Patent Application
20110252541
The present invention relates to an article of clothing and more particularity apparel for a foot with multi-fitting and multi-purpose capabilities.
The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.
Consumer trends in footwear have drastically changed over the years. Nowadays there are a vast many styles and functions for our shoes. For example some recent styles of shoes include peep-toes, d'orsay heels, ballet flats, slingbacks, and T-strap. Various functions of shoes include, for example, formal, athletic, casual, and professional/work. In some instances the shoes are worn without any foot coverings such as socks, nylons, or stocking apparel. However, in many cases there is a need or desire to wear foot coverings.
A particular design of a shoe may require or desire a foot covering to provide a more secure fit and prevent slipping of the foot within the shoe. For example, in the case of high heels or d′orsay heels where there is limited means of securing the shoe to the foot, a foot covering may be desired in order to prevent the foot from sliding. Likewise, when a shoe is ill-fitting or made of a particular material such as leather or plastic that may be uncomfortable to a bare foot, a foot covering can be utilized to provide additional comfort.
In other cases where the shoe is enclosed an individual might want a protective foot covering for the enclosed area in order to prevent friction between the foot and shoe. Additionally, increased moisture or certain behavior of the shoe and foot, such as in the case of running or other sports, can lead to rubbing and eventually blistering of the foot. Thus the foot covering is provided for protection and moisture absorption. In yet other cases a foot covering is desired to provide warmth to the individual's feet when worn with shoes and in many cases without shoes.
Conventional foot covering address many of these issues. However, the problem with conventional foot coverings is that the typical sock, nylons or stocking is capable of only a single-fit and/or single-purpose. Previous embodiments of socks, nylons or stockings provided single-fitting, single-purpose capabilities such that there is a single and limited way to wear or use the foot covering. In these cases the socks, nylons or stocking needed to be designed and provided to be compatible or well-suited for a particular shoe in order to achieve the desired foot covering fit and purpose. However, practically speaking given the vast many shoe designs and footwear purposes it is not always feasible. If a foot covering provides adequate coverage for one shoe the foot covering will fail with respect to a different shoe. Thus an individual is required to acquire multiple foot coverings for a variety of shoes and footwear purposes. Thus there is a need to provide a multi-fitting foot covering capable of adapting and being suitable for more than one shoe style or purpose.
Additionally, with the ever growing number of functional and occasional shoes and the cost of shoes growing increasingly more expensive, individuals are constantly having to spend time and money in order to acquire multiple functional and occasional shoes in order to coincide with their various use functions and occasional needs. The cost associated with an individual obtaining multiple pairs of shoes for the various purposes and functions can get very expensive. Thus there is an increasing need to make shoes more versatile and adaptable for various functions and occasions and clothing apparel.
The purpose of this invention is to provide a foot covering that provides multi-fitting and multi-purpose capabilities. Specifically, the claimed invention provides a foot covering that has multiple-fitting capability in order to reflect a variety of shoe styles in combination with an individual's fitting preferences. Additionally, the claimed invention provides multi-purpose capabilities such as multiple accessorizing effects for shoes in order to alter the appearance of a shoe and provide a new look and feel of the shoe when worn with the foot covering apparel.
The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
a illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to one multi-fitting and multi-purpose embellishment embodiment of the present invention.
b illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a second multi-fitting, multi-purpose embellishment embodiment of the present invention.
c illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a third multi-fitting, multi-purpose embellishment embodiment of the present invention.
a illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to one multi-fitting aspect of the present invention.
b illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a second multi-fitting aspect of the present invention.
c illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a third multi-fitting aspect effect of the present invention.
d illustrates a schematic view of the foot apparel according to a fourth multi-fitting, multi-purpose effect of the present invention.
The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of such embodiments.
There are a vast many reasons why individuals wear foot coverings, some of the reasons include: they can be worn for professional purposes, they can be worn for recreational purposes, entertainment purpose, comfort and protection, worn to hide bad pedicures, or to lift the spirit of person with deformities of foot, they can be worn by women who like to dance in bare feet. Additionally, foot coverings can complete the wardrobe and can add a touch of theme to an event or garment.
The problem with conventional foot coverings is that the typical sock, nylons or stocking provides both single-fitting and single-purpose capabilities such that there is a single and limited way to wear the foot covering. In these cases the socks, nylons or stocking must be purchased for a single limited purpose and with a single-fitting foot covering result. Similarly, if a foot covering provides adequate coverage for one shoe design, the foot covering will fail with respect to a different shoe design. However, practically speaking, given the vast many shoe designs and vast many purposes for foot coverings it would be advantageous to have a multi-fitting foot covering capable of adapting and being suitable for more than one fitting-capability and purpose.
Embodiments of this invention provide a foot covering, herein after referred to as a stocking, constructed of an appropriate material sufficient to ad in providing comfort, security and protection of a wearer's foot when worn within a shoe. In some embodiments of the invention the stocking is constructed of appropriate material to provide a decorative or enhancing effect of the foot and/or shoe. Thus, providing accessorizing effects for shoes in order to alter the appearance of a shoe and provide a new look and feel of the shoe when worn with the foot covering apparel.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-fitting multi-purpose stocking such that one stocking provides an assortment of foot coverage to accommodate different shoe construction. In one aspect of the invention the stocking is “reversible” such that the stocking can be worn ‘right side up” or “right side down”. This aspect allows the wear to choose the coverage of the stocking that best suits their shoe construction as well as purpose. In many cases the cut of the shoe or the desired purpose for the stocking vary from shoe to shoe and occasion to occasion and the current invention allows for the wearer to select the most appropriate or desired fit of the stocking. Embodiments of the present invention are achieved in part by providing a stocking that is adapted such that the wearer's heel is exposed, thus facilitating in the “reversibility” and multi-fitting capabilities of the stocking.
In another aspect of the invention the stocking is provided with two distinct finishing edges. Therefore the “reversible” stocking provides one finishing edge when worn “right side up” and a different finishing edge when worn “right side down”. The two finished edges allowing for multiple decorative edge effect and comfort. Other sewn finishes could create discomfort for the wearer. The two finishing edges create completely different looks for both practicality and optional visual appearance.
In another aspect of the current invention an interchangeable fastening means is used to securely fasten the stocking to the wearer. The fastening means securely fastens the stocking around the back of the heel of the foot while still allowing the heel to be exposed. According to one aspect of the current invention the fastening means is a combination of an elastic strap connected to the stocking which loops around the back of the heel and an adjustable removable “drawstring” ribbon. The ribbon can be used to provide added security to the elastic strap or in cases where the elastic strap is uncomfortable or too loose the sole means of securing the stocking to the foot. The ribbon being removable and “drawstring” like can be laced and tied in multiple ways, thus providing additional multi-fitting capabilities.
In other aspects of the invention the fastening means can be a completely attached strap, thus the wearer must slip their foot into fastening means. In another embodiment the fastening means can be two laces attached to the stocking which can be tied around the back of the heel.
In
According to one embodiment of the invention the first portion 102 and second portion 104 is one continuous piece of fabric. In this embodiment the fabric is folded over at the toe 106, dividing the fabric into two portions, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. In one aspect of the invention two side seams 110 connect the first portion 102 to the second portion 104. The two side seams 110 can be sewn from the foot opening 108 of the stocking 100 towards the toe 106 slightly curving towards the toe 106. The two side seams 110 providing an adequate foot opening 108 in the stocking. According to one embodiment the seams are sewn by a narrow machine.
In another embodiment of the invention the first portion 202 and second portion 204 are two separate pieces of fabric. In
A stocking as disclosed in the present invention can be constructed from a wide variety of fabric and materials. According to one embodiment the fabric used for said stocking is a Stretch lace. For example cotton Nylon, Lycra or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the invention a stretch lace wherein the fiber content is a combination of Nylon Lycra is used. According to one aspect of the invention the fabric is cut and sewn together such that the stretch in fabric goes around the foot or left to right 112. Having the stretch in fabric around the foot gives added comfort varying foot widths and toes and can assist in the ability to be produced as one size fits all. Providing a one size fits all eliminates the need to make stocking for each individual foot size as well as allows for sharing and easy exchange of the stocking among individuals.
As illustrated in
a illustrates one of the multiple-fitting capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 300 with the first portion 302 exposed. When the stocking 300 is worn with the particular shoe 320 the result is coverage exposure 334.
In
In
Additionally, the wearer might not want any coverage exposure thus by providing multiple fitting capabilities of the stocking 300 the wearer can more easily use the same pair of stockings 300 in different shoes and shoe styles to achieve both practicality use and optional visual appearance.
Another aspect of the multi-fitting capabilities of the present invention is the two separate finishing edges. As illustrated in
Additionally, the first finished edge 114 allows for different decorative edges to be exposed when worn with a shoe and the second finishing edge 116. The two finishing edges 114 and 116 create completely different look for both practicality and optional visual appearance. For example, finishing edge 114 is more feminine and flirty with its lace patterns and picots edged elastics. This appearance might be more suited to a wearer for a social event or evenings out. On the other hand finishing edge 1116 is more classic and simple with its clean cut lace lines and is therefore more suitable for the office or a business environment.
Yet another aspect of the multi-fitting capabilities of the present invention is the interchangeable fastening means 132 used to securely fasten the stocking to the wearer. The fastening means securely fastens the stocking around the back of the heel of the wearer while still allowing the heel of the wearer to be exposed. According to one embodiment the fastening means 132 is connected to the stocking 100 at the first portion 102. An overlock can be used for the stitching is used to secure the fastening means to the first portion.
As illustrated in
According to one aspect of the current invention the fastening means is a combination of picots edged elastics connected to the stocking which loops around the back of the heel and an adjustable removable “drawstring” ribbon. The ribbon being removable and “drawstring” like and can be laced and tied in multiple ways, thus providing additional multi-fitting capabilities. In one aspect of the invention the fastening means is can be fastened to be exposed when worn with a shoe. The combination of picots edged elastics, colorful ribbons and bows provides an enhancing and decorative appearance.
The fastening means can be one or a combination of any number of materials. According to one embodiment the fastening means is a combination of nylon with rubber approximately 9 mm in width. The combination of elastic and multi-decorative ribbon adds stability for a one size fits all.
In another embodiment the fastening means can be left with two unattached ends which can be tied to produce a secure fit. In other embodiments the fastening means can be lace or ribbon alone in order or provide increased comfort for those wearers that do find elastic comfortable. According to this embodiment the fasten means has two ends which can be tied around the heel or ankle
According to one aspect of the invention the ribbon is single faced or double faced 6 mm satin ribbon. The ribbon is 100% polyester and comes in a variety of colors. The ribbon acts as both a fastener for reinforcement or as an embellishment. The Ribbon can be laced in three ways: by a bow at top of foot, a bow on back of heel or around the ankle. Thus providing multi-purpose embellishments as well as multiple fits to secure the stocking to the foot.
a illustrates one of the multiple-purpose capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 400 with the first portion 402 exposed and fasten means 432
b illustrates one of the multiple-purpose capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 400 with the first portion 402 exposed and fasten means 434
c illustrates one of the multiple-purpose capabilities of the present invention. In this example the wearer is wearing the stocking 400 with the first portion 402 exposed and fasten means 436
In
