Space filling apparatus for footwear

Abstract

The present invention includes a sock for thickening and enhancing the shape and curvature of a wearer's leg, which includes a sock with an open top end which contains and adjustable mechanism, comfortable padding throughout the length of the sock at varying thicknesses, and a closed lower end.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of socks and hosiery. Specifically the invention relates to the enhancement of the curvature of a wearer's leg and providing relief from foot ailments.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0002]The prior art of socks and hosiery are well known. The objectives of such prior art include objectives such as shape enhancement and temperature control.[0003]Prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,778, hereinafter referred to as “Johnson”, which describes hosiery that includes a plastic insert used to enhance the shape of the wearer's leg to fill any space between the wearer's leg and the footwear. However, the Johnson patent does not teach the gradual increase of the hosiery from the wearer's ankle to the opening. The Johnson patent also does not teach having cushioned foot padding on the closed end of the sock.[0004]Prior art also includes U.S. Pat. No. D598642 hereinafter referred to as “Plumert”, which describes “boot cuffs,” developed...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]To resolve the problems mentioned above, an objective of the present invention is to provide an inventive device which allows the wearer to achieve enhanced leg shaping. Shape enhancers fill unsightly gaps between a wearer's leg and footwear to keep a boot or other footwear from slouching around the wearer's ankle or calf. Shape enhancers also allow a wearer to accomplish fashion trends by wearing tall boots that fit snugly around the wearer's legs and calves. Because there still remains a need for a new apparatus which will address this issue, online forums exists that discuss the need for leg enhancing socks to solve the problems not addressed by prior art.

[0010]It is another goal of the present invention to provide improved temperature control, as with leg warmers. Leg warmers are designed to add an extra layer of warmth and insulation to keep leg muscles and ligaments warm and to prevent cramping, soft tissue injuries, or other muscle injuries that occur when muscles are cold. Calves fatigue quickly when using repeated motions and ankle muscles ligaments are especially vulnerable to injury when cold. The enhanced shaping section of the current invention is a thickened material which allows a wearer to maintain leg warmth, to promote the same benefits as leg warmers, which is not provided by traditional socks and hosiery. The use of wicking material also allows moisture to be drawn away from the wearer's body, which keeps the wearer's skin dry and comfortable. Wicked material is also used to avoid chafing and drastic fluctuations in body temperature. Additionally, one embodiment of the current invention, as described below, calls for individual cavities for receiving each toe, which creates an extra layer of material between toes that allows condensation to be wicked away into the sock material.

[0011]A further objective of the present invention is to offer relief from common foot ailments. The invention calls for cushioning devices which provide relief for foot conditions including, but not limited to, metatarsalgia, plantar fascia, hallux valgus (bunions), calvi (corns), calluses, and hammer (or mallet) toes. Metatarsalgia is a condition which causes pain in the ball of a person's foot due to strain of the metatarsophalangeal joints, which are the joints where the toes flex and push off the ground, and can be caused by abnormal foot structure, which leads to excess ground pressure at the ball of the foot. Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel spur syndrome, is a condition which causes pain on the bottom of the heel when bearing weight due to inflammation, and is caused by foot dysfunction which results in excess strain on the plantar fascia. Bunions presents as a large bump on the side or top of the big toe joint and is usually caused by an abnormality of foot function. Corns are small areas of deeply thickened skin that occur over a bony structure, such as a toe joint and are the result of friction against these areas. Calluses are larger areas of thickened skin and are caused by excess friction and are usually found on the soles or sides of the feet. Hammertoes are a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and the condition commonly results from wearing poorly fitting shoes, excessive wearing of high heels, or other situations which require the toes to be bent for long periods of time causing a shortening of the muscle. Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a new type of sock with which to enhance the shape of the wearer's leg while providing comfort against the aforementioned conditions.

[0012]Finally, it is the intent of the present invention to help prevent the occurrence of and guard against further progression of venous disorders such as edema, thrombophlebitis (phlebitis), and thrombosis. Edema is the swelling from accumulation of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within body tissues. Phlebitis is the inflammatory swelling of a vein caused by a blood clot. Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system. The aforementioned conditions can lead the same blood being circulated. Compression socks are designed to aid in the circulation of the blood within the legs by allowing nutrients and oxygenated blood into the legs and feet, which relieve pain and regenerate damaged tissues. In another embodiment of the current invention, compression material may be used to exert pressure to the legs causing a decrease in venous pressure, which prevents venous stasis and relieves aching legs.

[0013]The prior art falls short of the present invention which allows for enhanced leg shaping, improved temperature control, pain relief from foot ailments, and compression material to relieve aches associated with vein disorders.

Problems solved by technology

Calves fatigue quickly when using repeated motions and ankle muscles ligaments are especially vulnerable to injury when cold.

Metatarsalgia is a condition which causes pain in the ball of a person's foot due to strain of the metatarsophalangeal joints, which are the joints where the toes flex and push off the ground, and can be caused by abnormal foot structure, which leads to excess ground pressure at the ball of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel spur syndrome, is a condition which causes pain on the bottom of the heel when bearing weight due to inflammation, and is caused by foot dysfunction which results in excess strain on the plantar fascia.

Hammertoes are a deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint, and the condition commonly results from wearing poorly fitting shoes, excessive wearing of high heels, or other situations which require the toes to be bent for long periods of time causing a shortening of the muscle.

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