U.S. patent application number 10/888623 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-13 for interchangeable athletic shoe cover pad.
Invention is credited to James, Steve Anthony.
Application Number | 20050005478 10/888623 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33567844 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050005478 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
James, Steve Anthony |
January 13, 2005 |
Interchangeable athletic shoe cover pad
Abstract
An athletic shoe system includes an athletic shoe having an
upper, one or more insert pads attached to a region of the upper,
and one or more cover pads having substantially the same dimensions
as at least one of the insert pads. Each of the one or more insert
pads includes a first part of a releasable attachment system.
Further, each of the one or more cover pads includes a second part
of the releasable attachment system on a lower surface and an
ornamental decoration on an upper surface. The cover pads are
arranged to be releasably attached to the one or more insert pads
using the releasable attachment system. Accordingly, an
ornamentation of the athletic shoe is customized by interchanging
the cover pad(s) releasably attached to the athletic shoe.
Inventors: |
James, Steve Anthony;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steve James
301 Wilcrest #3608
Houston
TX
77042
US
|
Family ID: |
33567844 |
Appl. No.: |
10/888623 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60485819 |
Jul 9, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/132 ; 36/136;
36/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/24 20130101;
A43B 3/24 20130101; A43B 3/0078 20130101; A43B 3/242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/132 ;
036/071; 036/136 |
International
Class: |
A43B 019/00; A43B
005/00; A43B 023/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An athletic shoe system, comprising: an athletic shoe having an
upper; at least one insert pad attached to a region of the upper,
the at least one insert pad comprising a first part of a releasable
attachment system; and at least one cover pad having substantially
the same dimensions as the at least one insert pad, wherein the at
least one cover pad comprises a second part of the releasable
attachment system and is arranged to be releasably attached to the
at least one insert pad using the releasable attachment system.
2. The athletic shoe system of claim 1, wherein the releasable
attachment system comprises: an adhesive attachment system; and an
interlock attachment system.
3. The athletic shoe system of claim 2, wherein the adhesive
attachment system comprises: a first adhesive strip attached to a
perimeter of an upper surface of the at least one insert pad; and a
second adhesive strip attached to a perimeter of a lower surface of
the at least one cover pad and arranged to be adhesively attached
to the first adhesive strip.
4. The athletic shoe system of claim 2, wherein the interlock
attachment system comprises: at least one insert channel attached
to an upper surface of the at least one insert pad; and at least
one stud attached to a lower surface of the at least one cover pad
and arranged to be interlockingly attached to the at least one
insert channel.
5. The athletic shoe system of claim 2, wherein the adhesive
attachment system is a hook and loop fastener system.
6. The athletic shoe system of claim 2, wherein the interlock
attachment system is a slot and track fastener system.
7. The athletic shoe system of claim 2, wherein the interlock
attachment system is a press and lock fastener system.
8. The athletic shoe system of claim 2, wherein the interlock
attachment system is formed of one selected from a plastic material
and a rubber material.
9. The athletic shoe system of claim 1, wherein the first part of
the releasable attachment system comprises: an adhesive strip
attached to a perimeter of an upper surface of the at least one
insert pad; and at least one insert channel attached to an upper
surface of the at least one insert pad.
10. The athletic shoe system of claim 1, wherein the second part of
the releasable attachment system comprises: an adhesive strip
attached to a perimeter of a lower surface of the at least one
cover pad; and at least one stud attached to a lower surface of the
at least one cover pad.
11. The athletic shoe system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
insert pad comprises a backing having an upper surface, and wherein
the first part of the releasable attachment system is attached to
the upper surface.
12. The athletic shoe system of claim 11, wherein the backing is
formed of one selected from a flexible synthetic rubber material or
a flexible synthetic plastic material.
13. The athletic shoe system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
cover pad comprises a backing having a lower surface, and wherein
the second part of the releasable attachment system is attached to
the lower surface.
14. The athletic shoe system of claim 13, wherein the backing
comprises an upper surface having an ornamental decoration.
15. The athletic shoe system of claim 14, the backing comprising: a
first layer having the ornamental decoration; and a second layer
having the second part of the releasable attachment system, wherein
the second layer is juxtaposed to and attached to the first
layer.
16. The athletic shoe system of claim 15, wherein the first layer
is formed of a synthetic leather material.
17. The athletic shoe system of claim 15, wherein the second layer
is formed of one selected from of a flexible synthetic plastic
material and a flexible synthetic rubber material.
18. An athletic shoe set, comprising: a plurality of cover pads; a
pair of athletic shoes, each athletic shoe comprising: an upper;
and at least one insert pad attached to a region of the upper and
having substantially the same dimensions of at least one of the
cover pads, wherein the at least one insert pad of each of the pair
of athletic shoes is arranged to be releasably attached to at least
one cover pad of the plurality of cover pads.
19. The athletic shoe set of claim 18, wherein each cover pad of
the plurality of cover pads comprises a unique ornamental
decoration, and wherein an ornamentation of athletic shoe set is
changed by replacing the cover pad attached to the at least one
insert pad of at least one athletic shoe of the pair of athletic
shoes with another cover pad of the plurality of cover pads.
20. The athletic shoe set of claim 19, wherein each of the at least
one insert pads comprises: an adhesive strip attached to a
perimeter of the at least one insert pad; and at least one insert
channel attached to a surface of the at least one insert pad.
21. The athletic shoe set of claim 20, wherein each cover pad of
the plurality of cover pads comprises: an adhesive strip attached
to a perimeter of the at least one cover pad; and at least one stud
attached to a surface of the at least one cover pad.
22. The athletic shoe set of claim 21, wherein the adhesive strip
of each of the at least one insert pads is releasably attachable to
the adhesive strip of at least one cover pad of the plurality of
cover pads, and wherein the at least one insert channel of each of
the at least one insert pads is releasably attachable to at least
one stud of at least one cover pad of the plurality of cover
pads.
23. A method for ornamenting an athletic shoe, comprising:
releasably attaching a first cover pad having an first ornamental
decoration to an insert pad disposed on the athletic shoe, wherein
releasably attaching the cover pad comprises: interlockingly
attaching the cover pad to the insert pad using a interlock
attachment system; and adhesively attaching the cover pad to the
insert pad using an adhesive attachment system.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein an ornamentation of the
athletic shoe is changed by replacing the first cover pad with the
first ornamental decoration with a second cover pad having a second
ornamental decoration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/485,819 filed on Jul. 9, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The invention relates generally to shoes having ornamental,
or decorative, uppers in which all or part of the ornamentation is
interchangeable.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Over the years, athletic shoes have grown in popularity such
that they currently form a multi-billion dollar industry. In many
cases, consumers purchase athletic shoes not for their athletic
use, but, rather, as a matter of personal style and fashion.
Accordingly, athletic shoes are available in a wide variety of
styles, colors, and designs, thereby allowing a consumer to
purchase shoes that match or accent a particular outfit.
[0006] In a wardrobe, a consumer typically possesses many outfits,
each having a different style, color, and/or design. Thus, in order
to ensure that one's shoes match or accent all of the outfits in
one's wardrobe, a consumer is often forced to purchase several
pairs of shoes. Consequently, because a single pair of athletic
shoes is typically expensive, purchasing enough pairs of shoes to
complement one's wardrobe can become very costly for the
consumer.
[0007] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an athletic
shoe system in which a consumer could customize an appearance of an
athletic shoe to match or accent outfits having differing styles,
colors, and/or designs. Advantageously, with such a system, a
consumer would be able to purchase fewer pairs of athletic shoes
for his wardrobe, thereby minimizing a percentage of one's budget
that is spent on shoes.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] According to one aspect, an athletic shoe system comprises
an athletic shoe having an upper; at least one insert pad attached
to a region of the upper, the at least one insert pad comprising a
first part of a releasable attachment system; and at least one
cover pad having substantially the same dimensions as the at least
one insert pad, wherein the at least one cover pad comprises a
second part of the releasable attachment system and is arranged to
be releasably attached to the at least one insert pad using the
releasable attachment system.
[0009] According to another aspect, an athletic shoe set comprises
a plurality of cover pads; a pair of athletic shoes, each athletic
shoe comprising: an upper; and at least one insert pad attached to
a region of the upper and having substantially the same dimensions
of at least one of the cover pads, wherein the at least one insert
pad of each of the pair of athletic shoes is arranged to be
releasably attached to at least one cover pad of the plurality of
cover pads.
[0010] According to another aspect, a method for ornamenting an
athletic shoe, comprises releasably attaching a first cover pad
having an first ornamental decoration to an insert pad disposed on
the athletic shoe, wherein releasably attaching the cover pad
comprises: interlockingly attaching the cover pad to the insert pad
using a interlock attachment system; and adhesively attaching the
cover pad to the insert pad using an adhesive attachment
system.
[0011] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following description and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGS. 1a and 1b show views of an athletic shoe in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d show views of a cover pad in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 3a and 3b show views of an assembly of an athletic
shoe system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIGS. 4a and 4b show interlock techniques of an athletic
shoe system in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 5a and 5b show views of athletic shoe systems in
accordance with alternate embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the above drawings. Like references are used in
the figures to represent like elements.
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and
apparatus for providing an athletic shoe with an interchangeable
cover pad. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to
an athletic shoe system in which an appearance of an athletic shoe
may be customized.
[0019] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an athletic
shoe system in which an appearance of an athletic shoe may be
customized using a plurality of cover pads having differing, or
unique, ornamentations. Each cover pad is provided with a part of a
releasable attachment system which allows the cover pad to be
releasably attached to the athletic shoe. Attached to the athletic
shoe is an insert pad having another part of the releasable
attachment system, to which the cover pad may be releasably
attached. Advantageously, by interchanging the cover pad attached
to the athletic shoe with another of the plurality of cover pads,
the appearance, or ornamentation, of the athletic shoe may be
altered, or customized. Thus, a consumer may purchase a minimum of
athletic shoe sets, or pairs of athletic shoe systems, required to
customize a wardrobe.
[0020] FIGS. 1a and 1b show views of an athletic shoe (10) in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1a, a side
perspective view of the athletic shoe (10) is shown, and, in FIG.
1b, a rear perspective view of the athletic shoe (10) is shown.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1a, an athletic shoe (10) includes a sole
(14) and an upper (12) attached to the sole (16). Further, attached
to a side region of the upper (12) is an insert pad (16). The
insert pad (16) includes a backing (22) having an upper surface and
a lower surface. On the upper surface of the backing (22), an
adhesive strip (18) is attached to a perimeter of the insert pad
(16), and insert channels (20) are attached inside the perimeter.
Together, the adhesive strip (18) and the insert channels (20) form
a first part of a releasable attachment system. Further, the lower
surface of the backing (22) is attached to a region of the upper
(12). In some embodiments, the backing (22) is formed of a
semi-rigid material, such as a flexible synthetic plastic or a
flexible synthetic rubber. Advantageously, over time and throughout
use of the athletic shoe (10), the insert pad (16) may
substantially retain its shape, thereby facilitating attachment of
a cover pad. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
alternate materials may be used to form the backing (22) without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0022] Note that, although the insert pad (16) is shown to have
three insert channels (20) in FIG. 1a, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that an alternate number of insert channels (20)
may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.
Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
dimensions of the insert pad (16) and/or placement of the insert
pad (16) on the upper (12) may be altered without departing from
the scope of the invention. In particular, an insert pad (16) may
encompass a smaller or larger region of the upper (12) and/or be
placed in an alternate location, such as a toe region of the upper
(12). In addition, the athletic shoe (10) may include as many
insert pads (16) as necessary to desirably customize the
ornamentation. For example, in some embodiments, insert pads (16)
are included on both a left side and a right side of the athletic
shoe (10).
[0023] Note that, as mentioned above, the insert pad (16) is
attached to the upper (12) of the athletic shoe (10), rather than
incorporated into the upper (12). Advantageously, the insert pad
(16) may be fabricated separately from the athletic shoe (10) and
attached to the athletic shoe (10) during a later phase of a
manufacturing process. However, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that, if beneficial to the manufacturing of the athletic
shoe (10), the insert pad (16) may be incorporated into, rather
than attached to, the upper (12). In such an embodiment, the
adhesive strip (18) and insert channels (20) may be directly
attached to a desired region of the athletic shoe's upper (12),
rather than attached to a backing (22).
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1 b, a rear perspective view of the
athletic shoe (10) is shown. Note that, in this view, only the
upper (12), the sole (14), and the insert channels (20) are shown
to aid in the understanding of the invention. In particular, a
cross-sectional character of the insert channels (20) is visible.
Further, as is also visible, embodiments of the invention include
insert pads (16) on both the left side and the right side of the
athletic shoe (10). However, as mentioned above, an alternate
number of insert pads (16) may be used without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0025] FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d show views of a cover pad (24) in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2a, a front
view of the cover pad (24) is shown. In FIG. 2b, a back view of the
cover pad (24) is shown, and, in FIGS. 2c and 2d, cross-sectional
views of the cover pad (24) are shown.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2a, a view of an upper surface of the
cover pad (24) is shown. The cover pad (24) includes a backing (28)
and an ornamental decoration (26) disposed on an upper surface of
the backing (28). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
ornamental decoration (28) may be of any design or conform to any
standard conventional in the athletic shoe industry.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2b, a view of a lower surface of the cover
pad (24) is shown. On a lower surface of the backing (28), an
adhesive strip (30) is attached to a perimeter of the cover pad
(24), and studs (32) are attached inside the perimeter. Together,
the adhesive strip (30) and the insert channels (32) form a second
part of the releasable attachment system.
[0028] Note that, as mentioned above for the insert pad (16),
although the cover pad (24) is shown to have three studs (32), an
alternate number of studs (32) may be used without departing from
the scope of the invention. As will be obvious to those skilled in
the art, a number of studs (32) included on the cover pad (24)
should equal a number of insert channels (32) included on the
insert pad (16). Further, the dimensions of the cover pad (24) may
be altered from the dimensions shown without departing from the
scope of the invention. As will be obvious to those skilled in the
art, the dimensions of the cover pad (24) should be substantially
the same as the dimensions of the insert pad (16) in order to
facilitate mating of the adhesive strips (18, 30). As will also be
obvious to those skilled in the art, the placement of the studs
(32) on the backing (28) is such that mating with the insert
channels (20) is facilitated.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2c, a cross-sectional view of the cover
pad (24) is shown. In particular, a cross-sectional character of
the backing (28), the adhesive strip (30), and the insert channels
(32) is visible.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2d, a cross-sectional view of the backing
(28) is shown. The backing (22) includes a first layer (28a) and a
second layer (28b). The first layer (28a) forms an upper portion of
the backing (22), and, thus, includes the ornamental decoration
(26). The second layer (28b) forms a lower portion of the backing
(22), and, thus, includes the second part of the releasable
attachment system. In some embodiments, the first layer (28a) is
formed of a material similar to that used to form a region of the
upper (12) surrounding the insert pad (16), such as a synthetic
leather.
[0031] Further, in some embodiments, the second layer (28b) is
formed of a semi-rigid material, such as a flexible synthetic
plastic or a flexible synthetic rubber. Advantageously, because the
backing (28b) is formed of first and second layers (28a, 28b) in
the manner described above, the cover pad's (24) outer surface may
match the athletic shoe's (10) appearance when attached, while,
throughout use of the athletic shoe (10), the cover pad (24) may
substantially retain its shape, thereby facilitating attachment to
the insert pad (16). Although synthetic leather, plastic, and
rubber have been described above as being used to form the layers
(28a, 28b) of the backing (22), those skilled in the art will
appreciate that alternate materials may be used without departing
from the scope of the invention.
[0032] FIGS. 3a and 3b show views of an assembly of an athletic
shoe system (34) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
In FIG. 3a, a side perspective view of the assembly of the athletic
shoe system (34) is shown, and, in FIG. 3b, a rear perspective view
of the assembly of the athletic shoe system (34) is shown.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 3a, the cover pad (24) is shown in the
process of being attached to the athletic shoe (10). Note that, as
is visible, only a portion of the cover pad (24) is shown in the
figure in order to facilitate understanding of the invention.
Further, note that, the manner and position in which the cover pad
(24) is depicted are meant only to show the placement of the cover
pad (24) with respect to the insert pad (16) and not to imply any
manner of attaching the cover pad (24) to the insert pad (16).
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 3a, an athletic shoe system (34) is
shown to include the athletic shoe (10), the insert pad (16), and
the cover pad (24). When attached to the athletic shoe (10), the
cover pad (24) is aligned with the insert pad (16) such that lower
surface of the cover pad's backing (28) faces the upper surface of
the insert pad's backing (22). Further, the cover pad's adhesive
strip (30) is mated with the insert pad's adhesive strip (10) such
that the adhesive strips (30, 18) are adhesively attached.
Accordingly, together, the adhesive strips (30, 18) form an
adhesive attachment system. In addition, the cover pad's studs (32)
are aligned with the insert pad's insert channels (20). As is
described below for FIGS. 4a and 4b, in some embodiments, the studs
(32) and the insert channels (20) are interlockingly attached, or
interlocked, thereby forming a interlock attachment system.
[0035] In some embodiments, the adhesive attachment system is a
hook and loop fastener system where one of the adhesive strips (18,
30) is formed from a material having a series of hooks, while the
other of the adhesive strips (18, 30) is formed from a material
having a series of loops. One example of a hook and loop fastener
system that may be used in embodiments of the present invention is
Velcro.RTM.. In such a system, the adhesive strips (18, 30) may be
sewn and/or bonded respectively onto the insert pad (16) and cover
pad (24). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
other manners of attachment may be used in attaching the adhesive
strips (18, 30). Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that
alternate adhesive attachment systems may be used without departing
from the scope of the invention. One such system is a magnetic
attachment system. In addition, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the aforementioned adhesive attachment systems or
any alternate adhesive attachments systems may be combined to form
an adhesive attachment system within the scope of the
invention.
[0036] Further, in some embodiments, the interlock attachment
system is a slot and track fastener system where the studs (32) are
formed as tracks designed to slidably interlock with corresponding
slots formed by the insert channels (20). In some embodiments, the
interlock attachment system may be formed from a material such as
rubber or plastic. In alternate embodiments, either the insert
channels (20) or the studs (32) may be formed from rubber, while
the other of the two is formed from plastic. In such systems, the
insert channels (20) and the studs (32) may be respectively bonded
onto the insert pad (16) and cover pad (24). However, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that other manners of attachment may be
used in attaching the insert channels (20) and the studs (32).
Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that alternate
materials may be used to formed one or more of the insert channels
(20) and/or studs (32). Further, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that alternate interlock attachment systems may be used
without departing from the scope of the invention. One such system
is a press and lock fastener system in which the studs (32) are
pressably locked into the insert channels (20). Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the aforementioned interlock
attachment systems or any alternate interlock attachments systems
may be combined to form an interlock attachment system within the
scope of the present invention.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3b, a rear perspective view of the cover
pad (24) in the process of being attached to the athletic shoe (10)
is shown. As is mentioned above for FIG. 3a, the manner and
position in which the cover pad (24) is depicted are meant only to
show the placement of the cover pad (24) with respect to the insert
pad (16) and not to imply any manner of attaching the cover pad
(24) to the insert pad (16). Further, in this view, only portions
of the cover pad (24) and the athletic shoe (10) are shown to
facilitate understanding of the invention. In particular, a
cross-sectional character of the insert channels (20) and the cover
pad's studs (24) is shown. Accordingly, an alignment for
interlocking, or releasably attaching, the studs (24) and the
insert channels (20) together is visible in this view.
[0038] FIGS. 4a and 4b show views of slot and track interlock
techniques in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
In FIG. 4a, a first slot and track interlock technique is shown,
and, in FIG. 4b, a second slot and track interlock technique is
shown.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4a, a cross-sectional view of the athletic
shoe system (34) is shown, depicting the first interlock technique
for the cover pad (24) and the insert pad (16). In particular, the
cover pad (24) is provided with L-shaped studs (32) that are
designed to interlock with correspondingly L-shaped insert channels
(20). Accordingly, the studs (32) and insert channels (20) may be
aligned in the manner shown, after which, the studs (32) may be
pressed into the insert channels (20) and the cover pad (24) slid
along the insert pad (16) until the perimeters formed by the
adhesive strips (30, 18) are substantially aligned.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4b, a cross-sectional view of the athletic
shoe system (34) is shown, depicting the second interlock technique
for the cover pad (24) and the insert pad (16). In particular, the
cover pad (24) is provided with T-shaped studs (32) that are
designed to interlock with correspondingly T-shaped insert channels
(20). Accordingly, the studs (32) and insert channels (20) may be
aligned in the manner shown, after which, the studs (32) may be
pressed into the insert channels (20) and the cover pad (24) slid
along the insert pad (16) until the perimeters formed by the
adhesive strips (30, 18) are substantially aligned.
[0041] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the interlock
techniques depicted in FIGS. 4a and 4b may be combined together
and/or with any other slot and track interlock techniques common in
the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Further,
as mentioned above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the slot and track interlock techniques described may be combined
or replaced with other interlock techniques common in the art.
[0042] Note that, by providing both an adhesive attachment system
and an interlock attachment system in the releasable attachment
system, the present invention ensures that the cover pad (24) may
be securely attached to the insert pad (16). Advantageously, during
use of the athletic shoe (10), a consumer may be assured that the
cover pad (24) will remain attached to the athletic shoe (10), and,
thus, not be lost.
[0043] Further, note that, although the insert pad's insert
channels (20) and the cover pad's studs (32) depicted in FIGS. 1 a,
2b, and 3a are shown to have a substantially linear shape and
uniform alignment, alternate shapes and/or alignment patterns may
be used for the insert channels (20) and studs (32) without
departing from the scope of the invention. In some embodiments,
such alternate shapes and/or alignment patterns may be used to
accommodate alternate interlock techniques and/or to maximize the
effectiveness of the abovementioned interlock techniques. Further,
in some embodiments, such alternate shapes and/or alignment
patterns may be used to facilitate manufacturing of the athletic
shoe system. Embodiments of athletic shoe systems using such
alternate shapes and alignment patterns are depicted in FIGS. 5a
and 5b.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5a, an athletic shoe system (36) having an
athletic shoe (38) and a cover pad (44) is shown. Attached to the
athletic shoe (38) is an insert pad (40), where insert channels
(42) are attached to an upper surface of the insert pad (40). Also,
attached to an upper surface of the cover pad (44) are
corresponding studs (46). As can be seen in FIG. 5a, both the
insert channels (42) and studs (46) are curved in shape and are
arranged in a zigzag pattern. In reference to the curved shape,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that curved insert
channels (42) and studs (46) may be used in either the slot and
track or press and lock interlock systems mentioned above to more
securely attach the cover pad (44) to the insert pad (40). Further,
in reference to the zigzag alignment pattern, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that such an alignment of the insert channels
(42) and studs (46) may also increase the security of the cover
pad's (44) attachment to the insert pad (40).
[0045] Referring to FIG. 5b, an athletic shoe system (48) having an
athletic shoe (50) and a cover pad (56) is shown. Attached to the
athletic shoe (50) is an insert pad (52), where insert channels
(54) are attached to an upper surface of the insert pad (52). Also,
attached to an upper surface of the cover pad (56) are
corresponding studs (58). As can be seen in FIG. 5b, both the
insert channels (54) and studs (58) are cylindrical in shape and
are arranged in a grid pattern. In reference to the cylindrical
shape, those skilled in the art will appreciate that cylindrical
insert channels (54) and studs (58) may work well in a press and
lock interlock system such as mentioned above. Further, in
reference to the grid alignment pattern, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that such an alignment of the insert channels (54)
and studs (58) may be used to increase the security of the cover
pad's (44) attachment to the insert pad (40).
[0046] Advantages of the present invention may include one or more
of the following. In one or more embodiments, because an athletic
shoe having an insert pad including a first part of a releasable
attachment system is provided with a plurality of interchangeable
cover pads each including a second part of a releasable attachment
system, an appearance, or ornamentation, of the athletic shoe may
be altered, or customized.
[0047] In one or more embodiments, because an insert pad is
attached to an upper of an athletic shoe, rather than incorporated
in the upper, the insert pad may be fabricated separately from the
athletic shoe and attached to the athletic shoe during a later
phase of a manufacturing process.
[0048] In one or more embodiments, because a releasable attachment
system of an athletic shoe system is provided with both an adhesive
attachment system and an interlock attachment system, a cover pad
attached to an insert pad of the athletic shoe may remain securely
attached throughout use of the athletic shoe.
[0049] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having
benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments
can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention
as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should
be limited only by the attached claims.
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