U.S. patent application number 11/559444 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for foldable active shoe.
Invention is credited to Janette Jean Kuramoto, Rachelle Lynn Kuramoto, Kristin Anne Parker.
Application Number | 20080110059 11/559444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39367799 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080110059 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuramoto; Janette Jean ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
FOLDABLE ACTIVE SHOE
Abstract
A sport or active shoe that can be stored in a compact
configuration can be folded generally in half and secured closed
with a closure connected to the heel and toe. The shoe includes a
single layer upper to facilitate folding. The shoe can be folded
into a very compact configuration and stored conveniently in a
pocket, pack, purse, etc., allowing a user to keep a pair of the
shoes handy for wearing before or after sports activities or
specialized activities requiring specialized or bulky footwear.
Inventors: |
Kuramoto; Janette Jean;
(Chicago, IL) ; Kuramoto; Rachelle Lynn;
(Norcross, GA) ; Parker; Kristin Anne; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARDNER GROFF GREENWALD & VILLANUEVA. PC
2018 POWERS FERRY ROAD, SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
39367799 |
Appl. No.: |
11/559444 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/114 ; 36/25R;
36/43; 36/50.1; 36/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/248 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/114 ; 36/25.R;
36/43; 36/51; 36/50.1 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A43B 13/00 20060101 A43B013/00; A43B 13/38 20060101
A43B013/38; A43B 11/00 20060101 A43B011/00; A43C 11/00 20060101
A43C011/00 |
Claims
1. An active shoe, comprising: a toe section; a heel section; an
intermediate section connecting the toe section to the heel
section; and a fastening device comprising a first element and a
second element that mates with the first element, wherein the first
element of the fastening device is secured to the toe section and
the second element of the fastening device is secured to the heel
section and wherein the shoe can be folded generally in half and
secured in a compact configuration by mating the first element of
the fastening device with the second element.
2. The active shoe of claim 1, wherein the fastening device is a
snap.
3. The active shoe of claim 1, wherein the fastening device is a
magnetic closure.
4. The active shoe of claim 1, wherein the fastening device
comprises hook and loop material.
5. The active shoe of claim 1, wherein the fastening device
comprises a hook attached to the heel portion and a slit or loop
attached to the toe portion.
6. The active shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe is foldable about
the intermediate section.
7. The active shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe includes an upper
constructed substantially of a single-layer material to facilitate
folding the shoe.
8. A shoe, comprising: a toe portion; a heel portion; and an
intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion connects the
toe portion to the heel portion and comprises an elastic band for
facilitating the folding of the shoe.
9. The shoe of claim 8, further comprising a latch to allow the
heel portion to be removably secured to the toe portion.
10. The shoe of claim 9, wherein the latch comprises a snap,
wherein one portion of the snap is attached to the toe portion and
the other portion of the snap is attached to the heel portion.
11. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the snap is magnetic.
12. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the elastic band wraps around the
shoe.
13. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the elastic band has a width
between about one and about two inches.
14. An active shoe, comprising: an upper, wherein the upper is
formed of a single-layer material; a sole permanently affixed to
the upper, wherein the upper and the sole create a generally
enclosed active shoe having a front portion, an intermediate
portion, and a rear portion; and a closure, wherein a first element
of the closure is attached to the front portion and a second
element of the closure is attached to the rear portion, wherein the
shoe can be folded about the intermediate portion and secured in a
compact configuration with the closure.
15. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the upper is constructed of a
waterproof material.
16. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the intermediate portion is a
band of elastic material that wraps around the shoe.
17. The shoe of claim 14, further comprising a pair of
skid-resistant sole pads.
18. The shoe of claim 14, further comprising a highly compressible
insole.
19. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the shoe can be stored in compact
configuration in a pouch.
20. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the closure is attached to the
sole at both the front and rear portions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention in general relates to shoes and in
particular relates to an active or sport shoe that can be folded
and fastened into a compact configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Currently, there is a lot of specialized footwear on the
market for sports, recreation, business, etc. Such specialized
footwear includes ski boots, rollerblades, ice skates, golf shoes,
baseball cleats, heavy work boots, high heel shoes, etc. The
specialized footwear functions well for the intended purposes;
however such specialized footwear does not function well for any
other activity and is generally a poor choice for general footwear
use (such as walking, driving, etc.). For example, ski boots
function well for skiing but not as well when the skiers are
walking back to the ski lodge or enjoying time in the chalet.
Similarly, mountain and road cycling shoes and cleats function well
for their intended purposes but not for walking or driving a car.
Additionally, for women who commute in metropolitan areas,
high-heeled shoes are appropriate for a professional office
environment but are extremely uncomfortable and impractical during
the process of traveling to and from work.
[0003] Because specialized footwear can be bulky and impractical
for general footwear use, it would be advantageous to the person
wearing the specialized footwear to keep a lightweight and compact
pair of shoes with him or her for use before and/or after the
specialized activity.
[0004] Thus, there exists a need in the industry for a general
purpose piece of footwear that is lightweight, compact, portable,
and suitable for use in conjunction with specialized footwear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly described, the present invention is a general
purpose piece of footwear or active shoe that can be folded into a
compact configuration and stored in a pocket, pouch or pack, or
looped over a belt when not in use. When a person is wearing
specialized footwear (e.g., ski boots, roller blades, ice skates,
golf shoes, cycling shoes, water booties, high heels, etc.), the
person can store the active shoe in a compact configuration while
he/she is engaged in the specialized activity. When the person is
finished with the specialized activity or sport, he/she can remove
the specialized footwear and put on the active shoe of the present
invention for general footwear use. For example, a person who
finishes skiing can remove his/her ski boots and wear the active
shoe of the present invention to walk to or from the ski slopes.
While skiing, the person can store the active shoes in a backpack
or in a pocket of his ski suit.
[0006] In a first form, the present invention is an active shoe
having a toe section, a heel section, an intermediate section
connecting the toe section to the heel section, and a fastening
device for securing the shoe in a compact configuration.
Preferably, the fastening device has a first element that is
secured to the toe section and a second element that is secured to
the heel section. Thus, the first and second elements of the
fastening device can be mated together so as to store the shoe in a
compact configuration. In exemplary embodiments, the fastening
device can be a snap, a magnetic closure, hook and loop material,
or a hook attached to the heel section and a slit or loop attached
to the toe section.
[0007] In another form, the present invention is a shoe having a
toe portion, a heel portion, and an intermediate portion, wherein
the intermediate portion connects the toe portion to the heel
portion and comprises an elastic band for facilitating the folding
of the shoe. Preferably, the shoe also includes a latch to allow
the heel portion to be removably secured to the toe portion. Also
preferably, the elastic band has a width between about one and
about two inches and wraps around the shoe. The latch can comprise
a snap or a magnetic closure, wherein one portion of the snap or
magnetic closure is attached to the toe portion and the other
portion of the snap or magnetic closure is attached to the heel
portion.
[0008] In still another form, the present invention is an active
shoe having an upper formed of a single-layered material; a sole
permanently affixed to the upper, wherein the upper and the sole
create a generally enclosed active shoe having a front portion, an
intermediate portion, and a rear portion; and a closure, wherein a
first element of the closure is attached to the front portion and a
second element of the closure is attached to the rear portion.
Thus, the shoe can be folded about the intermediate portion and
secured in a compact configuration using the closure and can be
stored in a pocket or a pouch. Preferably, the upper is constructed
of a waterproof material. Also preferably, the intermediate portion
is a band of elastic material that wraps around the shoe.
Optionally, the shoe can further include a pair of skid-resistant
sole pads and a highly compressible insole.
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading the following
specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawing
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an active shoe according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the active
shoe of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the active shoe of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pouch housing the active
shoe of FIG. 1 and shown in a compact configuration.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of an active shoe according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of an active shoe according to yet
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like
reference numbers refer to like parts throughout the several views,
preferred forms of the present invention will now be described by
way of example embodiments. It is to be understood that the
embodiments described and depicted herein are only selected
examples of the many and various forms that the present invention
may take, and that these examples are not intended to be exhaustive
or limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the
specification including the appended claims, the singular forms
"a," "an," and "the" include the plural unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about"
or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or
"approximately" another particular value. When such a range is
expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular
value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values
are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about,"
it will be understood that the particular value forms another
embodiment.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a foldable sport or active shoe 10
includes an upper 12 affixed to a sole 14 which together form a
generally enclosed shoe in the shape of sport shoe or slipper shoe.
The shoe 10 has a front or toe portion 16, an intermediate portion
18, and a rear or heel portion 20. At the heel portion of the shoe
10 and adjacent the intermediate portion 18 is an opening 22 (or
ankle hole) for inserting the foot. Those skilled in the art will
also understand that the shoe 10 of the present invention can be
made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Those skilled in the art
will further understand the shoe 10 of the present invention also
can have the general form of conventional tennis shoes having a
tongue and shoelaces, hook and loop straps, zippers, etc. However,
for many uses, such as skiing, skating, surfing, or commuting, it
is preferred that the shoe be constructed as a slip-on to make the
shoe easier to put on and take off.
[0018] Preferably, the upper 12 is formed of a single layer of
material to facilitate folding the shoe. Also preferably, the
single layer of material is very thin, which is more conducive to
folding than folding thick or multiple layers of fabric over one
another. More preferably, the single layer of material is
waterproof or water resistant, flexible, and insulated. Exemplary
materials can include a single layer of fabric, whether coated or
uncoated, such as nylon, polyester, vinyl, or leather. However,
those skilled in the art will understand that various other
materials can be employed for the upper as well without deviating
from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the upper
can be constructed of a dual layer material such as the Waterproof
Nylon, Breathable Membrane Fabric by American Home & Habitat
Inc., which has an outer nylon fabric that is semi-permeable to
water bonded to a micro-porous urethane membrane that allows water
in vapor form to pass through.
[0019] Preferably, the sole 14 is permanently affixed to the upper
12 and has a pair of sole pads or tread pieces 26 and 28 attached
or cemented thereto. The sole 14 can wrap over the sides of the
upper 12 and cap the heel portion 20 and toe portion 16 to provide
added support and stability. Preferably, the sole 14 is constructed
of a durable, skid-proof and flexible material, such as
TOUGHTEK.RTM. neoprene. However, those skilled in the art will
understand that various other materials can be employed for the
sole as well without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
[0020] One sole pad 26 is positioned beneath the toe portion 16 of
the shoe 10, and the other sole pad 28 is positioned beneath the
heel portion 20 of the shoe. Preferably, each sole pad 26 and 28 is
constructed of a material that is abrasion-resistant, scuff-proof,
and non-skid such as Grabber Non-slip from Denver Fabric Co.
However, those skilled in the art will understand that the sole
pads 26 and 28 can be constructed of other abrasion-resistant,
scuff-proof, and non-skid material.
[0021] Preferably, the intermediate portion 18, which is adjacent
the opening 22, facilitates folding of the shoe 10 and provides an
elevated pitch. The intermediate portion 18 can include a band or
strap 30 of elastic material that creates an elevated arch support
while also facilitating the folding of the shoe. Preferably, the
elastic band 30 has a width of about one to about two inches,
encircles the center of the shoe 10, and extends between the two
sole pads or tread pieces 26 and 28.
[0022] Preferably, the shoe 10 has a highly compressible insole 32
that comprises a lightweight breathable material that provides
warmth and cushioning. Exemplary materials for the insole 32
include gel-filled insole pads or highly compressible sponge
insulation. The insole also provides support for the heel and
forefoot.
[0023] The shoe 10 is foldable about the intermediate section 18
such that the heel 20 and toe 16 of the shoe can be releasably
attached together with a fastening device, closure, or latch 40, as
shown in FIG. 4. In exemplary embodiments, the shoe 10 has a length
that is about 6.75 inches long to about 12.15 inches long and about
3 inches to about 5 inches wide. Preferably, the shoe folds
generally in half, which is approximately the size of a man's
wallet or winter glove. Thus, the shoe 10 folds into a
configuration that is approximately 3-6 inches long, approximately
3-5 inches wide, and approximately 1-2 inches thick, although those
skilled in the art will understand the dimensions can be smaller or
larger depending on whether the shoe is made for a youth or an
adult. Thus, the shoe 10 can be stored in a pouch 50, pocket,
backpack or around a belt or strap of the user.
[0024] In the depicted embodiment, the fastening device 40 is a
snap closure with the male portion 42 attached to the toe 16 and
the female portion 44 attached to the heel 20, although the male
portion can be attached to the heel and the female portion can be
attached to the toe. Preferably, the fastening device 40 is
attached to the sole 14 of the shoe 10 where it caps the toe 16 and
the heel 20, although the fastening device can be secured to the
material of the upper 12. Alternatively or additionally, the
fastening device 40 can be magnetic such that one portion of the
fastening device is a magnet and the other portion comprises
ferromagnetic material attached at the opposite end of the shoe.
However, those skilled in the art will understand that a variety of
fastening devices 40 can be used. For example, FIG. 5 depicts
another embodiment of a sport or active shoe 110 having a fastening
device comprising hook and loop material. A patch of hook material
142 is placed at either the heel or the toe and a patch of loop
material 144 is attached at the opposite end of the shoe.
Alternatively, straps of hook and loop material can be used to
fasten the toe of the shoe to the heel. Still alternatively, FIG. 6
depicts yet another embodiment of a sport or active shoe 210 having
a fastening device comprising a durable and substantially rigid
hook and a slit or slot for receiving the hook. A hook 244 formed
of a durable material such as plastic, rubber, metal, or other
durable material can be attached at the heel and mate within a slit
242 at the toe. For example, the slit 242 can be located within the
sole 214 at the toe such that hook fits within a gap between the
sole and the upper 212. The hook 244 can be constructed of the same
material as the sole 214. Alternatively, the hook 244 can mate with
a loop of fabric, metal, or other durable material secured at the
toe. Still alternatively, the hook 244 can be at the toe 216 and
the slit 242 at the heel 220. Those skilled in the art will
understand that various other closures can be employed without
deviating from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the shoe
can be folded into a compact configuration that can be stored in a
pocket or pack or folded over a belt.
[0025] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and
deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *