MODULAR SHOE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to footwear. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a modular shoe that is adjustable in length and width.

BACKGROUND

Shoes are ubiquitous in society. A shoe is commonly structured to provide protection and comfort to a foot of a wearer. In order to provide comfort and protection, shoes are designed and dimensioned with specific sizes for differing sizes of feet of different wearers or for the same individual at different stages of growth. For example, a child may wear a first shoe size when the child is eight years old and wear a second, larger, shoe size when the child is nine years old. Additionally, a child experiencing a growth spurt may outgrow their shoes rapidly. Buying multiple shoes for children can be a financial difficulty for some families and some children may wear shoes that are too small for them because they are unable to get shoes that fit them.

Shoes also can include aesthetic designs to provide a sense of decoration, fashion, and utility to the wearer. Shoes often incorporate different materials to provide different appearances and function. For example, one may own a man's dress shoe may include a leather sole while the same owner may have an athletic shoe containing a rubber sole. These shoes may include additional different materials for foot support or for appearance. These additional materials may make the respective shoes semi-rigid in certain areas and resistant to bending or folding. The semi-rigid to rigid structure of many shoes can also make these shoes bulky and cumbersome to pack or include for travel.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure illustrates embodiments of a modular shoe system.

In a first embodiment, a modular shoe system is provided. The modular shoe system includes a sole and an upper removably coupled to the sole. The upper includes an arch bandage removably coupled to a toe vamp. The arch bandage and toe vamp are configured to removably couple to one or more expansion sections. The expansion sections are configured to vary at least one of length or width of the modular shoe system.

In a second embodiment, a shoe is provided. The shoe includes a sole, an upper including an adhesive means configured to removably couple to the sole, and one or more movable sections. The one or more movable sections are configured to slidably or removably couple to at least one of the upper and the sole.

In a third embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes forming a modular shoe system. The method also includes removably coupling one or more components of the modular shoe system to vary a size, shape, appearance, or purpose of the modular shoe system.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with” as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase “at least one of” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates a lateral view of a modular shoe according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A illustrates a planar view of a modular shoe according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the sole according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C illustrates an example modular boot according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example expansion sections according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example midsole according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a hook and loop interlocking fastener according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a reclosable interlocking fastener according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a process for forming a modular shoe system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 7, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

Shoes are ubiquitous in society. A shoe is commonly structured to provide protection and comfort to a foot of a wearer. To provide efficient comfort and protection, shoes are designed and dimensioned with specific sizes for differing sizes of feet of different wearers or for the same individual at different stages of growth. For example, a child may wear a first shoe size when the child is eight years old and wear a second, larger, shoe size when the child is nine years old. Additionally, a child experiencing a growth spurt may outgrow their shoes rapidly.

Shoes also can include aesthetic designs to provide a sense of decoration, fashion, and utility to the wearer. Accordingly, shoes often incorporate different materials to provide different appearances and function. For example, one may own a man's dress shoe may include a leather sole while the same owner may have an athletic shoe containing a rubber sole. These shoes may include additional different materials for foot support or for appearance. These additional materials may make the respective shoes semi-rigid in certain areas and resistant to bending or folding. The semi-rigid to rigid structure of many shoes can also make these shoes bulky and cumbersome to pack or include for travel.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular shoe that is configured to vary in size, appearance, or purpose, and provide protection and comfort to a foot of a wearer. Certain embodiments provide a modular shoe that is adjustable in width or length. Certain embodiments provide a modular shoe that can be varied for purpose. Certain embodiments of the modular shoe include connection means, such as interlocking fasteners, zippers, buttons, snaps, slide seals, and the like.

Interlocking fasteners include various designs and configurations, such as the hook and loop fastener commonly referred under the trademark name VELCRO, interlocking islands including QWIKGRIP multi-directional self-engaging fasteners (SEFs), and edge fasteners including V-LOK and D-LOK. Examples of various interlocking fasteners include those found in: European Patent Specification EP 1781853 entitled NONWOVEN LOOP SHEET AND HOOK AND LOOP FASTENING TAPE; U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,339 entitled HOOK FOR HOOK AND LOOP FASTENERS; U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,499 entitled HOOK DESIGN FOR HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER; U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,855 entitled WOVEN SELF-ENGAGING FASTENER; U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,230 entitled FORMING FASTENER PRODUCTS; U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,027 entitled FASTENING MEMBER WITH LOOPS AND PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING IT; U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,189 entitled WOVEN FASTENER PRODUCT; U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,807 entitled METHODS OF MOLDING FASTENERS AND OF FORMING FASTENER MOLDS; U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,989 entitled HOOK AND LOOP FASTENING STRUCTURE; U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,600 entitled HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER HAVING AN INCREASED COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION; U.S. Pat. No. 7,601,284 entitled MOLDING FASTENER ELEMENTS ON FOLDED SUBSTRATE; United States Publication Number (USPUB) 2005/0118388 entitled SKIN ATTACHMENT MEMBER; USPUB 2011/0265293 entitled MALE TOUCH FASTENER ELEMENT; USPUB 2011/0265292 entitled QUIET RELEASE SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER FASTENERS; USPUB 2012/0010588 entitled FEMALE PART OF HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER; USPUB 2012/0231206 entitled LOOP MATERIAL FOR HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER; USPUB 2013/0246013 entitled COMPUTER BASED MODELS OF HOOK AND LOOP FASTENING SYSTEMS; USPUB 2014/0298627 entitled HOOK-AND-LOOP FASTENER; USPUB 2006/0078370 entitled RECLOSABLE FASTENER RISER/SPACER, AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTING AND UTILIZING SAME; United States Design Pat. (USDP) D516,952 entitled TOUCH FASTENER ELEMENT; USDP D578,772 entitled BRISTLE ARRAY; European Patent Application (EP) EP2241512 entitled RECLOSABLE FASTENERS OR ZIPPERS FOR USE WITH POLYMERIC BAGS; Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application PCT/US2014/021084 entitled ADHESIVE RECLOSABLE FASTENERS WITH VISUAL INDICATORS; USPUB 2004/0167003 entitled CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF PREFORMED RECLOSABLE FASTENERS; U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,060 entitled CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF PREFORMED RECLOSABLE FASTENERS; PCT/US2003/006050 entitled RECLOSABLE FASTENERS OR ZIPPERS FOR USE WITH POLYMERIC BAGS; USPUB 2004/0148744 entitled RECLOSABLE FASTENERS FOR PLASTICS BAGS AND THE LIKE; PCT/US2009/042998 entitled COHESIVE RECLOSABLE FASTENERS FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGES; EP2361761 entitled RECLOSABLE FASTENERS, PACKAGES HAVING RECLOSABLE FASTENERS, AND METHODS FOR CREATING RECLOSABLE FASTENERS; U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,612 entitled CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF PREFORMED RECLOSABLE FASTENERS; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,582 entitled APPARATUS FOR APPLYING RECLOSABLE FASTENERS TO A WEB OF FILM. The contents of each of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The interlocking fasteners, such as the ones disclosed in the aforementioned documents, require mild pressure to cause a mechanical engagement between two interlocking elements, such as between a hook and loop, between two self-engaging protrusions, between a hook and an opening, and so forth. In order to disconnect the interlocking fasteners, a separation force must be applied to the interlocking fasteners to sever the mechanical engagement between the two interlocking elements. For this reason, many interlocking fasteners are designed to bend, or deform, in response to a certain force being applied to the interlocking features, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,339. For example, in response to a person gently pulling on one or both sides of the interlocking fastener, the hook may deform. Opposing loads applied perpendicularly to respective elements of the interlocking fastener are referenced as tension forces. Herein, a tension strength of an interlocking fastener refers to a tension force required to disengage elements from each other, namely, to disengage the mechanical engagement between two elements. Accordingly, the tension strength of the interlocking fastener can be directly proportional to the hook's resistance to deformation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a lateral view of a modular shoe according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the modular shoe 100 shown in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The modular shoe 100 includes an upper 105 coupled to a sole 110. The upper includes a heel tab 115, a collar 120, a heel counter 125, an arch bandage 130, a toe vamp 135, a toe cap 140, an eyestay 145, and a tongue 150. The sole 110 includes a midsole 155 and an outer sole 160. The eyestay 145 includes a plurality of eyelets 165. In certain embodiments, the modular shoe 100 includes an insole and heel wedge disposed above the midsole 155. The upper 105 includes the fabric the covers the entire foot. The toe vamp 135 and arch bandage 130 (or waist) cover the middle part of the foot. The toe cap 140 (or toe box) covers the toes, may provide additional protection for the toes, and maintain a shape of the modular shoe 100. The heel counter 125 strengthens the back part of the shoe, adds support, and helps maintain a shape of the modular shoe 100.

In certain embodiments, the modular shoe 100 includes a plurality of expansion sections 175. Each of the expansion sections 175 is configured to extend a length of the modular shoe 100 by a certain amount, such as by one-half (½) shoe size increments, in quarter-inch (¼″) increments, or in increments of 20-25 centimeters (cm). It is noted that the increments specified are for illustration only and other dimensions could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Each expansion section 175 is configured to removably couple to the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or both. In certain embodiments, one or more of the expansion sections 175 forms all or a portion of the arch bandage 130 or toe vamp 135. In certain embodiments, the expansion sections 175 comprise a material that is the same as, or similar to, the material in one or both of the arch bandage 130 or toe vamp 135.

A wearer is able to vary a length of the modular shoe by adding or removing expansion sections 175. Although the example depicted in FIG. 1 includes a certain number of expansion sections 175, certain embodiments can include more or fewer expansion sections 175 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a first expansion section 175a can be coupled between the arch bandage 130 and the toe vamp 135 to provide a first length. The wearer can add a second expansion section 175b to increase a length of the modular shoe 100 by a specified increment, such as increasing by ¼″. In certain embodiments, to add each of the expansion sections 175, the eyestay 145 is lifted and coupled to the respective expansion section 175. For example, the wearer may uncouple the eyestay 145 from the toe vamp 135 and couple the expansion section 175a to each of the eyestay 145, the arch bandage 130, and the toe vamp 135.

Each expansion section 175 includes an adhesive means configured to couple the expansion section 175 to one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or another expansion section 175. Accordingly, each of the toe vamp 135 and arch bandage 130 includes a corresponding adhesive means. In certain embodiments, the expansion sections 175 are removably coupled to the respective one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or another expansion section 175. In certain embodiments, once coupled, the expansion sections 175 are permanently or non-removably affixed to one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or another expansion section 175. For example, the adhesive means can be configured to non-removably couple the expansion sections 175 to one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or another expansion section 175. When permanently affixed, the expansion sections 175 are not designed to be removed, although removal may be possible via use of extreme force or improper coercion. The adhesive means can be one or more of: interlocking fasteners, a zipper, buttons, clips, hooks, fasteners, snaps, slide seals, strings, ties, or a combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the sole 110 includes a plurality of longitudinal expansion sections 180. Each of the longitudinal expansion sections 180 can be dimensioned to expand with, or couple to, a respective one of the expansion sections 175. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal expansion sections 180 are included in the midsole 155 and outer sole 160. In certain cases, one of the midsole 155 and outer sole 160 includes the longitudinal expansion sections 180. For example, in certain cases, the midsole 155 can include telescoping sections that extend from within another portion of the midsole 155. In such example, the extensions for the telescoping sections are configured to form lateral walls that define a void between the lateral walls, which can be filled with a fill material, such as a gas, fluid, gel, rubber, or foam. The outer sole 160 can include the longitudinal expansion sections 180 with adhesive means configured to couple to the respective extensions for the telescoping sections.

In certain embodiments, the modular shoe 100 is further enhance for travel. The modular shoe 100 can include a compact design to make the modular shoe 100 more compact for travel. With the possibility of removing the sole 110, a wearer can pack several different fabric designs that can be attached to the sole 110 by telescoping the shoes.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the sole 110, the midsole 155, the outer sole 160 is not expandable but is configured to be replaced whole. For example, as a wearer expands the modular shoe to the next ½ shoe size, the wearer can select a new sole 110 that corresponds to the new size. In certain cases, only a new outer sole 160 may be replaceable. In some cases, only a new midsole 155 may be replaceable.

In certain embodiments, the arch bandage 130 also is removably coupled with the heel counter 125. For example, the modular shoe 100 can be disassembled into multiple parts such as (i) the sole 110; (ii) the heel counter 125, the heel tab 115, and the collar 120; and (iii) a remainder of the upper 105, including the arch bandage 130, the tongue 150, the toe vamp 135, the toe cap 140, and the eyestay 145. In certain embodiments, the tongue 150 and eyestay 145 are removable separately or together. In some examples, each of the component parts of the modular shoe 100 can be separated by the wearer. In certain embodiments, the expansion sections 175 can only be removed, that is “detached”, once the tongue 150 and the eyestay 145 are removed. The modular shoe 100 is also configured to be separated for easy shipment, packing, or transport.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of expansion sections 175 is slidably connected to one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or another expansion section 175. Accordingly, each of the toe vamp 135 and arch bandage 130 includes a corresponding slide coupling. For example, each of the expansion sections 175 can be configured with a flexible rail system that enables a respective expansion section 175 to slide into, or behind, an adjacent section or portion of the shoe 100 such as a respective one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or another expansion section 175. In certain embodiments, the expansion sections 175 are permanently or non-removably affixed to one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, or another expansion section 175. In such embodiments, the expansion section 175 can be removably coupled to the sole 110 and/or eyestay 145. The expansion sections 175 can detach from the sole 110 and/or eyestay 145 and be folded into the adjacent section of the shoe 100 and unfolded to create a telescoping expansion sections 175. When permanently affixed, the expansion sections 175 are not designed to be removed, although removal may be possible via use of extreme force or improper coercion.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a modular shoe 100, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the modular shoe 100 is shown in simplified form here and may include any number of additional components in any suitable configuration as needed or desired. Also, each component of the modular shoe 100 may have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions.

FIG. 2A illustrates a planar view of a modular shoe according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the sole according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular shoe 100 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the example depicted in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the modular shoe 100 is configured as an athletic shoe. It will be understood that the modular shoe 100 can be configured in other forms or shapes, such as a dress shoe, a work shoe, a boot, a work boot, a deck shoe, loafer, men's shoe, boy's shoe, women's shoe, girl's shoe, or the like.

In certain embodiments, the modular shoe 100 is configured to expand laterally, namely, in width. The modular shoe 100 can include a plurality lateral expansion sections 205. Each of the lateral expansion sections 205 can extend respectively from the expansion sections 175. The lateral expansion sections 205 are configured to extend past an insole 210, heel counter support 215 (if so equipped), heel wedge 220 (if so equipped), and through vias 225 in the midsole 155. The lateral expansion sections 205 couple, via fastening means, to a bottom of the midsole 155 between the midsole 155 and the outer sole 160.

In certain embodiments, the lateral expansion sections 205 can include a number of coupling points at which an adhesive means in positioned. As each expansion section 175 is added to the modular shoe, the wearer can select a suitable width of the upper 105 by engaging a corresponding coupling point at which the lateral expansion section 205 and midsole 155 couple. In certain embodiments, if the wearer expects no more growth to occur, the wearer may trim excess portions of the lateral expansion section 205. In certain embodiments, the midsole 155 includes a number of coupling points for connecting to different lengths of the lateral expansion section 205 to vary size and comfort to the wearer. In certain embodiments, the midsole 155 does not include couplings points or adhesive means. The expansions section 205 can extend through the vias 225 and stored between the midsole 155 and the outer sole 160. As such, the expansion sections 175 may move and adjust to the foot of the wearer. For example, as the wearer places weight on their foot, the expansion section 175 may slide outward from the via 225 and provide additional comfort to the foot by not restricting and lateral expansion of the foot.

In certain embodiments, the modular shoe 100 includes a standard form factor for the interfaces between the upper 105 and the sole 110. For example, the upper 105 can include a standardized form factor (interconnection shape) to couple to a number of different types of soles 110. The standardized form factor enables a wearer to use a first type of sole 110 in certain situations and another sole type in other situations. That is, the wearer can attach a first type of sole 110 when running on the road, a second type of sole 110 when running cross country, and a third type of sole 110 when playing tennis or another sport. In certain embodiments, the interface between the midsole 155 and outer sole 160 is standardized to enable a wearer to select and attach different types of midsoles 155 and different types of outer soles 160. The different types of midsoles 155 can be comprised of different materials having different performance properties, such as air cushion or supination/pronation support. The different types of outer soles 160 can be comprised of different materials or different patterns, or both, to provide different performance properties.

Although FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one example of a modular shoe 100, various changes may be made to FIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, the modular shoe 100 is shown as an athletic shoe here but may be any suitable type of shoe and may include any number of additional components in any suitable configuration as needed or desired. Also, each component of the modular shoe 100 may have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions.

FIG. 2C illustrates an example of a modular boot according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The modular boot 200 shown in FIG. 2C is for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Compactness may be more easily realized when the modular shoe is configured as a boot. With a rigid boot, such as a ski boot, a snowboarding boot, a military boot, and the like. In certain embodiments, the shaft of the boot is collapsible above the ankle into the shaft below the ankle. Once the shaft is collapsed, the toe box can be telescoped into the quarter, or the quarter into the toe box. In certain embodiments, the sole is removable, and a remainder of the boot can be telescoping to be able to enable ski and snowboard rental shops, or supply warehouses, an ability to store more boots or have more space to fit their equipment.

In the example shown in FIG. 2C, the modular shoe is configured as a modular boot 200. The modular boot 200 includes an adhesive means configured to couple a shaft expansion section 230 to the collar 120. The remainder of the modular boot 200 can be configured the same as, or similar to, modular shoe 100. Therefore, the corresponding descriptions of the expansion sections 175, heel tab 115, heel counter 125, arch bandage 130, toe vamp 135, toe cap 140, and a tongue 150 are not repeated here. In certain embodiments, the shaft expansion section 230 is permanently affixed to the collar 120 and configured to retract within the collar 120. In certain embodiments, the shaft expansion section 230 includes a shaft eyestay 235 configured to attached to the eyestay 145. The shaft eyestay 235 includes a plurality of eyelets 240. In certain embodiments, the shaft eyestay 235 is removably coupled to the ankle expansion section 230.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of expansion sections according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the expansion sections 300 shown in FIG. 3 are for illustration only. The expansion sections 300 shown in FIG. 3 can be the same as or similar to the expansion sections 175 shown in FIG. 1. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the expansion sections 300 can be dimensioned differently to have different shapes for coupling on different portions of the modular shoe 100, such as in different portions of an expansion region between the arch bandage 130 and toe vamp 135. For example, a first expansion section 300a can be configured to couple to the arch bandage 130 and the eyestay 145. A second expansion section 300b can be configured to couple to the arch bandage 130 and the eyestay 145 or couple to the first expansion section 300a and the eyestay 145. A third expansion section 300c can be configured to couple between one of the first expansion section 300a or second expansion section 300b and the toe vamp 135. Each of the expansion sections 300 is configured to extend a length of the modular shoe 100 by a specified increment, such as ½ size, ¼″, 20 cm, and the like. Although certain shapes are illustrated and certain dimensions provided, other shapes and dimensions could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the specified increment can be greater or smaller than the ½ size, ¼″, or 20 cm.

Each of the expansion sections 300 includes a side coupling point 310 configured to couple to an adjacent member, such as the toe vamp 135, the arch bandage 130, or another expansion section 300. Certain expansion sections 300 include a top coupling point 315 configured to couple to the eyestay 145. Each of the expansion sections 300 also includes one or more bottom coupling points 320 configured to couple to a sole coupling point in the midsole 155. Each of the side coupling point 310, the top coupling point 315, and the bottom coupling point 320 includes an adhesive means configured to couple the expansion section 300 respectively to one or more of the arch bandage 130, the toe vamp 135, another expansion section 300, or the midsole 155. The adhesive means can include one or more of: interlocking fasteners, a zipper, buttons, clips, hooks, fasteners, snaps, slide seals, strings, ties, or a combination thereof.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of expansion sections 300, various changes may be made to FIG. 3. For example, the expansion sections 300 are shown in simplified form here and may include any number of additional components in any suitable configuration as needed or desired. Although a specified number of coupling points are shown in the expansion sections 300, each expansion section 300 may include more or fewer coupling points. Also, each expansion section 300 may have any suitable size, shape, or dimensions.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example midsole according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the midsole 400 shown in FIG. 4 is for illustration only. The midsole 400 shown in FIG. 4 can be the same as or similar to the midsole 155 shown in FIG. 1. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The midsole 400 includes one or more coupling points 405 on a bottom surface. That is, the midsole 400 is configured to receive respective ends of one or more of the expansion sections 300 through one or more vias 410 on lateral edges of the midsole 400 and removably coupling the ends of the expansion sections 300 between the midsole and outer sole. Each of the coupling points 405 can include an adhesive means. Excess portions of the expansion sections may be stored or retained in a space between the midsole 400 and the outer sole. The adhesive means can include one or more of: interlocking fasteners, a zipper, buttons, clips, hooks, fasteners, snaps, slide seals, strings, ties, or a combination thereof.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a hook and loop interlocking fastener according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of the hook and loop interlocking fastener (HLIF) 500 is for illustration only and other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the HLIF 500 is in a closed position. In the closed position, one or more hooks 505 on an active element 510 are mechanically engaged with one or more loops 515 on a receiving element 520. When the active element 510 is brought in close proximity or contact with the receiving element 520, the hooks 505 mechanically engage the loops 515. Upon the exertion of a specified separation force, which depends upon the material comprising the hooks 505 and loops 515, and the quantity of each, the hooks 505 will disengage from the loops 515 and the active element 510 separates from the receiving element 520 as shown in FIG. 5B. The size, material, and dimensions of the HLIF 500 can be application specific.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a reclosable interlocking fastener (RIF) according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A illustrates a RIF in an open position according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates a RIF in a closed position according to the present disclosure. The embodiments of the RIF 600 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are for illustration only. Other embodiments could be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the RIF 600 is in an open position. The RIF 600 includes a plurality of self-engaging prongs 605a on a first element 610a configured to engage a similar plurality of self-engaging prongs 605b on a second element 610b. In certain embodiments, the first element 610a and the second element 610b are substantially similar, such that both are identical in design and operation. A receiving element is substantially similar to an active element such that both elements are substantially similar to the first element 610a. For example, both the receiving element and the active element can be identical to the first element 610a.

In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the RIF 600 is in a closed position. Each of the self-engaging prongs 605a and 605b can be configured substantially the same. Each of the self-engaging prongs 605a and 605b includes a semispherical bulb 615 coupled to a support stem 620. The semispherical bulb 615 includes a locking surface 625 disposed on an underside of the semispherical bulb 615 and adjacent to the support stem 620. The support stem 620 couples the semispherical bulb 615 to a base 630 of the respective element, such as the second element 610b.

In the closed position, one or more locking surfaces 625 on self-engaging prongs 605a are mechanically engaged with one or more locking surfaces 625 on self-engaging prongs 605b. That is, at least one locking surface 625 on self-engaging prongs 605a on the first element 610a overlaps with at least one locking surface 625 on self-engaging prongs 605b of the second element 610b causing the self-engaging prongs 605a and 605b to mechanically interlock. When the first element 610a is brought in contact with and pressed with sufficient force on the second element 610b, the locking surfaces 625 engage. The force required to cause the prongs 605 to engage each other may depend upon the materials used to form the prongs 605 that permit the prongs to temporarily deform to allow the engagement and a subsequent disengagement. The size, material, and quantity of the prongs 605 can be application specific. Upon the exertion of a specified separation force, which depends upon the material comprising the prongs 605, and the quantity of prongs 605, the prongs 605 will disengage from each other and the first element 610a separates from the second element 610b.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process 700 for forming a modular shoe system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. While the flow chart depicts a series of sequential steps, unless explicitly stated, no inference should be drawn from that sequence regarding specific order of performance, performance of steps or portions thereof serially rather than concurrently or in an overlapping manner, or performance of the steps depicted exclusively without the occurrence of intervening or intermediate steps.

In operation 705, one or more different materials are gathered to form a modular shoe. The materials can include one or more plastics, rubbers, composites, leather, and the like. One or more adhesive means are also gathered. In operation 710, the materials are cut, formed, molded, or otherwise shaped to form different components of the modular shoe depending upon one or more desired functions of the shoe. For example, the shoe may be desired to be one of an athletic shoe, work shoe, dress shoe, or the like. Some or all of the components can be formed to include the adhesive means at designated locations on the components. In operation 715, the modular shoe is formed in which one or more of the components are removably coupled to form the upper and sole of the shoe. In operation 720, a size, shape, appearance, or function of the modular shoe is altered by adding or removing one or more components.

Although FIG. 7 illustrates one example of a process 700 for forming a modular shoe system, various changes may be made to FIG. 7. For example, while shown as a series of steps, various steps in FIG. 7 could overlap, occur in parallel, occur in a different order, or occur multiple times.

Although the present disclosure has been described with various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the claims.

The present disclosure should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element, step, or function that must be included in the scope of the claims. Moreover, the claims are not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the exact words “means for” are followed by a participle.

MODULAR SHOE

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