Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture – Methods – Surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-25
2001-04-03
Ball, Michael W. (Department: 1733)
Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
Methods
Surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
C156S259000, C036S055000, C424S404000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06210508
ABSTRACT:
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 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. No. 5,114,984 discloses a method for incorporating the biocide and fungicide zinc ONIADINE® 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 a sock liner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises shoe linings and sock liners 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 finished 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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5180585 (1993-01-01), Jacobson et al.
patent: 5560227 (1996-10-01), Depoe et al.
patent: 5856245 (1999-01-01), Caldwell et al.
Derby Norwin C.
Nickell Craig Alan
Williamson Robert R.
Ball Michael W.
O'Neil Michael A.
Rossi Jessica
Super Sack Mfg. Corp.
LandOfFree
Anti-microbial shoe lining, sock liner and process for... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Anti-microbial shoe lining, sock liner and process for..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Anti-microbial shoe lining, sock liner and process for... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2522487