Shoe stuffing device

Abstract

A shoe stuffing device is provided. The shoe stuffing device includes a shoe stuffing device body having a distal end and a proximal end and an aperture formed close to the proximal end. The aperture provides a handle for the user to grasp or insert the finger into and pull the shoe stuffing device out of the shoe, while helping resist vertical expansion and support lateral compressibility of the body. The shoe stuffing device can also include a decorative element at the proximal end and attached to the top loop. The decorative element not only provides a pleasant aesthetic effect, but also indicates to the user that the end having the decorative element is to remain outward while the opposite end or tip is to be inserted into the shoe.

Claims

1. A shoe stuffing device, comprising: a shoe stuffing device body formed from an outer covering and a filling, said body having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a distal end, a proximal end, and a middle section, said left and right sides tapering from said middle section to said distal end, said top and bottom sides tapering from said middle section to said distal end, said body having an expansion restricting section located between said middle section and said proximal end, said expansion restricting section restricting said shoe stuffing device from expanding towards said top and bottom sides, said expansion restricting section resisting compression of said left and right sides of said shoe stuffing device between said distal end and said expansion restricting section, said outer covering being made from a moisture-absorbent machine-washable fabric, and said filling made from a moisture-absorbent material, wherein said expansion restricting section is an annular region, said annular region located on a longitudinal axis of said shoe stuffing device, between said middle section and said proximal end.

2. The shoe stuffing device of claim 1, wherein said expansion restricting section is formed by securing said covering top and bottom sides at a point along a longitudinal axis of said shoe stuffing device, between said middle section and said proximal end.

3. The shoe stuffing device of claim 1, further comprising a decorative element on said proximal end.

4. The shoe stuffing device of claim 3, wherein said decorative element is a bow.

5. The shoe stuffing device of claim 3, wherein said decorative element is a charm.

6. The shoe stuffing device of claim 3, wherein said decorative element is a jewel.

7. The shoe stuffing device of claim 1, wherein said outer covering is formed from fabric.

8. The shoe stuffing device of claim 1, wherein said outer covering is formed from a top covering piece and a bottom covering piece, said top and bottom covering pieces being secured to each other along a perimeter of each.

9. The shoe stuffing device of claim 8, wherein said top and bottom covering pieces are secured along said perimeter of each by sewing.

10. The shoe stuffing device of claim 1, wherein said filling is cotton.

11. The shoe stuffing device of claim 1, further including a cord coupled to said proximal end, said cord having a first end and a second end, said cord first end coupled to said left side on said proximal end, said cord second end coupled to said right side on said proximal end.

12. A shoe stuffing device, comprising: a shoe stuffing device body formed from an outer covering and a filling, said body having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a distal end, a proximal end, and a middle section, said left and right sides tapering from said middle section to said distal end, said top and bottom sides tapering from said middle section to said distal end, said body having an expansion restricting section located between said middle section and said proximal end, said expansion restricting section restricting said shoe stuffing device from expanding towards said top and bottom sides, said expansion restricting section resisting compression of said left and right sides of said shoe stuffing device between said distal end and said expansion restricting section, said outer covering being made from a moisture-absorbent machine-washable fabric, and said filling made from a moisture-absorbent material, said expansion restricting section is formed by said body having a cordate shape, wherein said proximal end indents toward said distal end from said left and right sides towards a longitudinal axis of said shoe stuffing device.

13. A shoe stuffing device, comprising: a shoe stuffing device body formed from an outer covering and a filling, said body having a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side, a distal end, a proximal end, and a middle section, said left and right sides tapering from said middle section to said distal end, said top and bottom sides tapering from said middle section to said distal end, said body having an expansion restricting section located between said middle section and said proximal end, said expansion restricting section restricting said shoe stuffing device from expanding towards said top and bottom sides, said expansion restricting section resisting compression of said left and right sides of said shoe stuffing device between said distal end and said expansion restricting section, said outer covering being made from a moisture-absorbent machine-washable fabric, and said filling made from a moisture-absorbent material, said expansion restricting section is a rectangular aperture through said top and bottom sides.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a shoe stuffing device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2 is a left-side view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 1, indicating the direction of its insertion into a shoe;

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 1, while inserted into a women's high-heel shoe;

(6) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 5, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, including the environment of the shoe;

(7) FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the shoe stuffing device and environment of FIG. 5, taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the shoe stuffing device;

(9) FIG. 9 is a top view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 8;

(10) FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 8;

(11) FIG. 11 is a left-side view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 8;

(12) FIG. 12 is a right-side view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 8;

(13) FIG. 13 is a back view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 8;

(14) FIG. 14 is a front view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 8;

(15) FIG. 15 is a top view of the shoe stuffing device of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 16 is a top-right perspective view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 15;

(17) FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 15;

(18) FIG. 18 is a left-side view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 15;

(19) FIG. 19 is a top-left perspective view of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 15;

(20) FIG. 20 is a top view of a pair of shoe stuffing devices of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15;

(21) FIG. 21 is a top view of the shoe stuffing devices of FIG. 20 shown inserted into men's shoes;

(22) FIG. 22 is a top view and bottom view of a pair of an alternate embodiment shoe stuffing device with a cordate shaped body;

(23) FIG. 23 is a top view and bottom view of a pair of a further embodiment shoe stuffing device with a cord attachment at the proximal end;

(24) FIG. 24 is a top left perspective view of an alternate embodiment shoe stuffing device with a cordate shaped body; and

(25) FIG. 25 is a top view of a pair of the shoe stuffing device of FIG. 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(26) Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a convenient and fashionable shoe stuffing device that is capable of being easily inserted inside the shoes to protect the shape of the shoes or pulled out of the shoes for cleaning or when wearing the shoes, and is also capable of providing decorative features to enhance the appearance of the shoes.

(27) Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a shoe stuffing device 100 is shown in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the shoe stuffing device 100 includes a shoe stuffing device body 110 having a top side 112, a bottom side 114, a right side 116, a left side 118, a proximal end 120, a distal end 122, and a middle section 124. A through hole 126 is formed in the shoe stuffing device body 110 between the middle section 124 and the proximal end 120. The shoe stuffing device body 110 forms a top loop 128 at the proximal end 120, surrounding the through hole 126.

(28) The shoe stuffing device 100 further includes a decorative element 130, such as a small ribbon, at or near the proximal end 120. The decorative element 130 can be attached to the top loop 128 or otherwise secured to said proximal end 120. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, in one embodiment, the decorative element 130 can be a ribbon secured to the top loop 128. The decorative element 130 not only provides a pleasant aesthetic effect, but also provides a visual indication to the user of how to place the shoe stuffing device 100 inside a shoe. Specifically, the user intuitively perceives that the proximal end 120 having the decorative element 130 is to remain outward while the opposite end, or distal end 122, is to be inserted into the shoe. The decorative element 130 may vary, and may alternatively or additionally include a tassel, beads, feathers, pearls, jewels, or other decorations.

(29) In some embodiments, the decorative element 130 is removably attachable to the shoe stuffing device body 110, so that the decorative element 130 can be easily changed or replaced by the user to provide the shoe with different decorative features to match the user's different moods and/or fashion feelings. In this way, one pair of shoes can practically provide the looks of multiple different pair of shoes so that the user can save money and feel fashionable.

(30) The shoe stuffing device body 110 can include an outer cover or casing 134 made, for instance, of fabric of any color, pattern or combinations thereof. A filler material 136 such as, but not limited to, raw cotton, can be housed inside the casing 134 and render the shoe stuffing device body 110 generally plump and relatively stiff in order to stuff and preserve a shoe tip from deformation, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

(31) As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the shoe stuffing device body 110 can be generally shaped as an inverted drop (or similar to a guitar pick) when viewed from the top or bottom, where the proximal end 120 of the shoe stuffing device body 110 forms a wider end of the body and the distal end 122 of the shoe stuffing device body 110 forms a narrower and somewhat pointy (but preferably rounded) tip of the body. The inverted drop shape is aesthetically pleasant, and is constructed and arranged to correspond to the front area of a women's shoe.

(32) As shown in FIG. 2, the shoe stuffing device body 110 can have an approximate shape of a rounded diamond shape when viewed from the side, where the shoe stuffing device body 110 has smaller thicknesses at the distal end 122 and the proximal end 120, and the largest thickness at a middle section 124. This rounded diamond shape is aesthetically pleasant, and is constructed and arranged to support the front area of a women's shoe.

(33) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the shoe stuffing device 100, taken between the top side 112 and bottom side 114. As shown, the shoe stuffing device body 110 can include an aperture 140 inside the body 110 through both the top and bottom sides 112, 114 of the device, and creating a top loop 128 on the proximal end 120. The aperture 140 can be made by attaching the top and bottom sides 112, 114 by sewing or other method to secure the top and bottom sides 112, 114 together without releasing the filler material 136 from within the outer cover or casing 134. The aperture 140 can also be reinforced with a solid object, such as a ring, to add reinforcement to the aperture to prevent tearing of the body 110 at the aperture 140, and provide a more secure portion for a user to grasp.

(34) Referring now to FIG. 4, the embodiment of the shoe stuffing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is designed to be inserted into a women's shoe 200, as illustrated. A user can insert the shoe stuffing device 100 inside the shoe 200 by grasping the top loop 128 at the proximal end 120, and then inserting the shoe stuffing device 100 into the front area of the shoe 200. The decorative element 130 serves as guidance that the proximal end 120 is to remain outward while the opposite end, or distal end 122, is to be inserted into the shoe 200. The top loop 128 provides a handle for the user to grasp or insert the finger into and pull the shoe stuffing device 100 out of the shoe.

(35) The aperture 140 facilitates inserting the shoe stuffing device 100 into the shoe 200. Specifically, when pushing the top loop 128 formed by the aperture 140 to insert the shoe stuffing device 100 into the shoe 200, the aperture 140 pushes on the filler material 136 extending between the aperture 140 and the distal end 122, and the shoe stuffing device 100 is easily moved into the shoe 200, regardless of the user only pushing on the top loop 128 at the distal end 122 of the shoe stuffing device body 110. Insertion is also facilitated by the shoe stuffing device body 110 having an inverted drop shape, as the distal end 122 being narrower greatly simplifies initially inserting the leading, distal end 122 into the shoe while the user holds the shoe stuffing device 100 from the proximal end 120. Additionally, the fact that the shoe stuffing device body 110 has an approximate shape of a rounded diamond shape when viewed from the side, i.e. that the shoe stuffing device body 110 has smaller thicknesses at the distal end 122 and the proximal end 120 and the largest thickness at the middle section 124, further facilitates inserting the shoe stuffing device 100 into the shoe 200. Specifically, the narrower proximal end 120 of the shoe stuffing device body 110 can be easily held by the user while inserting the narrower distal end 122 of the shoe stuffing device body 110 into the shoe 200. The thicker middle section 124 then fills the front area of the shoe 200, to prevent deformation of the shoe.

(36) FIGS. 5-7 show the shoe stuffing device 100 of FIG. 1 inserted inside the shoe 200 in an assembled, storage position. As shown in FIG. 6, the wider middle section 124 spans all or a majority of the width of the shoe 200, helping maintain the shape of the shoe 200. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, the thicker middle section 124 also spans all or a majority of the height of the shoe 200, further contributing to maintain the shape of the shoe 200. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the shoe stuffing device 100 in the final position can remain concealed in its practical entirety, except for the top loop 128 and the decorative element 130. The visible decorative element 130 provides a decorative feature for the shoe 200, and reminds the user that there is a shoe stuffing device 100 housed in the shoe 200 and that the user can remove the shoe stuffing device 100 by grasping the top loop 128.

(37) Should the user wish to remove the shoe stuffing device 100 from the shoe 200, the user will pull the top loop 128 outward. A simple pulling action of the top loop 128 at the proximal end 120 of the shoe stuffing device body 110 causes the aperture 140 to efficiently pull the entirety of the shoe stuffing device 100 outwardly from the shoe, while keeping the shoe stuffing device 100 from deforming. The presence of the through hole 126 facilitates grabbing and pulling of the top loop 128, as the user can insert at least one fingertip in the through hole 126 to more easily secure the top loop 128 and apply a pulling force thereon.

(38) FIGS. 8-17 show an alternate embodiment of the claimed shoe stuffing device. As shown in FIGS. 8-17, the shoe stuffing device 201 includes a body 210 formed from an outer covering 234 surrounding a filler material (not shown). The body 210 includes a top side 212, a bottom side 214, a right side 216, a left side 218, a distal end 222, a proximal end 220, and a middle section 224. As shown, the left and right sides 218, 216 taper from middle section 224 to the distal end 222, and the top and bottom sides 212, 214 taper from the middle section 224 to said distal end 222.

(39) The body 210 also includes an expansion restricting section 232, which restricts the body 210 from expanding in the vertical direction, i.e., expanding the top side 212 away from the bottom side 214. The expansion restricting section 232 is located between the middle section 224 and said proximal end 220. Additionally, the expansion restricting section 232 resists the compression of the left and right sides 218, 216 of the shoe stuffing 201 device in the front portion of the body, i.e., the portion between the distal end 222 and the expansion restricting section 232. As seen in FIGS. 9-10, the expansion restricting section 232 is located along a longitudinal axis 242, which extends from the proximal end 220 to the distal end 222.

(40) A simple way of creating the expansion restricting section 232 is to include an aperture 240 in the body 210, extending through both the top and bottom sides 212, 214. By the covering 234 being secured inside the aperture 240, the top and bottom sides 212, 214 are held together in a region between the proximal and distal ends 220, 222. More desirable, the aperture 240 can be positioned between the middle section 224 and the proximal end 220 because of the increased width in the body 210 towards the middle section 224. By placing the expansion restricting section 232, shown here as an aperture 240, where the width is greater, the section 232 helps reinforce the lateral (between the left and right sides 218, 216) compressibility of the device 201, and prevent vertical (between the top and bottom side 212, 214) expansion.

(41) Although an aperture 240 is shown as the expansion restringing section 232, alternate devices can also be employed. In a simple embodiment, the expansion restricting section can be simply stitching between the top and bottom side 212, 214 to hold them together. Alternately, an object, such as a ring or other object, can be employed within the body 210 and secured to both the top and bottom sides 212, 214 to achieve the same function.

(42) In making the body 210 machine washable, it is desirable for the body 210 to be made of two pieces of machine washable fabric for the covering 234, which can be secured together along the perimeter 244 and at the expansion restricting section 232. One simple method of securing the top and bottom pieces of material can include sewing them.

(43) In a further embodiment of the shoe stuffing device 400, shown in FIG. 22, the body 410 can be formed in a cordate shape, like a leaf or heart-shape, where the proximal end 420 angles back toward the distal end 422, coming in from the left and right sides, 418, 416. With a general cordate shape, an alternate embodiment of the shoe stuffing device 500, shown in FIG. 23, can include a cord 550 coupled to the body 510 at the proximal end 520, where one end of the cord can couple to the left side 518 of the proximal end 520 and the other end can couple to the right side 516 of the proximal end 520. The cordate shape can be further seen in the alternate embodiment shoe stuffing device 600, shown in FIGS. 24-25. As shown, the cordate shape of the shoe stuffing device 600 bears resemblance to a heart, or leaf, shape when viewed from the top. The device 600 includes a decorative element 630, which can include ribbon or cord among other possible decorative elements previously described, on the proximal end 620 where the end tapers back towards the distal end 622.

(44) In an alternate embodiment designed for men's shoes, shown in FIGS. 15-21, the shoe stuffing device 300 can include a rectangular aperture 340 based on the shoe stuffer having a wider body 310 due to the relatively larger width of men's shoes 350 as compared to women's shoes. As shown, the shoe stuffing device 300 includes a body 310, made of a covering 334 surrounding a filler material (not shown).

(45) The body 310 includes a top side 312, a bottom side 314, a right side 316, a left side 318, a distal end 322, a proximal end 320, and a middle section 324. As shown, the left and right sides 318, 316 taper from middle section 324 to the distal end 322, and the top and bottom sides 312, 314 taper from the middle section 324 to the distal end 322.

(46) The body 310 also includes an expansion restricting section 332, which restricts the body 310 from expanding in the vertical direction, i.e., expanding the top side 312 away from the bottom side 314. The expansion restricting section 332 is located between the middle section 324 and the proximal end 320. Additionally, the expansion restricting section 332 resists the compression of the left and right sides 318, 316 of the shoe stuffing device 300 in the front portion of the body, i.e., the portion between the distal end 322 and the expansion restricting section 332.

(47) As shown in FIGS. 15-21, the expansion restricting section 332 is a rectangular aperture 340 in the body 310, extending through both the top and bottom sides 312, 314. Because of the increased width of the body 310 in this embodiment, it is beneficial for the aperture 340 to have a larger width than with previous embodiments to adequately constrain vertical expansion of the device 300 while reinforcing the lateral compressibility of the device.

(48) All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

(49) It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

(50) One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.