GB2536792A

GB2536792A - Adhesive insert and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2536792A
Application number: GB1602832.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sherriff Dean; Stanley Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-02-19
Filing date: 2016-02-18
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Also published as: GB201502772D0; GB201602832D0

Abstract

An insert 1 for an item of footwear, that comprises first 3 and second 5 opposing sides that have at least partially adhesive surfaces, the first side is provided for adherence to the item of footwear and the second side is provided for adherence to a foot of a wearer. Each side may include one or more adhesive portions, one side of the insert may be more adhesive or include a higher tack surface than the other side. The insert may be provided with a cover means that is removable from the first or second side of the insert. A method of applying the insert may include inserting the insert into the footwear such that the first side is in adhesive contact with the footwear and then locating the users foot on the second side of the insert, alternatively the method may include applying the second side of the adhesive to a users foot and then inserting the foot and the insert into the item of footwear.

Description

Adhesive Insert and method of use thereof The invention to which this application relates is an adhesive insert for an item of footwear.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to the provision of an adhesive insert for use in women's footwear, in particular, high/medium-heeled footwear, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could be used in a wide range of footwear and not limited to the above.

It is a common problem with, in particular, ladies shoes and specifically with high-heel shoes, for the wearer's foot to slip along the length of the shoe when the same is being worn. The higher the heel on the shoe, the more likely the tendency to slip will be. This can cause significant pain and or damage to the feet of the wearer. The problem is especially great for high-heel shoes in which the tendency is for the foot to slide down the shoe towards the toe end under the weight of the wearer and therefore cause painful trapping!' squashing of the toes.

It is known to provide inserts for footwear having markings thereon in order to allow the same to be cut to the appropriate size of the shoe in which they are to be placed but these are provided for padding purposes.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an improved insert for an item of footwear that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of applying an improved insert for an item of footwear that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art to an item of footwear.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an insert for an item of footwear, said insert having first and second opposing sides, wherein said first and second sides have at least partially adhesive surfaces, said first side provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the item of footwear is, or is to be, worn.

Typically, the first side is provided for adherence to the inner sole of the item of footwear. Further typically, the second side is provided for adherence to the sole of the person's foot.

Thus, there is provided an insert for an item of footwear having first and second opposing surfaces that adhere to both the inner sole of the item of footwear and the sole of the footwear user's foot, providing a substantial degree of grip and significantly reducing or preventing the likelihood of the user's foot slipping within the item of footwear, thereby overcoming the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.

In one embodiment, one side of the insert has a more adhesive or higher tack surface than the other, opposing side of the insert. In one embodiment, said second side has a more adhesive surface than said first side.

In one embodiment, said first side has at least a partially adhesive surface, wherein said adhesion is provided as one or more adhesive portions on said first side. In one embodiment, said second side has at least a partially adhesive surface, wherein said adhesion is provided as one or more adhesive portions on said first side. In one embodiment, said second side has a greater number of adhesive portions than said first side In one embodiment, at least one of said first or said second sides has a substantially fully adhesive surface. Typically, said second side has a substantially fully adhesive surface. In one embodiment, both of said first and second opposing sides have a substantially fully adhesive surface.

In one embodiment, said first and second sides may have adhesive surfaces having adhesives or a tack of differing strength. Typically, said second side has an adhesive surface having greater adhesive strength than an adhesive surface associated with said first side.

In one embodiment, said insert is removably adhesive to the inner sole of the item of footwear. Typically, the degree of adhesion of the surface of said first side is such that the insert does not slip within the item of footwear, yet is removable by a user after use.

In one embodiment, cover means are provided on at least one side of the insert Typically, said cover means are provided to protect an adhesive surface prior to use. Further typically, said cover means are removable from said at least one side.

In one embodiment, said cover means are provided on said second side of the insert. Typically, said cover means are removable from said second side after insertion of the insert into the item of footwear and adhesion of said first side to the inner sole of said item of footwear. Alternatively the cover means are provided in the first side of the insert and the cover means are removable from the first side after the insert has been applied to the foot and the foot and insert are about to be moved into the shoe, or possibly may be removed when the foot and insert are already at least partially placed into the shoe.

In one embodiment, cover means are provided on both sides of the insert. Typically, said cover means arc provided to protect an adhesive surface prior to use. Further typically, said cover means are removable from both sides of the insert.

In one embodiment, at least part of said insert is formed from a hypoallergenic material. Typically, said second side is formed from a hypoallergenic material. Further typically, the adhesive provided on said second side is formed from a hypoallergenic material. In one embodiment, substantially the whole of said insert is formed from a hypoallergenic material.

In one embodiment, said insert is at least partially formed from a polyolefin material. Typically, said insert is at least partially formed from a polyolefin film. Further typically, at least one of said adhesive surfaces is formed from a polyolcfin film.

The provision of a polyolefin material has the advantage of providing an adhesive surface that significantly reduces or prevents slippage of a user's foot within an item of footwear. Furthermore, a degree of rigidity is provided insofar as the insert also does not slip along the surface of the inner sole of the item of footwear, thereby preventing creasing of the insert and/or sole of the item of footwear; the combination of these two advantages serves to significantly reduce the risk of blisters, chaffing, friction, and pain in general for a user wearing the item of footwear, in particular, if said item of footwear is a medium or high-heel shoe.

In one embodiment, said insert is provided sized to fit a given size of footwear. In an alternative embodiment, said insert is provided so as to fit a range of sizes of items of footwear. Typically, said insert can be provided with one or more sets of markings designating a particular size for an item of footwear.

Further typically, said one or more sets of markings enable a user to cut therealong in order to provide an insert of an appropriate size for a given item of footwear.

In one embodiment, said insert is provided or can be cut to fit a given size of footwear, such that edges of the insert are at least partially offset from edges of thc inner sole of thc itcm of footwear. Typically, the edges of the insert arc at least partially offset inwardly from the edges of the inner sole of the item of footwear. Further typically, said insert is provided or can be cut to fit a given size of footwear, such that the insert is given amount shorter and narrower than the inner sole of said item of footwear in which it is to be located.

Tn another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an item of footwear including an insert, said insert having first and second opposing sides, wherein said first and second sides have at least partially adhcs ye surfaces, said first side provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the tern of footwear is, or is to be, worn.

Typically, the first side of the insert is provided for adherence to the inner sole of the item of footwear. Further typically, the second side of the insert is provided for adherence to the sole of the person's foot.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of applying an insert for an item of footwear, said method including the steps of: providing an insert for an item of footwear, said insert having first and second opposing sides, said first and second sides having at least partially adhesive surfaces, said first side is provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side is provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the item of footwear is, or is to be, worn; inserting said insert into the item of footwear such that the first side is in adhesive contact with the inner sole of said item of footwear; and said second side is provided for the foot of a user to be located thereon.

In one embodiment the user's foot is in contact with the insert and in adhesion therewith, prior to placing the foot and insert into the item of footwear.

In one embodiment, cover means are provided on said first side of the insert, and removed prior to or during insertion of said insert into said item of footwear.

In one embodiment, cover means are provided on said second side of the insert, and removed after insertion of said insert into said item of footwear and prior to insertion of a user's foot into said item of footwear.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a further method of applying an insert for an item of footwear, said method including the steps of: providing an insert for an item of footwear, said insert having first and second opposing sides, said first and second sides having at least partially adhesive surfaces, wherein said first side is provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side is provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the item of footwear is, or is to be, worn; applying the second side of the insert to the sole of a foot of a user such that said second side is in adhesive contact with the sole of the foot of the user; and subsequently inserting said foot and insert into said item of footwear such that said first side is in adhesive contact with the inner sole of said item of footwear.

In one embodiment, cover means are provided on said second side of the insert, and removed prior to application to the sole of the user's foot.

In one embodiment, cover means are provided on said first side of the insert, and removed prior to or during insertion of said insert and user's foot into said item of footwear.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein: Figures 1a -b illustrate top and perspective views of an insert for an item of footwear in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2a -b illustrate top views of an insert having various adhesive portions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of an insert having markings for various sizes to be cut therealong in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1a -b, there is shown an insert 1 for an item of footwear, in particular a medium or high-heel shoe having a first, lower side 3 and a second, opposing, upper side 5. The lower side 3 of the insert 1 is provided to contact the inner sole of the shoe, and the upper side 5 is provided to contact the sole of a user's foot that will wear the shoe. Nach side 3, 5 of the insert 1 is provided with of has an adhesive surface, such that as contact is made between the lower side 3 and the inner sole of the shoe, the insert 1 adheres thereto, ensuring the insert 1 is not movable within the shoe once located therein. Likewise, when a user's foot is inserted into the shoe and contacts the upper side 5 of the insert 1, the adhesion is such that the likelihood of the user's foot slipping within the shoe is significantly reduced or prevented and, thus, overcoming the problems associated with the prior art, as discussed above. The strength of the adhesive on each side 3, 5 of the insert 1 may vary from insert to insert, depending on the style of shoe, boot or other footwear in which it is to be located. Furthermore, the strength of adhesive may differ between the upper side 5 and the lower side 3. In particular, the upper side 5 may be provided with or have an adhesive surface having greater strength, or a higher "tack", than that of the lower side 3. This arrangement is provided in order that the user's foot is more securely retained in position by the insert 1 when wearing the shoe.

Referring now to Figures 2a -b, the adhesive surface on either or both sides 3, 5 of the insert 1 may extend substantially across the entirety of the two sides, in essence, such that the insert is formed from a double-sided tape. Alternatively, adhesive portions 7 may be provided in various locations on each side 3, 5 of the insert, for example, as shown in Figures 2a -b, adhesive portions 7 may be provided at points where the greatest pressure will be exerted by a foot on the sole of the shoe. The number / shape / placement of adhesive portions 7 on one side may differ from that of the other. For example, the upper side 5 of the insert may comprise a larger number or a greater area of adhesive portions than that of the lower side 3. A preferred embodiment, however, will provide the entirety of both sides 3, 5 with an adhesive surface. While the lower side 3 of the insert 1 can securely adhere to the inner sole of the shoe, it is also removable, after use or multiple uses, from the shoe. This provides the user with the option of wearing the shoe at a later date without an insert if they so choose or, alternatively, replace a used insert 1, which may have lost a degree of its grip/adhesive properties over time and use, with a new insert 1 for further use by the wearer of the shoe.

Figure 1 further shows the upper side 5 of the insert 1 provided with a removable cover 9. While the figures only show the cover 9 being provided on the upper side 5 of the insert 1, it will be appreciated that a similar cover (not shown) may also be provided on the lower side 3 of the insert 1. The cover 9 is provided to protect the adhesive surface(s) of the insert 1 prior to use and is removable simply by peeling away from the upper side 5 of the insert 1 in the direction of arrow A. In this example, the insert 1 is inserted into the shoe and the lower side 3 adheres to the inner sole of the shoe. The user may insert this without the inconvenience of the upper side 5 constantly sticking to the user's hand etc. while being inserted as it is protected by the cover 9. Once inserted, the cover 9 may be removed and the user's foot can slide into the shoe and grip to the upper side 5 of the insert 1. An additional cover (not shown) may be located on the lower side 3 and either be fully removed prior to insertion of the insert into the shoe or, alternatively, be removed gradually as the insert 1 is being placed within the shoe.

In order to accommodate users who may have particularly sensitive skin, all or part of the insert 1 may be formed from a hypoallergenic material. In particular, the upper side 5, which comes into the most contact with the user, can be formed from a hypoallergenic material. In a particular embodiment, the insert 1 is at least partially formed from a polyolefin material. Specifically, the adhesive surfaces of the insert 1 can be formed from a polyolefin material, such as a polyolefin film. The provision of a polyolefin material has the advantage of providing an adhesive surface that significantly reduces or prevents slippage of a user's foot within the shoe. Furthermore, a degree of rigidity is provided insofar as the insert 1 also does not slip along the surface of the inner sole of the shoe, thereby preventing creasing of the insert 1 and/or sole of the shoe. The combination of these two advantages serves to significantly reduce the risk of blisters, chaffing, friction, and pain in general for a user when wearing the shoe, in particular, if it is a medium or high-heel shoe.

The insert 1 may be provided in specific shoe sizes allowing for immediate insertion into a particular shoe. However, for ease of production and cost reduction, the insert 1 may be provided in a one size fits all" manner, fitting a range of shoe sizes. Such an insert 1 (or, rather, pair of inserts 1) will then be provided with one or more sets of markings 11, as depicted in Figure 3, designating a particular shoe size, which a user may then subsequently cut to fit as appropriate. When cutting the insert 1 to size, the markings 11 for a particular size may be provided such that the edges of the insert 1 are at least partially offset inwardly from edges of the inner sole / inner walls of the shoe.

Thus, there is provided an insert 1 for a shoe that significantly reduces or prevents the tendency for the feet of a user to slide down in their shoes towards the toe ends under the weight of the wearer, which would otherwise cause painful trapping / squashing of the toes. As discussed above, the insert 1 may first be located within a shoe, the cover 9, if present, is removed and the user's foot can slide in. Alternatively, the user may first apply the upper side 5 of the insert 1 to the sole of their foot prior to place the foot and insert 1, in combination, into the shoe, ensuring a secure and substantially slip-free support when wearing, in particular, medium or high-heel shoes.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An insert for an item of footwear, said insert having first and second opposing sides, wherein said first and second sides have at least partially adhesive surfaces, said first side provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the item of footwear is, or is to be, worn.
2. .An insert according to claim 1 wherein the first side is provided for adherence to the inner sole of the item of footwear.
3. An insert according to any of the preceding claims wherein the second side is provided for adherence to the sole of the person's foot.
4. An insert according to claim 1, wherein one side of the insert has a more adhesive or higher tack surface than the other, opposing side of the insert.
5. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said first side has at least a partially adhesive surface, wherein said adhesion is provided as one or more adhesive portions on said first side.
6. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said second side has at least a partially adhesive surface, wherein said adhesion is provided as one or more adhesive portions on said first side.
7. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said first and second sides are each provided with one or more adhesive portions, and said second side has a greater number of adhesive portions than said first side.
8. An insert according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first or said second sides has a substantially fully adhesive surface.
9. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said first and second sides have adhesive surfaces having adhesives or a tack of differing strength.
10. An insert according to claim 9, wherein said second side has an adhesive surface having greater adhesive strength than an adhesive surface associated with said first side.
11. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said insert is removably adhesive to an inner sole of an item of footwear.
12. An insert according to claim 1, wherein cover means are provided on at least one side of the insert.
13. An insert according to claim 12, wherein said cover means are provided to protect an adhesive surface prior to use.
14. An insert according to claim 12, wherein said cover means are removable from said at least one side.
15. An insert according to claim 12, wherein said cover means are provided on at least said second side of the insert.
16. An insert according to claim 15, wherein said cover means are removable from said second side after insertion of the insert into an item of footwear and adhesion of said first side to an inner sole of said item of footwear.
17. An insert according to claim 12, wherein the cover means are provided on at least the first side of the insert.
18. An insert according to claim 17, wherein said cover means are removable from the first side after the insert has been applied to a foot and the foot and insert are to be moved into an item of footwear, or when the foot and insert are already at least partially placed into the shoe.
19. An insert according to claim 1, wherein cover means are provided on both sides of the insert.
20. An insert according to claim 1, wherein at least part of said insert is formed from a hypoallergenic material.
21. An insert according to claim 20, wherein at least part of said second side is formed from a hypoallergenic material.
22. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said insert is at least partially formed from a polyolefin material.
23. An insert according to claim 21, wherein said insert is at least partially formed from a polyolefin film.
24. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said insert is provided so as to fit a range of sizes of items of footwear.
25. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said insert is provided with one or more sets of markings designating a particular size for an item of footwear.
26. An insert according to claim 25, wherein said one or more sets of markings enable a user to cut therealong in order to provide an insert of an appropriate size for a given item of footwear.
27. An insert according to claim 1, wherein said insert is provided or is cut to fit a given size of footwear, such that edges of the insert are at least partially offset from edges of the inner sole of an item of footwear.
28. An item of footwear including an insert, said insert having first and second opposing sides, wherein said first and second sides have at least partially adhesive surfaces, said first side provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the item of footwear is, or is to be, worn.
29. An item of footwear according to claim 28, wherein the first side of the insert is provided for adherence to the inner sole of the item of footwear.
30. An item of footwear according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the second side of the insert is provided for adherence to the sole of the person's foot.
31. A method of applying an insert for an item of footwear, said method including the steps of: providing an insert for an item of footwear, said insert having first and second opposing sides, said first and second sides having at least partially adhesive surfaces, said first side is provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side is provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the item of footwear is, or is to be, worn; inserting said insert into the item of footwear such that the first side is in adhesive contact with said item of footwear; and said second side is provided for the foot of a user to be located thereon.
32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the user's foot is in contact with the insert and in adhesion therewith, prior to placing the foot and insert into the item of footwear.
33. A method according to claim 31, wherein cover means are provided on said first side of the insert, and removed prior to or during insertion of said insert into said item of footwear.
34. A method according to claim 31, wherein cover means are provided on said second side of the insert, and removed after insertion of said insert into said item of footwear and prior to insertion of a user's foot into said item of footwear.
35. A method of applying an insert for an item of footwear, said method including the steps of: providing an insert for an item of footwear, said insert having first and second opposing sides, said first and second sides having at least partially adhesive surfaces, wherein said first side is provided for adherence to the said item of footwear and said second side is provided for adherence to a foot of a person on which the item of footwear is, or is to be, worn; applying the second side of the insert to the foot of a user such that said second side is in adhesive contact with the foot of the user; and subsequently inserting said foot and insert into said item of footwear such that said first side is in adhesive contact with the item of footwear.