US20170238647A1

US20170238647A1 - Changeable Shoe Cover

Info

Publication number: US20170238647A1
Application number: US15/049,875
Authority: US
Inventors: Christian Sharifi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-02-22
Filing date: 2016-02-22
Publication date: 2017-08-24

Abstract

A modular shoe covering system which serves as a cover for a shoe body to improve the selection for shoe appearance while enhancing the durability of the shoe. The invention provides for a multi-functional and multi-appearance shoe.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of modular shoe coverings and more specifically relates to a modular shoe covering system.
2. Description of Related Art
Shoes are a desirable aspect of fashion presentation and a commonly worn item that protects the foot while insulating it from moisture and temperature. As a result, shoes are chosen to match clothing items or for aligning with certain occasions, weather conditions, and service requirements. In an effort to offset purchasing shoes for every instance, modular shoe covering systems have been developed. A suitable solution is desired for reliably adjusting the outer appearance of shoes, enhancing the protection offered by the shoe, and increasing the durability and life of the shoe.
Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pub. No. 2013/0263468 to Anthony Ciccarelli, U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,563 to Elizabeth Erika Wegner, U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,676 to Thomas S. Hughes et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,564 to Mark Kettner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,369 to Angileen Bailey et al., U.S. Pat No. 2013/0192205 to Brian Jay Linens, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,351 to Megan Watters. This art is representative of modular shoe covering means. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
Preferably, a modular shoe covering system should provide functional and fashionable shoe covering means and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable modular shoe covering system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known modular shoe covering system art, the present invention provides a novel shoe cover assembly. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a shoe cover system.
A modular shoe cover system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising a shoe body comprising a sole, an outside surface, an inside surface, a heel, a seat, a rail, and a plurality of first-fasteners, a shoe cover assembly comprising a cover-body, a retainer strip comprising a rail receiver, and a plurality of second-fasteners, wherein the modular shoe cover system comprises the shoe cover assembly. The shoe cover assembly comprises the shoe body and the shoe cover in functional combination.
Referring now to the shoe body; the shoe body is structurally defined by the sole, the outside surface, the inside surface, the heel, the seat, the rail, and the plurality of first-fasteners. The shoe cover is structurally defined by the cover-body, the rail receiver, the retainer strip, and the plurality of second-fasteners; wherein the retainer strip is structurally defined by the rail receiver. The shoe cover is able to be removably coupleable to the shoe body via fastening the plurality of first-fasteners to the plurality of second-fasteners in preferred embodiments.
The rail and the rail receiver in combination allow for an advantage coupling of the shoe cover to the shoe body to cause the shoe cover to tightly adhere to the shoe body to maintain a taunt condition in a reliable manner. In these particular embodiments the advantage coupling comprises the rail and the rail receiver in combination along with the plurality of first-fasteners and the plurality of second-fasteners to allow the shoe cover to hug-adjacent the shoe body such that surface contact is fully enabled between the shoe cover and the outside surface of the shoe body. The advantage coupling comprises the rail and the rail receiver in combination along with the plurality of first-fasteners and the plurality of second-fasteners to allow the shoe cover to hug-adjacent the shoe body such that surface contact is fully enabled between the shoe cover and the inside surface of the shoe body.
The rail removably attaches to the rail receiver, the rail receiver being removably couplable from the rail, wherein the rail receiver overlaps the rail; the rail and rail receiver are in continuous contact along their respective lengths. The plurality of first-fasteners and the plurality of second-fasteners are located on the inside surface of the shoe body in preferred embodiments such that the present invention is aesthetically-pleasing and well as very functional in use. The plurality of first-fasteners and the plurality of second-fasteners are located on the inside surface of the shoe body such that a double-coupling is achieved via an overlap of the shoe cover over the shoe body over the outside surface and the inside surface, wherein the outside surface and the inside surface are used as friction surfaces to maximize surface area contact.
The fulcrum, as used, provides an apex overwhich the cover-body is able to be stretched, wherein the fulcrum maximizes tautness via providing a counterforce against a combination of attached the plurality of first-fasteners and the plurality of second-fasteners. The fulcrum maximizes tautness via providing a counterforce against the rail and the rail receiver in combination. The modular shoe cover system is structured and arranged such that a user-wearer is able to readily interchangably modify an appearance of shoe(s) according to a preference of the user-wearer.
The modular shoe cover system further comprising a kit including: the shoe cover assembly comprising the shoe body and a plurality of the shoe cover(s), and a set of user-wearer-instructions. A method of use specific to the novelty is also disclosed herein.
The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a shoe cover assembly. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, a shoe cover assembly, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a shoe cover system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing a shoe cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the shoe cover assembly comprising a shoe body and a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating various components of the shoe cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating various components of the shoe cover assembly of the shoe cover system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the shoe cover system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a modular shoe covering system and more particularly to a shoe cover assembly as used to improve the choices of shoe appearance as well as durability of the shoe.
Generally speaking a shoe cover assembly is placed over the outside surface of the shoe body. The shoe cover is comprised of a plurality of first-fasteners and a rail receiver. The shoe body is comprised of second-fasteners and a rail. The attachment methods of a plurality of first-fasteners to plurality of second-fasteners combined with the attachment methods of the rail to the rail receiver hold the shoe cover in place in a reliable manner.
The shoe cover assembly is comprised of a cover body and retainer strip. The retainer strip is comprises a rail receiver. The shoe body acts as a fulcrum resulting in a taunt state for the cover-body which in turn applies pressure to the retainer strip, causing it to pull on the rail receiver holding the rail receiver in place. Further benefits of the action of the taunt state for the cover-body results in surface adherence to outside surface which in turn provides a smoother exterior state for the cover-body and better surface contact with enhanced gripping for the cover-body with the inside surface and the outside surface of the shoe body. Further benefits of the action of the taunt state for the cover-body is that the taunt state of the cover-body enables the shoe body as a fulcrum with an apex for dividing the tension between the outside surface and inside surface thus resulting in a reduced stress on the coupling action of the plurality of first-fasteners and the second-fasteners further resulting in a more reliable connection. The enhanced surface contact between cover-body and outside surface reduces friction between the surfaces in a manner that protects the original appearance of the shoe body.
Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1-4 various views of modular shoe cover system 100 comprising shoe cover assembly 110 having cover-body 112, retainer strip 114 comprising rail receiver 116, and plurality of second-fasteners 118; comprising shoe body 120 (having sole 122, outside surface 124, inside surface 126, heel 128, seat 130, rail 132, and plurality of first-fasteners 134).
Shoe cover assembly 110 comprises cover-body 112, retainer strip 114, and plurality of second-fasteners 118 in functional combination. Retainer strip 114 comprises rail receiver 116 in a functional combination. Shoe body 120 comprises sole 122, outside surface 124, inside surface 126, heel 128, seat 130, rail 132, and plurality of first-fasteners 134 in functional combination. As such the components of the present invention are related of shoe body 120 for wearing use.
Plurality of first-fasteners 134 are designed to be coupled to plurality of second-fasteners 118 as a first anchor point for shoe cover assembly 110. Shoe cover assembly 110 is then stretched over shoe body 120 in a manner that allows rail receiver 116 to be coupled to rail 132.
The action of stretching shoe cover assembly 110 over shoe body 120 causes shoe body 120 to act as a fulcrum thus providing a number of additional benefits including reducing the stress on the plurality of first-fasteners 134, creating a taunt state between shoe cover assembly 110 and shoe body 120 which in turn results in a smooth surface for a better appearance and a friction surface contact between cover-body 112 and outside surface body 124 which in turn reduces wear between the surfaces thus promoting the longevity of shoe body 120 and shoe cover assembly 110.
The action of providing and maintaining a taunt state in which the shoe cover assembly 110 has with shoe body 120 combining with full length contact between rail 132 and rail receiver 116 providing an advantage coupling in a manner that results in a reliable connection along the full length of the shoe further enabling a smooth exterior appearance of the cover body 112 and providing for a reliable connection due to the increased amount of surface area for the connection. The increased surface area of the advantage coupling reduces the potential for the connection to be lost while allowing shoe cover assembly 110 to flex along with shoe body 120 as the foot of user-wearer 140 flexes during use.
The location of the plurality of first-fasteners 134 and plurality of second-fasteners 118 is preferably inside shoe body 120 in a manner that keeps the fasteners from external view thus enhancing appearance. The inside location of the plurality of first-fasteners 134 and plurality of second-fasteners 118 inside shoe body 120 further enhances the reliability of the connection as the foot of the user-wearer 140 wedges the plurality of first-fasteners 134 and plurality of second-fasteners 118 against inner surface 126 of shoe body 120.
The plurality of first-fasteners 134 and plurality of second-fasteners 118 is inside the shoe body 120 and the connection method between the rail 132 and rail receiver 116 are easily attached and detached in a manner that adds versatility and quick interchange capability. Shoe cover body assembly 110 is repeatable in a number of styles and colors further enhancing versatility and choice of appearance for user-wearer 140. In this way the present invention is multi-functional.
Modular shoe cover system may be sold as kit 440 comprising the following parts: at least one shoe cover assembly 110, at least one shoe body 120, and at least one set of user-wearer instructions 442. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Modular shoe cover system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user-wearer preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different indicator combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.
Referring now to FIG. 5 showing flowchart 550 illustrating method of use 500 for modular shoe cover system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.
As shown, method of use 500 may comprise the steps of: step one 501, attaching shoe cover assembly 110 to shoe body 120; step two 502, wearing modular shoe cover assembly 110 by user-wearer 140; step three 503, removing modular shoe cover assembly 110 from user-wearer 140.
It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user-wearer preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user-wearer preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A modular shoe cover system comprising:

a shoe cover assembly comprising;

a shoe body having;

a sole;

an outside surface;

an inside surface;

a heel;

a seat;

a rail; and

a plurality of first-fasteners;

a shoe cover comprising;

a cover-body;

a retainer strip comprising a rail receiver; and

a plurality of second-fasteners;

wherein said modular shoe cover system comprises said shoe cover assembly;

wherein said shoe cover assembly comprises said shoe body and said shoe cover comprise in functional combination;

wherein said shoe body is structurally defined by said sole, said outside surface, said inside surface, said heel, said seat, said rail, and said plurality of first-fasteners;

wherein said shoe cover is structurally defined by said cover-body, said rail receiver, said retainer strip, and said plurality of second-fasteners;

wherein said shoe cover is able to be removably coupleable to said shoe body via fastening said plurality of first-fasteners to said plurality of second-fasteners;

wherein said rail and said rail receiver in combination allow for an advantage coupling of said shoe cover to said shoe body to cause said shoe cover to tightly adhere to said shoe body to maintain a taunt condition in a reliable manner; and

wherein said modular shoe cover system is structured and arranged such that a user-wearer is able to readily interchangably modify an appearance of shoe(s) according to a preference of said user-wearer.

2. The modular shoe cover system of claim 1 wherein said advantage coupling comprises said rail and said rail receiver in combination along with said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners to allow said shoe cover to hug-adjacent said shoe body such that surface contact is fully enabled between said shoe cover and said outside surface of said shoe body.

3. The modular shoe cover system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners are located on said inside surface of said shoe body.

4. The modular shoe cover system of claim 3 wherein said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners are located on said inside surface of said shoe body such that a double-coupling is achieved via an overlap of said shoe cover over said shoe body over said outside surface and said inside surface.

5. The modular shoe cover system of claim 4 wherein said outside surface and said inside surface are used as friction surfaces to maximize surface area contact with said shoe cover.

6. The modular shoe cover system of claim 5 wherein said shoe body acts in a capacity of a fulcrum to minimize sheer stress imparted on said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners.

7. The modular shoe cover system of claim 6 wherein said fulcrum maximizes tautness via providing a counterforce against a combination of attached said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners.

8. The modular shoe cover system of claim 6 wherein said fulcrum maximizes tautness via providing a counterforce against said rail and said rail receiver in combination.

9. The modular shoe cover system of claim 6 wherein said fulcrum provides an apex overwhich said cover-body is able to be stretched.

10. The modular shoe cover system of claim 1 wherein said rail removably attaches to said rail receiver.

11. The modular shoe cover system of claim 1 wherein said rail receiver is removably couplable from said rail.

12. The modular shoe cover system of claim 8 wherein said rail and rail receiver in combination provide leverage to enable said tautness.

13. The modular shoe cover system of claim 1 wherein said rail receiver overlaps said rail.

14. The modular shoe cover system of claim 1 wherein said rail and rail receiver are in continuous contact along their respective lengths.

15. The modular shoe cover system of claim 1 wherein said rail comprises a male-profile fastening means.

16. The modular shoe cover system of claim 1 wherein said rail comprises a female-profile fastening means.

17. A modular shoe cover system comprising:

a shoe cover assembly comprising;

a shoe body having;

a sole;

an outside surface;

an inside surface;

a heel;

a seat;

a rail; and

a plurality of first-fasteners;

a shoe cover comprising;

a cover-body;

a retainer strip comprising a rail receiver; and

a plurality of second-fasteners;

wherein said modular shoe cover system comprises said shoe cover assembly;

wherein said shoe cover assembly comprises said shoe body and said shoe cover comprises in functional combination;

wherein said rail and said rail receiver in combination allow for an advantage coupling of said shoe cover to said shoe body to cause said shoe cover to tightly adhere to said shoe body to maintain a taunt condition in a reliable manner;

wherein said advantage coupling comprises said rail and said rail receiver in combination along with said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners to allow said shoe cover to hug-adjacent said shoe body such that surface contact is fully enabled between said shoe cover and said outside surface of said shoe body;

wherein said rail removably attaches to said rail receiver;

wherein said rail receiver is removably couplable from said rail;

wherein said rail receiver overlaps said rail;

wherein said rail and rail receiver are in continuous contact along their respective lengths;

wherein said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners are located on said inside surface of said shoe body;

wherein said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners are located on said inside surface of said shoe body such that a double-coupling is achieved via an overlap of said shoe cover over said shoe body over said outside surface and said inside surface;

wherein said outside surface and said inside surface are used as friction surfaces to maximize surface area contact;

wherein said fulcrum maximizes tautness via providing a counterforce against a combination of attached said plurality of first-fasteners and said plurality of second-fasteners;

wherein said fulcrum maximizes tautness via providing a counterforce against said rail and said rail receiver in combination;

wherein said fulcrum provides an apex overwhich said cover-body is able to be stretched; and

18. The modular shoe cover system of claim 17 further comprising a kit including:

said shoe cover assembly comprising said shoe body and a plurality of said shoe cover(s); and

a set of user-instructions.

19. A method of using a modular shoe cover system comprising the steps of:

attaching a shoe cover assembly to a shoe body

wearing the combination of shoe cover assembly and shoe body, and

removing the combination of shoe cover assembly and shoe body.