Driving Shoe Heel and Back Protector

Abstract

A device used to protect the back and heel of a driver's shoe while the driver operates the pedals of a vehicle, such as an automobile. The protector has a body made of a pliable, flexible, and durable material that conforms to the contours of the back and heel of a shoe. Straps formed integrally with the body wrap around the driver's ankle, and a central portion of the protector extends over the rear and heel of the driver's shoe, keeping sharp dirt and abrasive debris from scuffing or scratching the shoe. The protector is constructed so it is easy to attach to and remove from the shoe within the limited confines of the driver's seat area. The compact and flexible construction of the protector makes it portable or easy to store when not in use.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims no benefit from any previous patent applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]I. Field of Invention[0003]The invention described here is for a one-piece flexible shoe back and heel protector, which protects the rear of a driver's shoe from scuff marks, abrasions and scratches as the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals of an automobile or other vehicle. This shoe protector alleviates sharp dirt and debris and scuffing surfaces from coming into contact with the back and heel of the shoe while the driver is operating the vehicle.[0004]II. Description of Problem and Prior Art[0005]Most automobile floor mats and flooring material found under the brake and accelerator pedals of a vehicle are designed to trap and collect dirt and debris. Some of this debris can be very abrasive. As the driver operates the pedals, this debris can and often does come into contact with the back and heel of the driver...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a protective cover for the back and heel of a shoe that can be easily attached and removed from a variety of shoes. It is designed to withstand abrasive environments and is flexible and comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The cover is made from a durable and flexible material that can be easily stored when not in use. The cover wraps around the driver's ankle and attaches back to the body itself, providing excellent protection.

Problems solved by technology

Some of this debris can be very abrasive.

As the driver operates the pedals, this debris can and often does come into contact with the back and heel of the driver's shoe, scratching and scuffing the shoe and heel.

This abrasion could ruin the shoe, or at least make it unsightly and undesirable.

This is a particular problem when women are driving their vehicles with expensive medium and high heel shoes.

This non-flexible shoe protection device would not be able to conform to a wide variety of shoes due to its rigid nature.

Also, the interference-fit by definition may not allow for easy attachment and removal, and may also scuff and abrade the very shoe the device is supposed to protect.

The use of multiple securing straps would increase the difficulty and cost of manufacture.

The attachment seams of the sewn strap sections could be susceptible to the abrasive environment or fail due to repeated use.

The multiple straps would also increase the difficulty of attachment and removal within the confines of the driver's area.

This device utilizes an elastic hem member to attach the guard to the shoe, which is not strong enough to hold the guard onto the heel of the shoe as the driver's foot is repeatedly moved between the accelerator and brake pedals.

Also, this device must be applied over the heel of a shoe, or with the heel of a woman's shoe extending through a heel aperture, which makes it difficult to put on or remove the guard in the confines of the front driver's seat compartment of a vehicle.

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