REMOVABLE FOOTWEAR COVERS

Abstract

A removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer is disclosed that includes: at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe; and at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe. Some embodiments include a sizing mechanism for a removable boot or shoe cover.

Description

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The field of the subject matter is removable footwear covers, including those designed for boots and/or shoes that cover the ankle area of a wearer.

BACKGROUND

There are many styles of fashion boots and ankle boots or shoes, but some of the most popular are those that are stylistically simple, versatile and can be worn with many different looks, including dressy or casual. These boots and shoes often come in one or very few different colors.

While these boots and shoes are essentially universal, there are a couple of problems for the wearer. First, if they have roommates, family or visitors who have the same boots, it can be difficult to tell them apart when they aren't on the wearer. Second, the wearer may want to add his/her own style to the boots or shoes. In the former case, the wearer may decide to mark the bottom of the boots or shoes, or otherwise add a distinguishing mark or item to the boot, but in many instances that mark or item may either be permanent or may leave a mark or hole in the boot. In the latter instance, the wearer may have trouble finding stylish supplemental embellishments that are removable, along with being appropriate for the boot or shoe.

There are several patentees and applicants who have tried to solve this problem by introducing embellishments and other methods of supplementing a base boot or shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 2,729,899 issued to Haase disclosed a removable fur trimming for boots, which was a cuff that surrounded the top of the boot or shoe, wrapped over the top and into the inside of the boot or shoe and is then physically attached directly to the boot or shoe by a zipper or other direct connection means. In these embodiments, the removable cuff for the boot requires an “engaging means” on the boot to secure the cuff. Therefore, the cuffs are specifically manufactured for and can only be used with boots that have these corresponding engaging means. US Patent Publication 2010/0132226 by Dochter didn't address the problem presented in Haase, in that the zipper engaging means of Haase was replaced by a more modern engaging means, such as VELCRO®.

US Patent Publication 2011/0131837 by Foxen et al. discloses a removable spat for a shoe. This product is a sleeve that wraps around a large portion of the shoe or boot, including wrapping and securing itself under the shoe. These embodiments are primarily possible, because the shoe has cleats or raised areas on the bottom of the shoe that allow the spat to be wrapped under the shoe without rubbing on the ground.

US Patent Publication 2012/0042545 by Dickerson discloses an interchangeable fashion footwear component or decorative cuff that fits around the perimeter of the opening of a boot shaft. The cuff is held in place by an adjustable strap that reaches down into the inside of the boot and wraps under the foot or heal of the wearer. This embodiment requires that the foot of the wearer be in the boot or shoe for the decorative cuff to be in place, remain in place and operable.

To this end, it would be desirable to develop a removable boot and shoe cover that: a) can be reversible, b) does not require separate engaging means included on the boot or shoe itself, c) does not require the wearer to wear the boot or shoe for the removable cover to be coupled and/or engaged to the boot or shoe, d) is adjustable and can be reliably sized for adult shoes and boots, but also for children's shoes and boots, e) can be coupled with the boot or shoe without leaving a mark or hole in the boot or shoe, and f) can allow for additional embellishments to be added to the boot or shoe without leaving a mark or hole in the boot or shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

A removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer is disclosed that includes: at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe; and at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe.

In another embodiment, a removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer includes: at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe; at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe; and at least one viewing feature in the at least one flexible material that allows at least a part of the boot or shoe to be seen through the removable cover.

Some embodiments include a sizing mechanism for a removable boot or shoe cover that includes: at least one opening on a first side of the removable cover, at least one strap feature on a second side of the removable cover and that corresponds to the at least one opening, and at least one securing component on the second side of the removable cover, wherein the at least one strap feature is designed to push through the at least one opening and then attach to the at least one securing component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a contemplated removable cover 100 comprising a flexible material 110 that may be reversible, and at least one securing device 120 and 125, wherein the securing device comprises a plurality of loops 120 and a plurality of buttons 125 that are positioned on the cover so that they can accept the loops being wrapped around them.

FIG. 2 shows another contemplated removable cover 200 comprising a flexible material 210 that may be reversible, and at least one securing device 220, wherein the securing device in this embodiment comprises a compression material (that may also be the flexible material 210), elastic (not shown, but is stitched into the flexible material 210) or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 shows a boot 360 with a contemplated removable cover 300 similar to that in FIG. 1 coupled with it.

FIG. 4 shows a boot 460 with a contemplated removable cover 400 similar to that in FIG. 2 coupled with it.

A contemplated removable cover 500 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 (where the at least one viewing feature 150 is shown) and is shown as reference number 550 in FIG. 5 on a contemplated boot 560 having a displayed logo or mark 570.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show contemplated removable covers 600 and 700, both covers having at least one viewing feature 650 and 750 where a displayed logo or mark 670 and 770 can be shown.

In FIG. 8, the at least one securing device 820 is looped 830 in the at least one opening 840 and through 845 the opening 840. Once the securing device 820 is looped through the opening, it is stretched over and secured 880 to the corresponding securing device 825 on the other side of the removable cover 800.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A removable boot and shoe cover has been developed that meets at least one of the following goals, in that contemplated covers: a) can be reversible, b) does not require separate engaging means included on the boot or shoe itself, c) does not require the wearer to wear the boot or shoe for the removable cover to be coupled and/or engaged to the boot or shoe, d) is adjustable and can be reliably sized for adult shoes and boots, but also for children's shoes and boots, e) can be coupled with the boot or shoe without leaving a mark or hole in the boot or shoe, and f) can allow for additional embellishments to be added to the boot or shoe without leaving a mark or hole in the boot or shoe.

Specifically, a removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer is disclosed that includes: at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe; and at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe. A contemplated removable cover is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and is then shown on a contemplated boot in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 1 shows a contemplated removable cover 100 comprising a flexible material 110 that may be reversible, and at least one securing device 120 and 125, wherein the securing device comprises a plurality of loops 120 and a plurality of buttons 125 that are positioned on the cover so that they can accept the loops being wrapped around them. FIG. 3 shows a boot 360 with a contemplated removable cover 300 similar to that in FIG. 1 coupled with it.

FIG. 2 shows another contemplated removable cover 200 comprising a flexible material 210 that may be reversible, and at least one securing device 220, wherein the securing device in this embodiment comprises a compression material (that may also be the flexible material 210), elastic (not shown, but is stitched into the flexible material 210) or a combination thereof. It should be understood that the removable cover is designed to be coupled to the boot or shoe, but is not physically connected to the boot or shoe, as was the problem with the references discussed earlier. FIG. 4 shows a boot 460 with a contemplated removable cover 400 similar to that in FIG. 2 coupled with it.

Contemplated flexible materials may comprise a synthetic material, a natural material or a combination thereof. Contemplated natural materials may comprise leather, suede, fur, cotton, hemp, cork, animal-derived materials, cellulosic-based materials or a combination thereof. Contemplated synthetic materials comprise nylon, polyester, acrylic fibers and materials or combinations thereof. Contemplated flexible materials may be woven, stitched together, quilted, embellished, embroidered, adhered together or otherwise coupled in order to form the removable cover.

Contemplated securing devices comprise elastic, shoe strings, hook and loop fasteners, such as VELCRO®, snaps, straps, buttons, compression material or a combination thereof. In the embodiment that comprises the compression material, it is contemplated that the force that the compression material exerts on the boot or show will hold or secure the removable cover in place. In some of these embodiments, the compression material may be both the flexible material and the securing device.

As mentioned, some contemplated embodiments of a removable cover are designed to be reversible, which means that the wearer can remove the cover, turn it inside out and put the cover back on the boot or shoe to create a different look. Contemplated reversible and removable covers may comprise two or more different types of fabrics, fibers or materials in order to achieve the reversible look. Contemplated reversible and removable covers may also comprise different securing devices on each of the inside and the outside of the cover and may also comprise at least one sizing mechanism as disclosed herein. Contemplated removable covers may also be folded over on themselves after being operatively coupled to the boot, so as to give the appearance of being a cuff or a shrug.

In some embodiments, a contemplated removable cover comprises at least one ornamentation area (shown as reference number 130 in FIG. 1), wherein the at least one ornamentation area comprises at least one coupling element for a charm, an ornament, a tag or a combination thereof (shown as reference number 135 in FIG. 1). A contemplated coupling element may comprise a metal or plastic hook, a flexible loop or a loop that is made from a solid material or a combination thereof.

There are some boots and shoes that apply a label with the trademark or company name on the outside of the boot or shoe, such as UGG® boots. Many consumers buy these boots not only for the style and comfort, but also for the cache that comes with the recognition that it is an original UGG® boot and not a knock-off product. So, in another embodiment, a removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer includes: at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe; at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe; and at least one viewing feature in the at least one flexible material that allows at least a part of the boot or shoe to be seen through the removable cover. A contemplated removable cover 500 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 (where the at least one viewing feature 150 is shown) and is shown as reference number 550 in FIG. 5 on a contemplated boot 560 having a displayed logo or mark 570. FIGS. 6 and 7 show contemplated removable covers 600 and 700, both covers having at least one viewing feature 650 and 750 where a displayed logo or mark 670 and 770 can be shown.

It is important that these removable covers are universal, in that they can be correctly sized for both an adult shoe or boot and a child's shoe or boot. To that end, some embodiments include a sizing mechanism for a removable boot or shoe cover that includes: at least one opening on a first side of the removable cover, at least one strap feature on a second side of the removable cover and that corresponds to the at least one opening, and at least one securing component on the second side of the removable cover, wherein the at least one strap feature is designed to push through the at least one opening and then attach to the at least one securing component. A securing component may also be located on the first side of the removable cover, such that the removable cover can be secured on the boot or shoe without using the sizing mechanism.

Contemplated sizing mechanism comprises at least one opening on the first side of the removable cover, and the opening may comprise a reinforcement component. In some contemplated embodiments, the reinforcement component comprises a metal, plastic or otherwise solid eyelet. A contemplated securing component may comprise any suitable securing item, including those mentioned earlier.

A method of adjusting the size of a removable cover on a boot or shoe, comprising: providing a contemplated sizing mechanism, inserting the at least one strap feature through the at least one opening, looping the at least one strap feature back to the second side, and attaching the at least one strap feature to the at least one securing component. A contemplated sizing mechanism is shown as reference numbers 120 and 140 in FIG. 1 and the method of sizing the removable boot or shoe cover is shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the at least one securing device 820 is looped 830 in the at least one opening 840 and through 845 the opening 840. Once the securing device 820 is looped through the opening, it is stretched over and secured 880 to the corresponding securing device 825 on the other side of the removable cover 800.

Thus, specific embodiments related to removable footwear covers have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure herein. Moreover, in interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

Claims

1. A removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer, the cover comprising:

at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe; and

at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible material comprises a synthetic material, a natural material or a combination thereof.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the natural material comprises leather, suede, fur, cotton, hemp or a combination thereof.

4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible material comprises a compression material.

5. The cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one securing device comprises elastic, shoe strings, a hook and loop fastener, snaps, straps, buttons, compression material or a combination thereof.

6. The cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible material and the securing device comprise the same material.

7. The cover of claim 6, wherein the same material is a compression material.

8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the removable cover is not physically connected to the boot or shoe.

9. The cover of claim 1, further comprising at least one ornamentation area.

10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the at least one ornamentation area comprises at least one coupling element for a charm, an ornament, a tag or a combination thereof.

11. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover can be folded over on itself after being operatively coupled to the boot or shoe.

12. The cover of claim 1, wherein the cover is reversible.

13. A removable cover designed for a boot or shoe that covers the ankle area of a wearer, the cover comprising:

at least one flexible material, wherein the flexible material is designed to cover at least a part of the top portion of the boot or shoe;

at least one securing device coupled with the flexible material, wherein the securing device operatively couples the flexible material to the boot or shoe; and

at least one viewing feature in the at least one flexible material that allows at least a part of the boot or shoe to be seen through the removable cover.

14. A sizing mechanism for a removable boot or shoe cover, comprising:

at least one opening on a first side of the removable cover,

at least one strap feature on a second side of the removable cover and that corresponds to the at least one opening, and

at least one securing component on the second side of the removable cover, wherein the at least one strap feature is designed to push through the at least one opening and then attach to the at least one securing component.

15. The sizing mechanism of claim 14, wherein the at least one opening on the first side of the removable cover comprises a reinforcement component.

16. The sizing mechanism of claim 15, wherein the reinforcement component comprises a metal, plastic or otherwise solid eyelet.

17. A method of adjusting the size of a removable cover on a boot or shoe, comprising:

providing the sizing mechanism of claim 14,

inserting the at least one strap feature through the at least one opening,

looping the at least one strap feature back to the second side, and

attaching the at least one strap feature to the at least one securing component.