US20090083993A1

US20090083993A1 - Removable Shoe Cover

Info

Publication number: US20090083993A1
Application number: US11/865,091
Authority: US
Inventors: Marcille Plank
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-10-01
Filing date: 2007-10-01
Publication date: 2009-04-02

Abstract

The present invention includes a removable shoe cover and method for using the same. The removable shoe cover includes a front part and a strap that can be used by placing the front part on the anterior of a shoe and securing the strap around the posterior of the shoe to maintain a snug fit. The removable shoe cover leaves the heel of a shoe substantially exposed. The removable shoe cover may also include removable sections on the top side, traction for enhanced protection and performance, and one or more connections for the strap to the front part or within the strap itself.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND ON THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of shoes and more particularly to a means preventing wear and tear in shoes used for skateboarding.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the construction of shoes the sole of the shoe is designed to absorb wear that is normally encountered during walking and running. The upper of the shoe, which surrounds the top of the foot and the ankle, is generally made of fabric and is not designed to encounter significant wear. When the upper of a shoe encounters localized wear, the upper may become frayed or acquire a hole. However, some activities may cause significant wear and tear on the sole, in addition to the upper, resulting in premature failure of the shoe. Premature failure of shoes is common in conjunction with children since certain activities that children engage in do cause abrasive wear to various parts of a shoe.
Skateboarding is an example of this type of activity. Certain maneuvers involving a skateboard require rough contact between a skateboarder's shoe and the ground and/or a skateboard. This friction can quickly result in a hole on the sole or upper of one shoe which would require premature replacement of a pair of shoes.
In order to avoid this premature replacement, skateboarders have been known to make fabric pads and tape or sew the same to their shoes in the area where localized wear occurs. These fabric pads quickly wear out and require replacement. Another way in which skateboarders have tried to mitigate wear and tear is by using special shoe glue to repair the shoe damage, but this noticeable glue can be messy and perhaps unattractive to users. Many skateboarders, however, resort to buying new shoes. Thus, it is highly desirable to have a means for preventing the wear and tear of shoes that is durable, adept at preserving the condition of shoes, and less than expensive than replacing shoes.

SUMMARY

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a removable shoe cover having an inner side and an outer side. The removable shoe cover comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe. The front part also comprises a top side and a bottom side. The removable shoe cover also includes a strap, which is connected to the front part and stretched around a posterior of a shoe to maintain a snug fit. The removable shoe cover leaves a heel substantially exposed and uncovered.
The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include a method of preventing wear and tear in shoes comprising a step of placing a removable shoe cover over a shoe, wherein the removable shoe cover, having an inner side and an outer side, comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe. The front part also comprises a top side and a bottom side. The removable shoe cover also includes a strap, which is connected to the front part. The removable shoe cover leaves a heel substantially exposed and uncovered. The method of preventing wear and tear in shoes of the present invention also comprises a step of securing the strap around the posterior of the shoe to maintain a snug fit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top side of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a bottom side of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a side view of an outer side of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a side view of an outer side of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a side view of an outer side of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a side view of an outer side of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED MATERIAL

In reference to the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout all the drawings. The following is a list of the reference characters and associated element:
10 front part
20 strap
30 removable sections
40 toe guard
50 inner side
60 outer side
70 top side
80 bottom side
90 shoe

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawings show for purposes of further illustration and understanding, that the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a removable shoe cover for preventing wear and tear on shoes. Although all the embodiments as shown in the illustrations display a left-footed design, embodiments of the present invention also encompass a right-footed design.
FIG. 1 displays a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the removable shoe cover of the present invention. A front part lo of the removable shoe cover covers an anterior of an upper of a shoe 90. In using this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front part 10 is placed on the anterior of a shoe 90, and a strap 20 is stretched around a posterior of the shoe 90 and secured on the same to ensure a snug fit. In exemplary embodiments, the strap 20 does not cover a heel on the shoe 90, and the heel is left substantially exposed. Embodiments of the present invention include several different sizes to fit a wide range of shoes 90.
In an exemplary embodiment, the front part 10 and the strap 20 are connected on the inner side 50 and the outer side 60. In a preferred embodiment, the front part 10 and the strap 20 form a single, continuous piece of material. In exemplary embodiments, one or more connection means are required within the body of the strap 20 or between the front part 10 and the strap 20. The connecting means may be, for example, Velcro®, snaps, buckles, hooks, or any other similar type of connection.
FIG. 1 also displays removable sections 30 and a toe guard 40. The toe guard is displayed at a tip of the front part 10. The toe guard 40 is comprised of an advanced traction means. In a preferred embodiment, the advanced traction means is leather. In other exemplary embodiments, the advanced traction means is, for example, rubber or a rubber-like material. In other exemplary embodiments, this advanced traction means extends from and is continuous with an advanced traction means on a bottom side 80 of the front part 10 of the removable shoe cover. The advanced traction means allows for an enhanced performance by offering a better grip completely around the shoe 90 that skateboarders use to perform their stunts. FIG. 2 shows the bottom side 80 of the front part 10 of an embodiment of the removable shoe cover and a bottom of the shoe 90. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention where advanced traction means is comprised of rubber.
FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show exemplary embodiments of the present invention with two, one, and zero removable sections 30 in place, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the removable shoe cover is initially equipped with removable sections that can be removed if a user desires. Skateboarders, for example, may enjoy the protection given by non-removable portions of the front part 10 of the removable shoe cover while preferring to have less coverage from the top side 70 of the removable shoe cover. Other users may prefer easier access to shoelaces or greater foot movement. In exemplary embodiments, the removable sections 30 may be removed by tearing, cutting, or pulling. In exemplary embodiments, perforations facilitate the removal of the removable sections 30.
In other exemplary embodiments, the removable shoe cover is individualized by ornamental designs. Image-conscious users may prefer to have individualized versions of the removable shoe cover to match the shoe 90 or to differentiate themselves from peers.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A removable shoe cover having an inner side and an outer side, wherein said removable shoe cover comprises:

a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe, wherein said front part comprises a top side and a bottom side; and

a strap, wherein said strap is connected to said front part and stretched around a posterior of a shoe to maintain a snug fit, and wherein a heel is left substantially exposed and not covered by said removable shoe cover.

2. The removable shoe cover according to claim 1, wherein said front part and said strap are connected on the inner side and on the outer side.

3. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said front part and said strap form a single, continuous piece of material.

4. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said strap is connected to said strap or to said front part by one or more of a means selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, buckles, and hooks.

5. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said top side of said front part comprises one or more removable levels.

6. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said bottom part of said front part comprises an advanced traction means.

7. The removable shoe cover according to claim 6, wherein said advanced traction means is comprised of rubber or leather.

8. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said front part comprises a toe guard having said advanced traction means, wherein said toe guard substantially covers said outer side of said front part.

9. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2 comprising of rubber or a rubber-like material.

10. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said removable shoe cover is individualized with an ornamental design.

11. A method of preventing wear and tear in shoes comprising the steps of:

placing a removable shoe cover over a shoe, wherein the removable shoe cover, having an inner side and an outer side, comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe, wherein said front part comprises a top side and a bottom side, and a strap, wherein said strap is connected to said front part and stretched around a posterior of a shoe to maintain a snug fit, and wherein a heel is left substantially exposed and not covered by said removable shoe cover; and

securing said strap around the posterior of said shoe.