Crease prevention shoe insert

Abstract

The invention consists of a variety of embodiments for a shoe insert that prevents creasing along the top of a shoe. The invention consists of a semi-rigid inner shell, and an outer shell that has a range of rigidity based upon the alternative embodiments design. The inner and outer shells are made of materials comprising wood, metal, ceramic, or plastic.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a special shoe insert designed to be positioned within the interior of various types of athletic shoes that would prevent the front area or toe section from creasing.

Typically an athletic shoe forms a crease on the front of the show just above where the toes are situated. This crease detracts from the overall appearance and diminishes the useful life of the shoe.

B. Prior Art

The Gray Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,865) discloses a rigid box toe shoe insert.

The Yang Patent Application Publication (U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0144809) discloses a shoe toe cap having interior and exterior surface with multiple reinforcement layers.

The Gougelet et al. Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,323) discloses a shoe toe protection device having smoother outer layer and inner layer composed of reinforcing rib members.

The Gesso Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,174) discloses a shoe liner having shock absorption means.

The Streit et al. Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3,561,142) discloses a shoe having a toe box protection portion with a force-transmitting spring metal strip.

The Wang Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,633) discloses a multi-layered toe cap.

The Rose Patent (U.S. Pat. No. Des. 316,772) illustrates a design for a toe cap.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a variety of embodiments for a shoe insert that prevents creasing along the top of a shoe. The invention consists of a semi-rigid inner shell, and an outer shell that has a range of rigidity based upon the alternative embodiments design. The inner and outer shells are made of materials comprising wood, metal, ceramic, or plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention:

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric rendering of the most rigid embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a left and right side view of the most rigid embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the semi-rigid inner shell;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the inner and outer shell of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the most rigid embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the spring loaded embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of how the invention fits inside of a shoe; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the four embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Detailed reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a shoe insert 10 involves an outer shell 15 that is made of a rigid material comprising wood, metal, or a hard plastic. The shoe insert 10 involves a semi-rigid inner shell 16. The shoe insert 10 is used by placing the shoe insert 10 into a shoe 20.

Reference will now be made to the alternative embodiments of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 8. A second embodiment 30 provides a fragmented less-rigid application. The second embodiment 30 involves the semi-rigid inner shell 16 and a fragmented less-rigid outer shell 31. A third embodiment 40 provides a fragmented less-rigid application. The third embodiment 40 involves the semi-rigid inner shell 16 and a second fragmented less-rigid outer shell 41. A fourth embodiment 50 provides a slotted design that is appropriate for a less rigid application. The fourth embodiment 50 involves the semi-rigid inner shell 16 and a slotted outer shell 51.

Reference will now be made to a spring-loaded 60 embodiment depicted in FIG. 6. The spring-loaded embodiment 60 involves the semi-rigid inner shell 16 and a spring-loaded outer shell 61. The spring-loaded outer shell 61 has a plurality of springs 62 located about its middle.

Claims

1. A shoe insert comprising:

(a) a semi-rigid inner shell; and

(b) an outer shell.

2. The shoe insert as described in claim 1 wherein the outer shell incorporates a plurality of springs aligned to provide flexibility.

3. The shoe insert as described in claim 1 wherein the outer shell has a series of slots to provide a less-rigid application.

4. The shoe insert as described in claim 1 wherein the outer shell is comprised of three separate pieces as depicted as 31 in FIG. 8 to provide a less rigid application.

5. The shoe insert as described in claim 1 wherein the outer shell is comprised of two separate pieces as depicted as 41 in FIG. 8 to provide a less rigid application.

6. The shoe insert as described in claim 1 wherein the outer shell is made of materials comprising wood, metal, ceramic, or plastic.