Removable Shoe Cover
The present invention includes a removable shoe cover and method for using the same. The removable shoe cover includes a front part and a strap that can be used by placing the front part on the anterior of a shoe and securing the strap around the posterior of the shoe to maintain a snug fit. The removable shoe cover leaves the heel of a shoe substantially exposed. The removable shoe cover may also include removable sections on the top side, traction for enhanced protection and performance, and one or more connections for the strap to the front part or within the strap itself.
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCHNot applicable.
NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENTNot applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISCNot applicable.
BACKGROUND ON THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of shoes and more particularly to a means preventing wear and tear in shoes used for skateboarding.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the construction of shoes the sole of the shoe is designed to absorb wear that is normally encountered during walking and running. The upper of the shoe, which surrounds the top of the foot and the ankle, is generally made of fabric and is not designed to encounter significant wear. When the upper of a shoe encounters localized wear, the upper may become frayed or acquire a hole. However, some activities may cause significant wear and tear on the sole, in addition to the upper, resulting in premature failure of the shoe. Premature failure of shoes is common in conjunction with children since certain activities that children engage in do cause abrasive wear to various parts of a shoe.
Skateboarding is an example of this type of activity. Certain maneuvers involving a skateboard require rough contact between a skateboarder's shoe and the ground and/or a skateboard. This friction can quickly result in a hole on the sole or upper of one shoe which would require premature replacement of a pair of shoes.
In order to avoid this premature replacement, skateboarders have been known to make fabric pads and tape or sew the same to their shoes in the area where localized wear occurs. These fabric pads quickly wear out and require replacement. Another way in which skateboarders have tried to mitigate wear and tear is by using special shoe glue to repair the shoe damage, but this noticeable glue can be messy and perhaps unattractive to users. Many skateboarders, however, resort to buying new shoes. Thus, it is highly desirable to have a means for preventing the wear and tear of shoes that is durable, adept at preserving the condition of shoes, and less than expensive than replacing shoes.
SUMMARYThe various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a removable shoe cover having an inner side and an outer side. The removable shoe cover comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe. The front part also comprises a top side and a bottom side. The removable shoe cover also includes a strap, which is connected to the front part and stretched around a posterior of a shoe to maintain a snug fit. The removable shoe cover leaves a heel substantially exposed and uncovered.
The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention also include a method of preventing wear and tear in shoes comprising a step of placing a removable shoe cover over a shoe, wherein the removable shoe cover, having an inner side and an outer side, comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe. The front part also comprises a top side and a bottom side. The removable shoe cover also includes a strap, which is connected to the front part. The removable shoe cover leaves a heel substantially exposed and uncovered. The method of preventing wear and tear in shoes of the present invention also comprises a step of securing the strap around the posterior of the shoe to maintain a snug fit.
The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In reference to the drawings, similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout all the drawings. The following is a list of the reference characters and associated element:
10 front part
20 strap
30 removable sections
40 toe guard
50 inner side
60 outer side
70 top side
80 bottom side
90 shoe
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe drawings show for purposes of further illustration and understanding, that the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a removable shoe cover for preventing wear and tear on shoes. Although all the embodiments as shown in the illustrations display a left-footed design, embodiments of the present invention also encompass a right-footed design.
In an exemplary embodiment, the front part 10 and the strap 20 are connected on the inner side 50 and the outer side 60. In a preferred embodiment, the front part 10 and the strap 20 form a single, continuous piece of material. In exemplary embodiments, one or more connection means are required within the body of the strap 20 or between the front part 10 and the strap 20. The connecting means may be, for example, Velcro®, snaps, buckles, hooks, or any other similar type of connection.
In other exemplary embodiments, the removable shoe cover is individualized by ornamental designs. Image-conscious users may prefer to have individualized versions of the removable shoe cover to match the shoe 90 or to differentiate themselves from peers.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A removable shoe cover having an inner side and an outer side, wherein said removable shoe cover comprises:
- a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe, wherein said front part comprises a top side and a bottom side; and
- a strap, wherein said strap is connected to said front part and stretched around a posterior of a shoe to maintain a snug fit, and wherein a heel is left substantially exposed and not covered by said removable shoe cover.
2. The removable shoe cover according to claim 1, wherein said front part and said strap are connected on the inner side and on the outer side.
3. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said front part and said strap form a single, continuous piece of material.
4. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said strap is connected to said strap or to said front part by one or more of a means selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, buckles, and hooks.
5. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said top side of said front part comprises one or more removable levels.
6. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said bottom part of said front part comprises an advanced traction means.
7. The removable shoe cover according to claim 6, wherein said advanced traction means is comprised of rubber or leather.
8. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said front part comprises a toe guard having said advanced traction means, wherein said toe guard substantially covers said outer side of said front part.
9. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2 comprising of rubber or a rubber-like material.
10. The removable shoe cover according to claim 2, wherein said removable shoe cover is individualized with an ornamental design.
11. A method of preventing wear and tear in shoes comprising the steps of:
- placing a removable shoe cover over a shoe, wherein the removable shoe cover, having an inner side and an outer side, comprises a front part for substantially covering an anterior of an upper and an anterior of an outsole of a shoe, wherein said front part comprises a top side and a bottom side, and a strap, wherein said strap is connected to said front part and stretched around a posterior of a shoe to maintain a snug fit, and wherein a heel is left substantially exposed and not covered by said removable shoe cover; and
- securing said strap around the posterior of said shoe.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 1, 2007
Publication Date: Apr 2, 2009
Inventor: Marcille Plank (Independence, KY)
Application Number: 11/865,091
International Classification: A43B 1/10 (20060101); A43B 13/22 (20060101); A43B 3/16 (20060101);