIGHT
  • Patent number: 8739434
    Abstract: Wellness footwear that promotes proper gait and strong feet is provided. The footwear can include a sole. The footwear can also include a securing upper arranged with the sole and configured to securely hold a foot of a user on a footbed so as to substantially prevent lateral movement of the foot with respect to the footbed and allow one or more of a big toe and remaining toes of the user to be at least partially uncovered and exposed. A toe aligner structure can be arranged between the securing upper and the sole and configured to extend between the big toe and remaining toes of the user so as to direct a force against the big toe in a direction away from the remaining toes during standing, walking, running, swimming, and other movements when muscles of the foot are in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Felicia Hwang Bishop
  • Patent number: 8683718
    Abstract: Footwear including a sole, an upper, and a securement arrangement configured to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer, where the sole and the upper delimit individual toe portions configured to receive, retain, and allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in the footwear, and where the sole includes contouring and curvature which intimately corresponds to the shape of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Vibram S.p.A.
    Inventor: Robert Fliri
  • Publication number: 20130333243
    Abstract: A sandal comprising a base sole element and an upper element which enclose a human foot therebetween. Toe separators extend between the base sole element and the upper element, with each of the toe separators providing a wedging separation between adjacent toes of the human foot and the toe separators include a material such as memory foam to provide a cushioning sensation to the adjacent toes in contact therewith. A fabric cover of the memory foam may be textured to provide a massaging sensation as well. Separately the fabric may be comprised of an antimicrobial, antibacterial or antifungal fabric to thereby directly treat the area between the toes normally susceptible to athlete's foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Wellrox, LLC
    Inventors: Salim Dushey, Stuart Alan Kalin
  • Patent number: 8572868
    Abstract: Footwear including a sole, an upper, and a securement arrangement configured to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer, where the sole and the upper delimit individual toe portions configured to receive, retain, and allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in the footwear, and where the sole includes contouring and curvature which intimately corresponds to the shape of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Vibram S.p.A.
    Inventor: Robert Fliri
  • Publication number: 20130276331
    Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a sock, sandal, shoe or boot, contains built-in cushions or spacers to correct or protect the toes, or to provide the wearer better comfort. The cushions or spacers may be retained between the toes in a tube, formed integrally with the sock, which is everted to a position between adjacent toes. The footwear may have an integral toe-correcting strap built in to provide outward tension on the big toe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Steel
  • Publication number: 20130247419
    Abstract: According to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, footwear with an enhanced toe post is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the footwear may comprise a sole portion to support and protect a wearer's foot, a strap portion attached to the sole to bind the footwear to a wearer's foot, and at least one toe post passing between a wearer's toes constructed at least partially of memory foam or other cushioning materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: HARI MARI, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy Carl STEWART
  • Publication number: 20130232820
    Abstract: High foot mobility footwear, including a sole and an upper that define separated front seats to hold respectively toes or groups of toes, where the sole includes a plurality of portions resting on the ground, substantially contiguous to each other along the plantar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: VIBRAM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marco Bramani
  • Patent number: 8528234
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a thong portion is disclosed. The thong portion is configured to fit between two adjacent toes to help fasten a pair of straps to a foot. The thong portion includes a plurality of grooves that enhance the grip between the thong portion and a portion of the foot between the two adjacent toes. The plurality of grooves can also enhance the flexibility of the thong portion to help the thong portion conform to the contours of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lonsway, Kelly A. O'Connor, Thomas W. Simshaw
  • Patent number: 8516718
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a thong portion is disclosed. The thong portion is configured to fit between two adjacent toes to help fasten a pair of straps to a foot. The thong portion includes a plurality of grooves that enhance the grip between the thong portion and a portion of the foot between the two adjacent toes. The plurality of grooves can also enhance the flexibility of the thong portion to help the thong portion conform to the contours of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lonsway, Kelly A. O'Connor, Thomas W. Simshaw
  • Patent number: 8413349
    Abstract: A corrective insole for treating defective positioning in the metatarsal and forefoot areas of the foot which includes an insole including at least two strap mechanisms a toe strap and a metatarsal strap such that the metatarsal strap encircles the metatarsal area of the foot to enable optimum correction of defective positioning associated with conditions such as hallux valgus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hallufix AG
    Inventor: Axel Krauss
  • Patent number: 8336228
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a thong portion is disclosed. The thong portion is configured to fit between two adjacent toes to help fasten a pair of straps to a foot. The thong portion includes a plurality of grooves that enhance the grip between the thong portion and a portion of the foot between the two adjacent toes. The plurality of grooves can also enhance the flexibility of the thong portion to help the thong portion conform to the contours of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lonsway, Kelly A. O'Connor, Thomas W. Simshaw
  • Patent number: 8323225
    Abstract: A toe extroversion correction device includes a support portion integrally formed and made of a soft material, a first toe sheath portion disposed on a lateral side of the support portion, a second toe sheath portion disposed on another lateral side of the support portion, and a protection pad portion protruded from a lateral side of the first toe sheath portion, such that the first toe sheath portion is sheathed on big toe, and the second toe sheath portion is sheathed on the second toe, and the support portion is clipped between the big toe and the second toe to produce an action force to push away the big toe, and the protection pad portion can be attached onto an internal side of a first toe joint of the big toe to prevent the protruding first toe joint of the extroverted big toe from being rubbed with a shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Foot Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20120152267
    Abstract: A pedicure slipper having a toe separator is provided. The pedicure slipper features a thin sole and a fabric toe separator attached to the sole at a single location. The fabric toe separator is wrapped about each toe and about itself between the toes. A tee-shaped toe-retaining member is defined by cuts through the sole and folds to an upright position to be disposed between the big toe and second toe of the wearer. An arcuate cut through the sole defines an ankle-engaging member and folds to an upright position to retain the sole to the ankle of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Youn Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 8181362
    Abstract: Improved shoe inserts (22, 56, 63) are provided which are designed for placement within the toe regions (37, 52, 64) of shoes (34, 50, 62) to provide enhanced comfort to the shoe wearers. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably cut from initial pillow-shaped bodies (20) to give the custom-designed inserts (22, 56, 63). The inserts (22, 56, 63) are designed to substantially occupy the distal end of the shoe toe region and present a proximal toe-engaging face that substantially spans the cross-sectional dimension of the toe-region. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably formed of heat-sensitive, viscoelastic, polyurethane foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Kristene D. Davis
  • Patent number: 8117768
    Abstract: The present invention is an anatomical toepiece that is adapted for insertion into the footbed of a footwear article to provide increased comfort and control. The toepiece has a molded core comprising an anchoring flange for embedded attachment within the footbed of the footwear article. Additionally, the molded core further has an inter-toe engagement portion which extends upwardly from the anchoring flange for engagement between the great toe and the adjacent digit, and a wing which caps the inter-toe engagement portion and extends outwardly in both directions over a portion of the upper forefoot. The inter-toe engagement portion has arcuate curved sidewalls and an arcuate curved back wall to contour to the curvature of an engage foot thereby providing comfort and dexterity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Manufacturing Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Bobbett
  • Publication number: 20120000094
    Abstract: Footwear including a sole, an upper, and a securement arrangement configured to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer, where the sole and the upper delimit individual toe portions configured to receive, retain, and allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in the footwear, and where the sole includes contouring and curvature which intimately corresponds to the shape of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: VIBRAM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Robert FLIRI
  • Publication number: 20110283563
    Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Frederic Ferri
  • Publication number: 20110173843
    Abstract: Wellness footwear that promotes proper gait and strong feet is provided. The footwear can include a sole. The footwear can also include a securing upper arranged with the sole and configured to securely hold a foot of a user on a footbed so as to substantially prevent lateral movement of the foot with respect to the footbed and allow one or more of a big toe and remaining toes of the user to be at least partially uncovered and exposed. A toe aligner structure can be arranged between the securing upper and the sole and configured to extend between the big toe and remaining toes of the user so as to direct a force against the big toe in a direction away from the remaining toes during standing, walking, running, swimming, and other movements when muscles of the foot are in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Felicia Hwang Bishop
  • Patent number: 7980005
    Abstract: The invention is an improved cushion for use with the web joint of a thong-type sandal. The invention is a cylinder comprising an inner layer consisting of a viscoelastic gel, and an outer layer of memory foam. The exterior of the outer layer may be outfitted with a design. The interior of the cylinder has a layer of adhesive. A split is provided for installation of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Joyce C. Young
  • Patent number: 7971374
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in footwear and the like, the apparatus having a primary body adapted to be mounted on a work object operable to perform a task; and at least two secondary bodies mounted on the primary body and adapted selectively to be moved by the work object in the performance of the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Peter J. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7951103
    Abstract: An orthopedic retractor is provided made of polymer gel shaped to be inserted into an interdigital space, having two complementary parts made of polymer gel, each part having a flat face shaped to be assembled to the flat face of the other part, such that together the two parts form the retractor, the flat faces once assembled forming a junction resistant to shearing forces while remaining separable from each other. Advantages: simplification of manufacturing and packaging methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Millet Innovation
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Millet
  • Publication number: 20110047825
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toe insertion shoe with an integrated outsole, which includes an upper including toe insertion parts, in each of which at least one toe of a user is independently seated, the toe insertion parts being formed by dividing a front part of the upper, an outsole coupled with a lower part of the upper while supporting all the lower part of the upper including the toe insertion parts, the outsole having an integrally formed part coupled with the toe insertion parts without separation according to a separated shape of the toe insertion parts, and a cover for covering an entire or a part of the toe insertion parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Jeon Hye Young
  • Publication number: 20110035962
    Abstract: A device that engages a stem of a sandal and, in turn, allows the position of toes and web space of a user around the device. The device is constructed to ease the frictional and compression forces on the user by the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Hasmig Sabounjian
  • Publication number: 20110005102
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a thong portion is disclosed. The thong portion is configured to fit between two adjacent toes to help fasten a pair of straps to a foot. The thong portion includes a plurality of grooves that enhance the grip between the thong portion and a portion of the foot between the two adjacent toes. The plurality of grooves can also enhance the flexibility of the thong portion to help the thong portion conform to the contours of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lonsway, Kelly A. O'Connor, Thomas W. Simshaw
  • Patent number: 7847143
    Abstract: A protective foot pad includes a sheet of protective material having a main body portion in the shape of the ball of a human foot and a locating tab extending from the main body portion for location between the first and second toes of the foot, an adhesive on one surface of the sheet for adhering the sheet to the foot, and a removable release liner covering the adhesive until the pad is to be adhered to the foot. The pad is especially suited for protecting the bare foot of a dancer, who will use the pad by removing the release liner to expose the adhesive, placing the exposed adhesive on the bottom of his or her foot to cover at least a portion of the ball of the foot, with the tab extending between the first and second toes, and bending the locating tab over the skin between the first and second toes. The main body portion can include one or more lateral extensions that adhere to the side of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Katrina L. Moramarco, Joseph A. Avignone
  • Publication number: 20100299962
    Abstract: Footwear including a sole, an upper, and a securement arrangement configured to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer, where the sole and the upper delimit individual toe portions configured to receive, retain, and allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in the footwear, and where the sole includes contouring and curvature which intimately corresponds to the shape of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: VIBRAM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Robert FLIRI
  • Publication number: 20100299961
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a shape correcting member is disclosed. The shape correcting member includes an inner surface associated with a portion of a foot and an outer surface disposed opposite of the inner surface. The inner surface is pre-shaped to fit the contours of a portion of the foot and the outer surface is substantially non-protruding. With this arrangement, the outer surface may facilitate accurate kicking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Andrew Caine, John Droege, Tetsuya T. Minami, Erez Morag, Morgan Stauffer
  • Publication number: 20100287686
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sock for use during and after a pedicure comprising: a bootie portion, where said bootie encloses the heel, sole and portion of the top of the foot; a drawstring enclosed around the perimeter of the insertion opening of the bootie portion; a plurality of toe openings, where the toe openings expose the toes of the wearer; toe dividers between each of the toe openings; and toe cushions on the upper portion of each toe opening. The drawstring may be exposed at the heel portion of the bootie to allow for tightening thereof. The present invention enhances the pedicure experience by protecting the foot and extending the benefits of costly lotions and pedicures. After all, often feet are sensitive after being exfoliated and scrubbed, especially if razors are used for extracting calluses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: JANET ROSENBERG
  • Patent number: 7827707
    Abstract: Improved shoe inserts (22, 56, 63) are provided which are designed for placement within the toe regions (37, 52, 64) of shoes (34, 50, 62) to provide enhanced comfort to the shoe wearers. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably cut from initial pillow-shaped bodies (20) to give the custom-designed inserts (22, 56, 63). The inserts (22, 56, 63) are designed to substantially occupy the distal end of the shoe toe region and present a proximal toe-engaging face that substantially spans the cross-sectional dimension of the toe-region. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably formed of heat-sensitive, viscoelastic, polyurethane foam material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: KDD Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristene D. Davis
  • Publication number: 20100251569
    Abstract: A sandal with a base plate, sandal strap and four toe separators where each separator member terminates at its top surface in a female ball joint member. Male ball joint members are fixedly attached to the front edge of the sandal strap and spaced apart to allow space for each toe when the female and male ball joints are snapped together. A preferred embodiment includes the male and female ball joints are constructed of injection molded resilient plastic allowing male portion of each the male ball joint member to snap into each female ball joint member and where the male and female ball joint members can be unsnapped when so desired to allow a user to lift his or her toes from the sandal in an unencumbered a way to not disturb newly applied nail polish that may have been applied to the user's toe nails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Gina Stern
  • Patent number: 7805860
    Abstract: A footwear is provided including a sole and an upper where the sole and the upper delimit individual toe portions configured to receive, retain, and allow independent articulation of corresponding individual toes of a foot inserted in the footwear and where the sole includes an extension portion which extends upwardly around at least a portion the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Vibram S.p.A.
    Inventor: Robert Fliri
  • Publication number: 20100170027
    Abstract: A sock contains built-in cushions or spacers to correct or protect the toes, or to provide the wearer better comfort. The cushions or spacers may be retained between the toes in a tube, formed integrally with the sock, which is everted to a position between adjacent toes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Michael M. Steel
  • Patent number: 7735243
    Abstract: A self-adhesive toe pad for open toe sandals and the like that have a thong strap that is engaged between the big toe and pointer toe. The toe pad is of a contoured flat base with a curvilinear upstanding strap engagement portion that is of a dimensional thickness that pads the toe contact areas for improved comfort during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: Rebecca A. Gilkey, Robert R. Gilkey
  • Publication number: 20100115793
    Abstract: A compactable pedicure and evening footwear is a foldable footwear that includes: a foldable sole; a heel retaining extension; a toe separator; and a sandal strap. Therein the footwear transitions into a folded state for storage, and then transitions into an unfolded state for usage. The sole folds and the sandal strap releasably retains the heel retaining extension so as to releasably maintain the footwear in the folded state. The shoe may include an ankle strap and a cover for the sandal strap. A carrying case may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Alissa Kraisosky
  • Patent number: 7707747
    Abstract: A footwear shoe structure for sports and general outdoor activity, having excellent benefits with respect to hallux vulgas, has an internal half-size tabi (Japanese sock) structure that uses a stretchable cloth and separates the big toe from the other four toes, the internal structure being interposed between an instep covering material and an upper toe part of a sole. The stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming an upper part and the stretching property of the stretchable cloth forming a lower part of the internal structure are differentiated from one another so as to be smaller in the latter than in the former. A partition member 4 formed of a soft elastic material is fitted into a crotch part between a big toe part and a part of the internal structure for the other four toes. In one embodiment, the upper part of the internal structure is formed of two sheets comprising stretchable cloth of nylon or polyester fiber, and a urethane foam 1c is interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Urban-Nawachi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Nawachi, Mitsuyuki Habara
  • Patent number: 7685746
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pedicure boot having a forward end of an upper member detachably secured to the forward end of the sole member to enable the toes of the user to be exposed and then covered as needed without having the forward end of the upper member detached from the pedicure boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Tres Chicas, LLC
    Inventors: Deanna H. Kipnes, Germain Poulin
  • Patent number: 7681332
    Abstract: A post-pedicure shoe according to the present invention includes a sole having front and rear ends and upper and lower surfaces. A foam cushion is situated atop the sole upper layer for comfortably accommodating a person's foot. The shoe includes a toe cover pivotally coupled to the front of the sole and is movable between open and closed configurations. The toe cover includes a configuration for protecting a person's toe nails from debris or contact with the shoe while still enabling the person to walk around. The shoe also includes a plurality of toe separators adjacent the sole front end for keeping the toes from touching one another while the shoe is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Kathy Allen
  • Publication number: 20100024247
    Abstract: A protective appliance for the space between the toes of a wearer of flip-flop sandals or other such footwear. The appliance has a generally hollow, generally elongated cylindrical shape and is fabricated from a relatively light weight, soft and compressible material. It includes a longitudinal cut through one of its sides that allows the appliance to be opened and engaged about the thong segment of the flip-flop that normally extends between the large toe and adjacent toe of the wearer, and that resiliently closes after the appliance is so engaged. When applied, the appliance cushions the space between the toes and the thong segment and allows at least a limited degree of both longitudinal and radial movement of the appliance relative to the thong segment thus increasing comfort of the flip-flops and minimizing friction and chafing of the toes on the thong segment during walking and other activities in the flip-flops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel T. Feeney, John C. Hughes, Victor M. Souza, Timothy G. Hickey
  • Publication number: 20090320325
    Abstract: A more comfortable thong sandal is disclosed. The strap of the thong sandal includes a piece of material added to the underside of the rubber body of the strap. This additional piece of material provides a cushion to alleviate irritating friction that would otherwise occur because of direct contact between the rubber body and a foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Antonio Escario
  • Publication number: 20090300944
    Abstract: The shoe insert can be inserted into any shoe and placed between a toe area of a foot and an inner surface of a shoe upper. The shoe insert includes an insert body to cover and protect the toe area of the foot. The insert body is removably coupled to an inner surface of a shoe upper. An adhesive surface is disposed on an upper surface of the insert body to secure the insert body to the inner surface of the shoe upper. The insert body also includes an inner lining for providing comfort to the toe area. A looped band, coupled to the insert body, is placed over a tongue of the shoe for displaying that the insert body is being worn by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: DAUNIELLE MILLER
  • Patent number: 7603797
    Abstract: A portable shoe comprises a shoe body and a toe-separating massager, wherein the shoe body having a shoe sole and a vamp, and a front end of the top surface of the shoe sole is formed with a containing groove for fixing the toe-separating massager. The toe-separating massager is disposed with a plurality of separating posts and engaging grooves on the top surface thereof that are arranged staggered, and each engaging groove is engaged with a rotatable biochemical ball. By such arrangements, when the user puts on the shoe, the present invention can rectify the positions of the toes and can massage the toes by the bioelectricity discharged by the biochemical balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Chu-Yun Chung
  • Publication number: 20090193683
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flexible contoured footbed insole for footwear for providing an anatomically correct foot support to a wearer of the footwear. The flexible contoured footbed insole comprises a heel section and a support system extending anteriorly from the heel section. The heel section comprises a cup shaped structure for accommodating a heel of a foot of the wearer. The support system comprises an inner longitudinal arch support, an outer longitudinal arch support, a transverse arch support, a metatarsal arch support, and a toe support for supporting an inner longitudinal arch, an outer longitudinal arch, a transverse arch, a metatarsal arch, and toes of the foot of the wearer respectively. The flexible contoured footbed insole may further comprise a flexible structure disposed within the support system. The flexible structure provides flexibility and freedom of movement to the foot of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Sashanaz Hashempour Igdari