U.S. patent application number 12/659901 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for shoe sole with embedded gemstones.
Invention is credited to Carol U. McCann.
Application Number | 20100242309 12/659901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42782371 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100242309 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCann; Carol U. |
September 30, 2010 |
Shoe sole with embedded gemstones
Abstract
The shoe sole with embedded gemstones is a shoe sole having
opposed upper and lower surfaces with a plurality of gemstones
being embedded therein, adjacent to the upper surface. The shoe
sole includes a base layer, with the plurality of gemstones each
partially projecting above the upper surface of the base layer such
that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn.
Alternatively, a removable insole for shoes may be provided, with
the shoe insole similarly forming a base layer having opposed upper
and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones being embedded
within the base layer. Similarly, the plurality of gemstones each
partially project above the upper surface of the base layer such
that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are
worn.
Inventors: |
McCann; Carol U.;
(Washington, DC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LITMAN LAW OFFICES, LTD.
POST OFFICE BOX 15035, CRYSTAL CITY STATION
ARLINGTON
VA
22215
US
|
Family ID: |
42782371 |
Appl. No.: |
12/659901 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61202681 |
Mar 26, 2009 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 ; 36/25R;
36/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/02 20130101;
A43B 17/003 20130101; A43B 7/146 20130101; A43B 1/0027
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/136 ; 36/43;
36/25.R |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/00 20060101
A43B023/00; A43B 13/38 20060101 A43B013/38; A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14 |
Claims
1. A shoe sole with embedded decorative articles, comprising: a
base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces; and a plurality
of decorative articles embedded within the base layer adjacent the
upper surface of the base layer.
2. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in
claim 1, wherein each said decorative article is selected from the
group consisting of natural gemstones, artificial gemstones, and
crystals.
3. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in
claim 2, wherein each of said decorative articles partially
projects above the upper surface of said base layer.
4. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in
claim 1, wherein each of said decorative articles partially
projects above the upper surface of said base layer.
5. A shoe insole with embedded decorative articles, comprising: a
base layer having opposed upper and lower surfaces, the base layer
being adapted for removable insertion within a shoe; and a
plurality of decorative articles embedded within the base layer
adjacent the upper surface thereof.
6. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in
claim 5, wherein each said decorative article is selected from the
group consisting of natural gemstones, artificial gemstones, and
crystals.
7. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in
claim 6, wherein each of said decorative articles partially
projects above the upper surface of said base layer.
8. The shoe sole with embedded decorative articles as recited in
claim 5, wherein each of said decorative articles partially
projects above the upper surface of said base layer.
9. A shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles,
comprising: a main shoe body; and a shoe sole secured to the main
shoe body, the shoe sole including a base layer having opposed
upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of decorative articles
embedded within the base layer adjacent the upper surface of the
base layer.
10. The shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles as
recited in claim 9, wherein each said decorative article is
selected from the group consisting of natural gemstones, artificial
gemstones, and crystals.
11. The shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles as
recited in claim 10, wherein each of said decorative articles
partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.
12. The shoe having a sole with embedded decorative articles as
recited in claim 9, wherein each of said decorative articles
partially projects above the upper surface of said base layer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/202,681, filed Mar. 26, 2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to shoe soles. Particularly,
the present invention relates to shoe soles having gemstones
embedded therein.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many people believe that crystals and gemstones hold certain
beneficial properties. Crystal healing is an alternative medicine
technique that employs gemstones and crystals as healing tools. In
use, the practitioner typically places crystals on different parts
of the body, often corresponding to the "chakras", or places
crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid,
which is believed to surround the client with healing energy. The
healing is supposed to remove blockages in the aura or the body's
electromagnetic field.
[0006] When the stones are placed in the area of the chakras, the
color of the stones may correspond to the color which is associated
with the corresponding chakra. Going from the tail bone to the top
of the head, the colors are typically defined as red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. Different stones are believed
to have different healing vibrations, so a treatment based on the
type of stone may be used instead. Stones may also be used at the
feet in an attempt at grounding the individual, or may held in the
hands.
[0007] Believers in crystal healing may carry crystals around with
them, believing that they impart healing powers to them wherever
they go, or that they have positive vibrations that attract
positive events and interactions with others. Although there is no
peer-reviewed scientific evidence that crystal healing has any
actual physiological effect, believers in crystal healing may still
receive a placebo effect, which is a measurable psychological
effect.
[0008] Reflexology, or "zone therapy" is another alternative
medicine method involving the practice of massaging, squeezing, or
pushing on parts of the feet, or sometimes the hands and ears, with
the goal of encouraging a beneficial effect on other parts of the
body, or to improve general health. There is no general consensus
among reflexologists on how reflexology is supposed to work, though
a unifying theme is the idea that areas on the foot correspond to
areas of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve
health through one's "qi". As with crystal healing, there is no
scientific evidence for the existence of life energy (qi),
"crystalline structures" within the body, or "pathways" for "energy
flow" in the body, but believers may experience a placebo effect,
which is a measurable psychological effect, with practical and
measurable results, such as pain relief and mood alteration.
[0009] Reflexology and crystal, or gemstone, healing are separate
fields in alternative medicine and one typically needs to visit
multiple practitioners in order to gain benefits from both.
Further, both reflexology treatment and crystal healing are time
consuming and require specialized treatments by trained
practitioners. It would be desirable to combine the effects of both
crystal healing with the effects of reflexology in a manner that is
easy to apply for the typical user. Thus, a shoe sole with embedded
gemstones solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The shoe sole with embedded gemstones is a shoe sole having
opposed upper and lower surfaces with a plurality of gemstones
being embedded therein, adjacent to the upper surface. The shoe
sole includes a base layer, with the plurality of gemstones each
partially projecting above the upper surface of the base layer such
that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn.
Alternatively, a removable insole for shoes may be provided, with
the shoe insole similarly forming a base layer having opposed upper
and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones being embedded
within the base layer. Similarly, the plurality of gemstones each
partially project above the upper surface of the base layer such
that the gemstones contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn.
It should be understood that any desired types of gemstones or
other ornamentation may be used, including variations in size,
shape, color and chemical composition. Further, the term
"gemstones" is used herein to indicate either natural or artificial
stones.
[0011] These and other features of the present invention will
become readily apparent upon further review of the following
specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe sole with embedded
gemstones according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view in section of the shoe sole with
embedded gemstones of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an of a shoe insole with
embedded gemstones according to the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view in section of an alternative
embodiment of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones according to the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones according to the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another alternative
embodiment of a shoe sole with embedded gemstones according to the
present invention.
[0018] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a shoe sole
with embedded gemstones is designated generally as 10. It should be
understood that the shoe is shown for exemplary purposes only, and
that the sole 10 may be incorporated into any desired style of
shoe. Similarly, shoe sole 10 is shown for exemplary purposes only,
and the dimensions, configuration, and composition of sole 10
depend upon the style of shoe. In FIG. 1, sandal-type footwear is
shown only as an example. In FIG. 6, a similar type of sole is used
with a high-heel type shoe. It should be understood that the shoe
sole with embedded gemstones 10 may be used with any desired type
of shoe or footwear.
[0020] The shoe sole with embedded gemstones 10 is a shoe sole,
formed as a base layer 12 having opposed upper and lower surfaces,
with a plurality of gemstones being embedded within the base layer
12. In FIGS. 1 and 2, multiple types of gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20
are utilized. It should be understood that a single type of
gemstones may be utilized, or a plurality of types of gemstones may
be used, as shown by exemplary gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20. In FIGS. 1
and 2, gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 are shown as being embedded within
base layer 12 in separate bands. Each type of gemstone may have a
distinct color, with gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 being banded to
produce a distinctive visual effect. Alternatively, the gemstones
14, 16, 18, may be evenly distributed over the upper surface of
base layer 12, or may be arrayed in any desired pattern, dependent
upon the particular desires of the user, both for visual effect and
for desired crystal healing benefits.
[0021] Any desired types of gemstones may be used, including
variations in size, contour, color and chemical composition. For
example, practitioners of crystal healing believe that green
aventurine gemstones induce feelings of vitality and confidence in
the user. Amethyst, a purple quartz, is believed to induce a
feeling of calm, and to raise hope and lift the general spirits of
the user. Citrine is believed provide mental clarity and foster
creativity, whereas amethyst is believed to provide protection and
purification. Chalcedony is believed to provide the wearer with
calm and balance, and copper is believed to improve circulation and
overall energy. Tiger's eye, as another example, is believed to
provide balance between extremes.
[0022] As noted above, a single type of gemstone may be used to
impart one quality (or to produce one visual effect), or a
plurality of types (such as differing gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20) may
be used to impart multiple qualities (or produce varied visual
effects). As will be described below, a removable insole with
gemstones is also provided, allowing the user to vary the type of
gemstones used without changing the shoe.
[0023] Although gemstones are utilized in the preferred embodiment,
it should be understood that any suitable type of decorative
articles may be embedded within the shoe sole 10. Such decorative
articles may include natural gemstones, crystals, or artificial
gemstones, for example. Any desired type of gemstone(s) may be
used, including variations in size, shape, color, and chemical
composition. Further, the term "gemstone(s)" is used herein to
indicate either natural or artificial stones.
[0024] As shown, the shoe sole 10 includes a base layer 12, with
the plurality of gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 each partially projecting
above the upper surface of the base layer 12 so that the gemstones
contact the user's feet when the shoes are worn. As an alternative,
as shown in FIG. 4, the gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 may be fully
embedded within base layer 12, such that just the uppermost edges
of the gemstones are exposed. In this configuration, the visual
appeal of the gemstones, along with the benefits of contacting the
gemstones, is preserved, but without possible discomfort to the
wearer's heels. In FIG. 5, another exemplary array of gemstones is
illustrated. Gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 of FIG. 1 remain embedded
within sole 12. However, a border region is formed about the
perimeter of sole 12. The border region may remain empty (as shown
with reference to the insole embodiment of FIG. 3), or, as shown in
FIG. 5, may include another type of gemstone 13, applied for visual
or beneficial effects.
[0025] Gemstones 14, 16, 18, 20 may be embedded within any type of
shoe sole. A shoe sole, such as exemplary sole 12, may be formed as
a single, unitary body, as shown. Other shoe soles may include an
insole, an outsole and a midsole. Typically, the insole is the
interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot.
Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra
insoles are often added for comfort or health reasons (to control
the shape, moisture, or smell of the shoe). As will be described
below, the gemstones may also be embedded within a removable insole
100. For a shoe with a sole formed as a single body (i.e., without
a removable insole) but with separate layers, the gemstones 14, 16,
18, 20 are embedded within the insole; i.e., the uppermost layer of
the sole.
[0026] The outsole is the layer of the sole in direct contact with
the ground. Dress shoes typically have leather outsoles, and casual
or work-oriented shoes have outsoles made of natural rubber or a
synthetic imitation. The outsole may form a single piece, or may be
formed from separate pieces of different materials. Often, the heel
of the sole is rubber for durability and traction, while the front
is leather for style. The layer in between the outsole and the
insole is referred to as the midsole, and is typically adapted for
shock absorption. Some types of shoes, like running shoes, have
another material for shock absorption, usually beneath the heel
where one puts the most pressure down. Different manufacturers use
different materials for the midsoles of their shoes. Some shoes may
not have a midsole at all.
[0027] As noted above, alternatively, a removable insole for shoes
100 may be provided, as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, it should be
understood that shoe S is shown for exemplary purposes only, as is
shoe insole 100. The dimensions, contouring and materials used to
form insole 100 are dependent upon the desires of the user, and the
style of shoe S. Insole 100 includes a base layer 102, which is
formed as a conventional, removable shoe insole. The base layer 102
has opposed upper and lower surfaces, with a plurality of gemstones
104 being embedded within the base layer 102. Similar to that
described above with regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the
plurality of gemstones 104 each partially project above the upper
surface of the base layer 102 such that the gemstones contact the
user's feet when the shoes are worn. Alternatively, as in the
embodiment of FIG. 4, the gemstones may be fully embedded within
the base layer of the insole, such that just the uppermost edges of
the gemstones are exposed.
[0028] As noted above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2, any desired
type of gemstones may be utilized. In FIG. 3, an evenly distributed
layer of a single type of gemstone 104 is shown, though it should
be understood that multiple types of gemstones may be embedded in
base layer 102 (as in FIGS. 1 and 2), and that gemstones 104 may be
arrayed in any desired pattern. Further, in the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 3, a border region 106, with no gemstone
coverage is provided. As noted above, the gemstones 104 may be
arranged in any desired pattern, such as in bands, separated by
color or type of stone, or forming decorative patterns, which may
be either abstract patterns or simulative of desired articles, with
the patterns being formed by stones of differing color and/or
type.
[0029] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *