U.S. patent application number 11/395876 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for adjustable formfitting protective footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dance Paws LLC. Invention is credited to Elizabeth Feigenbaum, Jamie J. Huggins, Nicole T. Huggins.
Application Number | 20060179549 11/395876 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38581569 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060179549 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huggins; Jamie J. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Adjustable formfitting protective footwear
Abstract
The present invention is generally directed to improved
formfitting protective footwear generally comprising a protective
sheath that envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle
forward, and which includes fasteners which allow the user to
adjust the footwear to comfortably fit his or her foot. In all
embodiments, the formfitting protective footwear apparatus of the
present invention surrounds the forefoot about the instep and arch
and extends forward to protect at least the ball of the foot.
Inventors: |
Huggins; Jamie J.;
(Shrewsbury, MA) ; Huggins; Nicole T.;
(Shrewsbury, MA) ; Feigenbaum; Elizabeth;
(Cambridge, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN LLP
90 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10016
US
|
Assignee: |
Dance Paws LLC
|
Family ID: |
38581569 |
Appl. No.: |
11/395876 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09557029 |
Apr 20, 2000 |
7051457 |
|
|
11395876 |
Mar 30, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/26 20130101;
A41B 11/004 20130101; A43B 7/26 20130101; A43B 7/28 20130101; A43B
5/12 20130101; A41B 2400/60 20130101; A41B 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/239 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00; A43B 17/00 20060101 A43B017/00 |
Claims
1. Formfitting footwear comprising: a protective sleeve to be worn
on a human foot comprising an inner portion and an outer portion;
toe openings disposed in said sleeve; protective material secured
to the inner portion of said sleeve; a footpad secured to said
outer portion of said sleeve, wherein said protective material and
said footpad are positioned in locations whereby they are
underneath and protect a ball of said human's foot when inserted in
said sleeve; and fasteners on said protective sleeve for adjustably
securing said footwear to the foot.
2. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising material which
retains said sleeve about said foot's instep when inserted in said
sleeve.
3. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said sleeve is formed from at
least two sheets of material which are partially stitched
together.
4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said fasteners are
Velcro.RTM..
5. The footwear of claim 4, wherein said footpad is made from a
material from the group consisting of smooth leather, suede
leather, synthetic leather, moldable polymers and elastomers.
6. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said footpad is textured to
enhance traction.
7. The footwear of claim 6, wherein said textured footpad comprises
one or more of the following: ridges, grooves and dimpling.
8. The footpad of claim 1, further comprising an absorption layer
adjacent to said footpad and protective materials.
9. Formfitting footwear comprising: a protective sleeve to be worn
on a human foot; toe openings disposed in said sleeve; a protective
material disposed adjacent to said toe openings; a footpad disposed
on said protective material, wherein said protective material and
said footpad are positioned on said sleeve in locations whereby
they are underneath and protect a ball of said human's foot when
inserted in said sleeve; and fasteners on said protective sleeve
for adjustably securing said footwear to the foot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of the
following co-pending patent applications: U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/557,029, filed Apr. 20, 2000, and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/958,517, filed Oct. 5, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to adjustable formfitting
protective footwear generally comprising a protective sheath that
envelops all or a portion of the foot from the ankle forward, and
which includes fasteners which allow the user to adjust the
footwear to comfortably fit his or her foot. The footwear can be
worn during activities which are performed with bare feet and which
require traction and/or protection from skin burns and tears,
including, for example, modern dance, Pilates, yoga and martial
arts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The need for protective and functional footwear intended for
specific applications is well-known. Just as basketball and
football place different demands on the human foot and thus require
different footwear, different forms of dance also require
specialized footwear. For example, ballet requires specially
designed slippers and toe shoes, jazz dance requires specially
designed character shoes, and tap dance requires specially modified
tap shoes.
[0004] The dance style known as, modern dance requires rapid,
abrupt, and complex shifts in body position, center of gravity,
directional momentum and weight distribution and is often danced
barefoot. Included in these movements are forceful turns, spins,
stops and other movements that can cause friction burns, tearing,
slivers, blisters and other foot problems. In addition, modern
dancers--like other dancers--risk serious injury if their foot
should slip on the dance floor or if they should turn their ankle.
However, given the aesthetic requirements of their art, modern
dancers often opt to dance barefoot and tolerate the foot
discomfort and injuries associated therewith.
[0005] Earlier, unsuccessful attempts at providing footwear for
barefoot dancers included thongs wrapped around the foot and/or
tying cut nylon stockings to the foot. Some modern dancers wear a
"sole" that is secured to the foot by means of an ankle strap and
toe loops. However, because this sole is not securely bound to the
sole of the foot, severe tearing of the skin is common,
particularly between the great and index toes. As a result, most
modem dancers are reluctant to use this type of footwear.
[0006] Co-pending patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/557,229 and
10/958,517, whose disclosures are incorporated-by-reference in
their entirety, disclose various embodiments of footwear for
dancers which addresses at least some of the problems associated
with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the various embodiments disclosed herein
to provide adjustable formfitting protective footwear for dancers
and other barefoot athletes such as practitioners of Pilates, yoga
and martial arts, using fasteners to secure the footwear to the
wearer's foot. In particular, the various embodiments disclosed
herein generally relate to adjustable formfitting footwear for
barefoot athletes which in one embodiment comprises: a protective
sleeve to be worn on a human foot comprising an inner portion and
an outer portion; toe openings disposed in the sleeve; protective
material secured to the inner portion of the sleeve; a footpad
secured to the outer portion of the sleeve, wherein the protective
material and the footpad are positioned in locations whereby they
are underneath and protect the ball of the human's foot when
inserted in the sleeve; and fasteners on the protective sleeve for
adjustably securing the footwear to the foot.
[0008] In another embodiment, the formfitting footwear comprises: a
protective sleeve to be worn on a human foot; toe openings disposed
in the sleeve; a protective material disposed adjacent to the toe
openings; and a footpad disposed on the protective material,
wherein the protective material and the footpad are positioned on
the sleeve in locations whereby they are underneath and protect the
ball of the human's foot when inserted in the sleeve; and fasteners
on the protective sleeve for adjustably securing the footwear to
the foot.
[0009] Further objects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the description of the drawings and the invention,
which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The above and related objects, features and advantages of
the disclosed footwear will be more fully understood with reference
to the following detailed description of the preferred, albeit
illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when considered
in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
formfitting protective footwear of applicant's footwear;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows the unassembled components of a second
embodiment of the disclosed footwear;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of footwear assembled using the
components shown in FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 3
positioned on a foot;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows the unassembled components of a third
embodiment of the disclosed footwear;
[0016] FIGS. 6A-B show plan and bottom views of the footwear
assembled using the components of FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7A shows the components of a partially unassembled
fourth embodiment of the disclosed footwear;
[0018] FIG. 7B shows the footwear of FIG. 7A after it has been
assembled;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
disclosed footwear;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing various components of the
protective footwear according to an exemplary sixth embodiment of
the disclosed footwear with the sleeve in a spread-out
configuration;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing various components of
the protective footwear according to a seventh exemplary embodiment
of the disclosed footwear with the sleeve in a spread-out
configuration;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing various components of
the protective footwear according to an eighth exemplary embodiment
of the disclosed footwear with the sleeve in a spread-out
configuration;
[0023] FIG. 12 shows the sleeve of FIG. 11 spread out and patterned
to include a second cut-out portion;
[0024] FIG. 13 shows protective footwear according to a ninth
exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear;
[0025] FIG. 14 shows protective footwear according to a tenth
embodiment of the disclosed footwear;
[0026] FIG. 15 shows a method of forming formfitting footwear
according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear;
[0027] FIG. 16 shows another method of forming formfitting footwear
according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed footwear.
[0028] FIGS. 17-21 show an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable
formfitting footwear;
[0029] FIGS. 22A-22D show another exemplary embodiment of
adjustable formfitting footwear; and
[0030] FIG. 23 shows another exemplary embodiment of the adjustable
footwear.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention is directed to improved formfitting
footwear for barefoot activities, such as modern dance, yoga,
Pilates and martial arts, which can be adjusted about a user's foot
through the use of male and female fasteners, including, for
example, Velcro.RTM., laces, snaps, buttons and hooks, to name a
few. Before describing the adjustable features of this footwear,
the basic assembly of the footwear is first described. As will be
seen, the footwear can be assembled according to various
configurations, each of which can include fasteners for adjusting
the footwear.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the formfitting
protective footwear 10 includes an elasticized sleeve 12 capable of
remaining fitted about the forefoot and being provided with a
footpad 14 of protective materials sufficient to protect the ball
of the foot when footwear 10 worn on a human foot. Sleeve 12 is
further provided with an elastic band 16 for retaining sleeve 12
about the instep of the foot and toe openings 18 for retaining
sleeve 12 at the forefoot without slippage toward the heel.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows the construction elements of a second
embodiment of the footwear. As shown in FIG. 2, this embodiment is
constructed of four elements. First element 22 is an upper
elasticized material having a first edge 24 disposed substantially
perpendicular to side edges 26 and 26' thereof and a second edge 28
defining a curve or shape such that the portions of second edge 28
proximate to side edges 26 and 26' are closer to first edge 24 than
is the center portion of second edge 28. Second element 32 is a
substantially non-elasticized material having a first edge 34
defining a curve or shape that matingly corresponds to the curve or
shape of second edge 28 of first element 22. Although substantially
non-elastic, the second element 32 preferably has some elastic
properties which allow the toe holes to stretch around the wearer's
toes. The second element 32 also includes side edges 36 and 36',
and a second edge 38 provided with five toe holes 33 disposed
adjacent thereto.
[0034] Preferably, element 32 is made from material having
characteristics resistant to tearing in the areas adjacent to or
between toe holes 33 during intensive use, while at the same time
having properties which provide sufficient comfort to the foot, and
unlikely to induce blistering or tearing of the skin adjacent to or
between the toes. For example, element 32 could be made from any
one or more of soft leather, neoprene or a Lycra containing knit,
or woven fabric, to name a few. Third element 42 is a lower
elasticized material having both a first edge 44 and a second edge
48 disposed perpendicularly to side edges 46 and 46'. Finally,
fourth element 52 is a non-elasticized material suitable for use as
a pad capable of protecting the ball of the foot, while not
inhibiting the movement of the wearer.
[0035] In various embodiments, fourth element 52 may be constructed
of any suitable material which provides traction, including, for
example, smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather, moldable
polymers and elastomers, and other similar suitable materials.
Additionally, fourth element 52 may optionally be textured by
dimpling, forming ridges therein, forming grooves therein, or other
means. Such textures would serve to provide enhanced traction
between fourth element 52 and flat surface, such as a floor.
[0036] To assemble the embodiment of FIG. 2, first and second
elements 22 and 32 are joined, preferably by stitching, along their
corresponding edges 28 and 34. Likewise, fourth element 52 is
joined to third element 42, again, preferably by stitching, such
that fourth element 52 is positioned under the ball of the foot in
the finished article. Thereafter, first and third elements 22 and
42 are joined to form a foot-shaped profile, again, preferably by
stitching, along their side edges 26/46 and 26'/46', such that the
perpendicularly disposed second edges 24 and 44 of first element 22
and third element 42 are adjacent to each other and in parallel,
leaving an opening there between through which a foot is inserted.
At this point in the assembly process, fourth element 52 is
disposed within the interior of the assembled footwear (see FIG.
3). First edge 38 of second element 32 is then joined to third
element 42, again, preferably by stitching. Finally, the
constructed article 20 is trimmed along the joined edges and turned
inside-out, such that the trimmed edges now occupy the interior
void and fourth element 52 is now disposed on the exterior of the
article. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of constructed article 20
made from the elements shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a bottom view
of the embodiment of FIG. 3 positioned over a human foot, wherein
the fourth element 52 and second element 32 are positioned such
that they are underneath and protect the ball of a wearer's foot
when inserted therein.
[0037] It is noted that the foregoing assembly steps may be
performed in different sequences, provided that the finished
article is properly constructed to withstand intensive use.
Additionally, it is noted that although the second element 32 and
fourth element 52 are described as separate elements, one skilled
in the art would understand that this embodiment can be modified
such that these elements are combined as a single construction.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the third
element 42 may be pre-cut such that construction is completed
without need for a trimming step. FIGS. 6A and 6B shows an
assembled view of the components of FIG. 5, wherein the second
element 32 is on the exterior of the footwear and fourth element 52
is on the interior. To complete assembly, the footwear is stitched
together and turned inside out such that the second element 32 is
on the interior of the footwear and element 52 is on the exterior,
wherein second elements 32 and the fourth element 52 are positioned
underneath and protect the ball of wearer's foot when inserted
therein, as shown in FIG. 6B. One skilled in the art will
understand that these components can be assembled according to the
methods relating to FIGS. 2-4, except that trimming would not be
required after assembly.
[0039] Optionally, edge 39 and 39' of the first and third elements
22 and 42 are not stitched together, but rather include mating
fasteners 43, 43', such as, for example, Velcro.RTM., laces and
loops, hooks and clips, snaps and buttons, to name a few. The
remaining edges of the elements are stitched together. In this
regard, edges 36 and 37 are stitched together, edges 36' and 37'
are stitched together and edges 41 and 41' are stitched together.
Once assembled, the footwear is turned inside out, so that the
second element 32 is on the interior of the footwear and fourth
element 52 is on the exterior, wherein elements 32 and 52 are
positioned underneath and protect the ball of wearer's foot when
inserted therein, as shown if FIG. 6B. According to this
embodiment, edges 39 and '39 are secured together via fasteners 43
and '43 after inserting the foot into the footwear, and the
fasteners may be adjusted to make the footwear tighter or
looser.
[0040] FIGS. 7A-B show the components of another embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 7A, this embodiment includes an
elongated strip of material 100 having first edge 102 defining an
outward curve or shape having a single toe hole 104 defined
adjacent thereto. The material 100 also includes side edges 106 and
106', and a second edge 108 that is substantially straight and
disposed perpendicularly to each of side edges 106 and 106'. An
opening (not shown) is included in material 100 adjacent to the toe
hole 104'. The opening has a size and shape corresponding to the
size and shape of a footpad/protective material 110, which is
inserted into and secured to the opening via stitching, gluing or
other means. In one embodiment, the footpad/protective material 110
is a single piece having an inner protective surface and an outer
traction surface which are positioned underneath and protect the
ball of a wearer's foot when inserted therein, as shown if FIG. 7B.
The inner surface of the footpad/protect material is preferably
made from a moisture wicking material, and the outer surface made
from any one or more of smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic
leather, moldable polymers, elastomers and synthetic rubber
materials, such as neoprene. According to this embodiment, edges
106 and 106' are secured together via stitching and then turned
inside out.
[0041] The material 100 can optionally include mating fasteners 107
and 107' adjacent to ends 106 and 106', as shown in phantom in FIG.
7A. In this embodiment, the wearer simply inserts a toe through toe
hole 104 and secures fasteners 107, 107' together about the foot.
In use, the article is slipped over a human foot such that the
great or second toe is inserted into toe hole 104 with the
remaining toes extending unencumbered beyond first edge 102.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the
present invention. This embodiment 120 is of unitary construction
and is formed by a conventional molding process. Footpad 122
constructed of a like or alternate material may optionally be
provided. Here again, the footpad is made from one piece having an
inner protective surface and an outer traction surface which are
positioned underneath and protect the ball of a wearer's foot when
inserted therein.
[0043] FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing various components of the
protective footwear according to another exemplary embodiment of
the invention with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration. As
shown in FIG. 9, the sleeve 210 is cut out of or otherwise formed
from elastic material so as to have the appropriately placed toe
openings 214 formed in an upper portion 211 of the sleeve 210. The
elastic material used to form the sleeve 210 is preferably lycra or
spandex. The pad 216 is attached to a lower portion 213 of the
sleeve 210 preferably by sewing. In this embodiment, the pad 216 is
a multi-layer structure made up of a ground-contact layer 218, a
shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220 and an optional
moisture absorbing layer 222. The various layers of the pad 216 may
be laminated together by, for example, adhesive, heat or a
combination of the two.
[0044] The ground-contact layer 218 is preferably made of a durable
material that provides adequate friction with the ground surface,
including smooth leather, suede leather, synthetic leather,
moldable polymers, elastomers and synthetic rubber materials, such
as neoprene. The ground-contact layer 218 may also be textured to
enhance traction, such as by forming ridges, grooves and/or
dimplings in the outer surface of the ground-contact layer 218. The
thickness of the ground-contact layer 218 is preferably in the
range of about 0.25 mm to about 2.0 mm.
[0045] The shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220 is
preferably placed between the ground-contact layer 218 and the
optional moisture-absorbing layer 222. Depending on the structure
and materials used, the shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220
has the ability to cushion and/or absorb forces exerted on the
wearer's feet. The shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220
assists in reducing foot pain and injury. Suitable materials for
the shock-absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220 include foam
materials, such as, for example, polyurethane foam, hydrophilic
urethane foam, polyethylene foam, closed cell foams, open cell
foams, ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), or gel-like materials,
such as, non-silicon polymer gel. The thickness of the
shock-absorbing layer 18 is preferably in the range of about 0.25
mm to about 3.0 mm. If desired, the shock-absorbing and moisture or
wicking layer may be combined to form a single construction.
[0046] The moisture-absorbing or wicking layer 222 is preferably
placed closest to the wearer's foot to enhance sweat absorption
capability. The moisture-absorbing layer is an optional layer, and
thus, in other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the pad 216
may only include the ground-contact layer 218 and the
shock-absorbing layer 220, or the ground-contact layer 218 only.
The moisture absorbing layer 222 is preferably made of materials
such as, for example, Ultralore.RTM. or nylon and polyester fabrics
made with up to 50% load of ReFresh fibers, or treated with
moisture wicking finishes and has a thickness in the range of about
0.25 mm to about 2.0 mm. If desired, the shock-absorbing and
moisture or wicking layer may be combined to form a single
construction.
[0047] The elastic piece 212 is preferably in a band shape and is
attached to the end of the sleeve 210 furthest from the wearer's
toes. The elastic piece 212 is attached to the sleeve 210 by sewing
and/or adhesive and is made of, for example, woven or knit
elastic.
[0048] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing various components of
the protective footwear according to another exemplary embodiment
of the invention with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration.
This embodiment is substantially the same as the embodiment of FIG.
9, except for the provision of a separate toe piece 232 that
protects the forefoot of the wearer and provides toe openings. As
shown in FIG. 10, the toe piece 232 is attached to a cutout portion
230 of the sleeve 210 formed in the upper portion 211 of the sleeve
210. Preferably the toe piece 232 is formed of a material that
provides sufficient support so that the portions adjacent to or
between the toe holes do not tear during intensive use, and also
sufficient comfort so as not to induce blistering or tearing of the
skin adjacent to or between the toes. Appropriate materials for the
toe piece 232 may be, for example, neoprene, powermesh or tricot
spandex.
[0049] FIG. 11 is an exploded view showing various components of
the protective footwear according to an another exemplary
embodiment with the sleeve in a spread-out configuration. This
embodiment is substantially the same as the first-described
embodiment, except for the provision of a second cut-out portion
234 formed in a lower portion 213 of the sleeve 210 that
accommodates the pad 216. FIG. 12 shows the sleeve 210 spread out
and patterned to include the second cut-out portion 234. The pad
216 is attached to the cut-out portion 234 preferably by
sewing.
[0050] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
protective footwear which includes a sleeve 210 having a first
cut-out portion 234 sized and shaped to accommodate a pad 216 when
attached thereto. Similarly, the sleeve 210 has a second cut-out
portion 230 sized and shaped to accommodate a toe piece 232 when
attached thereto. All other features of this embodiment are
substantially similar to the embodiments described with reference
to FIGS. 9-12, and can be varied in a similar manner to those
embodiments if desired.
[0051] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of
the footwear positioned for use over a human foot. This embodiment,
which may be adapted for use with any of the other embodiments of
the invention, is characterized by a sleeve 140 which extends over
the ankle, thereby providing increased lateral stability and
support. The sleeve 140 can be made from two pieces of Lycra sewn
together, or a single piece of Lycra made on a knitting machine.
The sleeve 140 includes a pad 216 having the same construction as
that described with reference to FIG. 9. The pad 216 which is
located underneath and protects the ball of the foot. The footpad
and protective material can be made and attached to the sleeve 140
according to any of the embodiments discussed herein, and can be
made as a single construction or made from multiple elements. In
one embodiment, the footpad is made of neoprene, rubber, or a
moisture absorbing foam.
[0052] In a method of forming the protective footwear according to
an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sleeve 210 is first
formed from a Lycra sheet in a spread out configuration as shown in
the embodiments of FIGS. 9-14. As shown in FIGS. 10-13, cut-out
portions 230 and/or 234 may be formed in the Lycra sleeve to
accommodate the toe piece 232 and/or the pad 216, respectively.
Alternatively, toe holes 214 may be formed directly in the sleeve
210 instead of using a separate toe piece 232. The pad 216 is then
attached to the lower portion 213 of the sleeve 210 and the lycra
is trimmed around the pad 216. The elastic piece 212 is also
attached to the end of the sleeve 210 furthest from the wearer's
toes, which can be done at any time during the assembly process. As
shown in FIG. 15, the upper portion 211 of the sleeve 210 is folded
over the lower portion 213 of the sleeve 210 such that the pad 216
is disposed within the void defined by the upper portion 211 and
lower portion 213. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the upper portion 211
and the lower portion 212 are joined together around their
respective edges, and the product is turned inside out to result in
the finished protective footwear 210.
[0053] In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17-23 mating
fasteners 251, 253 (shown in phantom) may optionally be included
along the outer lower edges of sleeve 210. The operation and
function of these adjustable fasteners is best shown for these
embodiments in FIG. 18, which shows pad 216 attached to sleeve 210
by a seam 258. As shown in phantom in FIG. 17, the sleeve 210
includes a first cut-out portion 234 and/or a second cut-out
portion 230 to accommodate the pad 216 and the toe piece 232,
respectively. Additionally, toe holes 214 are included in the
sleeve 210 (or toe piece 232 if used) and an elastic retaining
strip 212 is secured to the bottom of sleeve 210. Additionally,
fasteners 251 and 253 are secured (e.g., via stitching) to the
bottom half of the sleeve 210, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0054] To complete assembly of the sleeve 210, the upper portion
211 is folded over the lower portion 213, as shown in FIGS. 19 and
21. Next, the outer periphery of pad 216, which extends between
points 255 and 256, is secured by a seam 259 to the outer periphery
of the upper portion sleeve 210, which extends between portions
256, 257, as shown in FIG. 20. The material on sleeve 210 located
below portions 255 and 257 are not stitched together. Rather, they
include fasteners 251, 253, which in a preferred embodiment, is
Velcro.RTM.. However, other fasteners, such as laces, hooks, loops,
snaps and buttons may also be used. Once assembled, the sleeve 210
is turned inside out for use (see FIG. 21).
[0055] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment which was assembled
according to the foregoing method, and which includes cutouts
corresponding to the pad 216 and toe piece 232.
[0056] The fasteners 251 and 253 allow the wearer to close and
adjust the sleeve 210 according to the size of their foot. In this
regard, once inserted on the wearer's foot, the fasteners 251, 253
are secured together about the foot and can be adjusted as needed.
Additionally, for this embodiment, it is possible to assemble the
footwear without the moisture absorbing layer 222, and/or the shock
absorbing and/or cushioning layer 220 such that the pad includes
the ground contact layer 218 only. Moreover, although the fasteners
251 and 253 are located on the bottom of the foot when worn, it is
possible to modify the design of the footwear such that the
fasteners are located on the top side of the footwear, if desired.
In each of the embodiments described herein, the pad 216 is located
in a position where it will be underneath and protect the ball of
the foot when the footwear is worn.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 22A-22D, another embodiment of the
adjustable footwear is shown. In this embodiment, a sleeve 303
(FIG. 22C) is formed from a bottom portion 307 (FIG. 22B) and a top
portion 309 (FIG. 22A). The bottom portion 307 includes a pad 305
secured to an elastic material 304, such as Lycra.RTM.. The elastic
material 304 has a rectangular portion 311 and a somewhat
triangular portion 313 having two rounded portions 315, 317 along
its upper edge. Fasteners 321 and 323 are located adjacent to the
far ends of rectangular portion 311. Preferably, fasteners 321, 323
are Velcro.RTM., but can be other types of fasteners as well,
including, for example, hooks, laces, buttons, snaps and the like.
The pad 305 is generally heart shaped and includes rounded edges
that correspond in shape and size to rounded portions 315, 317 of
elastic material 304 and are secured thereto (e.g., via stitching),
as shown in FIG. 22B.
[0058] Top portion 309 is approximately the same width as the pad
305, as shown in FIG. 22A. Top portion 309 has a rectangular or
square-shaped lower half 331 and an upper rounded half 333, which
includes toe holes 310. The rounded half 333 of top portion 309 is
secured to the upper of pad 305 via a seam 337, thereby forming a
pocket through which the foot and toes are inserted, as shown in
FIG. 22C. The lower half 331 of top portion 309 includes a fastener
339 (e.g., Velcro.RTM.) which is located such that it will mate
with fasteners 321 and 323 when worn on a foot, as shown in FIG.
22D.
[0059] In operation, the wearer inserts his or her foot in the
pocket between top portion 309 and bottom portion 307, with the
toes extending through toe holes 310. Next, the wearer folds the
rectangular portions 311 over the top of his or her foot and
secures the fasteners 321, 323 to fastener 337. The wearer can
adjust the fastener so until a comfortable fit is achieved, and the
pad 305 is located in a position which is underneath and protects
the ball of the wearer's foot.
[0060] It is noted that for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 22A-22D,
the pad 305 can consist of the moisture absorbing layer 222, ground
contact layers 218 and cushioning layer 220, or any combination
thereof. Additionally, if desired, a separate toe piece and
corresponding cut-out can be used.
[0061] It should be appreciated that the protective footwear
according to various exemplary embodiments of the invention may be
made by any other suitable process, such as one in which the sleeve
with the toe holes are formed as a unitary construction using
conventional molding processes. Alternatively, the upper and lower
portions of the sleeve may be two entirely separate pieces which
are later sewn together. Soft leather, synthetic leather or any
other suitable materials may be used so that the footpad is
constructed of one layer that is either sewn onto the sleeve 210 or
sewn on to a cutout area 234 where the inner surface of the footpad
that makes contact with the skin serves as the protective layer and
the opposite side serves as the ground contact layer.
[0062] It is understood that the presently claimed invention may be
embodied in other specified forms without departing from the spirit
or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are
therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive, and all changes which come within the meaning and
range or equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be
embraced therein.
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