U.S. patent application number 09/910641 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-03 for protective attachment.
Invention is credited to Holden, Perriann M..
Application Number | 20020138896 09/910641 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22823231 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020138896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holden, Perriann M. |
October 3, 2002 |
Protective attachment
Abstract
The protective attachments of the present invention provide
protection that removably attaches to the bottom of the foot,
hands, elbow, knees, shins, and animal pads, in a snug tight fit,
and that conforms to the contour of the body part covered. The side
of the protective attachment worn against the body is covered with
a layer of adhesive. In addition, the protective attachment of the
present invention can be easily trimmed to provide a perfect fit to
the user.
Inventors: |
Holden, Perriann M.;
(Prescott, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles E. Cates
Cates & Holloway
P.O. 1532
Scottsdale
AZ
85252-1532
US
|
Family ID: |
22823231 |
Appl. No.: |
09/910641 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60220357 |
Jul 24, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/267 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/08 20130101;
A43B 7/1464 20220101; A41D 13/082 20130101; A41D 13/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/267 |
International
Class: |
A41D 027/26 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A novelty kit for providing decorative and disposable fashion
wear for body parts that also protects the decorated body parts
from abrasion, comprising: a) a flexible, trimmable pad having top
and bottom surfaces; b) an adhesive material on said top surface
for removably securing said pad to a body part; c) a decoration to
be applied to said bottom surface; and d) a removable layer
covering said adhesive material.
2. A method of decorating and protecting a body part comprising the
steps of: a) furnishing a flexible pad having a top and bottom
surface; b) providing an adhesive on said top surface and a
peelable film to preserve said adhesive until used; c) providing
decoration selected from at least one of the group comprising
color, pattern, graphic design, text, advertising, relief design,
and texture; d) trimming said pad to a desired shape to apply to at
least one body part selected from the group comprising feet, hands,
knees, and elbows, and parts thereof; e) peeling said film from
said adhesive and applying said pad to a selected body part.
3. The invention of claim 1 further comprising a reusable
adhesive.
4. The invention of claim 1 further comprising pre-formed, cupped
pads for at least one of toes, knees, elbows, and animal pads.
5. The invention of claim 1 further comprising material selected
from cushioning, magnetic material, and gel disposed in said pad
between said top and bottom surfaces.
6. The invention of claim 1 further comprising the addition of a
first layer of thistle cloth to at least a portion of said bottom
layer and a protective shell having a second layer of thistle cloth
to engage said first layer of thistle cloth and means for absorbing
the shock of a blow to said shell.
7. The invention of claim 1 further comprising means for adapting
said pad to apply to the feet of animal pets.
8. The invention of claim 2 further comprising a reusable
adhesive.
9. The invention of claim 2 further comprising pre-formed, cupped
pads for at least one of toes, knees, elbows and animal pads.
10. The invention of claim 2 further comprising material selected
from cushioning, magnetic material, and gel disposed in said pad
between said top and bottom surfaces.
11. The invention of claim 2 further comprising the addition of a
first layer of thistle cloth to at least a portion of said bottom
layer and a protective shell having a second layer of thistle cloth
to engage said first layer of thistle cloth and means for absorbing
the shock of a blow to said shell.
12. The invention of claim 2 further comprising means for adapting
said pad to apply to the feet of animal pets.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of provisional
application U.S. Ser. No. 60/220,357 filed Jul. 24, 2000 relating
to protective attachments in the form of a pad or pads which can be
removably adhered to the bottoms of the feet and other parts of the
body and are of a disposable nature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is sometimes desirable to provide protection from rough
terrain, hot sands and pavement for the bottom of the foot without
also having to wear a shoe, sandal, or otherwise having interfering
ties or straps that go between the toes or over the foot. This type
of foot protection is especially desirable for walking at the beach
or poolside. Providing protection for the bottom of the foot
without covering the top of the foot and toes may also be a fashion
choice for some users, with a "barefoot" look, the user can reveal
toe nail polish and toe rings. Providing for protection of the foot
bottom without the confinement of a conventional shoe is also
desirable in some sports such as surfing, swimming, beach
volleyball, river rafting, boating, dance, aqua aerobics, and
gymnastics. People with podiatric problems may also benefit from a
means for providing protection for the foot without the confinement
of a shoe or the straps of a sandal. Pads of animal feet may also
benefit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The protective attachments of the present invention provide
protection that removably attaches to the bottom of the foot in a
snug tight fit and that conforms to the contour of the body part
covered without the cumbersome weight of a conventional shoe
bottom. The invention provides decorative and protective fashion
wear, which may also protect several body parts including, without
limitation thereto, feet, hands, elbows, knees, and parts thereof.
It may be in kit form for assembly by the user and may include a
pad that is easily trimmed to fit the size and shape of a body
part. The pad has top and bottom surfaces, with adhesive on the top
and decoration on the bottom. The adhesive is protected by a
peelable film that is removed before adhering the pad to the body
part selected, and the pad may be removed and optionally reaffixed
with the same adhesive before discarding, although it is preferred
to dispose of the attachment after a single use. The foot pads of
the present invention removably adhere directly to the soles of the
feet, which provides foot protection without a conventional shoe
bottom. The side of the foot pad which is worn against the foot is
covered with a layer of adhesive. This full-coverage of adhesive
helps prevent the foot pad from becoming caught on something and
pulled off the foot and also prevents dirt and debris from becoming
trapped between the foot pad and the foot bottom. In addition, the
foot pad of the present invention can be easily trimmed to provide
a perfect fit to the foot user. The foot pad of the present
invention is optionally provided with cushioning for comfort and
for absorbing the shock associated with walking and sports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present
invention where the foot pad is of one piece construction and
covers the entire bottom of the foot.
[0005] FIG. 1A is an alternative embodiment of the foot pad shown
in FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present
invention where the foot pad is of two piece construction, with one
piece covering the heel and a second piece covering the metatarsal
region and the toes of the foot.
[0008] FIG. 3A is an alternative embodiment of the foot pad shown
in FIG. 3.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 3 and 3A.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the most preferred embodiment of
the present invention where the foot pad is of multiple piece
construction, with one piece covering the heel, a second piece
covering the metatarsal region, and the remaining optional pieces
covering the contact regions on the bottom of the toes.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of one of the foot pads of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a plan view of one of the toe pieces.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present
invention where the foot pad is of multiple piece construction,
with one piece covering the heel and ball of the foot and the
remaining optional pieces covering the contact regions on the
bottom of foot and the remaining optional pieces covering the
contact regions on the bottom of the toes.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the embodiment of the
invention in which the foot pad is provided with a raised arch
area.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the invention
in which the foot pad is secured to the foot by means of an
adhesive strip surrounding the pad.
[0017] FIG. 12A is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the
invention where the pad is adhered to the palm, thumb and fingers
of the hand.
[0018] FIG. 12B is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of
the invention.
[0019] FIG. 12C is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of
the invention.
[0020] FIG. 12D is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of
the invention.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a top view of another alternative embodiment of
the invention where the pad is molded to the shape and contour of
the foot.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention wherein the bottom surface is at least
partially covered with a layer of thistle cloth.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a protective shell which is shaped to fit the
contour of the knee.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a protective shell which is shaped to fit the
contour of the elbow.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a protective shell which is shaped to fit the
contour of the shin.
[0026] FIG. 18 shows an exploded, elevation view of a presently
preferred embodiment of a pad of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pad 10 is of single piece
construction and adhesively covers the entire undersurface of foot
1. Pad 10 is relatively thin and made to conform to the shape of
the foot bottom, including toes 2. Protruding portions 11 may be
provided in pad 10 to cover the undersurfaces of each of toes 2.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1A, pad 10 may be cut to fit the
general outline of the foot without protruding portions being
provided for each toe.
[0028] As shown best in cross section in FIG. 7, pad 10 includes
top surface 12 and bottom surface 13. As shown in FIG. 18, the
several layers of a kit include the pad 10 made of ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) (EVA-most preferred thickness is {fraction (1/16")}
thick), a two sided acrylic, pressure sensitive adhesive transfer
tape 17 on the top surface 12, a layer of MSX 5527 acrylate
adhesive 14 (a polyurethane backing with acrylate adhesive may be
obtained from 3 M Healthcare as MSX 5527 acrylate polyurethane 1.2
mil thick tape), and a peel sheet 18 protecting the adhesive until
ready to use. The bottom surface 13 is decorated for viewing by
third parties who will see the decoration as a fashion item, e.g.,
sandal, glove, or knee cover. The decoration may be color, pattern,
text, advertising, relief design and texture, and combinations
thereof. A presently preferred mode is screen printed on EVA. Pad
10 can be made of a variety of materials including rubber, fabric,
paper, plastic, synthetic materials, leather, and polyurethane
foam. The material chosen for pad 10 should be of a durable yet
flexible character so as to withstand wear caused by walking on the
bottom surface as well as provide flexibility and comfort to the
foot while walking. It is preferred that Pad 10 be provided with
shock absorbing cushioning material. Pad 10 is sized to the foot by
trimming away excess material with scissors. Consequently, the
material chosen for pad 10 must be susceptible to easy trimming by
the user. It is also preferable that the material chosen for pad 10
be inexpensive so that pad 10 may be removed and optionally
discarded after each use.
[0029] Pad 10 can be made of all one material, or a different
material may be used in middle layer 15. If desired, cushioning or
gel may be used in middle layer 15. Alternatively, a magnetic
material may be used in middle layer 15. In one embodiment of the
invention, inserts are positioned in pad 10 so as to apply pressure
at desired pressure points on the bottoms of the feet. In the
embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10, pad 10 is optionally
provided with raised arch area 16. Raised arch area 16 provides for
additional support of the foot as well as excellent adhesion of pad
10 to the foot.
[0030] Bottom surface 13 is intended for contacting the ground
during use. It is preferred that bottom surface 13 is waterproof or
water resistant and is further provided with a non-slip texture. If
desired, bottom surface 13 can be decorated with color, patterns,
messages, trademarks, or advertisements.
[0031] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, bottom surface
13 is at least partially covered with a layer of thistle cloth. The
layer of thistle cloth on bottom surface 13 may then be removably
adhered to a complimentary layer of thistle cloth on a ground
contacting base which then protects the foot from direct contact
with the ground.
[0032] As further shown in FIG. 7, pad 10 also includes top surface
12 which is covered with a layer of adhesive. The adhesive selected
should be of sufficient strength to hold pad 10 onto the bottom of
foot 1 during normal walking and running use of pad 10. However,
the adhesive must not be so strong as to prevent removal of pad 10
by the user when the user has finished wearing the pad.
Alternatively, an adhesive which requires a special solution for
breaking down the adhesive and removing the pad may be used. It is
desirable that the adhesive selected be waterproof as well as
compatible with skin on the bottom of the foot. In an alternate
embodiment of the invention, it is desirable that the adhesive
selected enable the user to remove and then reapply the pad about
two (2) times and at least one (1) time.
[0033] In an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.
11, pad 10 has inner cushioned area 51 with an outer adhesive strip
52, which surrounds area 51. Because adhesive strip 52 completely
surrounds area 51, dirt and debris cannot become trapped between
cushioned area 51 and the foot.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 7, pad 10 may optionally include peel sheet
14, which protects the adhesive on top layer 12 until pad 10 is to
be applied to the foot. Immediately prior to applying pad 10 to the
foot, the user removes peel sheet 14 to reveal the adhesive
surface.
[0035] In an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, pad 10 is divided into a first heel piece 21 and a second
piece 22 covering the metatarsal region and toes of the foot.
Protrusions 23 may be cut to cover the underside of each toe.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3A, piece 22 may be cut to fit the
general outline of the metatarsal region without protruding
portions being provided for each toe.
[0036] In the embodiment of the invention which is presently
preferred, and which is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, pad 10 is divided
into a first heel piece 31, a second metatarsal piece 32 covering
the metatarsal region without toes as the most preferred embodiment
and optionally as a lesser preferred embodiment, toe pieces 33
covering the ground contact regions on the bottoms of the toes. In
still another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 9, pad 10
is divided into one piece 41 covering the heel and metatarsal
regions of the foot and optional toe pieces 33 covering the ground
contact regions on the bottoms of the toes. The embodiments of the
invention shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9, and 10 may be worn with or
without toe pieces 33, toe-less being the presently most preferred
embodiments.
[0037] As shown best in FIG. 8 each of toe pieces 33 may optionally
be provided with slit 34. Flaps 34A and 34B are located on either
side of slit 34. Once peel sheet 14 has been removed, but before
toe piece 33 is mounted on the foot, flap 34A may be folded over
flap 34B to create a cup shaped toe piece. Applicant has discovered
that providing toe pieces 33 with an inner cushioned area
surrounded by an outer adhesive strip, as shown in one embodiment
in FIG. 11, is an especially good means for removably adhering toe
pieces 33 to the ground contact regions on the bottoms of the
toes.
[0038] In another alternate embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIGS. 12A through 12D, pad 10 is removably adhered to the palm,
thumb and fingers of the hand as a means of protecting the hand or
as a means of personal ornamentation. When used as a means of hand
protection, pad 10 may be used in place of gloves in such
activities as golf, tennis, racquetball, baseball, weight lifting,
rock climbing, bike riding, motorcycle riding, gardening, and
certain occupations. When used on the hand, pad 10 may be of single
piece construction as shown in FIG. 12A, or multiple piece
construction with one piece covering the palm and another 5 pieces
covering the underside of the thumb and fingers as shown in FIG.
12D. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C, separate pads
may be applied to the contact regions on the bottoms of the hands.
One piece covering just the palm of the hand may be also worn.
Alternatively, for applications such as rock climbing, it may be
desirable to just wear pieces covering the fingers and thumb.
Depending upon the application, pad 10 may optionally be provided
with cushioning means or a non-slip, gripping texture.
[0039] While gloves can provide hand protection, they are confining
and often cause the user's hands to sweat within the gloves.
Additionally, long fingernails and rings may make wearing gloves
difficult for some individuals. Use of pad 10 instead of gloves
provides for hand protection, better air circulation to the hand,
as well as the ability to wear and display long fingernails and
rings. Unlike some gloves, pad 10 can be disposable, and the
protective attachments of the present invention may be removed and
discarded after each use. This allows the user to apply new, clean
pads 10 at each use. When used on the hand, pad 10 can also be
decorated with color, patterns, messages, trademarks, or
advertisements.
[0040] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, when pad 10 is
made to adhere to the hand, pad 10 may be provided with a layer of
thistle cloth. The layer of thistle cloth on pad 10 may then be
removably adhered to a complimentary layer of thistle cloth on a
surface contacting base, which then protects the hand from direct
contact with the surface.
[0041] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, pad 10
is shaped and sized to be applied to the feet of children and
pets.
[0042] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIG. 13, pad 10 is molded to the shape and contour of the foot. In
this embodiment, pad 10 can be provided with a raised arch area and
a slight ridge at the heel. The toe area of pad 10 is left
available for trimming to size.
[0043] In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, pad
10 is removably adhered to the elbows, knees, and/or shins to
provide protection during activities such as roller blading, skate
boarding, bike riding, soccer, and motorcycle riding. Pad 10 may be
applied to the knees to provide protection to skin or garments
during gardening.
[0044] Yet another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown
in FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17. This embodiment of the invention
includes pad 60 and one of the protective shells shown in FIGS. 15,
16 or 17. In some sports, such as roller blading or skate boarding,
it is desirable to have additional padding for protection against
injury. The protective shells shown in FIGS. 15 through 17 provide
additional padding for protection against injury. However, because
the cost of manufacturing the protective shells may be higher than
the cost of manufacturing pad 60, it is desirable that pad 60 be
disposable after one or two uses, while the protective shells may
be used many times.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 14, pad 60 includes top surface 62, middle
layer 65, and bottom surface 63. As with pad 10, pad 60 can be made
of a variety of materials including rubber, fabric, paper, plastic,
synthetic materials, leather, and polyurethane foam. Top surface 62
is covered by a layer of adhesive. The adhesive selected should be
of sufficient strength to adhere pad 60 to the elbows, knees, or
shins. However, the adhesive must not be so strong as to prevent
removal of pad 60 by the user when the user has finished wearing
the pad. Pad 60 is optionally provided with a peel sheet 64, which
protects the adhesive on top surface 62 until pad 60 is applied.
Immediately prior to applying pad 60, the user removes peel sheet
64 to reveal the adhesive surface. Bottom surface 63 of pad 60 is
at least partially covered with a layer of thistle cloth 66.
[0046] Protective shells 70, 80 and 90 are respectively shown in
FIGS. 15, 16 and 17. As shown in FIG. 15, protective shell 70
comprises durable outer surface 71 which is shaped to fit the
contour of the human knee. Protective shell 70 further includes a
middle layer of impact absorbing padding 72 and inner surface 74,
which is also shaped to fit the contour of the knee. Thistle cloth
73 at least partially covers inner surface 74 and engages
complimentary thistle cloth 66 on bottom surface 63 of pad 60.
[0047] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16, protective shell 80
comprises durable outer surface 81 which is shaped to fit the
contour of the human elbow. Protective shell 80 further includes a
middle layer of impact absorbing padding 82 and inner surface 84,
which is also shaped to fit the contour of the elbow. Thistle cloth
83 at least partially covers inner surface 84 and engages
complimentary thistle cloth 66 on bottom surface 63 of pad 60.
[0048] As with protective shells 70 and 80, protective shell 90,
shown in FIG. 17, comprises durable outer surface 91 which is
shaped to fit the contour of the human shin. Protective shell 90
further includes a middle layer of impact absorbing padding 92 and
inner surface 94, which is also shaped to fit the contour of the
shin. Thistle cloth 93 at least partially covers inner surface 94
and engages complimentary thistle cloth 66 on bottom surface 63 of
pad 60.
[0049] Protective shells 70, 80, and 90 can be made in a variety of
sizes to fit differently sized adults and children.
[0050] A variety of adhesives are available for adhering pads 10
and pads 60 to the body. Of the available adhesives, the adhesive
used by Johnson & Johnson in its hydrocolloid adhesive
Band-Aid.RTM. Callus Relief product featuring Compeed.RTM. Moisture
Seal.TM. Technology and as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,732;
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,867,748; and 5,643,187 is among the adhesives
presently preferred. The adhesive used in Dr. Scholl's.RTM.
Waterproof Corn Cushions is more preferred, especially for applying
toe pieces 33 to the ground contact regions on the bottoms of the
toes. MSX 5527 PU tape --acrylate adhesive with polyurethane
backing by 3 M is most preferred, especially for applying toe
pieces 33 to the ground contact regions on the bottoms of the
toes.
* * * * *