U.S. patent application number 11/354454 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-07 for insole covering.
Invention is credited to Amy E. Draghiceanu.
Application Number | 20080184593 11/354454 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39674943 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080184593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Draghiceanu; Amy E. |
August 7, 2008 |
Insole covering
Abstract
The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a
shoe insert covering. The shoe insert covering provides a barrier
between a user's sole and the insole of a shoe or a separate shoe
insert. The shoe insert covering is useful for those individuals
who do not want to wear socks, but desire the protection and
comfort provided by a sock, as well as those placing footwear
inserts into their shoes. The shoe insert covering is in the
general shape of an insole and has an opening that give access to a
cavity. A footwear insert is completely inserted through the
opening and occupies some or most of the cavity. The shoe insert
cover with the footwear insert is then placed into a shoe. A toe
cover may be disposed on the top front of the shoe insert
cover.
Inventors: |
Draghiceanu; Amy E.;
(Canton, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE R. REARDON
3356 STATION COURT
LAWRENCVILLE
GA
30044
US
|
Family ID: |
39674943 |
Appl. No.: |
11/354454 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/10 ;
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02P 70/653 20151101;
Y02P 70/62 20151101; A43B 13/148 20130101; A43B 17/102 20130101;
A43B 1/0063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/10 ;
36/43 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/10 20060101
A43B003/10; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38 |
Claims
1. An shoe insert covering comprised of: flexible material, said
material being dimensioned roughly in the shape of an insole, said
material having a toe-ward end and a heel-ward end, a front, a
rear, a left side, a right side, an inside and an outside that
forms a cavity between said inside and said outside, wherein said
cavity extends roughly from said toe-ward end and said heel-ward
end, and means for insertion of a footwear insert.
2. The shoe insert covering of claim 1, wherein said means for
insertion is comprised of: an opening in said material that permits
access to said cavity, said opening being dimensioned for insertion
of an insole into said cavity and being disposed in said rear
between said toe-ward end and said heel-ward end.
3. The shoe insert covering of claim 2, wherein said material is a
woven material.
4. The shoe insert covering of claim 3, wherein said material is
washable.
5. The shoe insert covering of claim 4, further comprising a toe
cover disposed on said front at said toe-ward end and dimensioned
for insertion of at least a portion of a user's toes.
6. The shoe insert covering of claim 2, wherein said material is a
biodegradable material.
7. The shoe insert covering of claim 6, further comprising a toe
cover disposed on said front at said toe-ward end and dimensioned
for insertion of at least a portion of a user's toes.
8. The shoe insert covering of claim 2, wherein said material is a
non-woven material.
9. The shoe insert covering of claim 8, wherein said material is
washable.
10. The shoe insert covering of claim 9, further comprising a toe
cover disposed on said front at said toe-ward end and dimensioned
for insertion of at least a portion of a user's toes.
11. The shoe insert covering of claim 8, wherein said material is a
biodegradable material.
12. The shoe insert covering of claim 11, further comprising a toe
cover disposed on said front at said toe-ward end and dimensioned
for insertion of at least a portion of a user's toes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention is generally directed to articles of clothing.
More particularly the invention relates to a covering for inserts
to be placed into a shoe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well known that some individuals prefer to have little
or no sock material visible when wearing shoes, e.g. deck shoes,
loafers, sports shoes. One industry solution for these individuals
has been to produce socks with less material covering the ankle,
e.g. half socks, anklet socks, sport low socks, bootie socks, toe
half socks.
[0003] It is also well known that the insole of shoes used in
sports, e.g. tennis shoes, running shoes, jogging shoes,
cross-training shoes, get moist and may breed bacteria. One
industry solution to this problem is anti-bacteria sprays. Another
industry solution to this problem is a shoe insert that
absorbs/prevents/controls odor.
[0004] It is also well known that some individuals require an
orthopedic shoe insert, e.g. arch supports, leg length adjusters.
These orthopedic shoe inserts also have a tendency to get moist and
produce an odor. Additionally, there are other inserts that are
designed to be placed in a shoe, e.g. Odor Eaters, gel heel
cushions, extra support insoles, massaging insoles, power walk
insoles.
[0005] Other attempts to address these and other problems include
the following.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,868, issued to Werner Tundermann on May
13, 1975, discloses a disposable foot-care article in the form of a
toe cover made of absorbent non-woven fabric or suitable stock, and
method of manufacturing same that utilizes a continuous web wherein
the web is impregnated with medicated foot-care agents, folded
longitudinally into at least a partial overlap and then sealed and
cut diagonally to produce a slipper-shaped toe cover.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,057, issued to Olympia Neilsen on Feb.
8, 1983 discloses an insole of moisture absorbent material that is
shaped to conform to an average persons' foot sole so that it
covers all or at least the forward portion of the wearer's foot.
This insole is removably inserted in the wearer's sock to absorb
moisture, thereby protecting the wearer against the problems which
stem from excess foot moisture and wet socks. The improved result
is a washable and easily applied means for moisture protection of
the wearer's feet consisting of a regular sock and a moisture
absorbing insole positioned within the sock.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,851, issued to Masao Yamada on Feb. 25,
1986, discloses a slipper formed with a sole defined by an outlined
edge and having a predetermined length from the front end to the
back end thereof, the sole being composed of a toe of a
predetermined width defining the front end thereof, a foot
inserting part having a predetermined minimum width located
adjacent to the toe and progressively and symmetrically enlarged to
a predetermined maximum width from the toe toward the back end of
the sole, the foot inserting part having pressed bend lines
extending slightly inside and along both edges thereof respectively
to define the opposite marginal parts which may be spontaneously
bent up when pressed to each other, a reduced part having both
sides connected to the end of maximum width of the foot inserting
part by edges extending with an acute angle from the end of maximum
width of the foot inserting part to the reduced part on both sides
thereof, a heel part progressively enlarged from the reduced part
toward the back end of the sole. The slipper is further formed with
instep arranged on the foot inserting part in a strained state, the
instep being made of a filmy material and having both sides adhered
to the underside of the sole on both sides thereof.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,349, issued to Dorothy G. Munschy on
Nov. 30, 1993, discloses a length adjustable scuff formed of a
fabric sole of sufficient length for at least a portion of its
after-section to be folded back on top of the remaining portion of
the after-section to provide a support for the wearer's heel and/or
arch. The folded-over portion of the after-section may be
adjustably retained in its disposition relative to the front
section of the sole, either by a Velcro type material or by an
element securable in the vicinity of the toe of the scuff.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,268, issued to Cheng-Ming Chen, on Apr.
19, 2005, discloses a sock combined with an insole comprised of an
insole; at least one surface of the insole is formed with elastic
hooks; the hooks being deformed due to an external force, but
restoring as the force disappears; and a sock having a sock body
and an opening; the sock body having a sock sole; whole or part of
the lower bottom of the sock sole being formed with curl wires for
grasping the hooks so that the sock is tightly secured to the
insole to avoid the relative motion between the sock and the
insole.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,734, issued to Chan-Chou Ou on May 28,
2002, discloses an adjustable and disposable foot care article
which includes a toe cover and an elongated insole bonded together
to form a toe pocket at a front section. The insole is a bonded and
pliable composite laminate consisting of an upper layer, an
absorbent middle layer and a bottom layer made of air and fluid
permeable non-woven fabrics or materials. The bottom layer has two
side flaps extended outwards from the insole. The side flaps have
spaced longitudinal perforation lines and a plurality of spaced and
transverse perforation lines formed at selected locations for
trimming excess portion of the side flaps and the heel section of
the insole for the article to fit different sizes of foot. The
article may be worn snugly on foot without flapping or flopping by
fastening the rear end of the side flaps around the heel through an
integrated or separated fastener. The article gives the foot and
toes and part of the instep protective cover without contacting the
musty or microbes-infected shoe interior. It may serve as a
substitute for sock or stocking, or be worn with stocking or sock
in the shoe without exposed or spoiling aesthetic appearance. It
improves foot hygiene and adds comfort to foot by providing
additional cushion and moisture absorption capability.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 2,391,064, issued to Estella Stokes McCandless
on Dec. 18, 1945, discloses a toe mitt, the purpose of which is to
provide a knitted element of the general form of the toe of a
stocking and fitting over the toes of the wearer either inside or
outside of the stocking providing a means for preventing wear of
the stocking toe.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,497 issued to Heath Richardson on Apr.
4, 2000, discloses a half sock that, in general, can cover the
anterior limb of a foot, leaving the heel bare. The half sock
includes a sock-housing with a rear opening for insertion of the
foot therein. It is made of a suitably cushioning, durable,
flexible, thermally-insulating and physically-proportioned
material, for one illustration, a neoprene-containing material, for
example, an about 3-mm neoprene material having a flexible nylon
lining on either side thereof. The half sock can have, in essence,
mirror image symmetry through an imaginary plane bisecting its top
and bottom portions. It can include inwardly-directed front tapers
to accommodate the big and the smaller toes of the foot, and
include inwardly-directed rear tapers to accommodate the arch of
the foot. It can be made of a one-piece web in a clamshell like
pattern, having side edges butted and sewn together so that there
is little or no bump. The half sock can be employed for keeping
warm toes during a cold weather activity, especially to include
when wearing boots such as hunting, military or, in particular, ski
boots.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,182, issued to Hedy T. Tasbas on Jun.
19, 2001, discloses a foot protector which is comprised of at least
about 80 weight percent of a fabric material. The fabric material
is comprised of at least 50 weight percent of stretch fabric; it is
made from a two sheets of fabric, and a space between the two
sheets of fabric is adapted to receive volatilizable material. A
hole extends through the first sheet of fabric, and the hole has a
diameter of less than about 0.3 inches. A volatilizable material is
disposed within the space disposed between the two sheets of
fabric.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,620, issued to Joy S. Hatch, Robert
Craddock, and Cindy Jones Dickson on May 28, 2002, discloses an
article of apparel for a foot that covers the forward portion of
the foot, only does not show above the tops of shoes and enhances
fit and comfort of wearing shoes. Such a partial sock, or half
sock, is advantageous for uses including wearing with shoes that
cover the forward portion of the foot only, such as open-heel and
clog-type shoes.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. D479,766, issued to Viveca A. Mays and Tristin
M. Mays on Sep. 23, 2003, illustrates a half sock to be worn alone
or with shoes that have a low cut or no back, such as mules, thong
type sandals, or flip-flops, for fashion or leisure.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,253, issued to Katrina Hollis-Lorent on
Apr. 5, 2005, discloses an apparatus comprised of a disposable
inner footwear adapted for receiving a foot. The inner footwear is
made from a plastic material and has a front portion, a heel
portion, and an upper foot covering portion. The upper foot
covering portion is adapted to be wrapped over the foot.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,013, issued to Frank G. Krack on Nov.
19, 1996, discloses an easy-on sock having a split opening
extending down the middle of the top surface of the sock from the
lower leg portion to the toe pocket of the sock is provided. An
extension flap, used to close the split, is connected along one
edge of the split and extends substantially the full length of the
split. Hook and loop closure strips are attached on the free edge
of the extension strip and along the other edge of the split to
enable the extension flap to be folded over the split and secured
to the opposing hook and loop closure strip. In one embodiment, an
insert flap is additionally connected to the other edge of the
split, opposite the extension flap. A hook and loop type connector
is attached to the outer surface of the insert flap and a mating
hook and loop type sizing strip is attached to a corresponding
location on the inner surface of the extension flap. Thus, the sock
may be closely fitted to the foot of the user by first mating the
hook and loop type closure strips and/or connectors. In all
embodiments there is provided a sock having the ability to cover
the split and the person's foot as in a conventional sock, but
without the pulling, squeezing and rubbing associated with
conventional socks.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,232, issued to James L. Throneburg on
Feb. 18, 1997, discloses a foot protector for use in combination
with stocking-type hosiery to cushion and protect a wearer's foot
is described. The foot protector is preferably knit to include
padding in the form of integrally knit terry loops, and has a
specially constructed top portion for encircling the wearer's
ankle. The top portion extends upwardly to a greater extent
proximate the wearer's heel than the instep, and is substantially
unpadded. When the foot protector is worn in a layered relationship
with a stocking and a shoe, the protector is only minimally
visible, if at all, thereby providing enhanced wearer comfort while
maintaining the appearance of wearing stockings and shoes
alone.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,660, issued to Hiroyuki Yoshimi and
Yoshio Itoh on May 1, 1979, discloses a sock for use with footgear
is provided comprising a core formed of copper or copper-containing
metal, a top ply of air-permeable material overlying the upper
surface of said core, and a bottom ply of air-permeable material
underlying the lower surface of the core, at least said top ply and
bottom ply being joined together around the periphery of said core.
The socks according to this invention maintain user's feet sanitary
in his footgear for a period of time and keeps his feet from giving
off offensive odors.
[0021] While these patents and published patent application and
other previous methods have attempted to solve the above mentioned
problems, none have utilized or disclosed a shoe insert cover
device.
[0022] Therefore, a need exists for a shoe insert covering. The
shoe insert covering according to the present invention
substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of
the prior art. It can be appreciated that there exists a continuing
need for a shoe insert covering which can be used commercially. In
this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills these
objectives.
[0023] The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state
of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a
view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor
in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the
patentability of the present invention. It is respectfully
stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other
information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when
considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a shoe
insert covering. In particular, the present invention relates to a
shoe insert covering that provides a barrier between a user's sole
and the insole of the shoe. In some embodiments of the present
invention, there may also be a covering for a user's toes, or a
user's toes and a portion of the front of the user's foot. The
present invention is useful for those individuals who do not want
to wear socks, but desire the protection and comfort provided by a
stocking or sock.
[0025] The present invention is comprised of enclosed material
formed to have a hollow interior and an opening that is dimensioned
for insertion of a footwear insert, e.g. insole, into the hollow
interior. The present invention is preferably washable, but may
also be disposable. The present invention provides a protective
barrier between the bottom of a user's feet and the footwear
insert.
[0026] The opening is preferably a slit positioned on the bottom
side of the shoe insert covering. This slit is preferably roughly
at the mid-point of the length of the present invention, but may be
positioned at other than the mid-point, e.g. nearer to the toe-ward
end or heel-ward end of the shoe insert covering.
[0027] Footwear inserts that may be inserted into a shoe insert
covering include, but are not limited to, a gel heel cushion, an
extra support insole, an Odor Eater insole, an arch support.
Additionally, an embodiment of the present invention may include
shoes pre-fitted with a shoe insert covering and a footwear
insert.
[0028] In some embodiments, the present invention is further
comprised of a toe cover that is dimensioned to cover a user's
toes. Depending on the embodiment, the toe cover dimensions may
vary, e.g. sized to cover a portion of a user's toes, sized to
cover all of a user's toes, sized to cover the toes and a portion
of the front of the foot.
[0029] One way to use the present invention is as follows: [0030]
Holding the shoe insert covering in one's hand [0031] removing the
insole from a shoe [0032] inserting the front portion of the insole
into the shoe insert covering opening [0033] bending the back
portion of the insole [0034] inserting the back portion of the
insole into the shoe insert covering opening [0035] flattening the
shoe insert covering [0036] positioning the shoe insert covering
with the opening facing downward [0037] placing the shoe insert
covering into the shoe with the opening facing downward [0038]
placing the foot into the shoe.
[0039] If the present invention contains a toe cover, the user may
place his/her toes inside the toe covering cavity, similar to
putting on slippers, prior to placing his/her fitted foot into the
shoe.
[0040] An advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to
use.
[0041] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is
convenient to use.
[0042] Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be
manufactured from readily available materials.
[0043] Another advantage of the present invention is that it may be
made to be washable or disposable.
[0044] Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be
made inexpensively.
[0045] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There additional features of the invention that will
be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of
the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at
least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and to the arrangements of the
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0046] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0047] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently
preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Other advantages and features of the invention are described
with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to
explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the
drawings in which:
[0049] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a shoe insert covering,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a shoe insert covering,
showing a first step for inserting an insole, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a shoe insert covering,
showing a subsequent step for inserting an insole, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a shoe insert covering,
showing a fully inserted insole, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a shoe insert
covering, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a shoe insert covering
with a toe cover, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 7 is a left side cross-sectional view of a shoe insert
covering showing an inserted orthopedic device, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 8 is a left side cross-sectional view of a shoe insert
covering showing an inserted shoe sole, according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present
invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 8, multiple embodiments of
a shoe insert covering are illustrated. Common to the embodiments
shown are shoe insert covering 010, having front 011, rear 012,
opening 020 and cavity 060. Toe cover 040 is disposed on the
toe-ward end of front 011 for one illustrated embodiment. Sole 030
and orthopedic insert 050 are shown to illustrate some of the uses
of a shoe insert covering.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of shoe insert
covering 010 is illustrated showing one positioning of opening 020
at the approximate mid-point of rear 012.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 2, insole 030 is illustrated in the
first stage of insertion into opening 020.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 3, insole 030 is illustrated in the
final stage of insertion into the opening in rear 012.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 4, insole 030 is illustrated fully
inserted into the opening in rear 012.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 5, shoe insert covering 010 is
illustrated showing front 011, along with an different placement of
opening 020.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of shoe insert
covering 010 is illustrated showing toe cover 040 disposed on the
toe-ward end of front 011. An different placement of opening 020 is
also shown.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 7, orthopedic device 050 is
illustrated inserted in cavity 060 in a cross-sectional view. The
preferred position of opening 020 is also shown.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 8, sole 030 is illustrated fully
inserted.
[0067] While the above description contains many specifics, these
specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of
the invention, but merely exemplifications of the disclosed
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other possible
variations that are within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *