Footwear With One or More Removable and Interchangeable Panels

Abstract

A shoe comprising an upper, a midsole coupled to the upper and comprising a recess proximal to a junction between the upper and the midsole, a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insert configured to seat within the recess, and a shoe panel configured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first end configured to seat within the channel of the midsole insert. The shoe panel may be a midfoot or heel panel and may be detachably coupled to the upper by a hook and loop closure. The shoe may be a slip on shoe comprising a tongue side extension that is tucked under a quarter extension to allow a midfoot panel to smoothly couple to the upper over the tongue.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Example embodiments in general relate to footwear having a removable and interchangeable panel.

2. Related Art

Many people prefer to wear footwear that matches the colors and/or style of their clothing. Conventional footwear requires the wearer to change shoes in order to change the color scheme or style of the shoe to match the wearer's preferences relative to the wearer's clothing. This requires the purchase of multiple pairs of shoes in various colors and/or styles which is expensive and requires a great deal of space to store the shoes when not in use.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to footwear comprising one or more interchangeable panels. The footwear includes various features that individually or in combination allow one or more panels to be coupled to an upper of the shoe and removed and interchanged as the wearer desires.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the footwear in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the footwear that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the footwear in detail, it is to be understood that the footwear is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The footwear is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Implementations of a shoe may comprise an upper, a midsole coupled to the upper and comprising a recess proximal to a junction between the upper and the midsole, a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insert configured to seat within the recess, and a shoe panel configured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first end configured to seat within the channel of the midsole insert.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features. The shoe panel may be a midfoot panel comprising a second end configured to seat within a second channel on an opposite side of the shoe. The shoe may further comprise a midfoot hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel. The shoe may further comprise a vamp hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel. The midfoot panel may comprise one or more reinforcement elements on at least one of the first and second ends of the midfoot panel. The upper may further comprise a tongue extending upward from a vamp of the shoe, the tongue may comprise a tongue side extension on at least one side of the tongue. The upper may further comprise a quarter extension on each of a first and a second side of the tongue, the quarter extensions may be configured to overlap onto an upper surface of the tongue. At least one of the quarter extensions may comprises a magnet and the midfoot panel comprises a magnet configured to mate with the magnet of the at least one of the quarter extensions. The midfoot panel may comprise a plurality of eyelets comprising a lace running therethrough. The shoe panel may be a heel panel configured to detachably couple to the shoe upper at the heel of the shoe. The shoe may further comprise a heel hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a heel panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the heel panel. The shoe may further comprise an embellishment recess configured to house a decorative element. The embellishment recess may further comprise a magnet configured to mate with a magnet located on the decorative element. The embellishment recess may be located on the shoe panel. The channel may be substantially L-shaped.

Implementations of a shoe may comprise an upper, a midsole coupled to the upper and comprising a channel proximal to a junction between the upper and the midsole, and a shoe panel configured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first end configured to seat within the channel of the midsole.

Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following features. The shoe panel may be a midfoot panel comprising a second end configured to seat within a second channel on an opposite side of the shoe. The shoe may further comprise at least one of a midfoot hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel and a vamp hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel. The midfoot panel may comprise one or more reinforcement elements on at least one of the first and second ends of the midfoot panel. The upper may further comprise a tongue extending upward from a vamp of the shoe, the tongue may comprise a tongue side extension on at least one side of the tongue. The upper may further comprise a quarter comprising a quarter extension on each of a first and a second side of the tongue. The quarter extensions may be configured to overlap onto an upper surface of the tongue and at least one of the quarter extensions may comprise a magnet. The midfoot panel may comprise a magnet configured to mate with the magnet of the at least one of the quarter extensions.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that he can be his own lexicographer if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as his own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless he clearly states otherwise and then further, expressly sets forth the “special” definition of that term and explains how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Brief Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein. Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of footwear having a removable midfoot panel.

FIG. 2 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 1 without the footwear upper.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a midsole comprising first and second recesses.

FIG. 4 provides an embodiment of a midsole comprising a midsole insert.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6-7 and 12-13 depict exemplary embodiments of a removable midfoot panel.

FIGS. 8-9 depict an exemplary embodiment of footwear comprising quarter extensions.

FIGS. 10-11 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel seated within a channel of the midsole.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment of footwear comprising a removable heel panel.

FIGS. 15-18 depict an embodiment of a midfoot panel comprising a midfoot panel tab.

FIGS. 19-20 depict an embodiment of footwear comprising quarter extensions and tongue side extensions.

FIG. 21 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of footwear comprising a midfoot panel having laces.

FIGS. 22-23 depict an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel comprising an embellishment recess and embellishment, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of footwear comprising removable and interchangeable panels, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The footwear comprising removable and interchangeable panels may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. As used herein, phrases such as “make contact with,” “coupled to,” “touch,” “interface with” and “engage” may be used interchangeably.

The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “exemplary embodiments”, “some embodiments” or other similar language refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “exemplary embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments” or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended footwear and/or assembly procedures for footwear with interchangeable panels will become apparent for use with implementations of footwear from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular footwear is disclosed, such footwear, interchangeable panels, and implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such footwear and interchangeable panels and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation of footwear.

Contemplated as part of this disclosure are various embodiments of footwear comprising removable and interchangeable panels. It is noted that although the drawings provided herein generally depict “saddle shoe”-styled footwear, the disclosures described herein may be applied to any of a variety of other styles of footwear, such as but not limited to brogue, derby, blucher, wingtip, and the like. For example, while the removable and interchangeable panels shown herein are typically positioned over a midfoot portion and/or a heel portion of the upper of a saddle shoe footwear, it is also contemplated that removable and interchangeable panels may be similarly positioned and removably coupled to an upper proximate the front or toe box portion of an upper of footwear, a side of an upper of footwear, and the like.

FIG. 1 provides a non-limiting example of a shoe 10 comprising an upper 11, a midsole 12 and an outsole 13. As shown, this embodiment further comprises an interchangeable shoe panel which is depicted here by non-limiting example as a midfoot panel 14. The interchangeable shoe panel is not intended to be limited to a midfoot panel 14 and may alternatively be located proximal a heel or toe box of the shoe 10. Thus, while a midfoot panel 14 will be discussed as an exemplary embodiment, it is to be understood that characteristics of the midfoot panel 14 and any methods of coupling the midfoot panel 14 to the shoe are also applicable to shoe panels located elsewhere on the shoe 10.

FIG. 2 provides a view of an embodiment of a shoe comprising an interchangeable midfoot panel 14 without the upper 11 being shown so as to better illustrate the structure of the midsole 12. As shown, the midsole 12 comprises a recess 18 configured to allow a first end 15 and a second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 to be seated within the recess 18. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to position the recess 18 such that the first and second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 are able to fit within a channel 19 formed by the recess 18 substantially adjacent to an upper 11 of the shoe 10. The channel 19 and/or the recess 18 may comprise one or more magnets configured to mate with one or more magnets positioned at an end of a shoe panel. FIG. 3 provides an example of the location of the recesses 18 relative to an edge of the midsole 12 such that the outer edge of the recess 18 is proximal to the point at which the upper 11 abuts the midsole 12. While the recess 18 is shown here at the midfoot, it is to be understood that such a recess 18 may be present at any location on the midsole 12 at which it is desirable to couple a shoe panel to the shoe 10.

While the recess 19 itself may form a channel 19 sufficient to receive a first end 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 or of a shoe panel positioned elsewhere on the shoe 10, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, a midsole insert 17 may be positioned within the recess 18 such that the midsole insert 17 rather than the recess 18 itself forms a channel 19 configured to receive at least one of a first 15 and a second 16 end of the midfoot panel 14 or a shoe panel located elsewhere on the shoe 10. The midsole insert 17 may comprise one or more magnets positioned within the channel 19 such that the one or more magnets are configured to mate with one or more magnets positioned at an end of a shoe panel. FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the midsole 12 and midsole insert 17. As shown, in some embodiments, the channel 19 may be substantially L-shaped when the midsole insert 17 is inserted into the recess 18 in the midsole 12. As shown in FIG. 5, the channel 19 may be formed by the midsole insert 17 and the midsole 12, however, in other embodiments, the channel 19 may be formed entirely by the midsole 12 itself or by the midsole insert 17 itself. The substantial L-shape of the channel 19 of FIG. 5 aids in securing the first 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 or other shoe panel into the channel 19 as the top horizontal portion of the midsole insert 17 prevents the first 15 and/or second end 16 of the midfoot panel 14 or other shoe panel from slipping out of the channel 19.

FIGS. 6-7 provide an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel 14. As shown, the midfoot panel 17 may comprise one or more midfoot panel hook and loop closure panels 21 on an underside of the midfoot panel 14 that are configured to mate with one or more midfoot hook and loop closure panels 20 on the midfoot of the shoe 10 as depicted in FIGS. 10-11. The first and/or second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 or any other shoe panel may comprise one or more reinforcement elements 23 proximal to an edge of the first and/or second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14. The one or more reinforcement elements 23 may be comprised of metal, plastic, or any other material of sufficient rigidity to aid in guiding the first and/or second ends 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 into the channel 19 of the midsole 12 and/or midsole insert 17. In some embodiments, the one or more reinforcement elements 23 may be comprised of a magnetic material that is configured to mate with one or more corresponding magnets in the midsole 12 or midsole insert 17. As shown in FIGS. 8-9, in some embodiments, the shoe 10 may comprise a vamp hook and loop closure panel 22 located proximal a vamp 26 of the shoe 10 which is configured to mate with one or more midfoot panel hook and loop closure panels 21 located on an underside of the midfoot panel 14. The presence of such hook and loop closure panels aids in securing the midfoot panel 14 or other shoe panel to the upper 11 of the shoe and prevents slippage or movement of the midfoot panel 14 or other shoe panel when in use on the shoe 10; however other fastening mechanisms such as, by non-limiting example, a snap, a button, a pin, an adhesive, or a magnet may also be used to secure one or more shoe panels to the upper 11. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8-9, in some embodiments, the shoe 10 may comprise a slip-on shoe comprising one or more quarter extensions 27 extending from the quarter 25 of the shoe. These quarter extensions 27 may comprise one or more quarter extension magnets 28 that are configured to mate with one or more midfoot panel magnets 29, an example of which is depicted in FIGS. 12-13.

FIGS. 10-11 provide examples of the channel 19 formed by the midsole 12 and/or midsole insert 17. As shown, in some embodiments, the midfoot hook and loop closure panel 20 may extend along the upper 11 such that the midfoot hook and loop closure panel 20 is substantially adjacent to the channel 19 to ensure that the midfoot panel 14 remains firmly coupled to the upper 11 when in use.

FIGS. 12-13 provide an exemplary embodiment of a midfoot panel 14 comprising a plurality of eyelets 30 and a lace 31 which allows for a slip-on shoe to appear to be a laced shoe when the midfoot panel 14 is coupled to the upper 11. FIG. 12 depicts the upper side of the midfoot panel 14 which may be comprised of a material with a finished look, such as but not limited to stained or color treated leather, vinyl, plastic, rubber, and the like. The underside of the midfoot panel 14 is depicted in FIG. 13 and it should be noted that while the midfoot panel hook and loop closure panels 21 are shown as encompassing a significant portion of each side of the midfoot panel 14, it is also contemplated that one or more smaller midfoot panel hook and loop closure panels 21 could alternatively be located on the underside of the midfoot panel 14. A perspective view of the midfoot panel 14 in use on the shoe 10 is depicted in FIG. 21. While some embodiments of the midfoot panel do not comprise eyelets 20 and/or laces 31, in this example, the lace 31 of the midfoot panel 14 may be tightened to the wearer's desired tightness to secure the underlying shoe 10 to the user's foot with the desired fit.

FIG. 14 provides an alternative embodiment of a shoe 10 comprising a heel panel 32 which may be coupled to the heel by a heel panel hook and loop closure panel 33 that corresponds with a hook and loop closure panel on the upper 11 of the shoe 10. An end of the heel panel 32 may be seated within a channel 19 of the midsole 14 and/or midsole insert 17 located at the heel of the shoe 10.

FIGS. 15-18 provide an exemplary alternative embodiment in which the first and/or second end 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14 comprises a midfoot panel tab 35 that extends outward from the first and/or second end 15, 16 of the midfoot panel 14. This midfoot panel tab 35 is configured to be seated within a channel indentation 36 within the midsole 12. In some embodiments, a midsole insert 17 may be used to form the channel 19 and the channel indentation 36 may be located within the midsole insert 17. It is also contemplated by this disclosure that a shoe panel located elsewhere than at the midfoot of the shoe 10 may comprise such a panel tab that is configured to be seated within a corresponding channel indentation 36 of the midsole 12 and/or midsole insert 17.

Some embodiments of the shoe 10 may comprise one or more eyelets 30 that are integral to the shoe and configured to receive a lace 31 and as such, a midfoot panel 17 is not limited to the examples provided in the figures and may alternatively be coupled to the shoe 10 such that the midfoot panel 17 does not cover or obstruct the laces 31 and/or the tongue 24 of the shoe 10. However, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 19-20, the shoe 10 is a slip-on shoe comprising a quarter extension 27 extending from the quarter 25 of the shoe 10 on each side of the tongue 24. The tongue 24 comprises a tongue side extension 37 on each side of the tongue 24 proximal the end of the tongue 24 closest to the heel of the shoe 10. When the shoe 10 is worn, the tongue side extensions 37 are tucked under the quarter extensions 27 to hold the tongue 24 in place and allow for a substantially smooth surface over which the midfoot panel 17 is placed and coupled to the shoe 10. The quarter extensions 27 may further comprise quarter extension magnets 28 configured to mate with one or more midfoot panel magnets 29 as previously discussed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 22-23, a shoe panel or the upper 11 may comprise one or more embellishment recesses 34 configured to receive an embellishment 39 or other decorative element. The embellishment recess 34 may comprise an embellishment recess magnet 38 or other fastening element such as, by non-limiting example, a snap, a hook and loop closure, a pin, a button, or an adhesive that is configured to mate with a corresponding magnet or other fastening element on the embellishment 39 or other decorative element. This allows the embellishment 39 or other decorative element to be interchanged as the user desires.

In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of footwear comprising one or more interchangeable panels, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other to systems and techniques for footwear having interchangeable panels.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising: an upper;a midsole coupled to the upper and comprising a recess proximal to a junction between the upper and the midsole;a midsole insert comprising a channel, the midsole insert configured to seat within the recess; anda shoe panel configured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first end configured to seat within the channel of the midsole insert.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe panel is a midfoot panel comprising a second end configured to seat within a second channel on an opposite side of the shoe.

3. The shoe of claim 2, further comprising a midfoot hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel.

4. The shoe of claim 2, further comprising a vamp hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel.

5. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the midfoot panel comprises one or more reinforcement elements on at least one of the first and second ends of the midfoot panel.

6. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the upper further comprises: a tongue extending upward from a vamp of the shoe, the tongue comprising a tongue side extension on at least one side of the tongue; anda quarter comprising a quarter extension on each of a first and a second side of the tongue, the quarter extensions configured to overlap onto an upper surface of the tongue.

7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein at least one of the quarter extensions comprises a magnet and the midfoot panel comprises a magnet configured to mate with the magnet of the at least one of the quarter extensions.

8. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the midfoot panel comprises a plurality of eyelets comprising a lace running therethrough.

9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe panel is a heel panel configured to detachably couple to the shoe upper at the heel of the shoe.

10. The shoe of claim 9, further comprising a heel hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a heel panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the heel panel.

11. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising an embellishment recess configured to house a decorative element.

12. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the embellishment recess further comprises a magnet configured to mate with a magnet located on the decorative element.

14. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the embellishment recess is located on the shoe panel.

15. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the channel is substantially L-shaped.

16. A shoe comprising: an upper;a midsole coupled to the upper and comprising a channel proximal to a junction between the upper and the midsole; anda shoe panel configured to detachably couple to the upper of the shoe, the shoe panel comprising a first end configured to seat within the channel of the midsole.

17. The shoe of claim 16, wherein the shoe panel is a midfoot panel comprising a second end configured to seat within a second channel on an opposite side of the shoe.

18. The shoe of claim 17, further comprising at least one of: a midfoot hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel; anda vamp hook and loop closure panel on the upper that is configured to mate with a midfoot panel hook and loop closure panel located on an underside of the midfoot panel.

19. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the midfoot panel comprises one or more reinforcement elements on at least one of the first and second ends of the midfoot panel.

20. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the upper further comprises: a tongue extending upward from a vamp of the shoe, the tongue comprising a tongue side extension on at least one side of the tongue; anda quarter comprising a quarter extension on each of a first and a second side of the tongue, the quarter extensions configured to overlap onto an upper surface of the tongue, at least one of the quarter extensions comprising a magnet and wherein the midfoot panel comprises a magnet configured to mate with the magnet of the at least one of the quarter extensions.