US20230320455A1 - Water resistant footwear - Google Patents
Water resistant footwear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230320455A1 US20230320455A1 US18/298,601 US202318298601A US2023320455A1 US 20230320455 A1 US20230320455 A1 US 20230320455A1 US 202318298601 A US202318298601 A US 202318298601A US 2023320455 A1 US2023320455 A1 US 2023320455A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- footwear
- shell portion
- configuration
- upper shell
- shell
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 21
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 9
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 7
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- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 3
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- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
- A43B3/18—Devices for holding overshoes in position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/248—Collapsible, e.g. foldable for travelling
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0018—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of flexible, bellow-like shaped material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/22—Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/06—Shoes with flaps; Footwear with divided uppers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/242—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the upper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/244—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the attachment between upper and sole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/18—Attachable overshoes for sporting purposes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B9/00—Footwear characterised by the assembling of the individual parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/12—Special watertight footwear
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to footwear and, more particularly, to rollable, packable, post-activity, water resistant and/or waterproof footwear.
- ice skating and hockey require users to wear skates that can include a structured boot on top of a blade and skiing requires a structured boot that connects to a ski.
- Such footwear can be cumbersome and uncomfortable to walk in.
- Other activities such as going to bars and/or clubs to dance or simply going on a night out will often result in women wearing high heels. After several hours in heels, their feet hurt, resulting in them either taking their heels off and walking around barefoot or bringing extra footwear such as tennis shoes to slip on.
- a user has three choices—continue to wear the uncomfortable footwear; take the uncomfortable footwear off and risk getting their feet wet, cold, and/or dirty; or carrying other footwear that is bulky and incapable of being carried on the user during the activities, thereby requiring the footwear to be stored, left in a vehicle, or placed somewhere out of the way.
- skiers are forced to walk sometimes a far distance in the uncomfortable structured ski boots.
- Mid-day lunch stops also require walking to the lodge in ski boots, and after a long day on the slopes, skiers have to walk home in those stiff, uncomfortable structured boots.
- skiers For day skiers, they have to walk through an icy parking lot to get to their vehicle where other footwear is stored or to a locker where they have paid to store other footwear. This results in additional expense and possible injury due to slick conditions.
- a footwear includes a shell; a sole positioned on a bottom of the shell; wherein the shell is reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the shell has an L-shape adapted to enclose a human foot; and a second configuration in which the shell is rolled into a bundle.
- a footwear includes a shell, the shell having a lower shell portion and an upper shell portion; a sole positioned on a bottom of the lower shell portion; wherein the shell is reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the shell has an L-shape adapted to enclose a human foot; and a second configuration in which the shell is rolled into a bundle.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rollable, packable footwear
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a rear perspective of the footwear of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4 A- 4 E show the steps of the footwear of FIG. 1 being rolled into a packable roll that can be carried by a user;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rollable, packable footwear
- FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 shows the footwear of FIG. 5 rolled into a packable roll that can be carried by a user
- FIG. 8 shows the footwear of FIG. 7 secured in a roll by a hook and loop band or strap.
- FIGS. 1 - 3 depicts an exemplary rollable, packable, post-activity, water resistant and/or waterproof footwear 10 .
- the footwear 10 includes a shell 12 having a lower shell portion 14 and an upper shell portion 16 .
- the upper and lower shell portions 14 , 16 may be made of any suitable water resistant and/or waterproof material, for example, a laminate with stretch poly blend or a Gore-Tex material.
- the shell 12 may also be lined with an insulating layer 18 , such as a stretchable fleece to provide warmth and comfort. It should be appreciated that any suitable number and combination of layers may be used.
- a non-slip sole 20 is positioned on a bottom or footbed 22 of the lower shell portion 14 of the shell 12 .
- the sole 20 may be permanently attached to the bottom 22 of the lower shell portion 14 or detachable.
- the sole 20 provides a thin protective, non-slip surface for the footwear 10 and may be made of any suitable material that allows the sole 20 to be rolled into a packable unit like shown in FIG. 4 E .
- Example materials include rubber, silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, a layered material such as felt or moleskin, or any suitable combination or materials.
- the sole 20 may be a more rigid material that can be carried and/or stored separately in a pocket of a user.
- the lower shell portion 14 provides a pocket or envelope for a user's foot to be positioned therein and includes a toe 23 and a heel 24 .
- the upper shell portion 16 is connected to the lower shell portion 14 and wraps around a user's ankle and/or lower leg.
- the upper shell portion 16 may be hinged to the lower shell portion 14 at the heel 24 of the footwear 10 , see FIGS. 4 B and 4 C .
- a bottom edge 27 of the upper shell portion 16 may also be connected to an upper band 36 of the lower shell portion 14 using hook and loop fasteners 26 or other suitable connection devices.
- the upper shell portion 16 includes two end flaps 30 , 32 and a central back portion 34 .
- the back portion 34 is connected to the heel 24 and the end flaps 30 and 32 wrap around a user's ankle and/or leg and are secured together to envelope the user's ankle and/or leg.
- the end flaps 30 , 32 may be secured together using a cinch cord 38 or other suitable securing means such as hook and loop fasteners.
- the cinch cord 38 is connected to end flap 30 and extends through eyelets 40 positioned in the end flap 32 and a cord lock 42 .
- the end flaps 30 , 32 are tightened around the user's ankle and/or leg by pulling on the cinch cord until a desired tightness is achieved.
- the cord lock 42 maintains the desired tightness by preventing the cinch cord 38 from withdrawing from the eyelets 40 .
- the cord lock 42 may be disengaged to allow the cinch cord 38 to withdraw and allow the user to remove his/her foot from the footwear.
- the upper shell portion 16 further includes a comfort band 44 along a top edge 46 of the upper shell portion 16 and a strap 47 positioned along the back portion 34 .
- the comfort band 44 may be made of any suitable material, such as fleece, to provide comfort to a user around the user's leg.
- a first end 48 of the strap 47 is connected to the upper shell portion 16 at the comfort band 44 and extends down the back portion 34 towards the heel 24 .
- a second end 50 of the strap 47 may be removably connected to the back portion 34 by hook and loop fasteners, a snap, a button, or any other suitable type of fastener 49 to move the strap 47 from a stowed position, FIG. 3 , to an unstowed position, FIG. 4 B .
- Suitable materials for the strap include MIL-SPEC Polyester or any other suitable material for providing a durable strap.
- the footwear 10 is reconfigurable between a use configuration, FIG. 4 A , and stowable and/or packable configuration, FIG. 4 E .
- This is done by loosening and disconnecting the cinch cord 38 that secures the end flaps 30 , 32 together.
- hook and loop fasteners simply separating the hook and loop fasteners.
- the end flaps 30 , 32 released, the upper shell portion 16 is unwrapped, FIG. 4 B , and the second end 50 of the strap 47 disconnected from the upper shell portion 16 and moved to the unstowed position.
- the upper shell portion 16 is then folded down and around the sole 20 , FIG.
- FIGS. 4 C- 4 D The footwear 10 is then rolled from toe 23 to heal 24 , FIG. 4 D .
- the strap 47 is then wrapped around the rolled footwear 10 , FIGS. 4 D- 4 E , and secured therearound by a fastener such as hook and loop fasteners, snap, button, or the like.
- the term reconfigurable refers to the combination of material composition, material thickness, and material flexibility being such that the footwear 10 can move between the use configuration and the stowable configuration by hand without tools.
- the footwear 100 includes a shell 112 , a comfort sole 114 on a bottom of the shell 112 , a non-slip sole 116 positioned over the comfort sole 114 , a hook and loop band and/or strap 118 around a top of the shell 112 to secure the shell 112 around a leg of a user, and a hook and loop band and/or strap 120 around an ankle portion of the shell 112 to tighten the shell around a user's ankle.
- the shell 112 is a soft shell and may be made of any suitable water resistant and/or waterproof material, for example, a Gore-Tex material.
- the shell 112 may also be made of multiple thin layers to provide warmth, for example, a two-layer shell may include a waterproof outer layer 124 and an inner insulating comfort layer 126 , see FIG. 5 .
- a three-layer shell may include a polyester outer shell first layer 128 , a waterproof second layer 130 , and an insulating and/or comfort third inner layer 132 , see FIG. 6 .
- Any suitable materials, such as fleece, may be used as the insulating and/or comfort layer. It should be appreciated that any suitable number and combination of layers may be used.
- the shell 112 includes a lower shell portion 113 and an upper shell portion 115 . Unlike footwear 10 , the lower and upper shell portions 113 , 115 do not separate and instead form a continuous shell.
- the comfort sole 114 is designed to provide the user with a padded foot bed for comfort when walking.
- the sole 114 may be of any suitable material that provides cushioning, is flexible, and rollable to allow the footwear 100 to be rolled, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- the sole 114 may be a polyurethane foam, a viscoelastic polyurethane foam, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, and Poron to name a few.
- the sole 114 may also be a layered material such as felt or moleskin.
- the non-slip sole 116 covers the comfort sole 114 and may be detachable, FIG. 5 , or permanently attached to the comfort sole 114 , FIG. 6 .
- the non-slip sole 116 provides a thin protective, non-slip, surface for the footwear 100 and may be made of any suitable material that allows the sole 116 to be rolled into a packable unit like shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- Example materials include rubber, silicone, polyurethane, and thermoplastic polyurethane.
- the sole 116 may be a more rigid material that can be carried and/or stored separately in a pocket of a user.
- a pocket 122 is positioned on a rear of the footwear 100 .
- the pocket 122 houses a cover 125 and other accessories such as a hook and loop band and/or strap to cover the footwear 100 and secure the footwear 100 in a rolled state, FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- band 118 may be used to secure the footwear 100 in the rolled state as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the cover 125 may be made of a thin polyester and provides a protective cover over the sole 116 of the footwear 100 as it is being rolled up for transport. The cover 125 prevents dirt from the sole 116 from soiling the shell 112 or anything else the sole 116 may touch during transport.
- hook and loop strap 118 is used to wrap around and tighten the footwear into a compact roll for transport by clipping onto a ski boot, carrying in a purse or athletic bag, or in a pocket.
- the footwear 100 is carried with the skier (for example, attached and/or clipped to a ski boot under ski pants or inside jacket or pocket) and is available for the skier to change into as soon as they hit the bottom of the slopes, thereby providing an immediate, slip-resistant, warm, and comfortable footwear for walking to/from ski lifts as opposed to walking between lifts, around the ski resort, or back to the ski house in uncomfortable boots.
- the footwear 100 is machine washable and may be available in multiple colors and designs to appeal to individual styles.
- the sole 114 could be customized with a symbol or writing that would show through a semi-transparent or transparent sole 116 .
- raised symbols and/or writing may be molded into the sole 116 to allow a user to leave imprints in snow, dirt, mud, etc.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Footwear is disclosed. The footwear includes a shell; a sole positioned on a bottom of the shell; wherein the shell is reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the shell has an L-shape adapted to enclose a human foot; and a second configuration in which the shell is rolled into a bundle.
Description
- This invention relates generally to footwear and, more particularly, to rollable, packable, post-activity, water resistant and/or waterproof footwear.
- Activities such as skiing, hockey, ice skating, and other athletic events often involve specialized and/or uncomfortable footwear. For example, ice skating and hockey require users to wear skates that can include a structured boot on top of a blade and skiing requires a structured boot that connects to a ski. Such footwear can be cumbersome and uncomfortable to walk in. Other activities such as going to bars and/or clubs to dance or simply going on a night out will often result in women wearing high heels. After several hours in heels, their feet hurt, resulting in them either taking their heels off and walking around barefoot or bringing extra footwear such as tennis shoes to slip on.
- In all of these instances, a user has three choices—continue to wear the uncomfortable footwear; take the uncomfortable footwear off and risk getting their feet wet, cold, and/or dirty; or carrying other footwear that is bulky and incapable of being carried on the user during the activities, thereby requiring the footwear to be stored, left in a vehicle, or placed somewhere out of the way.
- For example, in the case of skiing, a majority of properties are not ski in or ski out and can often require walking stairs to get to the ski lift. Skiers are forced to walk sometimes a far distance in the uncomfortable structured ski boots. Mid-day lunch stops also require walking to the lodge in ski boots, and after a long day on the slopes, skiers have to walk home in those stiff, uncomfortable structured boots. For day skiers, they have to walk through an icy parking lot to get to their vehicle where other footwear is stored or to a locker where they have paid to store other footwear. This results in additional expense and possible injury due to slick conditions.
- Accordingly, there is a need for footwear that allows a user to carry the footwear with them and provide a warm, comfortable, and slip-resistant alternative to current prior art footwear.
- This problem is addressed by rollable, packable, post activity footwear that provides traction, comfort, and warmth as an on-hand alternative to specialized structured boots such as ski boots, athletic footwear, and high heels or other dress footwear.
- According to one aspect of the invention, a footwear includes a shell; a sole positioned on a bottom of the shell; wherein the shell is reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the shell has an L-shape adapted to enclose a human foot; and a second configuration in which the shell is rolled into a bundle.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a footwear includes a shell, the shell having a lower shell portion and an upper shell portion; a sole positioned on a bottom of the lower shell portion; wherein the shell is reconfigurable between: a first configuration in which the shell has an L-shape adapted to enclose a human foot; and a second configuration in which the shell is rolled into a bundle.
- The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rollable, packable footwear; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the footwear ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective of the footwear ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4A-4E show the steps of the footwear ofFIG. 1 being rolled into a packable roll that can be carried by a user; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rollable, packable footwear; -
FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the footwear ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 shows the footwear ofFIG. 5 rolled into a packable roll that can be carried by a user; and -
FIG. 8 shows the footwear ofFIG. 7 secured in a roll by a hook and loop band or strap. - Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,
FIGS. 1-3 depicts an exemplary rollable, packable, post-activity, water resistant and/orwaterproof footwear 10. Thefootwear 10 includes ashell 12 having alower shell portion 14 and anupper shell portion 16. The upper andlower shell portions shell 12 may also be lined with aninsulating layer 18, such as a stretchable fleece to provide warmth and comfort. It should be appreciated that any suitable number and combination of layers may be used. - A
non-slip sole 20 is positioned on a bottom or footbed 22 of thelower shell portion 14 of theshell 12. The sole 20 may be permanently attached to thebottom 22 of thelower shell portion 14 or detachable. The sole 20 provides a thin protective, non-slip surface for thefootwear 10 and may be made of any suitable material that allows the sole 20 to be rolled into a packable unit like shown inFIG. 4E . Example materials include rubber, silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, a layered material such as felt or moleskin, or any suitable combination or materials. In the case of a detachable sole (like that shown inFIG. 5 ), the sole 20 may be a more rigid material that can be carried and/or stored separately in a pocket of a user. - The
lower shell portion 14 provides a pocket or envelope for a user's foot to be positioned therein and includes atoe 23 and aheel 24. Theupper shell portion 16 is connected to thelower shell portion 14 and wraps around a user's ankle and/or lower leg. For example, theupper shell portion 16 may be hinged to thelower shell portion 14 at theheel 24 of thefootwear 10, seeFIGS. 4B and 4C . Abottom edge 27 of theupper shell portion 16 may also be connected to anupper band 36 of thelower shell portion 14 using hook andloop fasteners 26 or other suitable connection devices. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-4B , theupper shell portion 16 includes twoend flaps central back portion 34. Theback portion 34 is connected to theheel 24 and theend flaps end flaps cinch cord 38 or other suitable securing means such as hook and loop fasteners. As illustrated, thecinch cord 38 is connected toend flap 30 and extends througheyelets 40 positioned in theend flap 32 and acord lock 42. Theend flaps cord lock 42 maintains the desired tightness by preventing thecinch cord 38 from withdrawing from theeyelets 40. Thecord lock 42 may be disengaged to allow thecinch cord 38 to withdraw and allow the user to remove his/her foot from the footwear. - The
upper shell portion 16 further includes acomfort band 44 along atop edge 46 of theupper shell portion 16 and astrap 47 positioned along theback portion 34. Thecomfort band 44 may be made of any suitable material, such as fleece, to provide comfort to a user around the user's leg. Afirst end 48 of thestrap 47 is connected to theupper shell portion 16 at thecomfort band 44 and extends down theback portion 34 towards theheel 24. Asecond end 50 of thestrap 47 may be removably connected to theback portion 34 by hook and loop fasteners, a snap, a button, or any other suitable type offastener 49 to move thestrap 47 from a stowed position,FIG. 3 , to an unstowed position,FIG. 4B . Suitable materials for the strap include MIL-SPEC Polyester or any other suitable material for providing a durable strap. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4A-4E , thefootwear 10 is reconfigurable between a use configuration,FIG. 4A , and stowable and/or packable configuration,FIG. 4E . This is done by loosening and disconnecting thecinch cord 38 that secures theend flaps upper shell portion 16 is unwrapped,FIG. 4B , and thesecond end 50 of thestrap 47 disconnected from theupper shell portion 16 and moved to the unstowed position. Theupper shell portion 16 is then folded down and around the sole 20,FIG. 4C , and thelower shell portion 14 is pushed down to a flatter configuration,FIGS. 4C-4D . Thefootwear 10 is then rolled fromtoe 23 to heal 24,FIG. 4D . Thestrap 47 is then wrapped around the rolledfootwear 10,FIGS. 4D-4E , and secured therearound by a fastener such as hook and loop fasteners, snap, button, or the like. The term reconfigurable refers to the combination of material composition, material thickness, and material flexibility being such that thefootwear 10 can move between the use configuration and the stowable configuration by hand without tools. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , an exemplary rollable, packable, post-activity, water resistant and/orwaterproof footwear 100 is shown. Thefootwear 100 includes ashell 112, a comfort sole 114 on a bottom of theshell 112, a non-slip sole 116 positioned over thecomfort sole 114, a hook and loop band and/orstrap 118 around a top of theshell 112 to secure theshell 112 around a leg of a user, and a hook and loop band and/orstrap 120 around an ankle portion of theshell 112 to tighten the shell around a user's ankle. - The
shell 112 is a soft shell and may be made of any suitable water resistant and/or waterproof material, for example, a Gore-Tex material. Theshell 112 may also be made of multiple thin layers to provide warmth, for example, a two-layer shell may include a waterproofouter layer 124 and an innerinsulating comfort layer 126, seeFIG. 5 . A three-layer shell may include a polyester outer shellfirst layer 128, a waterproofsecond layer 130, and an insulating and/or comfort thirdinner layer 132, seeFIG. 6 . Any suitable materials, such as fleece, may be used as the insulating and/or comfort layer. It should be appreciated that any suitable number and combination of layers may be used. Likefootwear 10, theshell 112 includes alower shell portion 113 and anupper shell portion 115. Unlikefootwear 10, the lower andupper shell portions - The
comfort sole 114 is designed to provide the user with a padded foot bed for comfort when walking. The sole 114 may be of any suitable material that provides cushioning, is flexible, and rollable to allow thefootwear 100 to be rolled, as seen inFIGS. 7 and 8 . For example, the sole 114 may be a polyurethane foam, a viscoelastic polyurethane foam, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, and Poron to name a few. The sole 114 may also be a layered material such as felt or moleskin. - The non-slip sole 116 covers the
comfort sole 114 and may be detachable,FIG. 5 , or permanently attached to thecomfort sole 114,FIG. 6 . The non-slip sole 116 provides a thin protective, non-slip, surface for thefootwear 100 and may be made of any suitable material that allows the sole 116 to be rolled into a packable unit like shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 . Example materials include rubber, silicone, polyurethane, and thermoplastic polyurethane. In the case of a detachable sole 116, the sole 116 may be a more rigid material that can be carried and/or stored separately in a pocket of a user. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , apocket 122 is positioned on a rear of thefootwear 100. Thepocket 122 houses acover 125 and other accessories such as a hook and loop band and/or strap to cover thefootwear 100 and secure thefootwear 100 in a rolled state,FIGS. 7 and 8 . Alternatively,band 118 may be used to secure thefootwear 100 in the rolled state as shown inFIG. 8 . Thecover 125 may be made of a thin polyester and provides a protective cover over the sole 116 of thefootwear 100 as it is being rolled up for transport. Thecover 125 prevents dirt from the sole 116 from soiling theshell 112 or anything else the sole 116 may touch during transport. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , the entire shoe is rolled from the toe to the top of theshell 112. As shown, hook andloop strap 118 is used to wrap around and tighten the footwear into a compact roll for transport by clipping onto a ski boot, carrying in a purse or athletic bag, or in a pocket. - The following discussion will be specific to skiing; however, it should be appreciated that this is just one example of an activity and is being limited to one example for clarity. In use, the
footwear 100 is carried with the skier (for example, attached and/or clipped to a ski boot under ski pants or inside jacket or pocket) and is available for the skier to change into as soon as they hit the bottom of the slopes, thereby providing an immediate, slip-resistant, warm, and comfortable footwear for walking to/from ski lifts as opposed to walking between lifts, around the ski resort, or back to the ski house in uncomfortable boots. - In the case of other activities such as hockey and basketball, athletes can change into the
footwear 100 after games to wear around the rink, arena, or court while preserving athletic shoes for game wear and not taking up space in sports bags. Women can carry the footwear in a purse or jacket pocket to wear home after a night of dancing in heels. Additionally, college students and others who wear fun shoes out to parties need a comfortable shoe to walk home in from the bar or party as an alternative to high heels or sandals and can be packed in a small purse or jacket pocket. - The
footwear 100 is machine washable and may be available in multiple colors and designs to appeal to individual styles. In the case of the detachable sole 116, the sole 114 could be customized with a symbol or writing that would show through a semi-transparent or transparent sole 116. Further, raised symbols and/or writing may be molded into the sole 116 to allow a user to leave imprints in snow, dirt, mud, etc. - The foregoing has described footwear. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
- Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
- The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Claims (17)
1. A footwear, comprising:
a shell;
a sole positioned on a bottom of the shell;
wherein the shell is reconfigurable between:
a first configuration in which the shell has an L-shape adapted to enclose a human foot; and
a second configuration in which the shell is rolled into a bundle.
2. The footwear of claim 1 , wherein the shell includes an upper shell portion and a lower shell portion.
3. The footwear of claim 2 , wherein the upper shell portion includes first and second end flaps and a central back portion, the central back portion interconnecting the first and second end flaps.
4. The footwear of claim 1 , wherein the upper shell portion includes:
a first end flap;
a second end flap;
a central back portion positioned between and interconnecting the first and second end flaps; and
a strap positioned along the central back portion.
5. The footwear of claim 4 , wherein a first end of the strap is connected to a top edge of the central back portion and a second end of the strap is removably connected to the central back portion at a location between the top edge and a heel of the footwear.
6. The footwear of claim 2 , wherein the upper shell portion is hingedly connected to the lower shell portion at a heel of the footwear.
7. The footwear of claim 2 , wherein a bottom edge of the upper shell portion is removably connected to an upper band of the lower shell portion.
8. The footwear of claim 1 , wherein the sole is removable from the bottom of the shell.
9. The footwear of claim 1 , wherein a pocket is positioned on a rear of the shell, the pocket being configured to store accessories therein.
10. A footwear, comprising:
a shell, the shell having a lower shell portion and an upper shell portion;
a sole positioned on a bottom of the lower shell portion;
wherein the shell is reconfigurable between:
a first configuration in which the shell has an L-shape adapted to enclose a human foot; and
a second configuration in which the shell is rolled into a bundle.
11. The footwear of claim 10 , wherein the upper shell portion includes a first end flap connected to a first side of a central back portion and a second end flap connected to an opposing second side of the central back portion, the central back portion interconnecting the first and second end flaps.
12. The footwear of claim 10 , further including a strap connected to the upper shell portion, the strap having a first end connected to a top edge of the upper shell portion and a second end removably connected to the upper shell portion between the upper edge and a heel of the footwear.
13. The footwear of claim 10 , wherein the upper shell portion is hingedly connected to the lower shell portion at a heel of the footwear.
14. The footwear of claim 10 , wherein a bottom edge of the upper shell portion is removably connected to an upper band of the lower shell portion.
15. A method of reconfiguring the footwear of claim 1 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the method including the steps of:
from the first configuration, rolling the footwear from a toe of the footwear to a heel of the footwear; and
wrapping a strap around the footwear to maintain the footwear in the second configuration.
16. A method of reconfiguring the footwear of claim 1 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the method including the steps of:
from the first configuration, unwrapping an upper shell portion of the shell;
disconnecting a second end of a strap from the upper shell portion of the shell;
folding down the upper shell portion and positioning the upper shell portion around the sole;
rolling the footwear from a toe to a heel of the footwear; and
wrapping the strap around the footwear to maintain the footwear in the second configuration.
17. A method of reconfiguring the footwear of claim 6 between the first configuration and the second configuration, the method including the steps of:
from the first configuration, disconnecting a first end flap of the upper shell portion from a second end flap of the upper shell portion;
disconnecting a second end of a strap from the upper shell portion;
unwrapping the upper shell portion;
folding down the upper shell portion and positioning the upper shell portion around the sole;
rolling the footwear from a toe to a heel of the footwear; and
wrapping the strap around the footwear to maintain the footwear in the second configuration.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/298,601 US20230320455A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-04-11 | Water resistant footwear |
PCT/US2023/018243 WO2023200826A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-04-12 | Water resistant footwear |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202263329951P | 2022-04-12 | 2022-04-12 | |
US18/298,601 US20230320455A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-04-11 | Water resistant footwear |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20230320455A1 true US20230320455A1 (en) | 2023-10-12 |
Family
ID=88240881
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/298,601 Pending US20230320455A1 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-04-11 | Water resistant footwear |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20230320455A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2023200826A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6457266B1 (en) * | 2001-08-20 | 2002-10-01 | Chuan-An Hsiao | Overshoe structure |
US20050193596A1 (en) * | 2004-03-05 | 2005-09-08 | Culton Dale M. | Waterproof protective overshoe for golf shoes |
US7162813B2 (en) * | 2005-01-19 | 2007-01-16 | Metric Products, Inc. | Slipper having shape memory |
US20070204483A1 (en) * | 2005-09-23 | 2007-09-06 | Kandykirsch Corporation | Flexible shoe and container |
WO2010148289A1 (en) * | 2009-06-19 | 2010-12-23 | Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc. | Cycling shoe with rear entry |
CN203748742U (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2014-08-06 | 杭州美第意户外用品有限公司 | Storage shoe |
US10104936B2 (en) * | 2016-10-17 | 2018-10-23 | Mccauley Llc | Shoe with interchangeable sole |
-
2023
- 2023-04-11 US US18/298,601 patent/US20230320455A1/en active Pending
- 2023-04-12 WO PCT/US2023/018243 patent/WO2023200826A1/en unknown
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WO2023200826A1 (en) | 2023-10-19 |
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