Multi functional sport footwear

A footwear includes: an upper portion; a sole connected to the upper portion; a blade connected to the sole; where the upper portion is configured to support a foot; where the sole is configured to support a foot bottom; where the sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area; where the blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters; where the blade is configured to engage with an ice surface; and where the footwear is operable to wear on the foot.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention relates to footwear. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi functional sport footwear. The footwear may be used for skating on an ice surface and walking and running on a non-ice surface but not limited to these.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a footwear for skating on an ice surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a footwear comprises: an upper portion, a sole connected to the upper portion, and a blade connected to the sole. The upper portion is configured to support a foot. The sole is configured to support a foot bottom. The sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole is flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area. The blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters. The blade is configured to engage with an ice surface and the footwear is operable to wear on the foot.

In one aspect, the blade is flexible and configured to bend with the sole. In one aspect, the blade is removable to configure the footwear operable for use on a non-ice surface. In one aspect, the sole is rigid and not substantially capable to bend with the foot in at least one of, the toe area and the heel and arch area and the blade is located in at least one of, the toe area, and the heel and arch area. In one aspect, the blade is located in at least one of, the toe area, the ball of the foot area, and the heel and arch area. In one aspect, the blade comprises a blade assembly, the blade assembly configured to connect the blade to the sole, and configured to be removable from the sole. In one aspect, the blade assembly comprises a blade assembly first position and a blade assembly second position, the blade assembly is configured connectable to the blade assembly first position and connectable to the blade assembly second position, and the blade assembly is configured to engage with an ice surface in the blade assembly first position, and the blade assembly is configured to engage with a non-ice surface in the blade assembly second position. In one aspect, the sole comprises an opening, the opening configured to connect the blade assembly within the opening. In one aspect, the opening is at least one of, closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole, closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole and one side of the sole, or closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole and two sides of the sole. In one aspect, the sole comprises a cover plate, the cover plate configured to be connectable to the opening in the sole, and the cover plate configures the footwear operable for walking or running on a non-ice surface. In one aspect, the cover plate further comprises a cover plate surface preferably made of rubber but not limited to this. In one aspect, the blade is made of at least one of, a metal, a spring metal, or a stainless steel metal. In one aspect, the sole comprises a sole bottom surface made of plastic and configured to be capable of sliding on the ice surface. In one aspect, the blade comprises at least one of, a flat contact profile, a concave contact profile, and a round contact profile. In one aspect, the blade comprises a first leading edge radius and a first trailing edge radius. In one aspect, the blade comprises a blade width measurement preferably of approximately between two millimeters and fifteen millimeters but not limited to these. In one aspect, blade assembly comprises a first plastic bottom surface made of plastic and configured to be capable of sliding on the ice surface. In one aspect, the sole comprises a second leading edge radius and a second trailing edge radius. In one aspect, the sole comprises an outer perimeter radius.

In one aspect, a method for transitioning from a walking state or a running state to a skating state, comprises: providing the footwear as described, wherein the footwear is operable for a walking state or a running state; and connecting the blade assembly to the sole.

In one aspect, a method for transitioning from a walking state or a running state to a skating state, comprises: providing the footwear as described, wherein the footwear is operable for a walking state or a running state; and removing the blade assembly from the blade assembly first position in the sole and connecting the blade assembly to the blade assembly second position in the sole.

In another embodiment, a footwear comprises: an upper portion, a sole connected to the upper portion, and a blade connected to the sole. The upper portion is configured to support a foot. The sole is configured to support a foot bottom. The sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot. The sole is flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area. The blade is flexible and configured to bend with the sole. The blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters. The blade is configured to engage with an ice surface and the footwear is operable to wear on the foot. The blade is removable to configure the footwear operable for use on a non-ice surface. The sole flexible portion is located near at least one of, a toe area, and a ball of the foot area, and the sole rigid portion is located near at least one of, the toe area and the heel and arch area. The blade is located near at least one of, the toe area, the ball of the foot area, and the heel and arch area.

In another embodiment, a footwear comprises: an upper portion, a sole connected to the upper portion, and a blade connected to the sole. The upper portion is configured to support a foot. The sole is configured to support a foot bottom. The sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole is flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area. The blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters. The blade is configured to engage with an ice surface. The blade is removable to configure the footwear operable for use on a non-ice surface. The footwear is operable to wear on the foot. The blade is flexible and configured to bend with the sole. The sole flexible portion is located near at least one of, a toe area, and a ball of the foot area, and the sole rigid portion is located near at least one of, the toe area or the heel and arch area. The blade is located near at least one of, the toe area, the ball of the foot area, and the heel and arch area.

In another embodiment, a footwear comprises: an upper portion, a sole connected to the upper portion, and a blade connected to the sole. The upper portion is configured to support a foot. The sole is configured to support a foot bottom. The sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole is flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area. The blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters. The blade is configured to engage with an ice surface. The blade is removable to configure the footwear operable for use on a non-ice surface. The footwear is operable to wear on the foot. The sole flexible portion is located near at least one of, a toe area, and a ball of the foot area, and the sole rigid portion is located near at least one of, the toe area and the heel and arch area. The blade is located near at least one of, the toe area, the ball of the foot area, and the heel and arch area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of the foot.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the footwear according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a side view that illustrates using the footwear on the ice surface.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the foot.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the footwear according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a side view that illustrates using the footwear on the ice surface.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the footwear according to a preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are profile views of the blade that illustrate the contact profile of the blade that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the footwear according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a profile view of the blade that illustrates the width of the blade that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D are profile views of the blade that illustrate the material of the blade that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole and the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole and the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a front view of the sole and the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the sole and the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole and the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the cover plate according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole and the cover plate according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole and the blade assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the cover plate according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the bottom of the sole and the cover plate according to a preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D are bottom views of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are bottom views of the sole according to a preferred embodiment.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, the use of “a”, “an”, or “the” can refer to the plural. All examples given are for clarification only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The term “footwear” is known in the art and is used to describe an item which typically is worn on a persons foot for walking, running, and skating but not limited to these. “Footwear” may refer to items worn on a persons foot such as shoes, athletic shoes, skateboard shoes, ice skate shoes, snow ski shoes, roller shoes and boots but not limited to these.

The term “foot” is used to describe a human foot.

The term “ice surface” is known in the art and is used to describe a surface with ice used for ice skating which may include an ice rink, an indoor ice arena, an outdoor ice arena, a frozen lake, and a frozen pond, but not limited to these.

It should be understood that the “toe area”, the “ball of the foot area”, and the “heal and arch area” of the sole are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area, the ball of the foot area, and the heal and arch area of the sole are only rough approximations. In some examples or figures, they are shown with the sole having solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons. These areas may also refer to areas within the upper portion and within the blade of the footwear. These areas are known in the art.

The “toe area”, the “ball of the foot area”, and the “heal and arch area” are understood in the art. The “toe area” is in the area of the toes, the “ball of the foot area” is in the area of the ball of the foot, and the “heal and arch area” is in the area of the heel and arch of the footwear.

An advantage to the embodiments shown is that the footwear may have a low profile blade. Another advantage to the embodiments shown is that the footwear may have a sole that is flexible. Another advantage to the embodiments shown is that the footwear may have a blade that is removable. Another advantage to the embodiments shown is that the footwear may be used for ice skating, and walking and running.

It is understood that any ordinary person skilled in the art understands that the blade of a footwear used for skating may be arranged in many configurations which influences the characteristics for skating.

Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, according to an embodiment, a footwear 100 includes an upper portion 102 configured to support a foot 108. The footwear 100 includes a sole 104 connected to the upper portion 102 and a blade 106 connected to the sole 104. The upper portion 102 may be constructed of virtually any material such as, for example, leather, plastic, and canvas but not limited to these. The sole 104 is configured to support a foot bottom 110. The sole 104 is divided into three portions or regions: a toe area 112, a ball of the foot area 114, and a heel and arch area 116. In this preferred embodiment, the ball of the foot area 114 of the sole 104 is configured to be flexible to bend with the foot 108. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are configured to be rigid and not substantially capable to bend with the foot 108. The upper portion 102 is also configured flexible in at least approximately within the ball of the foot area 114 of the footwear 100. The blade 106 is preferably rigid and located preferably in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116. The blade 106 includes a low profile blade height measurement 118 preferably of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters as shown in FIG. 1b. The low profile blade height measurement 118 may also include a measurement between one millimeter and twenty five millimeters. The blade 106 is configured to engage with an ice surface 120 and configured operable for skating on the ice surface 120. FIG. 1c shows the footwear 100 used in a skating state 117 on the ice surface 120. The footwear 100 is configured operable to wear on the foot 108. The footwear 100 is configured operable for skating on the ice surface 120.

The toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 are understood in the art. The toe area 112 is in the area of the toes, the ball of the foot area 114 is in the area of the ball of the foot, and the heal and arch area 116 is in the area of the heel and arch of the footwear. These areas are illustrated in FIG. 1b and they represent areas or regions of the sole 104. They may also represent areas of the blade 106 and the upper portion 102. It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, according to an embodiment, a footwear 100 includes an upper portion 102 configured to support a foot 108. The footwear 100 includes a sole 104 connected to the upper portion 102 and a blade 106 connected to the sole 104. The upper portion 102 may be constructed of virtually any material such as, for example, leather, plastic, and canvas but not limited to these. The sole 104 is configured to support a foot bottom 110. The sole 104 is divided into three portions or regions: a toe area 112, a ball of the foot area 114, and a heel and arch area 116. In this preferred embodiment, the ball of the foot area 114 of the sole 104 is configured to be flexible to bend with the foot 108. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are configured to be rigid and not substantially capable to bend with the foot 108. The upper portion 102 is also configured flexible in at least approximately within the ball of the foot area 114 of the footwear 100. The blade 106 is preferably rigid and located preferably in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116. The blade 106 includes a low profile blade height measurement 118 preferably of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters as shown in FIG. 1b. The low profile blade height measurement 118 may also include a measurement between one millimeter and twenty five millimeters. The blade 106 is configured to engage with an ice surface 120 and configured operable for skating on the ice surface 120. FIG. 1c shows the footwear 100 used in a skating state 117 on the ice surface 120. A non-ice surface 168 is shown in FIG. 2c. The footwear 100 is configured operable to wear on the foot 108. The footwear 100 is configured operable for skating on the ice surface 120.

The toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 are understood in the art. The toe area 112 is in the area of the toes, the ball of the foot area 114 is in the area of the ball of the foot, and the heal and arch area 116 is in the area of the heel and arch of the footwear. These areas are illustrated in FIG. 1b and they represent areas or regions of the sole 104. They may also represent areas of the blade 106 and the upper portion 102. It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations.

FIG. 2a illustrates the foot 108 bent at the ball of the foot area 114. The ball of the foot area 114 is known in the art.

FIG. 2b illustrates the footwear 100 bent at the ball of the foot area 114.

Referring now to FIG. 3, according to an embodiment, the footwear 100 includes the sole 104 connected to the upper portion 102 and the blade 106 connected to the sole 104. The sole 104 is illustrated as having a plurality of the blade 106. A quantity of two is shown. The sole 106 may comprise more than two blades. The blade 106 is flexible in at least the ball of the foot area 114. It may be rigid or flexible in at least one of the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116. These areas are shown in FIGS. 1 b and 1c.

FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c, are profile views of the blade 106 that illustrate the various profiles of the blade 106 that may be used in various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5a illustrates the blade 106 with a flat contact profile 128. FIG. 5b illustrates the blade 106 with a concave contact profile 130. FIG. 5c illustrates the blade 106 with a round contact profile 132. Blade profiles are known in the art and may include many profiles and combination of profiles. Profiles are generally the area of contact of the blade 106 with the ice surface 120 (ice surface shown in FIG. 1c).

Referring now to FIG. 5, according to an embodiment, the footwear 100 includes the sole 104 connected to the upper portion 102 and the blade 106 connected to the sole 104. The blade 106 comprises a first leading edge radius 134 and a first trailing edge radius 136. The sole 104 comprises a second leading edge radius 156 and a second trailing edge radius 158. The sole 104 comprises a sole bottom surface 162. The sole bottom surface 162 may be made of plastic and configured to be capable of sliding on the ice surface 120. Plastics include UHMW but not limited to these. The sole bottom surface 162 may be made of rubber and configured to be capable of not substantially sliding on the ice surface 120. The sole bottom surface 162 may include a rubber grip pattern configured to add additional grip compared to just a solid rubber surface. The sole bottom surface 162 is located above the blade 106. The low profile blade height measurement 118 configures the footwear to have a relatively smaller distance from the sole bottom surface 162 to the ice surface 120 compared to that in a conventional ice skate. The sole bottom surface 162 may be configured to contact the ice surface 120. The sole bottom surface 162 may comprise areas of protrusions made of rubber, plastic, and metal but not limited to these. These portions may be configured to grip or slide on the ice surface 120 or even snow on the ice surface 120. The sole 104 comprises an outer perimeter radius 160.

FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are profile views of the blade 106. FIG. 7a illustrates the blade 106 comprising a blade width measurement 138. The blade width measurement 138 is the preferable width of the blade 106 which is preferable approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters but not limited to these. The blade width measurement 138 may also be between approximately one millimeter and one hundred and fifty millimeters. The blade width measurement 138 may also include a measurement that is variable in width. FIG. 7b illustrates the blade 106 made of a metal 140. FIG. 7c illustrates the blade 106 made of a spring metal 142. FIG. 7d illustrates the blade 106 made of a stainless steel spring metal 144. Objects made of the spring metal 142 return to their original shape despite significant bending or twist. Spring metal 142 is known in the art. The blade 106 may be constructed or made of virtually any known or available material such as, for example, the metal 140, a plastic or a composite but not limited to these. The blade 106 may comprise a combination of the materials mentioned. The blade 106 may comprise any material known in the art. The blade 106 may also include a coating such as a metal coating. An example would be a plastic or a metal 140 blade 106 with a portion coated in a metal to provide additional hardness to its surface which is in contact with the ice surface 120.

An example of the blade 106 width which is relatively wide would be the blade width measurement 138 of approximately one hundred and twenty five millimeters which may be made of a plastic which may include the concave contact profile 130 which may include a one millimeter outer portion of the blade 106 which may be made of a metal 140. This approximate configuration is only an example of a combination of the blade width measurement 138 with the blade 106 material used.

Referring now to FIG. 7a, the sole 104 includes the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 includes an opening 164. The opening 164 is shown closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole 104. The sole 104 is shown without the blade 106 and configured operable for walking or running. The ball of the foot area 114 is configured to be flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are configured to be rigid. The upper portion 102 of the footwear 100 is not shown for simplicity.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons. Referring now to FIG. 7b, a blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106 and a blade mounting structure 145. The blade 106 is connected to the blade mounting structure 145. The blade mounting structure 145 is configured to connect the blade 106 to the sole 104. The blade 106 may also be configured connectable and removable to the sole 104 without comprising the blade mounting structure 145. The blade 106 may be also be configured connectable and removable to the sole 104 without the blade assembly 146. The blade mounting structure 145 may be made of a metal, plastic, composite, or a combination of these materials, but not limited to these. The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable to the sole 104 in at least one connectable position (positions shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b). The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable and removable to the sole 104. The blade assembly 146 may include a fastener, a clip, a spring loaded connection, a magnet, a protrusion, a tapered joint, a dovetail connection, or a combination of these but not limited to these to configure the blade assembly 146 securable to the sole 104. The upper portion 102 and the sole 104 are not shown for simplicity.

Another embodiment of the blade assembly 146 may include rollers or a wheel rather than the blade 106.

Referring now to FIG. 7c, the sole 104 comprises the blade assembly 146 connected to the sole 104 within the opening 164 (opening 164 shown in FIG. 7a). The blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106 and the blade mounting structure 145 (blade mounting structure 145 shown in FIG. 7b). The blade assembly 146 is located in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116. The ball of the foot area 114 is shown without comprising the blade 106 and without comprising the opening 164 for the blade assembly 146. The blade assembly 146 is located in a blade assembly first position 148 (shown later in FIG. 9a). This configuration is operable for skating on the ice surface 120. It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIG. 8a, the sole 104 includes the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 includes an opening 164. The opening 164 is shown closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole 104. The sole 104 is shown without the blade 106 and configured operable for walking or running. The ball of the foot area 114 is configured to be flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are configured to be rigid. The upper portion 102 of the footwear 100 is not shown for simplicity.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIG. 8b, a blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106 and a blade mounting structure 145. The blade 106 is connected to the blade mounting structure 145. The blade mounting structure 145 is configured to connect the blade 106 to the sole 104. The blade 106 may also be configured connectable and removable to the sole 104 without comprising the blade mounting structure 145. The blade 106 may be also be configured connectable and removable to the sole 104 without the blade assembly 146. The blade mounting structure 145 may be made of a metal, plastic, composite, or a combination of these materials, but not limited to these. The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable to the sole 104 in at least one connectable position (positions shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b). The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable and removable to the sole 104. The blade assembly 146 may include a fastener, a clip, a spring loaded connection, a magnet, a protrusion, a tapered joint, a dovetail connection, or a combination of these but not limited to these to configure the blade assembly 146 securable to the sole 104. The blade assembly 146 includes a blade assembly second surface 154. The blade assembly second surface 154 comprises a surface preferably made of a rubber and may include a rubber grip pattern. The upper portion 102 and the sole 104 are not shown for simplicity.

Another preferred embodiment comprises the blade assembly second surface 154 further comprising the blade 106 configured operable for skating on the ice surface 120. This configuration (not shown) provides the footwear 100 with a second configuration for the blade 106, the second configuration located within the blade assembly 146.

Referring now to FIG. 8c, the sole 104 comprises the blade assembly 146 connected to the sole 104 within the opening 164 (opening 164 shown in FIG. 8a). The blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106 and the blade mounting structure 145 (blade mounting structure 145 shown in FIG. 8b). The blade assembly 146 is located in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116. The ball of the foot area 114 is shown without comprising the blade 106 and without comprising the opening 164 for the blade assembly 146. The blade assembly 146 is located in a blade assembly second position 154 (shown later in FIG. 9b). This position configures the footwear 100 operable for walking or running on the non-ice surface 168.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the blade assembly first position 148 and the blade assembly second position 150 include the sole 104, and the blade assembly 146. The sole 104 includes the outer perimeter radius 160. FIG. 10a illustrates the blade assembly 146 located in the blade assembly first position 148. This position configures the footwear 100 operable for skating on the ice surface 120. FIG. 10b illustrates the blade assembly 146 located in the blade assembly second position 150. This configuration is an inverted position compared the blade assembly first position 148. The blade assembly second position 150 conceals the blade 106 within the sole 104 and configures the footwear 100 operable for walking or running on the non-ice surface 168. This configuration is not limited for walking or running and is not limited to the non-ice surface 168.

Referring now to FIG. 10a, the sole 104 includes the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 includes the opening 164. The opening 164 is shown closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole 104 and one side. The sole 104 is shown without the blade 106 and configured operable for walking or running. The toe area 112 and the ball of the foot area 114 are configured to be flexible. The heel and arch area 116 is configured to be rigid. The upper portion 102 of the footwear 100 is not shown for simplicity.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIG. 10b, the blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106. The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable to the sole 104 in at least one connectable position (positions shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b). The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable and removable to the sole 104. The blade assembly 146 may include a fastener, a clip, a spring loaded connection, a magnet, a protrusion, a tapered joint, a dovetail connection, or a combination of these but not limited to these to configure the blade assembly 146 securable to the sole 104. The upper portion 102 and the sole 104 are not shown for simplicity.

Referring now to FIG. 10c, the sole 104 comprises the blade assembly 146 connected to the sole 104 within the opening 164 (opening 164 shown in FIG. 10a). The blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106 and the blade mounting structure 145 (blade mounting structure 145 shown in FIG. 7b). The blade assembly 146 is located in the heel and arch area 116. The toe area 112 and the ball of the foot area 114 are shown without comprising the blade 106 and without comprising the opening 164 for the blade assembly 146. The blade assembly 146 is located in a blade assembly first position 148 (shown earlier in FIG. 9a). This configuration is operable for skating on the ice surface 120. It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIG. 11a, the sole 104 includes the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 includes the opening 164. The opening 164 is shown closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole 104 and two sides. The sole 104 is shown without the blade 106 and configured operable for walking or running. The toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116 are configured to be flexible. The upper portion 102 of the footwear 100 is not shown for simplicity. The blade is flexible in at least the ball of the foot area 114.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIG. 11 b, the blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106. The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable to the sole 104 in at least one connectable position (positions shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b). The blade assembly 146 is configured connectable and removable to the sole 104. The blade assembly 146 may include a fastener, a clip, a spring loaded connection, a magnet, a protrusion, a tapered joint, a dovetail connection, or a combination of these but not limited to these to configure the blade assembly 146 securable to the sole 104. The upper portion 102 and the sole 104 are not shown for simplicity.

Referring now to FIG. 11 c, the sole 104 comprises the blade assembly 146 connected to the sole 104 within the opening 164 (opening 164 shown in FIG. 11a). The blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106. The blade assembly 146 is located in the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The blade assembly 146 is located in a blade assembly first position 148 (shown earlier in FIG. 9a). This configuration is operable for skating on the ice surface 120. The blade is flexible in at least the ball of the foot area 114.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIG. 12a, the sole 104 includes the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 includes the opening 164. The opening 164 is shown closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole 104. The sole 104 is shown without the blade 106 and configured operable for walking or running. The ball of the foot area 114 is configured to be flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are configured to be rigid. The upper portion 102 of the footwear 100 is not shown for simplicity.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIG. 12b, a cover plate 166 is configured connectable and removable to the sole 104. The cover plate 166 may include a fastener, a clip, a spring loaded connection, a magnet, a protrusion, a tapered joint, or a combination of these but not limited to these to configure the cover plate 166 securable to the sole 104 and operable for walking or running on the non-ice surface 168. This configuration is not limited for walking or running and is not limited to the non-ice surface 168. The upper portion 102 and the sole 104 are not shown for simplicity. The cover plate 166 includes a cover plate surface 167. The cover plate surface 167 may include a surface preferably made of a rubber and may include a rubber grip pattern. The cover plate 166 covers the opening 164 in the sole 104 and provides additional surface area for the sole 104.

Referring now to FIG. 12c, the sole 104 comprises the cover plate 166 connected to the sole 104 within the opening 164 (opening 164 shown in FIG. 12a). The cover plate 166 is located in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116. The cover plate 166 is configured connectable and removable to the sole 104. The cover plate 166 may include a fastener, a clip, a spring loaded connection, a magnet, a protrusion, a tapered joint, a dovetail connection, or a combination of these but not limited to these to configure the cover plate 166 securable to the sole 104. This configuration is operable for walking or running on the non-ice surface 168 but not limited to this. The upper portion 102 of the footwear 100 is not shown for simplicity.

It should be understood that the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are incapable of being exactly defined and located, and that such portions vary from one footwear to another. Thus, the location, the boundaries between, and the size of the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heal and arch area 116 of the sole 104 are only rough approximations although they are shown with solid boundary lines for simplicity reasons.

Referring now to FIGS. 13a, 13b, and 13c, the sole 104 comprises the blade 106 and a second cover plate 170. The second cover plate 170 is configured to be connectable and secured to the sole 104. The second cover plate 170 is also configured to be removable from the sole 104. The second cover plate 170 is configured to cover the blade 106 and configure the footwear 100 operable for walking or running but not limited to these. The sole 104 is operable for skating in FIG. 13a. The sole 104 is operable for walking or running but not limited to this in FIG. 13c. The toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116 are not shown separated with a solid line but the blade 106 is located in all of these areas in this embodiment.

FIG. 14a, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116 are flexible. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured flexible when it is located in one of the flexible areas.

FIG. 14b, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the toe area 112, and the heel and arch area 116. The ball of the foot area 114 is flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are rigid. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured rigid when it is located in one of the rigid areas but it may also be flexible. A flexible blade 106 which is located in a rigid area would make the blade essentially rigid and not capable to bend with the foot 108.

FIG. 14c, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the heel and arch area 116. The toe area 112 and the ball of the foot area 114 are flexible. The heel and arch area 116 is rigid. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured rigid when it is located in one of the rigid areas but it may also be flexible. A flexible blade 106 which is located in a rigid area would make the blade essentially rigid and not capable to bend with the foot 108.

FIG. 14d, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the toe area 112, and the heel and arch area 116. The blade 106 in the heel and arch area 116 comprises more than one blade 106. The ball of the foot area 114 is flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are rigid. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured rigid when it is located in one of the rigid areas but it may also be flexible. A flexible blade 106 which is located in a rigid area would make the blade essentially rigid and not capable to bend with the foot 108.

FIG. 15a, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the toe area 112, and the heel and arch area 116. The blade 106 in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 comprises more than one blade 106. The ball of the foot area 114 is flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are rigid. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured rigid when it is located in one of the rigid areas but it may also be flexible. A flexible blade 106 which is located in a rigid area would make the blade essentially rigid and not capable to bend with the foot 108.

FIG. 15b, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The blade 106 in the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116 comprises more than one blade 106. The toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116 are flexible. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured flexible when it is located in one of the flexible areas.

FIG. 15c, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the toe area 112, and the heel and arch area 116. The blade 106 in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 comprises more than one blade 106. The blade 106 in the toe area 112 is on an angle in relation to a direction from front to rear of the footwear 100. The ball of the foot area 114 is flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are rigid. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured rigid when it is located in one of the rigid areas but it may also be flexible. A flexible blade 106 which is located in a rigid area would make the blade essentially rigid and not capable to bend with the foot 108.

FIG. 15d, is a bottom view of the sole 104 comprising the toe area 112, the ball of the foot area 114, and the heel and arch area 116. The sole 104 comprises the blade 106. The blade 106 is located in the toe area 112, and the heel and arch area 116. The blade 106 in the toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 comprises more than one blade 106. The blade 106 in the toe area 112 and heel and arch area 116 are parallel in relation to a direction from front to rear of the footwear 100. The ball of the foot area 114 is flexible. The toe area 112 and the heel and arch area 116 are rigid. It is preferable that the blade 106 is configured rigid when it is located in one of the rigid areas but it may also be flexible. A flexible blade 106 which is located in a rigid area would make the blade essentially rigid and not capable to bend with the foot 108.

Referring now to FIGS. 1b, 1c, 10a, and 10b, a footwear system may include the footwear 100 shown in FIG. 1b, the sole 104 shown in FIG. 10a, and the blade assembly 146 shown in FIG. 10b. The sole 104 comprises an opening 164. The blade assembly 146 includes the blade 106. When the blade assembly 146 is mounted in at least one of the heel and arch area 116, the toe area 112, and the ball of the foot area 114 in a blade assembly first position 148 (shown earlier in FIG. 9a), this configures the footwear 100 operable for skating on the ice surface 120. When the blade assembly 146 is mounted in a blade assembly second position 150 (shown earlier in FIG. 9a), this configures the footwear 100 operable for walking or running but not limited to these on a non-ice surface 168.

Of course, the various aspects of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-15D may be mixed and matched as desired, where possible. Further, the present invention is not limited to only those embodiments shown.

Claims

1. A footwear, comprising:

an upper portion;
a sole connected to the upper portion;
a blade connected to the sole;
wherein the upper portion is configured to support a foot;
wherein the sole is configured to support a foot bottom;
wherein the sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area;
wherein the blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters;
wherein the blade is configured to engage with an ice surface; and
wherein the footwear is operable to wear on the foot.

2. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade is flexible and configured to bend with the sole;

3. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade is removable to configure the footwear operable for use on a non-ice surface;

4. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sole is rigid and not substantially capable to bend with the foot in at least one of, the toe area and the heel and arch area and wherein the blade is located in at least one of, the toe area, and the heel and arch area.

5. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade is located in at least one of, the toe area, the ball of the foot area, and the heel and arch area.

6. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade comprises a blade assembly, the blade assembly configured to connect the blade to the sole, and configured to be removable from the sole. The blade assembly may include a blade mounting structure.

7. The footwear as claimed in claim 6, wherein the blade assembly comprises a blade assembly first position and a blade assembly second position, wherein the blade assembly is configured connectable to the blade assembly first position and connectable to the blade assembly second position, and wherein the blade assembly is configured to engage with an ice surface in the blade assembly first position, and wherein the blade assembly is configured to engage with a non-ice surface in the blade assembly second position

8. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sole comprises an opening, the opening configured to connect the blade assembly within the opening.

9. The footwear as claimed in claim 8, wherein the opening is at least one of, closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole; closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole and one side of the sole; closed on all sides except for the bottom of the sole and two sides of the sole.

10. The footwear as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sole comprises a cover plate, the cover plate configured to be connectable to the opening in the sole, and wherein the cover plate configures the footwear operable for walking or running on a non-ice surface. The cover plate further comprises a cover plate surface preferably made of rubber but not limited to this.

11. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade is made of at least one of, a metal, a spring metal, and a stainless steel spring metal.

12. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sole comprises a sole bottom surface made of plastic and configured to be capable of sliding on the ice surface.

13. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade comprises at least one of, a flat contact profile, a concave contact profile, and a round contact profile.

14. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade comprises a first leading edge radius and a first trailing edge radius.

15. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blade comprises a blade width measurement preferably of approximately between two millimeters and fifteen millimeters but not limited to these;

16. The footwear as claimed in claim 6, wherein the blade assembly comprises a first plastic bottom surface made of plastic and configured to be capable of sliding on the ice surface.

17. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sole comprises a second leading edge radius and a second trailing edge radius.

18. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sole comprises an outer perimeter radius.

19. A method for transitioning from a walking state or a running state to a skating state, comprising:

providing the footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footwear is operable for a walking state or a running state; and
connecting the blade assembly to the sole.

20. A method for transitioning from a walking state or a running state to a skating state, comprising:

providing the footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footwear is operable for a walking state or a running state; and
removing the blade assembly from the blade assembly first position in the sole and connecting the blade assembly to the blade assembly second position in the sole.

21. A footwear, comprising:

an upper portion;
a sole connected to the upper portion;
a blade connected to the sole;
wherein the upper portion is configured to support a foot;
wherein the sole is configured to support a foot bottom;
wherein the sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area;
wherein the blade is flexible and configured to bend with the sole;
wherein the blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters;
wherein the blade is configured to engage with an ice surface; and
wherein the footwear is operable to wear on the foot.

22. A footwear, comprising:

an upper portion;
a sole connected to the upper portion;
a blade connected to the sole;
wherein the upper portion is configured to support a foot;
wherein the sole is configured to support a foot bottom;
wherein the sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area;
wherein the blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters;
wherein the blade is configured to engage with an ice surface; and
wherein the blade is removable to configure the footwear operable for use on a non-ice surface;
and: wherein the footwear is operable to wear on the foot.

23. A footwear, comprising:

an upper portion;
a sole connected to the upper portion;
a blade connected to the sole;
wherein the upper portion is configured to support a foot;
wherein the sole is configured to support a foot bottom;
wherein the sole is configured flexible to bend with the foot, the sole flexible to bend in at least one of, a toe area, a ball of the foot area, and a heel and arch area;
wherein the blade is flexible and configured to bend with the sole;
wherein the blade comprises a low profile blade height measurement of approximately between one millimeter and fifteen millimeters;
wherein the blade is configured to engage with an ice surface;
wherein the blade is removable to configure the footwear operable for use on a non-ice surface; and;
wherein the footwear is operable to wear on the foot.
Patent History
Publication number: 20140015208
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 14, 2012
Publication Date: Jan 16, 2014
Inventor: Douglas Pokupec (Burlington)
Application Number: 13/507,609
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Convertible (i.e., Velocipede Type) (280/7.1); Runner Type (280/11.12)
International Classification: A63C 1/00 (20060101); A63C 1/30 (20060101);