WO2008012825A2

WO2008012825A2 - Anti-slip overshoe

Info

Publication number: WO2008012825A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000941
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Mor; Oren Mor
Original assignee: Daniel Mor; Oren Mor
Priority date: 2006-07-28
Filing date: 2007-07-26
Publication date: 2008-01-31
Also published as: WO2008012825A3; US20080022555A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a foldable anti-slip overshoe for wearing over an item of footwear, comprising a lower section for placement beneath at least a portion of the sole of the footwear, and an upper section comprising a toe section, a heel section, and a vamp section, configured to fit over at least a portion of each of the toe, heel and vamp of the footwear respectively, wherein a lower surface of the overshoe is provided with at least one anti-slip feature.

Description

ANTI-SLIP OVERSHOE

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of footwear and, more particularly, to an improved overshoe for preventing slipping.

Movement across a slippery surface, such as one which is snowy, icy or wet, is generally difficult and even dangerous when wearing standard footwear, which provides poor traction on such surfaces.

The need to walk slowly or with small steps over a slippery surface is inconvenient, time-consuming, and requires concentration, thus interfering with a person's ability to be aware of their surroundings and to be alert to other hazards such as approaching motor vehicles and other pedestrians.

The inconvenience of walking on slippery surfaces interferes with businesses that require outdoor work to be done when conditions are icy. Postal and parcel delivery, for instance, is hampered, as well as baggage handling, road repair, ambulance and emergency work, police work, and any outdoor work that cannot be stopped for inclement weather.

Runners, joggers, and persons that exercise outdoors are hampered by the loss of traction on slippery surfaces. For example, even if outdoor surfaces are slightly slippery, a jogger must take smaller strides to avoid slipping. Activities that require movement faster than a slow walk are greatly hindered in inclement conditions by a lack of suitable footwear.

Further, even the knowledge that roads and sidewalks are slippery can be detrimental. The knowledge that outdoor walking conditions are hazardous may discourage persons from engaging in normal activities. For instance, a person is more likely to choose not to walk to a store, to take a pet for a walk, or otherwise leave home if the person knows that walking conditions are slippery.

This problem is especially acute for the elderly or persons with disabilities that interfere with a standard gait. Many elderly persons experience impediments to walking that make them more likely to slip and fall under normal conditions; and in climates where snow and ice persists through a significant portion of the winter, some elderly persons become essentially home-bound. Similarly, a disability that causes an irregular gait may discourage a person from undertaking normal activities when outdoor walkways provide sub-par traction; for example, the loss of a leg may create an irregular gait that leads to added vulnerability to slipping.

Injuries due to slipping on snowy or icy surfaces are common, especially in the elderly or others having brittle bones. In addition, a common problem is that people desire to wear stylish or expensive shoes. Exposure of such shoes to the elements, especially salt and moisture damages these shoes. A person is therefore forced to wear a second pair of shoes outside and change the second pair to the stylish or expensive shoes once inside. This is inconvenient and impractical. US Patent No. 6,836,977 teaches an anti-slip overshoe for fitting over a person's shoe for minimizing slippage on a ground surface. The overshoe is formed from an elastic material which fits over substantially the entirety of the sole of the shoe, and is held in place by portions which enclose and grip the toe and the heel of the shoe. The background art overshoe must stretch to fit around a shoe, but not stretch and move while the user is walking, such that stretch zones are incorporated into the overshoe, increasing the complexity of manufacture. Since the background art overshoe is held on the shoe only by elastic gripping at the heel and toe portions, the overshoe may easily come off during use.

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, an anti-slip overshoe for a shoe, or other item of footwear, which overcomes at least some of the limitations of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an anti-slip overshoe for wearing over an item of footwear, comprising a lower section for placement beneath at least a portion of the sole of the footwear, and an upper section comprising a toe section, a heel section, and a vamp section, configured to fit over at least a portion of each of the toe, heel and vamp of the footwear respectively, wherein a lower surface of said lower section is provided with at least one anti-slip feature and wherein the overshoe is foldable (by which is also meant rollable).

Typical ant-slip features useful in implementing embodiments of the teachings of the present invention include but are not limited to anti-slip features such as studs, spikes, and raised features on the lower surface of the lower section in such forms as knobs, bumps, ribs, zig zags, or chevrons.

In embodiments, an anti-slip overshoe of the present invention is, substantially entirely, integrally formed. In embodiments, the lower section is reversibly attached to the upper section. In embodiments, the toe section, heel section and vamp section of the upper section are integrally formed. In embodiments one or more of the toe section, heel section and vamp section are reversibly attached to the remaining sections.

In embodiments, an anti-slip overshoe of the present invention comprises, or even essentially consists of, a plurality of interconnected straps configured to encircle an item of footwear. In embodiments, such straps include at least one strap configured to encircle an ankle portion of an item of footwear and at least one strap configured to run parallel to a longitudinal axis of an item of footwear. In embodiments, such straps may include at least one strap configured to encircle a toe portion of an item of footwear.

In embodiments, the sections are reversibly attached by a fastening feature. Suitable such fastening features include but are not limited to, at least one of a hook and loop fastener, clips, clasps, buckles, press-studs, buttons, hook and eye fasteners, laces, zippers and tie fasteners. Embodiments of the anti-slip overshoe of the present invention are configured to be worn over items of footwear, including but not limited to, shoes, boots, sneakers, sport shoe and sandals.

In embodiments, the overshoe of the present invention is configured to cover substantially an entirety of an item of footwear. In some such embodiments, the vamp section comprises two reversibly fastenable flaps, preferably configured to cover an item substantially entirely. In embodiments, such fastenable flaps comprise a mutual fastening feature. Suitable such fastening features include but are not limited to, at least one of a hook and loop fastener, clips, clasps, buckles, press-studs, buttons, hook and eye fasteners, laces, zippers and tie fasteners. In embodiments, the overshoe of the present invention is configured to covers less than an entirety of an item of footwear. In some such embodiments, the lower portion comprises a longitudinal strip covering at least a portion of the length and at least a portion of the width of the sole of the item of footwear. In embodiments, the lower portion further comprises a lower heel portion, arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal strip, for placement beneath the heel of the item of footwear. In embodiments, the lower portion further comprises at least one additional strip, arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal strip, for placement beneath the sole of the item of footwear. In embodiments configured especially for use with an item of footwear having a high-heel, the at least one additional strip is configured to be positioned beneath the highest point of the sole.

Suitable materials from which an anti-slip overshoes of the present invention may be formed include but are not limited to elastic polymers, such as natural rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polychloroprene, silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, polyacrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, and polysulfide rubber.

Embodiments of the present invention successfully address at least some of the shortcomings of the art by providing a securely held anti-slip overshoe for wearing over a standard item of footwear, which in embodiments is simple to manufacture.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings:

FIG. IA is a perspective view of an embodiment of an anti-slip overshoe in accordance with the principles of the present invention, positioned on a shoe; FIG. IB is a lower view of the anti-slip overshoe of Fig. IA; FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an anti-slip overshoe in accordance with the principles of the present invention, positioned on a shoe;

FIG. 2B is a lower view of the anti-slip overshoe of Fig. 2 A; FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an anti-slip overshoe in accordance with the principles of the present invention, positioned on a shoe; FIG. 3B is a lower view of the anti-slip overshoe of Fig. 3 A; FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an anti-slip overshoe in accordance with the principles of the present invention, in a first, open, configuration; FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the overshoe of FIG. 4A, in a second, closed, configuration; and

FIG. 4C is a lower view of the anti-slip overshoe of FIG. 4A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is of an overshoe which, in embodiments, reduces or prevents slipping of a wearer on a slippery surface.

An overshoe of the present invention is firmly held in place on an item of footwear such as a shoe, a boot, a sneaker, a sport shoe or a sandal of a wearer, with little danger of the overshoe unintentionally detaching from the item of footwear during correct use. The fact that an overshoe of the present invention is held tightly against a worn item of footwear improves traction with the ground, greatly improving stability and reducing the chance of slipping and falling when walking, jogging or running on snow or ice. Thus, an overshoe of the present invention enables the wearer to move around comfortably and confidently on slippery surfaces, such as those covered by snow, ice, or rain, thereby reducing the inconvenience caused by such inclement conditions, such that the wearer may continue with his normal activities, such as traveling to work, outdoor work, shopping, outdoor exercise, or the like. In embodiments, an upper section of an overshoe of the present invention holds the lower section of an overshoe of the present invention, that functions as a tread, tightly against a worn item of footwear, so that the worn footwear and the overshoe of the present invention substantially constitute a single unit. The lower surface of the lower section is provided with anti-slip features.

Embodiments of the overshoe of the present invention are easily and intuitively placed over and removed from a worn item of footwear, allowing for ease of use when needed of the overshoe.

Embodiments of the overshoe of the present invention are easily carried and transported. For example, embodiments of the overshoe of the present invention are configured for folding (including rolling or otherwise compacting) and are easily stored in a container such as bag, a rigid box or a rigid tube. When folded and stored in a container, the container is easily transported in a handbag or the like.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention allow a user to wear a new or fashionable shoe, for example to work or to a recreational activity and to use the overshoe of the present invention only to traverse areas where slipping is possible.

In embodiments, an overshoe of the present invention is configured for providing a footwear-protective function that is, the overshoe is configured to substantially covers a worn item of footwear to prevent contact with and concomitant damage from water, humidity, salt, mud, dirt and the like.

Embodiments of the overshoe of the present invention are easily adapted in the form of or to bear trademarks or other forms of advertisement.

Embodiments of the overshoe of the present invention are easily cleaned and washed, allowing repeated use. Embodiments of the overshoe of the present invention are very simple and cheap to make.

In a typical use, a person who must climb ice or snow-covered stairs, for example to and from a train station, such as an underground train station, wears an embodiment of the overshoe of the present invention over fashionable footwear that suit the other clothes worn by the person.

In a typical use, a person who must walk across a snow or ice-covered parking lot to or from a motor vehicle, wears an embodiment of the overshoe of the present invention over expensive and attractive sport shoes. The principles and operation of an overshoe according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring now to Figures IA and IB, there is depicted an embodiment 10 ,of an overshoe in accordance with the principles of the present invention, positioned on a shoe 12. Overshoe 10 comprises a lower section 14, which is placed beneath the sole 16 of shoe 12, and an upper section 18 which is configured to fit over at least a portion of the outside of shoe 12.

Lower section 14 is formed from a flexible, semi-rigid material, and is provided with at least one anti-slip feature 20, which increases traction and reduces or minimizes slippage of the wearer while moving on a slippery surface. Anti-slip feature 20 may comprise, for example, a protrusion such as a rubber spike, a stud, a raised feature studs 20a or raised bars 20b, or the like. In overshoe 10 anti-slip features 20 are spaced apart in a pattern, whereby each anti-slip feature 20 is adjacent to a space of at least the dimensions of the anti-slip feature, such that when overshoe 10 is rolled up, each anti-slip feature is positioned within one such space, enabling overshoe 10 to be stored in a compact form. According to some embodiments of the present invention (e.g., overshoe 10 depicted in Figures IA and IB), lower section 14 of overshoe 10 comprises at least one strip 22 having a length equal to at least a portion of the length of sole 16 of shoe 12, and a width equal to at least a portion of the width of sole 16 of shoe 12. Further according to some embodiments of the present invention, lower section 14 of overshoe 10 optionally comprises a lower heel section 24, integrally formed with strip 22, which is positioned beneath at least a portion of heel 26 of shoe 12.

As seen in Figures IA and IB, the two ends of lower section 14 of overshoe 10 are connected to opposite ends of upper section 18 of overshoe 10. According to some embodiments of the present invention {e.g., overshoe 10 depicted in Figures IA and IB), upper section 18 of overshoe 10 includes a back section 28, which extends upwards from lower heel section 24 of overshoe 10, around at least a portion of back 30 of shoe 12. Further according to some embodiments of the present invention (e.g., overshoe 10 depicted in Figures IA and IB), upper section 18 of overshoe 10 comprises a toe section 32, which extends upwards from lower portion 14 of overshoe 10, over at least a portion of toe section 34 of shoe 12, and extends into vamp portion 36, covering at least a portion of vamp 38 of shoe 12. In some such embodiments, toe section 32 and back section 28 of overshoe 10 are connected by an instep section 40, positioned across the instep 42 of shoe 12.

According to some embodiments of the present invention {e.g., overshoe 10 depicted in Figures IA and IB), instep section 40 of overshoe 10 may optionally comprise a releasable fastening feature 44, which may be opened and closed in order to enable overshoe 10 to be easily positioned on, or removed from, shoe 12. Fastening feature 44 may comprise any such feature known in the art, such as a hook and loop fastener, a clip, a clasp, a buckle, a zipper, a press-stud, a button, a hook and eye, a lace, a tie fastener, or the like. Fastening feature 44 may be adjustable, such that instep section 40 may effectively be shortened or lengthened, according to the size of the wearer's footwear, thereby enabling a single overshoe 10 to be adapted for use with a wide range of footwear sizes. Also optionally, an adjustable feature may be provided on vamp portion 36 (not shown), adjusting the length of vamp portion 36, thus further increasing the adaptability of overshoe 10 for use with a wide range of footwear sizes.

Lower section 14 and upper section 18 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, upper section 18 may be connected to lower section 14 by a plurality of detachable fasteners (not shown). Optionally, upper section 18 may be provided as an integrally-formed unit comprising toe section 32, vamp portion 36, back section 28, and instep section 40. Alternatively, all or some of toe section 32, vamp portion 36, back section 28, and instep section 40, may be provided as separate, detachable, straps which may be reversibly connected to form upper section 18 of overshoe 10.

Although overshoe 10 is illustrated for use on a sneaker, it should be appreciated that the design may easily be adapted for use with any item of footwear, including any type of shoe, boot, or sandal, having any height of heel. For example, the overshoe is suitable for use over a high-heeled shoe, preferably by addition of at least one further lower strip (not shown), in addition to lower heel section 24, wherein the additional strip is positioned beneath the arch of the footwear, such that lower portion 14 follows the contours of sole 16 of shoe 12. In embodiments of the invention, especially configured for use with high heel shoes, the toe section is provided with an opening through which the point of the toe of a shoe can protrude. When used, the toe of a shoe protrudes through the opening through the toe portion of the overshoe, encircling the toe of the shoe and thus holding the overshoe of the invention tightly associated with the shoe. Such an embodiment is especially suitable for use with shoes having relatively pointy toes.

Figures 2A and 2B depict an alternative embodiment 50 of an overshoe in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Embodiment 50 differs from embodiment 10 in a number of aspects including that lower section 14 comprises, in addition to lower heel section 24, at least one further lower strip 52 for placement beneath sole 16 of shoe 12, and extending essentially perpendicular to strip 22. As shown in Figure 2A, overshoe 50 may optionally comprise, for example, three such additional lower strips 52, wherein a first lower strip 52a is positioned beneath a front end 54 of sole 16 of shoe 12; a second such lower strip 52b is positioned beneath the widest portion of sole 16 of shoe 12; and a third such lower strip 52c is positioned proximal to the narrowest portion of sole 16 of shoe 12. Alternatively, lower section 14 of overshoe 50 may optionally comprise, one, two, four, or more such lower strips 52, positioned beneath sole 16 of shoe 12. Each lower strip 52 is preferably connected to vamp section 36 of overshoe 50 by an upper strip 54. As depicted in Figures 2A and 2B, overshoe 50 is formed from an elastic material (e.g., silicon rubber) which is stretched by pulling to position overshoe 50 on shoe 12. Alternatively, overshoe 50 may include a fastening feature 44 (not shown) as described above with regard to overshoe 10, provided on instep section 40.

As with overshoe 10 depicted in Figures IA and IB, lower section 14 of overshoe 50 is provided with at least one anti-slip feature 20, which increases traction and reduces or minimizes slippage of the wearer while moving on a slippery surface. Anti-slip features 20 of overshoe 50 consist of a plurality of studs 20a. In overshoe 50 anti-slip features 20 are distributed in such a way as to provide good traction but also to not interfere with folding or rolling of overshoe 50, enabling overshoe 50 to be stored in a compact form.

Figures 3A and 3B depict an alternative embodiment 80 of an overshoe in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As with other embodiments of the invention, overshoe 80 comprises a lower section 14, which is placed beneath the sole 16 of shoe 12, and an upper section 18 which is configured to fit over at least a portion of the outside of shoe 12.

Lower section 14 is formed from a flexible, semi-rigid material, and is provided with a number of anti-slip features 20, which increase traction and reduces or minimizes slippage of the wearer while moving on a slippery surface. For overshoe 80, anti-slip features 20 comprise small studs 2Od, large studs arranged in clusters 2Oe and a raised chevron 2Of. hi Figure 3B it is seen that anti-slip features 20 are spaced apart, allowing overshoe 80 to be easily rolled into a compact form.

As seen in Figure 3 A attached to heel section 24 of lower section 14 of overshoe 80 is a back section 28 of upper section 18 of overshoe 80. Unlike overshoes 10 and 50, back section 28 of overshoe 80 is not a strap but rather a relatively broad flexible curved sheet of material configured to wrap around the heel of a shoe over which overshoe 80 is placed. Such wrapping around holds the shoe tightly associated with overshoe 80 and protects the heel of a shoe from exposure to the elements. As seen in Figure 3A attached to the front part of lower section 14 of overshoe 80 is a toe section 32 of upper section 18 of overshoe 80. Integrally formed with toe section 32 and constituting an integrally formed continuation thereof is vamp section 36. Unlike overshoes 10 and 50, toe section 32 of overshoe 80 is not a strap but rather a flexible curved sheet of material configured to wrap around the toe of a shoe over which overshoe 80 is placed. Such wrapping protects the toe of a shoe from exposure to the elements. Further unlike overshoes 10 and 50, vamp section 36 of overshoe 80 is not a strap but rather a relatively flexible curved sheet of material configured to lay over and entirely cover a lace or zipper portion of a shoe over which overshoe 80 is placed. In such a way, vamp section 36 prevents entry of water and snow into a shoe through the lace or sipper and also protects the vamp of a shoe from exposure to the elements.

To ensure that vamp section 36 is held tightly against a shoe, overshoe 80 is provided with two straps on each side. Strap 82 (a similar strap is found on the non depicted side of overshoe 80) is an elastic strap that ensures that the lower and middle portions of vamp section 36 are held tightly against a shoe. Openable strap 84 (a similar strap is found on the non depicted side of overshoe 80) is an adjustable strap provided with a fastening feature 44 (as described above) that allows easy wearing of overshoe 80 over a shoe and ensures that the upper portion of vamp section 36 and heel portion 28 are held tightly against a shoe.

Figures 4A to 4C depict an alternative embodiment 60 of the overshoe of the present invention, which provides substantially complete coverage of the shoe or other item of footwear, therefore affording protection of the footwear, as described above, in addition to reduction or prevention of slippage of the user. As shown in Figure 4A, the lower section of overshoe 60 comprises an undersole 62, configured to fit under the sole of an item of footwear, a toe portion 64, configured so as to fit over the toe of an item of footwear, a back portion 66, configured to fit over the back and heel of an item of footwear, and a closable vamp portion 68, comprising a pair of flaps 70. In a first configuration as depicted in Figure 4A, flaps 70 are spread apart for easy insertion and removal of worn footwear into and from overshoe 60. Once footwear is positioned inside overshoe 60, flaps 70 are folded over and secured in a second configuration as depicted in Figure 4B, so that the footwear is tightly associated with overshoe 60 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In addition, the footwear is substantially entirely surrounded by and enclosed within overshoe 60 so as to protect the footwear from contact with damaging materials.

Flaps 70 are secured, as shown in Figure 4B, using any suitable fastening device, such as any of the fastening devices discussed above. Specifically, in Figures 4A and 4B, flaps 70 are provided with strips of standard hook and loop fastener material, often used in the art of shoemaking.

As with overshoes 10 and 50 depicted above, the lower section of overshoe 60, undersole 62, is provided with at least one anti-slip feature 20, which increases traction and reduces or minimizes slippage of the wearer while moving on a slippery surface. Anti-slip features 20 of overshoe 60 consist of a plurality of raised chevrons. In overshoe 60 anti-slip features 20 are distributed in such a way (with a sufficiently large separation) as to provide good traction but also to not interfere with folding or rolling of overshoe 60, enabling overshoe 60 to be stored in a compact form. In addition to anti-slip features 20, proximal to the front of the lower section of overshoe 60, undersole 62, is sharp feature 76. Sharp feature 76 is configured to dig into packed snow when a user takes a forward step and thus give a user an added measure of traction for forward motion. The upper surface of undersole 62 of overshoe 60 is provided with at least one anti-slip feature configured to frictionally engage footwear held inside overshoe 60 so as to prevent slippage of the footwear and thus provide a user with more stability. Specifically, the internal anti-slip features of overshoe 60 are protrusions 72.

As is clear to one skilled in the art upon perusal of the description, addition to protecting the wearer against slippage, overshoe 60 protects the footwear from becoming wet or soiled when walking on icy, snowy or wet surfaces, which is particularly useful for people who do not wish to carry a spare pair of footwear such as shoes or boots for traveling under such conditions, but still wish to arrive at their destination with their footwear dry, intact, and unsoiled. Any of the embodiments of the present invention described above may preferably be formed of a lightweight, waterproof material, having sufficient elasticity and durability for the purposes of the present invention, and which may be rolled into a compact form for easy and convenient storage and transport, such as any suitable natural or synthetic elastic polymer or co-polymer. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include natural rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polychloroprene, silicone, polyurethane rubber, polyacrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polysulfide rubber, and the like.

The overshoe may optionally be provided in a variety of colors, and/or include additional decorative features, for aesthetic and commercial purposes. It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant overshoes will be developed and the scope of the term overshoe is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term "about" refers to ± 10 %.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art upon examination of the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below finds experimental support in the following examples.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An anti-slip overshoe for wearing over an item of footwear, comprising a lower section for placement beneath at least a portion of the sole of the footwear, and an upper section comprising a toe section, a heel section, and a vamp section, configured to fit over at least a portion of each of the toe, heel and vamp of the footwear respectively, wherein a lower surface of said lower section is provided with at least one anti-slip feature and wherein the overshoe is foldable.

2. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 1 being integrally formed.

3. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 1, wherein said lower section is reversibly attached to said upper section.

4. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 3, wherein said lower section and said upper section are reversibly attached by a fastening feature selected from the group consisting of at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a clip, a clasp, a buckle, a press- stud, a button, a hook and eye, a lace, a zipper and a tie fastener.

5. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 3, wherein said toe section, said heel section and said vamp section of said upper section are integrally formed.

6. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 3, wherein at least one of said toe section, said heel section and said vamp section is reversibly attached to the remaining sections.

7. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 6, wherein said at least one of said toe section, said heel section and said vamp section is reversibly attached to said remaining sections by a fastening feature selected from the group consisting of at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a clip, a clasp, a buckle, a press-stud, a button, a hook and eye, a lace, a zipper and a tie fastener.

8. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 1, wherein said lower section and said upper section are configured to cover substantially an entirety of an item of footwear.

9. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 8, wherein said vamp section comprises two reversibly fastenable flaps.

10. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 9, wherein said fastenable flaps comprise a mutual fastening feature selected from the group consisting of at least one of a hook and loop fastener, a clip, a clasp, a buckle, a press-stud, a button, a hook and eye, a lace, a zipper and a tie fastener.

11. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 1, wherein said overshoe covers less than an entirely of said item of footwear.

12. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 11, wherein said lower portion comprises a longitudinal strip covering at least a portion of the length and at least a portion of the width of the sole of the item of footwear.

13. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 12, wherein said lower portion further comprises a lower heel portion, arranged substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal strip, for placement beneath the heel of Hie item of footwear.

14. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 13, wherein said lower portion further comprises at least one additional strip, arranged substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal strip, for placement beneath the sole of the item of footwear.

15. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 1, wherein said item of footwear is selected from the group consisting of a shoe, a boot, a sneaker, and a sandal.

16. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 14, for attachment to an item of footwear having a high-heel, wherein said at least one additional strip is positioned beneath the highest point of said sole.

17. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 1, comprising a plurality of interconnected straps configured to encircle a shoe.

18. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 17, essentially consisting of a plurality of interconnected straps configured to encircle a shoe.

19. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 17, wherein said straps include at least one strap configured to encircle an ankle portion of a shoe and at least one strap configured to run parallel to a longitudinal axis of a shoe.

20. The anti-slip overshoe of claim 17, wherein said straps include at least one strap configured to encircle a toe portion.