U.S. patent application number 11/359169 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for shoe with compartment accessible from the insole.
Invention is credited to Ben Xu.
Application Number | 20070193064 11/359169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38426654 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Xu; Ben |
August 23, 2007 |
Shoe with compartment accessible from the insole
Abstract
A shoe, comprising an upper, a hollow base enclosing a
compartment and an insole attached between the upper and the hollow
base having an access port to the compartment etched out of the
insole. The compartment is enclosed by a side elevational surface
of the base. The compartment can extend throughout the entire base
or at the fore section or rear section of the base. The compartment
can be see-through where decorative items can be displayed to cater
to an occasion and can have openings at the side elevational
surface of the base where small items can be introduced but can not
be removed from the openings such as monetary bills and coins when
the compartment is used as a tip jar.
Inventors: |
Xu; Ben; (Fullerton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Maria Erlinda C. Sarno, Esq.
P.O. Box 1023
Artesia
CA
90702
US
|
Family ID: |
38426654 |
Appl. No.: |
11/359169 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/25R ;
36/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/14 20130101;
A43B 3/0031 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/025.00R ;
036/136 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14; A43B 23/00 20060101 A43B023/00 |
Claims
1. A shoe, comprising: an upper; a hollow base enclosing a
compartment; and, an insole attached between the upper and the
hollow base having an access port to the compartment etched out of
the insole.
2. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the compartment is enclosed by the
hollow base from a toe or fore part of the shoe to a heel or rear
part of the shoe.
3. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the compartment is enclosed by the
hollow base underneath a fore section, a rear section or both
sections of the shoe.
4. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the hollow base is made of a
see-through material resulting into a see-through compartment.
5. The shoe of claim 4 wherein the see-through compartment displays
decorative materials catering to an occasion.
6. The shoe of claim 4 wherein the see-through compartment is a tip
jar.
7. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the hollow base is made of a
non-see-through material resulting into a non-see-through
compartment.
8. The shoe of claim 1 wherein designs or writings are placed on a
side elevational surface of the hollow base.
9. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the hollow base has an etched out
opening on a side elevational surface.
10. The shoe of claim 9 wherein the opening is of a size allowing
introduction of small items but disallowing exit of small
items.
11. The shoe of claim 9 wherein the opening vary in number, shapes,
designs and orientation.
12. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the insole comprises a sturdy
bottom layer, a soft middle layer and a skin layer.
13. The shoe of claim 12 wherein the skin layer envelopes the
layers of the insole.
14. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the access port is of different
shapes.
15. The shoe of claim 1 wherein the access port is attached to the
insole by hinges or pintles.
16. The shoe of claim 1 wherein edges of the access port and edges
on the insole resulting from etching out of the access port are
confined covered edges.
17. The shoe of claim 1 further comprising a pull up tab for the
access port.
18. The shoe of claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary plate or a
flat strip between the base and the insole.
19. The shoe of claim 1 further comprising dividers inside the
hollow base.
20. 1. A shoe, comprising: an upper; a hollow base having a side
elevational surface enclosing a compartment, the side elevational
surface having an opening of a size allowing introduction of small
items but disallowing exit of small items; and, an insole attached
between the upper and the hollow base having an access port to the
compartment etched out of the insole.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a shoe or a pair of shoes having a
compartment or compartments accessible from the insole of the
shoe.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention is applicable to all types of shoes but finds
particular usage on shoes with wedge heel, elevated base or those
of a high heeled platform variety.
[0003] Wedge heel type shoes or high heel platform shoes are
typically suited to have compartments underneath the insole of the
shoe because a hollow base may be easily incorporated between the
insole and the outsole of the shoe. The hollow base usually
comprises a solid bottom surface covered by an external sole and
side elevational surfaces attaching to the insole. The side
elevational surfaces border a space thereby forming a hollow base.
This hollow space forms the compartment underneath the insole.
Herein, the insole is the inner sole where the wearer steps on, the
part of the shoe in direct contact with the foot while the outsole
is the bottom external sole, the part of the shoe in contact with
the surface where a wearer treads on. In a wedge heel shoe, the
compartment may cover the entire base extending from the toe or
fore part of the shoe to the heel or rear part of the shoe or it
may cover only a portion or section of the hollow base, either on
the fore or rear of the base. The same is true for flat shoes. In a
flat shoe, the base can be fully or partially hollow and elevated
serving as the compartment beneath the insole. In a typical high
heel shoe, there can be two separate compartments, one on the rear
section of the base underneath the heel part of the insole and the
other on the fore section of the base underneath the toe or fore
part of the insole. In a high heel shoe, there is typically a mid
section of the base that is not hollow, i.e., solid that separates
but connects the rear section with the fore section of the base.
The compartment is typically used to store small portable objects
such as valuables, keys, money, coins, cosmetics, accessories,
candy, gum, and the like that the wearer may want to have handy
throughout the day without the need to carry a bag to store
these.
[0004] Additionally, with these types of shoe where the base is
made of a clear or tinted see-through material, the base may be
used to display decorative materials for added attraction and as an
attention getter. These decorative material may be made to cater to
an occasion such as Christmas, Valentine, Easter, Wedding,
Halloween, Thanksgiving, Birthday and the like or to a particular
setting like floral designs. When the compartment is used as a tip
jar, real monetary bills can be intentionally placed or displayed
inside a see-through compartment to attract attention or as an
incentive for the patrons to tip the wearer.
[0005] Shoes with compartments accessible from the insole require
the wearer to remove the shoe before the contents can be accessed
into thereby providing more security especially when the
compartment is used to store valuables. When valuables are stored,
it is best to have the base made of a non-see-through material such
as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, hereinafter can also be
referred to simply as ABS, or covered with a non-see-through
material. The base can have a variety of colors
[0006] There are shoes that have a compartment bored on a solid
base rather than having a hollow base thereby limiting the size of
the compartment. This compartment may also have an access port from
inside the shoe but its functions are limited and the access port
in these solid based shoes usually have a second layer of shoe pad
placed on top of the insole that are necessarily detachable to
prevent the weight of the shoe wearer's foot from depressing into
the compartment and to conceal the access port and the existence of
the compartment. To access the secret compartment, one has to
remove the second layer of shoe pad on top of the insole and at
times also the insole before the access port can be opened which
makes access to the compartment very cumbersome and time consuming.
Further, the second layer of shoe pad, being detachable, may shift
in position on usage and in the worst case, may form a fold which
discomforts the wearer.
[0007] Other shoes with compartments have their access port
externally, that is, without the need of the wearer to remove his
or her foot/feet from the shoe/s. These are less secured because it
allows someone to access the compartment. If security is necessary,
additional locking mechanism is incorporated to prevent access to
the compartment. Further, these external ports affect the
durability and function of the shoe. The external ports bring about
weak points on the shoe, often triggering or causing breakage.
Also, with time and usage, the access port or ports may give a
cracking sound during periods of striding action. External access
ports also prevent the base from being molded as a single piece.
Consequently, new molds have to be devised to cater to the
particular design of the external access port. There are several
patents and patent applications disclosing different designs for
the compartment and the different methods for accessing these.
Patent application Ser. No. 10/774,438 proposes a platform shoe
with compartments of different designs on the base of an elevated
shoe, all embodiments providing access from the external sides or
outside surface of the base. Other patents: U.S. Pat. Nos.
2,507,991; 2,478,411; 2,897,609; 3,174,234; and 5,921,008 also
access the compartment from the exterior of the shoe, that is,
without the wearer needing to remove the shoe.
[0008] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
shoe with a compartment that can extend the entire base of the shoe
that is readily accessible only from the insole thereby providing
the added security.
[0009] It is also an object of this invention to provide a shoe
with a compartment underneath an insole without requiring a second
layer of insole to cover the access port at the first layer of
insole.
[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide a shoe
with a compartment that will not materially affect the comfortable
use of the shoe.
[0011] It is also a further object of this invention to use the
compartment of the shoe as a decorative means to enhance the
overall appearance of the shoe.
[0012] It is still a further object of this invention to provide a
shoe with a compartment that is easily manufactured or manufactured
with existing molds.
[0013] It is still a further object of this invention to use the
compartment of the shoe as a tip jar where monetary bills and coins
can be inserted into the compartment but can be retracted easily
only from the access port at the insole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A shoe, comprising an upper, a hollow base enclosing a
compartment, and an insole attached between the upper and the
hollow base having an access port to the compartment etched out of
the insole. The compartment is enclosed by the side elevational
surfaces of the base from a toe or fore part of the shoe to a heel
or rear part of the shoe or partially by the hollow base underneath
a fore section, a rear section or both sections of the shoe. The
hollow base is made of a see-through material resulting into a
see-through compartment. A see-through compartment can display
decorative materials catering to an occasion or it can be used as a
tip jar. Other items can be stored inside the compartment for other
purpose aside from those described. The hollow base can also be
non-see-through resulting into a non-see-through compartment. This
would be good for storing valuables. Designs and/or writings can be
placed and openings of different shapes and orientation can be
etched out on a side elevational surface of the base. The opening
is of a size allowing introduction of small items but disallowing
exit of small items. The compartment can have dividers inside the
hollow base.
[0015] The insole comprise a sturdy bottom layer, a soft middle
layer and a skin layer. The skin layer envelopes the layers of the
insole and consequently, the insole. The access port is of
different shapes and when cut independent of the insole, it can be
attached by several means to the insole by sewing, by hinges, by
pintles and the like. The edges of the access port and edges on the
insole resulting from the etching out of the access port are
confined and covered to prevent frilling. The covering may be
reinforced by stitching. The access port may have a pull up tab to
facilitate the opening and closing of the access port. An auxiliary
plate or a flat strip may be placed between the base and the insole
for added support.
[0016] Other embodiments of the present invention will become
readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description, wherein it shows and describes only certain
embodiments of the invention by way of illustration. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of other and different
embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in
various other respects, all without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and
detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature
and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] Aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wedged heel shoe having a
hollow base serving as a compartment which is accessible only from
the insole of the shoe.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the shoe of FIG. 1 taken
along I-I.
[0020] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a high heel platform shoe
having a compartment underneath the fore section of the shoe
accessible through the insole.
[0021] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a high heel platform shoe
having a compartment underneath the fore and rear sections of the
shoe accessible through the insole.
[0022] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a single piece base on a
wedge heel platform shoe variety.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a single piece base on a
high heel platform shoe variety.
[0024] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a two piece base on a high
heel platform shoe variety with the two pieces connected to each
other by an outsole extending from the fore part to the rear part
of the shoe.
[0025] FIG. 5A shows the layering of the materials making up the
insole with the skin layer forming the top layer.
[0026] FIG. 5B shows the layering of the materials making up the
insole with the skin layer enclosing the top, sides and the
peripheral edges of the insole and the enclosure optionally
reinforced with stitching.
[0027] FIG. 6A shows the access port to the compartment etched out
of the insole with one side left intact as part of the insole.
[0028] FIG. 6B shows the skin layer covering the edges of the
access port to the compartment and the edges of the insole
resulting from the cut with the covering optionally stitched with
the other layers of the insole for reinforcement.
[0029] FIG. 6C shows the access port of FIG. 6B in a closed
position after attachment of the insole to a high heel shoe.
[0030] FIG. 7 shows the access port completely cut off from the
insole before attachment to the insole.
[0031] FIG. 8A is a side view showing how the access port of FIG. 7
is sewn into the insole.
[0032] FIG. 8B is a perspective view looking from the bottom up
showing how an access port is attached by a hinge into the
insole.
[0033] FIG. 8C is a perspective view looking from the bottom up
showing how an access port is attached by a pintle into the
insole.
[0034] FIG. 9A is an exploded view showing how the auxiliary plate
lays on top of the fore section of the base underneath the insole
on a high heel shoe.
[0035] FIG. 9B is a perspective view showing a strip bridging
opposite ends of the base instead of an auxiliary plate underneath
the insole on a high heel shoe.
[0036] FIG. 9c is a perspective view showing the auxiliary plate
resting on top of the fore section of the base.
[0037] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a gridded hollow base.
[0038] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a channeled hollow
base.
[0039] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a detachable grid.
[0040] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a detachable channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The detailed description represented herein is not intended
to represent the only way or the only embodiment in which the
claimed invention may be practiced. The description herein is
provided merely as an example or examples or illustrations of the
claimed invention and should not be construed as the only way or as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or means of
practicing the invention. Any means of incorporating a hollow base
on a shoe serving as a compartment that is readily accessible from
the insole is within the scope of this invention. The detailed
description includes specific details to provide a thorough
understanding of the claimed invention and it is apparent to those
skilled in the art that the claimed invention may be practiced
without these specific details.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a wedged heel shoe with a hollow base 10
serving as a compartment 11 for storing small portable items or
decorative items and is located underneath the insole 12 of the
shoe. To simplify the manufacturing of the compartment 11 of the
shoe and maximize the size of the compartment, the compartment is
usually a single open space expanding through the entire size or
dimensions of the base 10. The insole 12 of the shoe is attached to
the upper 13 on one side with the other side attached to the hollow
base thereby providing a cover for the hollow base. The insole 12
extends from the toe or fore part 14 of the shoe to the heel or
rear part 15 of the shoe. The solid bottom side 16 of the base 10
attaches to the outsole of the shoe. FIG. 2 is a cross sectional
view showing the insole 12 in relation to the base 10 and the
outsole 20. In a high-heeled shoe as shown in FIG. 3A, the base is
hollow underneath the insole at the fore section 17 of the shoe to
form one compartment 11 and if desired is again hollow at the rear
section 18 of the shoe as shown in FIG. 3B forming a second
compartment 11a having a solid non-hollow mid section 19 connecting
the fore section with the rear section of the shoe. The non-hollow
mid section 19 usually situates on the mid-foot section of the
wearer and is the arch supporting surface of the base. This type of
a base 10 can be molded in one hollow integral piece with the
outsole 20 attached to the solid bottom section of the base at the
fore section through the rear section as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B
or the base 10 can be molded as separate pieces, one hollow piece
for the fore section 17 of the shoe underneath the insole and the
other hollow piece for the rear section 18 of the shoe underneath
the insole with the two pieces joined together by an outsole 20
extending from the fore part 14 to the rear part 15 of the shoe
with the mid section 21 of the outsole 20 directly attaching to the
insole 12 of the shoe as shown in FIG. 4C. For some shoes, only the
insole joins the two pieces together without the need of the
outsole. Here the outsole provides the arch supporting surface
instead of the base. In all these designs, one has the option of
having one or two compartments as well as where the compartment
will be situated. In a high heel shoe, this would be underneath the
heel or rear section of the insole and/or underneath the fore
section of the insole as shown by FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0043] The upper 13 of the shoe or shoes may be of different
design. For example, it may be enclosed having a vamp, a side and a
quarter section or it may be of a scuff-like design with an open
heel or it may be straps providing a sandal-like configuration. The
materials that can be used for the upper are known and covers a
wide variety including but not limited to straw; leather from the
skins of a variety of mammals and reptiles; natural and synthetic
fabrics such as silk, brocades, canvas, cotton twill; natural and
synthetic rubber; and, soft and/or flexible plastics or polymeric
materials such as poromerics, a type of plastic with tiny holes
that allows the foot/feet to `breathe`. Generally, materials that
provide the necessary strength and flexibility to enclose or hold
the wearer's foot/feet can be used.
[0044] One of the aspects of the invention that allows easy access
to the compartment 11 of the shoe from the insole 12 without
requiring an additional cover laying on top of the insole, lies on
the materials used for the insole and how they are assembled
together. The insole 12 typically has at least three layers
attached to each other, a sturdy but flexible bottom layer 22
attached to a middle layer 23 usually made of a soft material with
a skin layer 24 laying over the soft middle layer as shown in FIG.
5A or enveloping the insole by further enclosing the peripheral
edges or side 25 of the insole as shown in FIG. 5B. Materials for
these three layers are known. Materials that are typically used for
the bottom layer are different varieties of hard cardboards such as
condensed pressed cardboard from paper or wood. Other materials
possessing the same characteristics as hard cardboard can be used.
The soft materials for the middle layer are typically made from
foam, sponge, cotton or other natural and synthetic fabric
materials, natural or synthetic rubber, polysulfone, and other soft
polymeric material. The skin layer, one directly contacting the
feet are typically made of leather, suede, synthetic materials such
as polyvinyl chloride and polysulfone and the like. Materials used
for the construction of a shoe are known. When the skin layer 24
encloses the sides of the insole including the bottom peripheral
edges 26 of the bottom layer 22, this along with the bottom layer
22 usually attaches directly to the top surface 27 of the hollow
base 10. Otherwise, the bottom layer 22 alone as shown in FIG. 5A
attaches directly to the base. When the skin layer 24 does not
enclose the entire sides of the insole, a separate covering may
also be used to enclose only the bottom layer 22 and its peripheral
bottom edges 26 prior to attachment to the base 10. In these
designs, the insole 12 is supported by the thickness 28 of the wall
of the hollow base and in a high heel shoe, additionally by either
the mid section 19 of the base or the mid section 21 of the
outsole.
[0045] The access port 29 to the compartment is etched out of the
insole. Only three adjacent sides 30a,b,c are typically needed to
be cut out, leaving a side 30d still part of the insole as shown in
FIGS. 5A and 6A. The access port 29 may be shaped differently
according to the discretion of the manufacturer. To keep the edges
31 from frilling off or falling apart, the edges 31a resulting from
the cut on the insole and the edges 31b on the access port 29 can
be surrounded or covered with the skin layer 24 at the same time
that the skin covers the insole and attaches this to the base 10
resulting with confined covered edges as shown in FIG. 6B. Optional
stitching 32 around the edges as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C
reinforces the attachment of the skin layer to the middle and
bottom layers. FIG. 6C shows the covered access port 29 attached to
the insole with the access port in the closed position while FIGS.
6A and 6B shows the access port 29 in the open position. The access
port 29 may also be cut completely off the insole with one side
later attached to the matching side on the insole. This method will
allow the cut off access port 29 to open wider from the post
attached sides 33 acting as pivot point 34 for better ingress into
and egress out of the compartment as shown in FIG. 7. There are
several means of attaching a detached access port 29 to the insole.
In all these methods of attachment, those that do not discomfort
the wearer is used. Examples of attachments are sewing the matching
edges together with the use of a third layer of material 35 as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, connecting the matching edges with hinges
36 as shown in FIG. 8B or with pintles 37 as shown in FIG. 8C. In
these attachments, the pivot parts that protrude from the hinge or
pintle faces the compartment to keep these away from the foot/feet
and allow the top surface (same as the skin layer 24) of the access
port 29 to align flush with the rest of the insole in the same
manner as shown in FIG. 8A when the access port is in the closed
position. To facilitate the opening of the access port, a pull up
tab 38, recommended to be made of a flat fabric material such as a
ribbon so as not to uncomfort the foot/feet may be attached to the
side opposite the uncut side or the pivot point 34 as shown in
FIGS. 5-8.
[0046] The assembly shown above is sufficient when the bottom layer
22 of the insole 12 is made of a very sturdy material. However,
some of these may not be as flexible to be shaped to follow the
contour of the foot when the heel part 15 is higher than the fore
part 14 of the shoe as in a high heeled shoe. Also, other materials
may not be strong enough to provide the necessary support for the
foot especially when the weight of the wearer is momentarily
concentrated in the fore part and the heel part of the shoe. To
address this, an optional auxiliary plate 39 can be placed between
the base and the insole on the fore section 17 of the shoe as shown
in FIG. 9A. An auxiliary plate 39 may also be placed between the
insole and the rear section 18 of the shoe but this is usually not
necessary because of the smaller access port and the smaller size
of the rear compartment of the shoe. The peripheral inner walls 40
of the hollow base 10 is modified to have a peripheral lateral
protrusion 41 where the auxiliary plate 39 would rest and align
flush with the top surface of the base 10 as shown in FIGS. 9A and
9C. The auxiliary plate may be removable or permanently attached to
the base but it is recommended to have permanent attachment for
durability and to prevent unwanted sound when the shoe is in use.
The auxiliary plate typically has an opening 42 of a size smaller
than the opening or the mouth 43 of the hollow base 10. This
opening 42 can be of any shape but should be as large as possible
for easy access into the compartment 11. Instead of an auxiliary
plate, at least one permanent or removable flat strip 39a running
across and resting on the lateral protrusion 41 and aligning with
the top surface of the base 10 as shown in FIG. 9B. As in the
auxiliary plate, it is recommended to have the strip permanently
attached to the base. The auxiliary plate and the flat strip are
typically made of hard sturdy plastic material such as ABS,
polycarbonate or light metal.
[0047] The height 44 and area of the hollow base 10 dictates the
size of the compartment 11 and this is at the discretion of the
manufacturer, limited only by the desire of the wearer or up to how
much the wearer can tolerate. Like the auxiliary plate, the hollow
base is typically made of a hard and sturdy plastic material, wood
or metal. Plastics such as ABS and polycarbonate are commonly used.
These materials are also easy to mold aside from being hard and
sturdy. Other plastic materials exhibiting the same properties can
be used. If the base is made from wood, the hollow central portion
is usually carved out from the solid wood and the exterior shaped
according the size and shape of the base. The walls of the bottom
side 16 and the mid section 19 are usually thickened compared to
the walls of the side elevational surfaces 48 to provide additional
strength, support and durability to the shoe.
[0048] The hollow base and consequently, the compartment, may be
see-through, tinted, opaque or covered from the inside or outside
of the side elevational surfaces of the base with a non-see-through
material to keep the contents of the compartment out of view. As
stated above, the base may be in one integral piece or in two
pieces. With the latter, the outsole and/or the insole connect the
two pieces together. One may choose to cover one piece of the
hollow base and leave the other piece see-through or uncovered. The
base is typically manufactured by injection molding if made from
plastic or metal.
[0049] Providing a compartment using the hollow base without an
external access port is advantageous. Because there is no
modification made on the design and structure of the hollow base,
that is, no access ports to a compartment installed externally on
the fore section 17 or the rear section 18 of the shoe or at the
side elevational surfaces 48 of the hollow base, existing molds for
hollow bases can be used thereby avoiding the additional cost of
fabricating new molds to meet the needs of the external access
ports. Further, external access ports affect the appearance of the
shoe and results in weak points on the base where breakage can be
triggered or caused.
[0050] The claimed invention also provide several other advantages
and usage. A clear see-through or lightly tinted hollow base
typically made of hard plastic can be used to place decorative
materials into the base. With a wider access port, it is very easy
from time to time to alter the decorations (decor) placed inside
the hollow base to cater to all occasions without the need of
having one shoe for every occasion. For example, Christmas decor in
December, Valentine decor in February, Easter decor in March or
April, etc. One just needs to open the access port and place or
retrieve the decorations by hand or by the use of tweezers, forceps
and the like. For some types of decorations, just inverting the
shoe, that is turning the shoe upside down with the access port
open and tapping the shoe would be sufficient to let the decorative
items exit the access port. Even liquids can be placed inside the
compartment for decor as long as the insole and the access port are
properly modified so that liquid would not be able to leak from the
shoe. Lighting and electronically operated decor can also be placed
in the compartment along with their power source. The outside
surfaces of the base can also be painted with various designs or
writings as one desires but if one wants to use the same shoe for
different occasions, these designs and writings should be erasable.
On the side elevational surfaces 48 that is, any side such as the
front, rear, left and right side, of the hollow base, an opening 49
or openings such as a slit may be etched out to allow for small
items such as a coin/s or rolled or folded monetary bill/s to be
placed into the slit without the need of taking the shoe off which
is convenient for example, when one takes a change after purchasing
an item or when the wearer receives some cash during the day. This
allows one to use the compartment of the shoe as a tip jar where
the openings at the side elevational surfaces can be used to place
the money or coins even without removing the foot from the shoe to
access the insole and these can be removed from the compartment
anytime through the same method described above. If the compartment
is see-through, the sight of the coins and monetary bills gives one
an incentive to tip the wearer, as well. The number, shape, design
and orientation of the openings 49 may vary. For example, aside
from a slit, small heart shaped openings or small floral openings
may be etched out not just for introducing money or small items
into these but also for decorative purposes. The slits on the other
hand can be horizontal, vertical, slanting, etc. These openings 49,
however, should not be big enough to allow the small items or money
stored inside the compartment to exit or leave the compartment
unintendedly. The same ingress and egress of items are true for
compartments on shoes with covered or darkly tinted bases.
[0051] The hollow base may be gridded or channeled. A grid 45 or
channel 46, referred to in general as dividers 47, inside the base
10 is specially useful if one desires to segregate or sort the
contents inside the compartment 11 as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.
Other dividers aside from a grid or channel can be used. These
dividers 47 may be molded with the base as a single unit thereby
permanently integrating the dividers inside the hollow base. The
dividers may also be separately formed then permanently attached to
the base. The orientation and the number of dividers is at the
discretion of the manufacturer. The grid or channel can also be
detachable as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B to give the wearer the
option on when to use the dividers 47. In these cases, the divider
47 should be collapsible so it can be inserted through the access
port 29 and then opened up inside the compartment 11. The direction
of the arrows on the grid and the broken lines on the channels are
ways on how these can be collapsed. Methods of manufacturing these
collapsible dividers are known as well as materials that can be
used to make these.
[0052] The outsole 20 of the shoe is typically made of materials
that have high abrasion resistance, relatively high coefficient of
friction, wear resistance, shock absorbance, and are flexible and
resilient. These materials are known in the art such as natural and
synthetic rubber, leather, polyurethane, polyvinylchloride and
other polymeric and plastic materials that meet the desired
characteristics for an outsole.
[0053] The different parts of the shoe are attached to each other
by known methods such as sewing, bonding with glue or epoxy,
fusing, molding, or any combination thereof.
[0054] While the embodiments of the present invention have been
described, it should be understood that various changes,
adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the
claims.
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