Footwear having a window for visual sizing

Abstract

Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion, a window portion associated with the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 09/903,913, filed on Jul. 12, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to footwear having visual sizing and more particularly to footwear having a window for visual sizing that is used to determine the proper fit of a foot within the footwear.

[0003] In order to determine the proper fit of a shoe, most notably a children's shoe, a parent or salesperson initially employs a device to size the child's foot. Once the size is determined, one or more pairs of shoes of that particular size are tried on by the child. The child is allowed to walk around with the shoes on to see if the fit is proper or if there are any other obvious sizing problems. Additionally, a finger or thumb is pressed against the top of the shoe to verify that there is room between the toes of the child and the tip of the shoe. Assuming a proper fitting pair of shoes is found and purchased, the child is allowed to wear the shoes. However, over time the child's feet grow and the parent is left with the task of determining when the shoes do not fit properly. One method for determining whether the shoe has been outgrown is to again use the finger pressure method and press against the shoe to feel if there is still room within the shoe. As can be appreciated, such finger method is disadvantageous for various reasons. One reason is that the method is not accurate and the shoes may be worn for a longer period of time than desired. Another reason that this method is not acceptable is due to the constant testing and retesting required.

[0004] There are other known devices which use a transparent sole portion in order to view a foot inside a shoe from bottom of the sole of the shoe. However, such devices have not been particularly successful or acceptable probably due to the inability to properly determine the fit of a shoe when a person is in a weight bearing position. Further, such shoes may be expensive and complicated to produce. Another problem associated with such known devices is that the reference markings, which are used to determine proper fit, are not associated with a foot. In other words, due to the wearing of the shoe, the reference markings may not be properly aligned due to the placement or positioning of such markings.

[0005] Also, there have been devices that use a transparent portion incorporated within a shoe to view a foot inserted into the shoe. Typically, there are reference markings associated with the transparent portion to gauge a proper fit of a foot. Again, such devices have not been successful or acceptable possibly due to the poor aesthetics of having a sock or a foot visible during use.

[0006] The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with properly fitting shoes and maintaining a proper fit during use of the shoes. In particular, the present invention is footwear having a window for visual sizing that may be easily constructed and installed in shoes. Further, the footwear has a tab portion that covers and uncovers the window. Moreover, the present invention provides a visual indication as to whether the shoe is initially the proper size and fit and then during use of the shoe whether the shoe is too small to be worn. Once the shoe has become overgrown by the foot of the wearer, the footwear having a window for visual sizing will easily indicate that the shoe needs to be replaced with a larger size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one form of the present invention, footwear having a window for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion, a window portion associated with the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window portion.

[0008] In another form of the present invention, footwear having a window for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion having a side, a sole portion, and an insole liner, a transparent portion associated with the side of the upper portion, the transparent portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the transparent portion.

[0009] In yet another form of the present invention, footwear having a window for visual sizing comprises a shoe having an upper portion having a side and a rear, a sole portion, and an insole liner, a window portion associated with the rear of the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe, and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window portion.

[0010] In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that a principal object of the present invention is to provide footwear having a window for visual sizing device which is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwear having a window for visual sizing which allows for monitoring of the growth of a foot within the footwear.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide footwear having a window for visual sizing which is capable of being manufactured using commonly available components and materials that are relatively inexpensive.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwear having a window for visual sizing that requires little or no maintenance and is constructed using durable parts or components.

[0014] A still further object of the present invention is to provide footwear having a window for visual sizing which indicates when footwear has become too small and a proper fit is no longer available.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwear having a window for visual sizing that has a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window.

[0016] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide footwear having multiple windows for visual sizing with each of the windows having a tab portion for covering and uncovering each of the windows.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide footwear for visual sizing that is aesthetically pleasing and acceptable.

[0018] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a partial top view of the footwear having a window for visual sizing shown in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the footwear having a window for visual sizing with a tab portion in an uncovering state;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a partial top view of another preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of another preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of another preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having a window for visual sizing;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having a window for visual sizing;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having a window for visual sizing;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a top view of an insole liner used in footwear having a window for visual sizing; and

[0029] FIG. 11 is a partial top view of another preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing constructed according to the present invention. With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the footwear having a window for visual sizing 10 is shown incorporated within a shoe 12. The shoe 12 is illustrated as an athletic shoe, however, as can be appreciated, any other footwear may be used and of any size including children's, teens, and adults. The shoe 12 includes an upper portion 14 and a sole portion 16. The upper portion 14 may further include other parts such as an outer shell 18, a tip portion 20, a vamp 22, eyelets 24, a tongue 26, and a collar 28. The sole portion 16 may consist of an outsole 30 having tread 32 on its bottom surface.

[0031] The footwear 10 also comprises a tab portion 34 positioned between the tip portion 20 and the vamp 22 of the upper portion 14. The tab portion 34 is a flap that is adapted to cover a window portion (not shown) that is hidden by the tab portion 34. The tab portion 34 may consist of a flap or portion of material that is similar to the material from which the outer shell 18 is constructed.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a partial top view of the footwear having a window for visual sizing 10 with the tab portion 34 being pulled away from the shoe 12. The tab portion 34 is in an uncovering position and a window portion 36 is now visible. The window portion 36 may be made of a transparent or translucent material. The material should be durable, resistant to wear, flexible, and resilient. The window portion 36 provides viewing into the interior of the shoe 12 from the upper portion 14. The shoe 12 further comprises an insole liner 38 having printed or positioned thereon a reference mark or marking 40. The reference marking 40 may take many forms, as will be discussed further herein. Although a reference marking 40 has been described, it should be understood that no reference marks or markings may be used. In particular, it is possible and contemplated that the viewing of a foot through the window portion 36 is enough to judge whether the footwear 10 will provide a proper fit. Another area or portion 42 of the insole liner 38 indicates the area within which proper fit or sizing of a foot (not shown) would be. When a foot has grown past the portion 42 and into the area of the reference marking 40, this indicates that the shoe 12 does not or will not fit properly. As can be appreciated, a foot may be viewed through the window portion 36 anytime when the shoe 12 is being worn and the tab portion 34 has been pulled away from the shoe 12. Once a sizing operation has been completed, the tab portion 34 is placed back over the window portion 36 to cover the window portion 36. The footwear 10 is capable of being used to determine the correct or proper size at purchase and subsequently to indicate the time at which a replacement pair of shoes needs to be purchased. Although one shoe 12 has been shown, it is contemplated that both pairs of shoes will have incorporated therein the tab portion 34 and the window portion 36 or the tab portion 34, the window portion 36, and the reference marking 40.

[0033] The tab portion 34 has a portion of material 44 which is sized and shaped to cover the window portion 36. Along an outer edge 46 of the portion 44 is attached or placed a section of mating material 48. The section 48 is capable of mating with another section of mating material 50 that is attached to the shoe 12 around a perimeter of the window portion 36. In this manner, the tab portion 34 is capable of covering or uncovering the window portion 36. An edge 52 of the tab portion 34 may be connected to the shoe 12 or the tab portion 34 may be constructed to completely pull away from or be removable from the shoe 12. If the tab portion 34 is adapted to being pulled off of the shoe, the edge 52 may also include a portion of the section of the mating material 48 and the shoe 12 may further include a portion of the section of the mating material 50. The sections of mating material 48 and 50 may be hook and loop fastening material or other suitable mating or fastening means or methods. Other examples of mating or fastening means or methods are zippers, snaps, buttons, adhesives, and seals.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a partial top view of another embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing 60 constructed according to the present invention. The footwear having a window for visual sizing 60 is incorporated within a shoe 62 with the shoe 62 having an upper portion 64, a pair of window portions 66 and 68, a pair of tab portions 70 and 72, and an insole liner 74. The insole liner 74 has printed thereon a reference marking 76. The reference marking 76 is used to indicate when a foot (not shown) has outgrown the shoe 62. For example, when a foot has grown into the area bounded by the reference marking 74 it is time to replace the shoe 62. Further, when initially sizing the shoe 62, if a foot is not beyond the reference marking 74, this is an indication that the shoe 62 is properly sized. The window portion 66 allows for viewing one side or toe of a foot and the other window portion 68 provides for viewing another side or toe of a foot. In this manner, a better determination as to size and fit may be accomplished. The window portions 66 and 68 may each be comprised of a transparent or translucent material. The window portions 66 and 68 provide viewing into the interior of the shoe 62.

[0035] The tab portions 70 and 72 are sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the window portions 66 and 68. The tab portion 70 has a section of mating material 78 which is adapted to mate with a section of mating material 80 associated with or around the window portion 66. The tab portion 72 also has a section of mating material 82 that may be mated to a section of mating material 84 that is positioned around the window portion 68. As discussed above, the sections of mating material 78, 80, 82, and 84 may be hook and loop fastening material or other suitable mating or fastening means or methods. In this manner, the tab portions 70 and 72 may be employed to cover and uncover the window portions 66 and 68. The tab portions 70 and 72 may be attached to the shoe 62 or may be removable from the shoe 62. It is also possible that the tab portions 70 and 72 be of different colors, shapes, or designs. Also, as discussed previously, it is also possible not to include any reference marking 76.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 5, a side perspective view of another preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing 100 is depicted. The footwear 100 comprises a shoe 102 having an upper portion 104 and a sole portion 106. The upper portion 104 may further include various other parts or components such as an outer shell 108, a tip portion 110, a vamp 112, eyelets 114, a tongue 116, a collar 118, and a counter 120. The sole portion 106 may consist of an outsole 122, a midsole 124, and tread 126. The footwear 100 further comprises a window portion 128 which may be formed in the tip portion 110, the vamp 112, or the side of the shoe 102. The window portion 128 may be constructed from a transparent or translucent material. The window portion 128 provides for viewing into the interior of the shoe 102 from the tip portion 110 or the side of the shoe 102. Although not shown, it is also possible for the shoe 102 to further include an insole liner which has printed or associated therewith a reference marking. The window portion 128 allows a side view of a foot inserted into the shoe 102 and when a foot has grown past the reference marking the shoe 102 needs to be replaced.

[0037] The footwear 100 further comprises a tab portion 130 associated with the window portion 128. The tab portion 130 may be sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the window portion 128. The window portion 128 also has a section of mating material 132 that is adapted to mate with a section of mating material 134 that has been attached to the tab portion 130. As previously discussed, the tab portion 130 is used to cover or uncover the window portion 128. The tab portion 130 is illustrated in the uncovered state in FIG. 5. The sections of mating material 132 and 134 are used to hold the tab portion 130 in place. Although not shown, it is also possible to have another window portion 128 and a corresponding tab portion 130 on the other side of the shoe 102.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing 150 that comprises an upper portion 152 and a sole portion 154. The footwear 150 has a front 156 and a back 158 with the front 156 having a window portion 160 that is covered by a tab portion 162 and the back 158 having a window portion 164 that is covered by a tab portion 166. The window portions 160 and 164 may be constructed of a transparent or translucent material. The window portions 160 and 164 allow for viewing into the interior of the footwear 150. The window portions 160 and 164 also allow for viewing whether the back or heel of a foot is properly positioned within the footwear 150. Although shown in FIG. 6 as having the window portion 160 on the top of the upper portion 152, it is also possible and contemplated that the window portion 160 may be positioned on a side of the upper portion 152 of the footwear 150. Further, it is also possible to only have the window portion 164 and not the window portion 160. In this construction, it will be possible to determine whether the heel of the foot is sized or positioned properly.

[0039] The tab portions 162 and 166 may be sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the respective window portions 160 and 164. The tab portions are shown covering the window portions 160 and 164. Due to the state of closure of the tab portions 162 and 166, sections of mating material (not shown) are hidden. However, the window portions 160 and 164 and the respective tab portions 162 and 166 all have a section of mating material for closing and securing the tab portions 162 and 166 in place, as has been previously described. Further, the footwear 150 may also have an insole liner (not shown) with the liner having reference markings at the front 156 and the back 158 of the shoe 152. Once the tab portions 162 and 166 are opened or pulled away from the shoe 152, the window portions 160 and 164 are used to view inside the shoe 152. Viewing into the window portion 160 ensures that the front of a foot is sized properly and viewing into the window portion 164 allows for the determination that the heel of a foot is positioned correctly.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows an insole liner 200 which may be inserted into or manufactured as part of footwear having a window for visual sizing. The insole liner 200 is sized and shaped to fit within footwear. The liner 200 comprises a reference mark or marking 202 which may take the form of a line or a region 204 may be printed one color and another region 206 may be printed another color. In this manner, a foot inserted into footwear, such as footwear 10, 60, 100, or 150, may be viewed through the respective window portions 36, 66, 68, 128, 160, or 164, to determine if initially the fit is proper and subsequently if the fit is improper. For example, if the region 204 is visible, then this indicates a proper fit. If it is noticed that toes encroach upon the region 204 then an improper fit is indicated. The region 206 may be used to confirm that the initial fit is such that toes are well within the region 206. This would indicate that there is plenty of room for foot growth. Various different colors may be used for the regions 204 and 206. For example, the color red may be used for the region 204 and the color green may be used for the region 206. Further, the intersection between the regions 204 and 206 may be curved to follow the natural outline of a foot.

[0041] The insole liner 200 is constructed of a thick fabric material and may have an upper surface sock lining 208. The insole liner 200 may be used to separate a foot from the other components of the sole portion of the shoe. The sock lining 208 is generally conventional and includes a fabric cover overlying a cushioning material (not shown) such as foam. The sock lining 208 may have printed thereon or incorporated therein the regions 204 and 206. Additionally, it is also possible that that insole liner 200 be a one piece structure or construction.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 8, another insole liner 220 is illustrated. The liner 220 includes reference markings 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230 as part of the liner 220. The reference markings 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230 take the form of circles that simulate toes of a foot. Whenever one or more toes covers or begins to cover one of the reference markings 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230, this indicates that a proper fit is not longer available. Additionally, the reference markings 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230 may be of one or several different colors or patterns and a region 232 may be of another color.

[0043] FIG. 9 shows another example of an insole liner 240 that includes reference markings 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250. The reference markings 242, 244, 246, and 248 are illustrated as being numerals and the reference marking 250 is shown as being a letter. Again, the reference markings allow a visual indication of the proper fit or size of footwear. The reference markings 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250 may be of one or several different colors or patterns and a region 252 may be of another color that provides for definition between the reference markings 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250 and the region 252.

[0044] With reference now to FIG. 10, an insole liner 260 is shown which may be used in conjunction with the footwear 150. In particular, the liner 260 has a front portion 262 and a rear portion 264. The front portion 262 includes reference markings 266 and 268 and the rear portion 264 includes a reference marking 270. The insole liner 260 further has a region 272. The reference markings 266 and 268 are visible through the window portion 160 of the footwear 150 when the tab portion 162 is uncovering the window portion 160 and the reference marking 270 is visible through the window portion 164 when the tab portion 166 is uncovering the window portion 164. In this manner it can be insured that a heel of a foot is placed all the way back toward the back 158 of the footwear 150. The reference markings 266 and 268 may be used to indicate when a foot has grown from the region 272 into the region where the reference marking 266 is found. Once a foot reaches into the region of the reference marking 268, it will be known that new footwear will be required.

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates another preferred embodiment of footwear having a window for visual sizing 300 constructed according to the present invention. The footwear having a window for visual sizing 300 is shown incorporated within a shoe 302. The shoe 302 is illustrated as an athletic shoe, however, as previously discussed, any other footwear may be used and of any size including children's, teens, and adults. The shoe 302 includes an upper portion 304 and a sole portion 306. The upper portion 304 may include other components such as an outer shell 308, a tip portion 310, and a vamp 312. The footwear may also have a tab portion 314 positioned between the tip portion 310 and the vamp 312 of the upper portion 304. The tab portion 314 is a flap that is adapted to cover a window portion (not shown) that is hidden by the tab portion 314. The tab portion 314 may consist of a flap or portion of material that is similar to the material from which the outer shell 308 is constructed. The tab portion 314 also has a pull portion or a pull tab 316 which is used to pull the tab portion 314 away from the upper portion 304. The pull portion 316 may be a loop of material or a portion of material that is easily grasped for facilitating opening and closing of the tab portion 314. As has been previously described, the tab portion 314 may include mating material that is adapted to mate with another section of mating material that is attached to the upper portion 304 around a perimeter of a window portion. In this manner, the tab portion 314 may be opened or closed by use of the pull portion 316 and the mating material. It is also possible that the tab portion 314 may be completely removable from the upper portion 304.

[0046] As indicated previously, the reference markings 266 and 268 may be different colors and are certainly a different color than that of the region 272. The reference marking 270 may be a different color than that of the region 272. Further, it is also possible and contemplated to use the reference markings 202, 222-230, or 242, 244, 246, 248, and 250 in place of the reference markings 266 and 268. The reference markings may take other forms, such as an outline of a foot, an outline of the toes, pictures, symbols, or holograms.

[0047] It should be recognized that footwear having a window for visual sizing 10, 60, 100, and 150 of the present invention can be constructed of various materials and can be assembled from separable components or formed as a unitary construction. Preferably, the footwear 10, 60, 100, and 150 will be constructed of relatively lightweight materials. The window portions may be constructed of various materials such as leather, rubber, plastic, vinyl, polymethacrylate, polyurethane, polycarbonate, or polyvinyl chloride. Although the window portions and the tab portions have been depicted using various geometric forms, it should be recognized that the window portions and the tab portions of the present invention may take many different forms and shapes.

[0048] Further, the window portions 36, 66, 68, 128, 160, and 164 were described as being transparent or translucent, it is also possible and contemplated that the window portions be formed or constructed from materials which are unidirectional which allow viewing into the shoe at one or various angles. Additionally, the window portions may include one or more prisms to enhance the aesthetics of the shoe.

[0049] From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein footwear having a window for visual sizing which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject footwear having a window for visual sizing are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprising:

a shoe having an upper portion;

a window portion associated with the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe; and

a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window portion.

2. The footwear of claim 1 further comprising a second window portion associated with the upper portion and a second tab portion for covering and uncovering the second window portion, the second window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe.

3. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the shoe further comprises an insole liner and the insole liner having a reference mark associated with the insole liner, the reference mark for indicating proper fit of the shoe when a foot is inserted into the shoe and viewed through the window portion when the window portion is uncovered.

4. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the tab portion is connected to the shoe.

5. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the tab portion comprises a pull portion.

6. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the tab portion is removable from the shoe.

7. Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprising:

a shoe having an upper portion having a side, a sole portion, and an insole liner;

a transparent portion associated with the side of the upper portion, the transparent portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe; and

a tab portion for covering and uncovering the transparent portion.

8. The footwear of claim 7 wherein the tab portion comprises a section of mating material.

9. The footwear of claim 7 wherein the tab portion is connected to the upper portion.

10. The footwear of claim 7 wherein the tab portion comprises a pull portion.

11. The footwear of claim 7 wherein the insole liner comprises a reference mark with the reference mark for indicating proper fit of the shoe when a foot is inserted into the shoe and viewed through the transparent portion when the transparent portion is uncovered.

12. The footwear of claim 11 wherein the reference mark has a first region and a second region.

13. The footwear of claim 11 wherein the reference mark comprises a first marking, a second marking, and a third marking.

14. Footwear having a window for visual sizing comprising:

a shoe having an upper portion having a side and a rear, a sole portion, and an insole liner;

a window portion associated with the rear of the upper portion, the window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe; and

a tab portion for covering and uncovering the window portion.

15. The footwear of claim 14 further comprising a second window portion associated with the side of the upper portion and a second tab portion for covering and uncovering the second window portion, the second window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe.

16. The footwear of claim 14 wherein the insole liner comprises a reference mark with the reference mark for indicating proper fit of the shoe when a foot is inserted into the shoe and viewed through the window portion when the window portion is uncovered.

17. The footwear of claim 14 further comprising a second window portion associated with the upper portion and a tab portion for covering and uncovering the second window portion, the second window portion for allowing viewing of a foot inserted into the shoe when the second window portion is uncovered.

18. The footwear of claim 14 wherein the tab portion comprises a pull portion.

19. The footwear of claim 14 wherein the tab portion is removable from the shoe.

20. The footwear of claim 14 wherein the tab portion comprises a portion of mating material.