GB2419800A

GB2419800A - A heel protector for footwear

Info

Publication number: GB2419800A
Application number: GB0424348A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeanette Lamb Tracy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-03
Filing date: 2004-11-03
Publication date: 2006-05-10
Also published as: GB0424348D0

Abstract

A heel protector for footwear comprising an adhesive tape that can be attached to the heel of a shoe, the tape guards the heel against damage like scuffing and general stains thereby prolonging the appearance of the footwear. The tape may be transparent and made from polyvinyl chloride with a single side of adhesive. The tape should be applied to the heel of the shoe by winding the tape around the heel with each layer generously overlapping the previous layer when applying the tape. The tape can be easily replaced.

Description

Shoe Care

(Specification)

Ladies Footwear The heels on Ladies footwear as a design factor can sometimes be styled in that the heels are covered in a synthetic fabric or leather (i) This form of design is intended to (co-ordinate with the upper part) of the footwear.

(I) Ladies may avoid wearing a favourite pair of shoes simply because of the concern of spoiling their shoes through frequent daily wear.

Shoe Protector Tape A transparent durable, (Polyvinyl Chloride) PVC single sided adhesives tape. (The tape is clear to go unnoticed) Durable to resist some pressures of constriction to body weight against the heel of the shoe and the gap. (see figure one) Tape Dimensions: 19 millimetres in width.

(Which is within comparative sizing to allow for an overlap and coverage to an approximate width of a narrow ladies heel).

0.13 millimetres in depth.

(The tape needs to be approximately this depth to resist some pressure) to damage Length 5.5metres.

(The tape is estimated to this length as per average usage.).

(See Tape Coverage) Tape Mechanism The tape is dispensed from a roll that is 4.5cm in circumference approximately.

Please, refer to the heading (Instructions for use).

The Tape on a Roll (2) 1. To ease application 2. Enables the tape to maintain a counterbalance against the heel of the footwear.

3. Maintains the adhesives on the tape.

4. Stops the tape snagging allows flexibility to lift and reposition the tape.

Tape Coverage One roll of tape and what usage and coverage obtained depends on the height of the heel in question. An approximate guide based on two average sized heels:

Example One

One pair of heels are (1 inch) high x 13mm in width.

Usage (8-9) times approx.

Example Two

One pair of heels are (2 inches) high by 11mm in width.

Usage (4-5) times approx.

Instructions for Use Preparation A pair of scissors (scarp nail scissors) is fine.

Ensure your hands and the heels of the footwear are clean and dry.

Stage One Peel back approximately half an inch of tape from the roll.

Ensure you have a clean flat edge to start with by trimming the tape (if necessary).

Place tape roll on a level surface.

Stage Two Turn the shoe upside down so as the tip of the shoe is facing into you.

Grip the heel between the thumb and index fingers familiarise your self with this grip by turning the shoe to one side clockwise.

See figure(s) Three Start by sticking the tape at the back of the heel (minimum overlap onto the shoe menders rubber or metal piece).

See figure 3a I Shoe menders rubber or metal piece 2 Shoe Heel 3 Shoe Base (diagonal lines represent shoe base) 4 Shows where to finish the tape at the back of the heel Keep the tape reasonably taut.

Keep winding the tape around the heel smoothing down the tape with your thumb and fingers.

(When applying the tape use a good overlap on the heel).

If it is uneven you can try pulling back the tape slightly to get out any creases.

See figure 3b Finish the tape at the back of the heel cut the tape across (diagonally) (This renders the tape to be more effective in that it adheres to the back of the heel more effectively and gives a neat finish).

Hints on Heel Types Small Rounded Heels It may be a little trickier to keep the tape totally smooth especially on rounded heels.

(It may not be perfectly smooth, but the tape will go unnoticed being it is on the underside of the footwear).

Heels under one inch It is suggested that you have a fairly generous overlap when applying the tape.

(For effectiveness take the tape on to the base of the shoe).

Heels two Inch and plus Cover at least the first two inches, as this area is more likely to be damaged.

Tips on Protecting Heels Make sure it's covered.

(Don't let the heel become damaged protect it, keep it well covered).

Finish the tape by cutting it across the back of the heel Or on to the (base of the footwear) especially if the heel's under one inch.

* A specialist shoe cleaner/protector may be used on the remainder of the shoe.

Tips on Tape * On application ensure the heel is clean and dry * To maintain wipe over the tape with a clean tissue (Or damp tissue to remove dust or dirt) * Replace loose tape by removing all of the existing tape.

(Don't stick new tape on to existing tape)

Claims

Claims Shoe Care Claim I Damage to the Heel A heel caught in between a gap

in groundwork or a metal grate can cause damage (See figure one) Figure one shows a gap in the groundwork and a ladies shoe heel engaging with the gap An example to Claim I The average paving stone is 50-60mm in depth although gaps may vary in depth. The fact remains that part or the whole lengths of a heel can become caught between a gap Claim 2 The Consequences Resulting in the shoe heel fabric covering tearing or notching.

(See figure two) (i) Figure two shows a lady's shoe heel and an outline of the base of a shoe (ii) The bracketed area represents the area of the heel, which is prone to wear and tear and damage Claim 3 The Type of Heel Footwear with an approximate heel width of between (7 /13 millimetres) 3 (i) The height of the heel will vary considerably based on the design of the footwear 3 (ii) A comparative range in height will be around (20 65mm) approximately Claim 4 The Tape 4(i) An Adhesives PVC Tape

(See Shoe Care Specification)

Claim 5 The tape is applied on the heel of the footwear it is designed to work well with any fabric covered heels e.g., man made synthetic or leather Claim 6 The tape prolongs the appearance of the footwear and helps with the general wear and tear of the heel Claim 7 The tape will protect the heel fabric from dirt and staining and rucking up of the fabric Claim 8 The tape protects the shoe more than a conventional (fabric protector spray) (i) A spray can help with providing a coating against general stains and wet only Claim 9 (The tape in addition is a (Scuff Protector) to the heels of the footwear