SLIP-RESISTANT MATERIAL

Abstract

A slip-resistant material is disclosed. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the slip-resistant material can partially conform to the body's contours during physical activity to eliminate, or at least to reduce, slippage. The slip-resistant material can be a coated lightweight, synthetic hexagonal mesh. The slip-resistant material can also be a base wicking fabric with soft nodules formed on it. The slip-resistant material can also be a base wicking fabric with a top layer comprising nodules and pores. The slip-resistant material can also be a combination of a base wicking fabric with a polymer-based thread. The embodiments of the disclosure are safe to be worn directly against skin and are comfortable, breathable, and durable. The embodiments of the disclosure can be used as a liner between an article and the wearer's skin to hold the article in place during movement.

Claims

1. A slip-resistant material, comprising: a fabric including one or more air gaps; wherein the fabric is configured to partially conform to a shape of a person's body; and wherein the fabric is further configured to grip the person's body to reduce slippage between the fabric and the person's body.

2. The slip-resistant material of claim 1, wherein the fabric is a mesh fabric coated with a foam-like substance.

3. The slip-resistant material of claim 2, wherein the foam-like substance is a blend of silicone, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or thermoplastic elastomers.

4. The slip-resistant material of claim 2, wherein the air gaps are pores.

5. A slip-resistant material, comprising: a base fabric layer; and nodules formed on the base fabric layer.

6. The slip-resistant material of claim 5, wherein the base fabric layer is one of a porous fabric, a mesh fabric, and a wicking fabric.

7. The slip-resistant material of claim 5, wherein the nodules have a pyramid shape.

8. The slip-resistant material of claim 5, wherein the durometer of the nodules is higher than that of skin.

9. The slip-resistant material of claim 5, wherein the nodules have wicking properties.

10. The slip-resistant material of claim 5, wherein the nodules have pores.

11. The slip-resistant material of claim 5, wherein the nodules are formed at a higher density on the high-wear areas of the base fabric.

12. The slip-resistant material of claim 5, wherein the nodules are a blend of elastomers and high-compression set foams.

13. A slip-resistant material, comprising: a base fabric layer; and a polymer-based thread combined with the base fabric layer.

14. The slip-resistant material of claim 13, wherein the base fabric layer is one of a porous fabric, a mesh fabric, and a wicking fabric.

15. The slip-resistant material of claim 13, wherein the polymer-based thread is woven into the base fabric layer.

16. The slip-resistant material of claim 15, wherein the polymer-based thread woven into the base fabric layer is sheared.

17. The slip-resistant material of claim 13, wherein the polymer-based thread is knitted into the base fabric layer.

18. The slip-resistant material of claim 13, wherein the polymer-based thread is embroidered into knots on the base fabric layer.

19. The slip-resistant material of claim 18, wherein the knots are embroidered on the base fabric layer at varying proximities from other knots.

20. The slip-resistant material of claim 18, wherein the durometer of the knots is higher than that of skin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary coated mesh over a person's foot according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an amplified view of an exemplary coated mesh over a person's foot according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary manufacturing system that can make a coated mesh material according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary shoe insole according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5A illustrates an amplified view of the underside of an exemplary shoe insole according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary shoe insole according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material employing a base fabric and nodules according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8A illustrates a top-level view of an exemplary slip-resistant material employing a base fabric and nodules according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8B illustrates an amplified view of an exemplary slip-resistant material employing a base fabric and nodules according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8C illustrates an exemplary nodule according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant shoe upper employing a base fabric and nodules according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary shoe insole according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary shoe insole according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates an amplified view of another exemplary shoe insole according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material employing a base fabric and a top layer with nodules and pores according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material employing a base fabric and embroidered knots according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material combining a base fabric and a lightweight, pressure-sensitive, polymer-based thread or cord according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary athletic shoe according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplary athletic shoe according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary athletic shoe outsole according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be used, and structural changes can be made, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] Some embodiments of the disclosure relate to a slip-resistant material that can be safely worn directly against a person's skin. For example, the slip-resistant material can be a comfortable material that partially conforms to the body's contours during physical activity. The slip-resistant material can have gaps for enhanced breathability. In some examples, the slip-resistant material can be a lightweight, synthetic, hexagonal mesh coated with a blend of silicone, polyurethane, EVA, or thermoplastic elastomers. In other examples, the slip-resistant material can be a base fabric with soft nodules formed on it. In additional examples, the slip-resistant material can be a base fabric topped with an elastomer layer with soft nodules. In further examples, the slip-resistant material can be a base fabric with a synthetic thread knitted, weaved, or embroidered into it.

[0034] FIG. 1 (not necessarily to scale) illustrates an exemplary lightweight, slip-resistant material 100 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Slip-resistant material 100 can be safely worn directly against a person's skin and can include gaps 102 to ensure breathability. When pressure is applied to the material, the material can compress, partially enveloping the body's contours and gripping the skin to prevent the material from slipping, or at least to reduce slippage. The material can be durable enough for physical or everyday activities.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material 200 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Slip-resistant material 200 is safe to wear directly against a person's skin and is shown partially covering a person's foot for purposes of clarity. FIG. 3 illustrates an amplified view of slip-resistant material 200 over a person's foot. Slip-resistant material 200 can be a lightweight, synthetic mesh 204 with a soft, abrasion-resistant, non-absorbent, foam-like coating 206. The slip-resistant material can be waterproof for easy cleaning and to help prevent odor by not retaining sweat, bacteria, and sediment. A waterproof, slip-resistant material can also reduce wear from sediment friction. In some examples, coating 206 can be hydrophilic (e.g., allows water to pass through). In this way, coating 206 can allow wicking at the points of contact with the skin. The mesh design can include gaps 202 to ensure breathability. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary manufacturing system that can be used to make slip-resistant material 200.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary shoe insole 500 made of slip-resistant material 200. Insole 500 can employ raised hexagons 506 to promote drainage and grip. The centers of the hexagons can be filled with the non-absorbent, foam-like coating of material 200 or can be gaps for added breathability. Insole 500 can also have pores 502 at the corners of the hexagons for ventilation and drainage. FIG. 5A illustrates an amplified view of the underside of shoe insole 500 and shows pores 502 coming through the outside of the insole that can help vent air in and let sweat out. FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary shoe insole 600 that can be made of slip-resistant material 200. In the example of FIG. 6, the slip-resistant material 200 can also be a lightweight synthetic mesh with a soft, abrasion-resistant, non-absorbent, foam-like coating similar to that shown in FIG. 1, except that the gaps can be formed as small, tubular openings 602 in the slip-resistant material that allow moisture to escape. Shoe insole 600 can also be a thin layer of foam-like coating 206. These insole designs can contribute to a non-slip running experience during loading, landing, and takeoff. Insoles according to some embodiments of the disclosure can be constructed with a textured contact surface aimed to grip the bottom of the foot and, due to its shared properties with the upper, allows for adequate breathability. This design can help eliminate friction created from ill-fitted shoes, enabling the runner to avoid skin abrasion, energy loss, and momentum displacement while improving his or her athletic experience.

[0037] FIG. 7 (not necessarily to scale) illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material 700 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Slip-resistant material 700 can be formed by a base fabric 704 and soft nodules 706 dispersed on the base fabric. The base fabric 704 can be a lightweight, durable, wicking fabric. Base fabric 704 can be a porous or mesh material with gaps 702 to enhance breathability. The spacing between nodules 706 can allow sweat and other liquids to reach the wicking base fabric 704, which can pull moisture away from the skin to keep the person dry and comfortable. Keeping the person dry during physical activity can help avoid chafing and keep the person cool. In some examples, the nodules can be hydrophilic (e.g., allow water to pass through). In this way, the nodules can allow wicking at the points of contact with the skin.

[0038] FIG. 8A illustrates a top-level view of an exemplary slip-resistant material 700 and shows base fabric 704, nodules 706, and gaps 702. FIG. 8B illustrates an amplified view of slip-resistant material 700 and shows base fabric 704 and nodules 706. FIG. 8C illustrates an exemplary nodule 706 with a narrow tip and wide base. The nodules can be a blend of elastomers, such as silicone and neoprene, and lightweight, high-compression set foams, such as EVA and urethane. While the nodules can have a low durometer to achieve a soft and conformable feel, the durometer of the nodules can be slightly higher than that of the skin. This can allow the nodules' pyramid shape to gently press into and grip the surface of the person's skin, preventing the material from sliding across the surface of the skin during physical activity. The nodules can compress and decompress during physical activity to maintain a secure fit. The length of the nodules can also allow greater air circulation by allowing space between the base fabric and the skin. The nodules may have a height of about 1 mm, in some examples. The nodules can also have wicking properties to further keep the skin dry. In some examples, the nodules can be porous to increase breathability.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant shoe upper 900 made of slip-resistant material 700. Shoe upper 900 illustrates a base fabric 704 with nodules 706. The shoe upper in FIG. 9 illustrates how nodules 706 may be placed at varying densities on base fabric 704. The shoe upper can be one even piece to eliminate seams and stiches that often cause abrasions and blisters.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary shoe insole 1000 made of slip-resistant material 700. Insole 1000 also illustrates how the 706 nodules can be dispersed on the base fabric 704 at varying densities and with varying distance between nodules. For example, a higher density of nodules at high-wear areas of the insole can provide additional support and comfort to the wearer. Additionally, targeted placement of the nodules can reduce the number of nodules on the base fabric, which can reduce the weight of the slip-resistant material. FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary shoe insole 1100 made of slip-resistant material 700. FIG. 12 illustrates an amplified view of exemplary shoe insole 1100 made of slip-resistant material 700 and shows base fabric 704, nodules 706, and gaps 702.

[0041] FIG. 13 (not necessarily to scale) illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material 1300 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Slip-resistant material can be formed by a base fabric 1304 and a top layer 1306 that can have nodules 1308 and pores 1310. Top layer 1306 and nodules 1308 can be a blend of elastomers, such as silicone and neoprene, and lightweight, high-compression set foams, such as EVA and urethane. Base fabric 1304 can be a lightweight, durable wicking fabric and can have the same properties as wicking base fabric 704 in FIGS. 7 through 12. Top layer 1306 and nodules 1308 can have the same properties as nodules 706 in FIGS. 7 through 12. Pores 1310 can allow sweat and other liquids to reach the wicking base fabric 1304 to reduce moisture.

[0042] FIG. 14 (not necessarily to scale) illustrates an exemplary slip-resistant material 1400 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Slip-resistant material 1400 can be formed by embroidering soft knots 1406 from a lightweight, pressure-sensitive, polymer-based thread or cord onto base fabric 1404. In some examples, the polymer-based thread or cord can be hydrophilic (e.g., allows water to pass through). In this way, knots 1406 can allow wicking at the points of contact with the skin. The base fabric 1404 can be a breathable wicking fabric, such as nylon, polyester, spandex, or a blend thereof. Base fabric 1404 can be a porous or mesh material. FIG. 15 (not necessarily to scale) illustrates another exemplary slip-resistant material 1500 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Slip-resistant material 1500 can be formed by a base fabric 1504 and a lightweight, pressure-sensitive, polymer-based thread or cord 1506. Synthetic thread 1506 can be knitted, woven, or embroidered into base fabric 1504. In some examples, synthetic thread 1506 can be hydrophilic (e.g., allows water to pass through). In this way, synthetic thread 1506 can allow wicking at the points of contact with the skin. FIG. 15 illustrates polymer-based thread 1506 woven into base fabric 1504 and sheared to a desired height by shearer 1508.

[0043] The slip-resistant material according to embodiments of the disclosure can be used as a liner to keep items in place or at least reduce slippage. For example, the inside of a shoe can be lined with the slip-resistant material described above. FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary athletic shoe. FIG. 17 illustrates how the athletic shoe may be formed using a slip-resistant material according to some embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the slip resistant material 1702 may form the first layer of the upper. To further the shoe's system of support, a second layer of fine monofilament screen 1704 can be heat welded to the first layer of the flexible mesh upper. This screen reinforces and protects the softer layer of mesh beneath it. The third and outermost layer of the upper is an exoskeleton 1706 composed of a strong, film-like material, which creates structure in key areas of the shoe, such as eyelets and loading phase stress points. These synthetic overlays also provide a significant contribution to the overall shoe design and aesthetic appearance. FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary athletic shoe outsole utilizing blown and carbon rubber to reduce wear in key areas of thread. Because the slip-resistant material is breathable, durable, and comfortable, athletic shoes such as the ones shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 may be worn without socks, further enhancing performance. The slip-resistant material described above can also be used to line braces, wraps, knee pads, prosthetics, chin guards, undergarments, jock straps, bras, backpacks, sleeves, military equipment, football pads, and any other article that comes in direct contact with a person's skin that must stay in place during any physical activity.

[0044] It should be understood that although the various examples described above may be described and illustrated separate from other examples, in other examples various combinations of the fabrics and materials described above can be employed in a single slip-resistant material.

[0045] Therefore, according to the above, some examples of the disclosure are directed to a slip-resistant material, comprising: a fabric including one or more air gaps; wherein the fabric is configured to partially conform to a shape of a person's body; and wherein the fabric is further configured to grip the person's body to reduce slippage between the fabric and the person's body. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the fabric is a mesh fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the mesh fabric is coated with a foam-like substance. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the mesh fabric is nylon. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the foam-like substance is a blend of silicone, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or thermoplastic elastomers. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the air gaps are pores.

[0046] Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a method for making a slip-resistant material, comprising: dipping a fabric in a chemical substance until the chemical substance coats the fabric; and allowing the chemical substance to bond to the fabric.

[0047] Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a slip-resistant material, comprising: a base fabric layer; and nodules formed on the base fabric layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a porous fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a mesh fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a wicking fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules have a pyramid shape. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules are formed on the base fabric layer at varying proximities. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules are formed on one side of the base fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the durometer of the nodules is higher than that of skin. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules have wicking properties. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules have pores. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules are formed at a higher density on the high-wear areas of the base fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules are a blend of elastomers and high-compression set foams.

[0048] Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a slip-resistant material, comprising: a base fabric layer; and a top layer formed on the base fabric layer, wherein the top layer comprises nodules and pores. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a porous fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a mesh fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a wicking fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules have a pyramid shape. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules are at varying proximities on the top layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules are formed on one side of the top layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the durometer of the nodules is higher than that of skin. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the top layer has wicking properties. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the top layer has pores. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the nodules are formed at a higher density on the high-wear areas of the top layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the top layer is a blend of elastomers and high-compression set foams.

[0049] Some examples of the disclosure are directed to a slip-resistant material, comprising: a base fabric layer; and a polymer-based thread combined with the base fabric layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a porous fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a mesh fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the base fabric layer is a wicking fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the polymer-based thread is woven into the base fabric layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the polymer-based thread woven into the base fabric layer is sheared. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the polymer-based thread is knitted into the base fabric layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the polymer-based thread is embroidered into the base fabric layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the polymer-based thread is embroidered into knots on the base fabric layer. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the knots are embroidered on the base fabric layer at varying proximities from other knots. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the knots are embroidered on one side of the base fabric. Additionally or alternatively to one or more of the examples disclosed above, in some examples the durometer of the knots is higher than that of skin.

[0050] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.