US20240049836A1 - Shoe having simulated features - Google Patents
Shoe having simulated features Download PDFInfo
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- US20240049836A1 US20240049836A1 US17/887,020 US202217887020A US2024049836A1 US 20240049836 A1 US20240049836 A1 US 20240049836A1 US 202217887020 A US202217887020 A US 202217887020A US 2024049836 A1 US2024049836 A1 US 2024049836A1
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- shoe according
- sole
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 66
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002334 Spandex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC=C XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000109 continuous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 201000003373 familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome 3 Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 238000004073 vulcanization Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
- A43B3/0078—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design provided with logos, letters, signatures or the like decoration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/02—Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom
- A43B1/04—Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom braided, knotted, knitted or crocheted
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0205—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
- A43B23/025—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form assembled by stitching
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/24—Ornamental buckles; Other ornaments for shoes without fastening function
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to shoes having simulated features, and methods of making the same.
- a typical shoe e.g., sneaker/trainer
- a typical shoe is comprised of many different components. Combining these components to create the shoe requires significant labor and results in a lot of waste. This leads to increased costs for the shoe manufacturer, the shoe consumer, and society in general (e.g., as a result of the increased waste).
- the present invention relates to shoes having simulated features, and methods of making the same.
- the present invention relates to a shoe with simulated features comprising: an upper including a toe region and a heel region, with the upper including a simulated feature and the heel region including a seam; and a sole coupled to the upper; wherein the simulated feature is planar to an outer surface of the upper; wherein the shoe is configured to completely cover a user's foot.
- the present invention relates to a shoe comprising: an upper including a heel region, the heel region including a seam, wherein the upper is formed of a single piece of material and the seam; a board coupled to the upper; and a sole coupled to the board; wherein the simulated feature is planar to an outer surface of the upper; wherein the shoe is configured to completely cover a user's foot.
- the present invention relates to a method of making a shoe with simulated features, the method comprising: printing a simulated feature on a material; cutting the material in a specified pattern, the specified pattern including a first heel portion and a second heel portion; coupling the first heel portion of the cut material to the second heel portion of the cut material to form an upper, the upper including an outer surface, an inner surface, and a mouth; and coupling the upper to a sole.
- shoes can be made with fewer components and, therefore, much less labor and waste.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary heel pad according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary heel pad coupled to an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary board of an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary shoe with simulated perforations according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 A illustrates an exemplary material including simulated features which has been cut in a specified outline according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 B illustrates an exemplary material including a plurality of outlines according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an exemplary upper portion including simulated features being coupled to an exemplary board according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an exemplary upper portion without simulated features being coupled to an exemplary board according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an exemplary upper portion including simulated features being coupled to an exemplary sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 15 illustrates a pair of exemplary material, including simulated features, which have been cut in a specified outline, according to another embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1 One example embodiment of a shoe with simulated features according to the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1 and indicated generally by reference number 100 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates one example embodiment, it should be understood that the teachings of this disclosure are not limited to the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
- the shoe 100 is a footwear article that can include an upper 102 and a sole 104 coupled to the upper 102 .
- the upper 102 can include at least one simulated feature.
- the upper 102 can include simulated laces 106 , a simulated tongue 108 , a simulated material 110 , simulated stitching 112 , and a simulated overlay 114 .
- the simulated features 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 can give the shoe 100 the appearance of having certain raised three-dimensional features (e.g., shoelaces, a tongue, a certain material, stitching, overlay, etc.) that are not physically present on the shoe 100 but are actually flat and planar to the outer surface of the upper 102 .
- the simulated laces 106 can be printed on the shoe 100 to simulate the appearance of shoelaces for tying the shoe 100 , although the shoe 100 does not have any physical shoelaces.
- the simulated material 110 can create an appearance of a textured material, such as mesh, on the upper 102 of the shoe 100 , wherein the simulated material 110 is distinct from the material of the upper 102 .
- Simulated material 110 may simulate a variety of materials, including but not limited to, denim, suede, leather, canvas, etc.
- the simulated overlay 114 can provide the shoe 100 with an appearance of a multi-piece construction.
- upper 102 can be formed from a single piece of material and simulated overlay 114 makes an impression that the shoe 100 is formed from a plurality of pieces of material.
- the shoe 100 can be made with much less labor and waste.
- the sole 104 can include a midsole 116 and an outsole 118 .
- Midsole 116 can provide cushioning and shock absorption.
- Outsole 118 is distal to the midsole 116 such that the outsole 118 is the portion of the shoe 100 that touches a surface, e.g., the ground.
- the sole 104 can be composed of polyurethane.
- the sole 104 can be composed of rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or a variety of other suitable materials.
- the sole 104 can be composed of a water-resistant or water-proof material.
- the upper 102 can include a toe region 120 and a heel region 122 .
- the heel region 122 can include a seam 124 .
- Seam 124 can be disposed at the heel region 122 of the shoe 100 and substantially along a centerline of the shoe 100 .
- seam 124 can be disposed at the toe region 120 .
- seam 124 can be disposed substantially offset from the centerline of the shoe 100 .
- the seam 124 may be disposed at various other locations of the shoe 100 .
- the simulated material 110 can create an appearance of a patterned fabric material on the upper 102 of the shoe 100 .
- the simulated material 110 can simulate an animal-print patterned fabric.
- the simulated material 110 may simulate a variety of patterned fabrics, including but not limited to, houndstooth, camouflage, plaid, etc.
- the upper 102 of shoe 100 can be composed of a spacer fabric (e.g., fabric including two outer layers and an intermediate connecting layer).
- the spacer fabric can be selected based on its fabric weight, yarn, stretch, and/or sheen.
- the spacer fabric can be a polyester material.
- the polyester material can be composed of yarn that is obtained from recycled plastic bottles to achieve a desired fabric weight, yarn, stretch, and/or sheen.
- the shoe 100 can be a footwear article that provides a complete covering for a foot not reaching above the ankle.
- shoe 100 can be a slip-on shoe (e.g., a footwear article without a fastener, such as a shoe without shoelaces).
- shoe 100 can be a sneaker that is typically worn for sports or casual occasions.
- the upper 102 can include a mouth 126 .
- the mouth 126 can be adjacent to the heel region 122 and provide an opening that allows a foot to be inserted into the shoe 100 .
- the shoe 100 can include a collar binding 128 coupled to the mouth 126 of the upper 102 .
- the collar binding 128 can be coupled to the mouth 126 via stitching or sewing.
- the collar binding 128 can be composed of nylon.
- the collar in the collar binding 128 can bound by a thin Lycra fabric that is folded over the edge to “finish” the shoe 100 and creates a comfortable accessory that does not irritate the wearer.
- the collar binding 128 can be composed of a different material than the upper 102 .
- the collar binding 128 can be composed of the same material as the upper 102 .
- FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary heel pad 130 that may be included in shoe 100 .
- FIG. 4 depicts heel pad 130 coupled to shoe 100 .
- Heel pad 130 can include a first side edge 132 , a second side edge 134 , an upper edge 136 , and a lower edge 138 .
- Side edges 132 and 134 can be substantially flat whereas other edges of heel pad 130 , for example, upper edge 136 , are substantially curved.
- all edges 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 can be substantially flat.
- Heel pad 130 can be coupled to the heel region 122 of the upper 102 of the shoe 100 .
- heel pad 130 can be coupled to an inner surface 140 of the upper 102 .
- heel pad 130 can be coupled to upper 102 via stitching or sewing at each of the edges 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 .
- the first edge 132 of heel pad 130 can be coupled to heel region 122 of the upper 102 at a stitching 142 (as shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the collar binding 128 can also be coupled to the heel pad 130 .
- the heel pad 130 can be composed of the same material as the upper 102 .
- the shoe 100 can include a board 144 (e.g., strobel board) that includes an outer surface 146 and is coupled to the upper 102 .
- the upper 102 can be coupled to the board 144 via stitching and/or sewing to form a sock that may encase a foot.
- the board 144 can be composed of a non-woven fabric.
- the board 144 is composed of a thin cloth material, ethel vinyl acetate, or other suitable materials.
- the outer surface 146 of the board 144 can be coupled to the sole 104 using an adhesive material.
- the adhesive material can include glue, cement, or other suitable adhesive materials (e.g., water-based solvents).
- FIG. 6 depicts a shoe 600 that can include an upper 602 that includes simulated perforations 648 .
- Simulated perforations 648 can generate the appearance of the shoe 600 having certain features that are not physically present on the shoe 600 but are actually flat and planar to the outer surface of the upper 602 .
- the simulated perforations 648 can simulate the appearance of perforations or eyelets in the material of the upper 602 , although upper 602 of the shoe 600 does not have any physical perforations or eyelets.
- the shoe 600 can be formed from a continuous material, without eyelets or perforations. Further, by implementing the simulated perforations 648 , the shoe 600 can be made with much less labor and waste.
- the method can include printing a simulated feature on a material, where the material is subsequently used to form the upper 102 of the shoe 100 .
- the simulated feature can include at least one of simulated features 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , and 648 .
- the simulated feature (e.g., 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , and/or 648 ) may be printed directly onto the material using a large format printer (e.g., roll-to-roll printer) and ink.
- the material can be spacer fabric and can be composed of yarn from recycled plastic bottles.
- the method can further include cutting the material in a specified pattern, or outline 150 , shown in FIG. 7 A .
- the material can include a plurality of outlines 150 , as shown in FIG. 7 B .
- the outline 150 can include a first heel portion 152 and a second heel portion 154 .
- the first heel portion 152 of the cut material can be coupled to the second heel portion 154 of the cut material to form the upper 102 (e.g., laser cutter).
- the outline 150 can be specified such that the upper 102 is formed from a single piece of material (e.g., the material within the outline 150 ) with only one stitching and/or sewing operation to couple the first heel portion 152 to the second heel portion 154 .
- the first heel portion 152 can be coupled to the second heel portion 154 via sewing and/or stitching to create the seam 124 , shown in FIG. 2 .
- the method can also include coupling heel pad 130 to the inner surface 140 of the upper 102 .
- Coupling may include sewing, stitching, or other suitable means of fastening (e.g., direct attach, vulcanization of parts, etc.).
- Coupling heel pad 130 to the inner surface 140 of the upper 102 can include stitching the upper edge 136 of the heel pad 130 to the mouth 126 of the upper 102 , stitching the first edge 132 to the heel region 122 of the upper 102 at stitching 142 , and stitching the second edge 134 to the heel region 122 of the upper 102 .
- the collar binding 128 can be coupled to the upper 102 .
- the collar binding 128 can be coupled to the mouth 126 of the upper 102 via stitching.
- the board 144 can be coupled to the bottom of the upper 102 to form a sock 800 , as shown in FIG. 8 .
- Coupling the board 144 to the upper 102 may include sewing, stitching, or other suitable means of fastening the board 144 to the upper 102 .
- FIG. 8 depicts a portion of shoe 100 (e.g., sock 800 ) where the heel pad 130 can be coupled to the upper 102 at stitching 142 , the collar binding 128 is coupled to the mouth 126 , and the board 144 is coupled to the upper 102 .
- the sole 104 can then be coupled to the upper 102 .
- the sole 104 can be coupled to the sock 800 portion of the shoe 100 depicted in FIG. 8 .
- the sole 104 can be coupled to the board 144 via an adhesive material.
- the method can include applying the adhesive material, such as cement or glue, to the board 144 that is coupled to the upper 102 .
- the adhesive material can be applied to the sole 104 .
- the sole 104 can be pre-treated with the adhesive material.
- the sole 104 can be coupled to the upper 102 with heat and pressure.
- the sole 104 can be pre-treated with cement, heated to approximately 400° Fahrenheit, and then pressure (e.g., 20 bar of hydraulic pressure) can be applied with a machine (e.g., sole press) to make sure the sole 104 and the upper 102 are securely adhered together.
- pressure e.g., 20 bar of hydraulic pressure
- a machine e.g., sole press
- a sock portion 900 of shoe 100 can be optionally formed without printing simulated features on the material, such that the upper 902 does not include simulated features (e.g., 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , and/or 648 ).
- the simulated features can be printed on the material after the upper 902 is formed.
- FIG. 10 depicts a shoe 100 that is ready for packaging.
- FIGS. 11 - 15 depict alternative outlines 150 that can be used to form upper 102 that include various simulated features (e.g., 106 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 114 , and/or 648 ).
- FIG. 15 depicts a pair of outlines 150 that can be used to create a pair of shoes 100 .
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide for shoes having simulated features, and methods for making the same. An exemplary shoe with simulated features can comprise an upper including a toe region and a heel region, with the upper including a simulated feature and the heel region including a seam; and a sole coupled to the upper.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to shoes having simulated features, and methods of making the same.
- A typical shoe, e.g., sneaker/trainer, is comprised of many different components. Combining these components to create the shoe requires significant labor and results in a lot of waste. This leads to increased costs for the shoe manufacturer, the shoe consumer, and society in general (e.g., as a result of the increased waste).
- Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a shoe, and methods of making the same, using fewer components and resulting in less waste.
- The present invention relates to shoes having simulated features, and methods of making the same.
- In one aspect, the present invention relates to a shoe with simulated features comprising: an upper including a toe region and a heel region, with the upper including a simulated feature and the heel region including a seam; and a sole coupled to the upper; wherein the simulated feature is planar to an outer surface of the upper; wherein the shoe is configured to completely cover a user's foot.
- In another aspect, the present invention relates to a shoe comprising: an upper including a heel region, the heel region including a seam, wherein the upper is formed of a single piece of material and the seam; a board coupled to the upper; and a sole coupled to the board; wherein the simulated feature is planar to an outer surface of the upper; wherein the shoe is configured to completely cover a user's foot.
- In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of making a shoe with simulated features, the method comprising: printing a simulated feature on a material; cutting the material in a specified pattern, the specified pattern including a first heel portion and a second heel portion; coupling the first heel portion of the cut material to the second heel portion of the cut material to form an upper, the upper including an outer surface, an inner surface, and a mouth; and coupling the upper to a sole.
- Further, with the embodiments of the present invention, shoes can be made with fewer components and, therefore, much less labor and waste. These and other advantages will be described more fully in the following detailed description.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary heel pad according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary heel pad coupled to an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary board of an exemplary shoe with simulated features according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary shoe with simulated perforations according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary material including simulated features which has been cut in a specified outline according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary material including a plurality of outlines according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an exemplary upper portion including simulated features being coupled to an exemplary board according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an exemplary upper portion without simulated features being coupled to an exemplary board according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an exemplary upper portion including simulated features being coupled to an exemplary sole according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary material, including simulated features, which has been cut in a specified outline according to another embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 15 illustrates a pair of exemplary material, including simulated features, which have been cut in a specified outline, according to another embodiment of the invention. - Some aspects of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and are for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, the description, taken with the drawings, makes apparent to those skilled in the art how aspects of the disclosure may be practiced.
- One example embodiment of a shoe with simulated features according to the present disclosure is illustrated in
FIG. 1 and indicated generally byreference number 100. AlthoughFIG. 1 illustrates one example embodiment, it should be understood that the teachings of this disclosure are not limited to the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 1 . - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theshoe 100 is a footwear article that can include an upper 102 and a sole 104 coupled to the upper 102. The upper 102 can include at least one simulated feature. As shown inFIG. 1 , the upper 102 can include simulatedlaces 106, a simulatedtongue 108, a simulatedmaterial 110, simulatedstitching 112, and a simulatedoverlay 114. The simulatedfeatures shoe 100 the appearance of having certain raised three-dimensional features (e.g., shoelaces, a tongue, a certain material, stitching, overlay, etc.) that are not physically present on theshoe 100 but are actually flat and planar to the outer surface of the upper 102. For example, the simulatedlaces 106 can be printed on theshoe 100 to simulate the appearance of shoelaces for tying theshoe 100, although theshoe 100 does not have any physical shoelaces. The simulatedmaterial 110 can create an appearance of a textured material, such as mesh, on the upper 102 of theshoe 100, wherein the simulatedmaterial 110 is distinct from the material of the upper 102. Simulatedmaterial 110 may simulate a variety of materials, including but not limited to, denim, suede, leather, canvas, etc. The simulatedoverlay 114 can provide theshoe 100 with an appearance of a multi-piece construction. For example, upper 102 can be formed from a single piece of material and simulatedoverlay 114 makes an impression that theshoe 100 is formed from a plurality of pieces of material. Further, by implementing at least one of the simulatedfeatures shoe 100 can be made with much less labor and waste. - The sole 104 can include a
midsole 116 and anoutsole 118. Midsole 116 can provide cushioning and shock absorption.Outsole 118 is distal to themidsole 116 such that theoutsole 118 is the portion of theshoe 100 that touches a surface, e.g., the ground. The sole 104 can be composed of polyurethane. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be composed of rubber, polyvinyl chloride, or a variety of other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be composed of a water-resistant or water-proof material. - The upper 102 can include a
toe region 120 and aheel region 122. As shown inFIG. 2 , theheel region 122 can include aseam 124. Seam 124 can be disposed at theheel region 122 of theshoe 100 and substantially along a centerline of theshoe 100. Alternatively,seam 124 can be disposed at thetoe region 120. In some embodiments,seam 124 can be disposed substantially offset from the centerline of theshoe 100. Theseam 124 may be disposed at various other locations of theshoe 100. - In an alternative embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2 , the simulatedmaterial 110 can create an appearance of a patterned fabric material on the upper 102 of theshoe 100. For example, the simulatedmaterial 110 can simulate an animal-print patterned fabric. The simulatedmaterial 110 may simulate a variety of patterned fabrics, including but not limited to, houndstooth, camouflage, plaid, etc. - The upper 102 of
shoe 100 can be composed of a spacer fabric (e.g., fabric including two outer layers and an intermediate connecting layer). The spacer fabric can be selected based on its fabric weight, yarn, stretch, and/or sheen. In some embodiments, the spacer fabric can be a polyester material. For example, the polyester material can be composed of yarn that is obtained from recycled plastic bottles to achieve a desired fabric weight, yarn, stretch, and/or sheen. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , theshoe 100 can be a footwear article that provides a complete covering for a foot not reaching above the ankle. In some embodiments,shoe 100 can be a slip-on shoe (e.g., a footwear article without a fastener, such as a shoe without shoelaces). In some embodiments,shoe 100 can be a sneaker that is typically worn for sports or casual occasions. - The upper 102 can include a
mouth 126. Themouth 126 can be adjacent to theheel region 122 and provide an opening that allows a foot to be inserted into theshoe 100. Theshoe 100 can include a collar binding 128 coupled to themouth 126 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the collar binding 128 can be coupled to themouth 126 via stitching or sewing. In some embodiments, the collar binding 128 can be composed of nylon. However, it will be appreciated that a variety of materials are suitable for the collar binding 128. In some embodiments, the collar in the collar binding 128 can bound by a thin Lycra fabric that is folded over the edge to “finish” theshoe 100 and creates a comfortable accessory that does not irritate the wearer. In some embodiments, the collar binding 128 can be composed of a different material than the upper 102. Alternatively, the collar binding 128 can be composed of the same material as the upper 102. -
FIG. 3 depicts anexemplary heel pad 130 that may be included inshoe 100.FIG. 4 depictsheel pad 130 coupled toshoe 100.Heel pad 130 can include afirst side edge 132, asecond side edge 134, anupper edge 136, and alower edge 138. Side edges 132 and 134 can be substantially flat whereas other edges ofheel pad 130, for example,upper edge 136, are substantially curved. In some embodiments, alledges Heel pad 130 can be coupled to theheel region 122 of the upper 102 of theshoe 100. Specifically,heel pad 130 can be coupled to aninner surface 140 of the upper 102. In an exemplary embodiment,heel pad 130 can be coupled to upper 102 via stitching or sewing at each of theedges first edge 132 ofheel pad 130 can be coupled toheel region 122 of the upper 102 at a stitching 142 (as shown inFIG. 1 ). As shown inFIG. 4 , the collar binding 128 can also be coupled to theheel pad 130. In some embodiments, theheel pad 130 can be composed of the same material as the upper 102. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , theshoe 100 can include a board 144 (e.g., strobel board) that includes anouter surface 146 and is coupled to the upper 102. The upper 102 can be coupled to theboard 144 via stitching and/or sewing to form a sock that may encase a foot. Theboard 144 can be composed of a non-woven fabric. In some embodiments, theboard 144 is composed of a thin cloth material, ethel vinyl acetate, or other suitable materials. Theouter surface 146 of theboard 144 can be coupled to the sole 104 using an adhesive material. In some embodiments, the adhesive material can include glue, cement, or other suitable adhesive materials (e.g., water-based solvents). -
FIG. 6 depicts a shoe 600 that can include an upper 602 that includessimulated perforations 648.Simulated perforations 648 can generate the appearance of the shoe 600 having certain features that are not physically present on the shoe 600 but are actually flat and planar to the outer surface of the upper 602. For example, thesimulated perforations 648 can simulate the appearance of perforations or eyelets in the material of the upper 602, although upper 602 of the shoe 600 does not have any physical perforations or eyelets. For example, the shoe 600 can be formed from a continuous material, without eyelets or perforations. Further, by implementing thesimulated perforations 648, the shoe 600 can be made with much less labor and waste. - An exemplary method of making a shoe having simulated features is described with reference to
FIGS. 7A-15 and continued reference to the preceding figures. The method can include printing a simulated feature on a material, where the material is subsequently used to form the upper 102 of theshoe 100. The simulated feature can include at least one ofsimulated features - The method can further include cutting the material in a specified pattern, or
outline 150, shown inFIG. 7A . In this regard, the material can include a plurality ofoutlines 150, as shown inFIG. 7B . Theoutline 150 can include afirst heel portion 152 and asecond heel portion 154. After the material is cut according to theoutline 150, thefirst heel portion 152 of the cut material can be coupled to thesecond heel portion 154 of the cut material to form the upper 102 (e.g., laser cutter). Theoutline 150 can be specified such that the upper 102 is formed from a single piece of material (e.g., the material within the outline 150) with only one stitching and/or sewing operation to couple thefirst heel portion 152 to thesecond heel portion 154. In an exemplary embodiment, thefirst heel portion 152 can be coupled to thesecond heel portion 154 via sewing and/or stitching to create theseam 124, shown inFIG. 2 . - The method can also include
coupling heel pad 130 to theinner surface 140 of the upper 102. Coupling may include sewing, stitching, or other suitable means of fastening (e.g., direct attach, vulcanization of parts, etc.). Couplingheel pad 130 to theinner surface 140 of the upper 102 can include stitching theupper edge 136 of theheel pad 130 to themouth 126 of the upper 102, stitching thefirst edge 132 to theheel region 122 of the upper 102 at stitching 142, and stitching thesecond edge 134 to theheel region 122 of the upper 102. - Next, the collar binding 128 can be coupled to the upper 102. Specifically, the collar binding 128 can be coupled to the
mouth 126 of the upper 102 via stitching. Theboard 144 can be coupled to the bottom of the upper 102 to form asock 800, as shown inFIG. 8 . Coupling theboard 144 to the upper 102 may include sewing, stitching, or other suitable means of fastening theboard 144 to the upper 102.FIG. 8 depicts a portion of shoe 100 (e.g., sock 800) where theheel pad 130 can be coupled to the upper 102 at stitching 142, the collar binding 128 is coupled to themouth 126, and theboard 144 is coupled to the upper 102. - The sole 104 can then be coupled to the upper 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the sole 104 can be coupled to the
sock 800 portion of theshoe 100 depicted inFIG. 8 . Specifically, the sole 104 can be coupled to theboard 144 via an adhesive material. In some embodiments, the method can include applying the adhesive material, such as cement or glue, to theboard 144 that is coupled to the upper 102. Alternatively, the adhesive material can be applied to the sole 104. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be pre-treated with the adhesive material. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be coupled to the upper 102 with heat and pressure. In this regard, the sole 104 can be pre-treated with cement, heated to approximately 400° Fahrenheit, and then pressure (e.g., 20 bar of hydraulic pressure) can be applied with a machine (e.g., sole press) to make sure the sole 104 and the upper 102 are securely adhered together. - In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 9 , a sock portion 900 ofshoe 100 can be optionally formed without printing simulated features on the material, such that the upper 902 does not include simulated features (e.g., 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and/or 648). Alternatively, the simulated features can be printed on the material after the upper 902 is formed. - After the upper 102 is coupled to the sole 104, the
shoe 100 is allowed to set and/or cool. After theshoe 100 is sufficiently set and/or cooled (e.g., so that the cement cures properly), theshoe 100 can be packaged.FIG. 10 depicts ashoe 100 that is ready for packaging. -
FIGS. 11-15 depictalternative outlines 150 that can be used to form upper 102 that include various simulated features (e.g., 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, and/or 648).FIG. 15 depicts a pair ofoutlines 150 that can be used to create a pair ofshoes 100. - Although the example embodiments described above are specific to shoes, it should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to any footwear articles, including boots and heels, and are therefore not limited to shoes.
- The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (29)
1. A shoe with simulated features comprising:
an upper including a toe region and a heel region, the upper including a simulated feature, the heel region including a seam; and
a sole coupled to the upper;
wherein the simulated feature is planar to an outer surface of the upper;
wherein the shoe is configured to completely cover a user's foot.
2. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the simulated feature includes an appearance of a feature that is not physically present on the shoe.
3. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the simulated feature includes at least one of simulated laces, simulated perforations, a simulated multi-piece construction, a simulated material, a simulated tongue, and simulated stitching.
4. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the simulated feature is printed on the upper.
5. The shoe according to claim 1 , further comprising a heel pad coupled to the heel region of the upper.
6. The shoe according to claim 5 , wherein the heel pad is coupled to the upper via stitching.
7. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the sole includes a midsole and an outsole.
8. The shoe according to claim 1 , further comprising a strobel board coupled to the upper and the sole.
9. The shoe according to claim 7 , wherein the strobel board is made from a non-woven fabric.
10. The shoe according to claim 7 , wherein the stobel board is coupled to the upper and the sole via cement.
11. The shoe according to claim 7 , wherein the strobel board is sewn to the upper.
12. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the upper is a polyester material.
13. The shoe according to claim 12 , wherein the polyester material includes yarn from recycled plastic bottles.
14. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the upper is a spacer fabric.
15. The shoe according to claim 1 , further comprising a collar binding coupled to the upper.
16. The shoe according to claim 15 , wherein the collar binding is a nylon material.
17. The shoe according to claim 15 , wherein the collar binding is coupled to the upper via stitching.
18. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the upper further comprises a mouth.
19. The shoe according to claim 18 , further comprising a collar binding coupled to the mouth of the upper.
20. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the shoe is a sneaker.
21. The shoe according to claim 1 , wherein the shoe is a slip-on shoe.
22. A method of making a shoe with simulated features, the method comprising:
printing a simulated feature on a material;
cutting the material in a specified pattern, the specified pattern including a first heel portion and a second heel portion;
coupling the first heel portion of the cut material to the second heel portion of the cut material to form an upper, the upper including an outer surface, an inner surface, and a mouth; and
coupling the upper to a sole.
23. The method according to claim 22 , further comprising coupling a heel pad to the inner surface of the upper.
24. The method according to claim 22 , further comprising coupling a collar binding to the mouth of the upper.
25. The method according to claim 22 , further comprising coupling a strobel board to the upper.
26. The method according to claim 22 , further comprising applying cement to the upper.
27. The method according to claim 22 , wherein the sole is pre-treated with cement.
28. The method according to claim 22 , wherein coupling the upper to a sole includes coupling the upper to the sole via heat and pressure.
29. A shoe comprising:
an upper including a heel region, the heel region including a seam, wherein the upper is formed of a single piece of material and the seam;
a board coupled to the upper; and
a sole coupled to the board;
wherein the simulated feature is planar to an outer surface of the upper;
wherein the shoe is configured to completely cover a user's foot.
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US17/887,020 US20240049836A1 (en) | 2022-08-12 | 2022-08-12 | Shoe having simulated features |
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US17/887,020 US20240049836A1 (en) | 2022-08-12 | 2022-08-12 | Shoe having simulated features |
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US20080078102A1 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-03 | Bruce Kilgore | Article of Footwear for Fencing |
US20120011744A1 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2012-01-19 | Nike, Inc. | Decoupled Foot Stabilizer System |
US20190125031A1 (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2019-05-02 | Wolverine Outdoors, Inc. | Cushioning system for footwear |
US20200305540A1 (en) * | 2019-03-25 | 2020-10-01 | Jorge Emmanuel Castro Ramos | Ecological footwear elaborated from recycled plastic fibers and recycled or disposal organic material, product and process |
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2022
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US2552638A (en) * | 1946-08-10 | 1951-05-15 | Meltzer Jack | Method of making heel-reinforced slip-lasted shoes |
US3137950A (en) * | 1961-12-05 | 1964-06-23 | Herbert C Lee | Shoe |
US3921313A (en) * | 1972-11-27 | 1975-11-25 | Kohkoku Chemical Ind Co | Injection molded boots |
US20050193505A1 (en) * | 2004-03-03 | 2005-09-08 | William Steidle | Method of manufacturing a mask slipper |
US20080078102A1 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-03 | Bruce Kilgore | Article of Footwear for Fencing |
US20120011744A1 (en) * | 2010-07-19 | 2012-01-19 | Nike, Inc. | Decoupled Foot Stabilizer System |
US20190125031A1 (en) * | 2017-10-27 | 2019-05-02 | Wolverine Outdoors, Inc. | Cushioning system for footwear |
US20200305540A1 (en) * | 2019-03-25 | 2020-10-01 | Jorge Emmanuel Castro Ramos | Ecological footwear elaborated from recycled plastic fibers and recycled or disposal organic material, product and process |
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