FOOTWEAR ACCESSORY

Abstract

A footwear accessory overlays and mimics the upper part of the cowboy boot to alter the appearance of the boot as if the wearer is wearing a boot with a different design and presentation (via the designs & colors and other aspects) than the actual boot being worn. The footwear accessory is shaped and designed to mimic the upper portion of the underlying cowboy boot and it not be an obvious overlay.

Claims

1. A footwear accessory for a cowboy boot made by a process wherein the cowboy boot includes a cowboy boot upper having an outward appearance, the cowboy boot upper including a boot vamp, a cowboy boot scallop, and a cowboy boot shaft, the cowboy boot shaft having a boot shaft height, a boot shaft front, a boot shaft back, a boot shaft top and a boot shaft bottom, the process comprising: substantially emulating the cowboy boot scallop by an upper front portion of the footwear accessory; substantially emulating the boot vamp by a lower front portion of the footwear accessory, wherein the lower front portion and the upper front portion comprise a front portion of the footwear accessory and wherein the front portion includes a design distinct from the outward appearance of the cowboy boot upper; attaching a first side portion to the front portion at a first seam wherein the first seam extends a distance substantially equal to the boot shaft height; attaching a second side portion to the front portion forming a second seam running the boot shaft height; and affixing a coupling mechanism to the first side portion and the second side portion wherein affixing includes configuring the coupling mechanism to detachably couple the first side portion with the second side portion around the cowboy boot shaft and wherein responsive to the first side portion being coupled with the second side portion around the cowboy boot shaft, further comprising altering the outward appearance of the cowboy boot upper.

2. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, wherein the boot scallop is a boot double risk scallop.

3. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, wherein the boot scallop is a V scallop.

4. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, wherein the boot scallop is a stove pipe scallop.

5. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, further comprising incorporating on the front portion includes a decorative emblem.

6. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, responsive to the cowboy boot including a boot piping on the boot shaft, further comprising transposing a piping between the first side portion and the front portion and between the second side portion and the front portion.

7. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, responsive to the cowboy boot including pull tab on the boot shaft, further comprising associating a first pull tab with the first seam and associating a second pull tab with the second seam.

8. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism is a hook and loop fastening mechanism.

9. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a lace and a plurality of holes in the first side portion and the second side portion.

10. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a zipper.

11. The process by which a footwear accessory is made according to claim 1, wherein the first side portion is attached to the second side portion forming a third seam.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood, by reference to the following description of one or more embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a right perspective view of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot having a lace coupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a right perspective view of the rear portion of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot having a lace and hook coupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a hook and lace coupling mechanism used to couple the footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a right perspective view of the rear portion of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot having a ring eyelet and lace coupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of an ring eyelet and lace coupling mechanism used to couple the footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a right perspective view of the rear portion of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot having a plurality of hook and loop straps as a coupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIGS. 9 and 10 are detailed view of the hook and loop coupling mechanism in a closed and open configuration as used to couple the footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a right perspective view of the rear portion of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot having a singular longitudinal hook and loop strap as a coupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIGS. 12 and 13 are detailed view of the hook and loop coupling mechanism of FIG. 11 in a closed and open configuration as used to couple the footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 14 is rear view of the footwear accessory for a cowboy boot having a zipper coupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 15 is a right perspective view of the rear portion of a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot having a plurality of straps with buttons as a coupling mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 16 are detailed view of the button and strap coupling mechanism in a closed configuration as used to couple the footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 17 shows the exterior of an unfolded footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 18 shows the interior of an unfolded footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] FIG. 19 is a flowchart for a process by which to make a footwear accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The Figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] The present invention provides a footwear accessory that overlays and mimics the upper part of the cowboy boot to alter the look of the boot as if the wearer is wearing a boot with a different design and presentation (via the designs & colors and other aspects) than the actual boot being worn. In addition to providing different decorative designs and colors and logos the invention is shaped and designed to mimic the upper portion of the underlying cowboy boot and not be an obvious overlay.

[0029] The present invention allows its wearer to give the impression that he/she has more pairs of cowboy boots than what he/she actually owns. And since cowboy boots and similar footwear can be expensive when compared to the cost of the present invention, the wearer can cost effectively expand their apparent boot collection without having to purchase several different pairs of cowboy boots.

[0030] The invention's ability to mimic the upper part of a cowboy boot allows its wearer to adorn his/her boots with differing designs (and at a cost of much less than the cost of a new pair of cowboy boots) and provides the wearer the opportunity to support his/her favorite organization or sports team by having the organization's (or team's) logo on the invention.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are hereafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0032] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0033] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0034] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0035] The term “emulate” is used to describe how the footwear accessory of the present invention closely matches mimics or mirrors the underlying cowboy boot in shape and thereby only alters the outward appearance of the shaft of the boot.

[0036] The “shaft” of a cowboy boot refers to upper portion of the boot that covers a wearer's leg and calf. The top is wide enough to accommodate the calf of a wearer and tappers to a smaller circumference near the ankle.

[0037] The term “scallop” refers to top of the shaft of the cowboy boot. Normally a cowboy boot includes a “V” shaped scallop however the depth of the V varies from design to design.

[0038] The “vamp” is the complete forepart of the cowboy boot upper which is attached to the insole and welting. It is the portion of the cowboy boot most visible from the front of the boot as it rises toward the ankle.

[0039] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the sizes of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0041] As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

[0044] It will be also understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, “affixed”, “mounted” etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on,” “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0045] Spatially relative terms, such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of “over” and “under”. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0046] Included in the description are flowcharts depicting examples of the methodology which may be used to make or have made a footwear accessory as described herein. In the following description, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by manual operations or computer program instructions, or similar means. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed in the computer or on the other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0047] Turning attention to the figures included herein and more specifically to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a footwear accessory 100 for a cowboy boot 110, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The footwear accessory 100 is configured to slip over the circumference of the upper portion, or shaft, of the cowboy boot 110 thereby altering the outward appearance of the boot while retaining the nominal feel and fit of the original boot.

[0048] The rendition of the footwear accessory shown in FIG. 1 includes a front portion 115 that joins with a first side portion 120 and a second side portion 125 to form the footwear accessory 100 of the present invention. A seam 130 running the length of the shaft 135, or shaft height, joins each side portion 120, 125 to the front portion 115. FIG. 1 shows a first seam 130 attaching the first side portion 120 to the front portion 115. While not shown in FIG. 1, a second seam, opposite the first seam, joins the second side portion 125 to the front portion 115 of the footwear accessory 100.

[0049] The seam 130 on each side of the footwear accessory extends the length of the boot shaft 135/footwear accessory and emulates the seam 140 present on the underlying cowboy boot 110. Similarly the accessory of the present invention includes, in one embodiment, pull tabs 150 or straps located on the top of the accessory to match those present on the boot.

[0050] The top of the footwear accessory or shaft includes a front and rear scallop 160. In the rendition shown in FIG. 1 the scallop is of a medium “V” shape. In other embodiments the scallop can be a shallow V, or a deep V. And in other embodiments the shape of the scallop may vary. For example the scallop may have a double V or scroll shape. The foot accessory of the present invention emulates the scallop of the underlying boot, and in some instances overlaps the scallop of the underlying boot, to present a consistent presentation of a boot shaft. In ideal conditions the scallop of the footwear accessory matches the underlying boot scallop. Other scallops, including a stovepipe scallop, are contemplated by the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 1 presents the footwear accessory 100 as it rests upon the upper of the cowboy boot 110. The lower part of the front portion 115 of the footwear accessory includes a cut out that substantially matches the vamp 165 of the cowboy boot 110. The vamp 165 is the top portion of the upper 162 that is outward/forward facing. It is typically the most ornate portion of the boot and the portion of the boot most visible to an onlooker. According to one embodiment of the present invention the lower front portion 117 of the footwear accessory 100 substantially emulates the cowboy boot upper 162 including the vamp 165. By doing so the features of the vamp from the underlying cowboy boot remain visible and the accessory forms a new shaft extending upward along the calf and leg.

[0052] The footwear accessory of the present invention, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, is composed of, in on embodiment, boot grade leather. As with cowboy boots, the footwear accessory can be manufactured using various materials including cow leather, Ostridge, Alligator, crocodile, and the like. Synthetic material can also be utilized and ins some cases combinations of natural and synthetic material can be combined.

[0053] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 present a front and rear view of the footwear accessory according to one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 presents a medium V scallop 160 incorporated into the upper front portion 119 of the footwear accessory and a “U” shaped lower front portion 117 to outline the vamp and upper of the cowboy boot.

[0054] The rear view of the footwear accessory illustrates a lacing coupling mechanism 210 to join the first side portion with the second side portion. The present embodiment shows a plurality of eyelets 220 and laces 225 with the lower eyelet offset. One or reasonable skill in the relevant art will appreciate that the configuration of the eyelets on each side portion may vary to accommodate different cowboy boot designs.

[0055] Upon coupling the first side portion to, or proximate with, the second side portion, the footwear accessory fits snuggly over the cowboy boot. The interior surface of the footwear accessory is, in one embodiment, comprised of soft grade leather that, when in contact with the shaft and upper of the underlying cowboy boot, will not harm the boot. In addition the soft grade leather provides an adhering quality to minimize movement of the footwear accessory in relation to the boot. In other embodiments the interior surface of the footwear accessory can include a soft rubber or synthetic ribbon or patch to deter movement of the footwear accessory relative to the boot once the accessory is fit around the boot. Other embodiments of the present invention include a strap or cord which can extend under the sole or instep of the boot to secure the footwear accessory to the cowboy boot.

[0056] FIGS. 4 and 5 present an alternative design using a lace 225 and hook 410 configuration and FIGS. 6 and 7 presents a lace 225 and ring eyelet 610 configuration of the coupling mechanism by which to join the first side portion with the second side portion.

[0057] As will be appreciated by one of reasonable skill in the relevant art, the coupling mechanism can take many forms. FIGS. 8-10 present an embodiment of the present invention whereby the first side portion 125 if detachably coupled to the second side portion 120 by a plurality of hook 810 and loop strips 815. As illustrated, four strips 810 having hooks are affixed to the first side portion 125 with an equal number of receptive loop 815 sections affixed to the second side portion. As the footwear accessory encompasses the shaft of the boot, each hook and loop strip can join independently to form a snug fit of the foot wear accessory over the cowboy boot. FIGS. 11-13 present yet another embodiment of a coupling mechanism 210 as associated with the footwear accessory of the present invention. In these renditions a single longitudinal strip 1110 of hooks are affixed to one side portion 120 with a complementary strip of loops 115 affixed to the other side portion 125. As with the prior embodiment, as the two side portions are brought in proximity they are detachably coupled using the coupling mechanism 210.

[0058] FIG. 14 presents a zipper 1410 variant as the coupling mechanism 210 to join the first side portion with the second side portion and FIGS. 15 and 16 provide a button 1520 and strap version 1510. Consistent with the other coupling mechanism variations, the first and second side portions 120, 125 are detachably coupled to the other to encompass the shaft of the underlying cowboy boot.

[0059] FIG. 17 is an exterior view of an unfolded footwear accessory, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 includes a front portion 115, a first side portion 120 and second side portion 125. The front portion 115 of the footwear accessory includes a “V” shaped scallop 160 on the upper portion 119 of the front portion. Complementary to the front scallop, the upper portion of each side portion tapers 1420 downward so that when coupled forms a “V” shaped scallop in the rear of the footwear accessory.

[0060] The rendition of the footwear accessory shown in FIG. 17 further includes piping 1430 interposed between the first side portion 120 and the front portion 115 and, correspondingly, between the second side portion 125 and the front portion 115. As with the scallop 160 the piping 1430 is added, in this embodiment, to emulate the underlying cowboy boot. Lastly the lower front portion emulates the vamp of the cowboy boot.

[0061] The embodiment of the footwear accessory of the present invention shown in FIG. 17 includes pull up straps 150 and a lace and eyelet 220 coupling mechanism 210 (laces are not shown). Positioned substantially in the center of the front portion of the foot wear accessory is a logo 1710 or emblem. One feature of the present invention is the ability to modify the appearance of a cowboy boots and, as shown in the version, to promote a certain allegiance or affiliation. For example college logos or sports team logos can be embroidered on the footwear accessory. Depending on the event the user can modify the look of their cowboy boot to be aligned with the activity that they are attending.

[0062] FIG. 18 is the interior view of a footwear accessory shown in FIG. 18. This interior view again shows the front portion 115, first side portion 120 and second side portion 125 as well as the piping 1430 and pull tabs 150. Again the coupling mechanism 210 reflects a lace and eyelet 220 option. While there is no emblem or logo shown on the interior in this rendition, other versions of the present invention can have an alternative logo/emblem on the interior side of the footwear accessory making it reversible.

[0063] The footwear accessory modifies the appearance of the shaft of a cowboy boot. While secondary, the accessory of the present invention further protects the shaft from abrasions, cuts and the like. To make a foot wear accessory the process begins 1905 by emulating 1910 a cowboy boot scallop on the upper portion of the footwear accessory. Secondly, a cut out 1910 in the lower front portion of the footwear accessory emulates the vamp of the cowboy boot.

[0064] The first side portion is attached 1940 to the front portion forming the first seam along the length of the shaft. A second seam is formed by attaching 1960 the second side portion to the front portion, again along the entirety of the shaft length. In alternative embodiments piping is interposed between the respective side portion and the front portion to emulate piping found on the underlying cowboy boot. Similarly, pull tabs or straps or loops are added to the juncture of each side portion and front portion at the top of the footwear accessory.

[0065] Affixing 1980 a coupling mechanism completes 1995 the manufacturing process. As discussed herein, there are numerous options by which to detachably couple the side portions together to form the footwear accessory of the present invention. Depending on user preference and the emulation of the target underlying boot, the coupling mechanism may include laces, hook and loop straps, buttons or even be permanently sewn together to form a sleeve.

[0066] Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the combination and arrangement of parts can be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0067] While there have been described above the principles of the present invention in conjunction with a footwear accessory for a cowboy boot, it is to be clearly understood that the foregoing description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the invention. Particularly, it is recognized that the teachings of the foregoing disclosure will suggest other modifications to those persons skilled in the relevant art. Such modifications may involve other features that are already known per se and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure herein also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization or modification thereof which would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, whether or not such relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as confronted by the present invention. The Applicant hereby reserves the right to formulate new claims to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.