U.S. patent application number 10/710380 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for collapsible outdoor footwear and backpack.
Invention is credited to Haugland, Solveig Laura.
Application Number | 20050023309 10/710380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32987002 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050023309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haugland, Solveig Laura |
February 3, 2005 |
Collapsible Outdoor Footwear and Backpack
Abstract
A collapsible and waterproof article of footwear includes a
flexible insole, a flexible three-layer sole pad having (1) a
bottom layer that is formed of a flexible material and includes a
bottom surface adapted for engagement with a surface upon which a
user walks, (2) a top layer that is formed of a flexible material
and includes a top surface that supports the flexible insole, and
(3) a middle-layer having (a) a front-portion that is relatively
rigid and is located generally under the ball of a user's foot, a
(b) mid-portion that is relatively flexible and located generally
under the arch of a user's foot, and (c) a rear-portion that is
relatively rigid and is located generally under the heel of a
user's foot. A collapsible upper has an outer layer of material and
an inner layer of material, the outer layer of material being
waterproof and breathable, and the upper being collapsible onto the
flexible insole. A waterproof seal connects the three-layer sole
pad and the upper.
Inventors: |
Haugland, Solveig Laura;
(Lafayette, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLLAND & HART, LLP
555 17TH STREET, SUITE 3200
DENVER
CO
80201
US
|
Family ID: |
32987002 |
Appl. No.: |
10/710380 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10710380 |
Jul 6, 2004 |
|
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|
10249131 |
Mar 18, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2003/007 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101; A43B 7/12 20130101; A45C 3/12 20130101; A45C
7/0077 20130101; A43B 3/24 20130101; A45F 3/02 20130101; A43B 3/248
20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/066 |
International
Class: |
A43B 013/12 |
Claims
1. A collapsible article of footwear comprising: an flexible
insole; a flexible three-layer sole pad having (1) a bottom layer
that is formed of a flexible material and includes a bottom surface
adapted for engagement with a surface upon which a user walks, (2)
top layer that is formed of a flexible material and includes a top
surface that supports said insole, and (3) an middle-layer having
(a) a front-portion that is relatively rigid and is located
generally under the ball of a user's foot, (b) a mid-portion that
is relatively flexible and is located generally under the arch of a
user's foot, and (c) a rear portion that is relatively rigid and is
located generally under the heel of a user's foot; a collapsible
upper having an outer layer of material and an inner layer of
material, said outer layer of material being waterproof and
breathable, said upper being collapsible onto said insole; and a
waterproof seal connecting said sole pad and said upper.
2. The article of footwear of claim 21 wherein said inner layer of
material is a moisture wicking insulating material.
3. A collapsible article of footwear comprising: an flexible
insole; a flexible sole pad having first layer that is formed of a
flexible material and includes a top surface that supports said
insole, and a second layer that includes a top surface that
supports said first layer, said second layer having a front-portion
that is relatively rigid and is located generally under the ball of
a user's foot, having a mid-portion that is relatively flexible and
is located generally under the arch of a user's foot, and having a
rear portion that is relatively rigid and is located generally
under the heel of a user's foot; a collapsible upper having an
outer layer of material that is waterproof and breathable, said
upper being collapsible onto said insole; and a waterproof seal
connecting said sole pad and said upper.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3 wherein said collapsible
upper includes an inner layer of material.
5. The article of footwear of claim 4 wherein said inner layer of
material is of a moisture wicking insulating material.
6. The article of footwear of claim 3 wherein said first layer is a
continuous layer, and wherein said flexible sole pad includes: a
third continuous layer that is formed of a flexible material and
includes a top surface that supports said second layer.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein said upper includes
an inner layer of material.
8. The article of footwear of claim 7 wherein said inner layer of
material is of a moisture wicking insulating material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/248,131, filed on Mar. 18, 2003, now U.S.
Pat. No. ______.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to outdoor equipment. More
particularly, the present invention relates to collapsible footwear
and a corresponding collapsible backpack for use in outdoor sports
or activities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many outdoor activities require the use of bulky,
uncomfortable footwear. Such footwear, although functional for its
intended purpose, may be uncomfortable for prolonged use, either
before, during or after the activity. Such extended wear may
produce foot fatigue in addition to soreness and cramping.
Moreover, such footwear can be inconvenient for travel to and from
the activity.
[0004] For example, a downhill ski boot is hard-shelled, highly
constrictive and not at all conducive for wear outside of speeding
down a mountain while secured in the bindings of a pair of skis.
Simple tasks such as walking to and from a car, or moving around a
cafeteria during a break in the day, can result in severe foot
discomfort. Similar situations arise for hikers, ice skaters,
in-line skaters, bicyclists, and certain pilots.
[0005] Walking to the base of a ski hill, or another starting point
of the outdoor activity can be easily done in comfortable standard
outdoor footwear. The problem, however, is what to do with the
standard footwear once the sport footwear is worn. Some options are
to store the standard footwear in a distant locker, or hope to
store them in a backpack. Most options are inconvenient and/or
uncomfortable and must be done while walking in the sport footwear.
An outdoor weatherproof footwear that can be stuffed into a pocket
would solve this problem.
[0006] "Apres-ski boots" of the 1970s addressed a similar problem
of what to wear after skiing when one has returned to one's car or
condo. However, these boots were not at all suitable for stuffing
in one's jacket pocket, nor suitable for bringing along when
camping or backpacking. Moreover, many types of indoor/outdoor
slippers exist, but all have one or more disadvantages. For
example, some are not flexible or crushable enough. Also, some do
not have waterproof uppers. Most indoor/outdoor slippers look like
slippers, which is not appealing to outdoors-oriented people.
[0007] There are many different types, styles and varieties of
footwear available to the outdoor enthusiast for post-activity
wear. However, none have the combination of being weatherproof,
compressible and sportily designed. It would be an improvement over
the prior art to provide footwear for the outdoor enthusiast having
an aesthetically pleasing design that is both weatherproof and
compressible or collapsible.
[0008] In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a backpack
for carrying the footwear associated with the activity while
wearing the post-activity footwear. The backpack would be
collapsible so as to fit comfortably in a small space, such as a
pocket of a ski jacket, but durable enough to carry the many
different varieties of heavy gear associated with the activity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages
of the invention will be apparent from the following more
particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the current invention, a
waterproof and collapsible article of footwear is provided. The
collapsible article of footwear comprises an insole having one or
more layers of insulating material wherein the insole provides
protection between a user's foot and the elements. A sole pad is
also provided that has a top face and a bottom face, wherein the
top face of the sole pad supports the insole. The footwear also has
an upper having an outer layer of material and an inner layer of
material. The outer layer of material is waterproof and optionally
it is breathable. In accordance with the invention, the upper
collapses onto the sole pad to a thickness sufficiently small for
convenient storage. The footwear also has a lining that contacts
the insole and the upper that is constructed of a moisture wicking
and insulating material. While the wicking/insulating
characteristics of the lining are desirable, these characteristics
are not required. For example, a stretch-vinyl lining can be used
having small vents, or the lining can be formed of a smooth and an
attractive material. Finally, the footwear preferably includes a
waterproof sealing that connects the sole pad and the upper to
produce a waterproof seam.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
combination collapsible article of footwear and collapsible
backpack are provided. The backpack has a back section, a front
section, a bottom section and a pair of shoulder straps. The
shoulder straps are secured to the back section and are removably
coupled to the bottom section. The backpack is constructed of a
material that allows it to be compressed. In addition, the material
has a tensile strength allowing the backpack to carry up to fifty
pounds of gear. In use, these shoulder straps can be released from
the backpack's bottom section, whereupon the loose ends of the
shoulder straps can be connected to connections that are located at
the top of the backpack, such that the backpack can then be used as
a shoulder bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a collapsible
article of footwear in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the FIG. 1 collapsible article of
footwear;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the FIG. 1 collapsible article of
footwear;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the FIG. 1 collapsible article of
footwear in its collapsed state;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a collapsible
article of footwear in accordance with the present invention
wherein the article of footwear is shown in its collapsed state,
this embodiment having a notch in the sole, this notch being
located generally under the arch of the foot of a user;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view similar to FIG. 1 wherein a stuff sack
is attached to the collapsible article of footwear, this stuff sack
being for us in covering the article of footwear when it is in its
FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 collapsed state;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of a backpack in accordance with the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of the FIG. 7 backpack;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a back view of a backpack in accordance with the
present invention, the back panel of the backpack including a
number of exterior-located straps that can be closed around
articles such as a ski and pole, to thus enable the backpack and
its articles to be carried on the back of a user;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a
collapsible article of footwear in accordance with the invention;
and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the
collapsible upper of an article of footwear in accordance with the
invention, this figure showing the three-layer construction and
arrangement of the upper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Currently, slippers are made to look and function like
slippers. However, slippers are not immune to the elements, and
typical slippers are not practical for outdoor use and wear. It is
therefore desirable to provide an article of footwear for the
outdoor enthusiast that provides the comfort and ease of use that
is associated with a slipper. In addition, it would be beneficial
to provide footwear that is comfortable when in use, and can be
compressed for storage when not in use, particularly when storage
space is in short supply. Moreover, a sporty, casual and
comfortable indoor/outdoor article of footwear would also be
appealing to non-sports-people who do not wear slippers, but want
slipper-like functions in their footwear. Since footwear in
accordance with this invention lends itself to wild and colorful
designs, the footwear appeals to the teenage and 20's market,
regardless of whether or not the footwear is worn as part of a
sports activity.
[0024] According to the invention, footwear can be constructed in
nearly unlimited styles, including slip-on styles that include
elastic vents. Accordingly, the following embodiments illustrate
examples of the invention. It should be understood by those skilled
in the art that any number of materials and shapes similar to those
described will function in a similar manner as that described, and
therefore may be used interchangeably without departing from the
intended function.
[0025] Compressible Waterproof Footwear
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of compressible or
collapsible footwear 100 in accordance with the present invention.
The overall design of collapsible footwear 100 is preferably
ankle-high to ensure that snow and water does not spill over the
top and onto a foot. Several styles are possible for footwear 100,
such as pull-on, Velcro adjustable, openings at the side, or lace
up the front in a manner similar to a boxing shoe. A thin and
stretch stuff sack may be included with or secured to the side or
to the tongue of footwear 100 (for example see 150 in FIG. 6). The
footwear design provides a waterproof foot-enclosure that is warm
and is protected from the elements, so that normal splashing and
walking in snow and water does not allow moisture onto the
foot.
[0027] Collapsible footwear 100 has a collapsible upper 110 that is
secured to a sole pad 105, for example by a waterproof seam 107.
The interior of upper 110 is lined with a lining 115. Waterproof
seam 107 may not be required for footwear 100 that is intended for
use indoors, for example after a day of hiking.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 11, upper 110 may be of a three-layer
construction, including an outer material 300, a middle material
301 and an inner material 115, thus providing maximum protection
from the elements. Upper 110 may also be of a two-layer
construction that includes outer material 300 and inner material
115. In the illustrated embodiment, collapsible footwear 100
includes an upper 110 having a three-layer construction, comprising
an outer water resistant material 300, an intermediate insulating
material 301, and a inner fleece or wicking knit fabric 115. In the
case of a lace-up embodiment (not shown), a tongue may or may not
include all three of these layers. Again, the above-mentioned
intermediate insulating layer 301 may not be required for footwear
100 that is intended for use in the summer.
[0029] Upper 110 may be constructed using styles that are in use
for standard footwear, including, but not limited to, lace-up,
slip-on, or zip-up. The materials used for upper 110 should not be
bulky, unless footwear 100 is intended to fit only in a backpack
and not in a pocket.
[0030] Preferably, but without limitation thereto, the outer layer
material 300 of upper 110 should be waterproof and breathable. This
can be achieved through use of breathable materials or
non-breathable materials such as vinyl that includes breathing
vents. If collapsible footwear 100 is intended for use during
winter activities, footwear 100 should be insulated with thin layer
of insulating material.
[0031] In many cases, footwear 100 is intended to be worn for
winter activities or activities in which water is present. As such,
upper 110 is high enough to keep out snow or water at anticipated
levels, without unreasonably reducing the compressibility of
footwear 100. In one embodiment, footwear 100 should be at a
minimum ankle-high for use after skiing. In another embodiment (not
shown), if snow or water is anticipated to be significantly higher,
upper 110 can be extend above the ankle, preferably with only the
outer layer of fabric extending above the ankle, and without the
insulating layer and the lining layer extending above the
ankle.
[0032] Upper 110 may be secured to sole pad 105 using a waterproof
seam 107. Seam 107 connects upper 110 to sole pad 105, whereupon
upper 110 and sole pad 105 are sealed using a standard seam sealer
or a product that creates a waterproof seam 107.
[0033] For footwear 100 intended to be worn during winter
activities, lining 115 comes into contact with the wearer's foot,
and lining 115 is preferably an insulating material that wicks
moisture away from the foot, without unnecessarily adding to the
bulk of footwear 100.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of FIG. 1's compressible
footwear 100. An insole 120 rests on top of lining 115. Insole 120
is intended to be worn during winter activities, and therefore
should ensure that the wearer's foot is given reasonable protection
from cold or other outdoor elements. That is, insole 120 provides
additional protection from the cold and outdoor elements. Insole
120 may be manufactured from insulating materials such as is used
in standard thin insoles, for example 3/8 inch polystyrene
insulation sheets, insulating materials used as underlayments for
prefabricated wood floors, and the like. The thickness of this
insulation is chosen depending on the anticipated roughness of the
walking surfaces. If footwear 100 in accordance with the invention
does not include an insole 120, the materials that make up footwear
100 are chosen to reduce any surface roughness that a wearer might
otherwise feel, without unduly increasing the bulk of footwear
100.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of FIG. 1's compressible
footwear 100. Particularly shown is sole 105. In an embodiment the
sole 105 of footwear 100 should not exceed one-half inch in
thickness, when not in use. Sole 105 of footwear 100 is intended
for use during winter activities and therefore provides sufficient
traction, water-resistance and security while walking on snow, ice,
and other surfaces. A standard sole that is found on most
indoor/outdoor slippers provides sufficient traction and water
resistance in accordance with the present invention. Other
materials, such as the material used for rubber floor mats in cars,
also provide sufficient traction, water-resistance and protection
from rough surfaces.
[0036] As stated above, sole 105 of footwear 100 is waterproof.
Sufficient water-resistance can be achieved through use of rubber
soles or other standard waterproof materials. Sole 105 of footwear
100 should ensure that the wearer's foot is provided reasonable
protection from rough surfaces such as gravel. This can be achieved
by varying the stiffness and thickness of sole 105, as well as by
using thin insoles such as 120 of FIG. 2 that are formed of a
moderately stiff fabric that protects the foot, but does not
unreasonably reduce the ability of footwear 100 to fold or roll.
Materials that offer this protection include stiff vinyl and
cardboard, and if footwear 100 is intended for outdoor wear an
insole 120 protects the wearer's feet.
[0037] FIG. 4 shows an idealized perspective view of compressible
footwear 100 in its compressed or collapsed state 400, it being
understood that upper 110 will bend and fold in some unpredictable
manner as it is compressed. In an embodiment of the invention the
waterproof and collapsible article of footwear 100 collapses onto
the sole to a thickness of from about two inches to about three
inches.
[0038] FIG. 5 shows an idealized perspective view of a modification
of compressible footwear 100 in accordance with the invention in
its compressed state 500, it being understood that upper 110 will
bend and fold in some unpredictable manner as it is compressed. In
this modification sole 105 is provided with a notch 125 that
extends the width of sole 105 and is located generally between the
heel and the ball of a user's foot, that is notch 125 is located
generally under the arch of a foot. Notch 125 allows the front
portion 130 of sole 105 to be folded onto the back portion 135 of
sole 105 (this folded position is not shown). As such, notch 125
assists in the folding of compressed footwear 500.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates compressible footwear 600 in accordance
with the invention, as above-described relative to footwear 100,
footwear 600 having a thin stuff sack 150 that is sewn onto the
front portion of liner 115. In one embodiment, stuff sack 150 is a
thin, French-seamed, stuff sack of roughly a paper-grocery-sack
design that folds up and is inserted into a lined pocket (not
shown) that is within an overlapping part of upper 110, or is
inserted into a tongue (not shown).
[0040] Each article of footwear in accordance with this invention
is easily compressed, via folding or other means, so as to fit into
a pocket such as a ski jacket pocket. Aids to maintaining the
footwear's compression can be added, such as a small storage sack
or stuff sack. Such aids may also shield the footwear's dirty sole
from the inside of a pocket.
[0041] Compressible Backpack
[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, a collapsible
backpack for carrying sports gear is provided. The backpack
provides exterior strap-means for carrying heavy sports gear such
as ski boots, snowboard boots, hockey skates and ice skates, inline
skates, bicycle shoes, hiking boots and the like in a compact
package on the outside of the backpack. Since the backpack is
compressible, the user may easily and comfortably store the
collapsible backpack when it is not being used, such as storing in
a pocket of a jacket, or in a small pocket of a larger backpack. In
use, the backpack expands to provide sufficient room to accommodate
heavy sports gear.
[0043] According to FIG. 7, compressible backpack 700 is
manufactured from a material that allows it to be folded, crumpled
or balled-up into a small volume for storing. When expanded, the
backpack's main storage compartment is sufficiently large enough to
provide capacity for sports footwear, e.g., ski boots. In addition,
the tensile strength of the backpack's material is sufficient to
withstand strain that is placed upon it by the heavy sports gear.
As a result, a compressible backpack 700 is provided for
transporting heavy sports gear that occupies a limited amount of
space when not in use, and is strong enough to carry heavy gear. In
another aspect of the invention, a plurality of straps that are
externally located on the back of the backpack are provided to
carry items such as ski poles and skis.
[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, backpack 700 carries ski
boots, skis and ski poles while a user is wearing the
above-described collapsible footwear. Backpack 700 is made of
compressible and collapsible fabric, so that when empty it can fit
in a jacket pocket or the small pocket of a larger backpack. For
example, backpack 700 may be manufactured using heavy netting,
tulle, or nylon.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, material pieces 720, 730 and 740
respectively form the front, back and bottom sections of backpack
700. Shoulder straps 705 and 706 of backpack 700 are secured to
front section 720 and are removably coupled to bottom section 740.
Shoulder straps 705, 706 are made of a webbing material that may
not include padding, to thereby reduce bulk, since a skier is
typically wearing a jacket or other clothing that provides padding.
Backpack 700 may also include a stuff-sack such as 150 of FIG. 6
that is affixed to the material making up backpack 700.
[0046] Backpack 700 is designed to carry heavy sporting equipment
that can weigh as much as fifty pounds. As such, reinforcement of
backpack 700 may be provided by narrow webbing straps 750 that run
vertically around backpack 700. This reinforcement significantly
increases the tensile strength of the backpack material.
[0047] Backpack 700 may be worn as a backpack, or as an
over-the-shoulder carry bag in the event that the wearer is already
wearing a backpack. This conversion from a backpack to a shoulder
carry bag is achieved through the use of plastic clips that connect
straps 705 and 706 to the bottom of backpack 700, which plastic
clips unclip so that the two strap-ends can be then attached at the
top of backpack 700, such that backpack 700 can then be carried as
a shoulder bag. Plastic clips 325 have a male end 710 and a female
end 715. As shown in FIG. 7, the female end 710 is secured to a
shoulder strap and the male end 710 is secured to the bottom 740 of
backpack 700. Release of the male end 710 from the bottom 740 of
backpack 700 enables the male ends 710 to be secured to female ends
715 that are secured to the top of backpack 700.
[0048] Backpack 700 provides the function of carrying not only ski
boots but skis and poles as well. As shown in FIG. 9, skis and
poles are carried at an angle by means of four webbing loops 760
that are attached to the outside of backpack 700. As illustrated,
four webbing loops 760 are provided, however any number of loops
may be used without diverting from the intended purpose of the
invention. In one embodiment, the ends of webbing loops connect of
close using Velcro or other closure mechanisms, thereby allowing
skis and poles to be attached to the outside of the back panel 730
of backpack 700. It is intended that the selected loop-closure
mechanism provide a loop of sufficient tightness to ensure that
skis, poles and the like do not slip through loops 760 and
fall.
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a
collapsible article of footwear 900 in accordance with the
invention wherein the upper 901 of footwear 900 is generally as
above-described, upper 901 including an internal wicking layer 906
that generally surrounds the foot of a user.
[0050] FIG. 10 provides an exploded view of the three-layer sole
portion 902 of footwear 900. Sole portion 902 includes (1) an
insulating and/or padded insole layer 903 that is relatively
flexible, (2) a bottom or external sole layer 904 that is
relatively flexible and is preferably both water-proof and
skid-proof, and (3) a three-piece layer 905 that lies intermediate
layers 903 and 904.
[0051] Intermediate three-piece layer 905 is made up of (1) a
front-portion 910 that is formed of a relatively rigid rubber or
plastic, (2) a mid-portion 911 that is formed of a relatively
flexible foam or rubber, and (3) a rear-portion 912 that is formed
of a relatively rigid rubber or plastic.
[0052] As a result, three-piece layer 905 can be bent or folded
about its mid-portion 911.
[0053] Front-portion 910 is located generally under the ball of a
user's foot, mid-portion 911 is located generally under the arch of
a user's foot, and rear-portion 912 is located generally under the
heel of a user's foot, and the three portions 910,911,912 of layer
905 physically abut to form one continuous layer 905.
[0054] While the thickness of the three layers 903, 904 and 905 is
not critical to the invention, an example thickness of middle layer
905 is about 1/4th inch. In addition, while the heel-to-toe length
of flexible mid-portion 911 is not critical to the invention, an
example length of flexible mid-portion 911 is from about 1 inch to
about 2 inches.
[0055] In its collapsed state footwear 900 appears much as is shown
in FIG. 4, and footwear 900 may include stuff sack 150 shown in
FIG. 6.
[0056] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various other
changes in the form and details may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *