Footwear Cover

Abstract

The object of this invention is to provide a cover for a shoe which prolongs the life or modifies the physical characteristics of the area which the cover protects. In some embodiments the cover encompasses at least a portion of the upper toe region, in other embodiments the cover encompasses at least a portion of the outsole, and in other embodiments the cover encompasses at least a portion of both the upper toe region and the outsole. Various embodiments of the cover are made of different of materials and textured features in order to alter traction coefficients and prolonging the life of the shoe. In some embodiments the cover is permanently attached to the shoe and in other embodiments the cover is removable. In some embodiments the cover is made of a flexible material and in others it is ridged.

Claims

1. A footwear kit comprising: at least one footwear cover for covering at least a portion of a shoe; wherein said shoe comprises an upper; wherein said upper comprises a toe region; wherein said footwear cover is attached to and covers at least a portion of said toe region; wherein said footwear cover has different physical characteristics from said toe region.

2. Said footwear kit according to claim 1, wherein said shoe further comprises an outsole, and wherein said footwear cover is further attached to and covers at least a portion of said outsole.

3. Said footwear kit according to claim 2, wherein said footwear cover has different physical characteristics from said outsole.

4. Said footwear kit according to claim 1, wherein said footwear cover further comprises textures which vary a coefficient of friction of said footwear cover.

5. Said footwear kit according to claim 1, wherein said footwear cover is removably attached by a fastener selected from the group consisting of adhesive, magnet, hook and pile, nipple and eyelet, fastening ridge, rivet, pocket, and combinations thereof.

6. Said footwear kit according to claim 1, wherein said footwear cover comprises at least a first and second layer, and wherein said first and second layer have different physical characteristics.

7. Said footwear kit according to claim 1, wherein said footwear cover comprises at least a first and second area, and wherein said first and second areas have different physical characteristics.

8. A footwear kit comprising: at least one footwear cover for covering at least a portion of a shoe; wherein said shoe comprises an upper and an outsole; wherein said upper comprises a toe region; wherein said footwear cover is attached to and covers at least a portion of said toe region and said outsole.

9. Said footwear kit according to claim 8, wherein said footwear cover is removably attached by a fastener selected from the group consisting of adhesive, magnet, hook and pile, nipple and eyelet, fastening ridge, rivet, pocket, and combinations thereof.

10. Said footwear kit according to claim 8, wherein the material of said footwear cover is selected from the group consisting of plastic, leather, rubber, metal, wood, and combinations thereof.

11. Said footwear kit according to claim 8, wherein said footwear cover is a fabric that fits a variety of different areas.

12. Said footwear kit according to claim 8, wherein the bottom of said outsole includes a recess and said footwear cover is attached within said recess.

13. A footwear kit comprising: a left and right shoe; wherein said left and right shoe each comprise an upper; wherein said upper comprises a toe region; at least one footwear cover for covering at least a portion of either said left or said right shoe; wherein said footwear cover is attached to and covers at least a portion of said toe region; wherein said footwear cover has different physical characteristics from said toe region.

14. Said footwear kit according to claim 13, wherein said shoe further comprises an outsole and wherein said footwear cover is further fastened to and covers at least a portion of said outsole.

15. Said footwear kit according to claim 14, wherein said footwear cover has different physical characteristic from said outsole.

16. Said footwear kit according to claim 13, wherein said footwear cover is removably attached by a fastener selected from the group consisting of adhesive, magnet, hook and pile, nipple and eyelet, fastening ridge, rivet, pocket, and combinations thereof.

17. Said footwear kit according to claim 13, further comprising: at least a first and second footwear cover; wherein said first and second footwear covers have different physical characteristics.

18. Said footwear kit according to claim 11, further comprising: at least a first and second footwear cover; wherein said first footwear cover has a shape which is designed to fit said right shoe and said second footwear cover has a shape which is designed to fit said left shoe.

19. Said footwear kit according to claim 13, wherein said footwear cover comprises at least a first and second area, and wherein said first and second areas have different physical characteristics.

20. Said footwear kit according to claim 13, wherein said footwear cover further comprises textures which vary a coefficient of friction of said footwear cover.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of a shoe according to the prior art, without a footwear cover or other toe region protective measures.

[0017] FIG. 1B shows a bottom perspective view of the shoe in FIG. 1, according to the prior art, without a footwear cover or other outsole region protective measures.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a shoe with a footwear cover according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the shoe with the footwear cover shown in

[0020] FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the shoe with the footwear cover shown in FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a front view of a shoe with a footwear cover according to an alternative embodiment of the invention as the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of a shoe with a footwear cover according to an alternative embodiment of the invention as the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 6B shows a bottom view of a shoe with a footwear cover according to an alternative embodiment of the invention as the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of a shoe with a footwear cover according to an alternative embodiment of the invention as the one shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of a shoe with a footwear cover according to an alternative embodiment of the invention as the one shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] FIG. 1A depicts a shoe 1 in accordance with the prior art. As can be seen, the prior art shoe 1 has an upper toe area (2) uniform with the rest of the upper (3), with no mechanism to reduce wear in the toe region. Such prior art shoes are vulnerable to wear in upper toe area 2, as well as eventual separation of outsole 4 from the rest of the shoe. Similarly, FIG. 1B shows that shoe 1 has no mechanism to reduce wear on the bottom of outsole 4. The object of this invention is to provide a footwear cover (5) on a shoe (7) to prolong the life of shoe 7 and optionally alter the traction coefficient of the area in which footwear cover 5 protects. In some embodiments footwear cover 5 protects toe region 6, in other embodiments it protects the bottom of outsole 9, and in other embodiments it protects both toe region 6 and outsole 9.

[0028] As different sized shoes have different area sizes the areas are best described relating the spacing of an average user's foot inside the different sized shoes. In some embodiments the toe region of the upper or outsole is generally defined as the area between a line draw horizontally across the front most part of the shoe to a line drawn horizontally across and intersecting with the joint between the distal and proximal phalanx of an average user big toe. In other embodiments the toe region of the upper or outsole is generally defined as the area between a line draw horizontally across the front most part of the shoe to a line drawn horizontally across and intersecting with the joint between big toe's the proximal phalanx and first metatarsal of an average user. In other embodiments the toe region of the upper or outsole is generally defined as the area between a line draw horizontally across the front most part of the shoe to a line drawn horizontally across and intersecting with the joint between the first metatarsal and first cuneiform bone. In all of the above embodiments the forepart region begins where the toe region ends. In some embodiments the forepart region extends back to a selected line in front of the heel region. In most embodiments the heel region is defined as the area around where the heel contacts the ground. The arch region is the area between the heel and forepart regions.

[0029] In some embodiments there is one footwear cover 5 and in other embodiments there are multiple footwear covers 5. The location and material composition of footwear cover 5 is varied depending on the embodiment of the invention, which will be discussed in more detail below. Similarly, the length and starting position of footwear cover 5 is varied in the various embodiments. In some embodiments footwear cover 5 is fixed on shoe 7 and in other embodiments footwear cover 5 is removable. In other embodiments a footwear kit is provided with a pair of shoes and one or more footwear covers 5. While the figures only display a single shoe, in some embodiments of the invention both a left and right shoe are provided, each shoe having an intrados edge 11, which faces the other shoe when wearing the shoes, and an extrados edge 12, which faces away from the other shoe when wearing the shoes. In some embodiments both the left and right shoe are provided with a footwear cover 5, in other embodiments both a left and right shoe are provided but only one shoe is provided with a footwear cover 5, in other embodiments one or more footwear covers 5 are provided but only one shoe is provided, and in other embodiments only a footwear cover 5 is provided.

[0030] In some embodiments footwear cover 5 can fit either the left or right shoe. These embodiments are useful as they allow a reduction in the different types of cover 5's which need to be manufactured, stocked, and purchased. In other embodiments, footwear cover 5 is designed to fit a specific shoe. These embodiments allow for greater fit and conformance to the specific area and shape of the left or right shoe.

[0031] In some embodiments footwear cover 5 is made, at least in part, of a low friction material. Low friction materials include polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene; smoothed leathers; metals such as steel; smoothed or shellacked wood; additives which decrease the coefficient of friction of a material; or combinations thereof. These embodiments are useful when sliding is desired as the function of footwear cover 5, such as when dancing or bowling. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is made, at least in part, of a high friction material. High friction materials include rubber; roughed leather; fabrics such as cotton, wool, polyester, or denim; additives which increase the coefficient of friction of a material; or combinations thereof. These embodiments are useful when increased traction or grip is desired as the function of footwear cover 5, such as when hiking or running.

[0032] In some embodiments the whole footwear cover 5 is made of the same composition of material, and in other embodiments footwear cover 5 comprises sections made up of different material compositions. Embodiments with all the same material composition are useful for ease and cost of production and in most cases where the entire cover is used for protection or other purposes. Embodiments with different sections are useful for giving different traction characteristics or different protective properties to the different areas of footwear cover 5. For example, when bowling, the positioning of the dragging foot in relationship to the lane effects the throw of the bowler, thus having different traction characteristics on different sections of footwear cover 5 can help physically guide the bowler to the ideal position based on the feel of the cover as it interacts with the ground.

[0033] In some embodiments footwear cover 5 is a single layer and in other embodiments more than one layer. In some embodiments all of the layers are made of the same material, in other embodiments at least some the layers are different from one another, and in other embodiments all of the layers are different from one another. Embodiments with the materially the same layer are useful for ease of construction and a reduction in the types of material which need to be stored and used. Embodiments with materially different layers are important when each layer has a specific function. For example, one embodiment could have a rough external layer for protection, a middle waterproof or padded layer, and a bottom layer which has a hook and pile system to fasten to shoe 7.

[0034] In some embodiments, footwear cover 5 is made of the same material as upper 10, in some embodiments footwear cover 5 is made of the same material as outsole 9, and in some embodiments footwear cover 5 is made of a different material from both upper 10 and outsole 9. Embodiments where footwear cover 5 is made from material different from both upper 10 and outsole 9 are beneficial as they give different traction characteristics, protective properties, or other physical characteristics essential to the function of footwear cover 5. Embodiments where footwear cover 5 is made of the same material of either upper 10 or outsole 9 are useful as it allows footwear cover 5 to better blend in with these areas and gives a more aesthetically pleasing shoe. In some embodiments upper 10 is different materials, and in some of these embodiments footwear cover 5 is different from only one type of upper 10 material or a material in a specific section of upper 10, such as upper toe region 6.

[0035] In some embodiments footwear cover 5 is flexible and can be shaped to the specific area it covers. These embodiments are useful as they allow the same footwear cover 5 to shield various regions which gives versatility to the same manufactured product. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is rigid and is molded such that it can only be applied to the specific area it was designed and molded. These embodiments give greater protection and are useful for embodiments where maximum upper toe region 6 protection is required.

[0036] FIGS. 2-4 show an embodiment of the invention having footwear cover 5 covering a section of upper toe region 6. In this embodiment footwear cover 5 begins at seam 8, where upper 10 meets outsole 9, and continues rearward covering at least a portion of toe region 6. These embodiments are useful when protection in the toe region is required but there is infrequent force which would cause upper 10 to separate from outsole 9, thus not requiring footwear cover 5 to cover seam 8 between upper 10 and outsole 9.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, footwear cover 5 begins at the front of outsole 9, without covering the bottom of the shoe, continues over seam 8, and further continues rearward covering at least a portion of upper toe region 6. These embodiments are useful for activities such as bowling, where the trailing shoe is in the vertical position, which causes outsole 9 to be pulled apart from upper 10, since footwear cover 5 covers, protects, and strengthens seam 8 at the point of friction.

[0038] FIG. 6A shows another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, footwear cover 5 begins at the bottom surface of outsole 9, continues over the cover of the outsole and over seam 8, and further continues rearward covering at least a portion of upper toe region 6. As discussed above, these embodiments are useful for activities such as bowling, where the trailing shoe is in the vertical position, which causes outsole 9 to be pulled apart from upper 10, since footwear cover 5 covers, protects, and strengthens seam 8 at the point of friction. Additionally, having footwear cover 5 begin at the bottom surface of outsole 9 gives footwear cover 5 a larger area to be secured onto, which aids in the strength of footwear cover 5.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, footwear cover 5 shields the bottom surface of outsole 9, without covering the front of outsole 9. These embodiments are useful when the traction characteristic of the bottom of outsole 9 needs to be altered, such as when hiking, or when the forepart or other regions of the bottom of outsole 9 need to be protected, such as when running on asphalt. In other embodiments forepart cover 5 covers the bottom of outsole 9 and the front of outsole 9, and in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6A and discussed above, footwear cover 5 begins at the bottom surface of outsole 9, continues over the cover of the outsole and over seam 8, and further continues rearward covering at least a portion of upper toe region 6.

[0040] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, in some embodiments footwear cover 5 is generally in the middle of upper toe region 6, being generally equidistant from both the intrados and extrados edges 11 and 12. These embodiments are useful for activities such as bowling, where the trailing shoe is in the vertical position and friction is caused between the ground and the middle of upper toe region 6. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is located closer to intrados edge 11. These embodiments often cover the big toe region and are useful for activities such as soccer where friction and contact is frequently made on the intrados edge of upper toe region 6. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is located closer to extrados edge 12. These embodiments are useful for activities such as horseback riding where branches or other objects interact with the extrados edge of upper toe region 6.

[0041] Similarly, as seen in FIGS. 6A-C, in some embodiments footwear cover 5 is generally in the middle of outsole 9, being generally equidistant from both the intrados and extrados edges 11 and 12. These embodiments are useful for activities where the friction is the greatest in the center of outsole 9. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is located closer to intrados edge 11. These embodiments often cover the big toe region and are useful for activities such as running where friction and contact is frequently made on the intrados side of the bottom surface of outsole 9, just below the ball of the big toe. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is located closer to extrados edge 12. These embodiments are useful for activities where one skates or slides as this motion pushes the foot out and causes wear on the extrados side of outsole 9.

[0042] In some embodiments footwear cover 5 is a strip that covers only a portion of upper toe region 6, and in other embodiments footwear cover 5 covers the entire toe region 6. Embodiments where only a portion of upper toe region 6 is covered are important when a specific traction characteristic or other function is desired for a specific section of upper toe region 6, such as a footwear cover 5 which guides a bowler by providing tactile feedback regarding the position of the toe in relation to the lane. Embodiments where the entire upper toe region 6 is covered by footwear cover 5 are important when overall protection or longevity is needed for upper toe region 6, such as for construction boots.

[0043] Similarly, in some embodiments footwear cover 5 is a strip that covers only a portion of outsole 9, and in other embodiments footwear cover 5 covers the entire outsole 9. Embodiments where only a portion of outsole 9 is covered are important when a specific protective property or traction characteristic or other function is desired for a specific section of outsole 9, such as greater protection under the ball of the big toe. Embodiments where the entire outsole 9 is covered by footwear cover 5 are important when overall traction characteristics, protection, or longevity is needed for outsole 9, such as when hiking through different terrain.

[0044] In one embodiment, footwear cover 5 is permanently fastened in to shoe 7 such that a user of the shoe is unable to reconfigure footwear cover 5. In some embodiments the fastening is by sewing, in others by gluing, and in others by stapling, nailing, or other similar fastening methods. These embodiments are useful when one type of footwear cover 5 at one location is needed, and its stability and durability are the main concerns.

[0045] In other embodiment, footwear cover 5 is removably fastened, such that a user of the shoe can replace, reconfigure, or reposition footwear cover 5. In one embodiment the fastening mechanism is an adhesive substance such as a glue, tape, or sticky putty. In another embodiment the fastening mechanism is a magnetic attachment. In another embodiment the fastening mechanism is a hook and pile fastener system such as the brand Velcro. In another embodiment the fastening mechanism is a pocket in shoe 7 where footwear cover 5 fits into. In yet another embodiment the fastening mechanism is a nipple and eyelet mechanism such as a button, snap or clasp. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is equipped with a fastening ridge 15 which fastens onto shoe 6. In other embodiments footwear cover 5 is fastened by a rivet. These removably fastening embodiments are useful when various types of footwear covers 5, or covers at various positions are needed, as these embodiments give flexibility to the user of shoe 7.

[0046] In one embodiment, reversible fastening footwear cover 5 provides interchangeability of footwear cover 5 with other footwear covers 5 having different traction or feedback characteristics. In another embodiment, reversible fastening footwear cover 5 allows the user to replace worn out or damaged footwear covers 5. In another embodiment, reversible fastening footwear cover 5 gives the user the ability to reposition footwear cover 5 in various positions.

[0047] In some embodiments footwear cover 5 and shoe 7 are sold separately. These embodiments allow the user to purchase the type of footwear cover which would best suit the needs of the user. In other embodiments, a kit is provided with at least one shoe 7 and at least one footwear cover 5. In some embodiments only one footwear cover 5 is provided. These embodiments are useful when only one shoe requires a footwear cover and only type of the footwear cover is required. In other embodiments the kit contains two or more footwear covers 5. In some embodiments the various footwear covers 5 have generally the same material composition, and in others they have different material compositions. Embodiments where the various footwear covers 5 have the generally same material composition are useful when both shoes require the same type of protection, such as work boots, or when a specific type of footwear cover 5 would need to be replaced frequently. Embodiments with different compositions of the various footwear covers 5 are useful as they allow the user to be prepared for various surface environments, or to use the different covers in different circumstances while using the same, more costly, shoe 7.

[0048] As seen in FIG. 2, in some embodiments footwear cover 5 is generally smooth, being free from protrusions, ridges, or other features which would give texture. These embodiments, especially when paired with lower friction materials, are useful when a smooth, lower friction surface is desired. As seen in FIG. 5, in other embodiments footwear cover 5 is equipped with textured features comprising ridges, protrusions, bumps, or combinations thereof. These textured features increase the friction coefficient and are useful when a higher friction cover is required.

[0049] In one embodiment the bottom of outsole 9 is recessed such that when footwear cover 5 is attached within the recess it maintains flushness with the bottom of outsole 9. In one embodiment the portion of footwear cover 5 which attaches to the bottom of outsole 9 has a different surface characteristic than the portions of footwear cover 5 on the front and top of shoe 7. In another embodiment the entire surface of footwear cover 5 has a uniform surface characteristic.

[0050] FIGS. 6B-6C show variations of the embodiment described in FIG. 6A, each with different attachment characteristics to the bottom of outsole 9. In each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, footwear cover 5 begins at the bottom surface of outsole 9, continues over the cover of the outsole and over seam 8, and further continues rearward covering at least a portion of the toe region 6.

[0051] FIG. 6A shows an embodiment where the end of footwear cover 5 slides into pocket 13 on the bottom of outsole 9. These embodiments are useful as they allow footwear cover 5 to fit into and be flush with the bottom of outsole 9. These embodiments are also useful in combination with embodiments which use a removable fastener on upper 10. FIG. 6B shows an embodiment where the end of footwear cover 5 is fastened to the bottom of outsole 9 by attachment rib 14. In one embodiment attachment rib 14 fits within a divot in the bottom of outsole 9 in order to secure footwear cover 5 onto outsole 6. In other embodiments attachment rib 14 is provided with spikes which stick into outsole 9 and secure footwear cover 5 into outsole 6. In one embodiment attachment rib 14 is wider than the terminal width of footwear cover 5 and in other embodiments attachment rib 14 is narrower than the terminal width of footwear cover 5. FIG. 6C shows an embodiment where footwear cover 5 is fastened to the bottom of outsole 9 by a button.

[0052] FIG. 6B shows an embodiment where footwear cover 5 extends further down the bottom of outsole 9 in comparison to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C. These embodiments allow not only the toe region but also the bottom of outsole 9 to be modified with different traction characteristics as well as benefit from the protective nature of footwear cover 5. Additionally, having a larger the area in which footwear cover 5 and outsole 9 interact gives a greater amount of area which footwear cover 5 can be securely fastened to shoe 7. In some embodiments, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, footwear cover 5 extends down from upper toe region 6 and only covers and interacts with the toe area of the bottom of outsole 9. These embodiments are useful when easy modification of footwear cover 5 is desired, or when the traction coefficients of the bottom of outsole 9 do not need to be modified or protected. In other embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 6B, footwear cover 5 extends into the forepart region. These embodiments are important when the traction characteristics of the forepart also need to be modified or protected, such as the region under the ball of the foot which often engages the ground and is essential for twisting or turning. In other embodiments footwear cover extends into the arch region and in other embodiments it extends into the heel region. Embodiments where footwear cover 5 extends into the arch region are useful as the arch region gives a natural indentation where footwear cover 5 can fix and still be level or even slightly raised from the bottom of outsole 9. Embodiments where footwear cover 5 extends into the heel region are useful when the entire outsole needs the traction characteristics modified or protected. For example, when using shoes for hiking in rugged terrain, one could use a footwear cover with a high traction characteristic to give good grip and traction. Then, using the same shoes and simply switching out the footwear cover 5, a user could switch to a smoother cover for activities such as dancing where some amount of sliding and mobility is desired.

[0053] In one embodiment the shape of footwear cover 5 is square, in another embodiment the shape is rectangular, in another embodiment triangular, in another embodiment oval, in another embodiment circular, and in other embodiments footwear cover 5 has no defined shape. The different shapes and sized are important as different functions will require different shaped footwear covers. In most embodiments the shape of footwear cover 5 is designed to match the general shape of the region which it covers.

[0054] While the present invention has been particularly described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. These descriptions and drawings are exemplary of specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention defined in the claims. It is therefore contemplated that the claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications, and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.