U.S. patent application number 11/526944 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for flexible shoe and container.
This patent application is currently assigned to KANDYKIRSCH CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Stacey Kirsch, Yunkyung Kandy Lee.
Application Number | 20070204483 11/526944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38470216 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070204483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kirsch; Stacey ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
Flexible shoe and container
Abstract
A pair of flexible shoes have an outer sole, a foam mid-sole,
and an inner sole as well as an upper portion. Each of the shoes
may be rolled or folded into a compact configuration and have a
sandal configuration. The folded shoes may be stored in a container
such as a pouch or case for convenient carrying, such as in the
wearer's purse or handbag, for use upon need. For example, a wearer
may want to change to more stylish and/or more comfortable shoes
after work or to change to a pair of sandals after receiving a
pedicure.
Inventors: |
Kirsch; Stacey; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Lee; Yunkyung Kandy; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
5670 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, SUITE 2100
LOS ANGELES
CA
90036-5679
US
|
Assignee: |
KANDYKIRSCH CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
38470216 |
Appl. No.: |
11/526944 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60720245 |
Sep 23, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/11.5 ;
36/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/105 20130101;
A43B 3/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/11.5 ;
36/102 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/12 20060101
A43B003/12; A43B 1/10 20060101 A43B001/10 |
Claims
1. A flexible shoe comprising: a sole having a longitudinal and
transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of a wearer and
comprising: an outer sole comprising a sheet of a flexible
material, a cushioning midsole connected to the upper surface of
the outer sole, an upper portion in overlying relation to the
insole for engaging a foot of a wearer; wherein the flexible shoe
may be rolled up into a stored orientation.
2. The flexible shoe according to claim 1, wherein the outer sole
has a front portion and a rear portion joined by an intermediate
portion, and the stored orientation comprising the outer sole being
folded at the intermediate portion so that the front and rear
portions are in substantially overlying relation to one
another.
3. The flexible shoe according to claim 1, wherein the outer sole
is uniformly flexible and the stored orientation comprises a
rolled-up configuration.
4. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the outer sole
has a thickness in the range of two to five millimeters.
5. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the outer sole
has a thickness in the range of one to twenty millimeters.
6. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the cushioning
midsole is adhered to an upper surface of the outer sole.
7. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the cushioning
midsole is made of foam.
8. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the midsole has a
thickness in the range of three to five millimeters.
9. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the midsole has a
thickness in the range of one to fifteen millimeters.
10. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 further comprising an
insole overlying the midsole.
11. The flexible shoe according to claim 10 wherein the insole is
made of a fabric.
12. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the insole is
connected to the upper surface of the outer sole at a periphery
thereof.
13. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the upper
portion is attached to the outer sole.
14. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the upper
portion comprises a strap attached at two ends thereof to the outer
sole and an intermediate portion of the strap is in overlying
relation to the midsole.
15. The flexible shoe according to claim 15 wherein the upper
portion further comprises a second strap attached at one end
thereof to the outer sole in spaced relationship to the ends of the
first strap and at an other end to the first strap.
16. The flexible shoe according to claim 1 wherein the upper
portion defines a dosed end for receiving the front of the foot of
a wearer.
17. The flexible shoe according to claim 2 wherein the upper
portion is above the front portion of the outer sole and in spaced
relation to the rear portion of the outer sole to substantially
define a sandal configuration.
18. A footwear kit comprising: a flexible shoe comprising: a sole
having a longitudinal and transverse dimension sufficient to
support the foot of a wearer and comprising: an outer sole
comprising a sheet of a flexible material, a cushioning midsole
connected to the upper surface of the outer sole, and an upper
portion in overlying relation to the insole for engaging a foot of
a wearer; wherein the flexible shoe may be rolled up into a stored
orientation; and a container disposed to receive the flexible shoe
when in the stored orientation and maintain the flexible shoe in
the stored orientation.
19. The footwear kit according to claim 18 further comprising an
additional flexible shoe wherein the flexible shoes comprise a pair
of flexible shoes for the two feet of a wearer.
20. The footwear kit according to claim 18 wherein the container is
a pouch having a compartment and an opening, the opening being
secured by a drawstring.
21. The footwear kit according to claim 18 wherein the container is
a case having a compartment and an opening, the opening being
secured by a zipper.
22. A flexible shoe comprising: a sole having a longitudinal and a
transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of a wearer and
comprising: an outer sole for contacting the ground having an upper
surface, a lower surface, and a periphery, the outer sole being
made of a flexible sheet; a cushioning foam midsole connected to
the upper surface of the outer sole; and an insole overlying the
cushioning midsole and connected to the periphery of the outer
sole; an upper portion attached at ends thereof to the outer sole
in overlying relation to the insole for engaging a foot of a
wearer; wherein the flexible shoe has a predetermined flexibility
whereby the flexible shoe may be rolled up into a storage
orientation.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/720,245, filed Sep. 23, 2005 for a
"Flexible Shoe and Pouch," the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes permitted by law and
regulation.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is directed to footwear. In
particular, the present invention is directed to flexible shoes
such as sandals and containers for the same.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] A number of sandals and "flip-flops" are known that have
some flexibility. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,853 to Smejkal
discloses a shoe sole which is convertible into a shoe. More
particularly, a shoe sole is constituted of a flexible material
wherein predetermined notch-like cut-outs and incisions may be
provided in the shoe sale, with the latter being in a generally
planar condition while not in use or when adapted to be stored
and/or carried, and whereby the shoe sole may then be bent along
the predetermined incision lines so as to cause deformed or bent
portions thereof to engage into respective of the cut-outs or
notches so as to form a foot-receiving shoe structure; for example,
in the nature of a beach shoe, thong, sandal or the like. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,615,496 to Sharpstein and U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,736 to Bierk
disclose thong sandals that include flexible soles cut to provide
straps for placing around the heel of the foot and a tab for
griping between the wearer's toes. These thong-type sandals are
simple and inexpensive. The soles have a single layer construction
(Smejkal and Bierk) or two-layer construction (Sharpstein), in
which a cushioned upper surface is provided by a first layer made
of foam rubber bonded to a second layer made of high density
rubber. Although the material of the soles of the thong-type
sandals disclosed in these references has some flexibility, as
shown by the bending of selected portions of the sole to make
straps, thongs, and the like for engagement with the wearer's foot,
the bending of the entire sole into a compact configuration is not
disclosed.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,538 B2 to Kraft discloses a thin sandal
made for reef and river walking that has a sponge-top layer (for
comfort) directly fixed to a rubber sole as well as a single
continuous adjustable elastic strap. Kraft teaches that the sandal
may be slipped into a user's pocket when he is swimming, surfing,
etc. U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,372 to Pan discloses a "thong" type sandal
having a sole of "appropriate pliability" joined to an upper layer
consisting of a breathable body made of a plurality of elastic
filaments. Neither Kraft nor Pan teaches folding his sandals into a
compact configuration.
[0008] Collapsible footwear is known. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
2,490,916 to Miller discloses a flexible slipper or sandal that can
be completely collapsed by tucking the heel portion into the toe
portion. U.S. Pat. No. 2,252,315 to Doree discloses a foldable
"scuff" or slipper that may be rolled or folded into a compact
shape about an elastic shank portion "so that the counter portion
may be tucked into the vamp portion."
[0009] The sandals and slippers described so far have had a very
practical and utilitarian look. More recently, U.S. Pat. No.
7,032,327 B1 to Tartaglia, et al. has disclosed a more attractive
footwear assembly that is structured to be collapsible. The
footwear assembly comprises a sole including a front portion and a
rear portion movably interconnected by an intermediate segment. An
outer sole is connected to an undersurface of the sole in
corresponding relation to the front portion of the sole and a heel
is connected to the undersurface of the sole in corresponding
relation to the rear portion of the sole. The sole is preferably
made of a leather material and the front portion and the heel are
made of a rubbery material. An upper such as a thong extends along
at least a portion of the length of the sole, depending upon the
style of the footwear, wherein the upper and the sole are
preferably structured to define the sandal configuration which may
vary in style. The intermediate portion includes sufficient
flexibility to significantly reduce the size of the sandal by
folding the sole into a stored orientation defined by the front and
rear portions disposed in at least partially overlying relation to
one another. A pouch-like container is provided that is dimensioned
and configured to receive and maintain at least a pair of the
sandals on the interior thereof, when in the stored
orientation.
[0010] Tartaglia, et al. note the lack of success of convertible
footwear and observe that "an individual going to work on a normal
business schedule, but intending to attend a different event
thereafter, may initially wear more practical, everyday business
shoes during the daytime or normal business hours. Later that
person may be desirous and changing into more stylistic, decorative
and/or comfortable shoes during the evening. As such, an improved
footwear assembly could be structured to be selectively disposed
between a normal, operable orientation intended for wearing and
then be converted into a stored, reduced-size orientation. The
reduced size of the stored orientation would facilitate carrying
and storage thereof until the improved footwear is intended for
use." Rather than attempting to convert the appearance of the shoes
worn during the day, the wearer simply carries a pair of shoes that
have the desired qualities for use later in the day. The reduced
size of the shoes in the stored orientation permits the wearer to
store them in her handbag, for example, for later use.
[0011] The Tartaglia, et al. sandals may have the potential to be
more fashionable than the sandals and other footwear that were
discussed earlier. However, the Tartaglia, et al. sandals are not
very comfortable nor are they very flexible, because the outer sole
and the heel of Tartaglia, et al. sandals are fairly rigid.
[0012] A need exists, therefore, for footwear that can be folded or
collapsed for convenient carrying in a container or the like and
that is comfortable. A need also exists for footwear that can be
stored so as to be available for emergency use, such as may be
caused by a sudden change of plans, and will be comfortable.
Furthermore, a need exists for footwear that can be carried by a
wearer whereby the wearer can switch to footwear that will not
disrupt the polish or other aspects of a pedicure. In addition, a
need exists for portable footwear that a wearer can carry for use
while traveling, or because her regular "heels" are hurting her.
Preferably, such footwear should be capable of being made to be
attractive so that it will be sought out by "fashionistas" to
wear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention meets the needs set forth above and has
additional advantages.
[0014] In a preferred aspect of the invention, a flexible shoe is
provided comprising a sole having a longitudinal and transverse
dimension sufficient to support the foot of a wearer, the sole
comprising an outer sole comprising a sheet of a flexible material,
a cushioning midsole connected to the upper surface of the outer
sole, an upper portion in overlying relation to the insole for
engaging a foot of a wearer; wherein the flexible shoe may be
rolled up into a stored orientation.
[0015] The flexible shoe according to this embodiment may have an
outer sole having a front portion and a rear portion joined by an
intermediate portion, and the stored orientation comprises the
outer sole being folded at the intermediate portion so that the
front and rear portions are in substantially overlying relation to
one another. The outer sole may be uniformly flexible and the
stored orientation may comprise a rolled-up configuration. The
midsole may be comprised of a foam material.
[0016] The flexible shoe according to this embodiment may further
comprise an insole overlying the midsole and the insole may be made
of a fabric and may be connected to the upper surface of the outer
sole at a periphery thereof.
[0017] The upper portion of the flexible shoe may be attached to
the outer sole. It may comprise a strap attached at two ends
thereof to the outer sole and an intermediate portion of the strap
is in overlying relation to the midsole. The upper portion may
further comprise a second strap attached at one end thereof to the
outer sole in spaced relationship to the ends of the first strap
and at an other end to the first strap. The flexible shoe according
to this embodiment may have a sandal configuration with thongs as
the upper portion or it may have an upper portion of another
configuration, such as wherein the upper portion defines a closed
end for receiving the front of the foot of a wearer.
[0018] In another preferred aspect of the invention, a footwear kit
is provided comprising a flexible shoe comprising a sole having a
longitudinal and transverse dimension sufficient to support the
foot of a wearer and comprising an outer sole comprising a sheet of
a flexible material, a cushioning midsole connected to the upper
surface of the outer sole, and an upper portion in overlying
relation to the insole for engaging a foot of a wearer; wherein the
flexible shoe may be rolled up into a stored orientation; and a
container disposed to receive the flexible shoe when in the stored
orientation and maintain the flexible shoe in the stored
orientation.
[0019] The footwear kit may further comprise an additional flexible
shoe wherein the flexible shoes comprise a pair of flexible shoes
for the two feet of a wearer. The container may be a pouch having a
compartment and an opening, the opening being secured by a
drawstring or a case having a compartment and an opening, the
opening being secured by a zipper.
[0020] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, a flexible
shoe is provided comprising a sole having a longitudinal and a
transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of a wearer and
comprising an outer sole for contacting the ground having an upper
surface, a lower surface, and a periphery, the outer sole being
made of a flexible sheet; a cushioning foam midsole connected to
the upper surface of the outer sole; and an insole overlying the
cushioning midsole and connected to the periphery of the outer
sole; an upper portion attached at ends thereof to the outer sole
in overlying relation to the insole for engaging a foot of a
wearer; wherein the flexible shoe has a predetermined flexibility
whereby the flexible shoe may be rolled up into a storage
orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an embodiment of the flexible
shoe according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a right side view of an embodiment of the flexible
shoe according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the flexible shoe shown in FIG.
1.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a bottom side view of the flexible shoe shown in
FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a section view of the flexible shoe shown in FIG.
1, taken along the plane 5-5 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the flexible shoe of FIG. 1 shown
folded into a compact configuration.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the flexible shoe of FIG. 1
shown folded into a compact configuration.
[0029] FIG. 8A is a left side view of the flexible shoe of FIG. 1
shown in a rolled or curled-up configuration.
[0030] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the flexible shoe of FIG. 1
in the rolled or curled-up configuration of FIG. 8A.
[0031] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are side views of a first preferred
embodiment of a container in the form of a pouch with a drawstring
for containing flexible shoes in accordance with the present
invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the flexible shoe of FIG. 1 in
hidden line as folded in the configuration of FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.
9C shows the flexible shoe of FIG. 1 in hidden line as rolled in
the configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0032] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are perspective views of a second
preferred embodiment of a container in the form of a zippered case
for containing flexible shoes in accordance with the present
invention. FIGS. 10A and 10B show the flexible shoe of FIG. 1 in
hidden line as folded in the configuration of FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.
10C shows the flexible shoe of FIG. 1 in hidden line as rolled in
the configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a left side view of a second, dosed toe,
embodiment of the flexible shoe according to the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the flexible shoe shown in FIG.
10.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a front end view of the flexible shoe shown in
FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] The flexible shoes disclosed herein will now be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which preferred embodiments of the flexible shoes and containers
disclosed herein are shown. The same numbers for components and
features are used where applicable.
[0037] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention
is directed to a flexible shoe 1 or 30 preferably, but not
necessarily, having the form of a sandal. It is emphasized that in
the informative description of the various preferred embodiments of
the present invention the flexible shoes 1 or 30 may comprise a
variety of different footwear structures other than the one or more
sandal configurations represented in FIGS. 1 through 13. The
flexible shoes and containers disclosed herein may be embodied in
many different forms and should not be construed as being limited
to the embodiments set forth in this specification.
[0038] A first preferred embodiment of a flexible shoe 1 is shown
in FIGS. 1-8B. A second preferred embodiment of a flexible shoe 30
is shown in FIGS. 11-13. Only one flexible shoe 1 or 30 is shown
but it will be understood that the flexible shoe 1 or 30 generally
will be supplied in a pair, for wearing on the left foot and the
right foot of a human being. FIGS. 9A-10B show two currently
preferred embodiments of containers 20 and 24 for receiving and
containing the flexible shoe 1 or 30.
[0039] The flexible shoe 1 or 30 has a sole 2 having a longitudinal
and transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of the
wearer. The sole 2 will preferably comprise three layers. The outer
sole 3 preferably is constructed from a single piece of a durable
and flexible sheet, preferably made of rubber. The outer sole 3 may
also be constructed of other materials such as leather, Pleather
(artificial leather), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA), and synthetic rubber. An example of a suitable
thickness of the outer sole 3 is about three (3) millimeters. A
thickness in the range two (2) millimeters to five (5) millimeters
is preferred although a range of one (1) millimeter to twenty (20)
millimeters is acceptable. The choice of thickness of the outer
sole 3 depends to some extent on the stiffness or flexibility of
the material chosen. A stiffer material will require a thinner
outer sole 3, all other factors being equal, so that the flexible
shoe 1 (or 30) will be able to flex into a stored or compact
orientation as discussed below.
[0040] The outer sole 3 has a front portion 4, an intermediate
portion 5, and a rear portion 6 and an outer side periphery 7. The
front portion 4, the intermediate portion 5, and the rear portion 6
are integrally joined together because, as described above, the
outer sole 3 preferably is of single piece construction. The side
of the outer sole 3 that contacts the ground may be provided with
ridges or other features that will increase grip and prevent
slipping on smooth and/or wet surfaces, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8A,
and 8B.
[0041] A midsole 9 substantially overlies the top side of the outer
sole 3. The midsole 9 preferably is adhered to the outer sole 3
with a cement or glue. Preferably, the midsole 9 is made from one
or more sheets of foam material, such as PVC or EVA or a
combination of both PVC and EVA or other "textured" foam for
adhesion and added comfort. The midsole 9 may have a dual layer
construction in which two sheets of foam are adhered to each other
or one sheet of foam is adhered to a sheet of gauze.
[0042] A preferred range of suitable thickness of the midsole 9 is
three (3) millimeters to five (5) millimeters, although a range of
one (1) millimeter to fifteen (15) millimeters is acceptable. The
midsole 9 generally will be made of a softer and more compressible
material than that of the outer sole 3 and therefore may be made
thicker than the outer sole 3 without causing the shoe 1 or 30 to
lose flexibility, although a thicker midsole 9 will cause the
flexible shoe 1 or 30 to be bulkier and to take up more space when
in the stored configuration discussed below.
[0043] An insole 11 substantially overlies the top side of the
midsole 9. The insole 11 preferably is made from a sheet of a
fabric or knit material. A vast range of fabrics and knits are
physically suitable for service as the insole 11 and the actual
choice will therefore be on the basis of appearance.
[0044] The insole 11 is preferably folded around the midsole 9 so
that its edge is tucked under the midsole 9. The folded-under
portions of the insole 11 are adhered directly to the outer sole 3
with a thin layer of cement or glue.
[0045] A preferred method of forming the overall sole 2 of the
flexible shoe 1 or 30 comprises the steps of cutting the materials
for an outer sole 3, a midsole 9, and an insole 11, placing the
insole 11 on top of the midsole 9 and folding the edge of the
insole 11 under the periphery of the midsole 9, placing an adhesive
such as a cement or glue on the bottom of the midsole 9 and the
folded-under portions of the insole 11 (or, optionally, on the top
side of the outer sole 3), and contacting the bottom of the midsole
9 and the folded-under portions of the insole 11 to the outer sole
3. Optionally, an additional step of raising the temperature of the
sole 2 may be employed to cure the adhesive cement or glue.
[0046] Alternatively, the insole 11 and the midsole 9 may be
attached to the outer sole 3 by sewing.
[0047] It will be understood that although the currently preferred
embodiment discussed herein has an insole covering the top of a
midsole, an insole need not be provided. An insole does give an
attractive appearance but a midsole made of a sufficiently durable
material by itself may be satisfactory for providing comfort to the
wearer while standing and walking.
[0048] The flexible shoe 1 has an upper portion 13 in overlying
relation to the insole 11 for engaging a foot of a wearer, as shown
in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-8B. The upper portion 13 has
two straps (or thongs) 15 and 16. The strap 16 is secured at both
ends thereof to the outer sole 3. One end of the strap 16 is
attached to the outer sole 3 at the front portion 4 of the outer
sole 3 and the other end of the strap 16 is attached to the outer
sole 3 at the intermediate portion 5 of the outer sole 3. The strap
15 is secured at one end thereof to the outer sole 3 at the
intermediate portion 5 of the outer sole 3. The other end of the
strap 15 is attached to the strap 16 by a sliding loop 17 formed in
that end of the strap 15 around the strap 16.
[0049] Together, the straps 15 and 16 form two loops into which the
wearer places the front of her foot in the well known thong style.
The strap 15 may be adjusted by moving the loop 17 along the strap
16 as indicated by the arrow 14.
[0050] The configuration of the upper portion 13 may be varied. For
example, the straps 15 and 16 may be fastened to each other rather
than having a sliding connection. Persons of skill in the art will
readily recognize that other configurations of the thong-type upper
portion 13 are possible.
[0051] The straps 15 and 16 may be made of cotton twill,
microfiber, terrycloth, suede, leather, rubber, felt or satin. Any
fabrics are acceptable and can be used, including synthetic man
made materials. In addition, decorative ornaments (not shown) may
be attached to the straps 15 and 16 to enhance the appearance of
the wearer's foot. One appropriate place for a decorative ornament
would be the loop 17.
[0052] FIGS. 11-13 show a second embodiment 30 of a flexible shoe
that is different from the first embodiment 1 only in the
construction of the upper portion 32. As will be seen in those
drawings, the upper portion 32 has the appearance of forming a
pocket into which the wearer places the front of her foot. The
upper portion 32 may be made of any of the materials described for
the upper portion 13 of the flexible shoe 1.
[0053] The embodiments 1 and 30 of the flexible shoe described
above have a sandal format, wherein a sandal is an open type of
shoe, consisting of a sole held to the wearer's foot by straps or
thongs. A sandal generally reveals most or all of the foot to view.
The upper portion of a sandal may be a thong that passes between
the big and second toe, or by a strap that passes over the arch of
the foot, with or without a heel strap. It will be understood that
a flexible shoe according to this disclosure could have an upper
portion like that of a sandal or of any other shoe, for that
matter, consistent with being put into a compact configuration as
described below.
[0054] The flexible shoe 1 or 30 may be folded as shown in FIGS. 6
and 7. The soles 2 are sufficiently thin and flexible that they may
be folded so that the insole 11 adjacent the front portion 4 of the
outer sole 3 preferably is in contact with the insole 11 adjacent
the back portion 6 of the outer sole 3, the fold occurring in the
intermediate portion 5 of the outer sole 3 and the superposed
portions of the midsole 9 and insole 11. The flexible shoe 1 or 30
will be much more compact and can be stored in a smaller space. The
flexible shoe 1 or 30 can be folded more than once.
[0055] Alternatively, the flexible shoe 1 or 30 could be rolled or
curled up into a compact, generally cylindrical shape, as shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B. A compact stored configuration of the flexible
shoe 1 or 30 will enable the wearer or owner to more easily carry
the flexible shoe 1 or 30 in her purse or hand bag.
[0056] A pair of flexible shoes 1 or 30 may be supplied as a kit
with a container. The container may be a pouch 20 as shown in FIGS.
9A-9C or a case 24 as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C. Preferably, the pouch
20 or case 24 will comprise an outer layer of the same material as
the shoe with an inner nylon lining. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, the
pouch 20 or case 24 may be closeable with a tie cord 22 (pouch 20),
or with a zipper 26 (case 24) as shown in FIGS. 10A-10C.
[0057] While illustrative embodiments of the flexible shoes and
containers disclosed herein have been shown and described in the
above description, numerous variations and alternative embodiments
will occur to those skilled in the art and it should be understood
that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Such variations
and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made,
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *