Abstract
A padded ventilated foot undergarment includes a stocking formed from a flexible, form-fitting material with an opening for receiving a wearer's foot, a toe area, an arch area, and a heel area in combination with a silicone pad featuring one or more perforations configured to provide localized cushioning and enable air exchange for enhanced breathability. Material, manufacturing, design, and construction considerations thereof and methods of manufacture, assembly, and use. The undergarment aids in the prevention and treatment of foot related injuries related to uncomfortable footwear without causing alternative discomfort and/or infection related to moisture buildup of the toes.
Claims
1. A protective stocking for protecting a plurality of toes of a wearer foot, the protective stocking comprising: a stocking formed from a flexible form-fitting material, said stocking comprising at least an opening for receiving the wearer foot, a toe area, an arch area, and a heel area; and a silicone pad surrounding a portion of said toe area, wherein said silicone pad includes an at least one perforation configured to enable an air exchange.
2. The stocking of claim 1, wherein said stocking comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, silk, bamboo, wool, acrylic, elastane, microfiber, and blended fabrics.
3. The stocking of claim 1, wherein said silicone pad is fused into an interior surface of the stocking.
4. The stocking of claim 1, wherein said silicone pad is fused into an exterior surface of the stocking.
5. The stocking of claim 1, wherein said silicone pad is attached to said stocking by a permanent attachment means, the permanent attachment means selected from a group consisting of an adhesive bond, a heat seal, an ultrasonic welding, a plurality of stitches, a lamination, an overmold, and a thermal fusion.
6. The stocking of claim 1, wherein said silicone pad is attached to said stocking by a detachable attachment means, the detachable attachment means selected from a group consisting of a hook-and-loop fastener system, a self-adhesive, and a static cling.
7. The stocking of claim 1, wherein said stocking comprises a moisture-wicking material.
8. The stocking of claim 1, wherein said at least one perforation is a plurality of perforations distributed across said silicone pad.
9. The stocking of claim 8, wherein said portion of said toe area is a top portion.
10. The stocking of claim 9, wherein said stocking further comprises an outer layer and an inner layer and said silicone pad is disposed therein.
11. A method of preventing a foot pain of a foot of a wearer, the method comprising: providing a protective stocking comprising: a stocking component formed from a flexible form-fitting material with an at least an opening for receiving the wearer foot, a toe area, an arch area, and a heel area; and a silicone pad component surrounding a portion of said toe area, wherein said silicone pad component includes an at least one perforation configured to enable an air exchange; placing the foot of the wearer into the stocking via said opening; and aligning a plurality of toes of the wearer corresponding to the foot with said silicone pad portion to align with the toe area.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said stocking component comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, silk, bamboo, wool, acrylic, elastane, microfiber, and blended fabrics.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said silicone pad component is fused into an interior surface of the stocking.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said silicone pad component is fused into an exterior surface of the stocking.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein said silicone pad component is attached to said stocking component by a permanent attachment means, the permanent attachment means selected from a group consisting of an adhesive bond, a heat seal, an ultrasonic welding, a plurality of stitches, a lamination, an overmold, and a thermal fusion.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein said stocking component comprises a moisture-wicking material.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein said silicone pad component is attached to said stocking component by a detachable attachment means, the detachable attachment means selected from a group consisting of a hook-and-loop fastener system, a self-adhesive, and a static cling.
18. The method of claim 11, wherein said at least one perforation is a plurality of perforations distributed across said silicone pad component.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said portion of said toe area is a top portion.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said stocking component further comprises an outer layer and an inner layer and said silicone pad component is disposed therein.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying Drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway drawing of an exemplary padded ventilated foot undergarment of the disclosure, the exterior removed to reveal the padded element beneath;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the padded element of the disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of an exemplary padded ventilated foot undergarment of the disclosure; and
[0025] FIG. 4 is flowchart of a method of the disclosure.
[0026] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific terminology may be employed herein for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes any and all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples. It should be noted that the terms foot undergarment(s), sock(s), stocking(s), hosiery, foot covering(s), silicone pad(s), perforated pad(s), breathable pad(s), integrated pad(s), and/or protective element(s) may be used herein interchangeably as descriptors for any suitable garment, footwear, structure, component, or assembly having the features as may be described herein. Then, the various applications of the stocking, including but not limited to casual wear, formal wear, or athletic activities, are not limited to the examples as may be provided herein, nor is the description limited to any specific stocking material, pad configuration, pad attachment method, perforation pattern, or breathable feature. A potentially preferred embodiment of the stocking of the disclosure may be provided throughout, though one having ordinary skill in the art may substitute and/or reconfigure various aspects of the stocking and/or provide alternative methods of use for the stocking and its components. The disclosure is not limited to any specific configuration of the stocking as herein illustrated or described, but only by the corresponding claims. The term foot undergarment, as used herein generically, shall mean any hosiery, sock, or similar garment designed to cover the foot and/or leg, including any integrated or attached cushioning, protective, or breathable elements.
[0028] Then, beginning with FIG. 1, illustrated therein may be an exemplary embodiment of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 of the disclosure, from a top plan view. Generally, padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 may feature perforated pad 106 integrated into the toe region of stocking 102, as illustrated therein FIG. 1 as perforated pad 106. Stocking 102 may be any foot undergarment, which may generally be described to include flexible, form-fitting material designed to cover at least a portion of the foot of the wearer. Generally, perforated pad 106 may feature one or more perforation 108, which may substantially cover perforated pad 106 as illustrated therein FIG. 1. Stocking 102 may feature opening 104 at the top of stocking 102, which may provide an entry point for the wearer's foot and may be configured to ensure a snug but comfortable fit around the ankle or other anatomical feature of the foot/leg of the wearer. Opening 104 may simply be the cut end of the tubular material used to construct stocking 102, or may be finished using a hem, seam, or other known fabric finishing technique, and may additionally feature constricting/biasing elements, such as an elastic band about the seam, hem, or circumference of stocking 102. In the toe region of stocking 102, perforated pad 106 may be integrated into or affixed to the interior and/or exterior surface of the stocking 102. Perforated pad 106 may be positioned to align with the area of the foot most susceptible to friction and pressure, offering targeted cushioning and protection. The pad (106) is defined by its perforations (108), which are evenly distributed across its surface. These perforations (108) are configured to promote airflow, reduce heat and moisture buildup, and enhance overall breathability, thereby improving the comfort of the wearer during prolonged use. The dotted line in FIG. 1 may be understood to delineate the approximate area covered by the perforated pad 106 within the toe region, which can also be observed therein FIG. 2. Perforated pad 106 may be designed to remain securely in place during movement and may be sized and shaped to conform to the natural contours of the wearer's toes for an unobtrusive and comfortable fit, as may be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. The integration of the perforated pad 106 into the stocking may eliminate a need for separate, external protective elements, such as other padding, providing a solution for foot protection and comfort. As may be further understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may represent only one possible configuration of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100, which may be adapted in alternative embodiments as may be herein described to include variations in the material, size, or placement of perforated pad 106 to accommodate different user needs and preferences. Perforation 108 may also vary in density, shape, size, placement, pattern, etc. depending on the desired balance of breathability and support. As may be shown and illustrated herein, perforated pad 106, in a potentially preferred embodiment, may substantially cover the top of a wearer's toes and provide sufficiently numerous instances of perforation 108 to achieve optimal ventilation. As it may relate to stocking 102 generally, it may be constructed so as to conform to the general anatomical features and contours of a wearer's foot and/or leg, which may be well understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to include but not be limited to a toe area, a ball of the foot, an arch area, a heel area, an ankle area, an instep, a sole area, the sides of the foot, a cuff area, and the Achilles tendon area. Each of these areas may further be separated into sub-areas for these considerations, e.g., individual toes.
[0029] In an alternate embodiment, as may be alternatively understood by those having ordinary skill in the art as illustrated and described in relation to FIG. 1, padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 may instead feature silicone pad 106 enclosed between an outer layer and an inner layer of stocking 102, thereby securing silicone pad 106 within a multi-layered construction. In such an embodiment, stocking 102 may comprise a flexible, form-fitting material configured to provide both an external surface and an internal surface, with silicone pad 106 positioned and affixed between the two layers in the toe area. The enclosure of silicone pad 106 within these layers may serve to protect the pad from direct wear and tear while maintaining the functional benefits of cushioning and ventilation. In such an alternative configuration, one or more perforation 108 of silicone pad 106 may align with corresponding apertures or openings in the inner layer and/or outer layer of stocking 102, allowing for increased air exchange and breathability. The layers of stocking 102 may be bonded, stitched, or otherwise secured around the perimeter of silicone pad 106 to prevent movement or displacement during wear. The enclosure of silicone pad 106 may additionally contribute to the aesthetic appeal of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 by concealing the pad within the stocking material while preserving a smooth and seamless exterior profile. As may be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, this alternate embodiment may further enhance the durability and longevity of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 by protecting silicone pad 106 from direct exposure to environmental factors or friction against/between the wearer's foot and the wearer's footwear. Variations in the material composition, thickness, or bonding methods of the inner and outer layers may be employed to accommodate specific user preferences or performance requirements. Such optimized embodiments may provide an optimized combination of functionality, durability, and comfort for the wearer, as may be relevant to those having ordinary skill in the art.
[0030] Now, with respect to FIG. 2, illustrated therein may be an exemplary embodiment of perforated pad 106, which may be incorporated into padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 as shown and described in FIG. 1. Perforated pad 106, as shown in isolation therein FIG. 2, may generally include one or more perforation 108 distributed across the surface of perforated pad 106. Perforation 108 may be understood to represent openings or apertures through the material of perforated pad 106, which may function to allow airflow, improve ventilation, and reduce heat and moisture accumulation when padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 is worn as described herein. Perforated pad 106 may be formed from many various materials and/or combinations thereof. For instance, silicone or any other suitable material, which may be selected based on characteristics such as flexibility, durability, cushioning, or compatibility with the foot undergarment material may be used in the construction of perforated pad 106. In addition to silicone, which may be a preferred embodiment of perforated pad 106 of the disclosure, these materials may include but are not limited to rubber, gel, foam, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane, neoprene, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), latex, cork, memory foam, leather, fabric composites, vinyl, biopolymer materials, the like, composites thereof, and/or composites thereof. Perforation 108 may additionally be configured to maintain the structural integrity of perforated pad 106 while providing sufficient ventilation. The density, size, shape, and arrangement of perforation 108, as illustrated therein FIG. 2, may be designed to optimize both breathability and comfort for the wearer, though other suitable or even optimal densities, sizes, shapes, and arrangements may be identified by those having ordinary skill in the art, given variations in wear preference, size, shape, activity, etc. As illustrated therein FIG. 2, the overall shape of perforated pad 106 may be contoured to fit the toe region of the wearer's foot and may be substantially cup-shaped in a conformational shape approximate a sized-wearers toe shape/size, ensuring that the pad aligns with the areas of greatest need for cushioning and protection. In a potentially preferred embodiment, perforated pad 106 may substantially cover the top of the wearer's toes, as illustrated therein FIG. 1, with perforation 108 distributed evenly or in a pattern designed to correspond to the natural contours of the toes. As may be further understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, perforated pad 106 may be sized or shaped differently in alternative embodiments to accommodate variations in foot size, activity level, or specific user preferences. Additionally, perforation 108 may vary in terms of pattern or distribution to adjust the balance between ventilation and cushioning based on the intended application of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100. In FIG. 2, perforated pad 106 may be understood to be illustrated in isolation to display the features of perforation 108 and the overall pad structure. However, as described in FIG. 1, perforated pad 106 may be integrated into or affixed to the interior and/or exterior surface of stocking 102, forming part of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100. The integration of perforated pad 106 into the stocking may eliminate the need for additional, separate protective elements, providing a streamlined and effective solution for foot comfort and protection.
[0031] Turning to FIG. 3, illustrated therein may be a bottom plan view of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100, highlighting the integration of perforated pad 106 into the toe region of stocking 102. As may be noted by those having ordinary skill in the art, the embodiment illustrated therein FIG. 3 as compared to that of FIG. 1, padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 may feature perforated pad 106 on the exterior, rather than the interior of stocking 102. As illustrated therein FIG. 1 and described above in relation thereof, stocking 102 may feature opening 104, which may provide an entry point for the wearer's foot and may allow the stocking to conform to the wearer's foot and/or ankle anatomy. Perforated pad 106 may be shown as affixed to or integrated into the interior and/or exterior surface of stocking 102 at the toe region, providing cushioning and ventilation where the foot experiences the greatest friction and pressure during wear. Perforated pad 106 may include one or more perforation 108 distributed substantially and/or strategically across its surface, allowing airflow to reduce heat and moisture buildup, as described herein. In the view shown therein FIG. 3, perforation 108 may be understood to extend entirely through the thickness of perforated pad 106, ensuring optimal ventilation and air circulation within the stocking. Perforation 108 may vary in size, density, and pattern depending on the intended application of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100, as may be determined by those having ordinary skill in the art. The positioning and orientation of perforated pad 106, as illustrated therein FIG. 3, which may be one optimal arrangement of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100, may ensure that the pad aligns with the areas of the wearer's foot most susceptible to friction and pressure, such as the tops and tips of the toes. In a potentially preferred embodiment, perforated pad 106 may feature a contoured, cup-like shape that conforms to the natural curvature of the wearer's toes, ensuring both comfort and stability during movement. Furthermore, in some optimal embodiments of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100, perforated pad 106 may not extend beneath any portion of a wearer's foot's sole and/or toe bottom, such that it does not impose significant toe constriction within a footwear. Stocking 102, as illustrated therein FIG. 3, may be constructed from a flexible, form-fitting material, which may ensure that perforated pad 106 remains securely in place during wear. Suitable materials of construction for stocking 102 may include but are not limited to cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, spandex, silk, bamboo, acrylic, merino wool, cashmere, alpaca wool, modal, rayon, LYCRA, polypropylene, elastane, KEVLAR, hemp, linen, recycled fibers, microfiber, blended fabrics, the like, composites thereof, and/or combinations thereof. The integration of perforated pad 106 into stocking 102 may provide a streamlined solution that eliminates the need for separate protective elements or accessories, offering an unobtrusive and practical approach to foot comfort and protection. Permanent means, methods and mechanisms of such integration/attachment include but are not limited to adhesive bonding, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, sewing, stitching, laminating, chemical bonding, pressure bonding, over-molding, seamless integration during manufacturing, thermal fusing, gluing, the like, and/or combinations thereof. Detachable, removable, and/or non-permanent means, methods, and mechanisms of such integration/attachment of stocking 102 to perforated pad 106 may include but are not limited to hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., VELCRO), snap buttons, zippers, magnets, clips, adhesive strips (reusable), silicone gel adhesive, pressure-sensitive adhesive, removable tabs, interlocking tabs, the like, and/or combinations thereof. As may be further understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 may be one of many possible configurations of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100. Alternative embodiments may include variations in the placement, thickness, material, or perforation pattern of perforated pad 106 to accommodate different user preferences, activities, or environmental conditions.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein may be exemplary method 400 of use for padded ventilated foot undergarment 100. Method 400, as illustrated therein FIG. 4, may include a series of steps 401-405, which when performed may instruct or prescribe the use and application of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 by a wearer, ensuring proper alignment, comfort, and functionality. Beginning at step 401, padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 may be provided to the wearer. Padded ventilated foot undergarment 100, as previously described in FIGS. 1-3, may include stocking 102 with perforated pad 106 integrated into or affixed to the toe region of the stocking. Perforated pad 106 may include one or more perforation 108 distributed substantially across its surface, designed to provide ventilation, cushioning, and protection to the wearer's toes. At step 402, the wearer may place their right or left (R/L) foot into stocking 102 by inserting the foot through opening 104, positioning the toes within the region of stocking 102 aligned with perforated pad 106. Perforated pad 106, as previously described, may conform to the anatomical shape of the wearer's toes, providing a snug and comfortable fit. At step 403, proper alignment between the conformational shapes of perforated pad 106 and the anatomical features of the wearer's foot may be ensured. This step may include adjusting stocking 102 as needed to ensure that perforated pad 106 is positioned correctly over the tops and tips of the toes, where cushioning and ventilation may be most beneficial. As may be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, such alignment may be important to optimizing the performance and comfort of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100. At step 404, suitable footwear may be provided. Footwear may include any type of shoe, sandal, or other foot-enclosing garment that may be worn in combination with padded ventilated foot undergarment 100, though padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 may be especially useful for fashion footwear as may be herein described. The footwear may accommodate the stocking material and the integrated perforated pad 106 without causing discomfort or impeding the ventilation and cushioning functions. At step 405, the wearer's corresponding R/L foot may be placed into the provided footwear corresponding to the foot, ensuring that padded ventilated foot undergarment 100 remains properly positioned and functional within the confines of the footwear. The integration of perforated pad 106 may enhance the overall comfort and protection of the wearer's foot by reducing pressure points, friction, and heat/moisture accumulation within the footwear during this step. As may be additionally understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, method 400 illustrated therein FIG. 4 may represent one exemplary embodiment of use for padded ventilated foot undergarment 100. Variations in the method may include differences in the sequence or execution of steps, depending on the specific design or intended application of padded ventilated foot undergarment 100.
[0033] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.
