WO2016012039A1

WO2016012039A1 - Foot cover for applying a formulation to a foot

Info

Publication number: WO2016012039A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/065759
Authority: WO
Inventors: An DE NAEYER; Roos DE BRABANDERE
Original assignee: Versailles B.V.
Priority date: 2014-07-22
Filing date: 2014-07-22
Publication date: 2016-01-28

Abstract

The current invention concerns a foot cover suitable for providing a formulation to the epidermal layers of the foot, comprising: a bottom layer (2) and an upper layer (3), said bottom layer (2) and upper layer (3) are jointly connected around their periphery thereby defining a cavity (8) for receiving a foot, said cavity is accessible through an aperture in the upper layer, and whereby between said bottom and upper layer at least a third (4) and fourth (5) layer is arranged, characterized in that said third layer (4) serves as temporary storage layer for one or more formulations comprising at least one active ingredient, and whereby said fourth layer (5) is removably positioned above said third layer (4). In a second aspect the current invention comprises a method for applying a formulation to a foot by providing a foot cover according to the current invention.

Description

Foot cover for applying a formulation to a foot TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the technical field of a foot device in the form of a cover or sock, for applying a liquid or creamy substance to the epidermal layers of a wearer's foot. BACKGROUND

Feet are in constant use and everyday subjected to external forces which may cause feet problems: while walking, standing or running they bear our body weight. In addition, ill-fitted shoes may increase the pressure exerted on the feet, increasing the risk of creating feet problems. Amongst many other problems, two of the most well- known problems are the presence of calluses or cracked heels. A callus is especially toughened area of the epithelium, which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Calluses are often present on toes and heels but can also form under the ball of the foot. The latter may result in pain, discomfort, and disfigurement. Cracked heels are generally referred to as thickening of the skin's cornified layer and the formation of fissures on the heel and soles. The thickening of the skin during callus formation can cause excessive dryness and hardening. The collection of these factors can cause the skin to become brittle and crack open. Cracked heels are not only emotionally damaging but also unsightly and sometimes even quite painful.

Other feet problems include for instance warts, problems of the nails (e.g. onychomycosis), or sweating feet; Tinea pedis (Athlete's foot), diabetic feet, extremely dry feet.

Unlike to any other body part, feet problems are often neglected, until the problems become severe. Treatment occurs by topical application of formula specifically adapted to tackle the problem. These products often need a considerate time to act on the area to be treated. However, because feet are during the day in constant use, it is difficult to find an appropriate way to ensure long-enough contact between skin and formulation. In the art, socks or bags are known that can be placed around the foot and which comprise a formulation to be applied to the epidermal layers of the foot.

US 2013 005 601 5 for instance describes a sock for removing dead skin. The sock comprises a liquid proof plastic sock, a patch impregnated with an exfoliating agent and reinforcing pads disposed on the patch member on the heel region and metatarsal region.

WO 97/37624 describes a single-use device for eliminating the discomfort of sweating feet. The device is preferably shaped in the form of a sock and comprises a multilayer material.

The currently known devices are not well adapted for adequate appliance of a formulation to feet, as they tend to leak while wearing the devices, thereby spilling the formulation. Moreover, the devices known in the art lack comfort, and do not provide enough support for allowing comfortably walking while wearing the device.

There remains a need in the art for an improved device for appliance of a formulation to a feet, e.g. for treatment of calluses, heel fissures, etc.

The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems mentioned above. By preference, the device of the current inventions allow easy wearing and walking, has a good fit, and prevent leakage of the formulation used . In general, the device is easy in use. Moreover, the device is thus adapted that an optimal concentration of active ingredient will be transferred from device to foot, thereby ensuring fast and adequate treatment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides for a foot cover according to claim 1 and a method for applying a formulation to a foot according to claim 14. Said foot cover is thus designed to allow the penetrance of a formulation with an active ingredient present in a storage layer of the foot cover to the epidermal layers of the foot. The design prevents leakage and desiccation of the formulation and allows for a high comfort when worn by a user. DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1A shows a potential embodiment of the foot cover according to the current invention, provided at a wearer's foot.

Figure IB shows an exploded view of a composition of a foot device according to an embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a composition of a foot device according to an embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a potential embodiment according to the current invention. Figures 4 to 9 show exploded views of a composition of a foot device according to an embodiment of the current invention.

Figure 10 shows a potential embodiment of the foot cover according to the current invention.

Figure 11 shows potential use of an embodiment according to the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a foot cover and a method for applying a formulation to a wearer's foot by such cover. The device according to the current invention provides for a foot cover which will not leak the formulation during use, and provides for an appliance of a formulation to a foot in a controlled manner. The formulation will be applied in a uniform manner. The cover is simple in use and economical.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: "A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

"Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

The expression "% by weight" (weight percent), here and throughout the description unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component based on the overall weight of the formulation.

In a first aspect, the invention provides for a foot cover, said foot cover is suitable for providing a formulation to the epidermal layers of the foot. Said foot cover comprises by preference the following : a bottom layer and an upper layer, said bottom layer and upper layer are jointly connected around their periphery thereby defining a cavity (8) for receiving a foot, said cavity is accessible through an aperture in the upper layer, and whereby between said bottom and upper layer at least a third and fourth layer is arranged. In a preferred embodiment, said third layer serves as temporary storage layer for a formulation comprising at least one active ingredient, and whereby said fourth layer is removably positioned above said third layer. Said bottom layer and upper layer are jointly connected at their periphery, preferably by conventional means such as welding, gluing, sewing or waxing. In a potential embodiment, said bottom and upper layer are obtained by means of injection moulding and are hence automatically connected.

Each of the layers will have their own specific function. The storage layer of the cover according to the current invention is thus designed to serve as a temporary storage for the formulation comprising the active ingredient. When not in use, the storage layer will hold the formulation captured inside the internal structure of the layer. Only when in use (e.g. on a wearer's foot) the storage layer will release the product in a controlled manner, hereby for instance helped by the pressure exerted from the foot on the storage layer. To that purpose the storage layer preferentially comprises a three-dimensional porous structure, for receiving and storing said formulation. Said porous layer may therefor comprise a woven material, non-woven material, a polypropylene (PP), a polyethylene (PE), a rubber, a silicone, a foam or combination thereof.

For instance, the storage layer according to the present invention may be provided with a fiber structure with intersecting fibers, where the fibers can be situated in one or several sublayers of said storage layer. The structure of the fibers will form pores of a size and shape that enable it to retain the formulation. The size of the pores may be adapted depending on the viscosity of the product to be contained.

The storage layer may also be manufactured from a material having a different cell structure, for instance a rubber sponge material or a non-woven material, having sufficient porosity to store the product to be applied. Due to the properties of the materials used, the storage layer will have a compressible nature, where this will result in the storage layer releasing some of the product each time the cover is compacted, e.g. by the pressure of the wearer's foot. When the pressure is relieved, the remaining product will remain stored in the storage layer.

The storage layer may be provided with the porous material in a continuous or a discontinuous manner. The storage layer may for instance be provided with discrete regions comprising said formulation, e.g. when the formulation is only needed to be applied to a specific location of the foot. For instance, only that area of the storage layer corresponding to the heel area of the foot may be provided with the formulation. To that purpose, the storage layer may be comprised of specific porous regions whereas other regions may comprise of non-porous material.

This may for instance be advantageous when the storage layer contains two or more different products having different density and/or that are not to be mixed before the device is to be used. This "chambering" may be achieved by a welding forming a barrier between the chambers, where this barrier will burst or open when a certain pressure is applied to the storage layer.

By preference, the storage layer will comprise the formulation in an amount between 5 and 20 g of said formulation, more preferably between 10 to 20 g, even more preferably between 10 and 15 g. The thickness of the storage layer will preferably lie between 550 and 800 μιτι, more preferably between 600 and 750 μιτι, such as about 700 μιτι. The latter ensures optimal release-activity of the storage layer when worn by a user.

The foot cover according to the present invention is especially suited for accommodating a formulation or formulations that are liquid and/or having a low viscosity. The storage layer of the foot cover is thus designed to serve as a temporary storage for such formulation, and prevents that the formulation transfers to other layers present in the device. As such, leakage of the formulation is prevented. Only when in use (that is worn by a user) the formulation will transfer from the storage layer to the foot of the wearer or user. A second advantage is that during manufacturing of the foot cover, the formulation will remain in the storage layer.

In the simplest embodiment, said cover will consist of four layers, the layers being a bottom layer, a storage layer, a removable layer and an upper layer. The device may however also consist of more layers, depending on the embodiment of the current invention.

A cavity will be formed between the upper layer on the one hand and the three remaining layers (or more) on the other hand. Such cavity allows receiving a foot, whereby the lower part of the foot will rest on the bottom and storage layer, and the upper layer will cover the upper part of the foot. For this purpose, the upper layer is provided by an aperture, which allows entry of the foot. As such a cover or sock is created, whereby relevant parts of the foot will be in contact with the formulation. Said upper layer is suitable for covering at least partially the upper part of a wearer's foot as well as provide a heel support structure. Or this purpose, the upper layer may comprise a impermeable material, preferentially having elastic properties in order to allow a good fit to the foot, ankle and heel of the wearer. In an embodiment, said upper layer may comprise PE, PP, silicone, rubber, or any combination of the latter.

In a further embodiment, said upper layer may be provided with an elastic cord at the inner periphery of the aperture present in the upper layer which may serve as an additional aid for a good fit of the cover.

The removable layer serves to seal of the storage layer and any layers above the latter if present. As such desiccation of the formulation present in the storage layer is prevented. The removable layer will furthermore also serve as barrier for dust, bacteria and other contamination. The removable layer will preferentially be a liquid- impermeable layer. In an embodiment said removable layer may be a peel-off layer or film with release liner and may be comprised of metal or plastic foil, a PP or PE film, a PP/PE-, PP/PET-, PP/PS-, PP/EVA-, PP/EVOH-, PP/Paper-, PP/PVC-, PP/PVDC- or PP / OPA composite film or any other liquid impermeable material that is suitable for that use. Said release coating may be a silicone coating or a fluorosilicone coating.

In an embodiment, said removable layer may be provided by a lip or extension which enables easy removal of said layer.

In a preferred embodiment, said removable layer has a thickness of 15 to 300 microns, and in particular from 50 to 150 microns, more preferably between 100 and 140 micron, such as 120 micron.

Said removable layer may be printable, e.g. with instructions on how to remove the layer, or with logo, trademark, etc.

The bottom layer constitutes the rear surface of the cover, and will serve as walking support for the wearer. As such, the bottom layer is preferentially comprised of a sturdy material. In an embodiment, reinforcements to the outer side of the bottom layer (the one facing the ground when worn) may be provided.

The side of the bottom layer faced towards the cavity of the foot cover will be covered by the storage layer comprising the formulation. Hence the bottom layer will also serve to prevent desiccation of the storage layer. More importantly, the bottom layer will serve as liquid-tight barrier for the formulation, preventing leakage of the formulation through the bottom layer. As a consequence, the bottom layer shall comprise a liquid impermeable material. In an embodiment, said bottom layer is comprised of polypropylene, polyethylene, rubber, silicone or combination thereof. By preference, said bottom layer will have a thickness of between 50 and 180 microns, more preferably between 75 and 120 microns, such as 100 micron. In a further embodiment, a fifth layer may be arranged between said bottom and said third/storage layer. Said fifth layer may be provided for extra protection to the storage layer and for providing an additional liquid-impermeable barrier between storage layer and bottom layer. Said fifth layer comprises for that purpose a liquid impermeable material such as but not limiting to polypropylene, polyethylene, rubber, silicone or combination thereof. By preference, said fifth layer will have a thickness of between 75 and 200 microns, more preferably between 100 and 150 microns, such as 100 micron.

In another or further preferred embodiment, the foot cover is provided with a sixth layer, arranged between storage layer and removable layer. Said sixth layer preferably comprises a liquid permeable material or structure. The sixth layer is positioned above the storage layer and prevents that the wearer or user of the cover has to walk directly onto the storage layer. This may increase comfort of the wearer. In order that the formulation present in the storage layer reaches the skin of the wearer's foot, the sixth layer should be liquid-permeable. The sixth layer will serve as a valve or passage channel of the formulation present in the storage layer. Preferably said sixth layer or passage layer will comprise a non-absorbing layer. In a further preferred embodiment, said layer will have an openwork surface either being perforated or by being manufactured with naturally openings on its surface. These perforations or openings have a form and/or size which are adapted to disperse or distribute the formulation in a desired direction and/or in a desired amount. The form and size of the perforations or openings will also depend on the formulation to be applied.

Furthermore, the perforations or openings in the valve layer may be arranged on a part of or the whole surface of the layer. The layer can also have different perforations or openings in different areas of the surface in order to dose different amounts.

In an embodiment, the passage layer may also be manufactured from several stratums of a woven or non-woven material, whereby these stratums together form natural openings through which the product is to be transported. The passage layer can further be two- or three-dimensional. In an embodiment, said sixth layer comprises a woven material, non-woven material, a polypropylene (PP), a polyethylene (PE), a rubber, a silicone, a foam or combination thereof. By preference, said sixth layer will have a thickness of between 250 and 450 microns, more preferably between 300 and 400 microns. In a further embodiment, said cover may comprise fastening means located at the heel side of said cover. Such fastening means may serve to allow easy attachment of the cover to the foot while wearing and will ensure a good fit of the cover. The attachment means may comprise various different embodiments such as a lace, a cord, elastic, a tape or any other means suitable for this purpose. In an embodiment, said attachment means may be provided to one of the matters of the cover, by preference to the bottom or upper layer. Said attachment means may be fastened by any conventional way known in the art such as welding. In another embodiment, said attachment means may be an integral part of the bottom layer, and may be punched, pierced or stamped from the bottom layer in order to form the attachment means. As such, the user should, prior to use, make sure that the attachment means are at least partially disembodied from said bottom layer, e.g. by means of a puncture or punched line provided to the bottom layer.

The different layers in the cover are in appropriate ways connected or attached together. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the bottom layer, the storage layer and, if present, the fifth and sixth layer are attached to each other along an inside of their outer edges to form a stacked unity. This attachment or connection between the different layers may for instance be done by heat-seal, ultrasonic weld or adhesive, or by gluing or waxing. Said weld seam may be a continuous weld seam or made by spot welding, continuous welding, broken weld or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, also the upper layer may be welded to the bottom and storage layer (and if present, the fifth and sixth layer).

Preferably, layers are all welded together (with exception of the removable layer). Said weld seam welds the layers present in said cover.

As an extra security, in order to protect the device according to the present invention from contaminants such as dust, bacteria, moisture etc. before the use of the cover, the different layers are also connected, for instance by adhesion, welding or any other suitable method, around their outer peripheries. The connection can be a simple "weld" or a fluid tight "weld".

It should be understood one or more layers can be included in this process.

As mentioned, the storage layer will be provided with a formulation comprising an active ingredient, which will subsequently (when the cover is being worn) transferred to the wearer's foot. By preference, said formulation will be a gel, a liquid, a cream, a lotion, an oil, an emulsion, an ointment, a tincture, a foam, or a mousse. In an embodiment said formulation will comprises a polymer chosen from the group of alginate, collagen, herbal or plant extracts, one or more polyols, exfoliating agents, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, anti-perspiration agents, moisturizers or a combination thereof. The exact formulation and the active ingredients present may depend on the purpose and desired function of the foot cover.

Exfoliation for instance is a cosmetic technique aimed at improving the skin's appearance by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Thus, in the latter case, the purpose of the formulation will be to slough dead outer skin cells from the skin, mainly from the stratum corneum layer. Removing excess dead skin cells may reveal the younger and healthier-looking skin underneath. Exfoliation may be achieved through either mechanical or chemical methods. Mechanical exfoliants include polymer micro-beads, rice particles, crushed nut shells or fruit pits (e.g. peach pit shells, almond shells), sugar, salt, man-made or other types crystals, pumice, silica and abrasive substrates. Chemical exfoliants include chemical peels containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid.

In one representative embodiment of the present invention, said formulation may comprise a mechanical exfoliation preparation, includes the following types of ingredients: abrasive material, surfactants, emulsifiers, skin conditioning agents, cleansing agent, an emollient, preservatives, a pH adjuster, moisturizer, and botanical extracts.

In one embodiment, a beneficial ingredient may be an emollient, which is herein defined as an agent that helps restore dry skin to a more normal moisture balance. Emollients act on the skin by supplying fats and oils that blend in with skin, making it pliable, repairing some of the cracks and fissures in the stratum corneum, and forming a protective film that traps water in the skin. Emollients that may be suitable for use with the present invention include beeswax, butyl stearate, ceramides, cetyl palmitate, eucerit, isohexadecane, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, mink oil, mineral oil, nut oil, oleyl alcohol, petroleum jelly or petrolatum, glyceral stearate, avocado oil, jojoba oil, lanolin (or woolwax), lanolin derivatives such as lanolin alcohol, retinyl palmitate (a vitamin A derivative), cetearyl alcohol, squalane, squalene, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, myristal myristate, certain hydrogel emollients, various lipids, decyl oleate and castor oil.

A preferred beneficial active ingredient is a humectant, which is herein defined to be an agent that supplies the skin with water by attracting moisture from the air and holding it on the skin. Humectants that may be suitable for use with the present invention include alanine, glycerin, PEG, propylene glycol, butylenes glycol, glycerin (glycol), hyaluronic acid, Natural Moisturizing Factor (a mixture of amino acids and salts that are among the skin's natural humectants), saccharide isomerate, sodium lactate, sorbitol, urea, and sodium PCA. Other clinically beneficial agents that may be suitable for use with the present invention include antioxidants, a unique group of substances that protect a body or other objects from oxidizing. Antioxidants prevent or slow the oxidation process, thereby protecting the skin from premature aging. Exemplary antioxidants for use in the present invention include ascorbic acid ester, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (lecithin), Alpha-Glycosyl Rutin (AGR, or Alpha Flavon, a plant- derived antioxidant), and coenzyme QIO (also known as ubiquinone).

Other clinically beneficial agents which may be delivered to the skin during use include chelating agents, such as EDTA; absorptive/neutralizing agents, such as kaolin, hectorite, smectite, or bentonite; other vitamins and vitamin sources and derivatives, such as panthenol, retinyl palmitate, tocopherol, and tocopherol acetate; anti-irritants such as chitin and chitosan.

Additional examples of beneficial agents include skin conditioners, which are herein defined as agents that may help the skin retain moisture, improve softness, or improve texture. Skin conditioners include, for example, amino acids, including alanine, serine, and glycine; allantoin, keratin, and methyl glucose dioleate; alpha- hydroxy acids, including lactic acid and glycolic acid, which act by loosening dead skin cells from the skin's surface; moisturizers (agents that add or hold water in dry skin), including echinacea (an extract of the coneflower plant), shea butter, and certain silicones, including cyclomethicon, dimethicone, and simethicone. Other examples of beneficial botanical agents, extracts, or other materials that may be suitable for use with the present invention include almonds, chamomile extracts such as bisabolol (believed to relieve irritation, swelling and itching in the skin), elder flowers, honey, safflower oil, and elastin (safflower oil and elastin are believed to aid in retaining skin elasticity).

Other botanical extracts or ingredients that are believed to be beneficial for the current invention are ginger, curcumin, calendula, castor oil.

In addition to one or more clinically beneficial additives, other additives may be included in the formulation. For example, a silicone polymer may be included to improve the slip characteristics of the cover. Possible silicone polymers include reactive silicones, non-reactive silicones, or a mixture of reactive and non-reactive silicones. Suitable silicones may include, for example, aminosilicones, polyether- modified amino silicones, amino- substituted siloxanes having terminal hydroxy groups, epoxy silicones, quaternary silicones, dimethicone, silicone polyethers, polyether epoxy silicones, silanol fluids, polysiloxy linoleyl pyrrolidone phospholipids, and combinations of possible silicones.

Other additives may be included, for example, glucose derived polymers, or mixtures containing glucose derived polymers (e.g., lauryl glucoside available from Cospha under the trade designation Planteran PS 400), silica, silica dispersions, wetting agents, and preservatives (i.e., parabens, such as methylparaben and propylparaben). In one embodiment, the personal-care composition may include emulsion stabilizers. Exemplary emulsion stabilizers include aluminum stearate, magnesium sulfate, hydrated silica, and ozokerite. In another embodiment a beneficial agent may be held in the formulation or composition in liposomes. A liposome is a vehicle for delivering agents to the skin. More specifically, a liposome is a microscopic sphere formed from a fatty compound, a lipid, surrounding a water-based agent, such as a moisturizer or an emollient. When the liposome is rubbed into the skin, it releases the agent throughout the stratum corneum. In another embodiment, said formulation may be used as anti-perspirant, or for treatment of heel fissures, calluses, warts, etc. A possible formulation as anti- perspirant may comprise boric acid, PEG- hydrogenated castor oil (such as e.g. PEG- 40, PEG-60, PEG-100), an antibacterial agent such as 5-chloor-2-(2,4- dichloorfenoxy)fenol (Triclosan), an anti-perspirant agent such as astringent metallic salts, particualy including inorganic and organic salts of aluminum, zirconium, and zinc, and mixtures thereof, aluminum and zirconium salts such as aluminum halides, aluminum hydroxy halides, zirconyl oxide halides, and zirconyl hydroxy halides, and complexes of aluminum, zirconium, and/or zinc with amino acids, e.g., glycines. The formulation may further comprise alcohol, demineralized water and quaternary ammonium compounds such as Polyquaternium 10.

Said formulation will preferably have a viscosity between 200 and 1000 cp at 20°C.

In a second aspect, the current invention equally describes a method for applying a formulation to a foot by providing a foot cover according to any one of the embodiments described above.

The present invention will be now described in more details, referring to the figures that are not limitative.

EXAMPLES

Figures 1 to 9 show different embodiments of a foot cover according to the current invention, whereby the foot cover comprises a flexible multilayer or composite construction. Figure 1A shows a schematic overview of a foot cover 1 according to the current invention worn to a wearer's foot.

Figure IB shows the simplest form of an embodiment according to the current invention, whereby said cover (1) comprises an upper layer (3), a bottom layer (2), a storage layer (4) and a removable layer (5). The layers are welded together at the periphery of the layers. Upper and bottom layer form a cavity (8) which enables receiving a foot, through an aperture provided in the upper layer (3).

Figure 2 shows a second possible embodiment according to the current invention, whereby the cover comprises an upper layer (3), a bottom layer (2), a water impermeable fifth layer (7), a storage layer (4), a liquid-permeable sixth layer (6) and a removable layer (5). Bottom layer (2) and upper layer (3) will form a cavity (8) for receiving a foot. Attachment means (9) in the form of laces are produced as extension from the bottom layer (2) and serve as aid to attach the cover to the ankle or leg of the wearer, thereby ensuring that the cover remains in place while wearing and walking.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the cover shown in figure 2 with the specific build-up of the different layers present in the cover. The cavity (8) formed by the bottom layer (2) and upper layer (3) is not shown. The porous or open-pore structure from the storage layer (4) is schematically shown by means of a checkered pattern.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the embodiment shown in figure 2, whereby the attachment means (9) comprise a cord or lace which is welded between the bottom layer (2) and the fifth layer (7).

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment from the current invention, whereby the upper layer (3) comprises a flexible, preferentially elastic layer with two partially overlapping parts (3a) and (3b) which form an aperture for allowing entry of a foot to the cavity which is formed by the upper layer on one side and on the other side, the other layers present in the cover (being bottom layer (2), a water impermeable fifth layer (7), a storage layer (4), a liquid-permeable sixth layer (6) and a removable layer (5)). Figure 5A shows an exploded view of a possible composition of a foot cover according the current invention whereby the upper layer (3) comprises of sub parts (3a) and (3b).

Figure 5B shows a detail of upper layer (3) with sub parts (3a) and (3b). Figure 5C shows a cross sectional view of the foot cover according to figure 5A. Figure 6 is a similar embodiment as shown in figure 5, with the exception of the attachment means (9). In figure 5, the attachment means (9) are produced as extension from the bottom layer (2), whereas in figure 6 the attachment means (9) comprise a cord or lace which is welded between the bottom layer (2) and the fifth layer (7).

Figure 9 shows alternative embodiments of the embodiments shown in figure 5 and 6, whereby the upper layer comprises of sub parts (3a) and (3b). The sub parts (3a) and (3b) form an upper layer which not only covers the entire upper foot area but also covers part of the leg. The latter configuration ensures that the cover is easier maintained to the foot. Overall, the embodiments shown in figures 5, 6 and 9 ensure enables good support to the heel by forming a heel support structure.

Figure 7 shows yet another embodiment whereby the upper (3) and bottom layer (2) are provided a one piece, e.g. in the form of a sock. Sub-compartment A forms an insole of the foot cover, to be put in the inner cavity formed by the upper layer (3) and the bottom layer (2). The sub-compartment A comprises of a water impermeable fifth layer (7), a storage layer (4), a liquid-permeable sixth layer (6) and a removable layer (5). The fifth layer (7), storage layer (4) and liquid-permeable sixth layer (6) which are welded together at the periphery of the layers to form a stacked unity. The layers of sub-compartment A can be provided with a heel defining portion, e.g. marked by a notch and may be folded or curved along the notch line to form a heel portion standing perpendicular on the part of the sub-compartment A forming the foot bed. Figure 8 shows another possible embodiment of the current invention whereby the upper layer is provided by fold lines allowing to fold or shape the upper layer (3) in the form of a shoe.

Figure 10 shows a second possible example of the foot cover (1) according to the current invention, whereby said foot cover is comprised of an upper (3) and lower layer (2), said both layers are comprised of a plastic, silicone or rubber and form together a shoe with outer sole, heel counter, toe spring and upper part of the shoe. Optionally a flexible mid-part may be provided. The shoe may be produced by injection moulding or any other suitable production method. The storage layer (4) is produced from a foam or open pore material and is impregnated with the formulation comprising the active ingredient. The storage layer is cover by a removable layer (5). Figure 11 shows usages of the foot cover as shown in figure 10. An inner sole comprising the storage layer (4) and the removable layer (5) are sold separately from the shoe which is reusable. The latter allows that different inner soles for different applications may be sold, whilst the shoe is kept for multiple use. As shown in figure 11A, inner sole and shoe may be packed together in one package or box. The inner sole is packed in a preferably airtight package which prevents dissection of the fornnulation (figure 11B). The sole may be placed in the thereto provided cavity in the shoe, for instance by aid of a pincer or clamp removably present at the inner sole (Figure 11 c). Subsequently, the user may wear shoe with insole in order to let the formulation present in the storage layer of the inner sole act.

Claims

1. A foot cover (1) suitable for providing a formulation to the epidermal layers of the foot, comprising : a bottom layer (2) and an upper layer (3), said bottom layer (2) and upper layer (3) are jointly connected around their periphery thereby defining a cavity (8) for receiving a foot, said cavity is accessible through an aperture in the upper layer, and whereby between said bottom (2 and upper layer (3) at least a third (4) and fourth (5) layer is arranged, characterized in that said third layer (4) serves as temporary storage layer for one or more formulations comprising at least one active ingredient, and whereby said fourth layer (5) is removably positioned above said third layer (4).

2. Foot cover according to claim 1, characterized in that said storage layer (4) comprises a three-dimensional porous structure, for receiving and storing said formulation.

3. Foot cover according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said storage layer (4) comprises a woven material, non-woven material, a rubber, a silicone, a foam or combination thereof.

4. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said storage layer comprises between 10 and 20 g of said formulation.

5. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said a fifth layer (7) is arranged between said bottom (2) and said third layer (4), said fifth layer (7) comprises a liquid impermeable material.

6. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that a sixth layer (6) is arranged between said storage layer (4) and said removable layer (5), said sixth layer (6) comprises a liquid-permeable structure.

7. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said cover comprises fastening means (9) at the heel side of said cover.

8. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said upper layer is suitable for covering at least partially the upper part of a wearer's foot.

9. Foot cover according any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said cover is provided with a weld seam (10).

10. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said bottom and upper layer are comprised of polypropylene, polyethylene, rubber, silicone or combination thereof.

11. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said removable layer comprises a plastic or metal foil material.

12. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said formulation comprises a polymer chosen from the group of alginate, collagen, herbal or plant extracts, one or more polyols, exfoliating agents, antifungal agents, antibacterial agents, anti-perspiration agents, moisturizers or a combination thereof.

13. Foot cover according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that said formulation is a gel, a liquid, a cream, a lotion, an oil, an ointment, a tincture or a foam, an emulsion, a mousse.

14. A method for applying a formulation to a foot by providing a foot cover according to any one of the claims 1 to 13.