U.S. patent application number 14/077546 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for strikeplate and match association component.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jessica Gudgel. Invention is credited to Jessica Gudgel.
Application Number | 20140137441 14/077546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50726602 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140137441 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gudgel; Jessica |
May 22, 2014 |
STRIKEPLATE AND MATCH ASSOCIATION COMPONENT
Abstract
Footwear and accessories that can be used to ignite fire are
described herein. The footwear described herein includes a
component to associate one or more matches to the footwear. In at
least one embodiment, the component to associate one or matches to
the footwear is configured to house, store, or carry the one or
more matches. In at least one embodiment, the footwear described
herein includes a strikeplate that is associated with the footwear.
In some embodiments, the strikeplate can be made out of an abrasive
material such as a granulated product, a paper product, a hard
product, and/or a hard-backed granulated paper product. A method
for using the accessories associated with the footwear and methods
for manufacturing accessories and/or the footwear are also
described herein.
Inventors: |
Gudgel; Jessica; (Spokane,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gudgel; Jessica |
Spokane |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50726602 |
Appl. No.: |
14/077546 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61725833 |
Nov 13, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 ;
2/244 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20130101; A43B
23/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/136 ;
2/244 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/24 20060101
A43B023/24 |
Claims
1. Accessories comprising: a strike plate; and a component to
associate at least one match with a wearable article.
2. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the strikeplate comprises
abrasive material.
3. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material
comprises a granulated product.
4. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material
comprises a paper product.
5. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material
comprises a hard-backed product.
6. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material
comprises a hard product.
7. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the wearable article
includes footwear and the strikeplate is associated with an arch of
the footwear.
8. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the component to associate
the at least one match with the wearable article comprises at least
one loop configured to secure the at least one match.
9. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the component to associate
the at least one match with the wearable article comprises a
compartment configured to store the at least one match.
10. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the wearable article
includes footwear and the strike plate and the component to
associate the at least one match with the wearable article are
located in a same portion of the footwear.
11. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the wearable article
includes footwear and the strike plate and the component to
associate the at least one match with the wearable article are
located in different portions of the footwear.
12. A footwear comprising: a strikeplate; and a component to
associate at least one match to the footwear.
13. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the component to associate at
least one match includes at least one loop configured to secure the
at least one match.
14. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the component to associate at
least one match includes a plurality of loops configured to secure
the at least one match.
15. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the component to associate at
least one match includes a compartment configured to store the at
least one match.
16. The footwear of claim 12, further comprising: an upper; and a
sole.
17. The footwear of claim 16, wherein the component to associate
the at least one match is associated with at least one of the upper
of the footwear or the sole of the footwear.
18. The footwear of claim 16, wherein the strikeplate is associated
with at least one of the upper of the footwear or the sole of the
footwear.
19. A method for igniting a fire comprising removing matches from a
coupling assembling associated with footwear and striking the match
against a strikeplate associated with the footwear to ignite the
match.
20. A method as claim 19 recites further comprising igniting the
fire.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to and incorporates by
reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/725,833 filed 13
Nov. 2012 and entitled "Footwear and Footwear Accessories."
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, footwear has become even more important for
providing not only comfort, but a storage device for certain items
as well. For example, footwear can include a storage device for
keys; it can also provide an apparatus for opening bottles as
displayed in certain sandals. What has not been disclosed is
footwear and accessories that can be used to ignite fires, for
example.
SUMMARY
[0003] Footwear and accessories that can be used to ignite fire are
described herein. In various embodiments, the footwear described
herein includes a component to associate one or more matches to the
footwear. In at least one embodiment, the footwear described herein
further includes a strikeplate.
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying Figures. The use of the same reference number in
different Figures indicates similar or identical items.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates footwear and/or accessories according to
an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0007] FIGS. 2 is a view of footwear according to an embodiment of
the disclosure
[0008] FIG. 3 is a second view of footwear according to an
embodiment of the disclosure
[0009] FIG. 4 is a third view of footwear according to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates footwear that encompasses all or a
portion of a foot and two portions of the footwear according to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a fourth view of footwear according to an
embodiment of the disclosure
[0012] FIG. 7 is a fifth view of footwear according to an
embodiment of the disclosure
[0013] FIG. 8A is a sixth view of footwear according to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 8B is a seventh view of footwear according to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates a method for igniting a fire according to
an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a method for manufacturing accessories
for igniting a fire according to an embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates a method for manufacturing footwear with
associated accessories for igniting a fire according to an
embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring first to FIG. 1, footwear 10 is shown that
encompasses all or a portion of a foot 12. Footwear 10 can be
footwear that includes a sole. This sole can include an outsole as
well as a heel, for example. Footwear 10 can also include an upper
which can include a portion of the footwear that covers foot 12, as
opposed to the sole that supports foot 12. The upper can include a
toe cap throat line for example, and/or a tongue, for example. The
sole can include an insole and the upper can also include a
quarter, for example, and the sole can also include an outsole, for
example. In accordance with example implementations, the footwear
of the present disclosure can have components 14 and 16 associated
therewith.
[0019] Component 14 can be, for example, a strikeplate that can be
utilized to ignite one or more matches as typically used in the
art. Strikeplate 14 can be positioned in associate with the sole,
for example, of the shoe, and/or with the upper of the shoe. In
either case, strikeplate 14 can be associated with footwear 10.
[0020] Component 16 can be an assembly and/or an area to house or
associate with one or more matches. Component 16 can be a
compartment, for example, and/or a loop configuration that allows
for the storage of one or more matches. In this fashion, component
16 can be associated with either the upper or the sole of the shoe
and/or some combination of both, for example.
[0021] With reference to FIGS. 2-4, an example configuration of an
embodiment of the footwear of the present disclosure is shown. In
accordance with example implementations, a base or sole 22 has an
associated component 24 that is associated with the base or sole 22
of footwear 20. Footwear 20 can be configured as a sandal, for
example, having a sole 22 and an upper 26 that is in the shape of
loops or lines configured to hold the sole of footwear 20 against
the wearer's foot.
[0022] Component 24 can be a strikeplate. This strikeplate can be
associated with the heel of footwear 20, for example. Component 24
can also be associated with other portions of footwear 20, such as
for example, the arch or upper of the footwear 20. The strikeplate
can be made of an abrasive material such as a granulated product, a
paper product, a hard product, and/or a hard-backed granulated
paper product. In various embodiments, the material(s) from which a
strikeplate is made can be determined based at least in part on a
planned position of the strikeplate on the footwear and/or a type
of match with which the strikeplate is planned for use.
[0023] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate another view of footwear 20 and
show an example of upper 26 that can have an associated component
32 to house, store, or carry one or more matches as shown in FIGS.
3 and 4, and these one or more matches can be associated with an
upper portion of footwear 20; in the as shown embodiment, the upper
portion being a strap as used in a sandal, for example. Component
32 can include a plurality of loops configured to secure individual
matches. Component 32 can also be a compartment, for example. The
one or more matches can be standard, windproof, or waterproof
matches, for example. Additionally, the one or more matches can be
water and/or wind resistant. In various embodiments the one or more
matches can include strike-anywhere matches, while in some
embodiments the one or more matches can include safety matches so
that ignition from a chemical reaction will not occur from friction
of two matches rubbing together.
Example Materials
[0024] The footwear materials of the present disclosure can be
comprised of most materials, including but not limited to cellulose
based and/or polymeric materials, or combinations of both.
[0025] A sole is the part of the footwear that provides protection
from and cushion against uncomfortable contact with a supporting
surface like the ground. The sole provides grip, durability, and
water resistance. In at least one embodiment, the sole can be
comprised of materials, including but not limited to one or more
of, polyurethane, natural or resin rubber, thermoplastic rubber
(TPR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
Vibram, leather, or plastic. The sole can be formed as a single
piece or can be an assembly of separate pieces, often of different
materials. In at least one embodiment, the sole is affixed on its
upper surface to the lower margin of the upper portion of the
footwear using an adhesive.
[0026] The upper helps hold the footwear onto the foot. In at least
one embodiment, the upper can be made of materials including but
not limited to leather, synthetic, rubber, and other textile
materials. The upper can cover the entire foot or can be a few
straps for holding the sole in place. The upper can be connected to
the sole by a strip of leather, rubber, or a welt (e.g., plastic
that is stitched between it and the sole).
[0027] With reference to FIG. 2, component 24 can represent an
example of a component 14 of FIG. 1. Component 24 can be a
strikeplate. In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate can be
made of an abrasive material such as a granulated product, a paper
product, a hard product, and/or a hard-backed granulated paper
product. In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate can comprise
natural or synthetic abrasive materials including but not limited
to calcite, emery, novaculite, pumice, rouge, sand, corundum,
garnet, sandstone, Tripoli, staurolite, borazon, ceramic, ceramic
oxides, steel, silicon carbide, zirconia alumina, boron carbide,
slags, nickel, glass, powdered glass, silica, diamond, red
phosphorous, carbon black, or a combination of the materials
described above. Furthermore, the strikeplate can be made of any
material with at least one surface having a coefficient of friction
equal to or greater than the coefficient of friction appropriate to
light a match. In various embodiments the strikeplate can include
at least one chemical for ignition of safety matches such that
striking of a safety match against the strikeplate initiates a
chemical reaction for ignition of a fire.
[0028] The strikeplate 24 is associated with the footwear 20. In at
least one embodiment the strikeplate 24 can be attached to the
footwear 20 or, alternatively, can be embedded in the footwear 20.
In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate 24 can be attached to
the footwear 20 using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage,
paste, etc.). In some embodiments, the strikeplate 24 can be
associated with the footwear 20 by attaching the strikeplate 24 to
the footwear 20. Examples of attaching the strikeplate 24 to the
footwear 20 include but are not limited to adhering (e.g., using
glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.), stitching, lacing, screwing,
bolting, stapling, riveting, or other mechanical operations,
melting, welding, or chemical bonding, or some combination of the
above. The strikeplate 24 can be temporarily associated with the
footwear 20 (e.g., removable and/or replaceable) or non-temporarily
associated with the footwear 20.
[0029] Furthermore, the strikeplate 24 can be associated with the
footwear 20 and a backing material. In at least one embodiment, the
attachment between the strikeplate 24 and footwear 20 can be
indirect (e.g., the backing material can be attached to the
footwear 20 by attaching the backing material to the upper 26, and
the strikeplate 24 can be removably attached to the backing
material). In at least one embodiment, the attachment between the
strikeplate 24 and the upper 26 can be direct.
[0030] In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate 24 can be
associated with the footwear 20 by a flexible material tying,
latching, or otherwise associating, the strikeplate 24 to portions
of the footwear 20 (e.g., by association to laces, by association
to a zipper, etc.).
Illustrative Examples
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates footwear 10 that encompasses all or a
portion of foot 12. In accordance with example implementations, the
footwear 10 of the present disclosure can have components 14 and 16
associated therewith and as discussed herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a
line 56 which divides the footwear 10 into two portions, portion 52
and 54. Portion 52 is located on the upper margin of the footwear
10 such that a strikeplate 24 is less likely to be affected by dirt
or moisture than a strikeplate in portion 54. Therefore, a
strikeplate 24 in portion 52 can be made of material less resistant
to dirt or moisture. Portion 54 is located on the lower margin of
the footwear 10 such that a strikeplate 24 in portion 54 is more
likely to be affected by dirt or moisture than a strikeplate in
portion 52. As such, it can be desirable for the strikeplate 24 in
portion 54 to be made of material that is more resistant to dirt or
moisture.
[0032] Referring back to FIG. 3, component 32 can represent element
16 of FIG. 1. Component 32 can associate one or more matches to the
footwear. In at least one embodiment, component 32 can house the
one or more matches in a compartment. In at least one embodiment,
the compartment is located in portion 54 of footwear 10. The
compartment can comprise rigid housing affixed within a recess of a
sole and an insert that is received within the housing. The insert
can be easily insertable and removable while the footwear is worn.
The insert can also include a locking mechanism for securing the
insert within the housing.
[0033] In an embodiment, component 32 can be located associated
with the upper of the footwear 10. For example, the upper of the
footwear 10 can have a pocket for housing at least one match. The
pocket can close by a magnetic or zipping mechanism. The pocket can
be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some
combination of both portion 52 and 54.
[0034] In at least one embodiment, component 32 can be made of an
adhesive material associated with the upper, the adhesive material
configured to receive at least one match. The adhesive material can
be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some
combination of both portion 52 and 54.
[0035] In various embodiments, component 32 can include a clipping
mechanism having at least two arms, at least one of which being
mobile, the at least two arms being configured to receive the one
or more matches. In some embodiments, the clipping mechanism can
store the one or more matches using resistance between the arms of
the clipping mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the clipping
mechanism can store the one or more matches using a clasp
associated with the at least two arms or magnetism. The clipping
mechanism can be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear
10, or some combination of both portion 52 and 54.
[0036] Component 32 can also be made of a hook and loop material
(e.g., VELCRO.RTM.). The hook and loop material can store the one
or more matches by hooking and looping around the one or more
matches while the one or more matches are inserted between the hook
and loop layers. The hook and loop material can be located in
portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of
both portion 52 and 54.
[0037] In at least one embodiment, component 32 can associate one
or more matches to the footwear via an apparatus that includes at
least one recessed area for receiving at least one match. The
apparatus can be made of rigid, flexible plastic, or gel-like
material, or some combination of the above. The apparatus can be
located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some
combination of both portion 52 and 54.
[0038] In at least one embodiment, component 32 can associate one
or more matches to the footwear via a loop configuration that
allows for the storage of the one or more matches. In at least one
embodiment, component 32 can be a plurality of loops associated
with either the upper or the sole of the footwear, or some
combination of both. Accordingly, component 32 can be located on
portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10. In at least one
embodiment, the loops can be made of materials including, but not
limited to, elastic, leather, flexible plastic, and other materials
for associating one or more matches to the footwear, or some
combination of the above. The loops can be arranged in a parallel
or off-set configuration. In at least one embodiment, the loops can
be associated with the footwear by means of adhesion.
Alternatively, the loops can be associated with the footwear by
means of being sewn into the upper or sole, or some combination of
both the upper and sole.
[0039] In at least one embodiment, component 32 can associate one
or more matches to the footwear via a crossing configuration that
allows for the storage of the one or more matches. For example,
component 32 can be a plurality of strings crossing one another
such that one or more matches can be stored under and within the
crossing of the strings. In at least one embodiment, the strings
can be made of materials including but not limited to, elastic,
leather, flexible plastic, and other materials for associating one
or more matches to the footwear, or some combination of the above.
The crossing configuration can be randomly arranged or can be
arranged geometrically. The crossing configuration can be located
on portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of
both.
[0040] FIG. 6 depicts a boot configuration of footwear 10 having a
sole 60 and an upper 62. Component 64 can be component 14 or 24. In
at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, component 64 is
associated with the upper of the footwear, in portion 52 of
footwear 10. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, component
64 can be associated with the lower margin of the upper on the
outside of the footwear, in portion 54 of footwear 10. In at least
one embodiment, component 64 can be associated with the upper 62 on
the inside of the footwear, in either portion 52 or portion 54. In
at least another embodiment, component 64 can be associated with
the sole, in portion 54 of footwear 10.
[0041] Component 66 can be component 16 or 32. As FIG. 6 depicts,
component 66 can be associated with the upper of the footwear, in
portion 52. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, component 66
can be associated with the upper in portion 54 or the sole in
54.
[0042] Further, in at least one embodiment, portion 52 includes
tongue 68. In such an embodiment, component 64 and/or component 66
can be associated with the tongue of the upper, in portion 52.
[0043] FIG. 7 depicts a back view of a boot. In at least one
embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, component 64 is associated
with the upper of the footwear, in portion 52 or 54. In at least
one embodiment, the sole 60 has a heel and component 64 is
associated with the heel of the sole 60, in portion 54. In at least
another embodiment, component 64 is associated with the upper and
the sole of the footwear, only in portion 52, only in portion 54,
or in both portion 52 and 54.
[0044] Component 66 can be associated with the upper of the
footwear, in portion 52. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment,
component 66 can be associated with the upper in 54 or the sole in
54. In at least one embodiment, component 66 and component 64 can
be both be associated with portion 52, both be associated with
portion 54, or each be associated with 52 and the other associated
with 54.
[0045] FIGS. 8A and 8B each depict a sole 60 of a footwear, in
portion 54. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the
sole 60 comprises an arch and component 64 is associated with the
arch of the sole 60. In FIG. 8B, the sole 60 comprises a heel and
component 64 is associated with the heel of the sole 60. In at
least one embodiment, component 64 can be embedded in the heel. In
at least another embodiment, component 64 can be associated with
the heel but can be recessed in the heel.
Open-Toe Footwear
[0046] Although the Figs. referred to in this detailed description
show the accessories in use on a flip-flop type sandal, it is
understood that the accessories could be incorporated into many
kinds of open-toe footwear. Open-toe footwear includes, but is not
limited to, sandals and peep-toes. Sandals can include, but are not
limited to, all terrain, fisherman, or hiking sandals, pump,
stiletto, or wedge sandals, flip-flops, thongs, huaraches, and
other sandal footwear. Peep-toe footwear can include, but is not
limited to, D'Orsay, espadrille, wedge, mary-jane, pump, stiletto,
slide, sling back, boot, or other peep-toe footwear.
Close-Toed Footwear
[0047] Although the Figs. referred to in this detailed description
show the accessories in use on a boot, it is understood that the
accessories could be incorporated into any kind of closed-toed
footwear. Close-toed footwear includes, but is not limited to,
boots, booties, athletic shoes, dress shoes, flats, loafers, boat
shoes, moccasins, mules, clogs and other close-toed footwear. Boots
include, but are not limited to, demi, cowboy, Chukka, Chelsea,
engineer, galosh, harness, hiking, motorcycle, riding, wellington,
and other types of boot footwear. Athletic shoes include, but are
not limited to, fitness, running, sneaker, tennis, climbing,
hiking, and other types of athletic footwear. Dress shoes include,
but are not limited to, pumps, stilettos, oxfords, loafers,
skimmers, slingbacks, wing tips, and other types of dress
footwear.
Other Clothing
[0048] Although the Figs. referred to in this detailed description
show the accessories in use on footwear, it is understood that the
accessories could be incorporated into other kinds of wearable
articles. In various embodiments, components 64 and 66 can be
associated with belts, pants, jackets, shirts, hats, socks,
bracelets, jewelry, or other wearable articles.
Method for Igniting a Fire
[0049] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 900 for
igniting a fire. A person may obtain accessories such as components
64 and 66 as described herein. In various embodiments, the
accessories can be obtained associated with a wearable article such
as footwear 10. In at least one embodiment, the footwear 10 can be
configured as an open-toe footwear illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 or
equivalents thereof. Alternatively, in at least another embodiment,
the footwear 10 can be configured as a close-toed footwear
illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 or equivalents thereof.
[0050] At block 902, the person can remove a match from a component
66 to associate one or more matches with the wearable article. At
block 904, the person can strike the match against the strikeplate
component 64 to ignite the match and ignite a fire.
Method for Making Accessories
[0051] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 1000 for
manufacturing accessories for igniting a fire as described
herein.
[0052] At block 1002 a component 66 to associate one or more
matches is formed. In various embodiments the component can be
formed via injection molding, machining, assembly, weaving, sewing,
or other operations. For example, when formed via injection
molding, the component can be formed from synthetic materials.
Examples of synthetic materials that may be used to form the
component via injection molding include, without limitation,
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) and/or Polyethylene Terephthalate
(PET). Component 66 can be formed from machining and/or assembly of
metal or alloy parts, in some instances in combination with parts
made from synthetic materials and/or textiles. Component 66 can be
formed from weaving or sewing any of a variety of textiles.
[0053] At block 1004 a strikeplate 64 can be formed via injection
molding, smelting (e.g., roasting, reduction, fluxes, etc.),
machining assembly, adhering, abrasive blasting, or other
operations. The strikeplate can be formed from natural or synthetic
abrasive materials. Examples of natural or synthetic abrasive
materials that may be used to form the strikeplate via injection
molding, smelting, machining assembly, adhering, abrasive blasting,
or other operations as described above include, without limitation,
calcite, emery, novaculite, pumice, rouge, sand, corundum, garnet,
sandstone, Tripoli, staurolite, borazon, ceramic, ceramic oxides,
steel, silicon carbide, zirconia alumina, boron carbide, slags,
nickel, glass, powdered glass, silica, diamond, red phosphorous,
carbon black, or a combination of the materials described
above.
Method for Making Footwear
[0054] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 1100 for
manufacturing footwear with associated accessories for igniting a
fire as described herein.
[0055] At block 1102, a component 66 to associate one or more
matches with a footwear is associated with at least a portion of
footwear. In at least one embodiment, component 66 can be
associated with an upper and/or a sole before the upper is attached
to the sole. Alternatively, component 66 can be associated with an
upper and/or a sole after the upper is attached to the sole.
Component 66 can be associated with the footwear by operations
including but not limited to adhering (e.g., using glue, cement,
mucilage, paste, etc.), stitching, lacing, screwing, bolting,
stapling, riveting, or other mechanical operations, melting,
welding, or chemical bonding or some combination of the above.
[0056] At block 1104, a strikeplate is associated with footwear. In
at least one embodiment, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with
an upper and/or a sole before the upper is attached to the sole.
Alternatively, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with an upper
and/or a sole after the upper is attached to the sole.
[0057] In at least one embodiment the strikeplate 64 can be can
associated with the footwear by operations including one or more of
being attached to a portion of the footwear 20 or embedded in the
footwear 20. In various embodiments, the strikeplate 64 can be
associated with the footwear 20 using an adhesive (e.g., glue,
cement, mucilage, paste, etc.). In some embodiments, the
strikeplate 64 can be associated with the footwear 20 by operations
including but not limited to stitching, lacing, screwing, bolting,
or welding the strikeplate 64 to the footwear 20. In some
embodiments, strikeplate 64 can be associated with the footwear by
operations including chemical bonding, stapling, riveting, or other
mechanical operations.
[0058] Furthermore, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with the
footwear 20 and a backing material. In at least one embodiment, the
attachment between the strikeplate 64 and upper 26 can be indirect
such that the backing material can be associated with the footwear
20 by attaching the backing material to the upper 26, and the
strikeplate 64 can be removably attached to the backing
material.
CONCLUSION
[0059] In closing, although the various embodiments have been
described in language specific to structural features and/or
methodical acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter
defined in the appended representations is not necessarily limited
to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific
features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing
the claimed subject matter.
* * * * *