U.S. patent application number 10/593192 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for heel protector.
This patent application is currently assigned to JOEUN PROTECH CO., LTD. Invention is credited to Min Seok Yoon.
Application Number | 20070192938 10/593192 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34993387 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070192938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoon; Min Seok |
August 23, 2007 |
Heel protector
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a heel protector including a body member
made of a flexible fabric material for being worn on the feet and
an inner pad member coupled to an inside of the body member for
accommodation to an area where a heel is located when the heel
protector is worn. Both distal ends of a longitudinal direction of
the inner pad member are coupled to the body member, and two areas
of the inner pad member accommodated to both lateral sections of
the heel are coupled to the body member, such that the inner pad
member can relatively slide in relation to the body member when the
heel protector is worn. Friction generated on the heels while
walking can be subdued by the inner pad member to thereby prevent
formation of calluses or blisters, and manufacturing process can be
simplified to reduce the manufacturing cost.
Inventors: |
Yoon; Min Seok;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
JOEUN PROTECH CO., LTD
Seoul
KR
138-050
|
Family ID: |
34993387 |
Appl. No.: |
10/593192 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
January 5, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR05/00018 |
371 Date: |
September 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/239 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 19, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0018842 |
Jan 4, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0000357 |
Claims
1. A heel protector comprising: a body member made of a flexible
fabric material for being worn on the feet; and an inner pad member
coupled to an inside of the body member for accommodation to an
area where a heel is located when the heel protector is worn,
wherein both distal ends of longitudinal direction of the inner pad
member are coupled to the body member, and two areas of the inner
pad member accommodated to both lateral sections of the heel are
coupled to the body member, such that the inner pad member can
relatively slide in relation to the body member when the heel
protector is worn.
2. The heel protector as defined in claim 1, wherein the body
member has a cylindrically bent shape.
3. The heel protector as defined in claim 1, wherein the inner pad
member has a substantially oblong shape, and each of the two areas
coupled to the body member is a portion of a lateral distal end of
the inner pad member.
4. The heel protector as defined in claim 3, wherein the inner pad
member is cut in the shape of a "V" at both longitudinal central
portions of edges thereof.
5. The heel protector as defined in claim 1, wherein the body
member is provided with an elastic band at at least one of upper
and lower distal ends thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a heel protector and, more
particularly, to a heel protector adapted to maximally prevent
friction between a user's heel and shoes, and to prevent formation
of calluses and blisters on the heel caused by the friction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One of the known arts for maintaining healthy feet is shown
in FIG. 11, in which Japanese Utility Model No. 3032803 entitled,
"Dryness Preventing Socks," is described. In this Utility Model,
the overall border of an inner pad member (520a) attached to a heel
is connected to a sock (510a) by stitching (530a) in the shape of
the heel. As a result, the overall inner pad member (520a) is
secured to the sock and the only effect is to prevent dryness of
the heels.
[0003] In Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2002-235203,
entitled "Dryness Preventing Socks" and illustrated in FIG. 12,
formation of calluses caused by dryness of a heel or sole can be
prevented by attaching an inner pad member (520b) inside a sock
where the overall border of the inner pad member (520b) is stitched
to a sock (510b) to conform to the shape of the heel. As a result,
calluses formed by dryness can be avoided. However, formation of
calluses or blisters caused by friction cannot be prevented.
[0004] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic drawing of Japanese Utility
Model No. 3021145, the purpose of which is to prevent dryness of
feet in the socks. A central portion of an inner pad member (520c)
is fixedly stitched (530c) to prevent the inner pad member (520c)
from slipping. Thus, it cannot prevent formation of calluses or
blisters caused by friction.
[0005] A heel sock for warming feet by way of far-infrared ray
disclosed in Japanese Utility Model No. 3018319 and illustrated in
FIG. 14 includes a body member (510d) having a cut-off front part
and an inner pad member (520d) additionally formed inside the body
member (510d), where a marginal portion and a central portion of an
inner pad member (520d) are connectedly sewn (530d) to the body
member (510d). Therefore, in this utility model, there is a
drawback in that calluses and blisters caused by friction cannot be
prevented from being formed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is disclosed to solve the
aforementioned drawbacks and it is an object of the present
invention to provide a heel protector configured to maximally
restrict friction generated between a heel and a shoe from
occurring while walking, thereby preventing formation of calluses
and blisters.
[0007] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the heel protector includes a body member made of a
flexible fabric material for being worn on the feet and an inner
pad member coupled to an inside of the body member for
accommodation to an area where a heel is located when the heel
protector is worn, wherein both distal ends of longitudinal
direction of the inner pad member are coupled to the body member,
and two areas of the inner pad member accommodated to both lateral
sections of the heel are coupled to the body member, such that the
inner pad member can relatively slide in relation to the body
member when the heel protector is worn.
[0008] Preferably, the body member has a cylindrically bent
shape.
[0009] Preferably, the inner pad member has a substantially oblong
shape, and each of the two areas coupled to the body member is a
portion of a lateral distal end of the inner pad member.
[0010] Preferably, the inner pad member is cut in the shape of a
"V" at both longitudinal central portions of edges thereof.
[0011] Preferably, the body member is provided with an elastic band
at at least one of upper and lower distal ends thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the
present invention, reference should be made to the following
detailed description with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heel protector according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the parts of the heel
protector of FIG. 1 before installation;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heel protector according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heel protector according
to still another embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heel protector with the
inner surface turned out according to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an operational view of a heel protector according
to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic view for illustrating a connected
section between a body member and an inner pad member inside a heel
protector according to the present invention;
[0020] FIGS. 8 to 10 are perspective views of a heel protector
according to still a further embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0021] FIGS. 11 to 14 are perspective views illustrating the prior
arts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings,
where the present embodiments are not limiting the scope of the
present invention but are given only as an illustrative purpose,
and throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used for
designation of like or equivalent parts or portions for simplicity
of illustration and explanation.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a heel protector (10) according
to the present invention includes a body member (100) and an inner
pad member (200).
[0024] The body member (100) has a cylindrically bent "L" shape and
is made of a flexible fabric material. In other words, the body
member (100) has a shape of a sock cut out at a front section
thereof. A user may wear the body member (100) just like a sock or
may insert the body member (100) inside a sock to encompass the
heel of the user.
[0025] It should be appreciated that although a so-called ankle
protector having its front portion cut off will be explained
hereinafter, it is evident to those skilled in the art that the
present invention can be applied to a sock with its front portion
stitched, and it belongs to the protective scope of the present
invention. In other words, when an opening of the front section of
the body member (100) in FIG. 1 is sewn up to look like a regular
sock, the sewn-up sock belongs to the protective scope of the
present invention.
[0026] Furthermore, the inner pad member (200) of a substantially
oblong shape for accommodation to an inside of the body member
(100) is coupled to an inner section of the body member (100) for
being snugly fitted to the heel when the sock is worn.
[0027] Although the inner pad member (200) is described to have a
substantially oblong shape, it should be appreciated that the shape
of the inner pad member does not limit the scope of the present
invention as long as it teaches a hereinafter-described technical
characteristic in relation to a coupled shape between the inner pad
member and the body member.
[0028] The inner pad member (200) and the body member (100) are
sewn for coupling therebetween. In other words, both longitudinal
distal ends of the inner pad member (200) are stitched to the body
member (100) to allow the inner pad member (200) and the body
member (100) to be stitched along the stitching line (210).
Furthermore, a part of both lateral distal ends of the inner pad
member (200) are connected to the body member (100) via thread
rings (400). The thread ring (400) serves to tie the inner pad
member (200) and the body member (100) for being snugly fitted to
both lateral ends of the heel.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 7, both longitudinal distal ends of
the substantially oblong inner pad member (200) are sewn to the
body member (100) by the stitching line (210). Furthermore, central
marginal sections in the longitudinal direction of the inner pad
member (200) are tied to the body member (100) by the thread rings
(400) such that sections to which the body member (100) is not
affixed can be relatively moved in the opposite direction against
the body member (100). The central marginal section is a part of
lateral distal ends of the inner pad member (200) and corresponds
to an area of the inner pad member (200) accommodated to a lateral
section of the heel.
[0030] It is preferable that the inner pad member (200) is loosely
connected to the body member (100) in order to promote a relative
smooth movement between the inner pad member (200) and the body
member (100).
[0031] A predetermined space is formed between longitudinal distal
end of the inner pad member (200) and distal end of the body member
(100) as shown in FIG. 1, and a longitudinal distal end of the
inner pad member (200) and a distal end of the body member (100)
may be directly connected as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, a band (300) for maintaining
elasticity may be disposed at an upper end or a lower end of the
body member (100) in order to increase comfort and stability in
wearing the heel protector (10). An ankle can be protected by the
band (300) that wraps and applies pressure to the upper and lower
ends of the heel. The band (300) at the lower end of the body
member (100) can further produce an effect of applying pressure to
the sole for remedial treatment.
[0033] Now referring to FIG. 5, which illustrates a perspective
view of the heel protector with the inner surface turned out, the
body member (100) is made of a flexible fabric material and is
formed at both distal ends thereof with a band (300). An inner pad
member of a substantially oblong shape is sewn along a stitching
line (210) and both distal ends of the body member (100).
Furthermore, the band (300) and the body member (100) are coupled
by said stitching line (210).
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 5, a predetermined amount of space is
formed between the inner pad member (200) and the body member (100)
before the heel protector is worn, and when the heel protector is
worn by a user, the body member (100) is stretched or expanded to
fit the shape of a foot and the inner pad member (200) is
accommodated to the heel.
[0035] Preferably a predetermined amount of space is formed between
the inner pad member (200) and the body member (100) even after the
heel protector is worn such that a smooth sliding can be effected
between the inner pad member (200) and the body member (100).
[0036] According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the body member (100) is made of 55% nylon/spandex and
45% cotton. The area contacting the body member at the inner pad
member (200) is made of 100% polyester while the area of the inner
pad member (200) accommodated to the heel is made of fabric woven
with micro polyester.
[0037] The heel protector according to the embodiment of the
present invention is configured such that free movement can be
effected between the body member (100) and the inner pad member
(200) due to less friction while greater friction is produced at an
area where the inner pad member (200) and the heel are mutually
contacted, thereby preventing the heel from slipping with the inner
pad member (200).
[0038] Furthermore, soft and supple artificial fur made of micro
polyester is used for an area contacting the heel at the inner pad
member (200) to increase friction with the heel and to prevent
occurrences of skin damage, whereby a comfortable feeling created
by warmth and softness can also be provided when the heel protector
according to the present invention is worn.
[0039] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate still a further embodiment where
all constructions are the same as those of the previous embodiments
except for a `V` cut-out at each marginal center of the inner pad
member (200) such that the inner pad member (200) can be easily
folded at the cut-out section. In this case, inclined surfaces of
the `V` cut-out section overlap each other to be coupled to the
body member (100) via the thread ring (400). The operation of the
present invention will now be described with reference to FIG.
6.
[0040] When a user wears the heel protector of the present
invention on his or her foot, the heel of the foot is snugly fitted
to the inner pad member (200) while other areas of the foot are
supported by the body member (100). A predetermined amount of space
is preferably formed between the inner pad member (200) and the
body member (100) for a smooth sliding therebetween. Preferably, a
material of one surface of the inner pad member (200) contacting
the heel has a greater friction force while a material of the other
surface of the inner pad member (200) and a surface material of the
body member (100) contacting thereto have less friction force
therebetween. The user may wear a sock on top of the heel
protector.
[0041] When the user walks in shoes with the heel protector (10)
on, feet move inside the shoes according to the movement of the
feet. Conventionally, friction caused by the movement of the feet
directly or indirectly generates calluses or blisters on the heel
of the feet. However, when the heel protector (10) of the present
invention is worn, friction is generated between the inner pad
member (200) and the body member (100) while walking (as shown in
an enlarged, detailed view of FIG. 6), and the heel moves
simultaneously along with the inner pad member (200) such that no
direct friction is generated on an area of the heel where calluses
or blisters were formed in the past. As a result, calluses and
blisters are effectively prevented from being formed at the bottom
of the heel.
[0042] Although not illustrated in the drawings, there is another
advantage in the heel protector of the present invention in that
the same operation is applied to the Achilles' tendon at an upper
part of the heel such that blisters prone to be formed by the
friction with a shoe can be prevented. Blisters can be effectively
prevented especially when a new pair of shoes are worn. Although
FIG. 6 shows only a case of back and forth movements, the same
effect can be obtained for left and right movements.
[0043] Both longitudinal distal ends and a part of both lateral
distal ends of the inner pad member in the heel protector according
to the embodiments of the present invention are affixed to the body
member such that the inner pad member (200) and the heel are
simultaneously moved at an area where the heel is substantially
accommodated and calluses and blisters can be formed.
[0044] Subsequently, the inner pad member (200) wraps around the
heel of the user to thereby restrict friction from occurring
between the heel and the inner pad member (200), and friction
caused by sliding is generated between the inner pad member (200)
and the body member (100) to effectively prevent formation of
calluses or blisters caused by the friction between the heel and
the shoes.
[0045] The inventor of the present invention has discovered that
the result of this operation is most effectively accomplished in
the heel protector where both longitudinal distal ends and a
portion (an area where both lateral ends of the heel are
accommodated) of both lateral distal ends of the inner pad member
are affixed to the body member (100).
[0046] In other words, only some parts (400) of both lateral distal
ends of the inner pad member (200) are affixed to the body member
(100). Therefore, movement of the inner pad member (200) in
relation to the body member (100) can be maximally guaranteed,
compared to a case of the entire border of the inner pad member
(100) being coupled to the body member (100). Furthermore, when
compared to a case of only both longitudinal distal ends of the
inner pad member (200) being coupled to the body member (100), a
user can easily wear the heel protector, and problems of the inner
pad member being folded or the position of the inner pad member not
being fixed can be addressed. Still furthermore, the heel protector
can be manufactured with a simple construction to enable to
simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing
cost.
[0047] The inventor conducted clinical demonstrations by having a
user wear the heel protectors according to the embodiments of the
present invention. A test was conducted on fifteen male Ssirum
(Korean wrestling) athletes and ten male adults in which they
walked 80 kilometers for three nights and four days wearing the
heel protectors (20 kilometers per day totaling 32 hours). Even
after the long and tedious walks, no problems were found on the
skins of the heels. In other words, calluses or blisters were not
found on the skins of the heels. Furthermore, it was also verified
that the heel protectors had supported the ankles to provide the
wearers psychological comfort, without resulting in sprained
ankles.
[0048] The heel protectors according to the embodiments of the
present invention are useful to professionals including athletes,
soldiers and the like who are frequently on their feet. The
formation of calluses or blisters can be effectively prevented by
the heel protectors of the present invention even for the general
public when they work out, climb mountains or go for a walk.
[0049] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention has been presented for the purpose of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and
modifications and variations are possible to those skilled in the
art in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their
equivalents.
[0050] As apparent from the foregoing, there is an advantage in the
heel protector according to the embodiments of the present
invention in that friction generated on heels while walking can be
subdued by an inner pad member to thereby prevent formation of
calluses or blisters. There is another advantage in that the
configuration thereof simplifies the manufacturing process and
reduces the manufacturing cost.
* * * * *