U.S. patent application number 09/920707 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-28 for shoe sole with sizing indicators.
Invention is credited to Byrd, Ben.
Application Number | 20020035793 09/920707 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22838520 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020035793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Byrd, Ben |
March 28, 2002 |
Shoe sole with sizing indicators
Abstract
A shoe having an outsole with sizing indicators on the bottom of
the outsole provides a shoe size indication system and methods
useful for quickly and accurately measuring a person's foot to
determine a proper shoe size to purchase. A shoe sizing indication
system includes a heel placement indicator and shoe size indicator
lines placed at distances from the heel placement indicator
corresponding to standard shoe sizes. A shoe with shoe size
indicators on the outsole allows quick, accurate, and convenient
determination of a proper shoe size by customers without additional
shoe fitting devices or materials or assistance by retail store
personnel.
Inventors: |
Byrd, Ben; (Clemmons,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. Michael Boggs
Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
1001 West Fourth Street
Winston-Salem
NC
27101-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
22838520 |
Appl. No.: |
09/920707 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60223919 |
Aug 9, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/8.4 ;
36/25R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0078 20130101;
A43B 3/0094 20130101; A43B 1/0072 20130101; A43D 1/027 20130101;
A43B 23/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/8.4 ;
36/25.00R |
International
Class: |
A43D 001/00; A43B
013/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shoe for determining a proper shoe size, comprising: an
outsole having a heel portion, a forward portion, a length, and a
width; a heel placement indicator positioned on the heel portion;
and a plurality of shoe size indicators located on at least a
portion of the forward portion, each of the plurality of shoe size
indicators located a distance from the heel placement indicator
along the length of the outsole corresponding to a different shoe
size and labeled with the corresponding shoe size.
2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel placement indicator is
positioned on the outsole heel portion in alignment with proper
placement of a heel inside the shoe.
3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of shoe size
indicators further comprises a line located across at least a
portion of the width of the outsole forward portion.
4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel placement indicator and
the plurality of shoe size indicators are permanently integrated
into the outsole.
5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel placement indicator and
the plurality of shoe size indicators are printed onto the
outsole.
6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe further comprises a size
and the size of the shoe is indicated on the shoe outsole.
7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel placement indicator and
the plurality of shoe size indicators are placed on each of a left
shoe and a right shoe of a pair of shoes.
8. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a transparent material
overlaying the outsole wherein the heel placement indicator and the
plurality of shoe size indicators can be seen through the
material.
9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shoe size
indicators comprises standard shoe sizes for a particular age
group.
10. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the standard shoe sizes for a
particular age group are gender-specific.
11. The shoe of claim 10, further comprising patterns having appeal
to the age group and gender that would typically wear the shoe
sizes thereon.
12. A shoe for determining a proper shoe size, comprising: an
outsole having a heel portion, a forward portion, a length, and a
width; a heel placement indicator positioned on the heel portion in
alignment with proper placement of a heel inside the shoe; and a
plurality of shoe size indicator lines located across at least a
portion of the width of the forward portion, each of the plurality
of shoe size indicator lines located a distance from the heel
placement indicator along the length of the outsole corresponding
to a different shoe size and labeled with the corresponding shoe
size; wherein the shoe further comprises a size and the size of the
shoe is indicated on the shoe outsole; wherein the heel placement
indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicator lines are placed
on each of a left shoe and a right shoe of a pair of shoes; wherein
the shoe sizes corresponding to the plurality of shoe size
indicator lines comprises standard shoe sizes for a particular age
group and gender; and wherein the shoe further comprises patterns
having appeal to the age group and gender that would typically wear
the shoe sizes thereon.
13. The shoe of claim 12, further comprising a transparent material
overlaying the outsole wherein the heel placement indicator and the
plurality of shoe size indicator lines can be seen through the
material.
14. A shoe size indication system for determining a proper shoe
size for a person's foot, comprising: an outsole having a heel
portion, a forward portion, a length, and a width; a heel placement
indicator positioned on the heel portion; and a plurality of shoe
size indicators located on at least a portion of the outsole
forward portion, each of the plurality of shoe size indicators
located a distance from the heel placement indicator along the
length of the outsole corresponding to a different shoe size and
labeled with the corresponding shoe size; wherein when the heel of
the person's foot is aligned with the heel placement indicator and
the person's toes are positioned to overlap the plurality of shoe
size indicators, the shoe size indicator immediately beyond the end
of the person's longest toe indicates the proper shoe size for the
person's foot.
15. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, wherein the heel
placement indicator is positioned on the outsole heel portion in
alignment with proper placement of the person's heel inside the
shoe.
16. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, wherein each of
the plurality of shoe size indicators further comprises a line
located across at least a portion of the width of the outsole
forward portion.
17. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, wherein the heel
placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicators are
permanently integrated into the outsole.
18. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, wherein the heel
placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicators are
printed onto the outsole.
19. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, wherein the shoe
further comprises a size and the size of the shoe is indicated on
the shoe outsole.
20. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, wherein the heel
placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicators are
placed on each of a left shoe and a right shoe of a pair of
shoes.
21. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, further comprising
a transparent material overlaying the outsole wherein the heel
placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicators can
be seen through the material.
22. The shoe size indication system of claim 14, wherein the
plurality of shoe size indicators comprises standard shoe sizes for
a particular age group.
23. The shoe size indication system of claim 22, wherein the
standard shoe sizes for a particular age group are
gender-specific.
24. The shoe size indication system of claim 23, further comprising
patterns having appeal to the age group and gender that would
typically wear the shoe sizes thereon.
25. A shoe size indication system for determining a proper shoe
size for a person's foot, comprising: an outsole having a heel
portion, a forward portion, a length, and a width; a heel placement
indicator positioned on the heel portion in alignment with proper
placement of a heel inside the shoe; and a plurality of shoe size
indicator lines located across at least a portion of the width of
the forward portion, each of the plurality of shoe size indicator
lines located a distance from the heel placement indicator along
the length of the outsole corresponding to a different shoe size
and labeled with the corresponding shoe size; wherein when the heel
of the person's foot is aligned with the heel placement indicator
and the person's toes are positioned to overlap the plurality of
shoe size indicators, the shoe size indicator immediately beyond
the end of the person's longest toe indicates the proper shoe size
for the person's foot; wherein the shoe further comprises a size
and the size of the shoe is indicated on the shoe outsole; wherein
the heel placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size
indicator lines are placed on each of a left shoe and a right shoe
of a pair of shoes; wherein the shoe sizes corresponding to the
plurality of shoe size indicator lines comprises standard shoe
sizes for a particular age group and gender; and wherein the shoe
further comprises patterns having appeal to the age group and
gender that would typically wear the shoe sizes thereon.
26. The shoe size indication system of claim 25, further comprising
a transparent material overlaying the outsole wherein the heel
placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicator lines
can be seen through the material.
27. A method for determining a proper shoe size for a person's
foot, the person's foot having a heel with a rear margin and toes
with a forward margin, comprising: providing a shoe comprising an
outsole having a heel portion, a forward portion, a length, and a
width, a heel placement indicator positioned on the heel portion,
and a plurality of shoe size indicators located on at least a
portion of the outsole forward portion, each of the plurality of
shoe size indicators located a distance from the heel placement
indicator along the length of the outsole corresponding to a
different shoe size and labeled with the corresponding shoe size;
aligning the rear margin of the person's heel with the heel
placement indicator; positioning the person's toes to overlap the
plurality of shoe size indicators; and observing the location of
the forward margin of the person's toes on the plurality of shoe
size indicators; wherein the shoe size indicator immediately beyond
the end of the forward margin of the person's toes indicates the
proper shoe size for the person's foot.
28. The method for determining a proper size shoe for a person's
foot of claim 27, wherein the heel placement indicator is
positioned on the outsole heel portion in alignment with proper
placement of the person's heel inside the shoe.
29. The method for determining a proper size shoe for a person's
foot of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of shoe size
indicators further comprises a line located across at least a
portion of the width of the outsole forward portion.
30. The method for determining a proper size shoe for a person's
foot of claim 27, wherein the shoe further comprises a size and the
size of the shoe is indicated on the shoe outsole.
31. The method for determining a proper size shoe for a person's
foot of claim 27, further comprising a transparent material
overlaying the outsole wherein the heel placement indicator and the
plurality of shoe size indicators can be seen through the
material.
32. The method for determining a proper size shoe for a person's
foot of claim 27, wherein the plurality of shoe size indicators
comprises standard shoe sizes for a particular age group.
33. The method for determining a proper size shoe for a person's
foot of claim 32, wherein the standard shoe sizes for a particular
age group are gender-specific.
34. A method for determining a proper shoe size for a person's
foot, the person's foot having a heel with a rear margin and toes
with a forward margin, comprising: providing a shoe comprising an
outsole having a heel portion, a forward portion, a length, and a
width, a heel placement indicator positioned on the heel portion in
alignment with proper placement of the person's heel inside the
shoe, and a plurality of shoe size indicator lines located on at
least a portion of the outsole forward portion, each of the
plurality of shoe size indicator lines located a distance from the
heel placement indicator along the length of the outsole
corresponding to a different shoe size and labeled with the
corresponding shoe size, the shoe sizes corresponding to the
plurality of shoe size indicator lines further comprising standard
shoe sizes for a particular age group and gender, the shoe further
comprising a size and the size of the shoe indicated on the shoe
outsole; aligning the rear margin of the person's heel with the
heel placement indicator; positioning the person's toes to overlap
the plurality of shoe size indicators; and observing the location
of the forward margin of the person's toes on the plurality of shoe
size indicators; wherein the shoe size indicator immediately beyond
the end of the forward margin of the person's toes indicates the
proper shoe size for the person's foot.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to applicant's co-pending
Provisional Application Serial No. 60/223,919, filed Aug. 9, 2000,
which is hereby incorporated herein in full by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a shoe with sizing
indicators, a shoe size indication system, and methods useful for
determining a proper shoe size for a person's foot. Embodiments of
the present invention provide a shoe outsole having sizing
indicators advantageous for use in quick determination of a proper
shoe size for a person's foot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Historically, a number of approaches have been used to
assist customers in determining the proper shoe size when
purchasing shoes. Shoe size indicator systems have involved devices
other than actual shoes to determine a proper size shoe for a foot.
One approach, for example, includes a device combining separate toe
and heel sections that can be placed onto a person's toes and heel
respectively. Scaled bottom portions of each of the toe and heel
sections extend toward and overlap the other section, the point on
the scale at which the extensions overlap indicating shoe size.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,821,051 to Brown describes such a device.
[0004] Another traditional device for determining proper shoe size
comprises a rigid plate of material, such as metal or wood, having
a lengthwise recess and scaled markings on its upper surface, a
semicircular heel positioning member, and an arcuate toe
positioning member, an extension of which is movable within the
recess. When a person stands with heel against the heel positioning
member, the toe positioning member is moved against the end of the
person's toes, the recessed extension thereby moving along the
scaled markings to indicate shoe size. A disadvantage of such shoe
size indicator systems is the need for maintaining a supply of
separate, specially-made sizing devices in a retail store. Other
disadvantages include the need for a customer to locate a separate
shoe sizing device, or to find a salesperson to locate a sizing
device, and possibly enlisting the assistance of a salesperson in
use of the device. Yet another disadvantage of shoe size indicator
devices used independently from shoes is that such devices do not
provide any information regarding a particular shoe, such as the
fit of a particular shoe, to be purchased.
[0005] Systems designed to indicate the fit of a particular shoe
have been incorporated into shoes. Integrated shoe fit indication
systems have often relied on location of a wearer's foot in
relation to an insole. One example of such an approach is U.S. Pat.
No. 2,654,965 to Sloan et al., which includes a shoe having an
upper with sides, tongue, and toe-end portion all movable so as to
permit viewing of the position of a wearer's foot with respect to
the entire insole with the foot in place in the shoe. In the Sloan
et al. patent, the upper face of the insole at the toe portion is
provided with a visible gauge marking to indicate a point beyond
which the toes of a foot should not be placed with respect to the
insole.
[0006] Other shoe fit indicator systems involving insoles utilize a
transferable marking means. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,464,571 to
Gardner discloses a shoe fit indicator in which the interior of the
forward or toe part of a shoe is provided with marking means either
on the inward surface of the sole or on the inward surface of the
upper or on both. Such marking means is arranged so as to apply to
the toes of a foot a visible mark indicating the relation of the
wearer's toes to a zone of improper fit at the end of the shoe.
Another example of a shoe fitting aid wherein an insole is marked
is U.S. Pat. No. 2,860,416 to Pfund. Pfund discloses a thin,
removable, and imprintable composite insole and a thin sheet having
a coating of pressure-transferable marking compound or similar
material which can leave an impression on an insole. When a foot is
pressed against the sheet, marking compound is transferred to the
insole so as to display the position of the foot relative to the
insole.
[0007] Shoe fitting approaches using insoles are disadvantageous
because of the inconvenience of requiring that a person's foot be
placed inside the particular shoe under consideration. Shoe fitting
techniques involving a marking means in conjunction with an insole
have further disadvantages. Such disadvantages include the need to
maintain in a retail store an inventory of the appropriate
materials, such as imprintable composite insoles and sheets of
pressure-transferable marking compound, the need to have store
personnel trained in use of such materials and methods, and the
need for such personnel to assist customers in the use of these
materials and methods.
[0008] A system for determining a proper shoe size placed on the
outsole of a shoe would overcome many of the disadvantages of
traditional approaches. Having a shoe size measurement system on
the actual shoes to be sold would virtually eliminate the need for
maintaining a supply of separate, specially-made sizing devices in
a retail store. Use of a shoe size indicator on the actual shoes
for purchase by a customer would decrease, or eliminate, the need
for assistance by store personnel to locate a separate measuring
device and instruct, and/or assist, the customer in its use. A
system for determining a proper shoe size on the outsole of a shoe
would also eliminate the inconveniences, extra materials, and
customer and store personnel time required to determine the
location of a wearer's foot in relation to an insole, either by
visual inspection or by use of a marking means.
[0009] One approach to a system for measuring the fit of a person's
foot on the outsole of a shoe is advertised by Sole Concepts
(American Shoemaking, May 2000, pages 13-14). Sole Concepts
discloses a "Toe Zone Scale" on the outsole of a shoe comprising a
heel locator and a bar showing the position of the toes in relation
to the internal end of the shoe to indicate proper fit. With the
heel properly aligned, if the toes fall short of the fit bar, a
smaller size is indicated; if the toes fall past the bar, a larger
size is recommended; and if the toes fall within the bar area, a
proper fitting length is indicated. However, such a qualitative
approach to shoe fitting does not provide indication of the
specific shoe size of a foot being measured. Thus, a shoe fit
measuring system such as the "Toe Zone Scale" disclosed by Sole
Concepts is limited to providing an indication of whether the one
particular shoe against which a foot is being measured would fit,
rather than a measurement of the actual shoe size for a person's
foot.
[0010] Prior approaches to determining a proper shoe size have not
provided for placement and use of shoe size indicators scaled
according to specific standard shoe sizes on the outsole of a shoe
to be worn.
[0011] Accordingly, there remains a need for a shoe size indication
system for determining a proper shoe size for a person's foot that
does not require additional shoe fitting devices, complicated
materials and instructions, and/or assistance by store personnel.
There is also a need for a shoe size indication system for
determining a proper size shoe for a person's foot that is placed
on the outsole of a shoe, that can be easily and economically made,
and that can be used by customers conveniently, quickly, and
accurately. It is to these perceived needs that the present
invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a shoe with sizing
indicators, a shoe size indication system, and methods for
determining a shoe size. A shoe outsole having sizing indicators
thereon, as in the present invention, comprises a system for
quickly and accurately measuring a person's foot to determine a
proper shoe size.
[0013] In the present invention, a shoe and a shoe size indication
system for determining a proper shoe size for a person's foot
includes an outsole having a heel portion, a forward portion, a
length, and a width, a heel placement indicator positioned on the
heel portion, and a plurality of shoe size indicators located on
the forward portion. Each of the shoe size indicators is located a
distance from the heel placement indicator along the length of the
outsole corresponding to a different shoe size and further
comprises a label with the corresponding shoe size. In use, a
method of the present invention for determining a proper shoe size
for a person's foot comprises aligning the rear margin of a
person's heel with a heel placement indicator, positioning the
person's toes to overlap the shoe size indicators, and observing
the location of the forward margin of the person's toes on the shoe
size indicators. The shoe size indicator immediately beyond the end
of the forward margin of the person's toes indicates the proper
shoe size for the person's foot.
[0014] In embodiments of the present invention, a heel placement
indicator is positioned on the outsole heel portion in alignment
with proper placement of a heel inside the shoe. A shoe size
indication system as in the present invention may be temporarily
printed onto an outsole or permanently integrated into an outsole,
such as in a molded construction. In other embodiments, a shoe of
the present invention further comprises a transparent material
overlaying the outsole such that the heel placement indicator and
shoe size indicators can be seen through the material.
[0015] In embodiments, shoe size indicators comprise standard shoe
sizes for a particular age group and/or gender-specific shoe sizes.
Embodiments of a shoe of the present invention further comprise
patterns having appeal to the age group and gender that would
typically wear the shoe sizes thereon.
[0016] Features of a shoe with sizing indicators, a shoe size
indication system, and methods for determining a proper shoe size
for a person's foot of the present invention may be accomplished
singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the embodiments of
the present invention. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art, the present invention has wide utility in a
number of applications as illustrated by the variety of features
and advantages discussed below.
[0017] A shoe with sizing indicators, a shoe size indication
system, and methods for determining a shoe size as in the present
invention provide benefits and advantages over previous approaches
to determining the proper fit or size of a shoe. The present
invention provides the advantages of being quick and simple to use,
allowing accurate shoe size determinations without additional
materials or assistance, and is economical to manufacture.
[0018] For example, a shoe size indication system on the outsole of
a shoe finds practical use in retail stores where other traditional
shoe sizing devices are not available, or not readily available,
and where store personnel may not be present for assisting a
customer. Also, in the present invention, a customer is not
required to adjust any movable components in order to determine
shoe size, as in traditional sliding shoe size measurement devices.
Thus, a shoe size indication system on the outsole of a shoe is
convenient to locate and easy to use without any need for
assistance by store personnel.
[0019] Such a quick shoe size indication system as in the present
invention is particularly beneficial for use with children. It is
often difficult to accurately determine shoe size for children, as
they typically are restless and have short attention spans and
little patience for a more involved shoe size determination
process, as with use of a separate measuring device or by trying on
shoes. As such, a shoe size indication system on the outsole of a
shoe provides the advantage of quick and accurate determination of
a child's shoe size by an adult without the need for a separate
measuring device and before the child tries on any shoes.
[0020] In addition to initially providing for a quick and accurate
reading of a person's shoe size at the time of purchase, the
present invention is useful in determining when a child, for
example, has outgrown a shoe. Monitoring growth of feet is
especially important for children because their feet are still
developing. Therefore, it is advantageous to be able to readily and
accurately assess a child's foot in relation to a shoe to determine
when the shoe should be replaced to provide a proper fitting shoe.
A shoe size indication system on the outsole of a shoe as in the
present invention allows continual monitoring of the growth of a
child's foot and possible identification of the shoe size to be
next purchased.
[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that
embodiments may include designs having appeal for the age and
gender of the wearer for which the shoe is intended. For example, a
shoe sole with sizing indicators as in the present invention on a
toddler's shoe may further comprise designs of stuffed animals and
toys integrated into the shoe sole. Such designs would provide
objects of curiosity for a toddler. A shoe sole with sizing
indicators on a pre-schooler's shoe may include letters of the
alphabet, numbers, and geometric figures. Such age-specific designs
can foster a pre-schooler's interest in participating with parents
in purchasing shoes and provide educational interest in the objects
contained in a design. Additionally, designs such as floral and
geometric patterns and sports figures, integrated into a shoe sole
with sizing indicators, may provide a source of pride by the wearer
in the shoes being worn.
[0022] Placing the size of the particular shoe on the outsole
allows a customer to quickly compare the actual size of the shoe
with the shoe size indicated for a customer whose shoe size is
being measured. As such, the present invention provides for
determining the proper shoe size for the person's foot being
measured, as well as whether the particular shoe on which a shoe
size indication system is being used is a proper size shoe for that
person.
[0023] Another advantage is that a shoe size indication system
according to the present invention provides for shoe size
determinations that are convenient, quick, accurate, and can be
obtained at any time prior to or after purchase of a shoe embodying
the present invention.
[0024] As will be realized by those of skill in the art, many
different embodiments of a shoe with sizing indicators, a shoe size
indication system, and methods for determining shoe size according
to the present invention are possible. Additional uses, objects,
advantages, and novel features of the invention are set forth in
the detailed description that follows and will become more apparent
to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or by
practice of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the outsole of a left shoe
illustrating a shoe size indication system, the right shoe of a
pair being a mirror image of the shoe in FIG. 1, in an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a shoe size indication
system on the outsole of an infant's shoe, depicting shoe sizes for
an infant and age-specific designs of interest in an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] 1 FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a shoe size indication
system on the outsole of a toddler's shoe, depicting shoe sizes for
a toddler and age-specific designs of interest in an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a shoe size indication
system on the outsole of a girl's shoe, depicting shoe sizes for a
girl and age and gender-related designs of interest in an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a shoe size indication
system on the outsole of a boy's shoe, depicting shoe sizes for a
boy and age and gender-related designs of interest in an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of a shoe size indication
system on the outsole of a woman's shoe, depicting shoe sizes for
an adult size woman and age and gender-related designs of interest
in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a shoe size indication
system on the outsole of a man's shoe, depicting shoe sizes for an
adult size man and age and gender-related designs of interest in an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 8 is diagrammatic view of the shoe size indication
system of FIG. 1 on the outsole of a shoe, illustrating an overlay
of transparent material over the a shoe size indication system in
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 9 is side elevation view of a shoe having an overlay of
transparent material over a shoe size indication system in an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The present invention provides a shoe with sizing
indicators, a shoe size indication system, and methods for
determining a proper shoe size in a quick, convenient, and accurate
manner.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, in embodiments of the present
invention, a shoe 10 for determining a proper shoe size comprises
an outsole 20, and a heel placement indicator 30 and a plurality of
shoe size indicators 40 on outsole 20. Outsole 20 includes a heel
portion 21, a forward portion 22, a length 23, and a width 24. Heel
placement indicator 30 is positioned on heel portion 21. Shoe size
indicators 40 are located on at least a portion of forward portion
22. Each of the plurality of shoe size indicators 40 is located a
distance from heel placement indicator 30 along length 23 of
outsole 20 corresponding to a different shoe size and is labeled
with the corresponding shoe size. For example, in FIG. 1, the shoe
size indicator 40 for a size 4 shoe (43) is located distance 41
from heel placement indicator 30. And the shoe size indicator 40
for a size 6 shoe (44) is located a different distance 42
corresponding to the length for a size 6 shoe from heel placement
indicator 30.
[0036] In preferred embodiments, heel placement indicator 30 is
positioned on the outsole heel portion 21 in alignment with proper
placement of a wearer's heel inside shoe 10. Accordingly, a last
bottom used to form shoe 10 can be utilized to locate the proper
position of heel placement indicator 30 on the shoe outsole 20.
[0037] In embodiments, each of the plurality of shoe size
indicators 40 further comprises a line 45 located across at least a
portion of width 24 of outsole forward portion 22. Indicator lines
45 can be located across a portion or all of the width 24 of
outsole 20 in the instep, ball, and toe areas. Indicator lines 45
are labeled with the incremental shoe size, 43, 44, for example,
corresponding to the distance, 41, 42, for example, of a particular
indicator line 45 from heel placement indicator 30. Shoe size
indicator lines 45 can be placed at the proper distances from heel
placement indicator 30 for a range of shoe sizes, including half
sizes. Preferably, shoe sizes represented by shoe size indicators
40 on an outsole 20 approximate the actual size of the particular
shoe 10 on which shoe size indicators are placed.
[0038] Shoe size indicators 40 of the present invention comprise
sizes corresponding to standard overall sizing dimensions,
including length and width, proportioned for the type of foot, such
as for a particular age and gender, for which the shoe is made. In
addition to shoe size indicators 40 that refer to shoe length, and
thus overall proportionality, embodiments of the present invention
further include shoe size indicators specific to shoe width (not
shown) on the outsole of a shoe. Embodiments of shoe size
indicators 40 of the present invention correspond to and represent
standard shoe sizes, 43, 44, for example, standard shoe sizes used
in a particular country, such as the United States, the United
Kingdom, Europe, Mexico, Japan, and other countries. Examples of
conversions for standard shoe sizes between various countries are
listed below:
1 USA UK EUR Mexico Japan Toddler Shoe Size Conversion Table 0 0 15
7 -- 1 .5 16 8 8.5 2 1.5 17.5 9 9.5 3 2.5 19 10 10.5 4 3.5 20 11
11.5 Children's Shoe Size Conversion Table 5 4.5 21 12 12.5 5.5 5
22 12.5 13 6 5.5 22.5 13 13 6.5 6 23 13.5 13.5 7 6.5 23.5 14 14 7.5
7 24 14.5 14.5 8 7.5 25 15 15 8.5 8 25.5 15.5 15.5 9 8.5 26 16 16
9.5 9 27 16.5 16.5 10 9.5 27.5 17 16.5 10.5 10 28 17.5 17 Girls and
Boys (Youth) Shoe Size Conversion Table 11 10.5 29 18 17.5 11.5 11
29.5 18.5 18 12 11.5 30 19 18.5 12.5 12 30.5 19.5 18.5 13 12.5 31
20 19 13.5 13 32 20.5 19.5 1 13.5 32.5 21 20 1.5 1 33 21.5 20.5 2
1.5 34 22 21 2.5 2 34.5 22.5 21.5 3 2.5 35 23 22 3.5 3 35.5 23.5 --
4 3.5 36 24 -- Women's Shoe Size Conversion Table 5 3.5 36 22 22
5.5 4 37 22.5 22.5 6 4.5 37.5 23 23 6.5 5 38 23.5 23.5 7 5.5 39 24
24 7.5 6 39.5 24.5 24 8 6.5 40 25 24.5 8.5 7 40.5 25.5 25 9 7.5 41
26 25.5 9.5 8 42 26.5 26 10 8.5 42.5 27 26.5 10.5 9 43 27.5 -- 11
9.5 44 28 27.5 11.5 10 44.5 28.5 -- 12 10.5 45 29 28.5 13 11.5 46
30 29.5 Men's Shoe Size Conversion Table 6.5 6 39 25.5 24 7 6.5 40
26 24.5 7.5 7 41 26.5 25 8 7.5 41.5 27 25.5 8.5 8 42 27.5 26 9 8.5
43 28 26.5 9.5 9 43.5 28.5 27 10 9.5 44 29 27.5 10.5 10 44.5 29.5
28 11 10.5 45 30 28.5 11.5 11 46 30.5 29 12 11.5 46.5 31 29.5 12.5
12 47 31.5 30 13 12.5 48 32 30.5 13.5 13 48.5 32.5 31 14 13.5 49.5
33 31.5 15 14 50.5 34 -- 16 15 52 35 --
[0039] In embodiments of the present invention, a shoe size
indication system for determining a proper shoe size for a person's
foot comprises outsole 20 having heel portion 21, forward portion
22, length 23, and width 24; heel placement indicator 30 positioned
on heel portion 21; and a plurality of shoe size indicators 40
located on at least a portion of outsole forward portion 22. Each
of the plurality of shoe size indicators 40 is located a distance
from heel placement indicator 30 along length 23 of outsole 20
corresponding to a different shoe size and labeled with the
corresponding shoe size. When the heel of the person's foot is
aligned with heel placement indicator 30 and the person's toes are
positioned to overlap the plurality of shoe size indicators 40, the
shoe size indicator immediately beyond the end of the person's
longest toe indicates the proper shoe size for the person's
foot.
[0040] As such, a shoe size indication system on the outsole of a
shoe is convenient to locate and does not require additional
materials or adjustment of any movable components. Thus, the
present invention provides shoes with indicators for heel placement
and shoe size on the outsoles and shoe size indication systems that
are quick and simple to use and that allow accurate shoe size
determinations without assistance by others.
[0041] A shoe outsole having a heel placement indicator 30 and shoe
size indicators 40 as in the present invention may be constructed
and/or implemented in different ways. For example, heel placement
indicator 30 and shoe size indicators 40 can be permanently
integrated into outsole 20, such as in a molded construction. A
shoe size indication system integrated into a pair of shoes has the
advantage of being readily available both in a store and at home
after purchase.
[0042] Alternatively, shoe size indication systems of the present
invention may be affixed to the surface of shoe outsoles. In
embodiments, for example, heel placement indicator 30 and shoe size
indicators 40 are printed onto outsole 20. In other embodiments,
such a shoe size indication system is removably attached to outsole
20, such as by attaching to the outsole a template, or a thin sheet
of material, having the system printed or stamped thereon. In still
other embodiments, such a shoe size indication system is placed on
packaging, such as a box, in which shoes are sold. Thus, shoes and
shoe size indication systems of the present invention are simple
and economical to manufacture and use.
[0043] When a shoe size indication system is printed, stamped, or
otherwise attached to an outsole, the system may experience
deterioration due to normal wear and tear caused by wearing shoes.
To address this issue, shoes of the present invention may include a
protective material affixed to the outsole. In an embodiment, such
as in FIGS. 8 and 9, shoe 10 comprises a transparent material 90
overlaying outsole 20 such that heel placement indicator 30 and
shoe size indicators 40 can be seen through the material. Material
90 comprises a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), rubber, and/or other transparent materials resistant to
rapid deterioration when worn on shoe outsoles. Material 90 may be
clear or comprise any color suitable for use on a shoe sole while
maintaining transparency to allow visualization of a shoe size
indication system underneath. As an example, a shoe 10 having heel
placement indicator 30 and shoe size indicators 40 screen-printed
onto outsole 20, includes an overlay of transparent PVC (90) so as
to protect the heel placement indicator 30 and shoe size indicators
40 from wear while allowing visualization and use of the shoe size
indication system through the material 90.
[0044] In the present invention, an embodiment of a particular shoe
10 has a specific size, and shoe outsole 20 comprises an indication
of the specific size thereon. As shown in FIG. 1, for example,
outsole 20 includes the specific size 100 of shoe 10 (a size 7)
enclosed in a circle placed on heel portion 21 where no other shoe
size markings are located. Placing the size of the particular shoe
on the outsole allows a customer to quickly compare the actual size
of the shoe with the shoe size indicated for a customer whose shoe
size is being measured. As such, the present invention provides for
determining the proper shoe size for the person's foot being
measured, as well as whether the particular shoe on which a shoe
size indication system is being used is a proper size shoe for that
person.
[0045] A shoe size indication system of the present invention,
including heel placement indicator 30 and a plurality of shoe size
indicators 40, may be placed on a left shoe and/or a right shoe of
a pair of shoes, as shown in FIGS. 2-7. In preferred embodiments,
such a shoe size indication system is placed on both the left shoe
50 and the right shoe 60 of a pair of shoes.
[0046] In embodiments of the present invention, shoe size
indicators 40 comprise standard shoe sizes for a particular age
group. For example, in FIG. 2, outsoles 20 of toddlers' shoes
include shoe size indicators 40 and shoe sizes 70 corresponding to
standard shoe sizing dimensions for toddlers. In FIG. 3, outsoles
20 of pre-schoolers' shoes include shoe size indicators 40 and shoe
sizes 71 corresponding to standard shoe sizing dimensions for
pre-schoolers. In FIG. 4, outsoles 20 of girls' shoes include shoe
size indicators 40 and shoe sizes 72 corresponding to standard shoe
sizing dimensions for girls. In FIG. 5, outsoles 20 of boys' shoes
include shoe size indicators 40 and shoe sizes 73 corresponding to
standard shoe sizing dimensions for boys. Because children's feet
grow rapidly, current sizing information is needed to determine a
proper size shoe to purchase, rather than relying on a previous
shoe size. Since a shoe size indication system on outsoles allows
measurement of a child's shoe size without the need for additional
materials, such as a separate measuring device, or a child trying
on shoes, the present invention provides for a beneficially quick
determination of a shoe size for a child.
[0047] Standard shoe sizes in the present invention comprise adult
shoe sizes. In FIG. 6, for example, outsoles 20 of women's shoes
include shoe size indicators 40 and shoe sizes 74 corresponding to
standard shoe sizing dimensions for women. In FIG. 7, outsoles 20
of men's shoes include shoe size indicators 40 and shoe sizes 75
corresponding to standard shoe sizing dimensions for men. Standard
sizing dimensions for other types of shoes, or other foot
coverings, known in the art, such as shoes for certain sports or
swim fins, can be used for those types of shoes and footwear. Thus,
the present invention provides a customer, on a shoe or other item
of footwear for sale, shoe size indicators and shoe sizes for
accurately determining a proper shoe size with respect to
standardized dimensions, including length, width, and overall
configuration, for particular age groups.
[0048] In other embodiments, the standard shoe sizes for a
particular age group further comprise gender-specific shoe sizes.
For example, while shoes 10 in both FIGS. 6 and 7 are adult-size
shoes, shoes 10 intended for women in FIG. 6 comprise shoe sizes
4-11 (74), and shoes 10 intended for men in FIG. 7 comprise shoe
sizes 7-13 (75).
[0049] In still other embodiments, outsoles 20 comprise patterns
having appeal to the age group and gender that would typically wear
the shoe sizes thereon. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, a shoe sole
with sizing indicators 40 as in the present invention on an
toddler's shoe further comprises designs 80 of stuffed animals,
toys, and stars on outsole 20. Such designs provide objects of
curiosity and interest for a toddler. In FIG. 3, a shoe sole with
sizing indicators 40 on a pre-schooler's shoe includes a collection
81 of numbers, letters of the alphabet, and geometric figures. Such
age-specific designs can foster a pre-schooler's interest in
participating with parents in purchasing shoes and provide
educational interest in the objects contained in the design. Other
examples of patterns having age and gender-specific appeal are seen
in FIGS. 4-7, in which shoe soles 20 with sizing indicators 40 on
girls', boys', women's, and men's shoes comprise designs including
flowers 82, sports characters 83, and/or geometric patterns 84. In
addition, when a person wearing a shoe having an age and/or
gender-related pattern on the outsole walks on imprintable
surfaces, such as sand, an imprint of such pattern is left on the
surface by the shoe sole, providing another source of interest in
the shoe.
[0050] In the present invention, a method for determining a proper
shoe size for a person's foot comprises first providing a shoe 10
comprising an outsole 20 having a heel portion 21, a forward
portion 22, a length 23, and a width 24; a heel placement indicator
30 positioned on heel portion 21; and a plurality of shoe size
indicators 40 located on at least a portion of the outsole forward
portion 22, each of the shoe size indicators 40 located a distance,
for example 41, 42, from heel placement indicator 30 along length
23 of outsole 20 corresponding to a different shoe size and labeled
with the corresponding shoe size, for example 43, 44. Embodiments
of such a method for determining a proper shoe size for a person's
foot further comprise aligning the rear margin of the person's heel
with heel placement indicator 30; positioning the person's toes to
overlap the plurality of shoe size indicators 40; and observing the
location of the forward margin of the person's toes on the shoe
size indicators 40. The shoe size indicator observed to be
immediately beyond the end of the forward margin of the person's
toes indicates the proper shoe size for the person's foot. Thus, in
use, a person's foot is quickly and easily placed against the
bottom of a shoe having a shoe size indication system of the
present invention on the outsole to provide accurate indication of
a proper shoe size for the person.
[0051] In embodiments of a method for determining a proper shoe
size for a person's foot of the present invention, heel placement
indicator 30 is positioned on outsole heel portion 21 in alignment
with proper placement of the person's heel inside shoe 10. In other
embodiments, each of the plurality of shoe size indicators 40
further comprises a line 45 located across at least a portion of
width 24 of outsole forward portion 22. In other embodiments, shoe
10 has a size, 100, for example, and the size 100 of shoe 10 is
indicated on shoe outsole 20. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in yet
other embodiments, shoe 10 further comprises a transparent material
90 overlaying outsole 20 wherein heel placement indicator 30 and
shoe size indicators 40 can be seen through the material.
[0052] In embodiments of a method of the present invention, shoe
size indicators 40 comprise standard shoe sizes for a particular
age group, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2-7. In other
embodiments of such a method, standard shoe sizes for a particular
age group further comprise gender-specific shoe sizes, as shown for
women in FIG. 6 and for men in FIG. 7, for example.
[0053] In embodiments of the present invention, a shoe for
determining a proper shoe size comprises: an outsole having a heel
portion, a forward portion, a length, and a width; a heel placement
indicator positioned on the heel portion; and a plurality of shoe
size indicators located on at least a portion of the forward
portion, each of the plurality of shoe size indicators located a
distance from the heel placement indicator along the length of the
outsole corresponding to a different shoe size and labeled with the
corresponding shoe size.
[0054] In other embodiments, a heel placement indicator is
positioned on the outsole heel portion in alignment with proper
placement of a heel inside the shoe. In other embodiments, each of
the plurality of shoe size indicators further comprises a line
located across at least a portion of the width of the outsole
forward portion.
[0055] In still other embodiments, a heel placement indicator and a
plurality of shoe size indicators are permanently integrated into
the outsole. Alternatively, a heel placement indicator and a
plurality of shoe size indicators are printed onto the outsole. In
other embodiments, a shoe of the present invention further
comprises a transparent material overlaying the outsole wherein the
heel placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicators
can be seen through the material.
[0056] In embodiments, a shoe of the present invention further
comprises a size and the size of the shoe is indicated on the shoe
outsole. In other embodiments, a heel placement indicator and a
plurality of shoe size indicators are placed on each of a left shoe
and a right shoe of a pair of shoes. In other embodiments, a
plurality of shoe size indicators comprises standard shoe sizes for
a particular age group. In still other embodiments, standard shoe
sizes for a particular age group are gender-specific. In yet other
embodiments, a shoe of the present invention further comprises
patterns having appeal to the age group and gender that would
typically wear the shoe sizes thereon.
[0057] In another embodiment, a shoe for determining a proper shoe
size comprises: an outsole having a heel portion, a forward
portion, a length, and a width; a heel placement indicator
positioned on the heel portion in alignment with proper placement
of a heel inside the shoe; and a plurality of shoe size indicator
lines located across at least a portion of the width of the forward
portion, each of the plurality of shoe size indicator lines located
a distance from the heel placement indicator along the length of
the outsole corresponding to a different shoe size and labeled with
the corresponding shoe size; wherein the shoe has a size and the
size of the shoe is indicated on the shoe outsole; wherein the heel
placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicator lines
are placed on each of a left shoe and a right shoe of a pair of
shoes; wherein the shoe sizes corresponding to the plurality of
shoe size indicator lines comprises standard shoe sizes for a
particular age group and gender; and wherein the shoe further
comprises patterns having appeal to the age group and gender that
would typically wear the shoe sizes thereon. In a similar
embodiment, such a shoe further comprises a transparent material
overlaying the outsole wherein the heel placement indicator and the
plurality of shoe size indicator lines can be seen through the
material.
[0058] In embodiments of the present invention, a shoe size
indication system for determining a proper shoe size for a person's
foot comprises: an outsole having a heel portion, a forward
portion, a length, and a width; a heel placement indicator
positioned on the heel portion; and a plurality of shoe size
indicators located on at least a portion of the outsole forward
portion, each of the plurality of shoe size indicators located a
distance from the heel placement indicator along the length of the
outsole corresponding to a different shoe size and labeled with the
corresponding shoe size; wherein when the heel of the person's foot
is aligned with the heel placement indicator and the person's toes
are positioned to overlap the plurality of shoe size indicators,
the shoe size indicator immediately beyond the end of the person's
longest toe indicates the proper shoe size for the person's
foot.
[0059] In other embodiments of a shoe size indication system, a
heel placement indicator is positioned on the outsole heel portion
in alignment with proper placement of a heel inside the shoe. In
other embodiments, each of the plurality of shoe size indicators
further comprises a line located across at least a portion of the
width of the outsole forward portion.
[0060] In still other embodiments of a shoe size indication system,
a heel placement indicator and a plurality of shoe size indicators
are permanently integrated into the outsole. Alternatively, a heel
placement indicator and a plurality of shoe size indicators are
printed onto the outsole. In other embodiments of a shoe size
indication system, a shoe of the present invention further
comprises a transparent material overlaying the outsole wherein the
heel placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size indicators
can be seen through the material.
[0061] In embodiments, a shoe of a shoe size indication system of
the present invention further comprises a size and the size of the
shoe is indicated on the shoe outsole. In other embodiments, a heel
placement indicator and a plurality of shoe size indicators are
placed on each of a left shoe and a right shoe of a pair of shoes.
In other embodiments of a shoe size indication system, a plurality
of shoe size indicators comprises standard shoe sizes for a
particular age group. In still other embodiments, standard shoe
sizes for a particular age group are gender-specific. In yet other
embodiments, a shoe of shoe size indication system of the present
invention further comprises patterns having appeal to the age group
and gender that would typically wear the shoe sizes thereon.
[0062] In another embodiment, a shoe size indication system for
determining a proper shoe size for a person's foot comprises: an
outsole having a heel portion, a forward portion, a length, and a
width; a heel placement indicator positioned on the heel portion in
alignment with proper placement of a heel inside the shoe; and a
plurality of shoe size indicator lines located across at least a
portion of the width of the forward portion, each of the plurality
of shoe size indicator lines located a distance from the heel
placement indicator along the length of the outsole corresponding
to a different shoe size and labeled with the corresponding shoe
size; wherein when the heel of the person's foot is aligned with
the heel placement indicator and the person's toes are positioned
to overlap the plurality of shoe size indicators, the shoe size
indicator immediately beyond the end of the person's longest toe
indicates the proper shoe size for the person's foot; wherein the
shoe has a size and the size of the shoe is indicated on the shoe
outsole; wherein the heel placement indicator and the plurality of
shoe size indicator lines are placed on each of a left shoe and a
right shoe of a pair of shoes; wherein the shoe sizes corresponding
to the plurality of shoe size indicator lines comprises standard
shoe sizes for a particular age group and gender; and wherein the
shoe further comprises patterns having appeal to the age group and
gender that would typically wear the shoe sizes thereon. In a
similar embodiment, such a shoe of a shoe size indication system
further comprises a transparent material overlaying the outsole
wherein the heel placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size
indicator lines can be seen through the material.
[0063] In embodiments of the present invention, a method for
determining a proper shoe size for a person's foot, the person's
foot having a heel with a rear margin and toes with a forward
margin, comprises: providing a shoe comprising an outsole having a
heel portion, a forward portion, a length, and a width, a heel
placement indicator positioned on the heel portion, and a plurality
of shoe size indicators located on at least a portion of the
outsole forward portion, each of the plurality of shoe size
indicators located a distance from the heel placement indicator
along the length of the outsole corresponding to a different shoe
size and labeled with the corresponding shoe size; aligning the
rear margin of the person's heel with the heel placement indicator;
positioning the person's toes to overlap the plurality of shoe size
indicators; and observing the location of the forward margin of the
person's toes on the plurality of shoe size indicators; wherein the
shoe size indicator immediately beyond the end of the forward
margin of the person's toes indicates the proper shoe size for the
person's foot.
[0064] In other embodiments of a method for determining a proper
shoe size for a person's foot, a heel placement indicator is
positioned on the outsole heel portion in alignment with proper
placement of a heel inside the shoe. In other embodiments of a
method of the present invention, each of the plurality of shoe size
indicators further comprises a line located across at least a
portion of the width of the outsole forward portion.
[0065] In still other embodiments a method for determining a proper
shoe size for a person's foot, a heel placement indicator and a
plurality of shoe size indicators are permanently integrated into
the outsole. Alternatively, a heel placement indicator and a
plurality of shoe size indicators are printed onto the outsole. In
other embodiments of a method of the present invention, a shoe
further comprises a transparent material overlaying the outsole
wherein the heel placement indicator and the plurality of shoe size
indicators can be seen through the material.
[0066] In embodiments of a method for determining a proper shoe
size for a person's foot, a shoe of the present invention further
comprises a size and the size of the shoe is indicated on the shoe
outsole. In other embodiments of a method of the present invention,
a heel placement indicator and a plurality of shoe size indicators
are placed on each of a left shoe and a right shoe of a pair of
shoes. In other embodiments of a method of the present invention, a
plurality of shoe size indicators comprises standard shoe sizes for
a particular age group. In still other embodiments of a method of
the present invention, standard shoe sizes for a particular age
group are gender-specific.
[0067] In another embodiment, a method for determining a proper
shoe size for a person's foot, the person's foot having a heel with
a rear margin and toes with a forward margin, comprises: providing
a shoe comprising an outsole having a heel portion, a forward
portion, a length, and a width, a heel placement indicator
positioned on the heel portion in alignment with proper placement
of the person's heel inside the shoe, and a plurality of shoe size
indicator lines located on at least a portion of the outsole
forward portion, each of the plurality of shoe size indicator lines
located a distance from the heel placement indicator along the
length of the outsole corresponding to a different shoe size and
labeled with the corresponding shoe size, the shoe sizes
corresponding to the plurality of shoe size indicator lines further
comprising standard shoe sizes for a particular age group and
gender, the shoe further comprising a size and the size of the shoe
indicated on the shoe outsole; aligning the rear margin of the
person's heel with the heel placement indicator; positioning the
person's toes to overlap the plurality of shoe size indicators; and
observing the location of the forward margin of the person's toes
on the plurality of shoe size indicators; wherein the shoe size
indicator immediately beyond the end of the forward margin of the
person's toes indicates the proper shoe size for the person's
foot.
[0068] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to particular embodiments, it should be recognized that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the
present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that a shoe with sizing indicators, a shoe size
indication system, and methods for determining a shoe size of the
present invention may be constructed and implemented in other ways
and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be
read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments also
fall within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *