AU2021107446A4

AU2021107446A4 - Improved foot-soaking liquid-containing footwear

Info

Publication number: AU2021107446A4
Application number: AU2021107446A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Xiaomin Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-08-25
Filing date: 2021-08-25
Publication date: 2021-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-25

Abstract

IMPROVED FOOT-SOAKING LIQUID-CONTAINING FOOTWEAR A foot-soaking footwear comprises a foot-portion that accommodate a user's foot, as well as a leg-portion for receiving at least part of the user's lower leg. The foot-portion and leg-portion together having a liquid-proof footwear-interior that can contain liquid and receive the user's said foot and at least part of the lower leg for soaking in liquid in the footwear-interior. The leg-portion has a compactible configuration that enables at least part or all of the leg-portion to be compacted into a more compact form when the footwear is not worn by the user. Figure 3 723.PIN.AU 20210825 3/12 IA 32 99 100 33 70 20 42 80 Figure 3

Description

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IMPROVED FOOT-SOAKING LIQUID-CONTAINING FOOTWEAR

Field of Invention The present invention relates to foot-soaking footwear that are able to contain liquid so that feet can soak in the liquid while wearing the footwear as a shoe on each foot. The present invention excludes liquid foot baths that are not in the nature of footwear that can be worn as a shoe on each foot.

Background of the Invention Soaking feet in a liquid foot bath is said to provide therapeutic or at least relaxation benefits. Feet can be soaked in a container such as a basin filled with water, however, it is known to have foot baths in the shape of footwear. There is known prior art where a water bath, in the shape of footwear, can contain sufficient liquid to fully immerse each foot without any need for a larger liquid container. An object of the present invention is to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of problems in the known prior art, or to at least provide an improved alternative, or to provide at least a variation or modification that works differently to the prior art. Any discussion of prior art above and herein, either singly or in combination, is not to be construed as an admission of the state of common general knowledge of the skilled addressee.

Any references herein to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, any prior art discussion herein does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art.

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Summary of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a foot-soaking footwear comprising: a foot-portion able to accommodate therein a foot of a user; a leg-portion able to accommodate therein at least part of the user's lower leg; the foot-portion and the leg-portion together combine to form a liquid-proof footwear-interior able to contain liquid and to receive therein the foot and at least part of the lower leg for soaking in any liquid in the footwear-interior; wherein the leg-portion has a compactible configuration that enables at least part or all of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, to be compacted into a more compact form when the footwear is not worn by the user.

In an exemplary embodiment, the compactible configuration of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, may be able to be bent, curled-over, or folded-over to one side of the footwear to achieve the more compact form. In an exemplary embodiment, the compactible configuration of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, may be able to be partially, substantially or fully compressed downwards towards the foot portion to thereby result in a height-reduction of the leg-portion to achieve the more compact form. In an exemplary embodiment, the compactible configuration of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, may be able to be compressed partly or substantially into the liquid-proof footwear-interior of the foot-portion to achieve the more compact form. In an exemplary embodiment, the compactible configuration of the leg-portion may be substantially more flexible than the foot-portion to enable the leg-portion to achieve the more compact form. In an exemplary embodiment, the compactible structure of the leg-portion may comprise a water-proof fabric that possesses flexibility to enable the leg-portion to be compacted into the more compact form.

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In an exemplary embodiment, the water-proof fabric may comprises either Polyurethane fabric, Polyester or other water-proof fabrics that are waterproof and sufficiently flexible to form the compactible configuration of the leg-portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the compactible configuration may have a flexibility similar to that of a textile fabric. In an exemplary embodiment, the foot-portion may be made from different material or materials to the material or materials of the leg-portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the foot-portion may have a substantially rigid structure that is able to independently retain its shape like a shoe. In an exemplary embodiment, the foot-soaking footwear may be able to be worn by the user while the user walks or moves about with the foot-soaking footwear on the user's feet even when the liquid-proof footwear-interior contains liquid. In an exemplary embodiment, the foot-soaking footwear may be provided with a sealing-mechanism that acts as a barrier to liquid splashing out of the top of the footwear. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing-mechanism may comprise elastic webbing inside the footwear-interior of the leg-portion where the webbing is able to surround the user's leg to acts as the barrier to liquid splashing out of the top of the footwear. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing-mechanism may comprise a dense material adapted to surround the user's calf. In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid-proof footwear-interior may be provided with a sole-region on which is provided with massage protrusions adapted to stimulate acupoints on a sole of the user's foot. In an exemplary embodiment, the sole-region may be provided with a far-infrared heater to stimulate a sole of the user's foot.

Drawings

In order that the present invention might be more fully understood, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Possible and preferred features of the present features of the present invention will be described as examples only, however, it is to be understood that

723.PIN.AU 20210825 the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a foot-soaking-footwear, shown with interior features-that are actually inside the footwear on its sole-represented notionally in the drawing in feint outline; Figure 2 shows a front view of the first embodiment of Figure 1 shown when the legging-portion is in a bent, curled-over or folded-over orientation; Figure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of a foot-soaking-footwear where the foot portion is made of different materials compared to the leg portion; Figure 4 is a front view of the second embodiment of a foot-soaking-footwear of Figure 3; Figure 5 is the front view of the second embodiment of a foot-soaking-footwear of Figures 3 and 4 when the legging-portion is in a bent, curled-over or folded-over orientation; Figure 6 is the front view of the same second embodiment of a foot-soaking footwear of Figure 3 shown when the legging-portion is fully compressed into the interior of the foot-enclosure-portion; Figure 7 is the side view of Figure 6 of the second embodiment of a foot-soaking footwear of Figure 3 shown where the legging-portion is fully compressed into the interior of the foot-enclosure-portion; Figure 8 is the perspective front view of the second embodiment of a foot-soaking footwear of Figure 3 shown where the legging-portion is partially compressed downwards, towards and into the foot-enclosure-portion; Figure 9 is a top view of the second embodiment of a foot-soaking-footwear of Figure 3 shown as it may appear with the legging-portion flared out, before the legging-portion has been tightened or secured around a user's leg; Figure 10 is a side view of the second embodiment of Figure 3 showing a notional foot of a user illustrated in light outline indicating that the foot is actually inside the footwear; Figure 11 is a top view of the sole-inner-surface that is inside the footwear, and used in the first and second embodiments of Figures 1 and 3 respectively; and

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Figure 12 (not drawn to scale) is a notional cross-sectional side view of the sole of the shoe of the embodiment in Figure 11. This cross-sectional view would be taken approximately along the central lengthwise axis A-A of the sole in Figure 11.

In the drawings, only one shoe is shown for illustration, and it is understood that embodiments of the invention would have a pair of shoes for two feet. In the description below, embodiments are described with a user's foot inside the footwear for convenience of description, however, the user's foot, that uses the embodiment, is not part of the embodiment. In the different embodiments, like components are labeled with like reference numerals merely for the sake of ease of understanding the different embodiments and modifications. By way of example only, an item 10 in the description of the first embodiment, and an item 1OA in the second embodiment would be regarded as like-components albeit each having modifications described with respect to various embodiments. Any positive recitations of features in the description below are understood to be by way of example.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS THESHOE

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a foot-soaking footwear in the form of footbath-shoe 10. In Figure 1, the footbath-shoe 10 has a foot-portion in the form of a foot-enclosure-portion 20 that is able to accommodate and enclose a user's foot when the footbath-shoe 10 is worn. The footbath-shoe 10 also has a leg-portion in the form of a legging-portion 30 that is able to accommodate at least part of the user's lower leg. The user's lower leg (below the knee) would include the calf muscle. The lower leg, being the portion that is generally between the knee and foot, is also referred to as the 'crus'.

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In the described and illustrated first and second embodiments herein, the footwear mostly covers the lower leg below the knee, however, further embodiments may be configured so that the leg-portion of the footwear may extend up to, or even above, the knee. In the first embodiment in Figure 1, the transition region between the foot-enclosure-portion 20 and the legging-portion 30 starts around or may be just above the user's ankle. The amount of the shoe, that is made up of the foot-enclosure-portion , is at least of the amount to enable the footbath-shoe 10 to remain on the user's foot while walking around without falling off. In the embodiment, the legging-portion 30 may extend up to a portion of the user's calf, or may be shorter. As stated, in further embodiments the legging-portion may even go above the knee. Nevertheless, in this first embodiment and other modified embodiments, the invention in its broadest aspect is not limited to requiring the transition region, from the foot-enclosure-portion 20 to the legging-portion 30, having to be at a specific height. It is sufficient that, in the footwear, the lower portion around the foot is regarded as the foot-portion, while the upper portion above that, which surrounds part of the leg, is regarded as the leg-portion. In other alternate embodiments, the height of legging-portion can be modified higher or lower. The legging-portion may vary in height to surround and enclose varying portions of the user's calf. The higher the legging-portion, the greater portion of the user's feet and calf are able to be immersed in liquid that is contained in the footbath-shoe. In Figure 1, the example of an embodiment may have cosmetic lines 34 on its exterior surface. In Figure 1, as drawn, features of the interior sole are drawn in feint outline to indicate interior features that are inside the shoe. The drawing may, if required, be amended later within the scope of this disclosure to indicate these interior features using a cut-out manner of illustrating these interior features of the footwear.

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INNER CHAMBER In the embodiment of Figure 1, the lower foot-enclosure-portion 20 and the upper legging-portion 30 together combine to form a liquid-proof footwear-interior in the form of a liquid-proof chamber 35 that is inside the shoe for containing liquid therein. The term "liquid-proof' means that liquid cannot seep or escape from the liquid-proof chamber 35 by passing through material of the shoe. This liquid-proofing enables the overall shoe to be waterproof in the sense that liquid cannot seep out of the shoe through its material. The notion of being liquid-proof does not preclude the ability to pour liquid in and out of a top-opening 36 of the footwear, as seen from the top view in Figure 9. In the embodiment, the only way that liquid can enter or leave the footbath-shoe is through the opening 36 at the top of the shoe. Through this opening 36, a user inserts a foot into the shoe. This opening 36 is regarded as being the top of the footwear. In Figure 1, the liquid-proof chamber 35 is able to accommodate the user's foot therein and is able to contain liquid. When a foot is inserted into the chamber 35, the foot is able to be soaked in any liquid in the chamber 35 to obtain a therapeutic or at least a relaxation effect associated with extended soaking of feet. The amount of liquid that is put in the footbath-shoe 10 is at the user's discretion. In embodiments where the liquid level is filled up to higher levels of the user's calf muscle, the water may have a therapeutic or at least a relaxation effect on parts of the calf as well as the feet.

OPTIONAL DRAINAGE In other embodiments, the shoe may optionally be provided with a salable drainage-opening that is close to the base of the shoe. The shoe is still regarded as being liquid-proof, even in an embodiment that has such an optional salable drainage-opening, since the user would be able to control when the liquid would exit the shoe though the optional drainage-opening. The drainage-opening may be in the form of a drainage-hole with a plug or other suitable adjustable closure-mechanism.

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SHOE MATERIALS The material of the foot-enclosure-portion 20 and the legging-portion 30, particularly their interior, are made from liquid-proof material so that the interior of the footbath-shoe 10 acts as the liquid-proof chamber 35 that is able to contain liquid. When a user's foot is in the footbath-shoe 10 with liquid in its interior, the foot is able to soak in the liquid which may produce a therapeutic effect or at least a relaxation effect. A comfortable temperature range of liquid inside the footbath-shoe 10 may be around 35 to 40 degrees C, although this is entirely at the user's preference to have either colder or warmer liquid temperature. It is anticipated that the user would pour water or other suitable liquid into the footbath-shoe 10 where the liquid is at a desired temperature, for instance, by adjusting the flow of water from a tap that has been set at a desired temperature. Accordingly, in the embodiment, the foot-enclosure-portion 20 of the footbath-shoe 10 may be made from a material, or from materials, that provides a degree of temperature-insulation to maintain the liquid temperature of the foot-enclosure-portion as close to the starting temperature, for as long as possible. For example, the user may start by filling the shoe with either warmer or colder water, at the user's discretion. Optionally, the legging-portion 30 may also be material or materials that provides a degree of temperature-insulation. Over the passage of time, the temperature of the liquid inside the shoe will tend to adjust towards the ambient temperature, and may even be influenced to an extent by the body temperature of the user's foot. Examples of such materials that the foot-enclosure-portion and legging-portion are made from are polyurethane fabric or polyester In embodiments, the material for the foot-enclosure-portion may be antibacterial rubber, antibacterial PVC material, or antibacterial foamed PVC material. Other embodiments of the footbath-shoe 10 may be made from alternate materials that can provide the functionality defined in the appended claims, and the foot-enclosure-portion 20 and the legging-portion 30 of the footbath-shoe 10 are not restricted to any specific materials provided these are capable of the function defined in the claims.

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The interior surface of the liquid-proof chamber 35 is liquid-proof to retain the liquid inside the shoe 10. The exterior of the shoe may be made of the same material as the interior surface of the liquid-proof chamber 35. Alternatively, the exterior of the shoe may be made of different materials, for example, to provide different visual or aesthetic appearance of the footwear. In other variations, the foot-enclosure-portion and legging-portion may be made of two or more layers of different materials. The external surface of the outer layer can be made of materials associated with normal footwear, such as natural or artificial leather, canvas or other such materials found in normal shoes. This is to provide the footbath-shoe with a visual or aesthetic appearance of a normal piece of footwear. In embodiments, the material for the legging-portion may be antibacterial waterproof cloth that may contain nano-silver. The nano-silver provides antibacterial and antifungal properties to the material of the shoe.

OUTER-SOLE The footbath-shoe 10 has an outer-sole 80 that may comprise layers of material. In other modifications, the outer-sole 80 may be made of a single piece of material. In various embodiments, the outer-sole 80 may have several sole-layers or similar or different material that combine to form the outer-sole 80, or the outer-sole may be made of a single, uniform material. The outer-sole 80 may be made of lightweight material such as polyurethane or other suitable material such as natural or synthetic rubber. The outer-sole 80 may also be made of leather, or other suitable materials used for outer-soles of normal shoes. The outer-sole 80 is preferably made of a resilient material, or materials that can provide impact-absorption when the user may walk around while wearing the footbath-shoe 10 on each foot. The outer-sole may be made from a material, such as rubber or artificial rubber or polymer that provides an anti-slip degree of friction on smooth or slippery surfaces.

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SOLE INNER-SURFACE In Figure 1, the foot-enclosure-portion 20 has an interior sole-region in the form of sole-inner-surface 40. When the footbath-shoe 10 is worn, the sole of the user's foot rests on the sole-inner-surface 40. In Figure 1, inside the liquid-proof chamber 35, the sole-inner-surface 40 is located on top of the outer-sole 80. The sole-inner-surface 40 is located at the base of the liquid-proof chamber 35, In Figure 11, the sole-inner-surface 40 is preferably made from an anti-infection material that inhibits growth of bacteria or other undesirable organic matter. Other inner surfaces of the foot-enclosure-portion and legging-portion may also be made from such anti-infection material.

INNER-SOLE HEATER In Figures 1, 11 and 12, the sole-inner-surface 40 is provided with a far-infrared-heater in the form of far-infrared heating element 50 that is underneath a transparent sheet material 43. In Figures 1, 11 and 12, the far-infrared heating element 50 may be made of materials that emit far-infrared, for example: graphene, biochar charcoal, carbon fiber products, tourmaline, far-infrared ceramics, jade, as well as other materials with an emission wavelength of far-infrared preferably in the range of 8-14 microns. In Figures 1, 11 and 12, the far-infrared heating element 50 is positioned generally in the centre of the sole-inner-surface 40, so that, in use, it is able to transmit far-infrared upwards up onto the sole of the user's foot. Figure 11 is a top view of the sole-inner-surface 40. In Figures 11 and 12, the far-infrared heating element 50 is located in the middle of the sole as shown to the diagram. In Figure 11, the sole-inner-surface 40 is provided with upwardly protruding dimples or mounds 41. In Figure 11, the following dimensions are given merely by way of example, and are not limiting on the invention in its broadest aspect:

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In the embodiment of Figure 11, the rectangular far-infrared device has a length of 12 cm long x width of 8 cm. In Figure 11, near the heel-area 42 of the sole, sole-inner-surface 40 is provided with a matrix of upwardly protruding, dome-like dimples that have a diameter of around 3.5mm. In Figure 11, in this heel-area 42 of the sole, at a location near its centre, there is a group of dimples 44 that are arranged in a circle, around a central dimple. In this particular example, the central dimple is located 3.5 cm from the heel-end of the sole-although it is appreciated that these dimensions are reflective of a particular sized sole, and it is noted that the size of the sole with vary with differing shoe-size. The edge of the group 44 of dimples, that is nearest to the heel-end of the sole, is located 1.5 cm from the heel-end of the sole, as defined in Figure 11. Also in Figure 11, at the location where the user's ball of the sole would be placed, the sole, around where the ball of the foot would be, is provided with another group 45 of dimples that have a diameter of around 3.5mm. It is emphasised, again, that these dimensions of the features of the dimples on the sole-inner-surface 40 are non-limiting examples only, and hence the dimensions described are not limiting on the invention in its broadest aspect. In Figure 11, the dimples act as massage protrusions in the form of a plurality of upstanding, dome-like massage dimples. In the embodiment, these dimples or nodules 41 serve to massage specific parts of the user's sole of the foot. Such massaging is intended to stimulate nerves in the soles of the user's feet. In the embodiment, the dimples or nodules 41 are positioned to correspond with acupoint locations on the sole of the user's foot. In the embodiment, the dimples or nodules 41 are preferably made from moulded rubber, artificial rubber, or other resilient material that are suitable for massaging the undersurface of the user's soles of the feet.

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INFRARED DEVICE IN THE INNER-SOLE

Figure 12 is a notional, side cross-sectional view of the sole-inner-surface 40 of the shoe of the embodiment of Figure 11. (Figure 12, relative to Figure 11, is a notional diagram, and are not drawn to scale). In the embodiment in Figures 11 and 12, in the sole-inner-surface 40, the far-infrared heating element 50 is positioned so as to be located in the general area of a user's arch of the foot. In the embodiment of Figures 11 and 12, the far-infrared heating element 50 is moulded into the sole-inner-surface 40. The far-infrared heating element 50 is located around the centre of the sole as shown in Figures 11 and 12, and the dimensions of the far-infrared heating element 50 are described above with reference to Figure 11. There is no direct contact between the heating element 50, and any water, and the sole of the foot. The undersurface of the far-infrared heating element 50 is recessed slightly below the uppermost surface of the sole-inner-surface 40. The transparent sheet material 43 act as a top-transparent layer that covers the far-infrared heating element 50. The far infrared is able to pass through the transparent sheet 43. Also, this transparent sheet material 43 separates the water from the infrared heating element 50. The flat transparent material 43 of film, that covers the far-infrared (IR) heating element 50, is able to allow far-infrared radiation from the element 50 to pass through the film to reach the user's sole of the foot. The film is 'IR-transparent' in the sense that the far-infrared radiation can pass through the film. The IR-transparent sheet material 43 made for example of polymer film or sheet material that is transparent to far-infrared. Examples of such flat transparent material 43 include IR-transparent polypropylene, IR-transparent polyurethane or IR-transparent polyethylene. Other materials that are transparent to far-infrared radiation, which are suitable as sole materials, may also be used. The flat material 43 forms a unified upper surface of the sole-inner-surface 40. The far-infrared heating element 50 includes several functions:

723.PIN.AU 20210825 i) The far-infrared heating element 50 is able to heat the liquid inside the shoe, which may compensate for loss of heat energy from the shoe to the ambient environment; ii) The heat from the far-infrared heating element 50 imparts warmth to the sole of the user's foot; and iii) Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the nature of far-infrared radiation, when applied to or directed towards the user's skin, may generate a therapeutic effect or at least a relaxation effect for the user. It is believed that use of far-infrared radiation can help in reducing pain or inflammation, amongst other conditions, or at the least provide a pleasant sensation for the user. In the embodiment, the far-infrared heating element 50 is located so as to provide heat to a part of the user's sole that is regarded in Chinese medicine as the YongQuan acupoint. The far-infrared heating element 50 is provided with electricity that comes from a battery. Alternatively, in further embodiments of the invention, the heating element 50 may be connected to an A/C mains outlet via an electrical cable, although that would hinder the user from walking around while wearing the footwear.

MAGNETIC MATERIALS EMBEDDED IN THE INNER-SOLE In the cross-sectional view of the sole in Figure 12, the portions of the inner-sole, that would be located under the user's heel and ball, are provided with magnetic materials in the sole. These magnetic materials (not shown in the drawing) are embedded in the sole of the shoe. The magnetic materials may be, for example, in the shape of buttons, rods, blocks or other small-sized objects. The use of magnetic objects proximate the sole of the foot is said to provide therapeutic benefits, particularly when the magnetic objects are preferably located proximate acupressure points on the sole of the user's foot.

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AMOUNT OF LIQUID IN THE SHOE

In the embodiment, when a user's foot is inside the footbath-shoe 10, an amount of liquid in the order of 2 to 4 litres may be contained in the interior of the footbath-shoe 10. A greater or lesser amount of liquid may be added as the user desires, as long as there is sufficient liquid to immerse the portion of the inner-sole proximate the far-infrared heating element 50 when it is turned on.

EXTERIOR OF THE SHOE

Figure 1 and other diagrams show the exterior of the footbath-shoe 10. On an exterior surface of the legging-portion 30 is provided a pocket 70 that can accommodate a power source such as a battery that is used to provide electrical power to the heating element 50. Wiring (not shown) connects the power source to the heating element 50. In embodiments, the manner of supporting the power source is not limited to a particular location on the footwear, or having a pocket, and there can be numerous ways of designing a manner so that the footwear can carry a power source for the heating element, such as zippered compartments, or compartments closer by hook and loop fasteners, for example. In Figure 1, the exterior surfaces of the legging-portion 30 may also be provided with a switch that is used to turn on and off the power supplied to the heating element 50. This is to allow the user to optionally turn on or off the heating of the far-infrared source. Optionally, there may be provided a thermostat which enables the user to select a liquid temperature that is comfortable for each user. However, in the embodiment, there is no strict need for a thermostat, since the temperature of the liquid or water would largely be determined at the time when the user fills the shoe. The exterior of the footbath-shoe 10 is provided with a tightener that includes the hook and loop strap 99 and/or lacing 100 that is used to tighten the top of the shoe around the user's leg. The tightener may be in other functional forms such as a buckle.

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COMPACTING OF THE FOOTWEAR

The legging-portion of the first embodiment of Figure 1 works differently from known prior art of therapeutic footbath-footwear that are able to contain liquid for the feet to soak. The difference, in the way it works, is that the legging-portion 30 of the embodiment has a compactible configuration that enables at least part of the legging-portion 30 to be compacted into a more compact form when the footwear is not worn by the user. For example, in the side view of Figure 2, the legging-portion 30, when the footwear is not worn, is able to be bent, curled-over, or folded-over to one side of the footwear. This allows the footbath-shoe 10 to be compacted into a more compact form when not worn by a user. When in such a folded or otherwise compacted configuration, the footbath-shoe 10 is able to be stored so that it takes up less storage space. The material of the legging-portion is able to be bent, curled-over or folded-over for this purpose. This also makes it easier to store the shoe when not in use. Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment as an example of when the shoe is in a bent, curled-over or folded-over configuration. The bending or curling can occur in one or more locations in the bendable region or regions of the legging-portion 30 of the footbath-shoe 10. The embodiment is not restricted to having a specific number of bending locations in the legging-portion 30, as long as the legging-portion 30 can be curled over for easier storage.

2ND EMBODIMENT

In the following description, the description of the first embodiment pertains to the second embodiment, and is incorporated by reference, except where differences are noted. A notable difference is that, in the first embodiment, the foot-enclosure-portion 20 is made from the same material or materials as the material or materials of the legging-portion 30. Whereas, in the second embodiment, the foot-enclosure-portion 20 is made from different material or materials to the material or materials of the legging-portion 30.

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In Figure 3, there is a demarcation line 33 that is the boundary between the first material of the foot-enclosure-portion 20, and the different material of the legging-portion 30. Figures 3 and 4 show side and front views respectively of a second embodiment of a foot-soaking footwear in the form of another footbath-shoe 10A. This second embodiment of Figures 3 & 4 works differently from known prior art of footbath-footwear in that its legging-portion 30 has a compactible configuration that enables at least part or all of the legging-portion 30 to be compacted into a more compact form when the footwear is not worn by the user. In the embodiment of Figure 3, the foot-enclosure-portion 20 has a substantially rigid structure that is able to independently retain its shape like a shoe. The extra rigidity of the foot-enclosure-portion 20 may help the user when walking around with the liquid-filled footwear. In the embodiment, the compactible configuration of legging-portion 30 is substantially more flexible than the foot-enclosure-portion 20. In the embodiment, the compactible structure of the legging-portion 30 is made from a material that comprises a water-proof fabric that has flexibility to achieve a more compact form and configuration. In Figure 4, the legging-portion 30 may have a stitching line 31 where portions of the water-proof fabric or flexible material of the legging-portion 30 are stitched together. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the legging-portion 30 may have a circumference that is seamless. The flexible fabric of the legging-portion 30 may have creases or crinkles 32 in the fabric, or may be of a material that does not readily hold creases. Exterior portions of the foot-enclosure-portion 20 are made from solid material that hold its shape as a shoe to house the user's foot. Whereas, in contrast, the compactible configuration of the legging-portion 30 has substantially more flexibility than the foot-enclosure-portion 20. The flexibility of the compactible configuration of the legging-portion 30 works differently to prior art in that the legging-portion 30, when the footwear is not worn, is capable of being partially or substantially compressed downwards towards, or fully

723.PIN.AU 20210825 compressed into, the foot-enclosure-portion 20 to thereby achieve a more compact height-reduction of the leg-portion of the footwear. Figure 6 is the front view of the second embodiment showing an example of how the legging-portion 30 is able to be fully compressed into the interior of the foot-enclosure-portion 20. Figure 7 is a side view of Figure 6. Figure 8 is the perspective-front view of the embodiment of Figure 3 showing when the legging-portion 30 is partially compressed downwards towards the foot-enclosure-portion 20, or, as it were, in the process of being pressed fully into the foot-enclosure-portion 20. The flexibility of the compactible configuration of the legging-portion 30 is sufficient to enable it, when the footwear is not worn, to be compressed partly or substantially into the liquid-proof footwear-interior of the foot-enclosure-portion 20, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Thus, in the two embodiments, this ability for the legging-portion 30 to be housed entirely, or almost entirely inside the foot-enclosure-portion 20, is how the embodiment is able to work differently to known foot-soaking shoes. This gives an advantage that the foot-soaking footwear of Figure 3 can be compacted to take up minimal space when not in use, for example in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 9 is a top view of the second embodiment shown as it may appear before the legging-portion has been tightened or secured around a user's leg. The flexible material of the legging-portion 30 is able to expand and flare outwards to provide a larger opening for the user to insert the foot thereinto. After the leg is inserted into the footwear, the legging-portion 30 is tightened around the user's leg. In further embodiments, the legging-portion 30 may include a waterproof zipper that allows the legging-portion 30 to be opened up more to facilitate putting the leg into the footwear. Depending on the user's preference, liquid or water would preferably be poured into the footwear-interior before the user inserts the foot into the footwear. In the embodiment, the compactible configuration of the legging-portion 30 preferably has characteristics of flexibility similar to that of a textile fabric. The compactible structure of the legging-portion 30 is made from a material that comprises a

723.PIN.AU 20210825 water-proof fabric that possesses such sufficient flexibility, such as polyurethane fabric or polyester fabric, or other such flexible waterproof materials. Thus, in the second embodiment, the foot-enclosure-portion 20 may be made from material or materials that are different to the material or materials of the legging-portion 30. This difference of material(s) allows the legging-portion 30 to be substantially more flexible than the foot-enclosure-portion 20. When the foot-enclosure-portion 20 is made from a more rigid material, it enables the footwear to retain its shape around the user's foot when walking with the footwear filled with liquid or water.

LIQUID In the embodiment, the liquid is preferably water. Other modifications may allow the user to use other liquids, or to add various compounds that are said to impart therapeutic benefits when feet are soaked in liquid baths having such compounded added. For example, medicinal or non-medicinal herbs may be added to the water for possible therapeutic effect. Bathing minerals may also be added to the water, for example, scented materials such mint oil or other fragrances. The contents of what is added to the water is at the user's preference.

WALKING In use, when the footbath-shoe 10, 10A is worn, the user is able to walk and move about with the footbath-shoe 10, 10A having liquid inside the liquid-proof chamber 35. In this regard, it may be advantageous to have the legging-portion of sufficient height to prevent spillage of liquid when the user walks around. Hence, in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 3, the legging-portion reaches a height well up the user's calf. The user is able to walk and move around while wearing the footbath-shoe 10, 1OA on the feet.

723.PIN.AU 20210825

SEALING To avoid the liquid splashing out of the footbath-shoe 10, 10A, particularly when the user walks or moves around with the footwear on, Figure 10 shows an example of the footbath-shoe may be provided with a sealing-mechanism. In Figure 10, the foot in feint outline is not drawn to scale. In use, the foot may fit in the shoe with greater or lesser amount of extra space, depending on the user's preference when purchasing a size of shoe that may optionally come in several sizes. Figure 5 shows a sealing-mechanism in the form of a hook-and-loop fastening tab, in the form of a strap 99, that is used to tighten the material of the legging-portion 30 around the upper leg of the user. The sealing-mechanism acts as a barrier to prevent liquid splashing out of the top of the footbath-shoe 10. In other embodiments, the sealing-mechanism may be in the form of an internal elastic webbing, located inside the legging-portion 30, that is able to elastically-surround the circumference of the leg. The webbing prevents or at least minimises liquid spilling or splashing out of the footbath-shoe 10 when it is worn, particularly when the user walks or moves around. This ability to optionally walk around while using the footbath-shoe 10 is an advantage, so that the user does not have to remain in one location while gaining therapeutic benefit from feet soaking in the liquid. Hence, the sealing-mechanism adds to that ability to walk around, since it avoids or at least minimizes liquid from exiting the footbath-shoe 10 when the user walks around. In other embodiments, other sealing-mechanism can take other forms, for example, the sealing-mechanism may be in the form of extra padding that serves to surround and fill in much of the region around the calf of the user. Such extra padding can be a separate piece, and may be removed to be washed, and also to facilitate access to the interior so that the interior regions can be cleaned after use. In other embodiments, the sealing-mechanism may comprises a dense material adapted to surround the user's calf, such as a dense foam that can grip, or be tightened, around the user's calf. The dense foam may act as a barrier that prevents or minimises water from splashing out of the footwear.

723.PIN.AU 20210825

The invention in its broadest aspect is not limited to a sealing-mechanism that guaranteed to stop 100% of water leakage, although that is preferable. It may be sufficient to merely act as a barrier to stop liquid splashing based on typical walking motion of a user. In further embodiments, the sealing-mechanism may be designed to be so effective that it can prevent liquid leakage if the user happens to position the footbath-shoe 10 sideways, for instance, if the user falls over. In such cases, the sealing-mechanism can be effective to prevent leakage of liquid for sufficient few seconds that it typically would take a user to get up so that the shoe 10 is in a vertical orientation. To achieve this level of sealing, for example, the number of layers or the density of the material can be increased to achieve a greater degree of liquid sealing. Thus, in further embodiments, the presence of a form of an optional sealing-mechanism may facilitate the footbath-shoe 10, 10A being used while the user walks around while wearing the footbath-shoe 10 when it contains liquid. Therefore, the user can do other activities such as cooking or housework while simultaneously obtaining a therapeutic effect from wearing a footbath shoe, rather than having to sit down for the duration of the therapeutic session. In the embodiments, the sealing-mechanism are located inside the footbath-shoe , 10A. This means that the exterior of the footbath-shoe can avoid having external mechanism. Moreover, it avoids having any gaps in the surface in the exterior of the footbath-shoe, thus avoiding gaps through which liquid can potentially leak out.

DEFINITIONS

The embodiments have been advanced by way of example only, and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In this specification, there the word 'material' is used in the singular, it is understood that a plurality of 'materials' may be substituted provided that the combination of materials are able to provide the functionality required to achieve a foot-soaking footwear as defined in the appended claims.

723.PIN.AU 20210825

In this specification, where the words comprise or comprises or derivatives thereof are used in relation to elements, integers, steps or features, this is to indicate that those elements, integers, steps or features are present but it is not to be taken to preclude the possibility of other elements, integers, steps or features being present.

Throughout the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

In the present specification, terms such as "component", "apparatus", "means", "device" and "member" may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where a "component", "apparatus", "means", "device" or "member" or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where a "component", "apparatus", "assembly", "means", "device" or "member" is described as having multiple items, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as height, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on describing the footwear in an orientation where a user, who may wear the footwear, is standing on ground, so that the foot-portion is lower than the leg-portion.

When the specification and claims refer to a single footwear item, it is understood that a user will use a pair of such footwear items.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

723.PIN.AU 20210825

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A foot-soaking footwear comprising: a foot-portion able to accommodate therein a foot of a user; a leg-portion able to accommodate therein at least part of the user's lower leg; the foot-portion and the leg-portion together combine to form a liquid-proof footwear-interior able to contain liquid and to receive therein the foot and at least part of the lower leg for soaking in any liquid in the footwear-interior; wherein the leg-portion has a compactible configuration that enables at least part or all of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, to be compacted into a more compact form when the footwear is not worn by the user.

2. A foot-soaking footwear of claim 1 wherein the compactible configuration of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, is able to be bent, curled-over, or folded-over to one side of the footwear to achieve the more compact form.

3. A foot-soaking footwear of either claim 1 or 2 wherein the compactible configuration of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, is able to be partially, substantially or fully compressed downwards towards the foot portion to thereby result in a height-reduction of the leg-portion to achieve the more compact form.

4. A foot-soaking footwear of any one of the preceding claims wherein the compactible configuration of the leg-portion, when the footwear is not worn, is able to be compressed partly or substantially into the liquid-proof footwear-interior of the foot-portion to achieve the more compact form.

5. A foot-soaking footwear of any one of the preceding claims wherein the compactible configuration of the leg-portion is substantially more flexible than the foot-portion to enable the leg-portion to achieve the more compact form,

723.PIN.AU 20210825 and wherein the compactible structure of the leg-portion comprises a water-proof fabric that possesses flexibility to enable the leg-portion to be compacted into the more compact form.

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