SHOE INSERT

Abstract

A shoe insert device is comprised of a tab and an insert member comprising a lateral, medial, anterior, and posterior region to which the tab is connected. The insert member is inserted into the toe box of a shoe to preserve the shape and structural integrity of a shoe while not in use. The device is comprised of silicone or other malleable material such as TPE. The device occupies the toe box of a shoe, does not occupy the entire length of a shoe, and does not require a back of a shoe. The device can thus be used for a variety of women's and men's shoes such as high heels, flats, loafers, backless shoes, and pointed-, rounded- or open-toe shoes. Embodiments in which lateral and medial regions of the insert member are configured and dimensioned substantially the same may be used interchangeably for either the left or right shoe.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device that is inserted in the toe box of a shoe to maintain the shape and integrity of a shoe during travel, storage or when the shoe is otherwise not in use.

BACKGROUND

Shoe trees have been used for decades to preserve the shape of a shoe. They are typically made of rigid materials such as wood, plastic and/or metal and incorporate a spring or coil mechanism that expands longitudinally along the length of a shoe to secure the shoe tree therein. Split-toe shoe trees use two spring mechanisms: a first mechanism that expands longitudinally and a second mechanism that expands horizontally across the toe box. Shoe trees are comprised of components for both the toe and heel portions of a shoe and therefore run the entire length of a shoe. Although they may be used to retain the shape of women's closed toe flat shoes, shoe trees are most commonly used to maintain the shape of men's dress shoes.

Since they are composed of rigid materials and occupy the entire length of a shoe, shoe trees are bulky and extremely heavy, making them not suitable for travel. Additionally, traditional shoe trees are limited for use with closed toe, flat shoes with backs (i.e., the portion of a shoe that covers the back of a user's heel), and they cannot accommodate other types of shoes such as: high heel shoes, stilettos, pointed-toe shoes, open toe shoes, ballet-style shoes, round toe shoes, sandals, strappy shoes, sling-back shoes, mules, slides, and other types of backless and open toe shoes for women and men.

Other devices that retain the shape of a shoe are inserts used for retail shoe displays or for packing and shipping of new shoes. Such devices are made of inexpensive, flimsy materials such as thin hallow plastic, cardboard or foam and are suited for temporary or short-term use. Although these devices are lightweight, they are not durable enough for heavy travel, nor are they rigid enough to adequately maintain the proper shape of a shoe while inside over-packed luggage while traveling. Another method for preserving the shape of a shoe while traveling is to stuff the shoe with readily available materials like socks, pantyhose, stockings, or various types of paper such as tissue paper, toilet paper, napkins, or packing paper. However, these stuffing materials do not provide adequate rigidity to properly maintain the intended shape of the shoe, and such materials may even slip out when items move around within a suitcase during travel. As a result, shoes may still get smashed and distorted while in a suitcase or bag during travel. The foregoing methods may be used for shoe storage, but like the shoe tree, the foregoing methods are limited in application and cannot effectively retain the shape of a wide variety of shoes.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a shoe insert device that is rigid and durable to maintain the shape and structural integrity of shoes that are crammed in fully-packed luggage while traveling, but is lightweight and compact to avoid adding weight and excess bulk to full baggage. There is also a need in the art for a shoe insert device that can accommodate a variety of women's and men's shoes such as: high heel shoes, stilettos, pointed-toe shoes, open toe shoes, ballet-style shoes, round toe shoes, loafers, sandals, strappy shoes, sling-back shoes, mules, slides, and other types of backless and open-toed shoes. A shoe insert device that addresses the abovementioned drawbacks would not only be ideal for travel and useful for a wide variety of shoes, but it would be more cost-efficient and convenient since separate customized insert devices would not have to be purchased to accommodate each specific type and size of shoe, and it would extend the life and wearability of the shoes using such inserts. Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the ensuing description of the present invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a shoe insert device that addresses the abovementioned drawbacks while providing numerous advantages and applications as more fully described herein. The shoe insert device of the present invention is rigid and durable allowing it to maintain the shape and integrity of shoes while not in use. For example, the device may be used for shoes that are packed in fully-packed luggage while traveling, and the device is lightweight and compact to avoid adding substantial weight and excess bulk to over-packed baggage. The features and configuration of the shoe insert device components allow versatility as it may be used for a wide variety of women's and men's shoes. Furthermore, such a device offers the added convenience by also functioning as a permanent and efficient storage solution. After being used for travel, the inserts may be kept inside the shoes while stored in closets, storage containers, and shoe boxes, thereby providing a cleaner, more modern aesthetic than classic shoe trees and random stuffing material such as socks and tissue paper. Instead of using paper, foam or thin plastic materials, the device of the present invention may also be used for packing and shipping of shoes as an additional security measure to ensure the shape and structural integrity of the shoe is preserved.

To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention, the present invention is directed to a shoe insert device that is generally comprised of an insert member and a tab. While holding the tab, a user inserts the insert member into the toe box of a shoe to thereby maintain the shape of the toe area of the shoe which is commonly referred to as the “toe box.” Unlike traditional shoe trees, the device of the present invention does not require a back of a shoe to effectively maintain the integrity and shape of a shoe. Thus, the device does not occupy the entire length of a shoe; it only occupies the toe box of a shoe and is therefore compact, lightweight, non-bulky, and versatile.

The insert member is comprised of a lateral region, a medial region, an anterior region, and a posterior region to which the tab is connected. The lateral region includes a lateral edge, the medial region includes a medial edge, the anterior region includes an anterior edge, and the posterior region includes a posterior edge. The lateral region is positioned along the outer sides of the device, and the medial region is positioned along the midline or middle area of the user's body. The anterior region is positioned toward the front of the device (toward the toes of a user), and the posterior region is positioned toward the back of the device.

The tab comprises: a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, a back edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. In certain versions of the invention, the tab may further include a depression or other feature adapted to receive the surface of a user's thumb. The tab may also include non-slip elements on the bottom and/or top surface of the tab. For example, the bottom side of the tab may include rib-like structures or other protrusions so that the user can firmly and securely grip the shoe insert while inserting and removing it from the toe box of a shoe.

The tab is dimensioned and configured to be compact enough to allow the insert member to be easily inserted in round toe shoes, flat shoes, high heels, and numerous other varieties of shoes. The tab is sufficiently small so it is not bulky and not obstructive so that it sticks out beyond a shoe's surface area and is not susceptible to breakage during travel. Although small and compact, the tab is sufficiently wide and thick to permit a user to have a firm hold on the device to allow easy, stable and secure insertion and removal of the insert member in and out of a shoe's toe box. If the tab was too long, too large and/or angled such that it was protruding outside of a shoe when insert member is inserted in the toe box, the device would not be able to accommodate a wide variety of shoes such as stilettos, pumps, mules, ballerina-style flats, slip-ons, loafers, or any of the other numerous types of shoes for women and men discussed herein.

The insert member of the present invention can be made with silicone or a similar material that is malleable yet durable such as silicone and can be produced in a variety of Pantone colors. The tab may also be made of a silicone or similar material so that it is made of the same material as the insert member. In other versions, the insert member and/or tab may be comprised of a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). The silicone or similar material is not only lightweight but can also easily be molded into a variety of shoe types and sizes. The device of the present invention is ideal for travel to keep a shoe's toe box from losing its shape in luggage, and it can be used to efficiently store shoes in closets, shoe boxes, and containers.

The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention that will be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting in any way.

Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of shoe insert devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the devices depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one of the devices depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of shoe insert devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the devices depicted in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of one of the devices depicted in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pair of shoe insert devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the devices depicted in FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of one of the devices depicted in FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the device depicted in FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a pair of shoe insert devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the devices depicted in FIG. 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of one of the devices depicted in FIG. 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the device depicted in FIG. 13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a pair of shoe insert devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the devices depicted in FIG. 15 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of one of the devices depicted in FIG. 15 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the device depicted in FIG. 17 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

For ease of reference, the following reference numbers are consistently used in the accompanying drawings of the present application to depict various components and embodiments of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 100 first device
• 200 second device
• 500 insert member
• 30 lateral region
• 35 lateral edge
• 40 medial region
• 45 medial edge
• 50 anterior region
• 55 anterior edge
• 57 area adjacent to anterior edge
• 60 peak region
• 70 posterior region
• 75 posterior edge
• 80 tab
• 82 depression of tab
• 83 left edge of tab
• 84 right edge of tab
• 85 front edge of tab
• 87 back edge of tab
• 88 top surface of tab
• 89 bottom surface of tab
• 90 support member

FIGS. 1 and 7 illustrate a perspective view of a first device 100 and a second device 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention that can be used for round toe shoes such as ballet-style flats or rounded-toe high heel shoes. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, first device 100 and second device 200 of the present invention are each generally comprised of an insert member 500 and a tab 80 that is connected to a posterior region 70 of insert member 500. While holding tab 80, a user inserts insert member 500 into the toe box of a shoe to thereby maintain the shape of the toe box. Unlike traditional shoe trees, the device of the present invention does not require a back of a shoe to effectively maintain the integrity and shape a shoe. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, insert member 500 is comprised of a lateral region 30, a medial region 40, an anterior region 50, and a posterior region 70.

FIGS. 2 and 8 depict a top view of the first device 100 and the second device 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, respectively. Referring to the components of insert member 500, lateral region 30 includes a lateral edge 35, medial region 40 includes a medial edge 45, anterior region 50 includes an anterior edge 55, and (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 9) posterior region 70 includes a posterior edge 75. In this embodiment of the invention, anterior edge 55 is rounded as seen in FIGS. 2 and 8. Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, lateral region 30 is positioned along the outer sides of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the midline or middle area of the user's body. With reference to a user's perspective, in first device 100, lateral region 30 is positioned along the left outer side of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the right side of the device; and in second device 200, lateral region 30 is positioned along the right outer side of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the left side of the device. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 8, anterior region 50 is positioned toward the front of the device (toward the toes of a user), and posterior region 70 is positioned toward the back of the device (toward the heel of a user).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, tab 80 comprises: a left edge 83, a right edge 84, a front edge 85, a back edge 87. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, tab 80 also comprises a top surface 88 and a bottom surface 89. In certain embodiments of the present invention such as those depicted in FIGS. 2, 5, 8, 12 and 16, tab 80 may further include a depression 82 or other feature adapted to receive the surface of a user's thumb. Tab 80 is dimensioned and configured to be compact enough to allow insert member 500 to be inserted in round toe shoes, flat shoes, high heels, and many other varieties of shoes. Tab 80 is sufficiently small so it is not bulky and not obstructive such that it sticks out beyond a shoe's surface area or is susceptible to breakage during travel. Although small and compact, tab 80 is sufficiently wide and thick to allow a user to have a firm hold on the device and to provide easy, stable and secure insertion and removal of insert member 500 in and out of a toe box of a shoe. If tab 80 was too long, too large and/or angled such that it was protruding outside of a shoe when insert member 500 is inserted in a toe box, the device of the present invention would not be able to accommodate a wide variety of shoes such as stilettos, pumps, mules, ballerina flats, slip-ons, or any of the other types of men's and women's shoes discussed hereinabove.

FIGS. 3 and 9 depict a side view of first device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. As seen from this view and referring to insert member 500, posterior region 70 is positioned toward the back of the device and faces the back. From posterior edge 75, posterior region 70 inclines toward a peak region 60, which is a maximum height of insert member 500, and peak region 60 is positioned in between anterior region 50 and posterior region 70. From peak region 60, anterior region 50 declines toward an area 57 adjacent to anterior edge 55.

FIGS. 4 and 11 depict a perspective view of first device 100 and second device 200 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention that can be used for pointy toe shoes such as stilettos or pointed-toe flats. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 11, first device 100 and second device 200 of the present invention are each generally comprised of an insert member 500 and a tab 80. Insert member 500 is comprised of a lateral region 30, a medial region 40, an anterior region 50, a posterior region 70, and a posterior region 70 to which tab 80 is connected.

FIGS. 5 and 12 depict a top view of first device 100 and second device 200. Referring to insert member 500, lateral region 30 includes a lateral edge 35, medial region 40 includes a medial edge 45, anterior region 50 includes an anterior edge 55, and as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 13, posterior region 70 includes a posterior edge 75. In this embodiment of the invention, anterior edge 55 is pointed. Lateral region 30 is positioned along the outer sides of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the midline or middle area of the user's body. In first device 100, lateral region 30 is positioned along the left outer side of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the right side of the device. In second device 200, lateral region 30 is positioned along the right outer side of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the left side of the device. As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 12, anterior region 50 is positioned toward the front of the device, and posterior region 70 is positioned toward the back of the device. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, tab 80 comprises: a left edge 83, a right edge 84, a front edge 85, a back edge 87, and a depression 82. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, tab 80 further includes a top surface 88 and a bottom surface 89.

FIGS. 6 and 13 illustrate a side view of first device 100 shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, respectively. As shown from this view, posterior region 70 is positioned toward the back of the device and faces the back. From posterior edge 75, posterior region 70 inclines toward a peak region 60, which is a maximum height of insert member 500. Peak region 60 is positioned in between anterior region 50 and posterior region 70. From peak region 60, anterior region 50 declines gradually toward an area 57 adjacent to anterior edge 55.

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of first device 100 and second device 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention that can be used for men's shoes. As shown in FIG. 15, first device 100 and second device 200 of the present invention are each generally comprised of an insert member 500 and a tab 80, and insert member 500 is comprised of a lateral region 30, a medial region 40, an anterior region 50, a posterior region 70, and a posterior region 70 to which tab 80 is connected.

FIG. 16 depicts a top view of first device 100 and second device 200 shown in FIG. 15. In regard to insert member 500, lateral region 30 includes a lateral edge 35, medial region 40 includes a medial edge 45, anterior region 50 includes an anterior edge 55, and posterior region 70 includes a posterior edge 75 (see also FIG. 17). Referring to FIG. 16, lateral region 30 is positioned along the outer sides of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the midline or middle area of the user's body. In first device 100, lateral region 30 is positioned along the left outer side of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the right side of the device as seen in FIG. 16. In second device 200, lateral region 30 is positioned along the right outer side of the device, and medial region 40 is positioned along the left side of the device, and anterior region 50 is positioned toward the front of the device, and posterior region 70 is positioned toward the back of the device. Additionally, tab 80 comprises: a left edge 83, a right edge 84, a front edge 85, a back edge 87, and a depression 82, and as seen in FIG. 17, tab 80 further includes a top surface 88 and a bottom surface 89.

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of first device 100 shown in FIG. 16 and shows posterior region 70 positioned toward the back of the device and facing the back. From posterior edge 75, posterior region 70 inclines toward a peak region 60, which is a maximum height of insert member 500. Still referring to FIG. 17, peak region 60 is positioned in between anterior region 50 and posterior region 70. From peak region 60, anterior region 50 declines gradually toward an area 57 adjacent to anterior edge 55.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 9, 13, and 17, tab 80 further includes non-slip elements on bottom surface 89. For example, bottom surface 89 of tab 80 may include rib-like structures or other protrusions so that the user can firmly and securely grip the shoe insert while inserting and removing it from the toe box of a shoe. Additionally, the present invention may further include a support member 90 that is connected to posterior region 70 of insert member 500 and to bottom surface 89 of tab 80 as shown in FIGS. 9, 13 and 17. Support member 90 further secures tab 80 to posterior region 70 of insert member 500.

FIGS. 10, 14 and 18 depict a rear view of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 9, 13 and 17, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 10, 14 and 18, tab 80 is connected to posterior region 70 of insert member 500, bottom surface 89 of tab 80 includes rib-like structures or protrusions to allow the user to firmly grip the shoe insert, and support member 90 further secures tab 80 to insert member 500.

Materials

Unlike shoe trees and other devices used to retain the shape of a shoe that are currently on the market, the present invention is primarily comprised of a durable and malleable material such as silicone, silicone rubber or similar material. A silicone material is durable and stabilizing to firmly retain the shape of a shoe, and it is resilient enough to accommodate a wide variety of shoes. The silicone or similar material is not only lightweight, but it is malleable and can easily be molded into a variety of shoe types, shapes and sizes. For example, since silicone material is malleable, the present invention can be manufactured such that it can accommodate a wide variety of shoe sizes, as for example, European sizes 35-41 or U.S. sizes 5/6-10/11. Additionally, silicone materials may provide a coefficient of friction sufficient to prevent the device from slipping out of a shoe during travel, but it can still slide in and out of a shoe with ease when a user is inserting or removing insert member 500 into or out of a toe box. Further, silicone material is easy to clean and wipe and is therefore easy to maintain.

In one variation of the present invention, the shoe insert device may be comprised of a silicone and can be produced in a variety of Pantone colors. Alternatively, insert member 500 and/or tab 80 may be comprised of a Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). However, any suitably durable but malleable material may be used that is known to one skilled in the art, and the material that may be used in the present invention is by no way limited to any one specific material. Ideally, the material should have the integrity and strength to provide sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of a shoe toe box, while still being able to provide some resiliency to accommodate a variety of shoes. Tab 80 may also be made of a silicone or similar material such that it is made of the same material as insert member 500. Yet, in other versions of the invention, tab 80 may be made of a material different from insert member 500 such as a plastic or similar material.

Examples

In the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention, reference was made to the accompanying figures, which form a part of this application. The figures show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other variations are possible and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. A variety of embodiments are possible wherein each embodiment includes a different combination and/or configuration of the different aspects and elements of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, first device 100 may be configured to accommodate a left shoe, and second device 200 may be configured to accommodate a right shoe. For example, FIGS. 1-3 depict an embodiment of the invention in which first device 100 and second device 200 are configured to accommodate a left shoe and right shoe, respectively. The shoe insert devices of this variation of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-3 may be used for flats and a variety of round toe shoes including shoes with heels. FIGS. 4-6 also depict an embodiment of the invention in which first device 100 and second device 200 are configured to accommodate a left shoe and right shoe, respectively, and this variation of the invention shown in FIGS. 4-6 may be used for a variety of stilettos and other pointed-toe shoes including pointy toe flats.

However, in some embodiments of the invention, first device 100 and second device 200 may be configured to be interchangeable and may be used with either the left or right shoe. In such embodiments of the invention, lateral region 30 and medial region 40 of insert member 500 may be configured and dimensioned to be substantially the same or exactly the same wherein lateral region 30 and medial region 40 are mirror images of each other such that first device 100 and second device 200 are essentially identical. However, due to the resilience and malleability features of the materials used for the present invention, lateral region 30 and medial region 40 of insert member 500 do not need to be configured and dimensioned the same, nor do they need to be mirror images of each other to be able to accommodate both left and right shoes.

In another example, one version of the present invention may be configured as the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3 wherein first device 100 and second device 200 may each be dimensioned as follows: [referring to FIG. 2] (a) the distance between anterior edge 55 of insert member 500 and back edge 87 of tab 80 is 5.00 inches; (b) the distance between lateral edge 35 and medial edge 45 is 2.875 inches; (c) the length between front edge 85 and back edge 87 of tab 80 is 1.75 inches; (d) the distance between left edge 83 and right edge 84 of tab 80 is 0.875 inches; [referring to FIG. 3] (e) the thickness between top surface 88 and bottom surface 89 of tab 80 is 0.25 inches; (f) the length between anterior edge 55 and posterior edge 75 of insert member 500 is 3.75 inches; and (f) the height from anterior edge 55 to an area at or near peak region 60 of insert member 500 is about 1.50 inches. The shoe insert devices of this variation of the invention may be used for a wide variety of flats, round toe shoes, and various other types of shoes.

In a further example, another version of the present invention may be configured as the embodiment portrayed in FIGS. 4-6 wherein first device 100 and second device 200 may each be dimensioned as follows: [referring to FIG. 5] (a) the distance between anterior edge 55 of insert member 500 and back edge 87 of tab 80 is 5.25 inches; (b) the distance between lateral edge 35 and medial edge 45 is 3.00 inches; (c) the length between front edge 85 and back edge 87 of tab 80 is 1.75 inches; (d) the distance between left edge 83 and right edge 84 of tab 80 is 0.875 inches; [referring to FIG. 6] (e) the thickness between top surface 88 and bottom surface 89 of tab 80 is 0.25 inches; (f) the length between anterior edge 55 and posterior edge 75 of insert member 500 is 4.125 inches; and (f) the height from anterior edge 55 to an area at or near peak region 60 of insert member 500 is about 1.50 inches. The shoe insert devices of this variation of the invention may be used for a wide variety of stilettos, pointed-toe shoes, and a variety of other types of shoes.

In other examples, the present invention may also be produced in a few different variations for different styles of shoes for both men and women by varying the configuration and dimensions of the invention's components. For women, an insert for stilettos, ballet-style flats, round toe shoes, loafers, slides, sandals, and strappy shoes may be produced by modifying the dimensions to specifically accommodate the foregoing. For men, inserts may be produced for round, square and pointed toe variations for dress shoes, as well as for loafers and slides. For example, the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 7 (which illustrate versions of the invention for round toe shoes) can be modified by increasing the length of the insert member by a few inches to accommodate loafers.

Although the present invention has been described above in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible. Many of the elements of the invention may be of alternate suitable shapes, sizes, and/or configurations; may further include structures not described hereinabove; may exclude one or more components described above, and may be positioned at alternate suitable locations within the apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention

The attached figures depicting various embodiments of the invention are primarily intended to convey the basic principles embodied in the present invention. Thus, the present invention may further include additional structures and features not illustrated in the figures. Also, various structures of the present invention such as the dimensions, shapes, and configuration of certain components may vary to accommodate a particular size, shape and/or type of shoe. The present invention may further include aesthetically pleasing features such as various finishes, coatings, glitter, colors, artwork, imprints, textures, or designs, and it may be aesthetically customized for any variety of users. The present invention may also include various designations or indicia. For example, in versions of the invention in which first device 100 and second device 200 are configured to accommodate a left shoe and right shoe, respectively, “L” and “R” indicia may be marked on first device 100 and second device 200, respectively, to designate use for left and right shoes. In other examples, distinct indicia, brand names, logos, symbols or other character depictions may designate a particular cause, interest, application, distributor, retailer, or shoe designer.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A shoe insert device comprising: an insert member comprised of an anterior region and a posterior region;anda tab that is connected to the posterior regionwherein the insert member is inserted into a toe box of a shoe to preserve the shape of a shoe while the shoe is not in use.

2. The shoe insert device of claim 1 wherein the insert member further comprises a lateral region and a medial region.

3. The shoe insert device of claim 2 wherein the lateral region is a mirror image of the medial region and wherein the shoe insert device can be used on either a left shoe or a right shoe.

4. The shoe insert device of claim 1 wherein the shoe insert device is comprised of silicone.

5. The shoe insert device of claim 1 wherein the tab is comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface.

6. The shoe insert device of claim 5 further comprising a support member that is attached to the posterior region of the insert member and to the bottom surface of the tab.

7. The shoe insert device of claim 5 wherein the tab includes ridges on the bottom surface.

8. A shoe insert comprising: an insert member comprised of an anterior region that includes an anterior edge, anda posterior region that includes a posterior edge; anda tab that is attached to the posterior region,wherein the insert member is inserted into a toe box of a shoe to preserve the shape of a shoe while the shoe is not in use.

9. The shoe insert of claim 8 wherein the anterior edge is rounded.

10. The shoe insert of claim 8 wherein the anterior edge is pointed.

11. The shoe insert of claim 8 wherein the insert member further comprises a lateral region and a medial region.

12. The shoe insert of claim 11 wherein the lateral region is a mirror image of the medial region and wherein the shoe insert can be used on either a left shoe or a right shoe.

13. The shoe insert of claim 8 wherein the shoe insert is comprised of silicone.

14. The shoe insert of claim 8 wherein the tab is comprised of a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, a back edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface.

15. The shoe insert of claim 14 wherein the bottom surface includes projections.

16. The shoe insert of claim 14 further comprising a support member that is connected to the bottom surface of the tab and to the posterior region of the insert member.

17. A shoe insert comprising: an insert member comprised of a lateral region,a medial region,an anterior region that includes an anterior edge, anda posterior region that includes a posterior edge; anda tab comprised of a top surface anda bottom surface,wherein the tab is connected to the posterior region of the insert member and wherein the insert member is inserted into a toe box of a shoe.

18. The shoe insert of claim 17 wherein the anterior edge is rounded.

19. The shoe insert of claim 17 wherein the anterior edge is pointed.

20. The shoe insert of claim 17 wherein the shoe insert is comprised of silicone.