SHOE INSERT APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A shoe insert including a central section; a top section; and a bottom section; the central section connected to the top and bottom sections so that the central section is between the top and bottom sections; the top and bottom sections configured to be mirror images of each other; and the central section is configured to be smaller than either the top or bottom sections. The shoe insert may have a first surface and an opposing second surface; each of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section has a first surface which is part of the first surface of the shoe insert; each of the central, top, and bottom section has a second surface which is part of the second surface of the shoe insert; and wherein there is adhesive located on each of the first surfaces of the central, the top section, and the bottom section.

Claims

1. A shoe insert comprising; a central section; a top section; and a bottom section; wherein the central section is connected to the top and bottom sections so that the central section is between the top and bottom sections; wherein the top and bottom sections are configured to be mirror images of each other; and wherein the central section is configured to be smaller than either the top or bottom sections.

2. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein the shoe insert has a first surface and an opposing second surface; each of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section has a first surface which is part of the first surface of the shoe insert; each of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section has a second surface which is part of the second surface of the shoe insert; and wherein there is adhesive located on each of the first surfaces of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section.

3. The shoe insert of claim 2 further comprising at least one removable protective film covering the adhesive on each of the first surfaces of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section.

4. The shoe insert of claim 3 wherein the at least one removable protective film includes: a first removable protective film covering the adhesive on the first surface of the central section; a second protective film covering the adhesive on the first surface of the top section; and a third protective film covering the adhesive on the first surface of the bottom section.

5. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein the top section has a first plurality of markings; and the bottom section has a second plurality of markings which are a mirror image of the first plurality of markings; and wherein the shoe insert has a length from a first end to a second end, and wherein the shoe insert is configured so that cutting off a portion at the first end by cutting along a first marking of the first plurality of markings and cutting off a portion at the second end by cutting along a first marking of the second plurality of markings which mirrors the first marking of the first plurality of markings, reduces the shoe insert substantially equally from both the first end and the second end.

6. The shoe insert of claim 5 wherein each of the first plurality of markings includes a number; and each of the second plurality of markings includes a number; and wherein corresponding markings of the first plurality of markings and the second plurality of markings have the same number.

7. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein the top section and the bottom section are both curved in the same direction.

8. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein the shoe insert is flexible and is configured to fold into a state in which the top section is attached to a left inside panel of a shoe, the bottom section is substantially parallel to the top section and is attached to a right inside panel of the shoe, and the central section is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom sections and is attached to an inner heel wall of the shoe.

9. The shoe insert of claim 1 wherein there is a protruding ridge on a surface of the shoe insert near an edge of the shoe insert.

10. A method comprising: inserting a shoe insert into a shoe so that a top section of the shoe insert is adjacent to a left inside panel of the shoe, a bottom section of the shoe insert is adjacent to a right inside panel of the shoe, and a central section of the shoe insert is adjacent to an inner heel wall of the shoe.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the central section is connected to the top and bottom sections so that the central section is between the top and bottom sections; wherein the top and bottom sections are configured to be mirror images of each other; and wherein the central section is configured to be smaller than either the top or bottom sections.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the shoe insert has a first surface and an opposing second surface; each of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section has a first surface which is part of the first surface of the shoe insert; each of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section has a second surface which is part of the second surface of the shoe insert; and wherein there is adhesive located on each of the first surfaces of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein at least one removable protective film covers the adhesive on each of the first surfaces of the central section, the top section, and the bottom section.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one removable protective film includes: a first removable protective film covering the adhesive on the first surface of the central section; a second protective film covering the adhesive on the first surface of the top section; and a third protective film covering the adhesive on the first surface of the bottom section.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the top section has a first plurality of markings; and the bottom section has a second plurality of markings which are a mirror image of the first plurality of markings; and wherein the shoe insert has a length from a first end to a second end, and wherein the shoe insert is configured so that cutting off a portion at the first end by cutting along a first marking of the first plurality of markings and cutting off a portion at the second end by cutting along a first marking of the second plurality of markings which mirrors the first marking of the first plurality of markings, reduces the shoe insert substantially equally from both the first end and the second end.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein each of the first plurality of markings includes a number; and each of the second plurality of markings includes a number; and wherein corresponding markings of the first plurality of markings and the second plurality of markings have the same number.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein the top section and the bottom section are both curved in the same direction.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein the shoe insert is flexible and is configured to fold into a state in which the top section is attached to a left inside panel of a shoe, the bottom section is substantially parallel to the top section and is attached to a right inside panel of the shoe, and the central section is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom sections and is attached to an inner heel wall of the shoe.

19. The method of claim 10 wherein there is a protruding ridge on a surface of the shoe insert near an edge of the shoe insert.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1A is a top, front, right perspective view of a shoe insert and a plurality of protective films or coverings in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 1B is a top, front, right perspective view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1A without the plurality of protective films or coverings in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1 showing an area of enlargement, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1 showing another area of enlargement, without the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a view of the area of enlargement of the left side elevational view of FIG. 8, without any of the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a view of the area of enlargement of the right side elevational view of FIG. 9, without any of the plurality of protective films or coverings shown;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of a perspective view of a leather shoe for use with the shoe insert of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a top, front, right perspective view of a modified shoe insert which is the shoe insert of FIG. 1B, as shown in FIG. 1B, except that the shoe insert of FIG. 1B has been cut at both ends, as shown in FIG. 13, to reduce the size for a particular sized shoe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 14A is a right perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 12 with a person's foot in the shoe, and with the modified shoe insert of FIG. 13 inserted in the shoe; and

[0025] FIG. 14B is a left perspective view of the shoe of FIG. 12 with a person's foot in the shoe, and with the modified shoe insert of FIG. 13 inserted in the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1A is a top, front, and right perspective view of a shoe insert 1, along with protective films or coverings 20, 22, and 24, which are shown by dashed lines. The combination of the shoe insert 1 and the protective coverings 20, 22, and 24 may be considered to be an overall apparatus and/or an overall shoe insert (although one or more of the protective coverings 20, 22, and 24 may be removed from the shoe insert 1, prior to inserting the shoe insert 1, into a shoe, such as shoe 100 in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a top, front, and right perspective view of the shoe insert 1, without the protective films or coverings 20, 22, and 24.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1 showing an area of enlargement. FIG. 9 is a right side elevational view of the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1 showing another area of enlargement. FIG. 10 is a view of the area of enlargement of the left side elevational view of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a view of the area of enlargement of the right side elevational view of FIG. 9.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, and 6-7, the shoe insert 1 includes grooves 11a and 11b. The grooves 11a and 11b may be indented into a top surface 2a of a body portion 2. A printed designation “11” is located between the grooves 11a and 11b.

[0029] The shoe insert 1 includes grooves 10a and 10b. The grooves 10a and 10b may be indented into the top surface 2a of the body portion 2. A printed designation “10” is located between the grooves 10a and 10b.

[0030] The shoe insert 1 includes grooves 9a and 9b. The grooves 9a and 9b may be indented into a top surface 2a. A printed designation “9” is located between the grooves 9a and 9b.

[0031] The shoe insert 1 includes grooves 8a and 8b. The grooves 8a and 8b may be indented into the top surface 2a. A printed designation “8” is located between the grooves 8a and 8b.

[0032] The shoe insert 1 includes grooves 11c and 11d. The grooves 11c and 11d may be indented into a top surface 2a. A printed designation “11” is located between the grooves 11c and 11d.

[0033] The shoe insert 1 includes grooves 10c and 10d. The grooves 10c and 10d may be indented into the top surface 2a. A printed designation “10” is located between the grooves 10c and 10d.

[0034] The shoe insert 1 includes grooves 9c and 9d. The grooves 9c and 9d may be indented into a top surface 2a. A printed designation “9” is located between the grooves 9c and 9d.

[0035] The shoe insert 1 includes grooves 8c and 8d. The grooves 8c and 8d may be indented into the top surface 2a. A printed designation “8” is located between the grooves 8c and 8d.

[0036] The shoe insert 1 may include a central region 4, which may be project out slightly from the top surface 2a, and on which may be located a trademark for the shoe insert 1.

[0037] The shoe insert 1 has a front 7, a rear 6, a left side or edge 3, and a right side or edge 5.

[0038] The shoe insert 1 may be transparent, and made of a clear flexible plastic material or may be opaque.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, it is preferred that the shoe insert 1 be used for inserting onto the sole or onto the insole of leather shoes and for breaking in leather shoes pain-free; protecting the wearer's feet (specifically areas below ankles and back of heel) from blisters, chafing and overall discomfort in those targeted areas associated with wearing specifically brand new leather dress shoes, leather golf shoes and leather athletic shoes during the break in period. Typically, the shoe insert 1 will be inserted into the interior of a leather shoe, and may be strictly applied to the back of the heal of the shoe and to inner side panels of the shoe, such as by adhesives exposed by removing protective films 20, 22, and 24 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0040] In at least one embodiment, the shoe insert 1 targets mainly business professionals who tend to spend a great deal of time on their feet wearing brand new leather lined dress shoes. However, not just business professionals, golfers wearing hard leather lined leather oxford golf shoes can benefit from this product as well.

[0041] One or more embodiments of the shoe insert 1 may be classified as a shoe insert/heel insert/shoe-liner designed for the men's footwear.

[0042] The shoe insert 1 may be transparent or opaque, may come in multiple colors or one solid color. Various printed design patterns can be applied to it as well.

[0043] The shoe insert 1 may come in a packaging with a shoe-horn which may be necessary to assist in fitting the shoe insert 1 inside of a shoe properly.

[0044] The shoe insert 1 may be made out of soft malleable material called TPU. (Thermoplastic polyurethane resin).

[0045] Non-sticky film and the product's soft TPU material eliminate all kinds of friction when a person's foot comes into contact with the shoe insert 1, thus, reducing chafing, blistering, and skin irritations that otherwise can occur when wearing new leather lined dress or athletic shoes.

[0046] Two of the shoe inserts 1 may be provided in a package. A shoe insert 1 may be used with either the right or left shoe of a pair of shoes. The shoe insert 1 is meant to stay inside of a shoe and not be transferred to another shoe. After the break in period is over, which could be about a few weeks to a month, depending on how frequent the shoes are being worn, the shoe insert 1 can be discarded.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, it is preferred that the shoe, in which the shoe insert 1 is inserted be lined with leather on the inside for the product to adhere to the inside panels (heel, left and right quarter panels of the shoe) and for it to be effective and perform its full function.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, it is preferred that the shoe insert 1 apply to the inside of a leather lined shoe. The unique shape and design of the shoe insert 1 allows the shoe insert 1 to be attached along the inside panels of mainly oxford type shoes and athletic leather shoes. The product attaches to the inside of the shoe, one panel at a time. Ergonomic design and curvature of the shoe insert 1 allows the shoe insert 1 to line up precisely along the curvy shape of oxford and athletic leather lined shoe opening where the foot slides in.

[0049] Adhesive, which may be underneath the protective coverings 20, 22, and 24 shown in FIG. 1A, and on the surface 2a on sections 1a, 4, and 1b, shown in FIG. 1B, may be used to attach the shoe insert 1 to the inside of shoe 100 as will be described. Alternatively, the adhesive may be on the surfaced 2b on sections 1a, 4, and 1b, and the protective coverings 20, 22, and 24 may be applied over the surface 2b, referring to FIG. 7. After removal of protective coverings 20, 22, and 24, exposing adhesive and attaching to the inner walls and inner heel of the shoe 100, the adhesives of sections 1a, 4, and 1b, or 1a′, 4, and 1b′ after cutting as in FIG. 13 keeps the shoe insert 1 or modified shoe insert 1′ of FIG. 13 stable and secured inside of the shoe 100 while the malleable soft material allows the shoe insert 1 or modified insert 1′ to maintain its form especially when the foot is being pressed against it. The protective coverings 20, 22, and 24 or films may be transparent to allow the grooves of 8a-d, 9a-d, 10a-d, and 11a-d to be visible through the protective coverings 20, 22, and 24, and to allow the number indications of size “8”, “9”, “10”, and “11” to also be visible through the protective coverings 20, 22, and 24.

[0050] Because the shoe insert 1 product is covered on surface 2a with a non-sticky film (or alternatively on surface 2b, but not on both surfaces 2a and 2b) and is very soft, it easily aligns with the shape of the foot, giving a wearer an option of wearing shoes with or without socks. It offers full comfort and foot protection to the targeted areas of the feet.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a simplified diagram of a perspective view of a leather shoe 100 for use with the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, at least a first method of inserting the shoe insert 1 into the shoe 100 may be used. The first method may include: (a) removing a protective film 22 (shown in FIG. 1A) which will typically be in the middle of a modified shoe insert 1′ (of FIG. 13) in a region 4; (b) carefully attaching the region 4 and adhesive (exposed by removal of film 22) to a back portion 102 of the heel cap of the shoe 100; (c) removing a cut version of the protective film 20 on the top region 1a′ (becomes a right side) of the modified shoe insert 1′, and then lining up the top region 1a′ and adhesive (exposed by removal of the cut version of film 22) of the modified shoe insert 1′ with the right interior 104 of the shoe 100 and approximately the top line or edge 101 of the shoe 100 and pressing firmly to secure 1a′ to the right interior panel or side 104; (d) removing a cut version of the protective film 24 on a bottom region 1b′, and the lining up the bottom region 1b′ and adhesive (exposed by removal of film 24) of the modified shoe insert 1′ with left side panel 106 of the shoe 100 and pressing 1b′ firmly to secure 1b′ to the right side interior panel 104 as shown by FIGS. 14A-B.

[0053] The shoe insert 1 or shoe insert 1′ fits into a shoe, such as shoe 100 of FIG. 12 by having an ergonomic design, and in at least one embodiment, by consisting entirely, or substantially of a flexible material that allows the shoe insert 1 or 1′ to mold into the shape of a right or left shoe equally. The shoe insert 1 can be trimmed in length, using any of the conveniently numbered grooves or lines 8a-b, 9a-b, 10a-b, 11a-b, 8c-d, 9c-d, 10c-d, and 11c-d to accommodate the length of the side panels of the particular shoe, such as shoe 100 as they vary slightly when shoe sizes increase or decrease. The trimming is done along the grooves, which are indicated on the product and numbered sizes 8-11, the edge of the panel which is not labeled and does not need to be trimmed is presumed to affect sizes that run above 11, sizes 12 or 13 being the largest. Most sellable and commercial shoes run in sizes eight to eleven.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a top, front, right perspective view of shoe insert 1′ which is shoe insert 1 except that the shoe insert 1 of FIG. 1 has been cut at both ends along a line 21 (corresponding to the center of grooves 11a and 11b) and along a line 31 (corresponding to the center of grooves 11c and 11d) as shown in FIG. 13, to reduce the size for a particular sized shoe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The shoe insert 1 may be cut, for example, along the center of grooves 11a-b (line 21) and along the center of grooves 11c-d (line 31) to reduce to a size 11 shoe. Similarly, the shoe insert 1 may be cut, for example along the center of grooves 10a-b and along the center of grooves 10c-d (line 31) to reduce to a size 10 shoe to form modified insert 1′. Similarly, the shoe insert 1 may be cut, for example along the center of grooves 9a-b and along the center of grooves 9c-d to reduce to a size 9 shoe. Similarly, the shoe insert 1 may be cut, for example along the center of grooves 8a-b and along the center of grooves 8c-d to reduce to a size 8 shoe.

[0056] In at least one embodiment after the shoe insert 1 is modified to form modified or shoe insert 1′ to properly size by cutting, as for example shown in FIG. 13, the protective film 22 (shown in FIG. 1A) covering the section 4 on for example, the surface 2a side, may be removed. The protective film 22 covering the section 4 region is preferably only on one side, either surface 2a of FIG. 1 or surface 2b of FIG. 7. Then the section 4 region (where an adhesive is exposed after removing a protective film, will be attached to the back portion 102 of the shoe 100. Next the protective film 20, on a top region 1a′ of modified shoe insert 1′ above section 4, and on the same side (surface 2a or 2b) as the protective film for section 4 was, in this example surface 2a, is removed, and an adhesive is exposed, and this top region or portion 1a′ of modified shoe insert 1′ is attached to side 104 of the shoe 100 as shown in FIG. 14A. Next the protective film 24, on a bottom region 1b′ of modified shoe insert 1′ below section 4, and on the same side (surface 2a or 2b) as the protective film of section 4 was (in this example surface 2a), is removed, and an adhesive is exposed, and this bottom region 1b′ of modified shoe insert 1′ is attached to side 106 of the shoe 100 as shown in FIG. 14B. The top region 1a′ of modified insert 1′ (typically all of the modified insert 1′ above section 4 in FIG. 13), and the bottom region 1b′ of modified insert 1′ (typically all of the modified insert 1′ below section 4 in FIG. 13), are adhered firmly by pressing their respective adhesives to inner side walls 104 and 106, respectively.

[0057] After the modified insert 1′ is adhered inside the shoe 100 as in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a person's foot is inserted in between the panels 104 and 106 and in between portions or regions 1b′ and 1a′. The person's foot inside the shoe 100 in FIGS. 14A and 14B is bordered on the heel by section 4 of modified insert 1′ and on the left and right sides by regions or portions 1a′ and 1b′. One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a comforting and cushioning effect.

[0058] FIG. 14A is a right perspective view of the shoe 100 of FIG. 12 with a person's foot in the shoe 100, and with the modified shoe insert 1′ of FIG. 13 inserted in the shoe 100. FIG. 14B is a left perspective view of the shoe 1 of FIG. 12 with the person's foot in the shoe, and with the modified shoe insert 1′ of FIG. 13 inserted in the shoe 1 as in FIG. 14B. FIG. 14A shows portion 1a′ of the modified insert 1′ in dashed lines which is adhered to side panel 104 of the shoe 100. FIG. 14B shows portion 1b′ of the modified insert 1′ which is adhered to the side panel 106 of the shoe 100. The person's foot which is in shoe 100 and cannot be seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B, lies between the side panels 104 and 106 and between the portions 1a′ and 1b′.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, after the modified shoe insert 1′ is inserted and adhered into the shoe 100 as previously described, in at least one embodiment, a person unlaces the shoe 100, and uses a shoehorn to assist sliding their foot into the shoe 100. The modified shoe insert 1′ provides comfortable pain free wearing of new shoes, particularly leather shoes.

[0060] In at least one embodiment, there is a ridge 40 which protrudes from the surface 2a as shown in FIG. 1A and which is shortened to become ridge 40′ in FIG. 13 in the modified insert 1′. When the modified insert 1′ is inserted and adhered inside of the shoe 100 as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the ridge 40′ is located close to the top line or edge 101 of the shoe 100 to provide further extra cushioning and comfort for the wearer of the shoe 100 and generally for ankle support and protection. The region 4 may be thicker than the regions 1a and 1b in order to provide further cushioning for the heel area of someone's foot. Generally the regions 1a and 1b of insert 1; and 1a′ and 1b′ of modified insert 1′ minimize friction at the side of someone's foot, when someone's foot is in a shoe 100 as in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0061] Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art.