U.S. patent application number 14/274891 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for footwear customization device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yvette Marie Collins, Yolanda Sanchez. Invention is credited to Yvette Marie Collins, Yolanda Sanchez.
Application Number | 20150320141 14/274891 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54366667 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150320141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins; Yvette Marie ; et
al. |
November 12, 2015 |
FOOTWEAR CUSTOMIZATION DEVICE
Abstract
An improved footwear device is user customizable permitting
selective alteration of the footwear appearance. Each footwear
device is made from layers of rubber or similar footwear material.
A first layer forms a bottom (outsole) that impacts the pathway
surface. A second layer or insole forms a working surface to
protect the user foot from impacts, pathway contours and debris.
The cosmetic alteration portion of the device comprises three loops
formed from a single strand of fabric such as cotton or similar
material. This strand is threaded through three strategically
positioned holes perforating the second or insole layer; then, the
strand is folded in such a fashion that three loops are formed, one
for each hole. Next, the two layers are adhesively attached one to
another so as to form a completed device. A strip of material is
then threaded through the protruding loops so as to change the
footwear's appearance.
Inventors: |
Collins; Yvette Marie;
(Duredin, FL) ; Sanchez; Yolanda; (Dunedin,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Collins; Yvette Marie
Sanchez; Yolanda |
Duredin
Dunedin |
FL
FL |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54366667 |
Appl. No.: |
14/274891 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/100 ;
36/25R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/128 20130101;
A43B 13/32 20130101; A43B 3/242 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101; A43B
9/12 20130101; A43B 3/122 20130101; A43B 3/244 20130101; A43B
13/023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24; A43B 13/02 20060101 A43B013/02 |
Claims
1. A footwear system comprising: a top layer having a perforation
therein attached to a bottom layer corresponding to the top layer
in size and shape.
2. The footwear system of claim 1, further comprising: a second
perforation in the top layer.
3. The footwear system of claim 2, further comprising: a third
perforation in the top layer.
4. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the perforation is
disposed in an anterior portion of the top layer.
5. The footwear system of claim 2, wherein the second perforation
is disposed in a lateral portion of the top layer.
6. The footwear system of claim 3, wherein the third perforation is
disposed in a lateral portion of the top layer.
7. The footwear system of claim 1, further comprising a strip of
material threaded through the perforation.
8. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the strip of material
threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material
that enters and exits therein.
9. The footwear system of claim 2, wherein the strip of material
threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material
that enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second
perforation.
10. The footwear system of claim 9, wherein the strip of material
is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the second
perforation.
11. The footwear system of claim 3, wherein the strip of material
threaded through the perforation is formed into a loop of material
that enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second
perforation is formed into a loop of material and then exits the
second perforation. and then enters the third perforation.
12. The footwear system of claim 11, wherein the strip of material
is formed into a loop of material that enters and exits the third
perforation.
13. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom
layers are adhesively attached together.
14. The footwear system of claim 1, wherein the top and bottom
layer have a customizing device adhesively attached between the top
and bottom layers.
15. A footwear customization device comprising: a flat layered slab
made from two plys of footwear material having a shoe customization
device adhesively attached between the two plys.
16. The footwear customization device of claim 15, further
comprising: a triad of apertures disposed on a surface of a first
ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the first ply.
17. The footwear customization device of claim 16, further
comprising: a triad of apertures disposed on a surface of a first
ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the first ply and are
disposed in such a fashion as to form customization support
points.
18. The footwear customization device of claim 15, wherein the shoe
customization device comprises a strip of material having two
ends.
19. The footwear customization device of claim 18, wherein the
strip of material consecutively enters then exits three holes in
the first ply from a space between the plys to a space above the
first ply thereby forming three attachment points.
20. An article of clothing comprising: a first slab of material
attached to a corresponding slab of material and having a
decoration alternating device having three loop anchors formed from
a strip of material found between two slabs of adhesively connected
materials.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to everyday footwear
structured to provide not only comfortable support for the soles of
the feet and the rest of this lower extremity but also a uniquely
cosmetic appearance. More particularly, the invention is directed
to shoes that are customizable through a user selectively
interacting with the footwear and operating it to change its
appearance through the attachment of different add-on materials and
accessories.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Footwear
[0002] There are various types of footwear or shoes that give
support and comfort to one's feet. Amongst these are athletic,
boot, dress and casual men's and women's, unisex, dance, orthopedic
and more. Additionally, there are various niche types of shoes
intended for fashion or extremely specific arenas such as skiing or
mountaineering. All of these are typically constructed from basic
materials such as leather, canvas, rubber, plastics,
petro-chemically derived materials and even wood. Whilst these have
a diverse set of materials in order to construct one, the typical
shoe still comes in a specific typical group of elements.
[0003] These are the sole, the insole, the outsole, the midsole,
the heel, the upper, the vamp, the medial and the toe box. The sole
comes in a group of three elements: the insole, the outsole and the
midsole. The insole falls underneath the foot whilst the outsole is
that part of the sole that makes contact with the ground. The
midsole falls between the insole and the outsole and provides shock
absorption characteristics. The heel as its name implies supports
the lower back of the foot whilst the upper helps hold the foot in
the shoe. Starting at the toe box that covers the toes, the vamp
starts thereafter starting behind the toe, extending around the
eyelets and tongue and towards back part of the shoe. The medial is
of course the part that is in the center part of the shoe whilst
the tongue is an optional component that helps keep the laces
braced with the eyelets or hooks. All of these are well known
components that are each optional depending on the type of shoe one
is constructing.
Athletic Footwear
[0004] Further, proper materials and design provide for various
types of athletic footwear. Shoes for tennis, running, golf,
football, soccer, bowling and various other sports have been
designed with the end user in mind. Many improvements in runners'
shoes have given todays athlete untold comfort. Novelties such as
rubber waffle soles, breathable uppers made from materials such as
nylon, and shock absorbing cushioning in the mid-sole and heel have
taken shoes into the space era. Finally, several decades ago
medical professionals were enlisted in assisting to design shoes
that would be based upon the most up to date knowledge of
physiology. Thus, podiatrists help create features that were based
upon their knowledge of how feet react to specific movements. They
did this by studying a foot's response to typical actions such as
running, jumping, or side-to-side movements.
[0005] Their input led to a well rounded ergonomic shoe design that
provided both support and comfort to wearers. Specific sports were
also studied for the reaction of feet to adverse conditions unique
to the events therein; in this fashion shoes were developed that
directly targeted the unique needs of the sports therein. For
example, the needs of soccer would be different to that of golf and
so forth. In exercising the muscles of the leg for training, a
weighted type of shoe was developed whereby the entire bottom of
the sole of the shoe was made from a heavy material so as to help
an athlete exercise.
[0006] In addition to the type of shoes found in the athletic
environment, women and some men are experts at acquiring footwear
for every occasion. Most ladies have high heel footwear in their
closets that range from kitten, wedge to stiletto heels. Other
types of feminine shoes include the slingback, the ballet flat, the
pump, mules and more. Whilst varied in construction and materials,
none of these offers the user the option to change its appearance
on the fly. In other words, the footwear's appearance is fixed at
manufacture and can not be altered without severely damaging the
original fit and finish of the shoe.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need to overcome the cited
deficiencies and provide a user with the ability to selectively
customize a set of footwear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the
known art and the problems that remain unsolved by providing an
improved footwear device.
[0009] An A footwear system comprising:
[0010] a top layer having a perforation therein attached to
[0011] a bottom layer corresponding to the top layer in size and
shape.
[0012] In another aspect, a second perforation in the top
layer.
[0013] In another aspect, a third perforation in the top layer.
[0014] In another aspect, wherein the perforation is disposed in an
anterior portion of the top layer.
[0015] In another aspect, wherein the second perforation is
disposed in a lateral portion of the top layer.
[0016] In another aspect, wherein the third perforation is disposed
in a lateral portion of the top layer.
[0017] In another aspect, further comprising a strip of material
threaded through the perforation.
[0018] In another aspect, wherein the strip of material threaded
through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that
enters and exits therein.
[0019] In another aspect, wherein the strip of material threaded
through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that
enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second
perforation.
[0020] In another aspect, wherein the strip of material is formed
into a loop of material that enters and exits the second
perforation.
[0021] In another aspect, wherein the strip of material threaded
through the perforation is formed into a loop of material that
enters and exits the perforation and then enters the second
perforation is formed into a loop of material and then exits the
second perforation. and then enters the third perforation.
[0022] In another aspect, wherein the strip of material is formed
into a loop of material that enters and exits the third
perforation.
[0023] In another aspect, wherein the top and bottom layers are
adhesively attached together.
[0024] In another aspect, wherein the top and bottom layer have a
customizing device adhesively attached between the top and bottom
layers.
[0025] A footwear customization device comprising:
[0026] a flat layered slab made from [0027] two plys of footwear
material
[0028] having a shoe customization device adhesively attached
between the two plys.
[0029] In another aspect, a triad of apertures disposed on a
surface of a first ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the
first ply.
[0030] In another aspect, a triad of apertures disposed on a
surface of a first ply such that the apertures fully penetrate the
first ply and are disposed in such a fashion as to form
customization support points.
[0031] In another aspect, wherein the shoe customization device
comprises a strip of material having two ends.
[0032] In another aspect, wherein the strip of material
consecutively enters then exits three holes in the first ply from a
space between the plys to a space above the first ply thereby
forming three attachment points.
[0033] An article of clothing comprising:
[0034] a first slab of material attached to
[0035] a corresponding slab of material and having
[0036] a decoration alternating device having three loop anchors
formed from a strip of material found between two slabs of
adhesively connected materials.
[0037] These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become more readily apparent from the
attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter
be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to
illustrate and not to limit the invention, in which:
[0039] FIG. 1A presents an isometric view of a pair of customizable
footwear devices.
[0040] FIG. 2A presents an isometric view of one of the
customizable footwear devices having the layers thereof separated
from one another.
[0041] FIG. 2B presents a bottom view of the insole or top layer of
one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the
customization system is attached to insole.
[0042] FIG. 2C presents an isometric view of the insole or top
layer of one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the
customization system is attached to insole; in particular how the
strand of material, cord, thread is bunched into three loops for
insertion in a trio of holes of one of the customizable footwear
devices thereof.
[0043] FIG. 3A shows the two main components, a two layered sole
and a strip of material in proximity to one another.
[0044] FIG. 3B presents an isometric view of a leg using the
customization system whereby a piece of cloth material or strip
thereof is threaded through the three loops and wrapped about a leg
of a user thereby beautifying a lady's foot and lower leg.
[0045] FIG. 3C shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material.
[0046] FIG. 3D shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material.
[0047] FIG. 3E shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material.
[0048] FIG. 3F shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material.
[0049] FIG. 3G shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material.
[0050] FIG. 3H shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material.
[0051] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or
the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used
herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described
herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
All of the implementations described below are exemplary
implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended
to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the
claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper",
"lower", "left", "rear", "right", "front", "vertical",
"horizontal", and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in each figure. Furthermore, there is no intention to
be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the
preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the
following detailed description. It is also to be understood that
the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0053] FIG. 1A presents an isometric view of a pair of customizable
footwear devices; in this particular implementation, the footwear
takes on the shape of a sandal. Two customizable shoes 1, 2 are
shown in the figure; a left shoe 1 is shown above a right shoe 2.
Both shoes are formed from two layers of material such as rubber;
the first layer 4 forms a bottom (outsole) that impacts the pathway
surface. A second layer or insole 3 forms a working surface to
protect the user foot from impacts, pathway contours and debris.
The cosmetic alteration portion of the device comprises three loops
6, 8, 10 that are formed from a single strand 11 of fabric such as
cotton or similar material.
[0054] This strand 11 is threaded through three strategically
positioned holes 5, 7, 9 perforating the second or insole layer;
then, the strand is folded in such a fashion that three loops are
formed, one for each hole. Next, the two layers insole 3 and
outsole 4 are adhesively attached one to another so as to form a
completed device. Various materials are then threaded through the
protruding loops 6, 8, 10 so as to change the footwear's
appearance. Each material thereby threaded is wrapped around the
user's foot and ties thereon or attached using clips, button snaps,
ties or similar attachment devices.
[0055] FIG. 2A presents an isometric view of one of the
customizable footwear devices having the layers thereof separated
from one another. It is readily appreciated that the structure of
this footwear item is repeatable with regards to the other one in
mirror fashion; thus, it is only necessary to show one of them and
in so doing provide a complete and enabling understanding of the
construction of the other one. This view shows the left footwear
device 1 separated in two layers 3, 4 of material with the strand
(cord, strip) of material 11 still threaded into holes 5, 7, 9 so
as to form three loops of material 6, 8, 10. Liquid adhesive is
applied to the strand 11 of material to ensure a rigid attachment
of the portions thereof to the bottom of the insole 3 of either
shoe.
[0056] It should also be apparent that the holes 5, 7, 9 and their
associated loops 6, 8, 10 are disposed on the insole 3 so as to
provide for an appropriate localization of a foot upon the top
surface of the insole 3. In other words, the hole 5 and its
corresponding loop 6 are situated in the general front of the
insole 3 near where an average person would have the separation
between the large toe and next toe for the left foot; i.e., near
the right anterior of the insole 3. Similarly, the holes 7, 9 and
their corresponding loops 8, 10 are situated in the approximate
middle sides of the insole 3 nearer to the back portion of the
insole 3 then the front thereof. Of course, hole 7 and its
corresponding loop 8 are situated on the left lateral side of
insole 3 which is opposite from where hole 9 and its corresponding
loop 10 are situated, i.e., the right lateral side. Routine
experimentation reveals a variety of positions for these components
that vary their localization in both longitudinal and transverse
attitudes.
[0057] FIG. 2B presents a bottom view of the insole or top layer 3
of one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the
customization system is attached to insole. It is readily
appreciated that the structure of this footwear item is repeatable
with regards to the other one in mirror fashion; thus, it is only
necessary to show one of them and in so doing provide a complete
and enabling understanding of the construction of the other one.
The bottom surface of the insole 3 of the left footwear 1 is
perforated with three holes 5, 7 and 9. The first hole 5 is located
near the anterior portion and the other two holes are disposed in
opposite lateral sides towards the posterior portion; the posterior
apertures 7, 9 are not as close to the posterior as the hole 5 is
close to the anterior relatively speaking A single strand, strip,
or cord of material 11 such as cotton, elastic band or similar
material is adhesively fixed to the underside of the insole 3 in
such a fashion so that a loop of material protrudes from the top
side of the insole 3 at the locations of apertures 5, 7, and 9.
[0058] FIG. 2C presents an isometric view of the insole 3 or top
layer of one of the customizable footwear devices showing how the
customization system is attached to insole; in particular how the
strand of material 11, cord, thread is bunched into three loops 6,
8, 10 for insertion in a trio of holes 5, 7, 9 of one of the
customizable footwear devices 1, 2 thereof. It is readily
appreciated that the structure of this footwear item is repeatable
with regards to the other one in mirror fashion; thus, it is only
necessary to show one of them and in so doing provide a complete
and enabling understanding of the construction of the other one.
The outsole 4 of the footwear item is also shown with adhesive
thereon so as to fix the layers together with the strand 11 leaving
the loops of material threaded through perforations 5, 7, and
9.
[0059] FIG. 3A shows the two main components, a two layered sole
and a strip of material 12 in proximity to one another.
[0060] FIG. 3B presents an isometric view of a leg using the
customization system whereby a piece of cloth material 12 is
threaded through the three loops 6, 8, 10 thereby beautifying a
lady's foot and lower leg. The particular type of customization
wrap is determined by the accessories used in the system. The
following example is represents only one way of using it and should
be understood as being an exemplary embodiment of the novelties
taught herein. First the strip 12 is threaded through the front
loop 6 and then the two strands (the emerging and the entering
strand) are threaded through the holes in the jewelry item 14 shown
in FIG. 3C. Next they are each wrapped about the leg 13 and into
opposing loops 8, 10 and finally tied at the back of the leg.
[0061] Thus, the material 12 is wrapped around a leg and tied
together using the ends thereof or optionally using a jewelry
clasp; this clasp optionally has a decorative item attached to it
such as a broach having a hole attached to said clasp. Another
jewelry item 14 is used to thread the strip of material
therethrough thereby providing a metallic decoration and fixed
anchor point for redirecting the material. Various forms of this
jewelry item 14 exist having therefore various ways to tie the
strip of material. Various other jewelry items could be used in
various fashions to introduce a change in direction of the strip of
material 14 as an anchor point or to serve as decorative items.
[0062] FIG. 3C shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material. This accessory 14 has a series of holes
14A therein to a thread strip of material in and out thereof, act
as an anchor point or to attach other items thereto.
[0063] FIG. 3D shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material. This item 15 has a series of parallel
perforations 15A & 15B on either side of the accessory 15 and a
central perforation 15C; this is used to thread a strip of material
in and out thereof, act as an anchor point or to attach other items
thereto.
[0064] FIG. 3E shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material. This accessory 16 is a round piece of
metal or plastic having a connecting loop 16A integrated with an
outside surface thereof. This is used to attach other items using
the main loop in the center or connecting loop 16A. For example,
that is shown connecting a leaf motif item 17.
[0065] FIG. 3F shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material. A leaf motif item 17 is disposed
between two rings of material 16 attached using a connecting loop
16A. The leaf motif item 17 has two ends with integral rings
thereon. These rings are used to attach to the connecting loop 16A
of the rings of material 16 using an intermediate loop 18 that has
a curved shape and two ends that are brought together to close upon
itself end to end.
[0066] FIG. 3G shows a front view of a beauty accessory 19 to be
used with the strip of material. A faux pearl 19B is situated
within a cavity of a holder 19A made of a plastic or metal material
that has a connecting loop 19C at its end. This loop 19C is used to
attach to other jewelry items, the strip of material and as an
anchor point.
[0067] FIG. 3H shows a front view of a beauty accessory to be used
with the strip of material. A central circular jewelry item 20 has
various decorations thereon; it has an integral spring 20A on
either side attached to hoops 20B for connecting to a portion of
the strip of material. The hoops 20B are thin strips of metal
having two ends formed into circles and brought together end to end
once threaded through the curved end of springs 20A. These are used
to attach to other jewelry items, the strip of material and as an
anchor point.
[0068] Thus has been described a solution that overcomes the prior
art deficiencies described previously. Further, numerous variations
could be made to the teachings herein disclosed without departing
from the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts that are
delineated by the accompanying claims.
* * * * *