Wearable pedicure protection device

Abstract

A pedicure protection system is provided that is comprised of an insert worn directly on the foot and a shoe that can be worn with the insert or substituted with other shoes. The insert consists of a base ( 11 ) and a cover ( 10 ) connected by a hinge ( 12 ). The cover curves above the toenails to create a cavity. A separator ( 18 ) protrudes from the base between the big toe and second toe and helps maintain the cavity when the cover is closed. The base includes toe straps ( 15 ) ( 16 ), and a band ( 20 ) that lies across the instep stabilizing the insert on the foot and keeping the cover closed. The shoe FIG. 10 opens fully, allowing the user to place their foot on the sole from above or the side and the top closes around the foot.

We claim: 
     
         1 . Footwear for use during or after a pedicure comprising:
 a) a base and a cover forming a cavity to accommodate a foot;   b) an anchoring attachment to secure individual toes to said base;   c) a spacer to maintain separation of the toes;   d) said cover contains two cutouts located on opposite sides for securing anchoring flaps;   e) said base contains two holes located on opposite sides for the attachment of an anchoring strap to secure said base to said cover; and   f) an anchoring attachment to secure said footwear to the foot.   
     
     
         2 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said cover is pivotally connected to said base by a hinge joint that allows the cover to open fully allowing unencumbered placement of the foot under a dryer. 
     
     
         3 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby the said cover is connected to said base with a matching tongue and groove design along the edges to secure said base to said cover and permit easy attachment and detachment. 
     
     
         4 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said footwear is used as an insert for shoes and bends and flex to allow comfortable walking and protection of the toes from contact with other surfaces allowing for drying of toenails without smudging or healing of injured toes and having an interchangeability with various shoes at any point during treatment. 
     
     
         5 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said footwear is used as a standalone device attached to the foot to permit the user to walk comfortably while the toenails are drying and without smudging. 
     
     
         6 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said base further comprising:
 a) a band attached on two sides of said base through said holes to anchor securely the base and the cover to the foot;   b) a separator placed between the big toe and adjacent second toe to maintain separation and to provide a structural support for said cover when closed and secured over said base;   c) toe straps to anchor the toes to said base;   d) a hinge joint between said base and said cover allowing said cover to open and close fully to permit complete accessibility of the toes for pedicure procedure; and   e) an edge providing support for the toes and limit forward motion of the foot relative to the device.   
     
     
         7 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said cover forms a cavity when closed with said base. 
     
     
         8 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said base further comprising:
 a) a plurality of separators to maintain the separation of the toes; and   b) a plurality of toe straps to anchor the toes.   
     
     
         9 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said footwear further comprising:
 a) rigidity to maintain its shape and thin enough to be inserted into shoes;   b) flexibility so the user can comfortably engage in walking activity;   c) heat resistance to withstand the use of a dryer for drying the toenails without any skin discomfort; and   a contoured curvature of said cover to conform to the curvature of the foot instep.   
     
     
         10 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby the said footwear has a variable length encompassing only the forefoot or any point up to the entire length of the foot. 
     
     
         11 . The footwear according to  claim 1 , whereby said footwear has a layer of cushioning on the inside surfaces to facilitate a comfortable walking stride. 
     
     
         12 . The footwear according-to  claim 1 , whereby said footwear is provided in pairs to accommodate both the left and right foot. 
     
     
         13 . Footwear for use during or after a pedicure comprising:
 a) a base and a cover forming a cavity to accommodate a foot;   b) an anchoring attachment to secure individual toes to said base;   c) a spacer to maintain separation of the toes;   d) said cover contains two cutouts located on opposite sides for securing anchoring flaps;   e) said base contains two holes located on opposite sides for the attachment of an anchoring strap to secure said base to said cover; and   f) an anchoring attachment to secure said footwear to the foot.   g) said cover is pivotally connected to said base and said cover fully opens allowing the unencumbered placement of the foot under a dryer.   
     
     
         14 . A shoe that can be worn with the insert comprising:
 a) an outer sole made of flexible material;   b) an inner soft sole; c) a body made of a soft semi-rigid material for maintaining the shape and allowing for flexibility and comfort; and   d) a detachable top part that is attached to said body or said sole secured with a closure device.   
     
     
         15 . The shoe according to  claim 14 , whereby said closure device is a zipper or adhesive type of material. 
     
     
         16 . The shoe according to  claim 14 , whereby said top part fully opens to allow placement of the foot with attached said insert inside said shoe directly from above or from the side without forward sliding of the foot as in conventional shoes. 
     
     
         17 . The shoe according to  claim 14 , whereby said top part and said closure device causes said shoe to fully secure the foot and said insert to facilitate and maintain various walking strides and speeds. 
     
     
         18 . The shoe according to  claim 14 , whereby said top part is fully removable to expose the foot and said insert. 
     
     
         19 . The shoe according to  claim 14 , whereby said top part is re-attachable to said shoe to secure the foot and said insert. 
     
     
         20 . The shoe according to  claim 14 , whereby said top part is fully removable to expose the foot and said insert and allow the top cover of said insert to be fully opened.