US20110094123A1

US20110094123A1 - Fabric-covered fluid-filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong-cut device systems

Info

Publication number: US20110094123A1
Application number: US12/913,655
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Vaughn; Vida Mellinda Guillory
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-28
Filing date: 2010-10-27
Publication date: 2011-04-28
Also published as: US20130318819A1

Abstract

A fabric-covered fluid-filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong-cut device system comprising: a top substrate having fabric covering; a bottom substrate having fabric covering; a high viscosity fluid-filled arch supporting, massaging and comforting-medium; a series of dot welds placed distally of the metatarsal arch; a series of dot welds on a longitudinal arc through the medial arch; a longitudinal swatch weld towards the lateral mid-foot for directional flow and restriction of fluid towards the lateral mid foot; a rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation; a front bladder seal seam; a heel dot weld; and a single forwardly-orientated indented trim line. The design permits the orthotic to be positioned into closed in shoes for transferring further towards the front of the a thong cut sandal to provide a ‘correct fit’ without losing any effectiveness of the arch support or therapeutic value while eliminating all unnecessary trim lines.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/255,594, filed Oct. 28, 2009 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of orthotic foot devices and more specifically relates to a fabric-covered, fluid-filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device
2. Description of the Prior Art
Flip-flops are an open type of outdoor footwear, including a flat sole held loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap, like a thin thong, that passes between the first (big) and second toes and around either side of the foot. Unlike sandals, flip-flops do not appreciably secure the ankle. Flip-flops may come in a variety of shoe styles other than the traditional flat sandal, such as women's heels, slides, and wedges. The popular use of flip-flops in a warm climate as beach or outdoor wear has spread through much of the world. Further, flip flops are also popular with those who enjoy being barefoot but need to wear shoes, because they allow the foot to be out in the open air but still constitute a shoe for wear in places such as restaurants or on city streets, and can be quickly and easily removed. They are also popular because they are easy to carry and may come in an assortment of aesthetic colors and patterns.
Shoes and footwear have many components. The insole typically refers to the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot under the Toothed'. The primary purposes of an insole are to provide comfort through arch support, cushioning, and absorbency. Stock factory shoe insoles are usually made of cellulosic paper board or synthetic non woven insole board. Many shoes have removable and replaceable footbeds. Extra cushioning may be added for comfort (to control the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe) or for health reasons (to help deal with defects in the natural shape of the foot or positioning of the foot during standing or walking). This is a main component of the shoes which also absorbs perspiration.
Currently, the bladder of a liquid filled insole is roughly foot-shaped and may extend from the ball of the foot to the heel. The area of the insole under the toes traditionally does not contain any fluid so that it may be manually trimmed or slit to accommodate a thong sandal. The current designs of liquid filled insoles will not allow the correct placement of the wearer's replacement normal sized “closed shoe insole” in a thong sandal due to the shape of the bladder. On current designs, the thong cut cannot extend far enough into the body of the insole to accommodate a sandal without the insole extending past the heel of the sandal. This design may be understandably inefficient and uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, insoles used in shoes are usually constructed from some form of rubber which makes them relatively thick and padded. Over a short period of time, these “factory” insoles compress and become ineffective for cushioning or support leading to discomfort. One common example of replacement insoles-on the market today is liquid filled insoles. Typically, liquid filled insoles comprise a shoe insert, are removable and serve a number of purposes. These purposes include daily wear comfort, foot and joint pain relief from arthritis, overuse, injuries, and other causes. Liquid filled insoles also provide orthopedic correction, smell reduction, athletic performance, or can even increase the wearers height or correct for discrepancies in leg length. Corrective shoe inserts are often referred to as orthotics.
Although friction is a very minor consideration when talking feet and insoles, the most common cause of foot pain is a lack of arch support, cushioning, circulation and the associated side effects of not having same—especially prevalent in most sandals.
As will be seen in the description of related art and the detailed description of the diagrams the current invention represents a bridge between two areas of therapeutic foot devices. The first is that of what is traditionally thought of as an orthotic, that being a hard, static arch support, commonly extending from the heel area through the medial longitudinal arch but stopping before the metatarsal arch region of the foot. Representative of prior art in this area is U.S. Pat. No. D509, 951S to Johnson.
The second area which the current invention relates to is that of fluid filled foot devices which are represented by U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,677 to Zona and U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,855 to Thedford. With regard to Johnson, while a hard orthotic provides arch support through the medial longitudinal arch it is hard and static. In use the hardness can make the device uncomfortable for the user by not allowing for impact absorption and forcing an arch on the user. The pressure the hard orthotic device imposes on the longitudinal arch may seriously reduce circulation to the arch proper and to the forefoot, when standing or walking. A lack of circulation to the foot may jeopardize overall foot health and seriously impede the healing process of common foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Further, reduced circulation to the foot may also hinder treatment of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, and other such foot ailments.
The second area the current invention relates to and seeks to bridge the therapeutic possibilities with is that of fluid filled foot devices such as that of Zona and Thedford. With regard to Zona, while it is water and air filled and provides a massaging action for the user, there are a few disadvantages to the device. The plastic against the user's foot may cause perspiration which has no means of escape. The plastic is also slick against the user's foot which when worn with a sandal and the user's foot is not contained in a traditional closed in shoe may cause the user's foot to slip off. While Zona's device is fluid filled, it is known that fluid under pressure will flow to the area of least resistance. With the user's body weight against the Zona device the liquid is restricted by the ‘gating means’ against the natural area it should flow to for proper arch support. While this action may cushion the ball and the heel area, the low viscosity of the water allows the liquid to as Zona says ‘slosh back and forth in the bladder’ but the ‘sloshing’ is directed away from the arch thereby negating arch support.
Moving to the Thedford device, while it does seem to be more thorough than the Zona device, there are some similar and additional disadvantages to be noted. Similar to Zona, Thedford teaches that the sheets forming the bladder “are cut from a soft, flexible fluid impervious sheet material such as 0.15 inch thick vinyl”. Again, this may allow the user's foot to slip while wearing the device in an open sandal. While Thedford does use apertures to allow for air ventilation between the user and the device, if the user is prone to perspiring the perspiration has nowhere to distribute to or be absorbed except the user's sock or bare skin which may cause discomfort.
With regard to the flow of liquid in the Thedford device, while it is more thoroughly directed than Zona, the fluid in all of the Thedford embodiments is consistently directed away from the arch areas for support and allowed to flow without restriction to the lateral midfoot which may cause instability during the natural gait cycle and even promote pronation. With regard to viscosity and flow of liquid, Thedford does allow for foam to be inserted within the liquid bladder to slow the flow of liquid. This would seem to impede the flow too aggressively and lessen the massaging action through the whole plantar surface of the foot.
Ideally, a thong cut insole should provide comfort and pain relief, through proper arch support and cushioning. The insole should also provide therapeutic benefits such as increased circulation and be reliable at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable a fabric-covered, fluid-filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut to be used in traditional closed in footwear and thong/flip-flop sandals to avoid the above-mentioned problems.
3. Objects and Features
Webster's dictionary defines an orthotic as “Apparatus used to support, align, prevent, or correct deformities or to improve the function of movable parts of the body.” It is a unique feature that the fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut device with its many features combined into one device be used to support, align and improve the function of movable parts of the body (italics added) whereby we view the present invention as an orthotic device.
It is an additional unique feature of the invention to provide medial longitudinal and metatarsal arch support for the user throughout the gait cycle as the user's foot changes shape during the gait cycle and as the user requires by the fluid moving within the invention and without forcing an arch on the user such as a traditional hard and static orthotic.
It is an additional unique feature of the invention that it may be worn with and transferred to virtually any shoe, including but not limited to open sandals or thong sandals, by means of the fluid within the device forming simultaneously with every step to the user's shoe and foot throughout the user's gait cycle.
It is an additional unique feature of the invention to massage the user's foot with high viscosity liquid while in use to physiologically promote increased circulation and stimulation of the nerve endings of the plantar area of the user's foot, especially users such as those with diabetes and or neuropathy with poor extremity circulation.
It is an additional unique feature of the invention to provide cushioning and impact-absorption for the user through the use of high viscosity fluid sealed within the device.
It is an additional unique feature of the invention to provide a heel dot which provides a cushioning donut effect for initial heel strike and is especially useful for heel spurs wherein the fluid in the orthotic is forced toward the heel of the device upon stepping off and completing the gait cycle whereby when the user begins the next gait cycle and strikes with their heel, the fluid in the heel area will puff up around the heel dot to provide impact absorption while allowing a concave area in the center of the donut to cradle the user's heel/heel spurs.
It is an additional unique feature of the invention to be washable, covered in an antimicrobial treated fabric which also absorbs perspiration. To facilitate the wearer's comfort, for durability, and for health and cleanliness benefits the device may be washed in standard residential washing machines and then air dried.
Whereby fabric of top substrate may be colored (but not limited to) black and, whereby fabric of bottom substrate may be colored (but not limited to) tan to provide aesthetically pleasing reversible colors while wearing the device with open sandals and thong-cut sandals.
It is a further additional unique feature of the invention to have a trimmable toe area to allow for a thorough range of narrow to wide feet within a set range, i.e. for instance a ladies size 5-7 range may be trimmed in the toe area for a wider ladies size 5 or untrimmed for a ladies size 7.
It is an additional unique feature of the invention to provide a thong-cut within the trimmable toe area of the device extending proximally into the bladder area of the device as to allow the invention to be transferred to thong-cut sandals without detracting from any of the above benefits of the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known insole device art, the present invention provides a novel thong-cut insole design. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide consumers with the option of comfortably wearing liquid filled insoles in conjunction with thong sandals. Further, the fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device improves arch support, which is critical to relieving foot, leg, and back pain. Additionally, a revised heel design provides further pain relief for heel pain sufferers. Lastly, trim lines have been eliminated, reducing toe irritation and enhancing the ability for the consumer to trim the insole to size correctly.
The design of the thong-cut insole permits the insole to be positioned further towards the front of the thong sandal to provide a correct fit. Additionally, the thong-cut insole eliminates all unnecessary trim lines on the insole, effectively eliminating toe irritation. This insole can be used by virtually anyone seeking comfort and support while wearing thong sandals.
The present invention relates to a fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device for insertion into thong footwear disclosed herein comprises the following components: a black top substrate; a bottom tan substrate; at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium; a rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation; a slit; a front bladder seal seam; a heel dot; a single forwardly-orientated trim line, and a redesigned arch area comprised of both dots and swatches.
The top substrate and bottom substrate preferably have the same dimensions and are adapted to concealably-fit into the thong footwear under the foot of a wearer. Further, the top substrate and the bottom substrate comprise user-preferred different colors on the top substrate and the bottom substrate of the insole device to match colors of thong footwear. The top substrate and the bottom substrate may be welded together using circle/dot(s) in combination with swatch welding between at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium to enhance inside arch support. The top and bottom “substrate” is cloth which is “laminated” to the plastic (EVA) so both the top and bottom substrate are essentially a single piece of insole manufacturing material.
The liquid-filled comforting-medium may comprise a bladder with an inner volume situated between a perimeter-joined top substrate and bottom substrate. The front bladder seal seam comprises the rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation allowing the insole device to be forwardly-placed on the thong footwear when cut properly. Within the present invention, the slit forms a channel to the rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation which permits the insole device to be removably forward-fit onto the thong footwear such that the insole is concealably-fit under the feet of the wearer.
The heel dot previously mentioned permits pressures from a foot on the insole device to force the liquid-filled comfort medium to unsupported parts of the foot, thereby equalizing pressure-distribution inside the insole device causing a perimeter of the heel dot to be puffed up while causing an interior of the heel dot to be non-puffed up thereby providing a doughnut effect. In the preferred embodiment the single forwardly-orientated trim line is located forward of a rearward edge of the rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation and is positioned and extends an entire width of a toe portion of the insole device.
A kit is embodied herein for the fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device system comprising: a left insole device for insertion into a left thong; a right insole device for insertion into a right thong; and a set of user instructions.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: step one inserting a left insole device for insertion onto a left thong; step two inserting a right insole device for insertion onto a right thong; step three placing the left thong onto a left foot of wearer and placing the right thong onto a right foot of the wearer to provide a liquid-enhanced comfort-fit in use.
The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 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

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device system donned on a user-wearer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a single forwardly-orientated indented trim line of the fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating another view of the single forwardly-orientated indented trim line according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a heel spur dot of the fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a foot orthotic an insole device and more particularly to fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 as used to improve the comfort of user 180 (wearer) donning traditional footwear or thong-type footwear 190.
In order to function properly, a liquid fluid filled orthotic insole must fit completely on the shoe's foot surface just as the foot must completely cover the insole. If this is not the case, the pressure of the foot on the insole will tend to force the liquid to portions where it has no cushioning or massaging effect, i.e. the part of the insole that is not on the shoe surface or the part which is not covered by the foot. The present invention looks to solve the above-mentioned problems in the following disclosure.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 & 2 showing perspective views illustrating fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device system 100 which provides an alternative method of cutting insoles to accommodate thong-type footwear 190. Fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 provides consumers with the option of wearing liquid filled insoles in conjunction with a thong sandal 190 as shown in FIG. 1. Fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 is preferably used in conjunction with thong-type footwear 190, but it should be understood fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 may also be used with closed-toe sandals, shoes and virtually all other footwear as well. The primary function of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 is that it may be transferred to virtually any shoe and by its nature, the fluid inside forms to the shoe and the foot of the wearer with every step, providing superior arch support, massage and cushioning.
Fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 for insertion into traditional closed in shoes or thong footwear preferably comprises the following components: top substrate 110; bottom substrate 120; at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium 130; rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation 140; and slit 150.
In the present embodiment, top substrate 110 is located on anterior side 104 of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102. Bottom substrate 120 is located on posterior side 106 of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102. Both top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 are preferably virtually identical in planar shape in relation to one another. Further, both top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 have the same dimensions and are adapted to conceivably-fit into thong-type footwear 190 under a foot of user 180. Both top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 may comprise elastomeric materials such as but not limited to foam, rubber, or plastic. Further, top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 may preferably comprise user-preferred colors to match colors of thong-type footwear 190. The user-preferred colors may comprise different colors on top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 such as black and tan. The dark side of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 is ‘turned up’ with dark thong-type footwear 190, while the tan side is ‘turned up’ with light colored thong-type footwear 190. In this way the present invention provides an increased aesthetic appearance and thus may be matched to and worn with a variety of apparel. It should be appreciate that the colored sides of device may be ‘turned up’ or ‘turned down’ according to user preference to show preferred color upwardly.
As alluded to the present set of figures, top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 are coupled to one another at their respective perimeter edges via welding. Situated between top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 is at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium 130. Liquid-filled comforting-medium 130 preferably comprises bladder 132 with an inner volume. Liquid-filled comforting-medium 130 may further comprise front bladder seal seam 134.
Bladder 132 is preferably situated between top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 and is preferably controlled and directed to different areas/portions of foot 184 in order to provide proper support, and more specifically, adequate arch-support to foot 184. The flow of fluid may be controlled via “welding” specific parts of bladder 132 fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 together into specific configurations. The preferred shape of the welds used to join top substrate 110 and bottom substrate 120 between the perimeters of bladder 132, in the arch area, is circle/ dot 202, 204 in combination with swatch(es) 200. The combination of circle/ dot 202, 204 and swatch welds 200 preferably enhances inside arch support for the wearer, the benefits described previously.
Durability, effectiveness, and relative comfort may be controlled by either a circle/ dot 202, 204 and/or use of swatch welds 200. (A swatch is usually in the shape of a curved bar with rounded edges and of varying lengths, depending on the shoe/insole size). However, using only a circle/dot or a swatch type weld results in the same level of arch support on both sides of the arch which is not preferred within the present embodiment for the reasons stated previously.
When using both circle/ dot 202, 204 and swatch welds 200 in combination when manufacturing fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102, more support towards the inside of foot 184, where the arch is the highest may be achieved. Using only swatches may inhibit the even flow of fluid to the inside and outside of the arch. Further, the use of dots 202, 204 may allow too much support towards the middle of the arch—longitudinally. Positioned correctly, depending on device size as shown in the present figures, the use of both types of welds 200, 202, 204 permits fluid inside bladder 132 to conform more closely to the shape of foot 184 of user 180, facilitating better arch support as desired. Anatomically, the human foot arches higher on the inside of the foot and lower on the outside of the foot. Precise placement of the dots 202, 204, depending on the device size, on the inside of the arch area and swatches on the outside of the arch area solves this problem for more effective arch support and comfort. Dots 202, 204 allow for a less restricted flow of fluid compared to the swatch. Therefore, when combining circle/dot and swatch welds, 200, 202, 204 together as shown fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 provides foot 184 of user 180 more support higher on the inside of the arch and lower on the outside, thereby fitting the arch correctly, as desired.
Additionally, the precise placement of dot welds 204 on the forefoot metatarsal area (ball of the foot) forms a cushion of fluid with foot pressure applied, similar to the heel dot discussed previously. These dot welds 204 also prevent the complete evacuation of fluid in this area substantially insuring ‘constant cushioning’. In combination with the enhanced arch support discussed earlier, these additional dot welds 204 will preferably greatly reduce pain for such foot ailments as neuropathy, neuroma, bunions, calluses, fatty pad atrophy.
A significant advantage of the current invention over prior art fluid-filled foot devices is the use of a much higher viscosity fluid than prior art devices which traditionally use water. The fluid preferably used in the current invention is a mixture of 96 parts liquid glycerin and 4 parts distilled water. This glycerin/water mixture is 8 times the viscosity of water providing a higher rate of restriction to massage the foot slower and deeper through the user's full gait cycle. The use of water as presently used has a tendency to move too quickly away from impact points for proper cushioning and flow too quickly over the plantar area of the foot. This does not provide as significant a therapeutic massaging to increase venous circulation as the current invention. The present invention may be used in a dual-massaging application whereby the device may be turned over. When worn upside down a more vigorous massage is incurred which may aid in increased circulation.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the specific configuration of dot and swatch welds provide a more anatomically correct arch support through the gait cycle than prior art and, combined with the glycerin/water mixture, provide a more thorough massage over the whole plantar area of the foot. As user 180 steps down upon their heel portion 116, the high viscosity fluid surrounding heel dot 170 initially cushions the user's heel impact then is forced forward with the user's weight. As the fluid is forced forward during the gait cycle it is slowed and separated by the lateral midfoot swatch 200 flowing to the lateral midfoot area and towards the medial longitudinal arch. The fluid is also slowed by the medial longitudinal arch dots 202 and allowed to gather around these medial longitudinal arch dots 202 for support. Also during this portion of the gait cycle the plantar fascia is being massaged. (The fascia band connects the calcaneous bone and the metatarsal bones).
A common foot ailment is plantar fasciitis. The fascia band becomes inflamed and shortens thereby pulling on the calcaneous attachment causing severe pain and may lead to a heel spur. The massaging action of the high viscosity glycerin/water fluid may help to stretch the fascia band back to its correct resting length, thereby alleviating the pressure on the fascia band's heel attachment. As user 180 continues their gait cycle the fluid is further forced towards the metatarsal forefoot portion of foot 184. The glycerin/water fluid is then slowed again by the forefoot metatarsal dots 204 again allowing the glycerin/water fluid to cushion the forefoot metatarsal pad of user 180. As user 180 continues their gait cycle front bladder seal seam 134 restricts the glycerin/water fluid from flowing under toes of user 180. If the glycerin/water fluid were allowed to fill toe portion 114 user 180 would not be able to flex their toes as is needed to complete the gait cycle. Though the glycerin/water fluid flow stops at front bladder seal seam 134, the massaging action activating the veinous pump for increased circulation may continue forward to toes of user 180 which may aid those with conditions such as poor circulation due to diabetes or those with peripheral neuropathy. As user 180 completes their gait cycle and pushes off with their toes, the glycerin/water fluid is forced back to heel portion 116 to begin the process again with the next step of user 180.
To accommodate thong-type footwear 190, fabric-covered fluid-filled therapeutic foot orthotic device 102 preferably comprises rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation 140 and slit 150. Rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation 140 is formed in the front bladder seal seam 134 of fabric-covered fluid-filled therapeutic foot orthotic device 102. The location of half-moon shaped indentation 140 is formed in the front bladder seal seam 134 of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102. This allows further trimming toward the heel of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 without compromising bladder 132 integrity. Therefore, fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 may be cut and adjusted fore and aft to properly fit thong-type footwear 190 and foot 184. Proper fit substantially ensures wearer-comfort within the present invention.
Further novelty is realized within the present embodiment due to bladder 132 not extending to bladder seal seam 134, toe portion 114 preferably may be cut producing slit 150. Slit 150 preferably commences at the toe portion 114 of thong-cut insole 102 (approximately 30% in from the big toe side) towards heel portion 116 of thong-cut insole 102 to accommodate a thong or toe strap of thong-type footwear 190.
Slit 150 forms a channel (ingress and egress means) to rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation 140 which permits to fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 to be removably forward-fit onto thong-type footwear 190 such that fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 concealably-fit under foot 184 of user 180 and adjacent thong member 192. In this and other ways the present invention is able to achieve a comfort-fit because of the relative positioning made possible by the novel design. Thong member 192 preferably comprises an aperture that removably fits between the first and second toes held on foot 184 by a strip and is connected to a strap usually passing over the top or around the sides of foot 184.
The combination of rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation 140 and slit 150 permits fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 to be “thong cut” further back into the fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 which allows fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 to be moved further up into thong-type footwear 190 so fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 fits completely onto a foot surface of thong-type footwear which allows foot 184 to completely cover fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 for proper massage and cushioning. Additionally, this feature promotes longevity in service because no edges of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 extend past heel of foot 184 and the footwear and as a result there is less user-scuffing and undue impact wear.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 & 4, showing different views of single forwardly-orientated trim line 160 of to fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Single forwardly-orientated trim line 160 is preferably located forward of a rearward edge of rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation 140. Single forwardly-orientated trim line 160 is positioned and preferably extends an entire width of toe portion 114 of to fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102. Single forwardly-orientated trim line 160 is preferably shaped to precisely duplicate the untrimmed toe shape. When trimmed precisely, single forwardly-orientated trim line 160 fits the toe portion 114 of foot 184 more correctly, and it fits thong-type footwear 190. Additionally, a single forwardly-orientated trim line 160 reduces irritation to the wearer's toes which may result in blisters.
This fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 was designed primarily to treat and relieve pain of the most common foot ailments with a single new device. Referring now to FIG. 5, showing heel dot 170 fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 to fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Within this particular embodiment a precisely placed dot weld directly in the middle of the heel area will engorge or “puff up” when the device has pressure applied. When foot 184 puts pressure on the device, a doughnut shaped cushion of fluid is formed around the periphery of heel dot 170. The dot weld itself will provide an indented area to cradle the heel apex, providing pain relief from various painful heel ailments, specifically heel spurs. In this way the present invention may be therapeutic and increase the ‘foot health’ of the wearer. This doughnut supports heel portion 116 with its perimeter 174 (while the hole in the doughnut) supports but does not apply pressure directly to the heel. In this way the present invention serves to decrease painful effects and increase user-comfort.
Heel dot 170 is preferably located proximate heel-center 172 of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102. By placing heel dot 170 in heel-center 172 of fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 the same result(s) may be achieved as using a doughnut without the additional thickness in the footwear. Heel dot 170 permits pressures from foot 184 on fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 to force liquid-filled comfort medium 130 to unsupported parts of foot 184, thereby equalizing pressure-distribution in fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102. The equalizing pressure-distribution inside fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 causes perimeter 174 of heel dot 170 to be puffed up providing a doughnut effect. Further, the equalizing pressure-distribution inside fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 causes interior 176 of heel dot 170 to be non-puffed up during the doughnut effect (this design works because the pressure of the foot on the insole forces the liquid to all of the unsupported parts of the foot, after which the pressure inside the insole equalizes and the foot is floated off the bottom of the shoe slightly, providing additional cushioning). The present invention may find use with open or closed footwear.
Fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 may comprise a kit 550 including: a left insole device for insertion into a left thong; a right insole device for insertion into a right thong; and a set of user instructions. 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 such as wheels, etc., may be sufficient.
A method of using fabric-covered fluid-filled foot orthotic with thong-cut insole device 102 comprising the steps of: step one inserting a left insole device for insertion onto a left thong; step two inserting a right insole device for insertion onto a right thong; step three placing the left thong onto a left foot of wearer and placing the right thong onto a right foot of the wearer to provide a liquid-enhanced comfort-fit in use while the user-wearer wears thong footwear. 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. 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, use with different footwear, etc., may be sufficient.
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.

Claims

1. A fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device for use with footwear, comprising:

a top substrate comprising a first fabric;

a bottom substrate comprising a second fabric;

at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium situated between perimeter-joined said top substrate and said bottom substrate; and

a rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation;

a slit;

wherein said top substrate and said bottom substrate have the same dimensions and are adapted to concealably-fit into said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device under a foot of a wearer;

wherein said slit forms a channel to said rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation which permits said insole to be removably forward-fit onto said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device such that said insole device is concealably-fit into under the foot of said wearer and adjacent a thong member.

2. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 1 wherein said top substrate and said bottom substrate comprise user-preferred colors to match colors of thong footwear and to absorb perspiration.

3. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 1 wherein said user-preferred colors of said first and second fabric comprise different colors on said top substrate and said bottom substrate of said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device.

4. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 1 wherein said top substrate and said bottom substrate are welded together using circle/dot in combination with swatch welding between at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium to provide massaging and medial longitudinal and metatarsal arch support.

5. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 1 at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium comprises a bladder with an inner volume.

6. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 1 further comprises a front bladder seal seam.

7. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 6 wherein said front bladder seal seam comprises said rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation allowing said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device to be forwardly-placed on said thong.

8. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device claim 1 further comprises a heel dot located proximate a heel-center of said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device.

9. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 8 wherein said heel dot permits pressures from said foot on said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device to force said liquid-filled comfort medium to unsupported parts of said foot, thereby equalizing pressure-distribution in said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device.

10. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 9 wherein said equalizing pressure-distribution inside said insole device causes, a perimeter of said heel dot to be puffed up providing a doughnut effect.

11. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 10 wherein said equalizing pressure-distribution inside said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device causes an interior of said heel dot to be non-puffed up during said doughnut effect.

12. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 1 wherein said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device comprises a single forwardly-orientated trim line wherein said forwardly-oriented trim line is indented.

13. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 1 wherein said single forwardly-orientated trim line is located forward of a rearward edge of said rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation.

14. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 13 wherein said single forwardly-orientated trim line is positioned and extends an entire width of a toe portion of said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device.

15. A fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device comprising:

a top substrate having a first fabric wherein said first fabric is black;

a bottom substrate a second fabric wherein said second fabric is tan;

at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium comprising a bladder with an inner volume situated between perimeter-joined said top substrate and said bottom substrate;

a rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation;

a slit;

a front bladder seal seam comprising said rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation allowing said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device to be forwardly-placed on said thong;

a heel dot that permits pressures from a foot on said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device to force said liquid-filled comfort medium to unsupported parts of said foot, thereby equalizing pressure-distribution inside said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device causing, a perimeter of said heel dot to be puffed up while causing an interior of said heel dot to be non-puffed up thereby providing a doughnut effect; and

a single forwardly-orientated trim line is indented and located forward of a rearward edge of said rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation and is positioned and extends an entire width of a toe portion of said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device;

wherein said top substrate and said bottom substrate have identical dimensions and are adapted to concealably-fit into said thong footwear under at least one foot of a wearer;

wherein said top substrate and said bottom substrate comprise user-preferred different colors on said top substrate and said bottom substrate of said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device to match colors of thong footwear;

wherein said slit forms a channel to said a rearwardly-placed half-moon shaped indentation which permits said insole to be removably forward-fit onto said fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device such that said insole is concealably-fit into under said foot of said wearer;

wherein said top substrate and said bottom substrate are welded together using circle/dot in combination with swatch welding between said at least one liquid-filled comforting-medium to enhance medial longitudinal and metatarsal arch support.

16. The fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 15 further comprising a kit including: a left insole device for insertion onto a left thong; a right insole device for insertion onto a right thong; and a set of user instructions.

17. A method of using a fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut system comprising the steps of:

inserting a left insole device for insertion onto a left thong; and

inserting a right insole device for insertion onto a right thong.

18. The method of using the fabric covered fluid filled therapeutic foot orthotic with thong cut device of claim 17 further comprising the step of placing said left thong onto a left foot of wearer and placing said right thong onto a right foot of said wearer to provide a liquid-enhanced comfort-fit in use for said wearer.