GB2444021A

GB2444021A - An insert to reinforce the toe cavity of footwear

Info

Publication number: GB2444021A
Application number: GB0614276A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Loren Beth Taylor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-23
Filing date: 2006-07-19
Publication date: 2008-05-28
Also published as: GB0614276D0; GB0612466D0

Abstract

A compressible insert 3 that is placed in the toe cavity 4 of footwear which compresses when the foot of the wearer is inserted into the footwear, conforming to the contours of the user's foot and maintaining the shape of the footwear. Preferably the insert has a tab 10 attached to allow the user to easily remove the insert from the footwear. Preferably the insert is made form compressible closed cell foam (5, fig 3a). The insert fills and expands the toe cavity when the insert is pushed into the shoe, forcing the shoe to regain its original shape. Larger inserts may have a plastic internal core (6, fig 3b) which is coated with closed cell foam, to help strengthen the insert. The insert may be used permanently or semi-permanently.

Description

TIP TOES

Internal toe-tip re-enforcers for pointed-toe shoes and boots This invention helps to internally re-enforce the toe ends of shoes In order to clearly describe the application of this invention, pointed-toe shoes are used as a model shoe, but are not the sole type of shoe for which this invention can be applied. These inserts may be used in any shoe toe cavity in which there is excess toe space, whether as a result of an unusual shape such as a pointed toe or as a result of the shoe being too large for the wearer.

The pointed toe-end of a shoe(s) tends to loose its shape overtime with wear. The pointed end of the shoe tends to loose its shape and kinks/bends. This looks unattractive and is annoying to the wearer as it ruins an otherwise perfectly wearablelattractive pair of shoes. To overcome this problem the present invention proposes a malleable internal insert. The use of this invention, which is inserted/pushed into the toe cavity of the shoe(s) prior to wear, will help to re-enforce and maintain the shape of the shoe during and after wear.

I propose that this invention will be primarily composed of compressible closed cell foam (as used for malleable ear plugs-further investigation of the most suitable material is needed). This insert moulds to the shape of the shoe's toe cavity area upon insertion and thereby provides internal support. This internal support helps to regain the shoe toe's original shape in previously worn shoes or/and helps to maintain the toe shape in a new shoe(s). The invention works by filling and expanding the toe cavity as a result of the internal pressure created when the insert is pushed into the shoe. Once the insert has forced the shoe to regain is original shape by occupying this space the insert is left in place and thereby physically maintains the shoe toe's shape.

Upon the insertion of the wearer's foot into the shoe, post insertion of the insert, the insert will mould to perfectly complement the wearer's toes. This invention may thereby also improve the fit or/and comfort of the shoe in which it is inserted.

This product will be available in a variety of sizes/shapes that are known to fit the most common size toe cavities. Larger inserts may have a hard plastic internal core, which is coated with closed cell foam (further investigation needed). This internal core will help to strengthen the insert and thereby help to re-enforce the shoe toe's shape, especially during wear.

The insert may be used in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. The insert may be inserted prior to wear and then removed post wear and re-used in the same/another shoe. Alternatively the insert may remain in place for the life of the shoe and be discarded with the shoe (suggested use). To make the removal of this insert easy there is a ribbon attached within the insert that lies on the inside surface of the shoe once the insert is in place. To remove the insert the wearer pulls this ribbon loosening the insert, which can then be removed.

This product will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure la shows the a schematic drawing of an unworn shoes toe andlor the appearance of a worn shoe with an insert (the solution) Figure lb shows a schematic drawing of a shoe with a toe end that has kinked' as a result of wear (this is the problem the invention will prevent/overcome) Figure 2 shows the shape of the insert with ribbon tab Figure 3a shows the cross section composition of the smaller solely closed foam cell Insert (material to be investigated further) Figure 3b shows the cross section composition of the larger plastic core insert coated with closed cell foam (materials to be investigated further) Figure 4a shows the insertion/application of the product prior to wear (foot insertion) Figure 4b shows the application of the product during wear (foot insertion) An insert 3 is inserted into the toe cavity 4 of an unworn shoe 1 or worn shoe 2. See figure 4a. This insert is composed primarily of closed cell foam 5 (larger inserts may have a plastic core 6), which allows the insert to mould to the exact internal d1ensions of the shoe toe cavity 7. By completely filling this cavity 8 the insert places pressure on the shoe material from within and forces the shoe to regain its original shape 1. The appearance of the shoe is improved/maintained. Upon wear the internal insert moulds to the wearer's toes as a result of direct contact 9. This may help to improve the comfort and/or fit of the shoe. The insert can be removed by pulling on the ribbon tab 10, and may then be reused in another shoe.

Claims I. A malleable insert that is inserted into the internal toe cavity of a new or old shoe to help retain/regain the shape of the toe 2. An insert according to claim 1, which is reusable and easy to remove by pulling a ribbon tab 3. An insert according to claim 2, which moulds to the wearer's toes during wear 4. An insert according to claim 3, which helps to improve the comfort/fit of the shoe 5. An insert according to claim 4, which can be used for the life of the shoe 6. An insert according to claim 5, which helps maintain/improve the comfort of the shoe into which it is inserted

Claims

Claims 1. A malleable insert that is inserted into the internal toe

cavity of a new or old shoe to help retaiWregain the shape of the toe 2. An inseit according to claim 1, which is reusable and easy to remove by pulling a ribbon tab 3. An insert according to claim 2, which moulds to the wearer's toes during wear 4. An insert according to claim 3, which helps to improve the comfort/fit of the shoe 5. Aninsertaccordingtoclaim4,whichcanbeusedforthelifeoftheshoe 6. An insert according to claim 5, which helps maintainlimprove the comfort of the shoe into which it is inserted r. Cf

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims I. A method of shaping footwear, comprising the following steps: Providing a compressible inset; inserting the insert into the toe region of an item of footwear having a closed toe; inserting a foot of the user into the item of footwear so that the insert compresses and conforms to the inner contours of the end of the user's foot, thus maintaining the shape of the item of footwear.
2. A method according to claim 1, where in the step of providing a compressible insert comprises providing a compressible insert comprises providing a release tab connected to the insert, so that, following use of the insert, a user may grasp and pull the tab to remove the insert from the item of footwear.
3. A method according to claim 2, where in the provided compressible insert expands to regain its original dimensions once removed and is thereby reusable.
4. A footwear insert comprising: a main portion formed from a compressible material; and a release tab connected to the main portion. Where in a user may place the insert into the toe end of an item of closed-toed footwear to maintain the shape of the footwear when being worn, and may, following use, grasp and pull the release tab to remove the insert from the item of footwear.