U.S. patent application number 09/882850 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-21 for continuous design footwear.
Invention is credited to James, K. Ann.
Application Number | 20020020082 09/882850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26918158 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020020082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
James, K. Ann |
February 21, 2002 |
Continuous design footwear
Abstract
A pair of shoes 10 have a continuous design 30 applied to the
upper structures 18 of the shoes, with the left shoe 12 containing
the left portion 32 of the continuous design and the right shoe 14
containing the right portion 34. The left and right portions of the
design are formed so that when the left shoe is worn on the
wearer's left foot and the right shoe is worn on the wearer's right
foot and the feet are brought together, the continuous design is
formed and is displayed to the wearer, or to third parties
observing the shoes, thereby enabling the wearer and/or third
parties to discern if the shoes are being worn on the correct
feet.
Inventors: |
James, K. Ann; (Old Hickory,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
George M. Thomas
Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley
100 Gallerria Parkway, N.W., #1750
Atlanta
GA
30339-5948
US
|
Family ID: |
26918158 |
Appl. No.: |
09/882850 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60223815 |
Aug 8, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/112 ; 36/136;
36/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0094 20130101;
A43B 3/0078 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101; A43B 3/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/112 ; 36/136;
36/45 |
International
Class: |
A43B 003/30; A43B
003/28 |
Claims
Therefore, having thus described the invention, at least the
following is claimed:
1. A pair of shoes for the left and right feet of a human wearer of
the shoes, said shoes comprising: a left shoe shaped for fitting a
left foot of a wearer, a right shoe shaped for fitting the right
foot of the wearer, said left and right shoes being reversed
shaped; each shoe having a sole on which the foot of the wearer is
to rest with a perimeter, and an upper structure attached to said
perimeter for covering the foot of the wearer; said upper structure
of each shoe including a top panel for covering the toes of the
foot of the wearer, the improvement therein comprising: a
continuous design formed on said top panels of said the upper
structure of said pair of shoes, said continuous design continuing
from one shoe to the other shoe, including: a left portion of said
continuous design formed on said top panel of said upper structure
of said left shoe; and a right portion of said continuous design
formed on said top panel of said upper structure of said right
shoe; said left portion of said continuous design and said right
portion of said continuous design being different from each other;
said left portion of said continuous design and said right portions
of said continuous design being formed to complete said continuous
design of the pair of shoes when said left shoe is worn on the left
foot of the wearer and said right shoe is worn on the right foot of
the wearer and the feet of the wearer are brought together
side-by-side, and said left portion of said continuous design and
said right portion of said continuous design being formed to
complete an indiscriminate design when the left shoe is worn on the
right foot of the wearer and the right shoe is worn on the left
foot of the wearer and the feet of the wearer are brought together
side-by-side.
2. The pair of shoes of claim 1, wherein said left portion and said
right portion of said continuous design are not mirror images
3. The pair of shoes of claim 1, wherein said upper structures of
said shoes include a U-shaped perimeter wall having an edge joined
to said sole and joined to said top panel, and said design portions
extend across said U-shaped perimeter wall.
4. A pair of shoes wherein each shoe of said pair of shoes includes
a heel wall joined to a sole and shaped to extend upwardly about
the heel of the foot of the wearer of the shoes, and a design
formed on said heel walls of each of said pair of shoes, with the
designs on each heel wall being different than the design on the
heel wall of the other of said shoes and forming a continuous
design from one shoe to the other shoe when the feet of the wearer
are placed together side-by-side.
5. A pair of shoes for human feet including a left shoe shaped to
fit only a left foot and a right shoe shaped to fit only a right
foot, said shoes being of the same size, each shoe having a bottom
surface for engaging the ground and an upper structure for
extending about the human foot, comprising: a portion of a
continuous visual design applied to the upper structure of each of
the shoes of said pair of shoes, the portion of the visual design
of each shoe alone being incomplete and different from and not a
mirror image of the portion of the continuous visual design of the
other shoe and the portions of the continuous visual design of the
shoes being complementary to each other to form a matching
continuous design that extends from one shoe to the other shoe when
the left shoe is placed on the left foot and the right shoe is
placed on the right foot and the feet are placed in side-by-side
relationship.
6. The pair of shoes of claim 4, wherein said design portions of
the shoes are formed to create and indiscriminate design that is
not continuous from one shoe to the other shoe of said pair of
shoes when the left shoe is placed on the right foot and the right
shoe is placed on the left foot and the feet brought together in
side-by-side relationship.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] Applicant claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/223,815 filed Aug. 8, 2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to footwear, and in
particular to footwear having a right shoe and a left shoe with
dissimilar partial designs on each shoe that when placed together
form a complete design. This assists the wearer to visually
recognize how to put each shoe on the correct foot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Outdoor footwear for humans typically incorporates a sole
upon which the foot rests and an upper structure connected about
the perimeter of the sole and covering the sides and the upper
surfaces of the foot. Because of the flexibility and movement of
the parts of the foot, the typical upper structure of the shoe that
is rugged enough for outdoor use generally is formed in several
parts that match the parts of the foot, and the parts of the upper
structure of the shoe are sewn together. Usually the parts and
their stitching on the upper structure of the shoe form a visual
pattern that is substantially dictated by the function and
structure of the shoes. This results in a pair of shoes with each
shoe having a visual design that is identical to but a mirror image
of the other shoe. The design of each shoe, although similar, does
not form a design that is continuous from one shoe to the other
shoe.
[0004] In recent years, shoes have become more decorative and more
versatile, with the upper structure being made of more flexible and
more durable materials, with more padding and support added for the
foot. Some manufacturers have placed trade dress designs on the
shoes for the purpose of enhancing the look of the shoes and for
identifying the manufacturer. The visual images formed by the upper
covers of shoes have become less dependent on following the shape
of the foot.
[0005] Although shoes are more design diverse, it is a difficult
task for children and mentally disabled adult people to learn how
to place shoes on their correct feet, the left shoe on the left
foot and the right shoe on the right foot. Since typical shoes
match each other with reverse images, there usually is no other
visual indication for the unknowledgeable person of which is the
left or the right shoe and which shoe fits what foot. Usually, the
parent of the child must teach the child that the shape of the
right shoe matches the shape of the right foot, and the shape of
the left shoe matches the shape of the left foot. This is difficult
for some to learn.
[0006] Thus there is a need for designs on footwear which address
these and other shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention involves pairs of footwear, or shoes,
with each shoe having a design on its upper structure wherein a
complete design is formed when both the left and right shoes of a
pair of shoes are worn together on the appropriate foot and the
feet are brought together in side-by-relationship. In a preferred
embodiment, a portion of the design appears on the left shoe, and
the remainder of the design appears on the right shoe. Wearing the
pair of shoes together on the appropriate foot forms the complete
continuous design and displays the continuous design to the wearer
or any third parties observing the shoes. An additional feature of
the continuous design on the footwear is that the continuous design
assists the wearer, especially children, in putting the shoes on
the proper foot.
[0008] In one embodiment, the designs on the upper structures of a
pair of shoes can be incomplete mirror images that form a complete
design when the shoes are placed on the correct feet and brought
together side-by-side. Another embodiment includes the upper
structures of a pair of shoes having images that are not mirror
images, but when the shoes are placed on the correct feet and
brought together the shoes form a recognizable continuous image
from one shoe to the next shoe. In both embodiments, when the shoes
are placed on the incorrect feet, the combined image formed by the
pair of shoes is indiscriminate and alerts the viewer that the
shoes are on "backwards."
[0009] When shoes of the invention are made for children, the
design can be colorful and interesting to children. Shoes for the
adult can be more subtle or can be directed to more adult
interests, such as sports or high fashion.
[0010] Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a pair of
shoes with improved upper structure visual designs, each shoe
bearing an incomplete design that is dissimilar to the design of
the other shoe but matches with the other shoe to form a complete
design.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a pair of
shoes that has a visual design formed on the upper structure of
each shoe that aids the wearer of the shoe to determine which shoe
fits which foot.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a pair of
shoes that bear an image on each shoe that when placed on the
correct feet and brought together side-by-side form a complete
image, and when placed on the wrong feet and brought together
side-by-side form a mismatched image.
[0013] Other objects, features and advantages will become apparent
upon reviewing the following specification when taken in
conjunction with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings. The components in the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly
illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in
the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the several views.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a pair of lace-up
shoes, for adults or children, showing a continuous design
extending across the upper structures of the toe portions of the
shoes, with the segments of the design being mirror images of each
other.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of a pair of sports
shoes, showing a continuous design formed on the upper structures
of the toe portions of the shoes, with the segments of the design
not being mirror images of each other.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a pair of shoes of the
type shown in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of a pair of shoes,
showing the heels of the shoes.
[0019] FIGS. 5 and 6 are top views of pairs of shoes, with both
pair being sized, shaped and designed for children's wear.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top view of a pair of shoes suitable for women's
use.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a pair of women's
boots.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like
numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
illustrates a pair of shoes that can be sized and shaped for wear
by children or adults. The pair of shoes 10 includes a left shoe 12
and a right shoe 14. The left shoe is shaped for fitting the left
foot of a wearer, the right shoe is shaped for fitting the right
foot of the wearer, and the left and right shoes are reversed
shaped. This is conventional.
[0023] Each shoe includes a sole 16 and an upper structure 18, with
the upper structure 18 being joined by adhesive, stitching or other
conventional means to the perimeter of the sole 16.
[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper structure 18 of each
shoe includes a U-shaped perimeter wall 22 joined to and extending
upwardly from the perimeter of the sole 16, and shaped for
extending about the toes of the foot of the wearer (not shown). A
top panel 24 is attached at its perimeter to the upper edges of the
U-shaped perimeter wall 22 for covering the toes of the foot of the
wearer. A heel wall 26 is also U-shaped and is joined at its edge
to the perimeter of the sole and is shaped to extend upwardly about
the heel of the foot of the wearer of the shoes. This leaves the
opening 28 for inserting the foot into and withdrawing the foot
from the shoe.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a continuous design 30 is formed on the
top panels 24 of both the left and right shoes 12 and 14 of the
pair of shoes. The design is segmented so that a left portion, or
segment 32, is formed on the upper structure 18 of the left shoe 12
and the right portion, or segment 34, is formed on the upper
structure 18 of the right shoe 14. This example is a "smiley face"
design. In this embodiment, the continuous design 30 is formed of a
pair of reverse or "mirror" images, each design portion being
substantially identical to but the reverse of the other design
portion and neither segment of the design forming a complete
design. The design portions 32 and 34 are arranged so that they
form a continuous when paired together, as when the shoes are
placed on the correct feet of the wearer and the wearer places his
or her feet in adjacent, inside to inside relationship. The design
portions 32 and 34 of the two shoes form the continuous design 30
extending across both shoes. Neither design portion is a complete
design without the other design portion.
[0026] While the continuous design 30 of FIG. 1 is formed of a pair
of reverse image portions, a continuous design across the pair of
shoes can be formed with other design portions that are not mirror
images of each other. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a pair of
sports shoes 40 having features similar to those of FIG. 1, but
having a continuous design 50 that is formed of dissimilar left and
right design portions 52 and 54. The example of the continuous
design 50 is a tomahawk and includes a left portion 52 that is the
lower portion of the handle of the tomahawk and the right portion
54 that is the blade or head portion of the tomahawk. If the shoes
are placed on the correct feet of the wearer, with the left shoe on
the left foot and the right shoe on the right foot, and the feet
are brought together in side by side relationship, the left and
right design portions 52 and 54 will complete the continuous design
50 of the tomahawk.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 4, similar continuous designs can be
formed on the heel walls 26 of a pair of shoes, such as shoes 10 of
FIG. 1 or shoes 40 of FIG. 2. The continuous design can be in
addition to or an alternative to the continuous design formed on
the upper structure of the shoes.
[0028] The example illustrated in FIG. 4 is that of a swimmer, with
the lower abdomen and legs on the left shoe 12 and the upper
abdomen, arms and head on the right shoe 14. Again, when the left
shoe is placed on the left foot of the wearer and the right shoe is
placed on the right foot of the wearer and the shoes are brought in
adjacent side-by-side relationship, the left and right design
portions of the swimmer will be placed adjacent each other,
completing the continuous design across the pair of shoes. Neither
design segment forms a complete design, but when the shoes are
brought together as described, the compete or continuous design of
the swimmer is formed.
[0029] FIGS. 5 and 6 are additional continuous design concepts for
children's shoes. When forming a design on young children's shoes,
it may be more important to have mirror image left portion 44 and
right portion 46 of a continuous design 48. FIG. 5 shows a
continuous design of a sunburst, with the sunburst design divided
in halves, each half being a mirror image of the other half. When
the shoes are matched together as described above, the completed
continuous design 48 of a sunburst is formed by the shoes. A young
child is likely to learn about which shoe fits which foot when the
mirror image of the left and right design portions of the
continuous design are mirror images of each other, so that they
"match" one another, like adjacent pieces of a puzzle.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a similar but more sophisticated version of the
mirror image design portions for the left and right children's
shoes. The continuous design of a butterfly 50 is formed by the
mirror image design portions.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a pair of adult women's shoes having a
continuous design 54 formed by the shoes. In this instance, the
continuous image is not formed by left and right mirror images, but
by dissimilar mirror images 56 and 58. This provides a more
sophisticated look for a person of more discriminating taste.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a pair of women's boots having continuous color
design from one boot to the other and continuous structural design
features from one boot to the other. As with FIG. 7, the boots of
FIG. 8 show left and right design portions 60 and 62 that are not
mirror images of each other, but the designs, when mated together
as described above, show a continuous design from one boot to the
other.
[0033] In addition, the upper edges of the boots of FIG. 8 are
shaped differently, yet the design of each boot forms a continuous
design across both boots of the pair of boots. This is a more
sophisticated design feature for the discriminating adult.
[0034] It should be noted in all of the illustrated examples that
if the shoes should be placed on the wrong feet, with the left shoe
on the right foot and the right shoe on the left foot, the left and
right design portions of the shoes will form an indiscriminate
design, not a continuous matching design. For example, if the pair
of children's shoes of FIG. 5 are placed on the wrong feet and the
feet are brought together, the sunburst will not be formed. Indeed,
the design of the sunburst, which is likely to be in a bright
orange color, will be segmented and facing outwardly on the shoes,
instead of the design portions facing together, thus forming an
unrecognizable design. This is likely to alert the child and the
adult caring for the child that the shoes have been improperly
placed on the feet of the child.
[0035] Likewise, the shoes of FIG. 6 should also alert the child
and the person caring for the child when the shoes are placed on
the wrong feet.
[0036] When the continuous design is applied to the heels of the
pair of shoes as illustrated in FIG. 4, again, the adult caring for
the child or anyone positioned behind the child should immediately
recognize when the shoes are placed on the wrong feet.
[0037] FIGS. 2, 7 and 8 are intended to show a continuous design
formed of a matching pair of dissimilar design portions, suitable
for the sports person. While a tomahawk is shown as the continuous
design in FIG. 2, other sports images, and images of other types,
that are more desirable for the adult sports person can be applied,
such as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. For example, the continuous image
of a sports mascot could be segmented, with the left portion placed
on the left shoe and the right portion placed on the right
shoe.
[0038] While the shoes of FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown to be more of an
athletic style where there is a definite U-shaped perimeter wall 22
that extends upwardly from the sole 16 and then a top panel 24 is
formed on the perimeter wall to cover the toes of the foot, the
shoes of FIG. 7, which may be "ballerina" shoes, may have less of a
departure between the perimeter wall and the top panel.
Accordingly, the design of FIG. 7 might extend across both the top
panel 24 and the perimeter, down to the sole, assuring that the
continuous design extends from one shoe to the other.
[0039] While the continuous designs illustrated herein show a
single object divided so as to place the left portion of the
continuous design on one shoe and the right portion on the other
shoe, it is also within the scope of this invention to have a
complete design on each shoe, with the complete designs coming
together to form a continuous design that incorporates the two
dissimilar designs. For example, the image of a basketball could be
placed on one shoe and the image of a basketball goal could be
placed on the other shoe so that the two images together form a
continuous design and when taken together become identifiable with
each other.
[0040] While the drawings illustrate the invention in black and
white, it should be understood that the designs applied to the
shoes are likely to be in color that contrasts with the background
color of the shoes. Similar color extending from one shoe to the
other tends to enhance the recognition of a continuous design
across both shoes.
[0041] It is important to the invention that the continuous design
from shoe to shoe be visible to the wearer in the situations where
the wearer is a child and relies upon the continuous design to
determine if the shoes are being placed on the correct foot of the
wearer. Typically, this will be on the top panels 24 of the upper
structure 18 of the shoes.
[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the boots can have the continuous
design formed of different materials as well as different colors,
so that one colored segment can be formed of one material and the
adjacent segment of a different color can be formed of a different
material. However, the general arrangement is that the continuous
design applied to the boots as well as to the other shoes of the
drawings will be artistic rather than structural design
features.
[0043] Although the footwear is described herein as "shoes," it is
intended that the expression "shoes" is to include not only
conventional shoes but also boots, sandals, athletic shoes, and
other footwear for both children and adults.
[0044] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed in detail herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that variations and modifications of the disclosed
embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *