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.

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]    [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]    [0005]FIG. 1A is an alternative embodiment of the foot pad shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0006]    [0006]FIG. 2 is a side view showing the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0007]    [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]    [0008]FIG. 3A is an alternative embodiment of the foot pad shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 4 is a side view showing the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 and  3 A.  
         [0010]    [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]    [0011]FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of one of the foot pads of the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 8 is a plan view of one of the toe pieces.  
         [0014]    [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]    [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]    [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]    [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]    [0018]FIG. 12B is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 12C is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 12D is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of the invention.  
         [0021]    [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]    [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]    [0023]FIG. 15 is a protective shell which is shaped to fit the contour of the knee.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 16 is a protective shell which is shaped to fit the contour of the elbow.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 17 is a protective shell which is shaped to fit the contour of the shin.  
         [0026]    [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  34 A and  34 B 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  34 A may be folded over flap  34 B 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&#39;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 &amp; Johnson in its hydrocolloid adhesive Band-Aid® Callus Relief product featuring Compeed® Moisture Seal™ 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&#39;s® 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.