Shoe with Interchangeable components
Users need interchangeable components of a shoe, including shoe soles and uppers, to maximize efficiency. The interchangeable shoe design described in this patent allows users to achieve interchangeability without eliminating functionality. The primary objective of the invention is to create an interchangeable shoe, by means of a sole that secures an upper unit using an insole a rubber strip, connected to a fabric to form an upper or a toe cap, that is placed inside a channel created through the combination of an insole and sole unit.
A casual shoe with interchangeable components is described. An interchangeable shoe, by means of a sole that secures an upper unit using an insole unit, a resilient material (here on after “rubber strip) connected to a fabric to form an upper or a toe cap, that is placed inside a channel created through the combination of an insole and sole unit.
Most shoe companies sell identical shoe designs, with the main differentiators being color or material type. Typically, the shoe's upper and sole are permanently sewn together. The present invention eliminates sewing the upper and sole together while maintaining a seamless, unified look.
BACKGROUNDThe primary objective of the invention is to create an interchangeable shoe, by means of a sole that secures an upper unit using an insole a rubber strip, connected to a fabric to form an upper or a toe cap, that is placed inside a channel created through the combination of an insole and sole unit.
Interchangeable uppers give users flexibility to tailor a shoe's styles to an individual's needs. Users have the ability to wear casual shoes one minute and upscale shoes the next, without needing to purchase multiple shoes. The designs and colors of both uppers and soles can be mixed and matched to create various styles.
Accordingly, shoe soles and uppers wear down over time. Various types of damage shorten the life of non-interchangeable shoes, forcing users to spend more on new shoes. Interchangeable uppers and soles enable users to replace worn out or damaged pieces, without having to purchase entirely new shoes. For example, white shoes are easily stained. If permanent stains occur, the user can replace the damaged white upper at a significantly reduced cost.
There have been numerous attempts to create an interchangeable shoe. Some of these include U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,385 and U.S. Pat. No. US2011/0023326. U.S. Pat No. 2011/0023326 uses a zipper to attach the upper and sole to form a strong, durable interchangeable shoe. However, the zipper is visible around the entire shoe, compromising the shoe's appearance. U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,285 uses an upper that inserts into a sole. However, the upper covers the entire foot, similar to a sock, which can be uncomfortable to users. Our patent differs from the two mentioned patents by eliminating a zipper around the shoe's perimeter and using an upper and toe cap for a more relaxed fit.
Users need interchangeable components of a shoe, including shoe soles and uppers, to maximize efficiency. The interchangeable shoe design described in this patent allows users to achieve interchangeability without eliminating functionality.
The sole unit (10) is comprised of light weight, flexible material, such as rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride. The sole unit is molded to have a channel (not pictured in
The insole (11) has plugs (16) on the bottom that can be inserted into corresponding cavities on the shoe sole (10). Once the plugs are inserted into the cavities, the insole (11) and shoe sole (10) combine together to form a single wearable shoe sole.
The rubber strip (12) is comprised of flexible, moldable thermoplastic polyurethane or similar resilient material that is attached to the lower edge of the upper unit (13) or toe cap (14) and is inserted into the channel that runs along the perimeter of the sole unit (10). The rubber strip (12) forms a connection when inserted into the channel for the combination of various types of upper units (13) or toe caps (14). Various types of rubber strips are available in different styles, colors, sizes, and technical specifications. Although the connecting means can be a rubber strip (12), the connecting means can also include plastics, leathers, fabrics, metals, and other materials that facilitate the uppers' (13) connection or insertion into the channel (not pictured) formed by the sole unit (10) and insole (11), as mentioned by the assembly process that is demonstrated from
The upper unit (13) has a rubber strip that is attached to the its lower edge. The rubber strip is molded, sewn, glued, or attached via other means to the upper unit (13). The rubber strip (12) allows the upper unit (13) to be inserted into the sole unit (10) and placed in the channel (not pictured) that extends along the sole unit's (10) perimeter. The upper unit (13) can be fabricated from a variety of materials as known in the art, such as cloth, rubbers, plastics, composites, leathers, fabrics, etc.
The toe cap (14) has a rubber strip that is attached to the lower edge. The rubber strip is molded, sewn, glued, or attached via other means to the toe cap (14). The rubber strip (12) allows the toe cap (14) to be inserted into the sole unit (10) and placed in the channel (not pictured) that extends along the sole unit's (10) perimeter. The toe cap (14) can be fabricated from a variety of materials as known in the art, such as cloths, plastics, composites, leathers, fabrics, etc.
Claims
1. A shoe with interchangeable components, the device comprising:
- a) a removable upper unit or toe cap, extending at least partially along the user's foot; and
- b) a resilient material extending along an edge of the upper unit or toe cap; and
- c) a sole unit; and
- d) a removable insole unit, wherein the insole unit can form a connection to the sole unit; and
- e) a channel.
2. The shoe with interchangeable components of claim 1, wherein the sole unit comprises of thermoplastic polyurethane.
3. The shoe with interchangeable components of claim 1, wherein the insole comprises of thermoplastic polyurethane.
4. The shoe with interchangeable components of claim 1, wherein a connection of the insole unit and the sole unit forms a channel.
5. The shoe with interchangeable components of claim 1, wherein a channel extends at least partially around the perimeter of the sole unit and removable insole unit.
6. The shoe with interchangeable components of claim 1, wherein resilient material is attached to the upper unit or toe cap.
7. The shoe with interchangeable components of claim 1, wherein a secondary connection forms when the resilient material is placed in the channel to facilitate the attachment of a removable upper unit or toe cap to the sole unit.
8. The shoe with interchangeable components of claim 1, wherein a resilient material comprises of rubber.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 29, 2017
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
Inventor: Myles Patrick Osborn (Dallas, TX)
Application Number: 15/721,156