Foot protector

Abstract

Foot protector ( 30 ) adapted to be worn between the foot and a predefined shaped item of outer footwear ( 10 ), comprising a thin flexible resilient elastic non slip membrane ( 30 ) shaped to grip the foot without slipping. The membrane ( 30 ) is of a complementary shape corresponding to the predefined shape of the outer footwear ( 10 ) so as to engage the outer footwear ( 10 ) in a non slip manner. The membrane ( 30, 31, 32, 36 ) may have an orthopaedic style of support ( 41 ) integrally incorporated into the foot protector ( 30 ) to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer.

1 . A discrete foot protector ( 30 ) adapted to be worn on a person's foot between the foot and item of outer footwear ( 10 ) to protect the foot against rubbing by the outer footwear ( 10 ), said protector ( 30 ) comprising a thin flexible resilient elastic non-slip membrane ( 30 ) shaped to grip the foot without slipping on the foot and which in use provides a barrier between the foot and the outer footwear ( 10 ). 
     
     
         2 . A foot protector ( 30 ) according to  claim 1  adapted to be worn between the foot and a predefined shaped item of outer footwear( 10 ) wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is of a complementary shape to the predefined shape of the outer footwear. 
     
     
         3 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is selected from of a silicone polymer. polyvinylchloride, polyester, polythene, silicone rubber, SEBS Block Copolymers, Styrene-ethylene, butadiene-styrene, or a thermoplastic elastomer. 
     
     
         4 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is made of a porous or gas permeable material to allow the foot of the wearer to breathe. 
     
     
         5 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is made of a non porous material that is perforated to allow the foot of the wearer to breathe 
     
     
         6 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the thickness of the membrane ( 30 ) is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm. 
     
     
         7 . A foot protector according to  claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the membrane ( 10 ) varies at different regions of the foot protector ( 30 ). 
     
     
         8 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is made of a transparent or translucent material. 
     
     
         9 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is made of a coloured material. 
     
     
         10 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is skin-coloured. 
     
     
         11 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is decorated. 
     
     
         12 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the item of outer footwear ( 10 ) has straps ( 15 , 18 , 19 ), and the membrane ( 30 ) is shaped, dimensioned and comprises an integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the position of the straps ( 15 ,  18 ,  19 ) of the outer footwear ( 10 ) to provide a barrier between the wearer's foot and the outer footwear ( 10 ). 
     
     
         13 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the outer footwear ( 10 ) is a shoe, and the membrane ( 30 ) is shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes, body of the foot and the heel ( 36 ) of the foot of the wearer. 
     
     
         14 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the outer footwear ( 10 ) is a shoe, and the membrane ( 30 ) comprises two discrete parts ( 39 .  40 ) one of which ( 39 ) is shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes and ball of the foot, and a second part ( 36 ,  40 ) which extends around the heel without being joined by a sole. 
     
     
         15 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the item of outer footwear ( 10 ) is a shoe with open sides, and membrane ( 30 ) is shaped and dimensioned so that it covers the toes and sole of the foot but leaves the side of the foot uncovered. 
     
     
         16 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane ( 30 ) is of a corresponding shoe shape that covers the toes and sole of the foot and has an integral portion ( 36 ) that covers the heel but leaves the side of the foot uncovered. 
     
     
         17 . A foot protector according  claim 1  wherein the item of outer footwear ( 10 ) is a boot and the membrane ( 30 ) comprises integral sole and one or more hoops corresponding to the shape of the boot. 
     
     
         18 . A foot protector according to  claim 1  wherein the item of outer footwear ( 10 ) is a boot shaped sandal with straps ( 15 , 18 , 19 ), and the membrane ( 30 ) comprises an integral sole ( 31 ) and one or more hoops corresponding to the position of the straps ( 15 ,  18 ,  19 ) of the sandal. 
     
     
         19 . A foot protector according  claim 1  including an orthopaedic style of support ( 41 )to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer. 
     
     
         20 . A foot protector according to  claim 19  wherein the support ( 41 ) is integrally incorporated into the membrane ( 30 ) to provide support under the arch of the foot of the wearer. 
     
     
         21 . A foot protector according to  claim 19  wherein the support ( 41 ) comprises a sac ( 42 ) containing a gel ( 43 ). 
     
     
         22 . A foot protector ( 30 ) according to  claim 1  wherein the membrane is bonded to a sole made from a material selected from leather, man made materials, rubber compounds, or plastics material to form an item of outer footwear.