Disposable shoe insert
View Patent ↗A disposable shoe insert having a soft, durable, resilient, absorbent and “high coefficient of friction” surface in contact with the human foot is provided. The material in contact with the foot comprises of a nonwoven material that has a static of dynamic coefficient of friction of 0.52 or above when tested against material from a pair of standard women's pantyhose containing 80% nylon and 20% spandex fibers. The other side of the insert consists of a slip-resistant synthetic coating that minimizes shoe insert slippage after being placed and positioned in the shoe. The insert provides a low cost and simple method of keeping the feet dry, comfortable, healthy and odor free. The frequent replacement of the insert promotes the reduction of bacterial build-up in the shoe over time, which in turn reduces shoe odor and helps prolong the life of the shoe itself. Optional features may include deodorizer, such as a time release fragrance, and/or odor neutralizer to help reduce or eliminate foot odor. Other additional product features may include the addition of antimicrobial agents and/or medicinal ingredients.
1. A shoe insert comprising:
a non-woven composite layer comprising polyethylene and viscose fibers, said polyethylene fibers being soft fibers that are oriented in a vertical direction, said composite layer having an inside surface portion and an outside surface portion, said inside surface portion of said composite layer providing a coefficient of friction of at least 0.62; and
a non-slip material layer comprising polyester tape secured to said outside surface portion of said composite layer, said polyester tape having an first surface and a second surface, said second surface of said polyester tape comprising a very low tack adhesive, said first surface of said polyester tape being disposed confronting said outside surface portion of said composite layer, said second surface of said polyester tape having a coefficient of friction that is greater than the coefficient of friction of said inside surface portion of said composite layer.
2. The shoe insert of claim 1 , wherein said non-woven composite layer additionally comprises a foam layer.
3. The shoe insert of claim 1 , wherein said composite layer is treated with a surfactant.
4. The shoe insert of claim 1 , wherein said inside surface portion of said composite layer has a surface treatment selected from the group consisting of a deodorizer and an anti-bacterial agent.
5. The shoe insert of claim 1 , further comprising an internal ingredient sandwiched between said composite layer and said non-slip material layer.
6. The shoe insert of claim 5 , wherein said internal ingredient is selected from the group consisting of an odor-neutralizing particulate and a masking fragrance.