BOOT TOPPER

Abstract

A tube comprising a foldable decorative tubular portion comprising an inward turned portion and an outward turned portion. The outward turned portion includes an ornamental design thereon and/or a decoration extending therefrom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/168,228, filed Jun. 28, 2005, entitled , which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/583,372, filed Jun. 28, 2004, entitled .

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sock with an inward turned decorative top that folds over the top of a boot to provide a decorative look.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the last several years, high fashion dress boots have become quite popular. Unfortunately, high quality boots are very expensive and people are often limited to owning one pair. In turn, one pair of boots only gives the owner a single style, limiting the flexibility of the boots and the ability to wear them frequently with various fashion outfits.

It would be desirable to have the ability to change the look or style of a pair of fashion boots in a simple, cost effective way. In one attempt, a boot cover was used to cover the entire leg of the boot. Although this does change the appearance of the boot, it also adds substantial cost (as the covers were typically made of leather) and may not be compatible with all types of dress boots. Others have attempted to provide decorative socks, using sock covers but these would not be useful for designer boots. Finally, others have attempted to combine socks with boot usage but only to prevent the sock from falling down. Specifically, a stay-up cuff is integrated into the top of the leg portion of the sock and includes an outwardly turned welt which covers the upper edge of a hiking boot to prevent the entry of dirt, snow, etc, into the boot. Although this may be a beneficial design, the sock does not provide any decorative or stylish features to be used with high fashion dress boots.

Accordingly, an apparatus is desired having the aforementioned advantages and solving and/or making improvements on the aforementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is to provide a tube comprising a foldable decorative tubular portion comprising an inward turned portion and an outward turned portion. The outward turned portion includes an ornamental design thereon.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a tube comprising a foldable decorative tubular portion comprising an inward turned portion and an outward turned portion. A decoration extends from the outward turned portion of the inward turned welt.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of decorating a boot comprising providing a tube comprising a first section and a second section, with the second section having a decoration integrally attached to an end thereof. The method also includes pulling the boot over the first section of the tube, folding the second section over a top edge of the boot and exposing the decoration.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a sock of the present invention, with a foldable decorative tubular portion of the sock unfolded.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the sock of the present invention, with a top section of the foldable decorative tubular portion folded over.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a boot.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a boot incorporating the sock of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a leg tube, with a top section of the foldable decorative tubular portion folded over.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a cuff, with a top section of the foldable decorative tubular portion folded over.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference number 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a clothing tube embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the clothing tube 10 comprises a sock 10′ that can be made of a variety of materials, including Nylon, Tactel Nylon, Micro Nylon, Microdenier Nylon, Micro Fiber, Spandex, Lycra, Lycra Spandex, Polyester, Cotton, Acetate, Rayon, Viscose, or Chenille. The sock 10′ includes a foot portion 12 and a leg portion 14, with the foot portion 12 attached to one end of the leg portion 14. A foldable decorative tubular portion 16 is integrally attached to the leg portion 14 of the sock 10′ at an end opposite to the foot portion 12. The foldable decorative tubular portion 16 is at least partially made of a material that is partially elastic, including Nylon, Tactel Nylon, Micro Nylon, Microdenier Nylon, Micro Fiber, Spandex, Lycra, Lycra Spandex, Polyester, Cotton, Acetate, Rayon, Viscose, or Chenniel. The foldable decorative tubular portion 16 can also be at least partially made of the same material used in the foot portion 12 and leg portion 14. Further, the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 can include an ornamental design 17 thereon. The ornamental design 17 can comprise a design made on the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 that is viewable when a top section 34 of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 is turned outward (see FIG. 2) and/or at least one decoration 20 attached to at least a top edge 18 of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16. The at least one decoration 20 can include a variety of decorations know to those skilled in the art, including fur, beads, lace, bangles, feathers, stones, rhinestones or any other decoration. The ornamental design 17 can also comprise an image printed on the foldable decorative tubular portion 16, have the material of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 made into a design or decorations connected to the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 (e.g., fur, beads, lace, bangles, feathers, stones, rhinestones or any other decoration).

In the illustrated example, the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 is attached to leg portion 14 such that when the top section 34 of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 is folded outward (turned over or cuffed), the ornamental design 17 and/or the at least one decoration 20 are outward facing, allowing others to view the ornamental design 17 and/or the at least one decoration 20 (see FIG. 2).

The illustrated sock 10′ of the present invention can be used with a typical boot 22 (FIG. 3). Usually, the design of boot 22 is fixed and not changeable. This can limit the usability of the boot 22 and limit its ability to match or be worn with other fashionable outfits.

However, the sock 10′ can be worn in combination with the boot 22 as illustrated in FIG. 4 to allow the boot 22 to be worn with other fashionable outfits. In order to use the sock 10′ with the boot 22, the sock 10′ is positioned on a foot/leg of a person. Thereafter, the boot 22 is pulled over the foot portion 12 and the leg portion 14 of the sock 10′. The boot 22 may also be pulled over a lower section 32 of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16. The top section 34 of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 is then folded over (turned outward or cuffed) over a top edge 24 of the boot 22.

In the illustrated example, the elastic nature of the materials used in the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 allow the sock 10′ to fit tightly over the top edge 24 of the boot 22, thereby holding the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 in place, preventing the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 from slipping off, and allowing the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 to fit over various sizes of boots 22. By folding over the foldable decorative tubular portion 16, the ornamental design 17 of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 and the at least one decoration 20 are exposed and visible. This gives boot 22 a different look, allowing a single boot design to take on different looks and feels depending on the design and decoration of sock 10′. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the at least one decoration 20 includes beads. However, as stated previously, it is contemplated that many other decorations could be used alone or in combination. Furthermore, the size, length and width of the at least one decoration 20 as well as the size and length of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 can be varied to further provide different appearances (covering more or less of the boot 22). By owning several different styles of the sock 10′, one could have several different looks with a single pair of fashion boots 22, which provides a simple, cost effective way to change looks.

The reference numeral 10a(FIG. 5) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment of the tube. Since the tube 10a is similar to the previously described tube 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 5, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. The tube of the second embodiment of the present invention comprises the leg portion 14a and the foldable decorative tubular portion 16a. The tube 10a is essentially a sock 10′ without the foot portion 12 (similar to a leg warmer). The tube 10a has the leg portion 14a, with one end of the leg portion 14a being open ended (instead of having the foot portion 12 as in the sock 10′ described above). Furthermore, the opposite end of the leg portion 14a is integrally connected to the foldable decorative tubular portion 16a. The foldable decorative tubular portion 16a functions in the same manner as explained above, providing the same ornamental features when turned outward or cuffed. Accordingly, the tube 10a functions in the same manner as the sock 10′, but without a foot portion 12 and potentially a shorter leg portion 14a. The length of the leg portion 14a can vary depending on the wants and needs of the user. For example, if warmth is desired, the leg portion 14a could essentially be the same length as the leg portion 14 of the sock 10′ of the first embodiment of the present invention. However, the leg portion 14a could also be very short, basically serving as an anchor for the foldable decorative tubular portion 16 to anchor the tube 10a to the leg of the user.

The reference numeral 10b (FIG. 6) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a third embodiment for the tube. Since the tube 10b is similar to the previously described sock 10′, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 6, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. The tube 10b is essentially just the foldable decorative tubular portion 16b , without the foot portion 12 or the leg portion 16 of the sock 10′ . The tube 10b includes the foldable decorative tubular portion 16b as described above in the first embodiment of the present invention. When the top section 34b of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16b of the tube 10b is folded over (turned outward or cuffed), the ornamental design 17b and/or the at least one decoration 20b are exposed. The tube 10b is designed to fit over the top edge 24b of the boot 22b and provide the same decorative features as explained above. The tube 10b is preferably at least partially elastic such that the bottom section 32 of the foldable decorative tubular portion 16b can either fit snuggly to the leg of the user or when a portion of the tube 10b is turned outward, the bottom section 32 and top section 34 of the tube 10b fit tightly around the top edge 24b of the boot 22b.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention. For example, it is contemplated that the tube 10 could be placed over an arm or a leg or a person. Furthermore, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A method of decorating a boot comprising:

providing a tube comprising a first section and a second section, the second section having a decoration integrally attached to an end thereof;

pulling the boot over the first section of the tube;

folding the second section over a top edge of the boot; and

exposing the decoration.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the tube further includes a leg portion connected to the first section.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

the tube further includes a foot portion connected to the leg portion.

4. A method of accessorizing an article of footwear, the method comprising:

providing an article of footwear, the article of footwear having an upper and an interior cavity, the upper having a foot receiving opening, the foot receiving opening defining an opening edge of the upper and being in communication with the interior cavity and with an environment external to the article of footwear;

providing a footwear accessory device, the footwear accessory device having a support portion and a decorative portion;

attaching the footwear accessory device to the leg of a person by positioning the support portion of the footwear accessory device in manner such that the support portion encircles a first portion of the leg of the person and such that the support portion exerts a radially compressive force to the leg of the person;

attaching the article of footwear to the leg of the person by extending the leg of the person through the foot receiving opening of the article of footwear in a manner such that the first portion of the leg of the person is positioned within the interior cavity of the article of footwear and such that a second portion of the leg of the person is positioned in the environment external to the article of footwear; and

positioning the footwear accessory device relative to the article of footwear in a manner such that at least a portion of the support portion of the footwear accessory device is positioned radially between the first portion of the leg of the person and the upper of the article of footwear and such that the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device at least partially conceals the opening edge of the upper of the article of footwear.

5. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the step of positioning the footwear accessory device relative to the article of footwear occurs in a manner such that a portion of the upper of the article of footwear adjacent the opening edge of the upper is positioned between a portion of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device and the first portion of the leg of the person.

6. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the step of providing the footwear accessory device occurs in a manner such that the support portion of the footwear accessory device comprises a length of tubular material, the material being flexible and resiliently stretchable, the length of tubular material having opposite open end portions, the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device being secured to one of the end portions of the length of tubular material, the step of attaching the footwear accessory device to the leg of the person further comprising positioning the leg of the person in a manner such that the leg of the person extends through the open end portions of the length of tubular material, the radially compressive force exerted on the leg of the person resulting from the material being resiliently stretched when the leg of the person extends through the open end portions of the length of tubular material.

7. A method in accordance with claim 6, wherein the step of providing the footwear accessory device occurs in a manner such that the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device forms a loop, and wherein the step of attaching the footwear accessory device to the leg of the person comprises positioning the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device relative to the leg of the person in a manner such that the loop of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device encircles the leg of the person.

8. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein a portion of the upper of the article of footwear adjacent the opening edge of the upper forms a loop and a portion of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device forms a loop, and wherein the step of positioning the footwear accessory device relative to the article of footwear occurs in a manner such that the portion of the upper of the article of footwear adjacent the opening edge of the upper is positioned radially between the portion of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device and the first portion of the leg of the person and such that the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device completely conceals the opening edge of the upper of the article of footwear.

9. A method in accordance with claim 4, wherein the step of providing the footwear accessory device occurs in a manner such that the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device forms a loop, and wherein the step of attaching the footwear accessory device to the leg of the person comprises passing the first portion of the leg of the person through the closed loop of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device.

10. A method of accessorizing an article of footwear, the method comprising:

providing an article of footwear, the article of footwear having an upper and an interior cavity, the upper having a foot receiving opening, the foot receiving opening defining an opening edge of the upper and being in communication with the interior cavity and with an environment external to the article of footwear;

providing a footwear accessory device, the footwear accessory device having a support portion and a decorative portion;

attaching the footwear accessory device to a leg of a person by positioning the support portion of the footwear accessory device in manner such that the support portion encircles a first portion of the leg of the person and such that the support portion exerts a radially compressive force to the leg of the person;

attaching the article of footwear to the leg of the person by extending the leg of the person through the foot receiving opening of the article of footwear in a manner such that the first portion of the leg of the person is positioned within the interior cavity of the article of footwear and such that a second portion of the leg of the person is positioned in the environment external to the article of footwear; and

positioning the footwear accessory device relative to the article of footwear in a manner such that at least a portion of the support portion of the footwear accessory device is positioned radially between the first portion of the leg of the person and the upper of the article of footwear and such that a portion of the upper of the article of footwear adjacent the opening edge of the upper is positioned between a portion of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device and the first portion of the leg of the person.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the step of providing the footwear accessory device occurs in a manner such that the support portion of the footwear accessory device comprises a length of tubular material, the material being flexible and resiliently stretchable, the length of tubular material having opposite open end portions, the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device being secured to one of the end portions of the length of tubular material, the step of attaching the footwear accessory device to the leg of the person further comprising positioning the leg of the person in a manner such that the leg of the person extends through the open end portions of the length of tubular material, the radially compressive force exerted on the leg of the person resulting from the material being resiliently stretched when the leg of the person extends through the open end portions of the length of tubular material.

12. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the portion of the upper of the article of footwear adjacent the opening edge of the upper forms a loop and the portion of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device forms a loop, and wherein the step of positioning the footwear accessory device relative to the article of footwear occurs in a manner such that the portion of the upper of the article of footwear adjacent the opening edge of the upper is positioned radially between the portion of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device and the first portion of the leg of the person.

13. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the step of positioning the footwear accessory device relative to the article of footwear occurs in a manner such that the portion of the upper of the article of footwear adjacent the opening edge of the upper is positioned between the portion of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device and the support portion of the footwear accessory device.

14. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the step of providing the footwear accessory device occurs in a manner such that the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device forms a loop, and wherein the step of attaching the footwear accessory device to the leg of the person comprises passing the first portion of the leg of the person through the closed loop of the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device.

15. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the step of attaching the footwear accessory device to the leg of the person comprises positioning the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device relative to the leg of the person in a manner such that the decorative portion of the footwear accessory device encircles the leg of the person.

16. An accessory for footwear comprising:

a support portion, the support portion comprising a loop, the loop being circumferentially resiliently stretchable and having axially opposite first and second openings, the loop being adapted and configured in a manner such that the loop can stretchably encircle a leg of a person in a manner releasably securing the support portion to the leg of the person; and

a decorative portion, the decorative portion being connected to the loop in a manner such that the decorative portion encircles the loop adjacent the first opening and such that the decorative portion extends radially outward from the loop of the support portion.

17. An accessory for footwear in accordance with claim 16, wherein the decorative portion extends radially outward from the loop of the support portion in all radial directions.

18. An accessory for footwear in accordance with claim 16, wherein the decorative portion diverges axially as the decorative portion extends radially outward from the loop of the support portion.

19. An accessory for footwear in accordance with claim 16, wherein the decorative portion is sewn to the support portion.

20. An accessory for footwear in accordance with claim 16, wherein the loop of the support portion has an average undeflected diameter and the first and second openings of the loop are spaced from each other by a distance that is between two and four times the average undeflected diameter.

21. An accessory for footwear in accordance with claim 16, wherein the decorative portion extends axially away from the second opening of the loop as it extends radially outward from the loop of the support portion.

22. An accessory for footwear in accordance with claim 16, wherein the decorative portion extends radially outward from the loop of the support portion and thereafter extends axially toward the second opening of the loop in a manner such that a first portion of the decorative portion overlaps a first portion of the loop of the support portion, the first portion of the decorative portion being radially spaced from the first portion of the loop in a manner defining a channel that encircles the loop and that is positioned between the first portion of the loop and the first portion of the decorative portion.

23. An accessory for footwear in accordance with claim 22, wherein the decorative portion extends axially away from the second opening of the loop as it extends radially outward from the loop of the support portion.