Patent Application
20090083993
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of shoes and more particularly to a means preventing wear and tear in shoes used for skateboarding.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the construction of shoes the sole of the shoe is designed to absorb wear that is normally encountered during walking and running. The upper of the shoe, which surrounds the top of the foot and the ankle, is generally made of fabric and is not designed to encounter significant wear. When the upper of a shoe encounters localized wear, the upper may become frayed or acquire a hole. However, some activities may cause significant wear and tear on the sole, in addition to the upper, resulting in premature failure of the shoe. Premature failure of shoes is common in conjunction with children since certain activities that children engage in do cause abrasive wear to various parts of a shoe.
Skateboarding is an example of this type of activity. Certain maneuvers involving a skateboard require rough contact between a skateboarder's shoe and the ground and/or a skateboard. This friction can quickly result in a hole on the sole or upper of one shoe which would require premature replacement of a pair of shoes.
In order to avoid this premature replacement, skateboarders have been known to make fabric pads and tape or sew the same to their shoes in the area where localized wear occurs. These fabric pads quickly wear out and require replacement. Another way in which skateboarders have tried to mitigate wear and tear is by using special shoe glue to repair the shoe damage, but this noticeable glue can be messy and perhaps unattractive to users. Many skateboarders, however, resort to buying new shoes. Thus, it is highly desirable to have a means for preventing the wear and tear of shoes that is durable, adept at preserving the condition of shoes, and less than expensive than replacing shoes.
The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a removable shoe cover having an inner side and an outer side. The removable shoe cover comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe. The front part also comprises a top side and a bottom side. The removable shoe cover also includes a strap, which is connected to the front part and stretched around a posterior of a shoe to maintain a snug fit. The removable shoe cover leaves a heel substantially exposed and uncovered.
The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include a method of preventing wear and tear in shoes comprising a step of placing a removable shoe cover over a shoe, wherein the removable shoe cover, having an inner side and an outer side, comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe. The front part also comprises a top side and a bottom side. The removable shoe cover also includes a strap, which is connected to the front part. The removable shoe cover leaves a heel substantially exposed and uncovered. The method of preventing wear and tear in shoes of the present invention also comprises a step of securing the strap around the posterior of the shoe to maintain a snug fit.
The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In reference to the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout all the drawings. The following is a list of the reference characters and associated element:
10 front part
20 strap
30 removable sections
40 toe guard
50 inner side
60 outer side
70 top side
80 bottom side
90 shoe
The drawings show for purposes of further illustration and understanding, that the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a removable shoe cover for preventing wear and tear on shoes. Although all the embodiments as shown in the illustrations display a left-footed design, embodiments of the present invention also encompass a right-footed design.
In an exemplary embodiment, the front part 10 and the strap 20 are connected on the inner side 50 and the outer side 60. In a preferred embodiment, the front part 10 and the strap 20 form a single, continuous piece of material. In exemplary embodiments, one or more connection means are required within the body of the strap 20 or between the front part 10 and the strap 20. The connecting means may be, for example, Velcro®, snaps, buckles, hooks, or any other similar type of connection.
In other exemplary embodiments, the removable shoe cover is individualized by ornamental designs. Image-conscious users may prefer to have individualized versions of the removable shoe cover to match the shoe 90 or to differentiate themselves from peers.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
