TWI595842B - Device attachable to item of clothing for dispensing material for enhancing gripping properties of shoe sole - Google Patents

Description

Means that can be attached to a garment item for dispensing materials that enhance the grip properties of the sole Related application

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/363,713, filed on Jul. 13, 2010.

Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to athletic shoe attachments or devices and, more particularly, to a device attachable to a garment item for dispensing a material that enhances the grip properties of the sole.

Background of the invention

Many sports are performed on smooth, hard surfaces such as basketball, handball, squash, tennis and volleyball. The floor on which the movements are performed will typically be given a highly glossy surface finish such as polyurethane which will make the floors extremely smooth and tend to reduce the adhesion between the soles of the athletes and the floor. In addition, although the floors are designed to be cleaned so that they are free of dust, dust and other fines still accumulate on the floors, and such contaminants tend to adhere to the underside of the sole, typically by rubber products. Made. These contaminants tend to cover the sole to fill all the pores and reduce the coefficient of friction between the sole and the surface of the site, reducing the movement of the athlete, such as a basketball player, to safely complete a rapid stop, turn or change. The ability to direction, etc. In order to increase adhesion, athletes often wipe their shoes on wet towels to remove dust and attempt to physically remove the contaminants to restore some of the adhesion of the rubber soles. It is also common for sportsmen to use their saliva to wet the surface of their soles when they are unable to leave the site during the game and wipe their shoes on a wet towel. Sweat has also been used to wipe the underside of the sole with the moving hand, and the sole is cleaned to improve adhesion.

Some devices have been used by athletes to wipe their soles, typically in the form of a fabric mat attached to the upper portion of their socks. While these devices are capable of absorbing and retaining the moisture required to clean the soles, they are primarily used to absorb sweat rather than provide a wet wipe surface for the venue shoe. Any attempt to add moisture to such a structure to cause a shoe to wipe the surface will cause the moisture to wet in the sock, making the sock uncomfortable and damp.

In US Patent No. 4,823,426, a sole cleaning apparatus is disclosed that includes a pad assembly having an inner liner encased in a fabric outer cover that can be attached to a shoe mesh belt worn by a user. Or in the vicinity of other items, such as a wrist strap, such that the sole or other surface is lightly rubbed by the pad assembly of the device to remove foreign matter from the surfaces. These devices do not rely on moisture, but only on the scratching properties of the outer surface of the pad assembly.

U.S. Patent No. 5,421,106 discloses a sole pad that can be attached to a sports shoe, such as a removable lace cover, with a wiping surface that faces upwardly like a suede or other suitable material. The patent suggests that the wiping surface is made of an absorbent material, although it does not indicate which material is to be absorbed, it may be that the moisture of the sole must be removed to make the sole less slippery.

It is also known to use a sweatband-type kit that is worn around a wearer's lower leg or ankle, where excessive moisture can penetrate into the athlete's sock and cause a damp heat inside the shoe. Absorb it before the environment. For example, a wearable article has been proposed as a moisture absorbing pad, and a moisture absorbing outer sleeve and a moisture barrier are provided in the form of a moisture absorbing inner sleeve. The inner and outer sleeves are worn directly against the skin of the lower leg or ankle. The inner sleeve does not isolate the outer sleeve from the wearer's foot. Alternatively, the outer sleeve will extend upwardly beyond the upper edge of the inner sleeve so that it will contact the wearer's skin and will be intercepted and absorbed as the sweat flows down the wearer's foot.

A device for cleaning a sole and a method for making the device are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,555,564. This patent discloses a sole wiper that is sewn into the outer surface of the upper tube portion of the athlete's sock. The pad is described as absorbing and retaining moisture presumed to be in the form of water. It has a moisture wiping surface intended to remove dust and fines from the sole of a sports shoe when the wearer wipes the sole through the pad. A water separation layer separates the pad from the upper tube portion of the sock to prevent moisture from penetrating into the sock from the pad. To use the device disclosed in this patent, the moisture retaining pad will first be attached to the upper tube portion of the sock. The athlete can touch the sole on one foot against the moisture retaining pad on the other foot to remove dust and fines and improve the adhesion between the shoe and the hard moving surface. The patent also suggests that after cleaning, the sole is removed from the sole of the sneaker by wiping the sole through the dry portion of the sneaker, since moisture remains in the brush after it is brushed against the hydrating wipe. On the sole, a two-step procedure is required to avoid slippery. However, unless the second step of the procedure is performed, the initial step of applying moisture to the sole will naturally make the sole slipper, rather than reinforcing its adhesion on a smooth hard floor surface.

U.S. Patent No. 6,128,801 discloses a sole cleaner for removing dust from the sole, which includes a base member and a closure strip extending from the base member. This configuration allows the device to be secured to the shoe with the lace to provide an exposed surface at the base member that will carry a sole cleaning surface. Alternatively, the sole cleaner is integrated into the shoe and conforms to the silhouette of the shoe. The patent indicates that the outer cover sheet is absorbent, and it is apparent that water will be injected into the device to wet it to substantially wash away or wipe off debris on a sole that is softened and loosened by the water. Take off the dust.

None of the above prior art teachings or suggests the use of a device that can be attached to a shoe or other item of clothing that not only mechanically wipes dust by the application of moisture, but also imparts a layer of material to the sole or A coating that provides a necessary or desired thickness to the sole surface to provide better grip on a smooth hard surface.

Summary of invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be attached to a garment item for cleaning the sole without the inherent disadvantages of such conventional devices.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device in the form of a pad which is filled with a releasable agent which softens the underside of the sole when applied to the pad and also applies a The adhesive layer is on the surface of the sole.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pad of the prior purpose which is filled with an adhesive and which can be conveniently attached to, for example, the upper tube portion of an athlete's sock, shoelaces, and/or The sleeve is compressed and a clean and sticky substance is released when it is wiped against the sole.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adhesive filling pad that enhances the grip properties of the sole that is wiped against the pad without any additional steps to remove or eliminate a residual liquid layer from the sole. Or coating.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an adhesive filling pad of the type described which is inexpensive to manufacture and which is useful for cleaning the underside of the sole and enhancing its gripping properties.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an adhesive filling pad which is easy and convenient to use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adhesive filling pad that extends the adhesion and grip properties of the sole without the need for the athlete to leave the field and be used during the game.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an adhesive filling pad as in the prior purpose which can be attached to any garment worn during the competition, including socks, upper parts of the shoe, compression sleeves, sweatbands or Analogs and the like.

Yet another additional object of the present invention is to provide an adhesive filling pad that uses a mechanical and chemical method to increase adhesion and enhance the grip properties of the sole, instead of using only an atomizer, such as water. Physically humidify and wipe off dirt or fines.

Still another additional object of the present invention is to provide a pad comprising a storage member for containing a component which, when applied to a sole, causes a film coating to extend the adhesion of a sole to a smooth hard surface. By controlled excitation of a component utilizing pressure sensitive nanoparticles, or controlled release of the component through half of the permeable membrane.

Yet another additional object is to provide a device comprising a removable semi-solid layer that can be attached to an article worn by an athlete and providing an outer surface capable of transferring a film to a sole when it is Adhesion of the sole is enhanced by contact with a hard moving surface.

In order to achieve the above object, and other objects which will become apparent from this and the following, the device according to the invention can be made of a material which absorbs and retains a reinforcing gripping component and can be attached Or attached to a clothing item, such as a sock, shoes, sleeve, etc. The pad is filled with an adhesive type viscous material which is released when a sole is wiped against the pad to transfer the filling substance to the sole, and the sole is coated with the reinforcement Grasping the coating or film layer of the composition and allowing surface dust to be removed from the sole. However, the substance will remain adhered to the sole surface and impart adhesion to the sole to improve adhesion.

Simple illustration

Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the improvements and advantages obtained by the present invention after referring to the following detailed description, the scope of the claims and the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a realistic view of a sportsman wearing a sock. A plurality of reinforcing gripping pads according to the present invention are provided on the socks of the athlete; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a reinforcing gripping device, which is a layer of fragile semi-solid material In the form of a film or coating that can be transferred to a sole to enhance its adhesion on a smooth hard surface; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a reinforced gripping device. The pad form comprises a reservoir of reinforcing adhesive composition which may be a sponge or other absorbent material and a half permeable membrane for controlling the release of the component upon brushing or wiping a sole.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Referring now to Figure 1, a sock 10 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing gripping means in the form of absorbent pads 12a-12c on the upper portion of each sock worn by the athlete. The sock may be made of any suitable material, such as wool or a man-made fiber. One or more of the pads may be attached to other items worn by the athlete, including but not limited to a sock, shoes, sweatband, and a tightening elastic compression sleeve generally used to assist in muscle warmth and to prevent injury. Wait. The pads 12a-12c are fixed to the outside of the sleeve of the sock, and are positioned such that the athlete can raise the foot thereof so that the sole of the rubber sole sports shoe contacts the pads 12a-12c, and the pair The pad is effectively wiped against the filled pad. The size and/or shape of the pads 12a-12c, and the particular method of applying or attaching the pads to the sock 10 are not critical, and any suitable method can be used, including one disclosed in No. 5,555,564. Among the US patents. Other examples of known methods for applying an accessory layer to a clothing article are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents: Nos. 6,810,534; 6,401,256; 6,385,778; 6,128,801; 6,115,838; 5,950,269; 5,784,721; 5,771,495; 5,603,332; 5,555,564; 5,421,026; 5,421,034; 5,307,522; 4,675,915; 1,225,354; and British Patent No. 508,478.

An important feature of the present invention is that the pads 12a-12c are in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, for example, filled with a material that is clean and physically removes surface contaminants such as dust and fines from the underside of the sole. The ability to impart a tackiness by wiping a thin layer or coating of a material onto the underside of a sole after wiping. This adhesion will enhance the grip properties of the sole. Any ingredient can be used for this purpose. For example, a suitable component is disclosed in the application Serial No. 13/162,026, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, a coating material applied by a patch according to the present invention may comprise a film former; an adhesive; an adhesion promoter; and a solvent for applying to the surface of the sole. The film former, adhesive and adhesion promoter are separated and combined to form a viscous film after the solvent is applied and evaporated. The coating material may further comprise nano-sized particles comprising an organic latex polymerized cross-linked polymer. Preferably, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), and a film former preferably comprises a melted rosin having a melting point selected to be in the range of from 65 to 125 °F.

Examples of other materials suitable for filling the pads 12a-12c are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,322,975, 5,571,617, 5,709,340, 5,508,313, 5,495,801, 5,502,108, 4,994,322, 4,080,348, 3,519,585, and 3,400,421. Other materials which may be used include, be located Los Angels, California Slipp-Nott Corp. the following commercially available products: SN Grip ^TM and H2Off ^TM.

The use of this chemical that enhances adhesion not only physically repels and removes dirt from the sole, but also leaves a residual layer or coating of the material that will continue to strengthen on the sole for continued competition. Adhesive and gripping nature. The pad according to the invention can be attached to a sweatband wrapped around the tibia, by any suitable means, such as A fastener attached and attached to the garment, such as a sock. Preferably, the pads are refillable or replaceable so that when the pad is dry or depleted, it can be replaced or the liquid or semi-liquid material can be injected or applied to the pad to be refilled. Note the pad and restore its original freshness.

While the pads in accordance with the present invention have been described as being applied or attached to the upper tube portion of the sock, it will be apparent that the pads can be conveniently used by the athlete or user in many other ways, including but not limited to, The pads are attached to the shoelace, the compression sleeve, and even the upper portion of the pair of shoes so that the pad on one shoe can be used to wipe the other shoe.

As suggested above, these presently preferred embodiments are described in relation to being an absorbent pad that releasably retains a component that leaves a deposit when rubbed or applied to the underside of the sole. A film or coating that enhances adhesion on a smooth hard surface. However, the present invention also contemplates the use of other delivery systems that can have varying degrees of advantages. But importantly, the net effect of using each delivery system should be that the user can wipe the sole of the shoe worn by the user against the pad, removing at least some of the dust or contamination from the underside of the sole. And additionally leaving a film or coating that effectively provides enhanced and extended grip or adhesion during ongoing competition.

In one embodiment, an absorbent patch or pad applied to a garment item has an adhesive around its peripheral or lateral edge to permit it to be attached to a garment item. A centrally absorbing material will be filled with the desired ingredients, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/162,026, or similar. These materials are dissolved in a low volatility solvent so that the ingredients can be dispensed for longer than a period of time without drying out. The absorbent material can be covered with a semi-permeable membrane that prevents the material in the patch from being dispensed when not in use, but allows the ingredient to be dispensed when rubbed or rubbed against the sole. Alcohol application also expands the rubber in the shoe to increase adhesion. The application of alcohol to a viscous/viscose mixture, in addition to its nature, provides the desired enhanced grip properties and, in some cases, activates the component upon first use.

As understood in the art, and for the purposes of this application and the disclosure, the term "moisture" is defined to include or contain water in solution. Therefore, a pad that acts with acetone, alcohol or a solvent will not have "moisture". The liquid materials do not require a "moisture" barrier to protect the wearer. However, the use of alcohol and other solvents, when applied to a rubber sole, will expand the rubber as indicated previously, and this will additionally provide enhanced grip.

One feature of the invention is that the material absorbed in the mat is free of water, which normally wets the dirt and dust, and mechanically cleans the underside of the sole to remove some of the dirt. However, the present inventive concept applies a coating or film that causes or enhances the gripping force beyond cleaning only the underside of the sole without the need to be wetted. Materials suitable for this purpose are certain ingredients which are more adherent to the sole than to itself, i.e., a material that is viscous rather than cohesive.

While the absorbent pads 12a-12c are shown in a presently preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other delivery systems can be utilized with varying degrees of advantages, as will be described below.

Referring to Figure 2, a device in the form of a patch 14 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown in cross section. Therein, the garment 16 is shown as providing a surface to which the patch 14 can be attached. Any suitable and convenient attachment method can be used, such as sewing or sticking. A viscous layer is shown that can be used to attach the patch 14 to a garment 16, such as a central adhesive layer 18, or in variations, a peripheral viscous layer 20 can also be used It will extend around the circumference of the patch 14. A solid or semi-solid layer 22 is supported by the viscous layer. The viscous layer is initially protected by a removable release liner 24 that can be removed by pulling the layer 22 before the game, as suggested by arrow 26. When the liner 24 is removed, in this embodiment, each time the patch 14 is used to secure the bottom surface of the sole, some of the frangible solid or semi-solid layer 22 will be depleted. The pad 14 can be used until the layer 22 is completely depleted, at which point it must be replaced.

Referring to Figure 3, an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown and designated by the numeral 28. The device 28 is also intended to be secured to the surface of a garment 16 by a central adhesive layer 30 or a peripheral adhesive layer 32. Attached to the viscous layer 32 is a reinforced adhesive layer 36 comprising a reinforced adhesive layer or compartment 34 which is filled with the reinforced adhesive material 36 which is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/162,026. . One end remote from the viscous layers 30, 32 can be open or substantially perforated to allow the material to flow out in a direction generally away from the viscous layer. In the illustrated embodiment, a sheet of semi-permeable membrane 38 will control or limit excessive flow of the material 36, and a removable release liner 24 can be used with the device, as shown in FIG. . If desired, an optional pull tab or strip 40 can be provided that can be easily removed by pulling one end or the other end, as suggested by arrow 42a or 42b. Thus, the device shown in Figure 3 would be somewhat similar to a transverse diaphragm patch that allows for a controlled and limited application of a liquid material. Match. After the removable release liner 24 is stripped as suggested by arrow 26, the semi-permeable membrane 38 will be capable of dispensing fluid when it is secured against the underside of the sole. If the removable release liner 24 is initially used with the device 28, the pull tab or strip 40 may not be required, as both will essentially achieve the same or similar function, ie The fluid may be prevented from unintentionally and/or excessively flowing onto the sole surface of the device 28 against which it is rubbed or rubbed.

In all embodiments in accordance with the invention, the object is the same, that is, to provide at least some physical removal of dust or contaminants, by a mechanical or frictional operation, a redeposition may be adapted to enhance adhesion. A layer, film, or coating of ingredients to enhance the grip properties of the sole. The above is considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Also, many modifications and variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to the precise construction and operation shown and described. It can be attributed to fall within the scope of the invention.

10‧‧‧Socks

12a~c‧‧‧Absorption pad

14‧‧‧SMD

16‧‧‧ clothing

18‧‧‧Central adhesive layer

20‧‧‧perimeter viscous layer

22‧‧‧ (solid or semi-solid) layer

24‧‧‧ release liner

26‧‧‧Delete the arrow

28‧‧‧ device

30‧‧‧Central adhesive layer

32‧‧‧perimeter viscous layer

34‧‧‧With a layer of reinforced adhesive

36‧‧‧ (adhesive) materials

38‧‧‧ semi-permeable membrane

40‧‧‧ Pull out the tab

42a, b‧‧‧ Pull out the arrow

1 is a realistic view of a sportsman wearing a sock, and a plurality of reinforcing gripping pads according to the present invention are provided on the socks of the athlete; FIG. 2 is a first embodiment of a reinforcing gripping device. a cross-sectional view in the form of a layer of fragile semi-solid material that transfers a film or coating to a sole to enhance adhesion on a smooth hard surface; and Figure 3 shows a reinforced grip A cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the holding device is in the form of a pad comprising a reinforcing adhesive component, which may be a sponge or other absorbent material, and a half permeable membrane for abutting The release of the component is controlled when the sole is brushed or wiped.

14‧‧‧SMD

16‧‧‧ clothing

18‧‧‧Central adhesive layer

20‧‧‧perimeter viscous layer

22‧‧‧ (solid or semi-solid) layer

24‧‧‧ release liner

26‧‧‧Delete the arrow

Claims (19)

A device for enhancing the gripping property of a sole, comprising: a patch having a front surface and a rear surface; and an attachment device for attaching the patch to a surface of a clothing item, thereby The rear surface of the patch abuts against the surface of the article of clothing and exposes the front surface of the patch, the front surface of the patch is configured to allow it to be wiped or rubbed against the bottom surface of a sole and coated a film or coating that enhances the adhesion between the sole and a hard moving surface, wherein the patch comprises a patch layer for containing a material that is fluid and capable of being The release is selectively released through the front surface. The device of claim 1, wherein the patch is in the form of an absorbent pad. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises sewing. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment device comprises an adhesive. The device of claim 4, wherein the adhesive is a central adhesive layer within the periphery of the patch. The device of claim 4, wherein the adhesive is a viscous strip extending around the periphery of the patch. The device of claim 1, wherein the patch comprises a layer of friable material. The device of claim 1, wherein the patch is formed of a semi-solid material to enhance friability. The device of claim 1 further comprises a release liner, Removably attached to the front surface of the patch to protect the front surface prior to use. The device of claim 1, further comprising a control device for controlling the material to be dispensed through the front surface when an object such as a sole is brushed or wiped against the front surface Degree. The device of claim 10, wherein the control device comprises a semi-permeable membrane. The device of claim 11, further comprising a removable strip of impermeable material interposed between the front surface and the semi-permeable membrane to prevent the fluid material from being applied prior to use Pass through the semi-permeable membrane. The device of claim 12, wherein the strip comprises at least one tab that extends beyond the periphery of the patch to be grasped and pulled out to allow the fluid material to be dispensed through the semi-permeable membrane. The device of claim 1, wherein the patch layer comprises an absorber layer. The device of claim 1, wherein the patch layer comprises a compartment for receiving and retaining the fluid material. The device of claim 1, wherein the coating material applied by the patch comprises: a film former; an adhesive; a tackifier; and a solvent Used to separate the surface before being applied to the sole surface Film formers, adhesives, and adhesion promoters are combined to form a tacky film after the solvent is applied and evaporated. The device of claim 16, wherein the coating material further comprises nano-sized particles comprising an organic latex polymerized cross-linked polymer. The device of claim 16, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The device of claim 16, wherein the film formation comprises a melted rosin having a melting point selected to be in a temperature range of 65 to 125 °F.