US20150265003A1

US20150265003A1 - Interchangeable shoe skin

Info

Publication number: US20150265003A1
Application number: US14/535,802
Authority: US
Inventors: Yvonne Lauria
Original assignee: Lauria Designs
Current assignee: Lauria Designs
Priority date: 2014-03-24
Filing date: 2014-11-07
Publication date: 2015-09-24

Abstract

A durable, decorative, and interchangeable shoe skin for a basic flat shoe is provided. The interchangeable shoe skin includes a covering material, typically a decorative fabric. A protective sheet formed of plastic extends along the entire inner surface of the covering material. The covering material presents an upper opening for aligning with a foot opening of the shoe. In one embodiment, the covering material presents a lower opening for exposing the sole of the shoe, and a pair of protective strips extends across the lower opening. In this embodiment, an exterior surface of the protective strips, which are in direct contact with the ground, are dipped in rubber for durability. In another embodiment, a supporting sole portion formed of neoprene is attached to the covering material along the entire sole of the shoe. A protective coating of polyurethane is also applied to the covering material to increase durability.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/969,710, filed Mar. 24, 2014, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to an interchangeable shoe skin for a basic flat shoe, and a method of manufacturing the interchangeable shoe skin. Although interchangeable shoe skins are known and available in the marketplace, an interchangeable shoe skin designed specifically for the basic flat shoe with sufficient aesthetic appeal and durability in not known to exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention provides an aesthetically appealing and durable interchangeable shoe skin for a basic flat shoe, comprising a covering material and a protective sheet. The covering material presents an outer surface and an inner surface having a contour matching the contour of the shoe which the interchangeable shoe skin is designed to cover. The covering material also presents an upper opening for aligning with a foot opening of the shoe. The protective sheet is formed of plastic and secured to the inner surface of the covering material, and thus has a contour matching the contour of the covering material. In one embodiment, the covering material presents a lower opening for aligning with a sole of the shoe, and at least one supporting strip extends across the lower opening. Alternatively, instead of the at least one supporting strip, the interchangeable shoe skin can include a supporting sole portion disposed opposite the upper opening for aligning with and covering the sole of the shoe. The supporting sole portion is formed of neoprene.
The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the interchangeable shoe skin. The method first includes the step of providing the shoe for covering with the interchangeable shoe skin, which includes the sole and the foot opening. The method next includes covering the shoe with the protective sheet formed of plastic; and conforming the protective sheet to the contour of the shoe. The method further includes securing the covering material to the protective sheet; conforming the covering material to the contour of the shoe; and forming the upper opening in the covering material aligned with the foot opening of the shoe. In one embodiment, the method includes forming the lower opening in the covering material aligned with the sole of the shoe; and disposing the at least one supporting strip across the lower opening. Alternatively, instead of disposing the at least one supporting strip across the lower opening, the method can include attaching a supporting sole portion formed of neoprene to the covering material opposite of the upper opening for aligning with and covering the sole of the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of interchangeable shoe skins according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein one interchangeable shoe skin is shown alone, and the other is disposed on a shoe;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary basic flat shoe which can be covered by the interchangeable shoe skin of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a step during the method of manufacturing the interchangeable shoe skin of FIG. 1, wherein a protective material is applied to the basic flat shoe;

FIG. 4 illustrates another step during the method of manufacturing the interchangeable shoe skin of FIG. 1, wherein a covering material is applied to the protective material;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a basic flat shoe, an interchangeable shoe skin, and the interchangeable shoe skin placed on the basic flat shoe according to a second exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the basic flat shoe, the interchangeable shoe skin, and the interchangeable shoe skin placed on the basic flat shoe shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 illustrates inserting the basic flat shoe into the interchangeable shoe skin of the second exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, an interchangeable shoe skin 20, 120 for a basic flat shoe 20, 122 is generally shown in the Figures. Many individuals, especially women, purchase shoes to match every outfit. Basic flat shoes are especially popular as they go well with many clothing styles. However, owning numerous pairs of shoes 22, 122 can be expensive. The interchangeable shoe skin 20, 120 of the present invention allows the individual to match a single pair of basic flat shoes 22, 122 with many different outfits at a fraction of the cost of owning many pairs of shoes 22, 122. The interchangeable shoe skin 20, 120 can be designed with any color, style, pattern, or texture. The interchangeable shoe skin 20, 120 is not only decorative, but also durable. Initial test results indicate the interchangeable shoe skin 20, 120 of the present invention is both comfortable and durable when worn as a typical shoe and exposed to everyday conditions.
FIG. 1 illustrates the interchangeable shoe skin 20 according to a first exemplary embodiment. The interchangeable shoe skin 20 is designed to cover the basic flat shoe 22, for example the basic flat shoe 22 shown in FIG. 2. As explained in detail below, each interchangeable shoe skin 20 is designed according to the size and geometry of the shoe 22 for which it is intended to cover. Thus, the size and geometry of the interchangeable shoe skin 20 will vary in order to match the size and geometry of the shoe 22 it is intended to cover. In other words, the interchangeable shoe skin 20 does not comprise a universal design made to cover shoes of all sizes and geometries.
The shoe 22 for which the interchangeable shoe skin 20 is made to cover typically includes a base portion 24, a sole 26, and no heel, or a very small heel 28. The base portion 24 of the shoe 22 can be formed of fabric, leather, plastic, rubber, wood, metal, or any other material suitable for surrounding a foot. The base portion 24 extends longitudinally from a top edge 32 to a bottom edge 34. The top edge 32 defines a foot opening for receiving the foot and the bottom edge 34 defines a sole 26 opening surrounding and attached to the sole 26 of the shoe 22. The top edge 32 of the base portion 24 presents a height h₁relative to the ground and a length l₁extending from a toe region of the shoe 22 to a heel region of the shoe 22. The toe region of the base portion 24 extends upwardly from the sole 26 and along and generally parallel to a portion of the sole 26 for surrounding and covering toes of the foot, and the heel region also extends upwardly from the sole 26 to surround a heel of the foot. The sole 26 and the heel 28 of the basic flat shoe 22 are typically formed of plastic, rubber, leather, wood, metal, or any other suitable material. The heel 28 of the basic flat shoe 22 extends not more than one inch outwardly from the sole 26, but typically less than half an inch. The sole 26 and the heel 28 of the shoe 22 each present a flat surface for supporting the foot and engaging the ground.
The interchangeable shoe skin 20 includes a covering material 36, typically formed of a decorative fabric, having a contour matching the contour of the base portion 24 of the basic flat shoe 22 for which the interchangeable shoe skin 20 is designed to cover. The fabric used to form the covering material 36 can comprise any color, pattern, style, or texture. Alternatively, another type of material having a decorative pattern can be used in place of the decorative fabric.
The covering material 36 typically only covers the base portion 24 of the shoe 22 and leaves the sole 26 of the shoe 22 exposed. The covering material 36 presents an outer surface which faces away from the shoe 22 and an inner surface which faces toward the shoe 22. The covering material 36 extends longitudinally from a toe section for covering the toe region of the shoe 22 to a heel section for covering the heel region of the shoe 22. The covering material 36 presents a length l₂extending from the toe section to the heel 28 section which is slightly greater than the length l₁of the shoe 22 for which it is designed. The covering material 36 also includes an upper edge 38 presenting an upper opening for aligning with the foot opening of the shoe 22 and a lower edge 40 presenting the lower opening for aligning with the sole 26 of the shoe 22. The covering material 36 also presents a height h₂extending from the upper edge 38 to the ground. The height h₂of the covering material 36 around the entire upper opening is preferably slightly greater than or equal to the height h₁of the shoe 22 relative to the ground when the interchangeable shoe skin 20 is disposed on the shoe 22. At least a portion of the toe section extends upwardly from the lower edge 40 and along and generally parallel to a portion of the lower opening for surrounding the toe region of the shoe 22, and at least a portion of the heel section of the covering material 36 extends upwardly from the lower edge 40 and along a portion of the lower opening for surrounding the heel region of the shoe 22.
The covering material 36 is preferably smooth and free of wrinkles so that it presents an appearance which is almost indistinguishable from the appearance of a typical basic flat shoe. The covering material 36 fits securely against the base portion 24 of the basic flat shoe 22 and is relatively thin, which also allows it resemble a basic flat shoe. In one embodiment, the covering material 36 has a thickness of about 8 millimeters or less. The covering material 36 can optionally include grommets or other types of cut-outs, depending on the style of the shoe 22 which the interchangeable shoe skin 20 is designed to cover.
The interchangeable shoe skin 20 also includes a protective sheet 42 secured to the entire inner surface of the covering material 36 and having a contour matching the contour of the covering material 36. The protective sheet 42 is formed of polymer or plastic and shrinks tightly against an objection when heat is applied. For example, shrink wrap or shrink film can be used as the protective sheet 42. The polymer or plastic used to form the protective sheet 42 can be cross-linked or non cross-linked. In one exemplary embodiment, the protective sheet 42 is formed of at least one of polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, copolyester, ethylene-propylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The protective sheet 42 typically has a thickness of not greater than 50 micrometers, for example 12.5 micrometers. The protective sheet 42 is especially useful during the method of manufacturing the interchangeable shoe skin 20, which will be discussed further below. However, the protective sheet 42 can also provide increased durability. The protective sheet 42 is secured to the inner surface of the covering material 36 with an adhesive, referred to as a first adhesive, such as contact cement.
The interchangeable shoe skin 20 of the first exemplary embodiment also includes at least one supporting strip 44, 46 extending across the lower opening of the covering material 36 and typically attached to the protective sheet 42. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the interchangeable shoe skin 20 includes a first supporting strip 44 extending across the lower opening between the toe section and the heel section of the covering material 36, and a second supporting strip 46 extending across the lower opening along at least a portion of the toe section of the covering material 36. However, the interchangeable shoe skin 20 could alternatively include supporting strips 44, 46 located in other areas. At least a portion of the lower opening remains open to expose the sole 26 of the shoe 22.
Each supporting strip 44, 46 of the exemplary embodiment has a length l₃less than one third of the length l₂of the covering material 36. The supporting strips 44, 46 are typically formed of an elastic material, but can be formed of another type of material. Each supporting strip 44, 46 includes an interior surface facing toward the upper opening of the covering material 36 and an exterior surface facing outwardly of the lower opening of the covering material 36. The opposite ends of the supporting strips 44, 46 are typically attached to the protective sheet 42 on opposite sides of the lower opening with a second adhesive. The second adhesive can be the same as or different from the first adhesive used to attach the protective sheet 42 to the covering material 46. In one alternate embodiment, the protective sheet 42 extends along the interior surface of the supporting strips 44, 46. In yet another embodiment, the supporting strips 44, 46 are formed of the covering material 36 and the protective sheet 42 which extend across the lower opening. The supporting strips 44, 46 could also be formed of the covering material 36.
Preferably, at least one decorative item 50 is attached to the covering material 36, such as trim or ribbon, tulle, sequins, buttons, paint, additional fabric, or other additional materials. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a ribbon is adhered to the covering material 36 along the upper edge 38 and around a periphery of the upper opening of the covering material 36, and also along the lower edge 40 of the covering material 36. The ribbon also forms a bow along the top of the toe section of the covering material 36.
To increase durability of the interchangeable shoe skin 20, rubber can be applied to surfaces of the interchangeable shoe skin 20 which will be in contact with the ground when an individual wears the interchangeable shoe skin 20. In one embodiment, the rubber is applied to a bottom surface of the lower edge 40 of the covering material 36 around a periphery of the lower opening. The rubber 30 can also be applied to the exterior surfaces of the supporting strips 44, 46. A protective coating of polyurethane is also preferably applied to the outer surface of the covering material 36 to increase durability.
The interchangeable shoe skin 20 including the covering material 36, the protective sheet 42, and the supporting strips 44, 46 is removable from the shoe 22 for which it is designed to cover. An individual can thus use a plurality of the interchangeable shoe skins 20 with a single pair of shoes 22. For example, the individual can own numerous pairs of the interchangeable shoe skins 20 having many different designs or decorative features to match many different outfits.
Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing the decorative and durable interchangeable shoe skin 20 shown in FIG. 1. The method first includes providing the basic flat shoe 22 for which the interchangeable shoe skin 20 is designed to cover, such as the basic flat shoe 22 described above. The method next includes covering the entire basic flat shoe 22 including the base portion 24, the foot opening, the sole 26, and the heel 28 with the protective sheet 42. The protective sheet 42 is preferably formed of plastic or polymer which shrinks when heat is applied and has a thickness of not greater than 50 micrometers. In the exemplary embodiment, shrink wrap or shrink film is used as the protective sheet 42. The method next includes conforming the protective sheet 42 to the contour of the basic flat shoe 22, as shown in FIG. 3. This step typically includes heating the protective sheet 42 such that the protective sheet 42 shrinks and tightly conforms to all of the surfaces of the shoe 22. The protective sheet 42 can also be pressed onto the shoe 22.
The method next includes providing the covering material 36, and applying adhesive, referred to as a first adhesive to at least one of the protective sheet 42 and the inner surface of the covering material 36. The covering material 36 is typically formed of decorative fabric, but may be formed of another material. The adhesive preferably includes contact cement, but may include glue or another type of fastener. The step of applying the adhesive can include spreading the adhesive along both the protective sheet 42 and the covering material 36, and preferably over a majority of the surface area of the protective sheet 42 and the covering material 36.
After applying the adhesive, the method includes disposing the covering material 36 on the protective sheet 42 to secure the covering material 36 to the protective sheet 42. The step of disposing the covering material 36 on the protective sheet 42 typically includes covering the entire shoe 22 with the covering material 36, including the entire base portion 24, the foot opening, the sole 26, and the heel 28 of the shoe 22, as shown in FIG. 3. The method then includes conforming the covering material 36 to the contour of at least the base portion 24 of the shoe 22 such that the covering material 36 presents the toe section and the heel section. This step can include applying pressure along the outer surface of the covering material 36, and smoothing the covering material 36 so that the covering material 36 is free of wrinkles. After smoothing the covering material 36, the method includes removing excess covering material 36 that extends beyond the contour of the base portion 24 of the shoe 22. For example, the removing step can include cutting out the upper opening aligned with the foot opening of the shoe 22 and cutting out the lower opening aligned with the sole 26 of the shoe 22. The step of removing excess covering material 36 should be done so that the height h₂of the upper edge 38 of the covering material 36 relative to the ground is equal to or greater than the height h₁of the shoe 22 when the interchangeable shoe skin 20 is disposed on the shoe 22. When removing the excess material, the manufacturer should also make sure the covering material 36 has a length l₂extending along the openings from the toe section to the heel section which is greater than the length l₁of the shoe 22. After removing the excess material, the shoe 22 for which the interchangeable shoe skin 20 is designed can be removed through the upper opening of the covering material 36.
The method also includes providing the at least one supporting strip 44, 46 which extends across the width of the lower opening and the sole 26 of the shoe 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the method includes disposing the first supporting strip 44 across the lower opening between the toe section and the heel section, and disposing the second supporting strip 46 across the lower opening and along the toe section. However, at least a portion the sole 26 of the shoe 22, and preferably the majority of the sole 26, remains exposed to the ground. The opposite ends of the supporting strips 44, 46 are attached to the protective sheet 42 along the inner surface of the covering material 36, on opposite sides of the lower opening. In an alternative embodiment, the supporting strips 44, 46 can be attached to the outer surface of the covering material 36 if the covering material 36 and the protective material extend along the sole 26 of the shoe 22. In another embodiment, the at least one supporting strip 44, 46 is provided by the covering material 36, with or without the attached protective sheet 42.
The method preferably includes applying at least one decorative item 50 to the covering material 36. In the exemplary embodiment, this step includes applying trim or ribbon along the upper edge 38 of the covering material 36 and around a periphery of the upper opening. The step of applying the decorative item 50 typically includes adhering the decorative items 50 to the covering material 36.
The method also preferably includes applying the rubber to surfaces of the covering material 36 which will contact the ground, for example to the bottom surface of the lower edge 40 of the covering material 36 around the periphery of the lower opening. In the exemplary embodiment, this step includes dipping the covering material 36 in the rubber when the rubber is in a liquid state, and allowing the rubber to solidify on the covering material 36. The method can also include dipping the supporting strips 44, 46 in the rubber when the rubber is in a liquid state and allowing the rubber to solidify on the supporting strips 44, 46. The last step of the method typically includes applying a protective coating of polyurethane to the outer surface of the covering material 36. This protective coating can be applied, for example, by spraying or brushing.
FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the interchangeable shoe skin 120 according to another exemplary embodiment, wherein like numbers illustrate elements corresponding to those of FIGS. 1-4. The interchangeable shoe skin 120 of the second exemplary embodiment includes the covering material 136, protective sheet 142, adhesives, protective coating, and optional decorative elements 150, just like the interchangeable shoe skin 120 of FIG. 1. However, in this embodiment, instead of the supporting strips 44, 46, the interchangeable shoe skin 120 includes a supporting sole portion 152 formed of neoprene disposed on the covering material 136 opposite the upper opening for aligning with and covering the entire sole 126 of the shoe 122. Neoprene is also referred to as polychloroprene, and is a family of synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene. Any type of neoprene can be used to form the supporting sole portion 152 of the interchangeable shoe skin 120. The supporting sole portion 152 extends continuously along the lower edge 140 of the covering material 136 and continuously along the entire length l₂of the covering material 136. The supporting sole portion 152 includes an interior surface facing toward the upper opening of the covering material 136 and an exterior surface facing opposite the interior surface. The interior surface of the supporting sole portion 152 is attached to the covering material 136 with the second adhesive, which can be the same as or different from the first adhesive used to attach the covering material 136 to the protective sheet 142.
The invention also provides the method of manufacturing the interchangeable shoe skin 120 of the second embodiment. Like the first embodiment, the method of the second embodiment includes providing the shoe 122, such as a basic flat shoe, covering the shoe 120 with the protective sheet 142, conforming the protective sheet 142 to the contour of the shoe 122, securing the covering material 136 to the protective sheet 142, conforming the covering material 136 to the contour of the shoe 122, and forming the upper opening in the covering material 136 aligned with the foot opening of the shoe 122.
However, in this embodiment, the method first includes stuffing the base portion 124 of the shoe 122 with a forming material, which can be any type of stuffing or material capable of retaining the shape of the shoe 122 during the manufacturing process. In addition, the step of conforming the protective sheet 142 to the contour of the shoe 122 includes stapling the protective sheet 142 to the base portion 124 of the shoe 122, and then heating the protective sheet 142. After the protective sheet 142 is conformed to the shoe 122, the staples can be removed, and the covering material 136 is attached to the protective sheet 142. Preferably, the method includes first conforming the covering material 136 to the toe region of the shoe 122, and working toward the heel region. In addition, when cutting out the upper opening aligned with the foot opening of the shoe 122, approximately ¼ inch of the covering material 136 extending past the foot opening should be left around and along the foot opening. This excess material can optionally be cut with decorative scissors, or decorative trim can be attached to the excess material. When trimming excess material of the covering material 136, standard scissors are typically used for the circular areas in the toe region, but the decorative scissors, such as scissors which cut a non-linear pattern, can be used to trim the other edges.
Furthermore, as discussed above, instead of attaching the supporting strips 44, 46 to the covering material 136, the method includes disposing the supporting sole portion 152 formed of neoprene on the covering material 136 opposite the upper opening. This process first includes cutting the supporting sole portion 152 having a shape equal to or greater than the sole of the shoe from a sheet of neoprene. Next, the second adhesive is applied to an interior surface of the supporting sole portion 152 and/or the covering material 136 disposed along the sole 126 of the shoe 122. The method then includes attaching the interior surface of the supporting sole portion 152 to the covering material 136 with the second adhesive such that the supporting sole portion 152 extends continuously along the lower edge 140 of the covering material 136 and continuously along the length l₂of the covering material 136. The protective coating, preferably at least two coats, can be applied to the covering material 136 either before or after the supporting sole portion 152 is attached.
The interchangeable shoe skin 120 of the second embodiment was also tested and found to be comfortable and durable when worn as a typical shoe and exposed to everyday conditions. A specific test was conducted wherein an individual wore the interchangeable shoe skin 120 over a standard flat shoe for approximately 60 hours. During the 60 hours, the interchangeable shoe skin 120 was exposed to various conditions, such as rain, mud, gravel, cement, and grass. At the end of the testing period, the supporting sole portion 152 remained attached to the covering material 136 and in good condition. The individual found the interchangeable shoe skin 120 to be comfortable, easy to place over their basic flat shoe, and easy to remove.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An interchangeable shoe skin, comprising:

a covering material presenting an outer surface and an inner surface and having a contour matching a contour of a shoe for which the interchangeable shoe skin is designed to cover;

said covering material presenting an upper opening for aligning with a foot opening of the shoe and a lower opening for aligning with a sole of the shoe;

a protective sheet formed of plastic secured to said inner surface of said covering material and having a contour matching the contour of said covering material; and

at least one supporting strip extending across said lower opening.

2. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 1, wherein said covering material is formed of fabric and said protective sheet is formed of plastic.

3. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 1, wherein said covering material includes an upper edge surrounding said upper opening and presenting a height relative to the ground, and said height of said covering material is greater than or equal to a height of a top edge of the shoe relative to the ground when an individual wears the shoe with the interchangeable shoe skin.

4. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 1 including rubber applied said lower edge of said covering material and to an exterior surface of said at least one supporting strip.

5. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 1 including at least one decorative item attached to said covering material and a protective coating of polyurethane applied to an exterior surface of said covering material.

6. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 1, wherein the shoe for which said interchangeable shoe skin is designed to cover is a basic flat shoe including a toe region, a heel region, and a sole;

said covering material includes an upper edge presenting said upper opening for aligning with the foot opening of the shoe and for receiving a foot;

said covering material extends from said upper edge to a lower edge presenting said lower opening for aligning with the sole of the shoe;

said upper edge presenting a height relative to the ground being greater than the height of the shoe when the interchangeable shoe skin is disposed on the shoe;

said covering material is formed of a fabric;

said covering material is smooth and free of wrinkles;

said covering material includes said inner surface facing generally toward said openings and an oppositely facing outer surface;

said covering material has a thickness extending from said inner surface to said outer surface, and said thickness is not greater than 8 millimeters;

said covering material extends along said openings from a toe section for covering the toe region of the shoe to a heel section for covering the heel region of the shoe;

said covering material presents a length extending from said toe section to said heel section for being greater than the length of the shoe extending from the toe region and the heel region;

at least a portion of said toe section extends upwardly from said lower edge and along and generally parallel to a portion of said lower opening for surrounding the toe region of the shoe;

at least a portion of said heel section of said covering material extends upwardly from said lower edge and along a portion of said lower opening for surrounding the heel region of the shoe;

said protective sheet is secured to said inner surface of said covering material with a first adhesive, the first adhesive being contact cement;

said protective sheet has a thickness of not greater than 50 micrometers;

said at least one supporting strip is attached to said protective sheet;

said at least one supporting strip includes a first supporting strip extending across said lower opening between said toe section and said heel section of said covering material and a second supporting strip extending across said lower opening along at least a portion of said toe section of said covering material;

each of said supporting strips have a length less than one third of the length of said covering material extending from said toe section to said heel section;

each of said supporting strips are formed of an elastic material and include an interior surface facing toward said upper opening of said covering material and an exterior surface facing outwardly of said lower opening of said covering material;

each of said supporting strips include opposite ends attached to said protective sheet on opposite sides of said lower opening with a second adhesive;

at least one decorative item is attached to said covering material, said at least one decorative item includes a ribbon adhered to said covering material along said upper edge and around a periphery of said upper opening;

rubber is applied to a bottom surface of said lower edge of said covering material around a periphery of said lower opening and applied to said exterior surfaces of said supporting strips;

a protective coating of polyurethane is applied to said outer surface of said covering material; and

said interchangeable shoe skin including said covering material, said protective sheet, and said supporting strips is removable from the shoe for which it is designed to cover.

7. A method of manufacturing an interchangeable shoe skin, comprising the steps of:

providing a shoe for covering with an interchangeable shoe skin, the shoe including a sole and a foot opening for receiving a foot;

covering the shoe with a protective sheet formed of plastic;

conforming the protective sheet to the contour of the shoe;

securing a covering material to the protective sheet;

conforming the covering material to the contour of the shoe;

forming an upper opening in the covering material aligned with the foot opening of the shoe;

forming a lower opening in the covering material aligned with the sole of the shoe; and

disposing at least one supporting strip across the lower opening.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of conforming the protective sheet to the contour of the shoe includes heating the protective sheet; the step of securing the covering material to the protective sheet includes applying a first adhesive to at least one of the covering material and the protective sheet; and the step of conforming the covering material to the contour of the shoe includes applying pressure to the covering material and smoothing the covering material so that the covering material is free of wrinkles.

9. The method of claim 7 including attaching the at least one supporting strip to the protective sheet, and wherein step of attaching the at least one supporting strip to the protective sheet includes attaching opposite ends of a first supporting strip to the protective sheet between a toe section and a heel section of the covering material and attaching a second supporting strip to the protective sheet along the toe section of the covering material.

10. The method of claim 7 including applying rubber to a bottom surface of the covering material around a periphery of the lower opening and to an exterior surface of the at least one supporting strip.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the basic flat shoe includes a base portion extending longitudinally from a top edge defining the foot opening to a bottom edge defining a sole opening surrounding and attached to the sole, the top edge of the base portion having a height relative to the ground, the base portion having a length extending from a toe region to a heel region, wherein at least a portion of the toe region extends upwardly from the sole and along and generally parallel to a portion of the sole for surrounding and covering toes of the foot; the basic flat shoe including a heel extending not more than one inch outwardly from the sole, the sole and the heel each presenting a flat surface;

the step of covering the shoe with the protective sheet includes covering the base portion, the foot opening, the sole, and the heel with a protective sheet formed of plastic and having a thickness of not greater than 50 micrometers;

the step of conforming the protective sheet to the contour of the shoe includes heating the protective sheet;

the covering material is formed of fabric and includes an inner surface and an oppositely facing outer surface;

the step of securing the covering material to the protective sheet includes: applying a first adhesive to at least one of the protective sheet and the inner surface of the covering material, the step of applying the first adhesive includes spreading the first adhesive along both the protective sheet and the covering material, the first adhesive is contact cement, disposing the covering material on the protective sheet after applying the first adhesive, and covering the entire base portion, the foot opening, the sole, and the heel of the shoe with the covering material;

the step of conforming the covering material to the contour of the shoe includes conforming the covering material to at least the base portion of the shoe such that the covering material presents a toe section and a heel section, and applying pressure along the outer surface of the covering material, and smoothing the covering material so that the covering material is free of wrinkles; and further including the steps of:

removing excess covering material extending beyond the contour of the base portion of the shoe, the removing step including cutting out the upper opening aligned with the foot opening of the shoe and cutting out the lower opening aligned with the sole of the shoe;

the step of removing excess covering material including providing an upper edge having a height relative to the ground, wherein the height of the covering material is equal to or greater than the height of the shoe when the interchangeable shoe skin is disposed on the shoe;

the covering material having a length extending along the openings from a toe section to a heel section, and the length of the covering material being greater than the length of the shoe;

providing a plurality of the supporting strips for extending across a width of the lower opening and the sole of the shoe, each supporting strip including an interior surface and an exterior surface, each supporting strip being formed of an elastic material, and each supporting strip having a length being less than one third of the length of the covering material;

the step of disposing at least one supporting strip across the lower opening including disposing a first one of the supporting strips across the lower opening between the toe section and the heel section such that the exterior surface faces outwardly away from the covering material, disposing a second supporting strip across the lower opening and along the toe section such that the exterior surface faces outwardly away from the covering material;

attaching ends of each supporting strip to the protective sheet on opposite sides of the lower opening;

applying at least one decorative item to the covering material, the step of applying the at least one decorative item including applying trim along the upper edge, the step of applying the trim including adhering a ribbon to the covering material along the upper edge and around a periphery of the upper opening;

removing the shoe from the covering material through the upper opening;

applying rubber to a bottom surface of the lower edge of the covering material around the periphery of the lower opening, the step of applying the rubber including dipping the covering material in the rubber when the rubber is in a liquid state, and allowing the rubber to solidify on the covering material;

applying the rubber to the exterior surface of the supporting strips, the step of applying the rubber including dipping the supporting strips in the rubber when the rubber is in a liquid state and allowing the rubber to solidify on the supporting strips; and

applying a protective coating of polyurethane to the outer surface of the covering material.

12. An interchangeable shoe skin, comprising:

said covering material presenting an upper opening for aligning with a foot opening of the shoe;

a protective sheet formed of plastic secured to said inner surface of said covering material and having a contour matching the contour of said covering material;

a supporting sole portion disposed opposite of said upper opening for aligning with a sole of the shoe; and

said supporting sole portion being formed of neoprene.

13. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 12, wherein said covering material is formed of fabric; said protective sheet is formed of plastic; and a protective coating of polyurethane is applied to an exterior surface of said covering material.

14. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 12, wherein said covering material includes an upper edge surrounding said upper opening and presenting a height relative to the ground, and said height of said covering material is greater than or equal to a height of a top edge of the shoe relative to the ground when an individual wears the shoe with the interchangeable shoe skin.

15. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 12, wherein said covering material is formed of fabric and said protective sheet is formed of plastic.

16. The interchangeable shoe skin of claim 12, wherein the shoe for which said interchangeable shoe skin is designed to cover is a basic flat shoe including a toe region, a heel region, and a sole;

said covering material extends from said upper edge to a lower edge for aligning with the sole of the shoe;

said covering material is formed of a fabric;

said covering material is smooth and free of wrinkles;

said covering material extends along said upper opening from a toe section for covering the toe region of the shoe to a heel section for covering the heel region of the shoe;

said covering material presents a length extending from said toe section to said heel section for being greater than the length of the shoe;

said protective sheet has a thickness of not greater than 50 micrometers;

said supporting sole portion extends continuously along said lower edge of said covering material and continuously along the length of said covering material for covering the sole of the shoe;

said supporting sole portion includes an interior surface facing toward said upper opening of said covering material and an exterior surface facing opposite said interior surface;

said supporting sole portion is attached to said covering material with a second adhesive;

at least one decorative item is attached to said covering material or said covering material has a decorative pattern;

17. A method of manufacturing an interchangeable shoe skin, comprising the steps of:

covering the shoe with a protective sheet formed of plastic;

conforming the protective sheet to the contour of the shoe;

securing a covering material to the protective sheet;

conforming the covering material to the contour of the shoe;

forming an upper opening in the covering material aligned with the foot opening of the shoe; and

disposing a supporting sole portion formed of neoprene on the covering material opposite the upper opening.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of conforming the protective sheet to the contour of the shoe includes heating the protective sheet; the step of securing the covering material to the protective sheet includes applying a first adhesive to at least one of the covering material and the protective sheet; and the step of conforming the covering material to the contour of the shoe includes applying pressure to the covering material and smoothing the covering material so that the covering material is free of wrinkles.

19. The method of claim 17 including attaching the supporting sole portion to the covering material with a second adhesive.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the basic flat shoe includes a base portion extending longitudinally from a top edge defining the foot opening to a bottom edge defining a sole opening surrounding and attached to the sole, the top edge of the base portion having a height relative to the ground, the base portion having a length extending from a toe region to a heel region, wherein at least a portion of the toe region extends upwardly from the sole and along and generally parallel to a portion of the sole for surrounding and covering toes of the foot; the basic flat shoe including a heel extending not more than one inch outwardly from the sole, the sole and the heel each presenting a flat surface;

further including the step of stuffing the base portion of the shoe with a forming material;

the step of conforming the protective sheet to the contour of the shoe includes stapling the protective sheet to the base portion of the shoe and heating the protective sheet;

the step of securing the covering material to the protective sheet includes: applying a first adhesive to at least one of the protective sheet and the inner surface of the covering material, the step of applying the first adhesive includes spreading the first adhesive along the protective sheet and/or the covering material, the first adhesive is contact cement; disposing the covering material on the protective sheet after applying the first adhesive; and covering the entire base portion, the foot opening, the sole, and the heel of the shoe with the covering material;

the step of conforming the covering material to the contour of the shoe includes conforming the covering material to the toe region followed by the heel region such that the covering material presents a toe section and a heel section, applying pressure along the outer surface of the covering material, and smoothing the covering material so that the covering material is free of wrinkles; and further including the steps of:

removing excess covering material extending beyond the contour of the base portion of the shoe, the removing step including cutting out the upper opening aligned with the foot opening of the shoe, the step of cutting out the upper opening including leaving approximately ¼ inch of covering material past the foot opening for optionally attaching a decorative trim to the covering material along the foot opening;

cutting the supporting sole portion having a shape equal to or greater than the sole of the shoe from a sheet of neoprene such that the supporting sole portion presents an interior surface and an oppositely facing exterior surface;

applying a second adhesive to an interior surface of the supporting sole portion and optionally to the covering material along the sole of the shoe;

attaching the interior surface of the supporting sole portion to the covering material with the second adhesive such that the supporting sole portion extends continuously along a lower edge of the covering material and continuously along the length of the covering material; and