U.S. patent application number 11/480675 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for footwear having interchangeable decorative straps and strips.
Invention is credited to Christi Ann Styles.
Application Number | 20080000107 11/480675 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38875136 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Styles; Christi Ann |
January 3, 2008 |
Footwear having interchangeable decorative straps and strips
Abstract
This invention relates in general to interchangeable decorative
straps and strips for usage in combination with a footwear. The
decorative straps and strips are secured to the exterior surface of
the footwear by a loop and hook [VELCRO] fastener. This allows a
user to wear a single pair of footwear with a variety of outfits by
changing the overall physical appearance of the footwear with an
assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips. The
assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips consists
of various trimming-type decorations, and is preferably selected
from the group consisting of beads, bows, flowers, fringe, zippers
and colored fabrics or ribbons. Each of the assorted straps or
strips is designed to coordinate with, i.e., to be aesthetically
pleasing with, a variety of outfits so that the footwear may be
used in conjunction with a number of different outfits.
Inventors: |
Styles; Christi Ann; (Simi
Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES C.H. WU
98 DISCOVERY
IRVINE
CA
92618-3105
US
|
Family ID: |
38875136 |
Appl. No.: |
11/480675 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/101 ;
36/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20130101; A43B
3/105 20130101; A43B 23/25 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/101 ;
36/100 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24 |
Claims
1. A footwear comprising: a sole element having an upper surface
configured to receive a wearer's foot and a lower surface
configured to contact a support surface, the sole element further
having a first side wall and a second side wall spaced from the
first side wall, the side walls extending between the upper and
lower surfaces; said sole element having slits defined
therethrough; the first slit positioned opposed to the second slit
along a linear axis extending between the first and second side
walls; non-transparent indicia formed on top and bottom surfaces of
said sole element; the upper element and the shoe element cooperate
to form a footwear upper for receiving the foot; a topmost cover
element sized and configured to cover said upper surface of said
footwear upper and supporting an exposed topside for providing a
primary decorative appearance to the footwear; non-transparent
indicia formed on the bottom of said topmost cover element; said
upper element is molded from a material which possesses memory
which causes said upper element to return to its original molded
distinctive shape upon removal of said topmost cover element;
releasable fasteners for releasably attaching said topmost cover
element to said top surface of said footwear upper; a plurality of
said topmost cover elements for removable attachment to said
footwear upper in accordance to user preference; and wherein said
plurality of topmost cover element each provide a distinctive
decorative appearance to the footwear when attached thereto.
2. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein an upper element
having a pair of opposed ends disposed at least one inch into the
first slit and second slit situated on the first and second side
walls, the portion of upper elements mated and received in the
slits is made of an elastic section that allows the distance
between the opposed ends to be increased by stretching the elastic
section; the end portions of said upper element each having front
and rear edges with a central axis being defined midway between the
edges and running lengthwise along the upper element;
3. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the sole element
having slits defined therethrough, the first slit positioned
opposed to the second slit along a linear axis extending between
the first and second sidewalls and a third slit disposed on the
frontal upper surface of said sole element equidistant to said
first and second slits.
4. The footwear as recited in claim 3 wherein an upper element
having a converging end connected to a pair of opposed ends
disposed at least one inch into the first slit and second slit
situated on the first and second side walls, said converging end
disposed at least one inch into the third slit, the portion of
upper elements mated and received in the slits is made of an
elastic section that allows the distance between the opposed ends
to be increased by stretching the elastic section; said upper
element with the end portions disposed in said slits resembles a
V-shaped configuration.
5. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said upper element is
vertically integrated with said sole element in a boot-like
footwear, and said upper element substantially disposed from the
top edge to the bottom edge of said boot-like footwear along a
vertical central axis.
6. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein said releasable
fasteners comprise hook and loop fasteners.
7. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper element
has a front to back width that is generally constant.
8. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastic section
is at least partially disposed in the slit.
9. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the elastic section
comprises a portion of elastic material and the remainder of the
strap comprises a generally non-elastic material.
10. The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein the remainder of
the upper element comprises of a vinyl material.
11. The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein the remainder of
the upper element comprises a fabric material.
12. The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein the remainder of
the upper element comprises of a rubber material.
13. The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein the remainder of
the upper element comprises of a thermoplastic material.
14. The footwear as recited in claim 9, wherein the remainder of
the upper element comprises of a leather material.
15. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the topmost cover
element has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a front and
rear edge, the inner surface having indicia thereon indicating
which edge should be directed toward the front of the sole element
and which edge should be directed toward the rear of the sole
element when the topmost cover element is releasably attached to
the upper element.
16. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the sole element is
injection molded from a polymeric material.
17. The footwear as recited in claim 1, wherein the sole element
further comprises a reinforcing member molded into the sole element
adjacent to the upper limit of the slit to reinforce the slit.
18. The footwear as recited in claim 17, wherein said reinforcing
element is composed of Kevlar and carbon fiber materials.
19. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein the sole element
includes a footbed portion further comprises of a honeycomb-like
construction.
20. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said releasable
fasteners comprise hook and loop fastener.
21. The footwear as recited in claim 20 wherein said hook and loop
fasteners include a hook component on said top surface of said
upper element and a loop component on an underside of said topmost
cover element.
22. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said topmost cover
element is selected from a group consisting of beads, bows,
flowers, fringe, zippers, colored fabrics or ribbons.
23. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of
topmost cover elements further comprise of different shapes.
24. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of
topmost cover elements further comprise of different materials.
25. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of
topmost cover elements further comprise of different colors.
26. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein the sole element
includes a footbed portion composing of a foam material.
27. The footwear as recited in claim 26 wherein said footbed
portion further comprises of a honeycomb-like construction.
28. The footwear as recited in claim 1 wherein the sole element
includes a footbed portion composing of a Kevlar and carbon fiber
materials.
29. The footwear as recited in claim 28 wherein said footbed
portion further comprises a honeycomb-like construction.
30. A method of making interchangeable decorative straps and strips
in combination with a footwear, said method comprising the steps
of: providing a sole element having an upper surface configured to
receive a wearer's foot and a lower surface configured to contact a
support surface, the sole element further having a first side wall
and a second side wall spaced from the first side wall, the side
walls extending between the upper and lower surfaces; providing
said sole element having slits defined therethrough; the first slit
positioned opposed to the second slit along a linear axis extending
between the first and second wide walls; providing a
non-transparent indicia formed on top and bottom surfaces of said
sole element; configuring the upper element and the shoe element
cooperate to form a footwear upper for receiving the foot;
providing a topmost cover element sized and configured to cover
said upper surface of said footwear upper and supporting an exposed
topside for providing a primary decorative appearance to the
footwear; providing said topmost cover element has an inner
surface, an outer surface, and a front and rear edge, the inner
surface having indicia thereon indicating which edge should be
directed toward the front of the sole element and which edge should
be directed toward the rear of the sole element when the topmost
cover element is releasably attached to the upper element;
providing non-transparent indicia formed on the bottom of said
topmost cover element; providing said upper element is molded from
a material which possesses memory which causes said upper element
to return to its original molded distinctive shape upon removal of
said topmost cover element; providing releasable fasteners for
releasably attaching said topmost cover element to said top surface
of said footwear upper; providing a plurality of said topmost cover
elements for removable attachment to said footwear upper in
accordance to user preference; wherein said plurality of topmost
cover element each provide a distinctive decorative appearance to
the footwear when attached thereto; providing said releasable
fasteners comprise hook and loop fasteners; providing said upper
element having a front to back width that is generally constant;
providing said elastic section is at least partially disposed in
the slit; providing said elastic section comprises a portion of
elastic material and the remainder of the strap or strip comprises
a generally non-elastic material; providing said sole element
further comprises a reinforcing member molded into the sole element
adjacent to the upper limit of the slit to reinforce the slit;
providing said plurality of topmost cover elements further comprise
of different shapes; providing said plurality of topmost cover
elements further comprise of different materials; and providing
said plurality of topmost cover elements further comprise of
different colors.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein: said remainder of the upper
element are selected from a group consisting of vinyl material,
fabric material, rubber material, thermoplastic material, and
leather material.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein: said topmost cover element is
selected from a group consisting of beads, bows, flowers, fringe,
zippers, colored fabrics or ribbons.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein: said sole element includes a
footbed portion composing of a foam material.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein: said footbed portion further
comprises of a honeycomb-like construction.
35. The method of claim 30, wherein: said sole element includes a
footbed portion composing of Kevlar and carbon fiber materials.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein: said footbed portion further
comprises of a honeycomb-like construction.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates in general to footwear. More
particularly, this invention relates to a footwear having
interchangeable components incorporating a removable fastening
system which enables a person to custom design their own footwear
according to their individual needs.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Footwear is typically purchased in a finished state from
footwear specialty stores, department stores, and various other
outlets selling shoes. The selection of footwear is limited to the
present stock as displayed in the retail establishments. Thus,
there is minimal opportunity to add your own sense of style or
individual expression to the footwear.
[0005] The footwear is usually a specific type with a certain
aesthetic appearance that is not alterable. To change the
appearance of the footwear, one would have to switch to a different
pair of footwear.
[0006] It may be desirable to have a large selection of different
footwear when traveling so that a particular footwear can be
matched to a particular traveling wardrobe. With the increased
luggage restrictions imposed on airline passengers, it might not be
practical for a traveler to carry between ten to twenty pairs of
footwear. Ideally, in an effort to pack light, the traveler should
carry as few pairs of footwear as possible. Accordingly, there is a
need for a footwear which can be easily and conveniently changed in
pattern, style, fabric, color, and overall appearance, thereby
allowing the same footwear to be worn with many different outfits
ranging from casual to formal.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,288, entitled "Athletic Shoe with
Interchangeable Elements" to Tony R. Henson (hereinafter "Henson")
discloses an athletic shoe having interchangeable components for
the customizing to the particular needs of a wearer. The wearer's
weight, weight distribution, type and level of activity, and other
variables are considered when determining the degree and location
of support. The components may be permanently affixed to the
athletic shoe by any selected method including ultrasonic welding.
The components may alternatively be temporarily affixed to
facilitate the selected interchanging thereof by the wearer. The
athletic shoe includes a body portion which defines a sole member
and an upper. A plurality of recesses are defined at selected
locations by the sole for the receipt of sole inserts. Each sole
insert provides a selected degree of support. The upper defines a
plurality of indicia receiving regions. The indicia may be any
selected by the wearer. The sole inserts and the indicators may be
permanently attached to the athletic shoe by a selected process
such as ultrasonic welding.
[0008] Unlike the subject invention, Henson describes the shoe
invention with only the sole inserts capable of being
interchangeable, and they are permanently attached. The subject
invention provides for the assortment of interchangeable decorative
straps and strips that are not permanently attached.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,646,497 entitled "Shoe With Interchangeable
Heels" to Bobby G. Gillikin et al (Hereinafter "Gillikin")
discloses an invention relating to a shoe construction having angle
irons mounted to the heel seat of the shoe for slidably mounting
interchangeable low and high heels. Another purpose of the
invention is to provide means for retaining the shape of a shoe
having interchangeable heels. The present construction includes
stiffener strips inserted in the oppositely disposed lateral arch
portions of the shoe as well as an elastic band attached to the
collar of the shoe. This combination of means provides intimate
fitting between the shoe upper and a wearer's foot when the shoe is
changed from a flat low-heel position to a flexed high heel
position. Also, an arch supporting plate is mounted to the shoe
shank for rendering vertical support to the shank thereby
preventing the shank from sagging when the high heel is used. In
order to allow heel interchangeability, angle irons are suitably
fastened to the heel seat of the shoe body, each of the angle irons
being shaped to include a tapered or wedged flange portion. Mating
grooves are formed in the heel so that sliding engagement between
the heel and the angle irons can be effected. When the heel fully
engages the angle irons, a wedging action is achieved thereby
connecting the heel securely to the shoe. This wedging action is
not lost after prolonged use and many changeovers, as is prevalent
with prior art construction.
[0010] Unlike the subject invention, Gillikin discloses a shoe that
has an interchangeable heel. Particularly, the Gillikin invention
describes only the heels as being interchangeable. The subject
invention is not directed to an interchangeable sole.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This invention relates in general to interchangeable
decorative straps and strips in combination with a footwear. The
decorative straps and strips are secured to the exterior surface of
the footwear by a loop and hook [VELCRO] fastener. This allows a
user to wear a single pair of footwear with a variety of outfits by
changing the overall physical appearance of the footwear with an
assortment of interchangeable decorative straps and strips.
[0012] The assortment of interchangeable decorative straps or
strips consists of various trimming-type decorations, and is
preferably selected from the group consisting of beads, bows,
flowers, fringe, zippers and colored fabrics or ribbons. Each of
the assorted straps or strips is designed to coordinate with, i.e.,
to be aesthetically pleasing with, a variety of outfits so that the
footwear may be used in conjunction with a number of different
outfits.
[0013] Fastening means are provided for securing at least one of
the straps or strips to the exterior surface of the footwear. The
first fastening means consists of the hook portion of VELCRO
material affixed to the exterior surface of the footwear, and the
loop portion of VELCRO material affixed to the backside of the
interchangeable decorative straps or strips.
[0014] Another feature of the present invention is that it is
lighter than some existing footwear.
[0015] Still yet another feature of the present invention is that
the interchangeable components have a removable fastening system
enabling a person to custom design their own footwear according to
their individual needs.
[0016] Another feature of the present invention is that it has
interchangeable and replaceable parts, thus, reducing the overall
cost of having numerous footwear for different aesthetic needs. The
upper portions of the footwear can be interchanged to vary
color.
[0017] Yet another feature of the present invention is that the
footwear may have various styles, standards, and components.
[0018] Another feature of the present invention is that composite
materials may be utilized individually and in combination during
integration and manufacturing of the individual components.
[0019] Yet another feature of the present invention is that
footwear components can be interchanged in minutes which requires
less space in luggage while traveling, because wearer need not
carry an individual footwear for each and every desired style.
[0020] Still another feature of the present invention is that the
footwear is good for all ages and not limited to specific age
group.
[0021] Another feature of the present invention is to allow the
consumers to own a variety of footwear without the financial burden
of purchasing a large number of pairs of shoes, boots, and
sandals.
[0022] Yet another feature of the present invention is the easy
attaching capability which is superior to other footwear.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The foregoing will become more readily apparent by referring
to the following detailed description and the figure drawings in
which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the invention illustrating a thong and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps at the complete attached
stage.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the invention illustrating a thong and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps at the beginning stage of being
detached.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the invention illustrating a thong and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps at the ending stage of being
detached.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the invention illustrating a thong and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps in a separate state.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention illustrating a slide and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps at the complete attached
stage.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention illustrating a slide and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps in the process of being
detached.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention illustrating a boot and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative strips at the complete attached
stage.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention illustrating a boot and one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative strips in the process of being
detached.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps designed for, one of the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the thong.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative strips designed for, one of the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the boot.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of one of the assorted
interchangeable decorative straps designed for, one of the
preferred embodiment of the invention, the slide.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] In the preferred and alternate embodiments shown, the
footwear is preferably in the form of a slip-on sandal which
includes a sole element 10 (FIGS. 1-8), a heel 11 (FIGS. 1-8) and
an upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8).
[0036] The upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) is
permanently attached on opposite sides of the footwear sole and is
configured to extend across the top of wearer's foot when the
footwear is worn.
[0037] The upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) is
attached on the opposite sides of the footwear sole 10 (FIGS. 1-8)
and is configured to extend laterally across the top surface of the
wearer's foot when the footwear is worn. A plurality of topmost
cover elements 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) are provided
for releasable attachment to the upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG.
6, and FIG. 8) on the footwear 12 (FIG. 1).
[0038] The topmost cover elements 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS.
8-11) are specifically sized and configured to cover the complete
top surface of the upper element so that, when attached thereto,
the topmost cover element appears to be integral part of the
footwear. It is contemplated that the topmost cover elements 30
(FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) may be made of any compatible
material including, but not limited to, canvas, silk, polyester,
woven textiles such as cotton, vinyl and other synthetic materials,
and leather. A plurality of topmost cover elements 30 (FIGS. 2-3,
FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) are provided in various shapes, textures,
materials, and colors. Furthermore, an ornamental design of the
exposed top side 25 (FIGS. 9-11) of the topmost cover element 30
(FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11) could consists of stitching,
printing, rhinestones, embroidery, beads or other decorative
elements.
[0039] Each of the topmost cover element 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and
FIGS. 8-11) comprises a rear edge 31 (FIG. 11), forward edge 32
(FIG. 11), opposite side edges 33 (FIG. 11), 34 (FIG. 11), top side
35 (FIG. 11), and underside 36 (FIGS. 10-11). Now referring to
FIGS. 9-11, the top side of the topmost cover element, and any
distinctive elements 37 thereon, is visibly displaying a particular
aesthetic appearance for the footwear.
[0040] Each of the topmost cover element 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and
FIGS. 8-11) is configured and disposed for releasable attachment to
the upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) on the
footwear to cover the exposed surface of the upper element 40
(FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8). In a preferred embodiment, hook
and loop fasteners are employed for the purpose of removable
attachment of the topmost cover element 30 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and
FIGS. 8-11) to the upper element 40 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG.
8). Furthermore, the loop component 41 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 9, and FIG.
11) and hook component 43 (FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) of the
hook and loop fastening system is applied to the underside 42
(FIGS. 2-3, FIGS. 8-9, and FIG. 11) of the topmost cover element 30
(FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 6, and FIGS. 8-11). Preferably, the loop component
41 (FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 9, and FIG. 11) comprises of any suitable
material which readily attaches to the hook component 43 (FIGS.
2-4, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8) in a hook and loop fastening system.
[0041] Another concept of the present invention is directed to
provision of a footwear sole slits disposed on the sides thereof
for receiving a permanently affixed upper element, with the upper
element having a removable fastener disposed on the top surface of
said upper element.
[0042] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11, are
merely representative of preferred configuration for a footwear
according to the present invention. Other alternative versions also
fall within the scope of the present invention. Different footwear
designs which fall within the scope of the present invention will
differ in certain details of their construction, but will include
the common elements discussed. Hereinbelow, specific embodiments of
the present invention will be discussed in extensive detail.
However, some or all of these details may apply only to the
illustrated embodiments and be less applicable to other variations
that fall within the scope of the present invention. It should be
noted that throughout this application, footwear soles, straps, and
strips have been illustrated only for one shoe out of a pair.
[0043] As will be clear to those of skill in the footwear art,
footwear articles are provided in pairs, including a right footwear
and left footwear, which are essentially mirror images of one
another. By illustrating only a right or a left footwear, sole, or
upper element, the present invention enables the construction and
use of a right or a left footwear.
[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a variety of styles of footwear soles may be provided,
along with upper elements having a variety of appearances. The
various footwear sole designs may receive different upper element
designs so as to alter their appearance or fit. Likewise, some
upper element designs may be used with more than one footwear sole
design. This interchangeability of upper elements allows great
flexibility in the use of the present invention.
[0045] When a wearer adapt the present invention in use, the upper
element exerts tremendous axial force on the footwear sole. In a
preferred embodiment, a reinforcement 22 (FIGS. 1-6) is provided in
the footwear sole so as to reinforce the slit 21 (FIGS. 1-6),
especially at its frontal and back edges and along its upper side
thereof. In some embodiments, the reinforcement 22 (FIGS. 1-6) is
provided by a reinforcing woven material insert in the footwear
sole. In one preferred embodiment, the reinforcement materials are
Kevlar and carbon fiber. The material may be single or multiple
density.
[0046] Preferably, the topmost cover element has a distinctive
aesthetic design that is visible once the footwear is assembled.
The design which may be provided on the outside surface 35 (FIG.
11) are widely varied. Many different materials may be used to form
an upper element, as long as the material has sufficient strength
to reliably retain the footwear on a wearer's foot. A variety of
materials which may be used to form the upper elements include
rubber, thermoplastic, fabrics, vinyls, or leather, and others.
Examples of finishes include a variety of fabric finishes, a wide
variety of colors, various surface finishes, such as sequins and
coatings, and finishes that stimulate other materials, such as
wood. Closure members other than hook and loop type fastener
material may be used to removably attach the topmost cover element
to the upper element. For example, other means of removable
attachment such as, but not limited to, laces, hooks, snaps,
zippers, friction, releasable adhesives, clips or slotted
mechanism.
* * * * *