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Foot coveringRelated Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, StockingsFoot covering description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050246821, Foot covering. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is broadly concerned with form-fitting foot socks adapted to be worn as comfortable and protective coverings over the feet, lower leg, and/or upper leg of users. More particularly, the invention is concerned with such foot coverings used to create a protective barrier over the foot that may be watertight and may be used to apply medicaments to the skin of the user. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] The use of latex or other synthetic resin gloves by medical or food service personnel is well-established. It is known that these glove products inhibit the spread of potentially harmful microorganisms, in order to protect both the wearer and others. [0005] However, there are many other vectors for infection other than through the hands. For example, it is quite common that Athlete's Foot can be spread in locker and shower rooms, owing to the fact that users generally are in their bare feet. This is particularly troublesome if a particular person has extant foot problems or bandages on his feet or ankles. [0006] Protective coverings have previously been provided for leg or arm casts, in order to allow the wearer to shower and bathe. However, these prior products are typically of bag-like construction, meaning that they do not form fit and simply hold a limb within the confines of a loosely fitting waterproof enclosure. Such products are marketed under the designation ShowerSafe waterproof cast protectors. Non-medicated stretch latex socks have also been provided as bandage protectors in order to keep the feet dry (DRI-Foot protectors). These are constructed to be reusable coverings for special circumstances rather than ultra thin disposable coverings for routine use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention provides improved form-fitting disposable foot coverings which are usable in a wide variety of contexts for foot protection and the delivery of medicaments. Broadly, the foot coverings of the invention comprise a tubular body presenting a sole portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, and an uppers portion, where the body is configured to tightly fit over a person's foot with the inner surface of the sole region proximal to the person's sole and the uppers region extending upwardly and engaging the person's leg above the ankle. At a point of engagement an adhesive may be used to seal the foot covering against the person's body creating a watertight barrier to keep a desired portion of the user's body dry. At least the sole region of the covering (and preferably the entirety thereof) is formed of a thin, resilient, stretchable resin material. Also, medicament can be provided on at least a portion of the inner surface of the body, typically in patch or layer form on the inner surface of the sole portion. However, the medicament may be applied anywhere along the inner surface of the foot covering. [0008] The foot coverings of the invention may be used for the protection of bare feet by preventing direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as those found in locker rooms, shower rooms, airports, hospitals and nursing homes. An additional important use would be covering and protecting dressings or bandages on the foot or ankle of the wearer. The presence of medicament, and especially transdermal medicaments or topical ointments, assists in the administration thereof. Versions of the foot coverings can be essentially airtight, aiding in the elimination of dry feet; alternately, breathable versions having woven cloth or perforate uppers may be provided for extended wearing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] FIG. 1 is an elevational view with parts broken away of a foot covering in accordance with the invention, applied to a user's foot; [0010] FIG. 2 is an elevational view similar to that of FIG. 1, but depicting another foot covering pursuant to the invention, disposed over a foot and ankle cast; [0011] FIG. 3 is an elevational view illustrating another foot covering embodiment in accordance with the invention; [0012] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 and depicting the cross section of the FIG. 1 foot covering; [0013] FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, but illustrating an embodiment including a padded, laminate sole portion; [0014] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3; [0015] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of an embodiment in accordance with the invention, illustrating a foot covering having a perforate upper; and [0016] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a foot covering in accordance with the invention, applied to a user's foot. [0017] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a foot covering in accordance with the invention, applied to a user's foot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0018] Turning now to the drawings, a foot covering 10 in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4. Broadly speaking, the covering 10 is in the form of a tubular body 12 presenting a sole portion 14 and an uppers region 16; at least this uppers region of this embodiment is formed of a thin, resilient, stretchable synthetic or natural resin material. As shown, the cover 10 is designed to form-fit and closely conform to a person's foot, in the manner of a conventional sock. [0019] In more detail, in the illustrated embodiment, the sole portion 14 which is proximal to the person's sole, presents an outer surface 18 and an opposed inner surface 20 (see FIG. 4). In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the inner surface of the covering 10 is medicament coated or infused, e.g., the inner surface 20 supports a layer or patch of medicament 22. In order to improve traction, the outer surface 18 is fully or partially textured or treaded as at 26. The uppers region 16 is integral with the sole portion, and is of a length to extend over the person's ankle and terminates in an uppermost watertight bead 24. [0020] As shown in FIG. 8, in addition to watertight bead 24, or as an alternative to watertight bead 24, an adhesive 60 may be applied to the inner surface of the foot covering. The adhesive will ordinarily be applied in a band along the entire inner surface circumference of the foot covering. The adhesive is of a type that will adhere the foot covering to the body and create a watertight seal thereby keeping the foot covering in place and preventing water from entering beneath the foot covering. The exterior surface region 62 may have an adhesive resistant coating applied so that the user may roll down the foot covering from the top without the adhesive sticking to the exterior surface of the foot covering. Suitable adhesives are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and may include but are not limited to medical grade hypo-allergenic pressure sensitive adhesives and medical grade acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives (collectively referred to as "PSAs"). When employed, the presence of the adhesive further enhances the water barrier properties of the foot covering. Continue reading about Foot covering... Full patent description for Foot covering Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Foot covering patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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