Daniel J Feeney

20100024247, Feb 4, 2010

Aug 4, 2008

12/185497

Daniel T. Feeney - Merrimac MA, US
John C. Hughes - Canton MA, US
Victor M. Souza - Billerica MA, US
Timothy G. Hickey - South Easton MA, US

A43B 7/26
A43B 7/14
A43B 23/00
A43B 3/12
A61F 13/06

36 94, 36 88, 36136, 36 115, 128894

A protective appliance for the space between the toes of a wearer of flip-flop sandals or other such footwear. The appliance has a generally hollow, generally elongated cylindrical shape and is fabricated from a relatively light weight, soft and compressible material. It includes a longitudinal cut through one of its sides that allows the appliance to be opened and engaged about the thong segment of the flip-flop that normally extends between the large toe and adjacent toe of the wearer, and that resiliently closes after the appliance is so engaged. When applied, the appliance cushions the space between the toes and the thong segment and allows at least a limited degree of both longitudinal and radial movement of the appliance relative to the thong segment thus increasing comfort of the flip-flops and minimizing friction and chafing of the toes on the thong segment during walking and other activities in the flip-flops. The appliance may be readily removed from the thong segment and moved from one pair of flip-flops to another as desired.