TR2022015426A2 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHANGE SHOE UPPERS - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and a method for replacing shoe uppers (106), providing a shoe body (102) that can be manually divided between a sole (104) and one or more replaceable uppers (106). One or more uppers (106) use a hook (214) and loop (206) fastening mechanism to detachably mate with a single sole (104). System, Velcro? It includes a hook panel (210) with multiple hooks (214) like the ones on it. The hook panel (210) covers an upper mounting face (208) of the base part (104) with the hooks (214) facing outwards. The system also provides a loop panel 202 containing a plurality of small loops 206 of the same hook and loop fastener. The loop panel (202) covers a durable panel (200) from the uppers (106). The hook panel 210 and the loop panel 202 are separable and temporarily coupled to create a separable mating relationship between the uppers 106 and a single sole portion 104. As a result, multiple uppers 106 can be replaced on a single reusable sole portion 104.

Description

DESCRIPTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING SHOE UPRIGHTS TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to a system and method for interchanging shoe uppers on a shoe body. Additionally, the invention relates to a shoe system that provides a shoe body that can be manually divided between a sole portion on a single, reusable footbed and one or more interchangeable uppers that are releasably mated to the sole portion by means of a velcro fastening mechanism. PRIOR ART The following prior art information may provide examples of particular aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common sense). While this information is intended to further educate the reader on certain aspects of the prior art, it should not be construed as limiting the present invention or any embodiments thereof by anything stated, implied or inferred herefrom. Typically, footwear is designed to protect and comfort the human foot. Footwear is also used as a decorative and fashion accessory. The design of footwear has varied greatly over time and from culture to culture, and its appearance was originally dependent on function. People who enjoy the latest shoe styles are aware of the costs of keeping up with new trends and styles. Such people cannot afford to keep a close wardrobe because fashion trends and changes affect one's financial ability. As the quality of life improves, the functions of shoes also increase. Today, most people prefer shoes made of one piece construction. After a long time, the soles of shoes wear out and the uppers break. As a result, people have to throw away the entire pair of shoes and buy a new pair of shoes. This causes unnecessary waste. It is also known that there are many types of detachable shoes in the current market. However, the structure of shoes is complex, and it is not easy to put the sole and upper together. Therefore, a new idea and technique is needed to develop shoes to prevent material waste and to easily change the sole or upper of the shoe according to people's preference. Other designs include interchangeable shoe systems. The problem with these systems is that they do not allow the user to easily separate the entire upper from the sole. Also, the velcro fastening means is not used to create a temporary matching relationship between the upper and the sole. Although the interchangeable shoe systems referred to above meet some market needs, there is still a desire for a system and a method for interchanging shoe uppers on a shoe body that provides for the interchangeability of multiple uppers on a single reusable sole by means of a shoe body that is manually divisible between a sole and one or more interchangeable uppers that are releasably mated to the sole via a velcro fastening mechanism. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a system and method for interchanging shoe uppers on a shoe body. The system and method provide a shoe body that is manually divisible between a sole and one or more interchangeable uppers. One or more uppers use a hook and loop fastening mechanism to releasably mate to a single sole. This allows for new designs and reusability of footwear as new uppers can be releasably attached to the soles at any time. In some applications, the system includes a hook panel containing multiple hooks from a hook and loop fastening mechanism, such as VelcroTM. The hook panel covers one upper face of the sole with the hooks facing outward. The system also provides a loop panel containing multiple small loops from the same hook and loop fastening mechanism. The loop panel covers a durable panel of uppers. The hook panel and loop panel can be separated and temporarily joined to create a releasable mating relationship between one or more uppers and a single sole. Thus, multiple uppers can be interchanged on a single reusable base. In one aspect, a system for interchanging shoe uppers includes; one or more uppers including a toe box, a grommet, a side piece and a riser panel, a loop defined by a loop face and an opposing upper mounting face, a loop face including a plurality of loops, the upper mounting face, connecting the uppers to the durable panel in a fixed, parallel relationship; a sole portion including an outer sole and a midsole; a sole portion including an outer sole and a midsole; and a hook panel defined by a hook face and an opposing base mounting face, the hooks being sized and dimensioned to releasably capture loops of the loop face, whereby the hook face and the loop face are temporarily coupled, the hook face including a plurality of hooks, the base mounting face being coupled in a parallel relationship with the midsole of the sole, thereby releasably coupling the multiple uppers to the sole. Another aspect is that the hooks are larger than the loops. Another aspect is that the hook panel and the loop panel are temporarily coupled until a force is applied to separate the panels. Another aspect is that the upper also includes a tongue. Another aspect is that the sole includes a heel. Another aspect is that the loop panel has an elongated shape. Another aspect is that the hook panel has an elongated shape. Another aspect is that the hooks and loops are derived from a hook and loop mechanism. Another aspect is that the footwear includes an athletic shoe. Another aspect is that the upper mounting face is bonded to the durable panel of the uppers with an adhesive or a stitch. Another aspect is that the sole mounting face is bonded to the midsole of the sole of the shoe with an adhesive or a stitch. Another aspect is that the loop panel and the hook panel are flexible. One of the purposes of the invention is to reduce waste in footwear by allowing multiple uppers to be used with a single sole. Another purpose of the invention is to facilitate interchangeability from sole to upper, for example by using a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro. It is yet another object of the invention to create greater fashion variety in footwear by allowing the user to easily change colors and patterns with new uppers. It is yet another object of the invention to provide an inexpensive manufacturing system for changing shoe uppers on a shoe body. Other systems, devices, methods, features and advantages will be apparent or apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included in this disclosure, be within the scope of the present disclosure and be protected by the appended claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the appended drawings; Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system for replacing shoe uppers for a shoe body, showing the shoe uppers and the sole, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the shoe upper completely separated from the sole, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the upper assembled with the sole, with the hook panel and the sole panel as an assembly relationship, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the upper assembled with the sole, as completed in Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the shoe upper completely separated from the sole, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a shoe upper completely separated from a shoe sole, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 shows a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for replacing a shoe upper from a sole, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the various views of the drawings. REFERENCE LIST 100. System 102. Shoe body 104. Sole 106. Upper 108. Toe box 110. Gamba 112. Side piece 114. Outer sole 116. Mid sole 200. Panel 202. Loop panel 204. Loop face 206. Loop 208. Upper mounting face 210. Hook panel 212. Hook face 214. Hook 216. Sole mounting face DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following detailed description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments or the application and uses of the disclosed embodiments. As used herein, it means "to serve as an illustration". It is not to be construed herein as "exemplary" or preferential or advantageous. All of the embodiments described below are exemplary embodiments provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use modifications to the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims. For the purposes of description herein, the terms "above", "below", "behind", etc. refer to the invention. Furthermore, it is not intended to be construed as relying on the prior art, prior experience, or any implied or implied theory presented in the summary or detailed description below. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, The specific dimensions and other physical properties of the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Referred to in FIGS. 1-7 is a system 100 and method for changing shoe uppers for a shoe body 102. The system 100 and method for changing shoe uppers, hereinafter referred to as "system 100", utilize the fastening capacity of a hook and loop fastener, e.g., Velcro™, to releasably couple one or more uppers 106 of a shoe body 102 to a sole portion 104, such that multiple uppers 106 can be interchanged on a single reusable sole portion 104. As referred to in Figure 1, system 100 includes a shoe body 102 that substantially covers and protects the foot, as is known in the shoe art. System 100 enhances the decorative aspect of the shoe body 102 by allowing one or more uppers 106 to reach the sole 104. Reusability of the shoe body 102 is also enhanced for the same reason. In some embodiments, the shoe body 102 is an athletic shoe constructed substantially from synthetic polymer materials. The shoe body 102 may also include a dress shoe, a walking boot, a tennis shoe, a dance shoe, a bowling shoe, a sandal, and other footwear known in the art having at least an upper and a sole. The shoe body 102 includes one or more uppers 106 that protect the instep of the foot, and a sole 104 that extends parallel to the sole of the foot. Both the upper 106 and the sole 104 work together to substantially cover the foot. In some embodiments, the uppers 106 are provided with a durable panel 200, a toe box extending flat and forming a sub-border for the gamba 110, side piece 112, toe box 108, and other components of the upper 106. In some embodiments, a tongue and shoelaces may also be included for more formal shoe bodies. In still other embodiments, only a sole 104 and straps may be used for sandals and other simple shoe styles. Opposing the upper 106 is a sole portion 104. The sole portion 104 includes an outer sole 114 and a midsole 116. In some embodiments, the sole portion 104 also includes a heel attached to the outer sole 114. The sole portion 104 is flat and at least partially flexible. The outer sole 114 and the midsole 116 face each other in a parallel union. The system 100 allows multiple uppers 106 to be mated to a single sole portion 104. Turning to FIG. 4, the system 100 also includes a loop panel 202 which may include an elongated, flexible material having substantially the same shape as the durable panel 200 of the uppers 106. The loop panel 202 has a loop face 204 and an opposing top mounting face 208. The loop panel 202 is flat, elongated, and sized to align the upper 106 with the loop panel 200. In some embodiments, the loop face 204 includes a plurality of loops 206. These loops 206 are relatively small, such as Velcro™, which is often used in a hook and loop fastener. The top mounting face 208 is designed to be rigidly mated in a parallel relationship with the durable panel 200 of the uppers 106. In some embodiments, the top mounting face 208 is attached to the durable panel 200 of the uppers 106 with an adhesive or a stitch. Hook panel 210 has a hook face 212 and an opposing base mounting face 216. In some embodiments, hook panel 210 is elongated and flexible. Hook face 212 includes a plurality of hooks 214 that are sized and dimensioned to releasably capture loops 206 of loop face 204. This mating relationship allows the hook face 212 and loop face 204 to mate temporarily. In a non-limiting embodiment, the hooks 214 are larger than the loops 206. Additionally, base mounting face 216 is sized and dimensioned to rigidly mate with the center base 116 of base portion 104 in a rigid, parallel relationship. In some embodiments, sole mounting face 216 is attached to the midsole 116 of sole 104 by an adhesive or a stitch. However, in other embodiments, a magnet or other attachment means known in the shoe art industry may be used. Additionally, the opposing hook face 212 of hook panel 210 is oriented to releasably mate with the loop face 204 of loop panel 202. This unique hook and loop relationship between hook panel 210 and loop panel 202 allows multiple uppers 106 to releasably mate with sole 104. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the upper completely separated from sole 104. And Figure 3 shows the upper being reattached to the sole 104 by reattaching the hooks 214 and loops 206. This attachment-detachment can be performed an unlimited number of times as long as the integrity of the hooks 214 and loops 206 remains. In essence, they are temporarily and separably attached to create a separable attachment relationship between the hooks. For example, a tennis shoe style upper can be worn with the sole 104 for exercise purposes, and then replaced with a formal patent leather dress shoe for business purposes. Numerous other combinations of uppers 106 can be used to create different stylistic designs and also to reuse the sole 104 when the upper wears out. In this manner, the hook panel 210 and the loop panel 202 are temporarily coupled unless a force is applied to separate the panels 210, 202, respectively, from the loops 206 in the loop panels 202 against which the hooks 214 mate. This is the temporary mating arrangement that allows for the interchangeability of the uppers 106. The force to separate the panels (Loop panel 202, hook panel 210) may simply be a user manually separating the panels from each other. Figure 7 shows a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for interchanging shoe uppers 106 from a sole. The method may be operated with a shoe body 102; The method allows the shoe body 102 to be manually divided between a sole portion 104 and one or more interchangeable uppers 106 that are releasably mated to the sole portion 104 via a velcro fastening mechanism, such that multiple uppers can be interchanged on a single reusable sole portion 104. The method may include an initial step of providing one or more uppers 106 including a durable panel 200, a gamba 110, and a side piece 112. The method may further include a step of securing a long, flexible loop panel 202 to the durable panel 200 of the uppers 106, the loop panel 202 being defined by a loop face 204 comprising a plurality of loops 206. The loop panel 202 may be a flexible material having substantially the same shape as the durable panel 200 of the uppers 106. The loop panel 202 has a loop face 204 and an opposing upper mounting face 208 that engages the durable panel 200. One step includes providing a base portion 104 including an outer base 114 and a mid-base 116. As shown in Figure 5, one step includes orienting the mid-base 116 to align with the durable panel 200 of the uppers 106. The base mounting face 216 is dimensioned and sized to rigidly mate with the mid-base 116 of the base portion 104 in a rigid, parallel relationship. In some embodiments, base mounting face 216 is attached to the midsole 116 of base portion 104. One of the steps includes attaching a hook panel 210 to the outer base 114; the hook panel 210 includes a hook face 212 containing a plurality of hooks 214; the hooks 214 are dimensioned and sized to releasably engage loops 206 of loop face 204. In some embodiments, one of the steps may include mating the hook face 212 with the loop face 204, whereby the hooks 214 and loops 206 are temporarily engaged (see Figures 3-4). The hooks 214 are individually attached to loops 206 and then separated using a force. One step includes putting on the shoe with the assembled upper 106 and sole 104. The method may further include a step of applying a force to separate the hook panel 210 from the loop panel 202, thereby separating the upper 106 from the sole 104. The final step includes attaching a loop face 204 from a second loop panel 202 that is assembled to a second upper 106 to the loop face 204 from the loop panel 202 of the first sole portion 104, wherein the hooks 214 and loops 206 are temporarily coupled. Although the process flow diagrams show a specific order of execution of the process steps, the order of execution of the steps may be varied from the order shown in particular embodiments. Additionally, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed simultaneously or partially simultaneously in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams may be combined into a single operation. As a result, a system 100 for changing shoe uppers provides a shoe body 102 that can be manually divided between a sole portion 104 and one or more interchangeable uppers 106. The upper 106 uses a hook 214 and loop fastening mechanism to releasably mate with a single sole portion 104. The system 100 includes a hook panel 210 having multiple hooks 214 such as those found on Velcro™. Hook panel 210 covers an upper face of the sole portion with hooks 214 facing outward. The system also provides a loop panel 202 comprising a plurality of small loops 206 of the same hook and loop fastener. Loop panel 202 is removable and temporarily attached to create a detachable mating relationship between the durable panel portion 104 of the upper 106. As a result, multiple uppers 106 may be interchanged on a single reusable sole portion 104. These and other advantages of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and accompanying drawings. Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail are possible in the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed, all matters contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHANGE SHOE UPRIGHTS A system and method for changing shoe uppers (106) including a shoe body (102) which can be manually divided between a sole portion (104) and one or more interchangeable uppers (106). One or more uppers 106 utilize a hook 214 and loop 206 attachment mechanism to releasably mate with a single sole 104. The system includes a hook panel 210 having multiple hooks 214 such as those found on Velcro™. The hook panel 210 covers a top mounting face 208 of the sole 104 with the hooks 214 facing outward. The system also provides a loop panel 202 having a plurality of smaller loops 206 of the same hook and loop fastener. The loop panel 202 covers a durable panel 200 of the uppers 106. The hook panel 210 and loop panel 202 are detachable and temporarily coupled to create a separable mating relationship between the counters 106 and a single base portion 104. As a result, multiple counters 106 can be interchanged on a single reusable base portion 104.TR TR TR TR

Claims (5)

1.SYSTEMS 1. It is a system for changing shoe uppers (106), and its features are; - one or more uppers including a sturdy panel (200) and a gamba (110); - a loop panel (202) defined by a loop face (204) and an opposing top mounting face (208); - a loop face (202) including a plurality of loops (206); - a durable panel (200) in which the top mounting face (208) is joined to the uppers (106) in a fixed, parallel relationship; - a base portion (104) including an outer base (114) and a middle base (116); - a hook panel (210) defined by a hook face (212) and an opposing bottom mounting face (216); - a hook face (212) including a plurality of hooks (214); - a loop face (204) for temporarily joining the hook face (212) and the loop face (204); - Hooks (214) dimensioned and sized to releasably grasp the loops (206), - The middle portion of the base portion (104) joined in a parallel relationship to the base mounting face (216). 2. It complies with the system in claim 1, characterized in that the upper (106) also comprises a toe box (108), side piece (112) and a tongue. 3. It complies with the system in claim 1, and its feature is that the sole part (104) also includes a heel. 4. It is in accordance with the system in claim 1, and its feature is that it contains hooks (214) larger than the loops (206). 5. It is in accordance with the system of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises hooks (214) and loops (206) derived from a hook (214) and loop (206) mechanism. It is in accordance with the system of claim 1, characterized in that the loop panel (202) has an elongated shape. It is in accordance with the system of claim 1, characterized in that the hook panel (210) has an elongated shape. It is in accordance with the system of claim 1, characterized in that the hook panel (210) and the loop panel (202) are flexible. It is in accordance with the system of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an upper mounting face (208) attached to the durable panel (200) of the upper (106) by an adhesive or stitching. It is in accordance with the system of claim 1, characterized in that; It comprises a sole portion (104) attached to the midsole (116) portion with an adhesive or stitching. It is in accordance with the system in claim 1 and its feature is that it comprises uppers (106) manufactured from a synthetic material. 12. It is a system for changing shoe uppers (106) and its feature is; - A shoe body (102) having one or more uppers (106) and a sole (104); - A sole portion (104) having a gambi (110), a side piece (112) and a durable panel (200); - An outer sole (114) and a midsole (116); - A long, flexible loop panel (202) defined by a loop face (204) and an opposing upper mounting face (208); - The loop face (204) having a plurality of loops (206); - An upper mounting face (208) joined to the durable panel (200) of the uppers (106) in a fixed, parallel relationship; - A long, flexible hook panel (210) defined by a hook face (212) and an opposing sole mounting face (216); - The hook face (212) comprising a plurality of hooks (214), a loop face (204) dimensioned and sized to releasably capture the loops (206) of the hooks (214), a sole mounting face (216) which is joined in a fixed, parallel relationship with the midsole (116) of the sole (104). 13. It is in accordance with the system of claim 12, characterized in that the upper (106) also comprises a tongue. 14. It is in accordance with the system of claim 12, characterized in that the sole (104) also comprises a heel. 15. It is in accordance with the system of claim 12, characterized in that it comprises hooks (214) larger than the loops (206). it comprises hooks (214) and loops (206) derived from the mechanism. 17. It is in accordance with the system in claim 12, and is characterized in that it comprises uppers (106) made of a synthetic material. 20. It is a method for changing a shoe upper (106) from a shoe sole part (104), and is characterized in that; - providing one or more uppers (106) comprising a durable panel (200), a gamba (110) and a side piece (112); - securing an elongated, flexible loop panel (202) to the durable panel (200) of the uppers (106), the loop panel (202) being defined by a loop face (204) comprising a plurality of loops (206); - a base portion (104) comprising an outer sole (114) and a mid sole (116); - positioning the mid sole (116) so that it is aligned with the durable panel (200) of the uppers (106); - attaching a hook panel (210) to the outer sole (114), the hook panel (210) comprising a hook face (212) comprising a plurality of hooks (214); - the hooks (214) are dimensioned and sized to releasably catch the loops (206) of the loop face (204), - joining the hook face (212) and the loop face (204), thereby temporarily joining the hooks (214) and the loops (206), - wearing the shoe with the body (102) and the sole (104) joined, - applying a force to separate the hook panel (210) from the loop panel (202), thereby separating the upper (106) from the sole (104), and - removing a loop face (204) from a second loop panel (202) joined to a second upper (106), The method includes the steps of attaching the hooks (214) and loops (206) to the face (204), thus temporarily joining them. 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