U.S. patent application number 10/017979 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-03 for phat tonguetm.
Invention is credited to Mark, Hubert Alvin.
Application Number | 20020139009 10/017979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26690583 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020139009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mark, Hubert Alvin |
October 3, 2002 |
Phat tongueTM
Abstract
A supplemental tongue for an athletic or casual high top or low
top lace up or loafer type shoe and referred to herein as a Phat
tongue. The inventive Phat tongue includes a cushioned pad adapted
for insertion into and removal from the shoe. The Phat tongue is
designed for insertion into and removal from the shoe beneath a
conventional tongue thereof. Consequently, the Phat tongue rests
between the conventional tongue and a foot of a wearer. In the
illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue includes a shell made of
cloth on which a decorative pattern is disposed on one side
thereof. The cushioned pad is substantially planar and contoured to
facilitate insertion into the shoe. In a first illustrative
embodiment, the cushioned pad is hexagonal ball and a second
illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is oval in shape. A loop
is provided to facilitate insertion and removal and a hook and loop
type fastener is provided to secure the Phat tongue in place
against sock. The present teachings enable the construction of a
novel shoe assembly comprising a heel portion; a cloth upper
portion secured to the heel; a tongue disposed in the cloth upper
portion; and a cushioned pad adapted for insertion into and removal
from the shoe, the cushioned pad being disposed between the tongue
and a foot of a wearer.
Inventors: |
Mark, Hubert Alvin; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William J. Benman
Suite 2740
2049 Century Park East
Los Angeles
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
26690583 |
Appl. No.: |
10/017979 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60279297 |
Mar 29, 2001 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/54 ; 36/100;
36/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/18 20130101; A43B
23/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/54 ; 36/136;
36/100 |
International
Class: |
A43B 023/26; A43B
023/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A supplemental tongue for a shoe comprising: a cushioned pad
adapted for insertion into and removal from said shoe and means for
inserting said pad into and removing said pad from said shoe
beneath a tongue of said shoe whereby said pad rests between said
tongue and a foot of a wearer.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said cushioned pad includes a
shell.
3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said shell is made of
cloth.
4. The invention of claim 3 further including a decorative pattern
disposed on a first side of said shell.
5. The invention of claim 1 wherein said cushioned pad is
substantially planar.
6. The invention of claim 5 wherein said cushioned pad is
contoured.
7. The invention of claim 6 wherein said cushioned pad is contoured
to facilitate insertion into said shoe.
8. The invention of claim 7 wherein said cushioned pad is hexagonal
in shape.
9. The invention of claim 8 wherein said cushioned head is an
elongate hexagon in shape.
10. The invention of claim 1 wherein said means for inserting said
pad is an upper portion thereof.
11. The invention of claim 1 wherein said means for removing said
pad is a loop attached to the top thereof.
12. The invention of claim 1 further including means for securing
said pad in a position.
13. The invention of claim 12 wherein said means for securing said
pad is a hook and loop fastener.
14. The invention of claim 13 wherein said fastener is secured to a
front surface thereof.
15. The invention of claim 13 wherein said fastener is secured to a
rear surface thereof.
16. The invention of claim 1 wherein said pad is oval in shape.
17. A shoe assembly comprising: a heel portion; a cloth upper
portion secured to said heel; a tongue disposed in said cloth upper
portion; and a cushioned pad adapted for insertion into and removal
from said shoe, said cushioned pad being disposed between said
tongue and a foot of a wearer.
18. A method of securing a shoe to a foot including the steps of:
loosening any strings or fasteners associated with said shoe so
that a first tongue thereof is free to pivot about a point of
attachment thereof to said shoe; inserting a foot into said
loosened shoe; and inserting a second tongue into said shoe between
the foot and the first tongue thereof, said second tongue including
a preformed cushioned pad.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/279,297, filed Mar. 29, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to clothing. More
specifically, the present invention relates to footwear.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many children, teenagers and young adults currently favor
what is loosely known as the "Hip-Hop" trend in fashion. In
accordance with the Hip-Hop style, clothing is made very large as
compared to typical traditional clothing and is designed to fit
very loosely or baggy in order to create an oversized youth fashion
appearance.
[0006] In keeping with this fashion statement, many young people
often wear their shoes either untied or very loosely tied along
with baggy pants and/or oversized shirts. In order to maintain a
snug fit when their shoes are untied or loosely tied, many young
people often stuff a small piece of cloth or balled-up sock
underneath the tongues of their shoes.
[0007] Unfortunately, it is often difficult to find just the right
amount of material to stuff underneath the tongues of the shoes.
Further, the makeshift pieces of cloth, sock and other materials
often unravel during wear creating an inconvenience and a safety
hazard.
[0008] Accordingly, a need exists in the art for an improved
article of clothing or a method for maintaining a snug fit of an
untied or loosely tied shoe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The need the art is addressed by the Phat tongue of the
present invention. The inventive Phat tongue includes a cushioned
pad adapted for insertion into and removal from the shoe beneath a
conventional tongue thereof. Consequently, the Phat tongue rests
between the conventional tongue and a foot or sock of a wearer.
[0010] In the illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue includes a
shell made of cloth on which a decorative pattern is disposed on
one side thereof. The cushioned pad is substantially planar and
contoured to facilitate insertion into the shoe. In a first
illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is hexagonal and in a
second illustrative embodiment, the cushioned pad is oval in shape.
A loop is provided to facilitate insertion and removal and a hook
and loop type fastener is provided to secure the Phat tongue in
place against a sock.
[0011] The present teachings enable the construction of a novel
shoe assembly comprising a heel portion; a cloth upper portion
secured to the heel; a tongue disposed in the cloth upper portion;
and a cushioned pad adapted for insertion into and removal from the
shoe, the cushioned pad being disposed between the tongue and a
foot or sock of a wearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment
of the Phat tongue of the present invention with an illustrative
environment shown in phantom.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention with an illustrative
environment shown in phantom.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the illustrative
embodiment of the Phat tongue of the present invention with an
illustrative environment shown in phantom.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of the illustrative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of the illustrative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the illustrative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an elevational side view of the Phat tongue of
the present invention in disassembled relation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will now
be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to
disclose the advantageous teachings of the present invention.
[0023] While the present invention is described herein with
reference to illustrative embodiments for particular applications,
it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto.
Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings
provided herein will recognize additional modifications,
applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof and
additional fields in which the present invention would be of
significant utility.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment
of the Phat tongue of the present invention with an illustrative
environment shown in phantom. FIG. 2 is a side view of the
illustrative embodiment of the Phat tongue of the present invention
with an illustrative environment shown in phantom. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the Phat tongue 10 is a cushioned, rectangular pad
designed to be worn under the conventional tongue 102 of an untied
or loosely tied athletic or casual shoe 100 (either high-top,
low-top, or tie-up shoes). The Phat tongue allows for a comfortable
fit along with a fashionable appearance. The Phat tongue may also
be worn purely for comfort during regular wear or sporting
activities.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the illustrative
embodiment of the Phat tongue of the present invention with an
illustrative environment shown in phantom. As shown in FIG. 3, the
Phat tongue 10 includes a cushioned pad 12 surrounded by a shell
14. As discussed more fully below, the cushioned pad may be made of
a variety of durable and flexible cushioned materials including
quilt stuffing, sponge, foam, or any other suitable material. The
exterior shell 14 of the Phat tongue 10 can be made of any soft and
pliable cloth, nylon or other suitable material. As discussed more
fully below, the pad 14 is inserted into a pocket provided in the
shell 14 before it is sewn closed. In the middle of the top of the
Phat tongue 10, a small string loop 16 is sewn into the seam
thereof. Preferably, the loop 16 is just large enough to
comfortably fit over the index finger of an average adult.
[0026] To use the Phat tongue 10, one merely inserts it into a shoe
100 while slipping the shoe on. Once the shoe is on, the Phat
tongue can be adjusted upward by pulling on the loop 16. The Phat
tongue 10 can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes with varying
degrees of thickness depending upon personal taste. In the
illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue 10 has base dimensions of
five inches in length, four inches in width and two inches in
depth. In the best mode, three exterior edges are sewn together
with a single stitch and one edge is folded over fabric causing the
Phat tongue 10 to take on a convex shape along its edges. In the
illustrative embodiment, the Phat tongue numeral 10 tapers down
from its two-inch thickness to "V" or "U" shaped edges. This is
shown more clearly in FIGS. 4-9 below.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a front view of the illustrative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of the
illustrative embodiment of the Phat tongue of the present
invention. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the illustrative embodiment of
the Phat tongue of the present invention. The embodiment of FIGS.
4-6 is an elongated hexagon in shape.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the
Phat tongue of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view of the
alternative embodiment of the Phat tongue of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the Phat
tongue of the present invention. The alternative embodiment of
FIGS. 7-9, on the other hand, is oval in shape. In both
embodiments, note the provision of a hook and loop type fastener
strip 20 and 20' on the rear surface 19 and 19' thereof,
respectively.
[0029] FIG. 10 is an elevational side view of the Phat tongue of
the present invention in disassembled relation. An illustrative
process of fabricating the Phat tongue is as follows:
[0030] 1. Cut out a front facing panel of shell 18 from desired
material in desired shape. (As mentioned above, the front surface
18 of the shell 14 may be made of a variety of materials including
without limitation a bandanna pattern scarf material, various types
of denim material, mesh long nylon material overlaid: white double
knit polyester, air mesh nylon or any of a number of a wide variety
of materials in a wide variety of colors.
[0031] 2. Cut out a back-facing panel 19 of the shell 14 from a
desired material in a desired shape.
[0032] 3. Vertically fold over the back-facing panel so that
opposite edges of the panel line up.
[0033] 4. Sew a seam along the fold of the back-facing panel.
[0034] 5. Lay the front face 18 of the shell 14 down on a flat
surface.
[0035] 6. Cut a five-inch length of braided cord.
[0036] 7. Loop the cord and lay it over the top center edge of the
front facing panel 18 (that is now laid face down) so that a
two-inch loop protrudes over the top edge of the front facing panel
18.
[0037] 8. Hold the loop 16 in place and fasten the loop to the
front facing panel 18 with a short seam momentarily.
[0038] 9. Lay the back facing panel 19 on top of the front facing
panel 18 so that the outer edges of the back facing panel 19 line
up with the outer edges of the front facing panel 18 and the seamed
edges of the back facing panel 19 overlap approximately one
inch.
[0039] 10. Sew a seam around the entire outer edge of the shell
14.
[0040] 11. Cutout foam in a desired shape and size. In the best
mode, the foam should be open cell urethane foam of 1.8 density
from a one-inch thick foam sheet or roll.
[0041] 12. Turn shell 14 over so that the backside of the front
facing panel 18 faces up.
[0042] 13. Place the foam cutout 12 on top of the backside of the
front facing panel 18 so that the edges of the foam and the shell
14 line up.
[0043] 14. Turn the shell 14 inside out over the foam cut out so
that the foam cut out is enclosed inside the shell and the front
outside surface of the shell panel now faces out.
[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
teachings enable the construction of a novel shoe assembly
comprising a heel portion; a cloth upper portion secured to the
heel; a tongue disposed in the cloth upper portion; and a cushioned
pad adapted for insertion into and removal from the shoe, the
cushioned pad being disposed between the tongue and a foot of a
wearer.
[0045] Thus, the present invention has been described herein with
reference to a particular embodiment for a particular application.
Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present
teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications and
embodiments within the scope thereof.
[0046] It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any
and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the
scope of the present invention.
[0047] Accordingly,
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