Abstract:
Provided is footwear covering device that covers the calf and ankle region of a piece of footwear. The device has a base panel that is modifiable with trim panels, adornment straps, and adornment hangers. Trim panels may have glitter, velvet, faux fur or other material suitable for adding accent to the upper edge of a boot. The trim is removably secured to the top of the footwear covering and thus appears as edge trim for the underlying footwear when in use. Adornment straps and hangers having decorative embellishments are wrapped around the footwear covering, or allowed to hang downward form an upper edge. Thus, each user can customize the overall appearance of the footwear covering to his or her liking. The covering can be placed over old or damaged footwear to provide a fresh new appearance that protects the underlying footwear from damage.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/896,381 filed on Oct. 28, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to footwear covers. More specifically, it relates to a decorative cover for boots, having optional adornments and multiple styling configurations. The cover is ideally suited for use with boots that have aesthetic damage, or are out of style. 
         [0004]    Fashion trends change with every passing season. So to does the style of footwear that is en vogue. One season, a knee high colored patent leather boots may be “all the rage”, while the next season brings with it gladiator style sandals with wedge heels. The rapidity with which trends change makes them difficult to follow and even harder to afford. Acquiring the latest and greatest footwear each season can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars each season. Many a pocketbook, and a relationship, has been strained over the desire to have fashionable footwear at all times. 
         [0005]    In some seasons, the difference between fashion styles is subtle. A pair of boots that were fashionable last season may be essentially the same as a pair of boots that are fashionable this season, except that they lack fur trim. For many people it is difficult to justify the purchase of the newer pair of shoes if last season&#39;s fashion is already owned. People who regularly purchase new shoes to keep up with changing fashions may find themselves owning several pairs of nearly identical shoes. 
         [0006]    A shoe modification system is needed that enables users to update the appearance of footwear. The present invention solves this problem by providing a means for adding adornment to a pair of shoes. In this way, it helps users keep up with the latest footwear fashion trends while saving money. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0008]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to footwear coverings. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to protective coverings for footwear. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0009]    Coh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,022 discloses a tubular boot covering. The boot covering is a tube of material that slides down over the calf portion of the boot, covering the boot from top to ankle. Although Cohn discloses the use of several styles of tube and a variety of materials, it does not disclose additional panels, and removable elements. In this way the present invention is superior to the Cohn device because it provides users with a high degree of customization. A similar device is disclosed by Tweedie, U.S. Pat. No. 1,153,977. The Tweedie device is another boot cover and features lace façade on the front to provide the appearance of being a part of the boot. A portion of the lower edge of the boot cover may secure around the boot sole to keep the device in position during use. The Tweedie invention suffers from the same drawbacks as the Cohn device. 
         [0010]    A variation on the tubular boot covering is disclosed in Datson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,207. The boot covering is a protective device that reduces damage to boots during use. The device is tubular with a series of button snaps aligned in a vertical column. The snaps enable easy application and removal of the device. Datson does not disclose the use of any trim panels, additional straps, or hanging adornments. 
         [0011]    Other patents disclose single boot adornment elements. Castle, U.S. patent application publication no. 2012/0174442 discloses a clip for the upper edges f calf length boots. The clip is shaped like a bangle style bracelet. It is a solid circlet with a break in the loop at one portion. The loop can be pried apart at the break to enable insertion of the boot upper edge. The clip is then secured onto the upper edge of the boot, forming a decorative edge trim once in place. Paraszczak, U.S. patent application publication no. 8353117 teaches another edge trim decoration for a boot. The device is a strap, with a monogram plate that slides over the strap. The monogram plate can be switched out for different letters and symbols so that users can customize the displayed letters. Once the desired monogram plate(s) is affixed, the strap is buckle around the top of a boot. Unlike the present invention, these devices do not cover any portion of the calf of the boot, nor does it offer decorative elements around the ankle region. 
         [0012]    These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. None of these devices teaches a plurality of elements that can be assembled in a customizable configuration to form a decorative and protective boot cover. The present invention incldes a number of structural elements that are combined to form a boot cover with the appearance desired by the user. It substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing footwear covering devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of footwear modification devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new customizable foot cover wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when updating the look of shoes and boots 
         [0014]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved customizable footwear covering device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a footwear cover that can be adorned with a selection of optional elements. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a foot cover that removably secures to a pair of boots, covering blemishes, scratches, and imperfections that would otherwise deter the user from wearing the shoes. 
         [0017]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the user with a cheap and efficient way to update the look of a pair of shoes. 
         [0018]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide footwear covering that can protect the exterior of a pair of shoes or boots. 
         [0019]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a modifiable and customizable footwear covering that enables users to express personal creativity in designing the look of their shoes. 
         [0020]    A Still further object of the present invention is to provide footwear covering that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability. 
         [0021]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows an overhead view of an exemplary implementation of the unassembled parts of the modifiable footwear covering device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an exemplary configuration of the footwear covering decorative elements, in use. The footwear covering is wrapped around the calf portion of a knee-high boot. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the modifiable footwear covering being applied to the calf region of a boot. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the modifiable footwear covering. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for customizing the appearance of a shoe or boot. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplary implementation of the footwear covering device with its individual elements separated. The footwear covering  100  has a base panel  110 , trim panel  120 , adornment straps  130 , and hanging adornments  150 ,  151 . These components may be arranged in a variety of combinations to create unique designs, as well as to add or remove functionality. By way of example, the addition of fur trim to the footwear covering may increase insulation of a user&#39;s upper calf, an advantageous feature during cold weather. Users can easily add or remove design elements from the base panel. As styles and trends change, a user can add new fashion elements and remove those that have become outdated. 
         [0028]    The base panel  110  is configured to wrap around the calf, ankle, and upper foot region of the wearer, whereby the base panel comprises side edges that fasten together. A zip fastener line of connection secures the side edges to one another, forming a substantially cylindrical shape for the wearer&#39;s leg to reside. The upper edge  111  of the base panel further comprises a fastener  111  thereon, which is used to secure the trim panel  120  thereto. The fastener  111  preferably comprises a strip of hook and loop fastening, however alternate fasteners are contemplated. 
         [0029]    One example of the assembled device in use is shown in  FIG. 2 . The footwear covering  100  is removably secured over a footwear article. A trim panel  120  of faux fur is removably secured to the upper edge of the base panel  110 . This creates the appearance of a fur trim extending from the top of the boot. Trim panels  120  are attached via the upper fastener (e.g. hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or the like), and disposed along an upper edge of the base panel  110 , and on the inner or outer face thereof. Complimentary fasteners along the trim panel secure the trim panel  120  to the base panel  110 . Each hanging adornment has an attachment loop  151  disposed at one end and a distal end  130 . The loop is secured by the trim panel  120 , which is disposed through the attachment loop  151  of the hanging adornment. In this way, a hanging adornment can be incorporated into the footwear covering. In other embodiments, the hanging adornment may snap or otherwise fastener directly to the base panel  110 . 
         [0030]    An adornment strap  130  may also be affixed around the lower edge of the base panel  110  of the device  100 . The adornment straps have an adjustable length, whereby a buckle is disposed at one end of the strap  130 . The strap  130  is buckled around the ankle area, to create an aesthetically pleasing mask for the lower edge of the footwear covering. In some embodiments, the lower edge of the base panel may have snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or other fastening means that mate with corresponding fasteners disposed along all or part of the rear face of the adornment straps. Thus, the adornment strap  130  can be secured to a portion of the base panel  110  directly. This embodiment reduces shifting of the adornment straps  130  when in use, and provides a better mask for the base panel lower edge. 
         [0031]    Assembled, the footwear covering device provides the appearance of being a part of the underlying footwear  200 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the Base panel  110  covers the upper portion of a knee-high boot, including the area from the upper edge of the boot down to the user&#39;s ankle. The side edges of the base panel zip fasten together, encircling the upper portion of the boot. Once positioned, the footwear covering provides an aesthetically pleasing protective covering for the footwear, hiding any visible damage to the boot and reducing the likelihood that further damage will occur. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the base panel  110  is a rectangular panel of material bounded by an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing side edges. Dimensions of the base panel will vary depending upon the type of shoe the foot cover will be used to cover. Taller shoes like boots will require larger base panels than ankle booties. A zipper, hook and eyelet closure, or similar closure means is disposed along the two side edges, each side edge having half of a mating portion of the closure means. Depicted in the figures are vertical zipper halves disposed along the length of edge side edge, the zipper halves combining in use to form a line of securement. The interior surface of the base panel may be lined or unlined depending upon the need to protect the underlying shoe from the base panel. Base panels constructed of abrasive fabrics may need to be lined to protect the underling boot. 
         [0033]    Trim panels  120  are rectangular panels having a width equal to or greater than that of the base panel  110 . Vertical height of the trim panels is significantly less than that of the base panel, as the trim panels are intended to cover only a portion near the upper edge of the base panel when in use. Each trim panel may be constructed of, or covered in a different material. One trim panel may be made of a faux fur fabric, while another is a panel of material covered in sequins. Still another panel may be plain, and made of the same material as the base panel, but in a contrasting color or pattern. The rear surface of each trim panel has a strip of hook and loop fastener or other fastening means disposed thereon, This hook and loop fastener mates with hook and loop fastener disposed along a portion of the upper edge of the base panel. The base panel hook and loop fastener may be disposed along the front face, rear face, or both. In this manner, trim panels can easily be applied and removed, giving the base panel a different appearance with each application. 
         [0034]    Adornment straps  130  are straps with buckles or snaps disposed at one end. Each strap is sized to wrap around the boot cover when in use. A variety of different types of decorations may adorn the straps. Conchos, gemstones, glitter, embossing, and other forms of decoration may be applied to the adornment straps. When these straps are fastened around the footwear covering, the overall design of the device is changed. Users may have a number of adornment straps and may switch them out for different occasions. Adornment hangers  150  are short strips of material with a securable loop at one end and one or more adornments disposed thereon. The loop is secured by the trim panels  120  or are fastened directly to the base panel, such that the adornment hanger hangs down the side of the footwear covering in use. Tassels, conchos, chain links, and the like may be used as adornment hangers, to create an attractive, dangling feature. 
         [0035]    The footwear covering device may be made form a variety of materials. Because some users may desire for the footwear covering to look like it is part of the underlying shoe, the covering may be offered in many different shades and finishes of leather. In some embodiments, the support and adornment straps are constructed of the same material as the base panel. In other embodiments, the support and adornment straps are made of contrasting leather. 
         [0036]    The present invention is a footwear covering that encircles the wear&#39;s ankle and calf regions when in use. The appearance of the footwear covering is customizable via trim panels, adornment straps, and adornment hangers. Users can modify the footwear covering as desired and place it over damaged boots to cover up deep scratches, water damage or the like. The footwear covering can also be used to update the look of older footwear. By way of illustration, boots that are several years old but in good condition may be covered with the footwear covering and adorned with rhinestones, or other fashionable embellishments. 
         [0037]    It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0038]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.