Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
CANADA
TITLE: THERAPEUTIC SLIPPER FOR RETAINING HEAT OR COLD AND
METHOD OF FABRICATING SAME
INVENTOR: ALLAN KOTACK
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to footwear such as
slippers, and more particularly to therapeutic slippers, especially
those containing heat and cold retentive materials, so as to permit
heating and cooling of a person's feet when wearing the slippers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a common problem for many people, especially people
who experience poor circulation, or who are elderly or disabled, to
have either cold feet or warm swollen feet. In either case, it is
well known that externally heating or cooling the feet, as the case
may be, is an effective way to return the feet to an acceptable and
comfortable temperature. Various types of footwear, essentially
socks, slippers or boots, for warming or cooling the feet, are
known. In general, known prior art footwear is ineffective,
inconvenient, cumbersome, heavy and uncomfortable, which are all
serious disadvantages, particularly for the elderly and those
people with muscle or circulation problems who regularly suffer
from cold feet or from swollen feet.
- 1 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
One type of footwear is an electric sock that essentially
comprises a sock that is typically made from thick woollen
material, or the like, and having thin heating wires disposed
within the material. These socks require a battery to be worn
within a small pouch in order to heat the wires in the sock;
however, the heat that is generated is typically very minimal.
Further, cooling of the foot is not possible.
Other types of therapeutic footwear contain a heat and/or
cold retentive material within such as a gel material, or even
water. The heat and/or cold retentive material is contained within
a plastic container or flexible plastic pouch, and can be heated or
cooled. Specific prior art of this type will now be discussed.
U.S. Patent 5,591,221 issued January 7, 1997 to Owens,
discloses a Therapeutic Footwear Method, U.S. Patent 5,357,693 to
Owens, issued October 25, 1994, Discloses Footwear with Therapeutic
Pad, and U.S. Patent 5,339,541 issued to Owens, August 23, 1994,
also discloses Footwear With Therapeutic Pad. Each of these
patents to Owens teaches the use of a therapeutic pad in a
slipper-type article of footwear. In one embodiment, an article of
footwear has an opening at the back and an elongate therapeutic pad
is inserted into the slipper. One half of the elongate therapeutic
pad is inserted into the left half of the slipper and the other
half of the therapeutic pad is inserted into the right half of the
- 2 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
slipper, so as to form a "U"-shape around the sides and back of the
slipper. In another embodiment, the therapeutic pad is inserted
into the slipper between the tongue and the top surface of the
upper portion of the slipper.
U.S. Patent 5,050,598 to Tucker, issued September 24,
1991, discloses a Body Warming Bladder that is used in various
articles, such as a slipper. The elongate bladder contains a
heated liquid and is disposed along the left and right sides of the
slipper and around the front of the slipper. The bladder is made
from a waterproof material and is formed from two sheets secured
together around the peripheral edges by heat sealing or a suitable
adhesive. A cap closure closes over a filling opening in the front
of the bladder.
It is also known that a slipper-like boot is available on
the market, as manufactured and marketed by C.I.M. Gifts, of
Forest, Ontario, Canada. This slipper-like boot is believed to be
a single piece of cloth material having a central compartment
containing a large quantity of grain and with two ends of the cloth
material folded over and partially stitched together to form the
slipper-like boot shape. This slipper-like boot has a number of
drawbacks including the fact that the main pouch generally forms
the sole of the slipper and therefore the wearer is walking on most
of the grain, which is highly undesirable especially for the
- 3 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
elderly or the disabled. Further, because there is only a single
pouch, the grain is not disposed on top of the wearer's foot.
Accordingly, this slipper type boot cannot readily be worn around
while walking, and does not do an overly effective job of keeping
a person's foot warm or cold, as desired, due to the lack of a
heated material and/or an insulating material anywhere but below
the wearer's foot.
The above stated disadvantages can be overcome with
footwear comprised of compartments or pockets that are filled with
a temperature-retentive granular material, (e. g. natural grain)
such that the footwear can be heated or cooled. Compartments give
form, structure and shape to the footwear.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
therapeutic slipper that can be worn comfortably while walking.
It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a
therapeutic slipper that warms or cools the entire upper surface of
the foot.
It is another object of the present invention to provide
a therapeutic slipper that warms or cools the entire upper surface
of the foot evenly.
- 4 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
It is yet another object of the present invention to
provide a therapeutic slipper that does not leak the liquid
material.
It is a further object of the present invention to
provide a therapeutic slipper that is easy and inexpensive to
manufacture.
It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a therapeutic slipper that permits walking in a normal and
comfortable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,
there is disclosed a novel therapeutic slipper for retaining heat
or cold. The therapeutic slipper comprises a sole, and an upper
portion disposed in overlying relation above the sole. The upper
portion has a plurality of compartments, with each compartment
comprising an outer layer of material and an inner layer of
material, and with at least two of the compartments containing a
temperature-retentive granular material.
- 5 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention, there is disclosed a novel therapeutic slipper for
retaining heat or cold. The therapeutic slipper comprises a sole
and an upper portion disposed in overlying relation above the sole.
The upper portion has at least one compartment, with each
compartment comprising an outer layer of material and an inner
layer of material, and with the at least one compartment containing
a quantity of temperature-retentive granular material. The sole is
void of compartments containing a temperature-retentive granular
material.
In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention, there is disclosed a novel therapeutic slipper for
retaining heat or cold. The therapeutic slipper comprises a sole
and an upper portion disposed in overlying relation above the sole.
The upper portion has a plurality of compartments, with each
compartment comprising an outer layer of material and an inner
layer of material. At least one pouch contains a quantity of
temperature-retentive granular material, with the at least one
pouch being disposed within a corresponding compartment of the
upper portion.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, there is disclosed a novel method of fabricating a
therapeutic slipper that retains heat or cold. The method
- 6 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
comprising the steps of : (a) forming a sole having a perimeter; (b)
forming an upper portion having a plurality of compartments with
each compartment comprising an outer layer of material and an inner
layer of material, and the at least one compartment containing a
temperature-retentive granular material; (c) attaching the upper
portion to the sole so as to form an interior pocket to accommodate
a wearer's foot, and such that a gap temporarily remains between
the sole and one of the outer layer of material and the inner layer
of material for each compartment, each the gap permitting the
ingress of temperature-retentive granular material into the
respective compartment; (d) adding a quantity of temperature-
retentive granular material into each compartment; and, (e)closing
each gap to preclude the escape of temperature-retentive granular
material from the respective gap.
The therapeutic slipper according to the present
invention comprises cloth footwear that can be heated in the
microwave or cooled in a freezer and then worn to keep the feet and
toes either warm or cool while freely walking about or sitting or
lying down. The therapeutic slipper can be placed in the microwave
oven for approximately 2-3 minutes, depending on the power of the
microwave oven, or in the freezer for approximately 3-4 hours,
depending on the temperature of the freezer, and also depending on
the size of the slipper and temperature needs of the wearer. The
footwear remains warm or cool for 30-40 minutes depending on the
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
length of time in the microwave or freezer and the foot itself
remains warm or cold even longer. The therapeutic slipper comprises
compartments (pockets or sections) that contain a natural grain
that has a particular property of retaining heat or cold for
extended periods of time. The compartments and the associated
support stitching, and also the selection of material, result in
comfortable, flexible and effective therapeutic footwear. This
therapeutic slipper is intended primarily to help the elderly who
quite often have circulation problems causing cold feet, people
with various illnesses and disabilities causing cold feet and those
who need a cold application to relieve an inflamed foot.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides
a therapeutic slipper intended to warm or cool the foot. This
unique slipper combines the advantages of a heat/cold pad but with
the mobility, comfort and flexibility of the slipper. The slipper
contains a natural grain that retains heat or cold when placed in
a microwave or freezer for a specific period of time. Compartments
or pockets make up the slipper and contain the grain. The
compartments are positioned in the slipper to provide maximum heat
or cold distribution to specific, sensitive areas of the foot. This
also enables more uniform, consistent heat or cold distribution
throughout the slipper. The grain is allowed to move freely within
each compartment of the slipper and the grain is prevented from
shifting from one end of the slipper to the other, thereby
_ g _
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
providing consistent, focused heat or cold application. The
compartments enable structure, support and firmness to the slipper
making it more upright and therefore easy to wear and comfortable.
Without the compartments the grain would settle to the bottom and
would make it almost impossible to place the slipper on the foot.
The size of the compartments dictates the quantity of grain in the
slipper. The correct amount of grain is required to ensure proper
heat or cold absorption and retention of same.
Other advantages, features and characteristics of the
present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of
the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts
and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and the
appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the
latter of which is briefly described hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T8E DRAWINGS
The novel features which are believed to be
characteristic of the therapeutic slipper for retaining heat or
cold and method of fabricating same according to the present
invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of
_ g _
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof,
will be better understood from the following drawings in which a
presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood,
however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and
description only, and are not intended as a definition of the
limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a preferred
embodiment of the therapeutic slipper according to the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment
therapeutic slipper of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional top plan view taken along
section line 3 - 3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional top plan view taken along
section line 4 - 4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view with a portion cut
away of a first alternative embodiment therapeutic slipper
according to the present invention; and,
- 10 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
Figure 6 is a side elevational view with a portion cut
away of a second alternative embodiment therapeutic slipper
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EI~ODII~NT
Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 4, which
show a preferred embodiment of the therapeutic slipper of the
present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20.
The therapeutic slipper 20 is for retaining heat or cold, as
desired, depending on whether the therapeutic slipper 20 is heated
in a microwave or cold in a refrigerator or freezer, before being
worn.
The therapeutic slipper 20 comprises a sole 26 that in
the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, is void of any
temperature-retentive granular material 23. In other words, the
sole 26 is constructed for walking on comfortably, and in a normal
manner, and is not constructed for providing a heating or cooling
affect on the wearer's foot.
An upper portion 19 is disposed in overlying relation
above the sole 26, and is secured to the sole 26 by means of
- 11 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
stitching 21. The upper portion comprises a left side portion 11
and a right side portion 12, as can be best seen in Figure 2. The
left side portion 11 and the right side portion 12 are preferably
joined together by means of stitching 22, but may also be
integrally formed one with the other.
The upper portion 19 has at least one compartment, with
the left side portion 11 and the right side portion 12 each
comprising a first compartment and a second compartment. In the
preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the therapeutic slipper has
a left front compartment 1, a left rear compartment 2, a right
front compartment 3, a right rear compartment 4, a left ankle
compartment 5, and a right ankle compartment 6.
Each of the compartments 1 through 6 comprises an inner
layer of material (the lining 14) an outer layer of material (the
facing material 15) joined together by stitching 24 at their
perimeters, thus forming the respective compartments 1 through 6.
In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, each of the front left
compartment l, the rear left compartment 2, the front right
compartment 3, and the right rear compartment 4 contain quantity of
temperature-retentive granular material 23 therein, with the
temperature-retentive granular material 23 preferably comprising a
natural grain, such as oats, wheat, or the like.
- 12 -
CA 02357698 2004-02-02
The temperature-retentive granular material 23 is
thexms3.ly responsive to microwave energy, so as to permit the
therapeutic slipper 2g to be waned in a microwave oven. It has
been found that natural grain containing moisture therein is a
suitable temperature-retentive granular material 23.
Tn order to keep the temperature-retenti9e granular
material 23 substantially evenly distributed th~coughout the front
left compartment I. the rear left compartment 2, the front right
compartment 3, and the rear right coanpartment 4, each of these four
compartments 1 through 4 has at least one generally centrally
~.ocated stitch that joins together the outer layer of material and
the inner layer of material. If these support stitches were xzot
present, each cou~partment would either have the
temperature-rctent~.ve granular material 23 disposed at the bottom
of the compartment but not at the top, or if enough
temnperatuxe-retentive granular material 23 was added to each
compartment to keep it filled, the compartment would be very thick
and the therapeutic slipper 20 wou~.d be unduly heavy.
As can be beat seen is Figure 1, the therapeutic slipper
20 further comprises a separating slit 25 between the left and
right ankle compartments disposed at the front thereof. This
separating slit 25 permits ready insertion of a wtaxer's foot into
the therapeutic slipper 20. A cloth fastener 9 having Velcro 10
- 1.3 -
CA 02357698 2004-02-02
thereon is disposed in the upper ca~mpartments to permit closing of
the separating slit 25, thereby helping to keep the therapeutic
slipper 20 on the foot of a wearer.
There i~ also disclosed a method of fabricating a
therapeutic slippar 20 that retains heat or cold. Tha method
comprises the following steps. First, a sole 26 having a perimeter
is formed. The sole 26 can ba made of more then one layer of
material to help retain heat ar cold and to add .camufort. A top
layer 18 can be made from any material such as cloth fabriCS, foam,
mesh fabrics or leather. Preferably, the top layer 18 of a sole 26
comprises a cotton base attached to a h~at retentive felt material
17 as a middle layer. The footwear can accommodate the choice o.~
an insole of the wearer to edd further comnfort. The sole bottom
layer 16 can be non-slip material. The slipper 20 would preferab2y
be available in adult small, m,ediuo~a and large sizes, axed also in
chi7,dren's sizes, and accordingly the sole 26 would be formed to
the appropriate size. Preferably, the sole 26 is void of
compartments containing a temperature-retentive granular material
23.
Next, the upper portion I9 is formed, having a plurality
of compartments 1 through 6, with each compartment comprising ari
outer layer of material 15 and an inner layer df material 14 and
the at least one comnpartment containing a te~ngerature-retentive
_ 1q _
CA 02357698 2004-02-02
granular material 23. Then, the upper portion 19 is attached to
the sole 18 so as to form an interior pocket to accommnodate a
wearer's foot, and such that a gap 13 temporarily remains between
the sole 1.8 end one of the outer layer 15 of material and the inner
layer of material 14 for each compartiaent 1 through 6. Each gap. l3
permits the addition of a quantity of temperature-retentive
granular material 23 into the respective compartment l through 6.
Preferably, the gap 13 temporarily remains between the sole 26 and
the outer layer of material.
A quantity of temperature-retentive granular material 23
is added into each compartment each gap 13 is closed to preclude
the escape of temperature-retentive granular ataterial 23 frown the
respectkve gap.
Reference will now be made to Figure 5, which shows a
fixst alternative embodiment of the therapeutic slipper 100
accords.ng to the present invezttion. Tn the first alternative
embodiment, the therapeutic slipper 100 is si.nu.lar to the preferred
embodiment therapeutic slipper 28, in that it has a sole 126 and an
upper portion 119 disposed in overlying relation above the sole
126, and with the upper portion 119 having at least one compartment
101. The therapeutic slipper x.00 additionally comprises at least
one pouch 130 containing a quantity of temperature-retentive
granular material 1~3, that preferably is thermally responsive to
-- 15 --
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
microwave energy. The at least one pouch 130 is disposed within
the corresponding compartment 101 of the upper portion 119. As
illustrated, the pouch 130 is substantially flat, or in other
words, its thickness is much less than its width and its length.
Reference will now be made to Figure 6, which shows a
second alternative embodiment of the therapeutic slipper 200
according to the present invention. The therapeutic slipper 200 is
similar to the first alternative embodiment therapeutic slipper
100, except that the pouch 202 is substantially elongate, and is
folded several times to fit into the compartment 201.
As is readily apparent from the above description, the
present invention relates to a slipper comprising compartments or
pockets that are filled with a natural grain such that the footwear
may be heated or cooled and then worn for therapeutic purposes or
simply for comfort. Preferably, the grain is a natural grain or
cereal.
The grain itself provides a naturally comfortable and
soothing effect. Preferably, the grain is situated near the top of
and along the side the foot. The footwear may be placed in a
microwave or freezer for a period of time to heat or cool the
footwear, respectively. The feet and toes are kept warm or cold
- 16 -
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
while walking about or while stationary. The footwear is very
effective, convenient, easy to use and comfortable.
The footwear may be made from any material such as cloth
fabrics, mesh fabrics or leather. The footwear may be a shoe or
boot-type style. Preferably, the slipper is the boot-type. The
footwear contains at least one compartment and the footwear's
structure can be sewn together in a number of ways in terms of the
location of the compartment. The compartments are positioned to
provide maximum structure and shape to the footwear and are filled
with a specific quantity of grain, depending on the size and style
of the footwear. The compartments may be supported by short
support stitches. The size of the compartments and the number of
support stitches dictate the quantity of grain that should be in
the footwear. Too many support stitches or too small compartments
will limit the quantity of grain and therefore reduce the amount of
heat or cold absorbed and retained.
It is preferred that the combination of the compartments
and their support stitches along with the number and location of
them prevent the grain from shifting, and provide the footwear with
necessary structure, shape and form; minimizing the empty space in
the compartments. This resulting even distribution of grain within
each compartment is such that a long lasting and even application
of heat or cold is provided for the foot and lower leg (if the
- 17 -
CA 02357698 2004-02-02
boot-type footwear). When heated in a microwave or cooled in a
freeser, the footwear, with the natural heat/oold retention
pxoperties of the grain Can provide last~.ng relief frv;n the
da,sort of cold feet or inflammation. More preferred, the grain
is in combination with a heat retentive cloth.
As cax~ be seen in Figures 1 through 6, the therapeutic
~~.ipper 2D has Campart~atxits 1 to 6. Addit3.ona~. cc~gartments may be
required, c'Ee~pendiag on the size and style of footwaar. The
compartments are further supported by short support st~.tches 7 and
8. Additional support stitches may be required, depending on the
number and size of compartaiettts which theZnselves are dependent on
the wise and sty3e of footwear.
Farther support is provided by the cloth fastener 9.
Preferably positioned above the ankle, depending on the size and
style of the faotwear. The fastener keeps the slipper snug axound
thm lower part of the leg just above the ankle. The fastener keeps
the footwear fitted to the foot. The fastener can he a drawstring
tied lake a shoelace or can be attached with "Velcro" 10 fox easy
fastening, as best steep in Figure 1. The fastenex could
alternatively be a flap that can be pulled dnd attached with
~'velcro°~, Other attachment means can be incorporated to acccmam~odate
the d~i.fferent footwear styles in order to keep the footwear fitted
- 18
CA 02357698 2001-09-05
around the foot or lower leg. The elderly and people with muscle
problems should find this beneficial.
Depending on the size and style of the therapeutic
slipper 20, in order to warm the therapeutic slipper 20, each pair
should be preferably heated for 2 to 3 minutes in a microwave oven.
In order to warm the therapeutic slipper 20, preferably the
footwear is placed in the freezer for 3 to 4 hours. The heat/cold
could be retained for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and
style of the footwear and the length of time in the microwave or
freezer, and the intensity of the microwave or the temperature of
the freezer.
Different styles of the footwear can be made while making
use of compartments filled with grain. In the various embodiments
illustrated in Figures 1 through 6, the footwear is made up of two
sides 11 and 12 that are sewn together. Sides 11 and 12 are
comprised of a lining 14 and the facing material 15 that are sewn
together. Another embodiment could have the two sides 11 and 12 as
one piece with a seam down the back. Gaps 13 are left open to each
compartment between the liner and the facing material to allow the
injection of grain. These gaps can be located at the most
convenient position for loading of grain and subsequent sewing.
The appropriate quantity of grain is injected into each compartment
and the gaps are sewn closed.
- 19 -
CA 02357698 2004-02-02
The support fastener arid "Velcro"e,, are added at the
appropriate height. depending on the style and size of footwear.
As can he understood fr~n the above description and from
the accompanying drawings. the present 3.awent~.on pro~idas a
therapeutic slipp~r that waxms ar Goola the entire upper r~urface of
the foot etrenly, that does not leak the liquid m$texial, that is
easy and inexpensive to manufacture, that ~ be comnfortably ~oxn
while walking, thaet permits walking in a yaormal and eaaafortable
manner, all of which is uakaov~ra 3aa the prior art.
ether variations of the above principles will be apparent
to thorse who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and
such variations axe considered to be ~rithin the scope of the
present invention. L~urther, other xaadifications and alteratioas
may he used in the design and manufacture of the apgaratus of the
pxesent invention without departing framo~ the spirit and scope of
the accam~anyirrg claims .
-- 2 0 -
