WO2005102091A1

WO2005102091A1 - Improvements in a convertible shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2005102091A1
Application number: PCT/CA2005/000619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Dalbec
Original assignee: Global Networking (G.N.I.) Inc.
Priority date: 2004-04-23
Filing date: 2005-04-22
Publication date: 2005-11-03

Abstract

A first embodiment of the invention concerns a lace retainer system to firmly attach a bootie to a sandal in a convertible shoe. The sandal is provided with lace retainers in the form of hooks or eyelets, which are engaged by a lace for lacing the bootie. Another embodiment concerns a strap system whereby the volume taken up by the strap is decreased. To that effect, slots are provided on either side of the bootie, so that the straps secure the foot of a wearer below a tongue on the bootie. The convertible shoe may also include a heel strap which fits inside a channel on the bootie, for preventing relative movement between the sandal and the bootie when the shoe is used. Finally, the insole of the sandal and the outsole of the bootie are anatomically correct, so that a user with minimal discomfort can use the sandal independently of the bootie.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN A CONVERTIBLE SHOE

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to improvements in a convertible shoe.

Description of the prior art

In a convertible shoe concept, the upper is separate from its outsole. Specifically in the case of a shoe that converts into a sandal, the components are comprised of an upper (bootie) and a sandal. Ordinarily, they are held together by means of sandal straps. However, this is not sufficient to provide real foot support for intense sport activity. Additional means must be provided to ensure a connection between the upper and sandal that is as secure and comfortable as a classic shoe that would have the two parts permanently bonded together. The present application provides several possible solutions. These improvements may be used together or separately, in different embodiments.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide improvements to convertible shoes, and more specifically to provide for a more robust and secure attachment of the upper to the sandal. In accordance with a first object of the invention, there is provided an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said upper is provided with a plurality of pairs of holes on either side of a longitudinal V-shaped opening and a tongue fixed in the vicinity of an apex of said V-shaped opening and at least one lace for lacing said upper to a foot of a user; said sandal is provided with at least one pair of a lace retainer disposed on either side of said sandal; whereby said lace is also laced about said at least one pair of lace retainer in order to secure said upper to said sandal when said upper is placed into said sandal. In accordance with a second object of the invention, there is provided an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said sandal further includes at least two straps, one of said straps being located proximate a front of said sandal and another of said straps being located rearwardly of said front strap; said upper being provided with a pair of slots on a upper portion thereof, said slots being shaped and sized to receive said strap that is located rearwardly of said front strap.

In accordance with a third object of the invention, there is provided an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said upper is further provided with an external part in the vicinity of a heel portion of said upper, said external part further including a channel formed thereon; said sandal including a heel strap, said heel strap being shaped and sized to be received by said channel. In accordance with a fourth object of the invention, there is provided an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said upper further includes an outsole being shaped and sized to resemble a sole of a human foot; said sandal further including an insole being shaped and sized to anatomically correctly receive a sole of a human foot; wherein when said sandal and said upper are assembled, the outsole and the insole mate.

Brief description of the drawings The present invention and its advantages will be more easily understood after reading the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an upper according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a sole of the upper of Fig. 1 ; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sandal according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the upper and sandal assembled together according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figures 5 and 6 are side views of a second preferred embodiment of the invention, showing an upper and a bootie assembled with a bi-level heel counter; Figure 7 is a side view of the bootie of Fig. 5; Figure 8 is a side view of the sandal of Fig. 6; Figure 9 is a side view of an assembled shoe showing a first variation of a lacing system to attach the bootie to the sandal with hooks on the bootie and sandal; Figure 10 is a side view of the bootie of Fig. 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an assembled shoe showing a second variation where the hooks are replaced by loops; Figure 12 is a side view of an assembled shoe showing a third variation, where the bootie does not have any hooks or loops; Figure 13 is a side view of an assembled shoe showing a fourth variation, where the hooks are slightly different than those in Fig. 9; Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17 are close-ups of a support piece for the hooks which are molded as a single piece and lies underneath the sandal midsole between the sandal midsole and the outsole; Figure 18 is a side view of an assembled shoe showing a volume reduction system whereby a retaining strap passes into a bootie and under a tongue of the bootie; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the bootie of Fig. 18; Figure 20 is a partial side view of the shoe of Fig. 18; Figure 21 is a perspective view of the bootie of Fig. 18; Figure 22 is a perspective view of the sandal of Fig. 18; and Figure 23 is a rear partial view of the shoe of Fig. 18.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

As mentioned above, the present invention concerns a number of improvements to a convertible shoe, which will be described under specific headings.

Upper to Sandal Lacing System

The purpose of the upper to sandal lacing system is to properly secure the foot into the upper (or bootie), but also to secure the bootie to the sole of the sandal. This provides a positive connection between the upper and sandal (as with a classic shoe that would have the upper permanently cemented or glued to the sole).

This additional lacing system provides the same features in a footwear component system (2 in 1) as a real shoe lacing would.

The object is to provide snug and tight fit, not only of the upper to the foot but also of the upper to the sole of the shoe, in this case the sandal. This is akin to lacing a traditional shoe, and thus provides the user with all the advantages procured by wearing a classic pair of athletic shoes.

The system according to a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 17, consists of lace eyelets or hooks incorporated into the sandal sole which are meant to receive laces from the independent upper.

More specifically, and referring now to Fig. 9, the shoe 100 comprises a bootie 101 and a sandal 103 (these numbers will be used throughout the description). As is usual in a shoe, the bootie comprises holes 105 and at least one lace 107 to lace the bootie.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sandal is further provided with hooks 109. In this case, the lace 107 loops into the holes of the bootie 101 but also into the hooks 109 of the sandal. This ensures a tight fit of the foot into the bootie, but also secure the bootie to the sandal.

Fig. 10 shows the sandal being also equipped with a hook 111 , whereas Figure 13 shows a variation where the hooks 111 are replaced by eyelets 113. In Figures 12 and 13, the bootie itself is free of hooks or eyelets.

Figure 14 to 17 illustrate a support piece 115 on which the hooks 111 or eyelets 113 are secure. In a preferred embodiment, this support piece is made of a single piece, and is adapted to be secure to a midsole 117 of the bootie 101. This provides the added advantage of increasing the stability and solidity of the assembled shoe.

Volume Reduction System

Referring now to Figs. 18-23, the volume reduction system was created specifically to address the issues of shoe volume brought about with the convertible shoe/sandal concept.

In order to fit the sandal on bare feet and over an upper 101 , the main issues are volume related. The difference in volume between a bare foot and with the addition of an upper is considerable. This difference is further exaggerated in the case of athletic or outdoor footwear that have a thicker upper 101.

Consequently, the volume reduction system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention provides sandal straps that go through the shoe via an opening on the side of the upper. This reduces considerably the length of the sandal strap required to accommodate the upper within the sandal when used as shoe. This also ensures a much better fitting sandal when worn bare foot.

The volume reduction system of the present invention may also advantageously include a floating strap cushion system for the strap portion that will be inside the shoe. This is to ensure a perfect fit and comfort for all shapes of feet.

This system as an additional advantage as it provide more lateral stability for the foot thus increasing the technical properties of the shoe

This system also provides even more freedom of design to any shoe manufacturer who will use this concept since the sandal straps become invisible when the upper is assembled with the sandal, as they preferably pass under the tongue of the upper. In another preferred embodiment, since the convertible shoe of the present invention can be used outdoors in humid or wet conditions, the sandal is further provided with water drain notches, to facilitate the evacuation of water that can be present between the sandal and the upper.

Thus, referring now to Fig. 18, the upper 101 or bootie is provided with a pair of slots 11 at an upper portion of the bootie on either side of the bootie 101. The sandal is provided with straps 13, 15, one of which 13 is located proximate the front 17 of the sandal and the other of which 15 is located proximate the top 19 of the upper 101. These straps are preferably adjustable, by using Velcro® material as is well known in the art, or by using a strap fastening buckle, or other known means.

The slots 11 are preferably shaped and sized to receive the strap 15 therein. In a further preferred embodiment, the slots 11 are positioned so that the entry point of the strap into the bootie 101 is under a tongue 102 of the bootie 101.

In yet a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the bootie includes a loop of material 121 through which the strap 15 passes, thereby further increasing the solidity and stability of the attachment of the bootie 101 to the sandal 103.

It should be noted that tests have revealed that the above configuration for the strap 13 is quite comfortable but more importantly firmly retains the foot in the bootie, which is of particular importance in a light hiking shoe. Not unimportantly, this configuration also provides an aesthetic advantage in hiding the strap 15 below the top of the shoe.

Bi-level Heel Counter

The Bi-Level Heel Counter was created specially for use with the convertible shoe concept. One of the challenges in creating an effective convertible shoe is holding the upper (bootie) securely with the sandal straps when used as a shoe preventing its natural tendency to move upward as the wearer walks, particularly in the heel area.

By providing a channel on the heel of the upper, as shown in Figures 5 to 8, to carry the sandal heel strap, we ensure that the sandal strap does not slide and is always kept in the optimal position holding the heel counter. When worn as a sandal the heel strap remains in position by the Achilles tendon of the foot.

This invention provides two important advantages to the heel portion of the shoe/sandal combination. It ensures perfect position of sandal straps on upper and it provides the hold necessary to ensure the heel of the Upper is not able to lift while being worn.

More specifically, and referring now to Fig. 7, the heel portion 131 of the sandal 101 is provided with an external part 133 including a channel 135. This channel is shaped and sized to receive a back strap 17 of the sandal 103, as better shown in Figs. 5 and 6. In a preferred embodiment, straps 15 and 17 are joined together and fastened at the same place on sandal 103. Advantageously, strap 17 is also adjustable, using means well known in the art such as Velcro® or a strap fastening buckle or other known means.

Anatomical Upper Outsole The Anatomical Upper (bootie) outsole is preferably molded to fit perfectly the anatomical sandal footbed of a wearer providing perfect fit (placement of the upper in the sandal) between the sandal and the upper thus ensuring the minimum of movement of the two parts of the convertible shoe.

This outsole was designed in order to guarantee that the upper would position itself perfectly on the sandal footbed when assembled as a shoe. In manufacturing, it is molded using the same mold as the sandal footbed thus creating a perfect match between the two.

Its unique design ensure perfect match between bootie outsole and sandal footbed it also ensure that no outside debris, (rocks, small branches, sand) from entering between bootie and sandal.

This outsole was designed so that the sandal footbed effectively becomes the shoe footbed when sandal and bootie are assembled as a shoe.

The key advantage is perfect positioning of the upper in the sandal foot bed providing more stability for the foot and better hold in place. Other advantages include use of the sandal footbed as the shoe footbed, and insure that outside debris do not enter between the upper and the sandal.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 4, there are shown the components of the anatomical upper 101 outsole.

Fig. 1 shows the outsole. in a preferred embodiment, the outsole is further provided with a beaded hem 41 all around the circumference of the outsole. This hem 41 is preferably made of a soft material having a degree of elasticity, and insures a tight, but not necessarily waterproof, joint between the sandal 103 and the bootie 101.

Figure 2 shows the outsole 151 of the bootie 101. As will be appreciated, the outsole 151 is shaped and sized to have an underside which closely resembles an underside of a human foot, so that the sandal, when it is worn as a sandal, properly accepts a human foot, and when the bootie 101 and sandal 103 are assembled, it is as though a human foot were in the sandal. In Fig. 3, the sandal 103 includes a sole 153, which is preferably provided with a ridge 155, which cooperates with the hem 41 to seal the space between the sandal and the bootie when they are assembled, as shown in Fig. 4.

Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be pointed out that any modifications to this preferred embodiment within the scope of the appended claims is not deemed to alter or change the nature and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. In combination, an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said upper is provided with a plurality of pairs of holes on either side of a longitudinal V-shaped opening and a tongue fixed in the vicinity of an apex of said V-shaped opening and at least one lace for lacing said upper to a foot of a user; said sandal is provided with at least one pair of a lace retainer disposed on either side of said sandal; whereby said lace is also laced about said at least one pair of lace retainer in order to secure said upper to said sandal when said upper is placed into said sandal.

2. The combination of claim 1 , wherein said at least one pair of a lace retainer is in the shape of a hook.

3. The combination of claim 1, wherein said at least one pair of a lace retainer is in the shape of an eyelet.

4. The combination of claim 1 , wherein said at least one pair of a lace retainer is supported on a rigid piece which is fastened to an underside of said sandal.

5. The combination of claim 1, wherein said bootie further includes at least one pair of a lace retainer.

6. The combination of claim 1 , wherein said sandal includes three pairs of lace retainer.

7. In combination, an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said sandal further includes at least two straps, one of said straps being located proximate a front of said sandal and another of said straps being located rearwardly of said front strap; said upper being provided with a pair of slots on a upper portion thereof, said slots being shaped and sized to receive said strap that is located rearwardly of said front strap.

8. The combination of claim 7, wherein said sandal further includes a loop which is shaped and sized to receive said front strap.

9. The combination of claim 7, wherein said upper is provided with a longitudinal V-shaped opening and a tongue fixed in the vicinity of an apex of said V-shaped opening and wherein said pair of slots is positioned so that when said strap that is located rearwardly of said front strap is engaged in said slots, said strap is located underneath said tongue.

10. The combination of claim 7, wherein each of said at least two straps are adjustable.

11. In combination, an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said upper is further provided with an external part in the vicinity of a heel portion of said upper, said external part further including a channel formed thereon; said sandal including a heel strap, said heel strap being shaped and sized to be received by said channel.

12. In combination, an upper and a sandal, the upper being shaped and sized to fit into said sandal in order to provide a shoe, and where the sandal is adapted to be worn independently of said upper, wherein: said upper further includes an outsole being shaped and sized to resemble a sole of a human foot; said sandal further including an insole being shaped and sized to anatomically correctly receive a sole of a human foot; wherein when said sandal and said upper are assembled, the outsole and the insole mate.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein said outsole includes a hem along a circumference of said outsole.

14. The combination of claim 13, wherein said hem is made of a resilient material and is rounded.

15. The combination of claim 12, wherein said insole of said sandal further includes a ridge along a circumference thereof.