Rolled Inner Seam Strap Design for Footwear to Reduce Strap-Induced Pressure on Dorsal Foot Aspect

Abstract

The invention presents a rolled inner seam strap (RIS) design for open-toe footwear, like flip-flops, to address foot ulcers caused by straps. Existing designs overlook the impact of strap-induced pressure on the dorsal foot, leaving a research gap. The RIS design aims to minimize pressure and friction on the dorsal foot, particularly at the toehold area where ulcers may occur. By increasing contact area with the skin and reducing strap contact, it redistributes pressure, preventing tissue damage. A study comparing RIS to traditional straps showed significantly lower dorsal foot pressure with RIS. The RIS design offers a practical and cost-effective solution to reduce strap-induced pressure and prevent foot ulcers, particularly in resource-limited settings with limited foot care.

Claims

1. A footwear strap design comprising a rolled inner seam implemented along the length of the strap, wherein said rolled inner seam provides a curved surface on the inside of the strap and increases the surface area in contact with the dorsal foot aspect, thereby reducing strap-induced pressure and friction.

2. The footwear strap design of claim 1, wherein the rolled inner seam is targeted at the toehold area of the strap, thereby effectively mitigating the risk of tissue damage and skin breakdown in the toehold region.

3. A mold for manufacturing footwear straps, the mold comprising a mold core and a mold cavity, wherein the mold core defines a rolled inner surface, and the mold cavity shapes the outer surface of the strap, allowing the production of footwear straps with a rolled inner seam design as claimed in claim 1.

4. A method for manufacturing rolled inner seam straps for open-toe footwear, the method comprising: creating a custom mold as claimed in claim 3.

5. A pair of open-toe footwear comprising a sole and two straps, wherein the straps are equipped with the rolled inner seam design as claimed in claim 1, providing enhanced foot comfort and reducing strap-induced pressure on the dorsal foot aspect.

6. The pair of open-toe footwear of claim 5, wherein the open-toe footwear includes flip-flops, sandals, or similar designs, and the rolled inner seam design effectively reduces the risk of foot ulcers caused by strap-induced pressure.

7. A footwear design innovation for reducing strap-induced pressure on the dorsal foot aspect, the design comprising a rolled inner seam strap implemented in open-toe footwear, specifically flip-flops, as claimed in claim 1.

8. The footwear design innovation of claim 7, wherein the rolled inner seam strap is made from standard materials commonly used in flip-flop manufacturing, providing a cost-effective solution to reduce strap-induced pressure.

9. A footwear design aimed at preventing foot ulcers caused by straps, the design comprising the rolled inner seam strap as claimed in claim 1, and specifically targeted at individuals with diabetes and leprosy who are particularly vulnerable to foot ulcers.

10. The footwear design of claim 9, wherein the implementation of the rolled inner seam strap effectively reduces the risk of strap-related foot ulcers, offering significant clinical implications for foot health in vulnerable populations.

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0056] FIG. 1; is a magnified perspective view of the rolled inner seam strap of the present invention with a single flip flop.

[0057] FIG. 2; is a top plan view of the rolled inner seam strap with the pair of flip flops present.

[0058] FIG. 3; is a bottom plan view of the rolled inner seam strap connected to the flip flop.

[0059] FIG. 4; is a frontal view of the rolled inner seam strap on the flip flop.

[0060] FIG. 5; is a rear view of the rolled inner seam strap with the flip flop.

[0061] FIG. 6; is a left side view of the rolled inner seam strap with a single flip flop.

[0062] FIG. 7; is a right side view of the rolled inner seam strap with a single flip flop

PROSPECTIVE

Flip Flop Strap