US20130227856A1

US20130227856A1 - Boot Filler/Contour Liner

Info

Publication number: US20130227856A1
Application number: US13/411,620
Authority: US
Inventors: Fayshonda Cooks
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-04
Filing date: 2012-03-04
Publication date: 2013-09-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fashion accessory, in particular a wearable and removable contour liner for a boot that can be worn on the leg as a boot, filler or contour. The boot filler/contour liner is created to address an issue that many individuals with smaller leg and/or ankle sizes encounter in boot wear and fashion. The present invention is intended to enhance the fit and form of a boot and minimize wrinkles and/or flopping and folding of boot legs when worn on a leg that is disproportionate in size or shape in relation to the size or style of the boot. The wearable boot filler/contour liner will be manufactured in a variety of sizes and lengths including calf, full leg, and ankle length. The filler/contour liner boot accessory is obstructed of flexible yet sturdy material that is suitable for comfortable wear on the foot and leg, wherein the boot filler/contour provides fit and form to the boot while worn.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a fashion accessory for footwear, in particular boots, which enhances the fit and form of a boot when worn on a leg that is disproportionate in size or shape in relation to the size or style of the boot.

BACKGROUND

Boots are a popular item of footwear that covers the foot, ankles and part or all of the leg when worn. Boots are extremely popular with the upper portion, commonly termed the bootleg, generally made in various shapes and sizes. Boots are constructed from a variety of materials such as leather, vinyl, pleather, suede, plastic and the like that are extremely flexible. For reasons of fashion and economy, boots are often purchased in sizes, materials, and/or styles that may not be appropriately suited or tailored to the wearer's foot and leg size. Boot styles sold in retail markets are generally made according to manufacturers' specifications rather than for a contoured fit for each wearer's foot; and leg. Many individuals who purchase boots have ankles and/or legs that are substantially smaller in size in comparison to the upper portion of the boot (the bootleg), which results in the boot upper wrinkling, folding, or sagging on the wearers' leg. This folding and sagging of the boot is typically very objectionable, as it destroys the symmetry, form, aesthetic appeal and appearance of the boot's shape while being worn. It is generally desirable to the purchaser to have a boot that fits in a manner that it maintains the shape of its intended design and contours to the size of the wearers' ankle and/or leg appropriately to prevent folding or sagging. In order to contour the boot to minimize folding or sagging and to fill the excessive space between the boot and the wearer's leg while maximizing appearance, warmth, and comfort, a boot filler/contour liner is a useful and necessary accessory.
Accessories serve as supplementary items that are desired as a means to enhance the look and feel of an item or contribute to the overall appearance. Accessories provide support, compatibility, and functionality to articles of clothing, including footwear. It is desirable to use a boot accessory to address a problem that many face related to attractive boot fit and fashion. Wearable boot fillers/contour liners are an accessory for the boot that can be worn on the foot and leg or inside boots to prevent the boot upper's material from excessive flopping or folding which creates a less attractive appearance of boot wear. Because boot styles and sizes vary from ankle length to full leg length, the boot filler/contour liners are manufactured in a variety of sizes and lengths including ankle length, calf length, and full leg styles. The accessory is ideal for a more contoured boot fit and to retain boot shape for improved boot appearance, specifically for those with small lower legs and ankles.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Though there are no previously known inventions for the purpose of providing a filler/contour liner for the boot while being worn on the foot and leg, there are various means to transform the appearance of footwear disclosed in prior art.
U.S. Pat. No. 593,576 issued Nov. 16, 1897 by W. D. Hall disclosed a band or a garter attached to the boot-top by slitting the inside facing of the top of the boot vertically on opposite sides of the back seam and through which the band or garter is passed and brought around the front to meet the other end of such material and the ends are secured together in any suitable or desirable manner.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,681,804 issued Aug. 8, 1972 by Jane Caputo for Was-Cap, Inc. discloses a shaped one-piece light weight plastic member for removable insertion into the flexible leg of a boot to support the same in an erect position and retain its shape with finger-engaging means at the upper exposed portion of the member to assist in inserting it into, removing it from and carrying the boot from one location to another with a minimum handling of the flexible boot leg itself.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,609 issued Aug. 11, 1981 by Betty Freedman, and Anne M. Blevin disclose a panty hose with adjacent shaded areas with graduation in shading, in the calf portions, whereby when the panty hose is worn the appearance of the shape of the leg is modified. In one embodiment, individuals with heavier calves and thighs are given a slimming appearance while in another embodiment; legs that are skinny and shapeless are given a fuller appearance.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,307 issued Dec. 27, 1983, by James I. Thorneburg discloses a sock to wear with western boots having an upper portion comprised of a fabric in the leg of a normal “dress sock” thickness to maintain the proper position of the leg of the wearer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,514,863 issued May 7, 1985, by Hoang T. Tuyet-Van discloses a sock which can be worn in a boot or other situation where an the sock would likely sag. The sock includes an elastic sock body and a strip-shaped stiffener sewn to the other surface of the sock body. The stiffener extends along the front of the sock body on the upper sock portion which surrounds the leg of the wearer, and on the lower sock portion that surrounds the foot of the wearer. The stiffener extends in a loop above the top of the sock body to form a finger receiving loop that can be used to pull up the sock.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,115 issued Oct. 22, 2002, by Diana Baird discloses a filler/contour body of flexible and resilient polymer material rolled into a tubular configuration and inserted into the shat of a boot deeply enough to reach the vamp and quarters from which the shaft uses. The rolled filler/contour body, when released expands under the bias of its own resiliency and bears against the inside of the shaft, thus stabilizing the shaft in an upright position above the quarters of the vamp.
Prior art known to the applicant relating to boot and leg shapers disclose a band which holds the boot upper in place, a plastic member that retains the shape of the boot while not being worn, a panty hose which adds shape to skinny legs, and a stiffener that prevents the sock from sagging. No prior art known to the applicant provides the benefit of the newly invented wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner which can be worn to prevent excessive folding, wrinkling, or sagging of the boot upper (leg) and improve overall. fit and appearance of the footwear while being worn. Prior art has disadvantages related to inability to provide a flexible contour lining for the boot during wear to complement the size and shape of the leg when the wearer's ankle and/or leg size is noticeably disproportionate to the size and style of the upper portion (leg) of the boot.
The present invention provides a flexible and comfortable lightweight boot filler/contour liner that is easily worn by the user to enhance appearance of leg size, and support and contour the shape of the boot upper during wear. Another objective of the invention is to provide a comfortable lightweight boot shaper that is easily worn by the user and provides the user with warmth while worn. Additionally, the boot filler/contour liner acts as a fashion accessory to enhance the appearance of the boot during wear.
These and other objectives of this invention will become more apparent as the following description proceeds in conjunction with the following drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fashion accessory for footwear, in particular a wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner, wherein a flexible and pliable filler/contour liner comprises a filler/contour body; closure means affixed near the interior and exterior linear side edges of the boot filler/contour body that mate to act as closure(s) to fit the form of the leg and boot; a stirrup-style attachment means affixed to the lower end of the boot filler/contour, and optional natural or synthetic fiber material attached to the interior of the filler/contour body, wherein the boot filler/contour liner is placed on the wearer's lower extremity via placing the stirrup-style attachment under the arch of the foot, mating together the affixed boot filler/contour closure means to wrap the boot filler/contour body around the circumference of the leg and placing the leg with attached boot filler/contour inside the boot as a wearable and removable liner or filler for the boot. Preferably, the affixed interior and exterior linear filler/contour body attachment means mate via placement of male attachment means or one half of other style closure part(s) on exterior portion of one lengthwise edge of the filler/contour body and the female attachment means or remaining smoother half of other style closure part(s) on interior portion of the linear edge of the filler/contour body, and the stirrup style attachment means is affixed to the lower end exterior surface of the filler/contour body. The boot filler/contour liner attachment means are selected from a group comprising of hook and loop tape (for example, Velcro® brand tape), snaps, zippers, buttons, and buttonholes, hooks and eyes, adhesive, tongue and groove closures, magnets, and the like, as well as a group comprising elastic, spandex and spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and polyester blends, lycra and lycra blend, and the like for the foot attachment means.
In an alternative embodiment, the lower end stirrup-style attachment is removed and the boot filler/contour liner is elongated on the distal frontal end toward the boot instep, the boot filler/contour body is closed via mating the affixed closure means; wherein the accessory is placed directly in the boot prior to placing the foot and leg in the boot to act as a filler and removable contour liner suitable for wear.
Alternatively, an optional natural or synthetic fiber material is attachable to the boot filler/contour body interior, wherein the addition of the fiber material provides a possible means of absorption of moisture during wear and serves the purpose of absorbency and comfort.
A subsequent embodiment includes additional attachable means affixed to the exterior portion of the boot filler/contour body that are suited to mate with coordinating attachment means affixed to the interior portion of the boot; wherein the boot filler/contour body attachment means and the boot attachment means mate with each other and removably attach the wearable boot filler/contour liner to the boot.
In all embodiments, the wearable boot filler/contour liner is selected from a group comprised of flexible and pliable material that allows the accessory to be worn on the foot and leg or inside boots to minimize excessive flopping or folding of the boot's material during wear, creating a more attractive appearance of the boot and retaining the boot shape. The boot filler/contour conforms around the leg and/or the interior of the boot to act as a wearable and removable boot liner or filler that complements the size and/or shape of the leg when the wearer's ankle and/or leg size is noticeably disproportionate to the size and style of the upper portion (leg) of the boot. The sizes and lengths of the filler/contour liner are varied and adjustable to the desired boot length and/or leg size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an open exterior surface view of the present invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 2 is an open interior surface view of the present invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 3 is a partially closed side view of the present invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 4 is closed side view of the present invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 5 is a closed frontal view of the present invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 6 is a closed rear view of the present invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 7 is a closed top side interior view of the preset invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 8 is a closed side angled view of the present invention stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 9 is a closed frontal view of the present invention and showing the appearance of the same when worn on the leg/foot stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 10 is a closed rear view of the present invention and showing the appearance of the same when worn on the leg/foot stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the present invention worn in the boot stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the present invention worn in the boot stirrup leg wear style;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the present invention worn in the ankle length stirrup leg wear style.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the present invention in an alternative embodiment as a one-piece boot insert style without lower end attachable foot (stirrup) means;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the present invention in an alternative embodiment as a one-piece boot insert style without lower end attachable foot (stirrup) means;

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing the present invention in an alternative embodiment as a one-piece boot insert style without lower end attachable foot (stirrup) means;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 11 but showing the present invention in an alternative embodiment as a one-piece boot insert style without lower end attachable foot (stirrup) means;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 13 but showing the present invention in an alternative embodiment as an ankle length one-piece boot insert style without lower end attachable foot (stirrup) means;

FIG. 19 is an enclosed posterior view of the present invention without closure attachment means and showing the appearance of the same when worn on the leg/foot stirrup style;

FIG. 20 is an enclosed rear view of the present invention with affixed expandable/stretchable attachment means and showing the appearance of the same when worn on the leg/foot stirrup leg wear style.

ILLUSTRATION LEGEND

2—Boot Filler/Contour liner body (stirrup leg wear style)
4—Upper edge of Boot Filler/Contour liner body (stirrup leg wear style)
6—Lower edge of Boot Filler/Contour liner body
8—Lower end frontal arm of Boot Filler/Contour liner body
10—Lengthwise side edge
12—Attached closure/connector
14—Attached closure/connector mate
16—Attachable stirrup band
18—Affixed Lower end attachment means
20—Affixed Lower end attachment means
22—Attached Reinforcement material
24—Attached Reinforcement material predetermined location
26—Boot Filler insert elongated sole/instep portion
28—Calf length boot shaper/filler body (one-piece style)
30—Foot illustration
32—Boot Exterior surface
34—Attached expandable closure means

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED INVENTION

Referring now to the figures which comprise the embodiment(s) of a wearable boot filler/contour liner, shown is the filler/contour body A (FIGS. 1-8) that fits onto the leg and foot of a wearer (FIGS. 9-10) and is then worn while wearing a boot (FIGS. 11-13). As such, the boot filler/contour liner A enables a boot to be worn attractively while complementing the size and/or shape of the wearer's leg and contouring the interior of the boot to retain boot shape. The boot filler/contour liner A minimizes the development of creases aid folds which, apart from being unsightly, may contribute to development of cracks or permanent flaws in the upper portion (leg) of the boot material. The boot filler/contour liner A fits legs of varied, sizes and accessorizes boots of a variety of sizes and styles. It is preferable that the desired height of the present invention does not protrude or extend beyond the length or height of the boot. The sizes and lengths of the filler/contour liner are varied and adjustable to the desired boot length and/or leg size.
The boot filler/contour liner A comprises a body 2 made of open-cell or closed-cell foam material, silicone, polymer resin, or other suitable flexible and pliable light weight material that may be worn on the foot and leg of a wearer with minimal folding and creasing other than a slight bow (FIGS. 9-10); affixed interior and exterior boot filler/contour closure, means 12-14 near linear side edges of the filler/contour body 2 that mate to act as closure(s) to fit the form of the leg and boot; an attachable stirrup-style means 16 affixed to the lower end of the boot filler/contour. When released or removed, the boot filler/contour liner should generally revert to its original shape (FIGS. 1-2).
The boot filler/contour body 2 when fully open (FIGS. 1-2) has arcuate upper edge 4 and a slightly curved lower edge 6 with an arc 8 in the middle of the lower edge. It also has gradually curved side edges 10 connecting the lower and upper edges 4 and 6. The two side edges 10 are equal in length and converge slightly toward the lower edge 6. The interior and exterior side edges 10 of the filler/contour body 2 mate via affixed male closure/connector means (or one part of other style closure) on the exterior 12 and interiorly affixed female closure/connector means (or coordinating part of other style closure) 14. The attached closure/connector(s) 12 are affixed to the exterior body 2 by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to a group of affixture means comprising sewing, gluing, adhesive material, magnet, and the like (FIG. 1). The interior attached closure/connector 14 may be affixed to the interior of the boot filler/contour body 2 by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to a group of affixture means comprising sewing, gluing, adhesive material, magnet, and the like (FIG. 2).
The exterior affixed closure/connector 12 and the interior affixed closure/connector 14 mate with one another and are removably attachable to each other (FIGS. 3-4 & 6). The exterior affixed closure/connector 12 and the interior affixed closure/connector 14 may be comprised of any suitable attachment means, such as, but limited to a group of attachments means, such as, but not limited to a group of attachment means comprising hook and loop tape (for example, Velcro® brand tape), adhesives, buttons and buttonholes, snaps, zippers, hooks and eyes, tongue and groove closures, magnets, and the like.
An attached reinforcement material 22 may be affixed to the lower interior of the boot filler/contour body 2 at a predetermined location near the instep 24. This attached reinforcement material 22 is made of open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, polymer resin, or other suitable flexible and light-weight material that may be worn with minimal folding and creasing (FIGS. 6, 12), but when released should generally revert to its original shape (FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour body 2 will be graduated towards the lower interior portion at the predetermined location 24 thereby allowing the reinforcement present but without having an additional fixture attached.
For illustrative purposes, in a preferred embodiment (FIG. 6) of the present invention, the exterior attached closure/connector 12 is a hook element (male portion) of hook and loop tape and the interior affixed closure/connector 14 is a loop element (female portion) of hook and loop tape; wherein the hook element and the loop element mate with each other to attach the linear side edges 10 to close and form a circular boot filler/contour liner A. It is preferable for the interior attached closure/connector 14 to be a loop element of hook and loop tape, wherein the loop element is relatively smooth and serves to minimize risk of damage to a user's skin, socks, hosiery, clothing, or the like when worn.
An attachable stirrup-style band 16 is generally a continuous member selected from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end of the filler/contour body to form a gradual U shape attachment that embraces the arch portion of the foot (FIGS. 9-10). At predetermined locations as at 18 and 20, the upper free end portions of the attachable stirrup-style band 16 are affixed to the boot filler/contour body 2 by appropriate means, such as swing, adhesion, glue, or the like. The attachable stirrup-style band 16 is preferably affixed to the exterior lower end of the filler/contour body 2 (FIG. 1) although it is understood that the same can be affixed to the interior-of the filler/contour body 2.
In another embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 14-17) the lower edge 6 extends to form a boot insert portion elongated at the instep 26. The boot insert portion 26 is made of the same flexible material as the boot filler/contour body selected from a group of open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, polymer resin, or other suitable flexible and light-weight material that may be worn with minimal folding and creasing, but when released should generally revert to its original shape (FIGS. 14-15).
For illustrative purposes of the preferred embodiment when worn by the user, the arch of the foot rests in the attachable lower end stirrup-style band attachment means 16. The boot filler/contour body 2 is then conformed around the leg of the user and the lengthwise side edges 10 are attached together by mating the exterior attached closure/connector means 12 and interior attached closure/connector means 14. The wearer's foot and leg are then placed in the boot and the boot is worn over the boot filler/contour liner A giving the boot of a user with disproportionately smaller sized ankles and/or legs an enhanced and smoother appearance with minimal folds, wrinkles, or creases (FIGS. 11-12).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a plurality of hook and loop closure attachment means 12 affixed to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating hook and loop closure attachment means 14 are affixed to the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body 2, wherein the opposing attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a singular or plurality of hook and eye closure attachment means 12 affixed to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body 2, and the mating hook and eye closure attachment means 14 are affixed to the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body, wherein the opposing hook and eye attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a singular or plurality of snap closure attachment means 12 affixed to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating snap closure attachment means 14 are affixed to the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body 2, wherein the opposing snap attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a singular or plurality of button closure attachment means 12 affixed to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body 2, and the mating buttonhole closure attachment means 14 are affixed on the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body 2, wherein the opposing button and buttonhole attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a singular or plurality of tongue and groove closure attachment means 12 affixed to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body 2, and the mating tongue and groove closure attachment means 14 are affixed on the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body 2, wherein the opposing tongue and groove attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a singular or plurality of adhesive closure attachment means 12 affixed to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body 2, and the mating adhesive closure attachment means 14 are affixed on the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body 2, wherein the opposing adhesive attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a zipper with teeth closure attachment means affixed to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body 2, and the mating zipper teeth closure attachment means are affixed on the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body 2, wherein the opposing zipper attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a singular or plurality of magnetized closure attachment means affixed 12 to the lengthwise exterior portion of the filler/contour body 2, and the mating magnetized closure attachment means are affixed 14 on the lengthwise interior portion of the filler/contour body 2, wherein the opposing magnetized attachment means mate to close around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner A includes a plurality of closure attachment means 12 affixed in varied locations on the exterior portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating closure attachment means 14 are affixed in varied locations on the interior portion of the boot, wherein the opposing attachment means of the filler/contour liner A and the opposing attachment means of the interior aspect of the boot mate to stabilize the boot filler/contour liner inside the boot and around the leg of the wearer thereby creating a filler/contour that can be worn as an accessory to a boot.
In another embodiment (FIG. 19), the filler/contour liner body 2 is without closure attachment means B, with lower end stirrup-style attachment means 16 for placement under the foot; wherein the boot filler/contour body 2 is a unitary, circular piece of material constructed in an enclosed fashion without lengthwise separation of material (FIG. 19). The arch of the foot rests in the attachable lower end stirrup-style band attachment means 16, and the boot filler/contour body 2 is pulled over the leg of the wearer and conformed around the leg and worn in the boot. The enclosed boot filler/contour liner B is selected from a group that consists of open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, polymer resin, silicone, or other suitable flexible and light-weight material that may be worn with minimal folding and creasing (FIGS. 6, 12), but, when released should generally revert to its original shape (FIG. 19); wherein the enclosed filler/contour liner B is of sufficient and varied widths appropriate to extend around the circumference of varied sized ankles and legs and varied boot upper (leg) styles and sizes When worn. The attachable stirrup-style band 16 is selected from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end of the body to form a gradual U shape attachment that embraces the arch portion of the foot. At predetermined locations, as at 18 and 20, the upper free end portion of the attachable stirrup-style band 16 are affixed to the filler/contour body 2 by appropriate means, such as sewing, adhesion, glue, or the like. The attachable stirrup-style band is preferably affixed to the exterior lower end of the filler/contour body 2 although it is understood that the same can be affixed to the interior of the filler/contour body 2.
In another embodiment, the filler/contour liner body 2 is without closure attachment means (FIG. 19), without lower end stirrup-style attachment means; wherein the filler/contour body 2 is a unitary, circular piece of material constructed in an enclosed fashion B without lengthwise separation of material. The filler/contour body 2 is pulled over the leg of the wearer or placed directly in the boot as a removable and wearable accessory worn in the boot. The enclosed boot filler/contour liner B is selected from a group that consists of open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, polymer resin, silicone, or other suitable flexible and light-weight material that may be worn with minimal folding and creasing (FIGS. 6, 12), but when released should generally revert to its, original shape (FIG. 19); wherein the enclosed filler/contour liner B is of sufficient and varied widths appropriate to extend around the circumference of varied sized ankles and legs and varied boot upper (leg) styles and size when worn.
In another embodiment, the filler/contour liner body 2 is without closure attachment means, with inclusion of linearly attached expandable/stretchable means 34 in singular or plurality selected from a group of elastic, spandex, and/or spandex blends, nylon, lycra and/or lycra blend, with lower end stirrup-style band attachment means 16 for placement under the foot (FIG. 20); wherein the filler/contour body is constructed in an enclosed fashion with lengthwise separation of material closed via attached expandable/stretchable means 34. The arch of the foot rests in the attachable lower end stirrup-style band attachment means 16, and the filler/contour body 2 with attached expandable/stretchable means is then pulled over the leg of the wearer and conformed around the leg and worn in the boot. The enclosed boot filler/contour liner B is selected from a group that consists of open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, polymer resin, silicone, or other suitable flexible and light-weight material that may be worn with minimal folding and creasing, but when released should generally revert to its original shape (FIG. 20); wherein the enclosed filler/contour liner B is of sufficient and varied widths appropriate to extend around the circumference of varied sized ankles and legs and varied boot upper (leg) styles and sizes when worn. The attachable stirrup-style band 16 is selected from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end of the body to form a gradual U shape attachment that embraces the arch portion of the foot (FIGS. 9-10). At predetermined locations, as at 18 and 20, the upper free end portions of the attachable stirrup-style band 16 are affixed to the filler/contour body 2 by appropriate means, such as sewing, adhesion, glue, or the like. The attachable stirrup-style band is preferably affixed to the exterior lower end of the filler/contour body 2 (FIG. 1) although it is understood that the same can be affixed to the interior of the filler/contour body 2.
In another embodiment, the filler/contour liner body 2 is without closure attachment means, with inclusion of linearly attached expandable/stretchable means 34 in singular or plurality selected from a group of elastic, spandex, and/or spandex blends, nylon, lycra and/or lycra blend, without lower end stirrup-style attachment means; wherein the, filler/contour body is constructed in an enclosed B fashion with lengthwise separation of material closed via attached expandable/stretchable means 34. The filler/contour body 2 with attached expandable/stretchable means 34 is then pulled over the leg of the wearer or placed directly in the boot as a removable and wearable accessory worn in the boot. The enclosed boot filler/contour liner B is selected from a group that consists of open-cell foam, closed cell foam, polymer resin, silicone, or other suitable flexible and light weight material that may be worn with minimal folding and creasing (FIGS. 6, 12), but when released should generally revert to its original shape (FIG. 20); wherein the enclosed filler/contour liner B is of sufficient and varied widths appropriate to extend around the circumference of varied sized ankles and legs and varied boot upper (leg) styles and sizes when worn.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the filler/contour liner body 2 includes attachable natural or synthetic fiber material selected from a group consisting of, cotton, sheep's wool, straw, flax, hemp, nylon, polyester, blended fibers, and the like; wherein the natural or synthetic fiber is affixed to the interior portion of the boot filler/contour body for the purpose of absorption of potential moisture during wear. The attachable natural or synthetic fiber material is affixed as an interior lining and serves the purposes of absorbency and comfort. The natural or synthetic fiber lining is suitable for attachment, to generally all disclosed embodiments of the present invention; wherein the natural or synthetic fiber lining is affixed to the filler/contour body 2 by appropriate means, such as sewing, adhesion, glue, hook and loop attachments, or the like.
As previously discussed regarding hook and loop closure attachment means, for each of the disclosed attachment means and the like, it is preferable for the interiorly attached closure/connector 14 to be the smoother and less protruding mate of the exterior closure attachment means to minimize risk of damage to a user's skin, socks, hosiery, clothing, or the like when worn. In all embodiments of the present invention, the closure attachment means 12-14 whether singular or in plurality, may be conversely affixed wherein the smooth surface mate of the closure means is attached near the exterior lengthwise side edge of the filler/contour body 2 whereas the opposing attachment means is attached near the interior lengthwise side edge of the filler/contour body to mate with each other and form a closure around the wearer's leg and inside the boot (FIGS. 9, 10, & 12).
The size of the boot filler/contour liner A & B in the present invention, varies in height to suit varied boot lengths from ankle to full leg boot styles. The size of the boot filler/contour liner varies in width to extend around the circumference of varied ankle and leg sizes. After application of the boot filler/contour liner A & B to the wearer's foot and/or leg (FIGS. 9, 10, & 12) or the boot (FIGS. 17-18), the present invention acts as an accessory that fashionably transforms the form, fit, and appearance of the boot. It is preferable that the present invention does not interfere with the zipper, or other closure means, such as laces or snaps, of the boot.
Wherein it is preferable that the desired height of the present invention does not protrude or extend beyond the length or height of the boot, the sizes and lengths of the filler/contour liner A & B are varied and adjustable to the desired boot length and/or leg size.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is understood that modifications and variations of materials and designs are possible without departing from the scope and nature of the invention, which is defined by the claims set forth below:

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner, accessory comprising:

a) filler/contour liner body made of flexible and pliable material suitable for wear;

b) filler/contour closure means affixed near interior and exterior lengthwise side edges of the filler/contour liner body;

wherein the boot filler/contour liner body, the attached closure means, mating together the opposing interior and exterior filler/contour body closure means to close the flexible filler/contour liner around the length and circumference of the wearer's leg, and placing the leg with applied boot filler/contour liner inside the boot for a wearable and removable enhancer of leg size and liner or filler for the boot.

2. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 1; wherein a stirrup-style attachment means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour liner, and the attachable stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are placed on the wearer's lower extremity via placing the lower end stirrup-style attachment under the foot arch

3. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of hook element (male portion) of hook and loop tape and the interior affixed closure means are a loop element (female portion) of hook and loop tape; wherein the hook element and the loop element mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner, wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

4. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of hook and eye closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating hook and eye closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, wherein the opposing hook and eye attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise-side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner; wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

5. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of snap closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating snap closure attachment meats are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of he filler/contour body; wherein the opposing snap attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner, wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

6. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of button closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating buttonhole closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing button and buttonhole attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner; wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

7. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of tongue and groove closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating tongue and groove closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing tongue and groove attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner, wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

8. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of adhesive closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating adhesive closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing adhesive attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner, wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

9. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a zipper closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating zipper closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing zipper teeth attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner, wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end, to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

10. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 2; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of magnetized closure attachment means affixed pear the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating magnetized closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing magnetized attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour, liner; wherein the stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are from a group of elastic, spandex and/or spandex blends, nylon, cotton, polyester and/or polyester blends, lycra and/or lycra blend, and the like which connects to each lower end to form an attachment that is placed under the arch of the foot.

11. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 1, wherein the boot filler/contour liner body includes an elongated frontal portion near the instep; and further wherein the flexible filler/contour liner can be closed and placed directly inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot.

12. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of hook element (male portion) of hook and loop tape and the interior attached closure means area loop element (female portion) of hook and loop tape; wherein the hook element and the loop element mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

13. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of hook and eye closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating hook and eye closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, wherein the opposing hook and eye attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

14. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of snap closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating snap closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing snap attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

15. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of button closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating buttonhole closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body wherein the opposing button and buttonhole attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

16. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of tongue and groove closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating tongue and groove closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing tongue and groove attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

17. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of adhesive closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating adhesive closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing adhesive attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

18. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a zipper closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating zipper closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing zipper attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

19. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory at claimed in claim 11; wherein the affixed exterior closure means are comprised of a singular or plurality of magnetized closure attachment means affixed near the exterior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body, and the mating magnetized closure attachment means are affixed to the interior lengthwise side edge portion of the filler/contour body; wherein the opposing magnetized attachment means mate with each other to attach the lengthwise side edges to close around the leg of the wearer and form the shape of the boot filler/contour liner.

20. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory comprising a filler/contour liner body made of flexible and pliable material suitable for wear wherein the boot filler/contour liner body is placed on the wearer's lower extremity via pulling the filler/contour liner body over the wearer's lower extremity, and placing the leg inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot; further wherein the filler/contour body is a unitary, circular piece of material constructed in an enclosed fashion without lengthwise separation of material.

21. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour accessory as claimed in claim 20, wherein the boot filler/contour liner, body and the attachable stirrup-style means affixed to the lower end of the filler/contour are placed on the wearer's lower extremity via placing the lower end stirrup-style attachment under the foot arch, pulling the boot filler/contour body over the wearer's lower extremity, and placing the leg inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot; further wherein the filler/contour body is a circular piece of material constructed in an enclosed fashion without lengthwise separation of material.

22. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 20, wherein the boot filler/contour liner body includes an elongated frontal portion near the instep; and further wherein the flexible filler/contour liner can be closed and placed directly inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot

23. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory comprising:

b) expandable/stretchable means(s) attached to the linear ends of the filler/contour liner body.

24. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 24, wherein the boot filler/contour liner body is constructed in an enclosed fashion with lengthwise separation of material closed via expandable/stretchable means in singular or plurality affixed to the linear ends of the body to conform the flexible filler/contour liner around the length and circumference of the wearer's leg, wherein the boot filler/contour liner body is placed on the wearer's lower extremity via placing the lower end stirrup-style attachment under the foot arch, pulling the filler/contour liner body over the wearer's lower extremity; placing the leg inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot; and further wherein the flexible filler/contour liner can be closed and placed directly inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot.

25. A wearable and removable boot filler/contour liner accessory as claimed in claim 24, wherein the boot filler/contour liner body is constructed in an enclosed fashion with lengthwise separation of material closed via expandable/stretchable means in singular or plurality affixed to the linear ends of the body to conform the flexible filler/contour liner around the length and circumference of the wearer's; leg, wherein the boot filler/contour liner body is placed on the wearer's lower extremity via pulling the filler/contour liner body over the wearer's lower extremity, placing the leg inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot; further wherein the boot filler/contour liner body includes an elongated frontal portion near the instep; and further wherein the flexible filler/contour liner can be closed and placed directly inside the boot to act as a wearable removable liner or filler for the boot.