PCT Patent Application

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT application is related to, and claims priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/492,347, filed May 1, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to women's clothing and accessories, and in

particular, to ornamental and defensive interchangeable compact shoe comfort devices for high heeled shoes and low heeled shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Women often lament the limitations of their shoe collections and the pain and discomfort caused by all the heels they have, but they wish they had more shoes to provide a different fashionable look each day. However, good shoes are expensive and storage space may be limited. Many women have also noticed that the heel can easily become scuffed and soiled, especially while driving, descending a flight of stairs, or the daily wear and tear of the back portion of the shoe. The present invention targets to protect the absolute rear portion of the high heel shoes and the heel of the feet while adding a unique style. A way to accessorize a favorite, stylish pair of high heeled shoes, to present a different and unique appearance with the same pair of shoes and protect the heel from becoming scuffed and soiled as well as wear and tear damage, and give extra comfort to the heel of the feet would be welcomed. An ornamental defensive comfort device for high heeled shoes, which can provide a substantive and fashionable change in appearance for a low cost, would resolve this problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to an interchangeable ornamental defensive comfort device for high heeled shoes. The defensive comfort device can also be used for non-high- heeled shoes. The defensive comfort device is interchangeable and is made from different fabrics, such as but not limited to cotton, polyester, silk, leather, lace or any woven, non- woven, as well, as knitted fabrics that are used per each unique design. The defensive

compact shoe comfort device also comprises a unique glow in the dark components which can be included but not limiting to in the bow section of the device making it completely different from any defensive shoe device. In a preferred embodiment, the defensive

compact shoe comfort device comprises an elastic band which is used to secure the

defensive compact shoe comfort device to the high heel . The elastic band is located at the bottom of the compact shoe comfort device. At the center of the compact shoe comfort device is a decorative bow. The compact shoe comfort device further comprises a flap which is inserted into the back of the shoe, and keeps the compact shoe comfort secured to the high heel shoe. The flap contains a gel strip which is designed to give extreme comfort to all heel users and prevent sores and blisters from new shoes and comfort in the heel of the feet. In a preferred embodiment, the defensive compact shoe comfort device contains an interchangeable zipper portion which allows the user to change the elasticized portion for such purposes as color change, size change, or simply to wash it off without affecting the ornamental portion of the device.

[0005] The present invention also relates to an ornamental interchangeable defensive Compact Shoe comfort device comprising a low or small shoe, a flap, and a thin elastic. The thin elastic is stitched to each side of the flap and wraps around the small or low heel.

[0006] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplar}' and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0007] Fig. 1 is a front view of a flower version of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying an embodiment of the compact shoe comfort device, the flap, the decorative bow, elastic band, and also shows the interchangeable zipper portion, and a glow in the dark feature and a soft gel strip for comfort.

[0008] Fig. 2 is a cut out view of all the material for the compact shoe comfort. The cut-out shows the way that each material should be cut and shaped before putting it all together.

[0009] Fig. 3. is a template of how the materials would look in their corresponding position without being stitched together yet.

[0010] Fig. 4 is the compact shoe comfort device combined with a thin elastic.

[001 1] Fig. 5 is an image of a loafer-type shoe/slip-on shoe with the compact shoe comfort device.

[0012] Fig. 6 is an image of a specialized sewing machine that has been customized to make the compact shoe comfort device.

[0013] Fig. 6A is an image of a specialized sewing foot. [0014] Fig. 6B is an image of a specialized sewing needle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to an ornamental defensive compact shoe comfort device 100 for high heeled shoes. [0016] It is to be understood that while the word "bow" is used as a descriptive term, the word "bow" in this context is used to describe any type of decorative object which may be attached to a woman's high-heeled shoe.

[0017] Figure 1 comprises an ornamental defensive compact shoe comfort device 100, which is preferably, but not limited, to 1 to 1.5 inches wide, and 5 inches long. The defensive Compact Shoe Comfort device 100 is interchangeable and is made from different fabrics, such as, but not limited, to cotton, polyester, silk, leather, lace or any woven, non-woven, as well as knitted fabrics that is used per each unique design, in a broad variety of sizes, colors, and patterns.

[0018] Figure 2 shows how interchangeable plays a role in the design and functionality of the devices. It becomes interchangeable by having the ability to change the bottom elastic portion of the device which includes a miniature invisible or visible zipper made from plastic, polyester, nylon or metal. This allows the user to change the elasticized portion for such purposes as color change, size change, or simply to wash it off without affecting the ornamental portion of the device.

[0019] The compact shoe comfort device 100 comprises an elastic band 130 which is used to secure the compact shoe comfort device 100 to a high heel. The elastic band 130 wraps around the heel giving it a defensive shield from the wear and tear from its surroundings. At the center of the compact shoe comfort device 100 is a decorative bow 120, which may be provided but is not limited to in a flower version, a ribbon version, lace version or any other designs. Glow in the dark features 220 are added to the ornamental defensive compact shoe comfort device to give it a unique look. This feature can also be included along the sides of the connecting strap between the elasticized bottom 130 to the ornamental 120 portion of the defensive compact shoe comfort device. These components allow the device to be seen at night making it completely different from any defensive shoe device. In one preferred embodiment, the compact shoe comfort device 100 also provides a flap 110 which is inserted into the back of the shoe to keep the compact shoe comfort device 100 secured to the shoe. The flap 110 goes inside the shoe touching the inside counter portion of the shoe and prevents the ornam ental defensive compact shoe comfort device from falling off the high heel shoe. [0020] In another embodiment, the compact shoe comfort device 100 comprises a mortarboard and scrolled diploma emblem for a graduation version, or a holly bough or a Santa Ciaus face for a Christmas versions. Bridesmaids' versions may be specially ordered to match the illustrations on the wedding theme, a Mother's Day version may provide a simple flower design, a corporate/charity version can have a logo that is geared to the particular company and/or charity, decorative bows 120 which are not machine washable are removable from the elasticized portion 130 of the device with portion 1 10.

[0021] In one preferred embodiment, a user inserts the high heel into the elasticized loop 130 and pulls the elasticized band 130 upward to the base of the heel, stretching the elastic band 130. The elasticized band 130 is cut in a very specific way as shown in figure 2. The user then places the flap 110 into the top end of the shoe, and pulls the compact shoe comfort device 100 taut against the rear counter surface of the shoe. The soft gel strip 160 will automatically be in its correct position once the flap 1 10 is placed taut inside the heel. This strip is designed to give extreme comfort to all heel users. This will prevent sores and blisters from new shoes and comfort in the heel of the feet.

[0022] Figure 3 shows how the materials would look in their corresponding position without being stitched together yet. Figure 3 also shows a zipper section 140 that attaches the vinyl or leather to the bottom elasticized band 130 making the design interchangeable.

[0023] In one preferred embodiment, the compact shoe comfort device 100 and the flap 1 10 are preferably manufactured, but not limited to, from vinyl or leather. The flap has different components 200 which is preferably manufactured, but not limited to, from leather or vinyl. 210 is preferably manufactured, but not limited to, from flexible wire 220, which is preferably manufactured from soft gel 150 which is preferably manufactured, but not limited to, from glow- in the dark material. The decorative bow 120 is preferably manufactured, but not limited to, from a flexible, durable fabric such as cotton or polyester, or a rigid, durable material which is easily cleaned, such as plastic, aluminum alloy, or acrylic polymer. The elastic band 130 is preferably manufactured, but not limited to, from a flexible, durable fabric which is highly elastic, such as elasticized cotton. The interchangeable device 140 is preferably manufactured from, but not limited to, a miniature invisible or visible zipper made from plastic, polyester, nylon or metal . The soft gel heel comfort is preferably manufactured, but not limited to, from silicone gel, gel material components, component sizes and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the ornamental defensive compact shoe comfort device.

[0024] Figure 4 shows how the materials would look in their corresponding position when using a thin elastic 410 that is geared towards low-heeled shoes, slip-on shoes, loafers, men's dress shoes, etc. This variation of the compact shoe comfort, device 100 is designed for those shoes that have a smaller heel, for both men and women's shoes. The thin elastic 410 is stitched to each side of the flap 110. This thin elastic 410 wraps around the small heel, which is

demonstrated in Figure 5.

[0025] Figure 5 shows how the combination of materials for the compact shoe comfort device 100 along with the thin elastic 410 appears on a small-heeled shoe, slip-on shoes, loafers, men's dress shoes, etc.

[0026] Figure 6 shows a specialized sewing machine 500 that has been customized to make the compact shoe comfort device 100. This specialized sewing machine 500 joins together the various components of the compact shoe comfort device. In one embodiment, a machine is used to make the compact shoe comfort. It is preferably a heavy duty sewing machine. This machine can do a lot because it can stitch the decorative section of the compact shoe comfort device 100 with the regular stitches that are standard to the machine. It can also be used for the thicker section of the compact shoe comfort device 100 which include but is not limited to: leather, vinyl and elastic. To be able to use the machine in heavy duty materials, the foot and the needle of the sewing machine needs to be changed. The perfect sewing foot is the sewing machine walking foot 510, as shown in Figure 6A. Once this foot is changed, the needle also has to be changed. The needle 520 to be used is one that is special for leather or thick materials, as shown in Figure 6B. Once the needle and the foot are changed in the heavy duty machine, the compact shoe comfort device 100 can be created with ease. The sewing walking foot 510 feeds the leather or vinyl portions of the compact shoe comfort device 100 through the machine allowing the user to work easily with thick materials. To change the foot of the machine, the needle has to be removed first. Once the needle is removed, the foot can then be removed. Once the foot is removed, the walking foot 510 can be placed on the machine. Then the specialized leather needle 520 can be placed so that the bottom elastic section and the top leather or vinyl section can be completed.

Definitions:

[0027] Lace is defined as a fine decorative thin open fabric that is made up of silk or cotton and is made from different patterns that can be obtained by looping, twisting and knitting the threads. The lace is used as the decorative section in Figure 1 that covers section 110. Different compact shoe comforts will have different lace designs with different colors depending on the design.

[0028] Ribbon is defined as a long strip of fabric that can vary in width from 1 inch to less than a cm wide used specifically for decoration of the CSC. The ribbon can be used as the decorative portion of the compact shoe comfort (CSC) as shown in Figure 1 section 110. The ribbon can also be used to create the bows or decorative section that is shown in section 120 of Figure 1.

[0029] Leather is defined as a luxury material made from the skin of an animal which goes through the process of tanning or some other similar process and is used as section 110 of the CSC. The Leather is the main part of the CSC as it extends from the bottom all the way to the top and is used as the main bone of the CSC. The leather is then decorated with different

embroidery, laces, ribbons, etc to make the beautiful designs for the CSC.

[0030] Wire is defined as a thin flexible metal thread or rod that is used inside the leather or vinyl and helps give shape to the CSC and also helps it stay in place. This can be seen in section 210 of figure 2. The wire helps the CSC wrap around the back of the heel of the shoe and stay in place while attached to the shoe. [0031] Textile is defined as a type of woven fabric or cloth and is a term used for the CSC as it is created with a combination of different textiles to create the final design. PVC is defined as Polyvinyl Cloride and also known as Vinyl. Terms PVC, Vinyl and PU (polyurethane) tend to be used interchangeably by retailers for clothing made from shiny plastic-coated fabrics. These fabrics usually consist of a backing woven from polyester fibers with a surface coating of shiny plastic.

[0032] Vinyl is defined as Polyvinyl Cloride or also known as PVC is used as a lower quality textile for the leather portion of the CSC. Vinyl is used for less expensive designs to create section 110 of Figure 1 of the Compact Shoe Comfort. Vinyl helps reduce the price because it is a man-made material.

[0033] Artificial is defined as a man-made product and most of the materials needed to create the CSC are artificial because they are produced by humans rather than occurring naturally.

[0034] Sew is defined as the process of stitching with a needle and thread and sewing machine all the materials or textiles required to make the CSC. This includes but is not limited to sewing or fastening together all the materials as shown in figure 1 which include section 100 through section 160 and all the components of Figure 2 which also include the bottom elastic portion of the compact shoe comfort.

[0035] Shoe is defined as a device for covering the foot made from materials including leather or vinyl or any other material and that include a sturdy sole to keep the foot protected from the rough natural surfaces in the world.

[0036] Gel is defined as a jellylike substance shaped into a small strip that is used to give extreme comfort to the CSC user. The gel can be seen in section 220 in figure 2. This helps prevent sores and blisters on the heel of the feet that are caused from wearing high heels or wearing any type of new shoes including loafers. [0037] Bow is defined as a knot with two loops and two loose ends created with different decorative ribbon, lace, fabric or any other textile that can be used to create section 120 of figure 1.

[0038] Elastic is defines as an object or material that is extremely flexible and is able to takes back its normal shape right after it has been stretched. The bottom elastic portion of the CSC can be seen in figure 2 in section 230 and 240.

[0039] Embroider is defined as the decoration by sewing patterns of ribbons, laces, cloths or any other decorative material, with thread of the visible portion of the CSC as shown in figure 1 section 110.

[0040] Thread is defined as a long thin strand of cotton, nylon or other fibers that is used for sewing with a needle manually or with a machine. Thread is used for the CSC to stich together all components shown in Figure 2 and Figure 4 as well as the decorative section shown in Figure 1 section 110.

[0041] Machine is defined as a sewing apparatus that uses power and is made up of several parts which helps in the making of the CSC by mechanically stitching all the components of the CSC together with thread.

[0042] Embellish is defined as something that is made more attractive which creates the decorative section of the CSC as shown in figure 1. section 110 and section 120.

[0043] Glow is defined as something that gives light in the darkness without using a flame. Not all CSC will have glow in the dark features but the designs that do have it will be as shown in Figure 2 section 220. [0044] Heel is defined as the back part of the foot below the ankle that is being protected from Sores and Blisters caused by new shoes with the CSC. The heel of the foot and the heel of the shoe will both be protected with the help of the Compact shoe Comfort.

[0045] Zipper is defined as a device consisting of two flexible strips of metal or plastic with interlocking projections closed or opened by pulling a slide along them, used to fasten to top portion as shown in Figure 3 section 140 and bottom portion of the compact shoe comfort.

[0046] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within t e scope and spirit of the invention.