U.S. patent application number 15/131723 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-11 for footwear insert member assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to All-Global Business LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is All-Global Business LLC. Invention is credited to Leander Robert Pitman.
Application Number | 20160227871 15/131723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56565531 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160227871 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pitman; Leander Robert |
August 11, 2016 |
Footwear Insert Member Assembly
Abstract
The present disclosure provides advantageous insert member
assemblies for footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure
provides improved insert member assemblies that are configured and
dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a user. In exemplary
embodiments, the present disclosure provides for insert member
assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a
shoe worn by a user, thereby providing comfort and style to the
user. In certain embodiments, the insert member assemblies also
provide or include a structure/place (e.g., a pocket or the like)
to house personal items (e.g., keys, money, etc.) of the user. The
disclosed insert member assemblies are capable of use for many
user-friendly purposes. In exemplary embodiments, the insert member
assemblies are adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable.
Inventors: |
Pitman; Leander Robert;
(Campbell, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
All-Global Business LLC |
Reno |
NV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
All-Global Business LLC
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
56565531 |
Appl. No.: |
15/131723 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14455138 |
Aug 8, 2014 |
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15131723 |
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61863637 |
Aug 8, 2013 |
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61943018 |
Feb 21, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0031 20130101;
A43B 23/26 20130101; A43B 19/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20060101
A43B003/00; A43B 23/26 20060101 A43B023/26 |
Claims
1. A footwear insert member assembly comprising: a first housing
member, at least a portion of the first housing member mounted with
respect to a flap member, the first housing member having a left
side and a right side; a second housing member, a front side of the
second housing member positioned over a portion of a rear side of
the first housing member, with a portion of the outer edges of the
first and second housing members mounted with respect to one
another to form a cavity between the rear side of the first housing
member and the front side of the second housing member; a first
protruding section that protrudes and extends from an outer edge of
the first housing member, the first protruding section defining a
first aperture and including a first toggle member mounted thereon;
wherein the first and second housing members are configured and
dimensioned to be positioned, at least in part, underneath a tongue
of a piece of footwear utilized by a user; and wherein the first
toggle member is configured and dimensioned to be releasably
positioned through a lace hole of the piece of footwear to
facilitate securement of the first and second housing members
underneath the tongue of the piece of footwear.
2. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 1, wherein the
first aperture is configured to house at least a portion of a lace
of the piece of footwear to facilitate securement of the first and
second housing members underneath the tongue of the piece of
footwear; and further comprising a second protruding section that
protrudes and extends from an outer edge of the first housing
member, the second protruding section defining a second aperture
and including a second toggle member mounted thereon; wherein the
second toggle member is configured and dimensioned to be releasably
positioned through a lace hole of the piece of footwear to
facilitate securement of the first and second housing members
underneath the tongue of the piece of footwear; and wherein the
second aperture is configured to house at least a portion of a lace
of the piece of footwear to facilitate securement of the first and
second housing members underneath the tongue of the piece of
footwear.
3. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 1 further
comprising a first strap member that is mounted to the left and
right sides of the first housing member, the first strap member
extending from the left side to the right side of the first housing
member; and wherein the first strap member is configured to be
positioned above the tongue to facilitate securement of the first
and second housing members underneath the tongue of the piece of
footwear.
4. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 3, further
comprising a second strap member that is mounted to the left and
right sides of the first housing member, the second strap member
extending from the left side to the right side of the first housing
member; and wherein the second strap member is configured to be
positioned above the tongue to facilitate securement of the first
and second housing members underneath the tongue of the piece of
footwear.
5. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 1 further
comprising an inner insert member that is configured and
dimensioned to be releasably inserted within the cavity; and
wherein the inner insert member includes a gel pack.
6. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 1, wherein a rear
side of the flap member is configured and dimensioned to be
releasably secured to a front side of the second housing member to
releasably cover the cavity; wherein the rear side of the flap
member includes a first fastener member; wherein the front side of
the second housing member includes a second fastener member;
wherein the first and second fastener members allow the user to
releasably secure the flap member to the second housing to
releasably cover the cavity; and wherein the cavity is configured
and dimensioned to house items of the user.
7. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 1, wherein the
first toggle member is a rod-shaped metal toggle member; and
wherein the first protruding section is an elastic band and is
stretchable.
8. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 1 further
comprising an inner insert member, the inner insert member
configured and dimensioned to be releasably inserted within the
cavity; wherein a rear side of the flap member is configured and
dimensioned to be releasably secured to a front side of the second
housing member to releasably cover the cavity; wherein after the
inner insert member is inserted within the cavity, the flap member
is configured to be releasably secured to the second housing member
to releasably cover the cavity and conceal the inner insert member
within the cavity.
9. A footwear insert member assembly comprising: a first housing
member, at least a portion of the first housing member mounted with
respect to a flap member, the first housing member having a left
side and a right side; a second housing member, a front side of the
second housing member positioned over a portion of a rear side of
the first housing member, with a portion of the outer edges of the
first and second housing members mounted with respect to one
another to form a cavity between the rear side of the first housing
member and the front side of the second housing member; a first
protruding section that protrudes and extends from an outer edge of
the first housing member, the first protruding section defining a
first aperture and including a first toggle member mounted thereon;
a second protruding section that protrudes and extends from an
outer edge of the first housing member, the second protruding
section defining a second aperture and including a second toggle
member mounted thereon; wherein the first and second housing
members are configured and dimensioned to be positioned, at least
in part, underneath a tongue of a piece of footwear utilized by a
user; and wherein the first toggle member is configured and
dimensioned to be releasably positioned through a lace hole of the
piece of footwear to facilitate securement of the first and second
housing members underneath the tongue of the piece of footwear.
wherein the first aperture is configured to house at least a
portion of a lace of the piece of footwear to facilitate securement
of the first and second housing members underneath the tongue of
the piece of footwear; wherein the second toggle member is
configured and dimensioned to be releasably positioned through a
lace hole of the piece of footwear to facilitate securement of the
first and second housing members underneath the tongue of the piece
of footwear; and wherein the second aperture is configured to house
at least a portion of a lace of the piece of footwear to facilitate
securement of the first and second housing members underneath the
tongue of the piece of footwear.
10. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 9 further
comprising a first strap member that is mounted to the left and
right sides of the first housing member, the first strap member
extending from the left side to the right side of the first housing
member; and wherein the first strap member is configured to be
positioned above the tongue to facilitate securement of the first
and second housing members underneath the tongue of the piece of
footwear.
11. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 10, further
comprising a second strap member that is mounted to the left and
right sides of the first housing member, the second strap member
extending from the left side to the right side of the first housing
member; and wherein the second strap member is configured to be
positioned above the tongue to facilitate securement of the first
and second housing members underneath the tongue of the piece of
footwear.
12. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 9 further
comprising an inner insert member that is configured and
dimensioned to be releasably inserted within the cavity; and
wherein the inner insert member includes a gel pack.
13. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 9, wherein a rear
side of the flap member is configured and dimensioned to be
releasably secured to a front side of the second housing member to
releasably cover the cavity; wherein the rear side of the flap
member includes a first fastener member; wherein the front side of
the second housing member includes a second fastener member;
wherein the first and second fastener members allow the user to
releasably secure the flap member to the second housing to
releasably cover the cavity; and wherein the cavity is configured
and dimensioned to house items of the user.
14. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 9, wherein the
first toggle member is a rod-shaped metal toggle member; and
wherein the first protruding section is an elastic band and is
stretchable.
15. The footwear insert member assembly of claim 9 further
comprising an inner insert member, the inner insert member
configured and dimensioned to be releasably inserted within the
cavity; wherein a rear side of the flap member is configured and
dimensioned to be releasably secured to a front side of the second
housing member to releasably cover the cavity; wherein after the
inner insert member is inserted within the cavity, the flap member
is configured to be releasably secured to the second housing member
to releasably cover the cavity and conceal the inner insert member
within the cavity.
16. A method for securing a footwear insert member assembly
comprising: providing a first housing member; mounting at least a
portion of the first housing member to a flap member, the first
housing member having a left side and a right side; providing a
second housing member; positioning a front side of the second
housing member over a portion of a rear side of the first housing
member; mounting a portion of the outer edges of the first and
second housing members to one another to form a cavity between the
rear side of the first housing member and the front side of the
second housing member; wherein a first protruding section protrudes
and extends from an outer edge of the first housing member, the
first protruding section defining a first aperture and including a
first toggle member mounted thereon; positioning the first and
second housing members underneath a tongue of a piece of footwear
utilized by a user; and positioning the first toggle member through
a lace hole of the piece of footwear to facilitate securement of
the first and second housing members underneath the tongue of the
piece of footwear.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising a first strap member
that is mounted to the left and right sides of the first housing
member, the first strap member extending from the left side to the
right side of the first housing member; and wherein the first strap
member is configured to be positioned above the tongue to
facilitate securement of the first and second housing members
underneath the tongue of the piece of footwear.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising a second strap
member that is mounted to the left and right sides of the first
housing member, the second strap member extending from the left
side to the right side of the first housing member; and wherein the
second strap member is configured to be positioned above the tongue
to facilitate securement of the first and second housing members
underneath the tongue of the piece of footwear.
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising an inner insert
member that is configured and dimensioned to be releasably inserted
within the cavity; and wherein the inner insert member includes a
gel pack.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the first toggle member is a
rod-shaped metal toggle member; and wherein the first protruding
section is an elastic band and is stretchable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of,
and claims priority benefit to, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/455,138, filed Aug. 8, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional App. Ser. No. 61/863,637, filed Aug. 8, 2013, and which
also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No.
61/943,018, filed Feb. 21, 2014, the entire contents of each being
herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to insert member assemblies
for footwear and, more particularly, to adjustable, interchangeable
and/or removable insert member assemblies that are configured and
dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] In general, footwear/shoes and related accessories or the
like are known. Some exemplary shoes and related accessories or the
like are described and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,802,380;
6,408,542; D663,941; and D499,877; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos.
2002/0139009 and 2002/0029494; and Canadian Patent No. 1,217,631,
and DE20-2005015954, the entire contents of each being hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0004] A constant need exists among footwear manufacturers to
develop footwear and related accessories that are cost-effective
and/or include improved features/structures.
[0005] Thus, an interest exists for advantageous insert
members/assemblies for footwear. These and other inefficiencies and
opportunities for improvement are addressed and/or overcome by the
assemblies, systems and methods of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The present disclosure provides advantageous insert member
assemblies for footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure
provides advantageous insert member assemblies (e.g., adjustable,
interchangeable and/or removable insert member assemblies) that are
configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a
user.
[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides
for insert member assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to
be inserted in a shoe worn by a user, thereby providing comfort and
style to the user. In certain embodiments, the insert member
assemblies also provide or include a structure/place (e.g., a
pocket or the like) to house personal items (e.g., keys, money,
etc.) of the user.
[0008] Any combination or permutation of embodiments is envisioned.
Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the
disclosed systems and methods of the present disclosure will be
apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read
in conjunction with the appended figures. All references listed in
this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which elements are not
necessarily depicted to scale.
[0010] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further
described with reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted
that the various features, steps and combinations of features/steps
described below and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and
organized differently to result in embodiments which are still
within the scope of the present disclosure. To assist those of
ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed
systems, assemblies and methods, reference is made to the appended
figures, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary insert member
assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0012] FIGS. 2-3 are rear views of the insert member assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the insert member assembly of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of another exemplary insert member
assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front view of another exemplary insert member
assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front view of another exemplary insert member
assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 8-9 are side views depicting exemplary insert member
assemblies positioned within shoes of a user;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front view of an exemplary insert member
assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a partial rear view of the assembly of FIG.
10;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 10;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a front view of the inner member of the assembly
of FIG. 10;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a front view of the insert member assembly of
FIG. 10, with the assembly positioned within shoelaces of a
user;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a front view of an exemplary insert member
assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0024] FIGS. 16-17 are front views of another exemplary insert
member assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the insert member assembly of FIG.
16;
[0026] FIG. 19 is an end view of the insert member assembly of FIG.
16;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a rear view of the insert member assembly of FIG.
16; and
[0028] FIGS. 21-22 are side perspectives views of the insert member
assembly of FIG. 16, with the insert member assembly substantially
positioned beneath the tongue of a shoe, and beneath laces of the
shoe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0029] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative
of advantageous insert member assemblies for footwear, and systems
of the present disclosure and methods/techniques thereof. It should
be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely
exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in
various forms. Therefore, details disclosed herein with reference
to exemplary insert members/fabrication methods and associated
processes/techniques of assembly and use are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in
the art how to make and use the advantageous insert members/systems
and/or alternative insert members of the present disclosure.
[0030] The present disclosure provides advantageous insert member
assemblies for footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure
provides improved insert member assemblies that are configured and
dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a user. In exemplary
embodiments, the insert member assemblies are adjustable,
interchangeable and/or removable.
[0031] Current practice provides that some users prefer to leave
their shoe laces untied or loosely laced/tied (e.g., so that they
do not have to tie or tightly tie their laces). Moreover, with such
looks/configurations of having the shoe laces untied or loosely
laced/tied, some users fold their socks a few times (e.g., two or
three times) to cause the shoe tongue of each shoe to bulge out
away from the user's foot/leg. However, such efforts, practices
and/or methods are inefficient, time-consuming, short-lived,
non-adjustable and/or non-reproducible over time.
[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides
for improved and user-selected (e.g., customized) insert member
assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to be inserted in
footwear (e.g., shoes) worn by a user and which provide comfort and
style to the user, thereby providing a significant operational,
commercial and/or manufacturing advantage as a result. In certain
embodiments, the insert member assemblies also advantageously
provide or include a structure/place (e.g., a pocket or the like)
to house personal items (e.g., keys, money, etc.) of the user.
Moreover, the insert member assemblies of the present disclosure
advantageously allow users to achieve multiple shoe style looks
and/or create a platform where users can accessorize as desired
(e.g., with insert members/assemblies having their favorite or
complementary colors, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, the insert
member assemblies of the present disclosure allow for more cushion
space between the top of the user's foot and the tongue of the
user's shoe, and/or provide the user's shoe with a stress-free look
with substantially no or few crease marks caused by tightly tied
lace string. The extra cushion space advantageously allows for the
use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to achieve
various styling looks (e.g., the knotted-tie look, or the laced-out
styling look, as discussed further below). In certain embodiments,
the insert member assemblies of the present disclosure provide a
comfortable and proportionate look and feel as the user ties a bow
tie with their laces (or with the user leaving the laces untied or
loosely tied). The insert member assemblies of the present
disclosure advantageously add extra thickness between the shoe
tongue and the user's foot, thereby providing for more cushion
which minimizes creases in the shoe tongue as well as helps
alleviate or provide for the extra or undesired length of the shoe
laces.
[0033] Referring now to the drawings, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference
numerals, respectively. Drawing figures are not necessarily to
scale and in certain views, parts may have been exaggerated for
purposes of clarity.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated an
embodiment of an insert member assembly 10 according to the present
disclosure. In general, insert member assembly 10 is configured and
dimensioned to be inserted or positioned, at least in part, within
a shoe 15 or piece of footwear 15 utilized by a user (e.g., FIGS.
8-9).
[0035] Exemplary insert member assembly 10 is an adjustable,
interchangeable and/or removable insert member assembly that is
configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe 15 worn by a
user (e.g., FIGS. 8-9), although the present disclosure is not
limited thereto. Rather, insert member assembly 10 can take a
variety of forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a
variety of purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments and as discussed
further below, insert member assembly 10 is fabricated from one or
more materials (e.g., neoprene and/or cross-linked polyethylene
foam), and can be utilized as a shoe insert and/or fashion
accessory or the like.
[0036] In certain embodiments, insert member assembly 10 includes a
front (outer) housing member 12 and a rear (outer) housing member
14. Housing members 12, 14 can be fabricated from a variety of
materials, such as, for example, from neoprene or the like (e.g.,
1/16'' open-cell spg neoprene), although the present disclosure is
not limited thereto. Rather, it is noted that housing members 12,
14 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or
combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer
material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural
material, plant-based material, rubber, foam, flexible material,
etc.). A benefit of using neoprene or the like for members 12, 14
is to ensure that the assembly 10 absorbs substantially no moisture
during use, and the textured surface of the neoprene facilitates
with the positioning of the assembly 10 between the shoe tongue and
the user's foot, as discussed further below.
[0037] Exemplary insert member assembly 10 can also include inner
base member 20 (FIG. 4). Inner base member 20 can be fabricated
from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from
cross-linked polyethylene foam or the like (e.g., 3/8''
cross-linked polyethylene foam), although the present disclosure is
not limited thereto. Rather, it is noted that inner base member 20
can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or
combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer
material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural
material, plant-based material, rubber, neoprene, flexible
material, etc.).
[0038] In certain embodiments, during fabrication of insert member
assembly 10, the inner base member 20 is machined/cut to the
desired shape, and then at least a portion of the rear side of the
inner base member 20 is positioned or mounted with respect to
(e.g., glued or adhered or the like) to at least a portion of the
front or inner side of the rear housing member 14. The rear or
inner side of the front housing member 12 is then positioned over
at least a portion of the base member 20. In certain embodiments,
it is noted that two members 12 can be positioned over at least a
portion of the base member 20. However and as further discussed
below, it is noted that assembly 10 need not include inner base
member 20, and/or inner base member 20 can be a separate and
independent member that is not mounted to rear housing member 14,
but instead is optionally insertable/removable to/from members 12,
14.
[0039] At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing
member 12 and the rear housing member 14 are then secured or
mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the
like) to form a recess or cavity 24 (FIG. 4) between the rear/inner
side of the front housing member 12 and the front side of the inner
base member 20 (and the front side of member 14). Stated another
way, the inner base member 20 is sandwiched between the housing
members 12, 14, and portions of the outer edges of the base members
12, 14 are secured together (e.g., stitched together) around a
portion of the perimeter of the inner base member 20 to form a
recess or cavity 24 between the rear/inner side of the front
housing member 12 and the front side of the inner base member 20.
It is noted that the outer edges of members 12, 14 can be secured
or mounted with respect to one another via a variety of securement
or mounting techniques (e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, adhering,
gluing, etc.).
[0040] In the embodiments where two members 12 are positioned over
at least a portion of the base member 20, the inner base member 20
is sandwiched between: (i) the two housing members 12, and (ii)
member 14, and portions of the outer edges of the base members 12,
14 are secured together around a portion of the perimeter of the
inner base member 20 to form two cavities 24--one cavity 24 between
the rear/inner side of the first housing member 12 and the front
side of the inner base member 20, and a second cavity between front
side of the first housing member 12 and the rear side of the second
housing member 12.
[0041] In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the left
side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members
12, 14 are secured/stitched together to form recess/cavity 24. In
certain embodiments, at least a portion of the outer edges of the
top side of members 12, 14 are also secured/stitched together to
form recess/cavity 24.
[0042] In certain embodiments, after the members 12, 14 are secured
together to form cavity 24, an outer trim portion 26 (or portions
26) is mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges
of members 12, 14 to provide a finished look to assembly 10, and to
reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly 10.
In exemplary embodiments, outer trim portion 26 is fabricated from
neoprene or the like, although the present disclosure is not
limited thereto. Rather, outer trim portion 26 can be fabricated
from a variety of suitable materials.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, insert member assembly 10 can include
a flap or cover member 16. Similar to members 12, 14, flap member
16 can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., neoprene).
In exemplary embodiments, flap member 16 is configured and
dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to
recess/cavity 24 of assembly 10, when flap member 16 is in the
closed position (FIG. 1). When flap member 16 is in the open
position (FIG. 4), the opening to recess/cavity 24 is accessible to
a user (e.g., to insert items in a pocket 28 of assembly 10, and/or
to insert an inner insert member 22 into cavity 24, as discussed
further below).
[0044] In certain embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 1-4, during
fabrication of assembly 10, at least a portion of the bottom side
of the front/inner portion of the flap member 16 is positioned or
mounted with respect to (e.g., glued to) the top side of the rear
portion of the inner base member 20. It is noted that the bottom
side of the flap member 16 can be positioned/secured with respect
to the rear portion of member 20 before or after the rear side of
the inner base member 20 is positioned or mounted with respect to a
portion of the front/inner side of the rear housing member 14, and
before or after the rear/inner side of the front housing member 12
is positioned over at least a portion of the base member 20.
[0045] The flap member 16 can then be mounted with respect to
members 12, 14 at various positions. For example, at least a
portion of the outer edge of the flap member 16 can be mounted with
respect to at least a portion of the outer edges of members 12, 14
(e.g., via stitching). Additionally, outer trim portion 26 (or
portions 26) can be mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the
outer edges of flap member 16 (and members 12, 14) to provide a
finished look to assembly 10, and to reinforce the outer perimeter
of flap member 16. As shown in FIG. 3, after flap member 16 is
mounted with respect to members 12, 14 and/or 20, the line 17A in
FIG. 3 depicts where the flap member hinges/bends to close over the
top side of the inner base member 20 when the flap member 16 is in
the closed position (FIG. 1). The line 17A in FIG. 3 indicates
where the line of flap member 16 is positioned underneath rear
housing member 14, after flap member 16 is mounted with respect to
members 12, 14 and 20 (and indicates where member 16 is mounted
with respect to (e.g., stitched to) member 14). It is noted that
flap member 16 could be a continuous section and/or integral with
member 14.
[0046] In exemplary embodiments, flap member 16 includes a fastener
member 30 (e.g., positioned at a distal end of flap member 16), and
the outer portion of front housing member 12 includes a
corresponding fastener member 32. Fastener members 30, 32 can be
buttons or clips or the like, or any other suitable fastener
members (e.g., Velcro, strap, clips, knobs/recesses, etc.).
Fastener members 30, 32 allow a user to releasably fasten or secure
flap member 16 to member 12 and to at least partially enclose
cavity 24 (FIG. 1), when desired by the user.
[0047] Secured flap member 16 also facilitates assembly 10 to
house/contain inner insert member 22 (when desired) within cavity
24, and/or provides a cover or closure over pocket 28 (and over the
contents contained/housed within pocket 28).
[0048] In certain embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4, the top side
of inner base member 20 includes a pocket or slit 28 or the like.
In general, pocket 28 is configured and dimensioned to at least
partially house and/or contain items of the user (e.g., money,
keys, personal items, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, when flap
member 16 is secured to member 12 (e.g., via fastener members 30,
32), the secured flap member 16 advantageously covers, conceals
and/or hides pocket 28 (and its contents) from view.
[0049] In some embodiments and as discussed further below, a user
may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member 22 in
cavity 24 of assembly (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion
or space via assembly 10 that includes member(s) 22, and/or to
provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly 10 that
includes member(s) 22). In exemplary embodiments, when flap member
16 is secured to member 12 (e.g., via fastener members 30, 32), the
secured flap member 16 advantageously at least partially
covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s) 22 (when
desired) within cavity 24. Similar to inner base member 20, each
inner insert member 22 can be fabricated from a variety of
materials (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene foam), and each can be
shaped/sized in various different sizes, dimensions, widths,
depths, lengths, etc.
[0050] In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 1-4, assembly 10
includes at least one eyelet tab member 34. In exemplary
embodiments, assembly 10 includes two eyelet tab members 34, each
member 34 secured or mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the
left and right sides) of assembly 10 (e.g., mounted with respect to
members 12, 14 and/or portion 26). In certain embodiments, each
member 34 includes a protruding section 36 that protrudes or
extends from the outer edge of the assembly, and an aperture or
eyelet 38 positioned proximal to the distal end of the protruding
section 36. Each member 34 can be positioned a pre-determined
distance from the top side of the inner base member 20 (e.g., about
2'' down from the top side of member 20). In exemplary embodiments,
each protruding section of each member 34 is fabricated from fabric
or the like (e.g., 3/4'' inch long lace fabric), and each aperture
38 is fabricated from a metal eyelet or the like (e.g., 1/4'' metal
eyelets).
[0051] In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly 10 in
each shoe 15 is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style,
and/or as a place to house/hold the user's items (e.g., house key,
money, credit cards, personal items, etc.). As noted above, some
users prefer to leave their shoe laces untied or loosely laced/tied
so that they do not have to tie (or tightly tie) their laces. The
advantageous assemblies 10 of the present disclosure allow users to
do this by adding extra thickness between the shoe tongue and the
user's foot, thereby creating more cushion which minimizes creases
in the shoe tongue as well as helps alleviate the extra (undesired)
length of the shoe laces.
[0052] In exemplary embodiments, the assemblies 10 (in conjunction
with shoes 15) provide users with multiple styling looks (e.g.,
bow-tie, knotted-tie, laced-out, etc.). One of the ways users can
style their shoe 15 is by simply sliding in the assembly 10 within
the shoe 15 (assembly 10 with or without member(s) 22 positioned
therein), and positioning the assembly 10 between the top of the
foot and underneath the tongue of the shoe 15.
[0053] While lacing up the shoes 15, the user can also further
secure the assembly 10 by lacing the shoelaces of the shoe 15
in/through the eyelets 38 of the eyelet tab members 34 at the
desired placement relative to the shoe 15 and/or on the top part of
the foot. Once the assemblies 10 are in the desired place/position,
the user can adjust and style their shoelaces accordingly. The use
of assembly 10 provides the shoe 15 a stress free look with zero to
few crease marks that can be caused by tightly tied shoelace
string. They also provide a comfortable and proportionate look and
feel as the user ties a bow tie with their laces, if desired.
[0054] Some other styling options the assemblies 10 offer is
through the use of the inner insert members 22. As noted, a user
may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member 22 in
cavity 24 of assembly (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion
or space via assembly 10 that includes member(s) 22, and/or to
provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly 10 that
includes member(s) 22). In general, each user-selected (and
optional/removable) inner insert member 22 is configured and
dimensioned to be inserted into/within assembly 10 (e.g.,
into/within cavity 24 of assembly 10).
[0055] In general, each inner insert member 22 slides into the
cavity 24 from the top side. The inner insert members 22 allow for
even more cushion space between the top of the user's foot and the
tongue of the shoe 15. For example, the extra space can allow for
the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to
achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out styling looks. Some advantages
for utilizing assemblies 10 is to achieve multiple shoe style
looks, and/or to create a platform where users/consumers can
accessorize with their favorite or complementary colors.
[0056] In another embodiment and as shown in FIG. 5, assembly 10'
is similar to assembly 10 discussed above, except that assembly 10'
includes a slit or opening 40 for each eyelet tab member 34. In
exemplary embodiments, each slit 40 is configured and dimensioned
to house or contain (when desired) at least a portion of the eyelet
38 and/or the protruding section 36 of its respective eyelet tab
member 34. For example, each slit 40 can be advantageously utilized
when assembly 10 is utilized in conjunction with a shoe 15 that
does not include shoelaces. The user could then tuck at least a
portion of the eyelet 38 and/or the protruding section 36 of the
eyelet tab member 34 into each slit 40, thereby substantially
eliminating any potential discomfort caused by the un-housed eyelet
tab members 34 and shoe 15.
[0057] Turning now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated another
embodiment of an insert member assembly 100 according to the
present disclosure. The insert member assembly 100 may be
structurally and functionally similar to the assembly 10 discussed
above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, with some differences.
[0058] Similar to assembly 10, exemplary insert member assembly 100
is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member
assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a
shoe 15 worn by a user (e.g., FIGS. 8-9). It is noted that insert
member assembly 100 can take a variety of
forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a variety of
purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments and as discussed further
below, insert member assembly 100 is fabricated from one or more
materials (e.g., neoprene and/or cross-linked polyethylene foam),
and can be utilized as a shoe insert and/or fashion accessory or
the like.
[0059] In general, insert member assembly 100 includes a front
(outer) housing member 112 and a rear (outer) housing member 114.
Housing members 112, 114 can be fabricated from a variety of
materials, such as, for example, from neoprene or the like (e.g.,
1/16'' open-cell spg neoprene). It is noted that housing members
112, 114 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or
combinations of materials. As noted above, a benefit of using
neoprene or the like for members 112, 114 is to ensure that the
assembly 100 absorbs substantially no moisture during use, and the
textured surface of the neoprene facilitates with the positioning
of the assembly 100 between the shoe tongue and the user's
foot.
[0060] Insert member assembly 100 also includes inner base member
(obscured--similar to member 20). Inner base member can be
fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from
cross-linked polyethylene foam or the like (e.g., 3/8''
cross-linked polyethylene foam). It is noted that inner base member
can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or
combinations of materials.
[0061] In exemplary embodiments, during fabrication of insert
member assembly 100, the inner base member is machined/cut to the
desired shape, and then at least a portion of the rear side of the
inner base member is positioned or mounted with respect to (e.g.,
glued or adhered or the like) at least a portion of the front/inner
side of the rear housing member 114. The rear/inner side of the
front housing member 112 is then positioned over at least a portion
of the base member.
[0062] At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing
member 112 and the rear housing member 114 are then secured or
mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the
like) to form a recess or cavity (similar to cavity 24) between the
rear/inner side of the front housing member 112 and the front side
of the inner base member (and the front side of member 114). As
such, the inner base member is sandwiched between the housing
members 112, 114, and portions of the outer edges of the base
members 112, 114 are secured together (e.g., stitched together)
around a portion of the perimeter of the inner base member to form
a recess or cavity between the rear/inner side of the front housing
member 112 and the front side of the inner base member. It is noted
that the outer edges of members 112, 114 can be secured or mounted
with respect to one another via a variety of securement or mounting
techniques (e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, adhering, gluing,
etc.).
[0063] At least a portion of the left side, right side and bottom
side of the outer edges of the members 112, 114 are
secured/stitched together to form the recess/cavity. In certain
embodiments, at least a portion of the outer edges of the top side
of members 112, 114 are also secured/stitched together to form the
recess/cavity.
[0064] In certain embodiments, after the members 112, 114 are
secured together to form the cavity, an outer trim portion 126 (or
portions 126) is mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the
outer edges of members 112, 114 to provide a finished look to
assembly 100, and to reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter
of the assembly 100. In exemplary embodiments, outer trim portion
126 is fabricated from neoprene or the like.
[0065] In certain embodiments, an opening can be provided/machined
through front housing member 112 to provide access to the cavity.
Insert member assembly 100 can include a flap or cover member 116.
Similar to members 112, 114, flap member 116 can be fabricated from
a variety of materials (e.g., neoprene). In exemplary embodiments,
flap member 116 is configured and dimensioned to cover, at least in
part, the opening to the recess/cavity of assembly 100, when flap
member 116 is in the closed position. When flap member 116 is in
the open position, the opening to the recess/cavity is accessible
to a user (e.g., to insert an inner insert member 122 into the
cavity). In exemplary embodiments, flap member 116 is mounted with
respect to the front side of member 112. It is noted, however, that
flap member 116 can be mounted with respect to assembly at a
variety of suitable positions (e.g., to member 114, 112, etc.).
[0066] In exemplary embodiments, member 112 includes a strap member
121 mounted with respect to member 112 (e.g., and/or to trim
portion 126). Strap member 121 allows a user to releasably fasten
or secure flap member 116 to member 112 and to at least partially
enclose the cavity (and the cover opening), when desired by the
user. It is noted that in lieu of, or in addition to strap member
121, assembly 100 could also include fastener members or the like
on members 112, 116 to allow a user to releasably fasten or secure
flap member 116 to member 112. Secured flap member 116 also
facilitates assembly 100 to house/contain inner insert member 122
(when desired) within the cavity.
[0067] In certain embodiments, the top side of the inner base
member includes a pocket or slit or the like. In general, the
pocket is configured and dimensioned to at least partially house
and/or contain items of the user. In exemplary embodiments, the top
portions of members 112 and/or 114 include an opening or slit that
is configured and dimensioned to be releasably secured together
(e.g., via velcro or fastener members or the like) to cover,
conceal and/or hide the pocket from view when secured together (and
to allow user access to the pocket when un-secured or opened).
[0068] In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one
or more inner insert member 122 in the cavity of assembly 100
(e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly
100 that includes member(s) 122, and/or to provide the user with
different looks/styles via assembly 100 that includes member(s)
122). When flap member 116 is secured to member 112, the secured
flap member 116 at least partially covers/houses/contains/conceals
the inner insert member(s) 122 (when desired) within the cavity.
Similar to the inner base member, each inner insert member 122 can
be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., cross-linked
polyethylene foam), and each can be shaped/sized in various
different sizes, dimensions, widths, depths, lengths, etc.
[0069] In certain embodiments, assembly 100 includes at least one
eyelet tab member 134. In exemplary embodiments, assembly 100
includes two eyelet tab members 134, each member 134 secured or
mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the left and right sides)
of assembly 100 (e.g., mounted with respect to members 112, 114
and/or portion 126). In certain embodiments, each member 134
includes a protruding section 136 that protrudes or extends from
the outer edge of the assembly, and an aperture or eyelet 138
positioned proximal to the distal end of the protruding section
136. Each member can be positioned a pre-determined distance from
the top side of the inner base member 120. In exemplary
embodiments, each protruding section 136 of each member 134 is
fabricated from fabric or the like, and each aperture 138 is
fabricated from a metal eyelet or the like.
[0070] In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly 100 in
each shoe 15 is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style,
and/or as a place to house/hold the user's items. As noted above,
some users prefer to leave their shoe laces untied or loosely
laced/tied so that they do not have to tie (or tightly tie) their
laces. The advantageous assemblies 100 of the present disclosure
allow users to do this by adding extra thickness between the shoe
tongue and the user's foot, thereby creating more cushion which
minimizes creases in the shoe tongue as well as helps alleviate the
extra (undesired) length of the shoe laces.
[0071] The assemblies 100 provide users with multiple styling looks
(e.g., bow-tie, knotted-tie, laced-out, etc.). One of the ways
users can style their shoe 15 is by simply sliding in the assembly
100 within the shoe 15 (assembly 100 with or without member(s) 122
positioned therein), and positioning the assembly 100 between the
top of the foot and underneath the tongue of the shoe 15.
[0072] While lacing up the shoes 15, the user can also further
secure the assembly 100 by lacing the shoelaces of the shoe 15
in/through the eyelets 138 of the eyelet tab members 134 at the
desired placement relative to the shoe 15 and/or on the top part of
the foot. Once the assemblies 100 are in the desired
place/position, the user can adjust and style their shoelaces
accordingly. The use of assembly 100 provides the shoe 15 a stress
free look with zero to few crease marks that can be caused by
tightly tied shoelace string. They also provide a comfortable and
proportionate look and feel as the user ties a bow tie with their
laces, if desired.
[0073] Some other styling options the assemblies 100 offer is
through the use of the inner insert members 122. As noted, a user
may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member 122 in
the cavity of assembly 100 (e.g., to provide the user with extra
cushion or space via assembly 100 that includes member(s) 122,
and/or to provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly
100 that includes member(s) 122). In general, each user-selected
(and optional/removable) inner insert member 122 is configured and
dimensioned to be inserted into/within assembly 100 (e.g.,
into/within the cavity of assembly 100).
[0074] In general, each inner insert member 122 slides into the
cavity from a position proximal to the top side of member 112
(e.g., via the opening). The inner insert members 122 allow for
even more cushion space between the top of the user's foot and the
tongue of the shoe 15. For example, the extra space can allow for
the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to
achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out styling looks. Some advantages
for utilizing assemblies 100 is to achieve multiple shoe style
looks, and/or to create a platform where users/consumers can
accessorize with their favorite or complementary colors.
[0075] In another embodiment, an assembly can be similar to
assembly 100 discussed above, except that the assembly 100 includes
the distal portion of member 112 and 114 folded upwards toward the
top side of assembly 100, and mounted with respect to member
112.
[0076] Turning now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated another
embodiment of an insert member assembly 300 according to the
present disclosure. The insert member assembly 300 may be
structurally and functionally similar to the assembly 10 and/or
100/200 discussed above, with some differences.
[0077] Similar to assembly 10 and 100/200, exemplary insert member
assembly 300 is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable
insert member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be
inserted in a shoe 15 worn by a user. In general, insert member
assembly 300 includes a front (outer) housing member 312 and a rear
(outer) housing member 314. Housing members 312, 314 can be
fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., neoprene). Insert
member assembly 300 also includes inner base member 320. Inner base
member 320 can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g.,
cross-linked polyethylene foam).
[0078] In exemplary embodiments, during fabrication of insert
member assembly 300, the inner base member 320 is machined/cut to
the desired shape, and then at least a portion of the rear side of
the inner base member 320 is positioned or mounted with respect to
at least a portion of the front/inner side of the rear housing
member 314. The rear/inner side of the front housing member 312 is
then positioned over at least a portion of the base member 320.
[0079] At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing
member 312 and the rear housing member 314 are then secured or
mounted with respect to one another to form a recess or cavity
(obscured--similar to cavity 24) between the rear/inner side of the
front housing member 312 and the front side of the inner base
member 320. As such, the inner base member 320 is sandwiched
between the housing members 312, 314, and portions of the outer
edges of the base members 312, 314 are secured together around a
portion of the perimeter of the inner base member 320 to form a
recess or cavity between the rear/inner side of the front housing
member 312 and the front side of the inner base member 320. At
least a portion of the left side, right side and bottom side of the
outer edges of the members 312, 314 are secured/stitched together
to form the recess/cavity. In certain embodiments, at least a
portion of the outer edges of the top side of members 312, 314 are
also secured/stitched together to form the recess/cavity. After the
members 312, 314 are secured together to form the cavity, an outer
trim portion 326 is mounted with respect to the outer edges of
members 312, 314 to provide a finished look to assembly 300, and to
reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly
300.
[0080] An opening can be provided/machined through front housing
member 312 to provide access to the cavity. Insert member assembly
300 can include a flap or cover member 316. Flap member 316 is
configured and dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening
to the recess/cavity of assembly 300, when flap member 316 is in
the closed position. When flap member 316 is in the open position,
the opening to the recess/cavity is accessible to a user (e.g., to
insert an inner insert member into the cavity). In exemplary
embodiments, flap member 316 is mounted with respect to the front
side of member 312. It is noted that flap member 316 can be mounted
with respect to assembly 300 at a variety of suitable positions. In
some embodiments, flap member 316 is configured to be releasably
fastened to member 312 via fastener member 330.
[0081] In certain embodiments, the top side of inner base member
320 includes a pocket or slit 328 or the like. In general, pocket
328 is configured and dimensioned to at least partially house
and/or contain items of the user. In exemplary embodiments, flap
member 316 is configured to cover, conceal and/or hide pocket 328
from view when secured to member 312.
[0082] In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one
or more inner insert member (e.g., similar to member 22, 122 or
222) in the cavity of assembly 300. When flap member 316 is secured
to/positioned against member 312, the flap member 316 at least
partially covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert
member(s) within the cavity.
[0083] In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly 300 in
each shoe 15 is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style,
and/or as a place to house/hold the user's items, as similarly
discussed above.
[0084] Turning now to FIGS. 10-15, there is illustrated another
embodiment of an insert member assembly 400' according to the
present disclosure. The insert member assembly 400' may be
structurally and functionally similar to the assembly 10 and/or
100/200/300 discussed above, with some differences.
[0085] Similar to assembly 10, exemplary insert member assembly
400' is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert
member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted
in a shoe 15 worn by a user (e.g., FIGS. 8-9). It is noted that
insert member assembly 400' can take a variety of
forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a variety of
purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments and as discussed further
below, insert member assembly 400' is fabricated from one or more
materials (e.g., neoprene, polyester, polyester mesh, thermoplastic
polyurethane (TPU), and/or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)), and can
be utilized as a shoe insert and/or fashion accessory or the
like.
[0086] In certain embodiments, insert member assembly 400' includes
a front housing member 412 and a rear housing member 414. As
further discussed below, housing members 412, 414 can be fabricated
from a variety of materials. For example, it is noted that housing
members 412, 414 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable
materials or combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material,
polymer material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material,
natural material, plant-based material, rubber, foam, flexible
material, etc.).
[0087] Exemplary insert member assembly 400' can also include inner
member 420. As discussed below, inner member 420 can be fabricated
from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from ethylene
vinyl acetate (EVA), polyester mesh and/or polyester or the like,
although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, it
is noted that inner member 420 can be fabricated from a variety of
suitable materials or combinations of materials (e.g., plastic
material, polymer material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic
material, natural material, plant-based material, rubber, neoprene,
flexible material, etc.). As discussed further below, it is noted
that assembly 400' need not include inner member 420, and/or inner
member 420 can be a separate and independent member that is
optionally insertable/removable to/from members 412, 414 (e.g.,
cavity 424).
[0088] In certain embodiments, during fabrication of insert member
assembly 400', the rear/inner side of the front housing member 412
is positioned over at least a portion of the rear housing member
414.
[0089] At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing
member 412 and the rear housing member 414 are then secured or
mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the
like) to form a recess or cavity 424 between the rear/inner side of
the front housing member 412 and the front side of the rear housing
member 414. Stated another way, portions of the outer edges of the
housing members 412, 414 are secured together (e.g., stitched
together) to form a recess or cavity 424 between the rear/inner
side of the front housing member 412 and the front side of the rear
housing member 414. It is noted that the outer edges of members
412, 414 can be secured or mounted with respect to one another via
a variety of securement or mounting techniques (e.g., stitching,
sewing, bonding, adhering, gluing, etc.).
[0090] In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the left
side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members
412, 414 are secured/stitched together to form recess/cavity
424.
[0091] In certain embodiments, after the members 412, 414 are
secured together to form cavity 424, an outer trim portion 426 (or
portions 426) is mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the
outer edges of members 412, 414 to provide a finished look to
assembly 400', and to reinforce the mounted/stitched outer
perimeter of the assembly 400'. In exemplary embodiments, outer
trim portion 426 is fabricated from neoprene or the like, although
the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, insert member assembly 400' can include
a flap or cover member 416. Flap member 416 can be fabricated from
a variety of materials (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane). In
exemplary embodiments, flap member 416 is configured and
dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to
recess/cavity 424 of assembly 400', when flap member 416 and/or
member 414 is in the closed position. When flap member 416 and/or
member 414 is in the open position, the opening to recess/cavity
424 is accessible to a user (e.g., to insert items in cavity 424,
and/or to insert an inner insert member 422 into cavity 424, as
discussed further below).
[0093] In certain embodiments, during fabrication of assembly 400',
at least a portion of the bottom side of the flap member 416 is
positioned or mounted with respect to the top side of the front
housing member 412.
[0094] The flap member 416 can be mounted with respect to members
412, 414 at various positions. For example, at least a portion of
the outer edge of the flap member 416 can be mounted with respect
to at least a portion of the outer edges of members 412, 414 (e.g.,
via stitching). Additionally, outer trim portion 426 can be mounted
with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of flap member
416 (and members 412, 414) to provide a finished look to assembly
400', and to reinforce the outer perimeter of flap member 416. It
is noted that flap member 416 could be a continuous section and/or
integral with member 412.
[0095] In exemplary embodiments, flap member 416 includes a
fastener member 430 (e.g., positioned on the rear side of flap
member 416), and the outer portion of rear housing member 414
includes a corresponding fastener member 432 (FIG. 11). Fastener
members 430, 432 can be Velcro (e.g., hook and loop fasteners), or
buttons or clips or the like, or zippers, or any other suitable
fastener members (e.g., strap, knobs/recesses, etc.). Fastener
members 430, 432 allow a user to releasably fasten or secure flap
member 416 to member 414 and to at least partially enclose cavity
424 (FIG. 11), when desired by the user.
[0096] Secured flap member 416 with member 414 also facilitates
assembly 400' to house/contain inner member 420 and/or inner insert
member 422 (when desired) within cavity 424.
[0097] In certain embodiments, the front side (or rear side) of
inner member 420 includes a pocket or slit 428 or the like. In
general, pocket 428 is configured and dimensioned to at least
partially house and/or contain items of the user (e.g., money,
keys, personal items, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, when flap
member 416 is secured to member 414 (e.g., via fastener members
430, 432), the secured flap member 416 advantageously covers,
conceals and/or hides the inserted inner member 420 and its pocket
428 (and its contents) from view (e.g., within cavity 424).
[0098] In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one
or more inner insert member 422 (in addition to and/or in lieu of
inner member 420) in cavity 424 of assembly 400' (e.g., to provide
the user with extra cushion or space via assembly 400' that
includes member(s) 422, and/or to provide the user with different
looks/styles via assembly 400' that includes member(s) 422). In
exemplary embodiments, when flap member 416 is secured to member
414 (e.g., via fastener members 430, 432), the secured flap member
416 advantageously at least partially
covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s) 422
(when desired) within cavity 424. Similar to inner member 420, each
inner insert member 422 can be fabricated from a variety of
materials (e.g., EVA and/or polyester), and each can be
shaped/sized in various different sizes, dimensions, widths,
depths, lengths, etc.
[0099] In some embodiments, assembly 400' includes at least one
eyelet tab member (e.g., similar to member 34). In exemplary
embodiments, assembly 400' includes two eyelet tab members, each
eyelet tab member secured or mounted with respect to each side
(e.g., the left and right sides) of assembly 400' (e.g., mounted
with respect to members 412, 414 and/or portion 426). In certain
embodiments, each eyelet tab member includes a protruding section
that protrudes or extends from the outer edge of the assembly 400',
and an aperture or eyelet positioned proximal to the distal end of
the protruding section. In exemplary embodiments, each protruding
section of each eyelet tab member is fabricated from fabric or the
like, and each aperture/eyelet is fabricated from a metal eyelet or
the like. Assembly 400' may also include a slit/opening for each
eyelet tab member, as similarly discussed above (e.g., similar to
opening 40).
[0100] Some options the assemblies 400' offer is through the use of
the optional inner members 420 and/or inner insert members 422. As
noted, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert
member 422 (in addition to and/or in lieu of inner member 420) in
cavity 424 of assembly 400'. In general, each user-selected (and
optional/removable) inner insert member 422 (and the
optional/removable inner member 420) is configured and dimensioned
to be inserted into/within assembly 400' (e.g., into/within cavity
424 of assembly 400').
[0101] In general, each inner insert member 422 slides into the
cavity 424 from the top side. The inner insert members 422 allow
for even more cushion space between the top of the user's foot and
the tongue of the shoe 15. For example, the extra space can allow
for the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to
achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out styling looks. Some advantages
for utilizing assemblies 400' is to achieve multiple shoe style
looks, and/or to create a platform where users/consumers can
accessorize with their favorite or complementary colors.
[0102] In an embodiment and as depicted in FIG. 15, assembly 400'
may include eyelet tab members 434' having protruding sections 436'
that protrude/extend from the outer edge of the assembly 400'. In
exemplary embodiments, each protruding section 436' is fabricated
from beading cord elastic or the like. This material has low
visibility to the user and is stretchable. Thus, it can stretch to
accommodate a wide range of shoe/foot widths when assembly 400' is
secured to a shoe 15 (e.g., with shoelaces positioned within the
aperture defined by each protruding section 436'). In general, each
member 434' is secured or mounted with respect to each side (e.g.,
the left and right sides) of assembly 400' (e.g., mounted with
respect to members 412, 414 and/or portion 426).
[0103] In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly 400' in
each shoe 15 is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style,
and/or as a place to house/hold the user's items, as similarly
discussed above.
[0104] Still referring to FIGS. 10-15, the assembly 400' can be
constructed by a bottom layer of neoprene 414 and a top layer 412,
which includes a TPU (416) and polyester mesh material (412). The
polyester mesh (412) can be stitched to the TPU material (416),
constructing the top layer (412 and 416) of the assembly 400'. The
top 412 and bottom layer 414 are held together by a neoprene
material 426, which is used as trim, covering the outer edges. Once
the assembly 400' is formed, Velcro 432 is glued and/or stitched on
the outer top of the neoprene material 414. The corresponding piece
of Velcro 430 is then glued/stitched on the inner bottom of the TPU
material 416. The Velcro 430, 432 is used to secure the neoprene
flap 414 closed. Also, two small tabs composed of synthetic fibers
are stitched on each side near the middle (under the neoprene trim
426). At the end of each tab, a metal eyelet is placed. The eyelet
is used to position and lace the assembly 400' securely to the shoe
15.
[0105] The pocket insert pad 420 (inner member 420) is constructed
with an EVA material used as a base. The EVA material is then
enclosed in polyester. On the topside of 420 is a layer of
polyester mesh covering about 2/3rds of the pocket insert pad 420.
This layer of polyester mesh constructs a pocket/pouch 428 used to
store small personal items. A final phase to completing the pocket
insert pad 420 is to cover the polyester and polyester mesh outer
edges with a neoprene trim 426.
[0106] The small insert pad 422 (inner insert member 422) is
constructed with an EVA material used as a base. The EVA material
is then enclosed in a polyester material. The outer edges of the
polyester material is then covered with a neoprene trim 426.
[0107] Assemblies 400' provide style, and also many benefits,
including comfort and functionability.
[0108] Style--The use of assembly 400' minimizes the stress creases
around the shoes 15, especially on the top of the shoe near the
eye-let holes. The extra cushion provided by utilized assembly 400'
also gives the option to lace and tie the shoelaces with at least
three different styles: (i) laced-out, (ii) knotted-tie and (iii)
classic bow tie. Also, by adjusting what eyelet the user chooses to
position the assembly 400' in the shoe 15, the user has the option
to style and coordinate the laces and the style of the shoe
tongue.
[0109] Comfort--Having an extra cushion (e.g., assembly 400') on
top of the users shoes 15 decreases the pressure point caused by
tightly tied shoelaces. Also, while wearing shoes without socks,
assembly 400' reduces the pressure points above the toes of the
user. This creates less irritation and friction near the top of the
toes.
[0110] Function--Assembly 400' also provides a secure location to
store or hide small personal items such as keys, money, USB flash
drive, driver's license/credit card, small jewelry, etc. The user
has the option to store or hide your small items either in the
pocket insert pads 420 or cavity 424 (FIGS. 12-13).
[0111] In general, there is not a wrong way to wear assembly 400'.
A user can wear/utilize assembly 400' based on the user's desired
fashion style and accessories, which is encouraged. The user has
the option to lace the assembly 400' in using the eyelet tabs 434',
or the user can simply tuck in the eyelet tabs inside the housing
for a quick fit after placing the assembly 400' on top of the foot
and under the shoe tongue. The pocket insert 420 and small insert
422 provide the ability to achieve a desired thickness, based on
style and comfort.
[0112] The pocket insert pad 420 provides a pocket/pouch 428 to
store or hide small personal items securely. Also, pad 420 provides
extra cushion to adjust the comfort and style options.
[0113] The small insert pads 422 provide additional ability to
adjust the thickness inside the assembly 400'. The extra cushion
gives multiple options to achieve different shoelace styling
looks.
[0114] The eyelet tabs 434' secure the assembly 400' in the desired
position inside the shoe 15.
[0115] The eyelet housing can store the eyelet tabs inside the
assembly 400' to eliminate any discomfort (e.g., while wearing
shoes 15 that come with straps instead of shoelaces).
[0116] Turning now to FIGS. 16-22, there is illustrated another
embodiment of an insert member assembly 500 according to the
present disclosure. The insert member assembly 500 may be
structurally and functionally similar to the assembly 10 and/or
100/300/400' discussed above, with some differences.
[0117] Similar to assembly 400', exemplary insert member assembly
500 is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert
member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted
in a shoe 15 worn by a user (e.g., FIGS. 21-22). It is noted that
insert member assembly 500 can take a variety of
forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a variety of
purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments, insert member assembly 500
can be fabricated from one or more materials (e.g., neoprene,
polyester, polyester mesh, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)), and can be utilized as a shoe insert
and/or fashion accessory or the like.
[0118] Exemplary insert member assembly 500 includes a front
housing member 512 and a rear housing member 514. In general,
housing members 512, 514 can be fabricated from a variety of
materials. For example, it is noted that housing members 512, 514
can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or
combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer
material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural
material, plant-based material, rubber, foam, flexible material,
etc.).
[0119] In certain embodiments, during fabrication of insert member
assembly 500, the rear/inner side of the front housing member 512
is positioned over at least a portion of the rear housing member
514.
[0120] At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing
member 512 and the rear housing member 514 are then secured or
mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the
like) to form a recess or cavity 524 between the rear/inner side of
the front housing member 512 and the front side of the rear housing
member 514. Stated another way, portions of the outer edges of the
housing members 512, 514 are secured together (e.g., stitched
together) to form a recess or cavity 524 between the rear/inner
side of the front housing member 512 and the front side of the rear
housing member 514. It is noted that the outer edges of members
512, 514 can be secured or mounted with respect to one another via
a variety of securement or mounting techniques (e.g., stitching,
sewing, bonding, adhering, gluing, etc.).
[0121] In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the left
side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members
512, 514 are secured/stitched together to form recess/cavity
524.
[0122] In certain embodiments, after the members 512, 514 are
secured together to form cavity 524, an outer trim portion (e.g.,
similar to neoprene portions 426 above) can be mounted with respect
to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of members 512, 514 to
provide a finished look to assembly 500, and to reinforce the
mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly 500.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 16, insert member assembly 500 can include
a flap or cover member 516. Flap member 516 can be fabricated from
a variety of materials (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane). In
exemplary embodiments, flap member 516 is configured and
dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to
recess/cavity 524 of assembly 500, when flap member 516 and/or
member 514 are in the closed position. When flap member 516 and/or
member 514 are in the open position, the opening to recess/cavity
524 is accessible to a user (e.g., to insert items in cavity 524,
and/or to insert an inner insert member 522 into cavity 524, as
discussed further below).
[0124] In certain embodiments, during fabrication of assembly 500,
at least a portion of the bottom side of the flap member 516 is
positioned or mounted with respect to the top side of the front
housing member 512.
[0125] The flap member 516 can be mounted with respect to members
512, 514 at various positions. For example, at least a portion of
the outer edge of the flap member 516 can be mounted with respect
to at least a portion of the outer edges of members 512, 514 (e.g.,
via stitching). Additionally, and outer trim portion can be mounted
with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of flap member
516 (and members 512, 514) to provide a finished look to assembly
500, and to reinforce the outer perimeter of flap member 516. It is
noted that flap member 516 could be a continuous section and/or
integral with member 512.
[0126] In exemplary embodiments, flap member 516 includes a
fastener member 530 (e.g., positioned on the rear side of flap
member 516), and the outer portion of rear housing member 514
includes a corresponding fastener member 532 (FIG. 19). Fastener
members 530, 532 can be Velcro (e.g., hook and loop fasteners), or
buttons or clips or the like, or zippers, or any other suitable
fastener members (e.g., strap, knobs/recesses, etc.). Fastener
members 530, 532 allow a user to releasably fasten or secure flap
member 516 to member 514 and to at least partially enclose cavity
524 (FIG. 18), when desired by the user.
[0127] Secured flap member 516 with member 514 also facilitates
assembly 500 to house/contain inner insert member 522 (when
desired) or other items within cavity 524.
[0128] In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one
or more inner insert member 522 in cavity 524 of assembly 500
(e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly
500 that includes member(s) 522, and/or to provide the user with
different looks/styles via assembly 500 that includes member(s)
522). In exemplary embodiments, when flap member 516 is secured to
member 514 (e.g., via fastener members 530, 532), the secured flap
member 516 advantageously at least partially
covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s) 522
(when desired) within cavity 524. Each inner insert member 522 can
be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., a gel-pack
material or the like), and each can be shaped/sized in various
different sizes, dimensions, widths, depths, lengths, etc.
[0129] Some options the assemblies 500 offer is through the use of
the optional inner insert members 522. As noted, a user may wish to
insert/position one or more inner insert member 522 in cavity 524.
In general, each user-selected (and optional/removable) inner
insert member 522 is configured and dimensioned to be inserted
into/within assembly 500 (e.g., into/within cavity 524 of assembly
500).
[0130] In general, each inner insert member 522 slides into the
cavity 524 from the top side/end. The inner insert members 522
allow for even more cushion space between the top of the user's
foot and the tongue of the shoe 15 (FIGS. 21-22). For example, the
extra space/bulk can allow for the use of less shoelace string,
thereby enabling the user to achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out
styling looks. Some advantages for utilizing assemblies 500 is to
achieve multiple shoe style looks, and/or to create a platform
where users/consumers can accessorize with their favorite or
complementary colors.
[0131] In exemplary embodiments, assembly 500 includes eyelet tab
members 534 having protruding sections 536 that protrude/extend
from the outer edge of the assembly 500. In exemplary embodiments,
each protruding section 536 is fabricated from beading cord elastic
or the like (e.g., elastic band/cord eyelet protruding sections
536). This material has low visibility to the user and is
stretchable. Thus, it can stretch to accommodate a wide range of
shoe/foot widths when assembly 500 is secured to a shoe 15, as
discussed further below (e.g., and optionally with shoelaces 13 of
shoe 15 positioned within the aperture 537 defined by each
protruding section 536). In general, each member 534 is secured or
mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the left and right sides)
of assembly 500 (e.g., mounted with respect to members 512, 514
and/or 516).
[0132] In exemplary embodiments, each protruding section 536 of
each eyelet tab member 534 includes a toggle or securement member
555 (e.g., a rod-like metal toggle/securement member 536) mounted
or secured thereon. In general, when assembly 500 is mounted to
shoe 15 (FIGS. 21-22), each toggle/securement member 555 is
configured and dimensioned to be pushed through a desired shoelace
hole 19 of shoe 15, for securing assembly 500 underneath tongue 23
of shoe 15 (e.g., to secure members 512, 514 and/or 516 underneath
tongue 23--FIG. 22). As noted above, when assembly 500 is secured
to shoe 15 (e.g., via toggle members 555 positioned through
user-selected holes 19), a user may also optionally position
shoelaces 13 of shoe 15 within/through the apertures 537 defined by
each protruding section 536 and out/in each hole 19, for further
securement purposes of assembly 500 to shoe 15.
[0133] In exemplary embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 16, 17, 21
and 22, the front side of assembly 500 (e.g., member 512) includes
one or more strap members 557 (e.g., elastic strap members 557). In
general, each strap member 557 is secured/mounted to a first/left
side of member 512 and to a second/right side of member 512, and
extends from the first/left side of member 512 to the second/right
side of member 512 (or member 516).
[0134] In general, at least a portion of each strap member 557 is
configured and dimensioned to be positioned above tongue 23 to
facilitate securement of assembly 500 to shoe 15 (FIGS. 21-22).
[0135] In exemplary embodiments, during securement of assembly 500
to shoe 15, a user may position each strap member 557 above tongue
23, and position members 512, 514 and/or 516 underneath tongue 23
and above the user's foot (FIGS. 21-22). A user may then push/move
each toggle/securement member 555 through a desired shoelace hole
19 of shoe 15 (FIG. 22), to further secure assembly 500 to shoe 15
(e.g., to secure members 512, 514 and/or 516 underneath tongue 23).
In this position, a user may also optionally position shoelaces 13
of shoe 15 within/through the apertures 537 defined by each
protruding section 536 and out/in each hole 19, for further
securement purposes of assembly 500 to shoe 15.
[0136] In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly 500 in
each shoe 15 is to provide shoes 15 with improved comfort and
style, and/or as a place to house/hold the user's items (e.g.,
housed/concealed within cavity 524), as similarly discussed
above.
[0137] As such, assembly 500 can function as a shoe tongue pad that
provides the ability to adjust the thickness/bulk between the top
of the user's foot and under the shoe tongue 23. By having the
option to adjust the thickness/bulk, it is advantageously possible
to fashion and style shoelaces 13 depending on the shoelace length.
As the tongue thickens/bulks up with assembly 500 in place (FIG.
22), the shoelace shortens at the terminal ends (e.g., less
dangling of laces through proximal holes 19). The features of
assembly 500 (e.g., toggles 555, straps 557 and gel packs 522) are
strategically placed and attached to ensure comfort and
cohesiveness to the user of shoe 15.
[0138] Whereas the disclosure has been described principally in
connection with insert member insert member assemblies for footwear
(e.g., shoes), such description has been utilized only for purposes
of disclosure and is not intended as limiting the disclosure. To
the contrary, it is to be recognized that the disclosed insert
members/assemblies are capable of use for many other user-friendly
purposes (e.g., inserted into pockets or the like, utilized as a
wallet or hand-held carrier or the like, etc.).
[0139] Although the systems and methods of the present disclosure
have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments
thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary
embodiments and/or implementations. Rather, the systems and methods
of the present disclosure are susceptible to many implementations
and applications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in
the art from the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure
expressly encompasses such modifications, enhancements and/or
variations of the disclosed embodiments. Since many changes could
be made in the above construction and many widely different
embodiments of this disclosure could be made without departing from
the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the
drawings and specification shall be interpreted as illustrative and
not in a limiting sense. Additional modifications, changes, and
substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure.
Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be
construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the
disclosure.
* * * * *