Toe Spacer Patents (Class 36/94)
-
Publication number: 20090038181Abstract: A footwear with detachable straps having a sole member shaped like a foot with a toe portion and a heel portion, at least one strap member with at least two end portions, a toe separation member, and at least one attachment device which allows wearers to easily detach the strap member and ether reverse and reattach the same strap member or attach an entirely different strap member to the sole member to provide a myriad of different footwear. A pedicure footwear with detachable straps includes a sole member shaped like a foot with a toe portion and a heel portion, at least one strap member with at least two end portions, a toe separation member, and at least one attachment device which allows wearers to slip their toes through the straps without risk of ruining freshly polished toenails and to walk immediately after a pedicure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventor: Deirdre Loughnane
-
Publication number: 20080301977Abstract: The present invention relates to a protector for a toe strap of a footwear such, in particular in the form of a shoe, a sandal or a flip-flop, comprising a tube or a tube-like body with a first end and an opposite second end along its longitudinal axis, in particular in the form of a circumferential sleeve, which at least partially encloses a space, with a first opening at the first end and an opposite second opening at the second end for the at least partial inclusion of a toe strap, wherein an inner wall of the tube or tube-like body extends from the first to the second end and wherein an outer wall extends from the first to the second end, wherein the tube or tube-like body, in particular the circumferential sleeve, comprises a slit extending from the first end to the second end and from the outer to the inner wall so that the tube or tube-like body, in particular the circumferential sleeve, comprises adjacent longitudinal first and second areas, in particular contact areas which are facing each other andType: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Andrew Roberts, Encarna Perez
-
Patent number: 7437838Abstract: Shoes having foot support structures formed of arm portions and/or plates having variable flexibility are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: SRL, Inc.Inventor: David Nau
-
Publication number: 20080115386Abstract: A Split-toed Shoe is disclosed. The shoe has a special upper that includes a split toe. In order to provide additional durability and stability, the sole of the shoe does not have a corresponding split in the toe. Furthermore, in order to add aesthetic appeal and versatility, the shoe may include a toe strap configured to accept exchangeable buckles thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventor: Donald R. Geuss
-
Patent number: 7340852Abstract: A shoe includes a toe section fabricated of a plurality of ribs which are pivotally movable relative the sole and support a flexible panel. The toe section is movable between an extended position to enclose the toes of the foot of a wearer and wherein the several ribs are circumferentially spaced and a retracted position in which the toes of the foot are exposed and the ribs reside mutually adjacent. Also provided is a heel section including a plurality of ribs supporting a flexible panel and movable between an extended position in which the heel of the foot is at least partially enclosed and a retracted position in which the heel is exposed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventor: Jen-Lung David Tai
-
Publication number: 20080005932Abstract: Athletic positioning force unifying separator for toes comprises a case made from bending material, comprising reinforcements of predetermined stiffness, depending the aim of the product, or does not include reinforcements. Separator has clearances of suitable form, so that the toe is surrounded by the partition walls, and suitable outer form for a footwear. In the manufacture of the case can be used pattern casting (synthetics, rubber etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventor: Vladlen Zitin
-
Patent number: 7296367Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Tres Chicas LLCInventor: Deanna H. Kipnes
-
Patent number: 7134225Abstract: A protector for toes is provided including a toe enclosure configured to block exposure of the toes to an environment external of the enclosure. The toe enclosure may be a footwear article configured to protect the toes. A pedicure shoe system is also provided for protecting freshly painted toe-nails from contact with foreign objects. The pedicure shoe system includes a pedicure shoe and a pedicure slipper. The pedicure slipper is positionable in the pedicure shoe, and spacer members ensure adequate space between the pedicure shoe and the toe-nails.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Inventor: Lucy Ashton
-
Patent number: 7082703Abstract: An article of footwear for sand sports includes an outsole and an upper secured to the outsole. The upper has a first toe pocket configured to receive a big toe of a user and a second toe pocket configured to receive at least some of the remaining toes of the user. A wrap extends around a midfoot portion of the outsole and the upper, and around a heel portion of the upper. A plurality of cleats may be secured to a lower surface of the outsole.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Pamela S. Greene, Tobie D. Hatfield
-
Patent number: 6954997Abstract: Apparatuses, a system, and a method for engaging a wearer's toes within an interior of a footwear item are provided. A panel is configured to extend at least partially across a toebox of the interior of the footwear item. An attachment mechanism is configured to position the panel in the interior of the footwear item so that the panel is positioned inside the toebox to engage an edge of at least one of the wearer's toes. The panel includes a flexible or stretchable material such as neoprene. The attachment mechanism includes at least one of stitching, adhesive bonding, and thermal welding. The attachment mechanism joins the panel to the interior of the footwear item at a plurality of points along at least one of a lower edge of the panel and side edges of the panel, such as by joining the panel to an insole.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Kor Hockey Ltd.Inventor: Antonin A. Meibock
-
Patent number: 6881196Abstract: A system, method and device for the symptomatic relief for soft corns by injecting a medical grade molding substance between the toes between which a corn is located, forming a molded-in-place, custom-shaped high definition mold, unique to the individual's physical conformation and which reduces friction and eliminates pressure points on the corn.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Inventor: James A. Crunkleton
-
Patent number: 6678971Abstract: A pedicure sandal employs a base formed of a resilient elastomeric material, the base inclusive of a cushioned upper surface thereof, a toe-separating structure, and a bottom surface for providing ground and floor resistance against slippage. The sandal more particularly defines an outer perimeter of the base generally shaped to accommodate a human foot, in which the perimeter includes a bulge at an anterior lateral region which is adjacent to the lateral-most or small toe of the foot of a user.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventor: Marian J. Brooks
-
Publication number: 20030172555Abstract: An internal split toe with creased sole for rock-climbing shoes includes an upper portion, internal wall and a creased sole under the toe area attached to the upper portion. An internal wall separates the area for the big toe and the other toes. The internal wall is attached to the sole and the upper portion. The internal wall ensures a creased sole under the toe area. An internal split toe with creased sole for the rock-climbing shoes allows rock-climbers to maximize the rock surface contact with the sole by hooking and wrapping around uneven and protruding rock surfaces preventing the problems of bulging and loss of sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Young Chu
-
Publication number: 20030145492Abstract: A pedicure sandal employs a base formed of a resilient elastomeric material, the base inclusive of a cushioned upper surface thereof, a toe-separating structure, and a bottom surface for providing ground and floor resistance against slippage. The sandal more particularly defines an outer perimeter of the base generally shaped to accommodate a human foot, in which the perimeter includes a bulge at an anterior lateral region which is adjacent to the lateral-most or small toe of the foot of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Marian J. Brooks
-
Publication number: 20030029056Abstract: A footwear system comprises an essentially oblong platform formed of an elastomeric material having a first aperture offset from a long axis of the platform adjacent to a forward end. A U-shaped cut through a rearward end of the platform forms a first strap disposed toward the forward end with a second aperture through a midpoint of the first strap and aligned with the first aperture. A fastening member passes through the first and second apertures coupling the first strap and the platform and thereby forming two separate passageways. A second strap formed of an elastic material has a first attachment means coupling a forward end of the second strap and the platform adjacent to the fastening member. A second attachment means couples a rearward end of the second strap and the platform adjacent to a lateral edge of the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: Ben G. Frederiksen, Gayle Trenberth
-
Publication number: 20020121030Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a cylindrically-shaped cushion 32 for attachment around the straps 16 of footwear 14, 15 having straps 16 thereon which cushion 32 is designed to be worn between the big toe 20 and the pointer toe 22 of a user 18. The cylindrically shaped cushion has an inner fabric 36 and an outer fabric design 30 which can be made in many different designs and colors. The cushion 32 also has a split 34 running vertically therethrough which allows the cushion 32 to be opened at 38 so that it can be placed around the straps 16 of the footwear. Located on one side of the split 34 is a vertical adhesive strip 26 having a peel-off strip 27 which will adhesively seal to the opposing vertical face of the non-adhesive side 40. Also disposed on the inner bore of the cushion 32 is a horizontal adhesive strip 28 having a peel-off strip thereon 29 which is used for attachment to the strap 16.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventor: Christina Coleman
-
Patent number: 6393734Abstract: An adjustable and disposable foot care article includes a toe cover and an elongated insole bonded together to form a toe pocket at a front section. The insole is a bonded and pliable composite laminate consisting of an upper layer, an absorbent middle layer and a bottom layer made of air and fluid permeable non-woven fabrics or materials. The bottom layer has two side flaps extended outwards from the insole. The side flaps have spaced longitudinal perforation lines and a plurality of spaced and transverse perforation lines formed at selected locations for trimming excess portion of the side flaps and the heel section of the insole for the article to fit different sizes of foot. The article may be worn snugly on foot without flapping or flopping by fastening the rear end of the side flaps around the heel through an integrated or separated fastener. The article gives the foot and toes and part of the instep protective cover without contacting the musty or microbes-infected shoe interior.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: Chan-Chou Ou
-
Patent number: 6298580Abstract: A sandal is formed as a one-piece construction and includes a sole incorporating toe dividing structure that can be shifted to a position wherein toes of a user can be arranged between dividers to enhance the ability of the user to obtain a pedicure. This toe dividing structure is preferably formed by making perforations or cuts in the sole such that the toe dividing structure can be popped out of the sole. The cuts are made to form a number of discrete dividers, with each divider being adapted to be placed between adjacent toes of the user. A strap is also preferably cut out of the sole to aid in securing the sandal to a user's foot. The sole is made of a cushion material to make the sandal comfortable to wear.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventor: Sally Tadayon
-
Patent number: 6226893Abstract: A pedicure sandal (10) fabricated from a spongy foot form includes a base portion (12) having an outer perimeter shaped to accommodate a human foot and an integrally connected toe separating portion (18) selectively attached (20) to the base portion to form a plurality of toe-receiving loops (18a-e) for engaging and separating the wearers toes.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventors: Lori A. Schlamp, Steven K. Schlamp
-
Patent number: 6151801Abstract: A sandal including a sole portion having a front end and a rear end and a pair of sides. The sole portion is comprised of a plurality of layers of elastomeric material including a planar lower layer, an angling intermediate portion, and an upper layer adapted to receive the foot of a wearer thereon. The sole portion includes a plurality of intermediate layers. The upper layer is provided with a pair of longitudinal slits adjacent to the rear thereof and four circular holes adjacent to the front thereof. A top strap has an upper section positionable over the instep of a wearer's foot and a lower section positioned through the slits and extending there beneath. The strap has four apertures adjacent to the forward edge thereof in the upper portion. Two cords with four central extents each have two upper extents extending through associated apertures of the strap and two lower extents looped around the holes in the upper layer. Four cylindrical sleeves encompass the cords.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventors: Ben G. Frederiksen, Gayle Trenberth
-
Patent number: 6116253Abstract: A reusable pedicure slipper is made up of a sole upon which a foot is supported and first and second cords. The first cord is used to separate the toes of the foot and can either be wrapped around the individual toes or form loops in which the individual toes are placed. The second cord is positioned behind the first cord and is tied around the ankle of the user to help secure the sole to the foot of the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: Maggie Armstrong
-
Patent number: 6082027Abstract: Size-adjustable footwear includes an outer shell and a liner disposed within the shell. The liner has an upper, a heel, and a toe. An insert is releasably receivable within the toe of the liner. The liner has a first size which is defined between the heel and the insert when the insert is received within the toe, and a second size which is defined between the heel and the toe when the insert is not received within the toe. The first size is less than the second size. A user may select footwear based on the smaller first size, and then as his or her feet grow, remove the insert to accommodate the larger feet.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Variflex, Inc.Inventor: Peter A. Wagonhurst
-
Patent number: 5946823Abstract: A pedicure sandal system that includes a sandal assembly having a number of user positionable toe separation cushion assemblies securable to the sole of the sandal assembly for keeping the user's toes separated and a toe cover assembly for shielding the toes having a number of airflow apertures formed therethrough that is securable to the sandal assembly and shaped to cover the user's toes while providing sufficient clearance to prevent contact between the freshly manicured toe nails and the toe cover assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventor: Angel E. Yates
-
Patent number: 5913592Abstract: A water sport boot (10) having an upper (12), a resiliently compressible sole pad (14), a stretchable heel cup (16), an adjustable strap (18), an achilles panel (20), toe box foxing (22), and an elastic leg band (92). Heel cup (16) and adjustable strap (18) cooperate to seal off the heel and ankle region of the upper in order to prevent water from entering the instep region (26) of upper (12). Sole pad (14) is made of a relatively thin, resiliently compressible material that easily and quickly conforms to the contour of the surface being stepped on in order to provide good tactile sensation. Sole pad (14) also has a corrugated rib pattern on its exterior underside to increase traction.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: O'Neill, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Yin Moore
-
Patent number: 5870837Abstract: The pedicure sandal combination footwear is disclosed which provides a toe divider that is releasably secured to a sandal so as to maintain the toes in a predetermined position. The sandal includes a bridge strap that opens to allow the vertical placement of a foot onto the base member by use of the hook & pile attachment thereby allowing an individual to first position the toe divider onto the foot before placement of the foot onto the sandal. Once the foot is properly positioned the bridge straps may be wrapped around the foot so as to secure the foot in a fixed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventor: Jon D. Poulos
-
Patent number: 5802737Abstract: A sandal having first and second strap tabs extending from a strap fixed to the sole of a sandal; the first strap tab is positioned between a big toe and an adjacent toe and the second strap tab is positioned between a little toe and an adjacent toe when a user's foot is inserted between the strap and the sole. The sandal embodying the invention fits well to the user's foot and can be worn while participating in sport activities such as running, walking over rough terrain with ease and comfort.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Shinichi Beppu
-
Patent number: 5791069Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole having a front end that tapers and comes to a point, a heel attached to the back end of the sole, an upper portion attached around the perimeter of the sole to form a shoe having a pointed toe section, and a toe line insert placed at the front of the inner surface of the sole in between the sole and the upper. The toe line insert forms a barrier between the wearer's feet and the pointed toe section. The toe line insert is curved and substantially conforms to the shape of a wearer's toe line. The toe line insert prevents the wearer's toes from entering the pointed toe section. A filler may be placed between the toe line insert and the front end of the shoe to maintain the structure of the front end.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventor: Walter Odysseus Oradesky
-
Patent number: 5749100Abstract: An open toe sock that includes a foot engaging portion, a leg engaging portion, a thin resilient circumferential band, and a skid resistant sole. The foot engaging portion has a heel area, an open toe area that is disposed in front of the heel area of the foot engaging portion, and a bottom area that extends from the heel area of the foot engaging portion to the open toe area of the foot engaging portion. The foot engaging portion replaceably and comfortably engages a foot of a wearer with toes of the foot of the wearer extending replaceably outwardly through the open toe area of the foot engaging portion and being exposed. The leg engaging portion is integrally formed with, and extends generally perpendicularly upwardly from, the foot engaging portion, and replaceably and comfortably engages a leg of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Inventor: Iris Rosenberg
-
Patent number: 5632104Abstract: A shoe including an upper and a sole portion and defining a foot support surface interior of the shoe and an engagement surface exterior of the shoe, the foot support surface being shaped to align the hindfoot in varus with respect to the tibia axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Inventor: Itzchak Zohar
-
Patent number: 5623734Abstract: A pedicure sock for keeping a foot warm during a pedicure. The pedicure sock having individual stalls for the toes which are truncated to leave the toe nails exposed. The stalls serving to separate the tops of the toes, where the toe nails are located, such that a pedicure can be easily performed and the fresh polish on the toe nails can dry without interference from adjacent toes and toe nails.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventor: Annette M. Pugliatti
-
Patent number: 5615496Abstract: The instant invention is a one piece thong constructed from a flexible base. A cut line along the front of the base provides an upwardly extending tab for insertion between the first and second toe. The tab is shaped to conform to the toes and uses an enlarged upper portion for securing the base to the foot. A second cut disposed along the back of the base provides a flexible strap for securement around the heel of the foot. In the preferred use, the heel strap couples directly to the toe tab providing a slip-on thong by forming a strap that fits over the bridge of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Inventor: Sid Sharpstein
-
Patent number: 5469641Abstract: The custom ballet pointe shoe, with the capability to adjust the internal volume of the ballet pointe shoe, to custom-fit to the dancers foot, allowing for equalizing the vertical weight bearing to be distributed across all toes and front of the foot in all ballet "Sur le pointe" positions. The pointe shoe has a built-in sock liner covering the front of the foot, and establishing the space, closed cavity, between the front of the foot and the unshaped box of the ballet pointe shoe. After inserting the foot into the pointe shoe, the cavity is filled with the product or mixture of products, which has the capability to harden and cure, taking the permanent shape of the inserted dancers foot. The present method makes the shoe comfortable, the weight is now equally distributed, not just on the tops of the toes, but also on the whole front of the foot, when the dancer is in a "Sur le pointe" position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Inventor: Goran Subotic
-
Patent number: 5063692Abstract: Footwear and an insole pad employed inside thereof, in which an arch extrusion being raised toward the outside thereof is provided at an outer periphery corresponding to an outside arch on the upper surface of an insole of the footwear or on the upper surface of the insole pad, so that the shift of weight rested on a foot upon walking toward the outside upon walking is supported by the arch extrusion and the weight rested on the foot is gathered to the center of a body, which improves a walking posture, reduces the fatigue of the foot and prevents the occurrence of bowlegs.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Inventor: Junko Suginaka
-
Patent number: 4877018Abstract: A device for deodorizing and drying a portion between toes used by putting it between toes.The device comprises two rod-shaped flexible fibrous elements or layers formed of a large number of fibers disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of said layers, an air- and water-permeable flexible shell member being wound around said flexible fibrous layers such that a cavity is formed between the upper fibrous layer and the lower fibrous layer, and particulate substances having a hygroscopic function being housed in said cavity in a quantity corresponding to a part of a volume of said cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1988Date of Patent: October 31, 1989Assignee: Masuhiko TakigawaInventors: Takashi Ikebe, Takigawa: Masuhiko
-
Patent number: 4864736Abstract: A thong sandal having a sole fastened to the foot of a wearer by means of an instep strap and a toe tab connected to the sole and latched in the instep strap. The sole and instep strap are made from a flat sheet of material which is flexible and provides a comfortable support when walking of a size and shape to fit under the wearer's foot. The instep strap is partially cut away from the sole around the hee but remains attached to the sole on opposite sides of the instep. It is adapted to fold upward and forward and to latch on the toe tab. The toe tab is formed of a durable material which does not break during normal wear and has a protuberance at its free end distal its attachment to the sole for use as a display surface or it latches to the sole at the toe end such that the sandle folds substantially flat or both. The display surface can be customized to the customer's specifications and the protuberance is advantangeously attached to the stem of the toe tab on what is otherwise a stock sandal.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1988Date of Patent: September 12, 1989Assignee: Ad Impressions, Inc.Inventor: Nancy L. Bierk
-
Patent number: 4811501Abstract: Footwear having a toe protector removably connected to the toe thereof to protect the toes of a foot from falling objects. The removable connection is achieved by fitting headed protrusions on the sole into apertures formed in the toe protector.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1987Date of Patent: March 14, 1989Assignee: Rikio Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenji Okayasu
-
Patent number: 4745927Abstract: An orthopedic shoe cushioned insert having a cushioned plate member with a first and second attachment means and a method of operation thereof are disclosed. Here, the cushioned plate member is comprised of an upper and a lower plate member being attached together preferably with a two-sided tape therebetween, as well as providing a cushion effect thereof. The first attachment means is coupled therebelow the bottom front portion of the lower plate member for suitably wrapping around an ailing or injured toe. The second attachment means is coupled therebelow the bottom back portion of the lower plate member for suitably wrapping around a foot. The orthopedic shoe cushioned insert is reversible; i.e., usable for either a right or left foot, as well as effective for managing arthritic ailments of toes or joints thereof, such as "halux rigidus", or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1986Date of Patent: May 24, 1988Inventor: N. Lee Brock
-
Patent number: 3967390Abstract: A shoe or stocking has a tip portion which consists of five toe compartments. In each toe compartment a flexible side and front wall interconnects a part of the sole with a part of the upper.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1975Date of Patent: July 6, 1976Inventor: Luis Sentis Anfruns
-
Patent number: 3953930Abstract: A ski boot made of a rigid shell having a flexible sole thereon includes a toe member which is telescopically related to a rear member at a location corresponding to the ball of a user's foot so that the shell will flex during walking movements but can be retained in a rigid condition for skiing.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1975Date of Patent: May 4, 1976Assignee: Alpine Research, Inc.Inventor: Paul C. Ramer