WO2001093712A1 - Footwear having visual fitting apparatus - Google Patents

Footwear having visual fitting apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001093712A1
WO2001093712A1 PCT/US2001/017482 US0117482W WO0193712A1 WO 2001093712 A1 WO2001093712 A1 WO 2001093712A1 US 0117482 W US0117482 W US 0117482W WO 0193712 A1 WO0193712 A1 WO 0193712A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
footwear
transparent window
user
substantially transparent
outsole
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/017482
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeff Silverman
Original Assignee
Jeff Silverman
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jeff Silverman filed Critical Jeff Silverman
Priority to AU2001265200A priority Critical patent/AU2001265200A1/en
Publication of WO2001093712A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001093712A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
    • A43D1/00—Foot or last measuring devices; Measuring devices for shoe parts
    • A43D1/02—Foot-measuring devices
    • A43D1/027—Shoe fit indicating devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
    • A43B1/0072—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials
    • 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
    • A43B13/16—Pieced soles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/30—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use specially adapted for babies or small children
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
    • A43D1/00—Foot or last measuring devices; Measuring devices for shoe parts
    • A43D1/06—Measuring devices for the inside measure of shoes, for the height of heels, or for the arrangement of heels

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

Footwear (10) includes an outsole (12) and at least one substantially transparent window (20) disposed in the outsole (12) and operable to permit a view of at least a portion of a user's foot when in use.

Description

FOOTWEAR HAVING VISUAL FITTING APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining whether footwear is of a proper size for a user and, more particularly, to an apparatus ' that is operable to provide a visual indication of whether the footwear properly fits the user.
BACKGROUND ART A prior art method of determining whether a piece of footwear (such as a sneaker or shoe) properly fits a user's foot includes the step of asking the user whether the footwear "feels" like it fits. This is a common scenario when a parent takes a child to the shoe store, particularly where the shoe store does not employ a salesperson proficient in determining whether the footwear is of the proper size for the user. Even where salespeople are properly trained in footwear fitting techniques, they still often rely on asking the question, "how does that fit?" This is obviously a subjective question and, thus the responses to the question are likely to yield inaccurate information. When the user is a child, responses containing inaccurate information are virtually guaranteed inasmuch as the child may not enjoy a level of experience in life to make a judgment as to the proper fit of the footwear.
Another prior art method of determining whether footwear fits properly includes the step of feeling the toe box area of the footwear to determine whether the first or second toe of the user is properly positioned with respect to a front end of the footwear. This method of probing the footwear relies on the tactile abilities of the person engaged in the probing. As the competency of the person engaged in the probing is likely an issue, coupled with the often-differing internal construction design of the footwear, results containing inaccurate information are likely. In sum, the above described question/answer and tactile approaches to determining proper footwear fit are replete with problems, particularly when the user is a small child, the former being so subjective as to yield virtually no useful information and the latter, although more likely to provide useful information as to the relative positions of the first and/or second toe of the user with respect to the end of the footwear, nevertheless relies on "feel."
A user and/or parent of the child user may thus purchase footwear that does not fit properly, resulting in wasted expenditures of time and/or money. Moreover, the user and/or parent of the child user may unknowingly purchase footwear that is unhealthy by virtue of its improper size, resulting in a plethora of undesirable temporary and/or permanent medical conditions.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new footwear apparatus capable of providing accurate information as to the fit of footwear to particular users . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses, among others, the aforementioned problems in the prior art by providing at least one substantially transparent window disposed in an outsole of the footwear to permit a view of at least a portion of the user's foot when in use. It is understood that at least one transparent window may be disposed in other portions of the footwear, such as the upper, and/or toe box area. Preferably, the sizing, shaping, and location of the at least one transparent window provides a view of at least one toe of the user, at least a portion of the user's heel, and/or at least a portion of the user's arch.
Preferably, when the at least one transparent window is disposed in the outsole of the footwear, corresponding substantially transparent windows are disposed in an insole and/or in a footbed of the footwear to the extent that an insole and/or footbed are used. Most preferably, the substantially transparent window is formed from clear polyvinyl fluoride (PVC) , such as soft, polished PVC. Irrespective of the particular material utilized to implement the substantially transparent window, the material preferably is substantially transparent, abrasion resistant, and soft.
Preferably, a first fit line is disposed on the substantially transparent window in a way that provides an indication of whether the footwear is of a proper size for the user's foot. It is most preferred that the footwear include a second fit line on the substantially transparent window that is spaced apart from the first fit line such that a relative position of at least one toe of the user may be compared to the relative positions of the first and second fit lines. For example, when the toe of the user falls between the first and second fit lines, an indication that the footwear is of a proper size may be obtained.
Other objects, features, and advantages may be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention herein taken in conjunction with the drawings and the claims appended hereto. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of footwear employing a substantially transparent window in accordance with one or more aspects of the invention; FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of footwear employing a substantially transparent window in accordance with one or more other aspects of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of footwear employing a substantially transparent window in accordance with yet one or more other aspects of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of footwear employing a substantially transparent window in accordance with still one or more other aspects of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of footwear employing a substantially transparent window in accordance with still other aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a side sectional view of footwear 10 which is suitable for employing one or more aspects of the present invention. The footwear 10 includes an outsole 12, an insole 14, a sock (or footbed) 16, and a toe-box 18. The footwear 10 includes at least one substantially transparent window 20 disposed in the outsole 12 and operable to permit a view of at least a portion of a user's foot (not shown). Preferably, the at least one substantially transparent window 20 includes a substantially transparent window 20A disposed in the outsole 12, a first corresponding substantially transparent window 20B disposed in the footbed 16, and a second corresponding substantially transparent window 20C disposed in the insole 14 such that all of the substantially transparent windows 20A, 20B and 20C are in substantial alignment to obtain a view into an interior region 22 of the footwear 10. Preferably, the at least one substantially transparent window 20 is formed from clear polyvinyl fluoride (PVC) , such as soft, polished, PVC. Irrespective of the particular material utilized, the material is preferably substantially transparent, abrasion resistant, and soft. By way of example, the substantially transparent window 20A may be formed from clear PVC of about 4.0 mm thickness and the substantially clear window 20B may be formed from clear PVC of about 3.5 mm thickness. The substantially clear window 20C may be formed from clear PVC of about 0.8 mm thickness, it being preferred that substantially the entire insole 14 is formed from clear PVC measuring about 0.8 mm thick.
With reference to FIG. 2, the at least one substantially transparent window 20 may be using one or more pieces of substantially transparent, abrasion resistant, and soft material, where the material is disposed in one or more of the outsole 12, insole 14, and footbed 16 of footwear 10A.
It is noted that the substantially transparent windows should line up and, thus, certain procedures should be followed when manufacturing a shoe according to the invention. In particular, patterns for the outsole 12, window 20, insole 14, and footbed 16 should be developed, in order, such that proper registration of the corresponding windows 20A, 20B, and/or 20C will be obtained. Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a bottom view of footwear 10B (in accordance with the present invention) . A substantially transparent window 20 (being formed from one or more layers) is disposed in at least the outsole 12 and is sized and shaped such that at least the first and second toe 40 of the user may be viewed through the window 20. Preferably, the substantially transparent window 20 includes a first fit line 42 that is operable to provide an indication of whether the footwear 10B is of a proper size for the user's foot. A second fit line 44 is preferably disposed on the substantially transparent window 20 and spaced apart from the first fit line 42 such that a relative position of at least one toe 40 of the user is between the first and second foot lines 42, 44, thereby providing an indication that the footwear 10B is of a proper size for the user's foot. It is preferred that the first and second fit lines 42, 44 extend in a substantially transverse direction (indicated by arrow T) with respect to the outsole 12 and are spaced apart in a substantially parallel direction (as indicated by arrow P) with respect to the outsole 12. It is most preferred that the first and second fit lines 42, 44 are positioned such that the relative position of the at least one toe 40 of the user being substantially behind the first fit line 42 provides an indication that the footwear is too large for the user's foot. Further, it is preferred that the first and second fit lines 42, 44 are positioned such that the relative position of the at least one toe 40 of the user being substantially at or beyond the second fit line provides an indication that the footwear is too small for the user's foot. It is understood that additional fit lines may be disposed on the substantially transparent window 20 to provide further indications of footwear fit.
With reference to FIG. 4, the bottom view of footwear 10C according to one or more other aspects of the invention is shown. A substantially transparent window 20D may be sized and shaped to provide a view into the footwear 10C sufficient to see substantially all of the user's toes. Alternatively, a substantially transparent window 20E may be sized and shaped to permit a view through substantially the entire outsole 12. It is most preferred that the at least one substantially transparent window 20 is sized, shaped, and located in the outsole 12 such that in use at least one of: (i) at least one toe 40 of the user may be viewed; (ii) at least a portion of the user's heel may be viewed; and (iii) at least a portion of the user's arch may be viewed. It is understood that the substantially transparent window 20 of the present invention may be used with so-called open or closed footwear. With reference to FIG. 5, closed footwear 10D includes the outsole 12, an upper (not shown in cross-section) coupled to the outsole 12, and a toe box 18 coupled to the upper. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the substantially transparent window 20 providing a view through the outsole 12, a substantially transparent window 30 may be disposed in at least one of the upper and the toe box 18 such that a view of at least a portion of the user's foot is obtained. Preferably, the substantially transparent window 30 is sized, shaped and located in the toe box 18 or upper such that in use at least the first and second toe of the user may be viewed. Alternatively, the at least one substantially transparent window 30 may be sized, shaped, and located such that a view through substantially the entire toe box 18 is obtained. The substantially transparent window 30 may also include one or more fit lines (not shown) of the types discussed above.
In addition to, or as an alternative to, the substantially transparent windows 20, 30, a substantially transparent window 40 may be disposed in the footwear 10D to provide a view of the user's heel.
Advantageously, the use of one or more substantially transparent windows in footwear in accordance with the invention provides a view of at least a portion of a user's foot when in use, thereby, providing useful information as to the degree of proper fit for the user.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims .

Claims

1. Footwear, comprising: an outsole; and at least one substantially transparent window disposed in the outsole operable to permit a view of at least a portion of a user's foot when in use.
2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is sized, shaped and located in the outsole such that in use at least one of: (i) at least one toe of the user may be viewed; (ii) at least a portion of the user's heel may be viewed; and (iii) at least a portion of the user's arch may be viewed.
3. The footwear of claim 2, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is sized, shaped and located in the outsole such that in use at least the first and second toe of the user may be viewed.
4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is sized and shaped to permit a view through substantially the entire outsole.
5. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear is one of closed footwear and open footwear.
6. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is formed from clear polyvinyl chloride.
7. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising a footbed operatively coupled to the outsole and at least one first corresponding substantially transparent window disposed adjacent to the at least one substantially transparent window of the outsole.
8. The footwear of claim 7, wherein the at least one first corresponding substantially transparent window is formed from clear polyvinyl chloride.
9. The footwear of claim 7, further comprising an insole operatively coupled to the outsole and the footbed, and at least one second corresponding substantially transparent window disposed adjacent to the at least one substantially transparent window of the outsole and the first corresponding substantially transparent window of the footbed.
10. The footwear of claim 9, wherein the at least one second corresponding substantially transparent window is formed from clear polyvinyl chloride.
11. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising an insole operatively coupled to the outsole and at least one corresponding substantially transparent window disposed adjacent to the at least one substantially transparent window of the outsole.
12. The footwear of claim 11, wherein the at least one corresponding substantially transparent window is formed from clear polyvinyl chloride.
13. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising a first fit line disposed on the substantially transparent window and operable to provide an indication of whether the footwear is of a proper size for the user's foot.
14. The footwear of claim 13, further comprising a second fit line disposed on the substantially transparent window, wherein the first and second fit lines are spaced apart such that a relative position of at least one toe of the user being between the first and second fit lines provides an indication that the footwear is of a proper size for the user's foot.
15. The footwear of claim 14, wherein the first and second fit lines extend in a transverse direction with respect to the outsole and are spaced apart in a parallel direction with respect to the outsole.
16. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the first and second fit lines are positioned such that the relative position of the at least one toe of the user being substantially behind the first fit line provides an indication that the footwear is too large for the user's foot .
17. The footwear of claim 15, wherein the first and second fit lines are positioned such that the relative position of the at least one toe of the user being substantially at or beyond the second fit line provides an indication that the footwear is too small for the user's foot.
18. Closed footwear, comprising: an outsole; an upper coupled to the outsole; and a toe box coupled to the upper; and at least one substantially transparent window disposed in at least one of the outsole, the upper, and the toe box, the at least one substantially transparent window being operable to permit a view of at least a portion of a user's foot when in use.
19. The footwear of claim 18, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is sized, shaped and located in the toe box such that in use at least one toe of the user may be viewed.
20. The footwear of claim 19, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is sized, shaped and located in the toe box such that in use at least the first and second toe of the user may be viewed.
21. The footwear of claim 18, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is sized and shaped to permit a view through substantially the entire toe box.
22. The footwear of claim 18, wherein the at least one substantially transparent window is formed from clear polyvinyl chloride.
23. The footwear of claim 18, further comprising a first fit line disposed on the substantially transparent window and operable to provide an indication of whether the footwear is of a proper size for the user's foot.
24. The footwear of claim 23, further comprising a second fit line disposed on the substantially transparent window, wherein the first and second fit lines are spaced apart such that a relative position of at least one toe of the user being between the first and second fit lines provides an indication that the footwear is of a proper size for the user's foot.
25. The footwear of claim 24, wherein the first and second fit lines extend in a transverse direction with respect to the outsole and are spaced apart in a parallel direction with respect to the outsole.
26. The footwear of claim 25, wherein the first and second fit lines are positioned such that the relative position of the at least one toe of the user being substantially behind the first fit line provides an indication that the footwear is too large for the user's foot .
27. The footwear of claim 25, wherein the first and second fit lines are positioned such that the relative position of the at least one toe of the user being substantially at or beyond the second fit line provides an indication that the footwear is too small for the user's foot .
PCT/US2001/017482 2000-06-02 2001-05-31 Footwear having visual fitting apparatus WO2001093712A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001265200A AU2001265200A1 (en) 2000-06-02 2001-05-31 Footwear having visual fitting apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US20927600P 2000-06-02 2000-06-02
US60/209,276 2000-06-02
US65184100A 2000-08-31 2000-08-31
US09/651,841 2000-08-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001093712A1 true WO2001093712A1 (en) 2001-12-13

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WO (1) WO2001093712A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7293370B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2007-11-13 New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. Fitting system for children's footwear
US10925351B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2021-02-23 Jill Moore Shoe sizers for children
US11324810B2 (en) 2018-02-23 2022-05-10 St. Marie Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC Method for producing peptide ACE inhibitors
US11503881B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2022-11-22 Moore Llc Shoe sizers for children

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE17600E (en) * 1930-02-18 Device for fitting footwear
US1752254A (en) * 1928-11-27 1930-03-25 Gosnell Van Gordon Means for facilitating the fitting of shoes
US1777747A (en) * 1929-05-24 1930-10-07 Shoe Form Co Inc Transparent shell
US4931773A (en) * 1989-05-05 1990-06-05 Rosen Henri E Shoe fitting system
US5084988A (en) * 1989-04-13 1992-02-04 Puma Ag Rudolf Dassler Sport Shoe, especially a children's shoe with a transparent sole area

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USRE17600E (en) * 1930-02-18 Device for fitting footwear
US1752254A (en) * 1928-11-27 1930-03-25 Gosnell Van Gordon Means for facilitating the fitting of shoes
US1777747A (en) * 1929-05-24 1930-10-07 Shoe Form Co Inc Transparent shell
US5084988A (en) * 1989-04-13 1992-02-04 Puma Ag Rudolf Dassler Sport Shoe, especially a children's shoe with a transparent sole area
US4931773A (en) * 1989-05-05 1990-06-05 Rosen Henri E Shoe fitting system

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7293370B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2007-11-13 New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. Fitting system for children's footwear
US11324810B2 (en) 2018-02-23 2022-05-10 St. Marie Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC Method for producing peptide ACE inhibitors
US10925351B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2021-02-23 Jill Moore Shoe sizers for children
US11503881B2 (en) 2018-10-25 2022-11-22 Moore Llc Shoe sizers for children

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