GB2492898A

GB2492898A - Attachment for a shoe

Info

Publication number: GB2492898A
Application number: GB1212524.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Catherine Winkler
Original assignee: C & C Lifestyle Ltd
Current assignee: C & C Lifestyle Ltd
Priority date: 2012-07-13
Filing date: 2012-07-13
Publication date: 2013-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2032-07-13
Also published as: GB201212524D0; GB2492898B; WO2014009570A1

Abstract

An attachment 122 for a shoe 110 comprises a heel portion 124, the heel portion being formed as a sleeve for passing over a heel 116 of a shoe, an ankle portion (126, Fig 1) for surrounding and attaching to a personâ s ankle and a connecting portion 128/138 extending between the heel and ankle portions. The heel portion may be frustoconical, be provided with a larger opening in an upper end 130 than in a lower end 132 and may be either continuous for substantially covering the heel of a shoe, or discontinuous for partially covering the heel of a shoe. The heel portion may be made of flexible material and secured to the heel of a shoe by a friction fit. The ankle portion may comprise of a strap 134 having releasable securing means 136 (e.g. a buckle, hook and loop fastener or lace) for securing the ankle portion to the ankle of a user. The connecting portion may be a plurality of straps extending between the heel portion and ankle portion and may in use at least partially surround the rear of a shoe and a personâ s ankle.

Description

ATTACHMENT FOR A SHOE

The present invention relates to an attachment for a shoe and particularly but not exclusively to an attachment for adapting the appearance of the shoe.

BACKGROUND TO TUE INVENTION

Shoes are provided in many different styles and colours and it is common for a person to own a number of pairs of shoes, for example, having different styles, being of different brands and/or designs. A person may own a pair of high end fashion shoes of a specific design, and even of a particular brand, to compliment an outfit of clothing.

As such, it is not uncommon for a person to own different designs of the same shoe, each to suit a particular type of design of the same or a similar outfit.

It is known to provide shoes with detachable uppers in order to increase the versatility of the shoes. For example, a range of detachable uppers may be provided to adapt a standard sole, to suit a particular occasion or weather condition. It is also known to provide interchangeable soles, which may be replaced in the event of wear or damage through use. Both of these systems require specially adapted uppers and/or soles, for the system to work effectively. Shoes of this nature are expensive and are rare.

It is an object of the invention to provide an attachment for a shoe, for adapting the appearance of the shoe.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an attachment for a shoe comprising a heel portion, the heel portion being formed as a sleeve for passing over a heel of a shoe, an ankle portion for surrounding and attaching to a person's ankle and a connecting portion extending between the heel portion and the ankle portion.

The shoe attachment is advantageous in enabling the selective adaptation of a shoe in order to adapt or alter its appearance or function. The wearer can adapt a pair of shoes and change the style of the shoes. This increases the versatility of the shoes and allows them to be worn on a variety of occasions.

The attachment can be provided to suit any existing pair of shoes, allowing the wearer to adapt the appearance, without the need to purchase additional pairs of shoes.

The attachment can also be provided to suit a specially-adapted sole, for example a sole of a high heel shoe, and may form a partial upper. This is economical for the wearer because by buying different uppers, the shoes can be adapted to different styles again without the need to purchase a different pair of shoes. The invention is also space saving, particularly when a range of attachments of different designs are provided, as the same sole may be used and a range of different styles of shoe provided.

The heel sleeve may be of any suitable shape for receiving a heel of a shoe. ]n one arrangement the heel portion may be generally tubular in shape for receiving a heel of a shoe. The heel sleeve may be substantially frustoconical and may have an opening at both an upper and lower end. The heel sleeve may be provided with a larger opening in the upper end, relative to the opening in the lower end. References to upper and lower are made with respect to the orientation of a heel of a shoe, when in use by a wearer. Accordingly, the lower end is the portion of the heel sleeve which is in contact or proximity with the ground, when thc shoe is in use. It follows that the upper end is the portion of the heel which is furthest from the point at which the heel contacts the ground and is thus closest to the sole. A heel portion of this configuration is advantageous in permitting a wearer to slide the heel portion over the heel of a shoe, when fitting the attachment to a shoe. It is advantageous to provide a heel portion that is similarly shaped to that of a heel, to promote alignment of the heel portion with the heel of a shoe, when the attachment is used.

The heel portion may comprise a substantially continuous portion for substantially covering a heel of a shoe. In this respect, the heel portion is a single piece, adapted to slide over the heel of a shoe. The heel portion may comprise a plurality of sections or panels, joined together by suitable means, for example, by stitching. Alternatively, the heel portion may be discontinuous, that is to have a number of cut outs or similar, spaced apart across the surface. It is envisaged that a number of patterns or the like may be cut out of the heel portion, to provide a decorative pattern. Again in this configuration, the heel portion may comprise a plurality of sections or panels, joined together to create the heel portion. The heel portion may further be provided with additional decorative elements such as beads, jewels, lace, or ribbon, for example, for adapting the appearance of the heel.

The heel portion may be of any suitable material for receiving a heel of a shoe. In one arrangement the heel portion is of a leather material adapted to suit the shape of a heel. Alternatively, the heel portion may be of a flexible material for conforming to the shape of a heel of a shoe. This is advantageous in promoting a close fit between the heel portion arid the heel of a shoe, to secure the heel portion in place, once the attachment is fitted and is in use. The heel portion may be secured to the heel by way of a friction fit. The heel portion may further be secured to the heel by means of a zip fastener. The zip fastener may extend wholly or partially along the heel portion.

The ankle portion may be of any suitable shape for surrounding and attaching to a person's ankle. In one arrangement the ankle portion is a strap. The strap may be a continuous member, that is to filly surround the wearer's ankle. In this arrangement, the strap is disposed such that a person may place theft foot through the strap once the attachment has been fitted to a shoe and is in use. In this respect, the strap surrounds the person's ankle, securing the attachment and the shoe, to the wcarcr's foot.

Alternatively, the strap may comprise a plurality of discontinuous members. The strap may be provided with two strap members that extend equally around the ankle of a wearer and join at the front of the ankle.

Alternatively the strap members may be provided with releasable securing means for releasably securing the strap portions together. The ankle portion may be provided with any suitable releasable securing means for securing the strap members in position around a person's ankle. For example, the releasable securing means may be provided in the form of a buckle. Alternatively, hook and loop fastener may be disposed on the strap members. A lace may also be provided. Providing an ankle portion having a plurality of straps is convenient as the attachment may first be fitted to a sole of a shoe, the foot inserted into the shoe and then the strap members fastened to secure the foot in place. Releasable securing means provides for the ankle portion to be tightened or loosened around the wearer's ankle, to promote a comfortable fit. A single strap may be provided in the Mm of a flexible member, for example as elastic, to promote a secure fit of the ankle portion to the wearer's ankle.

It is envisaged that a number of patterns or the like may be cut out of the ankle portion, to provide a decorative pattern. The ankle portion may further be provided with additional decorative elements such as beads, jewels, lace, or ribbon, for example, for adapting the appearance of the ankle portion.

A connecting portion is provided and extends between the heel portion and the ankle portion. The connecting portion may be of any suitable shape for extending between the heel portion and the ankle portion. The connecting portion may couyise a plurality of straps extending between the heel portion and the anlde portion. In this arrangement, the straps may be aligned substantially parallel to the leg of the wearer, when the attachment is in use.

The connecting portion may partially surround the rear of a shoe and a person's ankle when the attachment is in use. In this respect, the connecting portion may partially enclose the heel of a wearer's foot. The connecting portion may therefore extend around at least a portion of the anide portion and at least a portion of the heel portion.

In this arrangement, the heel portion, ankle portion and connecting portion may be formed from a plurality of sections or panels, joined together by suitable means.

The connecting portion may further comprise a leg portion extending upwardly fltm the ankle portion. The leg portion may at least partially enclose the lower leg of a wearer. In this arrangement, the leg portion may extend around the back of the leg of the wearer and partly extend around the side of the leg of the wearer.

The leg portion may further be provided with a plurality of releasable fastening means, which extend around at least a part of the side of the leg and the fix,nt of the leg of a wearer. In this respect, the leg portion may be formed as a cradle for receiving at least a rear part of the lower leg. Alternatively, the leg portion may fully enclose the lower leg of a wearer. Providing a leg portion is advantageous in providing further material to which fastening means may be affixed, for fastening the attachment to the ankle and leg of a wearer. Furthermore, a leg portion provides additional material onto which decorative elements may be attached.

The connecting portion may be provided with a number of cut out sections or the like to provide a decorative pattern. The connecting portion, like the heel portion and ankle portion, may be provided with additional decorative elements such as beads, jewels, lace, or ribbon, for example, for adapting the appearance of the anide portion.

Such adaptation may also be applied to the leg portion, for adapting the appearance of this clement of the attachment.

The connecting portion may form a partial shoe upper, for covering an upper part of a person's foot. The partial shoe upper may be a single piece of material substantially forming an upper of a shoe. In an altemative arrangement, the partial shoe upper may be formed from a plurality of panels, joined together about the midd'e of the shoe. It is envisaged that the upper may be provided in the form of a boot or similar style. If the partial shoe upper is provided in the form of a boot, the partial upper may extend to or beyond the knee of the wearer. A partial shoe upper provides a further alternative configuration of the attachment. The panels of the upper may be fastened together by releasable fastening means. For example, the releasable fastening means may be provided in the form of a buckle. Alternatively, hook and loop fastener or a lace may be used to secure together the panels around the wearer's foot. Zippers may also be utilised, as desired.

In an alternative arrangement, the attachment may be provided with a central member or strap that extends forwardly from the ankle portion and covers the front part of a person's foot. There may further be provided a plurality of straps that extend laterally to a sole of a shoe. In this arrangement, a partial upper may be provided by the central member, in combination with the lateral straps. The central member may substaatially form the ankle portion and may further be connected to the heel portion. The straps may be provided with releasable fastening means for releasably securing the straps to the sole of a shoe. Decoration may also be provided to the to this ahemative arrangement, to adapt the appearance of the partial shoe upper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an attachment for a shoc; Figure 2 show's a schcmatic pcrspective vicw of thc attachment fitted to thc sole of a shoe of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic side vicw of the attachment fittcd to the sole of a shoc of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an attachment for a shoe; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of an attachment fitted to the sole of a shoe of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a schcmatic pcrspective vicw of a third embodiment of an attachment for a shoe; Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of an attachment fitted to the sole of a shoe of Figure 6; and Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a fburth embodiment of an attachment for a shoe.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures Ito 3, a sole of a shoe is indicated generally at 110. The sole 110 includes a platform 112, an arch support 114 and a heel 116. The heel 116 is attached to a lower surfacc of the sole 110 and is typically secured by a screw, bolted fastener or the like. The heel 116 may be a stiletto heel, but is generally a high heel, thus the sole is generally for a high heel shoe. It will be appreciated that different styles of heels may be provided. The heel 116 may be provided in the form of a generally elongate member. Alternatively the heel 116 may have a taper, as shown in the Figures. The heel 116 may be provided in a range of tapers, having an upper region 118 and a lower region 120. Typically the upper region 118 has a larger cross-sectional area than the lower region 120, and the taper gradually narrows towards the lower region 120. The heel 116 may be conical in shape. It will be appreciated that a range of shapes of heel may be provided on different shoes.

An attachment for a heel is indicated generally at 122, which is also known as a "heel holster". The attachment 122 includes a heel portion 124, an ankle portion 126 and a connecting portion 128.

The heel portion 124 is generally frustoeonieal and is shaped to compliment the heel 116 of the sole of the shoe 110. The heel portion 124 is provided in the form of a sleeve having an upper region 130 and a lower region 132 and an aperture therebetween for passing over the heel 116. The heel portion 124 is generally provided to enclose a substantial portion of the heel 116, when the attachment 122 is in use and has been attached to the heel of a shoe. The attachment is fitted to the heel 116 by sliding the heel portion 124 over the heel 116 until the upper region 130 of the heel portion 124 abuts the underside of the sole 110. The upper region 130 is shaped to complement the upper region 118 of the heel 116, so as to be secured in place around the upper region 118 of the heel 116. The heel portion 124 may be of a flexible material for conforming to the shape of the heel 116 to ensure that the heel portion 124 is secured in place to improve the comfort of the attachment to the wearer.

The ankle portion 126 includes a generally circular strap 134 for extending around the ankle of a wearer when the attachment is in use. The strap 134 may be of a similar material to that of the heel portion 124. Alternatively the strap 134 may be of a different material, to increase the comfort of the attachment, for example, to reduce abrasion between the strap 134 and the skin of a wearer's ankle. As seen in Figure 3, the strap 134 is disposed substantially perpendicular to a wearer's leg, when the attachment 122 is fitted to the sole of a shoe and is in use. Releasable securing means 136 are provided to fasten the strap 134 in position around the wearer's ankle.

Releasable securing means 136 may be provided in the form of a buckle, or alternatively in the form of a hook-and-loop fastener, such as Velcro®. The ankle portion 126 may be provided with a number of releasable securing means 136, spaced apart around the strap 134. Alternatively, the ankle portion 126 may be provided with a plurality of straps 134, each strap having a releasable securing means 136, for securing it to the ankle of a wearer.

The connecting portion 128 is provided as a connection between the heel portion 124 and the ankle portion 126. The connecting portion 128 may be of a similar material to that of the heel portion 124. The connecting portion 128 may alternatively be of a different material to that of the heel portion 124. The connecting portion 128 is provided in the form of a plurality of straps 138, 140 disposed each side of the wearer's ankle. As shown in the Figures, the straps 138, 140 are disposed extending generally upwardly relative to a wearer's leg and extend upwardly from the heel portion 124.

Releasable securing means 136 may also be provided in the form of a zipper. In this arrangement the zipper may extend from the lower region 132 of the heel portion 124, through the upper region 130 of the heel portion 124, terminating at the ankle portion 126. In this arrangement, the zipper is aligned to one side of the wearer's ankle. The zipper may also be provided at the rear of the heel portion 124. The zipper may be provided in combination with a strap 134, for securing the ankle portion 126 to the wearer's ankle. In this configuration, independent securing ofthe heel portion 124 and the ankle portion 126 (and thus the attachment 122) to the wearer's foot may be achieved.

The embodiment shown in Figures Ito 3 may also be provided with a toe portion (not shown) for securing the foot of a wearer to the shoe. The toe portion may be releasably fastened to the sole of a shoe, or alternatively the toe portion may be permanently fixed to the sole by suitable means.

Turning now to Figures 4 and 5, a second embodiment of attachment for a shoe is shown, indicated generally at 222. The attachment 222 is shown attached to the sole of the shoe, which is common to all embodiments.

The attachment 222 includes a heel portion 224, an ankle portion 226, a connecting portion 228 and a leg portion 242.

The heel portion 224 is generally frustoconical and is shaped to compliment the heel 116 of the sole of the shoe 110. The heel portion 224 is in the form of a sleeve for passing over the heel 116 of the shoe 110. The heel portion 224 has further features that are common with and are as described with reference to the first embodiment shown in Figures ito 3.

The ankle portion 226 includes a generally circular strap 234 which extends around the front portion of the wearer's foot. Again, releasable securing means may be provided to fasten the strap 234 in position around the wearer's ankle. Alternatively, a plurality of straps 234 may be provided, each strap being provided with releasable securing means. The ankle portion 226 is provided with further features that are common with and as described with reference to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The connecting portion 228 is provided as a connection between the heel portion 224 and the ankle portion 226. As shown in the Figures, the connecting portion 228 partially encloses the heel or rear of the ankle of the wearer, when the attachment 222 is attached to the sole 110 of the shoe and is in use. The connecting portion 228 adjoins the heel portion 224 and is shaped to conform with the lower surface of the sole 110 as it is wrapped around the sole 110, when the aft achment is fitted.

The leg portion 242 is provided as an extension to the ankle portion 226 and extends upwardly from the ankle portion 226. The leg portion 242 surrounds the rear part of the lower leg of the wearer and may extend around the sides of the wearer's leg, in the form of a cradle. The leg portion 242 is provided with a plurality of releasable fastening means indicated generafly at 244, which extend around the front of the wearer's leg. Each releasable fastening means 244 includes a strap 246 and a releasable fastener 248 for securing the strap to the leg portion 242. The releasable fastener 248 may be in the form of a buckle or the like. The leg portion 242 may comprise a number of cut outs or the like, for adapting the appearance of the attachment. The leg portion 242 may also be provided with decorative features such as beads, jewels, ribbons and the like.

The embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 5 may also be provided with a toe portion (not shown) for securing the foot of a wearer to the shoe. The toe portion may be rclcasably fastened to the sole of a shoe, or alternatively the toe portion may be permanently fixed to the sole by suitable means.

A further embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Again, the attachment 322 is shown attached to the sole 110 of the shoe, which is common to all embodiments.

Side panels 350, 352 in combination with a heel portion 324 form the attachment 322.

The heel portion 324 is generally frustoeonical and is shaped to compliment the heel 116 of the sole of the shoe 110. The heel portion 324 is in the form of a sleeve for passing over the heel 116 of the shoe 110. The heel portion 324 has further features that arc common with and are as described with reference to the first embodiment and second embodiments shown in Figures ito 5.

The side panels 350 and 352 are shaped to include the heel portion 324 and also include the ankle portion and connecting portion as described in previous embodiments. The side panels 350 and 352 are generally shaped to form the profile of a boot and form the partial upper of a shoe. The side panels 350 and 352 are stitched together at the back of and undemeath the shoe 110, such that they may be pulled together and fastened together, once the heel portion 324 has been pulled up onto the heel 116 of the shoe 110. Each side panel 350, 352 is provided with a plurality of holes 354. A lace 356 is provided and is passed through the fixing holes 354 to secure the panels together around the wearer's foot in the manner of a conventional lace-up shoe. The lace 356 may alternatively be replaced with a zipper, for securing together the side panels 350, 352. The side panels 350, 352 may be provided with decorative elements for adapting the appearance of the attachment 322.

A fourth embodiment is shown in Figure 8 generally indicated at 422. The attachment 422 is shown attached to the sole 110 of the shoe, which is common with the other embodiments.

The attachment 422 includes a heel portion 424, an ankle portion 426, a connecting portion 428 and a central member 460.

The heel portion 424 is substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 and shares features in common with all of the embodiments.

The ankle portion 426 is provided in the form of a strap extending wholly around the ankle of the wearer. The connecting portion 428 connects the ankle portion 426 to the heel portion 424.

The central member 460 is formed as an integral part of the ankle portion 426 and extends forwardly over the front of the wearer's foot. The central member 460 is provided with a plurality of straps 462, which extend laterally to the sole 110 of the shoe. Each strap 462 is provided with releasable fastening means 464 for releasably fastening the strap to the sole of the shoe 110.

In use, the attachmcnts as described are first fittcd to the sole of a shoe by sliding the heel portion over the heel of the shoe. Once the heel portion has been pulled into position, the wearer's foot is placed onto the shoe, which may require the wearer to place their foot through the ankle portion. This particularly applies where the ankle portion is provided in the form of a complete strap, extending fully around the wearer's ankle. Next, the ankle portion, fastening means or side panels are fastened, securing the attachment to the wearer's foot. Securing of the attachment may be by buckles, laces, a zipper or the like, which may vary to suit the type of attachment being used. In the case that a zipper is provided on the ankle portion, the ankle portion may require wrapping around the heel of the shoe and the zipper tightened, to first secure the ankle portion to the heel of the shoe. Once this is completed, the ankle portion may be secured to the ankle of the wearer's foot, thus securing the attachment in place.

In the case of the fourth embodiment, the wearer must first place their foot through the ankle portion and the central member is placed over the front of the foot. Any side straps are then lowered over the side of the wearer's foot and secured into place onto the sole of the shoe.

The attachment as described is beneficial because it allows the wearer to adapt the appearance of a shoe. The attachment may be used with any shoe, that is to adapt the appearance of an existing shoe, or used with a modified shoe, specifically designed to work in cooperation with the attachment. The attachment provides a cost effective solution to adapting the appearance of shoes, without the need to buy shoes of a similar style, but different design.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. An attachment for a shoe comprising a heel portion, the heel portion being formed as a sleeve for passing over a heel of a shoe, an ankle portion for surrounding and attaching to a person's ankle and a connecting portion extending between the heel portion and the ankle portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim I, in which the heel portion is substantially frustoconical for receiving a heel of a shoe.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 2, in which the heel portion is provided with a larger opening in an upper end than an opening in a lower end.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the heel portion is continuous for substantially covering a heel of a shoe.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the heel portion is discontinuous for partially covering a heel of a shoe.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the heel portion is of a flexible material for conforming to the shape of a heel of a shoe.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 6, in which the heel portion is secured to a heel of a shoe by a friction fit.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sleeve of the heel portion is provided with a zip fastener extending along its I en gth.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the ankle portion is a strap.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 9, in which the strap is provided with releasable securing means for releasably securing the ankle portion to the ankle of a user.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 10, in which the releasable securing means is a buckle.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 10, in which the releasable securing means is a hook and loop fastener.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 10, in which the releasable securing means is a lace.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the connecting portion is a plurality of straps extending between the heel portion and the ankle portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the connecting portion, in use, at least partially surrounds the rear of a shoe, and a person's ankle.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in cLaim 15, in which the connecting portion has a leg portion extending upwardly from the ankle portion for at least partially enclosing part of the lower leg.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 16, in which the leg portion is formed as a cradle for receiving a rear part of the lower leg and is provided with releasable fastening means, which extend around the fix,nt of the lower leg.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the connecting portion extends between the heel portion and the ankle portion and forms a partial shoe upper, which in use, covers an upper part of a person's foot.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 18, in which the partial shoe upper has a plurality of connected panels which extend around a sole of a shoe and over the upper pad of a person's foot, in use, and are fastened together by releasable fastening means.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 1, in which a central member or strap extends forwardly from the ankle portion, which, in use, covers the front part of a person's foot, and straps extend laterally to a sole of a shoe aad are releasably fastened thereto.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. An attachment for a shoe substantially as described herein with reference and as illustrated in Figures ito 8 of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows.CLAIMSI. An attachment for a shoe comprising a heel portion, the heel portion being formed as a sleeve for passing over a heel of a shoe, an ankle portion in the form of an ankle strap for surmunding and attaching to a person's ankle, and a connecting portion extending between the heel portion and the ankle portion, the connecting portion extending between the heel portion and the ankle portion and forming a partial shoe upper, which in use covers an upper part of a person's foot.
2. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 1, in which the heel portion is substantially frustoconical for receivmg a heel of a shoe.
3. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 2, in which the heel portion is provided with a larger opening in an upper end than an opening in a lower end.
4. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the heel portion is continuous for substantially covering a heel of a shoe. L()0 20
5. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the heel portion is discontinuous for partially covering a heel of a shoe.
6. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the heel portion is of a flexible material for conforming to the shape of a heel of a shoe.
7. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 6, in which the heel portion is secured to a heel of a shoe by a friction fit.
8. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the sleeve of the heel portion is provided with a zip flistener extending along its length.
9. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 1, in which the ankle strap is pmvidcd with releasable securing means for relcasably securing the ankle portion to the ankle of a user.
10. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 9, in which the releasable securing means is a buckle.
11. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 9, in which the releasable securing means is a hook and loop fastener.
12. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 9, in which the releasable securing means is a lace.
13. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the connecting portion, in use, at least partially sunnunds the rear of a shoe, and a C'J person's ankle.
14. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 13, in which the connecting IS) portion has a leg portion extending upwardly from the ankle portion for at 0 20 least partially enclosing part of the lower leg.
15. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 14, in which the leg portion is formed as a cradle for receiving a rear part of the lower leg and is provided with releasable fastening means, which extend around the front of the lower leg.
16. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the partial shoe upper has a plurality of connected panels which extend around a sole of a shoe and over the upper part of a person's foot, in use, and are fastened together by releasable fastening means.
17. An attachment for a shoe as claimed in claim 1, in which a central member or strap extends forwardly from the ankle portion, which, in use, covers the front part of a person's foot, and straps cxtcnd laterally to a sole of a shoe and arc releasably fastened thereto.
18. An attachment for a shoe substantially as described herein with reference and as illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 of the accompanying drawings. L()</claim-text>