US20230284746A1

US20230284746A1 - Customizable Shoe and Accessory Kit

Info

Publication number: US20230284746A1
Application number: US17/694,406
Authority: US
Inventors: Valerie Neeley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-03-14
Filing date: 2022-03-14
Publication date: 2023-09-14

Abstract

A customizable shoe and accessory kit are provided. The accessory kit comprises at least one shoe, each shoe comprising an upper having an outside layer defining an outer surface and a lining, a sole attached to the upper, and at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface. The at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is disposed beneath the upper and, in some embodiments, between the outside layer and the lining of the shoe, such that the means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is concealed within the structure of the shoe.

Description

GOVERNMENT CONTRACT

Not applicable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT RE. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARK NOTICES

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights and trade dress rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates generally to footwear, and more specifically, to footwear that can be customized with a variety of accessories coupled to the outer surface of the shoe.

BACKGROUND

For many individuals, shoes are a statement accessory that they use to express individuality and which can provide or enhance the character of an outfit. However, selecting shoes that coordinate with an outfit is tedious as it requires matching the appearance and the style of the shoe with the clothing. Consumers often purchase new shoes because they find such new shoes would better coordinate with one outfit, despite the costs and storage involved in keeping the new shoes. As such, there is a need for fashionable shoes which may be readily altered to coordinate with a variety of outfits.
One proposal for customizable shoes is U.S. Pat. No. 7,698,836 to Schmelzer, which teaches an accessory system for shoes such as CROCS™. However, this proposal requires the shoe to be made of a moldable, stretchable material such as foam, comprising expandable holes on its surfaces. Of course, foam shoes may not be appropriate for all settings, such as settings with sharp objects, or where formal wear is required. In addition, the holes are visible even when an accessory is not present, creating an unsightly appearance.
Other proposals for customizable shoes include U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,107 to Braynock, U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,276 to Savoca, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,337 to Adamik which teach varying transparent display areas on a shoe's surface for customization. However, these proposals are deficient because they are limited to 2-dimensional decoration and fail to provide adapt or alter the shoe profile for a variety of looks.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 10,143,261 to Perkins teaches a shoe with interchangeable top surfaces. However, this proposal is deficient because it requires that the interchangeable top connect to the shoe at multiple sites, making it challenging to quickly change the appearance of the shoe. Further, the top must be connected in the same configuration each time, thus only allowing changes to the color or pattern but not the shoe's overall profile. This proposal is further deficient, as the shoe cannot be worn without connecting the interchangeable top as the customizable top keeps the shoe on a user's foot. As such, this proposal fails to teach a shoe that is easily customizable and can be worn with or without accessories.
Thus, although various proposals have been made for different types of customizable shoes, none of those in existence combine the characteristics of the present invention. As such, there is a need for a shoe with quick customization that can change a shoe's profile while retaining an aesthetically appealing outer surface.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a shoe and accessory kit, which may comprise at least one shoe having means for removably securing at least one accessory to its outer surface. The means for removably securing at least one accessory are obscured by an outer surface of the shoe so that such means do not visually detract from or otherwise alter the appearance of the shoe when the accessories are not in use. For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features have been described. It is to be understood that not all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages without achieving all advantages as may be taught or suggested.
The shoe may comprise an upper, a sole attached to the upper having an outer layer defining an outer surface and a lining. The at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the upper may be disposed between the lining and the outer layer of the upper.
In one embodiment, the shoe may further comprise a toe puff, which one will recognize as a piece of material, such as fabric, cardboard, or metal, which may be inserted as a stiffener in a front-most toe region of a shoe, disposed between the outer layer and the lining. The at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be disposed between the toe puff and the upper. In such an embodiment, the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be located at the midpoint between the medial and lateral side of the toe puff.
It should be noted, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, that the lining may comprise any number of pieces as desired. That is, the lining may be continuous, or it may comprise one or more pieces stitched, glued, or otherwise joined to one another and more or less corresponding to any combination of the shoe's toe box and heel, and/or any medial and lateral portions of the upper.
In a further embodiment, the shoe may comprise a heel counter as a plastic or cardboard reinforcement in a heel cup or rearmost region of a shoe and provided to increase foot support. The at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be disposed between the heel counter and the outer layer of the upper. In some embodiments, at least one of the aforementioned embodiments may occur in combination with another of the aforementioned embodiments. As a clarifying example, a shoe may comprise at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface disposed between the toe puff and the upper and at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface disposed between the heel counter and the upper. Thus, the number and placement of means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface will not limit the invention.
In one embodiment, the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be mirrored on opposite sides of the midline with respect to a wearer's foot. As a clarifying example, the means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface on a lateral side of the shoe may have a corresponding means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface on a medial side of the shoe.
It is contemplated that the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the upper may comprise magnets. In one embodiment, the at least one accessory may comprise the magnets and the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may comprise a magnetic material. The magnetic material may for example be a metal such as cobalt, iron, nickel, or alloys thereof. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that all forms of magnetic material may be utilized to form the present invention.
For example and without limitation, the magnetic material may comprise a metal plate. The metal plate may be round, square, rectangle, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the metal plate may comprise horizontal and vertical elements to create an H-shaped plate. In a shoe comprising a plurality of metal plates, it is contemplated that the metal plates may be the same or different shapes.
The at least one accessory may be operative to couple with a plurality of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the shoe. In another embodiment, the at least one accessory may be operative to couple with only one of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the shoe.
A customizable shoe and accessory kit may comprise at least one shoe, or a pair of shoes, and at least one accessory removably securable to an outer surface of the upper of the shoe by the means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface. In some embodiments, the at least one accessory may comprise one or more magnets, while the means for removably securing at least one accessory may be a sheet of magnetic metal. The accessory may take innumerable forms without departing from the invention be any form of accessory including, for example and without limitation, a strap, a buckle, a jewel or rhinestone, an embellishment, or other forms of accessories, including combinations of the same. The embellishments may be, for example, be a bow, flower, butterfly, mandala, wings, feather, ribbon, animal figure, or any other suitable shape, object, design, or combination, as desired.
It is contemplated that the accessory kit may comprise a plurality of the aforementioned shoes or accessories.
Several advantages of this shoe and accessory kit are that they:

- a.) allow for customization of shoes for a variety of events;
- b.) utilize selective connection points to maintain a lightweight shoe while providing a plurality of customization options;
- c.) retains an aesthetically appealing shoe with or without the presence of the accessories; and
- d.) allows customization without the need for complex and/or visually apparent attachment mechanisms.

It is an object of this invention to provide a customizable shoe.
It is another object of the invention to provide a shoe that is customizable on its outer surface and configured to avoid visible coupling sites, in order to maintain the shoe's aesthetic appearance in the absence of any accessories.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a shoe accessory kit for a shoe that may be worn with or without accessories.
One or more of the above-disclosed embodiments, in addition to certain alternatives, are provided in further detail below with reference to the attached figures. The disclosed subject matter is not, however, limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.
One or more of the above-disclosed embodiments, in addition to certain alternatives, are provided in further detail below with reference to the attached figures. The disclosed subject matter is not, however, limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a shoe in accordance with one embodiment of the customizable shoe and accessory kit.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the shoe from FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3A shows a top view of a shoe in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the shoe from FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the shoe from FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an external surface of one embodiment of an accessory.

FIG. 6 shows a plain view of an internal surface of the embodiment of the accessory from FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 illustrates one manner in which the exemplary accessory of FIGS. 5 and 6 and the exemplary shoe of FIGS. 3A and 3B are removably secured.

FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the exemplary shoe of FIGS. 3A and 3B and accessory of FIGS. 5 and 6 as assembled in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another manner in which the accessory of FIGS. 5 and 6 removably secures to the shoe of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the shoe of FIGS. 3A and 3B and accessory of FIGS. 5 and 6 as assembled in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary manner in which another exemplary embodiment of an accessory removably secures to the shoe of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 12 shows a rear view of the shoe of FIG. 2 and an exemplary accessory as assembled in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary manner in which another exemplary accessory removably secures to the exemplary shoe of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another exemplary manner in which yet another exemplary accessory removably secures to the exemplary shoe of FIG. 1 .

The disclosed embodiments may be better understood by referring to the figures in the attached drawings, as provided below. The attached figures are provided as non-limiting examples for providing an enabling description of the method and system claimed. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of its scope. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without some of the details included in order to provide a thorough enabling description of such embodiments. Well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus
The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
The terms “heel counter,” “toe puff,” “upper,” and “lining” and the like are known in the art and should be understood broadly. These terms may vary depending on the artisan and all equivalent language in the art is incorporated.
The term “midline” is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to be the sagittal plane of the foot. The sagittal plane of the foot dissects the foot between the second and third toe and extends towards the heel of the foot, creating medial and lateral sides of the foot. The medial side of the foot is towards the middle of the body and typically comprises the first and second toe. The lateral side of the foot is towards the outside edge of the body and typically comprises the third, fourth, and fifth toes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Having summarized various aspects of the present disclosure, reference will now be made in detail to that which is illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
With reference to FIG. 1 , one exemplary embodiment of a shoe 100 may comprise an upper 106 having an outer surface, a lining 108, a sole 107, a heel counter 104, and a toe puff 105 (obscured from view). The shoe 100 further comprises an opening 114 operative to receive the wearer's foot.
The upper 106 may be attached to the sole 107 to form the structure of the shoe 100. The lining 108 may be internal to the upper 106 to form an inner surface of the shoe 100. The upper 106 may comprise an outer surface that is external to the lining 108. As shown in FIG. 1 the heel counter 104 may be internal to the upper 106. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the heel counter 104 may be dispersed between the upper 106 and the lining 108. Returning to FIG. 1 , the toe puff 105 may be located internal to the upper 106. It is contemplated that the lining 108 may be continuous over the toe puff 105 such that the toe puff 105 may be internal to the upper 106 and the lining 108. It is further contemplated that the lining 108 may be disrupted by the toe puff 105 such that the toe puff 105 comprises part of the inner surface of the shoe 100. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate all configurations of the shoe structure and understand that all configurations may be utilized here.
At least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be located within the shoe 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , the at least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be disposed between the upper 106 and the lining 108. Additionally, the at least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be disposed between the upper 106 and the toe puff 105. The at least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may further be disposed between the upper 106 and the heel counter 104. As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of the at least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be located between any of the heel counter 104, toe puff 105, and lining 108 and the upper 106.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the at least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface at the toe puff 105 may be centered such that it is at a midline between a medial side and a lateral side of the shoe.
The upper 106 may be formed of any suitable or desirable materials, for example and without limitation, leather, suede, plastic, satin, vinyl, canvas, and combinations of the same. A person of ordinary skill in the art will know all suitable materials to form an upper 106 and appreciate that they may be utilized here. The material selected to form the upper 106 may determine the thickness of the upper 106 itself. Exemplary thicknesses of the upper include those within the range of 0.001 mm to 10 mm. In a further exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the upper may be 0.01 to 8 mm. In another exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the upper may be the range inclusive of 1 mm to 5 mm.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be any of a plurality of shapes. For example, the shapes may be square, rectangle, circle, polygon, triangle, or any other shape, as desired. As shown in FIG. 2 the shoe 100 may comprise an H-shaped means 112 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface at a rearmost portion of the shoe, in line with a wearer's.
The exemplary H-shaped means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface 112 may be disposed between the heel counter 104 and the upper 106. It is contemplated that the H-shaped means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface 112 may be centered on a midline of the shoe 116. The H-shaped means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface 112 may be curved in a manner operative to engage contact with the upper 106.
The at least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be smaller than the upper 106 and, indeed, be smaller than any other element or component comprising the shoe where such means is located. As a clarifying example, the at least one means 110 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be smaller than the toe puff 105 such that it is fully contained on just a portion of any surface of the toe puff 105.
FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a shoe 300. FIG. 3A shows a top perspective view of a shoe 300 which FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the same exemplary shoe 300.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be mirrored along a midline of the shoe. The at least one means 310 a for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface on the medial side of the shoe has a corresponding, complementary means 310 b for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface on the lateral side of the shoe. In instances where the at least one means 310 c for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the shoe is located on the midline, it is contemplated that the at least one means 310 c for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is centered on the midline of the shoe. FIG. 3B shows an exemplary side view of one side of the shoe 300, illustrating how one side of the midline may be configured. The at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface shown in FIG. 3B may have corresponding, complementary means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory on the side of shoe 300 not shown in FIG. 3B.
As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 4 , the shoe 300 comprises a heel counter 304, a toe puff 305, an upper 306, a sole 307, a lining 308, and at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface. The sole 307 and the upper 306 may be attached to create the structure of the shoe 300. The lining 308 may be internal to the sole 307 such that it comprises an internal surface of the shoe 300, and the at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be dispersed between the lining 308 and the upper 306.
The shoe 300 may further comprise a toe puff 305 internal to the upper 306. As shown, the toe puff 305 may disrupt the lining 308 such that the toe puff 305 comprises a portion of the inner surface of the shoe. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the lining may extend so that it covers an inner surface of the toe puff. The at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be disposed between the toe puff 305 and the upper 306.
The shoe 300 may further comprise a heel counter 304 internal to the upper 306, and the at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be dispersed between the heel counter 304 and the upper 306. As shown in FIG. 4 , the heel counter 304 may disrupt the lining 308 to form a portion of the inner surface of the shoe 300. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the lining may extend such that it covers the heel counter.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an accessory 520 for use in a shoe accessory kit shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . FIG. 5 illustrates an outside surface of the accessory 524 as may be seen when the accessory 520 is attached to the shoe, as shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 6 illustrates the accessory 520 and at least one connection site 540 on the internal surface of the accessory 526. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , the accessory 520 may comprise four of the at least one connection sites 540. The at least one connection site 540 may be distributed uniformly throughout the accessory 520, as shown. However, it is also contemplated that the at least one connection site 540 may be distributed at non-uniform intervals to allow for removably securing to shoes as needed or desired. Thus, the foregoing connection sites are offered by way of example only, and not limitation.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the manner in which accessory 520, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , securably attaches to the embodiment of the shoe 300. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the accessory 520 may be operative to removably secure to the shoe 300 so that the inner surface 526 may be in contact with the upper 306. The at least one connection site 540 may be operative to removably secure to at least one of the at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface as shown in FIG. 7 .
For instance, means 310 for removably securing the at least one accessory to the shoe 300 may comprise means for magnetic coupling. Thus, in some embodiments, the at least one connection site 540 may comprise at least one magnet. The at least one magnet may be operative to couple with at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the shoe shown in FIG. 7 .
In instances when the at least one connection site 540 is a magnet, the at least one means 310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the shoe may comprise a magnetic material. For example, the magnetic material may be metal operative to couple with magnets, such as and without limitation to iron, steel, nickel, and alloys thereof. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate all types of materials operative to couple with magnets through the various uppers contemplated herein, which may be used in the present invention.
In accordance with the foregoing, the means 310 for removably coupling at least one accessory to the outer surface of the shoe may be at least one metal plate. Any of the at least one metal plate may be made of any of the aforesaid magnetic materials. It is contemplated that the exemplary metal plate may be rigid or flexible. The metal plate may, for example only and without limitation, be of a thickness in the range inclusive of 0.1 mm to 10 mm. The metal plate may further have a thickness in the range inclusive of 1 mm to 6.5 mm. It is contemplated that the thinner the metal plate is, the less the shoe will weigh, as such, it may be advantageous to utilize thinner plates to prevent excess weight in the shoe. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that the character and thickness of the outer layer of the upper, intervening between the accessory and means for removably securing the accessory to the upper, may affect how thin the metal may be. That is, the metal and any magnets comprising the accessory may be sized to overcome any interruption to such magnet's magnetic field as may be caused by the upper.
Exemplary shapes for the metal plate include, without limitation, square, rectangle, triangle, circle, polygon, or shapes that comprise multiple elements of one or more shape. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that removably securing an accessory may be accomplished with any shape. However, it is contemplated that the metal plate may be shaped according to where it is located on the shoe.
The metal plate may have an outer dimension configured to allow the at least one magnet to removably secure to the outer of the shoe 300. In instances where the metal plate is square for example, each side of the metal plate may be in the range inclusive of 0.2 mm to 30 mm in length. In a further instance, each side of the metal plate may be in the range inclusive of 5 mm to 20 mm in length. It is contemplated that the metal plates may vary in size depending on their location within the shoe 300. As a clarifying example and without limitation, a metal plate located at the toe puff may be of a smaller size than a metal plate located at the heel counter 304. In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that shoes come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different sizes of the human foot. As such, it is contemplated that the size of the metal plate may be dependent on the size of the shoe 300, such that a larger shoe may comprise larger metal plates than a smaller shoe. It is further contemplated that the metal plates may be sized and placed such that they are suitable for removably securing the at least one accessory 520 in a plurality of shoe sizes.
The magnet at the coupling site 540 may, for example, be a temporary magnet. The magnet may be any suitable shape to allow for removably securing the accessory 520 to the shoe 300, such as and without limitation, circle, ring, rectangle, square, or horseshoe. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any magnet shape may be utilized to practice the invention.
It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the magnet may be fully enclosed within the accessory 520. In such embodiments, the magnet may be limited by the size of the accessory 520. The thickness of the magnet may, for example and without limitation, be in the range inclusive of 0.8 mm to 10 mm. In a further example, the thickness of the magnet may be in the range inclusive of 1.5 mm to 3 mm.
It is further contemplated that the outer dimensions of the magnet may be limited by the size of the accessory 520 which is in contact with the shoe 300 when assembled in order to cause the magnet to be visually obscured by the accessory when removably secured to a shoe. For instance, when the magnets are circular in shape, the diameter of the magnet may, without limitation, be inclusive of 1 mm to 50 mm. In a further instance, the diameter of the magnet may be inclusive of 5 mm to 20 mm.
In another embodiment, the means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the shoe 310 may comprise a magnet. The magnet may be operative to couple with the at least one connection site 540, the at least one connection site 540 may comprise a magnetic material. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the thickness of the magnet may be limited to the size of the upper. The thickness of the magnet may further be at least about 1.5 mm, such that the magnetic field is sufficiently strong to removably secure with at least one accessory 520. It is further contemplated that the magnet may be located towards the superior portion of the upper 306 in order to reduce accidental magnetic coupling with objects other than the accessories 520, such as metal shavings or nails, which may be present on a user's footpath.
FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled kit wherein the accessory 520 of FIGS. 5 and 6 is removably securable in the manner as shown in FIG. 7 to the shoe 300.
FIGS. 9-14 illustrate other non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of accessories, which have been offered only for the sake of clarifying the invention. For example, the accessories may comprise a decorative element such as a strap, buckle, jewel, embellishment, or brooch. The embellishments may, for example, be a bow, flower, butterfly, wings, feather, ribbon, animal figure, or any other suitable object. Any of the at least one accessory may be made of a rigid material, such as plastic, ceramic, jewels, and metal, without limitation. Additionally, any of the at least one accessory may be made of a flexible material, such as and without limitation, fabric, leather, and soft plastics. The at least one accessory may further comprise a combination of any of the rigid and flexible materials. An accessory kit which comprises multiple of the at least one accessory may comprise any combination of the above embodiments of accessories. It is contemplated that some accessories may be operative to couple at a plurality of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which an accessory 920 securably attaches to the shoe 300 shown in FIG. 3 . With reference to FIG. 9 , the accessory 920 may be a strap wherein the inner surface of the accessory 926 is in contact with the upper of the shoe 906 as shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 9 illustrates the connection between the at least one connection site 940 and the at least one means 910 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer portion of the shoe. As shown in FIG. 9 , the accessory 920 may comprise three connection sites 940 operative to couple with three of the at least one means 910 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer portion of the shoe.
FIG. 10 illustrates that the at least one means 910 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer portion of the shoe may comprise a different dimension than the at least one connection site 940. Though not illustrated, the means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer portion of the shoe may comprise the same dimension as the at least one connection site. Returning to FIG. 10 , the at least one means 910 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer portion of the shoe may be larger than the at least one connection site 940. It is further contemplated that the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer portion of the shoe may be smaller than the at least one connection site. A person of ordinary skill will appreciate that feet come in a variety of sizes to accommodate differently sized feet. As such, the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer portion of the shoe and the at least one connection site may be desirable to allow for the at least one accessory to removably secure to a plurality of shoe sizes. With reference to FIG. 10 , the accessory 920 may removably secure to the upper 306 and spans the width of the shoe 300, as such, the connection sites 940 may be operative to removably secure with a plurality of shoe widths. The accessory 940 may further comprise a flexible material to adjust to the different shoe sizes.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the accessory 1120 may be operative to couple with an H-shaped means 1112 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface. It is contemplated that the H-shaped means 1112 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may allow for larger accessories. The H-shaped means 1112 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may provide multiple anchoring points, which allows for the greater stability of the accessory 1120 when coupled. In addition, the H-shaped means 1112 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may allow for the accessory 1120 to connect to contact multiple points of the outer of the shoe 1106.
FIG. 13 provides an exemplary embodiment of a shoe 1300 comprising an upper 1306 having an outer surface, a lining 1308 internal to the upper, a sole 1307 attached to the upper, a heel counter 1304, an opening operative to receive a wearer's foot 1314, and at least one means 1310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface. The shoe 1300 in FIG. 13 demonstrates exemplary embodiments of connections without the use of the H-shaped means 112 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface as seen in FIG. 2 .
As shown in FIG. 13 , the accessory in the kit may be a strap 1320 as a chain. The strap 1320 may be operative to removably secure to a plurality of the at least one means 1310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface. The strap 1320 may couple with the shoe 1300 such that it spans the opening operative to receive the wearer's foot 114. In some embodiments, the strap 1320 may comprise a rigid material such that it retains a desired shape. In another embodiment, the strap 1320 may comprise a flexible material such as, for example and without limitation, tulle, elastic, cloth, leather, or any other material that may conform to the shape of a wearer's foot. It is contemplated that this strap 1320 may, in some instances, be operative to provide additional support to the user when wearing the shoe 1302.
As shown in FIG. 14 , the accessory 1440 may comprise at least one coupling site 1440 operative to couple with at least one means 1310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface located at different points throughout the shoe 1300. FIG. 14 further illustrates one embodiment of the accessory 1440 which may be defined by a set length. A person of ordinary skill will appreciate that humans have different sized feet amongst one another, which requires different size shoes, and, as such, elements of a shoe may have different dimensions depending on its size. As such, it is contemplated that the set length may be configured to permit it to be removably secure to a plurality of shoe sizes. For example, the at least one means 1310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface may be of a size greater than the connection site 1440. The connection site 1440 may removably secure to any point along the at least one means 1310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface. As such, the connection site 1140 has a set distance in which it may connect. As a clarifying example, the connection site 1440 may removably secure with the at least one means 1310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface in the middle for a women's size eight shoe. The same accessory 1420 may also be operative to removably secure with a women's size five shoe, however, the connection site 1440 may now be located distal to the middle of the at least one means 1310 for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface.
It is further contemplated that some accessories may be suitable for only one shoe size. In such an embodiment, the connection site may be sized equal to the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface.
It is contemplated that in some embodiments that multiple accessories may be operative to simultaneously couple with the same at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface.
It is further contemplated that the shoe may be any style of shoe and those described are merely exemplary embodiments.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

While certain embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications are contemplated and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, a soft shoe, such as a flat, may be operative to removably secure with at least one accessory in the manner described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited, except as by the appended claim(s).
The teachings disclosed herein may be applied to other systems, and may not necessarily be limited to any described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.
Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the customizable shoe and accessory kit with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the customizable shoe and accessory kit to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above description section explicitly define such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed system, method and apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the customizable shoe and accessory kit is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage.
While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the method, system, and apparatus are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible for which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.
While certain aspects of the method and system disclosed are presented below in particular claim forms, various aspects of the method, system, and apparatus are contemplated in any number of claim forms. Thus, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the customizable shoe and accessory kit.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A kit comprising:

a shoe defined by an upper and a sole attached to the upper, the upper having at least an outside layer and a lining;

at least one accessory removably securable to the outside layer of the upper; and

at least one means for removably securing the at least one accessory to an outer surface of the upper, such means disposed beneath the outside layer.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the shoe further comprises a toe puff.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein at least one of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is disposed between the upper and the toe puff.

4. The kit of claim 1, wherein the shoe further comprises a heel counter.

5. The kit of claim 4, wherein at least one of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is disposed between the upper and the heel counter.

6. The kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface disposed beneath the outer layer of the upper is H-shaped.

7. The kit of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory comprises a decorative element and at least one magnet.

8. The kit of claim 1, wherein the shoe is operative to removably secure with the at least one accessory through magnetic coupling.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein the at least one of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface comprises a magnetic material.

10. A shoe comprising an upper defining an outer surface, a sole attached to the upper, and a lining configured to define an inner surface of the upper; and

at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface disposed beneath the upper.

11. The shoe of claim 10, wherein at least one of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface of the upper is H-shaped.

12. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is a metal piece.

13. The shoe of claim 10, further comprising a toe puff.

14. The shoe of claim 13, wherein at least one of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is disposed between the upper and the toe puff.

15. The shoe of claim 13, wherein at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is disposed between the upper and a midpoint point on the toe puff between a medial and lateral side of the shoe.

16. The shoe of claim 10, further comprising a heel counter.

17. The shoe of claim 16, wherein at least one of the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is disposed between the upper and the heel counter.

18. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface has a corresponding, complementary at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface on a medial side and a lateral side of the shoe.

19. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the upper is continuous over the at least one means for removably securing at least one accessory to the outer surface.

20. A shoe comprising an upper, a sole attached to the upper, a lining internal to the upper, a toe puff, a heel counter, and a plurality of means for magnetically securing at least one accessory to the outer surface,

wherein at least one of the means for magnetic coupling is disposed beneath the upper and the toe puff at a midpoint between a medial and lateral side of the shoe;

wherein at least one of the means for magnetic coupling is disposed between the upper and the heel counter; and

wherein at least one of the means for magnetically securing at least one accessory to the outer surface is disposed between the upper and the lining.