US20060156583A1

US20060156583A1 - Pedicure shoe insert

Info

Publication number: US20060156583A1
Application number: US11/242,496
Authority: US
Inventors: Allison Butash
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-18
Filing date: 2005-10-03
Publication date: 2006-07-20

Abstract

A pedicure shoe insert includes a top layer of textured file paper that furnishes the wearer with an exfoliating pedicure and a lower layer of a cushion material that provides support and comfort to the wearer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/644,803, filed on Jan. 18, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an insert for a shoe. More specifically, this invention relates to a pedicure shoe insert, having a top layer of textured file paper which furnishes the wearer with an exfoliating pedicure.
In the past, pedicures were primarily indulgences reserved for special occasions or for the wealthy. However, in recent years, more and more people have begun to pamper themselves by treating their feet with regular pedicures.
One of the benefits of receiving a pedicure is that the rough skin on the bottom and sides of the feet is sloughed off or exfoliated. This removal of dead skin prevents the formation of unsightly, painful calluses and also improves the overall health and appearance of the feet.
While treating oneself to regular pedicures is beneficial, professional pedicure services are both costly and time-consuming. Thus, there is a need in the art for a pedicure shoe insert that will provide the wearer with an exfoliating pedicure while the wearer is walking around performing day to day activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention allows shoe inserts to provide a wearer with an exfoliating pedicure. The present invention is a shoe insert configured to be inserted into a shoe, in which the shoe insert comprises an upper layer comprising a textured file paper and a lower layer comprising a cushion material. The file paper rubs against the bottom of the wearer's feet removing dry, dead skin while the wearer walks. The cushion material provides support and comfort to the wearer.
In one embodiment, the shoe insert also comprises a middle layer between the upper and lower layers. The middle layer emits a fragrance to mask odor. In another embodiment, the middle layer is comprised of baking powder, which absorbs moisture and odor. Additionally, the shoe insert may have a width that is greater than the width of the footwear into which it is inserted. Thus, the shoe insert will rub against the sides of the wearer's feet, as well as the bottom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pedicure shoe insert.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the pedicure shoe insert.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the pedicure shoe insert along section 3-3 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of pedicure shoe insert 10. As viewed in FIG. 1, pedicure shoe insert 10 comprises upper layer 12, middle layer 14, and lower layer 16. Upper layer 12 is comprised of a textured file (i.e. abrasive coated) paper and is designed to receive the sole of a wearer's foot. Upper layer 12 is also provided with fragrance vents 18. Middle layer 14, placed under upper layer 12, emits a fragrance to mask odor and may also be comprised of baking soda to absorb odor and sweat. Lower layer 16, placed under middle layer 14, is comprised of a cushion material and is designed to rest within a shoe and cradle the wearer's foot.
Pedicure shoe insert 10 may be wider than the width of the shoe, or other desired footwear, in which pedicure shoe insert 10 is inserted. Therefore, edges 20 of pedicure shoe insert 10 will curl upwards within the footwear so that the sides of a wearer's foot, in addition to the bottom, are exfoliated.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of pedicure shoe insert 10. Shown is upper layer 12, middle layer 14, and lower layer 16. Upper layer 12 is perforated with fragrance vents 18. The layers 12, 14, 16 are secured together. Upper layer 12 is secured to middle layer 14 with first layer of adhesive 22 placed between upper layer 12 and middle layer 14. Middle layer 14 is secured to lower layer 16 with second layer of adhesive 24 placed between middle layer 14 and lower layer 16.
Pedicure shoe insert 10 is secured within a shoe, or other footwear, with a non-permanent layer of adhesive 26, which is placed on the bottom side of lower layer 16. Adhesive layer 26 may be applied to the bottom side of lower layer 16 in areas or patches or may be applied evenly. Since adhesive layer 26 is non-permanent, pedicure shoe insert 10 may be secured fastened within a shoe and then removed without damaging the shoe or leaving any residue.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of pedicure shoe insert 10 along section 3-3 of FIG. 1. Shown is upper layer 12, middle layer 14, and lower layer 16. Upper layer 12 is comprised of a textured file paper and may consist of various grades of file paper depending on the amount of exfoliation desired. For example, if the wearer desires a light exfoliation to remove dry skin and soften feet, upper layer 12 may consist of a fine grade (i.e. fine abrasive coated) file paper. However, if the wearer wants to remove thick, stubborn calluses, upper layer 12 may consist of a coarse grade (i.e. coarse abrasive coated) file paper. Fragrance vents 18 in upper layer 12 allow the fragrance emitted by middle layer 14 to dissipate. Fragrance vents 18 also allow odor and sweat to effuse into middle layer 14 which may contain baking soda to absorb odor and moisture.
Middle layer 16 emits a fragrance to mask odor and may also be comprised of baking soda to absorb odor and sweat. Lower layer 16 is comprised of a cushion material, such as a foam rubber or sponge and provides support and comfort to the wearer.
As described with reference to FIG. 1, pedicure shoe insert 10 may be wider than the width of the shoe, or other desired footwear, in which pedicure shoe insert 10 is inserted. Therefore, edges 20 of pedicure shoe insert 10 will curl upwards against the inside walls of the footwear so that the sides of a wearer's foot, in addition to the bottom or sole, are exfoliated.
As described with reference to FIG. 2, layers 12, 14, 16 are secured together with an adhesive. First adhesive layer 22 is placed between upper layer 12 and middle layer 14. Second adhesive layer 24 is placed between middle layer 14 and lower layer 16. Thus, upper layer 12 is secured to middle layer 14 and middle layer 14 is secured to lower layer 16.
A non-permanent layer of adhesive 26 is placed on the bottom of lower layer 16. Adhesive layer 26 secures pedicure shoe insert 10 within the desired footwear and allows pedicure shoe insert 10 to be easily removed.
Pedicure shoe insert 10 may be disposable. In addition, pedicure shoe insert 10 may be formed in various sizes, so it will fit within any type of footwear.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shoe insert configured to be inserted into a shoe, the shoe insert comprising:

an upper layer comprising a textured file paper; and

a lower layer comprising a cushion material.

2. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein a bottom side of the upper layer and a top side of the lower layer are secured to each other with adhesive.

3. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein the shoe insert has a width sufficient to engage side surfaces of a foot.

4. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein the shoe insert is shaped so that, when inserted into the shoe, the shoe insert has lateral edges that are upturned.

5. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein a bottom side of the lower layer comprises areas of a non-permanent adhesive for securing the shoe insert within the shoe.

6. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein a bottom side of the lower layer comprises a layer of a non-permanent adhesive for securing the shoe insert within the shoe.

7. The shoe insert of claim 1 and further comprising a middle layer between the upper layer and the lower layer.

8. The shoe insert of claim 7 wherein the middle layer emits a fragrance.

9. The shoe insert of claim 7 wherein the upper layer is perforated to allow the fragrance emitted by the middle layer to vent.

10. The shoe insert of claim 7 wherein the middle layer is comprised of baking powder.

11. The shoe insert of claim 7 wherein a bottom side of the upper layer is secured to a top side of the middle layer and a bottom side of the middle layer is secured to a top side of the lower layer.

12. The shoe insert of claim 11 wherein the layers are secured to each other with adhesive.

13. An footwear insert configured to be inserted into footwear, the footwear insert comprising:

an upper layer comprising a textured file paper;

a middle layer which emits a fragrance; and

a lower layer comprising a cushion material.

14. The footwear insert of claim 13 wherein the layers are secured to each other.

15. The footwear insert of claim 14 wherein a bottom side of the upper layer is secured to a top side of the middle layer and a bottom side of the middle layer is secured to a top side of the lower layer.

16. The footwear insert of claim 14 wherein the layers are secured to each other with adhesive.

17. The footwear insert of claim 16 wherein the footwear insert is shaped so that, when inserted into footwear, the footwear insert has lateral edges that are upturned.

18. The footwear insert of claim 13 wherein a bottom side of the lower layer comprises a non-permanent adhesive for securing the shoe insert within the shoe.

19. The footwear insert of claim 13 wherein the middle layer is comprised of baking soda.

20. The footwear insert of claim 13 wherein the upper layer is perforated to allow the fragrance emitted by the middle layer to vent.