GB2424171A

GB2424171A - A shoe and accessories therefor

Info

Publication number: GB2424171A
Application number: GB0612336A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tariq Mirza; Andrew Brodie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-02
Filing date: 2003-09-02
Publication date: 2006-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 2023-09-02
Also published as: GB0612336D0; GB2424171B

Abstract

A shoe 2, for example a sports shoe, is provided having a receiver (housing) 12 disposed on its external surface. The receiver retains an insert 18 having a display surface 22, visible when the shoe is being worn and adapted for the display of information. The display surface may carry a brand or other design and/or emit light or sound by means of a suitable emission device. An accessory (figs. 4-7) for a shoe comprises a mount 42 for securing to a shoe, the mount having a display surface adapted to be visible when the shoe is being worn. The mount preferably holds an insert 54 of the kind mentioned above. An insole 80 is also provided, having a display surface, preferably disposed on an insert 90 for the display of information when the insole is in place in a shoe.

Description

2424171

A SHOE AND ACCESSORIES THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a shoe and accessories therefore, in particular an accessory for attachment to the exterior of the shoe and an insole for use with the shoe.

5 In the present specification, references to a "shoe" or "shoes" are not to be taken as being limited to a single type of footwear, but are to be interpreted as embracing ail forms of footwear, including but not limited to shoes, training shoes, sports shoes, such as running shoes and soccer boots, sandals, boots, plimsolls, slippers and the like. The terms "shoe" and "shoes" are used herein to refer to this generic group of 10 items, unless otherwise sped Red.

It is established practice to adom the exterior of shoes with patterns and markings. A very common form of pattern or marking is the branding of the exterior surface of the shoe with a branded pattern or design or one or more trademarks. Such branding may be carried out by incorporating into the structure of the shoe materials or fabrics 15 having one or more colours or designs visible from the exterior of the shoe. Alternatively, it is known to affix to the exterior of the shoe, for example, by stitching or adhesive, patches of fabric bearing the design, brand, trademark or logo.

From the point of view of the consumer or purchaser of the shoe, hitherto, once the purchase of the particular shoe has been made, the new owner is confined to the 20 particular design of shoe. To date, there has been little opportunity provided to the purchasers of shoes to change the appearance and overall design of shoes, once purchased. Given the high purchase price of many shoes, this can be seen to be a significant disadvantage to the purchaser and wearer of these items.

In addition to the aforementioned methods of providing patterns and designs to shoes, 25 it is also known to provide certain designs of shoes, in particular training shoes, with certain light emitting means. Generally, such light emitting means are located in the sole of the shoe, more specifically in or adjacent the heel portion of the sole. In one known structure, the sole of the shoe is provided with a pressure-activated energy source, such as a piezo electric unit, generating a sufficient electrical power to emit 30 light by means of a light emitting diode or the like. This arrangement is encased

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within the plastic sole of the training shoe and is activated by the motion of the foot of the wearer when the wearer is walking or running. The sole of the shoe is provided with at least a portion comprising a sufficiently transparent material for the light to be visible from the exterior of the shoe when being worn by the wearer. While such light 5 emitting shoe designs have proven popular, once again there is no possibility provided to the purchaser or wearer to modify or vary the light emitting properties of the shoe.

The present invention provides, in a general aspect, a shoe having means for displaying information on an exterior surface of the shoe, such that the display of invention is visible when the shoe is being worn, the display means comprising a 10 visible surface and/or comprising an emitter for emitting light or sound, wherein the display means is such that the information being displayed may be varied or altered.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shoe comprising a receiver disposed on an external surface of the shoe and an insert disposed within the receiver, the insert having a display surface when disposed within 15 the receiver, the display surface being adapted to be visible for the display of information when the shoe is being worn.

The receiver may be disposed on any suitable portion of the exterior of die shoe, for example the visible portion of the sole of the shoe visible when the shoe is being worn. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver is disposed on the upper of the shoe. 20 In the case of shoes, such as training shoes, where an opening is defined into which the foot of the wearer is inserted, it is particularly preferred to locate the receiver adjacent this opening. One particularly preferred location for the receiver is the heel portion of the shoe upper.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the insert is removable from the receiver. In 25 this way, the purchaser of the shoe is able to vary the overall appearance and design of the shoe by changing the insert located in the receiver. The shoe may be provided together with a plurality of different inserts. Alternatively, inserts of different designs may be provided separate from the shoe as an accessory.

As noted above, it is common practice to provide the external surfaces of shoes with 30 one or more brands. Accordingly, the display surface is preferably adapted to display a brand. In this respect the term "brand" is to be taken as a general reference to

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specific brands, trademarks, badges of allegiance, names, such as names of sport clubs, musical groups and the like, emblems, logos, slogans, caricatures, cartoons, and the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the insert comprises an emitter for emitting light or 5 sound. The shoe preferably comprises an energy source for powering the emitter. The energy source may be any suitable means, for example, the pressure activated piezo electric device discussed hereinbefore. Alternatively, the shoe may be provided with a means for storing energy, such as a battery. In such a case, the energy storage means is preferably located in the insert.

10 As noted above, the receiver is mounted on the exterior of the shoe, so that the visible surface may be viewed when the shoe is being worn. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiver is mounted to a removable component of the shoe. Such removable components include a shoelace. In a third arrangement, the receiver is attached to an insole extending within the shoe.

15 In a further aspect, the present invention provides a shoe having a receiver as herein before defined, the receiver being adapted to receive an insert as hereinbefore defined and described. In addition, the present invention provides an insert as hereinbefore defined.

The aspects of the invention discussed above relate to a shoe for manufacture and sale 20 with the capability to vary the pattern and design of the shoe. In addition, however, die present invention also provides a means whereby existing shoes can be modified or customised in accordance with the general concept of this invention, such that the appearance and design of a pre-existing shoe may also be readily altered. Accordingly, a further aspect of the present invention provides an accessory for a 25 shoe, the accessory comprising a mount for securing to a shoe, the mount comprising a display surface being adapted for the display of information when the shoe is being worn.

The mount is preferably adapted for securing to the shoe upper. To facilitate this, the mount is preferably provided with a clasp. The clasp is of such an arrangement that 30 the mount may be securely fastened to the shoe, without the fabric or structure of the shoe being damaged or destroyed. The clasp may be any suitable design of hook,

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clip, or the like suitable for fulfilling this requirement. The clasp may be adapted to secure the mount at any desired location on the exterior of the shoe, for example, by attaching to a shoelace, a buckle, a strap or the tongue of the shoe. Preferably, the clasp is arranged to allow the mount to be secured adjacent the opening of a shoe, 5 such as a training shoe, intended to receive the foot of the wearer. In one preferred embodiment, the clasp is arranged to secure the mount to the heel portion adjacent the opening of the shoe.

The visible surface is preferably adapted to display a brand, as hereinbefore defined and described. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the mount may comprise an 10 emitter for emitting sound and light. The means for powering the emitter are as hereinbefore described. In one preferred arrangement, the accessory is provided with the energy source for powering the emitter, thus rendering the accessory self-contained.

In one preferred embodiment, the accessory comprises a portion for extending into the 15 shoe. The said portion is preferably arranged to be trapped between the foot of the shoe wearer and the inner surface of the shoe, thereby helping to retain the accessory in place. A particularly preferred embodiment is to have the portion extending into the shoe as an insole.

A preferred embodiment of the accessory is one in which the mount comprises a 20 housing, the visible surface being disposed on an insert retained in the housing. In order to allow the user to vary the overall design and appearance of the accessory and the shoe, the insert is preferably removable from the housing. In such cases, any emitters present in the accessory are most preferably located within the insert, together with their energy source. In such cases, the accessory may be provided with 25 a single insert, or, alternatively, a plurality of different inserts, thereby providing the user with greater freedom to modify and alter the appearance of the shoe.

The present invention also provides an insert for an accessory as hereinbefore described.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides an insole for a shoe comprising 30 an insole portion for extending within the shoe and an insole extension, the extension comprising a surface adapted to display information, the extension being adapted to

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extend from within the interior such that the surface is visible from the exterior of the shoe when the shoe is being worn.

Preferably, the insole extension extends from the heel portion of the insole portion of the insole. In this way, the insole extension can be arranged to protrude from the 5 opening of a shoe, such as a training shoe, and be visible from the exterior of the shoe when being worn. Preferably, the insole extension extends from the insole portion, so as to protrude from the opening of the shoe at the heel.

The insole extension, by protruding from within the shoe is effective in changing or modifying the visual appearance of the shoe, in particular the upper of the shoe. As 10 discussed hereinbefore, the insole extension may therefore be provided with any desired form of pattern or ornament. In a preferred embodiment the surface of the insole extension is adapted to carry a brand as hereinbefore defined. Alternatively, or in addition to the brand, the insole extension may comprise an emitter for emitting light and/or sound. In such a case, it is preferable to provide the insole with an energy 15 source for the emitter. The energy source may be a pressure-activated generator, such as the piezo electric device discussed above. Alternatively, the insole may be provided with an energy storage device such as a battery, which is preferably located in the insole extension.

In one preferred embodiment, the insole extension comprises a housing and an insert, 20 the insert having the surface visible from the exterior of the shoe when the shoe is being worn. Most preferably, the insert is readily removable from the housing. In this way, the user is easily able, by exchanging or replacing the insert in the housing, to modify the overall appearance and design of the shoe, in particular the upper. In embodiments where the insole comprises an emitter for ligiit and/or sound, it is 25 preferred that the emitter and any energy storage device are both located within the insert.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides an insole having an insole extension comprising a housing as hereinbefore described for receiving an insert. Such an insole may be provided with one or a plurality of different inserts for location in the 30 housing.

The present invention also provides an insert for use with such an insole.

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Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shoe according to the first aspect of the present invention;

5 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the heel version of the shoe of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear elevation of the heel of the shoe of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a pair of shoes, each carrying an accessory according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the heel portion of one of the shoes of figure 4;

10 Figure 6 is a perspective view of an accessory according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the accessory of figure 6 along the line VTI-VII;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a pair of insoles according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a shoe having installed therein an insole of figure 8; and

15 Figure 10 is a rear elevation of the heel of the shoe of figure 9.

Referring to figure I, there is shown a training shoe, generally indicated as 2. For ease of reference, the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be described and illustrated having reference to a training shoe, such as shown in figure I. However, as noted above, it is to be understood that the aspects and 20 embodiments of the present invention are not limited to training shoes and are readily applicable to other items of footwear.

The shoe 2 of figure 1 has a sole 4 and uppers 6, both of a conventional design and construction. The shoe 2 has an opening 8 defined by an edge of 10 of the uppers 6, into which the foot of the wearer is inserted. Again, these features are of 25 conventional, known design and construction.

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The shoe 2 is further provided with a housing 12 located on the exterior of the uppers 6 at the heel of the shoe. The housing 12 has a backplate 14 attached to the uppers 6 of the shoe by known means, for example, adhesive or rivets. The housing 12 further comprises a retaining lip 16 extending along both lateral edges and the lower edge of 5 the backplate 14. An insert 18 is adapted to be inserted into the housing 12 in the direction indicated by the arrow 20 in figure 1. The insert 18 and the retaining lips 16 of the housing are of dimensions such that the insert 18 is an interference fit within the housing, with the result that the insert is firmly held within the housing but free to be removed by the user, when required.

10 Figures 2 and 3 show alternative views of the heel portion of figure I, with the insert 18 located in the housing 12.

Referring to the insert 18, a display surface 22 is provided on the insert, such that the display surface is visible when the insert is retained in the housing 12, as shown in figures 2 and 3. The display surface 22 is adapted to receive a brand, as hereinbefore IS defined. In addition, the insert 18 is provided with openings 24, behind which is housed an emitter (not shown) of conventional design. Emitters appropriate for use in the insert are light emitters and sound emitters, with the light and/or sound being emitted through the opening 24. Power for the emitter is provided by a battery (not shown) housed within the insert 18. Alternatively, the shoe 2 may comprise a 20 pressure-activated energy generator, for example a piezo electric device, of known design, for powering the emitter.

The insert 18 may be provided with any combination of colours, brands, sound or light display as desired by the user. It will be appreciated that the great advantage of the embodiment shown in figures I to 3 is that the user, by simply replacing one insert 25 with another can very quickly change the overall appearance and design of the shoe 2.

Referring now to figures 4 to 7, there is shown an accessory for a shoe according to a further aspect of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a pair of shoes 2 of the same design and construction as the shoe of figure 1. Accordingly, the components of the shoes of figure 4 common to the shoe of figure 2 are indicated using the same 30 reference numerals.

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An accessory 40 according to the present invention is shown located on the heel portion of the upper 6 of each of the shoes of figure 4. Figure 5 shows a further view of the heel portion of one of the shoes 2 of figure 4 with the accessory 40 in place. The accessory 40 is shown in greater detail in figures 6 and 7.

5 Referring to these figures, the accessory 40 comprises a mount 42 having a clasp 44 for engaging the edge 10 of the opening 8 of the shoe 2. As shown more clearly in figure 7, the clasp 44 is in the form of a simple sprung hook, having a hook member 46 for extending into the opening 8 of the shoe 2. The clasp 44 grips the fabric of the uppers 6 at the edge 10 to hold the accessory 40 in place on the shoe. When the shoe 10 is being worn, the foot of the wearer bears against the hook member 46 extending within the shoe and further serves to keep the accessory 40 in place.

The accessory further comprises a housing 48 connected to the clasp 42. The housing 48 is of a generally circular construction having a circular retaining lip SO defining a recess 52. A generally circular insert 54 is dimensioned to be an interference fit in the 15 recess 52, such that the insert is retained in the housing, but readily removable when desired by the user. The insert 54 is of a similar construction to the insert 18 described above. Thus, the insert 54 has a visible exterior surface 56. Openings 58 in die surface 56 of the insert 54 are provided for the emission of light and/or sound as discussed above. A battery 60, visible in figure 7 is provided to power the emitter.

20 The accessory 40 may be provided in a range of colours and designs, allowing a wide variety of design changes to be made to a single pair of shoes, in particular the uppers. The insert 54 maybe provided with a wide range of colours, brands and light and/or sound emitters, allowing a wide range of different visual and audio effects to be achieved by simply changing the insert in the accessory.

25 Turning to figure 8, there is shown a pair of insoles, generally indicated as 80, according to a further aspect of the present invention. The insole 80 comprises an insole portion 82 for extending within a shoe in a conventional manner. The insole 80 is provided with an insole extension 84. As shown in figure 8, the insole extension extends from the heel portion of the insole portion 82 of the insole 80. Referring to 30 figures 9 and 10, the insole 80 is shown in place in a training shoe of the same conventional design as shown in figure 4. Accordingly, the same reference numerals

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are used to indicate the portions of the shoe of conventional design. As shown, the insole extension 84 is sufficiently long as to extend out of the opening 8 of the shoe, when the insole 80 is properly located. The insole extension 84 comprises a hooked portion 86, for engaging the edge 10 of the opening 8 of the shoe. The insole 5 extension further comprises a housing 88 and an insert 90, both of which are of the same general design as the housing 48 and insert 54 described above.

It will be appreciated that the present invention in general and by way of its specific aspects and embodiments provides a means whereby the external appearance and design of a wide range of items of footwear, in particular the uppers of the shoes, can 10 be readily and easily modified at the wish of the user according to the individual's taste and prevailing fashions. In this respect, the present invention represents a significant advantage over established and conventional forms of footwear which, by the very nature of their construction, confine the user to a single external design and appearance.

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Claims

1. A shoe comprising a receiver disposed on an external surface of the shoe, and an insert disposed within the receiver, the insert having a display surface, the display surface being

5 adapted to be visible for the display of information when the shoe is being worn.

2. A shoe according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is disposed on the upper of the shoe.

3. A shoe according to claim 2, wherein the shoe comprises an opening to receive the foot of a

10 wearer, the receiver being disposed adjacent the opening of the shoe.

4. A shoe according to claim 3, wherein the receiver is disposed at the heel of the shoe.

5. A shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the insert is removable from the receiver.

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6. A shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the display surface is adapted to display a brand.

7. A shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the insert comprises an emitter for emitting

20 light or sound.

8. A shoe according to claim 7, wherein the shoe comprises an energy source for powering the emitter.

25 9. A shoe according to claim 8, wherein the energy source is in the insert.

10 A shoe according to claim 7, wherein the shoe comprises a pressure-activated generator for providing power to the emitter, the generator being activated by the action of the shoe being worn.

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II. A shoe according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiver is mounted to a removable component of the shoe.

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12

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

A shoe according to claim 11, wherein the removable component of the shoe is an insole.

A shoe having a receiver as defined in any preceding claim, the receiver being adapted to receive an insert as defined in any preceding claim.

An accessory for a shoe, the accessory comprising a mount for securing to a shoe, the mount comprising a display surface being adapted to be visible for the display of information when the shoe is being worn.

An accessory according to claim 14, wherein the mount is adapted to secure the accessories to the upper of the shoe.

An accessory according to claim 15, wherein the mount comprises a clasp.

An accessory according to claim 16, wherein the clasp is adapted to secure the mount against the opening of the shoe.

An accessory according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the mount is for securing the accessory to the heel of the shoe.

An accessory according to any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the display surface is adapted to display a brand.

An accessory according to any of claims 14 to 19, wherein the mount comprises an emitter for emitting sound or light

An accessory according to claim 20, wherein the mount comprises an energy source for the emitter.

An accessory according to any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the accessory comprises a portion for extending into the shoe.

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23. An accessory according to claim 22, wherein the portion extending into the shoe is an insole.

24. An accessory according to any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the mount comprises a housing, the 5 display surface being disposed on an insert retained in the housing.

25. An accessory according to claim 24, wherein the insert is removable from the housing.

26. An accessory according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the insert houses an emitter for emitting 10 light or sound and a power source for powering the emitter.

27. A shoe substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to any of Figures 1 to 3.

28. An accessory for a shoe as hereinbefore described having reference to any of Figures 4 to 7.

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