U.S. patent application number 15/318515 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-21 for shoe ease footwear and method of making the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Raymond Cloutier. Invention is credited to Raymond Cloutier.
Application Number | 20190082776 15/318515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62491327 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190082776 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cloutier; Raymond |
March 21, 2019 |
SHOE EASE FOOTWEAR AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
An article of footwear with an upper and a sole. The upper has a
flap portion while the sole has a lip portion. The flap portion of
the upper is configured to removably attach to the lip portion of
the sole, allowing a user to wear the article of footwear in a
closed or open orientation.
Inventors: |
Cloutier; Raymond;
(US) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cloutier; Raymond |
|
|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62491327 |
Appl. No.: |
15/318515 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
December 8, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US16/65513 |
371 Date: |
December 13, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/00 20130101; A43B
3/244 20130101; A43B 17/02 20130101; A43C 11/12 20130101; A43B
17/18 20130101; A43B 3/246 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24; A43B 7/00 20060101 A43B007/00; A43B 17/02 20060101
A43B017/02; A43B 17/18 20060101 A43B017/18; A43C 11/12 20060101
A43C011/12 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear having a heel portion, a midfoot portion,
a forefoot portion, a lateral portion and an opposite medial
portion, comprising: a sole having a lip portion: the lip portion
extending vertically from a face of the sole, the lip portion
extending from the medial portion of the midfoot portion, through
the medial portion of the forefoot portion and the lateral portion
of the forefoot portion, to and including the lateral portion of
the midfoot portion, the lip portion having an upper lip portion
and an opposite bottom lip portion, the upper lip portion having a
first attachment portion configured to removably attach to an upper
of the article of footwear.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising: the
upper having a flap portion that extends from the medial portion of
the midfoot portion, through the medial portion of the forefoot
portion and the lateral portion of the forefoot portion, to and
including the lateral portion of the midfoot portion, the flap
portion having an upper flap portion and an opposite bottom flap
portion, the bottom flap portion having a second attachment portion
configured to removably attach to a sole of article of
footwear.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the first attachment
portion and the second attachment portion are each portions of a
zipper assembly configured to zip together to form a complete
zipper assembly.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the zipper assembly
oriented to begin at the medial portion and end at the lateral
portion
5. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the zipper assembly
is oriented to begin at the lateral portion and end at the medial
portion.
6. An article of footwear having a heel portion, a midfoot portion,
a forefoot portion, a lateral portion and an opposite medial
portion, comprising: an upper having a flap portion the flap
portion extending from the medial portion of the midfoot portion,
through the medial portion of the forefoot portion and the lateral
portion of the forefoot portion, to and including the lateral
portion of the midfoot portion, and the flap portion having an
upper flap portion and an opposite bottom flap portion, the bottom
flap portion having a second attachment portion configured to
removably attach to a sole of article of footwear.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6, further comprising: a sole
having a lip portion: the lip portion extending vertically from a
face of the sole, the lip portion extending from the medial portion
of the midfoot portion, through the medial portion of the forefoot
portion and the lateral portion of the forefoot portion, to and
including the lateral portion of the midfoot portion, and the lip
portion having an upper lip portion and an opposite bottom lip
portion, the upper lip portion having a first attachment portion
configured to removably attach to an upper of the article of
footwear, wherein the first attachment portion and second
attachment portion are each portions of a zipper assembly.
8. The article of footwear of claim 7 being a right-foot oriented
article of footwear and oriented for a right-handed user, wherein
the zipper assembly begins on the lateral portion of the article of
footwear and ends on the medial portion of the article of
footwear.
9. The article of footwear of claim 7 being a left-foot oriented
article of footwear and oriented for a right-handed user, wherein
the zipper assembly begins on the medial portion of the article of
footwear and ends on the lateral portion of the article of
footwear.
10. The article of footwear of claim 7 being a right-foot oriented
article of footwear and oriented for a left-handed user, wherein
the zipper assembly begins on the medial portion of the article of
footwear and ends on the lateral portion of the article of
footwear.
11. The article of footwear of claim 7 being a left-foot oriented
article of footwear and oriented for a left-handed user, wherein
the zipper assembly begins on the lateral portion of the article of
footwear and ends on the medial portion of the article of
footwear.
12. A method of making an article of footwear having a heel
portion, a midfoot portion, a forefoot portion, a lateral portion
and an opposite medial portion, the method comprising: providing a
sole having a lip portion, the lip portion extending vertically
from a face of the sole, the lip portion extending from the medial
portion of the midfoot portion, through the medial portion of the
forefoot portion and the lateral portion of the forefoot portion,
to and including the lateral portion of the midfoot portion, and
the lip portion having an upper lip portion and an opposite bottom
lip portion, the upper lip portion having a first attachment
portion configured to removably attach to an upper of the article
of footwear.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: providing the upper
having a flap portion, the flap portion extending from the medial
portion of the midfoot portion, through the medial portion of the
forefoot portion and the lateral portion of the forefoot portion,
to and including the lateral portion of the midfoot portion, and
the flap portion having an upper flap portion and an opposite
bottom flap portion, the bottom flap portion having a second
attachment portion configured to removably attach to the sole of
article of footwear.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first attachment portion
and the second attachment portion are each portions of a zipper
assembly configured to zip together to form a complete zipper
assembly.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the zipper assembly oriented to
begin at the medial portion and end at the lateral portion
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the zipper assembly is oriented
to begin at the lateral portion and end at the medial portion.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the first attachment portion
and the second attachment portions are each portions of a button
assembly configured to fasten together to form a complete button
assembly.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein lip portion has an inner lip
surface and an outer lip surface, and wherein flap portion has an
inner flap surface and an outer flap surface.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein first attachment portion is
located on the outer lip surface and second attachment portion is
located on the inner flap surface causing the flap portion to
overlay the lip portion in a closed position of the article of
footwear.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first attachment portion is
located on the inner lip surface and the second attachment portion
is located on the outer flap surface causing the lip portion to
overlay the flap portion in a closed position of the article of
footwear.
Description
REFERENCE
[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority
from prior PCT international application number PCT/US16/65513,
filed Dec. 8, 2016, which application is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The following includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that
any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material,
to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any
publication or document that is specifically or implicitly
referenced is prior art.
[0003] Often, prior to or after medical procedures on a foot, use
of normal footwear is not possible or recommended. A walking boot,
often termed an orthopedic shoe, or an open-toed shoe, or even
sandals, are recommended for use by a patient for a period of time.
Hampered mobility is not the only issue in such circumstances. For
example, if a patient is a construction worker or has a similar job
where additional safety precautions are necessary for the job, such
as footwear with steel toe protection, then the patient may not be
able to work while wearing a walking boot or other recommended
footwear prior to or after surgery. The patient may lose a portion
of their salary while being unable to work due to the limitations
in footwear.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts
relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further
described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the
invention.
[0005] In one embodiment, an article of footwear is provided. The
article of footwear has a heel portion, a midfoot portion, a
forefoot portion, a lateral portion and an opposite medial portion.
The article of footwear includes a sole having a lip portion. The
lip portion extends vertically from a face of the sole. The lip
portion extends from the medial portion of the midfoot portion,
through the medial portion of the forefoot portion and the lateral
portion of the forefoot portion, to and including the lateral
portion of the midfoot portion. The lip portion has an upper lip
portion and an opposite bottom lip portion. The upper lip portion
has a first attachment portion configured to removably attach to an
upper of the article of footwear.
[0006] In another embodiment, an article of footwear is provided.
The article of footwear has a heel portion, a midfoot portion, a
forefoot portion, a lateral portion and an opposite medial portion.
The article of footwear includes an upper having a flap portion.
The flap portion extends from the medial portion of the midfoot
portion, through the medial portion of the forefoot portion and the
lateral portion of the forefoot portion, to and including the
lateral portion of the midfoot portion. The flap portion has an
upper flap portion and an opposite bottom flap portion. The bottom
flap portion has a second attachment portion configured to
removably attach to a sole of the article of footwear.
[0007] In a further embodiment, a method of making an article of
footwear having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, a forefoot
portion, a lateral portion and an opposite medial portion is
provided. The method includes providing a sole having a lip
portion. The lip portion extends vertically from a face of the
sole. The lip portion extends from the medial portion of the
midfoot portion, through the medial portion of the forefoot portion
and the lateral portion of the forefoot portion, to and including
the lateral portion of the midfoot portion. The lip portion has an
upper lip portion and an opposite bottom lip portion. The upper lip
portion has a first attachment portion configured to removable
attach to an upper of the article of footwear.
[0008] Other aspects, systems, methods, features, and advantages of
embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
aspects, systems, methods, features, and advantages be included
within this description and this summary, be within the scope of
the invention, and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The embodiments can be better understood with reference to
the following drawings and description. Components in the figures
are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed
upon illustrating structural and functional principles of the
embodiments. Like reference numbers in the figures designate
corresponding parts throughout the different views, and the initial
digit or digits of each reference numeral may indicate the figure
number of the first figure in which the part is identified in the
figures.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an
article of footwear;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear
of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 1 illustrating an open flap portion orientation;
[0013] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the article of
footwear of FIG. 1, illustrating an open flap portion
orientation;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 1, illustrating a closed flap portion orientation; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a method of making the article of footwear of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The present detailed description generally describes
embodiments of methods of making an article of footwear and
articles of footwear made by such methods. For simplicity purposes,
"article of footwear" and "footwear" may be used interchangeably.
Additionally, references to a singular item or characteristic is
not limited to a singular term. Singular reference to an item or
characteristic may include the plurality of such item or
characteristic. Similarly, plural references to items or
characteristics may include the singular of such items or
characteristics. Singular and plural forms may be used
interchangeably without changing the meaning or scope of the
invention.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments articles 100
may include an upper 102 and a sole structure 104. For purpose of
reference, upper 102 and/or article of footwear 100 generally may
be divided into a forefoot portion 160, a midfoot portion 162, and
a heel portion 164. Forefoot portion 160 generally may be
associated with a toe box for the toes and joints connecting the
metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion 162 generally may
be associated with the instep and/or arch of a foot. Heel portion
164 generally may be associated with the heel of a foot, including
the calcaneus bone. Upper 102 also generally may include a lateral
side portion 166 and a medial side portion 168. Lateral side
portion 166 and medial side portion 168 may be opposing side of
upper 102. One or both lateral side 166 and medial side 168 may
extend through forefoot portion 160, midfoot portion 162, and heel
portion 164. Some embodiments further may include a front toe
portion 154 as well as a vamp or instep portion 156
[0018] Sole structure 104 may be secured to upper 102 and extend
between the foot and the ground surface when article 100 is worn.
In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be configured to
provide traction for article 100. In some embodiments, sole
structure 104 may be configured to absorb or attenuate impact or
other ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and
the ground surfaces during walking, running, or other ambulatory
activities.
[0019] The configuration of sole structure 104 may vary
significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of
known or newly developed sole structures and/or components. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2, sole structure 104 variously may
include an outsole 22, a midsole 21, and/or an insole 23. Midsole
21 is secured to a lower surface of upper 102 and may be formed
from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g. a polyurethane or
ethylvinylacetate foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces
(i.e. provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the
ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In
other configurations, midsole 21 may incorporate fluid-filled
chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further
attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of
the foot, or midsole 21 may be primarily formed from a fluid-filled
chamber. Outsole 22 is secured to a lower surface of midsole 21 and
may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that is
textured to impart traction. Insole 23 is located within upper 102
and is positioned to extend under a lower surface of the foot. The
structure and features of sole structure 104 or any sole structure
utilized with upper 102 may vary considerably.
[0020] In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 104 may
be selected to be suitable for one or more types of ground surfaces
on which sole structure 104 may be used. Example ground surfaces
may include, but are not limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf,
dirt, sand, gravel, snow, ice, as well as other surfaces. The sole
may be made from a combination of natural rubber, polyurethane, or
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds.
[0021] Upper 102 may be configured to receive and cover a foot. In
some embodiments, upper 102 may include an opening 106 that
provides entry to an interior of upper 102. For example, as shown
in FIG. 1, in some embodiments opening 106 may be an ankle opening.
Upper may be made from one or more of a textile, polymer foam,
polymer sheet, leather, synthetic leather, elastic leather.
[0022] In some embodiments, upper 102 may include a fastening or
closure or other provisions for tightening or otherwise adjusting
fit characteristics (e.g. girth) of upper 102. For example, in some
embodiments upper 102 may include tensioning members, such as
lacing members 122 and eyelets 124 for receiving one or more lace
or other tensioning member (such as a cable) 126. In this manner, a
size of opening 106, and corresponding girth of upper 102 may be
adjusted to customize a fit of upper 102 and article of footwear
100. In some embodiments, lacing members 122 of the closure
structure may provide reinforcing edge structure and form an
opening having a V-shaped configuration, a U-shaped configuration,
or another configuration.
[0023] In some embodiments, upper 102 may include a tongue 130
(illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1). Tongue 130 may be disposed
between a fastening or closure structure and a foot to facilitate
comfort and fit. For example, tongue 130 may be disposed between
lacing members 122 and a foot--between eyelets 124 and a foot--or
between lacing 126 and a foot received in the interior of upper
102. It will be appreciated that a tongue may be optional in some
embodiments.
[0024] Bootie 140 may extend through each of a bootie forefoot
region (or forefoot portion) 142, a bootie midfoot region (or
midfoot portion) 144, and a bootie heel region (or heel portion)
146, and along with both a bootie lateral side (or lateral portion)
148 and a bootie medial side (or medial portion) 150. In some
embodiments, bootie 140 may also include tongue 130. In some
embodiments, bootie 140 may be substantially formed by one material
textile, polymer foam, polymer sheet, leather, synthetic leather)
into a seamless bootie 140, or from multiple material elements
(e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic
leather) that are joined through stitching or bonding as bootie
140, for example.
[0025] As used in this description, the terms forefoot portion or
region, midfoot portion or region, heel portion or region, toe
portion or region, and instep portion or region are only intended
for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate
precise portions or boundaries of upper 102. Likewise, the terms
lateral side (or lateral portion) and medial side (or medial
portion) are intended to represent generally two sides of an
article, rather than precisely demarcating upper 102 into two
halves.
[0026] The article of footwear of the present invention has a flap
portion that extends from the medial midfoot region around the
forefoot region to and including the lateral midfoot region. The
flap portion may be attached and detached from a lip portion that
extends from the sole of the footwear. In some embodiments herein,
an article of footwear may be a medical footwear. In another
embodiments, the article of footwear may be athletic footwear.
[0027] Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, article 300 is shown. Article 300
is an embodiment of an article of footwear similar to footwear 100
incorporating a lip portion and a flap portion. From sole 104
extends a lip portion 170. At least a portion of lip portion 170
extends vertically and/or approximately perpendicular to a face 199
of sole 104. Lip portion 170 extends from medial portion 168 of
midfoot portion 162, through medial portion 168 of forefoot portion
160 and lateral portion 166 of forefoot portion 160, to and
including lateral portion 166 of midfoot portion 162. Lip portion
170 has an upper lip portion 172 and an opposite bottom lip portion
174. Bottom lip portion 174 is connected to sole 104. Upper lip
portion 172 has a first attachment portion 176 configured to
removably attach to upper 102. Lip portion 170 has an inner lip
surface 178 and an opposite outer lip surface 179. As used herein,
the phrase "removably attach" may indicate that an item may attach
and detach from another item, often times at the discretion of the
user.
[0028] Upper 102 has a flap portion 180. Flap portion 180 extends
from medial portion 168 of midfoot portion 162, through medial
portion 168 of forefoot portion 160 and lateral portion 166 of
forefoot portion 160, to and including lateral portion 166 of
midfoot portion 162. Flap portion 180 has an upper flap portion 182
and a bottom flap portion 184. Flap portion 180 has an inner flap
surface 188 and an outer flap surface 189. Bottom flap portion 184
has a second attachment portion 186 configured to removably attach
to sole 104. In an open position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, first
attachment portion 176 is separate from second attachment portion
186 causing flap portion 180 to be separate from lip portion
170.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a lateral side portion 166 of a forefoot
portion 160 and midfoot portion 162 of article 300 in a closed
position/orientation. In a closed position, first attachment
portion 176 is connected to second attachment portion 186 causing
flap portion 180 to be connected to lip portion 170.
[0030] In some embodiments, first attachment portion 176 and second
attachment portion 186 are each portions of a zipper assembly
forming a complete zipper assembly. First attachment portion 176
and second attachment portion 186 may be zipped together and apart
to allow flap portion 180 and lip portion 170 to be zipped together
and apart. In some instances, the zipper assembly may be oriented
to begin at medial portion 168 and end at lateral portion 166. In
other instances the zipper assembly may be oriented to begin at
lateral portion 166 and end at medial portion 168. Where the zipper
begins and ends may correspond to a user being left-handed or
right-handed. For example, for a right-handed user the zipper
begins at the right-side of both a left foot and a right foot
oriented article of footwear. Specifically, for a right-foot
oriented article of footwear, the zipper for a right-handed user
would begin at the lateral portion 166 and end at the medial
portion 168. For a left-foot oriented article of footwear, the
zipper for a right-handed user would being at the medial portion
168 and end at the lateral portion 166. For a left-handed user, the
zipper begins at the left-side of both a left foot and right foot
oriented article of footwear. Specifically, for a left-foot
oriented article of footwear, the zipper for a left-handed user
would begin at the medial portion 168 and end at the lateral
portion 166. For a right-foot oriented article of footwear, the
zipper for a left-handed user would begin at the lateral portion
166 and end at the medial portion 168. The zipper sizes may be 8,
10, 12, 14, 16, or 18 inches in length. The zipper may be made of
steel, brass, and/or nylon.
[0031] In further embodiments, first attachment portion 176 may be
a male portion of a button assembly and second attachment portion
186 may be a female portion of the button assembly, as shown in
FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, or visa-versa, and may be snapped together or
pulled apart allowing flap portion 180 and lip portion 170 to be
snapped together or pulled apart.
[0032] In some instances, outer lip surface 179 may include the
first attachment portion 176 that corresponds to the second
attachment portion 186 located on the inner flap portion surface
188 causing the flap portion 180 to overlap lip portion 170 when
footwear 300 is in a closed orientation. In other instances, inner
lip surface 178 may include the first attachment portion 176 that
corresponds to the second attachment portion 186 located on the
outer flap surface 189 causing the lip portion 170 to overlap flap
portion 180 when footwear 300 is in a closed orientation.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 6, showing a method of making article of
footwear 300. At step 601, sole 104 having lip portion 170 is
provided. The lip portion 170 extends vertically from the face 199
of the sole 104. Lip portion 170 extends from medial portion 168 of
midfoot portion 162, through medial portion 168 of forefoot portion
160 and lateral portion 166 of forefoot portion 160, to and
including lateral portion 166 of midfoot portion 162. Lip portion
170 has an upper lip portion 172 and an opposite bottom lip portion
174. Bottom lip portion 174 is connected to sole 104. The lip
portion 170 has a first attachment portion 176 located and
proximate upper lip portion 172 and configured to removably attach
to upper 102 of the article of footwear 300.
[0034] At step 602, upper 102 having a flap portion 180 is
provided. The flap portion 180 extends from medial portion 168 of
midfoot portion 162, through medial portion 168 of forefoot portion
160 and lateral portion 166 of forefoot portion 160, to and
including lateral portion 166 of midfoot portion 162. The flap
portion 180 has an upper flap portion 182 and an opposite bottom
flap portion 184. The flap portion 180 has a second attachment
portion 186 located proximate bottom flap portion 184 and
configured to removably attach to sole 104 of the article of
footwear.
[0035] Whereas, the construction and method have been described in
relation to the figures of the drawings, it should be understood
that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or
suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this
invention.
* * * * *