TECHNICAL FIELD
The disclosed subject matter relates generally to a footwear assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the footwear that can be customized with interchangeable elements or parts by a magnetic attachment mechanism.
BACKGROUND
It is generally accepted that trends in footwear can be mercurial, where the fashion goes out of style all too quickly. Moreover, there is a need for different styles of footwear to suit various occasions and activities. Said styles and fashions are always changing, calling for a continuous evolution in the way in which footwear production is being approached. Though the fashion requirements are more or less met, there exists a drawback in the methodologies associated with manufacturing footwear. The fact that each shoe is mostly limited to its design and purpose is a drawback. This limitation results in increased expenditure on footwear, which often go out of style quickly, resulting in wastage of money, natural resources and efforts spent in manufacturing. Furthermore, conventional footwear is manufactured by joining or assembling multiple parts therefore if one part of a shoe is damaged then the entire pair needs to be replaced with new footwear, which is expensive for the user.
In order to assemble a thing of footwear, generally an adhesive and/or stitching is utilized to permanently secure footwear components, such as an outsole, midsole, and upper, to one another. Generally, adhesives and stitching are required to create a lasting bond between the footwear components that withstands everyday wear and tear. As such, the components of the footwear may not be changed or replaced without significantly damaging the outsole, midsole, and upper such that a user must replace the entire thing of footwear or purchase several different types or styles of footwear based on the user's preferences and/or requirements. Accordingly, there is a need for footwear having a removable outsole, midsole, and upper that may be readily assembled and disassembled to customize the thing of footwear without the use of adhesives or stitching.
Conventionally, there have been attempts to revamp the manufacturing methods of footwear, wherein there have efforts in bringing a version of footwear in which the length of the heel can be varied, or sandals that have interchangeable tops. But, these efforts moreover cater to overcome the limitations of footwear that can be used by only one gender (female).
Thus, there exists a vacuum in the availability of footwear for unisex, men, women's and children's footwear. Currently, an individual looking to keep abreast with current trends in sneakers, boots or loafers will have to buy entirely new footwear. This is also true of the need to own different categories of footwear, ranging from formal to casual based on the needs and requirements of each individual.
In the light of aforementioned discussion, there exists a need for a mechanism in footwear that would overcome or ameliorate the above discussed limitations.
SUMMARY
The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
An objective of the present disclosure is directed towards providing flexibility in footwear.
Another objective of the present disclosure is directed towards allowing the user to use different soles to uppers, so as to completely change the look of the footwear without having to invest in an entirely new product.
Another objective of the present disclosure is directed towards enabling the user to switch up the look of the footwear with great ease and without the product occupying too much space.
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a footwear assembly comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a footwear assembly that comprises of two interchangeable elements or parts such as top part and bottom part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a footwear assembly comprises of a middle part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first magnetic elements positioned on a lower surface of the top part and a plurality of second magnetic elements positioned on an upper surface of the bottom part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of second magnetic elements and the plurality of first magnetic elements are adapted to be attractive to one another such that placement of the top part which is proximate to the bottom part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top part comprises of only the upper.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top part comprises of the upper and midsole securely attached.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom part comprises of only the outsole.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom part comprises of the midsole and outsole securely attached.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the middle part comprises of only the midsole.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the footwear assembly can be detachable into top part, made of the upper, middle part, made of the midsole and bottom part, made of the outsole.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the footwear assembly can be detachable into top part, made up of only the upper, and bottom part, comprising of the midsole and outsole permanently attached.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the footwear assembly can be detachable into top part, comprising of the upper and midsole permanently attached, and the bottom part, made up of only the outsole.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the footwear assembly can be detachable into the top part, made only of the upper, the bottom part, made up of only the outsole.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the footwear assembly can be customized with interchangeable elements or parts through the use of a magnetic attachment mechanism. The magnetic attachment mechanism includes magnetic elements having a polar region of the same polarity and at the opposite end magnetic elements having the polar region of the opposite polarity.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top part and the bottom part each include correspondingly arranged magnetic elements adapted to be attractive one another such that placement of the top part which is proximate to the bottom part draws the bottom part into abutment with the top part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bottom surface of top part includes the magnetic elements whilst the top surface of the bottom part includes the magnetic elements. The magnetic elements of the top part are attracted towards the respective magnetic elements of the bottom part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic element is embedded within the bottom material of the top part. The magnetic element is placed just behind the surface that may touch the top most surface of the bottom part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic elements which are being placed just under the top surface of the bottom part and the top surface of bottom part meets with the bottom surface of the top part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top part has a male joint missing between the ankle and heel area, which then fits into the bottom part that has a female joint in the heel area. The magnetic elements are then placed within the male joint of the top part and the female joint in the bottom part. Another set of magnetic elements are placed in the toe area of the top part and the complementing area of the bottom part.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the top part has a convex shape; a magnetic element is placed in the convex shape. The bottom part has in the indent in the corresponding concave shape. A magnetic element may be lined along the surface of the concave shape, embedded within the bottom part.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough description of various embodiments. Certain embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with some variations in detail. In some instances, certain features are described in less detail so as not to obscure other aspects. The level of detail associated with each of the elements or features should not be construed to qualify the novelty or importance of one feature over the others.
FIG. 1A is a diagram depicting a basic design and construction of one embodiment of a footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 1B-FIG. 1C are diagrams depicting the basic design and construction of another embodiments of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 2A is a diagram depicting one exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 2B is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 2C is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 2D is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly (shown in FIG. 1A), in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 3A is a diagram depicting one exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 3B is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 3C is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 3D is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 3E is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 3F is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 3G is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 4A is a diagram depicting an exemplary implementation of top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 4B is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 4C is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 4D is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 5A-FIG. 5C are diagrams depicting an exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 5D is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 5E is a diagram depicting an exemplary implementation of the middle part 204 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 5F is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the middle part 204 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 5G is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the middle part 204 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 5H is a diagram depicting an exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 5I is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 6 is a diagram depicting an exemplary implementation of a placement of the magnetic elements in the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting another exemplary implementation of the placement of the magnetic elements in the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.
The term “footwear” and/or “shoe” may be used herein for simplicity, in reference to various examples of the articles of footwear. However, concepts described herein may be applied to a variety of other types of footwear.” The general categories of footwear may include but is not limited to, athletic/sports shoes, formal/dress shoes, slippers, sandals, boots, casual/smart casual/slip ons, and the like. The men's dress shoes include, but are not limited to, oxfords, monks, derbies, loafers, moccasins, and the like. The women's shoes include, but are not limited to, heeled/non-heeled, sling back, slippers (men's, women's and children), sandals (unisex and for kids), mule (can be unisex and for kids), ballet flats/dolly shoes, and the like.
Referring to FIG. 1A is a diagram 100a depicting a basic design and construction of one embodiment of a footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 100a depicting a jogger anatomy of the footwear assembly. The footwear assembly 100 comprises an upper 102, a midsole 104, an outsole 106, laces 108, a foxing portion 110, a toe box 112, a heel counter 114, a pull tab 116, and an insole 118. The upper 102 is configured to have a bottom surface to interface with the midsole 104. The outsole 106 has a top surface to interface with the midsole 104. The outsole 106 may be made from natural rubber, a plastic, or a synthetic material, such as polyurethane. The outsole 106 may comprise a single piece of material or may be an assembly of separate pieces of different materials. Additionally, the outsole 106 may comprise different fixtures for various purposes, such as cleats and/or spikes for grip. In particular, tread may be formed on the outsole 106 in patterns to maximize gripping or traction. For example, the tread of the outsole 106 may comprise portions in circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other types of patterns. In further aspects, the outsole 106 and/or tread might have permanent, or alternatively non-permanent, interchangeable features (e.g., cleats, spikes, and perforations for foot plates). The interchangeable features like cleats and spikes may include wheels to convert the footwear assembly 100a temporarily into skates or have a separate outsole 106 with wheels already attached and connect that to the upper 102 to convert the footwear temporarily into skates which may be fun or may help with covering longer distances. The midsole 104 and/or outsole 106 is made of a material selected from the group comprising of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane-based materials, open-cell polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate co-polymer (EVA), leather, monofilament TPU-coated mesh, nylon mesh, rubber, plastic, polymers, canvas, fabric, and natural materials.
The upper 102 comprises a body portion in which a foot is receivable and the midsole 104 extending along an underside of the body portion. The outsole 106 that is located underneath and supports the weight of a person's foot. The upper 102 which is located on top of the person's foot and holds the midsole 104 and outsole 106 to the user's foot. The upper 102 may comprise a large number of individual parts, often formed from different types of materials. The exemplary upper 102 depicted in FIG. 1 may comprise any number of functional features such as, for example, any number of laces, eyelets, zippers, straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, draw strings, cord locks, hooks, elastics, and/or buckle elements (e.g., frame, tongue, and pin terminal).
In additional examples, the user may change the upper 102, midsole 104, and outsole 106 for comfort. The user may change the upper 102, midsole 104, and outsole 106 for style or look; i.e. to switch from a casual to a more formal look. The user may choose to insert the midsole 104 having more or less arch support, shock absorption, and/or cushioning based on personal preference, for example. In another example, the user may choose a particular upper 102 for any of the reasons described (e.g., aesthetics, performance, comfort, etc.). As such, the user may customize the thing of footwear assembly 100 with any number of combinations of various and different uppers, outsoles, and midsoles.
In further examples, a retailer may assist a customer in choosing the upper 102, midsole 104, and/or outsole 106 based on the aesthetics, performance, and/or comfort. In one example, a retailer may assemble the customized thing of footwear assembly 100 from the chosen upper 102, midsole 104, and/or outsole 106 to allow a customer to try on the custom combination. Additionally, the retailer may permanently couple the preferred upper 102, midsole 104, and outsole 106 to one another for the customer. Alternatively, the footwear components 102, 104, and 106 may not be permanently fixed to each other, allowing the customer to change and/or swap different uppers, outsoles, and midsoles in order to generate various combinations of customized footwear assembly 100.
The upper 102 is interchangeable with various embodiments' of the outsole 106. Likewise, the outsole 106 is interchangeable with various embodiments of uppers 102. The interchangeability of various outsole 106 and uppers 102 allows the person to mix and match selected outsole 106 and selected uppers 102. The laces 108 are laced through eyelets 120. The eyelets 120 are configured to make lacing of the footwear assembly. The footwear assembly may be tightened around a foot by drawing the two ends of laces 108 tight. Additionally, as the lace 108 is drawn tight, straps are pulled in tension, such that slide grooves advance along rivets and support region of arch support is drawn against the insole 118 and the arch area of the foot. The toe box 112 is configured to receive and cover the instep and toes of the foot. The heel counter 114 supports and holds the person's ankle in place so as to limit footwear slipping or other unnecessary movement. The pull tab 116 extends upward from the junction of the heel counter 114 to provide a gripping portion to enable an attachment unit to be pulled onto the heel counter 114 of the footwear assembly. The midsole 104 may either be permanently attached to the upper 102 or to the outsole 106 or the midsole 104 may be completely absent in the footwear assembly. Additionally, the midsole 104 may be its own component and form the middle part 204 and be independently interchangeable with the top part 202 and bottom part 206.
Referring to FIG. 1B-FIG. 1C are diagrams 100b-100c depicting the basic design and construction of another embodiments of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagrams 100b-100c depicting a work boot, and a derby shoe. The work boot 100b and the derby shoe 100c depicts the laces 108, the eyelets 120, the heel counter 114, the toe box 112, the outsole 106, the insole 118, a tongue 122, a vamp 124, a stitching 126, a welt 128, a back stay 130, a lining 132, and a quarter 134. The tongue 122 is provided with a fabric or leather covering, and is normally lined with a cushioned material made of cotton or synthetic material. The tongue 122 having a leading edge, which is overlapped by a portion of the vamp 124. The stitching 126 normally required to affix the parts. The upper 102 of the footwear assembly is typically formed with an outer material, e.g., made with either one or a combination of natural materials (like cotton, silk, wool, leather, rubber, etc.) or synthetic materials (like PU, polyester, etc.).
Referring to FIG. 2A is a diagram 200a depicting one exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The footwear assembly 200a comprises an upper 102, a midsole 104, and an outsole 106. The outsole 106 is configured to secure the midsole 104, thus forming the bottom part 206. The upper 102 is the only component of the top part 202. The magnetic attachment mechanism includes the first magnetic elements 208a-208c and the second magnetic elements 210a-210c having permanent magnetic elements (for e.g., neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or Ferrite), and temporary magnetic elements (for e.g., electromagnets). The magnetic attachment mechanism includes the first magnetic elements 208a-208c having a polar region of the same polarity and at the opposite end, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c having the polar region of the opposite polarity. The upper 102 and the midsole 104 each include correspondingly arranged the first magnetic elements 208a-208c, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c adapted to be attractive one another such that placement of the upper 102 which is proximate to the midsole 104 draws the bottom part 206 into abutment with the top part 202. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c are affixed to a bottom end of the upper 102 and the second magnetic elements 210a-210c are affixed to a top surface of the midsole 104. Thus, the first magnetic elements 208a-208c of the upper 102 to be proximate to and attachable with the second magnetic elements 210a-210c of the midsole 104 in the attached condition. The upper 102 may be pulled in one direction and the outsole 106 may be pulled in the opposite direction till the force overcomes the magnetic attraction that holds the top part 202 and the bottom part 206 together. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c though they appear to be on the outside, are actually positioned such that they face one another when the upper 102 is proximate to the midsole 104. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c of the upper 102 are each arranged to be a different polarity to the respective second magnetic elements 210a-210c of the midsole 104. For example, if the first magnetic element 208a has a south magnetic pole polarity, the corresponding second magnetic element 210a may have a north magnetic pole. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c comprises of first charged poles and the second magnetic elements 210a-210c comprises of second charged poles. The top part 202 is pulled in one direction and the bottom part 206 is pulled in an opposite direction till the manual force overcomes the magnetic attraction that holds the top part 202 and the bottom part 206 together.
Referring to FIG. 2B is a diagram 200b depicting another exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The upper 102 is configured to permanently secure the midsole 104, thus forming the top part 202. The bottom part 206 consists only of the outsole. The midsole 104 and the outsole 106 each include correspondingly arranged first magnetic elements 208a-208c, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c adapted to be attractive one another such that placement of the midsole 104 proximate to the outsole 106 draws the bottom part 206 into abutment with the top part 202. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c are affixed to a bottom surface of the midsole 104 and the second magnetic elements 210a-210c are affixed to a top surface of the outsole 106. Thus, the first magnetic elements 208a-208c of the midsole 104 to be proximate to and attachable with the second magnetic elements 210a-210c of the outsole 106 in the attached condition. The upper 102 is pulled in one direction and the outsole 106 is pulled manually in the opposite direction till the force overcomes the magnetic attraction that holds the top part 202 and the bottom part 206 together. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c though they appear to be on the outside, are actually positioned such that they face one another when the midsole 104 is proximate to the outsole 106.
Referring to FIG. 2C is a diagram 200c depicting another exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly (shown in FIG. 1C), in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The top part 202, consisting only of the upper and the bottom part 206, consisting only of the outsole each include correspondingly arranged first magnetic elements 208a-208c, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c adapted to be attractive one another. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c are affixed to the bottom surface of the top part 202 and the magnetic elements 210a-210c are affixed to a top surface of the bottom part 206. Thus, the first magnetic elements 208a-208c of the top part 202 to be proximate to and attachable with the second magnetic elements 210a-210c of the bottom part 206 in the attached condition. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c and the second magnetic elements 210a-210c are placed in the center line on the exterior surface of the top part 202 and the bottom part 206. The second magnetic elements 210a-210c of top part 202 are arranged to be a different polarity, and hence attractive to the first magnetic elements of bottom part 206. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c are embedded within the top part 202 and the second magnetic elements are embedded within the bottom part 206.
Referring to FIG. 2D is a diagram 200d depicting another exemplary implementation of the footwear assembly (shown in FIG. 1A), in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 200d depicting a part A and part B. The part A depicts the upper 102, the midsole 104 and the outsole 106. The part B depicts the upper 102 and the outsole 106. In part A, the upper 102, the midsole 104, and the outsole 106 each include correspondingly arranged the first magnetic elements 208a-208c, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c, the third magnetic elements 207a-207c, fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c adapted to be attractive to one another such that placement of the midsole 104 proximate to the outsole 106 draws the outsole 106 into abutment with the midsole 104 and the upper 102 proximate to the midsole 104 draws the midsole 104 into abutment with the upper 102. In part B, the upper 102 and the outsole 106, each include correspondingly arranged the first magnetic elements 208a-208c, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c adapted to be attractive one another. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c are positioned on a lower surface of the upper 102 and the second magnetic elements 210a-210c are positioned on an upper surface of the outsole 106. The third magnetic elements 207a-207c are positioned on the upper surface of the midsole 104 and the fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c are positioned on the lower surface of the midsole 104. Thus, the first magnetic elements 208a-208c of the upper 102 to be proximate to and attachable with the third magnetic elements 207a-207c of the midsole 104 in the attached condition. The second magnetic elements 210a-210c of the outsole 106 to be proximate to and attachable with the fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c of the midsole 104 in the attached condition. In another embodiment, the midsole 104 may not have third magnetic elements 207a-207c and the fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c, but instead have metallic sheets (not shown) that are attractive to the magnetic elements found on the upper 102 and the outsole 106. One metallic sheet may be positioned on the top surface to connect to the upper 102 and one on the bottom surface to connect with the outsole 106. The midsole 104 may also include one set of third magnetic elements 207a-207c on the top surface and one metallic sheet (not shown) on the bottom surface; alternatively, the midsole 104 may include one set of fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c on the bottom surface and one metallic sheet (not shown) on the top surface. In another embodiment, if the midsole 104 may not be included in the footwear assembly 200d, the second magnetic elements 210a-210c and the first magnetic elements 208a-208c are adapted to be attractive to one another such that the placement of the outsole 106 is proximate to the upper 102. Accordingly the middle 104 may be an optional component to complete the footwear assembly 200d.
The first magnetic elements 208a-208c comprises of first charged poles and the second magnetic elements 210a-210c comprises of second charged poles, and the third magnetic elements 207a-207c also comprises of second charged poles and the fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c also comprises of first charged poles. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c of upper 102 is arranged to be different polarity, and hence attractive to the respective third magnetic elements 207a-207c of midsole 104. The second magnetic elements 210a-210c of outsole 106 is arranged to be a different polarity, and hence attractive to the respective fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c of midsole 104. The first magnetic elements 208a-208c of upper 102 is arranged to be a different polarity, and hence attractive to the respective second magnetic elements 210a-210c of the outsole 106. The third magnetic elements 207a-207c of midsole 104 may be a metallic sheet that is attractive to the first magnetic elements 208a-208c of upper 102. The fourth magnetic elements 209a-209c of midsole 104 may be a metallic sheet that is attractive to the second magnetic elements 210a-210c of the outsole 106.
The first magnetic elements may be adhered to the exterior or embedded within the bottom surface of the top part 202. The second magnetic elements may be adhered to the exterior or embedded within the upper surface of bottom part 206. The bottom part 206 is pulled in one direction and the top part 202 is pulled in an opposite direction till the manual force overcomes the magnetic attraction that holds the top part 202 and bottom part 206 together. The middle part 204 is pulled in one direction and the top part 202 is pulled in an opposite direction till the manual force overcomes the magnetic attraction that holds the midsole or middle part and the top part together. The middle part is pulled in one direction and the bottom part is pulled in an opposite direction till the manual force overcomes the magnetic attraction that holds the middle part and the bottom part together. The third magnetic elements that are embedded within the top layer of midsole or middle part and the fourth magnetic elements that are embedded within the bottom layer of midsole or middle part. The third magnetic elements adhered to the exterior of the upper surface of the midsole or middle part and the fourth magnetic elements adhered to the exterior of the lower surface of midsole or middle part. The third magnetic elements adhered to the exterior of the upper surface of midsole or middle part and the fourth magnetic elements embedded within the bottom layer of midsole or middle part. The third magnetic elements embedded within the top layer of midsole or middle part and the fourth magnetic elements adhered to the exterior of the bottom surface of midsole or middle part.
Referring to FIG. 3A is a diagram 300a depicting one exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The lower surface of top part 202 includes metallic sheets 302a-302b (for e.g., an aluminum sheet), and the upper surface of the bottom part 206 includes magnetic elements 208a or 210a, such that the metallic sheet 302a-302b is attractive to the magnetic elements 208a or 210a. The magnetic elements 208a or 210a are adhered to or embedded within the material of the bottom part 206. The metallic sheets 302a-302b are made using one or more materials, including a metal that is attracted to the magnetic elements 208a or 210a. The metallic sheets 302a-302b has magnetic properties on the surface and may be attracted to the magnetic elements 208a, 210a, for e.g., magnetically, to the first magnetic element 208a or the second magnetic element 210a on the bottom part 206. The metallic sheets302a-302b is adhered to or embedded within the upper surface of the bottom part 206. In another embodiment, the metallic sheets302a-302b placed on the upper surface of the bottom part 206 and the first magnetic element 208a-208b or the second magnetic element 210a-210b are adhered to or embedded within the bottom surface of the top part 202, such that the metallic sheets 302a-302b is attractive the first magnetic element 208a-208b or the second magnetic element 210a-210b.
Referring to FIG. 3B is a diagram 300b depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The bottom surface of top part 202 includes the first magnetic elements 208a-208h (for e.g., south magnetic poles) whilst the top surface of the bottom part 206 includes the second magnetic elements 210a-210h (for e.g., north magnetic poles). The first magnetic elements 208a-208h of the top part 202 are attracted to the respective second magnetic elements 210a-210h of the bottom part 206.
Referring to FIG. 3C is a diagram 300c depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The bottom surface of top part 202 includes the second magnetic elements 210a-210h (for e.g., north magnetic poles) whilst the top surface of the bottom part 206 includes the first magnetic elements 208a-208h (for e.g., south magnetic poles). The second magnetic elements 210a-210h of the top part 202 are attracted towards the respective first magnetic elements 208a-208h of the bottom part 206. The second magnetic elements 210a-210h are placed on the top part 202 and the first magnetic elements 208a-208h are placed on the bottom part 206.
Referring to FIG. 3D is a diagram 300d depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The bottom surface of top part 202 includes both first magnetic elements 208a-208h (e.g. south magnetic poles) and second magnetic elements 210a-210h (e.g. north magnetic poles), fashioned in an alternating order. The top surface of the bottom part 206 also includes both first magnetic elements 208a-208h (for e.g., south magnetic poles) and the second magnetic elements 210a-210h (for e.g., north magnetic poles), however they may be fashioned in an order that is correspondingly opposite to the magnetic elements on the top part 202. Thus, where there is a first magnetic element 208a on the top part 202, there is a second magnetic element 210a in the corresponding position on the bottom part 206, and so on and so forth. In this way, the magnetic elements on the top part 202 may be attracted to the magnetic elements on the bottom part 206, and the two components are held in abutment due to the magnetic forces, making complete footwear.
Referring to FIG. 3E is a diagram 300e depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 300e depicts the first magnetic elements 208a-208c (for e.g., south magnetic poles) and second the magnetic elements 210a-210c (for e.g., north magnetic poles) in three rows placed in the middle on both the top part 202 and the bottom part 206. The top part 202 has first magnetic elements 208a-208c (for e.g., south magnetic poles) in one polarity, while the bottom part 206 holds the second magnetic elements 210a-210c (for e.g., north magnetic poles) of the corresponding opposite charge. In another embodiment, the top part 202 has the second magnetic elements 210a-210c (e.g. north magnetic poles) in one polarity, while the bottom part 206 holds the first magnetic elements 208a-208c (e.g. south magnetic poles) of the corresponding opposite charge.
Referring to FIG. 3F is a diagram 300f depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The top part 202 is configured to hold the second magnetic elements 210a-210b (for e.g., north magnetic poles) and the first magnetic element 208a (for e.g., south magnetic pole) in an alternating order. In a similar fashion, the bottom part 206 is configured to hold both the first magnetic elements 208a-208b (for e.g., south magnetic poles) and the second magnetic elements 210a (for e.g., north magnetic pole), also in an alternating order. The oppositely charged magnets found in corresponding positions on the top part 202 and bottom part 206 may draw and hold the two components together.
Referring to FIG. 3G is a diagram 300f depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom surface of top part 202 and the top surface of bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 300f depicts the first magnetic elements 208a-208d placed to the outer corners of the top part 202 and the second magnetic elements 210a-210d placed to the outer corners of the bottom part 206. The oppositely charged magnetic elements found in the top part 202 and bottom part 206 may draw and hold the two components together. In another embodiment, the first magnetic elements 208a-208d may be placed on the bottom part 206 and the second magnetic elements 210a-210d may be placed on the top part 202. In yet another embodiment, the top part 202 may have both first magnetic elements 208a-208b and second magnetic elements 210a-210b, each arranged in an alternating manner. Similarly, the bottom part may have both first magnetic elements 208c-208d and second magnetic elements 210c-210d. These are also arranged in an alternative order, however, they are also correspondingly opposite to the magnetic elements positioned on the top part 202. Thus, where there is a first magnetic element 208a on the top part 202, there may be a second magnetic element 210a in the corresponding position on the bottom part 206, and so on and so forth. In this way, the magnetic elements on the top part 202 are attracted to the magnetic elements on the bottom part 206, and the two components are held in abutment due to the magnetic forces, making complete footwear.
Referring to FIG. 4A is a diagram 400a depicting an exemplary implementation of top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The top part 202 of the footwear assembly depicts the first magnetic elements 208 embedded within the upper 102. More specifically, the first magnetic elements 208 are adhered to just behind the surface that may meet the midsole 104 or the outsole 106.
Referring to FIG. 4B is a diagram 400b depicting another exemplary implementation of the top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The top part 202 of the footwear assembly depicts the first magnetic elements 208 adhered to the exterior of upper 102. The first magnetic elements 208 may be in direct contact with the top surface of the midsole 104 or top surface of the outsole 106.
Referring to FIG. 4C is a diagram 400c depicting another exemplary implementation of the top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The top part 202 is made up of the upper 102 and the midsole 104. The top part 202 of the footwear assembly depicts the first magnetic elements 208 embedded within the midsole 104.
Referring to FIG. 4D is a diagram 400d depicting another exemplary implementation of the top part 202 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The top part 202 is made up of the upper 102 and the midsole 104. The top part 202 of the footwear assembly depicts the first magnetic elements 208 adhered to the exterior of the midsole 104, on the outermost surface; the surface may come into contact with the top surface of the outsole 106.
Referring to FIG. 5A-FIG. 5C are diagrams 500a-500c depicting an exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 500a depicts the midsole 104 and outsole 106 as one component of the footwear assembly. The diagram 500b depicts the midsole 104 and outsole 106 is taken apart for the purpose of explanation. The bottom part 206 is made up of the midsole 104 and the outsole 106. The bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly 500c has the second magnetic elements 210 embedded within the midsole 104, and the bottom surface of the midsole 104 may be securely attached to the top surface of the outsole 106. Hence, the magnetic element 210 in the bottom part 206 is placed just behind the surface that may touch the bottom most surface of the top part 202.
Referring to FIG. 5D is a diagram 500d depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The bottom part 206 is made up of the midsole 104 and the outsole 106. The bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly depicts the magnetic elements 210 adhered to the exterior of the midsole 104; specifically on the top surface of the midsole 104. The top surface of the midsole 104 may come into contact with the bottom surface of the top part 202.
Referring to FIG. 5E is a diagram 500e depicting an exemplary implementation of the middle part 204 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 500e depicting the middle part 204 which is made up of the midsole 104. The middle part 204 of the footwear assembly depicts the third magnetic elements 207 adhered to the exterior of the upper surface of the midsole 104, i.e., the upper surface of the midsole 104 may come into contact with the bottom surface of the top part 202. The third magnetic elements 207 have a polar opposite charge to the first magnetic elements 208 placed in the top part 202. The middle part 204 of the footwear assembly further depicts the fourth magnetic elements 209 adhered to the exterior of the lower surface of the middle part 204, i.e., the lower surface of the midsole 104 may come into contact with the upper surface of the outsole 206. The fourth magnetic elements 209 have a polar opposite charge to the second magnetic elements 210 found on the bottom part 206. The magnetic elements may be held in place by an adhesive mechanism: glued, stapled, or something similar.
Referring to FIG. 5F is a diagram 500f depicting another exemplary implementation of the middle part 204 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The middle part 204 of the footwear assembly which is made up of the midsole 104. The middle part 204 of the footwear assembly depicts the third magnetic elements 207 adhered to the exterior of the upper surface of the midsole 104, i.e., the upper surface of the midsole 104 may come into contact with the bottom surface of the top part 202. The middle part 204 of the footwear assembly may further depict the fourth magnetic elements 209 embedded within the midsole 104. The fourth magnetic elements 209 of the midsole 104 may attract the second magnetic elements 210 of the outsole 106.
Referring to FIG. 5G is a diagram 500f depicting another exemplary implementation of the middle part 204 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The middle part 204 of the footwear assembly which is made up of the middle sole 104. The middle part 204 of the footwear assembly depicts the third magnetic elements 207 embedded within the midsole 104, the third magnetic elements 207 of the midsole 104 may attract the first magnetic elements 208 of the top part 202. The fourth magnetic elements 209 are adhered to the bottom exterior of the midsole 104. The fourth magnetic elements 209 of the midsole 104 may attract the second magnetic elements 210 in the outsole 106.
Referring to FIG. 5H is a diagram 500h depicting an exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 500h depicting the bottom part 206 which is made up of outsole 106. The bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly depicts the magnetic elements 210 embedded within the outsole 106. The upper surface of the outsole 106 may come in contact with the bottom surface of the upper 102 or the midsole 104.
Referring to FIG. 5I is a diagram 500i depicting another exemplary implementation of the bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. The diagram 500i depicting the bottom part 206 which is made up of outsole 106. The bottom part 206 of the footwear assembly depicts the magnetic elements 210 attached to the upper surface of the exterior of the outsole 106. The upper surface of the outsole 106 may come in contact with the bottom surface of the upper 102 or midsole 104.
Referring to FIG. 6 is a diagram 600 depicting an exemplary implementation of a placement of the magnetic elements in the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. Diagram 600 depicts the bottom part 206, which has a female joint 604 from the heel area (the back of the bottom part 206) and the top part 202 has a male joint 602 missing between the ankle and heel area. The male joint 602 then fits into the female joint 604. The first magnetic element 208a and/or the second magnetic element 210a are then placed within the male joint 602 of the top part 202. Similarly, first magnetic element 208a and/or second magnetic elements 210a are placed within the female joint 604 in the bottom part 206. Another set of first and second magnetic elements 208b, 210b are adhered to or embedded within a toe area of the top part 202 and the complementing area of the bottom part 206.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second magnetic elements 210a are embedded within the female joint 604 of bottom part 206 and the first magnetic elements 208a are embedded within the male joint 602 of top part 202. The first magnetic elements 208a and the second magnetic elements 210a are adhered to the exterior of male joint 602 of top part 202. The second magnetic elements 210a and the first magnetic elements 208a are adhered to the exterior of female joint 604 of bottom part 206.
Referring to FIG. 7 is a diagram 700 depicting another exemplary implementation of the placement of the magnetic elements in the footwear assembly, in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. Diagram 700 depicts the top part 202 and the bottom part 206 is taken apart. The top part 202 has a convex shape 702, a first magnetic element 208a is positioned in the convex shape 702. The bottom part 206 has in the indent in the corresponding concave shape 704. A magnetic element 210a may be lined along the surface of the concave shape 704, embedded within the bottom part 206. In another embodiment, the top part 202 may have the second magnetic elements positioned in the convex shape 702, while the bottom part 206 may have the first magnetic elements in the corresponding concave shape 704. In yet another embodiment, the convex shape 702 of the top part 206 may have both the first and second magnetic elements in an alternating order. The concave indent 704 of the bottom part 206 will also have both the first and second magnetic elements, however, these are positioned in a correspondingly opposite order to the magnetic elements in the top part 206, hence they will be attractive to one another.
The magnetic elements in the footwear assembly may not be limited to particular numbers and certain positions. The magnetic elements may also not be limited to a particular polarity at certain positions in the footwear assembly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
According to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic elements in the footwear assembly are embedded within the surface (e.g., top part and/or bottom part) and/or positioned on the surface (e.g., top part and/or bottom part).
Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments and illustrations thereof, other embodiments and modifications to preferred embodiments may be possible that are within the principles and spirit of the invention. The above descriptions and figures are therefore to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.
Thus the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.
Patent Application
20210204637
