Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a sock having anti-microbial properties including the steps of providing a quality of a thermoplastic resin including an anti-microbial agent admixture having a predetermined microbial inhibition characteristic; blending the thermoplastic resin with a polyethylene resin to form an anti-microbial feedstock; forming the anti-microbial feedstock into relatively long, narrow, thin lengths of anti-microbial members; and knitting the anti-microbial members into an anti-microbial sock having predetermined microbial inhibition characteristics.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/326,018 filed Jun. 4, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,669, which is a continuation-in-part application under 37 C.F.R. §1.53 of application Ser. No. 08/840,791 filed Apr. 16, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,799 which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/474,378, filed Jun. 7, 1995, abandoned. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the manufacture of shoes and socks and, in particular, to shoes having a fabric lining including an anti-microbial agent for inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungus, viruses, etc., and to sock liners and socks including an anti-microbial agent for inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungus, viruses etc. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Odor caused by bacteria and other microbes including fungi and viruses are common problems associated with shoes in general and athletic shoes in particular. Scented powders have been used to mask foot odor; however, such powders typically do not destroy the microbes causing the odor or prevent them from multiplying. Medicated powders and foot rubs may attack foot fungus or bacteria but are inconvenient to use as they must be applied directly to the foot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,061 discloses urethane shoe inserts having anti-microbial properties, U.S. Pat. 5,114,984 discloses a method for incorporating the biocide and fungicide zinc OMADINE ® manufactured by the Olin Corporation into urethane. However, urethane shoe inserts may slip and wad up during use. 
     Many shoes, athletic shoes in particular, often have cloth linings or synthetic simulated leather linings. 
     The present invention meets the need of incorporating an anti-microbial agent directly into shoe linings or alternatively into sock liners and socks. 
     The present invention comprises shoe linings, sock liners, and socks including an anti-microbial agent for inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungus and other microbes and the method of manufacture of same. A microbial inhibitor is blended in concentrations and quantities determined by the desired microbial inhibition range of the finishes product with a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene in predetermined quantities based on the desired flowability and melt properties of an anti-microbial resin feedstock. The anti-microbial feedstock is then used in forming anti-microbial product. The anti-microbial additive is mixed evenly throughout the polymeric material and migrates to the surface of the finished product on demand. 
     The present invention provides protection against odor and foot infections caused by bacteria fungi and other microbes residing within shoes. Additionally, the present invention inhibits the growth of unsightly mildew on the linings of shoes. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe having a lining of the present invention incorporating an anti-microbial agent; 
     FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross section of the shoe and lining of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a lateral cross section of the shoe and lining of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sock liner or sock of the present invention incorporating an anti-microbial agent; 
     FIGS. 5A,  5 B, and  5 C comprise a flow chart illustrating numerous alternative methods for producing fabric for shoe linings, sock liners, and socks incorporating improved microbial inhibition; 
     FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of an extruder; 
     FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an extruder; 
     FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a lamination apparatus and process; 
     FIGS. 9A and 9B comprise a key useful in interpreting FIGS. 10A -10I and FIGS. 11A -11E; 
     FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer extruded onto an anti-microbial fabric; 
     FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer extruded onto a conventional fabric; 
     FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer extruded onto a conventional film; 
     FIG. 10D is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer extruded onto an anti-microbial film; 
     FIG. 10E is a perspective view of a co-extrusion comprising a layer of anti-microbial material and a layer of anti-microbial material; 
     FIG. 10F is a perspective view of a co-extrusion comprising a layer of anti-microbial material and a layer of conventional polymeric material; 
     FIG. 10G is a perspective view of an extruded anti-microbial film; 
     FIG. 10H is a perspective view of an extruded anti-microbial tape; 
     FIG. 10I is a perspective view of an extruded anti-microbial filament; 
     FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film laminated onto a conventional film; 
     FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film laminated onto an anti-microbial film; 
     FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a conventional polymeric film laminated onto an anti-microbial fabric; 
     FIG. 11D is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film laminated onto an anti-microbial fabric; and 
     FIG. 11E is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film laminated onto a conventional film. 
     FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic illustration of a dip coating apparatus and process; and 
     FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic illustration of a spray coating apparatus and process. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/840,791 filed Apr. 16, 1997, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/474,378 filed Jun. 7, 1995, said applications being fully incorporated herein by reference as if it has been fully set forth as text herein. As used herein, the term “microbial” includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes. 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, therein is illustrated a perspective view of a shoe  838  having a lining  840  of the present invention incorporating an anti-microbial agent. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, therein is illustrated the shoe  838  including a sole  842 , a body  844 , a heel section  846  and the lining  840 . The lining  840  may cover substantially all of the interior of the shoe as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 or only a portion thereof. The present invention meets the need of incorporating anti-microbial agent directly into the lining of the shoe instead of incorporating the anti-microbial agent in insert pads or powders. The present invention provides protection against odor and foot infections caused by bacteria, fungi and other microbes residing in the inside of shoes. Additionally, the present invention inhibits the growth of unsightly mildew on the linings of shoes. The shoe lining  840  may be made from any of the alternative fabric compositions and manufacturing methods disclosed hereinafter. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, therein is illustrated an alternate embodiment of the present invention comprising a sock liner or sock  848  incorporating an anti-microbial agent. Sock liners have the same appearance and configuration as socks but are typically quite thin in construction. Sock liners are used inside heavy socks which are in turn used with shoes, ski boots and hiking boots, etc. A sock liner is typically knitted or woven from a polypropylene based fabric, which wicks moisture away from the foot into surrounding exterior sock, thereby keeping the foot dry. Keeping the foot dry reduces the likelihood of blisters and discomfort due to cold. The invention is similarly applicable to socks. 
     The use of the present invention is particularly advantageous in conjunction with athletic shoes, sock liners, socks, and in similar applications. For example, due to their construction, it is often not practical to wash and dry athletic shoes in a manner that would kill microbes. Similarly, during hiking, hunting, fishing, and similar activities it may not be possible to properly wash sock liners or socks between uses. By means of the present invention, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes are prevented from growing in and on the interiors of athletic shoes, in and on sock liners, in and on socks, etc. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5A,  5 B and  5 C, therein is a flow chart illustrating the use of the present invention in the manufacture of anti-microbial products. Referring to FIG. 5A, an anti-microbial material/mixture  521  is pre-compounded. The mixture  521  may include a bactericide/fungicide agent of the type manufactured by Olin Chemical 350 Knotter Drive, Cheshire CT, 06410, under the trade name zinc Omadine®. The agent is marketed by Olin Corporation in a 95 percent powder form under EPA registration number 1258-840. The agent is insoluble in water. The agent is compounded with milled polypropylene or milled polyethylene to an agent concentration of approximately 7000 ppm. The agent is capable of inhibiting the growth of algae, mold, mildew and bacteria including  e - coli  and  Salmonella,  as well as other microorganisms. Zinc Omadine® bactericide-fungicide is a derivative of pyrithione. Pyrithione is known by any of several names. 
     2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide 
     1-hydroxpyridine-2-thione 
     2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide (CAS No. 1121-31-9) 
     1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethione (CAS No. 121-30-8) 
     The zinc derivative is a chelated complex as shown below:                           
     Zinc Omadine® bactericide-fungicide is listed in the  CTFA International Cosmetic  Ingredient Dictionary, 4th Edition, as zinc pyrithione. In the  Chemical Abstracts Registry,  zinc pyrithione is listed as: 
     bis [1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinethionato-0,S]-(T-4) 
     zinc (CAS No. 13463-41-7). 
     Typical physical properties are shown in Table 1. Solubility in a variety of solvents is shown in Table 2. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Typical Physical Properties 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 48% 
               
               
                   
                   
                 48% 
                 Fine 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                 Particle 
               
               
                   
                 Powder 
                 Dispersion 
                 Dispersion 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Molecular Weight 
                 317.7 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 Assay, % 
                 95-99 
                 48-50 
                 48-50 
               
               
                   
                 Color 
                 off-white 
                 off-white 
                 off-white 
               
               
                   
                 Odor 
                 mild 
                 mild 
                 mild 
               
               
                   
                 Specific Gravity 
                 1.782 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 @ 25° C. 
               
               
                   
                 Density (lb/gal) 
                 — 
                 10 
                 10 
               
               
                   
                 Bulk Density (g/ml) 
                 0.35 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 pH, 5% in water, 
                 6.5-8.5 
                 6.5-8.5 
                 6.5-8.5 
               
               
                   
                 average 
               
               
                   
                 Melting Point, ° C. 
                 −240 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                   
                 (decomposes) 
               
               
                   
                 Particle Size, % 
                 70 &lt; 25 μ 
                 90 &lt; 5 μ 
                 901 μ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (wet sieve) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Solubility a (w/w % at 25° C.) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Zinc 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Omadine ® 
               
               
                   
                 Solvent 
                 bactericide-fungicide 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Water, pH 7 
                 0.0008 
               
               
                   
                 Ethanol, 40A 
                 0.01 
               
               
                   
                 Isopropanol 
                 0.008 
               
               
                   
                 Propylene glycol 
                 0.02 
               
               
                   
                 Polyethylene glycol 400 
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 Ethyleneglycol monomethyl ether 
                 0.09 
               
               
                   
                 Diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether 
                 0.01 
               
               
                   
                 Chloroform 
                 0.3 
               
               
                   
                 Dimethylsulfoxide 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 Mineral oil, light 
                 &lt;0.0001 
               
               
                   
                 Olive oil 
                 &lt;0.0003 
               
               
                   
                 Castor oil 
                 &lt;0.0001 
               
               
                   
                 Isopropyl myristate 
                 &lt;0.0001 
               
               
                   
                 Isopropyl palmitate 
                 &lt;0.0001 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   a Average solubility of technical grade material  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Anti-Microbial Activity 
     The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) listed in Table 3 show that, in vitro, very low concentrations of zinc Omadine® bactericide-fungicide inhibit many microorganisms, indicative of its broad spectrum of activity. In general, the MIC of zinc Omadine® anti-microbial agent in vitro are less than 50 ppm for most bacteria, less than 5 ppm for most fungi (molds and yeasts), and less than 1 ppm for most algae. However, like all anti-microbial agents, higher concentrations than the MIC values may be required for adequate effectiveness in formulated products. This is due to the many variables (e.g., components in the formulation and fluctuating levels of microorganisms) which affect anti-microbial activity. Therefore, Olin&#39;s application data sheets should be consulted to determine the recommended use levels of zinc Omadine® bactericide-fungicide. 
     Chemical Properties 
     Unless otherwise noted, the following chemical properties refer to the commercial product and are typical values, not specifications. 
     Heat Stability. Zinc Omadine® biocide is stable at 100°C. for at least 120 hours. The decomposition temperature is 240°C. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Anti-microbial Activity 1   
               
               
                 Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations 2   
               
               
                 Micrograms/ml (ppm) 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Zinc 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Omadine ® 3   
               
               
                   
                   
                 ATCC 
                 bactericide- 
               
               
                   
                 Organism 
                 No. 
                 fungicide 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Gram Positive Bacteria 
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 
                   Staphylococcus aureus 
                 
                 6538 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Streptococcus faecalis 
                 
                 19433 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Gram Negative Bacteria 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Escherichia Coli 
                 
                 9637 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Pseudomonas aeruginosa 
                 
                 9721 
                 512 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Klebsiella pheumoniae 
                 
                 4352 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 Molds 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Fusarium sp. 
                 
                 — 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Aspergillus niger 
                 
                 9542 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Aureobasidium pullulans 
                 
                 9348 
                 ≦2 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Chaetomium globosum 
                 
                 6205 
                 ≦2 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Gliocladium virens 
                 
                 9645 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Penicillium pinophilum 
                 
                 9644 
                 ≦2 
               
               
                   
                 Yeasts 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Candida Albicans 
                 
                 11651 
                 ≦2 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Pityrosporum Ovale 
                 
                 — 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 Actinomycete 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Streptoverticillium reciculum 
                 
                 25607 
                 4 
               
               
                   
                 Algae 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Trentopholia odorata 
                 
                 — 
                 ≦0.06 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Anacystis montana 
                 
                 — 
                 ≦0.06 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Choloroccum tetrasporum 
                 
                 — 
                 8 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Sctonema hofmaannii 
                 
                 — 
                 0.5 
               
               
                   
                 
                   Synechocystis minima 
                 
                 — 
                 ≦0.06 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   1 Obtained by using 2-fold serial dilutions in microtiter plates. Bacterial concentrations were approximately 10 6  organisms/ml. Fungal spore concentrations were approximately 10 5  colony-forming units/ml.  
               
               
                   
                   2 Lowest concentrations exerting a static effect on the microorganism.  
               
               
                   
                   3 Because of the low solubility of zinc Omadine ® bactericide-fungicide in water, dimethylsulfoxide was used as a cosolvent.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The heat of decomposition, as measured under nitrogen by differential scanning calorimetry, is 150 cal/g. 
     pH Stability. Zinc Omadine® bactericide-fungicide can be used over the pH range from 4.5 to 9.5. 
     Alternatively, the anti-microbial agent used in the mixture of box  521  may be of the type distributed by The Microban Products Company of Huntersville, North Carolina and identified by the trademark MICROBAN® or IRGASAN DP 300® manufactured by Ciba Geigy. 
     Referring particularly to boxes  521 ,  522 ,  523 , and  524  of FIG. 5A, the anti-microbial material/thermoplastic resin mixture of box  521  resulting from the compounding step is blended with a thermoplastic resin to form an anti-microbial resin feedstock. 
     The anti-microbial material/thermoplastic resin mixture of box  521  is blended with the thermoplastic resin of box  523  in conventional blending equipment to provide the anti-microbial feedstock of box  524  having anti-microbial characteristics. The particular thermoplastic resin of box  523  which is selected for blending with the anti-microbial material/thermoplastic resin mixture of box  521  is preferably of the same general type as the resin comprising the anti-microbial material/thermoplastic resin mixture, and is selected in accordance with the desired melt temperature and the desired melt flow rate utilizing prior art techniques. Polypropylene is typically used for producing the fabric products of the present invention. 
     In the case of the anti-microbial agent zinc Omadine®, the concentration is maintained at about 4000 ppm. Due to thermal degradation in the process of blending and extrusion, the active level of zinc Omadine® in the end product may be below 4000 ppm. 
     Referring to box  525 , the next step in the practice of the invention comprises the extrusion of the anti-microbial resin feedstock from box  524  to form any one of a variety of products. For example, the extrusion step may be used to form an anti-microbial layer on a conventional fabric as indicated at box  527 , or to form an anti-microbial layer on an anti-microbial fabric as indicated at box  529 , or to form a layer of conventional polymeric material on an anti-microbial fabric  528 . The extrusion step may also be used to form an anti-microbial layer on a conventional polymeric film as indicated at box  530 , or to form an anti-microbial layer on an anti-microbial film as indicated at box  536 . The procedures of boxes  527 ,  529 ,  530 , and  536  may be carried out as illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     A length of material  38 , which may comprise anti-microbial or conventional fabric or anti-microbial or conventional film, is fed from a supply roll  40  by means of pinch rollers  42  or other conventional apparatus. The length of material  38  extends through an extruder  44  which extrudes a layer of anti-microbial material  46  onto the length of material  38 . The thickness of the layer of anti-microbial material  46  on the length of the material  38  is controlled by the operation of the extruder  44  and by the operation of a pair of pinch rollers  48  or other conventional apparatus typically employed in extrusion processes. 
     Another important aspect of the invention is indicated at boxes  549  and  551  of FIG.  5 A and illustrated in FIG.  7 . An anti-microbial layer may be co-extruded with a layer of conventional polymeric film or with another anti-microbial layer to provide a co-extruded film useful in the practice of the invention. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 7, a conventional co-extrusion apparatus  53  comprises a hopper  54  which receives either an anti-microbial resin or a conventional thermoplastic resin and a hopper  56  which receives the anti-microbial resin feedstock of box  524  of FIG.  5 A. The co-extrusion apparatus  53  is utilized to form a length of material  58  comprising either an anti-microbial layer or a conventional layer  60  and a co-extruded anti-microbial layer  62 . The thickness of the length of material  58  and the layers  60  and  62  thereof is controlled by the operation of the co-extrusion apparatus  53  and by the operation of a pair of pinch rollers  64  and/or other conventional apparatus typically used in co-extrusion procedures. Typically, the anti-microbial layer  62  will be thinner than the layer  60  for purposes of economy. 
     Referring again to FIG. 5A, the extrusion step of box  525  may be utilized to form a variety of anti-microbial members, including anti-microbial tapes, anti-microbial filaments and anti-microbial film as indicated at box  566 . The anti-microbial film of box  566  may be utilized directly in subsequent steps of the invention or as indicated at box  568 , the anti-microbial film may be used in the furtherance of lamination procedures also comprising also an important aspect of the invention. Specifically, the anti-microbial film of box  566  may be laminated onto a conventional film as indicated at box  570  or onto an anti-microbial film as indicated at box  574 . The foregoing procedures are further illustrated in FIG. 8. A length of anti-microbial film  76  may be fed from a feed roll  78 . A length of material  80 , comprising either a conventional film or an anti-microbial film, is fed from a supply roll  82 . A reservoir  84  contains a supply of liquid adhesive, which is preferably a thermoplastic adhesive matched to the materials comprising the length of material  76  and the length of material  80 . Liquid adhesive is fed from the reservoir  84  to a nozzle  86  located between the lengths of material  76  and  80  used to apply liquid adhesive thereto. Immediately after the application of liquid adhesive thereto, the lengths of material  76  and  80  are fed between a pair of pinch rollers  88 , whereby the length of material is securely bonded to the length of material  80  under the action of the liquid adhesive dispensed from the nozzle  86 . The resulting laminate may be wound upon a take-up roll  90  or utilized directly. 
     Referring again to FIG. 5A, the extrusion step of box  525  may be used to form anti-microbial tapes as indicated at box  592 . The anti-microbial tapes are not entirely unlike the anti-microbial film of box  566 , but differ therefrom dimensionally. Whereas the anti-microbial film of box  566  is typically long and wide and characterized by a substantial thickness, the anti-microbial tapes of box  592  are typically relatively long, relatively narrow, relatively thin, and flat in cross section. The anti-microbial tapes of box  592  are dimensionally similar to the polymeric tapes which are conventionally supplied for use in weaving fabrics to be used in the manufacture of flexible, collapsible containers for flowable materials. 
     As indicated at box  594 , the extrusion process of box  525  may also be used to manufacture anti-microbial filaments. The anti-microbial filaments of box  594  are similar to the anti-microbial tapes of box  592  in that they comprise wearable members which may be utilized in a conventional weaving apparatus to manufacture fabrics which may in turn be used in the manufacture of flexible, collapsible bags for handling flowable materials. The anti-microbial filaments of box  594  differ from the anti-microbial tapes of box  592  in that, whereas the anti-microbial tapes are typically flat in cross section, the anti-microbial filaments of box  594  are typically round or oval in cross section and therefore resemble conventional threads. The anti-microbial filaments  594  are typically extruded in 600 to 1000 denier fineness. Additionally, the filaments  594  may be extruded through a spinneret that extrudes a multifilament fiber that is spun together as it is extruded. The anti-microbial tapes of box  592  and/or the anti-microbial filaments of box  594  may be twisted to form anti-microbial threads, if desired. 
     The anti-microbial tapes of box  592  may conventionally be thought of as extruded anti-microbial tapes comprising weavable members useful in a conventional weaving apparatus to form an anti-microbial fabric. As indicated by box  596  of FIG. 5B, the anti-microbial layers extruded onto the various films of boxes  530   536 , the anti-microbial layers co-extruded with the various layers of boxes  549  and  551 , the anti-microbial film of box  566 , and/or the anti-microbial films laminated onto the various films of boxes  570  and  574  may also be utilized to form anti-microbial tapes by means of conventional slitting apparatus. Like the anti-microbial tapes of box  592 , the anti-microbial tapes formed in the slitting process of box  596  typically comprise a relatively long, relatively narrow, relatively thin configuration which is flat in cross section. The anti-microbial tapes manufactured by the slitting step of box  596  may be conveniently considered as slit anti-microbial tapes as compared with the extruded anti-microbial tapes of box  592 . 
     Referring to box  600 , the next step in the practice of the invention comprises weaving one or more of the weavable members formed in accordance with the present invention and comprising the slit anti-microbial tapes of box  598 , the extruded anti-microbial tapes of box  592 , the extruded anti-microbial filaments of box  594  and/or anti-microbial threads to manufacture an anti-microbial fabric. As is indicated at boxes  602 ,  604 , and  605 , conventional tapes, and/or conventional filaments and/or conventional threads formed from non-anti-microbial polymeric materials may be combined with the weavable anti-microbial members of the present invention to form an anti-microbial fabric, if desired. In such event, the weavable anti-microbial members of the present invention would typically comprise a reduced proportion of the total number of weavable members utilized in the weaving step of box  600  to form an anti-microbial fabric and typically would be arranged in a grid pattern. Alternatively, the anti-microbial tapes and/or threads of the present invention may be twisted together with conventional tapes or filaments to form anti-microbial threads which may be used in the weaving step. 
     As indicated at box  606 , the results of the weaving step of box  600  is anti-microbial fabric. 
     Referring to box  608 , the anti-microbial materials of the present invention, whether singly, in combination with other anti-microbial materials of the present invention or in combination with conventional tapes and/or filaments, may be utilized in the knitting of anti-microbial fabric, or as indicated at box  610 , anti-microbial articles. The knitting step of box  608  is useful when the resulting article does not require dimensional stability. The knitted sock liner  848  as illustrated in FIG. 4 is one such application of knitting. 
     Referring now to FIG.  5 B and particularly to box  612 , the next step in the practice of the invention may optionally comprise the coating of the anti-microbial fabric of box  606  with an anti-microbial material to provide an anti-microbial coating on an anti-microbial fabric as indicated at box  613 . The anti-microbial fabric may also be coated with a conventional coating as indicated at box  614 . The coating step may also be used to apply a layer of anti-microbial material to conventional polymeric fabric as indicated at box  615 . The coating step of  612  may be carried out utilizing various conventional procedures, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 12, a length of anti-static material  116  manufactured in accordance with the present invention is fed from a supply roll  118  and is directed over rollers  120  and through a vat  122  having a quantity of liquid anti-static material  124  contained therein. The length of material  116  then passes between a pair of pinch rollers  126  which function to remove excess liquid anti-microbial material from the length of material  226 . The length of anti-microbial material  116  having the coating of anti-microbial material  128  coated thereon then passes adjacent a plurality of driers  130  which function to solidify the coating of anti-static material  116  on the length of anti-microbial material  116  which is then accumulated on a take-up roll  132  or utilized directly. 
     An alternative coating procedure is illustrated in FIG. 13. A length of anti-microbial material  134  is fed from a supply roll  136 . The length of anti-microbial material  134  passes under a conventional spray head  138  which functions to deposit a coating of anti-microbial material  140  on the length of anti-microbial material  134 . The coating dries in the atmosphere and the length of anti-microbial material having the anti-microbial coating  140  formed thereon is then accumulated on a take-up roll  142  or utilized directly. 
     The coating procedures of FIGS. 12 and 13 are not limited to the application of anti-microbial material to anti-microbial fabric. As indicated at box  615 , the procedures of FIGS. 12 and 13 and other conventional coating procedures can be used to apply the anti-microbial material of the present invention to conventional fabrics. An optional laminating step comprising the present invention is also illustrated in FIG. 5B at box  644 . The laminating step may be carried out as described hereinabove in connection with FIG. 8, and may be used to laminate a conventional film onto an anti-microbial fabric as indicated at box  646  or to laminate an anti-microbial film onto an anti-microbial fabric as indicated at box  648 , or to laminate an anti-microbial film onto a conventional fabric as indicated at box  654 . The anti-microbial film may be manufactured in accordance with the invention by the extrusion process of box  525  of FIG. 5A to provide the anti-microbial film of box  566 . The laminating process may be carried out in accordance with the procedure described in accordance with FIG.  8 . 
     The results of the foregoing steps comprising the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, inclusive; FIGS. 10A through 10I, inclusive; and FIGS. 11A through 11E, inclusive. Referring first to FIG. 9A, therein is illustrated an anti-microbial layer  180 , an anti-microbial fabric  183 , an anti-microbial film  184 , an anti-microbial tape  186 , and an anti-microbial filament  188 . In FIG. 9B there is shown a conventional layer  190 , a conventional fabric  192 , a conventional film  194 , a conventional tape  196 , and a conventional filament  198 . 
     FIG. 10A comprises a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer  180  extruded onto an anti-microbial fabric  182  as indicated at box  529  of FIG.  5 A. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer  180  extruded onto a conventional fabric  192  as indicated at box  527 . FIG. 10C is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer  180  extruded onto a conventional film  194  as indicated at box  530 . FIG. 10D is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer extruded onto an anti-microbial film  184  as indicated at box  536 . 
     FIG. 10E is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer  180  co-extruded with an anti-microbial layer  180  as indicated at box  551 . FIG. 10F is a perspective view of an anti-microbial layer  180  co-extruded with a conventional layer  190  as indicated at box  549 . FIG. 10G is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film  184  as indicated at box  566 . FIG  10 H is a perspective view of an anti-microbial tape  186  as indicated at box  592 . FIG. 10I is a perspective view of an anti-microbial filament  188  as indicated at box  594 . 
     FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film  184  laminated to a conventional film  194  by means of a layer of thermoplastic adhesive  200  as indicated at box  570 . FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film  184  laminated to an anti-microbial film  184  by means of a layer of thermoplastic adhesive  200  as indicated at box  574 . FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a conventional film  194  laminated to an anti-microbial fabric  182  by means of a layer thermoplastic adhesive  200  as indicated at box  646 . FIG. 11D is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film  184  laminated to an anti-microbial fabric  182  by means of a layer of thermoplastic adhesive  200  as indicated at box  648 . FIG. 11E is a perspective view of an anti-microbial film  184  laminated to a conventional fabric  192  by means of a layer of thermoplastic adhesive  200  as indicated at box  654 . 
     As indicated at box  702  of FIG. 5C, the next step in the practice of the present invention comprises the cutting of the anti-microbial fabric in accordance with a predetermined pattern to provide the pieces necessary to fabricate an anti-microbial shoe lining at box  721 . The cutting step of box  702  may be utilized in conjunction with the anti-microbial fabric of box  606 ; or with the fabrics comprising an anti-microbial layer extruded onto a fabric of boxes  527  or  529 ; or with a fabric having an anti-microbial coating thereon as depicted in boxes  613  and  615 ; or with a fabric having a film laminated thereon as depicted at boxes  646  and  648 . In any event, the anti-microbial fabric is cut utilizing conventional fabric cutting apparatus and in accordance with a predetermined pattern to provide the pieces necessary to fabricate the desired shoe lining configuration at box  721 . 
     The next step in the practice of the present invention comprises the sewing step of box  704 . The sewing step of box  704  incorporates a variety of options. For example, the sewing of the present invention may be carried out utilizing conventional threads as indicated at box  706 . Alternatively, the sewing step may be carried out utilizing anti-microbial filaments as indicated at box  708 . The anti-microbial filaments of box  708  may be fabricated in accordance with the present invention as indicated at box  594  by utilizing conventional techniques. Still another alternative is the utilization of anti-microbial tapes in the sewing step of box  704  as indicated at box  710 . Like the anti-microbial filaments of box  708 , the anti-microbial tapes may be fabricated in accordance with the present invention either as indicated at box  592  or as indicated at box  598 , or the anti-microbial tapes of box  710  may be fabricated utilizing conventional techniques. Anti-microbial threads may also be used as indicated at box  712 . The anti-microbial additive in the above described films is mixed evenly throughout the polymeric material and migrates to the surface of the filtered product on demand. 
     Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings as described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.