Shielding device for foot pain and discomfort

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shielding device for foot pain and discomfort generally associated with diabetics suffering from the effects of peripheral neuropathy. More specifically, the discomfort experienced when the users foot comes in contact with surrounding objects such as floors and bedding. This invention is comprised of six elements, but is not limited to using all six of them simultaneously. This device has an applied stationary or removable stiff and very smooth surface making contact with the foot, or an applied removable stiff appliance contained within a sleeve adjacent to the foot. Additionally the device has a protective perimeter boundary between the foot and the surrounding environment, with a secure means to wear the device. The invention is effectively a device with a perimeter and a securing fit held fast to the feet. The use of this invention will sanction the feet to a nearly neutral environment, allowing the user to have less pain and discomfort associated with neuropathy or diabetes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 ) Device to protect the wearers' foot isolating the foot from its surrounding environment comprising:
 A material formed into a tube  1  having at least one open end  14 , and an appliance  2 .   
     
     
         2 ) The appliance  2  of  claim 1  further claims the appliance  2  is inserted into said tube  1 . without any method to retain the appliance  2 . Shown  FIG. 1   
     
     
         3 ) The appliance  2  of  claim 1  further comprising of very soft smooth surface on the said appliance  2  adjacent to the wearers' feet. 
     
     
         4 ) The appliance  2  of  claim 1  further comprising of dimensions cut to the appliance  2  larger than the profile of the wearers' foot to provide a protective boundary  3  whereas the dimensions are purposely designed to prevent the wearer' foot to become struck and impacted by means of feeling the surrounding environment. Shown  FIG. 2   
     
     
         5 ) The tube  1  of  claim 1  further comprising of a pocket  30  designed to contain the an appliance  2  whereas the said pocket  30  is inside the tube  1  positioned to receive an appliance  2 . Shown  FIG. 11   
     
     
         6 ) The tube  1  of  claim 1  further comprising of a single layer extension  17  designed to be folded under the tube  1  and stitched  25  to the tube sole  22  and then turned inside out  31  whereas the tube forms the pocket  30 . Shown  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9   
     
     
         7 ) The tube  1  of  claim 1  further comprising of a retainer  20  designed to imprison the appliance  2  whereas the said retainer  20  utilizes a sock cuff stitch at the end of the single layer extension  17 . forming the said retainer  20 . Shown  FIG. 11   
     
     
         8 ) The appliance  2  of  claim 1  further comprising of an insert stiffener  13  designed to be imbedded between the appliance upper half  11  and the appliance lower half  12  whereas the insert stiffener  13  designed to provide a coefficient of flexibility. Shown  FIG. 5   
     
     
         9 ) The appliance  2  of  claim 1  further comprising of appliances halves  11  and  12  appliance upper half  11  and an appliance lower half  12  whereas manufactured of material such as rubber, foam, fiber, and any combination of composites designed to provide a coefficient of flexibility. Shown  FIG. 5   
     
     
         10 ) The appliances halves  11  and  12  of  claim 1   h  designed to provide a coefficient of flexibility further claim the material used for each half are not necessarily similar materials and are not necessarily dissimilar materials. 
     
     
         11 ) The appliances  11  and  12  of  claim 1   h  designed to provide a coefficient of flexibility further claim the said two halves of the said appliances  11  and  12  can be manufactured as a single item. 
     
     
         12 ) The appliance of  claim 1  further comprising of a form fit to the users' foot whereas the said appliance  2  is shaped with indentions  26 ,  28 , and  29  additionally an elevation  27  to maintain a close fit to the foot particularly assisting to minimize any measurable plantar plane effect. Shown  FIG. 12   
     
     
         13 ) Device to protect the wearers' foot isolating the foot from its' surrounding environment comprising:
 A structure with a lower sole  7  and an upper component  10 . and a boundary  3  Shown  FIG. 4     
     
     
         14 ) The device of  claim 2  further comprised of a means to retain the said device to the wearer' foot whereas the use of a hook  8  and loop  9  fastening system attaches to the said retaining strap  6  and the said lower sole  7 . resembling a sandal. Shown  FIG. 3   
     
     
         15 ) The of device  claim 2  further comprised of a means to retain the said device to the wearer' foot can be fabricated as a combined structure whereas the said lower sole  7  and the said upper component  10  are permanently attached resembling a slipper. Shown  FIG. 4   
     
     
         16 ) The device of  claim 2  further comprised of dimensions cut to the said lower sole  7  larger than the profile of the wearers' foot to provide a protective boundary  3  whereas the dimensions are purposely designed to prevent the wearer' foot to become struck and impacted by means of feeling the surrounding environment. Shown  FIG. 2