U.S. patent application number 12/102800 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for protective foot membrane.
This patent application is currently assigned to Michele Laurie Hallivis. Invention is credited to Craig B. Berky, Steven Daniel Feinstein, Michele Laurie Hallivis, Gina Reimann.
Application Number | 20080250669 12/102800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39852427 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080250669 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hallivis; Michele Laurie ;
et al. |
October 16, 2008 |
PROTECTIVE FOOT MEMBRANE
Abstract
A membrane designed to surround the front portion of the foot
and protect it from pressure that may be applied by shoes. The
membrane acts as a protective barrier between the shoe and the
wearer's foot. As a result, direct abrasion of the foot caused by
portions of the shoe is reduced. Additionally, the membrane is
designed to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the shoe,
such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the
wearer's foot. The membrane is worn on the front portion of the
foot between the toes and the heel.
Inventors: |
Hallivis; Michele Laurie;
(New York, NY) ; Berky; Craig B.; (Milford,
OH) ; Feinstein; Steven Daniel; (New York, NY)
; Reimann; Gina; (Brooklyn, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DARBY & DARBY P.C.
P.O. BOX 770, Church Street Station
New York
NY
10008-0770
US
|
Assignee: |
Hallivis; Michele Laurie
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
39852427 |
Appl. No.: |
12/102800 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60911728 |
Apr 13, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/96 ; 36/72R;
36/88 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/00 20130101; A63B
71/1225 20130101; A43B 7/14 20130101; A43B 19/00 20130101; A63B
2071/1283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/96 ; 36/88;
36/72.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/14 20060101
A43B007/14; A43B 13/22 20060101 A43B013/22 |
Claims
1. A protective foot membrane comprising: a band configured to wrap
around a front portion of a user's foot, the front portion being at
least between the toes and heel of the user, the band having a top
portion configured to cover at least a top portion of the user's
foot and a bottom portion configured to cover a bottom portion of
the user's foot, wherein the top portion of the band is configured
to at least partially absorb pressure exerted on at least a portion
of the user's foot.
2. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the top portion
of the band is configured to at least partially absorb pressure
exerted on a top portion of the user's foot.
3. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the top portion
of the band is configured to at least partially absorb pressure
exerted on a side portion adjacent a toe of the user's foot.
4. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the membrane
comprises at least one of transparent and translucent material.
5. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the membrane
comprises a dull surface finish.
6. The protective foot membrane of claim 5 wherein the dull surface
finish includes a matted finish.
7. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein at least a
portion of the membrane includes a skin-tone color.
8. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the membrane
comprises a flexible material.
9. The protective foot membrane of claim 8 wherein the flexible
material includes an elastic polymer.
10. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the membrane
comprises an inelastic plastic.
11. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the band is
formed of a single material.
12. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the band
comprises an inner layer and an outer layer.
13. The protective foot membrane of claim 12 further comprising a
gap between the inner layer and outer layer.
14. The protective foot membrane of claim 13 wherein the gap is
filled with air.
15. The protective foot membrane of claim 13 wherein the gap is
filled with a gel.
16. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the bottom
portion comprises a connector configured to pass under the bottom
of the foot.
17. The protective foot membrane of claim 16 wherein the connector
comprises elastic material.
18. The protective foot membrane of claim 17 wherein the top
portion is transparent.
19. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising an
outer sheath disposed around the band.
20. The protective foot membrane of claim 19 further comprising a
lock configured to hold the outer sheath in place on the band, the
lock including at least one tab disposed on the outer sheath and at
least one slit disposed on the band configured to receive the
tab.
21. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein an inside of
the band comprises a first material and an outside of the band
comprises a second material that is different from the first
material.
22. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein at least the
bottom portion of the band includes a grip pattern thereon.
23. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising at
least one slot or hole in the band.
24. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
foot powder disposed on a surface of the protective foot
membrane.
25. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
foot lotion disposed on a surface of the protective foot
membrane.
26. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
toe loop disposed on the band.
27. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of toe holes in a front portion of the membrane.
28. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the band
comprises a plurality of strips configured to extend around at
least a portion of the user's foot.
29. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising an
image on an outer surface of the top portion of the band.
30. The protective foot membrane of claim 29 wherein the image is
configured to replicate a tattoo.
31. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
plastic plate adjacent the top portion of the band.
32. The protective foot membrane of claim 31, wherein the plastic
plate is heat moldable to the top of the user's foot.
33. The protective foot membrane of claim 31, wherein the plastic
plate includes a plurality of toe grips.
34. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
bottom pad adjacent the bottom portion of the band.
35. The protective foot membrane of claim 34 wherein the bottom pad
is a silicon pad.
36. The protective foot membrane of claim 34 wherein the bottom pad
comprises a memory foam.
37. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
molded base adjacent the bottom portion of the band, the molded
base configured to cover substantially all of a sole of the user's
foot.
38. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising a
heel strap extending from the band and configured to be disposed
behind a user's heel.
39. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 further comprising air
holes configured to provide air to the user's foot.
40. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein a thickness of
the membrane is non-uniform.
41. A protective foot membrane comprising: a band configured to
wrap around a front portion of a user's foot the front portion
being between the toes and heel of the user, the band having a top
portion configured to cover a top portion of the user's foot and a
bottom portion configured to cover a bottom portion of the user's
foot, wherein at least the top portion comprises a transparent
elastic polymer.
42. The protective foot membrane of claim 41 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a top portion of the user's foot.
43. The protective foot membrane of claim 41 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a side portion adjacent a toe of the user's
foot.
44. The protective foot membrane of claim 41 wherein the
transparent elastic polymer comprises latex.
45. A protective foot membrane comprising: a band configured to
wrap around a front portion of a user's foot the front portion
being between the toes and heel of the user, the band having a top
portion configured to cover a top portion of the user's foot and a
bottom portion configured to cover a bottom portion of the user's
foot, wherein the top portion is configured to at least partially
absorb pressure exerted on at least a portion of the user's foot,
and wherein the bottom portion includes a molded base configured to
cover substantially the entire bottom of the user's foot.
46. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the top portion
of the band is configured to at least partially absorb pressure
exerted on a top portion of the user's foot.
47. The protective foot membrane of claim 1 wherein the top portion
of the band is configured to at least partially absorb pressure
exerted on a side portion adjacent a toe of the user's foot.
48. The protective foot membrane of claim 45 wherein the membrane
comprises at least one of transparent and translucent material.
49. The protective foot membrane of claim 45 wherein at least a
portion of the membrane includes a skin-tone color.
50. The protective foot membrane of claim 45 wherein the membrane
comprises a flexible material.
51. A protective foot membrane comprising: a band configured to
wrap around a front portion of a user's foot the front portion
being between the toes and heel of the user, the band having a top
portion configured to cover a top portion of the user's foot and a
bottom portion configured to cover a bottom portion of the user's
foot, wherein the top portion is configured to at least partially
absorb pressure exerted on at least a portion of the user's foot,
and the top portion comprises at least two straps separated by a
gap, each strap having a first side connected to a first side of
the bottom portion and a second side connected to a second side of
the bottom portion.
52. The protective foot membrane of claim 51 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a top portion of the user's foot.
53. The protective foot membrane of claim 51 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a side portion adjacent a toe of the user's
foot.
54. The protective foot membrane of claim 51 wherein the membrane
comprises at least one of transparent and translucent material.
55. The protective foot membrane of claim 51 wherein at least a
portion of the membrane includes a skin-tone color.
56. The protective foot membrane of claim 51 wherein the membrane
comprises a flexible material.
57. A protective foot membrane comprising: a band configured to
wrap around a front portion of a user's foot the front portion
being between the toes and heel of the user, the band having a top
portion configured to cover a top portion of the user's foot and a
bottom portion configured to cover a bottom portion of the user's
foot, wherein the top portion the top portion is configured to at
least partially absorb pressure exerted on at least a portion of
the user's foot, and the top portion comprises two crossed straps,
each strap having a first side connected to a first side of the
bottom portion and a second side connected to a second side of the
bottom portion, and wherein the crossed straps overlap.
58. The protective foot membrane of claim 57 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a top portion of the user's foot.
59. The protective foot membrane of claim 57 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a side portion adjacent a toe of the user's
foot.
60. The protective foot membrane of claim 57 wherein the crossed
straps are integrally formed.
61. The protective foot membrane of claim 57 wherein the crossed
straps are separate.
62. The protective foot membrane of claim 57 wherein the membrane
comprises at least one of transparent and translucent material.
63. The protective foot membrane of claim 57 wherein at least a
portion of the membrane includes a skin-tone color.
64. The protective foot membrane of claim 57 wherein the membrane
comprises a flexible material.
65. A protective foot membrane comprising: a band configured to
wrap around a front portion of a user's foot the front portion
being between the toes and heel of the user, the band having a top
portion configured to cover a top portion of the user's foot and a
bottom portion configured to cover a bottom portion of the user's
foot, wherein the top portion is configured to spread pressure
exerted on at least a portion of the user's foot.
66. The protective foot membrane of claim 65 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a top portion of the user's foot.
67. The protective foot membrane of claim 65 wherein the top
portion of the band is configured to at least partially absorb
pressure exerted on a side portion adjacent a toe of the user's
foot.
68. The protective foot membrane of claim 65 wherein the membrane
comprises at least one of transparent and translucent material.
69. The protective foot membrane of claim 65 wherein at least a
portion of the membrane includes a skin-tone color.
70. The protective foot membrane of claim 65 wherein the membrane
comprises a flexible material.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 60/911,728, filed Apr. 13, 2007, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to foot comfort and
specifically relates to a membrane for protecting a foot from
pressure applied to the foot by shoes worn over the foot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is well known that people's feet are subject to constant
pressure and wear throughout the day. For this reason, there is an
abundance of podiatric products available for both preventing and
treating foot injuries. Most preventative products are directed at
providing additional padding or pressure distribution on the bottom
of the foot, particularly the heel or balls of the feet. However,
many shoes place tremendous pressure on the sides and top of the
foot, as well as the bottom. Open-toed and high-heeled shoes
particularly place great pressure on the front portion of the foot
just behind the toes. The straps of many women's fashionable
high-heeled shoes are designed to fit tightly around the wearer's
foot. This, in combination with the added pressure caused by the
angle of the high-heeled shoe can cause extreme discomfort or even
damage to the foot. Therefore, there is a need for a podiatric
product that protects the front of the foot on all sides and
distributes or lessens pressure to the foot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one embodiment, the invention provides a membrane that
surrounds the front portion of the foot to protect it from pressure
that may be applied by shoes. The membrane acts as a protective
barrier between the shoe and the wearer's foot. As a result, direct
abrasion of the foot or pressure applied to the foot caused by
portions of the shoe contacting the foot are dramatically reduced.
Additionally, the membrane is designed to cushion the foot from
pressure and/or to spread the pressure exerted by portions of the
shoe, such as straps, to a significantly larger surface area of the
wearer's foot.
[0005] The membrane of the present invention may be made in one of
a variety of configurations as described below. In its most general
form, the membrane is a band that wraps around the front portion of
the foot between the area of the foot that is just behind the toes
and the heel. In one embodiment, the back of the membrane falls
within the arch of the foot. Having an embodiment of the inventive
membrane in the form of a band, such that the toes are left open,
is advantageous for the design of open-toed shoes. The wearer may
enjoy the comfort of the membrane without restricting their
wardrobe to close-toed shoes. Using the membrane, the wearer may
comfortably wear high heels, open-toed shoes or any traditionally
uncomfortable shoes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] These and other objects and features of the invention will
become more apparent by referring to the drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the invention in use on a
foot;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of one embodiment of the invention
taken along line 4-4;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of another embodiment of the
invention taken along line 4-4;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6
taken along line 6-6;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross-section of yet another embodiment of the
invention taken along line 4-4;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
8;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
the invention;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of
the invention;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention in use;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
the invention;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a variation of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 15
[0023] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a shoe with which the
invention may be used;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention in use;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention in use;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the
invention in use;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a side view of still another embodiment of the
invention in use;
[0028] FIG. 22 is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention; and
[0029] FIG. 23 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The inventive membrane 1 is shown in use in FIG. 1 on the
front portion of a wearer's foot. The membrane 1 is in the form of
a band and is wrapped around the front portion of the foot 100
between the toes 104 and the heel 102 of the foot. The inventive
membrane protects the foot from the front sections of a shoe which
may place great pressure on the foot 100. The membrane 1 can
provide cushioning from pressure exerted on the foot or spread the
pressure exerted on the foot by the shoe. The membrane can be
configured to provide cushioning along the top and/or sides of the
foot near the toes. If the desired shoes have tight straps or firm
contours, the inventive membrane will protect the foot from
abrasion or pressure caused by the straps or contours. The
inventive membrane is in the form of a band so that the membrane
will mostly be concealed should the wearer choose to wear open-toed
shoes. Even with this advantageous design, it is not possible to
design the membrane such that it will be concealed under all types
of shoe. Therefore, the membrane can be formed of a translucent or
transparent material. The material may also be somewhat dull to
reduce reflections which would otherwise reveal the presence of the
membrane. For example, the membrane can include a matted finish, so
that light reflections are reduced. In this way, it is less likely
that observers will notice that the wearer is using the inventive
membrane. Alternatively, the membrane may have a color that matches
the skin color of the wearer. Thus, the inventive membrane may be
made in a variety of skin-tone colors.
[0031] The membrane 1 may be in the form of a straight loop, having
a constant circumference along its length, such as that shown in
FIG. 2. In order to fit over the foot, the membrane 1 can be made
of a flexible material, such as an elastic polymer. Alternatively,
the membrane 1 can taper along its length, such as the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3. This embodiment may also be elastic to closely
conform with the foot. Alternatively, the embodiment shown in FIG.
3 may be made of an inelastic material, such as inelastic plastic
and can come in various sizes to fit different feet. The remaining
descriptions are made with reference to an embodiment that has a
uniform circumference along its length, such as that shown in FIG.
1. However, it is to be understood that these descriptions can also
pertain to the tapered embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a top view of membrane 1. As shown, the
membrane has a uniform length about its circumference. Thus, the
membrane 1 provides significant protection around the front section
of the foot.
[0033] FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross sections of two different
embodiments of membrane 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 4. The
embodiment in FIG. 5 has a uniform construction and thickness about
its circumference. The membrane of FIG. 5 is in the form of a
single band of material. In contrast, the embodiment shown in FIG.
6 is formed as a sheath having an inner layer 2 and an outer layer
4. A gap 10 is formed inside the sheath between layers 2 and 4. As
shown in the cross section presented in FIG. 7, the gap 10 is
closed off by front end 6 and back end 8 of the sheath. The gap 10
can be filled with air to provide added cushion without any
additional cost. Alternatively, the gap 10 can include a filler
such as gel to provide more substantial added cushioning.
[0034] It is not necessary for the membrane to be uniform in
thickness or construction around its circumference. A first portion
of the membrane may have a first thickness and a second portion may
have a second thickness. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the
membrane may be in the form of a sheath for a portion of its
circumference. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 includes a gap 10
which extends from a section where one side of the foot meets the
bottom of the shoe, over the top of the foot, to a section where
the other side of the foot meets the bottom of the shoe. Again, the
gap 10 can include air or gel. Further, the sheath may include an
open end and one or more pads may be included that can be inserted
into the gap. The pad can supply additional cushion and protection
from abrasion. To complete the band, a connector 12 is included
which passes under the bottom of the foot. As shown in the bottom
view of FIG. 9, the connector 12 does not have to be the same
length as the rest of membrane 1. Accordingly, the embodiment shown
in FIG. 9 does not have a uniform length about its circumference.
The connector 12 can be made of an elastic material, such that the
membrane 1 as whole may have elastic properties regardless of the
elasticity of the inner layer 2 and outer layer 4. The connector 12
can be used in any embodiment of the band. For example, the band
could have a gap, as described above, or an elastic connector 12
could be used with a transparent membrane 1.
[0035] In order to target specific parts of the foot that are most
prone to injury or pressure when inserted into a shoe, the membrane
1 may include an outer sheath 16 that wraps around a portion of the
membrane 1. The outer sheath 16 may rotate freely about the
membrane 1 so that the outer sheath 16 moves freely with the
wearer's skin, thus preventing abrasion. The outer sheath 16 is
also designed such that it may rotate about the circumference of
the membrane 1. Accordingly, the outer sheath 16 can be positioned
for any target area of the front portion of the foot. A lock 18 can
be included to lock the outer sheath 16 in a particular place with
respect to the circumference of the membrane 1. The embodiment of
lock 18, shown in FIG. 10, is in the form of two tabs 31 extending
outward from the sheath 16. A plurality of slits 32 are formed in
the membrane at various locations about its surface. In order to
lock the sheath 16 in place with respect to the membrane 1, the two
tabs 31 are inserted into the desired slits 32. In this way, the
sheath 16 can be positioned and locked in place at one of several
alternative locations on the membrane 1.
[0036] It may be advantageous to design the inner side 20 and the
outer side 22 of the membrane 1 of different materials. This can be
accomplished by spraying a coating on the inside 20 or the outside
22 of the membrane 1 (FIG. 11). For example, if it is desired to
have the membrane 1 stay in place with respect to the wearer's
foot, the inner side 20 of the membrane may be made of a highly
frictional material, while the outer side 22 can be made of a
smooth low friction material. On the other hand, if it is more
desirable to have the membrane stay in place with respect to the
shoe, the inner side 20 of the membrane may be made of a smooth,
low friction material while the outer side 22 can be made of a high
friction material. A membrane with inner side 20 and outer side 22
made of different materials is shown in FIG. 11. To further aid in
increasing friction to the outer side 22 of the membrane 1, the
membrane may include a grip pattern on its bottom. For example the
membrane can include ribs 24, such as those shown on the bottom of
the membrane 1 depicted in FIG. 13.
[0037] Although the use of the membrane 1 will help reduce injury
and discomfort for the user, it is possible that it will reduce the
foot's ability to "breathe." That is, the foot may become hot and
perspiration could become trapped beneath the membrane 1. To reduce
this effect, the membrane 1 may be made out of a breathable
material. Alternatively, or in addition, the membrane 1 may include
slots 26 or holes 28, such as those shown in the bottom of membrane
1 illustrated in FIG. 12. These slots 26 and holes 28 allow cool
air to contact the foot and allow perspiration to escape. Another
approach to address the potential increase in perspiration, the
foot membrane may be covered in a foot powder. The foot powder can
include an odor absorbent, deodorant or antiperspirant. These same
features could also be part of a foot lotion that is included on
the foot membrane.
[0038] The membrane 1 may include additional features. For
instance, as shown in FIG. 14, the membrane 1 may include a toe
loop 30. In use, the toe loop 30 slips over one toe of the user. In
the illustrated embodiment, toe loop 30 fits on the big toe of the
user. However, the membrane 1 may be designed with a toe loop 30
operable to receive any toe. The toe loop 30 holds the membrane 1
in place on the users foot. When the toe loop 30 is fit over a toe,
the membrane 1 is prevented from rotating around the user's foot,
or from moving too far up onto the user's foot. An alternative
configuration to keep the membrane secure on the user's foot is to
include specific toe holes in the front portion of the membrane.
For example, the membrane may be similar to a glove with finger
holes included therein.
[0039] The membrane 1 can also be formed in more than one band.
Embodiments with more than one band are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
The embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 each include two strips 34
that extend around the foot. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15,
the strips run parallel to one another, while in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 16, the strips 34 crisscross. As shown in these
figures, the strips 34 may extend along a majority of the length of
membrane 1. However, the strips 34 may be much smaller. For
instance, the strips could only extend along a small portion of the
length of the membrane 1, leaving just a small gap therebetween.
The two strips 34 may be made of the same material as the rest of
the membrane 1, as shown in FIG. 15, or may be made of a different
material, as shown in FIG. 16. For example, the strips may be
substantially inelastic, while the rest of the membrane is a highly
elastic material, or a connector, such as that described above.
[0040] FIG. 17 shows a foot wearing a shoe 70. The present
invention may be beneficially used with such a shoe 70. FIG. 18
shows a foot and an embodiment of the invention that would be
suitable for use with the shoe 70. The shoe 70 includes two
crisscrossing straps 72 that pass over the top of the foot. As the
user walks, the straps dig into the user's foot. The membrane 1
shown in FIG. 18 includes two strips 34 which are each designed to
fit below the straps 72. Accordingly, the strips 34 protect the
user from the straps 72. In the illustrated embodiment, an elastic
connector 12 is used to connect the strips 34 around the bottom of
the foot. The strips 34 are shown in this embodiment as integrally
connected where they cross. However, they may also be overlapping
and separate strips.
[0041] Even if the foot membrane 1 is transparent or has a
skin-tone color, seams or the border of the membrane 1 may still be
visible. To conceal the border of the membrane, the membrane may
include an image 36 thereon that replicates a tattoo, as shown in
FIG. 19. The tattoo image 36 will thus mask the area where the
border or seam would be visible. Additionally, the tattoo may be
provided at any location on the membrane to provide a decorative
appearance.
[0042] For added protection to the foot, the membrane may include
additional protective elements on either the top or bottom of the
foot. As shown in FIG. 20, the membrane can include a plastic plate
38 configured to cover the top of the foot. In an advantageous
embodiment, the plastic plate 38 can be moldable to the shape of
the top of the foot. For example, the moldable plate 38 can include
toe grips 40 to secure the plastic plate 38 on each toe. To further
form the plastic plate 38 to the foot, the plate may be heat
moldable. Other forms of added protection may also be included in
the membrane for the bottom of the foot. As shown in FIG. 21, the
membrane 1 can include a bottom pad 42 that is disposed on the
bottom of the membrane 1. The bottom pad 42 can be positioned to
add comfort for the bottom of the foot. The bottom pad 42 may be
made of a clear material, such as a silicon pad. In another
embodiment, the bottom pad 42 could be made of memory foam. For
even further protection to the bottom of the foot, the membrane can
include a molded base 44, such as that shown in FIG. 22. The molded
base 44 can stretch across substantially the entire bottom of the
foot.
[0043] To fit the membrane 1 snuggly on the foot, the membrane may
also include a heel strap 46 shown in FIG. 23, in addition to or in
place of the toe loop or toe holes mentioned above. The heel strap
46, extends from the body of the membrane to the rear side of the
heel of the user. In an advantageous embodiment, the heel strap 46
is transparent or skin-toned, regardless of the color of the
remainder of the membrane. In another embodiment, the foot membrane
may be used with a shear or ultra shear stocking that covers a
substantial portion of the user's leg and holds the foot membrane
securely in place.
[0044] A custom fit version of the membrane may be made in the form
of a sock that includes a polymer material. To custom fit the
membrane, the user may remove unwanted sections from the sock.
[0045] Although the preferred form of the invention has been shown
and described, many features may be varied, as will readily be
apparent to those skilled in this art.
* * * * *