FOOTWEAR DEVICE

A shoe device comprises a padded portion, an adhesive applied to one side of the padded portion and a covering for the adhesive. The device can be adhered to an inner surface of a shoe or to an external surface, such as the sole of the shoe as a friction or non-slip device. The shoe device can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be adhered and removed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear (or, alternatively, shoes) and to accessories used with footwear. More specifically, the invention relates to a device that can be used inside of footwear as well as outside of footwear. More specifically, the invention relates to a footwear device which is an improvement in the application of shoe insole and insert accessories which can also be used with adhesive on shoe soles.

The present invention also relates to footwear that is designed with a toe portion that extends beyond the wearer's toes and to any footwear that is made for uniform fit for wearers or for specially designed footwear. For all of these types of footwear, it is important that the footwear maintains its shape throughout its useful life and also be protected against wear. Further, such footwear should remain comfortable for the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The improved device of the present invention comprises multi-purpose shoe pad products that are in the field of footwear insoles and insert accessories. Each shape is created to fit the ball of the inside of each shoe style. This is a unisex shoe pad product fitted for all footwear and shoe wear. The inventor claims a multi-purpose shoe shape fashion shoe and footwear pad. This can be used for the ball of the foot, the back of the heel, the bottom of the sole tread, inside the back of the heel, used as a ball of foot protector for the pointed and elongated-style shoes. The products are created with an adhesive which allows the product to be placed anywhere on the wearer's shoe wear. Without the adhesive, the device can be used as a shoe pad which is transferrable into any shoe. Each shoe shape pad has its own function. The product can also be placed in the top tongue of the upper sole of the shoe style, or within the toe box, to prevent dents and creases in the upper portion of the shoe. The pads can be created in different fashion patterns and material to add to the appearance of the outside of the shoe sole. The inventor contemplates six (6) different shapes as novel over the prior art in that the prior art shoe and footwear insoles and inserts are created for one design and for one place and one function at a time for each product. The device of the present invention is not so limited.

As a preliminary matter, a shoe, generally identified10, of the type that is known in the art is illustrated inFIG. 1. As shown, the shoe10is a woman's-style shoe comprising an “upper” portion11(or simply “upper”) and a “bottom” or sole16portion (or simply “sole”). The sole16comprises an outsole12, a heel13, a heel seat14and a heel top piece15. Disposed between the upper11and the sole16is an insole17, a toe box18and a counter19, the toe box18being the front portion of the shoe10within which the user's toes and sole rest and the counter being the back portion of the shoe10within which the user's heel rests.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4show several device shapes, the device being generally identified20,22and24. The third shaped device24is a square comprising the padded portion24, an adhesive surface26to one side of the padded portion24and a removable covering28, such as a plasticized paper covering. It is to be understood that the devices20,22,24can come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and thicknesses, depending on the application, although a key feature here is that the same device can be used in a multitude of ways.

By way of a first specific example, the present device can be used as a “Back of Heel” cushion30used within the shoe10. SeeFIG. 5. As shown, the cushion30is greatly exaggerated in its thickness and such thickness is shown for purposes of understanding the preferred embodiment of the invention. In this use, the device is used as follows:cushion the back of heel or any uncomfortable area in shoes;virtually invisible design for long-lasting comfort and fit;help prevent heels from slipping in and out of shoes; andhelp prevent blisters from forming, among other things.

By way of a second specific example, the present device can be used as a “Ball of Foot” cushion40used within a shoe10, the shoe10comprising a woman's-style shoe as shown inFIG. 1. SeeFIG. 6. In this use, the device is used as follows:cushion the ball of foot area and relieve stressed out feet;virtually invisible design for long-lasting comfort and fit;help prevent foot from slipping and sliding in the shoe10; andhelp prevent calluses from forming, among other things.

For use, the adhesive backing28would first be removed, the device30,40would be positioned in a clean and dry area of the shoe10and would be pressed firmly in place.

By way of a third specific example, the present device50can be used as a “Non-Skid” device used on the outer sole, or outsole12, of the shoe10. In this use, the device is used as follows:virtually invisible, long-lasting designer tread;protect outer soles from wear and tear; andprevent new shoe slip-ups on all surfaces, among other things.

For use, an adhesive backing28would first be removed, the device50would be positioned in a clean and dry outer sole, or outsole12, of the shoe10and would be pressed firmly in place. SeeFIG. 7.

In a last representative embodiment, the device60can be used as a stiffener for the toe box18, as shown inFIG. 8, with the same type of adhesion being used.