U.S. patent application number 12/244734 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for customizable shoe sole with removable graphics plate.
Invention is credited to John Walker Barrow.
Application Number | 20100083536 12/244734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42074631 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100083536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barrow; John Walker |
April 8, 2010 |
CUSTOMIZABLE SHOE SOLE WITH REMOVABLE GRAPHICS PLATE
Abstract
The technology described herein provides a graphics plate
bearing a graphic and configured for placement on a bottom surface
of a sole of a shoe. The graphics plate is removable and
interchangeable. In a second embodiment, a shoe is provided having
a graphics plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement in
a shoe, a sole of the shoe being molded and configured for receipt
of the graphics plate. In a third embodiment, a footwear system is
provided for imprinting customized messages on a surface below. The
footwear system includes a shoe having a molded sole and a graphics
plate bearing a graphic and configured for placement on a bottom
surface of the molded sole of the shoe. Once inserted into the
shoe, the graphics plate leaves an imprint of a surface below the
sole of the shoe as a wearer of the shoes walks and runs.
Inventors: |
Barrow; John Walker;
(Cedartown, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE R. REARDON
3356 STATION COURT
LAWRENCVILLE
GA
30044
US
|
Family ID: |
42074631 |
Appl. No.: |
12/244734 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/100 ; 36/103;
36/136; 36/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20130101; A43B
13/36 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101; A43B 3/0078 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/100 ; 36/103;
36/136; 36/15 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24; A43B 13/00 20060101 A43B013/00; A43B 23/00 20060101
A43B023/00; A43C 13/00 20060101 A43C013/00 |
Claims
1. A removable, interchangeable graphics plate comprising: a
graphics plate bearing a graphic that is raised from a surface of
the graphics plate, the graphics plate configured for placement on
a bottom surface of a sole of a shoe; and wherein the graphics
plate is removable and interchangeable with the sole of the shoe;
and wherein, when worn in a shoe, the graphic disposed upon the
graphics plate leaves an impression on a ground surface as a wearer
walks.
2. The graphics plate of claim 1, wherein the graphics plate is
configured for insertion into a cavity on a bottom surface of a
sole of a shoe so that the graphics plate, once inserted, is flush
with the sole of the shoe.
3. The graphics plate of claim 1, further comprising: an at least
one locking screw configured for placement through a hole in the
graphics plate; and wherein the locking screw, once the graphics
plate is inserted into the sole of the shoe, is rotated to lock the
graphics plate in place in the sole of the shoe.
4. The graphics plate of claim 3, further comprising: a graphics
plate key, wherein the key comprises an edge for insertion into and
rotating the at least one locking screw.
5. The graphics plate of claim 1, further comprising: an at least
one tab disposed upon the graphics plate configured for insertion
into the sole of a shoe, wherein the tab provides for and maintains
secure placement of the graphics plate in the sole of the shoe.
6. The graphics plate of claim 1, wherein the graphic comprises
text.
7. The graphics plate of claim 1, wherein the graphic comprises a
stylized design.
8. The graphics plate of claim 1, wherein the graphic comprises
text and a stylized design.
9. The graphics plate of claim 1, further comprising: an at least
one locking screw configured for placement through a hole in the
graphics plate; and an at least one tab disposed upon the graphics
plate configured for insertion into the sole of a shoe, wherein the
tab provides for and maintains secure placement of the graphics
plate into the sole of the shoe.
10. The graphics plate of claim 1, wherein the graphics plate is
comprised a material from the group consisting of rubber, plastic,
epoxy, wood, metal, and composite.
11. A shoe comprising: a graphics plate bearing a graphic that is
raised from a surface of the graphics plate, the graphics plate
configured for placement in a shoe; a sole of the shoe, the sole
being molded and configured for receipt of the graphics plate;
wherein the graphics plate is removable and interchangeable with
the sole of the shoe; and wherein, when worn in a shoe, the graphic
disposed upon the graphics plate leaves an impression on a ground
surface as a wearer walks.
12. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the sole of the shoe comprises a
cavity on a bottom surface so that the graphics plate, once
inserted, is flush with the sole of the shoe.
13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the cavity further comprises a
recessed tab area to receive a tab disposed upon the graphics
plate.
14. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the cavity further comprises a
recessed locking screw area to receive a portion of a locking screw
inserted through the graphics plate and rotated to lock the
graphics plate to the sole of the shoe.
15. A footwear system for imprinting customized messages on a
surface below, the system comprising: a shoe; a molded sole of the
shoe; a graphics plate bearing a graphic that is raised from a
surface of the graphics plate, the graphics plate configured for
placement on a bottom surface of the molded sole of the shoe;
wherein the graphics plate is removable and interchangeable with
the sole of the shoe; and wherein, once inserted into the shoe, the
graphics plate leaves an imprint of a surface below the sole of the
shoe as a wearer of the shoes walks and runs.
16. The footwear system of claim 15, wherein the graphics plate
comprises at least one of the group consisting of text and stylized
design.
17. The footwear system of claim 15, further comprising a locking
screw mechanism, wherein an at least one locking screw is utilized
to secure the graphics plate to the molded sole of the shoe.
18. The footwear system of claim 15, further comprising a tab
mechanism, wherein the graphics plate comprises an at least one tab
configured for insertion into the sole of the shoe, wherein the tab
provides for and maintains secure placement of the graphics plate
into the sole of the shoe.
19. The footwear system of claim 15, further comprising a locking
screw mechanism, wherein an at least one locking screw is utilized
to secure the graphics plate to the molded sole of the shoe; and a
tab mechanism, wherein the graphics plate comprises an at least one
tab configured for insertion into the sole of the shoe, wherein the
tab provides for and maintains secure placement of the graphics
plate into the sole of the shoe.
20. The footwear system of claim 15, further comprising a graphics
plate key for securing the inserted graphics plate to the sole of
the shoe and for removing the graphics plate from the sole of the
shoe.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The technology described herein relates generally to
footwear. More specifically, this technology relates to a
customizable shoe sole with a removable, interchangeable graphics
plate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many types and varieties of footwear are known in the art.
Footwear customization can be utilized for the purposes of
personalization, novelty, and vanity. Customization to the sole of
the footwear can enable imprint of a word, graphical design, name,
or the like, upon a surface underneath.
[0003] Related patents known in the art include the following: U.S.
Pat. No. 5,331,753, issued to Rodibaugh on Jul. 26, 1994, discloses
personalized signature shoes. U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,869, issued to
Coomes on Sep. 3, 2002, discloses children's sandals having
replaceable soles.
[0004] The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state
of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a
view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor
in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the
patentability of the technology described herein. It is
respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and
other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when
considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a customizable shoe sole with a removable,
interchangeable graphics plate.
[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein
provides a removable, interchangeable graphics plate bearing a
graphic that is raised from a surface of the graphics plate and
configured for placement on a bottom surface of a sole of a shoe.
The graphics plate is removable and interchangeable with the sole
of the shoe. The graphics plate is configured for insertion into a
cavity on a bottom surface of a sole of a shoe so that the graphics
plate, once inserted, is flush with the sole of the shoe. The
graphics plate also includes at least one locking screw configured
for placement through a hole in the graphics plate. The locking
screw, once the graphics plate is inserted into the sole of the
shoe, is rotated to lock the graphics plate in place in the sole of
the shoe. The graphics plate also includes a graphics plate key.
The key comprises an edge for insertion into and rotating the
locking screw. The graphics plate further includes at least one tab
disposed upon the graphics plate configured for insertion into the
sole of a shoe. The tab provides for and maintains secure placement
of the graphics plate in the sole of the shoe. The graphic can
include text, stylized designs, or a combination of both. The
graphics plate can be manufactured from rubber, plastic, epoxy,
wood, metal, and composite.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described
herein provides a shoe. The shoe includes a graphics plate bearing
a graphic that is raised from a surface of the graphics plate and
that is configured for placement in a shoe. The sole of the shoe is
molded and configured for receipt of the graphics plate. The
graphics plate is removable and interchangeable with the sole of
the shoe. The sole of the shoe includes a cavity on a bottom
surface so that the graphics plate, once inserted, is flush with
the sole of the shoe. The cavity can further include a recessed tab
area to receive a tab disposed upon the graphics plate. The cavity
can further include a recessed locking screw area to receive a
portion of a locking screw inserted through the graphics plate and
rotated to lock the graphics plate to the sole of the shoe.
[0008] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology
described herein provides a footwear system for imprinting
customized messages on a surface below the sole of the shoe. The
footwear system includes a shoe having a molded sole, a graphics
plate bearing a graphic that is raised from a surface of the
graphics plate and configured for placement on a bottom surface of
the molded sole of the shoe. The graphics plate is removable and
interchangeable with the sole of the shoe. Once inserted into the
shoe, the graphics plate leaves an imprint of a surface below the
sole of the shoe as a wearer of the shoes walks and runs. The
footwear system can also include a locking screw mechanism. At
least one locking screw is utilized to secure the graphics plate to
the molded sole of the shoe. The footwear system can also include a
tab mechanism. The graphics plate includes at least one tab
configured for insertion into the sole of the shoe. The tab
provides for and maintains secure placement of the graphics plate
into the sole of the shoe. The footwear system can further include
a graphics plate key for securing the inserted graphics plate to
the sole of the shoe and for removing the graphics plate from the
sole of the shoe.
[0009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the technology in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before
explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0010] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described
herein.
[0011] Further objects and advantages of the technology described
herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of
a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The technology described herein is illustrated with
reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers
denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively,
and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe having a customizable
sole with a graphics plate, according to an embodiment of the
technology described herein;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shoe having a
customizable sole with a graphics plate depicted in FIG. 1,
illustrating, in particular, the removability and
interchangeability of the graphics plate, according to an
embodiment of the technology;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shoe having a
customizable sole with a graphics plate depicted in FIG. 1,
illustrating, in particular, the insertion of the graphics plate,
according to an embodiment of the technology;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shoe having a
customizable sole with a graphics plate depicted in FIG. 1,
illustrating, in particular, the receptacles to receive tabs of the
graphics plate;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a close up perspective view of the receptacles to
receive tabs of the graphics plate depicted in FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a graphics plate, according
to an embodiment of the technology;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a graphics plate key,
according to an embodiment of the technology;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a graphics plate lock,
according to an embodiment of the technology;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shoe having a customizable
sole with a graphics plate, according to an alternative embodiment
of the technology described herein;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a close up perspective view of the graphics plate
receptacle cavity depicted in FIG. 9 according to an alternative
embodiment of the technology;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a graphics plate, according
to an alternative embodiment of the technology;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a side view of the graphics plate depicted in
FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a side view of the graphics plate depicted in
FIG. 11; and
[0026] FIGS. 14 through 22 are views of varied graphics plates,
illustrating, in particular, the number and type of tabs and the
number and type of plate locks.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this
technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of
other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0028] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a customizable shoe sole with a removable,
interchangeable graphics plate.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, shoe 10 is shown. Shoe 10 includes
a customizable sole 12 with a removable, interchangeable graphics
plate 14. The shoe 10 can utilize a specially designed sole 12
configured for the graphics plate 14. Alternatively, the shoe 10
can include a receptacle embedded within it to receive the graphics
plate. The graphics plate 14 is removable and interchangeable with
the sole 12 of the shoe 10.
[0030] The graphics plate 14 can be manufactured from rubber,
plastic, epoxy, wood, metal, and composite. Additionally, as will
be apparent to those in the art, alternative materials can be
utilized for the graphics plate 14 that are suitable for use in and
on the sole 12 of a shoe 10.
[0031] The graphics plate 14 includes permanent graphic 18. When
worn in a shoe, the graphic 18 disposed upon the graphics plate 14
leaves an impression on a ground surface as a wearer walks. The
graphic 18 is raised from the surface of the graphics plate 14 such
that it can leave an imprint. The graphic 18 can include text, a
stylized design, or both. For example, the graphic 18 can include a
name, number, symbol, animate character, graphic, logo, animal
track, graphical language characters such as Chinese language
characters, and so forth.
[0032] As shoe 10 containing a graphics plate 14 is worn by a
wearer, an impression of the graphic 18 is made on a surface (e.g.,
soil, snow, etc.) on which the wearer is walking or running. The
graphic 18 is raised from a surface of the graphics plate 14.
[0033] The graphics plate 14 is easily removed by the wearer. Each
graphics plate 14 is interchangeable, so a wearer can swap graphics
plates 14 at will to change graphics 18. Multiple means are
provided to attach the graphics plate 14 to the sole 12 of the shoe
10.
[0034] The graphics plate 14 can be inserted into a cavity on a
bottom surface of a sole 12 of a shoe 10 so that the graphics
plate, once inserted, is flush with the sole of the shoe. The
graphic 18 is raised from a surface of the graphics plate 14 such
that it can leave an imprint when in use.
[0035] The graphics plate 14 can include at least one locking screw
16 configured for placement through a hole in the graphics plate
14. The locking screw 16, once the graphics plate 14 is inserted
into the sole 12 of the shoe 10, is rotated to lock the graphics
plate 14 in place in the sole 12 of the shoe 10.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, the graphics plate 14 bearing a
graphic 18 is shown removed from a cavity 26 in the sole 12 of the
shoe 10. The cavity 26 is preformed in the sole 12 to receive the
graphics plate 14. As locking screws 16 are rotated to unlock the
graphics plate 14 the graphics plate 14 can be removed. Locking
screws 16 can be turned utilizing a graphics plate key (as shown in
FIG. 7), a coin, an edge, and so forth. Locking screws 16 can be
utilized on one or both ends of the graphics plate 14. A portion of
each locking screw 16 slides through aperture 22 to secure the
graphics plate 14 to the shoe 10. Locking screw aperture 23 is
provided to receive the portion of each locking screw 16 as it
slides through aperture 22.
[0037] The graphics plate 14 can include at least one tab 20
disposed upon the graphics plate 14 and configured for insertion
into the sole 12 of a shoe 10. Each tab 20 provides for and
maintains secure placement of the graphics plate 14 in the cavity
26 of the sole 12 of the shoe 10. Tab apertures 24 are disposed
with cavity 26 to receive the tabs 20 of the graphics plate 14.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, insertion of graphics plate 14
bearing graphic 18 is shown. Graphics plate 14 is inserted into
cavity 26 in sole 12 of shoe 10. During insertion, tabs 20 are
lined up with and inserted into tab apertures 24. Once the graphics
plate 14 is inserted, the locking screws 16 are rotated such that a
portion of the locking screws exits apertures 22 and enters locking
screw apertures 23 in the cavity 26 in order to secure the graphics
plate to the shoe 10.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the apertures disposed
within cavity 26 are shown. As depicted in FIG. 4, region A, at
least one aperture can be formed into cavity 26 of sole 12 of shoe
10. As depicted in FIG. 5, those apertures can include tab
apertures 24. Tab apertures 24 are configured to receive tabs 20 of
the graphics plate 14. As depicted in FIG. 5, those apertures also
can include locking screw aperture 23. Locking screw aperture 23 is
configured to receive a portion of locking screw 16 once rotated to
secure the graphics plate 14 to the cavity 26.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of graphics plate 14
is shown. The graphics plate 14 includes permanent graphic 18. The
graphics plate 14 can include at least one locking screw 16
configured for placement through a hole (not shown) in the graphics
plate 14. The locking screw 16, once the graphics plate 14 is
inserted into the sole 12 of the shoe 10, is rotated to lock the
graphics plate 14 in place in the sole 12 of the shoe 10. A portion
of each locking screw 16 slides through aperture 22 to secure the
graphics plate 14 to the shoe 10. The graphics plate 14 can include
at least one tab 20 disposed upon the graphics plate 14 and
configured for insertion into the sole 12 of a shoe 10. Each tab 20
provides for and maintains secure placement of the graphics plate
14 in the cavity 26 of the sole 12 of the shoe 10.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 7, a graphics plate key 28 is shown.
The graphics plate key 28 includes a tip 32 and a grip area 30. The
top 32 is inserted into a locking screw 16 to rotate it. Grip area
30 provides means for the user to grip the graphics plate key
28.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 8, a locking screw 16 is shown. The
locking screw 16 includes a trunk 40, a head 36, groove 34, and
tongue 38. Tongue 38 is rotated through aperture 22 in the graphics
plate 14 as the graphics plate is locked to a shoe 10. The graphics
plate key 28 (depicted in FIG. 7) can be utilized in groove 34 to
rotate the locking screw 16.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the sole 12 of a shoe 10
having a customizable sole 12 with a graphics plate 14 bearing a
graphic 18, according to an alternative embodiment, is shown.
Disposed with the sole 12 is a cavity 26 configured to receive
graphics plate 14. Depicted in enlarged area B are single tab
aperture 48 and internal aperture 46. The single tab aperture 48 is
configured to receive single tab 42 from graphics plate 14 having
only one, larger tab. The internal aperture 46 is configured to
receive elongated locking screw 44.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 11, a graphics plate 14, according to
an alternative embodiment, is shown. The graphics plate 14 bearing
graphic 18 includes single tab 42 and elongated locking screw
44.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 12, a side view of the graphics plate
14 depicted in FIG. 6 is shown. The graphics plate 14 includes tab
20 and locking screw 16. Locking screw 16 includes a head 36,
groove 34, and tongue 38.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 13, a side view of the graphics plate
14 depicted in FIG. 11 is shown. The graphics plate 14 includes
single tab 42 and elongated locking screw 44.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 14 through 22, various views of
varied graphics plates, illustrating, in particular, the number and
type of tabs and the number and type of plate locks are shown. As
depicted in FIG. 14, configuration 50a illustrates a graphics plate
14 having a single tab 42 and one elongated locking screw 44. As
depicted in FIG. 15, configuration 50b illustrates a graphics plate
14 having two tabs 20 and a single locking screw 16. As depicted in
FIG. 16, configuration 50c illustrates a graphics plate 14 having a
single tab 42 and one elongated locking screw 44. The graphics
plate 14 has a circular end for the locking screw 44. As depicted
in FIG. 17, configuration 50d illustrates a graphics plate 14
having no tabs and having two locking screws 16. As depicted in
FIG. 18, configuration 50e illustrates a graphics plate 14 having
no locking screws and a single tab 42. As depicted in FIGS. 19, 20,
and 21, configuration 50f illustrates a graphics plate 14 having no
internal locking screws and a tab. The graphics plate 14 can be
locked into place with a locking screw mechanism 16 having a tongue
38 embedded into the sole of the shoe. In such an embodiment,
graphics plate 14 can be secured to the sole utilizing a bearing
58, an axle 56, and a disc 54. With this configuration the graphics
plate 14 can rotate and spin around in a manner analogous to an ice
skater wearing skates. Rotational configurations can include the
ability to rotate vertically or roll horizontally. As depicted in
FIG. 22, configuration 50g illustrates a graphics plate 14 having a
single locking screw 16 and no tabs. Configuration 50g utilizes a
pocket to receive a tab from the shoe.
[0048] In various alternative embodiments, the sole 12 can include
embedded accessories. By way of example, contained in a deeper
cavity 26 covered by a graphics plate 14, items such as a lights
and coins can be carried. In such a configuration the graphics
plate 14 also serves as a lid to an embedded storage cavity in the
sole 12 of the shoe 10. In other varied embodiments, the graphics
plate 14 can be rotated within the sole 12. Still further
embodiments include a noise producing graphics plate 14 and a
scented graphics plate 14 for hunters.
[0049] Although this technology has been illustrated and described
herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific
examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform
similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
invention and are intended to be covered by the following
claims.
* * * * *