US20090126223A1

US20090126223A1 - Form fitting cover for high heel shoes

Info

Publication number: US20090126223A1
Application number: US11/986,465
Authority: US
Inventors: Juliette Metzger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-21
Filing date: 2007-11-21
Publication date: 2009-05-21

Abstract

A shoe cover for high heel shoes has a body comprising a waterproof expandable elastic rubber or other flexible material in a shape of a high heel shoe, the body shaped to form fit and cover an outside of the high heel shoe. The body includes an expandable form fitting front portion, two expandable form fitting lateral side portions, a form fitting back portion, a slip-resistant textured form fitting underside portion, a reinforced rim portion, and an expandable form fitting elongate heel portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to shoe covers, specifically for the protection of high heel shoes and boots from rainy or inclement weather conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Galoshes, overshoes, or other various shoe cover devices have been used in the past to protect shoes and other footwear from various environmental conditions. For examples, galoshes have been used in the past to protect footwear from rain, snow, and other inclement weather conditions. Hospital booties have been used by medical professionals to help maintain sterility in the hospital environment. Other industry professionals have used overshoes to protect footwear from various chemicals, toxins, biohazards, sharp objects, and other hazardous materials. However, these devices are bulky, large, and difficult to transport, are not form fitting and do not maintain the aesthetic appearance of the shoe.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,584,704 (“the '704 patent”) discloses a disposable shoe cover comprising Estane® (polyurethane). However, this patent does not disclose a shoe cover which form fits the particular shape, size, and dimensions of a high heel shoe. Nor does the '704 patent or any other prior art disclose any solution to the problems associated with applying a traditional shoe cover to a high heel shoe.
Thus, there is a need for an improved shoe cover for high heel shoes and boots (for example, stiletto, platform, slip-ons, strap-ons, open toe, closed toe, lace-up, and other styles of high heel shoes) which is sleekly designed and contoured to better form fit the particular high heel shoe, particularly the heel portion. In addition, there is a need for an improved high heel shoe cover that is waterproof, attractive, easy and convenient to use and transport, inexpensive, optionally disposable, durable and long lasting, which retains its shape, and which prevents water and other material from being transmitted to the inside of the shoe or shoe cover, and which better maintains the aesthetic appearance of the shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may encompass an improved form fitting high heel shoe cover comprising a waterproof elastic body having a front portion, lateral side portions, a back portion, an underside portion, a rim portion, and a form fitting elongate heel portion.
In one aspect of the present invention, there is presented A shoe cover for a high heel shoe, comprising: a waterproof expandable elastic body in a shape of a high heel shoe, the body shaped to form fit and cover an outside of the high heel shoe, the body including an expandable form fitting front portion, a lateral side portion comprised of an expandable form fitting left side portion and an expandable form fitting right side portion, a form fitting back portion, a slip-resistant textured form fitting underside portion, a reinforced rim portion, and an expandable form fitting elongate heel portion.
In a further aspect of the present invention, there is presented a shoe cover for a high heel shoe, comprising: a waterproof expandable elastic body in a shape of a high heel shoe, the body shaped to form fit and cover an outside of the high heel shoe, the body including a form fitting underside portion that includes a sole with textured raised structures of the body, a reinforced rim portion, and an expandable form fitting elongate textured heel portion.
A shoe cover for a high heel shoe, comprising: a waterproof expandable symmetrical elastic body in a shape of a high heel shoe, the body shaped to form fit and cover an outside of the high heel shoe, the body including a form fitting underside portion that includes a sole with textured raised structures of the body, a reinforced rim portion, and an expandable form fitting elongate textured heel portion, the shoe cover being symmetrical along a length of the shoe cover and capable of form fitting and covering both a left and a right high heel shoe.
The improved form fitting high heel shoe cover of the invention may be used to form fit various types of high heel shoes and boots including open-toe, closed-toe, platform, shoes with straps, shoes with wraps, shoes with open backs, shoes with closed backs, shoes with open sides, shoes with closed sides, slip-ons, shoes with various heel heights, widths, and shapes, and other types of high heel shoes and boots. The material and form fitting nature of the high heel shoe cover of the present invention provides enhanced protection against water, snow, slush, dirt, mud, and other environmental conditions while greatly improving and maintaining the original aesthetic appearance of the high heel shoe while protected. In preferred embodiments, the high heel shoe cover of the present may be trimly designed, waterproof, attractive, easy and convenient to use, inexpensive, optionally disposable, durable and long lasting.
In preferred embodiments, the rim portion of the shoe cover is reinforced by a rim liner which is effective in preventing the transmission of water or other material to the inside of the shoe or shoe cover. In additional preferred embodiments, the form fitting elongate heel portion has a closed heel bottom enveloping the entire heel or alternatively has an open heel bottom in the form an annular roll-down ring structure. In particular preferred embodiments, the sole of the shoe cover is textured to provide better grip and traction with the ground. In additional preferred embodiments, the front portion is contoured and shaped to match the shape of the front portion of a particular style of high heel shoe. In additional preferred embodiments, the rim portion may rest securely against the shoe or against a portion of exposed foot or stocking. Alternatively, the rim portion is structured to fold over the rim of the high heel shoe and to be tucked into the shoe; or alternatively the rim portion may securely fold over the top surface of a high heel shoe (under the foot) with no upwardly extending sides or back.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a shoe cover of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a shoe cover of the present invention having an open heel bottom with an annular roll-down ring structure rolled up in a compact position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of a shoe cover of the present invention having an open heel bottom with an annular roll-down ring structure rolled down in an extended position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a shoe cover of the present invention with a fanned elongate heel portion.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a shoe cover of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shoe cover of the present invention for a high heel shoe without an upwardly extending back or sides FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe cover of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
The present invention encompasses a disposable form fitting high heel shoe cover comprising a waterproof elastic material having a front portion, lateral side portions, a back portion, an underside portion, a rim portion, and a form fitting elongate heel portion. Unless otherwise indicated, as used herein, the term “high heel shoe” encompasses both high heel shoes and high heel boots.
In contrast to the prior art, the shoe cover of the present invention may form fit the shape of the high heel shoe snugly and may do so at all or virtually all parts of the high heel shoe so that the high heel shoe with the shoe cover may appear like the high heel shoe without the shoe cover. In further contrast to the prior art which is not convenient to transport, the shoe cover of the present invention may be foldable into substantially two dimensions and quickly placed into a purse or handbag.
The shoe cover 10 of the present invention may be comprised of a waterproof expandable elastic body 100 in a shape of a high heel shoe. In certain embodiments, body 100 may be one continuous uninterrupted piece of material except for an opening at the top of body 100 for insertion of the high heel shoe into shoe cover 10. As seen from FIG. 1, the shape of the opening at the top of body 100 may be similar to the shape of the opening at the top of a high heel shoe.
Although body 100 may be continuous, body 100 may be said to contain a front portion 1, a lateral side portion 2 composed of left and right sides, a back portion 3, a heel portion 4 an underside portion 5 and a rim portion 6. Accordingly, there may be no exact line of demarcation between lateral side portion 2 and front portion 1 and between lateral side portion 2 and back portion 3.

1. Material

The shoe cover 10 of the present invention, or more precisely, the body 100 of the shoe cover 10, may be made of any waterproof elastic material such as natural latex rubber, synthetic rubber, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Natural latex rubber may be derived from any plant source such as the para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) or the shrub Guayule (Parthenium argentatum). Guayule is hypoallergenic in contrast to Hevea-derived rubber that contains proteins which can cause severe allergic reactions in some people; and thus Guayule-derived rubber may be advantageous for use in covering opened toed shoes or other portions of exposed skin of those allergic to Hevea-derived rubber. The natural rubber material of the present invention may be vulcanized or unvulcanized, preferably vulcanized and/or further processed by processes and techniques known in the art for greater elasticity, durability, and strength. In addition, the natural latex rubber material may be optionally chlorinated for a smoother or silkier feeling texture.
The synthetic rubber material used for the body 100 of the shoe cover of the present invention may be comprised of (but not limited to) polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polychloroprene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polyisobutylene, polyacrylate, polyurethane, polysilicone, or combinations thereof. Monomers can be mixed in various desirable proportions to be copolymerized for a wide range of physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. In addition, additives and/or impurities can be mixed with the monomers to optimize the properties of the material of the body of the shoe cover by techniques known in the art. In certain embodiments, the shoe cover of the present invention may be manufactured in a way that renders the texture of the inside and/or outside of the shoe cover smoother, silkier, and/or less tacky, making it easier for an individual to apply the shoe cover to a high heel shoe. In one embodiment, this may be achieved by dipping the shoe cover into a chlorinated solution.
In particular embodiments, depending on the material, the waterproof elastic material of body 100 may have a thickness in a range selected from the group consisting of: 50-100 microns, 100-200 microns, 200-300 microns, 300-400 microns, 400-500 microns, 500-600 microns, 600-700 microns, 700-800 microns, 800-900 microns, 900-1000 microns, 1000-1100 microns, 1100-1200 microns, 1200-1300 microns, 1300-1400 microns, 1400-1500 microns, 1500-1600 microns, 1600-1700 microns, 1700-1800 microns, 1800-1900 microns, and 1900-2000 microns.
Due to its expandability, the above thicknesses may be usable for a one-size-fits-all shoe cover 100. One-size-fits-all refers to adult women's shoe sizes. In general, the thinner the material is, the more expandable it may be.
In more particular embodiments, certain portions of the body 100 of the shoe cover may have an increased thickness relative to other portions of the shoe cover, particularly in areas where reinforcement of the material is desired. For example, in specific embodiments of the present invention the bottom sole areas of the shoe cover may be thicker relative to other areas of the shoe cover since it is expected that the sole areas will be exposed to greater frictional stresses upon direct contact with the ground when used.
The waterproof elastic material of the present invention may be transparent, translucent or opaque with or without color. Purely by way of example, the waterproof elastic material can be opaque and colored white, black, grey, brown, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, or another color. Alternatively, the waterproof elastic material may be translucent with a tinge of white, black, grey, brown, red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, or other color. Alternatively, the waterproof elastic material may be translucent with no color.
In one particular embodiment, the shoe cover material of the body 100 may be comprised of an opaque or translucent natural latex rubber material that has been chlorinated.
In certain embodiments, the body 100 of the shoe cover 10 of the present invention is made of a material that renders it easily disposable. In particular embodiments, the shoe cover may be designed to be worn 1-3 times prior to disposal. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the shoe cover may be made of a material that is more durable and may be worn more frequently prior to disposal. In one particular embodiment, the shoe cover 10 may be comprised of a waterproof elastic material that is biodegradable.
Due to the thinness of body 100 of shoe cover 10 and due to its flexibility, shoe cover 10 of the present invention may be easily foldable into a substantially two-dimensional object and may be conveniently stored in a ladies' handbag without taking up much space.

2. Front Portion

The body 100 of the shoe cover 10 of the present invention may include a front portion 1 designed to cover the front portion of a high heel shoe (including closed, partially closed, or open-toe high heel shoes). The front portion includes a bottom 1 a (which forms an edge of the sole), sides 1 b, a top 1 c, and forward portion 1 d, all of which together envelope and cover the front portion of the shoe or foot. The rear edge at the top of the front portion 1 is part of the rim 6 defining the opening of the shoe cover 10 where the shoe is inserted. In certain embodiments, the sides of the front portion 1 also terminate in edges which form part of the rim 6 defining the opening where the shoe is inserted (i.e., for a shoe cover without upwardly extending lateral side portions described below). Alternatively, in other embodiments, the sides of the front portion 1 do not end in rim edges but rather blend into the lateral side portions 2 described below.
In particular embodiments, the front portion 1 of shoe cover 10 of the present invention will expand and retract to generally form fit the front portion of a high heel shoe regardless of shape. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the front portion of the shoe cover may be contoured and shaped to better match and form fit the particular shape of the front portion of a particular high heel shoe. Accordingly, the front portion of the shoe cover of the present invention can be contoured in a relatively pointy shape, oblong shape, cone shape, rectangular shape, circular-like shape, or otherwise constructed and shaped to better form fit and match some other shape.

3. Lateral Side Portions

The body 100 of the shoe cover of the present invention may also include lateral side portion 2. Lateral side portion 2 includes a left and a right lateral side portion that extend from the sides of the front portion 1 to the rear of the shoe. Although FIGS. 1-4 depict perspective side views of various embodiments of the shoe cover 10 of the present invention, without depicting the other side, so that only roughly half of lateral side portion 2 is viewable from the drawings, it should be understood that the shoe cover 10 of the present invention may be symmetrical along an axis running from the length of the shoe cover dividing the shoe cover and separating between left and right lateral side portion of lateral side portion 2. Hence, a side perspective view of show cover 10 opposite to the side shown in FIG. 1 may look identical. Accordingly, a single shoe cover 10 may fit over a left high heel shoe as well as over a right high heel shoe.
The lateral side portion 2 may extend upwards to form part of the edges of the rim 6 defining the opening where the shoe is inserted. In particular embodiments, the top edges or rim 6 of the lateral side portion 2 of the shoe cover fall at or below the rim (or top edges) of the shoe when applied to a shoe. In other embodiments, the top edges or rim 6 of the lateral side portion 2 of the shoe cover fall at or above the rim (or top edges) of the shoe when applied to a shoe. In other embodiments, the top edges of the lateral side portions or rim 6 of the shoe cover securely fold over the rim (or top edges) of the shoe when applied to a shoe. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the lateral side portion 2 of the shoe cover may securely fold over onto the top surface of the shoe (beyond the front portion) for a shoe without upwardly extending sides (i.e. slip-on high heel shoes or high heels with supporting straps that have no upwardly extending sides). Alternatively, in other embodiments, the lateral side portion 2 may be connected to each other over the top surface of the shoe in the form of straps 2 a or other structures (for a shoe without upwardly extending sides).

4. Back Portion

Similarly, the body of the shoe cover of the present invention includes a back portion 3 extending upwards from the rear heel portion. Like the side portions, the back portion 3 may extend upwards to form part of the edge of the rim 6 which defines the opening where the shoe is inserted. In particular embodiments, the top edge of the back portion 3 forming part of the rim 6 of the shoe cover falls at or below the rim (or the top back edge) of the shoe when applied to a shoe. In other embodiments, the top edge of the back portion 3 of the shoe cover falls at or above the rim (or the top back edge) of the shoe when applied to a shoe. In other embodiments, the top edges of the back portion 3 of the shoe cover securely fold over the rim (or top back edge) of the shoe when applied to a shoe. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the back portion 3 of the shoe cover of the invention may be structured (as shown in FIG. 6) to securely fold over onto the top back surface of a high heel shoe for a shoe without an upwardly extending back (i.e. slip-on high heel shoes or high heels with supporting straps that have no upwardly extending back).

5. Form Fitting Elongate Heel Portion

The body 100 of the shoe cover of the present invention includes a form fitting elongate heel portion 4 below the back portion 3. Unlike traditional shoe covers, the elongate heel portion 4 of the present invention is structured to better form fit the heel of a high heel shoe. While not being limited to a particular definition, high heel shoes generally have a heel of 1.5 or more inches in height, and in particular embodiments 2.5-4 inches or more in height, and in more particular embodiments 4-7 inches in height. In some instances, the heel height may extend higher than 7 inches, especially for platform shoes (shoes wherein the toe or front portion is elevated).
In certain embodiments the heel of a high heel shoe may have a slender appearance and in other embodiments the heel may have a thicker or chunkier appearance. In many embodiments, the heel has a slender appearance at the lower portion of the heel but is contoured wider at the upper portion of the heel where it supports and is connected to the shoe. One advantage of the present invention is that, although the heel width, heel length, and heel shape of a high heel shoe may vary, the elongate heel portion of the shoe cover of the present invention will expand or retract as needed to form fit the length, width, and shape of different heels of various high heel shoes. Accordingly, in preferred embodiments, the heel portion of the shoe cover conforms to the shape and size of the heel in such a manner to help maintain the aesthetic dimensions and appearance of the heel and shoe.
In certain embodiments, the material of the elongate heel portion 4 of the body 100 of the shoe cover may be compacted with respect to width or girth forming fan-like structures 4a as shown in FIG. 4 with areas of material that form vertical ridges or vertical lines of compacted material which can be greatly expanded to fit wider heels (referred to herein as a “fanned” heel). In other embodiments, no fan-like structure or compacting of the heel material is present or necessary since the elastic material of the elongate heel portion is sufficient to expand or retract to form fit the length, width, and shape of the heel (referred to herein as an “unfanned” heel).
In specific embodiments, the form fitting elongate heel portion 4 of the present invention has a closed heel bottom 4 b, enveloping the entire heel (including the bottom or sole of the heel). The elastic nature of the form fitting elongate heel portion 4 is such that it will expand or retract to form fit the height, width, and shape of the heel (including the bottom or sole of the heel). In certain embodiments of the present invention, the material of the form fitting elongate heel portion 4 covering the bottom or sole of the heel is thicker or otherwise reinforced relative to other areas of the shoe cover. In other embodiments, the bottom or sole of the elongate heel portion 4 is reinforced, treaded, and/or otherwise contoured 4 c as shown in FIG. 5 for better traction and/or to make it more slip resistant.
Alternatively, in other embodiments of the present invention, the form fitting elongate heel portion 4 has an open heel bottom 4 d, enveloping a portion of the heel or the entire heel except for the bottom or sole of the heel. In more specific embodiments, the elongate heel portion 4 with an open heel bottom 4 d is in the form of an annular roll-down ring structure 4 e with a mouth similar to the mouth or opening of a condom (but in preferred embodiments smaller in diameter) that can be adjusted to form fit any portion of the heel beginning from the top of the heel down to the bottom or sole area of the heel. The mouth of the annular roll-down ring structure 4 e may be rolled up in a compact position as shown in FIG. 2 or rolled down in an extended position as shown in FIG. 3.
The embodiment of the present invention wherein the shoe cover has the annular roll-down ring structure 4 e may offer advantages including that: (1) it is easier to compact and store the shoe cover; and (2) it is easier to apply and insert a high heel shoe into the shoe cover, especially the heel portion when the mouth of the annular roll-down ring structure is rolled up in a compact position. The user may readily fit the heel through the mouth or opening and then roll the ring or mouth down along the heel in an an extended position. The mouth may be rolled down to fit only a portion of the heel or the entire heel with the exception of the sole or bottom of the heel. This is advantageous for several reasons. First, depending on the shoe and the shoe cover material, the sole or bottom of the heel itself may be constructed in such a way as to be more capable of gripping the ground and in withstanding the frictional and other physical stresses of ground contact than the shoe cover material itself. Second, because the mouth of the annular roll-down ring structure 4 e is a tight fitting expandable condom-like ring structure, an airtight barrier is formed around the heel where the mouth is located. Thus, water and other material is prevented from entering the opening or contacting those portions of the heel that are covered. Third, the annular roll-down ring structure may be extended or retracted or otherwise adjusted to fit any length heel.

6. Underside Portion

The body 100 of the shoe cover of the present invention has an underside portion 5 which encompasses the entire underside of the shoe cover except the bottom or sole of the elongate heel portion which is described separately above. The sole of the underside portion 5 (the area of the underside portion which contacts the ground when used) may optionally be textured or contoured as shown in FIG. 5 to provide better grip and traction with the ground.
For example, the sole of the underside portion may be textured with areas of depressions or raised structures of material in the form of lines, curves, waves, ridges, ribs, cones, spikes, blocks, grooves, beads, spheroid-like structures, circles, squares, triangles, rectangles, and other forms of depressions or raised structures of material.
In one particular embodiment, the sole is textured with raised beads or sphere-like structures 5 a that are spaced apart from each other in the range of about 0.5-1.5 cm.

7. Rim Portion

The edges of the body 100 of the shoe cover that define the opening where the shoe is inserted form the rim portion 6. Rim portion 6 may be comprised of a solid tub-like lip, may be formed of the same material as the remainder of body 100 and may be integral thereto. Rim portion 6 may be located around the edge of the shoe cover body 100.
In certain embodiments, when applied, the rim portion 6 of the shoe cover may be dimensioned and structured to fit above, at the same level, or below the borders of the shoe; and in different embodiments may contact or cover areas of exposed skin or stocking as well as the high heel shoe.
In particular embodiments, the rim portion 6 may be dimensioned, structured, and shaped to form fit a slip-on, backless, and/or sideless high heel shoe, or a high heel shoe that contains straps or wraps where areas of skin or stocking are exposed.
In one particular embodiment, the rim portion 6 may be shaped to conform to a high heel shoe with closed sides and/or a closed back, as shown in FIG. 1. In a more specific embodiment, the rim portion may contain a crease adapted or structured to fold in over the rim of a high heel shoe (with closed sides and/or back), thereby further maintaining the original aesthetic dimensions, shape, and appearance of the shoe when covered by the shoe cover (which can provide a sleeker, trimmer and more aesthetically pleasing appearance as well as protection for the entire outside surface of the shoe).
In another embodiment, the rim portion 6 may be structured to conform to a high heel shoe with an open back and/or side as shown in FIG. 6. In this particular embodiment, the rim portion 6 may be contoured to slip over the top surface of the back heel and/or sides of the shoe but will rest under the heel and sides of the foot when used. As noted, this is advantageous in further maintaining the original aesthetic dimensions, shape, and appearance of the high heel shoe as well as protecting the entire outside surface of the shoe.
The rim portion 6 may also be reinforced in the form of a liner, roll top, bead, ring, or other structure that is considerably thicker then the other portions of the shoe cover (as shown in FIG. 1). The reinforced rim helps prevent the peripheral edges of the rim from fraying, ripping, or otherwise being damaged or deformed thereby increasing the durability and useful life of the shoe cover. In certain embodiments the thickness of the rim portion 6 may be about 0.5-1 mm in diameter, 1-2 mm in diameter, 2-3 mm in diameter, 3-4 mm, or 4-5 mm in diameter. In preferred embodiments, the rim portion 6 forms an airtight barrier that prevents water or other material from entering the inside of the shoe cover or shoe when in use.
Rim portion 6 may also serve to hold body 100 snugly against the high heel shoe at the opening of the shoe and may prevent body 100 from being flaccid and droopy. Because it is thicker and contains a certain amount of internal tension, reinforced rim portion 6 pulls lateral side portion 2, back portion 3 and front portion 1 upward and holds a top part of these portions up, thereby preventing lateral side portion 2, back portion 3 and front portion 1 from drooping.

8. Process of Manufacture

The shoe cover of the present invention may be manufactured by any method known in the art including dip molding and injection molding. In one embodiment, a shoe cover of the present invention may be manufactured by dip molding by the performance of the following steps.

- 1. Preheat a high heel shoe cover mandrel or mold (aluminum form) to 120° F.
- 2. Dip the mandrel or mold into coagulant solution comprised of about 25% calcium nitrate in methanol by weight.
- 3. Allow to air dry for 2-3 minutes.
- 4. Dip the mandrel or mold into latex compound for 30 seconds of time sufficient to build side wall to a measurement of 0.015 inches.
- 5. Remove mandrel or mold to a height sufficient to allow the sole of the shoe cover to build to a thickness of 0.020 inches.
- 6. Remove mandrel or mold completely from the latex compound.
- 7. Allow to air dry for approximately 60 seconds.
- 8. Roll the edge of the latex film down to form a bead and stop at a predetermined slot or location on the mandrel or mold.
- 9. Leach the latex shoe cover on the mandrel or mold in a soft water bath with a temperature of 105° F. for approximately 5 minutes (water in leach bath should be fresh and moving).
- 10. Cure the latex shoe cover in oven set at 185° F. for approximately one hour or until completely vulcanized or cooked.
- 11. Apply a light dusting of cornstarch powder to the outside of the latex shoe cover on the mandrel or mold and strip said latex shoe cover from the mandrel or mold.

Claims

1. A shoe cover for a high heel shoe, comprising:

a waterproof expandable elastic body in a shape of a high heel shoe, the body shaped to form fit and cover an outside of the high heel shoe, the body including

an expandable form fitting front portion,

a lateral side portion comprised of an expandable form fitting left side portion and an expandable form fitting right side portion,

a form fitting back portion,

a slip-resistant textured form fitting underside portion,

a reinforced rim portion, and

an expandable form fitting elongate heel portion.

2. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the waterproof elastic body is comprised of rubber latex.

3. The shoe cover of claim 2, wherein the rubber latex is Guayule-derived rubber latex.

4. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the elastic body has a thickness in the range of about 100-400 microns in non-reinforced and non-textured areas.

5. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the elastic body has a thickness in the range of about 400-800 microns in non-reinforced and non-textured areas.

6. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the elastic body has a thickness in the range of about 800-1200 microns in non-reinforced and non-textured areas.

7. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the form fitting elongate heel portion is fanned.

8. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the form fitting elongate heel portion has a closed heel bottom that covers a sole of a heel of the high heel shoe.

9. The shoe cover of claim 9, wherein the heel bottom is reinforced and slip-resistant.

10. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the rim portion is reinforced and has a thickness of about 1-3 mm in diameter.

11. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the back portion is structured to securely fold over onto a top back surface of the high heel shoe and wherein the high heel shoe does not have an upwardly extending back.

12. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the high heel shoe has sides, wherein the lateral side portions are structured to securely fold over onto a top surface of the sides of the high heel shoe and wherein the high heel shoe does not have upwardly extending sides.

13. The shoe cover of claim 1, wherein the lateral side portions are connected to each other by way of a strap over a top surface of the high heel shoe and wherein the high heel shoe does not have upwardly extending sides.

14. A shoe cover for a high heel shoe, comprising:

a waterproof expandable elastic body in a shape of a high heel shoe, the body shaped to form fit and cover an outside of the high heel shoe,

the body including a form fitting underside portion that includes a sole with textured raised structures of the body, a reinforced rim portion, and an expandable form fitting elongate textured heel portion.

15. The shoe cover of claim 14, wherein the form fitting elongate heel portion has an open heel bottom capable of being extended downward or retracted upward by rolling the heel bottom upward or downward along a length of a heel of the high heel shoe.

16. The shoe cover of claim 15, wherein the open heel bottom is in a form of an annular ring.

17. The shoe cover of claim 14, wherein the raised structures of the body are spaced apart from each other in the range of about 0.5-1.5 cm.

18. The shoe cover of claim 14, wherein the body is made of a continuous material interrupted only at a top for insertion of the high heel shoe.

19. The shoe cover of claim 14, wherein the form fitting elongate heel portion has vertical ridges for expandability.

20. A shoe cover for a high heel shoe, comprising:

a waterproof expandable symmetrical elastic body in a shape of a high heel shoe, the body shaped to form fit and cover an outside of the high heel shoe, the body including a form fitting underside portion that includes a sole with textured raised structures of the body, a reinforced rim portion, and an expandable form fitting elongate textured heel portion., the shoe cover being symmetrical along a length of the shoe cover and capable of form fitting and covering both a left and a right high heel shoe.