Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HIGH HEEL FOOTWEAR COVER
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to footwear and, in particular, to
a high heel
footwear cover.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Shoe covers have been designed to provide protection for shoes and
boots
from rain, snow and inclement weather conditions in general. For instance,
rubber
galoshes or the like provide waterproof footwear that can be worn over dress
shoes, for
example, and vary from those extending over the forefoot and circling below
the ankle of
the shoe, and those proving a full boot-like rubber covering, much like an
oversized boot.
[0003] When it comes to the protection of ladies footwear, and
particularly those with
an elevated heel, commonly referred to herein as high heel footwear (e.g. high
heel shoes,
boots, etc.), the provision of form fitting galoshes becomes sparse given the
challenging
and varied form factor of most high heel footwear.
[0004] Some commercial examples have been provided in the art to provide
protection for the heel itself, such as the high heel protectors sold as the
Smart Hee1TM
and Heels AboveTM and available online at FashionFirstAid.com and
HeelsAbove.com,
respectively. Other heel stoppers are also available to prevent shoe heels
from sinking in
dirt, grass or the like.
[0005] Other solutions are disclosed in the patent literature and generally
focus on the
provision of a contouring shoe cover. For example, U.S. Patent Application No.
2010/0107440 for a Women's Shoe Cover provides a solution that includes a
narrow
opening at its base to allow the heel of a high heel shoe to be introduce
therethrough,
thereby limiting protection to the foot portion of the shoe when in use. Other
solutions
such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2009/0126223 for a
Form Fitting
Cover for High Heel Shoes, 2011/0072691 for a Shoe Cover, and 2009/0229148 for
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Footwear Protectors and Methods of Production, provide solutions that are
inherently
limited in versatility and adaptability to different shoe styles, shapes and
sizes.
[0006] Other solutions in the a.t rather focus on the provision of a
disposable shoe
cover, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 6,584,704, which may provide
greater
versatility, but at the expense of specificity and functionality. Namely,
these covers rather
provide a quick generic solution generally ill-suited for the intricate form
factor of most
high heel footwear, and without long-term applicability or a reasonable
expectation of
reusability.
[0007] This background information is provided to reveal information
believed by the
applicant to be of possible relevance. No admission is necessarily intended,
nor should be
construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of the general
inventive
concept(s) described herein to provide a basic understanding of some aspects
of the
invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is
not intended
to restrict key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the
scope of the
invention beyond that which is explicitly or implicitly described by the
following
description and claims.
[0009] A need exists for a high heel footwear cover that overcomes some
of the
drawbacks of known products, or at least, provides a useful alternative
thereto. Some
aspects of this disclosure provide examples of such covers.
[0010] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a cover for high
heel
footwear, wherein the footwear has a toe portion, a counter portion and an
extended heel,
the cover comprising: an elasticized enclosure lining shaped and sized so to
receive the
footwear therein via an enclosure opening defined therein, and stretch over a
range of
high heel footwear sizes and styles from the toe portion to the counter
portion while
accommodating for the heel within the enclosure lining and so to present an
enclosure
sole area beneath at least the toe portion and the heel once the lining is
stretched in
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position; wherein the sole area is at least partially manufactured of a
rubberized material
to provide traction.
[0011] In accordance with one embodiment, an elasticized material of the
enclosure
lining is thinner than the rubberizea'material.
[0012] In accordance with one embodiment, the sole area is fixedly coupled
to the
elasticized enclosure lining.
[0013] In accordance with one embodiment, the sole area is integrally
formed with
the elasticized enclosure lining.
[0014] In accordance with one embodiment, the cover further comprises a
storage
pouch fixedly coupled to a rim portion of the opening and sized so to
accommodate the
elasticized enclosure lining therein when not in use.
[0015] In accordance with one embodiment, the storage pouch consists of
a reversible
pouch that reverses to allow deployment of the elasticized enclosure lining
therefrom for
use, and to accommodate storage thereof thereafter.
[0016] In accordance with one embodiment, the storage pouch doubles as an
aid to
facilitate installation of the cover over the footwear by providing a tongue
extending from
the rim portion which can be pulled on to stretch the cover over the footwear.
[0017] In accordance with one embodiment, the sole area consists of
disjoint forefoot
and heel sole areas.
[0018] In accordance with one embodiment, the rubberized material defines a
tread
pattern to enhance traction.
[0019] In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a
footwear cover
comprising: an elasticized enclosure lining shaped and sized so to receive the
footwear
therein via an enclosure opening defined therein, and stretch over a range of
footwear
sizes and styles; and a storage pouch fixedly coupled to a rim portion of the
opening and
sized so to accommodate the elasticized pouch therein when not in use.
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[0020] In accordance with one embodiment, the storage pouch consists of a
reversible
pouch that reverses to allow deployment of the elasticized enclosure lining
therefrom for
use, and to accommodate storage thereof thereafter.
[0021] In accordance with one embodiment, the storage pouch doubles as an
aid to
facilitate installation of the cover oNier the footwear by providing a tongue
extending from
the rim portion which can be pulled on to stretch the cover over the footwear.
[0022] In accordance with one embodiment, the elasticized enclosure
lining further
comprises a sole area integral or fixedly coupled thereto and to be aligned
under the
footwear once the lining is stretched in position, wherein the sole area is at
least partially
manufactured of a rubberized material to provide traction.
[0023] In accordance with one embodiment, the sole area consists of
disjoint forefoot
and heel sole areas.
[0024] In accordance with one embodiment, the rubberized material defines
a tread
pattern to enhance traction.
[0025] In accordance with another embodiment, there is provided a method of
manufacturing a footwear cover, the method comprising: forming an enclosure
lining of
an elasticized material having an opening-defining rim formed therein and that
is shaped
and sized so to accommodate, in an at least partially stretched configuration,
different
footwear sizes and styles therein; and coupling a reversible storage pouch via
a pouch
opening-defining rim thereof to a portion of the enclosure opening-defining
rim so to
accommodate storage of the lining therein and deployment thereof upon
reversing the
storage pouch, and such that the pouch doubles as a tongue extending from the
enclosure
opening-defining rim once deployed to facilitate installation of the cover
over footwear.
[0026] Other aspects, features and/or advantages will become more
apparent upon
reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments
thereof,
given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] Several embodiments of the present disclosure will be provided, by
way of
examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[0028] Figure 1 is a side schematic view of a storage pouch structurally
coupled to a
high heel shoe cover enclosed for storage therein, in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0029] Figure 2 is a side schematic view of a high heel shoe cover once
extracted
from the storage pouch of Figure 1, to which it is coupled via a rim thereof
and which
acts as a shoe cover tongue to facilitate installation of the shoe cover over
a high heel
shoe, in accordance with one embodiment;
[0030] Figure 3 is a side schematic view of the high heel shoe cover of
Figure 2 once
installed over a high heel shoe being worn, in accordance with one embodiment;
and
[0031] Figure 4 is a bottom schematic view of the high heel shoe cover of
Figure 3,
showing an optional shoe tread fixedly disposed thereon for substantial
alignment with a
bottom of the high heel shoe and manufactured of a heavier rubberized material
for
increased traction and wear resistance, in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The systems and methods described herein provide, in accordance
with
different embodiments, different examples of a high heel footwear cover.
[0033] For greater clarity, the terms high heel footwear and high heel
shoe will be
used interchangeably herein to re;er to different footwear shapes, types and
sizes in
which the footwear generally comprises a foot portion to be fitted on a
person's foot from .
toe to heel, and an elevated heel portion defining a heel of the footwear that
extends from
the heel-end of the sole of the footwear to maintain the person's heel in an
elevated
position when standing. Different types of high heel footwear considered
within the scope
of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, open or closed
toe high heel
shoes which may for instance include at least a toe box and/or vamp as well as
a counter
to maintain the shoe in position; open or closed toe high heel sandals which
may for
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instance include at least a toe box, vamp and/or straps to maintain the
forefoot in position,
as well as an optional counter and/or straps to maintain the heel in position;
high heel
boots which may generally include a toe box and/or vamp, a counter, and some
form of
ankle support and/or covering; as well as other types of high heel footwear as
may be
readily known in the art. Generally, high heel footwear will be defined by a
heel height
that may generally range from P/2 to 6 inches and terminate into a relatively
narrowed if
not pointed heel cap, or larger heel base as the case may be, that provides a
counterbalance point to the outsole portion found under the forefoot of the
footwear. As
will be appreciated, while the heel portion of the footwear may be disjoint
from the
forefoot outsole portion in defining an acute angular cross-sectional form
factor, it may
also be formed continuously therewith in defining a generally wedge-shaped
form factor,
or variants therebetween. Other structural and/or aesthetic features and
components
common to known high heel footwear styles may also be considered without
departing
from the general scope and nature of the present disclosure.
[0034] With reference now to Figures 1 to 4, and in accordance with one
embodiment, an example of a high heal footwear cover will now be described.
With
particular reference to Figure 2, the shoe cover 200 is generally shaped and
sized when
deployed to define a generally wedge-shaped cover manufactured of an at least
partially
pliable/stretchable material so to be snuggly fitted over high heel footwear
of various
types, sizes and the like, for example stretching from a toe portion 208 over
a shoe heel
bottom portion 206 and to a foot heel or counter portion 204 while also
providing
adequate coverage over the forefoot 210. A tighter or elasticized ankle band
202 or the
like is also provided to secure the shoe cover in position over a given high
heel footwear.
[0035] With added reference , to Figure 1, the shoe cover 200 is
generally
manufactured of a pliable material such that it may be folded, balled,
crumpled or
otherwise stored within an integrated storage pouch 100, and readily deployed
therefrom
for use. As seen in Figure 1, the generally rounded pouch 100 in this example
generally
consists of a pouch shell 104 and an opening-defining rim or lip 102, the
latter optionally
including a drawstring and/or elasticised material to facilitate closure of
the pouch during
storage.
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[0036] To deploy the shoe cover 200, as seen in Figure 2, the shoe cover
200 may be
retracted from the pouch 100, or again, the pouch 100 may be reversed thereby
revealing
the shoe cover 200 stored therein, either way with the pouch 100 remaining
structurally
coupled to the cover 200 via an attachment portion of the pouch rim 102 to
forefoot
portion of the ankle band 202. Given this attachment, the storage pouch 100 is
not only
readily kept handy with the cover 200 for later storage, but also acts as a
convenient
footwear cover tongue that can be used to facilitate installation of the cover
200 over a
shoe or other high heel footwear. Likewise, the cover 200 may be removed after
use and
returned to the pouch. If consistently reversing the pouch shell for
deployment and
storage of the cover 200, one surface of the pouch shell 104 may be
consistently kept dry
and clear so to facilitate storing the pouched shoe cover itself into a jacket
pocket or
purse, for example. Namely, the reversibility of the pouch may permit extra
moisture or
dust collected on the pouch while walking outdoors to be kept inside the pouch
along
with the shoe cover in storage, preventing a corresponding mess in the user's
pocket
and/or purse.
[0037] With reference to Figure 3, the shoe cover 200 is shown once
installed over a
high heel shoe (as outlined by depicted shading), whereby the shoe cover toe
(208), shoe
heel (206) and counter (204) portions are respectively aligned with
corresponding
portions of the shoe it covers while providing adequate coverage over the
forefoot 210,
whereas the pouch shell 104 is shown to provide a convenient shoe cover tongue
used to
facilitate installation of the shoe cover 200.
[0038] Once the shoe cover 200 has been used, it can be taken off the
shoe by pulling
it starting from the top of the counter, over the heel 204 and then finally
off of the toe
208. The tongue/pouch 104 is reversed inside out and the shoe cover 200 is
balled up into
the pouch 100.
[0039] With added reference to Figure 4, while the shoe cover may be
manufactured
of a unitary material, such as an at least partially stretchable waterproof
material that can
be stretched and worn snuggly over different high heel footwear types and
sizes, some
embodiments may further include one or more shoe cover sole portions 300
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manufactured of a heavier and/or stronger rubberized material and bonded or
otherwise
structurally coupled to a thinner shoe cover body lining 212 or the like. For
example, as
seen in Figure 4, heavier forefoot sole 302 and heel sole 304 portions are
shown as linked
by a bridging arch sole portion 306 so to provide greater rigidity, wear
resistance and/or
traction in these areas for greater user safety and product durability. In the
illustrated
example, the forefoot sole portion 302 is further defined by a textured tread
pattern so to
further enhance traction and user safety, whereas the heel sole portion 304 is
provided
with a unitary pad or grip in this example. As will be appreciated by the
skilled artisan,
different tread or grip patterns may be considered, as can different
materials, and that,
without departing from the general scope and nature of the present
disclosures.
[0040] Accordingly, the shoe cover, as disclosed herein, can provide
protection for
high heel shoes or other high heel footwear from outdoor elements such as
rain, snow,
slush, dust and salt, for example, and that, for most high heel footwear types
and sizes. As
will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the shoe cover material
consistency should
generally be thick enough to prevent the material from tearing, while being
stretchy
enough to cover most high heel footwear sizes and types. Alternatively,
different shoe
cover sizes may be manufactured and sold to accommodate different footwear
sizes. For
example, shoe covers could be manufactured in small and large sizes to better
accommodate smaller and larger footwear sizes, for example.
[00411 In some embodiments, the shoe cover 200 can be manufactured of the
same
stretchy material as the pouch, and while generally shaped like a high heel
shoe in this
example, it will generally be smaller than the footwear portion for which it
is destined so
that when stretched over this footwear portion, it is gaunt, as seen in Figure
3. While a
generally wedge-shaped stretchable footwear cover, as shown for example in
Figure 2,
may provide greater ease of fit, other generally relaxed footwear cover shapes
may be
considered without departing from the general scope and nature of the present
disclosure.
[0042] In some embodiments, the footwear cover can be made of different
colours
and have a patterned design on it, for example, or again consist of a
generally translucent
or transparent material such that the footwear may be at least partially seen
therethrough.
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[0043] As noted above, the footwear cover can be extracted from the pouch
such that
the pouch reverses into the semblance of a shoe tongue, for example, thus
providing
ready access to and portability of the pouch, while also doubling as an aid to
stretch the
cover over the entirety of the intended footwear portion. Other embodiments
may have
the pouch coupled toward a heel portion of the ankle band, in this case
facilitating
installation of the cover over the back and counter of the footwear, for
example.
[0044] In one example, the toe of the shoe can be placed through the shoe
cover
opening and into the toe portion of the shoe cover. The rest of the shoe can
then slip in
after the toe is inserted, while the counter is the last part to be covered.
The cover
pouch/tongue can then or concurrently be used to secure the cover over the
forefoot or
heel portion of the footwear as the case may be. Because of the stretchy
material, the
cover holds onto the footwear once it is slipped over the counter. As noted
above, in
some embodiments, a thicker rubbery material is provided at the base of the
shoe cover in
the form of a tread to prevent slips on ice and snow, for example, while
remaining
relatively stretchy to accommodate different shoe sizes, and remaining
relatively easy to
fold for storage in the pouch.
[0045] While the present disclosure describes various exemplary
embodiments, the
disclosure is not so limited. To the contrary, the disclosure is intended to
cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the general scope of
the
present disclosure.
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