GB2526791A

GB2526791A - A modular footwear item

Info

Publication number: GB2526791A
Application number: GB1409737.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dawn Doory
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-02
Filing date: 2014-06-02
Publication date: 2015-12-09
Also published as: GB201409737D0

Abstract

An item of modular footwear 1 comprises a sole 2 having at least one aperture 3 that extends through the sole 2, the aperture 3 extending substantially horizontally in a direction extending substantially from one side of the sole 2 to the other. The footwear may comprise a flat shoe, a mid heel, high heel, or wedge type shoe. Preferably the footwear further comprises a plurality of straps 5, each extending through the aperture and forming a loop to connect the sole and the strap. The straps may be orientated to provide sabot strap 4, a heel strap or an ankle strap. There may also be a toe strap which can surround all the toes of a wearer, or just the big toe. The straps may further comprise a number of trim elements, which may be fastened to the straps using hook and loop material or a catch mechanism. Also claimed is a modular bag comprising a body and a bag trim element.

Description

A modular footwear item

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an item of footwear having components that can be connected and disconnected to alter the functionality, appearance or both. More particularly, the present invention relates to an item of footwear having a sole to which a variety of modular upper components can be connected and disconnected to alter the functionality, appearance or both. The present invention also relates to a handbag or purse having a body to which components can be connected and disconnected to alter the functionality, appearance or both.

Background

When travelling for business or pleasure, it is necessary to pack several changes of clothes. If travelling for extended periods of time, such as on a holiday, it is most desirable to pack clothing and associated items such as footwear and bags suitable for any occasion or purpose. Although the overall amount of clothing necessary can be minimised to an extent by planning different outfits. However large quantities of clothing and footwear can conflict with space and weight restrictions or similar when flying.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: US20130160325 describes and shows a shoe that has a bottom sole which has a through hole therein, and at least one cover which can be removably coupled to the bottom sole. The cover includes a connection part which is inserted into the through hole of the bottom sole, and a locking part which is provided on the connection part.

The through hole has a shape of a slot of which a longitudinal length is longer than a lateral length. The locking part has a non-circular shape in which a longitudinal length of the locking part is equal to or less than the longitudinal length of the through hole and a lateral length of the locking part is greater than the longitudinal length of the locking part so that the locking part is easily inserted into the through hole but not easily removed therefrom.

EP2548463 describes and shows a sandal that has belts held at a sole transverse to the longitudinal direction of the belts. The belts are releasably fastened to the sole.

Fastening recesses are passed at two ends of the belts, and the fastening elements are formed by rear sectional-nubs and the fastening recesses by resilient expandable holes.

CN201905316U describes and shows a pair of variable-appearance woman's shoes.

Each shoe comprises a shoe body with a turnover overlapping edge arranged on the shoe body. A number of shape-connecting parts are arranged on the shoe body, and also a large quantity of decorating parts in different shapes are provided, so that a user can decorate the shoe body according to their own requirements or preferences.

In contrast the present invention provides an item of modular footwear in various styles where straps, and decoration can be added to any of the base styles to make multiple alterations the functionality, appearance or both.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of modular footwear comprising: a sole having at least one aperture that extends through the sole, the aperture extending substantially horizontally in a direction extending substantially from one side of the sole to the other side.

The horizontal aperture may be shaped and dimensioned to allow a strap or a similar retaining element to be passed through the aperture to form a loop that a user can pass their foot through to retain the sole against their foot, the horizontal aperture allowing a simpler construction as no part of the loop or retaining means will be oriented towards or in contact with the ground.

The sole may be configured to provide a flat shoe. This is a commonly used shoe for beach wear or similar.

The sole may comprise a mid-heel. This is a shoe that can be used for socialising in the middle of the day, or for formal dress events.

The sole may comprise a high heel. This provides a shoe that can be used for socialising in the evening.

The sole may be configured to provide a wedge shoe. This style of shoe can be used at a broad range of social events throughout the day or evening.

The item of modular footwear may further comprise a plurality of straps, each having a length suitable to extend through the aperture to connect the sole and the strap and form a loop above the upper surface of the sole suitable to receive a foot therethrough to retain the footwear on the foot of a user, the straps configured to be releasable from the sole. This allows a user to choose a suitable strap for either practical or aesthetic purposes depending on the event, and conned this to the sole via the aperture, so that a single sole provides a base for several different styles.

The ends of each of the straps may be configured to releasably connect to one another. This allows the strap to be formed as an endless loop, which helps to simplify construction.

The aperture may be positioned, and each of the straps may be configured, so that the strap will act as a sabot strap when connected. This allows the sole to be formed with a toe strap, the sabot strap connectable to help retain the sole, or the sabot strap can be left disconnected so that the footwear is a sandal with a toe strap only, allowing further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole.

The item of modular footwear may further comprise a heal strap, the sabot strap and heal strap configured for mutual connection. This provides further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole.

The item of modular footwear may further comprise an ankle strap, the sabot strap and ankle strap configured for mutual connection. This provides further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole.

The item of modular footwear may furthel comprise a toe strap extending from the sole at or towards the front of the sole to form an arch through which a portion of the foot can pass, the upper surface of the toe strap may comprise a connection means configured for the releasable attachment of trim elements. This allows the sabot strap to be left disconnected so that the footwear is a sandal with a toe strap only, allowing further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole, while differing styles of trim can be connected to the toe strap to provide further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole.

The toe strap may be configured to extend substantially from one side of the sole to the other so that the full foot width can pass therethrough. This is a common and popular style.

The toe strap may be configured to form a loop through which the big toe only can pass. This is a common and popular style.

The item of modular footwear may further comprise a plurality of trim elements, the underside of each configured for connection to the toe strap via the connection means. This allows differing styles of trim to be connected to the toe strap to provide further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole.

The item of footwear may have a plurality of through apertures, to allow flexible placement of straps.

In addition or the alternative a plurality of embellishments, including but not restricted to, feathers, jewels, studs, chains, flowers etc., can be attached to toe strap, and/or sabot strap and or ankle strap, creating further options and looks.

The connection means may be one half of a hook and loop connector or fastener, the underside of the trim elements further comprising the other half. Hook and loop fasteners provide a simple, inexpensive and readily available connection means.

The connection may be further consolidated or secured by a catchment or location mechanism. Such mechanism may for example comprise a catch or hook and eye mechanism, for institution before the connection means.

The item of modular footwear may further comprise a carrier configured to receive at least the plurality of straps, trims and embellishments for storage and transport. This provides a simple and convenient way for all of the modular parts to be stored and transported.

The carrier may be a rollable container, with integral hanger, configured to store the plurality of straps, trims and embellishments on an inner side thereof when rolled up.

This provides a simple and convenient construction.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular bag, comprising a body with one part of a hook and loop fastener on a portion of the outer surface thereof, and; a bag trim element having a corresponding portion that has the other part of a hook and loop fastener thereon. This allows different styles of accessory bag to be easily configured for different outfits or and to coordinate or match with aforementioned shoes from a single base body.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and indicative independent claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification and indicative independent claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure la shows a perspective view from the front and to the right-hand side of an embodiment of the invention formed as a mid-heel shoe, the shoe having a sole with an aperture extending therethrough substantially horizontally, substantially from one side of the sole to the other, with a strap passing through the aperture, the ends connected so that the strap is an endless loop that forms a sabot strap.

Figure lb shows a side view of the shoe of figure la.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view from the front and to a wearer's left-hand side of an embodiment of the invention formed as a high-heeled shoe, the shoe having a sole with an aperture extending therethrough substantially horizontally, substantially from one side of the sole to the other, with a strap passing through the aperture, the ends connected so that the strap is an endless loop that forms a sabot strap.

Figure 2b shows a side view of the shoe of figure 2a.

Figure 3a shows a perspective view from the front and to a wearer's left-hand side of an embodiment of the invention formed as a wedge-heeled shoe, the shoe having a sole with an aperture extending therethrough substantially horizontally, substantially from one side of the sole to the other, with a strap passing through the aperture, the ends connected so that the strap is an endless loop that forms a sabot strap.

Figure 3b shows a side view of the shoe of figure 3a.

Figure 3c shows a perspective view from the front and to a wearers left-hand side of the shoe of figures 3a and 3b, having a heel strap connected to the sabot strap.

Figure 3d shows a perspective view from the front and to a wearer's left-hand side of the shoe of figures 3a and 3b, having an ankle strap connected to the sabot strap.

Figure 4a shows a side view from a wearer's left-hand side of a wedge-heeled shoe, the shoe having a sole with a toe strap, an aperture between the toe strap and the heel extending horizontally through the sole from one side of the sole to the other.

Figure 4b shows the shoe of figure 4a with a sabot strap connected through the aperture.

Figure 4c shows the shoe of figure 4b with a heel strap connected to the sabot strap.

Figure 4d shows the shoe of figure 4b with an ankle strap connected to the sabot strap.

Figure 5a shows a perspective view from the front and to a wearer's left-hand side of an embodiment of the invention formed as a flat shoe, the shoe having a sole with an aperture extending therethrough substantially horizontally, substantially from one side of the sole to the other, in use with a strap passing through the aperture, the ends connected so that the strap is an endless loop that forms a sabot strap.

Figure Sb shows a side view from a wearer's left of the shoe of figure 5a.

Figure 6 shows a detail view of the sabot strap and shoe of figure 2a.

Figure 7 shows a detail view of the toe strap of figure 2a with a trim element connecting to the toe strap via a locating mechanism (not shown when trim attached) and a hook and loop fastener.

Figures 8 show an isometric view of the shoe of Figures 1 with an embellishment attached, and a reverse isometric view of the embellishment.

Figures 9 show views of the shoe of Figures 1 and connection mechanism.

Detailed Description of Figures

Embodiments of the modular footwear of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

In a first embodiment, as shown in figures la and ib, the item of modular footwear is a shoe 1 having a sole 2 with a mid-heel or mid-height heel. The shoe 1 has a toe strap 5 that forms a loop over the front of the sole 2, from one side to the other so that all five toes of a foot can pass through the loop of the strap 5/9. An aperture 3 is formed through the sole 2 approximately midway between the rear or heel end and the toe strap 5. The aperture 3 forms a tunnel through the sole from one side to the other, the ends rectangular, and angled forwards/downwards to follow the plane of the sole at that point, although the aperture 3 is longitudinally horizontal (across the shoe 1). The shoe 1 can be worn in the form as described above, with a user passing their toes through the toe strap 5 to wear the shoe. However, if desired, the aperture 3 can be used to connect a sabot strap 4 to the shoe 1 via the sole 2, the sabot strap forming a loop that runs across the top of a wearers foot just in front of the front of the ankle joint. This allows a user to use the sole as a modular base to connect the sabot strap 4 if required or desired, to change the style and profile of the shoe simply and easily, without requiring another sole to change the style. Having the aperture 3 horizontally aligned ensures that the strap 4 can be formed as an endless loop without part of the loop passing under the sole 2, which can be awkward and may not provide the correct look as the lower part of the strap 4 will be visible (and if used with a flat shoe, will mean that the under part of the loop of the strap 4 may contact the ground and become worn and possibly break). An endless loop provides a simpler construction than connecting the ends to the sole 2, although this option is not excluded from the present invention.

It can be seen that an endless loop requires that the ends of the strap 4 are connected to one another. It is preferred that the connection is releasable, so that the strap 4 can be easily detached once used and then reconnected for reuse again at a later point as desired. Any suitable form of releasable connection can be used, such as the buckle 6 shown in figure 6. This allows a number of different styles to be used, and for the connection mechanism such as the buckle 6 to be incorporated as part of the style or aesthetic of the shoe 1, different straps 4 having different buckles 6 or other connection mechanisms. The shoe 1 can be supplied with a number of different straps 4 of different styles and colours, each having a length suitable to extend through the aperture 3 to connect to the sole 2 and form a loop above the upper surface of the sole 2 suitable to receive a foot therethrough to retain the footwear on the foot of a user. This allows a user to choose a suitable strap for either practical or aesthetic purposes depending on the event, and conned this to the sole via the aperture, so that a single sole provides a base for several different styles.

What has been described above is a shoe 1 that has an integral toe strap 5 and a removable sabot strap 4. In variations, the toe strap 5 could also be releasably connected in a similar manner. The strap 4 could also be configured so that it extends rearwards to pass from the sole 2 around the rear of a wearers heel and Achilles tendon to help hold the shoe 1 on. The toe strap could also be formed as a loop large enough for just the big toe of a wearer to pass through, the toe strap suitably located on the upper surface of the sole 2.

As described above, the shoe 1 is a mid heel shoe. In other variations, the shoe could also have a sole that has a high heel (as shown for shoe 101 in figures 2a and 2b), a wedge heel (as shown for shoe 201 in figures 3 and 4), or a flat heel (as shown for shoe 301 in figure 5). The key elements are the same, for example aperture 203 in the wedge heel shoe 201. The same straps 4 can be used across all the different base soles of the shoes 1, 101, 201, allowing a user to carry a limited number of pairs of soles, with a number of different straps, to create a number of different styles of shoe, in order to reduce the bulk and weight of their luggage.

As shown in figures 3c, 3d, 4c, and 4d, another strap can be connected to the sabot strap 4 to alter the functionality and aesthetic of the shoe 1, 101, 201. In figures 3c, and 4c, this is a heel strap 7, having loops at each end so that it can be threaded onto the sabot strap 4 to form a loop that passes around the back of a users heel as a heel strap. Similarly, as shown in figures 3d and 4d, an ankle strap 8 can be connected by any suitable means to the top of the loop of the sabot strap 4 to form a loop that loops around the ankle of a user as an ankle strap 8 when the shoe is worn.

These straps could also be integrally formed with the sabot strap 4.

The toe strap 5 is fitted on it' upper surface with one part of a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO (RTM) and one half of the location mechanism 10 located on the outside or inside edge of toe strap 5. . A number of trim elements 9 can be connected via the hook and loop fastener and one half 12 of the location mechanism located on the underside of trim element 9 on the inside or outside edge to marry with the other half 11 of the location mechanism on toe strap 5 to allow alignment, each trim element 9 having the other part of the hook and loop fastener on the underside to allow attachment. The trim elements 9 can be removed and connected, and swapped around as a wearer desires. This allows further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole, differing styles of trim connectable to the toe strap to provide further flexibility of styles of footwear from a single sole.

As shown in figures 8 a plurality of embellishments such as that pictured as 13, including but not restricted to, feathers, jewels, studs, chains, flowers etc., can be attached to toe trims 9, sabot straps 4, behind ankle straps 7 and around ankle straps 8 by means of loops, or some such aperture, or another attaching device that will enable any or all of the removable straps to thread through the embellishment, and sit upon the straps wherever the user requires creating endless options and looks. The embellishment is threaded through the strap, having a posterior loop 14.

For convenience, a carrier can be provided with the shoe or shoes. This can take the form of a fabric roll, fitted on one side with one pad of a hook and loop fabric to attach the bag trims and shoe trims 9 that have the other pad of a hook and loop fastener a number of integral pockets or pouches into which the embellishments, sabot straps 4, back of ankle strap 7 and around the ankle strap 8, can be stored and transported. The carrier can be rolled up and secured with a tie or similar for secure storage and transport, and unrolled when a user wishes to select and build a style of shoe.

The shoe or shoes described above can also be supplied as a kit with a bag, such as a clutch, purse, or handbag. Part of the body of the bag, for example the outside surface of the closure flap, is fitted with one part of a hook and loop fastener. Bag trim elements that complement or match those used on the shoes are fitted on an inner side or surface with the other part of the hook and loop fastener. This allows different styles of accessory bag to be easily configured for different outfits from a single base body, and for these to match or complement the shoes once a wearer has finished designing these.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An item of modular footwear comprising: a sole having at least one aperture that extends through the sole, the aperture extending substantially horizontally in a direction extending substantially from one side of the sole to the other.
2. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sole is configured to provide a flat shoe.
3. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sole comprises a mid-heel.
4. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sole comprises a high heel.
5. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sole is configured to provide a wedge shoe.
6. An item of modular footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 further comprising a plurality of straps, each having a length suitable to extend through the aperture to connect the sole and the strap and form a loop above the upper surface of the sole suitable to receive a foot therethrough to retain the footwear on the foot of a user, the straps configured to be releasable from the sole.
7. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 6 wherein the ends of each of the straps are configured to releasably connect to one another.
8. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the aperture is positioned, and each of the straps is configured, so that the strap will act as a sabot strap when connected.
9. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a heel strap, the sabot strap and heel strap configured for mutual connection.
10. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 8 further comprising an ankle strap, the sabot strap and ankle strap configured for mutual connection.
11. An item of modular footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a toe strap extending from the sole at or towards the front of the sole to form an arch through which a portion of the foot can pass, the upper surface of the toe strap comprising a connection means configured for the releasable attachment of trim elements.
12. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 11 wherein the toe strap is configured to extend substantially from one side of the sole to the other so that the full foot width can pass therethrough.
13. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 11 wherein the toe strap is configured to form a loop through which the big toe only can pass.
14. An item of modular footwear as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 further comprising a plurality of trim elements, the underside of each configured for connection to the toe strap via the connection means.
15. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 14 wherein the connection means is one half of a hook and loop connector, the underside of the trim elements further comprising the other half.
16. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 14 or 15 wherein the connection means consolidates a location mechanism comprising a catch mechanism.
17. An item of modular footwear as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 16 further comprising a carrier configured to receive at least the plurality of straps for storage and transport.
18. An item of modular footwear as claimed in claim 17 wherein the carrier is a rollable container configured to store the plurality of straps on an inner side thereof when rolled up.
19. A modular bag comprising a body with one part of a hook and loop fastener on a portion of the outer surface thereof, and; a bag trim element having a corresponding portion that has the other part of a hook and loop fastener thereon.
20. A kit of parts, comprising a pair of modular footwear as claimed in any one of claims ito 18.
21. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 20 further comprising a bag as claimed in claim 19.
22. An item of modular footwear substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.
23. A modular bag substantially as herein described with reference to the figures.