U.S. patent application number 15/964277 was filed with the patent office on 2018-08-30 for customizable shoe.
The applicant listed for this patent is VIDA SHOES INTERNATIONAL INC.. Invention is credited to Lawrence ARIN.
Application Number | 20180242680 15/964277 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59630830 |
Filed Date | 2018-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180242680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ARIN; Lawrence |
August 30, 2018 |
CUSTOMIZABLE SHOE
Abstract
A shoe system includes a sole and a shoe upper connected with
the sole. A gap is disposed between a first upper portion and a
second upper portion. The shoe system also includes a first
permanent connector permanently connected to the first upper
portion; a second permanent connector permanently connected to the
second upper portion, and a removable and printable connector strap
connectable with the shoe upper. First and second releasable
connector portions of the removable and printable connector strap
are releasably connectable with the first and second permanent
connectors, respectively.
Inventors: |
ARIN; Lawrence; (New York,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VIDA SHOES INTERNATIONAL INC. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59630830 |
Appl. No.: |
15/964277 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15052453 |
Feb 24, 2016 |
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15964277 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/12 20130101;
A43B 23/0245 20130101; A43C 11/1493 20130101; A43B 3/0078 20130101;
A43B 23/021 20130101; A43B 3/06 20130101; A43B 13/04 20130101; A43B
1/0081 20130101; A43B 23/0215 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101; A43B
3/242 20130101; A43B 13/223 20130101; A43B 3/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24; A43C 11/14 20060101 A43C011/14; A43B 3/00 20060101
A43B003/00; A43B 23/02 20060101 A43B023/02; A43B 13/12 20060101
A43B013/12; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04; A43B 23/24 20060101
A43B023/24; A43B 13/22 20060101 A43B013/22 |
Claims
1. A shoe system, comprising: a sole; a shoe upper connected with
the sole, the shoe upper including a first upper portion and a
second upper portion, wherein a gap is disposed between the first
upper portion and the second upper portion; a tongue below the shoe
upper and at least partially spanning the gap between the first
upper portion and the second upper portion; a first permanent
connector positioned on the first upper portion, the first
permanent connector being permanently connected to the first upper
portion; a second permanent connector positioned on the second
upper portion, the second permanent connector being permanently
connected to the second upper portion; a removable and printable
connector strap connectable with the shoe upper, the removable and
printable connector strap comprising a first releasable connector
portion and a second releasable connector portion, the first
releasable connector portion being releasably connectable with the
first permanent connector, and the second releasable connector
portion being releasably connectable with the second permanent
connector, wherein at least one of the first releasable connector
portion and the second releasable connector portion of the
removable and printable connector strap is configured to be
selectively adjustably connectable with the corresponding first
permanent connector and/or second permanent connector of the shoe
upper so as to span the gap between the first upper portion and the
second upper portion and allow adjustment of the shoe upper around
a wearer's foot.
2. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the first releasable
connector portion and the second releasable connector portion
comprise spaced regions on a continuous hook or loop strip of
material disposed on the removable and printable connector
strap.
3. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the first releasable
connector portion and the second releasable connector portion
comprise spaced, discrete first and second portions of hook or loop
strip material disposed on the removable and printable connector
strap.
4. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the first permanent
connector comprises a portion of hook or loop material permanently
connected to the first upper portion and the second permanent
connector comprises a portion of hook or loop material permanently
connected to the second upper portion, and wherein the first
releasable connector portion comprises a hook or loop material
releasably connectable with the hook or loop material of the first
permanent connector, and the second releasable connector portion
comprises a hook or loop material releasably connectable with the
hook or loop material of the second permanent connector.
5. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the first permanent
connector comprises a portion of hook or loop material permanently
connected to the first upper portion and the second permanent
connector comprises a ring through which the removable and
printable connector strap passes.
6. The shoe system of claim 5, wherein a first portion of the
removable and printable connector strap comprises a hook or loop
material forming the first releasable connector portion, and
wherein a second portion of the removable and printable connector
strap comprises a hook or loop material forming the second
releasable connector portion, and wherein the second portion is
constructed and arranged to pass through the ring and folded back
over itself to capture the ring therebetween such that the ring is
releasably connected to the second portion.
7. The shoe system of claim 6, wherein the second portion is
constructed and arranged to pass through the ring and folded back
over itself such that at least a portion of the second portion is
releasably connected to at least a portion of the first portion so
as to secure the second portion in its folded back
configuration.
8. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap has a width in the leg to toe direction of at least
7/8 inch.
9. The shoe system of claim 8, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap has a width in the leg to toe direction of at least
11/8 inches.
10. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap has a width in the leg to toe direction between 7/8
and 21/2 inches.
11. The shoe system of claim 8, wherein an outwardly facing surface
of the removable and printable connector strap has a width of at
least 1 inch that is devoid of stitching.
12. The shoe system of claim 8, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap is devoid of any holes therethrough from a first
side thereof to a second side thereof.
13. The shoe system of claim 8, wherein the shoe system is devoid
of laces, and wherein the removable and printable connector strap
is adjustably connected to the first permanent connector to adjust
the gap between the first upper portion and the second upper
portion and hence the tightness of the shoe system on a wearers
foot.
14. The shoe system of claim 8, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap has a length in the side to side shoe direction of
at least 4.5 inches.
15. The shoe system of claim 8, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap has a thickness between 1/8 and 5/32 inches.
16. The shoe system of claim 15, wherein the removable and
printable connector strap is devoid of openings or gaps
therethrough.
17. The shoe system of claim 8, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap includes padding material positioned between the
first and second sides of the removable and printable connector
strap.
18. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein indicia are printed on an
outwardly facing surface of the removable and printable connector
strap.
19. The shoe system of claim 18, wherein the indicia are printed
using a screen printing procedure, a dye sublimation printing
procedure or a heat or thermal transfer printing procedure.
20. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
permanent connectors are sewn to the first and second upper
portions, respectively.
21. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the first upper portion and
the second upper portion of the shoe upper have edge portions,
wherein at least a portion of the first permanent connector of the
first upper portion is positioned at a predetermined distance from
the edge portion of the first upper portion, and wherein at least a
portion of the second permanent connector of the second upper
portion is positioned at a predetermined distance from the edge
portion of the second upper portion.
22. The shoe system of claim 21, where the predetermined distance
is at least 1.0 inch.
23. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein the removable and printable
connector strap includes no folds therein when the removable and
printable connector strap is removed from being attached from the
shoe system.
24. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a length of the
removable and printable connector strap in a side to side shoe
direction to a length of the shoe system in a leg to toe direction
generally ranges between 0.58 and 1.22.
25. The shoe system of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a width of the
removable and printable connector strap in a leg to toe direction
to a length of the shoe system in the leg to toe direction
generally ranges between 0.144 and 0.28.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/052,453, filed Feb. 24, 2016. The contents
of the '453 patent application are incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety. Such incorporation by reference should be
understood to include, but not be limited to, each of the claims as
originally filed in the '453 patent application. The inventions
specifically contemplated by the present patent application include
those disclosed herein, as well as those specifically claimed in
the aforesaid '453 patent application that has been incorporated by
reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The present patent application relates to shoe footwear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A shoe system generally includes a sole for supporting a
foot of a wearer, and an upper that is secured to the sole.
Customized shoes can be very expensive or difficult to manufacture.
There is a need for a customizable shoe system that is
cost-effective, and that does not lose functionality, fit and/or
comfort.
[0004] The present patent application provides improvements to the
shoe systems.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the present patent application provides a shoe
system. The shoe system includes a sole and a shoe upper connected
with the sole. The shoe upper includes a first upper portion and a
second upper portion, wherein a gap is disposed between the first
upper portion and the second upper portion. The shoe system also
includes a tongue below the shoe upper and at least partially
spanning the gap between the first upper portion and the second
upper portion. The shoe system also includes a first permanent
connector positioned on the first upper portion, the first
permanent connector being permanently connected to the first upper
portion; a second permanent connector positioned on the second
upper portion, the second permanent connector being permanently
connected to the second upper portion, and a removable and
printable connector strap connectable with the shoe upper. The
removable and printable connector strap comprises a first
releasable connector portion and a second releasable connector
portion. The first releasable connector portion is releasably
connectable with the first permanent connector, and the second
releasable connector portion is releasably connectable with the
second permanent connector. At least one of the first releasable
connector portion and the second releasable connector portion of
the removable and printable connector strap is configured to be
selectively adjustably connectable with the corresponding first
permanent connector and/or second permanent connector of the shoe
upper so as to span the gap between the first upper portion and the
second upper portion and allow adjustment of the shoe upper around
a wearer's foot.
[0006] Another embodiment provides a method of assembling a shoe
system. The method includes receiving a shoe system that has been
shipped. The shoe system includes a sole and a shoe upper connected
with the sole. The shoe upper includes a first upper portion and a
second upper portion. The shoe system also includes a first
permanent connector positioned on the first upper portion, the
first permanent connector being permanently connected to the first
upper portion; a second permanent connector positioned on the
second upper portion, the second permanent connector being
permanently connected to the second upper portion; and a removable
and printable connector strap connectable with the shoe upper. The
removable and printable connector strap comprises a first
releasable connector portion and a second releasable connector
portion, the first releasable connector portion being releasably
connectable with the first permanent connector, and the second
releasable connector portion being releasably connectable with the
second permanent connector. The method also includes positioning
the removable and printable connector strap in a printer, while the
removable and printable connector strap is entirely removed and
separated from the shoe upper and printing indicia onto the
removable and printable connection strap with the printer.
[0007] These and other aspects of the present patent application,
as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related
elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of
manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the
following description and the appended claims with reference to the
accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this
specification, wherein like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment of
the present patent application, the structural components
illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly
understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of
illustration and description only and are not intended as a
definition of the limits of the present patent application. It
shall also be appreciated that the features of one embodiment
disclosed herein can be used in other embodiments disclosed herein.
As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form
of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term "may" as used
in connection with any structural or functional attributes, will in
some embodiments have those attributes, but that such structural or
functional attributes are not required in all embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Various embodiments will now be disclosed, by way of example
only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in
which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts,
in which
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of shoe systems in
accordance with an embodiment of the present patent
application;
[0010] FIGS. 2-5 show the shoe systems of FIG. 1, wherein FIGS. 2
and 3 show a left and a right side elevational views, respectively
of a right shoe system and FIGS. 4 and 5 show a left and a right
side elevational views, respectively of the left shoe system;
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of a shoe system in
accordance with another embodiment of the present patent
application;
[0012] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a right and a left side elevational
views, respectively of a left shoe system of FIG. 6, wherein
removable and printable connector strap of the shoe system is
removed from and positioned adjacent to the shoe system, and
wherein top plan views of the removable and printable connector
strap are also shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0013] FIGS. 9 and 10 show left side perspective views of the left
shoe system of FIG. 6, wherein removable and printable connector
strap of the shoe system is removed from and positioned adjacent to
the shoe system, and FIGS. 9 and 10 also show a top and bottom plan
views, respectively of the removable and printable connector
strap;
[0014] FIG. 11 shows another front perspective view of the left
shoe system of FIG. 6;
[0015] FIG. 12 shows a right side elevational view of the shoe
system of FIG. 11, wherein removable and printable connector strap
of the shoe system is removed from and positioned adjacent to the
shoe system, and wherein a top plan view of the removable and
printable connector strap is also shown in FIG. 12;
[0016] FIG. 13 shows a right side elevational view of a left shoe
system in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
patent application, wherein removable and printable connector strap
of the left shoe system is removed from and positioned adjacent to
the shoe system, and wherein a top plan view of the removable and
printable connector strap is also shown in FIG. 13;
[0017] FIGS. 14 and 15 show a right side and a rear perspective
views, respectively of the left shoe system of FIG. 13, wherein
removable and printable connector strap of the left shoe system is
being releasably connected to the left shoe system;
[0018] FIG. 16 shows a right side elevational view of the left shoe
system of FIG. 13, wherein removable and printable connector strap
of the shoe system is removed from the shoe system;
[0019] FIG. 17 shows a method of assembling the shoe system in
accordance with an embodiment of the present patent
application;
[0020] FIGS. 18A-18D show removable and printable connector straps
for different sized shoe systems in accordance with an embodiment
of the present patent application;
[0021] FIGS. 19A-19D show removable and printable connector straps
for different sized shoe systems in accordance with another
embodiment of the present patent application;
[0022] FIGS. 20A-20D show removable and printable connector straps
for different sized shoe systems in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the present patent application; and
[0023] FIG. 21 shows a table with the shoe system sizing details in
accordance with an embodiment of the present patent
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the present patent
application discloses a shoe system 100. For example, FIG. 1 shows
a left shoe system 100a generally worn on a left foot of a wearer
and a right shoe system 100b generally worn on a right foot of the
wearer. In one embodiment, the left shoe system 100a is a mirror
image of the right shoe system 100b and the left and right shoe
systems 100a and 100b together form a pair of shoe systems.
[0025] In one embodiment, the term "shoe system" may refer to any
type of shoe or footwear, including, but not limited to, boots,
athletic or sports shoes (e.g., tennis, walking/running,
rock/mountain climbing, cleats, etc.), dance shoes, golf shoes, ice
or roller skate shoes, hiking boots, bowling shoes, ski boots,
high-ankle fashion shoes, and other similar footwear or shoe. In
one embodiment, the "shoe system" may refer to any shoe or footwear
that is designed to fit one or more of an adult (male or female) or
a child. In one embodiment, the "shoe system" may have any size,
color (or combination thereof), material and width. In the
embodiments illustrated herein, the shoe's illustrated are
sneakers.
[0026] In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 may include a
high-top shoe system, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6-12. In one
embodiment, the shoe system 100 may instead be a low-top shoe
system. In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 may be easily
convertible between a high-top shoe system configuration and a
low-top (a mid-top) shoe system configuration, for example, as
shown in FIGS. 13-16, which can be accommodated by a zipper
system.
[0027] FIGS. 2-5 show the shoe systems of FIG. 1. For example,
FIGS. 2 and 3 show a left and right side elevational views,
respectively of the right shoe system 100a, while FIGS. 4 and 5
show a left and a right side elevational views, respectively of the
left shoe system 100b.
[0028] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 1-5, the shoe system
100 includes a sole 102 and a shoe upper 104 connected with the
sole 102. In one embodiment, the shoe upper 104 includes a first
upper portion 104a and a second upper portion 104b. In one
embodiment, a gap 106 is disposed between the first upper portion
104a and the second upper portion 104b. In one embodiment, the shoe
system 100 includes a tongue 108 that is below the shoe upper 104
and at least partially spanning the gap 106 between the first upper
portion 104a and the second upper portion 104b. In one embodiment,
a first permanent connector 110 is positioned on the first upper
portion 104a. In one embodiment, the first permanent connector 110
is permanently connected to the first upper portion 104a. In one
embodiment, a second permanent connector 112 is positioned on the
second upper portion 104b. In one embodiment, the second permanent
connector 112 is permanently connected to the second upper portion
104b.
[0029] In one embodiment, a removable and printable connector strap
114 is connectable with the shoe upper 104. For example, the
removable and printable connector strap 114 of the right shoe
system 100b is removed from and positioned adjacent to the right
shoe system 100b in FIGS. 2 and 3 and top plan views of the
removable and printable connector strap 114 are also shown in FIGS.
2 and 3. Similarly, the removable and printable connector strap 114
of the left shoe system 100a is removed from and positioned
adjacent to the left shoe system 100a in FIGS. 4 and 5, and top
plan views of the removable and printable connector strap 114 are
also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0030] In one embodiment, in FIGS. 1-5, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 of the right shoe system 100b has indicia 156
(as will be explained in detail in the discussions below) printed
thereon, while the removable and printable connector strap 114 of
the left shoe system 100a does have the indicia 156 printed
thereon.
[0031] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 includes a first releasable
connector portion 116 and a second releasable connector portion
118. In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion 116
is releasably connectable with the first permanent connector 110,
and the second releasable connector portion 118 is releasably
connectable with the second permanent connector 112. The structural
configuration of the first releasable connector portion 116 and the
second releasable connector portion 118 of the removable and
printable connector strap 114, and the first permanent connector
110 and the second permanent connector 112 of the shoe upper 104
are explained in detail in the discussion below.
[0032] In one embodiment, the sole 102 is the bottom of the shoe
system 100. In one embodiment, the sole 102 may be made of natural
rubber material, polyurethane (PU) material, poly vinyl chloride
(PVC) material, elastomer material or any other synthetic material
as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one
embodiment, the sole 102 may be made of a variety of rubber or
plastic compound materials. For example, in one embodiment, the
sole 102 may be made from crepe natural rubber material or latex
rubber material. In one embodiment, the sole 102 may be made of
thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material or thermoplastic rubber
(TPR) material. In one embodiment, to provide a light weight
construction to the shoe system 100, the sole 102 may be made of
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material. In one embodiment, the
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material may be covered with small
portions of rubber material or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) material,
for example, on the high abrasion areas. In one embodiment, the
outsole of shoe system 100 may be made from a flocking procedure,
in which a leather compound is sprayed into the rubber material of
the sole to cover at least 50% or more of the surface area of the
sole. In one embodiment, instead of the leather material, the
flocking procedure uses textile that is laid into the rubber
material (instead of being sprayed).
[0033] In one embodiment, the sole 102 may include a single layer.
In one embodiment, the sole 102 may be made of a single material.
In another embodiment, the sole 102 may include multiple layers,
each layer may be made of same material or different materials.
[0034] In one embodiment, the sole 102 may include an insole, an
outsole and a midsole that is positioned between the insole and the
outsole. In one embodiment, the insole is an interior bottom of the
shoe system 100 with which the wearer's foot is in contact when the
shoe system 100 is being worn by the wearer. In one embodiment, the
outsole is an outer/exterior bottom layer of the shoe system 100
that comes in direct contact with the ground when the shoe system
100 is being worn by the wearer.
[0035] In one embodiment, the outsole may be made of a different
color than the midsole and the insole. In one embodiment, the
insole, midsole and outsole may be made of the same color. In one
embodiment, the outsole may be made of a different material than
the midsole and the insole. In one embodiment, the insole, midsole
and outsole may be made of the same material.
[0036] In one embodiment, the outsole includes a surface that comes
in direct contact with the ground when the shoe system 100 is being
worn by the wearer. In one embodiment, the surface of the outsole
include one or more grip formations (e.g., undulations, ridges,
grooves or other textured formations) for providing enhanced
traction against smooth or wet ground surfaces. In one embodiment,
the flocking procedure (as described above) may be used to create
areas on the sole 102 of the shoe system 100 that enable the wearer
to spin or slide more easily on the ground surfaces to perform
their dance moves. In another embodiment, the outsole is made of a
material having a higher coefficient of friction. In one
embodiment, the surface of the outsole may include a decorative
pattern formed thereon. For example, the decorative pattern may
include one or more decorative elements or members. In one
embodiment, the surface of the outsole may include shoe system
identifier information formed thereon. For example, the shoe system
identifier information may include logo information, style
information, model information, brand information, size
information, etc. of the shoe system 100.
[0037] In one embodiment, the outsole may include a first portion
formed of a first color material and a second portion formed of a
second color material. In one embodiment, the shoe system
identifier information may be formed of the second color material
and disposed on the first portion of the outsole. In one
embodiment, the one or more decorative elements or members may be
formed of the first color material and disposed on the second
portion of the outsole. In one embodiment, the outsole can be of
any color. In one embodiment, the first and second portions of the
outsole can be of any color.
[0038] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, exposed,
circumferential side surface(s) 115 of the midsole may include shoe
system identifier information 111 formed thereon. In one
embodiment, additional decorative elements 113 may be used to
decorate the exposed, circumferential side surfaces 115 of the
midsole. For example, such additional decorative elements may be
attached or connected to the exposed, circumferential side surfaces
115 of the midsole by any attachment or connection mechanisms as
would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment,
the additional decorative elements may be formed of different
materials, such as, plastic, leather, metal, etc. and may have
different colors. In one embodiment, the additional decorative
elements may include studs, spikes, jewels (stones or beads),
grommets, etc. For example, in one embodiment, one or more
decorative jewels (stones or beads) 113 may be positioned in holes
117 formed on the exposed, circumferential side surfaces 115 and
attached to the midsole. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, one
or more decorative jewels (stones or beads) 113 may be positioned
(and attached) in holes 117 formed on the exposed, circumferential
front surfaces 109 of the midsole.
[0039] In one embodiment, the shoe upper 104 is configured to hold
the shoe system 100 onto the wearer's foot. In one embodiment, the
shoe upper 104 may be made of leather, canvas, a synthetic
material, such as vinyl, a synthetic fabric such as a woven or a
non-woven nylon fabric, etc.
[0040] In one embodiment, the shoe upper 104 may be connected to
the sole 102 using a connection that runs along the perimeter of
the sole 102. In one embodiment, the connection may include a strip
of leather, rubber, or plastic that is stitched between the sole
102 and the shoe upper 104. In another embodiment, the shoe upper
104 may be directly connected to the sole 102 using stitches,
adhesive, heat welding or any other attachment mechanism as would
be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the
shoe upper 104 and the sole 102 may be formed by an injection
molding procedure.
[0041] In one embodiment, the shoe upper 104 includes the first
upper portion 104a and the second upper portion 104b. In one
embodiment, the first and the second upper portions 104a and 104b
of the shoe upper 114 may be referred to as the left and right shoe
upper portions (not necessarily in that order). In one embodiment,
the gap 106 is disposed between the first upper portion 104a and
the second upper portion 104b.
[0042] In one embodiment, exterior, exposed surfaces 119 of the
shoe upper 104 may include the shoe system identifier information
formed thereon. In one embodiment, the exterior, exposed surfaces
119 of the shoe upper 104 may include decorative patterns formed
thereon or decorative elements attached thereto. In one embodiment,
the shoe upper 104 may include one or more portions with perforated
holes formed therein. In one embodiment, the perforated holes are
optional. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, perforated holes 127 are
formed on the shoe upper 104. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS.
6 and 7, the shoe upper 104 may include one or more portions 502
made of patent leather (i.e., a very glossy, shiny finish
material). In one embodiment, the patent leather is optional. In
one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the shoe upper 104 may
include one or more portions 504 having glitter thereon. In one
embodiment, the glitter is optional. In one embodiment, referring
to FIGS. 6 and 7, the shoe upper 104 may include one or more
portions 506 having pebbled, grained or roughened surface finish.
In one embodiment, the shoe upper 104 may include one or more
portions having a combination of glitter, roughened surface finish
and patent leather. In one embodiment, one or more portions with
glitter, one or more portions with patent leather and/or one or
more portions with pebbled, grained or roughened surface finish are
configured to present an appealing contrast to the shoe system
100.
[0043] In one embodiment, the first and second permanent connectors
110 and 112 may be permanently connected to the first and second
upper portions 104a and 104b, respectively of the shoe upper 104
using sewing or stitching, adhesive bonding, heat welding, or a
combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 may be permanently connected to
the first and second upper portions 104a and 104b, respectively of
the shoe upper 104 by punching the first and second permanent
connectors 110 and 112 into the shoe upper 104. In one embodiment,
the first permanent connector 110 comprises a portion of hook or
loop material permanently connected to the first upper portion 104a
and the second permanent connector 112 comprises a portion of hook
or loop material permanently connected to the second upper portion
104b.
[0044] In one embodiment, the first and second permanent connectors
110 and 112 both comprise hook materials that are releasably
connectable with loop materials of the first and second releasable
connector portions 116 and 118 of the removable and printable
connector strap 114. In another embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 both comprise loop materials that
are releasably connectable with hook materials of the first and
second releasable connector portions 116 and 118 of the removable
and printable connector strap 114. In yet another embodiment, the
first permanent connector 110 comprises one of the hook and loop
materials that is releasably connectable with other of the hook and
loop materials of the first releasable connector portion 116, while
the second permanent connector 112 comprises the other of the hook
or loop materials that is releasably connectable with the
corresponding hook and loop materials of the second releasable
connector portion 118.
[0045] In one embodiment, the first and second permanent connectors
110 and 112 each have a width W.sub.c (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3)
of at least 3/4 inch. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 each may have a width W.sub.c of
at least 1.0 inch. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 each may have a width W.sub.c of
at least 1.25 inches. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 each may have a width W.sub.c of
at least 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 each may have a width W.sub.c in
the leg to toe direction of about 2.0 inches. In one embodiment,
the width W.sub.c of the first and second permanent connectors 110
and 112 are same as width W.sub.s (as described in detail below) of
the first and second releasable connector portions 116 and 118 of
the removable and printable connector strap 114.
[0046] In one embodiment, the first and second permanent connectors
110 and 112 each have a length L.sub.c (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3)
of at least 3/4 inch. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 each may have a length L.sub.c of
at least 1.0 inch. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 each may have a length L.sub.c of
at least 1.5 inches. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 each may have a length L.sub.c of
about 1.7 inches.
[0047] In one embodiment, the first and second permanent connectors
110 and 112 each cover a surface area of at least 1.0 inch. In
another embodiment the first and second permanent connectors 110
and 112 each cover a surface area of at least 1.5 inches. In
another embodiment the first and second permanent connectors 110
and 112 each cover a surface area of at least 2.0 inches.
[0048] In one embodiment, as shown in and explained in detail with
respect to FIGS. 8-11, the first permanent connector 110 comprises
a portion of hook or loop material permanently connected to the
first upper portion 104a and the second permanent connector 112
comprises a ring 132 through which the removable and printable
connector strap 114 passes.
[0049] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first
upper portion 104a and the second upper portion 104b of the shoe
upper 104 have upper edge portions 510a and 510b. In one
embodiment, the first permanent connector 110 of the first upper
portion 104a is positioned at a first predetermined distance A from
the edge portion 510a of the first upper portion 104a and the
second permanent connector 112 of the second upper portion 104b is
positioned at a second predetermined distance B from the edge
portion 510b of the second upper portion 104b.
[0050] In one embodiment, the first predetermined distance A and
the second predetermined distance B may each range between 0.2 and
2.2 inches. In one embodiment, the first predetermined distance A
and the second predetermined distance B may each range between 0.5
and 2 inches. In one embodiment, the first predetermined distance A
and the second predetermined distance B may each be 0.5 inches. In
another embodiment, the first predetermined distance A and the
second predetermined distance B may each be 2 inches, for example,
when the shoe system is a high-ankle fashion shoes.
[0051] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first
upper portion 104a and the second upper portion 104b of the shoe
upper 104 have edge portions 510c and 510d.
[0052] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first permanent
connector 110 of the first upper portion 104a is positioned at a
predetermined distance from the edge portion 510c. In one
embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least 1.0 inch. That
is, in one embodiment, at least some of the first permanent
connector 110 is positioned more than an inch from the edge portion
510c. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least 1.5
inches. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least 2
inches. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least
21/4 inches. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is
approximately 21/3 inches.
[0053] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second
permanent connector 112 of the second upper portion 104b is
positioned at a predetermined distance from the edge portion 510d.
In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least 1.0 inch.
That is, in one embodiment, at least some of the second permanent
connector 112 is positioned more than an inch from the edge portion
510d. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least 1.5
inches. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least 2
inches. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is at least
21/4 inches. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is
approximately 21/3 inches.
[0054] In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 includes the tongue
108 that is below the shoe upper 104 and at least partially
spanning the gap 106 between the first upper portion 104a and the
second upper portion 104b of the shoe upper 104. In one embodiment,
the tongue 108 is fixedly attached to the shoe upper 104 at one (or
lower) end thereof and is free at the other (or upper) end
thereof.
[0055] In one embodiment, the tongue 108 may include a first layer
having an outwardly facing surface 121 (as shown in FIG. 6) and a
second layer having an inwardly facing surface. In one embodiment,
the inwardly facing surface of the tongue is configured to engage
the wearer's foot when the shoe system 100 is being worn by the
wearer.
[0056] In one embodiment, the first layer of the tongue 108 may be
made of leather, canvas, a synthetic material, such as vinyl, a
synthetic fabric such as a woven or a non-woven nylon fabric, etc.
In one embodiment, the outwardly facing surface 121 (as shown in
FIG. 6) of the tongue 108 may include one or more portions 512 with
perforated holes formed therein. In one embodiment, the perforated
holes are optional. In one embodiment, the outwardly facing surface
121 of the tongue 108 may include one or more portions 514 having
patent leather (i.e., a very glossy, shiny finish material). In one
embodiment, the patent leather is optional. In one embodiment, the
outwardly facing surface 121 of the tongue 108 may include one or
more portions having glitter. In one embodiment, the glitter is
optional. In one embodiment, the outwardly facing surface 121 of
the tongue 108 may include one or more portions having a
combination of glitter and patent leather. For example, as shown in
FIG. 6, the outwardly facing surface 121 of the tongue 108 may
include one or more portions 123 having a combination of glitter
and patent leather.
[0057] In one embodiment, the outwardly facing surface 121 of the
tongue 108 may include a decorative pattern formed thereon. For
example, the decorative pattern may include one or more decorative
elements or members. In one embodiment, the outwardly facing
surface 121 of the tongue 108 may include shoe system identifier
information formed thereon. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, shoe
system identifier information 125 formed on the outwardly facing
surface 121 of the tongue 108.
[0058] In one embodiment, the second layer of the tongue 108 may be
made of a breathable or perforated material. In one embodiment, the
second layer of the tongue 108 may be made of a synthetic fabric
such as a woven or a non-woven nylon fabric.
[0059] In one embodiment, the first and second layers of the tongue
108 may be connected to each other by stitches or by any other
attachment/connection mechanisms as would be appreciated by one
skilled in the art. In one embodiment, a layer of padding or
stuffing material is positioned between the first and second layers
of the tongue 108 to provide enhanced comfort to the wearer of the
shoe system 100. For example, the padding or stuffing material may
be made of polyester, fiber, foam, cotton, or other material. In
one embodiment, the layer of padding or stuffing material is
optional. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the tongue 108 may
include a decorative border 516 that is formed of a contrasting
color (compared to the outwardly facing surface 121 of the tongue
108).
[0060] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the tongue 108 may
include one or more lace holders 518 thereon that are configured to
allow the shoe laces 120 to pass therethrough so as to secure the
tongue 108 from lateral or longitudinal movement. In one
embodiment, the lace holders 518 are positioned on the outwardly
facing surface 121 of the tongue 108.
[0061] In one embodiment, when the shoe system 100 is devoid of
laces, the shoe system 100 may include one or more tongue (lateral
or longitudinal) movement limiting members. In one embodiment, one
end of the tongue movement limiting member is connected to a
portion of the tongue 108 and the other end of the tongue movement
limiting member is connected to the sole 102 (e.g., insole) of the
shoe system 100. In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 may include
two tongue movement limiting members, each positioned on the
opposite sides of the tongue 108 to secure the tongue 108 from
lateral or longitudinal movement.
[0062] In one embodiment, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-12
and 13-16, the shoe system 100 includes the shoe laces or strings
120 that are generally used to secure the shoe system 100. In one
embodiment, the shoe laces or strings 120 generally pass through a
series of lace holding or receiving elements (e.g., holes, eyelets,
loops or hooks) positioned or formed on the either side of the shoe
upper 104. For example, in one embodiment, the shoe system 104 may
include nine lace holding elements on each side of the shoe upper
104 that are configured to receive the shoe laces or strings 120.
In one embodiment, the shoe system 104 may include six lace holding
elements on each side of the shoe upper 104 that are configured to
receive the shoe laces or strings 120. In one embodiment, the
number of lace holding elements may vary and the type of the lace
receiving elements (e.g., holes, eyelets, loops or hooks) may
vary.
[0063] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the shoe system
100 is devoid of shoe laces or strings. In one embodiment, as shown
in FIGS. 1-5, the shoe system 100 may include a shoe
fastening/closure strap 122 that is constructed and arranged to
loosen or tighten the shoe system 100. In one embodiment, one end
of the shoe fastening/closure strap 122 is permanently attached to
one of the first or second upper portions 104a or 104b and the
other end of the shoe fastening/closure strap 122 is releasably
connected to the other of the first or second upper portions 104a
or 104b. In one embodiment, the shoe fastening/closure strap 122
may include a hook or loop material (e.g., positioned on an
inwardly facing surface of the shoe fastening/closure strap 122)
that is configured to be releasably connected to a loop or hook
material permanently attached to one of the first and second upper
portions 104a or 104b so as to releasably connect the shoe
fastening/closure strap 122 to the shoe upper 104.
[0064] In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 may include one shoe
fastening/closure strap 122 and the removable and printable
connector strap 114, where the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may serve as a second shoe fastening/closure strap. That
is, in one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap
114 has a functional attribute of being able to loosen or tighten
the shoe system 100. In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 may
include two removable and printable connector straps 114 that are
configured to serve as the shoe fastening/closure straps. In one
embodiment, the shoe system 100 may include two shoe
fastening/closure straps 112, for example, that are not removable.
In such an embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap
114 may be positioned on the shoe system 100 in an area around the
wearer's ankle, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0065] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 is releasably connectable with the shoe upper 104. In one
embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114 may be
constructed and arranged to provide dual function of providing the
printable aesthetics to the shoe system 100 and providing the
ability to loosen or tighten the shoe system 100. For example, in
one embodiment, when the shoe system 100 is devoid of shoe laces,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 is adjustably
connected to the first permanent connector 110 to adjust the gap
106 between the first upper portion 104a and the second upper
portion 104b and hence the tightness of the shoe system 100 on the
wearers foot.
[0066] In one embodiment, at least one of the first releasable
connector portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion
118 of the removable and printable connector strap 114 is
configured to be selectively adjustably connectable with or
positionable along the corresponding first permanent connector 110
or second permanent connector 112 of the shoe upper 104 to allow
adjustment of the shoe upper 104 and the tongue 108 around a
wearer's foot. That is, this selective adjustment enables the
wearer to adjust the gap 106 between the first upper portion 104a
and the second upper portion 104b and hence either tighten or
loosen the shoe system 108.
[0067] In one embodiment, at least one of the first releasable
connector portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion
118 of the removable and printable connector strap 114 is
configured to be selectively adjustably connectable with the
corresponding first or second permanent connectors 110 or 112 of
the shoe upper 104 at varying lengths to adjust the gap 106 between
the first upper portion 104a and the second upper portion 104b. In
one embodiment, this selective adjustment also adjusts a tension to
be applied in the shoe upper 104 so as to cause either tightening
or loosening of the shoe upper 104 around the wear's foot. For
example, the amount of overlap of at least one of the first and
second releasable connector portions 116 and 118 with their
corresponding first or second permanent connectors 110 is
adjustable for accommodating different sized or width feet of
different wearers. That is, the wearer may select the amount of
overlap of at least one of the first and second releasable
connector portions 116 and 118 on their corresponding first or
second permanent connectors 110. The amount of overlap thus enables
the wearer to accommodate his actual foot width/size. In one
embodiment, the lengths of the first releasable connector portion
116 and the second releasable connector portion 118 of the
removable and printable connector strap 114 and their corresponding
first or second permanent connectors 110 or 112 of the shoe upper
104 may be sufficient so that the shoe system 100 provides a wide
range of adjustment for different sized or different (feet/shoe)
width wearers.
[0068] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 includes no folds therein when the removable and
printable connector strap 114 is removed from being attached from
the shoe system 100. That is, in one embodiment, the removable and
printable connector strap 114 has a generally planar or sheet-like
configuration. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a single-ply configuration.
[0069] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may be of the same color as the shoe upper 104 of the
shoe system 100. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 may be of a different color than the shoe upper
104 of the shoe system 100. For example, in one embodiment, the
removable and printable connector strap 114 may generally be of a
contrasting color (compared to the shoe upper 104) to provide a
desired decorative/aesthetic effect and/or visual interest to the
shoe system 100.
[0070] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may be formed of a perforated material. For example, in
one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114 may
be formed of a perforated material that is similar to that used for
the tongue 108 (of FIG. 6) of the shoe system 100.
[0071] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 has a width W.sub.s (as shown in FIG. 2) in the leg to
toe direction of at least 11/8 inch. In one embodiment, the
removable and printable connector strap 114 has a width W.sub.s (as
shown in FIG. 2) in the leg to toe direction is between 7/8 and
21/2 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a width W.sub.s (as shown in FIG. 2) in the
leg to toe direction is between 11/8 and 2 inches. In one
embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a
width W.sub.s in the leg to toe direction of 15/16 inch or greater.
In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114
has a width W.sub.s in the leg to toe direction of 11/4 inch or
greater. In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 has a width W.sub.s in the leg to toe direction of 11/2
inch or greater. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a width W.sub.s in the leg to toe direction
of 13/4 inch or greater.
[0072] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 13-16, the
removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s
(as shown in FIG. 2) in the side to side shoe direction of at least
41/2 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction between 41/2 and 10 inches, and in another embodiment
between 5.0 and 9.5 inches, in yet another embodiment between 5.5
and 9 inches. In another embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction of at least 5 inches. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side
to side shoe direction of at least 51/2 inches. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length
L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least 6 inches. In
one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114 has
a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least
61/2 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction of at least 7 inches. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side
to side shoe direction of at least 71/2 inches. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length
L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least 8 inches. In
one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114 has
a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least
81/2 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction of at least 9 inches. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side
to side shoe direction of at least 91/4 inches. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length
L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least 91/2 inches.
In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114
has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least
93/4 inches.
[0073] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-12, the removable and
printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to
side shoe direction of at least 81/2 inches. In one embodiment, the
length L.sub.s of the removable and printable connector strap 114
in FIGS. 6-12 is the unfolded length of the removable and printable
connector strap 114. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction between 7 and 20 inches, in another embodiment between
71/2 and 191/2 inches and in yet another embodiment between 8 and
19 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction
between 81/2 and 12 inches, in another embodiment between 9.0 and
11.5 inches and in yet another embodiment between 9.5 and 11.0
inches. In another embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction of at least 9 inches. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side
to side shoe direction of at least 91/2 inches. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length
L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least 10 inches.
In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114
has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least
101/2 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction of at least 11 inches. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side
to side shoe direction of at least 111/2 inches. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length
L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least 12 inches.
In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114
has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least
121/2 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction of at least 17 inches. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side
to side shoe direction of at least 171/2 inches. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length
L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least 18 inches.
In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114
has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least
181/2 inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe
direction of at least 19 inches. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side
to side shoe direction of at least 191/4 inches. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a length
L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction of at least 191/2
inches. In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 has a length L.sub.s in the side to side shoe direction
of at least 193/4 inches.
[0074] In one embodiment, the length L.sub.s (in the side to side
shoe direction) and the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe direction)
of the removable and printable connector strap 114 may vary and may
depend on the shoe size of the wearers.
[0075] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 has a thickness between 3/32 and 3/8 inch. In one
embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a
thickness of at least 1/8 inch. In one embodiment, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has a thickness of at least 5/32
inch. In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 has a thickness of at least 3/16 inch. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a thickness of
at least 1/4 inch. In one embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a thickness of at least 5/16 inch. In one
embodiment, the thickness of the removable and printable connector
strap 114 includes the thickness of the first releasable connector
portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion 118.
[0076] FIGS. 18A-20D show removable and printable connector straps
for different sized shoe systems in accordance with different
embodiments of the present patent application. The length L.sub.s
(in the side to side shoe direction) and width W.sub.s (in the leg
to toe direction) of the removable and printable connector strap
are shown in each of the FIGS. 18A-20D in millimeters (mms). The
removable and printable connector straps in FIGS. 18A-20D are not
drawn to scale and have been enlarged for sake of clarity.
[0077] For example, FIGS. 18A, 19A and 20A show the removable and
printable connector straps 114 for the three different shoe system
models, respectively each shoe system model includes kid's US shoe
sizes 10-13 (i.e., 16.1-19.1 centimeters (cms)), FIGS. 18B, 19B and
20B show the removable and printable connector straps 114 for the
three different shoe system models, respectively and each shoe
system model includes kid's US shoe sizes 1-3 (i.e., 19.7-21.6 cms)
and women's US shoe sizes 5-5.5 (i.e., 21.6-22.2 cms), FIGS. 18C,
19C and 20C show the removable and printable connector straps 114
for the three different shoe system models, respectively and each
shoe system model includes women's US shoe sizes 6-9 (i.e.,
22.5-25.1 cms), and FIGS. 18D, 19D and 20D show the removable and
printable connector straps 114 for the three different shoe system
models, respectively and each shoe system model includes women's US
shoe sizes 10-13 (i.e., 25.9-27.9 cms).
[0078] FIG. 21 shows a table with shoe/shoe system sizing
information. Specifically, the table of FIG. 21 shows kid's US shoe
sizes, for example, from 10 to 3 and women's US shoe sizes, for
example, from 5 to 13. The table also shows corresponding length of
the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) for each
shoe/shoe system size. The length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in
the leg to toe direction) is shown in centimeters in the table of
FIG. 21.
[0079] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 18A-19D, a ratio of
the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.58 and 1.22. In one embodiment, a ratio of the
length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.72 and 1.02.
[0080] In one embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the
side to side shoe direction) of the removable and printable
connector strap to the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the
leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.73 and 0.87. In
one embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side
shoe direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to
the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe
direction) generally ranges between 0.72 and 0.81. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe
direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to the
length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction)
generally ranges between 0.72 and 0.77. In one embodiment, a ratio
of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.72 and 0.8. In one embodiment, a ratio of the
length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.86 and 1.02. In one embodiment, a ratio of the
length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.83 and 0.94. In one embodiment, a ratio of the
length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.81 and 0.9. In one embodiment, a ratio of the
length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.8 and 0.86.
[0081] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 18A-19D, a ratio of
the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe direction) of the removable
and printable connector strap to the length of the shoe/shoe system
(e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.14
and 0.28. In one embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the
side to side shoe direction) to the length of the shoe/shoe system
(e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.18
and 0.24.
[0082] In one embodiment, a ratio of the width W.sub.s (in the leg
to toe direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to
the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe
direction) generally ranges between 0.19 and 0.22. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe
direction) to the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg
to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.18 and 0.21. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe
direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to the
length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction)
generally ranges between 0.18 and 0.19. In one embodiment, a ratio
of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) to the
length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction)
generally ranges between 0.18 and 0.2. In one embodiment, a ratio
of the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe direction) of the removable
and printable connector strap to the length of the shoe/shoe system
(e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.19
and 0.24. In one embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the
side to side shoe direction) to the length of the shoe/shoe system
(e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.19
and 0.22. In one embodiment, a ratio of the width W.sub.s (in the
leg to toe direction) of the removable and printable connector
strap to the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to
toe direction) generally ranges between 0.19 and 0.21. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe
direction) to the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg
to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.19 and 0.20.
[0083] FIGS. 18A-19D show removable and printable connector straps
having structure and configuration similar to that described with
respect to FIGS. 1-5, while FIGS. 20A-20D show removable and
printable connector straps having structure and configuration
similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 6-12. That is, each
removable and printable connector strap in FIGS. 20A-20B are
constructed and arranged such that at least a portion thereof is
folded back over itself.
[0084] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 20A-20D, a ratio of
the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.76 and 1.48. In one embodiment, a ratio of the
length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.95 and 1.24.
[0085] In one embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the
side to side shoe direction) of the removable and printable
connector strap to the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the
leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 1.05 and 1.24. In
one embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side
shoe direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to
the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe
direction) generally ranges between 1.01 and 1.14. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe
direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to the
length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction)
generally ranges between 0.98 and 1.09. In one embodiment, a ratio
of the length L.sub.s (in the side to side shoe direction) of the
removable and printable connector strap to the length of the
shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.95 and 1.02.
[0086] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 20A-20D, a ratio of
the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe direction) of the removable
and printable connector strap to the length of the shoe/shoe system
(e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.11
and 0.23. In one embodiment, a ratio of the width W.sub.s (in the
leg to toe direction) to the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g.,
in the leg to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.14 and
0.19.
[0087] In one embodiment, a ratio of the width W.sub.s (in the leg
to toe direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to
the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe
direction) generally ranges between 0.16 and 0.19. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe
direction) to the length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg
to toe direction) generally ranges between 0.15 and 0.17. In one
embodiment, a ratio of the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe
direction) of the removable and printable connector strap to the
length of the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction)
generally ranges between 0.15 and 0.16. In one embodiment, a ratio
of the width W.sub.s (in the leg to toe direction) to the length of
the shoe/shoe system (e.g., in the leg to toe direction) generally
ranges between 0.14 and 0.15.
[0088] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 has the outwardly facing surface
124 and the inwardly facing surface 126. In one embodiment, the
inwardly facing surface 126 faces the shoe upper 104 when the
removable and printable connector strap 114 is releasably connected
to the shoe upper 104.
[0089] In one embodiment, the outwardly facing surface 124 of the
removable and printable connector strap 114 has a width W.sub.p (as
shown in FIG. 2) in the leg to toe direction of at least 5/8 inch
that is devoid of stitching. In one embodiment, the width W.sub.p
is smaller than the width W.sub.s. In one embodiment, the outwardly
facing surface 124 of the removable and printable connector strap
114 has a width W.sub.p of at least 0.8 inch that is devoid of
stitching. In one embodiment, the outwardly facing surface 124 of
the removable and printable connector strap 114 has a width W.sub.p
of at least 1 inch that is devoid of stitching. In one embodiment,
the outwardly facing surface 124 of the removable and printable
connector strap 114 has a width of at least 1.3 inches that is
devoid of stitching.
[0090] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may be formed of a single layer of material. In one
embodiment, the single layer of material may include the outwardly
facing surface 124. In one embodiment, the first releasable
connector portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion
118 are attached to the inwardly facing surface of the single layer
of material. In such an embodiment, the first releasable connector
portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion 118 form
the inwardly facing surface 126 of the removable and printable
connector strap 114. In one embodiment, the single layer of
material of the removable and printable connector strap 114 may be
made of leather, polyester, canvas, patent leather, a synthetic
material, such as vinyl, a synthetic fabric such as a woven or a
non-woven nylon fabric, etc.
[0091] In one embodiment, stitches may be used to connect the
single layer of material of the removable and printable connector
strap 114 to the first releasable connector portion 116 and the
second releasable connector portion 118. In one embodiment, a
single peripheral or circumferential stitching may be used to
connect the single layer of material, the first releasable
connector portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion
118 together to form the removable and printable connector strap
114. In one embodiment, two peripheral or circumferential stitches
may be used to connect the single layer of material, the first
releasable connector portion 116 and the second releasable
connector portion 118 together to form the removable and printable
connector strap 114. In one embodiment, two peripheral or
circumferential stitches may be disposed such that they are
concentrically positioned to each other. In another embodiment,
other connection or attachment mechanisms, such as, but not limited
to adhesive, heat welding may be used to connect the single layer
of material, the first releasable connector portion 116 and the
second releasable connector portion 118 together to form the
removable and printable connector strap 114. In such an embodiment,
where the removable and printable connector strap 114 is devoid of
stitching, the width W.sub.p is same as the width W.sub.s.
[0092] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may include a first layer and a second layer, each layer
may be made of the same material or different materials. In one
embodiment, the first layer may include the outwardly facing
surface 124 and the second layer may include the inwardly facing
surface 126.
[0093] In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion
116 and the second releasable connector portion 118 are attached to
the first layer. In one embodiment, the second layer may extend
between the first releasable connector portion 116 and the second
releasable connector portion 118. In one embodiment, the second
layer may extend to at least partially overlap the first releasable
connector portion 116 so as to enable at least a connection between
the second layer and the first releasable connector portion 116.
Similarly, the second layer may extend to at least partially
overlap the second releasable connector portion 118 so as to enable
at least a connection between the second layer and the second
releasable connector portion 118.
[0094] In one embodiment, the second layer may extend along the
entire length of the removable and printable connector strap 114.
In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion 116 and
the second releasable connector portion 118 are attached to the
second layer.
[0095] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may be made of leather, canvas, a synthetic material,
such as vinyl, a synthetic fabric such as a woven or a non-woven
nylon fabric, etc. For example, in one embodiment, the first layer
of the removable and printable connector strap 114 may be made of a
synthetic fabric such as a woven or a non-woven nylon fabric. In
another embodiment, the first layer of the removable and printable
connector strap 114 may be made of a patent leather material. In
yet another embodiment, the first layer of the removable and
printable connector strap 114 may be made of a synthetic material,
such as vinyl.
[0096] In one embodiment, a layer of padding or stuffing material
is positioned between the first layer and the second layer of the
removable and printable connector strap 114. For example, the
padding or stuffing material may be made of polyester, fiber, foam,
cotton, or other material. In one embodiment, the layer of padding
or stuffing material is optional.
[0097] In one embodiment, a peripheral or circumferential stitch
may be used to connect the first layer to the second layer of the
removable and printable connector strap 114. In one embodiment, a
single peripheral or circumferential stitching may be used to
connect the first layer, the second layer, the first releasable
connector portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion
118 together to form the removable and printable connector strap
114. In one embodiment, two peripheral or circumferential stitches
may be used to connect the first layer, the second layer, the first
releasable connector portion 116 and the second releasable
connector portion 118 together to form the removable and printable
connector strap 114. In one embodiment, two peripheral or
circumferential stitches may be disposed such that they are
concentrically positioned to each other.
[0098] In another embodiment, other connection or attachment
mechanisms, such as, but not limited to adhesive, heat welding may
be used to connect the first layer, the second layer, the first
releasable connector portion 116 and the second releasable
connector portion 118 together to form the removable and printable
connector strap 114. In such an embodiment, where the removable and
printable connector strap 114 is devoid of stitching, the width
W.sub.p is same as the width W.sub.s.
[0099] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 is devoid of openings or gaps therethrough. In one
embodiment, the removable and printable connector strap 114 is
devoid of any holes therethrough from a first side 128 (as shown in
FIGS. 1-3) thereof to a second side 130 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5)
thereof. In one embodiment, the first and second releasable
connector portions 116 and 118 are disposed on the second side 130
of the removable and printable connector strap 114, while the
indicia 156 are printed on the first side 128 of the removable and
printable connector strap 114.
[0100] In one embodiment, the indicia 156 such as a sports team
logo, a sports team mascots, a sports team name, a school or
university indicia (letters or name), designs, a favorite
character, symbols, monograms, insignia, affiliations, names, user
created graphics, messages, images/pictures, or any combination
thereof is placed on the outwardly facing surface 124 of the
removable and printable connector strap 114 such that the indicia
156 is clearly visible to the wearer and passersby. In one
embodiment, the indicia 156 are formed on the width W.sub.p of the
outwardly facing surface 124 of the removable and printable
connector strap 114.
[0101] In one embodiment, where the removable and printable
connector strap 114 is devoid of stitching, the indicia 156 are
formed on the width W.sub.s (that is same as the width W.sub.p in
this embodiment) of the outwardly facing surface 124 of the
removable and printable connector strap 114.
[0102] In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion
116 is releasably connectable with the first permanent connector
110, and the second releasable connector portion 118 is releasably
connectable with the second permanent connector 112.
[0103] In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion
116 comprises a hook or loop material releasably connectable with
the loop or hook material of the first permanent connector 112, and
the second releasable connector portion 118 comprises a hook or
loop material releasably connectable with the loop or hook material
of the second permanent connector 114.
[0104] In one embodiment, the first and second releasable connector
portions 116 and 118 both comprise hook materials that are
releasably connectable with loop materials of the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112. In another embodiment, the first
and second releasable connector portions 116 and 118 both comprise
loop materials that are releasably connectable with hook materials
of the first and second permanent connectors 110 and 112. In yet
another embodiment, the first releasable connector portion 116
comprises one of the hook and loop materials that is releasably
connectable with other of the hook and loop materials of the first
permanent connector 110, while the second releasable connector
portion 118 comprises the other of the hook or loop materials that
is releasably connectable with the corresponding hook and loop
materials of the second permanent connector 112.
[0105] In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion
116 and the second releasable connector portion 118 comprise spaced
regions on a continuous hook or loop strip of material disposed on
the removable and printable connector strap 114.
[0106] In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion
116 and the second releasable connector portion 118 comprise first
and second portions of hook or loop strip material disposed on the
removable and printable connector strap 114. In one embodiment, the
first releasable connector portion 116 and the second releasable
connector portion 118 at least partially overlap each other so as
to enable at least a connection therebetween. In one embodiment,
the first releasable connector portion 116 and the second
releasable connector portion 118 are positioned such that at least
one width dimension or side of the first releasable connector
portion 116 and the second releasable connector portion 118 are
adjacent to each other so as to enable at least a connection
therebetween.
[0107] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first
releasable connector portion 116 and the second releasable
connector portion 118 comprise spaced, discrete first and second
portions of hook or loop strip material disposed on the removable
and printable connector strap 114.
[0108] In one embodiment, the first and second releasable connector
portions 116 and 118 may be releasably connected with the first and
second permanent connectors 116 and 118 using other
removable/releasable attachment mechanisms, such as, snap
fasteners, reusable adhesives, buttons and button holes, hook and
eye closures, magnetic snap fasteners, etc. or any combination
thereof.
[0109] FIGS. 6-12 show the shoe system 100 in accordance with
another embodiment of the present patent application. FIGS. 6 and
11 show the left shoe system 100 with the removable and printable
connector strap 114 being releasably connected to its shoe upper
104. FIG. 11 shows the left shoe system 100 before the indicia 156
is printed on the removable and printable connector strap 114 and
FIG. 6 shows the same left shoe system 100 after the indicia 156 is
printed on the removable and printable connector strap 114. FIG. 12
also shows the removable and printable connector strap 114 before
the indicia 156 is printed thereon. FIGS. 7-10 and 12 show the left
shoe system 100 with the removable and printable connector strap
114 removed from and positioned adjacent to the shoe system 100.
Top plan views of the removable and printable connector strap 114
are also shown in FIGS. 7-9 and 12 and bottom plan view of the
removable and printable connector strap 114 is also shown in FIG.
10.
[0110] In one embodiment, the structure and configuration of the
shoe system 100 shown in FIGS. 6-12 are similar to the structure
and configuration of the shoe system 100 as described in detail
above with respect to FIGS. 1-5, and therefore, the structure and
configuration of the shoe system 100 of FIGS. 6-12 will not be
described in detail here, except for the differences noted
below.
[0111] In one embodiment, the first permanent connector 110
comprises a portion of hook or loop material permanently connected
to the first upper portion 104a and the second permanent connector
112 comprises the ring 132 (as shown in FIGS. 8-11) through which
the removable and printable connector strap 114 passes.
[0112] In one embodiment, the ring 132 may be made of a plastic, a
metal or any other hard material as would be appreciated by one
skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the ring 132 may be
permanently attached to the surface of the shoe upper 104. In one
embodiment, a connector strap 143 (as shown in FIG. 8) may be used
to attach the ring 132 to the surface of the shoe upper 104. For
example, in one embodiment, one end of the connector strap 143 is
passed through an opening in the ring 132 attached to the other end
of the connector strap 143. In one embodiment, both the ends of the
connector strap 143 are attached to each other, for example, using
heat welding or adhesive. In one embodiment, both the attached ends
of the connector strap 143 (with the ring 132 therebetween) are
then permanently connected to the surface of the shoe upper 104
using stitches, heat welding, adhesive or any other attachment
mechanisms as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
[0113] In one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion
116 and the second releasable connector portion 118 of the
removable and printable connector strap 114 are positioned adjacent
to each other. For example, in one embodiment, the first releasable
connector portion 116 is disposed on at least half the length of
the removable and printable connector strap 114, while the second
releasable connector portion 118 is disposed on at least the other
half length of the removable and printable connector strap 114. In
one embodiment, the first releasable connector portion 116 includes
one of the hook and loop material and the second releasable
connector portion 118 includes the other of the hook and loop
material.
[0114] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a first portion 153
of the removable and printable connector strap 114 includes one of
a hook and loop material 155 forming the first releasable connector
portion 116, and wherein a second portion 157 of the removable and
printable connector strap 114 includes the other of the hook and
loop material 159 forming the second releasable connector portion
118.
[0115] In one embodiment, the second portion 157 is constructed and
arranged to pass through the ring 132 and folded back over itself
to capture the ring 132 therebetween such that the ring 132 (or the
second permanent connector 112) is releasably connected to the
second portion 157 (or the second releasable connector portion
118).
[0116] In one embodiment, the second portion 157 of the removable
and printable connector strap 114 is constructed and arranged to
pass through the ring 132 and folded back over itself such that at
least a portion of the second portion 157 of the second releasable
connector portion 118 is releasably connected to at least a portion
of the first portion 153 of the first releasable connector portion
116 to secure the second portion 157 in its folded back
configuration. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion
of a hook material 159 of the second releasable connector portion
118 is releasably connected to at least a portion of a loop
material 155 of the first releasable connector portion 116 to
secure the second portion 157 in its folded back configuration. In
another embodiment, at least a portion of a loop material 159 of
the second releasable connector portion 118 is releasably connected
to at least a portion of a hook material 155 of the first
releasable connector portion 116 to secure the second portion 157
in its folded back configuration.
[0117] In one embodiment, at least the other portion of the first
releasable connector portion 116 is constructed and arranged to be
connected to the first permanent connector portion 110 to
releasably connect the removable and printable connector strap 114
to the shoe upper 104. For example, in one embodiment, at least the
other portion of the hook material 155 of the first releasable
connector portion 116 is constructed and arranged to be connected
to a loop material of the first permanent connector portion 110 to
releasably connect the removable and printable connector strap 114
to the shoe upper 104. In one embodiment, at least the other
portion of the loop material 155 of the first releasable connector
portion 116 is constructed and arranged to be connected to a hook
material of the first permanent connector portion 110 to releasably
connect the removable and printable connector strap 114 to the shoe
upper 104.
[0118] In one embodiment, the structure and configuration of the
shoe system 100 shown in FIGS. 13-16 are similar to the structure
and configuration of the shoe system 100 as described in detail
above with respect to FIGS. 1-5, and therefore, the structure and
configuration of the shoe system 100 of FIGS. 13-16 will not be
described in detail here, except for the differences noted
below.
[0119] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13-16, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 is constructed and arranged to be
connected to a portion 152 of the shoe system 100 that is disposed
around the wearer's ankle when the shoe system 100 is worn by the
wearer.
[0120] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may include a stored configuration (as shown in FIG. 16)
and a use configuration (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). In one
embodiment, the wearer may be able to position the removable and
printable connector strap 114 in either the stored configuration or
the use configuration as desired.
[0121] For example, referring to FIG. 16, the removable and
printable connector strap 114 is in its stored configuration in
which the removable and printable connector strap 114 is removably
attached to a portion 158 of the shoe system 100 such that the
first side 128 (having indicia 156 thereon) is facing the wearer's
ankle/leg. For example, when the removable and printable connector
strap 114 is in its stored configuration, its first side 128 may be
facing in the direction of an arrow A as shown in FIG. 16. That is,
when the removable and printable connector strap 114 is in its
stored configuration and the shoe system 100 is worn by the wearer,
the indicia 156 formed on the removable and printable connector
strap 114 are not visible to the wearer or a passerby.
[0122] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 is positioned in its use configuration in which
the removable and printable connector strap 114 is removably
attached to the portion 152 of the shoe system 100 such that its
first side 128 (having indicia 156 thereon) is facing outwardly,
for example, in the direction of an arrow B. That is, when the
removable and printable connector strap 114 is in its use
configuration, the indicia 156 formed on the removable and
printable connector strap 114 are clearly visible to the wearer or
a passerby.
[0123] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may include a third releasable connector portion 160 that
is configured to be releasably connectable with a third permanent
connector 162 so as to position the removable and printable
connector strap 114 in its stored configuration. In one embodiment,
as will be discussed below, the third releasable connector portion
160 and the third connector portion 162 may also be configured to
position the removable and printable connector strap 114 in its use
configuration. That is, in one embodiment, the third releasable
connector portion 160 and the third connector portion 162 are
configured to position the removable and printable connector strap
114 in either its stored configuration or its use
configuration.
[0124] In one embodiment, the third permanent connector 162 is
permanently connected to the shoe upper 104 using stitches,
adhesives, heat welding or any other attachment mechanisms as would
be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the
third permanent connector 162 is permanently connected to the
portion 158 of the shoe upper 104 that is positioned around the
wearer's ankle/leg when the shoe system 100 is worn by the wearer.
In one embodiment, the third permanent connector 162 may include a
zipper member. In another embodiment, the third permanent connector
162 may include a hook or loop material.
[0125] In one embodiment, the third releasable connector portion
160 may include a complementary zipper member that is configured to
engage or connect with the zipper member of the third permanent
connector 162 so as to position the removable and printable
connector strap 114 in its stored configuration or its use
configuration. In another embodiment, the third permanent connector
162 may include a complementary hook or loop material that is
configured to engage or connect with a loop or hook material of the
third permanent connector 162 so as to position the removable and
printable connector strap 114 in its stored configuration or its
use configuration.
[0126] In one embodiment, the third permanent connector 162 and
third releasable connector portion 160 may include snap fasteners,
buttons and button holes, hook and eye closures, magnetic snap
fasteners, or any combination thereof.
[0127] In one embodiment, the wearer may release the connection
between the third releasable connector portion 160 and the third
permanent connector 162 to move the removable and printable
connector strap 114 between its stored configuration and its use
configuration. In one embodiment, the wearer may then turn the
removable and printable connector strap 114 such its first side 128
(having indicia 156 thereon) is facing outwardly in the direction
of the arrow B. In one embodiment, the wearer may then releasably
connect the removable and printable connector strap 114 to the shoe
upper 104 such that the indicia 156 formed on its first side 128
are clearly visible to the wearer or a passerby. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114, in its use
configuration, is releasably connected to the shoe upper 104 using
the first and second releasable connector portions 116 and 118 and
the first and second permanent connectors 110 and 112.
[0128] In one embodiment, the first and second releasable connector
portions 116 and 118 and the first and second permanent connectors
110 and 112 may include buttons and button holes. In another
embodiment, the first and second releasable connector portions 116
and 118 and the first and second permanent connectors 110 and 112
may include snap fasteners, hook and loop material, hook and eye
closures, magnetic snap fasteners, or any combination thereof.
[0129] In one embodiment, when the removable and printable
connector strap 114 is in its use configuration, in addition to the
releasably connections between the first and second releasable
connector portions 116 and 118 and the first and second permanent
connectors 110 and 112, the removable and printable connector strap
114 may also be releasably connected to the shoe upper 104 using
the third releasable connector portion 160 and the third permanent
connector 162. In one embodiment, the releasable connection between
the third releasable connector portion 160 and the third permanent
connector 162, when the removable and printable connector strap 114
in its use configuration, is optional. In such an embodiment, the
first and second releasable connector portions 116 and 118 may be
positioned centrally along sides 166 of the removable and printable
connector strap 114. In one embodiment, the first and second
permanent connectors 110 and 112 may be positioned on portions of
the shoe upper 104 such that they engage or connect with the
centrally positioned the first and second releasable connector
portions 116 and 118.
[0130] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may include a decorative border 168 that is formed of a
contrasting color (compared to the removable and printable
connector strap 114). In one embodiment, the color of the
decorative border may match the color of the indicia 156 formed on
the removable and printable connector strap 114.
[0131] In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may include decorative elements or members 170. For
example, the decorative elements or member 170 may be metal or
plastic members having shoe system identification information
printed thereon. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, such decorative
members 170 may be disposed on a portion of the shoe system 100
that is positioned around the wearer's ankle.
[0132] In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13-16, the removable
and printable connector strap 114 may include one or more
decorative elements, such as grommets 172 positioned along its
sides 166. In one embodiment, the removable and printable connector
strap 114 may include one or more decorative elements, such as
rhinestone embellishments. In one embodiment, the rhinestone
embellishments may be attached to the removable and printable
connector strap 114 using, for example, a (hot) glue gun. In one
embodiment, the rhinestone embellishments may be attached to the
removable and printable connector strap 114 using, for example, an
embroidering procedure. In embodiment, the removable and printable
connector strap 114 may include one or more decorative elements
that are formed on the removable and printable connector strap 114,
for example, using an embroidering procedure. In another
embodiment, these decorative elements are optional.
[0133] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 17, a method 1000 of
assembling the shoe system 100 is provided. The method 1000
includes procedure 1002 of receiving the shoe system 100 that has
been shipped. In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 may be shipped
by a shoe system provider 1004. In one embodiment, the shoe system
100 of the present patent application is configured to provide the
wearer the ability to customize the shoe system 100 as desired
after the assembly/manufacture of the shoe system 100 by the shoe
system provider 1004.
[0134] The method also includes procedure 1006 of positioning the
removable and printable connector strap 114 in a printer 1008,
while the removable and printable connector strap 114 is entirely
removed and separated from the shoe upper 104. In one embodiment,
the removable and printable connector strap 114 is positioned in a
flat configuration when the indicia 156 are printed on the first
side 128 of the removable and printable connector strap 114.
[0135] In one embodiment, the indicia 156 may be printed directly
onto the removable and printable connector strap 114 using a screen
printing procedure. For example, a printing mesh may be used to
transfer ink or other printing agent(s) onto the removable and
printable connector strap 114 so as to print the desired indicia
156 thereon. In one embodiment, the indicia 156 may be printed
directly onto the removable and printable connector strap 114 using
a dye sublimation (e.g., transfer or direct) printing procedure. In
one embodiment, the indicia 156 may be printed directly onto the
removable and printable connector strap 114 using a heat or thermal
transfer printing procedure. For example, in one embodiment, the
desired indicia 156 may be ironed on to the removable and printable
connector strap 114 using the thermal transfer printing procedure.
In one embodiment, the indicia 156 may be printed directly onto the
removable and printable connector strap 114 using an ink jet
printing procedure. In one embodiment, an individual user may,
thus, design and customize their shoe system 100 by printing the
desired indicia 156 on the removable and printable connector strap
114 using one of the printing procedures discussed above.
[0136] In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 of the present patent
application may be easily customizable for a variety of new
wearers. For example, in one embodiment, an individual new wearer
NW may receive the shoe system 100 from the shoe system provider
1004. After receiving the shoe system 100 that has been shipped by
the shoe system provider 1004, the new wearer NW detaches (entirely
removes and separates) the removable and printable connector strap
114 from the shoe upper 104. The new wearer NW then positions the
removable and printable connector strap 114 in the printer 1008 to
print their desired indicia 156 thereon. The new wearer NW then
releasably connects the removable and printable connector strap 114
(with the desired indicia 156 printed thereon) to the shoe upper
104. Thus, each individual new wearer NW may be able customize the
shoe system 100 as desired.
[0137] In one embodiment, an individual wearer may buy one pair of
shoe systems that may include multiple removable and printable
connector straps 114. Each of the removable and printable connector
straps 114 may be used for creating different looks on the same
shoe/shoe system. That is, in one embodiment, the shoe system
provider 1004 may sell a shoe system kit that includes one pair of
shoe systems and multiple removable and printable connector straps
114.
[0138] In one embodiment, the shoe system 100 may include two or
more removable and printable connector straps 114, each with a
different color or indicia. For example, in one embodiment, each of
the two or more removable and printable connector straps 114 may be
of the same color (e.g., may generally be of a contrasting color
(compared to the shoe upper 104) to provide a desired
decorative/aesthetic effect and/or visual interest to the shoe
system 100). In one embodiment, the wearer may print same or
different indicia on each of the two or more same colored,
removable and printable connector straps 114. In one embodiment,
each of the two or more removable and printable connector straps
114 may be of different colors (e.g., may generally be of different
contrasting colors (compared to the shoe upper 104) to provide a
desired decorative/aesthetic effect and/or visual interest to the
shoe system 100). In one embodiment, the wearer may print same or
different indicia on each of the two or more different colored,
removable and printable connector straps 114. Thus, the shoe system
100 of the present patent application can be used to adapt it's
appearance to conform readily to different uniforms or other
clothing.
[0139] In one embodiment, the shoe system provider 1004 may also
sell multiple removable and printable connector straps 114 (e.g.,
without the shoe system 100 itself) that an existing wearer EW can
buy to update his existing shoe system 100. In one embodiment, the
shoe system 100 is also configured to provide the ability to
continuously customize to an existing wearer EW when the existing
wearer EW would like to change/update their style/look or change
their team/affiliation. For example, in one embodiment, the present
patent application provides the existing wearer EW with a number of
possibilities to use the same shoe system 100 while simply changing
the existing removable and printable connector strap 114 with a new
removable and printable connector strap to have different
look/style and/or to be of a different team/affiliation. For
example, an individual existing wearer EW may request and receive
additional removable and printable connector strap(s) 114 (e.g.,
from the shoe system provider 1004) for their existing shoe system
100. In one embodiment, the individual existing wearer EW may then
design and customize each of these additional removable and
printable connector straps 114 with different design/indicia 156
(e.g., in the same way as described above). In one embodiment, the
existing wearer EW may, thus, simply change the existing removable
and printable connector strap 114 with the new/additional removable
and printable connector strap 114 to match their new
look/style/team/affiliation as and when desired.
[0140] In one embodiment, the shoe system of the present patent
application is thus constructed and arranged to enable the wearer
to mix and match their removable and printable connector strap(s)
114. For example, when a cheer team member wears these shoe
systems, he/she can use the same shoe systems and retrofit the same
shoe systems with different color or different printed removable
and printable connector strap(s) for home and away games. That is,
he/she can use the same shoe systems and simply retrofit the same
shoe systems for different outfits/costumes/uniforms that he/she
could be wearing during a performance, a game, and other events or
for work.
[0141] In one embodiment, the shoe system of the present patent
application may also be used by businesses, companies or
corporations to print the name, motto or logo of their
companies/corporations/businesses on the removable and printable
connector strap(s). That is, in one embodiment, the shoe system of
the present patent application may be used as part of the
companies/corporations/businesses' employees' work uniform. In one
embodiment, such businesses, companies or corporations may include,
but not limited to, restaurant chain
companies/corporations/businesses, hotel chain
companies/corporations/businesses, package/mail/courier delivery
companies/corporations/businesses, etc. In one embodiment, the shoe
system of the present patent application may also be implemented by
work uniform suppliers.
[0142] The portions and dimensions of various parts of the
exemplary shoe system as shown and described here are intended to
be merely exemplary and not limiting in any way. The various parts
of the exemplary shoe system are drawn to scale in accordance with
one embodiment, although other scales and shapes may be used in
other embodiments. The dimensions of various parts of the exemplary
shoe system are measured in millimeters, centimeters, or inches
unless indicated otherwise. In one embodiment, the dimensions of
various parts of the exemplary shoe system, as shown and described
here, are up to 5 percent greater than or up to 5 percent less than
those illustrated and described. In another embodiment, the
dimensions of various parts of the exemplary shoe system, as shown
and described here, are up to 10 percent greater than or up to 10
percent less than those illustrated and described. In yet another
embodiment, the dimensions of various parts of the exemplary shoe
system, as shown and described here, are up to 20 percent greater
than or up to 20 percent less than those illustrated and
described.
[0143] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used
herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers
and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another element, component, region, layer or section.
Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when
used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly
indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,
layer or section discussed above could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the exemplary embodiments.
[0144] Although the present patent application has been described
in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood
that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the present
patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments,
but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and
equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims. In addition, it is to be understood that the
present patent application contemplates that, to the extent
possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined
with one or more features of any other embodiment.
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