TECHNICAL FIELD
The present technology relates to footwear, and more particularly to soles for shoes that have removable outer sole pieces.
BACKGROUND
It is often desirable to have footwear with different types of soles, which generally requires having a separate set of footwear having each type of desired sole. For example, athletes often need to have separate sets of athletic shoes with different types of soles. For basketball, a treaded sole is needed, while outdoor sports often require cleats of various types. There are many known types of cleats, including firm ground and soft ground soccer cleats, baseball cleats, and football cleats. Cleats can also be made from metal, rubber, or plastic. Owning separate pairs of shoes for every type of sole needed can be expensive and cumbersome to manage and carry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Specific examples have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description, and are shown in the accompanying drawings, forming a part of the specification.
FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of one example of a sole for a shoe of the present technology that has removable outer sole pieces of the present technology.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of one example of a first sole layer of the present technology that may be used in the sole of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one set of outer sole pieces of the present technology that may be used in the sole of FIG. 1, including an outer sole toe piece and an outer sole heel piece.
FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the sole of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the sole of FIG. 1 on one example of a shoe.
FIG. 6 illustrates one example of a sole of the present technology that includes a first sole layer and a plurality of interchangeable removable outer sole pieces of the present technology.
FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of a second example of a first sole layer of the present technology that may be used in the sole of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of a second set of outer sole pieces of the present technology that are configured to attach to the first sole layer of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of a third example of a first sole layer of the present technology that may be used in the sole of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a third set of outer sole pieces of the present technology that are configured to attach to the first sole layer of FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one example of a toe portion of a first sole layer having a first sole layer toe track and a corresponding outer sole toe piece having a toe piece track.
FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example of a toe portion of a first sole layer having a first sole layer toe track and a corresponding outer sole toe piece having a toe piece track.
FIG. 13 illustrates one example of a method of the present technology of making a sole for a shoe that has removable outer sole pieces.
While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, and instead is meant to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. Directional terms, such as “top” and “bottom” are non-limiting, and are for reference only. The term “configured to” as used herein with respect to a component being “configured to” have certain structural characteristics in specified circumstances or to perform a function means that the component is structurally formed such that the component meets the structural characteristics in the specified circumstances or performs the function without further modification. In addition, the terms “example” and “embodiment” as used throughout this application is only by way of illustration, and not limitation, the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and the use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items unless otherwise noted.
SUMMARY
In a first aspect, a sole for a shoe that has removable outer sole pieces is provided. The sole includes a first sole layer. The first sole layer includes a sole body having a toe portion and a heel portion, the toe portion having a first sole layer toe track and the heel portion having a first sole layer heel track. The sole also includes an outer sole toe piece having a toe piece top surface and a toe piece bottom surface. The toe piece top surface includes a toe piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer toe track of the first sole layer. The sole further includes an outer sole heel piece having a heel top surface and a heel bottom surface. The heel top surface includes a heel piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer heel track of the first sole layer.
In a second aspect, a sole for a shoe that has removable outer sole pieces is provided. The sole includes a first sole layer. The first sole layer includes a sole body having a toe portion and a heel portion, the toe portion having a first sole layer toe track and the heel portion having a first sole layer heel track. The sole also includes a plurality of interchangeable outer sole toe pieces. Each outer sole toe piece includes a toe piece top surface and a toe piece bottom surface. The toe piece top surface includes a toe piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer toe track of the first sole layer. The sole further includes a plurality of interchangeable outer sole heel pieces. Each outer sole heel piece includes a heel top surface and a heel bottom surface. The heel top surface includes a heel piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer heel track of the first sole layer.
In a third aspect, a method of making a sole for a shoe that has removable outer sole pieces is provided. The method includes forming a first sole layer including a sole body having a toe portion and a heel portion, the toe portion having a first sole layer toe track and the heel portion having a first sole layer heel track. The method also includes forming an outer sole toe piece having a toe piece top surface and a toe piece bottom surface, wherein the toe piece top surface includes a toe piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer toe track of the first sole layer. The method further includes forming an outer sole heel piece having a heel top surface and a heel bottom surface, wherein the heel top surface includes a heel piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer heel track of the first sole layer. The method may also include forming at least a second outer sole toe piece having a toe piece top surface and a toe piece bottom surface, wherein the toe piece top surface includes a toe piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer toe track of the first sole layer, as well as forming at least a second outer sole heel piece having a heel top surface and a heel bottom surface, wherein the heel top surface includes a heel piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer heel track of the first sole layer. The method may include slidably connecting the toe piece track of the outer sole toe piece to the first sole layer toe track, and slidably connecting the heel piece track of the outer sole heel piece to the first sole layer heel track. In at least some examples, forming the outer sole toe piece may include providing a plurality of studs on the toe piece bottom surface, and forming the outer sole heel piece may include providing a plurality of studs on the heel bottom surface. Alternatively, or on a second outer sole toe piece and the outer sole heel piece when a plurality of each are provided, forming the outer sole toe piece may include providing a plurality of cleats on the toe piece bottom surface, and forming the outer sole heel piece may include providing a plurality of cleats on the heel bottom surface.
The sole provided in any of the foregoing aspects may have one or more additional features. For example, the toe portion and the heel portion of the first sole layer may each further include a plurality of bushings configured to receive a threaded fastener. As another example, the outer sole toe piece and the outer sole heel piece may each further include a plurality of holes configured to receive a threaded fastener, wherein the plurality of holes on the outer sole toe piece may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings on the toe portion of the first sole layer and the plurality of holes on the outer sole heel piece may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings on the heel portion of the first sole layer. In at least one example, the first sole layer toe track and the first sole layer heel track each may each include a recessed groove. In such an example, the toe piece track may be a protruding track that is slidably received by the recessed groove of the first sole layer toe track. Further, in such an example, the heal piece track may be a protruding track that is slidably received by the recessed groove of the first sole layer heel track. In at least some examples, the first sole layer toe track and the first sole layer heel track may each include a first leg, a second leg, and a foot that extends from the first leg to the second leg. Correspondingly, the toe piece track and the heel piece track may each include a first leg, a second leg, and a foot that extends from the first leg to the second leg. In at least some examples, the first sole layer toe track and the first sole layer heel track may each have a cross-section that has a shape selected from the group comprising a wedge and a T-shape. Correspondingly, in at least some examples, the toe piece track and the heel piece track each have a cross-section that has a shape selected from the group comprising a wedge and a T-shape. With respect to the bottom surface of the outer sole toe piece and the outer sole heel piece, the toe piece bottom surface and the heel bottom surface may each include a plurality of cleats, which may be metal cleats or molded cleats. Alternatively, or on a second outer sole toe piece and the outer sole heel piece when a plurality of each are provided, the toe piece bottom surface and the heel bottom surface may each include a plurality of studs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Soles for shoes, where the soles have removable outer sole pieces, and methods of making such soles are provided herein. In at least some examples, the soles include a plurality of interchangeable outer sole pieces.
Generally, shoe soles of the present technology include a sole first layer, which may be attached or attachable to a part of a shoe body, such as a shoe midsole or a pre-existing sole. Soles of the present technology also include one or more sets of outer sole pieces, where each set of outer sole pieces includes an outer sole toe piece and an outer sole heel piece that are removably attachable to the first sole layer.
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one example of a sole 100 for a shoe of the present technology.
FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the sole 100, in an assembled state. The sole 100 includes a first sole layer 102. The first sole layer 102 includes a sole body 104 having a toe portion 106 and a heel portion 108. The sole 100 also includes a set of outer sole pieces. Specifically, an outer sole toe piece 110 is attached to the toe portion 106 of the first sole layer 102, and an outer sole heel piece 112 is attached to the heel portion 108 of the first sole layer 102. The outer sole toe piece 110 has a bottom surface 114, which is configured to contact the ground when the shoe is in use. The outer sole heel piece 112 also has a bottom surface 116, which is configured to contact the ground when the shoe is in use.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom surface 114 of the outer sole toe piece 110 and the bottom surface 116 of the outer sole heel piece 112 each include a plurality of turf gripping features 118, which in the illustrated example are cleats 120. Each cleat 120 of the plurality of cleats as shown in FIG. 1 is a metal cleat. However, in other examples, each cleat 120 may be a molded cleat. Cleats, whether metal or molded, may be used in a variety of athletic endeavors. In other examples, the bottom surface 114 of the outer sole toe piece 110 and the bottom surface 116 of the outer sole heel piece 112 may have alternative turf gripping features 118, such as studs when the shoe is intended for use as a turf shoe, or treads when the shoe is intended for other athletic uses such as running or basketball.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of only the first sole layer 102 of the sole 100, without the outer sole toe piece and the outer sole heel piece. The sole body 104, toe portion 106, and heel portion 108 are shown. The toe portion 106 includes a first sole layer toe track 122, and the heel portion 108 includes a first sole layer heel track 124. In the illustrated example, the first sole layer toe track 122 and the first sole layer heel track 124 may each include a recessed groove. As shown, the first sole layer toe track 122 includes a recessed toe track groove 126, and the first sole layer heel track 124 includes a recessed heel track groove 128. In alternative examples, the first sole layer toe track 122 and the first sole layer heel track 124 may include a protrusion rather than a recessed groove. The toe portion 106 and the heel portion 108 of the first sole layer 102 may each further include a plurality of bushings 162, where each bushing 162 is configured to receive a threaded fastener.
FIG. 3 is a top view of the set of outer sole pieces of the sole 100, including the outer sole toe piece 110 that is configured to be attached to the toe portion 106 of the first sole layer 102, and an outer sole heel piece 112 that is configured to be attached to the heel portion 108 of the first sole layer 102. The outer sole toe piece 110 has a toe piece top surface 130, in addition to the toe piece bottom surface 114 shown in FIG. 1. The toe piece top surface 130 includes a toe piece track 132, which is shown as being a protruding track that protrudes from the top surface 130. The toe piece track 132 is configured to, and does, slidably attach to the first sole layer toe track 122 (FIG. 2) of the first sole layer 102. The outer sole heel piece 112 has a heel top surface 134, in addition to the heel bottom surface 116 shown in FIG. 1. The heel top surface 134 includes a heel piece track 136 that is configured to, and does, slidably attach to the first sole layer heel track 124 (FIG. 2) of the first sole layer 102.
As shown in FIGS. 1, and 3, the outer sole toe piece 110 and the outer sole heel piece 112 may each further include a plurality of holes 164. Each hole 164 may be configured to receive a threaded fastener. The plurality of holes 164 on the outer sole toe piece 110 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 162 on the toe portion 106 of the first sole layer 102. Similarly, the plurality of holes 164 on the outer sole heel piece 112 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 162 on the heel portion 108 of the first sole layer 102.
FIG. 4 is an end view of the sole 100 of FIG. 1, when the sole 100 is in an assembled state, and FIG. 5 is an end view of the sole 100 in an assembled state on one example of a shoe 200. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the heel piece track 136 of the outer sole heel piece 112 is shown slidably attached to the first sole layer heel track 124 of the first sole layer 102. The turf gripping features 118, specifically cleats 120 in the illustrated example, are arranged and configured to contact the ground when the sole 100 is in use on the shoe 200 (FIG. 5). Referring to FIG. 5, the first sole layer 102 in the illustrated example is attached to the outer sole 202 of the shoe 200. However, in alternative examples, the first sole layer 102 of the sole 100 may take the place of the outer sole 202 of the shoe 200, and may be attached to the midsole 204 of the shoe 200.
FIG. 6 illustrates one example of the sole 100 of the present technology that includes a first sole layer 102 and a plurality of interchangeable removable outer sole pieces of the present technology. FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the first sole layer 102 of the sole 100, including the sole body 104, toe portion 106, and heel portion 108. The toe portion 106 includes a first sole layer toe track 122, and the heel portion 108 includes a first sole layer heel track 124. In the illustrated example, the first sole layer toe track 122 includes a recessed toe track groove 126, and the first sole layer heel track 124 includes a recessed heel track groove 128.
In the example shown in FIG. 6, the sole 100 includes three sets of interchangeable removable outer sole pieces 300, 400 and 500. The first set of interchangeable removable outer sole pieces 300 includes an outer sole toe piece 302, which is identical to the outer sole toe piece 110 shown in FIG. 1, and an outer sole heel piece 304, which is identical to the outer sole heel piece 112 that is shown in FIG. 1. The second set of interchangeable removable outer sole pieces 400 includes an outer sole toe piece 402 and an outer sole heel piece 404. The third set of interchangeable removable outer sole pieces 500 includes an outer sole toe piece 502 and an outer sole heel piece 504. The first outer sole toe piece 302, second outer sole toe piece 402, and third outer sole toe piece 502 each have a top surface (not shown) that is configured to slidably engage and attach to the first sole layer toe track 122. Accordingly, the first outer sole toe piece 302, second outer sole toe piece 402, and third outer sole toe piece 502 may each have a top surface (not shown) that is the same as the top surface 130 of outer sole toe piece 110 as shown in FIG. 3. The first outer sole heel piece 304, second outer sole heel piece 404, and third outer sole heel piece 504 each have a top surface (not shown) that is configured to slidably engage with and attach to the first sole layer heel track 124. Accordingly, the first outer sole heel piece 304, second outer sole heel piece 404, and third outer sole heel piece 504 may each have a top surface (not shown) that is the same as the top surface 134 of outer sole heel piece 112 as shown in FIG. 3.
Each of the outer sole toe pieces and outer sole heel pieces has a bottom surface, and each set of outer sole toe pieces and outer sole heel pieces may have bottom surfaces that have different turf gripping features. For example, first outer sole toe piece 302 has toe piece bottom surface 306, and first outer sole heel piece 304 has heel piece bottom surface 308. The toe piece bottom surface 306 and heel piece bottom surface 308 each have a plurality of turf gripping features 310. As shown, each turf gripping feature 310 is a metal cleat. With respect to second outer sole toe piece 402 and second outer heel piece 404, second outer sole toe piece 402 has toe piece bottom surface 406, and outer sole heel piece 404 has heel piece bottom surface 408. The toe piece bottom surface 406 and heel piece bottom surface 408 each have a plurality of turf gripping features 410. As shown, each turf gripping feature 410 is a stud. With respect to third outer sole toe piece 502 and third outer heel piece 504, second outer sole toe piece 502 has toe piece bottom surface 506, and outer sole heel piece 504 has heel piece bottom surface 508. The toe piece bottom surface 506 and heel piece bottom surface 508 each have a plurality of turf gripping features 510. As shown, each turf gripping feature 510 is a molded cleat. In alternative examples, two or more sets of outer sole pieces provided with a first sole layer 102 may have bottom surfaces having the same turf gripping features.
As also shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 shows that the toe portion 106 and the heel portion 108 of the first sole layer 102 each further include a plurality of bushings 162, where each bushing 162 is configured to receive a threaded fastener. As shown in FIG. 6, each outer sole toe piece may further include a plurality of holes, and each hole may be configured to receive a threaded fastener. First outer sole toe piece 302 and first outer heel sole piece 304 may each include a plurality of holes 312. Second outer sole toe piece 402 and second outer heel sole piece 404 may each include a plurality of holes 412. Third outer sole toe piece 502 and third outer heel sole piece 504 may each include a plurality of holes 512. The plurality of holes 312, 412, and 512 on each of the outer sole toe pieces 302, 402 and 502 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 162 on the toe portion 106 of the first sole layer 102. Similarly, the plurality of holes 312, 412, and 512 on each of the outer sole heel pieces 304, 404, and 504 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 162 on the heel portion 108 of the first sole layer 102.
The first sole layer toe tracks and the first sole layer heel tracks of the present technology may have any suitable shape (e.g., as seen from the bottom views of FIGS. 2, 6, 7 and 9). FIGS. 2, 6, 7 and 9 show illustrative non-limiting examples of different suitable shapes for the first sole layer toe track and the first sole layer heel track. In each of the illustrated examples, the first sole layer toe track and the first sole layer heel track each include a first leg, a second leg, and a foot that extends from the first leg to the second leg. Such a configuration may have any of several variations, examples of which are described in further detail below.
In FIGS. 2 and 6, the first sole layer toe track 122 and the first sole layer heel track 124 each have a shape that is generally U-shaped or V-shaped, although the shape is slanted as shown. The first sole layer toe track 122 includes a toe track first leg 138, a toe track second leg 140, and a toe track foot 142 that extends from the toe track first leg 138 to the toe track second leg 140. The toe track foot 142 is curved. The toe track first leg 138 and the toe track second leg 140 each extend from the toe track foot 142 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the toe track first leg 138 extends from the toe track foot 142 at a first angle and the toe track second leg 140 extends from the toe track foot 142 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same. Similarly, the first sole layer heel track 124 includes a heel track first leg 144, a heel track second leg 146, and a heel track foot 148 that extends from the heel track first leg 138 to the heel track second leg 140. The heel track foot 148 is curved. The heel track first leg 144 and the heel track second leg 146 each extend from the heel track foot 148 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the heel track first leg 144 extends from the heel track foot 148 at a first angle and the heel track second leg 146 extends from the heel track foot 148 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same.
Correspondingly, referring to FIG. 3, the toe piece track 132 and heel piece track 136 are configured to slidably engage with and attach to the first sole layer toe track 122 and the first sole layer heel track 124, respectively. Further, the toe piece track 132 and heel piece track 136 may be sized and configured to form a mating engagement between the first sole layer toe track 122 and the first sole layer heel track 124, respectively. Accordingly, as shown, the toe piece track 132 is generally U-shaped or V-shaped, although the shape is slanted as shown. The toe piece track 132 includes a toe piece track first leg 150, a toe piece track second leg 152, and a toe piece track foot 154 that extends from the toe piece track first leg 150 to the toe piece track second leg 152. The toe piece track foot 154 is curved. The toe piece track first leg 150 and the toe piece track second leg 152 each extend from the toe piece track foot 154 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the toe piece track first leg 150 extends from the toe piece track foot 154 at a first angle and the toe piece track second leg 152 extends from the toe piece track foot 154 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same. Similarly, heel piece track 136 includes a heel piece track first leg 156, a heel piece track second leg 158, and a heel piece track foot 160 that extends from the heel piece track first leg 156 to the heel piece track second leg 158. The heel piece track foot 160 is curved. The heel piece track first leg 156 and the heel piece track second leg 158 each extend from the heel piece track foot 160 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the heel piece track first leg 156 extends from the heel piece track foot 160 at a first angle and the heel piece track second leg 158 extends from the heel piece track foot 160 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a second example of a first sole layer 602 (FIG. 7) and a corresponding set of outer sole pieces 604 (FIG. 8) that are configured to slidably engage with and attach to the first sole layer 602 (FIG. 7). The set of outer sole pieces 604 includes an outer sole toe piece 606 and an outer sole heel piece 608.
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the first sole layer 602 of the sole 600. The sole body 610, toe portion 612, and heel portion 614 are shown. The toe portion 612 includes a first sole layer toe track 616, and the heel portion 614 includes a first sole layer heel track 618. In the illustrated example, the first sole layer toe track 616 and the first sole layer heel track 618 may each include a recessed groove. As shown, the first sole layer toe track 616 includes a recessed toe track groove 620, and the first sole layer heel track 618 includes a recessed heel track groove 622. In alternative examples, the first sole layer toe track 616 and the first sole layer heel track 618 may include a protrusion rather than a recessed groove.
As shown in FIG. 7, the first sole layer toe track 616 and the first sole layer heel track 618 each have a shape that is generally U-shaped or V-shaped, although the shape is slanted as shown. The first sole layer toe track 616 includes a toe track first leg 624, a toe track second leg 626, and a toe track foot 628 that extends from the toe track first leg 624 to the toe track second leg 626. The toe track foot 628 is a straight line. The toe track first leg 624 and the toe track second leg 626 each extend from the toe track foot 628 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the toe track first leg 624 extends from the toe track foot 628 at a first angle and the toe track second leg 626 extends from the toe track foot 628 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same. Similarly, the first sole layer heel track 618 includes a heel track first leg 630, a heel track second leg 632, and a heel track foot 634 that extends from the heel track first leg 630 to the heel track second leg 632. The heel track foot 634 is a straight line. The heel track first leg 630 and the heel track second leg 632 each extend from the heel track foot 634 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the heel track first leg 630 extends from the heel track foot 634 at a first angle and the heel track second leg 632 extends from the heel track foot 634 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same.
FIG. 8 is a top view of the set of outer sole pieces 604 of the sole 600, including the outer sole toe piece 606 that is configured to be attached to the toe portion 612 of the first sole layer 602, and an outer sole heel piece 608 that is configured to be attached to the heel portion 614 of the first sole layer 602. The outer sole toe piece 606 has a toe piece top surface 636. The outer sole toe piece 606 also has a bottom surface (not shown), which may be the same as or different from any of the toe piece top surfaces show in FIG. 1 or 6. The toe piece top surface 636 includes a toe piece track 638, which is shown as being a protruding track that protrudes from the top surface 636. The toe piece track 638 is configured to, and does, slidably attach to the first sole layer toe track 616 (FIG. 7) of the first sole layer 602. The outer sole heel piece 608 has a heel top surface 640. The outer sole heel piece 608 also has a bottom surface (not shown), which may be the same as or different from any of the heel piece top surfaces show in FIG. 1 or 6. The heel piece top surface 640 includes a heel piece track 642, which is shown as being a protruding track that protrudes from the top surface 640, that is configured to, and does, slidably attach to the first sole layer heel track 618 (FIG. 7) of the first sole layer 602.
As shown in FIG. 8, the first sole layer toe track 638 and the first sole layer heel track 642 each have a shape that is generally U-shaped or V-shaped, although the shape is slanted as shown. The toe piece track 638 includes a toe piece track first leg 644, a toe piece track second leg 646, and a toe piece track foot 648 that extends from the toe piece track first leg 644 to the toe piece track second leg 646. The toe piece track foot 648 is a straight line. The toe piece track first leg 644 and the toe piece track second leg 646 each extend from the toe piece track foot 648 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the toe piece track first leg 644 extends from the toe piece track foot 648 at a first angle and the toe piece track second leg 646 extends from the toe piece track foot 648 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same. Similarly, heel piece track 642 includes a heel piece track first leg 650, a heel piece track second leg 652, and a heel piece track foot 654 that extends from the heel piece track first leg 650 to the heel piece track second leg 652. The heel piece track foot 654 is a straight line. The heel piece track first leg 650 and the heel piece track second leg 652 each extend from the heel piece track foot 654 at an angle other than a 90° angle. As shown, the heel piece track first leg 650 extends from the heel piece track foot 654 at a first angle and the heel piece track second leg 652 extends from the heel piece track foot 654 at a second angle that is different from the first angle. Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle may be the same.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the toe piece track 638 and heel piece track 642 may be sized and configured to form a mating engagement between the first sole layer toe track 616 and the first sole layer heel track 618, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 7, the toe portion 612 and the heel portion 614 of the first sole layer 602 may each include a plurality of bushings 656, where each bushing 656 is configured to receive a threaded fastener. Referring to FIG. 8, the outer sole toe piece 606 and the outer sole heel piece 608 may each further include a plurality of holes 658. Each hole 658 may be configured to receive a threaded fastener. The plurality of holes 658 on the outer sole toe piece 606 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 656 on the toe portion 612 of the first sole layer 602. Similarly, the plurality of holes 658 on the outer sole heel piece 608 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 656 on the heel portion 614 of the first sole layer 602.
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third example of a first sole layer 702 (FIG. 9) and a corresponding set of outer sole pieces 704 (FIG. 10) that are configured to slidably engage and attach to the first sole layer 702 (FIG. 9). The set of outer sole pieces 704 includes an outer sole toe piece 706 and an outer sole heel piece 708.
FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the first sole layer 702 of the sole 700. The sole body 710, toe portion 712, and heel portion 714 are shown. The toe portion 712 includes a first sole layer toe track 716, and the heel portion 714 includes a first sole layer heel track 718. In the illustrated example, the first sole layer toe track 716 and the first sole layer heel track 718 may each include a recessed groove. As shown, the first sole layer toe track 716 includes a recessed toe track groove 720, and the first sole layer heel track 718 includes a recessed heel track groove 722. In alternative examples, the first sole layer toe track 716 and the first sole layer heel track 718 may include a protrusion rather than a recessed groove.
As shown in FIG. 9, the first sole layer toe track 716 and the first sole layer heel track 718 each have a shape that is generally a block U-shape. The first sole layer toe track 716 includes a toe track first leg 724, a toe track second leg 726, and a toe track foot 728 that extends from the toe track first leg 724 to the toe track second leg 726. The toe track foot 728 is a straight line. The toe track first leg 724 and the toe track second leg 726 each extend from the toe track foot 728 at an angle that is equal to, or substantially equal to, a 90° angle. As used herein, the term “substantially equal” means the stated angle plus or minus 5° Similarly, the first sole layer heel track 718 includes a heel track first leg 730, a heel track second leg 732, and a heel track foot 734 that extends from the heel track first leg 730 to the heel track second leg 732. The heel track foot 734 is a straight line. The heel track first leg 730 and the heel track second leg 732 each extend from the heel track foot 734 at an angle that is equal to, or substantially equal to, a 90° angle.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the set of outer sole pieces 704 of the sole 700, including the outer sole toe piece 706 that is configured to be attached to the toe portion 712 of the first sole layer 702, and an outer sole heel piece 708 that is configured to be attached to the heel portion 714 of the first sole layer 702. The outer sole toe piece 706 has a toe piece top surface 736. The outer sole toe piece 706 also has a bottom surface (not shown), which may be the same as or different from any of the toe piece top surfaces show in FIG. 1 or 6. The toe piece top surface 736 includes a toe piece track 738, which is shown as being a protruding track that protrudes from the top surface 736. The toe piece track 738 is configured to, and does, slidably attach to the first sole layer toe track 716 (FIG. 7) of the first sole layer 702. The outer sole heel piece 708 has a heel top surface 740. The outer sole heel piece 708 also has a bottom surface (not shown), which may be the same as or different from any of the heel piece top surfaces show in FIG. 1 or 6. The heel piece top surface 740 includes a heel piece track 742, which is shown as being a protruding track that protrudes from the top surface 740, that is configured to, and does, slidably attach to the first sole layer heel track 718 (FIG. 7) of the first sole layer 702.
As shown in FIG. 10, the outer sole toe piece track 738 and the outer sole piece heel track 742 each have a shape that is generally a block U-shaped. The toe piece track 738 includes a toe piece track first leg 744, a toe piece track second leg 746, and a toe piece track foot 748 that extends from the toe piece track first leg 744 to the toe piece track second leg 746. The toe piece track foot 748 is a straight line. The toe piece track first leg 744 and the toe piece track second leg 746 each extend from the toe piece track foot 748 at an angle that is equal to, or substantially equal to, a 90° angle. Similarly, heel piece track 742 includes a heel piece track first leg 7/-50, a heel piece track second leg 752, and a heel piece track foot 754 that extends from the heel piece track first leg 750 to the heel piece track second leg 752. The heel piece track foot 754 is a straight line. The heel piece track first leg 750 and the heel piece track second leg 752 each extend from the heel piece track foot 754 at an angle that is equal to, or substantially equal to, a 90° angle.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the toe piece track 738 and heel piece track 742 may be sized and configured to form a mating engagement between the first sole layer toe track 716 and the first sole layer heel track 718, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 9, the toe portion 712 and the heel portion 714 of the first sole layer 702 may each include a plurality of bushings 756, where each bushing 756 is configured to receive a threaded fastener. Referring to FIG. 10, the outer sole toe piece 706 and the outer sole heel piece 708 may each further include a plurality of holes 758. Each hole 758 may be configured to receive a threaded fastener. The plurality of holes 758 on the outer sole toe piece 706 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 756 on the toe portion 712 of the first sole layer 702. Similarly, the plurality of holes 758 on the outer sole heel piece 708 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 756 on the heel portion 714 of the first sole layer 702.
First sole layer toe tracks and first sole layer heel tracks, as well as outer sole toe piece tracks and outer sol heel piece tracks of the present technology may have various cross-sectional shape. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate two non-limiting examples of cross-sectional shapes, which are a T-shape (FIG. 11) and wedge shape (FIG. 12). The examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are discussed below with respect to the toe portion of a first sole layer and the corresponding outer sole toe piece, but it should be understood that the cross-sectional shapes for the tracks discussed may be used for any of the first sole layer toe tracks, first sole layer heel tracks, outer sole toe piece tracks, and outer sol heel piece tracks discussed above.
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one example of a first sole layer 800 having a toe portion 802 that includes a first sole layer toe track 804, and a corresponding outer sole toe piece 806 having a toe piece track 808. The first sole layer toe track 804 is a recessed groove having a cross-sectional shape that is a T-shape. The toe piece track 808 is a protruding track having a cross-sectional shape that is a T-shape. More specifically, the toe piece track 808 is a protruding track having a cross-sectional shape that is a T-shape configured to correspond to, and be slidably received by, the recessed groove having a cross-sectional shape that is a T-shape of the first sole layer toe track 804. The toe portion 802 may also include a plurality of bushings 810, where each bushing 810 is configured to receive a threaded fastener. The outer sole toe piece 806 may include a plurality of holes 812. Each hole 812 may be configured to receive a threaded fastener. The plurality of holes 812 on the outer sole toe piece 806 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 810 on the toe portion 800.
FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative example of a first sole layer 900 having a toe portion 902 that includes a first sole layer toe track 904, and a corresponding outer sole toe piece 906 having a toe piece track 908. The first sole layer toe track 904 is a recessed groove having a cross-sectional shape that is a wedge shape. The toe piece track 908 is a protruding track having a cross-sectional shape that is a wedge shape. More specifically, the toe piece track 908 is a protruding track having a cross-sectional shape that is a wedge configured to correspond to, and be slidably received by, the recessed groove having a cross-sectional shape that is a wedge shape of the first sole layer toe track 904. The toe portion 902 may also include a plurality of bushings 910, where each bushing 910 is configured to receive a threaded fastener. The outer sole toe piece 906 may include a plurality of holes 912. Each hole 912 may be configured to receive a threaded fastener. The plurality of holes 912 on the outer sole toe piece 906 may be configured to align with the plurality of bushings 910 on the toe portion 900.
FIG. 13 illustrates one example of a method 1000 of the present technology of making a sole for a shoe that has removable outer sole pieces. The method 1000 includes a first sole layer forming step 1002, which includes forming a first sole layer. The first sole layer may include a sole body having a toe portion and a heel portion, the toe portion having a first sole layer toe track and the heel portion having a first sole layer heel track. The method also includes an outer sole toe piece forming step 1004, which includes forming an outer sole toe piece having a toe piece top surface and a toe piece bottom surface. The toe piece top surface may include a toe piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer toe track of the first sole layer formed during the first sole layer forming step 1002. The method may also include repeating the outer sole toe piece forming step 1004 to form at least a second outer sole toe piece. The second outer sole toe piece may have a toe piece top surface and a toe piece bottom surface, wherein the toe piece top surface includes a toe piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer toe track of the first sole layer formed during the first sole layer forming step 1002. The method further includes an outer sole heel piece forming step 1006, which includes forming an outer sole heel piece having a heel top surface and a heel bottom surface. The heel top surface may include a heel piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer heel track of the first sole layer formed during the first sole layer forming step 1002. The method may also include forming at least a second outer sole heel piece having a heel top surface and a heel bottom surface. The heel top surface of the second outer sole heel may include a heel piece track that slidably connects to the first sole layer heel track of the first sole layer formed during the first sole layer forming step 1002. The method may include an outer toe piece connecting step 1008, which includes slidably connecting the toe piece track of an outer sole toe piece formed during the outer sole toe piece forming step 1004 to the first sole layer toe track of the first sole layer formed during the first sole layer forming step 102. The method may also include an outer heel piece connecting step 1010, which includes slidably connecting the heel piece track of an outer sole heel piece formed during the outer sole heel piece forming step 1006 to the first sole layer heel track of the first sole layer formed during the first sole layer forming step 1002. In at least some examples, forming the outer sole toe piece may include providing a plurality of studs on the toe piece bottom surface, and forming the outer sole heel piece may include providing a plurality of studs on the heel bottom surface. Alternatively, or on a second outer sole toe piece and the outer sole heel piece when a plurality of each are provided, forming the outer sole toe piece may include providing a plurality of cleats on the toe piece bottom surface, and forming the outer sole heel piece may include providing a plurality of cleats on the heel bottom surface.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that although specific examples have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to particularly point out and distinctly claim the claimed subject matter.
Patent Application
20240277104
