Universal Footpad

Abstract

A footpad is provided having a foam structure with a non-directional planer shape, a thickness, a first surface, and a second surface opposite the first surface, one of the first and second surfaces having an adhesive for adhering to bare skin.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A footpad comprising a foam structure having a non-directional planer shape, a thickness and a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, one of the first and second surfaces having an adhesive for adhering to bare skin. 
     
     
         2 . The footpad of  claim 1 , wherein the non-directional planer shape is generally circular. 
     
     
         3 . The footpad of  claim 2 , wherein the generally circular shape has a plurality of relief cuts uniformly distributed about a circumference of the generally circular shape. 
     
     
         4 . The footpad of  claim 2 , wherein the generally circular shape has between about 6 and 12 relief cuts uniformly distributed about a circumference of the generally circular shape. 
     
     
         5 . The footpad of  claim 4 , wherein the relief cuts present a plurality of petal-like structures having rounded edges. 
     
     
         6 . The footpad of  claim 4 , wherein the relief cuts have a depth of about 2 mm to about 8 mm. 
     
     
         7 . The footpad of  claim 4 , wherein the relief cuts have a depth of about 4 mm to about 6 mm. 
     
     
         8 . The footpad of  claim 2 , wherein the generally circular shape has a diameter between about 1 and 3 about inches. 
     
     
         9 . The footpad of  claim 2 , wherein the generally circular shape has a diameter between about 1.5 and about 2.5 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The footpad of  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive has adhesion between about 12 and about 25 ounces/inch, measured using Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) PSTC-3 Standard Adhesion to Steel 180° Peel Test. 
     
     
         11 . The footpad of  claim 1 , wherein the foam has a Sure A durometer rating of between about 10 and about 25. 
     
     
         12 . The footpad of  claim 1 , wherein the foam has a thickness of about 2 mm to about 5 mm and has a density between about 3 and about 25 lb/ft 3 . 
     
     
         13 . A footpad comprising a foam structure having a generally circular non-directional planer shape, a thickness and a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, one of the first and second surfaces having an medium tack adhesive for adhering to bare skin, wherein the generally circular shape has between about 6 and 12 relief cuts uniformly distributed about a circumference of the generally circular shape, therewith presenting a plurality of petal-like structures having rounded edges, the relief cuts having a depth of about 2 mm to about 8 mm, and the generally circular shape having a diameter between about 1 and 3 about inches, and a thickness of about 2 mm to about 5 mm. 
     
     
         14 . The footpad of  claim 13 , wherein the foam has a density between about 3 and about 25 lb/ft 3 . 
     
     
         15 . The footpad of  claim 13 , wherein the foam has a Sure A durometer rating of between about 10 and about 25. 
     
     
         16 . A method comprising:
 a) providing a footpad comprising a foam structure having a non-directional planer shape, a thickness and a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, one of the first and second surfaces having an adhesive for adhering to bare skin; and   b) adhering the footpad on a user's foot, the footpad installed to cover at least three metatarsal heads of the foot.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the footpad is installed to cover at least four metatarsal heads of the foot. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the generally circular shape of the footpad has between about 6 and 12 relief cuts uniformly distributed about a circumference of the generally circular shape, therewith presenting a plurality of petal-like structures having rounded edges, the relief cuts having a depth of about 2 mm to about 8 mm, and the generally circular shape having a diameter between about 1 and 3 about inches, and a thickness of about 2 mm to about 5 mm. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the foam has a density between about 3 and about 25 lb/ft 3 .