SIZE ADJUSTABLE SHOE

Abstract

A size adjustable shoe having a heel curtain that is transformable, for example by folding, between a first position and a second position such that the size of the shoe is smaller when the heel curtain is in the first position than when it is in the second position.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a size adjustable shoe.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure addresses fit problems in the footwear industry, including the cost of returns related to incorrect fit (in particular in the DTC channel), inventory requirements relating to half sizes and certain wide/narrow sizes, changing morphology of feet for many reasons (e.g., growth, pregnancy, injury, swelling), dynamic footwear needs across different activities (e.g., walking, running, relaxing, recovering), disparate sizes between left and right feet, rapid growth of children's feet before shoes wear out, and other various needs for periodic adjustment of shoe size.

SUMMARY

A size adjustable shoe according to the present disclosure can comprise a heel curtain that is transformable between a first position and a second position such that the size of the shoe is smaller when the heel curtain is in the first position than when it is in the second position.

More specifically, example embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a size adjustable shoe having a sole portion and an upper portion coupled to the sole portion, the upper portion having a heel portion.

In various embodiments, a size adjustable shoe also comprises a heel curtain that can be coupled adjacent a topline of the heel portion. For example, in various embodiments the heel curtain can be transformable between a first position adjacent to an inner surface of the heel portion and a second position adjacent to an outer surface of the heel portion.

In example embodiments, the heel curtain comprises a curtain tab and wherein the heel portion comprises a tab aperture. In example embodiments, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain tab extends through the tab aperture. In example embodiments, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain tab is coupled to a tab lock on the heel portion. In example embodiments, the tab lock comprises one of a button, a hook and loop fastener and a clip.

In example embodiments, the heel curtain comprises a curtain plug and wherein the heel portion comprises a plug receptacle. In example embodiments, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain plug extends into a side of the plug receptacle. In example embodiments, when the heel curtain is in the second position, the curtain plug extends into an opposite side of the plug receptacle.

In other embodiments, a heel curtain comprises or is coupled to an inner surface of the heel portion and is not foldable. In this regard, a heel curtain can be inflated or filled, transformed with a cam or a threaded member.

In various embodiments, an inner dimension (e.g., length or heel width) of the shoe has a first measurement when the heel curtain is in the first position and a second measurement when the heel curtain is in the second position. In various embodiments, the first measurement is not equal to the second measurement (e.g., the first measurement can be less than the second measurement).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings may provide a further understanding of example embodiments of the present disclosure and are incorporated in, and constitute a part of, this specification. In the accompanying drawings, only one shoe (either a left shoe or a right shoe) may be illustrated, however, it should be understood that in such instances, the illustrated shoe may be mirror-imaged so as to be the other shoe. The use of like reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings is for convenience only, and should not be construed as implying that any of the illustrated embodiments are equivalent. The accompanying drawings are for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a size adjustable shoe having a foldable heel curtain comprising a curtain tab, in accordance with an example embodiment, in first, transition and second positions.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a size adjustable shoe having a foldable heel curtain comprising a curtain plug, in accordance with an example embodiment, in first, transition and second positions.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a size adjustable shoe comprising an inflatable or fillable heel curtain, in accordance with an example embodiment, in first and second positions, respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a size adjustable shoe comprising cam-driven transformable heel curtain, in accordance with an example embodiment, in first and second positions, respectively.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a size adjustable shoe comprising threaded member-driven transformable heel curtain, in accordance with an example embodiment, in first and second positions, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in sufficient detail in this detailed description to enable persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the present disclosure, however, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that mechanical and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, this detailed description is for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

For example, unless the context dictates otherwise, example embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments described herein. Similarly, references to “example embodiment,” “example embodiments” and the like indicate that the embodiment(s) described may comprise a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily comprise the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such references may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s). Any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to plural includes singular embodiments.

Any reference to coupled, connected, attached or the like may be temporary or permanent, removeable or not, non-integral or integral, partial or full, and may be facilitated by one or more of adhesives, stitches, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, grommets, zippers and other means known in the art or hereinafter developed.

As used herein, the transitional term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention.

No claim limitation is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112 (f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph or the like unless it explicitly uses the term “means” and includes functional language.

In describing example embodiments of the adjustable footbed system, certain directional terms may be used. By way of example, terms such as “right,” “left,” “medial,” “lateral,” “front,” “back,” “forward,” “backward,” “rearward,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” and the like may be used to describe example embodiments of the adjustable footbed system. These terms should be given meaning according to the manner in which the adjustable footbed system is most typically designed for use, with the adjustable footbed system on a user's foot and with the user's shod foot disposed on or ready for placement on an underlying surface. Thus, these directions may be understood relative to the adjustable footbed system in such use. Similarly, as the adjustable footbed system is intended primarily for use as footwear, terms such as “inner,” “inward,” “outer,” “outward,” “innermost,” “outermost,” “inside,” “outside,” and the like should be understood in reference to the adjustable footbed system's intended use, such that inner, inward, innermost, inside, and the like signify relatively closer to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, outside, and the like signify relatively farther from the user's foot when the adjustable footbed system is being used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitional guidance is contradicted by an individual use herein of any of the foregoing terms, the term should be understood and read according to the definition that gives life and meaning to the particular instance of the term.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, a size adjustable shoe 100 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a sole portion 101 and an upper portion 102 coupled to the sole portion 101, the upper portion 102 comprising a heel portion. The heel portion can be a heel counter or a heel strap, generally extending between opposing sides of the shoe 100.

A size adjustable shoe 100 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure further comprises a heel curtain. In accordance with example embodiments, the heel curtain is coupled adjacent or extends from a topline or collar of the heel portion, for example, continuously along a topline of or collar the heel portion. In accordance with example embodiments, the heel curtain comprises or is coupled to an inner surface of the heel portion.

In example embodiments, the heel curtain is comprised of a flexible material. In example embodiments, the heel curtain is comprised of a foam material, e.g., for added thickness and cushioning. In example embodiments, the heel curtain is inflatable or fillable, e.g., with a gas, liquid or gel. In example embodiments, the heel curtain extends (e.g., either as a continuous structure or a coupling) around an open arc that is defined by the topline or collar of the heel portion. In example embodiments, the heel curtain extends all or partially to a footbed of the shoe 100 when in a first position (as described below).

In such embodiments, and with reference to FIGS. 1A-2C, a heel curtain 110 is transformable (e.g., foldable) between a first position adjacent to a first surface of the heel portion and a second position adjacent to a second surface of the heel portion. In accordance with example embodiments, the first surface is an inner surface of the heel portion and the second surface is an outer surface of the heel portion. In this regard, in example embodiments a heel curtain 110 is adjacent an inner surface of a heel portion in the first position, while the heel curtain 110 is adjacent an outer surface of the heel portion in the second position.

In example embodiments, the heel curtain 110 is stable in the first position, in the second position, and in a transition position between the first position and the second position. That is, the heel curtain 110 in example embodiments is tri-stable, due in example embodiments at least in part to its extension around an open arc that is defined by the topline or collar of the heel portion.

In example embodiments, a surface of the heel curtain 110 can be configured to contact a user's foot (e.g., provide cushioning) while an opposing surface of the heel curtain 110 can be configured to be exposed to external elements (e.g., be waterproof or reflective).

In alternate embodiments, the heel curtain 110 can be simply detached (e.g., torn along a perforation or a hook and loop fastener) from the topline of the heel portion in the second position (i.e., the heel curtain 110 is removed in the second position, to be discarded or later reattached).

Paying particular attention to FIGS. 1A-1C, in accordance with example embodiments, the heel curtain 110 comprises a curtain tab 120 extending from an end of the heel curtain 110 and the heel portion comprises a tab aperture 130 extending through the heel portion. The tab aperture 130 can be shaped or otherwise configured to receive the curtain tab 120 therethrough (i.e., completely, from between an inner surface and an outer surface of the heel portion). For example, the tab aperture 130 can be a slit or have an oval or rectangle shape.

In accordance with example embodiments, when the heel curtain 110 is in the first position, the curtain tab 120 extends through the tab aperture 130 (e.g., rearward through the tab aperture 130). In accordance with example embodiments, when the heel curtain 110 is in the second position, the curtain tab 120 does not extend through the tab aperture 130.

In accordance with example embodiments, when the heel curtain 110 is in the first position, the curtain tab 120 is coupled to a tab lock 140 on the heel portion (e.g., an outer surface of the heel portion). In accordance with example embodiments, the tab lock 140 comprises one of a button, a hook and loop fastener and a clip. In accordance with example embodiments, when the heel curtain 110 is in the second position, the curtain tab 120 is coupled to a tab lock on the heel curtain 110 itself. Alternatively, in accordance with other embodiments, when the heel curtain 110 is in the second position, the curtain tab 120 is removed (e.g., torn along a perforation or a hook and loop fastener), to be discarded or later reattached.

Paying particular attention now to FIGS. 2A-2C, in accordance with example embodiments, the heel curtain 110 comprises a curtain plug 150 extending from an end of the heel curtain 110 and the heel portion comprises a plug receptacle 160 extending through the heel portion. In example embodiments, the curtain plug 150 is coupled to the end of the heel curtain 110 by a tether. The plug receptacle 160 can be shaped or otherwise configured to receive the curtain plug 150 into opposing sides of the plug receptable 160 (e.g., from both an inner surface and an outer surface of the heel portion). In this regard, the plug receptable 160 can have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the curtain plug 150. For example, the plug receptable 160 can define an opening having a perimeter that corresponds to a perimeter of the curtain plug 150. Example shapes include but are not limited to circles and squares.

In accordance with example embodiments, when the heel curtain 110 is in the first position, the curtain plug 150 extends into a side of the plug receptacle 160 (e.g., from an inner surface of the upper portion 102). In this regard, the curtain plug 150 can be temporarily coupled into the plug receptacle 160, effectively securing the heel curtain 110 in the first position at a user's discretion. In accordance with example embodiments, when the heel curtain 110 is in the second position, the curtain plug 150 extends into an opposite side of the plug receptacle 160 (e.g., from an outer surface of the upper portion 102). As above, the curtain plug 150 can be temporarily coupled into the plug receptacle 160, effectively securing the heel curtain 110 in the second position at a user's discretion.

In example embodiments, the abovementioned tether is coupled to the curtain plug 150 substantially equal distance between opposing sides of the curtain plug 150. In this regard, inserting the curtain plug 150 into the plug receptacle 160 does not interfere with the tether more on one side than the other.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A-5B, in accordance with example embodiments, a heel curtain comprises or is coupled to an inner surface of the heel portion. In this regard, in accordance with example embodiments, a heel curtain is not foldable from adjacent an inner surface of a heel portion to adjacent an outer surface of the heel portion.

For example, and with momentary reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a heel curtain 210 being or coupled to an inner surface of the heel portion is transformable from a first position to a second position. In a first position, and with reference to FIG. 3A, the heel curtain 210 (e.g., a pocket contained therein) can be inflated or filled through a port 211 with relatively more of a gas, liquid or gel. In a second position, and with reference to FIG. 3B, the heel curtain 210 (e.g., a pocket contained therein) can be inflated or filled through a port 211 with relatively less of a gas, liquid or gel. For example, a gas, liquid or gel can be removed from the heel curtain 210 in order to transition the feel curtain 210 from its first to its second position.

In still other embodiments, and with momentary reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a heel curtain 210 being or coupled to an inner surface of the heel portion is transformable from a first position to a second position. In a first position, and with reference to FIG. 4A, a heel cam 212 contained within (e.g., positioned between adjacent layers of) the heel curtain can be rotated around a pin 213 in a first direction such that an extension 214 of the heel cam 212 presses against the heel curtain 210. In a second position, and with reference to FIG. 4B, the heel cam 212 can be rotated around the pin 213 in a second direction (opposite the first direction) such that the extension 214 of the heel cam 212 does not press, or presses less, against the heel curtain 210. For example, a lever of the heel cam 212 can be positioned downward when the heel curtain 210 is in the second position while the lever can be positioned upward when the heel curtain 210 is in the second position. In example embodiments, the heel cam 212 can be locked (e.g., by interference fit) in either position.

In yet other embodiments, and with momentary reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a heel curtain 210 being or coupled to an inner surface of the heel portion is transformable from a first position to a second position. In a first position, and with reference to FIG. 5A, a threaded member 215 contained within (e.g., positioned between adjacent layers of) the heel curtain can be twisted through a female coupling 216 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) such that an nose 217 of the threaded member 215 presses against the heel curtain 210. In a second position, and with reference to FIG. 5B, the threaded member 215 can be twisted through the female coupling 216 in a second direction (opposite the first direction, e.g., counter clockwise) such that the nose 217 of the threaded member 215 does not press, or presses less, against the heel curtain 210. In example embodiments, the nose 217 can have an expanded profile to evenly distribute forces applied to the heel curtain 210.

Thus, in accordance with all of the example embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1A-5B, an inner dimension of the shoe 100 has a first measurement when the heel curtain 110/210 is in the first position. In example embodiments, the inner dimension is one or more of length and heel width. In accordance with example embodiments, the inner dimension of the shoe 100 has a second measurement when the heel curtain 110/210 is in the second position. In accordance with example embodiments, the first measurement is not equal to the second measurement. In accordance with example embodiments, the first measurement is less than the second measurement. Stated another way, in example embodiments, a size of a shoe 100 is smaller when a heel curtain 110/210 is in a first position than when it is in a second position.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments described herein cover the modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

1. A size adjustable shoe comprising: a sole portion and an upper portion coupled to the sole portion, the upper portion comprising a heel portion,wherein a heel curtain is coupled adjacent a topline of the heel portion, and the heel curtain is transformable between a first position adjacent to a first surface of the heel portion and a second position adjacent to a second surface of the heel portion,wherein an inner dimension of the shoe has a first measurement when the heel curtain is in the first position,wherein the inner dimension of the shoe has a second measurement when the heel curtain is in the second position, andwherein the first measurement is not equal to the second measurement.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the first surface is an inner surface of the heel portion and the second surface is an outer surface of the heel portion.

3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the inner dimension is length and the first measurement is less than the second measurement.

4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel curtain comprises a curtain tab and wherein the heel portion comprises a tab aperture.

5. The shoe of claim 4, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain tab extends through the tab aperture.

6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain tab is coupled to a tab lock on the heel portion.

7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein the tab lock comprises one of a button, a hook and loop fastener and a clip.

8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel curtain comprises a curtain plug and wherein the heel portion comprises a plug receptacle.

9. The shoe of claim 8, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain plug extends into a side of the plug receptacle.

10. The shoe of claim 9, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the second position, the curtain plug extends into an opposite side of the plug receptacle.

11. A size adjustable shoe comprising: a sole portion and an upper portion coupled to the sole portion, the upper portion comprising a heel portion,wherein a heel curtain is coupled adjacent a topline of the heel portion, the heel curtain transformable between a first position adjacent to an inner surface of the heel portion and a second position adjacent to an outer surface of the heel portion,wherein the heel curtain comprises a curtain plug and wherein the heel portion comprises a plug receptacle,wherein an inner dimension of the shoe has a first measurement when the heel curtain is in the first position,wherein the inner dimension of the shoe has a second measurement when the heel curtain is in the second position, andwherein the first measurement is less than the second measurement.

12. The shoe of claim 11, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain plug extends into a side of the plug receptacle.

13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the second position, the curtain plug extends into an opposite side of the plug receptacle.

14. A size adjustable shoe comprising: a sole portion and an upper portion coupled to the sole portion, the upper portion comprising a heel portion,wherein a heel curtain is coupled adjacent a topline of the heel portion, the heel curtain transformable between a first position adjacent to an inner surface of the heel portion and a second position adjacent to an outer surface of the heel portion,wherein the heel curtain comprises a curtain tab and wherein the heel portion comprises a tab aperture,wherein an inner dimension of the shoe has a first measurement when the heel curtain is in the first position,wherein the inner dimension of the shoe has a second measurement when the heel curtain is in the second position, andwherein the first measurement is less than the second measurement.

15. The shoe of claim 14, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain tab extends through the tab aperture.

16. The shoe of claim 15, wherein, when the heel curtain is in the first position, the curtain tab is coupled to a tab lock on the heel portion.

17. The shoe of claim 16, wherein the tab lock comprises one of a button, a hook and loop fastener and a clip.