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.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]This present invention relates to footwear and more particularly to a reusable pedicure protection system, that when worn by the user, prevents damage to painted or treated toenails. One component of the invention that is the insert, can be worn interchangeably in various styles of shoes with the necessary space and shape or the invention can be worn in its entirety, meaning the insert and accompanying shoe.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]People frequent manicure and pedicure salons as part of their beauty regimen, often having their nails painted as part of the treatment. After the application of nail polish, some time is typically spent under the nail dryer to ensure that the polish dries. For a pedicure, this reduces the likelihood of smudging or damage due to contact with shoes or other objects. During the warmer months, a person can opt to shorten the time spent at the salon under a dryer by donning open toed footwear after having their toenails painted...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a device that protects the user's toe from touching other surfaces, which prevents damage or treatment to the toe. The invention is also economical for the consumer as it is a fraction of the cost of prior art.

Problems solved by technology

During times of less favorable weather, for example rainy days or colder months of the year in which wearing closed toe and / or warmer footwear is a necessity, persons usually exercise one of the following options: (1) sitting under a nail dryer until the polish is dry, the result of which is wasted time (2) braving cold weather by wearing open toed shoes, which can generally be uncomfortable (3) wearing closed toe footwear which can possibly smudge the polish and prove costly as frequent touch ups are needed to fix the affected areas and (4) having their toes wrapped in ‘saran’ wrap before putting feet into shoes, which still poses a risk of smudging.

This structure has certain disadvantages such as:(1) Toenail protection comes only with wearing these shoes.

The user must therefore commit to buying a pair of these shoes, which can be costly, especially if they need to buy multiple pairs to create more wardrobe options.

For example, in the case of U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,807 B2 to Condie, although the structure can be applied to different styles of shoes, the user must buy the pair of shoes(2) The style of the shoe may not be suitable for the environment or the weather.

The design of U.S. Pat. No. 7,681,332 B2 to Allen would not be appropriate for winter weather as it does not facilitate the wearing of socks and a substantial part of the foot is exposed.

This applies also to U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,823 to Yates in which over half of the user's foot is exposed(3) The shoe design may not appeal to a person's aesthetic taste

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