U.S. patent application number 12/407845 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for footwear cover.
Invention is credited to Nicole Rose Reid.
Application Number | 20090235556 12/407845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41087492 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090235556 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reid; Nicole Rose |
September 24, 2009 |
Footwear Cover
Abstract
A footwear cover arranged to receive footwear article therein
comprises a sole portion, a toe portion and a heel portion. Each of
the toe and heel portions comprises a vertical wall portion in
which the toe portion further comprises an upper resilient portion
extending inwardly to receive the toe of the footwear article
thereunder and the heel portion further comprises a plurality of
horizontal ridges extending inwardly to engage the heel of the
footwear article. The ridges terminate at respective inner free
edges lying in a generally common vertical plane.
Inventors: |
Reid; Nicole Rose; (Thunder
Bay, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADE & COMPANY INC.
2157 Henderson Highway
WINNIPEG
MB
R2G1P9
CA
|
Family ID: |
41087492 |
Appl. No.: |
12/407845 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61038258 |
Mar 20, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/7.1R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/163 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/7.1R |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/16 20060101
A43B003/16 |
Claims
1. A footwear cover for covering an article of footwear, the cover
comprising: a sole portion spanning between a toe end and a heel
end and arranged for receiving the article of footwear thereon; the
sole portion being flexible so as to be arranged to allow walking
when the article of footwear is supported thereon; a toe portion
formed at the toe end of the sole portion; the toe portion
comprising a perimeter wall portion extending upwardly from the toe
end of the sole portion and an upper portion spaced upwardly from
the sole portion and extending from the perimeter wall portion
inwardly towards the heel end of the sole portion so as to be
arranged to receive a full height of a toe of the article of
footwear between the upper portion and the sole portion when the
article of footwear is supported on the sole portion; and a heel
portion formed at the heel of the sole portion; the heel portion
comprising a perimeter wall portion extending upwardly from the
heel end of the sole portion so as to be arranged to engage a heel
of the article of footwear when the article of footwear is
supported in the sole portion; the wall portion of the heel portion
comprising an inner surface extending substantially vertically
upward from the sole portion and protrusions formed on the inner
surface arranged to grip the heel of the article of footwear; and
the heel portion being stiffer than the toe portion.
2. The cover according to claim 1 wherein each protrusion comprises
a substantially horizontally extending ridge projecting inwardly
from the inner surface towards the toe portion, the ridges being
vertically spaced apart from one another at differing distances
from the sole portion.
3. The cover according to claim 2 wherein each ridge extends
inwardly from the inner surface of the wall portion to an inner
free edge arranged to engage the heel of the article of footwear,
the ridges projecting from the inner surface by an equal distance
relative to one another such that the inner free edges of the
ridges terminate at a common vertically oriented surface curved
about the heel portion.
4. The cover according to claim 2 wherein the wall portion of the
heel portion comprises a rear wall extending upwardly from the heel
end of the sole portion and a pair of side walls extending upwardly
from opposing sides of the sole portion integrally with the rear
wall, each ridge being formed integrally at opposing ends with
respective ones of the side walls such that the inner free edges of
the ridges are joined to the side walls of the heel portion.
5. The cover according to claim 1 wherein a bottom side of the sole
portion comprises a plurality of laterally extending grooves formed
therein between opposing sides of the sole portion such that the
sole portion is more flexible near the toe end than the heel
end.
6. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the upper portion of the
toe portion is more flexible and more resilient than the perimeter
wall portion of the toe portion.
7. The cover according to claim 1 wherein there are provided side
walls extending from opposing sides of the sole portion between the
toe portion and the heel portion, the side walls extending upwardly
from the sole portion at an outward angle away from one another
wherein the sole portion is stiffer and more rigid than the side
walls.
8. The cover according to claim 1 wherein there is provided a
release member integrally formed with the heel portion which
projects rearwardly from the heel portion away from the toe portion
at a location which is spaced upwardly from the sole portion
adjacent a top end of the heel portion, the release member being
thicker than the sole portion so as to be rigid.
9. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the wall portion of the
toe portion comprises an inner surface extending substantially
vertically upward from the sole portion and protrusions formed on
the inner surface arranged to grip the toe of the article of
footwear, each protrusion on the toe portion comprises a
substantially horizontally extending ridge projecting inwardly from
the inner surface towards the heel portion, the ridges being
vertically spaced apart from one another at differing distances
from the sole portion.
10. The cover according to claim 9 wherein each ridge on the inner
surface of the toe portion comprises a plurality of slots formed
therein to extend from an inner free edge of the respective ridge
partway towards the inner surface.
11. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the heel portion is
formed integrally of like material with the sole portion and the
toe portion, the heel portion being thicker than the sole portion
and the toe portion such that the heel portion is more rigid than
the sole portion and the toe portion.
12. The cover according to claim 1 wherein the heel portion
includes an insertion surface extending upwardly and outwardly from
a top end of the inner surface of the heel portion opposite the toe
portion so as to be arranged for guiding insertion of the heel into
the heel portion of the cover.
13. A footwear cover for covering an article of footwear, the cover
comprising: a sole portion spanning between a toe end and a heel
end and arranged for receiving the article of footwear thereon; the
sole portion being flexible so as to be arranged to allow walking
when the article of footwear is supported thereon; a toe portion
formed at the toe end of the sole portion; the toe portion
comprising a perimeter wall portion extending upwardly from the toe
end of the sole portion and an upper portion spaced upwardly from
the sole portion and extending from the perimeter wall portion
inwardly towards the heel end of the sole portion so as to be
arranged to receive a toe of the article of footwear between the
upper portion and the sole portion when the article of footwear is
supported on the sole portion; a heel portion formed at the heel of
the sole portion; the heel portion comprising a perimeter wall
portion extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion so
as to be arranged to engage a heel of the article of footwear when
the article of footwear is supported in the sole portion; the wall
portion of the heel portion comprising an inner surface extending
substantially vertically upward from the sole portion and
protrusions formed on the inner surface arranged to grip the heel
of the article of footwear; and each protrusion comprises a
substantially horizontally extending ridge projecting inwardly from
the inner surface towards the toe portion, the ridges being
vertically spaced apart from one another at differing distances
from the sole portion.
14. The cover according to claim 13 wherein each ridge extends
inwardly from the inner surface of the wall portion to an inner
free edge arranged to engage the heel of the article of footwear,
the ridges projecting from the inner surface by an equal distance
relative to one another such that the inner free edges of the
ridges terminate at a common vertically oriented surface curved
about the heel portion.
15. The cover according to claim 13 wherein there is provided a
release member integrally formed with the heel portion which
projects rearwardly from the heel portion away from the toe portion
at a location which is spaced upwardly from the sole portion
adjacent a top end of the heel portion, the release member being
substantially rigid.
16. The cover according to claim 15 wherein the release member is
formed of the same material as the sole portion, the release member
being thicker than the sole portion so as to be rigid.
17. The cover according to claim 13 wherein the wall portion of the
heel portion comprises a rear wall extending upwardly from the heel
end of the sole portion and a pair of side walls extending upwardly
from opposing sides of the sole portion integrally with the rear
wall, each ridge being formed integrally at opposing ends with
respective ones of the side walls such that the inner free edges of
the ridges are joined to the side walls of the heel portion.
18. The cover according to claim 13 wherein the heel portion is
formed integrally of like material with the sole portion and the
toe portion, the heel portion being thicker than the sole portion
and the toe portion such that the heel portion is more rigid than
the sole portion and the toe portion.
19. The cover according to claim 13 wherein the heel portion
includes an insertion surface extending upwardly and outwardly from
a top end of the inner surface of the heel portion opposite the toe
portion so as to be arranged for guiding insertion of the heel into
the heel portion of the cover.
20. A footwear cover for covering an article of footwear, the cover
comprising: a sole portion spanning between a toe end and a heel
end and arranged for receiving the article of footwear thereon; the
sole portion being flexible so as to be arranged to allow walking
when the article of footwear is supported thereon; a toe portion
formed at the toe end of the sole portion; the toe portion
comprising a perimeter wall portion extending upwardly from the toe
end of the sole portion and an upper portion spaced upwardly from
the sole portion and extending from the perimeter wall portion
inwardly towards the heel end of the sole portion so as to be
arranged to receive a full height of a toe of the article of
footwear between the upper portion and the sole portion when the
article of footwear is supported on the sole portion; the upper
portion of the toe portion is more flexible and more resilient than
the perimeter wall portion of the toe portion; a heel portion
formed at the heel of the sole portion; the heel portion being
stiffer than the sole portion; the heel portion comprising a
perimeter wall portion extending upwardly from the heel end of the
sole portion so as to be arranged to engage a heel of the article
of footwear when the article of footwear is supported in the sole
portion; the wall portion of the heel portion comprising an inner
surface extending substantially vertically upward from the sole
portion and protrusions formed on the inner surface arranged to
grip the heel of the article of footwear; each protrusion
comprising a substantially horizontally extending ridge projecting
inwardly from the inner surface towards the toe portion, the ridges
being vertically spaced apart from one another at differing
distances from the sole portion. each ridge extending inwardly from
the inner surface of the wall portion to an inner free edge
arranged to engage the heel of the article of footwear; the ridges
projecting from the inner surface by an equal distance relative to
one another such that the inner free edges of the ridges terminate
at a common vertically oriented surface curved about the heel
portion; the wall portion of the heel portion further comprising a
rear wall extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion
and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from opposing sides of
the sole portion integrally with the rear wall, each ridge being
formed integrally at opposing ends with respective ones of the side
walls such that the inner free edges of the ridges are joined to
the side walls of the heel portion; and a release member integrally
formed with the heel portion which projects rearwardly from the
heel portion away from the toe portion at a location which is
spaced upwardly from the sole portion adjacent a top end of the
heel portion, the release member being substantially rigid; the
release member is formed of the same material as the sole portion,
the release member being thicker than the sole portion so as to be
rigid; the heel portion and the release portion being formed
integrally of like material with the sole portion and the toe
portion; the heel portion and the release portion being thicker
than the sole portion and the toe portion such that the heel
portion and the release portion are more rigid than the sole
portion and the toe portion.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e)
of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/038,258, filed Mar. 20,
2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a footwear cover which can
be readily placed over or removed from a shoe or boot without the
use of hands for covering footwear instead of removing them, for
example when entering an indoor residence from an outdoor
location.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In various instances persons may be required to remove
footwear when entering a home or building. Various health and
safety regulations indicate that if there is a hazard of foot
injury in a working environment, appropriate safety footwear that
meets regulations is expected to be worn. This typically means
steel toed work boots or shoes must be worn by various workers
including for example delivery persons, electricians, plumbers,
etc. Customers of the services provided by such workers, however,
commonly insist that dirty or wet footwear be removed before
entering the home.
[0004] Currently, the only solution in the market place is a
slip-on paper or plastic bootie or a rubber galosh manually pulled
on over the boot. These solutions require persons to put down what
they are carrying and pull on and off the bootie or galosh. This is
difficult and unsafe when holding something heavy, i.e. a sofa or a
stove. As well, the bootie and galosh are slippery and not custom
fit to allow easy and safe movement indoors.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,328 belonging to Rosen et al. discloses
an example of a shoe cover intended to cover the outdoor shoes of a
person entering an indoor location. In a preferred embodiment, both
heel and toe portions of the cover include a resilient shoe
admission portion arranged to include an overhang surface forming
an undercut area within which a portion of the shoe is received.
When a user attempts to step into the shoe cover without the use of
hands, the flexible nature of both the heel and toe portions
typically results in one or both of the heel and toe collapsing
under the shoe rather than receiving the shoe therein to be
suitably retained on the shoe. Insertion of a shoe into the cover
is accordingly awkward and difficult to manage. In further
embodiments, a complex length adjustment mechanism is provided,
however the heel and toe portions remain flexible with an undercut
area therein to receive the sole of the shoe such that it is
awkward to insert the shoe into the undercut area without
collapsing the walls of the cover beneath the shoe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a
footwear cover for covering an article of footwear, the cover
comprising:
[0007] a sole portion spanning between a toe end and a heel end and
arranged for receiving the article of footwear thereon;
[0008] the sole portion being flexible so as to be arranged to
allow walking when the article of footwear is supported
thereon;
[0009] a toe portion formed at the toe end of the sole portion;
[0010] the toe portion comprising a perimeter wall portion
extending upwardly from the toe end of the sole portion and an
upper portion spaced upwardly from the sole portion and extending
from the perimeter wall portion inwardly towards the heel end of
the sole portion so as to be arranged to receive a full height of a
toe of the article of footwear between the upper portion and the
sole portion when the article of footwear is supported on the sole
portion; and
[0011] a heel portion formed at the heel of the sole portion;
[0012] the heel portion comprising a perimeter wall portion
extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion so as to
be arranged to engage a heel of the article of footwear when the
article of footwear is supported in the sole portion;
[0013] the wall portion of the heel portion comprising an inner
surface extending substantially vertically upward from the sole
portion and protrusions formed on the inner surface arranged to
grip the heel of the article of footwear; and
[0014] the heel portion being stiffer than the toe portion.
[0015] The cover according to the present invention is designed for
safe and easy use. When stepped into, toe first, the rear binding
will lock the boot into place when the foot heel is pressed down.
This will allow the person to simply slide their dirty boot, or
shoe, or other type of footwear into the sole to walk safely and
cleanly while indoors.
[0016] By providing a heel portion which is more rigid than the toe
portion, a user can insert the toe of the article of footwear into
the toe portion of the cover first, followed by the heel of the
article of footwear such that the more rigid heel portion is
unlikely to collapse beneath the article of footwear stepping into
the footwear cover, thus overcoming some of the disadvantages of
the prior art. Furthermore by arranging the heel portion to have a
substantially vertical inner surface which is textured for gripping
the article of footwear, the article of footwear is more readily
inserted into the heel portion, also reducing the occurrence of the
heel portion collapsing beneath the article of footwear stepping
into the footwear cover.
[0017] Each protrusion preferably comprises a substantially
horizontally extending ridge projecting inwardly from the inner
surface towards the toe portion, the ridges being vertically spaced
apart from one another at differing distances from the sole
portion.
[0018] Each ridge may extend inwardly from the inner surface of the
wall portion to an inner free edge arranged to engage the heel of
the article of footwear in which the ridges project from the inner
surface by an equal distance relative to one another such that the
inner free edges of the ridges terminate at a common vertical
surface curved about the heel portion.
[0019] Preferably the upper portion of the toe portion is more
flexible and more resilient than the perimeter wall portion of the
toe portion.
[0020] When there is provided side walls extending from opposing
sides of the sole portion between the toe portion and the heel
portion, the side walls preferably extend upwardly from the sole
portion at an outward angle away from one another wherein the sole
portion is stiffer and more rigid than the side walls.
[0021] There may be provided a release member integrally formed
with the heel portion which projects rearwardly from the heel
portion away from the toe portion at a location which is spaced
upwardly from the sole portion adjacent a top end of the heel
portion in which the release member is substantially rigid.
[0022] The release member is preferably formed of the same material
as the sole portion, the release member being thicker than the sole
portion so as to be rigid.
[0023] The heel portion preferably comprises a rigid member formed
integrally of like material with the sole portion and the toe
portion in which the heel portion is thicker than the sole portion
and the toe portion such that the heel portion is more rigid than
the sole portion and the toe portion.
[0024] The heel portion may also include an insertion surface
extending upwardly and outwardly from a top end of the inner
surface of the heel portion opposite the toe portion so as to be
arranged for guiding insertion of the heel into the heel portion of
the cover.
[0025] There may also be provided a release member integrally
formed with the heel portion which projects rearwardly outwardly
from the insertion surface of the heel portion at a location which
is spaced upwardly from the sole portion adjacent a top end of the
heel portion, the release member being substantially rigid.
[0026] The wall portion of the heel portion may comprise a rear
wall extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion and a
pair of side walls extending upwardly from opposing sides of the
sole portion integrally with the rear wall. Each ridge may be
formed integrally at opposing ends with respective ones of the side
walls such that the inner free edges of the ridges are joined to
the side walls of the heel portion.
[0027] A bottom side of the sole portion may comprise a plurality
of laterally extending grooves formed therein between opposing
sides of the sole portion such that the sole portion is more
flexible near the toe end than the heel end.
[0028] The wall portion of the toe portion may also comprise an
inner surface extending substantially vertically upward from the
sole portion and protrusions formed on the inner surface arranged
to grip the toe of the article of footwear in which each protrusion
on the toe portion comprises a substantially horizontally extending
ridge projecting inwardly from the inner surface towards the heel
portion and the ridges are vertically spaced apart from one another
at differing distances from the sole portion.
[0029] Each ridge on the inner surface of the toe portion may
comprise a plurality of slots formed therein to extend from an
inner free edge of the respective ridge partway towards the inner
surface upon which the ridge is supported.
[0030] According to a second aspect of the present invention a
footwear cover for covering an article of footwear, the cover
comprising:
[0031] a sole portion spanning between a toe end and a heel end and
arranged for receiving the article of footwear thereon;
[0032] the sole portion being flexible so as to be arranged to
allow walking when the article of footwear is supported
thereon;
[0033] a toe portion formed at the toe end of the sole portion;
[0034] the toe portion comprising a perimeter wall portion
extending upwardly from the toe end of the sole portion and an
upper portion spaced upwardly from the sole portion and extending
from the perimeter wall portion inwardly towards the heel end of
the sole portion so as to be arranged to receive a toe of the
article of footwear between the upper portion and the sole portion
when the article of footwear is supported on the sole portion;
[0035] a heel portion formed at the heel of the sole portion;
[0036] the heel portion comprising a perimeter wall portion
extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion so as to
be arranged to engage a heel of the article of footwear when the
article of footwear is supported in the sole portion;
[0037] the wall portion of the heel portion comprising an inner
surface extending substantially vertically upward from the sole
portion and protrusions formed on the inner surface arranged to
grip the heel of the article of footwear; and
[0038] each protrusion comprises a substantially horizontally
extending ridge projecting inwardly from the inner surface towards
the toe portion, the ridges being vertically spaced apart from one
another at differing distances from the sole portion.
[0039] According to a further aspect of the present invention there
is provided a footwear cover for covering an article of footwear,
the cover comprising:
[0040] a sole portion spanning between a toe end and a heel end and
arranged for receiving the article of footwear thereon;
[0041] the sole portion being flexible so as to be arranged to
allow walking when the article of footwear is supported
thereon;
[0042] a toe portion formed at the toe end of the sole portion;
[0043] the toe portion comprising a perimeter wall portion
extending upwardly from the toe end of the sole portion and an
upper portion spaced upwardly from the sole portion and extending
from the perimeter wall portion inwardly towards the heel end of
the sole portion so as to be arranged to receive a full height of a
toe of the article of footwear between the upper portion and the
sole portion when the article of footwear is supported on the sole
portion;
[0044] the upper portion of the toe portion is more flexible and
more resilient than the perimeter wall portion of the toe
portion;
[0045] a heel portion formed at the heel of the sole portion;
[0046] the heel portion being stiffer than the sole portion;
[0047] the heel portion comprising a perimeter wall portion
extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion so as to
be arranged to engage a heel of the article of footwear when the
article of footwear is supported in the sole portion;
[0048] the wall portion of the heel portion comprising an inner
surface extending substantially vertically upward from the sole
portion and protrusions formed on the inner surface arranged to
grip the heel of the article of footwear;
[0049] each protrusion comprising a substantially horizontally
extending ridge projecting inwardly from the inner surface towards
the toe portion, the ridges being vertically spaced apart from one
another at differing distances from the sole portion. each ridge
extending inwardly from the inner surface of the wall portion to an
inner free edge arranged to engage the heel of the article of
footwear;
[0050] the ridges projecting from the inner surface by an equal
distance relative to one another such that the inner free edges of
the ridges terminate at a common vertically oriented surface curved
about the heel portion;
[0051] the wall portion of the heel portion further comprising a
rear wall extending upwardly from the heel end of the sole portion
and a pair of side walls extending upwardly from opposing sides of
the sole portion integrally with the rear wall, each ridge being
formed integrally at opposing ends with respective ones of the side
walls such that the inner free edges of the ridges are joined to
the side walls of the heel portion; and
[0052] a release member integrally formed with the heel portion
which projects rearwardly from the heel portion away from the toe
portion at a location which is spaced upwardly from the sole
portion adjacent a top end of the heel portion, the release member
being substantially rigid;
[0053] the release member is formed of the same material as the
sole portion, the release member being thicker than the sole
portion so as to be rigid;
[0054] the heel portion and the release portion being formed
integrally of like material with the sole portion and the toe
portion;
[0055] the heel portion and the release portion being thicker than
the sole portion and the toe portion such that the heel portion and
the release portion are more rigid than the sole portion and the
toe portion.
[0056] Some embodiments of the invention will now be described in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
footwear cover.
[0058] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the footwear cover
according to FIG. 1.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the footwear cover according to
FIG. 1.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevational view along the line
4-4 of the FIG. 3.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the footwear cover
according to FIG. 1.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the footwear cover according
to FIG. 1 from an opposing side.
[0063] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are perspective views from opposing sides
of the bottom of the footwear cover according to FIG. 1.
[0064] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are perspective views of the heel portion
shown separated from the sole portion of the footwear according to
FIG. 1 as shown from above from two opposing sides.
[0065] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are perspective views of the bottom of
the heel portion according to FIG. 9 from opposing sides.
[0066] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the heel portion
according to FIG. 9.
[0067] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the heel portion according to
FIG. 9.
[0068] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the heel portion
according to FIG. 9.
[0069] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
footwear cover.
[0070] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the footwear cover
according to FIG. 16.
[0071] FIG. 18 is a sectional side elevational view of the footwear
cover according to FIG. 16.
[0072] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
footwear cover from a toe end of the cover.
[0073] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the footwear cover
according to FIG. 19 from a heel end of the cover.
[0074] FIG. 21 is a partly section perspective view of the inner
surface of the toe portion of the cover according to FIG. 19.
[0075] FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the cover according to FIG.
19.
[0076] FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the cover according to
FIG. 19.
[0077] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the cover according to FIG.
19.
[0078] FIG. 25 is a sectional view along the line 25-25 of FIG.
24.
[0079] In the drawings like characters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0080] Referring to the accompanying figures there is illustrated a
footwear cover generally indicated by reference numeral 10.
Although various embodiments are described in the following, the
common features of each will first be described herein.
[0081] The cover 10 is particularly suited for use with an article
of footwear 12 typically comprising a sole 14 having a heel 16 at
one end and a toe 18 at the opposing end. A suitable upper 20 of
the footwear typically includes a toe, for example a steel toe cup
in a work boot, and sides which surround a foot of a wearer. An
opening is provided in the upper 20 for receiving the foot of the
person therethrough. When referring to an article of footwear 12 as
described herein, the footwear is generally understood to comprise
any form of footwear which includes for example shoes, work boots
of various configurations as well as athletic shoes or dress shoes
of various configurations, etc.
[0082] The cover 10 includes a sole portion 22 which receives the
sole 14 of the article of footwear supported thereon in use. The
sole portion 22 spans from a toe end 24 to a heel end 26 for
supporting the toe and heel of the article of footwear respectively
thereon. The sole portion 22 is sufficiently flexible to allow
walking motion of an article of footwear supported thereon. The
sole portion 22 is also sufficiently stiff that it retains the
desired shape of the cover when the article of footwear is removed
from the cover. Typically the sole portion 22 comprises a dense
rubber like material.
[0083] Protrusions 28 are provided on the bottom side of the sole
portion 22 to provide a gripping texture.
[0084] The cover 10 also includes a toe portion 30 at the toe end
of the sole portion which retains the toe of the article of
footwear on the sole portion. The toe portion generally comprises a
perimeter wall portion 32 and an upper portion 34. The perimeter
wall portion 32 extends upwardly about a perimeter of the toe end
of the sole portion so as to be substantially upright in
orientation relative to the sole portion. The wall portion 32 is
curved about a vertical axis centered at the toe end of the sole
portion so as to be curved about the toe of an article of footwear
received therein.
[0085] The upper portion 34 extends from a top end of the perimeter
wall portion 32 inwardly towards the heel end 26 of the sole
portion at a location spaced above the sole portion. The upper
portion 34 is thus suited for receiving the toe of the article of
footwear between the upper portion 34 and the sole portion
therebelow. The upper portion 34 is thinner than the wall portion
32 so as to be more flexible and resilient than the wall portion.
Accordingly the upper portion 34 is readily arranged to conform
about a shape and height of the toe of the article of footwear
received therein. Protrusions 34 forming a gripping texture are
provided on an underside or inner surface of the upper portion 34
of the toe portion 30 for better engaging and gripping the toe of
the article of footwear received therein.
[0086] The cover 10 also includes a heel portion 38 comprising a
rigid member supported at the heel end 26 of the sole portion. The
heel portion 38 is arranged to be more rigid and stiffer than both
the toe portion and the sole portion to prevent the heel portion
from collapsing when an article of footwear is stepped into the
footwear cover.
[0087] The heel portion 38 includes an inner surface 40 which
extends substantially vertically upward from the heel end of the
sole about a perimeter of the sole at the heel end thereof for
engaging about the heel of the article of footwear to grip and
retain the article of footwear within the footwear cover. The
upright inner surface 40 of the heel portion is a vertically
oriented surface which is curved about a vertical axis centered at
the heel end of the sole portion for surrounding and being curved
about the heel of an article of footwear received in the heel end
of the cover.
[0088] The inner surface 40 includes protrusions 42 formed thereon
for gripping the heel of the article of footwear received in the
footwear cover. Each protrusion 42 comprises a substantially
horizontally extending ridge extending across the inner surface 40
and following the curve thereof about the vertical axis at the heel
end of the sole portion. The protrusions 42 are vertically spaced
relative to one another so as to be located at various heights from
the sole portion for alignment and engagement over the top edge of
a heel of various heights of soles received within the cover.
[0089] All of the protrusions 42 project outwardly from the
substantially vertical inner surface 40 an equal distance for
evenly gripping the various heights of the articles of footwear
received within the cover. The protrusions 42 or ridges extend
generally horizontally inward from the vertical inner surface of
the wall portion towards the toe portion to respective inner free
edges in which the inner free edges of the ridges terminate at a
common vertically oriented surface curved about the heel portion so
as to be arranged to engage the heel of the article of footwear
[0090] The heel portion 38 further includes an insertion surface 44
which extends upwardly and outwardly away from the toe end of the
sole portion from the inner surface 40 above the protrusions 42
thereon. The insertion surface 44 thus guides insertion of a heel
into the heel portion when a toe of the article of footwear is
already received in the toe portion of the cover.
[0091] The heel portion 38 further includes a release member 46
which is formed integrally with the inner surface 40 and the
protrusions thereon. The release member 46 projects rearwardly and
outwardly from the heel portion 38 beyond the heel end of the sole
portion at a height of the insertion surface 44, above the
protrusions 42. The release member 46 includes a top surface 48
which extends substantially horizontally outward from the heel
portion 38. The release member 46 also includes a bottom surface 50
which is sloped rearwardly and upwardly away from the sole portion
from the heel end thereof to the outer free end of the top surface
48 of the release member 46 to form a gusset of material between
the rear end of the release member and the rear surface of the wall
portion of the heel portion for strengthening the release member.
The increased thickness of the release member ensures that the
release member is rigid to assist in removal of the cover from an
article of footwear.
[0092] The sole portion also includes side walls 52 which extend in
the longitudinal direction of the cover between the toe portion 30
and the heel portion 38 along both sides of the sole portion. Each
side wall 52 is sloped at an upward and laterally outward angle
away from one another as they extend upwardly from the sole portion
for easing of insertion of an article of footwear received
therebetween. The side walls 52 are thinner than the sole portion
so as to be arranged to be more flexible than the sole portion and
thus accommodate various widths of articles of footwear received
therebetween.
[0093] According to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through
14, the heel portion is formed of a different material than the
sole portion and toe portion 30 so as to be substantially rigid.
The release member 46, the inner surface 40, and the protrusions 42
of the heel portion are all integrally formed together of the same
material having a rigidity which is greater than the material of
the sole portion or the toe portion of the cover. The heel portion
38 may be attached to the sole portion using a suitable adhesive or
by integrally molding the sole portion about the heel portion for
example. When formed of dissimilar materials, the heel end of the
sole portion extends upwardly along an outer side of the heel
portion 38 up to a bottom of the release member 46.
[0094] In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the heel
portion 38, the release member 46, the sole portion, the toe
portion along with the remaining components are formed of a common
material so that they are all integrally molded together. The
rigidity or flexibility of the various components relative to one
another in the footwear cover may also be varied by varying the
thickness or other properties of the material relative to one
another. Typically the wall portion of the heel portion, the
release member and the insertion surface are all formed so as to
have a greater thickness than the sole portion or the toe portion
so as to be substantially rigid while the sole portion and the toe
portion remain flexible despite being formed of similar
material.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 16, the wall portion of the heel portion
comprises a rear wall 70 extending upwardly from the heel end of
the sole portion and a pair of side walls 72 extending upwardly
from opposing sides of the sole portion integrally with the rear
wall and to a height which is greater than the side walls 52
spanning between the heel and toe ends of the cover. Each ridge in
this instance is formed integrally at opposing ends with respective
ones of the side walls such that the inner free edges 74 of the
ridges are joined to the side walls of the heel portion.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 18, the wall portion of the toe portion may
also comprise an inner surface 40 extending substantially
vertically upward from the sole portion and protrusions 42 formed
on the inner surface which are arranged to grip the toe of the
article of footwear. Each protrusion on the toe portion also
comprises a substantially horizontally extending ridge projecting
inwardly from the inner surface towards the heel portion
substantially identically to the ridges of the heel portion so that
the ridges are vertically spaced apart from one another at
differing distances from the sole portion, extend at a downward and
inward incline, terminate at respective inner free edges in a
common vertical plane, and are joined to respective side walls of
the toe portion at the inner free edges thereof.
[0097] As shown in FIG. 17 the tread pattern in the bottom side of
the sole portion includes gaps which define a pair of laterally
extending grooves 76 formed to extend between opposing sides of the
sole portion. In this manner, the sole portion is more flexible at
an intermediate portion of the sole in alignment with the ball of
the foot of the user, nearer to the toe end than at the heel
end.
[0098] In further embodiments as compared to the embodiment of
FIGS. 16 through 18, the toe portion can be enlarged, the side
walls may be greater in height, the heel portion can be made
stiffer, the ridges can be made deeper, and more ridges could be
added. The horizontal ridges in the heel and toe portions
preferably remain formed to be made of a ductile elastomeric
material.
[0099] In further embodiments, various inserts maybe provided
within the mold about which the material is molded for varying the
rigidity or flexibility of various parts of the cover so as to
provide the functions noted above.
[0100] Typically the cover will be made available as a pair
comprising a right cover and a left cover which are mirror images
of one another and which conform to respective right side and left
side articles of footwear. The top profile of the right and left
covers will have an accentuated contoured shape to show and
differentiate the right from the left cover. The right and left
covers will typically have a large recessed and engraved symbol "R"
or "L" on the inner surface of the inner sole to differentiate the
covers. The symbols or the covers may be provided with different
colours integrally molded or applied with stickers to further
assist users in differentiating the covers.
[0101] Turning now to the embodiment of FIGS. 19 through 25, a
version of the footwear cover 10 is shown for being supported on a
left-sided one of a pair of shoes or boots, in which the toe
portion of the sole is enlarged towards an in-step to accommodate a
common shape of footwear. A corresponding second footwear cover
which is symmetrical to the illustrated left-sided version is
typically provided together therewith as a pair. A symbol
indicating the left cover is shown on the inner surface of the
inner sole to assist in differentiating the cover.
[0102] In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the cover 10 is substantially
identical to the previous embodiment with regard to the
construction of the upright wall portion at both heel and toe ends
which support horizontally extending ridges defining protrusions 42
thereon. The protrusions 42 in the toe portion of FIGS. 19 through
25 differ from the embodiment of FIGS. 16 through 18 in that a
plurality of slots 90 are provided in the ridges formed at the
inner free edge thereof at spaced positions therealong such that
each slot extends partway inward from the inner free edge towards
the inner surface supporting the ridges thereon. Within each ridge,
a plurality of the slots 90 are evenly spaced apart in the lateral
direction between opposing inner and outer sides of the cover.
[0103] The slots formed in the ridges at the toe portion ensure
that the ridges at the toe portion are more resilient and more
easily deformed than the corresponding ridges or protrusions at the
heel portion of the cover. In this manner a user can insert the toe
of their article of footwear into the toe portion of the cover
first to compress the ridges in the toe portion against the inner
surface of the upright wall of the toe portion as much as possible
prior to insertion of the heel into the heel portion of the
cover.
[0104] The more resilient nature of the ridges in the toe portion
permit the cover 10 to provide a snug fit through a range of sizes
of footwear received therein so that each cover 10 can accommodate
a couple of sequential sizes of footwear or some half sizes
in-between.
[0105] The embodiment of FIG. 19 also differs from the previous
embodiment in that the sole portion includes an arch 92 formed
therein. Each arch 92 comprises a raised channel spanning laterally
across the bottom of the sole portion between the opposing inner
and outer sides. The inner surface of the sole portion includes a
corresponding ridge which locates the recessed channel therebelow
such that the ridge similarly spans laterally across the sole
portion. The location of the arch 92 is positioned closer to the
heel end of the cover but at a location forward towards to toe
portion relative to the heel receiving area at the heel end such
that the heel of a typical work shoe or work boot can be received
between the arch 92 and the upright end wall of the heel portion
for aligning the arch 92 of the cover with the typical arch found
in many forms of footwear.
[0106] The cover 10 according to FIG. 19 further comprises an
aperture 94 formed in the release member which extends
substantially vertically through the release member between the top
and bottom sides thereof for receiving a hook or other suitable
retainer member therethrough for hanging the footwear cover as may
be desired. In some embodiments a suitable retainer clip can be
fastened to the aperture 94 which permits the footwear to be
clipped onto a belt of a user for quick release when it is desired
to use the cover.
[0107] According to either embodiment, when entering an indoor
residence while wearing outdoor work boots for example a user can
readily attach and remove the footwear cover relative to the
articles of footwear without the use of hands by inserting the toe
of the article of footwear into the toe portion such that the upper
portion 34 thereof resiliently forms about the toe of the article
of footwear, followed by the heel of the article of footwear being
stepped into the heel portion 38 which is substantially rigid and
has a substantially vertical inner surface so as to prevent the
collapse thereof relative to the article of footwear stepping into
the cover. The vertically spaced protrusions on the inner surface
of the heel portion evenly grip articles of footwear having heels
of varying heights to retain the article of footwear within the
cover once the heel of the article of footwear is fully stepped
into the heel portion of the cover. The side walls 52 and the toe
portion are sufficiently flexible to accommodate various sizes and
shapes or configurations of boots received in the cover.
[0108] To subsequently remove the covers from the footwear, the
user steps on the top surface of the release member which pulls the
integrally formed inner surface of the heel portion 38 away from
the heel of the article of footwear received in the cover so that
the heel can first be lifted out of the cover followed by the toe
of the article of footwear being removed from the toe portion.
[0109] According to a preferred embodiment, the sole and sides of
the boot cover will be made of a firm rubber with varying
thicknesses designed for ease of use, safety, and flexibility. The
type and thickness of the rubber may change as well as other
materials may be added to the sole of the boot cover as the product
is refined and further enhanced.
[0110] The sides of the boot cover are comprised of the same
material as the sole although the type and thickness of the rubber
may change as well as other materials may be added as the product
is refined and further enhanced. The sides of the boot cover are
angled slightly outward to allow for easy entrance of the booted
foot. By angling the sides slightly outward the chance of the foot
pushing down the sides when the foot enters the cover is reduced.
This feature lends to the goal of using the boot cover hands free.
The height and degree of the outward angle of the sides may
change.
[0111] The toe of the cover is comprised of the same material as
the sole although the type and thickness of the rubber may change
as well as other materials may be added as the product is refined
and further enhanced. The toe is designed with the opening on an
upward angle. The size and angle of this opening may change.
[0112] The sole, sides, and toe of the boot cover will typically be
a light color such as taupe, white, or off-white that deters from
scuffing floors of a home or building and is visible to persons
upon which the cover is being worn.
[0113] In some embodiments, the series of ridges are on a downward
angle that sits in the heel of the boot cover. These ridges will
grab the lip on the back of the boot or shoe entering the cover.
Once the entering boot/shoe is pressed all the way down to the heel
of the cover it will not be able to lift as the ridge closest to
the lip of the shoe and will prevent it from lifting out of the
cover.
[0114] The release can be attached or be part of the heel portion
which defines a locking mechanism to retain footwear in the cover.
The release when depressed or pushed down by the hand or other foot
will push the heel of the boot cover (containing the locking
mechanism) away from the booted foot in the cover and allow the
booted foot to lift out of the cover.
[0115] Other uses of the cover according to the present invention
include: gardeners or others not wanting to remove their footwear
when entering a building; curlers; and using boot/shoe cover to
protect clean footwear from dirty environments.
[0116] Since various modifications can be made in my invention as
herein above described, and many apparently widely different
embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims
without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that
all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *