JP2017527420A - Adaptable shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a first footwear article including a midsole, an upper detachably connected to the midsole, and a sole detachably connected to the midsole. A second footwear article is provided that includes a sole, an upper detachably connected to the sole, and a toe support detachably connected to the sole. Further, the sole, a first upper portion attached to the sole, and a second upper portion detachably connected to the first upper portion so as to be connected to the first upper portion while wearing shoes. A third footwear article is provided. [Selection] Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to adaptable footwear.

  Footwear was initially provided as a means to protect feet and provide comfort when walking or running. For example, shoes can protect the wearer's feet from sharp objects, provide grip, and provide comfort when walking or running.

  More recently, fashion has had a major impact on footwear. High heels are an example of a shoe that has almost no functional purpose other than increasing the wearer's height.

  The problem of footwear in the prior art is that fashion changes rapidly with the times. Thus, shoes that are still in good condition are often disposed of for new style shoes, which is expensive and not environmentally friendly.

  Furthermore, shoes that differ from season to season are generally provided. For example, winter footwear includes high boots, while summer footwear includes shoes or low boots.

  Some attempts have been made to provide shoes that can be adapted to specific fashions and purposes. However, such shoes generally lack comfort and are difficult to correct, and the correction methods are very limited.

  Reference to prior art documents in this specification does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country. It will be clearly understood that there is no.

  The present invention relates to footwear that at least partially overcomes at least one of the disadvantages described above, or provides a convenient or commercial option for consumers.

In view of the above-mentioned content, according to the first aspect, the present invention is broadly defined as:
Midsole,
An upper detachably connected to the midsole;
A sole detachably connected to the midsole;
Footwear articles including

  According to certain embodiments, the article of footwear is very versatile and can be replaced when different parts of the shoe are adapted to style and comfort and when worn.

  The shoe can include an insole and an outsole.

  The article of footwear can include boots, shoes, sandals, or wedges.

  The upper may be detachably connected to the midsole by a plurality of holding members. Similarly, the sole may be detachably connected to the midsole by a plurality of holding members.

  The holding member may be a press-fit holding member.

  The holding member can include a spherical head and a holding groove for receiving the spherical head. The holding groove may include a holding arm for holding the spherical head.

  The midsole may include at least a part of the holding groove. The upper can include a portion of a spherical head. Similarly, the sole can include a portion of a spherical head. The midsole may include all retaining grooves.

  They may be placed on the upper and sole so that they can be attached to the midsole by alternating the spherical head of the upper and the spherical head of the sole along the circumference of the midsole.

  The sole may comprise a front sole for supporting the front portion of the footwear article and a heel for supporting the rear portion of the footwear article.

  The sole may comprise an insole for supporting the foot of the wearer of the footwear article. The insole can further provide attachment means for the upper. Therefore, the upper is indirectly connected to the midsole by the insole.

  A container may be provided on the midsole. The container can be configured to contain a shoe component. The shoe may include a near field communication device within the container. The container may be configured to receive a shank for supporting the midsole.

  The spherical head can be formed from metal or plastic. The holding groove can consist of a metal track.

  The upper can be made of leather, canvas, or any other suitable natural or artificial material. The sole can be made of resin, rubber, leather, or any other suitable material.

  The upper can comprise a first upper portion and a second upper portion. The first upper portion can extend from the first side of the midsole to the second side of the midsole.

  The first upper portion can include a spherical head and an intermediate portion extending between the spherical heads. The intermediate portion can comprise a leather portion from which a metallic spherical head extends. Alternatively, the first upper portion may be integrally formed.

  The length of the midsole may be adjustable.

  The heel can include first and second heel portions that are detachably connected to each other.

  The upper preferably comprises a locking member that is received by the channel of the midsole and configured to lock within the channel of the midsole.

According to a second aspect, the present invention broadly
Saul and
An upper detachably connected to the sole;
A toe support portion detachably connected to the sole;
Footwear articles including

  The toe support allows the article of footwear to be adapted from the shoe, for example a flip-flop.

  The toe support can include a boss. The boss prevents the feet from lifting off the sandals.

  The sole may include a midsole connected to the upper and an outsole detachably connected to the midsole.

  The sole may include a midsole and an insole, in which case the insole is detachably coupled to the midsole.

  The upper may be detachably connected to the sole using the holding member in the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, the present invention broadly
Saul and
A first upper portion attached to the sole;
A second upper portion detachably connected to the first upper portion so that it can be connected to the first upper portion while wearing the shoes;
Footwear articles including

  The first and second upper portions allow the footwear article to be adjusted in height, for example from shoes to boots.

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

  The sole can include a midsole coupled to the first upper portion and an outsole coupled to the midsole in a detachable manner. The sole can include a midsole and an insole coupled to the midsole.

  The second upper portion may include an internal pocket.

  The first upper portion can comprise a shoe-like upper portion that wraps around the wearer's foot, and the second upper portion can comprise a tubular portion that wraps around the wearer's calf.

  The second upper portion may be detachably connected to the first upper portion by a zipper. Alternatively, the second upper portion may be detachably connected to the first upper portion by a shoelace, a hook-and-loop fastener, a stud, or a button.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly
Midsole,
A sole for detachably connecting to the midsole;
A plurality of uppers having respective uppers for detachably connecting to the midsole;
Including
One of the midsole, the sole, and the plurality of uppers relates to a kit for forming a shoe according to the first aspect.

  The kit can further include an insole, wherein the insole is removably coupled to the midsole. The upper may be indirectly connected to the midsole by an insole.

  The kit can further comprise a shank for supporting the midsole.

  The kit may comprise a heel and a shank, where the shank is configured to support the midsole at the height of the heel.

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

  Any prior art reference in this specification should not be taken as an admission or suggestion of any form that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

  Various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is an exploded view of a footwear article in the form of a shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the shoes of FIG. 1 assembled. FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a part of the shoe in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shoe of FIG. 1 assembled. 1 is a top view of a sandal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b is a side view of the sandal of FIG. 3a. FIG. 3b is a front view of the sandal of FIG. 3a. FIG. 3b is an illustration of the first upper portion of the sandal of FIG. 3a, according to one embodiment of the invention. 3b is an illustration of an alternative configuration of the sandal of FIG. 3a, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of a boot according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5b is a front view of the boot of FIG. 5a. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the 2nd upper part of the boot of FIG. 5a. FIG. 6 is an illustration of a midsole, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7b is an illustration of the midsole in FIG. 7a in an extended configuration, including spacer elements. It is explanatory drawing of the sandal by one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8b is an illustration of the sandal of FIG. 8a including an additional heel portion. 1 is an exploded view of an article of footwear in the form of a shoe, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of the shoe of FIG. 9 including channels. It is an enlarged view of the locking member of the shoe of FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a toe member in the shoe of FIG. 9 engaged with a mount. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heel 915a of a shoe 900, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view from the underside of a shoe 1300 according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 48 is a partial illustration of a shoe 1400 according to one aspect of the present invention.

  Preferred features, embodiments, and variations of the invention will be understood from the following detailed description, which provides those skilled in the art with sufficient information to practice the invention. The detailed description should not be taken in any way as limiting the scope of the preceding summary of the invention.

  FIG. 1 a shows an exploded view of a footwear article in the form of a shoe 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 b shows the assembled shoe 100.

  The shoe 100 can be used for multiple purposes, as will be discussed further below, and can be changed to match style and comfort and when worn out. In particular, the components of the shoe 100 can be exchanged to form different types of shoes.

  The shoe 100 includes an upper 105, a midsole 110, and a sole 115. Upper 105 can include leather, canvas, or any other suitable natural or artificial material, and can also include ornaments. The sole 115 includes a front sole 115a and a heel 115b. The front sole 115a and the heel 115b are in direct contact with the ground during use. Sole 115 can include resin, rubber, leather, or any other suitable material.

  The upper 105 is detachably connected to the midsole 110, and the sole 115 is detachably connected to the midsole 110. Therefore, the appearance or function of the shoe 100 can be changed by replacing the upper 105. Similarly, the sole 115 can be replaced to change the style of the shoe, for example due to wear or to increase the heel height of the shoe.

  As described below, the upper 105 is detachably connected to the midsole 110 by a plurality of holding members 120a. Similarly, the sole 115 is detachably coupled to the midsole 110 by a plurality of holding members 120b as described below.

  FIG. 2a is an exploded cross-sectional view of shoe 100 showing retaining members 120a, 120b according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 b shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled shoe 100.

  The holding member 120a includes an upper spherical head 205a, an upper holding groove 210a, and a pair of upper holding arms 215a arranged in the upper holding groove 210a to hold the upper spherical head 205a. Similarly, the holding member 120b includes a lower spherical head 205b, a lower holding groove 210b, and a pair of lower holding arms 215b disposed in the lower holding groove 210b to hold the lower spherical head 205b. Prepare.

  In use, the upper 105 is press-fitted to the midsole 110 by the holding member 120a, and the sole 115 is press-fitted to the midsole 110 by the holding member 120a. By bending the pair of the upper and lower holding arms 215a and 215b outward, the spherical heads 205a and 205b can be accommodated in the holding grooves 210a and 210b, and the spherical heads 205a and 205b can be partially surrounded. .

  When either the upper 105 or the sole 115 is to be removed from the shoe 100, either of them may be strongly pulled from the shoe in a direction substantially perpendicular to the midsole 110. Accordingly, the spherical heads 205a and 205b can be detached from the midsole 110 by bending the pair of holding arms 215a and 215b outward.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a-2b, the midsole 110 includes retaining grooves 210a, 210b, and the upper 105 and sole 115 include spherical heads 205a, 205b. Thereby, since the thickness of a mid sole reduces, the thickness / height of shoes can be reduced.

  In particular, the spherical heads 205 a and 205 b may be arranged on the upper 105 and the sole 115 so that they are alternately arranged along the outer periphery of the midsole 110 and attached to the midsole 110. Therefore, the midsole can be approximately twice the height 220 of the spherical heads 205a and 205b while maintaining the rigidity of the midsole 110. According to a particular embodiment, the height of the midsole 110 is less than twice the height 220 of the spherical heads 205a, 205b.

  The spherical heads 205a and 205b can be made of, for example, metal or plastic. The holding grooves 210a, 210b may comprise a metal track on the midsole 110, for example. With such an arrangement, a firm attachment can withstand normal wear during use and prevent the upper 105 and sole 115 from being inadvertently separated from the midsole 110.

  According to certain embodiments, the midsole 110 is provided with a container. Therefore, components of shoes such as toe pieces to be examined below can be accommodated in the container. The container is advantageously accessible when midsole 110 and upper 105 are separated or when midsole 110 and sole 115 are separated, while midsole 110 is upper 105 and sole 115. It becomes inaccessible when connected to. The container may be configured to receive a shank to support the midsole 110.

  The cushioned inner sole may be fastened on the midsole and can be easily removed and replaced. In such a case, the container can be accessed by removing (or partially removing) the cushioned inner sole.

  According to certain embodiments, the container includes a wireless device. For example, the container may include a near field communication device (not shown) for detecting the proximity of the shoe 100 to the receiver. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when used by children, since the parent is alerted when the child / shoes are moved away from the parent.

  The holding grooves 210a and 210b are preferably at least partially (or completely) concealed when the shoe 100 is assembled.

  Although the article of footwear is illustrated as a shoe 100, those skilled in the art will recognize that the article of footwear includes boots, shoes, sandals, slippers, safety shoes, wedges, any other suitable footwear article, or those without departing from the invention. It will be readily appreciated that combinations can be included.

  FIG. 3a shows a top view of a sandal 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 b shows a side view of the sandal 300 and FIG. 3 c shows a front view of the sandal 300.

  The sandal 300 includes a sole 305, a toe piece 310 removably connected to the sole 305, and first and second upper portions 315a and 315b removably connected to the sole 305 by a plurality of holding grooves 320. A toe piece 305 supports the wearer's foot, and in particular, the innermost toes (also known as the thumb or "thumb") and the second toes (also known as the "forefinger") To prevent the foot from sliding forward in the sandal 300.

  The toe piece may comprise a boss. The boss can prevent the foot from separating from the sandal 300. The toe piece may comprise a toe ring for receiving a user's toes. The toe piece may include an opening for receiving a portion of the upper, such as a strap extending across the foot.

  The first and second upper portions 315a, 315b are similar to the upper 105 of the shoe 100 and provide external support to the wearer's foot. Similarly, the sole 305 is similar to the midsole 110 / sole 115 of the shoe 100.

  FIG. 3d shows the first upper portion 315a of the shoe 300, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The first upper portion 315a includes a spherical head 205a and an intermediate portion 320 extending between the spherical heads 205a. The intermediate part 320 can comprise, for example, a leather part from which a metallic spherical head 205a extends. Alternatively, the first upper portion 315a is integrally formed from a plastic or rubber-based material, for example.

  According to certain embodiments (not shown), the sole 305 comprises a midsole and a sole, similar to the midsole 110 and sole 115 of the shoe 100.

  The shoe 300 is shown in the form of a sandal. However, as described above, a variety of different uppers can be attached to the sole, thereby forming open shoes, closed shoes, boots, and the like. In particular, the use of the toe piece 305 prevents the foot from slipping forward and coming out of the high heels.

  FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative configuration of the sandal 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The sandal 300 includes first and second upper portions 405 that extend from the retaining grooves 320 on each side of the sandal 300 to the toe piece 310. Accordingly, the sandal 300 has been changed to a flip-flop (or “Tong” in Australian English).

  FIG. 5a shows a side view of the boot 500 and FIG. 5b shows a front view of the boot 500 according to one embodiment of the invention.

  The boot 500 includes a sole 505 in the form of a front sole 505a and a heel 505b, a first upper portion 510 attached to the sole 505, and a second upper portion 515 removably attachable to the first upper portion. The second upper portion 515 is detachably attached to the first upper portion 510 so that the second upper portion 515 can be connected to the first upper portion 510 while the boot 500 is worn.

  The first upper portion 510 includes a shoe-like upper portion that wraps around the foot, and the second upper portion 515 includes a tubular portion that wraps around the wearer's calf. Thus, the boot 500 can be switched between ankle boots / shoes and high boots without taking off the boots. In particular, the first zipper 520 can detachably connect the first upper portion 510 to the second upper portion 515.

  The second upper portion 515 includes a second zipper 525 that allows the second upper portion 515 to surround the perimeter of the foot rather than sliding on the foot, as is typically implemented in boots. . This allows the second upper portion 515 to be surrounded around the foot while the first portion 510 is already on the wearer's foot.

  If not attached to the first upper portion 510, the second upper portion 515 of the boot 500 may be deployed into a flat sheet. FIG. 6 shows the second upper portion 515 of the boot 500 in the deployed configuration. The deployed second upper portion 515 can be stored compactly in a handbag or the like.

  The boot 500 further includes a pocket 605 on the inside of the second upper portion 515. Pocket 605 is advantageously sized to accept a credit or debit card (not shown) or store cash, keys, or the like.

  When the second upper portion 515 is attached so that the second upper portion 515 can be removed without removing the boot 500, the pocket 605 can be protected without removing the boot 500 while safely protecting the contents of the pocket 605. Can be accessed. Therefore, the boot 500 is an alternative to carrying a wallet and provides convenience and safety.

  A boot 500 is shown having a zip connecting the first and second upper portions 510, 515 and along the second upper portion 515. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other attachment means may be used, including the use of shoelaces, hook-and-loop fasteners, studs, snap buttons, buckles, hooks, clips, etc. without departing from the invention. .

  Similarly, the boot 500 may include third and fourth upper portions that are coupled to the second upper portion 515. In particular, it is possible to increase the height of the foot portion of the boot 500 by joining several upper portions. In such cases, the upper portions can 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 shows a midsole 700 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The length of the midsole 700 is adjustable.

  Midsole 700 includes a first portion 705 and a second portion 710. The first portion 705 and the second portion 710 are joined at the central portion of the midsole. Therefore, the length of the midsole 700 can be increased by separating the first portion 705 and the second portion 710.

  FIG. 7 b shows an extended midsole 700 that includes spacer elements 715. In particular, the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 were separated and a spacer element 715 was disposed between the first portion 705 and the second portion 710 to extend the length of the midsole 700.

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

  One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the width can be adjusted by applying the midsole 700 to, for example, the first portion 705 or the second portion 710 of the midsole.

  Alternatively or additionally, the shoe width can be adjusted by the upper 105. In particular, the width of the upper can be adjusted by increasing the shoe width, for example by increasing the overlap of the upper part, decreasing the shoe width, or by decreasing the overlap of the upper part It becomes.

  In addition, various sized uppers can be provided to accommodate different sized feet and different length legs. As an example, if the child's feet grow or need to be changed, the child can replace the shoe upper while holding the midsole 700. Therefore, an important part of the shoe can be reused.

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

  The first heel portion 815a may be removably coupled to the sole 805, for example, using a mechanism similar to that described above with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.

  The second heel portion 815b may be detachably connected to the first heel portion 815a in order to increase the height of the heel portion of the sandal 800, as shown in FIG. 8b.

  In certain embodiments, more heel portions than the two heel portions 815a, 815b can be coupled to the sandal 800 to increase the height of the shoe. For example, three, four, or five heel portions may be joined to increase the heel height.

  According to a particular embodiment, the first heel portion 815a is connected to the sole by screws, bolts or the like. In such cases, a tool may be provided in the container of the sole to remove and / or replace the first heel portion 815a. The second heel portion 815b can be coupled to the first heel portion 815a in a similar manner.

  According to another embodiment, the first heel portion 815a is coupled to the sole by a clip, a press fit retainer, or the like. In such cases, no tool is required to remove and / or replace the first heel portion 815a.

  FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of an article of footwear in the form of a shoe 900, according to one embodiment of the present invention. This shoe is similar to the shoe 100 of FIGS. 1a and 1b.

  The shoe 900 includes an upper 905, a midsole 910 and a sole 915, and an insole 920. Upper 905, midsole 910, and insole 920 are all detachably connected to each other, as further described below. Further, the sole 115 includes a heel 915a (see FIG. 12) that is detachably engageable with the midsole 910.

  The upper 905 is detachably connected to the midsole 910 by a locking member 925. The locking member 925 slides along the channel 930 and locks within the channel 930, as further described below in FIGS. 10a and 10b. The locking member 925 is subsequently secured by the insole 920 so that it fits over the midsole 910 and subsequently fits over the locking member 925 and the channel 930.

  The insole 920 further includes an opening 935 through which the toe member 940 of the upper 910 extends and locks within the mount 945 of the midsole 910. In particular, as will be discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 11, the toe member 940 can be fitted into the mount 945 and fixed by rotating the toe member 940 relative to the mount 945.

  FIG. 10 a shows an enlarged front view of a shoe 900 with a channel 930, and FIG. 10 b shows an enlarged view of the locking member 925.

  Channel 930 is defined by floor surface 1005, opposing side walls 1010a, 1010b extending upward from floor surface 1005, and rail 1015 extending inwardly from side wall 1010a. The locking member 925 is defined by a base 1020, opposing side walls 1025 a, 1025 b extending upward from the base 1020, and a channel 1030.

  The locking member 925 is configured to slide along the channel 930 while lateral movement is prevented by the rail 1015 and the side walls 1010a, 1010b. In particular, the side walls 1025a, 1025b of the locking member 925 are adjacent to the side walls 1010a, 1010b of the channel 930, preventing rotation of the locking member 925 in the channel 930, and the rail 1015 engages the channel 1030, The movement of the locking member 925 in the lateral direction is prevented.

  The floor surface 1005 of the channel 930 includes a plurality of indentations 1035 that are uniformly spaced along the length of the channel 930. The locking member 925 includes a protrusion (not shown) that extends downward from the base 1020, and this protrusion engages with one of the plurality of depressions 1035, thereby causing the locking member 925 to channel. Prevent free sliding along 930. Therefore, the upper is fixed by the locking member 925.

  FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the toe member 940 that engages the mount 945.

  The toe member 940 includes a metal or plastic boss having three lobes 1105. This lobe 1105 aligns with the corresponding groove in the mount 940 when the boss is twisted by 30 ° from the center. Pushing the toe member 940 into the mount 945 moves the lobe 1105 along the channel and subsequently rotates to the locked position so that the lobe no longer aligns with the groove, thereby causing the toe member 940 to move. Prevent unintentional disconnection.

  The mount portion 945 includes a molded ridge extending around the periphery of the mount portion, and a groove extends through the ridge. Accordingly, the molded ridge prevents the toe member 940 from coming off along with the lobe 1105.

  The tubular mount portion of the sole 915 extends upward into the mount portion 945 and includes a front sole mount clip ridge 1115. The front sole mount clip ridge 1115 sits against the molded ridge of the midsole and prevents the toe member 940 from coming off the shoe.

  FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a heel 915a of a shoe 900, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The heel includes a safety pin 1205 that is partially overmolded and extends into the mounting portion of the midsole 905 and is configured to engage the mounting portion of the midsole 905. The upper portion of the safety pin 1205 is hollow and is configured to receive the safety pin 1210 of the insole 920. The safety pin 1210 biases the fastening channel 1215 of the safety pin 1205 against the fastening ridge 1220 of the mount portion of the midsole 905.

  The insole 920 is detachably coupled to the midsole 905 by rivets. In particular, the male rivet 1225 of the insole 920 engages the female rivet 1230 of the midsole by an operation similar to a press fit.

  Finally, the midsole includes a square shaped placement boss 1235 that assists the user in placing the heel 915a on the shoe 900. In particular, the heel 915a includes a corresponding recess that ensures that the heel 915a and in particular the fixing pin 1205 are aligned with the mount when the heel 915a is attached.

  FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view of a lower portion of a shoe 1300 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 1300 is similar to the shoe 900, including an inner sole 1305, a support shank 1310, a midsole 1315, and a sole in the form of a front sole 1320a and a heel 1320b.

  Inner sole 1305 includes a plurality of ball studs 1325 that engage corresponding recesses in midsole 1315 in a manner similar to a snap fit.

  Uppers such as straps and bumps, as well as upper accessories such as bands, ribbons, flowers, chains, etc., are perforated so that they can be attached to the shoe 1300 by pressing a portion of the accessory onto one or more ball studs 1325. Part may be included. This eliminates the need for an additional system for securing the upper or upper accessory to the shoe and simplifies assembly.

  The shank 1310 is received in the recess of the midsole 1315 and below the inner sole 1305 to support the midsole 1315 and shape the shoe 1300. Midsole 1315 is generally formed from a semi-soft material and is configured to fit different shanks 1310 to provide different shapes for different heel heights.

  The above footwear articles are very versatile and can be used to change fashion, change requirements (eg through the addition of safety requirements or due to weather changes), or foot growth, especially in the case of children Suitable for adapting to changes caused by Moreover, since this footwear article can exchange different parts of shoes by abrasion, it becomes possible to extend the service life.

  According to certain embodiments, the retaining member may include a soft internal overlay to increase wearer comfort.

  FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of a shoe 1400, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The length and / or width of the shoe 1400 can be adjusted as described in further detail below.

  Shoe 1400 includes a midsole having a front midsole portion 1405a and a rear midsole portion 1405b held 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, thereby laterally between the front midsole portion 1405a and the rear midsole portion 1405b. Provide support.

  The shank 1410 includes front and rear openings 1420 that engage circular clips 1425 on the front midsole portion 1405a and the rear midsole portion 1405b. Thus, the shank 1410 not only supports the midsole, but also prevents the front midsole portion 1405a from separating from the rear midsole portion 1405b.

  The shoe 1400 may be made wider and / or longer by replacing the front midsole portion 1405a. Alternatively, the shoe 1400 may be adjusted in any manner by selecting matching front and back midsole portions 1405a, 1405b.

  The footwear article described above may be provided as a kit. In particular, a kit may be provided that includes several upper portions, several heel portions, and / or several sole portions to change the appearance or function of the shoe. The upper portion can change the style and function of the footwear by providing it in different materials, colors, sizes, lengths, styles and thicknesses. Similarly, heels and / or soles of different heights, colors, or styles may be provided.

  The article of footwear may include a toe and heel upper having attachment points on the inside and / or outside. Using this attachment point, the front toe and rear heel portions can be attached by straps, ribbons, laces, scarves, or other means to enhance comfort and style.

  When not in use, an upper strip may be used to cover the track / holding groove on the midsole.

  The above-mentioned footwear articles are mainly women's shoes. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the shoes described herein can be easily modified to men's, children's, or both men's and women's shoes.

  The term “comprising” and its derivatives “comprising” in the present specification and claims includes each mentioned integer, but does not exclude one or more additional integers.

  By “one embodiment” as referred to throughout this specification is meant that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. That is, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, one or more of the particular properties, structures or features may be combined by combining them in any suitable way.

  In accordance with the statute, certain structural or method features of the invention have been described. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown or described. The means described herein are merely illustrative of the preferred form for carrying out the invention. That is, the present invention extends to any form or modification within the proper technical scope when a person skilled in the art appropriately interprets the appended claims.

Claims (23)

Midsole,
An upper detachably connected to the midsole;
A sole removably coupled to the midsole;
Footwear articles including.   The footwear article according to claim 1, comprising boots, shoes, sandals, or wedges.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the upper is detachably coupled to the midsole by a plurality of holding members.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the sole is detachably coupled to the midsole by a plurality of holding members.   The footwear article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the holding member includes a press-fit holding member.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the sole includes a front sole for supporting a front portion of the footwear article and a heel for supporting a rear portion of the footwear article.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the sole includes an insole for supporting a foot of a wearer of the footwear article.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the upper is attached to the midsole by the insole.   The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a container in the midsole, wherein the container is a) a component of the shoe, b) a shank for supporting the midsole, or c). An article of footwear configured to accommodate any of the near field communication devices.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the upper includes a first upper portion and a second upper portion.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the midsole is adjustable in length.   The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the upper is a) a locking member configured to be received by the channel of the midsole and locked into the channel of the midsole, or B) An article of footwear comprising any of the attachment portions removably coupled to the insole of the article of footwear. Saul and
An upper detachably coupled to the sole;
A toe support portion detachably connected to the sole;
Footwear articles including.   14. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein the toe support portion includes a boss.   14. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein the sole includes a midsole connected to the upper and an outsole detachably connected to the midsole.   14. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein the upper is detachably coupled to the sole using a plurality of holding members. Saul and
A first upper portion attached to the sole;
An article of footwear comprising a second upper portion detachably coupled to the first upper portion so that the shoe can be coupled to the first upper portion while wearing a shoe.   The footwear article according to claim 17, wherein the first upper portion is detachably attached to the sole.   18. The article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the sole includes a midsole coupled to the first upper portion and an outsole detachably coupled to the midsole.   18. An article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the second upper portion includes an internal pocket.   The footwear article according to claim 17, wherein the second upper portion is detachably connected to the first upper portion by a zipper, a shoelace, or a hook-and-loop fastener. Midsole,
A sole for removably connecting to the midsole;
A plurality of uppers each having an upper for removably connecting to the midsole;
Including
A kit for assembling footwear articles, wherein the midsole, the sole, and one upper of the plurality of uppers are configured to form a shoe according to claim 1.   24. The kit of claim 22, further comprising a heel and a shank, wherein the shank is configured to support the midsole at the height of the heel.

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