CN106572719B

CN106572719B - Adaptable shoes

Info

Publication number: CN106572719B
Application number: CN201580042580.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 钱德妮·塞西
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-11
Filing date: 2015-08-11
Publication date: 2021-06-01
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-11
Also published as: WO2016023078A1; AU2015303831A1; CN106572719A; AU2015303831B2; EP3179874B1; US20170231316A1; JP2017527420A; EP3179874A1; EP3179874A4; JP2021058670A

Abstract

The present invention provides a first item of footwear comprising: a midsole; an upper releasably coupled to the midsole; and a sole releasably coupled to the midsole. The second item of footwear provided by the invention comprises: a sole; an upper releasably coupled to the sole; and a toe support releasably coupled to the sole. The third footwear product provided by the invention comprises: a sole; a first upper portion attached to the sole; and a second upper portion releasably coupled to the first upper portion, such that the second upper portion can be coupled to the first upper portion while the shoe is worn.

Description

Adaptable shoes

Technical Field

The invention relates to a footwear that can be fitted.

Background

Footwear was originally provided as a means for protecting the foot and providing comfort while walking or running. For example, footwear may protect a wearer's foot against sharp objects, provide grip, and provide comfort while walking or running.

Recently, fashion has had a tremendous impact on footwear. High-heeled shoes are an example of such footwear and, in addition to appearing to increase the height of the wearer, have little effect on function.

One problem with prior art footwear is that fashion changes, and sometimes changes quickly. As a result, footwear that is still in good condition is often discarded for new style footwear, resulting in both waste and environmental damage.

Furthermore, different footwear is often provided for different seasons. For example, winter footwear may include high boots, and summer footwear may include sandals or low boots.

Some attempts have been made to provide footwear that can be adapted to suit a particular fashion or purpose. Such footwear is often uncomfortable, difficult to modify, or may be modified in a very limited manner.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this is not to be taken as an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in australia or any other country.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to footwear that may at least partially overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In view of the foregoing, according to a first aspect, the present invention generally relates to an item of footwear comprising:

a midsole (midsole);

an upper (upper) releasably coupled to the midsole; and

a sole (sole) releasably coupled to the midsole.

According to some embodiments, the footwear product is very versatile, as different parts of the footwear can be changed for style, comfort and wear.

The sole may include an insole (insole) or an outsole (outer sole).

The footwear product may include a boot, sandal, or wedge.

The upper may be releasably coupled to the midsole by a plurality of retaining members. Similarly, the sole may be releasably coupled to the midsole by a plurality of retaining members.

The retention member may be a compression retention member.

The retention member may include a spherical head and a retention slot for receiving the spherical head. The retention groove may include a retention arm for retaining the ball-shaped head.

The midsole may include at least a portion of the dwell slot. The upper may include a portion of the bulbous head. Similarly, the sole may include a portion of the spherical head. The midsole may include all of the stay channels.

The spherical head of the upper and the spherical head of the sole may be arranged on the upper and the sole so as to be attached to the midsole in alternating arrangements along the perimeter of the midsole.

The sole may include a front sole for supporting a front portion of the item of footwear and a heel for supporting a rear portion of the item of footwear.

The sole may include an insole for supporting the foot of a wearer of the item of footwear. The insole may also provide a means for attaching the upper. Thus, the upper may be indirectly coupled to the midsole through the insole.

A receiver (receptacle) may be provided in the midsole. The receptacle may be configured to store components of the footwear. The footwear may include a near field communication device in the receptacle. The receptacle may be configured to receive a shank (shank) for supporting a midsole.

The spherical head may be formed of metal or plastic. The retention slot may comprise a metal track.

The upper may comprise leather, canvas, or any other suitable natural or artificial material. The sole may comprise resin, rubber, leather or any other suitable material.

The upper may include a first upper portion and a second upper portion. The first upper portion may extend from a first side of the midsole to a second side of the midsole.

The first upper portion may include spherical heads and a middle portion extending between the spherical heads. The intermediate portion may include a leather portion from which a metal ball head extends. Alternatively, the first upper section may be integrally formed.

The length of the midsole may be adjustable.

The heel may comprise first and second heel portions releasably coupled to each other.

Preferably, the upper includes a locking member configured to be received by a channel of the midsole and to be locked therein.

According to a second aspect, the invention generally relates to an item of footwear comprising:

a sole;

an upper releasably coupled to the sole; and

a toe support releasably coupled to the sole.

The toe support allows adapting the item of footwear, for example, from a sandal to a flip-flop.

The toe support may include a stop (boss). The stop may prevent the foot from lifting off the sandal.

The sole may include a midsole coupled to the upper, and an outsole releasably coupled to the midsole.

The sole may include a midsole and an insole, wherein the insole is releasably coupled to the midsole.

The upper may be releasably coupled to the sole using the retaining member of the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates generally to an item of footwear comprising:

a sole;

a first upper portion attached to the sole; and

a second upper portion releasably coupled to the first upper portion such that the second upper portion can be coupled to the first upper portion when the shoe is worn.

The first and second upper portions allow for adaptation of the item of footwear in height, for example from a sandal to a boot.

The first upper portion may be releasably attached to the sole.

The sole may include a midsole coupled to the first upper portion, and an outsole releasably coupled to the midsole. The sole may include a midsole and an insole coupled to the midsole.

The second upper portion may include an internal pocket.

The first upper portion may comprise a shoe-shaped upper portion that surrounds a foot of a wearer, and the second upper portion may comprise a tubular portion that surrounds a lower leg of the wearer.

The second upper portion may be releasably coupled to the first upper portion by a zipper. Alternatively, the second upper section may be releasably coupled to the first upper section by laces, hook and loop fasteners, studs (stud), or buttons.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention generally relates to a kit (kit) comprising:

a midsole;

a sole for releasably coupling to a midsole; and

a plurality of uppers, each upper for releasably coupling to the midsole,

wherein one of the midsole, the sole and the plurality of uppers constitutes an article of footwear according to the first aspect.

The kit also includes an insole, wherein the insole is releasably coupled to the midsole. The upper may be indirectly coupled to the midsole through the insole.

The kit may also include a shank for supporting the midsole.

The kit includes a heel and a shank, wherein the shank is configured to support a midsole at a height of the heel.

Any of the features described herein may be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Drawings

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1a shows an exploded view of an item of footwear in the form of a sandal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b shows the sandal of FIG. 1 in an assembled form;

FIG. 2a shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of the sandal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the sandal of FIG. 1 in an assembled form;

FIG. 3a shows a top view of a sandal in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3b shows a side view of the sandal of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3c shows a front view of the sandal of FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 3d illustrates a first upper portion of the sandal of FIG. 3a, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative configuration of the sandal of FIG. 3a, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

figure 5a shows a side view of a boot according to one embodiment of the present invention;

figure 5b shows a front view of the boot of figure 5 a;

figure 6 shows a second upper portion of the boot of figure 5 a;

FIG. 7a illustrates a midsole according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7b illustrates the midsole of FIG. 7a in an expanded form including a spacer element;

FIG. 8a shows a sandal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8b shows the sandal of FIG. 8a including an additional heel portion;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an item of footwear in the form of a sandal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10a shows a close-up view of the front side of the sandal of FIG. 9 showing the groove thereof;

FIG. 10b shows a close-up view of the locking member of the sandal of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the toe member of the sandal of FIG. 9 engaged with the counter (mount);

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of a heel 915a of a sandal 900, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view from below of a sandal 1300, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a sandal 1400, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The preferred features, embodiments and variations of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description that follows, wherein sufficient information is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The detailed description section should not be construed as limiting the scope of the foregoing summary section in any way.

Detailed Description

FIG. 1a shows an exploded view of an item of footwear in the form of a sandal 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1b shows the sandal 100 in an assembled form.

The sandal 100 is versatile and may be changed for style, comfort and wear, as discussed further below. Specifically, the components of the sandal 100 may be interchanged to form different types of sandals.

The sandal 100 includes an upper 105, a midsole 110, and a sole 115. The upper 105 may comprise leather, canvas, or any other suitable natural or artificial material, and may include upholstery. The sole 115 includes a front sole 115a and a heel 115 b. The front sole 115a and the heel 115b are in direct contact with the ground in use. The sole 115 may comprise resin, rubber, leather, or any other suitable material.

Upper 105 is releasably coupled to midsole 110, and sole 115 is releasably coupled to midsole 110. Accordingly, the upper 105 may be replaced to change the appearance or function of the sandal 100. Similarly, the sole 115 may be replaced, for example, due to wear, or to change the style of the sandal, for example, to increase the height of the heel of the sandal.

Upper 105 is releasably coupled to midsole 110 by a plurality of retaining members 120a, as discussed below. Similarly, sole 115 is releasably coupled to midsole 110 by a plurality of retaining members 120b, as discussed below.

FIG. 2a shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the sandal 100 showing the retaining

members

120a, 120b according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the sandal 100 in an assembled form.

Detaining member 120a includes upper spherical head 205a, upper detaining groove 210a, and upper detaining arm pair 215a inside upper detaining groove 210a for detaining upper spherical head 205 a. Similarly, retaining member 120b includes a lower spherical head 205b, a lower retaining groove 210b, and a lower retaining arm pair 215b inside lower retaining groove 210b for retaining lower spherical head 205 b.

In use, upper 105 is stitched to midsole 110 through retaining member 120a, and sole 115 is stitched to midsole 110 through retaining member 120 a. Upper and lower detaining

arm pairs

215a, 215b flex outwardly to allow

bulbous heads

205a, 205b to enter detaining

grooves

210a, 210b and partially surround

bulbous heads

205a, 205 b.

If the upper 105 or sole 115 is to be removed from the sandal 100, it is forcibly pulled out of the sandal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the midsole 110. This causes pair of retaining

arms

215a, 215b to flex outwardly to allow

bulbous heads

205a, 205b to move away from midsole 110.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 2a-2b, the midsole 110 includes the staying

channels

210a, 210b, and the upper 105 and the sole 115 include the

spherical heads

205a, 205 b. This allows the thickness/height of the sandal to be reduced, as the thickness of the midsole can be reduced.

In particular, the

bulbous heads

205a, 205b may be arranged on the upper 105 and the sole 115 such that they are attached to the midsole 110 in an alternating arrangement along the perimeter of the midsole 110. Thus, the midsole may be approximately twice the height 220 of the

bulbous heads

205a, 205b while maintaining the stiffness (rigidity) of the midsole 110. According to some embodiments, the height of the midsole 110 is less than twice the height 220 of the

bulbous heads

205a, 205 b.

The

spherical heads

205a, 205b may be formed of metal or plastic, for example. The

detention slots

210a, 210b may comprise, for example, metal tracks on the midsole 110. Such an arrangement provides a strong attachment that will be able to withstand normal wear during use, and will prevent the upper 105 and sole 115 from inadvertently disengaging from the midsole 110.

According to some embodiments, a pocket is provided in midsole 110. In this way, components of the footwear (such as the toe piece discussed later) can be stored in the receptacles. Advantageously, the accommodation is accessible when the midsole 110 is separated from the upper 105 or when the midsole 110 is separated from the sole 115, and inaccessible when the midsole 110 is attached to the upper 105 and the sole 115. The receptacle may also be configured to receive a shank to support midsole 110.

The cushioning insole can be clipped onto the midsole and can be easily removed and replaced. In this case, access to the accommodation can be provided by removing (or partially removing) the cushioning insole.

According to some embodiments, the accommodation includes a wireless device. For example, the receptacle may include a near field communication device (not shown) for detecting the proximity of the sandal 100 to the receiver. Such a configuration may be particularly advantageous for use by children, giving a warning to the parent when the child/footwear is out of the proximity of the parent.

Preferably, when the sandal 100 is assembled, the

stay channels

210a, 210b are at least partially (or completely) concealed.

The footwear product is illustrated as a sandal 100, but those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the footwear product may include boots, sandals, safety footwear, wedge shoes, any other suitable footwear product, or combinations thereof, without departing from this invention.

FIG. 3a shows a top view of a sandal 300 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3b shows a side view of the sandal 300, and fig. 3c shows a front view of the sandal 300.

The sandal 300 includes a sole 305, a toe element 310 releasably coupled to the sole 305, and first and second

upper sections

315a, 315b releasably coupled to the sole 305 by a plurality of retaining slots 320. The toe piece 305 provides support for the wearer's foot and prevents the foot from sliding forward in the clog 300, particularly by engaging between the innermost toe (which is also referred to as the thumb or "big toe") and the second toe (which is also referred to as the "long toe").

The toe piece may comprise a stop. The stop may prevent the foot from lifting off of the sandal 300. The toe piece may include a toe loop for receiving the user's toes. The toe piece may include an aperture for receiving a portion of the upper, such as a strap that extends across the foot.

The first and second

upper portions

315a, 315b are similar to the upper 105 of the sandal 100 and provide external support for the foot of the wearer. Similarly, the sole 305 is similar to the midsole 110/sole 115 of the sandal 100.

FIG. 3d illustrates a first upper portion 315a of the sandal 300, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The first upper portion 315a includes spherical heads 205a and a middle portion 320 extending between the spherical heads 205 a. The intermediate portion 320 may, for example, comprise a leather portion from which the metal ball-shaped head 205a extends. Alternatively, the first upper portion 315a is integrally formed, such as by a plastic or rubber based material.

According to some embodiments (not shown), the sole 305 includes a midsole and a sole, similar to the midsole 110 and sole 115 of the sandal 100.

The sandal 300 is illustrated as a sandal. As discussed previously, however, a variety of different uppers may be attached to the sole, thereby allowing the formation of open sandals, closed sandals, boots, and the like. Specifically, toe piece 305 may be used to prevent the foot from sliding forward off the high heel.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative configuration of a sandal 300, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The sandal 300 includes first and second upper portions 405 extending from the detente slots 320 to the toe piece 310 on the respective sides of the sandal 300. In this manner, sandal 300 is converted into a flip-flop (or "thong" in Australian English language).

Figure 5a shows a side view of a boot 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and figure 5b shows a front view of boot 500.

Boot 500 includes a sole 505 in the form of a forefoot sole 505a and a heel 505b, a first upper portion 510 attached to sole 505, and a second upper portion 515 releasably attachable to the first upper portion. The second upper portion 515 is releasably attachable to the first upper portion 510, thereby enabling the second upper portion 515 to be coupled to the first upper portion 510 when the boot 500 is worn.

The first upper portion 510 comprises a shoe-shaped upper portion that surrounds the foot, and the second upper portion 515 comprises a tubular portion that surrounds the lower leg of the wearer. Thus, boot 500 can be converted between ankle boots (ankles boots)/sandals and high boots without removing the boot. Specifically, the first zipper 520 allows the first upper portion 510 to be releasably attached to the second upper portion 515.

The second upper portion 515 includes a second zipper 525 that allows the second upper portion 515 to be wrapped around the leg rather than slid onto the leg as in a typical boot. This in turn allows second upper portion 515 to be wrapped around the leg when first portion 510 is already on the wearer's foot.

The second upper portion 515 of boot 500 may be unfolded into a flat panel when not attached to the first upper portion 510. Figure 6 shows the second upper portion 515 of the boot 500 in an expanded form. The second, unfolded upper portion 515 can be compactly stored in a handbag or the like.

Boot 500 also includes a pocket 605 on the inside of second upper portion 515. Pocket 605 is advantageously sized to receive a credit or debit card (not shown) or to hold cash, keys, etc.

Since the second upper portion 515 can be removed without removing the boot 500, access to the pocket 605 can be achieved without removing the boot 500, while safely protecting the contents of the pocket 605 while the second upper portion 515 is attached. In this way, boot 500 may provide a convenient and secure alternative to carrying a purse.

Boot 500 is illustrated with a zipper connecting first and second

upper portions

510, 515 along second upper portion 515. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that other attachment means may be used without departing from the invention, including the use of laces, hook and loop fasteners, studs, snaps, buckles, hooks, clips, and the like.

Similarly, boot 500 may include third and fourth upper portions coupled to second upper portion 515. In particular, several upper sections may be coupled together to extend the height of the leg sections of boot 500. In this case, the respective upper portions may be attached to the second upper portion 515 and/or to each other in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the first and second

upper portions

510, 515.

Fig. 7a illustrates a midsole 700 according to one embodiment of the invention. The length of the midsole 700 is adjustable.

The midsole 700 includes a first portion 705 and a second portion 710, wherein the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 are joined at a central portion of the midsole. As such, the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 may be separated to increase the length of the midsole 700.

Fig. 7b illustrates midsole 700 in an extended form including spacer elements 715. Specifically, the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 have been separated, and a spacer element 715 has been placed between the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 to increase the length of the midsole 700.

First portion 705 and second portion 710 may be coupled to each other or to spacer element 715. Alternatively, the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 may be secured in place by an outsole and/or an upper, such as the sole 115 or the upper 105 of FIG. 1.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the midsole 700 may be adapted to be adjustable in width, for example, in the first portion 705 or the second portion 710 of the midsole.

Alternatively or additionally, the width of the footwear may be adjusted through the upper 105. In particular, the width of the upper may be adjustable, such as by increasing the overlap of the various upper portions to decrease the width of the footwear, or decreasing the overlap of the various upper portions to increase the width of the footwear.

In addition, uppers of various sizes may be provided to accommodate different foot sizes and leg lengths. As an illustrative example, a child may change the upper of footwear as the child's foot grows or otherwise needs to be changed, while maintaining midsole 700. This allows a large part of the footwear to be reused.

FIG. 8a shows a sandal 800 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Sandal 800 includes a sole 805, a strap 810 coupled to an upper side of sole 805, and a first heel portion 815 coupled to a lower side of sole 805.

First heel portion 815a may be releasably coupled to sole 805, for example, by using a mechanism similar to that discussed above with reference to fig. 2a and 2 b.

As shown in fig. 8b, the second heel portion 815b may be releasably coupled to the first heel portion 815a in order to increase the height of the heel portion of the sandal 800.

According to some embodiments, more than two heel portions 815a, 815b may be coupled to the sandal 800 in order to increase the height of the footwear. For example, three, four, or five heel portions may be coupled together to increase the height of the heel.

According to some embodiments, the first heel portion 815a is coupled to the sole by screws, bolts, or the like. In this case, a tool to remove and/or replace the first heel portion 815a may be provided in the receptacle of the sole. Second heel portion 815b may be coupled to first heel portion 815a in a similar manner.

According to other embodiments, first heel portion 815a is coupled to the sole by a clip, a compression retention device (retainer), or the like. In this case, a tool to remove and/or replace first heel portion 815a may not be required.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exploded view of an item of footwear in the form of a sandal 900, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The sandal is similar to the sandal 100 of fig. 1a and 1 b.

The sandal 900 includes an upper 905, a midsole 910, a sole 915, and an insole 920. The upper 905, midsole 910, and insole 920 are all releasably coupled to one another, as will be outlined in greater detail below. In addition, the sole 115 includes a heel 915a (shown in fig. 12) that is releasably engageable with the midsole 910.

The upper 905 may be releasably coupled to the midsole 910 by a locking member 925 that slides along and locks into a slot 930, as will be described in further detail below in figures 10a and 10 b. The locking member 925 is then held in place by the insole 920, which insole 920 fits over the midsole 910, and thus over the locking member 925 and the channel 930.

Insole 920 further includes an aperture 935, through which aperture 935 a toe member 940 of upper 910 extends and locks into receiver 945 of midsole 910. Specifically, toe member 940 may be slotted into mount 945 and locked in place by rotating toe member 940 relative to mount 945, as will be discussed in more detail with reference to figure 11.

Fig. 10a shows a close-up view of the front of the sandal 900 showing the slot 930 and fig. 10b shows a close-up view of the locking member 925.

Channel 930 is defined by base plate 1005, opposing sidewalls 1010a, 1010b extending upwardly from base plate 1005, and rails 1015 extending inwardly from sidewalls 1010 a. Locking member 925 is defined by base 1020, opposing sidewalls 1025a, 1025b extending upwardly from base 1020, and slot 1030.

Locking member 925 is configured to slide along slot 930 while being prevented from lateral movement by rails 1015 and

sidewalls

1010a, 1010 b. Specifically, the

side walls

1025a, 1025b of the locking member 925 abut the

side walls

1010a, 1010b of the slot 930, preventing rotation of the locking member 925 in the slot 930, and the guide rail 1015 engages the slot 1030 to prevent lateral translation of the locking member 925.

The floor 1005 of the trough 930 includes a plurality of depressions 1035 periodically spaced along the length of the trough 930. The locking member 925 includes a protrusion (not shown) extending downward from the base 1020 that engages one of the plurality of recesses 1035 to prevent the locking member 925 from freely sliding along the slot 930. In this way, the upper is secured in place by the locking member 925.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of toe member 940 engaged with receiver 945.

The toe member 940 comprises a metal or plastic stop with three lobes (lobes) 1105 that align with corresponding slots of the carriage 940 when the stop is twisted 30 degrees from the center. Toe member 940 is pushed into nest 945 such that flaps 1105 ride along the slot, and then rotated to a locked position such that the flaps are no longer aligned with the slot, so as to prevent inadvertent removal of toe member 940.

Mount 945 includes a molded ridge (ridge) extending around the perimeter of the mount through which the slot extends. In this way, the molded ridge prevents the toe member 940 from being removed with the flaps 1105.

The tubular receiver of sole 915 extends upward into receiver 945 and includes a front sole receiving clip ridge 1115 that seats against the molded ridge of the midsole and prevents removal of toe member 940 from the sandal.

Fig. 12 shows a cross-section of a heel 915a of a sandal 900 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The heel includes a retaining pin 1205 that is partially overmolded and configured to extend into and engage a seat of the midsole 905. The upper portion of the retaining pin 1205 is hollow and is configured to receive the retaining pin 1210 of the insole 920. The securing pin 1210 biases the securing slot 1215 of the securing pin 1205 against the securing ridge 1220 of the receiver of the midsole 905.

The insole 920 is releasably coupled to the midsole 905 by rivets. Specifically, the male rivet 1225 of the insole 920 engages the female rivet 1230 of the midsole in a press-fit-like action.

Finally, the midsole includes a square positioning stop 1235 that assists the user in positioning the heel 915a onto the sandal 900. Specifically, the heel 915a includes a corresponding recess (recess) that ensures that the heel 915a (specifically, the anchor pin 1205) is aligned with the counter when the heel 915a is attached.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view from below of a sandal 1300, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Sandal 1300 includes an insole 1305, a supporting shank 1310, a midsole 1315, and a sole in the form of a forefoot sole 1320a and a heel 1320b, similar to sandal 900.

The insole 1305 includes a plurality of spherical studs 1325 that engage corresponding recesses of the midsole 1315 in a snap-like manner.

Uppers such as laces and uppers, as well as upper accessories such as straps, ribbons, floriation, chains, etc. may include holes so that they may be attached to sandal 1300 by pushing a portion of the accessory over one or more spherical studs 1325. This eliminates the need for additional systems for securing the upper or upper fitting to the sandal and simplifies assembly.

Shank 1310 is received in a recess in midsole 1315, below insole 1305, which provides support to midsole 1315 and gives shape to sandal 1300. The midsole 1315 is generally formed of a semi-soft material and may be configured to conform to different shank 1310 to provide different shapes for different heel heights.

The footwear products disclosed above are extremely versatile and can be adapted to suit changing fashion, changing needs (e.g. by adding safety requirements or due to weather changes) or due to the growth of the feet (especially in the case of children). The footwear product also achieves a long service life because different parts of the footwear can be replaced due to wear.

According to some embodiments, the retention member may include a soft inner coating to increase the comfort of the wearer.

FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a sandal 1400, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The length and/or width of the sandal 1400 may be adapted as outlined in more detail below.

The sandal 1400 includes a midsole having a forward midsole portion 1405a and a rearward midsole portion 1405b, which are held together and supported by a shank 1410. The rear midsole portion 1405b includes first and second pins 1415 that engage corresponding portions of the front midsole portion 1405a to provide lateral support between the front midsole portion 1405a and the rear midsole portion 1405 b.

The shank 1410 includes forward and rearward apertures 1420 that engage annular clamps 1425 of the forward and

rearward midsole portions

1405a, 1405 b. In this way, the shank 1410 not only provides support for the midsole, but also prevents the front midsole portion 1405a from disengaging from the rear midsole portion 1405 b.

The sandal 1400 may be made wider and/or longer by replacing the front midsole portion 1405a, or it may be adjusted in any manner by selecting matching front and

rear midsole portions

1405a, 1405 b.

The footwear products disclosed above may be provided as a kit. In particular, a kit comprising several upper parts, several heel parts and/or several sole parts may be provided for changing the appearance or function of the footwear. Various upper portions of different materials, colors, sizes, lengths, styles, and thicknesses may be provided to alter the style or function of the footwear. Similarly, heels and/or soles of different heights, colors or styles may be provided.

The footwear product may include a toe and heel upper having attachment points on its medial and/or lateral sides that may be used to attach the forward toe portion and the rearward heel portion together by ties/ribbons/strings (lace)/scarf (scarf) or other means to enhance comfort and style.

When not in use, an upper strip (upper strip) may be used to cover the rails/stay slots on the midsole.

The footwear products described above are primarily lady footwear. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the footwear disclosed herein may be readily modified to be male, child, or neutral footwear.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" includes "and" includes "when used in connection with a claim, but does not preclude the inclusion of one or more additional integers.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described, since the means herein described comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) properly interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An item of footwear, comprising:

a midsole;

an upper releasably coupled to the midsole;

an insole for supporting a foot of a wearer of an item of footwear; and

a sole, wherein the sole is releasably coupled to a midsole by a plurality of retaining members;

wherein the sole comprises a front sole for supporting a front portion of the item of footwear and at least one heel for supporting a rear portion of the item of footwear and releasably coupled to the sole, and wherein the upper comprises a locking member, configured to be received by and locked into a groove on the midsole, the groove being disposed proximate an outer profile of the midsole and including recesses periodically spaced along a length of the groove, said locking member comprising a protrusion engaging said recess so that said upper is secured in place by the locking member, the locking member being held in place by the insole, the insole fitting over the midsole and the locking member and slot, the shank being received in a recess in the midsole beneath the insole to provide support for the midsole, and the midsole is configured to conform to different shank heights to provide different shapes for different heel heights.

2. The item of footwear of claim 1, comprising a boot, a sandal, or a wedge.

3. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper is releasably coupled to the midsole by a plurality of retaining members.

4. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the retention member comprises a compression retention member.

5. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the item of footwear includes a toe support releasably coupled to the midsole.

6. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper is attached to the midsole through an insole.

7. The item of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle in the midsole, wherein the receptacle is configured to store: a) an assembly of footwear, b) a shank for supporting a midsole, or c) a near field communication device.

8. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper comprises a first upper section and a second upper section.

9. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the length of the midsole is adjustable.

10. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper includes a plurality of locking members configured to be received by and locked into the grooves of the midsole.

11. An item of footwear, comprising:

a sole comprising a forward sole for supporting a forward portion of the item of footwear, and at least one heel for supporting a rearward portion of the item of footwear and releasably coupled to the sole;

a first upper portion attached to the sole; and

a second upper portion releasably coupled to the first upper portion, thereby enabling coupling of the second upper portion to the first upper portion when the shoe is worn,

wherein the footwear product is configured to: providing a first wearable footwear construction when the second upper portion is coupled to the first upper portion, and providing a second wearable footwear construction when the second upper portion is not coupled to the first upper portion;

wherein the sole comprises a midsole coupled to the first upper portion and an outsole releasably coupled to the midsole by a plurality of retaining members; the first upper includes a locking member configured to be received by and locked into a slot on the midsole, the slot being disposed proximate an outer contour of the midsole and including recesses periodically spaced along a length of the slot, the locking member including protrusions engaged with the recesses such that the upper is secured in place by the locking member, the locking member being held in place by an insole that fits over the midsole and over the locking member and slot, a shank received in the recess of the midsole beneath the insole to provide support to the midsole, and the midsole configured to conform to different shank to provide different shapes for different heel heights.

12. The item of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first upper portion is releasably attached to the sole.

13. The item of footwear of claim 11, wherein the second upper portion comprises an inner bag.

14. The item of footwear of claim 11, wherein the second upper section is releasably coupled to the first upper section by a zipper, a lace, or hook and loop fasteners.

15. A kit for assembling footwear products, comprising:

a midsole;

an insole for supporting a foot of a wearer of an item of footwear;

a sole for releasably coupling to a midsole by a plurality of retaining members;

at least one heel releasably coupled to the sole;

and a plurality of uppers, each upper for releasably coupling to the midsole,

wherein the midsole, insole, sole, one of the at least one heel, and one of the plurality of uppers are configured to comprise an item of footwear according to claim 1.

16. The kit of claim 15, further comprising a shank configured to support the midsole at the height of the heel.