Disposable Shower Sock with Waterproof Sole and Anti-Slip Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shower facilities and locker rooms pose a health risk due to unsanitary conditions, particularly for individuals who walk barefoot, as they are exposed to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections from damp floors, with no simple and efficient protection available.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable shower sock with a water-permeable upper portion and a waterproof sole, featuring an elastic opening, anti-slip gripping element, and treatment applications like anti-fungal, anti-bacterial agents, and essential oils, designed for easy use and disposal, providing protection against infections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If people wear sandals in showers, then foot protection is improved, but convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry wet sandals daily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot infection riskVSAvoidconvenience of foot protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by providing a shower sock that is used once and then discarded. The sock is made of biodegradable material that can be safely disposed of after a single use in the shower, eliminating the need for cleaning and drying sandals while providing protection during the shower encounter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The shower sock utilizes a flexible, thin-film structure that can be easily worn and removed. The biodegradable material forms a flexible barrier around the foot, providing protection against pathogens on shower floors while allowing for easy insertion and removal without requiring carrying.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If people walk barefoot in showers, then convenience is improved, but health safety deteriorates due to exposure to bacteria, fungi, and viruses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of shower entryVSAvoidbacterial, fungal, and viral exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shower sock serves as an intermediary barrier between the bare foot and the contaminated shower environment. It is treated with anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral agents that actively mediate against pathogens, allowing the foot to remain protected while maintaining the simplicity of barefoot shower entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sock incorporates treatments that change the chemical parameters of the surface it contacts. By applying anti-microbial agents and essential oils to the sock material, the surface properties are modified to be hostile to pathogens while remaining comfortable for the wearer's foot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a waterproof sole is used in the shower sock, then protection against water penetration is improved, but breathability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater protectionVSAvoidreduced breathability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The upper portion of the shower sock is made from porous, water-permeable material that allows water to pass through while the sole remains waterproof. This creates a selective barrier system where the porous upper portion allows water penetration for foot bathing while the waterproof sole prevents water from reaching the foot, maintaining breathability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The shower sock effectively protects feet from infections by allowing sanitizing agents to interact with shower water, preventing harmful elements from contacting the skin while maintaining traction on wet surfaces, offering peace of mind and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The porous, water permeable upper portion allows shower water to penetrate the shower sock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

The sole has a bottom that comprises an anti-slip gripping element to prevent the wearer from slipping on wet floors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20180035723A1Shower Sock

Publication Date: 2018.02.08 SOLE CARE RX LLC

AI summary

This invention is a one-use, disposable hygienic shower sock for wearing in showers, locker rooms, or other similar areas where bare feet come into contact with damp or wet floors. The shower sock is made of a biodegradable plastic or fabric material with a water permeable upper portion and a water-proof sole. The inside of the shower sock may be treated with one or more preventative or treatment applications, such as an anti-fungal agent, an anti-bacterial agent, a plantar wart guard, a foot detox product, an anti-microbial agent, or an anti-viral agent. Essential oil based deodorizers, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender may also be applied inside the shower sock. The bottom of the sole may have an anti-slip gripping element to prevent the wearer from slipping on wet floors.