Surface protector

Abstract

A surface protector is disclosed that is adapted to be removably affixed to at least a portion of a surface-contacting layer of a mobile entity. The surface protector may include a protective cover corresponding to a surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity, the protective cover defining first and second opposing sides. A first fastening element may be disposed on the first side of the protective cover for attaching the first side of the protective cover to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity. The protector may aid in preventing a transfer of substances located on the mobile entity from a first environment to a second environment. In alternative aspects of the invention, the surface protector may be used to protect the mobile entity itself from unwanted substances coming into contact with the mobile entity.

1 . A surface protector adapted to be removably affixed to at least a portion of a surface-contacting layer of a mobile entity, the surface protector comprising:
 a protective cover corresponding to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity, the protective cover defining first and second opposing sides;   a first fastening element disposed on the first side of the protective cover for attaching the first side of the protective cover to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity,   wherein the protector aids in preventing a transfer of substances located on the mobile entity from a first environment to a second environment, and   wherein the protective cover is removable from the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity.   
     
     
         2 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile entity is footwear. 
     
     
         3 . The surface protector of  claim 2 , wherein the footwear is a boot. 
     
     
         4 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile entity is a bare foot. 
     
     
         5 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening element is an adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . The surface protector of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a first blank removably attached to the first side of the protective cover to aid in protecting the fastening element when the protective cover is not adhered to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity.   
     
     
         7 . The surface protector of  claim 6 , wherein the first blank is made of a polyethylene. 
     
     
         8 . The surface protector of  claim 6 , wherein the first blank is made of a waxed paper. 
     
     
         9 . The surface protector of  claim 6 , wherein the protective cover is made of a polystyrene. 
     
     
         10 . The surface protector of  claim 6 , wherein the protective cover is made of a rubber. 
     
     
         11 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile entity is a portable machine. 
     
     
         12 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile entity is a knee pad. 
     
     
         13 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , wherein the protective cover is reusable after being removed from the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity. 
     
     
         14 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , wherein the second side of the protective cover comprises a slip-resistant surface. 
     
     
         15 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , further comprising a thermally-insulating material disposed between the first and second opposing sides of the protective cover. 
     
     
         16 . The surface protector of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrically-insulating material disposed between the first and second opposing sides of the protective cover. 
     
     
         17 . A surface protector adapted to be removably affixed to at least a portion of a surface-contacting layer of a mobile entity, the protector comprising:
 a protective cover corresponding to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity, the protective cover defining first and second opposing sides;   a first fastening element disposed on the first side of the protective cover for attaching the first side of the protective cover to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity,   wherein the protector aids in preventing a transfer of substances located on a surface of a first environment to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity.   
     
     
         18 . The surface protector of  claim 17 , wherein the mobile entity is footwear. 
     
     
         19 . The surface protector of  claim 17 , wherein the protector is disposable. 
     
     
         20 . A method for making a surface protector that protects a surface in a first environment from a surface-contacting layer of a mobile entity, the method comprising:
 forming a protective cover for affixing to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity, the protective cover defining first and second opposing sides;   placing a fastening element on the first side of the protective cover, wherein the fastening element is adapted to removably affix the protective cover to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity to aid in preventing unwanted substances from a second environment from coming into contact with the surface of the first environment; and   placing a blank on the first side of the protective cover, wherein the blank at least in part protects the fastening element and is removable from the protective cover before the protective cover is removably affixed to the surface-contacting layer of the mobile entity.