ADJUSTABLE FOOTWEAR SYSTEM

Abstract

Embodiments include a footwear system for receiving user-configurable strap arrangements comprising, a base member comprising a plurality of anchor points, a strap configured to extend from one anchor point to another anchor point, wherein the strap defines a plurality of strap apertures along a length the straps, and a fastener configured to be is disposed through two strap apertures to couple each of the one or more straps to itself and around at least a portion of an anchor point; wherein the anchor points each define an anchor opening that one of the one or more straps can pass through.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/933,577 filed Jan. 30, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable and customizable footwear system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a footwear system for receiving user configurable strap arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a need for a footwear system that can be configured according to the desires of the wearer to change and personalizing the appearance of the footwear. Sandals with interchangeable strap configurations can provide the wearer with style and fashion options and provide the ability to customize the fit of the sandal. There is a desire to have these options for customization in an attractive and easy-to-configure footwear system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a footwear system for receiving user-configurable strap arrangements comprising, a base member comprising a plurality of anchor points; a strap configured to extend from one anchor point to another anchor point, wherein the strap defines a plurality of strap apertures along a length the straps, and a fastener configured to be is disposed through two strap apertures to couple each of the one or more straps to itself and around at least a portion of an anchor point; wherein the anchor points each define an anchor opening that one of the one or more straps can pass through.

In an embodiment, the plurality of strap apertures are equally spaced along the strap.

In an embodiment, the strap apertures are slits defined in the one or more straps.

In an embodiment, the footwear system includes two or more straps configured to extend from one anchor point to another anchor point, and at least one of the straps defining plurality of apertures along its length.

In an embodiment, the strap includes a webbing and the strap apertures along the length of the strap are slits defined in the webbing.

In an embodiment, the base member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side perimeter surface and wherein the one or more anchor points are disposed around the periphery of the top surface.

In an embodiment, the base member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side perimeter surface and wherein the one or more anchor points are disposed on the side perimeter surface.

In an embodiment, the footwear system comprises a webbing assembly coupled to the base member and the webbing assembly defines one or more of the plurality of anchor points.

In an embodiment, the base member comprises an insole coupled to an outsole and a portion of the webbing assembly is disposed between the insole and the outsole.

In an embodiment, the webbing assembly further comprises a webbing and a cord, wherein each anchor opening is defined in a space between a portion of the cord and a portion of the webbing

In an embodiment, the cord is attached to an elongate edge of the webbing, wherein each anchor opening is defined between a portion of the cord and a portion of the elongate edge of the webbing.

In an embodiment, the cord is attached to a center portion of the webbing, wherein each anchor opening is defined between a portion of the cord and a portion of the center of the webbing.

In an embodiment, the anchor points are defined continuously around a perimeter of the base member.

In an embodiment, the anchor points are defined in a consistently spaced pattern around a perimeter of the base member.

In an embodiment, the total number of anchor points is at least one more than double the amount of straps.

In an embodiment, the fastener comprises a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion; and the top portion and the bottom portion have a larger diameter than at least a portion of the middle portion.

In an embodiment, the middle portion comprises a ring, wherein the ring has a larger diameter than the rest of the middle portion.

In an embodiment, the ring has a substantially equal diameter as the top portion and the bottom portion.

In an embodiment, the footwear system comprises a toe attachment point that defines a toe opening, wherein the toe opening is configured to allow a strap to pass through.

In an embodiment, the footwear system comprises one or more decorative elements coupled to a strap aperture or an anchor point.

This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the footwear system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the footwear system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of FIG. 1, without straps, along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of FIG. 1, without straps, along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a portion of a cross-section view of FIG. 5, but showing the toe post in a stored position, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a toe attachment point of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a strap for a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a fastener for a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a fastener for a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a strap for a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a fastener for a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a fastener for a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG. 14, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG. 16, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG. 18, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a second footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the footwear system of FIG. 22, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the footwear system of FIG. 22, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the footwear system of FIG. 22 without any straps, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a front view of a webbing assembly, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of FIG. 22, according to an embodiment, taken along line 27-27 in FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of FIG. 22 without any straps, according to an embodiment, taken along line 28-28 in FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a front view of a second toe attachment point, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG. 30, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG. 32, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a top view of a footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the footwear system shown in FIG. 34, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a third footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the footwear system of FIG. 36, with parts disassembled and additional parts shown, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 38-46 are top views of the footwear system of FIG. 37, in alternative configurations of the straps, according to several embodiments.

FIG. 47 is a top view of a fourth footwear system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a bottom view of the footwear system of FIG. 47, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 49 is a bottom view of a foot bed of the footwear system of FIG. 47, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 50 is a cross-section view of the footwear system of FIG. 47, along line 50-50 in FIG. 48, according to an embodiment.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.

All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference. The publications and patents disclosed herein are provided solely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate any publication and/or patent, including any publication and/or patent cited herein.

A number of different embodiments of adjustable footwear systems are described. A footwear system can include a base member, such as the sole of the footwear system. The base member can include an insole and an outsole. The base member can define or include a plurality of anchor points. The footwear system can include one or more straps that can secure or couple the footwear system to a user's foot. The footwear system can be adjustable, such that a user can configure or adjust the straps into different configurations depending on which anchor points are used to temporarily attach, anchor, or couple the straps to the base member. In some configurations of the footwear system there can be unused anchor points, such as anchor points that do not have a strap passing through them. The straps can be configured to be easily attached to itself, easily detached from itself and easily reattached to itself, so that the user can change the strap configuration. In one embodiment, the attaching and reattaching of the straps can be accomplished by hand and without the use of any tools.

The straps can include a plurality of apertures that can be used to temporarily couple decorative elements to the footwear system or to temporarily attach the strap to itself, such as around a portion of an anchor point. In an embodiment, at least one of the straps can have apertures along the entire length of the strap, such as in a repeating pattern. In an embodiment, all of the straps have apertures along their entire lengths.

In an embodiment, the anchor points can be located around the perimeter of the base member, such as on the top surface of the base member or on the side perimeter wall of the base member. The anchor points can be consistently spaced around the perimeter of the base members, such as a repeating pattern of anchor points.

In reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include a base member 102. The base member 102 can include a top surface 104, a side perimeter surface 106, and a bottom surface 108. The top surface 104 can be a surface that a user's foot is in contact with during standard use of the footwear system 100. The bottom surface 108 can be a surface that is in contact with the ground during standard use of the footwear system 100. The side perimeter surface 106 can be the surface between the top surface 104 and the bottom surface 108. In an embodiment, the side perimeter surface 106 can be perpendicular to one or both of the top surface 104 and the bottom surface 108.

The footwear system 100 can include a strap 110. In an embodiment, the footwear system 100 can include two straps, three straps, or four straps. Other numbers of straps included in the footwear system 100 are also possible. The strap 110 (alone or in combination with the base member 102) can define a loop configured to allow a portion of the user's leg or foot to pass through, such as to couple the footwear system 100 to the user.

The footwear system 100 can include a plurality of anchor points 112. The anchor points 112 can be located on the base member 102. In an embodiment, the anchor points 112 can be located on the side perimeter surface 106 (as shown in FIG. 1). The anchor points 112 can be located continuously around the perimeter of the base member 102. The anchor points 112 can be located in a consistently spaced pattern around the perimeter of the base member 102. In an embodiment, the anchor points 112 can be unequally spaced around the perimeter, such that the distance between two anchor points 112 will be larger or smaller than the distance between two alternative anchor points 112. The anchor points 112 can be of substantially similar size and spacing around the perimeter of the footwear system 100. In an embodiment, there are an equal number of straps 110 and anchor points 112. In an embodiment, there are more anchor points 112 than straps 110. In an embodiment, the number of anchor points 112 is greater than or equal to double the amount of straps 110 plus one (for example, if there are 3 straps 110 there can be at least 7 anchor points 112).

The anchor point 112 can define a point at which a strap 110 can be coupled to the base member 102. An anchor point 112 can define an anchor opening 114. The anchor opening 114 can be configured to allow a strap 110 to pass through the opening. The strap 110 can be temporarily attached to itself, such as forming a loop around a portion of the anchor point 112, effectively coupling the strap 110 to the base member 102. The strap 110 can be attached to itself with a fastener 116. The fastener 116 can be removable, such as to unattach the strap 110 from itself. The strap 110 can be temporarily attached to itself, such that when the fastener 116 is removed, the strap 110 is no longer attached to itself. The strap 110 can be moved, such as to different anchor points 112 and then reattached to itself via a fastener 116.

The footwear system 100 can include a toe attachment point 118. The toe attachment point 118 can be located on the top surface 104 of the base member 102. The toe attachment point 118 can be located, such that it is disposed between a user's toes during standard use of the footwear system 100. The toe attachment point 118 can include a toe post 119. The toe attachment point 118 or the toe post 119 can define a toe opening 120. The toe opening 120 can be configured to allow a portion of a strap 110 to pass through the toe attachment point 118.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include a webbing assembly 122 disposed around the perimeter of the base member 102, such as on the side perimeter surface 106. The webbing assembly 122 can define one or more of the plurality of anchor points 112. The webbing assembly 122 can include webbing 124 and a cord 126. The webbing 124 can include a webbing surface 125, such as the surface between the two edges of the webbing 124. In an embodiment, the cord 126 can be woven in and out through the webbing, such as along the webbing surface 125. The cord 126 can be woven in and out along the webbing surface, such as to define a plurality of anchor openings 114 on one side of the webbing. In one embodiment, each anchor point 112 is defined between the webbing and a section of the cord 126, where each end of the cord section passes back through the webbing.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the top surface 104 can be substantially planar. In an embodiment, the top surface 104 can be non-planar; such as to at least partially conform to the user's foot. The top surface 104 can also include ridges or other contours to increase comfort, provide the right amount of friction or gripping of the foot or provide other benefit for the user.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the footwear system 100 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment. The webbing assembly 122 can be at least partially recessed in the base member 102, such that the webbing 124 does not extend past the outer most edge of the top surface 104 or the bottom surface 108.

The cord 126 can weave through the webbing 124, such that at some places the cord 126 can be disposed between the webbing 124 and the base member 102 (such as the left portion of FIG. 4) and at some places the webbing 124 can be disposed between the cord 126 and the base member 102 (such as the right portion of FIG. 4).

In an embodiment, the webbing assembly 122 defines the anchor points 112 and the anchor openings 114. The anchor openings 114 can be defined as the openings between the cord 126 and the webbing 124, when the webbing 124 is disposed between the cord 126 and the base member 102. The anchor openings 114 can be configured such that at least a portion of a strap 110 can pass through the anchor opening 114. Each anchor openings 114 is large enough so that a strap 110 can pass through it.

In an embodiment, the cord 126 can be attached to a center portion of the webbing 124, and the anchor opening 114 can be defined as the opening between a portion of the cord 226 and a portion of the center of the webbing 124. The cord 126 can include a plurality of cord lengths. Each end of each cord length could be coupled to the center portion of the webbing 124. The ends of each cord length could be coupled to the webbing 124 at a distance less than the length of the cord length, so that there is enough slack in the cord length to define the anchor openings 114. In such an embodiment, the webbing 124 can be disposed between the base member 102 and the cord 126 at each anchor point 112.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the footwear system 100 taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include a cavity 128. The cavity 128 can be configured to contain at least a portion of the toe attachment point 118 and the toe post 119 which defines the toe opening 120.

In one embodiment, the toe post 119 is moveable between an attachment position and a stored position. In the attachment position the toe post 119 is able to allow a strap 110 to pass through the toe opening 120. When in the attachment position, the toe opening 120 can be above the top surface 104. The toe post 119 is shown in an attachment position in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 shows the toe post 119 in a stored position. In a stored position, the majority of the toe post 119 can be disposed in the cavity 128. In a stored position, the toe opening 120 can be disposed in the cavity 128. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the toe post 119 can be substantially in the same plane as the top surface 104 of the base member 102.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a toe post 119, according to an embodiment. The toe post 119 can define a toe opening 120. The toe opening 120 can be configured such that a portion of a strap 110 can pass through the toe opening 120. The bottom of the toe post 119 can be planar, such that when the toe post 119 is in the stored position, the bottom of the toe post 119 can be substantially in the same plane as the top surface 104 of the base member 102.

The toe post 119 includes a toe post base 117 and a flexible toe post loop 121 in the embodiment of FIG. 7. The toe post base 117 can be made of a rigid material and be configured to fit within an opening 160 in the base member 102. The toe post base 117 can include a bottom portion of a first diameter, a middle portion with a smaller diameter than the first diameter, and a top portion with the first diameter, as shown in FIG. 7. The middle portion with the smaller diameter matches the diameter of the opening 160 in the base member 102. Now referring to FIG. 5, the base member 102 can include a top insole member 162 and a bottom outsole member 164. The top insole member 162 includes the top surface 104 and can define the opening 160 for the toe post 119. Bottom outsole member 164 can define a cavity larger than the opening 160 for receiving the top portion of the toe post 119 when it is in a stored position and receiving the bottom portion of the toe post 119 when it is in an attachment position.

The toe post 119 of FIG. 7 further includes an arch member on top which is attached to the toe post loop 121. The toe post loop 121 can be a flexible material, such as a cord. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the toe post loop 121 is a loop of flexible cord material that is secured to the arch member of the toe post loop 121.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of one embodiment of a strap 180 for a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. The strap 180 can include webbing. FIG. 9 shows a top view of a buckle fastener 182 that can temporarily attach a strap 180 to itself, such as the strap 180 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 shows a cross-section of the buckle fastener 182 along line 10-10 in FIG. 9. The buckle fastener 182 can define a first opening 130 and a second opening 132. The strap 180 can pass through the first opening 130 and the second opening 132. The strap 180 can then pass through an anchor opening 114 and around a portion of an anchor point 112. Next, the strap 180 can pass through the second opening 132 and the first opening 130 to at least temporarily attach the strap 180 to itself and at least temporarily couple the strap 180 to the base member 102.

The strap 180 can be uncoupled or unattached by removing the fastener 182, such as if the user intends to remove the strap 180 from the footwear system 100 or reconfigure the strap 180, such as by using different anchor points 112.

FIG. 11 shows a front view of a different example strap 188 for a footwear system 100, according to an embodiment. The strap 188 can include webbing. The strap 188 can define a plurality of strap apertures 134. In one embodiment, the webbing is woven so as to define the strap apertures 134. In an embodiment, there are strap apertures 134 defined along the entire length of the strap (as shown in FIG. 11). The strap apertures 134 can be configured to allow a fastener to at least partially pass through the strap 188, such as to couple the strap 188 to itself. The strap apertures 134 can be substantially of equal size. The strap apertures 134 can be substantially equally spaced along the length of the strap 188. The strap apertures 134 can be consistently spaced along the length of the strap 188. The strap apertures 134 can be slits defined by the strap 188.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a button fastener 190 that can temporarily attach a strap 188 with apertures to itself, such as the strap 188 shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the fastener 190 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12. The button fastener 190 can be substantially cylindrical. The fastener 190 can include a top portion 136, a middle portion 138, and a bottom portion 140. The top portion 136 and the bottom portion 140 can have a larger diameter than at least a portion of the middle portion 138. The middle portion 138 can include a smaller-diameter post and a larger-diameter ring 142. In an embodiment, the top portion 136, the bottom portion 140, and the ring 142 have substantially similar diameters.

When a strap 188 is attached to itself, portions of the strap 188 can be disposed between the top portion 136 and the bottom portion 140 of the button fastener 190. In an embodiment, portions of the strap 188 can be disposed between the top portion 136 and the bottom portion 140, and the ring 142 can be disposed between portions of the strap 188.

The strap 188 can be uncoupled or unattached by removing the button fastener 190, such as if the user intends to remove the strap 188 from the footwear system 100 or reconfigure the strap 188, such as by using different attachment points. A user passes an end of the strap 188 through one of the anchor points 112, and then uses the button fastener 190 to attach the end of the strap to the rest of the strap. The user passes a top portion 136 of the button fastener 190 through one of the strap apertures 134, much like passing a button through button hole, and then passes a bottom portion 140 of the button fastener 190 through another of the strap apertures 134, thereby attaching the strap to itself.

The footwear systems described herein could incorporate many different fasteners to attach a strap to itself. Options include the buckle fastener 182 of FIGS. 9-10, the button fastener 190 of FIGS. 12-13, different types of buckle or button fasteners, snaps, Velcro® fastener material, and other fastening devices.

FIGS. 14-21 show views of the footwear system 100 with a variety of different arrangements of a strap or straps 110. FIG. 14 is a top view of a footwear system 100 with an alternate strap arrangement compared to FIG. 1, according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a side view of the footwear system 100 shown in FIG. 14. The footwear system 100 can include two straps 110. A strap 110 can be configured to be temporarily attached to the toe attachment point 118 and an anchor point 112. A second strap 110 can be configured to be temporarily attached to two other anchor points 112 near a heel area of the base member 102. The second strap 110 can also define a loop, such as to go around a user's ankle or foot. The straps 110 can be temporarily attached, such that they can be unattached and reattached into a different configuration, such as those shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, and in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a footwear system 100 with an alternate strap arrangement compared to FIGS. 1 and 14, according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a side view of the footwear system 100 shown in FIG. 16. In an embodiment, a strap 110 can be temporally attached to an anchor point and to another strap 110. A strap 110 can be temporarily attached to one anchor point, such as to form a loop, as shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows a top view of a footwear system 100 with a further alternate strap arrangement, according to an embodiment. FIG. 19 shows a side view of the footwear system 100 shown in FIG. 18. The footwear system 100 can include three straps 110. In an embodiment, two of the straps 110 can cross each other, such as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 100 with a yet further alternate strap arrangement, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include one or more decorative elements 144. A decorative element 144 can be attached to the footwear system 100, such as at an anchor point 112 or a strap aperture 134. FIG. 20 shows decorative elements 144 attached at four anchor points 112. FIG. 1 shows decorative elements attached at four anchor points 112 and at one strap aperture 134 in a strap 110. The decorative element 144 can include a symbol, a shape, or another decorative design. The decorative element 144 can be temporarily attached, such that the user can customize or change the appearance of the footwear system 100. The structure of the decorative element 144 includes an attachment device not visible in the FIGS. to attach the decorative element to an anchor point or strap aperture. Examples of the attachment device include a clip or a structure similar to the toe post base 117 having two disks with a connecting cylinder.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 100 with a still further alternate strap arrangement, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 100 can include a strap 110. In an embodiment, the ends of a strap can be tied together to define a loop, such as around a user's ankle or foot.

The embodiments of the footwear system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-21 could be used with a variety of different strap types and strap lengths. The embodiments that show a strap with a buckle fastener could alternatively be made with a strap 188 having strap apertures and a fastener 190, shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 11-13. The embodiments that show a strap having strap apertures and a fastener 190 could alternatively be made with the strap and buckle fastener 182 shown in FIGS. 8-10 and 14-20. The embodiments shown with fastener 190 or buckle fastener 182 could alternatively be made with a strap of sufficient length to tie to itself in order to secure it.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 200, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 200 can include a base member 202. The base member 202 can include a top surface 204, a side perimeter surface 206, and a bottom surface 208. The top surface 204 can be a surface that a user's foot is in contact with during standard use of the footwear system 200. The bottom surface 208 can be a surface that is in contact with the ground during standard use of the footwear system 200. The side perimeter surface 206 can be the surface between the top surface 204 and the bottom surface 208 around the perimeter of the base member 202. In an embodiment, the side perimeter surface 206 can be perpendicular to one or both of the top surface 204 and the bottom surface 208.

The footwear system 200 can include a strap 210. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the footwear system 200 includes two straps 210. Other numbers of straps included in the footwear system 200 are also possible, such as three, four, or five. The strap 210 (alone or in combination with the base member 202) can define a loop configured to allow a portion of the user's leg or foot to pass through, such as to couple the footwear system 200 to the user.

The footwear system 200 can include a plurality of anchor points 212. In an embodiment, there can be an equal number of straps 210 and anchor points 212. In an embodiment, there can be more anchor points 212 than straps 210. In an embodiment, the number of anchor points 212 is greater than or equal to double the amount of straps 210 plus one (for example, if there are 3 straps 210 there can be at least 7 anchor points 212).

The anchor points 212 can be located on the base member 202. In an embodiment, the anchor points 212 can be located on the top surface 204 (as shown in FIG. 22). The anchor points 212 can be located continuously around the perimeter of the base member 202 or the top surface 204. The anchor points 212 can be located in a consistently spaced pattern around the perimeter of the base member 202, such as on the top surface 204. In an embodiment, the anchor points 212 can be unequally spaced around the perimeter, such that the distance between two anchor points 212 will be larger or smaller than the distance between two alternative anchor points 212. The anchor points 212 can be of substantially similar size and spacing around the perimeter of the footwear system 200.

An anchor point 212 can define an anchor opening 214. The anchor point 212 can define a point at which a strap 210 can be at least temporarily coupled to the base member 202. The anchor opening 214 can be configured to allow a strap 210 (or multiple straps) to pass through the opening. The strap 210 can be temporarily attached to itself, such as forming a loop around a portion of the anchor point 212, effectively coupling the strap 210 to the base member 202. The strap 210 can be attached to itself with a fastener 216.

The footwear system 200 can include a toe attachment point 218. The toe attachment point 218 can be located on the top surface 204 of the base member 202. The toe attachment point 218 can include a toe post 219. The toe post 219 can be located, such that it is disposed between a user's toes during standard use of the footwear system 200. The toe attachment point 218 can define a toe opening 220 (shown in FIG. 29). The toe opening 220 can be configured to allow a portion of a strap 210 to pass through the toe attachment point 218.

The one or more straps 210 included in the footwear system 200 can include webbing. The one or more straps 210 included in the footwear system 200 can include strap apertures. The straps 210 and fasteners 216 can be similar to those described in FIGS. 8-13 above. In the embodiments of the footwear system 200 shown in FIGS. 22-24 and FIGS. 30-35, the strap 210 is similar to the strap 188 with apertures shown in FIG. 11, except that the strap 210 is wider. The strap 210 also is made of webbing where the webbing is woven to define apertures along its length, like strap 188 of FIG. 11. The fastener 216 shown in FIGS. 22-24 and 30-35 is like the fastener 190 shown in FIGS. 12-13 and described with respect to those FIGS. It is also possible to use different strap configurations and fasteners, such as strap 180 of FIG. 8 and buckle fastener 182 of FIGS. 9-10 with the embodiments of footwear system 200.

FIG. 23 shows a top view of a footwear system 200, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the top surface 204 can be substantially planar. In an embodiment, the top surface 204 can be non-planar; such as to at least partially conform to the user's foot. The top surface 204 can include ridges or other contours to increase comfort, grip the foot or other advantages.

FIG. 24 shows a side view of a footwear system 200 with two straps 210, according to an embodiment. FIG. 25 shows a side view of a base member 202 of a footwear system 200 without any straps, according to an embodiment. A portion of the anchor points 212 can extend vertically, such as above the top surface 204. The anchor openings 214 can extend vertically, such as being perpendicular to the top surface 204.

FIG. 26 shows a front view of a webbing assembly, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 200 can include a webbing assembly 222. The webbing assembly 222 can be disposed around the perimeter of the base member 202, such as on the top surface 204. The webbing assembly 222 can be coupled to the base member 202. The webbing assembly 222 can at least partially define the location of the one or more anchor points 212 and anchor openings 214. The webbing assembly can include webbing 224 and a cord 226. The webbing 224 can include an elongate edge 246. The cord 226 can be attached to the elongate edge 246. The cord 226 can be sewn to the elongate edge 246 of the webbing 224, so that the cord 226 passes back and forth through the webbing 224. Each anchor opening 214 can be defined as a space between a portion of the cord 226 and a portion of the webbing 224.

FIG. 27 shows a cross-section view of a footwear system 200, according to an embodiment, along line 27-27 in FIG. 23, passing through the heel area of base member 202. The base member 202 can include an insole 248 and an outsole 250. The insole 248 can be a portion of the footwear system 200 that contacts the user's foot in normal use. The outsole 250 can be a portion of the footwear system 200 that contacts the ground in normal use. An upper perimeter portion 251 of the outsole 250 surrounds the insole 248. The webbing assembly 222 can be at least partially disposed between the insole 248 and the outsole 250. For example, the webbing assembly 222 can be disposed between the insole 248 and the upper perimeter portion 251 of the outsole 250. The webbing assembly 222 can be disposed around or near the periphery of the top surface 204. The outsole 250 may also include a bottom perimeter portion 249 that is made of a different material than the remainder of the outsole 250, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. The bottom perimeter portion 249 of the outsole 250 can be made of a more durable material in some embodiments.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-section view of a footwear system 200 along line 28-28 in FIG. 23, without any straps, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 200 can include a toe attachment point 218. The base member 202 can include a cavity 252 at or near the toe attachment point 218, such as to house at least a portion of the toe attachment point 218. In an embodiment, the cavity 252 is keyhole shaped, as shown in FIG. 23. The keyhole shape of cavity 252 facilitates sliding the toe post 219 into position in the cavity 252. The toe attachment point 218 can be removable, such that it can be removed when it is not being use.

FIG. 29 is a front view of a toe attachment point 218, according to an embodiment. The toe attachment point 218 can include a toe post 219. The toe post 219 can define a toe opening 220. The toe opening 220 can be configured such that a portion of a strap 210 can pass through the toe opening 220. The bottom of the toe post 219 can be configured to fit within a portion of the cavity 252. The toe post 219 includes a toe base portion 217 and a flexible toe post loop 221. The toe base portion 217 can be made of a rigid material. The toe base portion 217 can include a disk that can slide into a bottom part of the cavity 252 and an arch member that can extend through the top part of the cavity 252. The arch member can be used to attach a flexible toe post loop 221. The toe post loop 221 defines the toe opening 220.

FIG. 30 is a top view of a footwear system 200 having a different strap arrangement than FIGS. 22-24, according to an embodiment. FIG. 31 shows a side view of the footwear system 200 shown in FIG. 30. The footwear system 200 can include one strap 210 that is attached at two anchor points 212 and passes through the toe attachment point 218. The straps 110 can be temporarily attached, such that they can be unattached and reattached into a different configuration, such as those shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33, and in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35.

FIG. 32 is a top view of a footwear system 200 with a further alternate strap arrangement, according to an embodiment. FIG. 33 shows a side view of the footwear system 200 shown in FIG. 32. In an embodiment, the footwear system 200 can include four straps 210. One or more of the straps can be temporarily attached to two anchor points 212. One or more straps 210 can be temporarily attached to another strap 210.

FIG. 34 shows a top view of a footwear system 200 having a still further strap arrangement, according to an embodiment. FIG. 35 shows a side view of the footwear system 200 shown in FIG. 34. The footwear system 200 can include two straps 210. In an embodiment, two of the straps 210 can be substantially parallel with each other. In an embodiment, two of the straps 110 can cross each other, such as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23.

FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 300, according to an embodiment. The footwear system 300 can include a base member 302, one or more straps 310, and one or more anchor points 312. The strap 310 can define a plurality of strap apertures 334. A fastener 316 can at least partially pass through two strap apertures 334 to temporarily attach the strap 310 to itself, such as around at least a portion of an anchor point 312.

The anchor points 312 can define an aperture that extends through the base member 302. A cross member 360 can extend across the aperture. A strap 310 can extend at least partially through the aperture and around the cross member 360. The strap 310 can be temporarily attached to itself, such as to at least temporarily couple the strap 310 to the base member 302.

The strap 310 can be temporarily coupled to the base member 302, such that a user can uncouple the strap 310. The user can uncouple the strap 310, such as to reconfigure the strap 310 (using different anchor points 312) or removed the strap 310 (if less straps 310 are desired).

The footwear system 300 can include one or more decorative elements 344. A decorative element 344 can be attached to the footwear system 300, such as at a strap aperture 392. The decorative element 344 can include a symbol, a shape, or another decorative design. The decorative element 344 can be temporarily attached, such that the user can customize or change the appearance of the footwear system 300.

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of a footwear system 300, according to an embodiment. In FIG. 37, the straps 310, the fasteners 316, the base members 302, and the decorative elements 344 are all unattached from each other. The user can assemble or attach these components together in the configuration that the user desires, using all or only some of these components.

FIGS. 38-46 show top views of a footwear system 300, in different strap configurations. It should be understood that additional configurations of the footwear system 300 are possible, such as using different amounts of straps 310, different anchor points 312, different amounts of anchor points 312, or different decorative elements 344.

FIG. 47 shows a top view of a further footwear system 400, according to an embodiment, with many similarities to footwear system 300 of FIGS. 36-37. Similarities include straps 410 with strap apertures, fasteners of the types described herein to attach the strap 410 to itself, and anchor points. FIG. 48 shows a bottom view of the footwear system 400 of FIG. 47, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 49 shows a bottom view of a portion of the footwear system 400, according to an embodiment. FIG. 50 shows a cross-section view of a footwear system 400, according to an embodiment. The base member 402 can include an insole 448 and an outsole 450. The cross members can be integral with the insole 448, the outsole 450 or both the insole 448 and the outsole 450. In an embodiment, the cross member 460 is an insert. The cross member 460 can be disposed between the insole 448 and the outsole 450.

The straps 310 of footwear system 300 and the straps 410 of footwear system 400 can be similar to the straps 188 with apertures described herein.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration to. The phrase “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be

Claims

1. A footwear system for user-configurable strap arrangements comprising:

a base member configured to receive a foot, the base member comprising a plurality of anchor points for one or more straps;

a strap configured to extend from one of the anchor points to another of the anchor points, wherein the strap defines a plurality of strap apertures along a length of the strap; and

a fastener configured to be disposed through two of the strap apertures to couple the strap to itself when the strap passes around at least a portion of one of the anchor points; and

wherein the anchor points each define an anchor opening that the strap can pass through.

2. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of strap apertures are equally spaced along the strap.

3. The footwear system according to claim 2, wherein the strap apertures are slits defined in the strap.

4. The footwear system according to claim 2, comprising two or more straps configured to extend from one anchor point to another anchor point, and at least one of the straps defining plurality of apertures along its length.

5. The footwear system according to claim 1 wherein the strap comprises a webbing and the strap apertures along the length of the strap are slits defined in the webbing.

6. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side perimeter surface and wherein the one or more anchor points are disposed around a periphery of the top surface.

7. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side perimeter surface and wherein the one or more anchor points are disposed on the side perimeter surface.

8. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the footwear system comprises a webbing assembly coupled to the base member and the webbing assembly defines one or more of the plurality of anchor points.

9. The footwear system according to claim 8, wherein the base member comprises an insole coupled to an outsole and a portion of the webbing assembly is disposed between the insole and the outsole.

10. The footwear system according to claim 8, wherein the webbing assembly further comprises a webbing and a cord, wherein each anchor opening is defined in a space between a portion of the cord and a portion of the webbing.

11. The footwear system according to claim 10, wherein the cord is attached to an elongate edge of the webbing, wherein each anchor opening is defined between a portion of the cord and a portion of the elongate edge of the webbing.

12. The footwear system according to claim 10 wherein the cord is attached to a webbing surface of the webbing, wherein each anchor opening is defined between a portion of the cord and a portion of the webbing surface of the webbing.

13. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the anchor points are defined continuously around a perimeter of the base member.

14. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the anchor points are defined in a consistently spaced pattern around a perimeter of the base member.

15. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the total number of anchor points is at least one more than double the amount of straps.

16. The footwear system according to claim 1, wherein the fastener comprises a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion and the top portion and the bottom portion have a larger diameter than at least a portion of the middle portion.

17. The footwear system according to claim 16, wherein the middle portion comprises a ring, wherein the ring has a larger diameter than the rest of the middle portion.

18. The footwear system according to claim 17, wherein the ring has a substantially equal diameter as the top portion and the bottom portion.

19. The footwear system according to claim 1, comprising a toe attachment point that defines a toe opening, wherein the toe opening is configured to allow a strap to pass through.

20. The footwear system according to claim 1, comprising one or more decorative elements configured to be removably and interchangeably coupled to a strap aperture or an anchor point.

21. A footwear system for user-configurable strap arrangements comprising:

a base member configured to receive a foot, the base member comprising a plurality of anchor points for one or more straps, wherein the anchor points are evenly space around a perimeter of the base member;

two or more straps configured to extend from one of the anchor points to another of the anchor points, wherein the strap defines a plurality of strap apertures along a length of the strap; and

two or more fasteners configured to be disposed through two of the strap apertures to couple the strap to itself when the strap passes around at least a portion of one of the anchor points; and

wherein the anchor points each define an anchor opening that the strap can pass through.