SHOE PAD

[01] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/127,014, filed on May 10, 2008, and titled "Absorbent, Washable, Reusable Shoe Insert Pad", which application is incorporated by reference herein as though set forth herein in full.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[02] The present invention pertains to removable pads that can be used with various kinds of shoes, as well as to various uses of such pads.

BACKGROUND

[03] There are many types of conventional shoe inserts to combat odor and wetness. Such conventional inserts typically are designed to remain in the shoe between wearings, and often include compounds to kill bacteria and mask or reduce odor. They are usually flat or molded foam, rubber, or plastic, and often include orthotic designs. Usually, they are designed to be disposed of after they begin to break down or otherwise lose their effectiveness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[04] While conventional shoe inserts can be useful for their intended purposes, the present invention employs a different kind of shoe insert, one that generally has different purposes than the conventional inserts. In this regard, for aesthetic purposes or other reasons it often is desirable to wear shoes without socks. However, doing so can cause discomfort and/or odor, e.g., from sweat.

[05] The present invention addresses this problem by, among other things, providing a washable, absorbent, reusable shoe insert pad that takes the place of socks, or can be worn in addition to socks. A removable shoe pad according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention keeps the user's foot drier than simply placing a bare foot into the shoe. As a result, the pad typically reduces chafing and odor, e.g., by absorbing much of the moisture that would normally be absorbed into the shoe itself. In the preferred embodiments, the removable shoe pad is shaped like the insole of the shoe (or at least a portion thereof), and is fabricated in different standard shoe sizes and styles.

More preferably, a removable shoe pad according to the present invention is made entirely (or substantially entirely) of fabric (even more preferably, natural fabric), with no intentionally added chemicals or other compounds.

[06] Thus, one particular embodiment of the invention is directed to a shoe-pad assembly that includes a top layer of sheet material, a bottom layer of sheet material and a middle layer located between the top layer of sheet material and the bottom layer of sheet material, with the top layer of sheet material, the bottom layer of sheet material and the middle layer quilted together into a removable shoe pad that is shaped so as to conform to at least a portion of a shoe insole.

[07] The foregoing summary is intended merely to provide a brief description of certain aspects of the invention. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by referring to the claims and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[08] In the following disclosure, the invention is described with reference to the attached drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings merely depict certain representative and/or exemplary embodiments and features of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The following is a brief description of each of the attached drawings.

[09] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad according to a representative embodiment of the present invention.

[10] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a removable shoe pad that has been partially cutaway and has had its layers separated out.

[11] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the insertion of a removable shoe pad into a shoe.

[12] Figure 4 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad having a toe protection strip.

[13] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of a removable shoe pad having a plurality of skid-resistant elements.

[14] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a removable shoe pad having a strip for covering at least a portion of the wearer's foot.

[15] Figure 7 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad that is sized and shaped to be inserted into the front portion of a mule or slingback shoe.

[16] Figure 8 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad that is sized and shaped to be inserted into the front portion of a mule or slingback shoe and that includes a toe protection strip.

[17] Figure 9 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad that is sized and shaped to be inserted into the front portion of a pointed-toe mule or slingback shoe.

[18] Figure 10 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad that is sized and shaped to be inserted into the front portion of a pointed-toe mule or slingback shoe and that includes a toe protection strip.

[19] Figure 11 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad that is sized and shaped to cover the portion of a shoe from the wearer's heel to the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[20] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad 10 according to a representative embodiment of the present invention (e.g., with the bottom plan view being a mirror image of the top plan view), and Figure 2 is a perspective view of shoe pad 10, partially cut away and having had its layers separated out. As shown in Figure 2, shoe pad 10 is constructed of two layers of batting 12 and 13 that are covered by a top sheet 15 and a bottom sheet 16. In the preferred embodiments, sheets 15 and 16 are made entirely or substantially entirely of a natural fabric material, such as a felted or woven cotton or wool. The sheets 15 and 16 and the batting layers 12 and 13 preferably are quilted together, which often can provide greater stability and loft. The quilted fabric is then cut into the shape of the insole of a shoe. Finally, a strip 18 is attached entirely around the perimeter to cover and enclose all raw edges, or the edges are finished with serge stitching.

[21] Generally speaking, a shoe pad 10 according to the present invention includes a top layer, a bottom layer and a middle layer sandwiched between those layers, with the entire pad being quilted together. This structure can, e.g., provide many of the benefits of a conventional sock and, in many cases, it can even provide superior performance and/or durability, all while remaining largely inconspicuous. In the preferred embodiments, the entire pad 10 is fabricated entirely or substantially entirely from natural or organic materials.

[22] In the embodiment described above, a sheet of material is quilted and then cut into the desired shape. Generally speaking, such an approach is preferred for its efficiency (e.g., allowing the quilting to be performed on a single rectangular or other standard shape and then allowing multiple pads 10 to be cut from the resulting sheet). However, in alternate embodiments, the individual pieces (i.e., the top, middle and bottom layers) are first cut into the desired shape, and then the assembly is quilted together.

[23] As indicated above, the top sheet 15 and bottom sheet 16 preferably are made of woven fabric, e.g., entirely or substantially entirely natural or organic material(s), such as cotton, wool or silk. Ordinarily, top sheet 15 and bottom sheet 16 are two distinct sheets prior to being assembled into pad 10. However, in alternate embodiments top sheet 15 and bottom sheet 16 are cut as a unitary piece (e.g., from a single larger sheet of material), e.g., and then folded over so as to sandwich the middle layer.

[24] The middle layer preferably is made entirely or substantially entirely of natural or organic material(s). More preferably, such material is a fabric material (woven or non-woven), such as cotton (e.g., for warmer weather) or boiled wool (e.g., for colder weather). The thickness of the middle layer preferably is from approximately A inch to approximately ¹ A inch, e.g., depending upon the intended use (such as cold or warm weather), the amount of absorbency desired, and the type of material used. In the embodiment described above, the middle layer includes two batting layers 12 and 13. However, in alternate embodiments of any other number of woven or nonwoven (e.g., felted) batting layers instead may be used. In still further embodiments, the middle layer can be comprised of nonwoven fill material, either instead of or in addition to one or more batting layers. In any event, the middle layer preferably is made entirely or substantially entirely of a water-absorbent material, so as to facilitate the absorption of sweat.

[25] Edging strip 18 preferably is made of a fabric material. In various different embodiments, edging strip 18 can be fabricated as a single elongated strip or can comprise multiple individual segments. For example, such multiple individual segments sometimes can be used to provide a better fit to the peripheral contour of pad 10. Alternatively, edging strip 18 can be omitted entirely, e.g., by using a serge stitch to finish the edge.

[26] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the quilting used to join the top, middle and bottom layers preferably is achieved by using thread 20 to stitch in a desired pattern across the surface of the pad 10. The patterns illustrated in the accompanying drawings utilize stitching in two different directions, resulting in a pattern of adjacent rectangles or other parallelograms. However, it is noted that the specific stitching pattern generally is not

important. In any event, the stitching preferably results in the division of the surface of the pad 10 into multiple adjacent regions. Preferably, these regions are relatively small, so as to increase the stability and durability of the resulting pad 10. One measure for determining the size of such regions is the average minimum dimension of the regions (e.g., the average width of the regions for oval or rectangular-shaped regions). In the preferred embodiments, the average minimum dimension of the regions is not more than 1-2/4 inches. Another measure is the average circumference of the regions, which preferably is not more than 4, 6 or 8 inches.

[27] The shoe pad 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 generally is for insertion into a relatively flat-soled shoe 40, as shown in Figure 3. Generally speaking, the user simply slides pad 10 inside the shoe 40 so that pad 10 rests on the insole 42 of the shoe 40. Later, pad 10 preferably can be removed from shoe 40 in a similar manner, e.g., by lifting up one corner and then pulling pad 10 from shoe 40. In this way, the pad 10 can be inserted when desired and then removed (e.g., on a daily basis), washed and reused.

[28] Preferably, pad 10 is manufactured in different sizes, so as to conform to the insoles of differently sized shoes. In addition, similar pads preferably are manufactured (e.g., also in different sizes) for different styles of shoes. Some of those styles are discussed below. In each case, it generally is not necessary that the pad exactly matches the insole of the shoe to which it corresponds, but preferably at least corresponds or conforms to the matching shoe insole, e.g., in the sense that it fits within the shoe, covers those portions of the insole that the wearer's foot otherwise would contact, and/or is not excessively visible.

[29] On the other hand, with respect to the third consideration noted above, as shoe pads according to the present invention become increasingly common, it may be the case that visibility of the shoe pad itself is desirable from an aesthetic point of view. For instance, by simply using a shoe pad having a particular color and/or pattern the wearer often will be able to easily and inexpensively change the appearance of his or her shoe insoles (e.g., for sandals or other open-toe shoes where the appearance of the insole is more important).

[30] In any event, the shoe pads discussed below generally can be fabricated using any of the techniques and/or materials discussed above in connection with shoe pad 10. Some of the following removable shoe pads also include one or more additional features. It is to be understood that any or all of those features are not limited to the

embodiments in which they are discussed, but instead can be incorporated into any other embodiment.

[31] Figure 4 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad 50 (for the right shoe) which is similar to pad 10. However, unlike pad 10, pad 50 also includes a toe protection strip 55 that extends across the wearer's toes (or at least the wearer's toenails) when in use. In the preferred embodiments, protection strip 55 is made entirely or substantially entirely of a cotton jersey knit material. However, in alternate embodiments, strip 55 can be made of any other material (preferably, an entirely natural or substantially entirely natural material) and can be either elastic or relatively inelastic. As shown, toe protection strip 55 preferably extends at an angle across the top surface of pad 50 covering a region generally corresponding to the wearer's toes, e.g., thus protecting the wearer's toes and/or pedicure. In the current embodiment, strip 55 is attached to pad 50 by stitching its ends to the edges of pad 50, e.g., using the same stitching that is used to attach edging strip 18.

[32] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of removable shoe pad 50. Unlike pad 10, pad 50 has a portion of its bottom surface coated with skid-resistant material 57. In the present embodiment, the skid-resistant material 57 is applied as a number of separate elements (i.e., separated from each other on bottom sheet 16). Here, each of such elements is circularly shaped, and there are at least 10, 15 or 20 such elements. However, in alternate embodiments, any other number of elements and/or differently shaped elements instead may be used. Similarly, it is possible to coat all, substantially all or a majority of the bottom surface of pad 50 with skid-resistant material 57. Any of a variety of different materials may be used as skid-resistant material 57, such as natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, or even a tacky material or temporary adhesive material.

[33] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a removable shoe pad 60 that is similar to pad 10, but also includes a strip 65 that covers a portion of the wearer's foot different than that covered by toe protection strip 55. For example, strip 65 can cover the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot and/or the portion of the wearer's foot above the wearer's arch. Other than the different placement of strip 65, all of the considerations discussed above pertaining to strip 55 also pertain to strip 65.

[34] Figure 7 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad 70 that is sized and shaped to be inserted into the front portion of a mule or slingback shoe. That is, when inserted into such a shoe, pad 70 only covers the front portion of the shoe's insole, e.g., just the part of the shoe insole extending approximately from the metatarsal region 22 of a wearer's foot (or just behind the metatarsal region) to the distal end of the wearer's toes.

In addition, pad 70 includes a peripheral strip 72 that is attached to the rest of pad 70 using an adhesive material, by being molded onto the rest of pad 70, by being formed around the edge of pad 70 and then being allowed to cure, or in some other manner that does not use stitching.

[35] Figure 8 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad 80 (for the left shoe) that is similar to pad 70, but includes a toe protection strip 55 (similar to that of pad 50) and a stitched-on edging strip 18 (similar to that of pad 10). Figure 9 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad 90 that is sized and shaped to be inserted into the front portion of a pointed-toe mule or slingback shoe. Figure 10 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad 100 (for the right shoe) that is similar to pad 90, but also includes a toe protection strip 55 (similar to that of pad 50).

[36] Figure 11 is a top plan view of a removable shoe pad 110 that is sized and shaped to cover the portion of a shoe's insole from the wearer's heel 24 up to and including the metatarsal region of the wearer's foot, but excluding the region in underneath the wearer's toes. That is, pad 110 has been truncated just behind the wearer's toes. Such a shoe pad 110 can be particularly appropriate for open-toe shoes when the wearer does not want the pad to be visible.

[37] As indicated above, in addition to the functional advantages of the various shoe pads of the present invention, such pads can be fabricated so as to achieve any of several different aesthetic effects. One such aesthetic effect is achieved by using a smaller pad that covers only a portion of the shoe's insole 42, e.g., in order to conceal the removable shoe pad as much as possible. On the other hand, the top sheet 15 of a removable shoe pad according to the present invention can be aesthetically designed to match or complement the shoe with which it is to be used. For example, when using an entirely black top sheet 15 with black thread 30, the shoe pad often will go unnoticed even if it is clearly visible. Similarly, the shoe pad can be aesthetically designed to have the identical color and/or design pattern as some portion of the shoe with which it is to be used (e.g., the shoe's insole or upper). On the other hand, as noted above, the aesthetic design of the removable shoe pad can be intentionally selected so as to make a particular fashion statement.

[38] Another reason to use a smaller pad that covers only a portion of the shoe's insole 42 is in situations where use of a full pad potentially would result in unwanted slippage. For example, using a full pad in a shoe with a substantial heel might result in the

heel portion 24 of the pad slipping too much during ordinary use. In this case, it might be advisable to use a smaller pad, such as pad 70, 80, 90 or 100.

[39] Most or all of the components of a shoe pad according to the present invention preferably are made entirely or substantially entirely of a fabric material. As used herein, the term "fabric" refers to materials comprised of individual fibers, e.g., woven together into a sheet material, felted so as to form a sheet material, or simply grouped together to form a filling material. As noted above, such fabrics preferably are entirely or substantially entirely natural or organic.

[40] Finally, it is noted that a removable shoe pad according to the present invention can be sold individually or together with a pair of shoes that they are intended to match. In the latter case, the pads preferably are matched to the shoes in terms of size, style and aesthetic appearance.

[41] Several different embodiments of the present invention are described above, with each such embodiment described as including certain features. However, it is intended that the features described in connection with the discussion of any single embodiment are not limited to that embodiment but may be included and/or arranged in various combinations in any of the other embodiments as well, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[42] Similarly, in the discussion above, functionality sometimes is ascribed to a particular component. However, functionality generally may be redistributed as desired among any different components, in some cases completely obviating the need for a particular component or module and/or requiring the addition of new components or modules. The precise distribution of functionality preferably is made according to known tradeoffs, with reference to the specific embodiment of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[43] Thus, although the present invention has been described in detail with regard to the exemplary embodiments thereof and accompanying drawings, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various adaptations and modifications of the present invention may be accomplished without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings and described above. Rather, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the claims appended hereto.