U.S. patent application number 13/769720 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-27 for footwear with charcoal systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Alice Chang. Invention is credited to Alice Chang.
Application Number | 20140082970 13/769720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50337461 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140082970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chang; Alice |
March 27, 2014 |
FOOTWEAR WITH CHARCOAL SYSTEMS
Abstract
A footwear with charcoal system includes a footwear garment
assembly having a sole, an inner layer, an outer layer forming an
outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner and/or
the insole comprising active charcoal. The foot garment and the
liner comprising the charcoal in combination form the footwear
garment assembly useful for minimizing odors and moisture released
from the foot during active use and promoting good health of the
foot. Further, the footwear with charcoal system serves to reduce
exposure to bacteria and fungi on the foot; foot garment may
include shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates. The
liner wraps around the foot of a wearer thereby creating a large
surface area of coverage of the charcoal, and is removably-fastened
via at least one fastener to the foot and the foot garment.
Inventors: |
Chang; Alice; (South
Pasadena, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chang; Alice |
South Pasadena |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50337461 |
Appl. No.: |
13/769720 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61705710 |
Sep 26, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/0045 20130101;
A61N 2/004 20130101; A61N 2/008 20130101; A43B 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/136 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/00 20060101
A43B007/00 |
Claims
1. A footwear with charcoal system comprising: a footwear garment
assembly having; a sole; an inner layer; an outer layer forming an
outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner
comprising charcoal; wherein said inner layer, said outer layer,
and said middle layer in combination form a foot garment for wear;
wherein said sole provides cushioning for a foot when wearing said
foot garment; wherein said inner layer is located adjacent said
foot of a wearer when said foot garment is worn; wherein said liner
wraps around said foot of a wearer thereby creating a large surface
area of coverage of said charcoal, and is removably-fastened via at
least one fastener to said foot and said foot garment; and wherein
said foot garment and said liner comprising said charcoal in
combination form said footwear garment assembly useful for
minimizing odors and moisture released from said foot during active
use and promoting good health of said foot.
2. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said
footwear with charcoal system further serves to reduce exposure to
bacteria and fungi on said foot.
3. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 2 wherein said foot
garment comprises at least one sandal.
4. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 2 wherein said foot
garment comprises at least one boot.
5. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 2 wherein said foot
garment comprises at least one shoe.
6. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said
charcoal is active.
7. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner
is replaceable and disposable, thus eliminating the need for said
wearer to don socks.
8. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 7 wherein said
fastener comprises at least one adhesive.
9. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 8 wherein said
adhesive comprises at least one peel-away protective sheet to
protect said adhesive when not in-use.
10. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner
is re-useable.
11. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 10 wherein said
re-useable said liner is able to be securely attached to said inner
layer of said footwear assembly.
12. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 10 wherein fastener
comprises at least one hook and loop fastener system.
13. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 10 wherein fastener
comprises at least snap.
14. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner
comprises natural materials.
15. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 14 wherein said
natural material is selected from the group consisting of cotton,
linen, wool, leather, and rubber.
16. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 1 wherein said liner
comprises synthetic materials.
17. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 16 wherein said
synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of
plastic, polyester, nylon, latex, and silicone gel.
18. A footwear with charcoal system comprising: a footwear garment
assembly having; a sole; an inner layer; an outer layer forming an
outsole and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner
comprising charcoal; wherein said inner layer, said outer layer,
and said middle layer in combination form a foot garment for wear;
wherein said sole provides cushioning for a foot when wearing said
foot garment; wherein said inner layer is located adjacent said
foot of a wearer when said foot garment is worn; wherein said
footwear with charcoal system further serves to reduce exposure to
bacteria and fungi on said foot; wherein said foot garment
comprises at least one shoe. wherein said charcoal is active;
wherein said liner is replaceable and disposable, thus eliminating
the need for said wearer to don socks; wherein said liner comprises
natural materials; wherein said fastener comprises at least one
adhesive; and wherein said adhesive comprises at least one
peel-away protective sheet to protect said adhesive when not
in-use; wherein said liner wraps around said foot of a wearer
thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of said charcoal,
and is removably-fastened via at least one fastener to said foot
and said foot garment; wherein said foot garment and said liner
comprising said charcoal in combination form said footwear garment
assembly useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from
said foot during active use and promoting good health of said
foot.
19. The footwear with charcoal system of claim 18 wherein said
footwear garment material is selected from the group consisting of
natural fabrics of leather, fabric, and rubber.
20. A method of using footwear with charcoal comprising the steps
of: locating at least one re-usable liner comprising active
charcoal; wrapping said re-useable liner around a foot of a wearer;
fastening said re-useable liner around said foot of said wearer;
inserting said foot into said footwear; wearing at least one foot
garment, each of said foot garment(s) comprising a foot garment
assembly having said liner comprising said active charcoal to
reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on said foot; removing said
foot garment(s) after a wearer-defined duration; and un-fastening
said liner comprising active charcoal from said foot after said
wearer-defined duration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority
from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/705,710, filed Oct.
10, 2012 which application is incorporated herein by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).
[0003] The following includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that
any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material,
to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any
publication or document that is specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates generally to the field of
footwear and more specifically relates to footwear with
charcoal.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Footwear comprises garments worn on the feet, for fashion,
protection against the environment, and adornment. Footwear may
include various types of shoes, boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers,
skates, and the like. Shoes and boots are intended to protect and
comfort the human foot while doing various activities. Shoes and
boots may be used for work or for fashion. Sandals and slippers are
often worn for leisure. Athletic shoes include sneakers and skates.
Many types of footwear may cause discomfort to wearers. Footwear
generally is not traditionally multi-purpose in design.
Unfortunately, footwear, especially athletic shoes and heavy boots,
can quickly become odorous and sweaty. This can cause bacteria and
fungi to grow around the foot. Some people may wear insoles, but
the insoles normally only protect the bottom of the foot.
[0008] Charcoal is dark grey residue consisting of carbon, and any
remaining ash, obtained by removing water and other volatile
constituents from animal and vegetation substances. Charcoal is
usually produced by slow pyrolysis, the heating of wood or other
substances in the absence of oxygen. It is usually an impure form
of carbon as it contains ash; however, sugar charcoal is among the
purest forms of carbon readily available, particularly if it is not
made by heating but by a dehydration reaction with sulfuric acid to
minimize introducing new impurities, as impurities can be removed
from the sugar in advance. The resulting soft, brittle,
lightweight, black, porous material resembles coal. Charcoal can be
used to remove odors. A convenient means by which charcoal can be
introduced to human feet is desirable.
[0009] Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned
problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. and Pub. Nos. 5,117,566;
7,254,903; 5,996,250; 5,499,459; 2005/0262727; and 8,099,881. This
art is representative of footwear. None of the above inventions and
patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe
the invention as claimed.
[0010] Ideally, footwear with charcoal system should enable a
wearer to control their foot odor and sweat, which can reduce the
foot's exposure to bacteria and fungi and, yet would operate
reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need
exists for a reliable footwear with charcoal system to avoid the
above-mentioned problems, one that may be worn on the feet of human
wearers with ease over a duration.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
footwear art, the present invention provides a novel footwear with
charcoal system. The general purpose of the present invention,
which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to
provide a footwear with charcoal system to enable a wearer to
control their foot odor and sweat, which can reduce bacteria and
fungi affecting the feet.
[0012] The present invention provides people with a line of
footwear featuring imbedded, activated charcoal that surrounds the
foot. The present invention controls foot odor and absorbs
excessive moisture from sweat and limits bacterial and fungi growth
while eliminating the use of insoles, which may not cover the
entire foot. Footwear with Charcoal can be offered in various types
of footwear, including shoes, boots, slippers, sandals, sneakers
and skates.
[0013] A footwear with charcoal system is disclosed herein, in a
preferred embodiment, comprising: a footwear garment assembly
having a sole, an inner layer, an outer layer forming an outsole
and an upper; a middle layer; and at least one liner comprising
active charcoal. The inner layer, the outer layer, and the middle
layer in combination form a foot garment for wear. The sole
provides cushioning for a foot when wearing the foot garment. The
inner layer is located adjacent the foot of a wearer when the foot
garment is worn. The foot garment and the liner comprising the
charcoal in combination form the footwear garment assembly useful
for minimizing odors and moisture released from the foot during
active use and promoting good health of the foot. Additionally, the
footwear with charcoal system further serves to reduce exposure to
bacteria and fungi on the foot. The foot garment comprises at least
one (pair of) shoe(s).
[0014] In preferred embodiments the liner wraps around the foot of
a wearer thereby creating a large surface area of coverage of the
charcoal, and is removably-fastenable via at least one fastener to
the foot and the foot garment. The liner is replaceable and
disposable, thus eliminating the need for the wearer to don socks.
The liner comprises natural materials. The natural material is
selected from the group consisting of cotton, linen, wool, leather,
and rubber. The fastener comprises at least one adhesive or other
suitable fastening means such as snaps, clips or the like. The
adhesive, when used, comprises at least one peel-away protective
sheet to protect the adhesive when not in-use. Versions with both a
removable liner with charcoal and footwear with charcoal embedded
may be combined for additional protection.
[0015] A method of use for footwear with charcoal system is also
disclosed herein preferably comprising the steps of: locating at
least one re-usable liner comprising active charcoal; wrapping the
re-useable liner around a foot of a wearer; fastening the
re-useable liner around the foot of the wearer; inserting the foot
into the footwear; wearing at least one foot garment, each of the
foot garment(s) comprising a foot garment assembly having the liner
comprising the active charcoal to reduce exposure to bacteria and
fungi on the foot; removing the foot garment(s) after a
wearer-defined duration; and un-fastening the liner comprising
active charcoal from the foot after the wearer-defined
duration.
[0016] The present invention holds significant improvements and
serves as a footwear with charcoal system. For purposes of
summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel
features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be
understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved
in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention.
Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that
achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as
taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may
be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which
are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and
distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with reference to the
following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The figures which accompany the written portion of this
specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the
present invention, footwear with charcoal system, constructed and
operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a footwear with
charcoal system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an item of
footwear (a shoe) of footwear with charcoal system according to an
embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a charcoal inner
liner for use in conjunction with the foot garment of the footwear
with charcoal system according to an embodiment of the present
invention of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating other possible
embodiments of the footwear with charcoal system (shoes, boots,
sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates, and the like) according to an
embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the
footwear with charcoal system according to an embodiment of the
present invention of FIGS. 1-4.
[0023] The various embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings,
wherein like designations denote like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention
relate to a footwear device and more particularly to a footwear
with charcoal system to enable a wearer to control their foot odor
and sweat, which can reduce the foot's exposure to bacteria and
fungi.
[0025] Generally speaking, the Footwear with Charcoal of the
present invention may comprise a line of footwear, including shoes,
boots, sandals, slippers, sneakers, skates and virtually any other
type of shoe, with an imbedded liner of activated charcoal. The
charcoal may be imbedded in the inner linings of the footwear,
which can be made of natural and synthetic materials, the natural
materials may include cotton, linen, wool, leather, rubber, etc.,
and the synthetic materials may include plastic, polyester, nylon,
latex, silicone gel, etc. For the re-useable form, the charcoal
lining is non-removable and held within the inner linings of the
footwear, and/or the insoles of the footwear. The whole foot is
wrapped via the charcoal lining, creating a large surface area of
charcoal coverage, so it is more effective in controlling foot
odors, absorbing excess moisture from sweat, and limiting bacterial
and fungi growth. The footwear may be offered in a variety of
designs, styles, and types, depending on user preference. The exact
specifications may vary upon manufacturing. Footwear with charcoal
is for better hygiene and sanitation purposes. It keeps the foot
fresh, dry, and comfortable while enabling better performance of
the athlete.
[0026] Referring now to the drawings more specifically by numerals
of reference there is shown in FIGS. 1-4 perspective views
illustrating footwear with charcoal system 100 in an in-use
condition 106 and various foot garments 180 having at least one
liner 150 comprising charcoal 154 that may be employed for use with
the present invention.
[0027] Footwear with charcoal system 100 comprises at least one
footwear garment assembly 110 having sole 116, inner layer 122,
outer layer 130 forming outsole 134 and upper inner layer 138;
middle layer 142 (respectively from inside to outside of foot
garment 180); and at least one liner 150 comprising active charcoal
164. Inner layer 122, outer layer 130, and middle layer 142 in
combination form foot garment 180 for wear. More layers may be used
if desired. Inner layer 122 is located adjacent foot 194 of wearer
190 when the foot garment 180 is worn. Sole 116 provides cushioning
for foot 194 when wearing foot garment 180. Foot garment 180
preferably comprises at least one (pair of) shoe(s) 182.
[0028] Foot garment 180 and liner 150 preferably comprise charcoal
154 in active form in combination to form footwear garment assembly
102 useful for minimizing odors and moisture released from foot 194
during active use and thereby promoting good health of foot 194.
Further, footwear with charcoal system 100 serves to reduce
exposure to bacteria and fungi on foot 194 as an unfriendly
environment is created wherein moisture is not present over an
extended duration.
[0029] Liner 150 in certain embodiments preferably wraps around
foot 194 of wearer 190 thereby creating a large surface area of
coverage of charcoal 154, and is removably-fastened via at least
one fastener 160 to foot 194 and foot garment 180. Further, liner
150 is replaceable and disposable, thus eliminating the need for
wearer 190 to don socks. Other versions may be attached to shoe(s)
182. Other versions may have embedded active charcoal 164 in foot
garment 180.
[0030] Fastener 160 may comprise at least one adhesive 170.
Adhesive 170 may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
Other fastening means may be used including other adhesives,
non-adhesives, static electricity (cling) means, mechanical
fasteners for securing liner 150 around foot 194 of wearer 190 and
the like.
[0031] The at least one adhesive 170 in certain embodiments is able
to be exposed via removing at one protective peel-away sheet 172.
Protective peel-away sheet 172 preferably covers adhesive 170
serving to protect adhesive 170 until ready for use when employing
footwear with charcoal system 100 around foot 194 of wearer 190.
Further, protective peel-away sheet 172 may comprise an optional
tab (not shown) for ease of use. The tab may provide a finger
engageable portion whereby wearer 190 may grasp protective
peel-away sheet 172 to remove protective peel-away sheet 172 from
adhesive 170 on footwear with charcoal system 100.
[0032] Further, in an alternate embodiment, liner 150 may be
re-useable. When liner 150 is re-useable, liner 150 is able to be
securely attached to inner layer 122 of footwear assembly 102. In
the re-usable form of liner 150, fastener 160 comprises at least
one hook and loop fastener system. Upon reading this specification,
it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as user preferences, design preference,
structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available
materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener
arrangements such as, for example, buttons, snaps, clips, etc., may
be sufficient.
[0033] Liner 150 may comprise both natural and synthetic materials.
The natural materials are preferably selected from the group
consisting of cotton, linen, wool, leather, and rubber; while the
synthetic materials are selected from the group consisting of
plastic, polyester, nylon, latex, and silicone gel.
[0034] Foot garment(s) 180 may comprise shoe(s) 182; boot(s) 184;
sandal(s) 186; skates 188 (various versions thereof) and other
footwear items. Foot garment 180 material may be selected from the
group consisting of natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, wool,
down, and rubber, as well as synthetic fabrics, such as polyester
and nylon. Other fabrics and materials may be used within the scope
of the present invention.
[0035] Footwear with charcoal system 100 may be sold as kit 440
including foot garment(s) 180 for comprising a footwear-line
including: at least one (pair of) shoe(s) 182; at least one (pair
of) boot(s) 184; at least one (pair of) sandal(s) 186; at least one
(pair of) skates (s) 188; and a plurality of liners 150 both
re-usable and disposable; and at least one set of user
instructions. Other garments may be included. Footwear with
charcoal system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a
wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of
applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be
appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing
preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials,
technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements
such as, for example, including more or less components, customized
parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately,
etc., may be sufficient.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart 550 illustrating a
method of use 500 for footwear with charcoal system 100 according
to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.
[0037] Method of using (method of use 500 for) footwear with
charcoal system 100 preferably comprises the steps of: step one 501
locating at least one re-usable liner 150 comprising active
charcoal 154; step two 502 wrapping re-useable liner 150 around
foot 194 of wearer 190; step three 503 fastening re-useable liner
150 around foot 194 of wearer 190; step four 504 inserting foot 194
into footwear (foot garment 180); step five 505 wearing at least
one foot garment 180, each of foot garment(s) 180 comprising foot
garment assembly 102 having the liner 150 comprising active
charcoal 154 to reduce exposure to bacteria and fungi on foot 194;
step six 506 removing foot garment(s) 180 after a wearer-defined
duration; and step six 506 un-fastening liner 150 comprising active
charcoal 154 from foot 194 after wearer-defined duration.
[0038] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of
use can be carried out in many different orders according to user
preference. The use of "step of" should not be interpreted as "step
for", in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the
provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, 6. Upon reading this
specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate
circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user
preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements,
available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of
use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within
above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps,
including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be
sufficient.
[0039] The embodiments of the invention described herein are
exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements
can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent
results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit
and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing
abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the
public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application.
* * * * *