Patent Publication Number: US-2007119077-A1

Title: Applicator pad

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to an applicator pad. More particularly, the present invention relates to an applicator pad which may be disposable and may be used to apply various treating substances to a person, and particularly to the feet of a person.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      There is a need for applicator pads. More particularly, there is a need for applicator pads for applying materials such an anti-fungus powders and creams to the feet of a person. There is also a need for an applicator pad which may be used to apply other and various treatments to the feet of a person.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to an applicator pad.  
      An advantage of the present invention is that the pad is relatively inexpensive and may be economically produced.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that the applicator pad is disposable, and may be readily disposed of after use.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides multiple options for applying various treatments.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that various treatments may be contained within the pad or between layers of the pad.  
      Another advantage of the present invention is that the pads are soft, they do not consume much space within the shoe of a person and may be shaped to the insole of the shoe of a person.  
      Briefly and basically, in accordance with the present invention, an applicator pad is provided which comprises three layers. The first layer is comprised of an absorptive fabric. The second layer is made of an absorptive material selected from the group consisting of durable paper towel material and fabric. The third layer may be comprised of a smooth hard paper. The first, second and third layers are held together by bonding. Preferably, the bonding is in the form of stitching. A treatment substance is applied to at least the first layer. The first layer is the layer adapted to be in contact with or closest to the body of a person. In a preferred embodiment, the first, second or third layers are formed in the shape of the insole of a shoe and the first layer is adapted to be in contact with or almost in contact with a bottom of a foot of a person.  
      The treatment substance may be selected from various substances including essences, scents, deodorants, herbs, charcoal, foot powder, anti-fungus creams, anti-fungus powders and antimicrobial substances.  
      In a presently preferred embodiment, the first layer which is closest to the foot of a person, may be provided with a substance absorbed therein selected from the group consisting of deodorant, essence and scent. Additional treatment substances may be contained between the first and second layer and the second and third layer. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
       FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of an applicator pad in accordance with the present invention in the shape of an insole of a shoe.  
       FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3A  is an expanded cross sectional view taken of the area designated as  FIG. 3A  in  FIG. 3 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1  an applicator pad  10  in accordance with the present invention. Applicator pad  10  is formed in the shape of an insole of a shoe. Applicator pad  10  is comprised of a first layer  12 , a second layer  14  and a third layer  16 . First layer  12 , second layer  14  and third layer  16  are bonded together, and preferably, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the three layers are preferably bonded together by stitching  18  and  20 . Stitching  18  is preferably around the periphery of the three layers  12 ,  14  and  16 . The stitching  20  is spaced over the interior surface of the three layers. There is no need to form the exact pattern, however the stitching needs to be spaced out holding the three layers together firmly, particularly when in use and a person is walking on the pad comprised of the three layers.  
      The first layer is comprised of an absorptive material which is preferably a fabric. The second layer is comprised of absorptive materials either in the form of a paper towel material or a fabric. The third layer is a durable smooth hard paper.  
      Various treatment substances may be applied using pad  10 . These treatment substances include essences, scents, deodorants, herbs, charcoal, foot powders, anti-fungus creams, anti-fungus powders and antimicrobial substances. These treatment substances may be contained within the first and second absorptive layers and may be placed between the first and second layer and between the second and third layer. In a presently preferred embodiment, a deodorant, essence or scent may be contained (absorbed in) within the first layer.  
      It is understood that applicator pad  10  may be formed in other shapes, particularly for application to other body parts. However, in the presently preferred embodiment, applicator pad  10  would be in the shape of an insole of a shoe.  
       FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view showing in more detail the three layers  12 ,  14  and  16  held together by stitching  20  and peripheral stitching  18 .  
       FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  showing again the three layers  12 ,  14  and  16  held together by stitching  18  and  20 .  FIG. 3A  is an expanded cross sectional view showing the stitching  20  in more detail along with the peripheral stitching  18 , along with the first layer  12 , intermediate layer  14  and the hard paper layer  16 .  
      It is understood that other variations may be made in addition to the shape of the pad. For example, other means of bonding together the three layers may be utilized, including various types of adhesives. However, in the presently preferred embodiment, the bonding together would be done by stitching.  
      The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicating the scope of the invention.