Transparent heel post protecting device and method

Abstract

A device and method for protecting the heel post area of a high heel shoe that is not visible to the casual observer. The device may be comprised of flexible transparent material, having a front side for protecting the surface of the heel post area, and a back side comprising an adhesive for removably adhering the device to the surface of the heel post area, and a shape configured for wrapping around the heel post area. The method and device may also comprise a means for removing a worn device from the heel post area after use, and for replacing the worn device with a new device.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]This invention pertains to the field of footwear accessories and more specifically relates to devices and methods for preserving the condition of high heel shoes.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART[0002]High heel shoes raise the foot of the wearer above the toes, making the wearer's legs appear more long and slender, and also forcing the body to tilt forward while walking. Some types of high heel shoes such as the stiletto comprise a tall, slim heel post with generally at least a minimum height of an inch (or two) and a thin diameter at the point of contact with the ground (the heel tip). This design may concentrate much of the weight of the wearer into the small tip of the heel post (i.e., the heel tip, aka, top lift, dowel lift, top piece), which can make walking more difficult, cause significant pain in the ball of the foot, lessen the control of the wearer, damage floors, and cause loud stepping. Certain devices over the years have been c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The described patent is for a device that protects the heel post area of a high heel shoe. The device is made of flexible transparent material that wraps around the heel post area and has front and back sides. The front side protects the surface from dirt and impact, while the back side has an adhesive for attachment to the heel post area. The adhesive is removable without leaving any residue on the heel post area surface. The device is lightweight, portable, and may include a transfer sheet structure for easy carrying. Compared to heavy and inflexible devices, the described device is less expensive to manufacture and may be replaced regularly. The device may also have patterns or designs that enhance the aesthetic features of the high heel shoe.

Problems solved by technology

Due possibly in part to the heel post's increasing diameter the greater the distance from the heel tip, the heel post and high heel areas surrounding the heel post may be particularly susceptible to wear and tear.

Dust and dirt and other unwanted particles may be dislodged from the ground by the heel tip and / or the sole of the high heel, and may consequently adhere to and form a residue against the sides of the heel post.

Such particles accelerate deterioration, cause discoloration, and may also cause blemishes along the heel post area.

In addition, inadvertent (and potentially lateral) contact to the heel post by a variety of objects (due possibly to the somewhat unstable and more exposed position of the heel post) may also cause dings to the sides of the heel post and lacerations to the finish.

For example, such wear and tear could occur to a pair of high heels from stepping in dirt, in a puddle, or accidentally stepping in a grate.

The aforementioned cap devices for protecting the heel tips of high heels, or for sheer strength, do not sufficiently accomplish such a task, nor were they intended to.

Rather, such devices are usually limited in height (to generally not more than about a half-inch) and do not extend protection over a substantial length of the heel post.

In addition, although a primary purpose of wearing high heels is to look fashionable, such cap-like devices may often detract from some of the aesthetic appeal of the high heel design.

Specifically, such caps are often bulky in comparison to the slender heel post and therefore may “stick out.” Although some caps may be intended to match the color of a shoe, given the variety of shoe colors and color patterns this may not be easily accomplishable, and it would furthermore be economically impractical to manufacture caps for each shoe design and color.

Even if semi-transparent caps were to exist, they would presumably be based on prior art cap designs and therefore would still be somewhat bulky in relation to the heel post and consequently would not adequately “blend in” with the high heel design.

Similar to heel-tip protectors, other devices may also have certain disadvantages relating to either aesthetics and / or protecting the heel post and surrounding area.

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