FOOTWEAR ACCESSORY

Abstract

A footwear accessory is provided. The footwear accessory comprises a decorative upper portion and a resilient flexible lower portion coupled to the decorative upper portion. The footwear accessory is worn over a foot wearing an open top shoe to retain the shoe on the foot. The upper decorative portion comprises decorative features.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to footwear, in general, and to a footwear accessory worn in conjunction with open top shoes, including high heel shoes, in particular.

BACKGROUND

One problem with wearing of open top high heel shoes is that the shoes have a tendency to slip off the foot from time to time.

With the popularity of tattoos, it is not uncommon for women to have one or more tattoos on the top of one or both feet.

It is often desirable to obscure or cover such tattoos when open top shoes are worn in certain situations. One such situation may be in a business office where display of any tattoo may be considered to be inappropriate.

It is desirable to provide a footwear accessory that may be used with open top high heel shoes to retain the shoe on the foot of the wearer and/or to cover up a tattoo or other mark located on the top of a foot.

SUMMARY

A footwear accessory for use with an open top shoe is provided. The footwear accessory comprises an upper decorative portion and a resilient flexible lower portion coupled to the upper decorative portion. The upper decorative portion and the resilient lower portion are adapted to be worn on a foot while wearing the open top shoe. The resilient flexible lower portion is adapted to engage the sole of the open top shoe and the upper decorative portion engaging the top of the foot wearing the shoe. The upper decorative portion and the resilient flexible lower portion cooperate to retain the shoe on the foot.

The resilient flexible lower portion of an embodiment comprises an elastic band portion. The elastic band portion is disposed in relation to the upper decorative portion such that the elastic band portion engages the sole of the shoe.

The upper decorative portion and the resilient flexible lower portion are sized such that the elastic band portion is stretched when worn on the foot and the shoe to retain the shoe the foot.

In one embodiment, a fastener is carried by the resilient flexible portion. The fastener is unfastened to place footwear accessory on the foot and the shoe and the fastener being fastened to retain the wearable cover on the foot.

In various embodiments, the upper decorative portion comprises a decoratively configured fabric.

In various embodiments, one end of the upper decorative portion is sewn to a corresponding end of the resilient flexible lower portion and the other end of the upper decorative portion is sewn to the corresponding other end of the resilient flexible lower portion.

In various other embodiments, the cover comprises a fastener. One end of the upper decorative portion is sewn to a corresponding end of the resilient flexible lower portion, and the other end of the upper decorative portion is connectable to the corresponding other end of the resilient flexible lower portion by the fastener.

In a further embodiment, a footwear accessory comprises an upper decorative portion, the upper decorative portion sized to at least cover a tattoo or other body mark on a portion of a foot when an open top shoe is worn, and a resilient flexible lower portion coupled to the upper decorative portion to retain the open top shoe on the foot and to cover the tattoo or other body mark, the resilient flexible portion lower adapted to extend around at least a circumferential portion of the foot including the sole of the shoe. The upper decorative portion comprises decorative features.

Various embodiments of the footwear accessory comprise a fastener carried by the resilient flexible lower portion, the fastener being unfastened to place the footwear accessory on the foot and shoe, and the fastener being fastened to retain the footwear accessory on the foot and shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description of several embodiments in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference designators identify like elements, and in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate a second embodiment;

FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 illustrate a third embodiment;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a fourth embodiment; and

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a foot accessory 1100 is shown in conjunction with an open top high heel shoe 1001. Foot accessory 1100 includes an upper decorative portion 1101, and a flexible resilient lower portion 1103. Flexible resilient lower portion 1103 comprises an elastic band. Foot accessory 1100 is sized such that when worn on an open top high heel shoe 1001, shoe 1001 will be held in snug engagement with the foot of the wearer, thereby preventing shoe 1001 from slipping or falling off as the wearer of shoe 1001 walks. As shown in FIG. 1, foot accessory 1100 engages the sole of shoe 1001 and as shown in the various embodiments below, a foot accessory 1100 also captures the top of a foot wearing shoe 1001

Turning now to FIG. 3, a foot 1 is shown wearing woman's footwear or shoe 11 of a type having an open top with an opening 11a. Foot 1 has a tattoo or body mark in the area shown in dotted line 21. The particular shape or type of tattoo or body mark is of no particular significance other than the fact that the individual wearing shoe 11 desires to cover the tattoo or body mark in area 21 such that it is not visible.

Footwear accessory 100 is worn on foot 1 and shoe 11. Footwear accessory 100 is sized such that it covers at least area 21 of the tattoo or body mark in its entirety.

As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, footwear accessory 100 includes a decorative upper portion 101 that covers area 21, and as best seen in FIGS. 5., resilient flexible lower portion 103. Resilient flexible lower portion 103 comprises an elastic material such as an elastic band.

Resilient flexible lower portion 103 has one end portion 103a affixed to a corresponding one end 101a of upper decorative portion 101. Resilient flexible lower portion 103 has its other end portion 103b affixed to the other end portion 101b of upper decorative portion 101. Various means of affixation may be used and the invention is not limited to any particular type of affixation. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4, 5, sewing is used to affix end portion 103a to end portion 101a and also to affix end portion 103b to end portion 101b. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that rather than using sewing to affix both end portions 101a, 101b to end portions 103a, 103b, one end portion 101a may be affixed to end portion 103 a utilizing a hook fastener, a snap fastener or other types of commonly used clothing fasteners.

A user of footwear accessory 100 may slide footwear accessory 100 onto a shoe 11 before slipping foot 1 into shoe 11. Resilient flexible lower portion 103 will expand as foot 1 slips into shoe 11. Upper decorative portion 101 covers area 21. Resilient flexible lower portion 103 and will elastically maintain footwear accessory 100 in position over area 21.

Upper decorative portion 101 comprises a decorative fabric 105 arranged as a plurality of pleats. A fabric band 107 is sewn to pleated fabric 105 to retain the pleats. Decorative jewels and beads 109 are affixed to fabric band 107 to enhance the look of wearable cover 100.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of a footwear accessory 300.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a foot 1 is shown wearing woman's footwear or shoe 11 of a type having an open top with an opening 11a. Foot 1 has a tattoo or body mark in the area shown in dotted line 31. The particular shape or type of tattoo or body mark in area 31 is of no particular significance other than the fact that the individual wearing shoe 11 desires to cover the tattoo or body mark in area 31 such that it is not visible and to be sure that shoe 11 does not slip off or flop about as the wearer walks.

Footwear accessory 300 is worn on foot 1. Footwear accessory 300 is sized such that it covers at least area 31 of the tattoo or body mark in its entirety.

As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, footwear accessory 300 includes an upper decorative portion 301 that covers area 21, and as best seen in FIGS. 8, a resilient flexible lower portion 303. Resilient flexible lower portion 303 comprises an elastic material such as an elastic band.

Resilient flexible lower portion 303 has one end portion 303a affixed to a corresponding one end 301a of upper decorative portion 301. Resilient flexible lower portion 303 has its other end portion 103b affixed to the other end portion 301b of upper decorative portion 301. Various means of affixation may be used and the invention is not limited to any particular type of affixation. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7, 8 sewing is used to affix end portion 303a to end portion 301a and also to affix end portion 303b to end portion 30 lb. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that rather than using sewing to affix both end portions 301a, 301b to end portions 303a, 303b, one end portion 301a may be affixed to end portion 303 a utilizing a hook fastener, a snap fastener or other types of commonly used clothing fasteners.

A user of footwear accessory 300 may slide footwear accessory 300 onto shoe 11 before putting shoe 11 on. Resilient flexible lower portion 303 will expand as foot 1 is slid into shoe 11. Upper decorative portion 301 covers area 21. Resilient portion 303 and will elastically maintain footwear accessory 300 in position over area 21.

Upper decorative portion 301 comprises a decorative fabric portion 305a, 305b, 305c. Decorative jewels and beads 309 are affixed to fabric portion 305b to enhance the look of footwear accessory 300.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of a wearable cover 700.

Footwear accessory 700 is worn on a foot. Footwear accessory 700 is sized such that it covers at least an area of a tattoo or body mark in its entirety. In addition, footwear accessory 700 is further sized so as to extend within the opening 11a of shoe 11.

Wearable cover 700 includes an upper decorative portion 701 that is sized to covers the area of a tattoo such as area 21 shown in FIG. 3. Wearable cover 700 also includes resilient flexible portion 703. Resilient flexible lower portion 703 comprises an elastic material such as an elastic band.

Resilient flexible lower portion 703 has one end portion 703a affixed to upper decorative portion 701. Upper decorative portion 701 carries a first snap or fastener part 713a. Resilient flexible lower portion 703 carries a mating snap or second fastener part 713b.

A user of decorative accessory 700 may wrap resilient flexible lower portion 703 around her shoe before putting her foot into the shoe. The user or wearer may then fasten decorative accessory 700 by connecting the first snap or fastener part 713a to second snap or fastener part 713b on top of the foot. Resilient flexible lower portion 703 will elastically maintain upper decorative portion 701 in position over area of the tattoo or other body mark to be hidden.

Upper decorative portion 701 comprises decorative beads 709.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a fifth embodiment of a footwear accessory 900.

Footwear accessory 900 includes an upper decorative portion 901 is sized to covers the area of a tattoo such as area 21 shown in FIG. 1. Footwear accessory 900 also includes an elastic resilient flexible lower portion 903. Elastic resilient flexible lower portion 903 comprises an elastic material such as an elastic band.

Elastic resilient flexible lower portion 903 has one end portion 903a affixed to cover portion 901. Upper decorative portion 901 carries a first clasp or loop or fastener part 913a. Resilient flexible lower portion 903 carries a mating clasp or hook or second fastener part 913b has its other end portion 903b.

A user of footwear accessory 900 may wrap resilient portion 903 around her foot and shoe. The user or wearer may then fasten footwear accessory 900 by connecting the first clasp or snap or fastener part 913a to second clasp or snap or fastener part 913b on top of the foot. Resilient flexible lower portion 903 will elastically maintain footwear accessory 900 in position over area of the tattoo or other body mark to be hidden.

Upper decorative portion 901 comprises a decorative disk or button 909.

The invention has been described in terms of several embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is intended that all such changes and modifications are included in the invention. It is further intended that the invention is not limited to the various embodiments, but is limited only by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A footwear accessory for use with an open top shoe, comprising:

an upper decorative portion;

a resilient flexible lower portion coupled to said upper decorative portion, said upper decorative portion and said resilient lower portion adapted to be worn on a foot while wearing said open top shoe, said resilient flexible lower portion adapted to engage the sole of said open top shoe, said upper decorative portion engaging the top of said foot wearing said shoe, said upper decorative portion and said resilient flexible lower portion cooperating to retain said shoe on said foot.

2. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said resilient flexible lower portion comprises an elastic band portion, said elastic band portion is disposed in relation to said upper decorative portion such that said elastic band portion engages the sole of said shoe.

3. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 2, wherein:

said upper decorative portion and said resilient flexible lower portion are sized such that said elastic band portion is stretched when worn on said foot and said shoe to retain said shoe said foot.

4. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 2, comprising:

a fastener carried by said resilient flexible lower portion, said fastener being unfastened to place said footwear accessory on said foot and said shoe and said fastener being fastened to retain said wearable cover on said foot.

5. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 1, wherein:

said upper decorative portion comprises a decoratively configured fabric.

6. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 5, wherein:

said resilient flexible lower portion comprises elastic material

7. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 6, wherein:

one end of said upper decorative portion is sewn to a corresponding end of said resilient flexible lower portion and the other end of said upper decorative portion is sewn to the corresponding other end of said resilient flexible lower portion.

8. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 1, comprising:

a fastener; and

one end of said upper decorative portion is sewn to a corresponding end of said resilient flexible lower portion and the other end of said upper decorative portion is connectable to the corresponding other end of said resilient flexible lower portion by said fastener.

9. A footwear accessory, comprising:

an upper decorative portion, said upper decorative portion sized to at least cover a tattoo or other body mark on a portion of a foot when an open top shoe is worn;

a resilient flexible lower portion coupled to said upper decorative portion to retain said open top shoe on said foot and to cover said tattoo or other body mark, said resilient flexible portion lower adapted to extend around at least a circumferential portion of said foot including the sole of said shoe; and

said upper decorative portion comprising decorative features.

10. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 9, wherein:

said resilient flexible lower portion comprises an elastic band portion, said elastic band portion is disposed in relation to said upper decorative portion such that said elastic band portion engages the sole of said shoe.

11. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 10, wherein:

said resilient flexible lower portion and said elastic band portion are sized such that said elastic band portion is stretched when worn on said foot and said shoe.

12. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 10, comprising:

a fastener carried by said resilient flexible lower portion, said fastener being unfastened to place said footwear accessory on said foot and shoe, and said fastener being fastened to retain said footwear accessory on said foot and shoe.

13. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 9, wherein:

said upper decorative portion comprises a decoratively configured fabric.

14. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 13, wherein:

said resilient flexible lower portion comprises elastic material.

15. A footwear in accordance with claim 14, wherein:

one end of said upper decorative portion is sewn to a corresponding end of said resilient flexible lower portion and the other end of said upper decorative portion is sewn to the corresponding other end of said resilient flexible lower portion.

16. A footwear accessory in accordance with claim 13, comprising:

a fastener; and

one end of said upper decorative portion is affixed to a corresponding end of said resilient flexible lower portion and the other end of said upper decorative portion is connectable to the corresponding other end of said resilient flexible portion by said fastener.

17. A footwear accessory, comprising:

an upper decorative cover portion sized to at least cover a tattoo or other body mark on the top portion of a foot that is exposed when an open top shoe is worn; and

an elastic resilient flexible lower portion coupled to said upper decorative portion to retain said upper portion in position to cover said tattoo or other body mark, said resilient flexible lower portion and said upper decorative portion extending said foot and said shoe including the sole of said shoe, said footwear accessory retaining said shoe on said foot.