US20160255904A1

US20160255904A1 - Footwear Cover

Info

Publication number: US20160255904A1
Application number: US15/057,873
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Ungania; Michele Ungania
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-04
Filing date: 2016-03-01
Publication date: 2016-09-08

Abstract

A footwear cover comprising an upper made from a stretchable and waterproof material having a top and a bottom, an inside surface and an outside surface, a sole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the sole secured to the bottom of the upper, a front portion where the toes of the user are located when worn, a back portion where the heel of the user is located when worn, and a cuff at the top of the upper body forming an opening for an aperture inside the footwear cover. The footwear cover includes a zipper closure in the upper located between the cuff and the sole. Other closure devices, such as, for example, snaps, button, clasps, hook and tape material, are also included in the scope of the invention.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/128,090 filed on Mar. 4, 2015 which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to footwear and, more particularly, to shoe covers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cover for footwear (e.g., basketball sneakers) to shield the footwear when worn outside an intended area of use. The present invention is a device for protecting an article of footwear when traveling to or from a location where is it is important for the footwear to be clean and dry during use, that is, free from contaminants and/or substances (e.g., dirt, dust, mud, water, snow).

BACKGROUND

It is common for individuals to put on the footwear (e.g., sneakers and shoes) that they intend to use during indoor exercise, training, or a sporting event (e.g., weight training in a gym, basketball, indoor baseball and softball practice, indoor soccer) before leaving their homes. Even when the weather is nice outside, the bottom of the sole of the footwear often accumulates contaminants and/or substances (e.g., dirt, dust, gum, etc.) that are not desired inside or on the floor in the indoor arena. During inclement weather, water is particularly troublesome as it is easily spread on the floor when walking around inside after coming in from the outside where there is water on the ground. While it is possible and desirable for individuals to wipe the bottom of their footwear on a mat or towel to dry or clean the footwear, even when a dry mat OF towel is available, individuals rarely use the mat or towel and those that do rarely, if ever, remove all of the unwanted contaminants and/or substances from the bottom of the sole. Snow and ice are especially troublesome because the snow and ice packs into grooves in the bottom of the sole and gradually melts over a period of time after the individual is on the floor inside the arena.
A direct consequence of the aforementioned disadvantages is that the floor in the indoor arena becomes wet, dirty, slippery, etc. creating un undesirable playing surface. Dust, dirt, water, ice, etc. on a wood floor (such as a basketball court) or a rubber-like indoor track, creates a slippery surface increasing the possibility for an accident and injury. If the indoor arena is carpeted, e.g., a turf field, the carpet gets wets and/or dirty. Depending on the frequency for cleaning, the contaminated surface of the floor can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and germs resulting in illness for those in attendance. Such is particularly true for indoor facilities which do not ventilate well and are rarely if ever cleaned—dirt, gum, food, mud, etc, are difficult to remove and are especially problematic.
There is a need for a convenient, easy, and aesthetically appealing way to solve these problems without requiring the individual to carry the footwear they intend to wear while wearing a different pair of footwear to the indoor arena. There is a need for a device that can be easily put on and over the footwear the individual wears indoors to protect the footwear when worn outside. There is a need for a cover device that can be put on and removed easily and fast. There is a need for a footwear cover device that protects the footwear from contaminants, keeps the footwear dry, and provides a stable and safe sole with traction for walking outside. There is a need for a durable, water resistant, washable, footwear cover that is not too bulky and that adequately covers and protects the outside surface of the footwear. There is a need for a device for footwear that can help to keep the floor surface of an indoor facility dry and clean.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have invented devices that overcome these and other shortcomings. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. To the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The present invention is a footwear cover. The footwear cover comprises an upper body having a top and a bottom, a sole portion having an upper surface and a lower surface said upper surface secured to the bottom of the upper body, a front portion where the toes of the user are located when worn, a heel portion where the heel of the user is located when worn, and a cuff at the top of the upper body forming an aperture inside the footwear cover. Although not necessary, the device may also include, as shown in the Figures, a zipper closure, preferably located up the front of the cover from the front of the device to the cuff. Other closure devices, such as, for example, snaps, button, clasps, hook and tape material, etc., are also included in the scope of the invention.
The device according to the invention is used as follows: with the zipper closure open, a user places an article of footwear, e.g., a sneaker, toe side first through the cuff and into the aperture, the cover is then stretched, including the cuff, over the sole of the footwear and over the heel of the footwear, the cover is pulled up over the back of the footwear and the footwear is pushed into the aperture until the toe of the footwear is located inside the front portion of the cover within the aperture. The zipper closure, or another form of closure device if present, is then closed over the top of the footwear. The device a made from a stretchable, durable, water resistant material, such as, but not limited to, Neoprene or lycra, that may be adapted to provide aesthetically appealing designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of an embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. Similar components of the devices are similarly numbered for simplicity.

FIGS. 1-7 show one embodiment of the device according to the invention r a left foot, it being understood that the footwear cover for the right foot would be a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view.

FIG. 2 is a right side view.

FIG. 3 is a left side view.

FIG. 4 top view.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view.

FIG. 6 is a front view.

FIG. 7 is a back side view.

FIGS. 8-13 show a second embodiment of a device according to the invention where the zipper closure is located on the top of the upper similar to the prior embodiment but the zipper closure does no connect to the sole. Rather, the zipper closure ends above the front of the sole on the upper. FIGS. 840 show the device over an article of footwear (a sneaker) for a right foot, it being understood that the footwear cover for the left foot would be a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 8 shows the zipper closed.

FIG. 9 shows the zipper open.

FIG. 10 is a side view with the zipper closed.

FIGS. 11-13 show the device without the footwear inside. As shown in FIG. 12, the material can be collapsible and will take up less space when not worn.

FIGS. 14-17 show a third embodiment of a device according to the invention similar to the first embodiment. FIGS. 14 shows the device and an article of footwear (a high-top sneaker) for a left foot inside the device, it being understood that the footwear cover for the right foot would be a mirror image thereof. FIG. 15 shows the device separated from the footwear. FIGS. 16 and 17 show a partial front view and a front perspective view of the device on the footwear with the front zipper in an open position (FIG. 16) and in a closed position (FIG. 17).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is being made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Selective embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made.
Referring now to the Figures, the present invention comprises a footwear cover 10. The footwear cover 10 includes an upper body 12, a sole portion 14, a front portion 20, a heel portion 22 and a cuff 26.
The footwear cover 10 comprises an upper body 12 atop and a bottom, a sole portion 14 having an upper surface and a lower surface said upper surface secured to the bottom of the upper body 12, a front portion 20 in the area where the toes of the user are located when the device worn, a heel portion 22 in the area where the heel of the user is located when the device is worn, and a cuff 26 at the top of the upper body 12 forming an opening at the top of the upper 12 forming the top of the aperture 50 inside the footwear cover 10. Although not necessary, the device 10 may also include, as shown in the Figures, a zipper closure 40, preferably located up the front and top of the upper 12 from the front portion 20 of the device to the cuff 50, such that the cuff 50 and the upper 12 open when the zipper closure 40 is opened creating easier access to the aperture 50 inside the device. The zipper closure 40 may alternatively be located on the side of the upper 12, along the back of the upper, or angled along the upper 12, so long as the zipper closure 40 connects to the cuff 26 causing the opening in the cuff 26 to enlarge when the zipper closure 40 is opened. Other closure devices, such as, for example, snaps, button, clasps, hook and tape material, c., are also included in the scope of the invention as a substitute to the zipper closure or in combination therewith.
The upper body 12 is preferably made from a stretchable, durable, water resistant material, such as, but not limited to Neoprene or lycra. The stretchability of the cover's upper 12 allows for a snug fit for the device 10 over the article of footwear (e.g., sneaker) which minimizes the bulkiness of the device 10 when worn over footwear. Existing footwear covers, such as snow boots, are bulky when worn making it a bit more difficult to walk in them when worn over the footwear. Existing devices are also heavier due in large part to their size (extending above the ankle to about mid shin) which is attributable to the intended function to stop water (and snow) from falling into the device over the top of the leg opening. For the same reason, to have a waterproof device, existing devices do not include a closure device along/over the top of the upper extending to the toe portion (the front) of the device. Applicants' device 12, on the other hand, is much lighter and less bulky than existing footwear covers. Applicants' device 10 is much easier to walk in when worn over footwear—the upper 12 stretches over the footwear creating a snug fit on the footwear reducing bulk when worn.
The water resistant upper 12 keeps the footwear inside the device dry. When traveling, for example, to a basketball game when it is raining or snowing, for example, the device keeps the footwear inside clean and dry even though the ground outside is wet (and dirty). In some embodiments of the invention, the footwear cover 10 is made with waterproof seams 16 between the upper 12 and the sole 14 and a waterproof zipper closure 40 such that the device is completely waterproof when worn. Such embodiments allow for use of the device in more severe conditions, e.g., greater snow accumulations outside or the ability to walk through puddles, without the footwear getting wet. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited only to such embodiments with waterproof seams and zipper closures. The device of the invention includes non-waterproof stitched seams and zipper closures which creates a device that can practically function as intended when worn if the user avoids deep snow and large puddles.
The upper 12 could be made with a generally tubular shape extending from a front 20 to a cuff 26.
The sole 14 extends from the front of the device to the back of the device. The sole 14 is preferably made of a non-slip, durable material that provides traction on the ground surface when worn. For example, sole 14 is rubber. The sole is connected to the bottom of the upper to form aperture 50 inside the device 10. The sole has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface of the sole 14 is exposed on the bottom of the footwear cover and the upper surface of the sole 14 is generally located inside the footwear cover 10. The sole 14 is preferably a generally flat piece of rubber cut/formed into the desired shape (e.g., a left foot or right foot) which is then connected to the upper 12. The connecting of sole 14 to upper 12 can be done with stitching (e.g, through the sole and the bottom of the upper along the edge of the sole 14 or the two can be connected together using alternative fastening means such as heat sealing or adhesive. As shown in the Figures, it is preferred to construct the footwear cover 10 with the front of the sole 14 lifted up in the front of the device 10 creating a lip-type front although the invention is not limited to only such embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the zipper closure 40 is connected to the front of the sole 14 at one end and collar 26 at the other end of the zipper closure 40.
Preferably, the entire device is made from machine washable materials so that any contaminants or substances adhered to the device can be easily removed. Wash-ability is also beneficial for a clean appearance particularly when ornamentation, e.g., logos or designs as shown in FIG. 18, is included on the outside surface of the device.
As shown in the Figures, the zipper closure 40 spans from the opening in the cuff 26 to the front 20 of the device enabling the user to open the top of the device 10 as shown FIG. 17 to place the footwear into the device. The footwear, preferably while worn, is pushed through the top of the device (through the opened zipper closure) while pulling on the upper 12 up over the footwear. It is advantageous that the device 10 can be opened from the cuff 26 all the way to the front 20 of the device—it is easier to stretch the upper over the footwear and easier to place the footwear inside the aperture 50 compared to a cover without an openable enclosure and also compared to a cover with an openable closure that only opens partially down from the cuff 26.
The present invention is not limited to a zipper closure located along the top of the upper from the front 20 to the cuff 20 but also includes embodiments with one or more closures in other locations such as, for example, along one side of the upper (the medial and/or lateral side) or spanning from the top of the upper 12 (at the cuff 26) to a side near the front 20 of the device 10.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

We claim:

1. A sneaker cover comprising:

an upper made from a stretchable and waterproof material having a top and a bottom, a front and a back, an inside surface and an outside surface, said upper comprising a cuff at said top of said upper forming an opening in said upper and a zipper closure at said top of said upper spanning from said cuff to said front of said upper;

a rubber sole having a front and a back, an upper surface and a lower surface, said sole connected to the bottom of said upper with stitching along the perimeter of said sole, wherein said upper surface of said sole and said inside surface of said upper form an aperture within said cover with said cuff as an opening into said aperture; and

said zipper closure in said upper spanning between said cuff and said front of said upper, wherein when said zipper closure is in an open position said top of said upper is open between said front of said sole and said cuff.

2. The sneaker cover according to claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said sole is generally at inside said cover.

3. The sneaker cover according to claim 2, wherein said stitching is a waterproof material.

upper surface is generally flat inside said cover.

4. The sneaker cover according to claim 2, wherein said zipper closure is waterproof.

5. The sneaker cover according to claim 2, wherein said front of said sole curves up in the front of said cover.

6. The sneaker cover according to claim 2, wherein said upper is made from neoprene or spandex.

7. A cover for sneakers comprising:

an upper made from a stretchable and waterproof material having atop and a bottom, a front and a back, an inside surface and an outside surface, said upper comprising a stretchable cuff at said top of said upper forming an opening in said upper;

a zipper closure in said upper between said cuff and said sole, wherein when said zipper closure is in an open position said top of said upper is open between said cuff and said sole.

8. The sneaker cover according to claim 7, wherein said upper surface of said sole is generally flat inside said cover.

9. The sneaker cover according to claim 8, wherein said stitching is a waterproof material.

10. The sneaker cover according to claim 8, wherein said zipper closure is waterproof.

11. The sneaker cover according to claim 8, wherein said front of said sole curves up in the front of said cover.

12. The sneaker cover according to claim 8, wherein said upper is made from neoprene or spandex.

13. The sneaker cover according to claim 8, wherein said zipper closure is located between said cuff and said back of said sole.

14. The sneaker cover according to claim 8, wherein said zipper closure is located between said cuff and one side of said sole.

15. The sneaker cover according to claim 14, wherein said zipper closure is located on a lateral side of said upper.

16. A cover for sneakers comprising:

an upper made from a stretchable and waterproof material having a top and a bottom, a front and a back, an inside surface and an outside surface, said upper comprising a stretchable cuff at top of said upper forming an opening in said upper;

a generally flat rubber sole having a front and a back, an upper surface and a lower surface, said sole connected to the bottom of said upper with stitching along the perimeter of said sole, wherein said upper surface of said sole and said inside surface of said upper form an aperture within said cover with said cuff as an opening into said aperture; and

a zipper closure in said upper connected to said cuff, wherein when said zipper closure is in an open position said top of said upper is open.

17. The sneaker cover according to claim 16, wherein said stitching is a waterproof material.

18. The sneaker cover according to claim 6, wherein said zipper closure is waterproof.

19. The sneaker cover according to claim 16, wherein said upper is made from neoprene or spandex.