Disposable adhesive slippers

Abstract

A foot protection assembly is provided for protecting a foot from an underlying surface. The foot protection assembly includes a release layer and a sheet member. The sheet member has a first surface at least partially covered with an adhesive backing releasably contacting the release layer. The sheet member includes at least one perforation formed therealong for defining at least one slipper removable from the release layer at the perforation for adhering to the foot.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This invention claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/602,942 filed Aug. 19, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to disposable adhesive slippers. More particularly, this invention relates to disposable adhesive slippers that adhere to a sole of a foot to provide sanitary protection thereto.

2. Description of Related Art

In certain public places, such as airports, hotels, spas, tanning salons, and medical offices or clinics, it is common for individuals to remove their shoes. As a result, the individual's bare or stocking-covered feet are exposed to the floor in these public places. The feet are, therefore, susceptible to various feet-related health conditions including bacterial infections, nail fungal infections, and foot fungal infections such as athlete's foot. Any of these feet-related health conditions can cause pain, irritation, itching, scaling, and/or burning. In addition, any open foot sores or cuts may become infected as a result of exposure to the floor.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide a cost-effective, disposable, and easy-to-use protective slipper for the foot that serves as a barrier between the foot and the floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a foot protection assembly is provided for protecting a foot from an underlying surface. The foot protection assembly includes a release layer and a sheet member. The sheet member includes a first surface at least partially covered with an adhesive backing releasably contacting the release layer. The sheet member includes at least one perforation formed therealong for defining at least one slipper that is removable from the release layer at the perforation for adhering to the foot.

According to another aspect of the invention, a foot protection assembly for protecting a foot from an underlying surface includes a sheet member having a first surface covered with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. The sheet member includes at least one perforation defining at least one slipper wherein the application of a predetermined amount of pressure upon the first surface detaches the slipper at the perforation for adhering to the foot to form a sanitary barrier between the foot and the underlying surface.

According to still another aspect of the invention, a slipper provides sanitary protection to a foot from an underlying surface. The slipper includes a sheet member having a first surface at least partially covered with an adhesive backing to adhere to the foot and an opposing second surface having a non-slip material for providing traction along the underlying surface.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a slipper from a release layer and a sheet member, including an adhesive backing disposed along a portion thereof and having at least one perforation cut through the sheet member, is provided. The method includes the steps of: forming the at least one perforation along the sheet member to define at least one slipper; applying the adhesive backing to the sheet member; and releasably adhering the sheet member to the release layer via the adhesive backing to allow selective peeling of the slipper from the release layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foot protection assembly according to one embodiment of the invention including perforations defining a pair of slippers;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a foot with the slipper, having been detached at the perforation, adhered thereto;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the foot with an outer peripheral portion of the slipper folded up over the foot;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the foot protection assembly wherein the perforation defines an elongated strap for the slipper;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foot protection assembly including a plurality of sizing perforations for adjusting the size of the slipper;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of foot protection assemblies disposed along a roll for individual dispensing;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a foot protection assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention including a dividing perforation defining first and second rectangular slippers;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the foot protection assembly including a plurality of sizing perforations;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a foot protection assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention including adhesive disposed all along an exposed surface of a sheet member having perforations defining a pair of foot-shaped slippers;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate foot protection assembly including adhesive disposed all along an exposed surface of a sheet member having a single dividing perforation defining first and second rectangular slippers; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of a plurality of foot protection assemblies in a stacked configuration for individual dispensing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a foot protection assembly according to one embodiment of the invention is generally shown at 10. The foot protection assembly 10 includes a release layer 12 and a sheet member, generally indicated at 14. The release layer 12 is preferably a non-stick film. The sheet member 14 may be formed from any of numerous materials including, but not limited to, paper and plastic. The sheet member 14 includes a first surface 16 and an opposing second surface 18. A low tack adhesive backing, generally indicated at 20, is disposed along at least a portion of the first surface 16. The first surface 16, with the adhesive backing 20, releasably contacts the release layer 12 so that at least a portion of the sheet member 14 can be peeled away from the release layer 12.

The sheet member 14 includes at least one perforation 22 cut therealong for defining at least one slipper 24. In the present embodiment, a pair of perforations 22 are shown defining two generally foot-shaped slippers 24. It is, however, contemplated that the particular shape and dimensions of the slipper 24 may vary. Since each slipper 24 is a portion of the sheet member 14, the slippers 24 each include the adhesive backing 20 along the first surface 16 releasably contacting the release layer 12. Thus, each slipper 24 is detachable at the perforation 22 and may be peeled away from the release layer 12 to expose the adhesive backing 20 along the first surface 16. The slipper 24 may then be stuck to a foot 26 using the adhesive backing 20, as shown in FIG. 2, to form a sanitary barrier between the foot 26 and an underlying surface. An outer peripheral portion 28 of the slipper 24 may be folded over part of the foot 26, as shown in FIG. 3, to provide additional protection thereto in those instances when the slipper 24 is larger than the foot 26. The outer peripheral portion 28 that is folded over the foot 26 is also stuck thereto by the adhesive backing 20. At the same time, a topmost portion of the foot 26 remains uncovered to provide additional comfort by lessening perspiration.

The second surface 18 includes a non-slip covering for providing traction to the individual wearing the slipper 24. The non-slip covering may be in the form of a non-slip material or a textured surface.

Referring to FIG. 4, each perforation 22 may also define an elongated strap extension 30 for the slipper 24. Thus, when the slipper 24 is applied to the foot 26, the elongated strap extension 30 may be wrapped around a top portion of the foot 26 and secured thereto with the adhesive backing 20 to further ensure that the slipper 24 does not inadvertently fall off of the foot 26.

Referring to FIG. 5, the foot protection assembly 10 may also include a plurality of sizing perforations 32, 34 for providing optional slipper sizes. Preferably, the slipper 24 includes two sizing perforations 32, 34 in order to provide an individual with the choice of a small, medium, or large sized slipper. For example, if an individual desires the slipper 24 in a small size, the slipper 24 is detached at one of the sizing perforations 32 and then peeled away from the release layer 12. It is contemplated that any number of sizing perforations may be provided in any orientation to accommodate any of numerous foot sizes and shapes.

Further, it is also contemplated that each slipper 24 may also include an anti-microbial or fragrance may be added to the sheet member 14 or the adhesive backing 20. It is further contemplated that various foot care products, such as lotions, powders, medications and the like, may be added to the sheet member 14 or the adhesive backing 20.

Referring to FIG. 6, a number of foot protection assemblies 10 may be arranged along a roll 35 for individual dispensing as needed. In the roll configuration, the plurality of foot protection assemblies 10 are releasably connected to one another by separating perforations 36, which are cut through the release layer 12 and the sheet member 14. The roll configuration eliminates the need for individual packaging of the foot protection assemblies 10 and eases shipping and storing. It is contemplated that any number of dispensing methods or systems may be utilized for providing the foot protection assemblies 10 to the individual users.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, according to another embodiment of the invention, the foot protection assembly 10 includes a single dividing perforation 38 for separating the sheet member 14 into first and second halves. As in the previous embodiment, the foot protection assembly 10 includes the release layer 12, and the sheet member 14 including the low tack adhesive backing 20 disposed along at least a portion of the first surface 16, as shown in FIG. 7. The first surface 16, with the adhesive backing 20, releasably contacts the release layer 12 so that the sheet member 14 can be peeled away from the release layer 12.

The dividing perforation 38 defines first 40 and second 42 rectangular slippers. Preferably, the first 40 and 42 second rectangular slippers are identical to one another in size and shape. Each of the first 40 and second 42 rectangular slippers may be peeled away from the release layer 12 and then stuck to the foot 26 via the adhesive backing 20. Advantageously, the shape of the first 40 and second 42 rectangular slippers accommodates almost any foot size.

In the present embodiment, each of the first 40 and second 42 rectangular slippers has a plain appearance in that there is no foot or sole-shaped outline thereon. It is, however, appreciated that a foot or sole-shaped outline may be printed, embossed, or otherwise produced along the sheet member 14 on each side of the dividing perforation 38 to serve as a centering guide for use when the first 40 and second 42 rectangular slippers are stuck to each foot 26. Further, any of numerous outlines, such as animal footprints or logos, may be printed, embossed, or otherwise produced along the sheet member 14.

Referring to FIG. 8, the foot protection assembly 10 including the dividing perforation 38 may also include the plurality of sizing perforations 32, 34 for providing optional slipper sizes. Preferably, each slipper 40, 42 includes two sizing perforations 32, 34 in order to provide an individual with the choice of small, medium, or large sized slippers. For example, if an individual desires the slipper 40, 42 in a small size, the sheet member 14 is detached at one of the sizing perforations 32 and then peeled away from the release layer 12. Once again, it is, however, appreciated that any number of sizing perforations may be provided in any orientation to accommodate any of numerous foot sizes and shapes.

Referring to FIGS. 9 through 11, according to yet another embodiment of the invention, the adhesive backing 20 is a pressure-sensitive layer disposed along the entirety of the first surface 16 of the sheet member 14. In such an arrangement, the first surface 16 is exposed such that the pressure-sensitive adhesive backing 20 is visible. That is, there is no peeling away of the sheet member 14 from the release layer 12, as is required in the previous embodiments. The foot protection assembly 10 in the current embodiment may have two perforations defining foot-shaped slippers 24, as shown in FIG. 9, or a single dividing perforation 38 defining first 40 and second 42 rectangular slippers, as shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, the foot protection assembly 10 including the exposed adhesive backing 20 may be stored in a stacked configuration for dispensing to individuals. More specifically, an individual desiring to use the foot protection assembly 10 will simply step onto the exposed adhesive backing 20. The pressure exerted on the sheet member 14 by the individual will cause the adhesive backing 20 to stick to the foot 26. When the individual then steps off of the sheet member 14, the slipper 24 or 40, 42 contacting the foot 26 will detach at the perforation 20, 38. Once the topmost foot protection assembly 10 has been dispensed, the next foot protection assembly 10 in the stack is ready for use. The stacked configuration eliminates the need for individual packaging of the foot protection assemblies 10 and eases shipping and storing.

It is appreciated that although the dispensing method for the foot protection assemblies 10 has been disclosed as being either a roll configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, or a stacked configuration, as shown in FIG. 11, any of numerous methods may be utilized for dispensing the foot protection assembly 10 according to the invention without exceeding the scope of this disclosure.

Finally, a method for manufacturing the slipper 24 utilizes the release layer 12 and the sheet member 14, having the adhesive backing 20 disposed along at least a portion of the sheet member 14 and at least one perforation 22 cut through the sheet member 14, includes the steps of: forming the at least one perforation 22 along a portion of the sheet member 14 to define at least one slipper 24; applying the adhesive backing 24 to the sheet member 14; and releasably adhering the sheet member 14 to the release layer 12 via the adhesive backing 20 to allow selective peeling of the slipper 24 from the release layer 12.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A foot protection assembly for protecting a foot from an underlying surface, said foot protection assembly comprising:

a release layer; and

a sheet member having a first surface at least partially covered with an adhesive backing releasably contacting said release layer, said sheet member including at least one perforation formed therealong for defining at least one slipper removable from said release layer at said perforation for adhering to the foot.

2. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said slipper defined by said perforation is generally foot-shaped.

3. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said perforation divides said sheet member into first and second rectangular slippers.

4. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a plurality of sizing perforations formed along said sheet member for adjusting the size of said slipper upon removal of said slipper from said release layer.

5. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet member includes an anti-microbial applied thereto.

6. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet member includes a fragrance applied thereto.

7. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet member is formed from paper.

8. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet member is formed from plastic.

9. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sheet member includes an opposing second surface having a non-slip covering for providing traction for the foot along the underlying surface when said slipper is adhered to the foot.

10. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said slipper defined by said perforation includes an elongated adhesive strap for maintaining said slipper in place along the foot.

11. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said first and second rectangular slippers includes an embossed foot-shaped outline.

12. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said first and second rectangular slippers includes a printed foot-shaped outline.

13. A foot protection assembly for protecting a foot from an underlying surface, said foot protection assembly comprising:

a sheet member having a first surface covered with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing, said sheet member including at least one perforation defining at least one slipper wherein the application of a predetermined amount of pressure upon said first surface detaches said slipper at said perforation for adhering to the foot to form a sanitary barrier between the foot and the underlying surface.

14. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said slipper defined by said perforation is generally foot-shaped.

15. A foot protection assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said perforation divides said sheet member into first and second rectangular slippers.

16. A slipper for providing sanitary protection to a foot from an underlying surface, said slipper comprising:

a sheet member having a first surface at least partially covered with an adhesive backing to adhere the foot and an opposing second surface having a non-slip material for providing traction along the underlying surface.

17. A slipper as set forth in claim 16 wherein the sheet member is rectangular-shaped.

18. A slipper as set forth in claim 16 including an anti-microbial applied along at least one of said first and second surfaces of said sheet member.

19. A slipper as set forth in claim 16 including a fragrance applied along at least one of said first and second surfaces of said sheet member.

20. A method of manufacturing a slipper utilizing a release layer and a sheet member including an adhesive backing disposed along at least a portion thereof and having at least one perforation cut through the sheet member, the method comprising the steps of:

forming the at least one perforation along a portion of the sheet member to define at least one slipper;

applying the adhesive backing to the sheet member; and

releasably adhering the sheet member to the release layer via the adhesive backing to allow selective peeling of the slipper from the release layer.

21. A method of manufacturing as set forth in claim 20 including the step of forming at least one sizing perforation along a portion of the sheet member prior to the step of peeling the portion of sheet member defined by the perforation.

22. A method of manufacturing as set forth in claim 20 wherein the step of forming the at least one perforation along a portion of the sheet member to define at least one slipper includes the step of forming the perforation in a foot-shaped outline.