INTERCHANGEABLE SHOE-COVER

Abstract

An interchangeable, reversible and washable shoe-cover to be used with high-heeled, platform, non-platform and flat shoes is provided. The cover includes a substantially resilient covering means that includes a first projection formed at a first end of the covering means, a first opening formed at a second end of the covering means; and a second opening formed between the first and second ends of the covering means. The first opening is capable of receiving the shoe such that the projecting heel extends outwardly by way of the second opening and the toe area is covered by means of the first projection upon insertion of the shoe in the cover.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to shoes and covers therefor. More particularly, the present invention relates to an interchangeable and/or reversible cover for a shoe.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the advent of fashion industry and technologies, it has become common place for women to match their shoes with their clothes or wardrobe (also referred to herein as outfit). However, with the ever-changing designs of wardrobes, it is not always possible for women to buy new shoes to match their outfit, as it entails high costs. Further, even if new shoes are to be purchased every time, they occupy storage space in the closet and transporting them during travels from one place to the other becomes a cumbersome task.

To overcome these cost and storage related problems, a number of solutions have been proposed. One such solution includes sewing new shoe covers in a shoe-repair shop to match the current outfit. However, sewing new shoe covers still involves high costs. Further, with frequent stitching and sewing, the shoe is worn out faster and life of the shoe is reduced. Another known solution includes dying the shoe with a desired color. However, dying is often an irreversible process and deteriorates the quality of the shoe. It may not always be possible to revert to an earlier color, especially when the dye used is of a darker shade than the earlier color.

In light of the foregoing, there exists a need to provide a solution that overcomes the above mentioned problems associated with the prior art alternatives.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a shoe-cover adapted to fit on a shoe. Particularly, the shoe-cover fits on women's shoes including high heels, flat heels, platform, and non-platform shoes and/or pumps. It may also be used on men's shoes and select children's style shoes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe-cover that is stretchable and fits a shoe without any additional attachment mechanism.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe-cover that is ornamental, interchangeable, reversible, elastic, washable, and comfortable.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a shoe-cover that can be removably attached to a shoe including a sole, a body and a projecting heel that extends from the sole. The body is disposed on the sole and the heel, and includes an opening for inserting a foot. The body defines a toe area and a heel area therein. The shoe-cover includes a substantially resilient covering means that includes a first projection formed at a first end of the covering means, a first opening formed at a second end of the covering means and a second opening formed between the first and second ends of the covering means. The first opening is capable of receiving the shoe such that the projecting heel extends outwardly by way of the second opening and the toe area is covered by means of the first projection upon insertion of the shoe in the shoe-cover. The shoe-cover further includes an optional third opening that is capable of receiving the platform portion of the shoe, such that the platform portion extends outwardly by way of the third opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a high-heeled, non-platform shoe with which the shoe-cover of the preset invention can be used, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a high-heeled, platform shoe with which the shoe-cover of the present invention can be used, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a flat shoe with which the shoe-cover of the present invention can be used, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a shoe-cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the shoe-cover of FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a high-heeled shoe, partially inserted in the shoe-cover of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a high-heeled shoe, completely inserted in the shoe-cover of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.

There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.

Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention provides a shoe-cover. Accordingly, components of the shoe-cover have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

While the specification concludes with the claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a high-heeled, non-platform shoe with which, the shoe-cover of the present invention can be used is shown. The high-heeled shoe 100 is interchangeably referred to as the shoe 100. The shoe 100 includes a sole 102 that forms a base thereof. A body portion 104 is supported on the sole 102. A heel 106 extends downwards from the sole 102. The body 104 forms an opening 108 in which a foot can be inserted. The base forms a toe area and a heel area on which the toe and heel of the foot can be supported, respectively. A skilled artisan will appreciate that such high-heeled shoes are well known in the art and their description has been avoided so as not to obfuscate the present description.

FIG. 2 shows a high-heeled platform shoe with which the shoe-cover of the present invention can be used, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The high-heeled platform shoe is similar to the shoe 100, and includes a platform 202 that extends from the sole 102 downwards. Such high-heeled platform shoes are also well known in the art.

FIG. 3 shows a flat shoe with which the shoe-cover of the present invention can be used, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flat shoe of FIG. 3 is also well known in the art, and can optionally include a heel-like projection 302. The shoe-cover of the present invention can be removably attached to the shoe 100 depicted in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a shoe-cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The shoe cover 400 includes a covering means 402 that includes a first projection 405 formed at a first end. The covering means 402 further includes a first opening 404 formed at a second end thereof, and a second opening 406 formed between the first and second ends thereof. The first opening 406 is capable of receiving the shoe 100 such that the projecting heel 106 extends outwardly by way of the second opening 406 and the toe area is covered by means of the first projection 405 upon insertion of the shoe 100 in the cover 400. The first projection 405 maybe in shape of a horn, in order to accommodate the toe area appropriately. Depending on sizes and shapes of the shoe 100, the shape of the first projection 405 may be altered. The projection or horn 405 is an important feature of this invention as it allows for the shoe cover to lay properly inside the toe portion of the shoe. The shoe-cover 400 of this embodiment may be used with the high-heeled non-platform shoe of FIG. 1 and the flat shoe 100 of FIG. 3.

With slight modification to the shape of the shoe cover, and the projection 405, the cover can be altered for fitting men's shoes. For open toe women's style shoes, the projection 405 is further modified making it slightly larger to fit into the shoe and toe area laying relatively flat on the outside and inside of the shoe, the toe area of 402 is cut to accommodate the open toe of the shoe, and the elastic remains in sections 414, 408, and 404. To accommodate shoes having straps, a cut similar to a buttonhole is placed in the shoe cover 402 where the strap would pull through, and reinforced depending on fabric utilized.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the shoe-cover 400 includes an optional third opening 408 that is capable of receiving the platform portion 202 of the shoe 100, such that the platform portion 202 extends outwardly by way of the third opening 408. The shoe-cover 400 of this embodiment may be used with the high-heeled platform shoe 100 of FIG. 2. Therefore, the shoe-cover covers the sole 102 partially, leaving the area of the shoe that touches the ground uncovered.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the covering means 402 is made of a substantially resilient, elastic material such as spandex, pleather, suade, knit-style materials or the like. Leather or leather-like fabrics may be employed provided sufficient stretch is present to go over the shoe and fit snugly. However, any other suitable flexible/elastic material may be used, and should not be considered to restrict the scope of the invention in any way. Fabrics can be those containing natural fibers provided there is sufficient stretch overall to cover the shoe in a snug or relatively tight and smooth fitting manner, or synthetic fabrics. The first, second and third openings of the shoe cover 404, 406 and 408 may include seams 410, 412 and 414 that define the openings, respectively. The seams 410, 412 and 414 are elastic in nature and help fit the shoe-cover 400 on the shoe 100 without any additional external attachment. The seams 410, 412 and 414 can be sewn to the covering means 402. Further, in an embodiment of the invention, the seams 410, 412 and 414 may be overlocked.

Relative to the stretch of the fabric, it is preferable that the fabric stretch in two directions, lengthwise, parallel to the selvage, and cross-grain. For stretch, what is meant is that the fabric will preferably stretch to at least about 50% in its stretched position from its relaxed position, e.g., a 4 inch piece of fabric when relaxed will stretch to at least 6 inches when stretched in any single direction. Stretch can be at least about 30% to about 40%, preferably about 50%.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the shoe-cover 400 of FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the projection 405 can be provided in an appropriate shape so as to fit snugly on the toe area of the shoe 100.

FIG. 6 shows a high-heeled, non-platform shoe 100 partially inserted in the shoe-cover 400 of the present invention. The shoe-cover 400 acts as a sock; and the shoe 100 can be inserted therein in a manner similar to that of inserting a foot in a sock. The shoe 100, from its toe area is inserted in the shoe-cover 400 through the first opening 404. When inserted completely, the toe area of the shoe 100 fits into the first projection 405 as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the heel 106 extends outwardly through the second opening 406. Seams 412 and 414 fit snugly around the heel 106 and base respectively. When the shoe-cover is fitted on a platform shoe, the platform 202 extends outwardly through the third opening 408. Once the toe area, platform and heel are fitted properly, the remaining portion of the shoe-cover 400 (i.e., the portion between the first opening 404 and the first projection 405 that is shown to extend upwardly) can be inserted in the opening 108 of the shoe 100.

FIG. 7 shows the high-heeled, non-platform shoe 400, completely inserted in the shoe-cover 400 of the present invention. Once the remaining portion of the shoe-cover 400 is inserted in the opening 108 of the shoe 100, a foot can be inserted in the opening 108. Due to the elastic property of the material of the shoe-cover 400, the portion of the shoe-cover 400 that is inserted in the opening 108 is stretched and the foot fits properly in the shoe 100.

The shoe-cover 400 has an outer surface and an inner surface. In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer and inner surfaces can have ornamental designs or patterns provided thereon. Optionally, the shoe-cover 400 can be reversibly used—therefore, one shoe-cover can have two different designs, which further minimizes costs and storage space. The horn like projection 405 provides a better comfort to the toe area. Moreover, the portion of the shoe-cover that is inserted into the shoe provides padding to the foot and increases comfort.

The shoe-cover of the present invention solves the problem of having a different shoe to match different clothing outfits. Further, the cover 400 can be made of a washable material, so that it can be washed when it is removed from the shoe, which further enhances the longevity of the cover. Finally, the shoe-cover of the present invention is interchangeable among shoes, prolongs the life of the shoe and provides a barrier from scuffs and other elements inside the shoe body. It can be made to be reversible, and also allow for additional ornamentation over the cover on the shoe, e.g., placement of a shoe clip of some type over the cover and on the toe area of the shoe.

Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application. Although selected embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it may be understood that various substitutions and alterations are possible. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings may recognize additional various substitutions and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A shoe-cover adapted to be removably attached to a shoe including a body and a projecting heel, wherein the body includes an opening for insertion of a foot, and wherein the body defines a toe area and a heel area, the cover comprising: a substantially resilient covering means comprising: a first projection formed at a first end of the covering means;a first opening formed at a second end of the covering means; anda second opening formed between the first and second ends of the covering means, wherein the first opening is capable of receiving the shoe such that the projecting heel extends outwardly by way of the second opening and the toe area is covered by means of the first projection upon insertion of the shoe in the cover.

2. The shoe-cover of claim 1, formed from a single piece of stretchable material, or a plurality of pieces attached together.

3. The shoe-cover of claim 2, wherein the material is substantially resilient.

4. The shoe-cover of claim 1, wherein the covering means further comprises a third opening formed between the first opening and the first projection.

5. The shoe-cover of claim 4, wherein the third opening is capable of receiving a platform portion of the shoe, such that the platform portion extends outwardly by way of the third opening.

6. The shoe-cover of claim 1, wherein a portion of the covering means between the first projection and the second end is capable of being inserted in the opening of the body of the shoe, such that an area of the shoe between the toe area and the heel area is substantially covered by the portion of the covering means between the first projection and the second end.

7. The shoe-cover of claim 1, wherein the covering means comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is in contact with the body of the shoe upon insertion of the shoe therein, and the outer surface is visible.

8. The shoe-cover of claim 7, wherein the covering means can be reversed, such that the outer surface is in contact with the body of the shoe upon insertion of the shoe therein, and the inner surface is visible.

9. The shoe-cover of claim 8, wherein each of the inner and outer surfaces include at least one of a decorative design, ornamentation and a visually appealing pattern.

10. The shoe-cover of claim 1 wherein the cover is washable.

11. A shoe-cover adapted to be removably attached to a shoe including a body, a platform portion, and a projecting heel, wherein the body includes an opening for insertion of a foot, and wherein the body defines a toe area and a heel area, the cover comprising: a substantially resilient covering means comprising: a first projection formed at a first end of the covering means;a first opening formed at a second end of the covering means; anda second opening formed between the first and second ends of the covering means and capable of receiving the shoe such that the projecting heel extends outwardly by way of the second opening and the toe area is covered by means of the first projection upon insertion of the shoe in the cover; anda third opening capable of receiving the platform portion of the shoe, such that the platform portion extends outwardly by way of the third opening.