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  Absorbent footwear linerUSPTO Application #: 20060277797Title: Absorbent footwear liner Abstract: An absorbent footwear liner comprising an upper absorbent layer and a lower layer comprising an adhesive equal in size to the upper layer for adhering the liner to substantially the entire surface of a footbed for absorbing and dissipating moisture thereon and preventing foot slippage on a shoe footbed due to perspiration. (end of abstract) Agent: Michael A. O'neil, P.C. - Dallas, TX, US Inventor: Shannon Michelle McLinden USPTO Applicaton #: 20060277797 - Class: 036044000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Boots, Shoes, And Leggings, Insoles, Laminated The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060277797. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of provisional Application Ser. No. 60/686,666 filed Jun. 2, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates generally to footwear liners, and more particularly to an absorbent footwear liner that substantially covers a footwear sole for absorbing and dissipating perspiration from a foot engaged therewith. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are over 250,000 sweat glands in a human foot. Unfortunately, shoes are not created with this in mind. Perspiration not only causes odor but also causes the surface of the foot to become moist. In fact the human foot has the capacity to produce at least 1/2 a cup of perspiration per day. [0004] Typical footbeds of non-athletic shoes such as pumps, loafers, and sandals comprise a liner comprising a leather, plastic, or synthetic material which cannot absorb nor release foot produced perspiration. As a result, feet accumulating perspiration thereon slip on the footbeds causing the foot to shift inside the shoe and even slip completely out of the shoe in some cases. Further, persons with hyperhidrosis, commonly referred to as excessive sweating, have even more difficulties with typical footbeds such that simply keeping an open shoe on their feet is nearly impossible. [0005] Heretofore shoe liners have been available for orthotic purposes, for overall cushioning, and as inserts for either the heel or ball of a foot to improve overall fit of the shoe. Existing shoe liners have not been designed to absorb moisture and prevent slippage due to perspiration. Further, existing shoe liners typically have adhesive tabs which do not secure the entire liner. [0006] The present invention comprises an absorbent shoe liner which overcomes foregoing and other difficulties which have long since characterized the prior art. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention, an absorbent shoe liner comprises an upper footbed layer which absorbs and dissipates perspiration and a lower layer comprising an adhesive area equal in size to the upper footbed layer for adhering the liner to substantially the entire surface of the footbed of a shoe. [0007] In accordance with more specific aspects of the invention, an absorbent shoe liner comprises an upper layer comprising a fabric with moisture wicking capabilities and a lower layer comprising an adhesive material. Both the upper and lower layers extend across the entire footbed of a shoe covering the footbed from edge to edge and end to end. The fabric comprising the upper layer absorbs excess moisture from the foot thereby preventing the foot from slipping out of the shoe and further absorbing bacteria which prevents accumulation of odor inside the shoe. The adhesive lower layer keeps the shoe liner secure on the footbed of the shoe. [0008] The upper layer may also include additional foam material substantially near where the ball or heel of the foot rests thereon for providing cushion for the foot. The foam material may be adhered either above or below the upper layer. [0009] The shoe liner of the present invention is equally applicable to both open and close toed shoes for men, women, and children. The shoe liner can be fitted to nearly all shoe sizes by simply trimming the perimeter thereof. In addition to absorbing moisture and odor and preventing foot slippage, the shoe liner also provides a soft surface on which the foot rests contributing to the wearer's overall comfort. Further, the shoe liner may be also adhered to an orthotic that is placed inside a shoe, instead of directly onto the footbed of a shoe. [0010] The shoe liner of the present invention may further include an additional layer comprising a gel material. The additional gel layer is placed beneath the lower adhesive layer. The gel layer adheres the shoe liner to a footbed of a shoe while providing additional cushioning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein: [0012] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a shoe liner comprising a first embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the adhesive layer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A having a different adhesive pattern; [0014] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the adhesive layer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A having yet another adhesive pattern; [0015] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the adhesive layer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A having yet another adhesive pattern; [0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a shoe liner comprising a second embodiment of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a shoe liner comprising a third embodiment of the present invention; and [0018] FIG. 4 is a an exploded perspective view of a shoe liner comprising the embodiment of FIG. 1 applied to an insertable shoe orthotic. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1A, there is shown a footwear liner 10 comprising a first embodiment of the present invention. The footwear liner 10 comprises an upper layer 12 and a lower layer 14 adhered therebelow. The lower layer 14 comprises an adhesive material whereby the shoe liner covers and is adhered to an upper surface 16 of a footbed 18. Continue reading... Full patent description for Absorbent footwear liner Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Absorbent footwear liner patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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