U.S. patent application number 14/608687 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for adjustable footwear system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Halcombe J.S. Caldwell. Invention is credited to Halcombe J.S. Caldwell.
Application Number | 20150237950 14/608687 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53881023 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150237950 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caldwell; Halcombe J.S. |
August 27, 2015 |
ADJUSTABLE FOOTWEAR SYSTEM
Abstract
Embodiments include a footwear system for receiving
user-configurable strap arrangements comprising, a base member
comprising a plurality of anchor points, a strap configured to
extend from one anchor point to another anchor point, wherein the
strap defines a plurality of strap apertures along a length the
straps, and a fastener configured to be is disposed through two
strap apertures to couple each of the one or more straps to itself
and around at least a portion of an anchor point; wherein the
anchor points each define an anchor opening that one of the one or
more straps can pass through.
Inventors: |
Caldwell; Halcombe J.S.;
(Paddington, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caldwell; Halcombe J.S. |
Paddington |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
53881023 |
Appl. No.: |
14/608687 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61933577 |
Jan 30, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/126 20130101;
A43B 3/244 20130101; A43B 3/122 20130101; A43B 3/103 20130101; A43B
3/105 20130101; A43B 3/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24; A43B 3/12 20060101 A43B003/12 |
Claims
1. A footwear system for user-configurable strap arrangements
comprising: a base member configured to receive a foot, the base
member comprising a plurality of anchor points for one or more
straps; a strap configured to extend from one of the anchor points
to another of the anchor points, wherein the strap defines a
plurality of strap apertures along a length of the strap; and a
fastener configured to be disposed through two of the strap
apertures to couple the strap to itself when the strap passes
around at least a portion of one of the anchor points; and wherein
the anchor points each define an anchor opening that the strap can
pass through.
2. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality
of strap apertures are equally spaced along the strap.
3. The footwear system according to claim 2, wherein the strap
apertures are slits defined in the strap.
4. The footwear system according to claim 2, comprising two or more
straps configured to extend from one anchor point to another anchor
point, and at least one of the straps defining plurality of
apertures along its length.
5. The footwear system according to claim 1 wherein the strap
comprises a webbing and the strap apertures along the length of the
strap are slits defined in the webbing.
6. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the base
member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side
perimeter surface and wherein the one or more anchor points are
disposed around a periphery of the top surface.
7. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the base
member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side
perimeter surface and wherein the one or more anchor points are
disposed on the side perimeter surface.
8. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear
system comprises a webbing assembly coupled to the base member and
the webbing assembly defines one or more of the plurality of anchor
points.
9. The footwear system according to claim 8, wherein the base
member comprises an insole coupled to an outsole and a portion of
the webbing assembly is disposed between the insole and the
outsole.
10. The footwear system according to claim 8, wherein the webbing
assembly further comprises a webbing and a cord, wherein each
anchor opening is defined in a space between a portion of the cord
and a portion of the webbing.
11. The footwear system according to claim 10, wherein the cord is
attached to an elongate edge of the webbing, wherein each anchor
opening is defined between a portion of the cord and a portion of
the elongate edge of the webbing.
12. The footwear system according to claim 10 wherein the cord is
attached to a webbing surface of the webbing, wherein each anchor
opening is defined between a portion of the cord and a portion of
the webbing surface of the webbing.
13. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the anchor
points are defined continuously around a perimeter of the base
member.
14. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the anchor
points are defined in a consistently spaced pattern around a
perimeter of the base member.
15. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the total
number of anchor points is at least one more than double the amount
of straps.
16. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the fastener
comprises a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion and
the top portion and the bottom portion have a larger diameter than
at least a portion of the middle portion.
17. The footwear system according to claim 16, wherein the middle
portion comprises a ring, wherein the ring has a larger diameter
than the rest of the middle portion.
18. The footwear system according to claim 17, wherein the ring has
a substantially equal diameter as the top portion and the bottom
portion.
19. The footwear system according to claim 1, comprising a toe
attachment point that defines a toe opening, wherein the toe
opening is configured to allow a strap to pass through.
20. The footwear system according to claim 1, comprising one or
more decorative elements configured to be removably and
interchangeably coupled to a strap aperture or an anchor point.
21. A footwear system for user-configurable strap arrangements
comprising: a base member configured to receive a foot, the base
member comprising a plurality of anchor points for one or more
straps, wherein the anchor points are evenly space around a
perimeter of the base member; two or more straps configured to
extend from one of the anchor points to another of the anchor
points, wherein the strap defines a plurality of strap apertures
along a length of the strap; and two or more fasteners configured
to be disposed through two of the strap apertures to couple the
strap to itself when the strap passes around at least a portion of
one of the anchor points; and wherein the anchor points each define
an anchor opening that the strap can pass through.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/933,577 filed Jan. 30, 2014, the contents of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an adjustable and
customizable footwear system. More specifically, the present
invention relates to a footwear system for receiving user
configurable strap arrangements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There is a need for a footwear system that can be configured
according to the desires of the wearer to change and personalizing
the appearance of the footwear. Sandals with interchangeable strap
configurations can provide the wearer with style and fashion
options and provide the ability to customize the fit of the sandal.
There is a desire to have these options for customization in an
attractive and easy-to-configure footwear system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the invention include a footwear system for
receiving user-configurable strap arrangements comprising, a base
member comprising a plurality of anchor points; a strap configured
to extend from one anchor point to another anchor point, wherein
the strap defines a plurality of strap apertures along a length the
straps, and a fastener configured to be is disposed through two
strap apertures to couple each of the one or more straps to itself
and around at least a portion of an anchor point; wherein the
anchor points each define an anchor opening that one of the one or
more straps can pass through.
[0005] In an embodiment, the plurality of strap apertures are
equally spaced along the strap.
[0006] In an embodiment, the strap apertures are slits defined in
the one or more straps.
[0007] In an embodiment, the footwear system includes two or more
straps configured to extend from one anchor point to another anchor
point, and at least one of the straps defining plurality of
apertures along its length.
[0008] In an embodiment, the strap includes a webbing and the strap
apertures along the length of the strap are slits defined in the
webbing.
[0009] In an embodiment, the base member comprises a top surface, a
bottom surface, and a side perimeter surface and wherein the one or
more anchor points are disposed around the periphery of the top
surface.
[0010] In an embodiment, the base member comprises a top surface, a
bottom surface, and a side perimeter surface and wherein the one or
more anchor points are disposed on the side perimeter surface.
[0011] In an embodiment, the footwear system comprises a webbing
assembly coupled to the base member and the webbing assembly
defines one or more of the plurality of anchor points.
[0012] In an embodiment, the base member comprises an insole
coupled to an outsole and a portion of the webbing assembly is
disposed between the insole and the outsole.
[0013] In an embodiment, the webbing assembly further comprises a
webbing and a cord, wherein each anchor opening is defined in a
space between a portion of the cord and a portion of the
webbing
[0014] In an embodiment, the cord is attached to an elongate edge
of the webbing, wherein each anchor opening is defined between a
portion of the cord and a portion of the elongate edge of the
webbing.
[0015] In an embodiment, the cord is attached to a center portion
of the webbing, wherein each anchor opening is defined between a
portion of the cord and a portion of the center of the webbing.
[0016] In an embodiment, the anchor points are defined continuously
around a perimeter of the base member.
[0017] In an embodiment, the anchor points are defined in a
consistently spaced pattern around a perimeter of the base
member.
[0018] In an embodiment, the total number of anchor points is at
least one more than double the amount of straps.
[0019] In an embodiment, the fastener comprises a top portion, a
middle portion, and a bottom portion; and the top portion and the
bottom portion have a larger diameter than at least a portion of
the middle portion.
[0020] In an embodiment, the middle portion comprises a ring,
wherein the ring has a larger diameter than the rest of the middle
portion.
[0021] In an embodiment, the ring has a substantially equal
diameter as the top portion and the bottom portion.
[0022] In an embodiment, the footwear system comprises a toe
attachment point that defines a toe opening, wherein the toe
opening is configured to allow a strap to pass through.
[0023] In an embodiment, the footwear system comprises one or more
decorative elements coupled to a strap aperture or an anchor
point.
[0024] This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the
present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or
exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details
are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other
aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading
and understanding the following detailed description and viewing
the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be
taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] The invention may be more completely understood in
connection with the following drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the footwear system of FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top view of the footwear system of FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of
FIG. 1, without straps, along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to an
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of
FIG. 1, without straps, along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, according to an
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a portion of a cross-section view of FIG. 5, but
showing the toe post in a stored position, according to an
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a front view of a toe attachment point of FIG. 1,
according to an embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a front view of a strap for a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a top view of a fastener for a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a side view of a fastener for a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a front view of a strap for a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a top view of a fastener for a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fastener for a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an
embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG.
14, according to an embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 16 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an
embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG.
16, according to an embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 19 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG.
18, according to an embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a second footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 23 is a top view of the footwear system of FIG. 22,
according to an embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 24 is a side view of the footwear system of FIG. 22,
according to an embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 25 is a side view of the footwear system of FIG. 22
without any straps, according to an embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 26 is a front view of a webbing assembly, according to
an embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of
FIG. 22, according to an embodiment, taken along line 27-27 in FIG.
23.
[0053] FIG. 28 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of
FIG. 22 without any straps, according to an embodiment, taken along
line 28-28 in FIG. 23.
[0054] FIG. 29 is a front view of a second toe attachment point,
according to an embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 30 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an
embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 31 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG.
30, according to an embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 32 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an
embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 33 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG.
32, according to an embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 34 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an
embodiment.
[0060] FIG. 35 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG.
34, according to an embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a third footwear system,
according to an embodiment.
[0062] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the footwear system of FIG.
36, with parts disassembled and additional parts shown, according
to an embodiment.
[0063] FIGS. 38-46 are top views of the footwear system of FIG. 37,
in alternative configurations of the straps, according to several
embodiments.
[0064] FIG. 47 is a top view of a fourth footwear system, according
to an embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 48 is a bottom view of the footwear system of FIG. 47,
according to an embodiment.
[0066] FIG. 49 is a bottom view of a foot bed of the footwear
system of FIG. 47, according to an embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 50 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of
FIG. 47, along line 50-50 in FIG. 48, according to an
embodiment.
[0068] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is
to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] The embodiments of the present invention described herein
are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.
Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others
skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and
practices of the present invention.
[0070] All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby
incorporated by reference. The publications and patents disclosed
herein are provided solely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is
to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled
to antedate any publication and/or patent, including any
publication and/or patent cited herein.
[0071] A number of different embodiments of adjustable footwear
systems are described. A footwear system can include a base member,
such as the sole of the footwear system. The base member can
include an insole and an outsole. The base member can define or
include a plurality of anchor points. The footwear system can
include one or more straps that can secure or couple the footwear
system to a user's foot. The footwear system can be adjustable,
such that a user can configure or adjust the straps into different
configurations depending on which anchor points are used to
temporarily attach, anchor, or couple the straps to the base
member. In some configurations of the footwear system there can be
unused anchor points, such as anchor points that do not have a
strap passing through them. The straps can be configured to be
easily attached to itself, easily detached from itself and easily
reattached to itself, so that the user can change the strap
configuration. In one embodiment, the attaching and reattaching of
the straps can be accomplished by hand and without the use of any
tools.
[0072] The straps can include a plurality of apertures that can be
used to temporarily couple decorative elements to the footwear
system or to temporarily attach the strap to itself, such as around
a portion of an anchor point. In an embodiment, at least one of the
straps can have apertures along the entire length of the strap,
such as in a repeating pattern. In an embodiment, all of the straps
have apertures along their entire lengths.
[0073] In an embodiment, the anchor points can be located around
the perimeter of the base member, such as on the top surface of the
base member or on the side perimeter wall of the base member. The
anchor points can be consistently spaced around the perimeter of
the base members, such as a repeating pattern of anchor points.
[0074] In reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective
view of a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. The
footwear system 100 can include a base member 102. The base member
102 can include a top surface 104, a side perimeter surface 106,
and a bottom surface 108. The top surface 104 can be a surface that
a user's foot is in contact with during standard use of the
footwear system 100. The bottom surface 108 can be a surface that
is in contact with the ground during standard use of the footwear
system 100. The side perimeter surface 106 can be the surface
between the top surface 104 and the bottom surface 108. In an
embodiment, the side perimeter surface 106 can be perpendicular to
one or both of the top surface 104 and the bottom surface 108.
[0075] The footwear system 100 can include a strap 110. In an
embodiment, the footwear system 100 can include two straps, three
straps, or four straps. Other numbers of straps included in the
footwear system 100 are also possible. The strap 110 (alone or in
combination with the base member 102) can define a loop configured
to allow a portion of the user's leg or foot to pass through, such
as to couple the footwear system 100 to the user.
[0076] The footwear system 100 can include a plurality of anchor
points 112. The anchor points 112 can be located on the base member
102. In an embodiment, the anchor points 112 can be located on the
side perimeter surface 106 (as shown in FIG. 1). The anchor points
112 can be located continuously around the perimeter of the base
member 102. The anchor points 112 can be located in a consistently
spaced pattern around the perimeter of the base member 102. In an
embodiment, the anchor points 112 can be unequally spaced around
the perimeter, such that the distance between two anchor points 112
will be larger or smaller than the distance between two alternative
anchor points 112. The anchor points 112 can be of substantially
similar size and spacing around the perimeter of the footwear
system 100. In an embodiment, there are an equal number of straps
110 and anchor points 112. In an embodiment, there are more anchor
points 112 than straps 110. In an embodiment, the number of anchor
points 112 is greater than or equal to double the amount of straps
110 plus one (for example, if there are 3 straps 110 there can be
at least 7 anchor points 112).
[0077] The anchor point 112 can define a point at which a strap 110
can be coupled to the base member 102. An anchor point 112 can
define an anchor opening 114. The anchor opening 114 can be
configured to allow a strap 110 to pass through the opening. The
strap 110 can be temporarily attached to itself, such as forming a
loop around a portion of the anchor point 112, effectively coupling
the strap 110 to the base member 102. The strap 110 can be attached
to itself with a fastener 116. The fastener 116 can be removable,
such as to unattach the strap 110 from itself. The strap 110 can be
temporarily attached to itself, such that when the fastener 116 is
removed, the strap 110 is no longer attached to itself. The strap
110 can be moved, such as to different anchor points 112 and then
reattached to itself via a fastener 116.
[0078] The footwear system 100 can include a toe attachment point
118. The toe attachment point 118 can be located on the top surface
104 of the base member 102. The toe attachment point 118 can be
located, such that it is disposed between a user's toes during
standard use of the footwear system 100. The toe attachment point
118 can include a toe post 119. The toe attachment point 118 or the
toe post 119 can define a toe opening 120. The toe opening 120 can
be configured to allow a portion of a strap 110 to pass through the
toe attachment point 118.
[0079] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a footwear system 100, according
to an embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include a webbing
assembly 122 disposed around the perimeter of the base member 102,
such as on the side perimeter surface 106. The webbing assembly 122
can define one or more of the plurality of anchor points 112. The
webbing assembly 122 can include webbing 124 and a cord 126. The
webbing 124 can include a webbing surface 125, such as the surface
between the two edges of the webbing 124. In an embodiment, the
cord 126 can be woven in and out through the webbing, such as along
the webbing surface 125. The cord 126 can be woven in and out along
the webbing surface, such as to define a plurality of anchor
openings 114 on one side of the webbing. In one embodiment, each
anchor point 112 is defined between the webbing and a section of
the cord 126, where each end of the cord section passes back
through the webbing.
[0080] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a footwear system 100, according
to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the top surface 104 can be
substantially planar. In an embodiment, the top surface 104 can be
non-planar; such as to at least partially conform to the user's
foot. The top surface 104 can also include ridges or other contours
to increase comfort, provide the right amount of friction or
gripping of the foot or provide other benefit for the user.
[0081] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the footwear system 100
taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment. The
webbing assembly 122 can be at least partially recessed in the base
member 102, such that the webbing 124 does not extend past the
outer most edge of the top surface 104 or the bottom surface
108.
[0082] The cord 126 can weave through the webbing 124, such that at
some places the cord 126 can be disposed between the webbing 124
and the base member 102 (such as the left portion of FIG. 4) and at
some places the webbing 124 can be disposed between the cord 126
and the base member 102 (such as the right portion of FIG. 4).
[0083] In an embodiment, the webbing assembly 122 defines the
anchor points 112 and the anchor openings 114. The anchor openings
114 can be defined as the openings between the cord 126 and the
webbing 124, when the webbing 124 is disposed between the cord 126
and the base member 102. The anchor openings 114 can be configured
such that at least a portion of a strap 110 can pass through the
anchor opening 114. Each anchor openings 114 is large enough so
that a strap 110 can pass through it.
[0084] In an embodiment, the cord 126 can be attached to a center
portion of the webbing 124, and the anchor opening 114 can be
defined as the opening between a portion of the cord 226 and a
portion of the center of the webbing 124. The cord 126 can include
a plurality of cord lengths. Each end of each cord length could be
coupled to the center portion of the webbing 124. The ends of each
cord length could be coupled to the webbing 124 at a distance less
than the length of the cord length, so that there is enough slack
in the cord length to define the anchor openings 114. In such an
embodiment, the webbing 124 can be disposed between the base member
102 and the cord 126 at each anchor point 112.
[0085] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the footwear system 100
taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment. The
footwear system 100 can include a cavity 128. The cavity 128 can be
configured to contain at least a portion of the toe attachment
point 118 and the toe post 119 which defines the toe opening
120.
[0086] In one embodiment, the toe post 119 is moveable between an
attachment position and a stored position. In the attachment
position the toe post 119 is able to allow a strap 110 to pass
through the toe opening 120. When in the attachment position, the
toe opening 120 can be above the top surface 104. The toe post 119
is shown in an attachment position in FIG. 5.
[0087] FIG. 6 shows the toe post 119 in a stored position. In a
stored position, the majority of the toe post 119 can be disposed
in the cavity 128. In a stored position, the toe opening 120 can be
disposed in the cavity 128. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of
the toe post 119 can be substantially in the same plane as the top
surface 104 of the base member 102.
[0088] FIG. 7 is a front view of a toe post 119, according to an
embodiment. The toe post 119 can define a toe opening 120. The toe
opening 120 can be configured such that a portion of a strap 110
can pass through the toe opening 120. The bottom of the toe post
119 can be planar, such that when the toe post 119 is in the stored
position, the bottom of the toe post 119 can be substantially in
the same plane as the top surface 104 of the base member 102.
[0089] The toe post 119 includes a toe post base 117 and a flexible
toe post loop 121 in the embodiment of FIG. 7. The toe post base
117 can be made of a rigid material and be configured to fit within
an opening 160 in the base member 102. The toe post base 117 can
include a bottom portion of a first diameter, a middle portion with
a smaller diameter than the first diameter, and a top portion with
the first diameter, as shown in FIG. 7. The middle portion with the
smaller diameter matches the diameter of the opening 160 in the
base member 102. Now referring to FIG. 5, the base member 102 can
include a top insole member 162 and a bottom outsole member 164.
The top insole member 162 includes the top surface 104 and can
define the opening 160 for the toe post 119. Bottom outsole member
164 can define a cavity larger than the opening 160 for receiving
the top portion of the toe post 119 when it is in a stored position
and receiving the bottom portion of the toe post 119 when it is in
an attachment position.
[0090] The toe post 119 of FIG. 7 further includes an arch member
on top which is attached to the toe post loop 121. The toe post
loop 121 can be a flexible material, such as a cord. In the
embodiment of FIG. 7, the toe post loop 121 is a loop of flexible
cord material that is secured to the arch member of the toe post
loop 121.
[0091] FIG. 8 shows a front view of one embodiment of a strap 180
for a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. The strap
180 can include webbing. FIG. 9 shows a top view of a buckle
fastener 182 that can temporarily attach a strap 180 to itself,
such as the strap 180 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows a
cross-section of the buckle fastener 182 along line 10-10 in FIG.
9. The buckle fastener 182 can define a first opening 130 and a
second opening 132. The strap 180 can pass through the first
opening 130 and the second opening 132. The strap 180 can then pass
through an anchor opening 114 and around a portion of an anchor
point 112. Next, the strap 180 can pass through the second opening
132 and the first opening 130 to at least temporarily attach the
strap 180 to itself and at least temporarily couple the strap 180
to the base member 102.
[0092] The strap 180 can be uncoupled or unattached by removing the
fastener 182, such as if the user intends to remove the strap 180
from the footwear system 100 or reconfigure the strap 180, such as
by using different anchor points 112.
[0093] FIG. 11 shows a front view of a different example strap 188
for a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. The strap
188 can include webbing. The strap 188 can define a plurality of
strap apertures 134. In one embodiment, the webbing is woven so as
to define the strap apertures 134. In an embodiment, there are
strap apertures 134 defined along the entire length of the strap
(as shown in FIG. 11). The strap apertures 134 can be configured to
allow a fastener to at least partially pass through the strap 188,
such as to couple the strap 188 to itself. The strap apertures 134
can be substantially of equal size. The strap apertures 134 can be
substantially equally spaced along the length of the strap 188. The
strap apertures 134 can be consistently spaced along the length of
the strap 188. The strap apertures 134 can be slits defined by the
strap 188.
[0094] FIG. 12 shows a top view of a button fastener 190 that can
temporarily attach a strap 188 with apertures to itself, such as
the strap 188 shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of
the fastener 190 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12. The button
fastener 190 can be substantially cylindrical. The fastener 190 can
include a top portion 136, a middle portion 138, and a bottom
portion 140. The top portion 136 and the bottom portion 140 can
have a larger diameter than at least a portion of the middle
portion 138. The middle portion 138 can include a smaller-diameter
post and a larger-diameter ring 142. In an embodiment, the top
portion 136, the bottom portion 140, and the ring 142 have
substantially similar diameters.
[0095] When a strap 188 is attached to itself, portions of the
strap 188 can be disposed between the top portion 136 and the
bottom portion 140 of the button fastener 190. In an embodiment,
portions of the strap 188 can be disposed between the top portion
136 and the bottom portion 140, and the ring 142 can be disposed
between portions of the strap 188.
[0096] The strap 188 can be uncoupled or unattached by removing the
button fastener 190, such as if the user intends to remove the
strap 188 from the footwear system 100 or reconfigure the strap
188, such as by using different attachment points. A user passes an
end of the strap 188 through one of the anchor points 112, and then
uses the button fastener 190 to attach the end of the strap to the
rest of the strap. The user passes a top portion 136 of the button
fastener 190 through one of the strap apertures 134, much like
passing a button through button hole, and then passes a bottom
portion 140 of the button fastener 190 through another of the strap
apertures 134, thereby attaching the strap to itself.
[0097] The footwear systems described herein could incorporate many
different fasteners to attach a strap to itself. Options include
the buckle fastener 182 of FIGS. 9-10, the button fastener 190 of
FIGS. 12-13, different types of buckle or button fasteners, snaps,
Velcro.RTM. fastener material, and other fastening devices.
[0098] FIGS. 14-21 show views of the footwear system 100 with a
variety of different arrangements of a strap or straps 110. FIG. 14
is a top view of a footwear system 100 with an alternate strap
arrangement compared to FIG. 1, according to an embodiment. FIG. 15
shows a side view of the footwear system 100 shown in FIG. 14. The
footwear system 100 can include two straps 110. A strap 110 can be
configured to be temporarily attached to the toe attachment point
118 and an anchor point 112. A second strap 110 can be configured
to be temporarily attached to two other anchor points 112 near a
heel area of the base member 102. The second strap 110 can also
define a loop, such as to go around a user's ankle or foot. The
straps 110 can be temporarily attached, such that they can be
unattached and reattached into a different configuration, such as
those shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, and in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.
[0099] FIG. 16 is a top view of a footwear system 100 with an
alternate strap arrangement compared to FIGS. 1 and 14, according
to an embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a side view of the footwear system
100 shown in FIG. 16. In an embodiment, a strap 110 can be
temporally attached to an anchor point and to another strap 110. A
strap 110 can be temporarily attached to one anchor point, such as
to form a loop, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0100] FIG. 18 shows a top view of a footwear system 100 with a
further alternate strap arrangement, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 19 shows a side view of the footwear system 100 shown in FIG.
18. The footwear system 100 can include three straps 110. In an
embodiment, two of the straps 110 can cross each other, such as
shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.
[0101] FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 100
with a yet further alternate strap arrangement, according to an
embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include one or more
decorative elements 144. A decorative element 144 can be attached
to the footwear system 100, such as at an anchor point 112 or a
strap aperture 134. FIG. 20 shows decorative elements 144 attached
at four anchor points 112. FIG. 1 shows decorative elements
attached at four anchor points 112 and at one strap aperture 134 in
a strap 110. The decorative element 144 can include a symbol, a
shape, or another decorative design. The decorative element 144 can
be temporarily attached, such that the user can customize or change
the appearance of the footwear system 100. The structure of the
decorative element 144 includes an attachment device not visible in
the FIGS. to attach the decorative element to an anchor point or
strap aperture. Examples of the attachment device include a clip or
a structure similar to the toe post base 117 having two disks with
a connecting cylinder.
[0102] FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 100
with a still further alternate strap arrangement, according to an
embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include a strap 110. In an
embodiment, the ends of a strap can be tied together to define a
loop, such as around a user's ankle or foot.
[0103] The embodiments of the footwear system 100 shown in FIGS.
1-21 could be used with a variety of different strap types and
strap lengths. The embodiments that show a strap with a buckle
fastener could alternatively be made with a strap 188 having strap
apertures and a fastener 190, shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 11-13. The
embodiments that show a strap having strap apertures and a fastener
190 could alternatively be made with the strap and buckle fastener
182 shown in FIGS. 8-10 and 14-20. The embodiments shown with
fastener 190 or buckle fastener 182 could alternatively be made
with a strap of sufficient length to tie to itself in order to
secure it.
[0104] FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 200,
according to an embodiment. The footwear system 200 can include a
base member 202. The base member 202 can include a top surface 204,
a side perimeter surface 206, and a bottom surface 208. The top
surface 204 can be a surface that a user's foot is in contact with
during standard use of the footwear system 200. The bottom surface
208 can be a surface that is in contact with the ground during
standard use of the footwear system 200. The side perimeter surface
206 can be the surface between the top surface 204 and the bottom
surface 208 around the perimeter of the base member 202. In an
embodiment, the side perimeter surface 206 can be perpendicular to
one or both of the top surface 204 and the bottom surface 208.
[0105] The footwear system 200 can include a strap 210. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the footwear system 200 includes two
straps 210. Other numbers of straps included in the footwear system
200 are also possible, such as three, four, or five. The strap 210
(alone or in combination with the base member 202) can define a
loop configured to allow a portion of the user's leg or foot to
pass through, such as to couple the footwear system 200 to the
user.
[0106] The footwear system 200 can include a plurality of anchor
points 212. In an embodiment, there can be an equal number of
straps 210 and anchor points 212. In an embodiment, there can be
more anchor points 212 than straps 210. In an embodiment, the
number of anchor points 212 is greater than or equal to double the
amount of straps 210 plus one (for example, if there are 3 straps
210 there can be at least 7 anchor points 212).
[0107] The anchor points 212 can be located on the base member 202.
In an embodiment, the anchor points 212 can be located on the top
surface 204 (as shown in FIG. 22). The anchor points 212 can be
located continuously around the perimeter of the base member 202 or
the top surface 204. The anchor points 212 can be located in a
consistently spaced pattern around the perimeter of the base member
202, such as on the top surface 204. In an embodiment, the anchor
points 212 can be unequally spaced around the perimeter, such that
the distance between two anchor points 212 will be larger or
smaller than the distance between two alternative anchor points
212. The anchor points 212 can be of substantially similar size and
spacing around the perimeter of the footwear system 200.
[0108] An anchor point 212 can define an anchor opening 214. The
anchor point 212 can define a point at which a strap 210 can be at
least temporarily coupled to the base member 202. The anchor
opening 214 can be configured to allow a strap 210 (or multiple
straps) to pass through the opening. The strap 210 can be
temporarily attached to itself, such as forming a loop around a
portion of the anchor point 212, effectively coupling the strap 210
to the base member 202. The strap 210 can be attached to itself
with a fastener 216.
[0109] The footwear system 200 can include a toe attachment point
218. The toe attachment point 218 can be located on the top surface
204 of the base member 202. The toe attachment point 218 can
include a toe post 219. The toe post 219 can be located, such that
it is disposed between a user's toes during standard use of the
footwear system 200. The toe attachment point 218 can define a toe
opening 220 (shown in FIG. 29). The toe opening 220 can be
configured to allow a portion of a strap 210 to pass through the
toe attachment point 218.
[0110] The one or more straps 210 included in the footwear system
200 can include webbing. The one or more straps 210 included in the
footwear system 200 can include strap apertures. The straps 210 and
fasteners 216 can be similar to those described in FIGS. 8-13
above. In the embodiments of the footwear system 200 shown in FIGS.
22-24 and FIGS. 30-35, the strap 210 is similar to the strap 188
with apertures shown in FIG. 11, except that the strap 210 is
wider. The strap 210 also is made of webbing where the webbing is
woven to define apertures along its length, like strap 188 of FIG.
11. The fastener 216 shown in FIGS. 22-24 and 30-35 is like the
fastener 190 shown in FIGS. 12-13 and described with respect to
those FIGS. It is also possible to use different strap
configurations and fasteners, such as strap 180 of FIG. 8 and
buckle fastener 182 of FIGS. 9-10 with the embodiments of footwear
system 200.
[0111] FIG. 23 shows a top view of a footwear system 200, according
to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the top surface 204 can be
substantially planar. In an embodiment, the top surface 204 can be
non-planar; such as to at least partially conform to the user's
foot. The top surface 204 can include ridges or other contours to
increase comfort, grip the foot or other advantages.
[0112] FIG. 24 shows a side view of a footwear system 200 with two
straps 210, according to an embodiment. FIG. 25 shows a side view
of a base member 202 of a footwear system 200 without any straps,
according to an embodiment. A portion of the anchor points 212 can
extend vertically, such as above the top surface 204. The anchor
openings 214 can extend vertically, such as being perpendicular to
the top surface 204.
[0113] FIG. 26 shows a front view of a webbing assembly, according
to an embodiment. The footwear system 200 can include a webbing
assembly 222. The webbing assembly 222 can be disposed around the
perimeter of the base member 202, such as on the top surface 204.
The webbing assembly 222 can be coupled to the base member 202. The
webbing assembly 222 can at least partially define the location of
the one or more anchor points 212 and anchor openings 214. The
webbing assembly can include webbing 224 and a cord 226. The
webbing 224 can include an elongate edge 246. The cord 226 can be
attached to the elongate edge 246. The cord 226 can be sewn to the
elongate edge 246 of the webbing 224, so that the cord 226 passes
back and forth through the webbing 224. Each anchor opening 214 can
be defined as a space between a portion of the cord 226 and a
portion of the webbing 224.
[0114] FIG. 27 shows a cross-section view of a footwear system 200,
according to an embodiment, along line 27-27 in FIG. 23, passing
through the heel area of base member 202. The base member 202 can
include an insole 248 and an outsole 250. The insole 248 can be a
portion of the footwear system 200 that contacts the user's foot in
normal use. The outsole 250 can be a portion of the footwear system
200 that contacts the ground in normal use. An upper perimeter
portion 251 of the outsole 250 surrounds the insole 248. The
webbing assembly 222 can be at least partially disposed between the
insole 248 and the outsole 250. For example, the webbing assembly
222 can be disposed between the insole 248 and the upper perimeter
portion 251 of the outsole 250. The webbing assembly 222 can be
disposed around or near the periphery of the top surface 204. The
outsole 250 may also include a bottom perimeter portion 249 that is
made of a different material than the remainder of the outsole 250,
as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. The bottom perimeter portion 249 of
the outsole 250 can be made of a more durable material in some
embodiments.
[0115] FIG. 28 shows a cross-section view of a footwear system 200
along line 28-28 in FIG. 23, without any straps, according to an
embodiment. The footwear system 200 can include a toe attachment
point 218. The base member 202 can include a cavity 252 at or near
the toe attachment point 218, such as to house at least a portion
of the toe attachment point 218. In an embodiment, the cavity 252
is keyhole shaped, as shown in FIG. 23. The keyhole shape of cavity
252 facilitates sliding the toe post 219 into position in the
cavity 252. The toe attachment point 218 can be removable, such
that it can be removed when it is not being use.
[0116] FIG. 29 is a front view of a toe attachment point 218,
according to an embodiment. The toe attachment point 218 can
include a toe post 219. The toe post 219 can define a toe opening
220. The toe opening 220 can be configured such that a portion of a
strap 210 can pass through the toe opening 220. The bottom of the
toe post 219 can be configured to fit within a portion of the
cavity 252. The toe post 219 includes a toe base portion 217 and a
flexible toe post loop 221. The toe base portion 217 can be made of
a rigid material. The toe base portion 217 can include a disk that
can slide into a bottom part of the cavity 252 and an arch member
that can extend through the top part of the cavity 252. The arch
member can be used to attach a flexible toe post loop 221. The toe
post loop 221 defines the toe opening 220.
[0117] FIG. 30 is a top view of a footwear system 200 having a
different strap arrangement than FIGS. 22-24, according to an
embodiment. FIG. 31 shows a side view of the footwear system 200
shown in FIG. 30. The footwear system 200 can include one strap 210
that is attached at two anchor points 212 and passes through the
toe attachment point 218. The straps 110 can be temporarily
attached, such that they can be unattached and reattached into a
different configuration, such as those shown in FIG. 32 and FIG.
33, and in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35.
[0118] FIG. 32 is a top view of a footwear system 200 with a
further alternate strap arrangement, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 33 shows a side view of the footwear system 200 shown in FIG.
32. In an embodiment, the footwear system 200 can include four
straps 210. One or more of the straps can be temporarily attached
to two anchor points 212. One or more straps 210 can be temporarily
attached to another strap 210.
[0119] FIG. 34 shows a top view of a footwear system 200 having a
still further strap arrangement, according to an embodiment. FIG.
35 shows a side view of the footwear system 200 shown in FIG. 34.
The footwear system 200 can include two straps 210. In an
embodiment, two of the straps 210 can be substantially parallel
with each other. In an embodiment, two of the straps 110 can cross
each other, such as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23.
[0120] FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 300,
according to an embodiment. The footwear system 300 can include a
base member 302, one or more straps 310, and one or more anchor
points 312. The strap 310 can define a plurality of strap apertures
334. A fastener 316 can at least partially pass through two strap
apertures 334 to temporarily attach the strap 310 to itself, such
as around at least a portion of an anchor point 312.
[0121] The anchor points 312 can define an aperture that extends
through the base member 302. A cross member 360 can extend across
the aperture. A strap 310 can extend at least partially through the
aperture and around the cross member 360. The strap 310 can be
temporarily attached to itself, such as to at least temporarily
couple the strap 310 to the base member 302.
[0122] The strap 310 can be temporarily coupled to the base member
302, such that a user can uncouple the strap 310. The user can
uncouple the strap 310, such as to reconfigure the strap 310 (using
different anchor points 312) or removed the strap 310 (if less
straps 310 are desired).
[0123] The footwear system 300 can include one or more decorative
elements 344. A decorative element 344 can be attached to the
footwear system 300, such as at a strap aperture 392. The
decorative element 344 can include a symbol, a shape, or another
decorative design. The decorative element 344 can be temporarily
attached, such that the user can customize or change the appearance
of the footwear system 300.
[0124] FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 300,
according to an embodiment. In FIG. 37, the straps 310, the
fasteners 316, the base members 302, and the decorative elements
344 are all unattached from each other. The user can assemble or
attach these components together in the configuration that the user
desires, using all or only some of these components.
[0125] FIGS. 38-46 show top views of a footwear system 300, in
different strap configurations. It should be understood that
additional configurations of the footwear system 300 are possible,
such as using different amounts of straps 310, different anchor
points 312, different amounts of anchor points 312, or different
decorative elements 344.
[0126] FIG. 47 shows a top view of a further footwear system 400,
according to an embodiment, with many similarities to footwear
system 300 of FIGS. 36-37. Similarities include straps 410 with
strap apertures, fasteners of the types described herein to attach
the strap 410 to itself, and anchor points. FIG. 48 shows a bottom
view of the footwear system 400 of FIG. 47, according to an
embodiment.
[0127] FIG. 49 shows a bottom view of a portion of the footwear
system 400, according to an embodiment. FIG. 50 shows a
cross-section view of a footwear system 400, according to an
embodiment. The base member 402 can include an insole 448 and an
outsole 450. The cross members can be integral with the insole 448,
the outsole 450 or both the insole 448 and the outsole 450. In an
embodiment, the cross member 460 is an insert. The cross member 460
can be disposed between the insole 448 and the outsole 450.
[0128] The straps 310 of footwear system 300 and the straps 410 of
footwear system 400 can be similar to the straps 188 with apertures
described herein.
[0129] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing
"a compound" includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should
also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense
including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0130] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification
and the appended claims, the phrase "configured" describes a
system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or
configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular
configuration to. The phrase "configured" can be used
interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and
configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and
arranged, and the like.
[0131] All publications and patent applications in this
specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent
applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each individual publication or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated by reference.
[0132] The invention has been described with reference to various
specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it
should be understood that many variations and modifications may
be
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