Article for providing protection to an appendage from infectious agents and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The subject application includes a disposable foot cover that has a body, an open edge, a retention mechanism, and a tab. The body is roughly in the shape of a foot and is made of a compound that has rubber-like properties and is configured to provide a barrier against infectious agents. The open edge is located at one end of the body and is configured to receive an associated foot. The retention mechanisms, located around the open edge, are adapted for securing the cover to the associated foot. In addition, the tab, located at the rear of the opening, is suitably configured to enable removal of the cover from the associated foot.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A disposable foot cover, comprising:
 a body roughly in the shape of a foot having a top surface and a bottom surface;   an opening located on the top surface of the body configured to receive an associated foot therein and wherein the foot is completely enclosed by the body;   a retention mechanism located at the opening, adapted for securing the cover to the associated foot and preventing the body from inadvertently disassociating with said foot; and   a removal tab located at the rear of the opening suitably configured to enable removal of the cover from the associated foot without requiring a wearer to come in contact with the bottom surface of the cover;   
       wherein the foot cover is made of a compound having rubber-like properties and configured to provide a barrier against infectious agents. 
     
     
         2 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a texture on the outside surface of the body. 
     
     
         3 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a texture on the inside surface of the body. 
     
     
         4 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 3 , wherein said texture is incorporated into the body by the process of flocking 
     
     
         5 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 2 , wherein said texture is in the form of ridges positioned on the bottom surface of the body to provide traction. 
     
     
         6 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the body further includes perforations or openings to provide breathability and comfort for the wearer. 
     
     
         7 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 1 , wherein said retention mechanism is selected from the group consisting of elastic, hook and latch, button, snap, and extended material at the opening of the body. 
     
     
         8 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 7 , wherein said retention mechanism is extended material at the opening of the body. 
     
     
         10 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 1 , wherein said removal tab is selected from the group consisting of a loop of material, a rigid elongated member and a non-rigid elongated member. 
     
     
         11 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 6 , further comprising a texture on the outside surface of the body. 
     
     
         12 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 6 , further comprising a texture on the inside surface of the body. 
     
     
         13 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 6 , wherein said texture is incorporated into the body by the process of flocking 
     
     
         14 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 6 , wherein said texture is in the form of ridges positioned on the bottom surface of the body to provide traction. 
     
     
         15 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 6 , wherein said removal tab is selected from the group consisting of a loop of material, a rigid elongated member and a non-rigid elongated member. 
     
     
         16 . The disposable foot cover of  claim 7 , wherein said removal tab is selected from the group consisting of a loop of material, a rigid elongated member and a non-rigid elongated member.