WO2011005568A2

WO2011005568A2 - Outward folding, collapsible, self-contained shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2011005568A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/039644
Authority: WO
Inventors: Esther B. Flatto
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-23
Filing date: 2010-06-23
Publication date: 2011-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2011-12-23
Also published as: WO2011005568A3

Abstract

A foldable shoe comprises an upper that defines a design and shape of the shoe, including a forefront upper and a heel upper. The shoe further comprises an instep layer along which a wearer's foot rests, the instep layer joined with the upper. An outer sole joins with the instep layer and includes a skived section defined in its exterior surface that traverses at least a portion of the width of the exterior surface of the sole. The skived section is disposed and is configured such that the shoe folds outwardly along the skived section to bring portions of an exterior surface of the outer sole in face-to-face contact and to dispose the shoe in a folded state. The heel upper is adapted to permit at least a portion of the heel upper to reverse or fold outward to create a pocket. The resulting pocket is configured to receive and to retain at least a portion of the forefront upper when the shoe is folded. Other configurations of the shoe, the instep layer, and the outer sole are provided that facilitate folding, collapsing and self-containment of the shoe in its folded state.

Description

OUTWARD FOLDING, COLLAPSIBLE, SELF-CONTAINED SHOE

PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 611219,1 A3, filed June 23, 2009, and U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 61/323,310, filed April 12, 2010, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to footwear and, more particularly, to outward folding footwear that can be folded and secured in a compact and self-containing configuration.

BACKGROUND

Given the variety of styles and types of footwear that are available, a person typically does not rely on a single pair of shoes or one type of footwear for different uses and activities. Rather, a person often owns or requires a pair of shoes or footwear that is designed specifically and appropriately for particular circumstances, purposes and/or activities, including, for instance, exercising, sports training, sports activities, professional or business purposes, casual or formal social activities, traveling purposes, and technical or industrial purposes. A person, therefore, may own or desire to own a relatively versatile wardrobe of shoes that would enable the person to wear, store and transport more than one pair of shoes, for instance, in a given day, for each specific purpose, activity, or need. In addition, a person may require or desire to carry one or more pairs of shoes during, for instance, daily activities or travel specifically for purposes of comfort, style and/or utility. Storing and carrying a single pair or multiple pairs of shoes can require a bulky receptacle and can be inconvenient, particularly with respect to exposing other items being stored and carried in the same receptacle to the exterior, and typically dirty, surfaces of the outer soles of the shoes. Further, storing and transporting a single pair or multiple pairs of shoes would restrict a person's ability to limit the size and/or the number of, for instance, bags, purses, handbags, backpacks, carry-on luggage, suitcases or other personal containers that the person may need to carry and/or store one or more pairs of shoes. Collapsing and/or folding shoes to help to reduce the size or number of personal containers that may be required to carry a single pair or multiple pairs of shoes, as well as to minimize or prevent exposure to the shoe soles is often ineffective and unsatisfactory.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a shoe that is designed and configured for easy and convenient transport and storage, while also designed and configured appropriately for a specific purpose or activity. It is also desirable that such shoe fold outwardly to bring portions of the exterior surface of the shoe's outer sole in face-to-face contact to thereby minimize or prevent exposure to the exterior (dirty) sole of the folded shoe during transport and storage. Such shoe would also fold effectively into a compact and self-containing configuration to facilitate transport and storage. It is further desirable that such shoe define a construction that permits repeated folding and unfolding of the shoe, while ensuring the shoe remains securely in its folded state when folded and readily assumes its wearable state when unfolded.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the invention provides a foldable shoe comprising an upper defining a design and a shape of the shoe and including a forefront upper and a heel upper, an instep layer configured as an inner surface of the shoe along which a wearer's foot rests, the instep layer joined with the upper, and an outer sole joined with the instep layer. The outer sole includes a skived section defined in an exterior surface of the sole that traverses at least a portion of the width of the exterior surface. The skived section is disposed and is configured such that the shoe folds outwardly along the skived section to bring portions of the exterior surface of the outer sole in face-to-face contact and to dispose the shoe in a folded state. The heel upper is adapted to permit at least a portion of the heel upper to reverse or fold outward to create a pocket. The resulting pocket is configured to receive and to retain at least a portion of the forefront upper when the shoe is folded.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The heel upper includes a height to define the resulting pocket with a depth sufficient to retain the portion of the forefront upper and to self-contain the shoe in the folded state. The instep layer includes a layer of material having a capacity to stretch such that the instep layer stretches along the skived section and the shoe folds and unfolds about the skived section. The skived section is disposed and is configured such that the shoe unfolds along the skived section to assume an unfolded and wearable state of the shoe. The skived section may define a width in a range of from about 0.40 inches (10 mm) to about 1.60 inches (40 mm) and a depth in a range of from about 0.04 inches (1 mm) to about 0.40 inches (10 mm).

Implementations of the invention may also include one or more of the following features. The forefront upper includes a collapsible forefront upper configured such that at least the portion of the forefront upper the pocket receives collapses. The shoe comprises a lateral portion of the upper along each side of the shoe adapted to reverse or fold outward away from the instep layer. The shoe optionally includes a strap joined with the upper and disposed over the upper. The strap includes a strap with a capacity to stretch such that the strap is adapted to stretch and to extend over the upper to an underside of the shoe and to wrap around the shoe in the folded state.

Implementations of the invention may further include one or more of the following features. The instep layer may include a flexible instep layer with a defined area traversing at least a portion of the width of the flexible instep layer. The defined area is disposed in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section of the outer sole to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds. The instep layer may also include a split instep layer defined with a forefoot instep portion and a heel instep portion and a band of flexible material disposed between and joined to each instep portion to connect the instep portions. The band of flexible material is disposed in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds.

Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following features.

The shoe may include a flexible middle layer disposed between the instep layer and the outer sole. The flexible middle layer is adapted to stretch and to fold along the skived section. The middle layer may also include a split middle layer disposed between the instep layer and the outer sole. The split middle layer is defined with a forefront section and a rear section and a gap disposed between the sections. The gap traverses at least a portion of the width of the split middle layer, and is disposed in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds. A patch of material having a capacity to stretch may be disposed over the gap and in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds.

Implementations of the invention may also include one or more of the following features. The shoe includes a draw cord channel defined along an upper perimeter of the upper and configured to contain a draw cord. The draw cord is disposed within the channel such that the draw cord may be pulled or drawn outward from the channel to reduce the perimeter of the upper. The draw cord channel and/or the upper define two eyelets, each eyelet configured to permit a portion of the draw cord to extend through the eyelet to an area external to the channel. The draw cord is operatively connected to a locking toggle that secures the draw cord when locked and releases the draw cord when unlocked.

In another aspect, the invention provides a foldable shoe comprising an upper defining a design and a shape of the shoe and including a forefront upper and a heel upper, an instep layer configured as an inner surface of the shoe along which a wearer's foot rests, the instep layer joined with the upper, and an outer sole joined with the instep layer. The outer sole is configured as a split outer sole including a forefront section and a rear section that define a split between each section. The split is disposed and is configured such that the shoe folds outwardly along the split to bring portions of an exterior surface of the outer sole in face-to-face contact and to dispose the shoe in a folded state. The heel upper is adapted to permit at least a portion of the heel upper to reverse or fold outward to create a pocket. The resulting pocket is configured to receive and to retain at least a portion of the forefront upper when the shoe is folded.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a foldable shoe comprising an upper defining a design and a shape of the shoe and including a forefront upper and a heel upper, an instep layer configured as an inner surface of the shoe along which a wearer's foot rests, the instep layer joined with the upper, and an outer sole joined with the instep layer. The shoe includes a middle layer disposed between the instep layer and the outer sole. The middle layer is adapted to flex and stretch such that the shoe folds outwardly along a pivot point defined across the width of the shoe to bring portions of an exterior surface of the outer sole in face-to-face contact and to dispose the shoe in a folded state. The heel upper is adapted to permit at least a portion of the heel upper to reverse or fold outward to create a pocket. The resulting pocket is configured to receive and to retain at least a portion of the forefront upper when the shoe is folded.

Various aspects of the invention may provide one or more of the following capabilities and/or one or more of the following advantages. A shoe may be constructed and arranged as a foldable shoe having a compact configuration when in its folded state to provide portability and ease in storing and transporting the folded shoe in any of variety of containers. The foldable shoe may be further constructed and arranged to permit ease in folding the shoe across its width along a definable pivot point and in an outward orientation such that portions of the inner surfaces of the shoe are disposed outward and portions of the exterior (dirty) surface of the outer sole are in face-to-fact contact. In its folded state, the shoe contains the exterior surface of the outer sole within its interior and portions of its inner surfaces form the external surface of the folded shoe. The foldable shoe may be constructed and arranged with an upper designed and configured to permit a portion of the upper to reverse its orientation in order to fold outward or flip over to create a pouch or pocket. The resulting pouch or pocket may be configured to receive another portion of the upper when the shoe folds. In one configuration, the shoe may include a heel upper designed and configured such that a portion of the heel upper reverses to fold outward or flip over to create the pouch or pocket. The resulting pouch or pocket may be configured to receive at least a portion of a forefront portion of the upper when the shoe folds, and may define dimensions sufficient to retain the forefront portion within its interior to maintain the shoe in a folded state. The shoe may thereby define a folding and self-containing construction that permits the shoe to remain securely in its folded state without the use of other devices or mechanisms. In addition, such folding and self-containing construction may also help to ensure the exterior (dirty) surface of the shoe remains within the folded shoe's interior when the shoe is being stored and transported. Such folding and self-containing construction may further help to eliminate or minimize mishaps or unfolding of the shoe during storage and transport that would expose the exterior surface of the outer sole. The folding and self-containing construction may permit the folded shoe to be stored and transported with a variety of other items without the exterior surface of the outer sole touching or affecting such items. The folding and self- containing construction of the shoe may also permit a user to fold the shoe to its folded state without requiring the user to touch the exterior (dirty) surfaces of the outer sole.

The folding and self-containing shoe may include layers and/or components that are constructed with various designs and materials that help to create the definable pivot point that permits the shoe to fold across its width. Such layers and/or components may be constructed with various designs and materials that help to create the pivot point at any position or location along the length of the shoe. Such layers and/or components may also be constructed with various designs and materials that help to facilitate, for instance, stretching and contraction of such layers and/or components about the pivot point to thereby permit the shoe to fold and unfold repeatedly with relative ease, simplicity and resilience. The folding and self-containing construction of the shoe may permit versatility with respect to the variety, style, and type of shoe that the shoe may define such that the shoe may include a casual, dress, active, sport or other shoe. The designs and materials used to construct the folding and self-containing shoe may include relatively cost-efficient designs and materials that would permit efficient manufacturing and low manufacturing costs, as well as relatively attractive purchase prices.

These and other features or advantages of the invention, along with the invention itself, will be more fully understood after a review of the following figures, detailed description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable shoe according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of components of the shoe shown in FIG 1 ; FIGS. 3 A-3I illustrate perspective views of another aspect of the invention including a method of folding the shoe shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and shown in the figures noted below;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shoe shown in FIG. 1 including an outer sole with a skived section;

FIGS. 5A-5D include cross-sectional views taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 4 illustrating various configurations of an instep layer and a middle layer;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the outer sole of the shoe shown in FIG. 4 with the skived section;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of one configuration of the instep layer of the shoe shown in

FIG. 4 and in FIGS. 5A-5D;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another configuration of the instep layer of the shoe shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 9A and 9B include a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a configuration of a middle layer of the shoe shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 1OA and 1OB include a perspective view and a cross-section view, respectively, of an alternative configuration of the middle layer shown in FIGS. 9 A and 9B;

FIGS. HA and HB include a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of another configuration of the outer sole of the shoe shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a further configuration of the outer sole of the shoe shown in

FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shoe shown in FIG. 4 further including a strap, lacing or cord around a perimeter of an upper of the shoe; FIG. 14A is a top view of the folded shoe according to one aspect of the invention; FIGS. 14B and 14C are top views of a pair of the folded shoe shown in FIG. 14A enclosed within a container;

FIGS. 15A and 15B include perspective views of optional straps for use with the shoe shown in any of HGS. 1 and 2 and HGS. 4-13; and

FIGS. 16A andlόB include perspective views of a foldable sport or active shoe and a foldable boot, respectively, according to further aspects of the invention.

DETAIL DECRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one aspect, the invention provides a foldable, collapsible and self-containable shoe 10, including a casual, dress, active or sport shoe, constructed and arranged to permit the shoe 10 to fold outward along its width Wi about a definable pivot point 20 to thereby dispose portions of the exterior surface of an outer sole 16 of the shoe 10 in face-to-face contact. The shoe 10 according to the invention is further constructed and arranged such that a portion of the shoe upper 11 is reversible to enable the upper portion to fold outward or flip over to create a pouch or pocket. The pouch or pocket is configured to receive another portion of the upper 11 when the shoe 10 is folded and the portions of the outer sole 16 are in contact, as described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A-3I. The pocket retains the portion of the upper 11 within its interior and thereby maintains the shoe 10 in a folded and self-contained state. The shoe 10 may optionally include a flexible, e.g., elastic, ankle strap 22 that is disposed and configured along the shoe 10 to serve the dual function of securing the shoe 10 to a person's foot and maintaining the shoe 10 in a folded position. The shoe 10 according to the invention permits portions of the exterior (dirty) surfaces of the outer sole 16 to be remain in contact and secured inward within the interior of the shoe 10 when the shoe 10 is in its folded state. The folded shoe 10 is compact and may be stored and transported in a pocket, bag, hand bag, pocket book, backpack, luggage, or other container without exposing the exterior (dirty) surfaces of the sole 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shoe 10 includes the upper 11, an insole 18 and the outer sole 16. The upper 11 defines a shape of the upper body of the shoe 10 and, with the sole 16, defines an enclosed shoe 10 having an opening 13 into which a foot is inserted. The upper 11 includes a front or forefoot portion 12 and a rear or heel portion 14, each of which helps to define the design and shape of the shoe 10. The heel portion 14 of the upper 11 includes a heel upper 26 and side or lateral portions 27 along each side of the upper 11. As described in detail below with reference to FIGS 3A-3I, the heel upper 26 is configured with dimensions sufficient to provide adequate clearance to permit the heel upper 26 to reverse or to fold or flip over to orient at least a portion of its inner surface 29 outwardly to thereby create a pouch or pocket. The resulting pocket receives at least a portion of the forefront portion 14 of the upper 11, such as a collapsible toe upper 24. When the shoe 10 is in its folded state with portions of the exterior surface of the outer sole 16 in contact, the pocket covers a heel portion 16B of the exterior surface 16A and 16B of the outer sole 16 and retains the toe upper 24 and/or at least a portion of the forefront portion 14 of the upper 11 within its interior to thereby maintain the shoe 10 in its folded and self-contained state.

The insole 18 of the shoe 10 includes an instep layer 30 and, optionally, a middle layer 40. The instep layer 30 defines an inner surface 30A within the shoe 10 interior on which a person's foot rests when wearing the shoe 10. When the shoe 10 is disposed in its folded state, the instep layer 30 is oriented outward and serves a part of the outer surface of the folded shoe 10.

As described in detail below, the shoe 10 and/or one or more of the above noted layers and components of the shoe 10 may be variously constructed with one or more designs and materials to create the pivot point 20 along the shoe width Wi about which the shoe 10 folds. The pivot point 30 facilitates stretching and folding of one or more of such layers and components to thereby enable folding of the shoe 10 to its folded state. Such layers and components of the shoe 10 are also designed and constructed to enable such layers and components to contract or otherwise open along the pivot point 20 to permit the shoe 10 to assume its wearable state, as shown in FIG. 1.

The pivot point 20 may include approximately an intermediate or mid-section along the length Li of the shoe 10, or may be defined approximately along an arch portion of the sole 16. However, the term "pivot point" as used to describe the invention is not limited to any particular point or location along the length Li of the shoe 10, or to an intermediate or mid-point along the shoe length Li. The position of the pivot point 20 relative to the length Li of the shoe 10 may depend on the design, shape and configuration of the shoe 10.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3I, and with further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, collapsing and folding the shoe 10 according to the invention from the wearable state of the shoe 10, as shown in FIG. 1, to the shoe's folded and self-contained state, as shown in FIGS. 3G and 31, are illustrated. The configuration and structure of the shoe 10 permit folding and securing of the shoe 10 in its folded state without a user contacting the exterior (dirty) surfaces of the outer sole 16. As shown in FIG. 3 A, a person may hold with one hand the forefront portion 12 and with their other hand the heel portion 14 and push each portion 12 and 14 inward, e.g., simultaneously, as shown by arrows 50 in FIG. 3 A, such that portions of the exterior surface 16A and 16B of the outer sole 16 are in facing relation. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the shoe 10 is folded across its width Wi approximately at the pivot point 20. The forefront portion 12 of the shoe 10 may collapse either on its own, when the shoe 10 is not being worn, or in response to pressure applied, e.g., manually, to the forefront portion 12. As shown in FIG. 3B, the collapsed forefront portion 12 lies compactly and relatively flat against the instep layer 30 to thereby substantially reduce the profile of the forefront portion 12 of the shoe upper 11.

As shown in FIG. 3C illustrating a front view of the folded shoe 10, the side or lateral portions 27 are configured to fold or extend in an outward orientation away from the instep layer 30 to help to provide sufficient clearance for the heel upper 26 to reverse to fold outward or flip over to create a pouch or pocket 52. As shown, a person may use each hand to pull each of the side or lateral portions 27 outward and away from the instep layer 30. As shown in FIG. 3D illustrating a side view of the folded shoe 10, the outwardly oriented side or lateral portion 27 along the left side of the shoe 10 (and similarly along the right side of the shoe 10) thereby lies away from the pivot point 20.

As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F illustrating side views of the folded shoe 10, the portions of the exterior surface 16A and 16B of the outer sole 16 are in contact when the shoe 10 is folded. The heel upper 26 of the heel portion 14 is configured such that at least a portion of the heel upper 26 reverses to fold outward or flip over to create the pouch or pocket 52. As shown in FIG. 3E, a person may use one hand to hold the shoe 10 in the folded position and use their other hand to grasp and to pull the heel upper 26 backward and over itself in order to fold or flip the heel upper 26 outward such that the folded or flipped heel upper 26 creates the pouch or pocket 52 shown in FIG. 3F. The outer surface of the heel upper 26 thereby defines the interior of the resulting pouch or pocket 52 and the inner surface 29 of heel upper 26 forms the outer surface of the pocket 52. The heel upper 26 essentially reverses to create the pocket 52 that surrounds and covers at least a portion of the heel upper 14 including the heel portion of the exterior surface 16B of the outer sole 16, and receives the toe upper 24 and/or at least a portion of the forefront portion 12. The heel upper 26 has dimensions sufficient to provide enough clearance to permit at least a portion of the heel upper 26 to fold outward or flip over and to define the resulting pocket 52 with a depth sufficient to enable the pocket 52 to receive and to retain within its interior at least a portion of the forefront portion 12 and, in particular, the toe upper 24.

As shown in FIG. 3G, where the pocket 52 receives at least a portion of the forefront portion 12 and, in particular, the toe upper 24, the pocket 52 retains the toe upper 24 and/or the portion of the forefront portion 12 within its interior to thereby secure and maintain the shoe 10 in its folded and self-contained state. The instep layer 30 and the inner surfaces 29 of the heel upper 26 and side or lateral portions 27 are disposed outward, while the exterior (dirty) surface 16A and 16B of the outer sole 16 is contained within the folded shoe 10. The folded shoe 10 defines a compact configuration that enables storage and transport of the shoe 10 in a variety of arrangements without the outer sole 16 being exposed, as described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 14A-14C.

The invention however is not so limited to the heel portion 14 and, in particular, the heel upper 26 defining the pouch or pocket 52 and envisions that the forefront portion 12 and the toe upper 24 may be designed and configured such that the toe upper 24 and/or at least a portion of the forefront portion 12 of the upper 11 may similarly reverse to fold outward or flip over to thereby create a pouch or pocket configured to receive the heel upper 26 and/or at least a portion of the heel portion 14. In this configuration, the toe upper 24 and/or the forefront portion 12 would have dimensions sufficient to permit such outward folding or flipping of the toe upper 24 and/or the forefront portion 12 and to define the resulting pouch or pocket with a depth sufficient to receive and to retain the heel upper 26 and/or the portion of the heel portion 14 to thereby maintain the shoe 10 in its folded stated.

While FIGS. 3A-3I illustrate the flexible ankle strap 22, the strap 22, as mentioned, is an optional element of the shoe 10 according to the invention. The strap 22 is designed and constructed of one or more materials to enable the strap 22 to stretch and to flip over when the strap 22 is manually pulled/stretched from its position above the upper 11, when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 A, to a reverse and opposing position along the opposite side of the shoe 10 when the shoe 10 is folded about the pivot point 20. As shown in FIGS. 3E and 3F, the strap 22 may be further manually

pulled/stretched in its reverse position to surround and to retain at least the toe upper 24 and/or at least a portion of the forefront portion 12. In this manner, the strap 22 compresses the toe upper 24 and/or the portion of the forefront portion 12, helps to facilitate insertion of the toe upper 24 and/or the portion of the forefront portion 12 in its compressed/collapsed state into the pocket 52, and further helps to retain the shoe 10 in its folded state, as discussed in further detail below.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3H and 31, the strap 22 may be manually pulled/stretched from its position above the upper 11, when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state, to its reverse and opposing position along the opposite side of the shoe 10, when the shoe 10 is its folded state, to wrap around the entire folded shoe 10. As shown in FIG. 3H, a person may use one hand to retain the shoe 10 in its folded state and may use their other hand, e.g., four fingers along strap 22 interior with thumb along strap 22 exterior, to grasp and pull the strap 22 and to subsequently twist the strap 22 about 180 degrees so that the strap 22 criss-crosses and forms a loop. The loop of the strap 22 may be further manually pulled/stretched to its reverse position along the opposite side of the shoe 10 to wrap around the entire folded shoe 10, as shown in FIG. 31. In this manner, the strap 22 helps to maintain the shoe 10 in its compressed/collapsed condition when the shoe 10 is in its folded state. The ankle strap 22 thereby has the dual function of collapsing/compressing the shoe 10 and maintaining the shoe in a collapsed/compressed condition when the shoe 10 is in its folded state, while also functioning to secure the shoe 10 to a person's foot when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state.

With further reference to FIGS. 3F and 3G, and as also disclosed in detail below with reference to FIG. 13, the shoe 10 according to the invention may optionally include a draw strap, lacing or cord 70 disposed within a channel 72 defined along an upper perimeter of the upper 11. The strap, lacing or cord 70 may exit the channel 72 through two eyelets 76 such that portions of the strap, lacing or cord 70 are accessible and may be drawn or pulled through the channel 72 to help to reduce the perimeter of the upper 11. Reducing the perimeter of the upper 11 by drawing or pulling the portions of the draw strap, lacing or cord 70 helps to collapse and compress the toe upper 26 and/or at least a portion of the forefront portion 12 of the upper 11 and to thereby facilitate insertion of the collapsed/compressed toe upper 26 and/or the portion of the forefront portion 12 into the pocket 52. Drawing or pulling the portions of the draw strap, lacing or cord 70 to reduce the perimeter of the upper 11 also, e.g., simultaneously, reduces the perimeter of the heel upper 26 and thus reduces the perimeter or size of the opening of the resulting pouch or pocket 52. This allows the resulting pocket 52 to retain securely the toe upper 24 and/or the portion of the forefront portion 12 within the pocket 52. The portions of the draw strap, lacing or cord 70 further help to maintain the portions of the shoe 10 that are disposed within the interior of the shoe 10 when in its folded state in a collapsed/compressed condition. The strap, lacing or cord 70 also serve to reduce the perimeter of the upper 11 to secure the shoe 10 to a person's foot when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state. As described below with reference to FIG. 13, a lockable stopper or toggle 78 retains the portions of the strap, lacing or cord 70 at particular positions when the stopper or toggle 78 locks around the portions. The strap, lacing or cord 70 thereby has the dual function of collapsing/compressing the perimeter of the shoe upper 11 and maintaining the collapsed/compressed condition of the shoe 10 when in its folded state, while also reducing the perimeter of the upper 11 to secure the shoe 10 to a person's foot when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state.

With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the forefront portion 12 and toe upper 24 define the forefront design and shape of the shoe 10, and the heel portion 12 and side or lateral portions 27 further define the design and shape of the shoe 10. The forefront and heel portions 12 and 14 may be permanently affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the insole 18 and/or the outer sole 16. The forefront and/or the heel portions 12 and 14 may include any of various designs and may be constructed of one or more materials having properties that help to facilitate folding outward or flipping over of the heel upper 26 and/or the heel portion 14, or, alternatively, help to facilitate folding outward or flipping over of the toe upper 24 and/or the forefront portion 12, to define the pouch or pocket 52.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insole 18 includes an instep layer 30 and an optional middle layer 40. The instep layer 30 defines an inner surface 30A within the shoe 10 on which a person's foot rests when wearing the shoe 10. Each of the instep layer 30, the middle layer 40, and the outer sole 16, as described in detail below, may include various designs and may be constructed of one or more materials that help to facilitate folding and stretching of the shoe 10 and its components along the pivot point 20 when the shoe 10 folds across its width Wi in an outward orientation and when the shoe 10 is in its folded state. In addition, the various designs and materials help to enable the shoe 10 to assume its wearable state, as shown in FIG. 1, when the shoe 10 is unfolded.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A-5D, and with further reference to FIGS. 3A-3I, in one embodiment of the foldable shoe 10 according to the invention, the shoe 10 includes the forefront portion 12 with the toe upper 24, the heel portion 14 with the heel upper 26 and the side or lateral portions 27, the instep layer 30, the outer sole 16, and, optionally, the middle layer 40. FIG. 4 illustrates the shoe 10 in its wearable state (as also shown in FIG. 1). It is understood that the shoe 10 shown in and described with reference to FIG. 4 and with reference to FIGS. 5A-5D, may fold and assume the folded state of the shoe 10 as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3I.

The forefront portion 12 and the toe upper 24 may be constructed of one or more collapsible materials whereby the forefront portion 12 defines a shape when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state without a person's foot being inserted into the shoe 10, but is collapsible for insertion into the pocket 52 formed by the heel upper 26. Alternatively, the forefront portion 12 defines a shape as a result of a person's foot being disposed within the interior of the shoe 10, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The one or more collapsible materials have sufficient flexibility and folding ability or compressibility to enable the toe upper 24 and the forefront portion 12 to collapse sufficiently and to lie relatively flat and compactly against the instep layer 30 to help to facilitate folding of the shoe 10 and retention of the shoe 10 in the pocket 52. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, leather, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, such as Neoprene, recycled rubber, elastic natural or synthetic fabric, such as Spandex and Lycra , and combinations thereof.

The heel upper 26 has dimensions, e.g., height H₁, that provide enough clearance to help to permit at least a portion of the heel upper 26 to reverse to fold outward or flip over such that a sufficient portion of the heel upper 26 folds or flips outward to create the pocket 52. The heel upper 26 also has dimensions to enable the folded or flipped portion to define the pocket 52 with a depth sufficient to receive at least a portion of the forefront upper 12 and/or the toe upper 24, e.g., in their collapsed state, and to retain the portion of the forefront upper and/or the toe upper 24 within the pocket 52 when the shoe 10 is folded. The heel portion 14 and the heel upper 26 may be constructed of one or more materials having flexibility suitable for enabling at least a portion of the heel upper 26 to fold outward or flip over as described. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, leather, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, such as Neoprene, recycled rubber, elastic natural or synthetic fabric, such as Spandex and Lycra^®, and any combinations thereof.

In addition, as shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 3C and 3D, the side or lateral portions 27 of the heel upper 14 may be constructed with dimensions, e.g., height H₂, sufficient to permit the side or lateral portions 27 to fold or extend outward away from the instep layer 30 as described in order to provide sufficient clearance to fold or flip the heel upper 26 and/or a portion of the heel portion 14 outward. The shoe 10 may optionally include the ankle strap 22 as shown in FIG. 4. The strap 22 has sufficient width to enable the strap 22 to secure the shoe 10 to a person's foot including, but not limited to, widths in a range of from about 0.40 inches (10 mm) to about 1.6 inches (40 mm). The strap 22 has sufficient length for attachment to the shoe, such as, for instance, attachment to the upper 11. The strap 22 is attached at a position and an angle along the upper 11 such that the strap 22 may comfortably surround a person's foot and secure the shoe 10 to the person's foot, as well as allow the upper 11 to define a required or desired shape and design. The strap 22 is preferably attached to the upper 11 at approximately 2 inches from the heel upper 26. As shown in FIG. 4, the strap 22 in one configuration may be attached by outer stitching 22 A. The invention is not so limited and anticipates other techniques for attaching the strap 22 to the upper 11 may be employed.

Referring to FIG. 6, and with further reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A-5D, the outer sole 16 includes a skived or thinned section 17. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D illustrating cross- sectional views taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 4, the skived section 17 extends across at least a portion of the width W₂ of the outer sole 16 at a particular point or position to help to create the pivot point 20 relative to the length L₁ of the shoe 10. The skived section 17 is defined in the exterior surface of the outer sole 16, and is disposed and configured to serve in a hinge-like manner. The skived section 16 thereby permits the outer sole 16 and the shoe 10 to fold about the pivot point 20. The skived section 17 has a width W₃ sufficient to help to facilitate folding of the sole 16 and the shoe 10, such width W₃ including, but not limited to, widths W₃ in a range of from about 0.40 inches (10 mm) to about 1.6 inches (40 mm), depending on the shoe 10 design and shape. The skived section 17 also has a depth to help to enable folding of the sole 16 and the shoe 10, such depth including, but not limited to, a range of from about 0.04 inches (1 mm) to about 0.40 inches (10 mm).

The outer sole 16 provides similar protection as a typical shoe sole and may be constructed of one or more materials suitable for providing mechanical integrity to the outer sole 16 and sufficient flexibility along the skived section 17 to permit the sole 16 and the shoe 10 to fold about the pivot point 20. Such materials may include, but not limited to, leather, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, recycled rubber, synthetic fabric, suitable plastics, and any combinations thereof.

In addition, the outer sole 16 may define a thickness such that when the shoe 10 is in its folded state, the outer sole 16 does not increase the width of the folded shoe 10 significantly and helps to define the folded shoe 10 with a compact configuration. In addition, the outer sole 16 may define thicknesses that help to facilitate folding of the sole 16 and the shoe 10 about the pivot point 20 including, but not limited to, thicknesses in a range of from about 0.25 inches (6.25 mm) to about 1 inch (25 mm).

As shown in FIG. 5A illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 4, the instep layer 30 may include a single layer of material that extends along at least a portion of the length L₁ of the shoe 10 within the shoe interior and is disposed over an inside surface of the outer sole 16. The instep layer 30 may be constructed of one or more materials suitable for facilitating folding of the instep layer 30 and stretching of at least a portion of the instep layer 30 about the pivot point 20 when the shoe 10 folds across its width Wi and is in its folded state. In addition, such one or more materials include materials suitable for facilitating contraction of the instep layer 30, or resumption of the instep layer 30, to its relatively flat position when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state. Such one or more materials may include flexible and/or stretchable materials including, but not limited to, flexible leathers, soft natural or synthetic rubber, such as Neoprene, recycled rubber, elastic natural or synthetic fabric, such as Spandex and Lycra , and any combinations thereof. Such one or more materials may also include semi-flexible materials including, but not limited to, synthetic foam, such as Texon^®, Poron^®, cellulose, and any combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5B, where the instep layer 30 includes a single layer of material, such as, for example, a layer of foam, e.g., Texon^®, the single layer of foam 30 may be wrapped in a sheath or layer of flexible leather or other flexible material 39. In this case, the layer or sheath 39 may wrap completely or partially around the foam layer 30 and may be affixed to the underside of the foam layer 30. The wrapped foam layer 30 may be subsequently affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the outer sole 16, or, alternatively, to the middle layer 40 described below.

Referring to FIG. 7, and with further reference to FIGS. 5A-5D, the instep layer 30 may further include a defined flexible area 32 across its width W₄ created by substantially parallel lines of stitching 34. The lines of stitching 34 isolate the flexible area 32 along the instep layer 30. The flexible area 32 is positioned in approximate vertical alignment with at least a portion of the skived section 17 of the sole 16 to help to define and create the pivot point 20 when the shoe 10 is assembled. In addition, the instep layer 30 with the flexible area 32 and the skived section 17 cooperate to permit folding of the instep layer 30 and the outer sole 16 about the pivot point 20. Where the instep layer 30 is constructed of flexible or semi- flexible material(s), the instep layer 30 with the flexible area 32 and the skived section 17 cooperate to permit stretching of the instep layer 30 along the flexible area 32 and about the pivot point 20. The substantially parallel lines of stitching 34 help to isolate the flexible or semi-flexible material(s) of the instep layer 30 and help to isolate the flexing and stretching action of such material(s) during folding of the shoe 10 . The substantially parallel stitching lines 32 may be spaced from about 0.5 inches (12 mm) to about 2 inches (50 mm) apart and preferably about 1 inch (25.4 mm) apart, depending on the design of the instep layer 30 and/or the shoe 10.

As mentioned, the embodiment of the shoe 10 according to the invention described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3I and FIG. 4, may optionally include the middle layer 40. As shown in FIG. 5C, the middle layer 40 may be disposed between the instep layer 30 and the outer sole 16, and may form a layer of the insole 18. The middle layer 40 may include a layer of leather 42 disposed along a layer of padding 44. The layer of leather 42 includes a layer or sheath of leather suitable for adding comfort to the shoe 10, for absorbing shock when the shoe 10 is worn, and for providing mechanical integrity to the shoe 10. In addition, the layer of leather 42 may be constructed of one or more leathers suitable for waterproofing the shoe 10 and for providing flexibility to the middle layer 40 to help to facilitate stretching and folding of the middle layer 40 about the pivot point 20 as described above. Such one or more leathers include those that can withstand cracking or breaking when the middle layer 40 and the shoe 10 fold and stretch about the pivot point 20.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the layer of padding 44 may include, for instance, a layer of foam padding 44 disposed along a surface of the layer of leather 42, such that, when the shoe 10 is assembled, the padding layer 44 is positioned between the layer of leather 42 and the instep layer 30. The padding layer 44 is constructed of one or more materials suitable for adding comfort to the shoe, for absorbing shock when the shoe is worn, and for adding flexibility to the middle layer 40 to help to facilitate stretching and folding of the middle layer 40 about the pivot point 20.

In addition, if the instep layer 30 includes a single layer of material or foam, as shown in FIG. 5C, the layer or sheath 39 of flexible leather or other flexible material may wrap completely or partially around the instep layer 30 and the middle layer 40, and may be affixed to the underside of the layer of leather 44. The instep layer 30 and the middle layer 40 may subsequently be affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the outer sole 16.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the middle layer 40 may alternatively include a single layer of one or more materials having flexibility sufficient to permit the middle layer 40 to stretch and fold about the pivot point 20 when the shoe 10 folds across its width Wi. The middle layer 40 in this configuration may be constructed of one or more materials suitable for providing mechanical integrity to the shoe 10, as well as for providing waterproofing to the insole 18 and for withstanding cracking or breaking when the shoe 10 is folded. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, recycled rubber, elastic, foam, flexible leather, and any combinations thereof. For instance, the middle layer 40 may include a single layer of relatively thin rubber, e.g., natural, synthetic or recycled rubber, and may define a configuration such that the single layer of rubber 40 covers most of the inner surface of the outer sole 16. Alternatively, the middle layer 40, e.g., the layer of rubber 40, may cover only a portion of the inner surface of the outer sole 16 (not shown) such that the layer 40 is in approximate vertical alignment with and covers the skived section 17 of the outer sole 16 and some extended area along the inner surface of the sole 16 adjacent the perimeter of the skived section 17.

The portions of the shoe 10 shown in and described with reference to FIG. 4, FIGS. 5A-5D, and FIG. 6, may be assembled as follows. The upper 11 of the shoe 10 may be affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the instep layer 30, where the instep layer 30 includes the single layer of material with or without the sheath or layer of leather 39, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The outer perimeter of the upper 11 may be wrapped under the instep layer 30 and affixed to the underside of the instep layer 30. The upper 11 joined with the instep layer 30 may thereafter be affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the outer sole 16. In configurations of the shoe 10 including the middle layer 40, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the outer perimeter of the upper 11 may be wrapped under the middle layer 40, which is joined with the instep layer 30, and affixed to the underside of the middle layer 40.

Thereafter, the upper 11, the instep layer 30 and the middle layer 40 may be affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the outer sole 16.

Referring to FIG. 8, the instep layer 30 may alternatively include a split instep layer 31 comprising a forefoot instep portion 33 and a heel instep portion 35 with a strip or band of flexible, e.g., elastic, material 37 disposed between and joined to each of the instep portions 33 and 35 to thereby join the instep portions 33 and 35 to form a single layer. The flexible, e.g., elastic, material of the strip or band 37 helps to permit the instep layer 31 to stretch about the pivot point 20 when the shoe 10 folds across its width W₁. When the shoe 10 is assembled, the strip or band of flexible, e.g., elastic, material 37 is disposed along the instep layer 31 in approximate vertical alignment with at least a portion of the skived section 17 of the sole 16 to help to create the pivot point 20. The strip or band 37 and the skived section 17 cooperate to permit stretching and folding of the instep layer 30 about the pivot point 20. The strip or band of flexible material 37 includes one or more materials suitable for providing sufficient flexibility and stretch to the instep layer 30 when the shoe 10 folds, as well as for permitting contraction of the strip or band 37 and the instep layer 30 to enable the instep layer 30 to lie relatively flat when the shoe 10 assumes its wearable state. Such materials include, but are not limited to, elasticized materials, such as elasticized fabric or elasticized leather, natural or synthetic rubber, recycled rubber, Neoprene, Lycra^®, and any combinations thereof. In this configuration of the instep layer 30, the forefoot and heel instep portions 33 and 35 may be constructed of one or more materials that are non- flexible and/or non- stretchable.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, and with further reference to FIG. 4 and HGS. 3A-3I, in another embodiment of the foldable shoe 10 according to the invention, the shoe 10 includes the forefront portion 12 with the top upper 24, the heel portion 14 with the heel upper 26 and the side or lateral portions 27, the outer sole 16 with the skived section 17, and any of the configurations of the instep layer 30 described above with reference to FIG. 4, FIGS 5A-5D, and FIG. 7. The shoe 10 shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B may fold and assume the folded state of the shoe 10 as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3I.

As show in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the shoe 10 may include a split middle layer 45, disposed between the instep layer 30 and the outer sole 16, and a mid-section patch 62, disposed between the instep layer 30 and the split middle layer 45. The split middle layer 45 includes a split layer of padding 41 disposed along a split layer of leather 43. The split layer of padding 41 includes a forefront padding section 41A and a rear padding section 41B that are in approximate vertical alignment with a forefront leather section 43A and a rear leather section 43B, respectively, of the split layer of leather 43.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 4 and illustrates that, when the shoe 10 is assembled, the split padding sections 41A and 41B and the split leather sections 43A and 43B are approximately aligned and are further disposed between the instep layer 30 and the outer sole 16 to define a gap 60 between the forefront 41A, 43A and the rear sections and 41B, 43B of each layer 41 and 43. The gap 60 may have a width including, but not limited to, from about 0.5 inches (12 mm) to about linch (25 mm). The mid-section patch 62 is disposed and configured to substantially cover and bridge the gap 60 that the forefront and rear sections 41A, 43A and 41B, 43B define. The midsection patch 62 may help to join the forefront sections 41 A, 43 A with the rear sections 41B, 43B of the layers 41 and 43. The patch 62 is constructed of one or more materials that have sufficient flexibility suitable for facilitating stretching and folding of any of the instep layer

30, the split middle layer 45 and the outer sole 16 about the pivot point 20. When the shoe 10 is assembled, the mid-section patch 62 and the gap 60 of the split middle layer 45 are in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section 17 of the outer sole 16 to help to create the pivot point 20 of the shoe 10. The patch 62, the gap 60, and the skived section 17 of the sole 16 cooperate to permit stretching and/or folding of the layers 30, 41, and 43 and the outer sole 16 about the pivot section 20.

In this configuration, the instep layer 30 and the split middle layer 45 may be constructed of any of the one or more materials described above. The mid-section patch 62 may be constructed of one or more materials having sufficient flexibility suitable for facilitating stretching of the patch 62 during folding of the shoe 10 about the pivot point 20. Such materials include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, recycled rubber, elastic fabrics, and any combinations thereof. The mid-section patch 62 may define a narrow thickness relative to the other layers of the shoe 10 and may define thicknesses in a range including, but not limited to, from about 0.04 inches (1 mm) to about 0.20, inches (5 mm).

Referring to FIGS. 1OA and 1OB, and with further reference to FIG. 4 and FIGS. 3A-

31, in an alternative and further embodiment of the shoe 10 according to the invention, the shoe 10 includes the components as described above with reference to FIGS. 9 A and 9B, and can assume the folded state of the shoe 10 as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3I, with the exception the mid-section patch 62 is not present. The gap 60, being in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section 17 of the outer soul 16, helps to create the pivot point 20. In addition, the gap 60 being in approximate vertical alignment with the defined flexible area 32, if present, of the instep layer 30 further helps to create the pivot point 20. In cooperation with the skived section 17, and, if present, the flexible area 32 of the instep layer 30, the gap 60 facilitates stretching and/or folding of any of the instep layer 30, the split middle layer 45 and the outer sole 16 when the shoe 10 folds about the pivot point 20.

Referring to FIGS. HA and HB, an alternative configuration of the outer sole 19 is illustrated that may serve as an alternative to the outer sole 16 with the skived section 17 in the configurations of the shoe 10 described above. As shown in FIG. 1 IA, the outer sole includes a split outer sole 19 including a forefront section 19 A and a rear section 19B. The split outer sole 19 may be advantageously used with any of the configurations of the middle layer 40 that are shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 4, and FIGS. 5C and 5D. In addition, the split outer sole 19 may be advantageously used with any of the configurations of the instep layer 30 and 31 that are shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 4, FIGS. 5A-5D, and FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIG. 1 IB, the forefront section 19A and the rear section 19B of the split outer sole 19 may abut one another and may be held in place by the middle layer 40 to form a single-layer outer sole 19. For instance, the middle layer 40 may include the layer of leather 42 disposed along the layer of padding 44, as shown in FIG. 5C, constructed of the one or more materials noted above for providing sufficient flexibility to the middle layer 40 to help to facilitate stretching and folding of the middle layer 40 about the pivot point 20.

Alternatively, the middle layer 40 may include the single layer of one or more flexible materials, as shown in FIG. 5D, to facilitate stretching and folding. The middle layer 40 may be affixed to and substantially cover the inner surfaces of the forefront and rear sections 19A and 19B when the sections 19A and 19B are arranged in the abutting fashion shown in FIG. HB. The middle layer 40 thereby retains the arrangement and joins the sections 19A and 19B to form a substantially single-layer sole 19. The forefront and rear sections 19A and 19B define there between a split 19C in the outer sole 19. The split 19C is in approximate vertical alignment with either the defined area 32 of the instep layer 30 shown in FIGS. 5A- 5D, or the strip or band of elastic 37 of the split instep layer 31 shown in FIG. 8, depending on the configuration of the instep layer 30 or 31 selected for the shoe 10. The split 19C and the defined area 32 or the strip or band of elastic 37 of the instep layer 30 or 31 thereby help to create the pivot point 20 and cooperate to permit folding of the outer sole 19 along the split 19C, as well as stretching and folding of the middle layer 40 and the instep layer 30 or 31 about the pivot point 20. In this configuration, the split outer sole 19 may be constructed of one or more materials used to form typical shoe soles, such as non-flexible or non-stretchable materials, including, but not limited to, leather, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, recycled rubber, plastic, and any combinations thereof.

Alternatively, the middle layer 40 may cover only the split 19C and a portion of the inner surfaces of each of the forefront and rear sections 19A and 19B adjacent the split 19C, as shown by dashed lines 21 in FIG. 1 IB, rather than the entire inner surfaces of the sections 19A and 19B. The middle layer 40 in this configuration may include, for instance, the layer of rubber 40 described with reference to FIG. 5D.

Referring to FIG. 12, another configuration of the outer sole is shown and includes an outer sole 23 split into three sections including a forefront section 23 A, a rear section 23B, and a center or middle section 23C. The center or middle section 23C covers a gap 23D defined in the outer sole 23, the perimeter of which is shown by dashed lines 25 in FIG. 12. The center or middle section 23C is configured for partial or complete removal from and re- attachment to the outer sole 23. In one configuration of the center or middle section 23C, the section 23 C is configured as a hinged and removable section such that one end of the section 23C removes from the outer sole 23 to permit the section 23C to rotate or pivot about its opposite end connected to the outer sole 23. Pivoting or rotating the section 23C along its hinged end exposes the underlying gap 23C in the outer sole 23. Alternatively, the center or middle section 23C may be configured as a completely removable and re-attachable piece such that the section 23C may be removed completely from the outer sole 23 to expose the underlying gap 23D and re-attached to the outer sole 23. In this configuration, the section

23C may be attached to the outer sole 23 and/or to the instep layer 30 by a section of Velcro^® affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the underside surface of the section 23C. The design and configuration of the center or middle section 23C is not limited in this respect and anticipates that other fasteners may be used to attach the center or middle section 23C to the outer sole 23 and/or to the instep layer 30, including, but not limited to, an elastic portion (not shown) affixed, e.g., sewn and/or adhered, to the underside of the section 23C and the underside of the forefront section 23A or the rear section 23B of the sole 23. In this configuration, removal of the section 23C from the outer sole 23 is complete and exposes the underlying gap 23D; yet, the section 23C remains attached to the outer sole 23 via the elastic portion that enables repetitive attachment to and removal from the outer sole 23. Other fasteners are contemplated including, but not limited to, a snap fastener affixed to the underside of the center or middle section 23C that is configured to connect to a

complementary snap fastener affixed to the underside of the instep layer 30.

The three-section outer sole 23 may be advantageously used with the shoe 10 having a configuration that includes the instep layer 30 or 31, such as the embodiments of the shoe 10 shown in and described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 4, FIGS. 5A and 5B, and FIGS. 7 and 8. When the center or middle section 23C is removed wholly or partially from the outer sole 23, the exposed gap 23D helps to create the pivot point 20. Where the shoe 10 includes either instep layer 30 or 31, the gap 23D is in approximate vertical alignment with the defined area 32 of the instep layer 30 shown in FIG. 7 or the strip or band of elastic 37 of the split instep layer 31 shown in FIG. 8 to create the pivot point 20. The gap 23C cooperates with the defined area 32 or the strip or band of elastic 37 to facilitate stretching and folding of the instep layer 30 or 31 and the outer sole 23 about the pivot point 20.

Referring to FIG. 13, any of the configurations of the shoe 10 according to the invention shown in and described above with reference to FIGS. 1-12 may optionally include draw straps, laces or cords 70 disposed within a channel 72 defined along an upper perimeter of the upper 11 and the hole 13 into which a person inserts their foot. The channel 72 may be defined or configured along the upper 11 perimeter by any possible techniques including, but not limited to, folding a portion of the upper 11 inward along the perimeter of the upper 11 and creating the channel 72 by stitching along the folded portion. The channel 72 is configured to receive a continuous strap, lacing or cord 70, e.g., fabric, elasticized fabric or elastic, and to permit the strip, lacing or cord 70 to extend along the channel 72 and to exit the channel 72 through each of two eyelets 76 defined along the channel 72 and adjacent the heel upper 26. The channel 72 may define a width W₅ including, but not limited to, from about 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) to about 0.75 inches (19 mm) from the perimeter of the upper 11.

As shown in FIG. 13, a lockable stopper or toggle 78 receives the portion of the strap, lacing or cord 70 that exits each eyelet 76. The stopper or toggle 78 is designed and configured to securely retain the portions of the strap, lacing or cord 70 when locked and when unlocked to release the portions 70 from the stopper or toggle 78. Where the portions of the strap, lacing or cord 70 are pulled or drawn outward through the eyelets 76, the stopper or toggle 78 securely retains the portions of the strap, lacing or cord 70 in the pulled or drawn out position, and, when the stopper or toggle 78 unlocks, the portions are released. The strap, lacing or cord 70 serves a dual function. First, drawing or pulling the portions of the strap, lacing or cord 70 through the channel 72 reduces the perimeter of the upper 11 and thereby tightens the upper 11 around a person's foot and, when secured by the stopper or toggle 78, secures the shoe 10 to the person's foot when the shoe 10 is in its wearable state. Second, drawing or pulling the portions of the strap, lacing or cord 70 through the channel 72 helps to collapse and compress the upper 1 lsuch that the profile of the shoe 10 is collapsed and reduced. This facilitates insertion of the toe upper 24 and/or a portion of the forefront section 12 into the pouch or pocket 52. The stopper or toggle 78 helps to retain the upper 11 in such a collapsed and compressed condition to thereby enable the shoe 10 to be self-contained in its folded state.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, the folded and self-contained shoe 10 according to the invention defines a compact configuration and contains the exterior surface 16A and 16B of the outer sole 16 within the interior of the folded shoe 10. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the heel upper 26 reverses to fold or flip outward, at least a portion of the inner surface 29 of the heel upper 26 is disposed in a substantially outward orientation and helps to form the outer surface of the folded shoe 10. In addition, at least a portion of the inner surface 30A of the shoe 10 that the instep layer 30 defines is disposed in a substantially outward orientation and also helps to form the outer surface of the folded shoe 10. Similarly, at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the side or lateral portions 27 are disposed in a substantially outward orientation to further help to form the outer surface of the folded shoe 10. The pouch or pocket 52 that the folded or flipped heel upper 26 creates retains the toe upper 24 and/or at least a portion of the forefront portion 12 of the upper 11, as shown by dashed lines 54 in FIG. 14A. The exterior (dirty) surface 16A and 16B of the outer sole 16 (not shown) is oriented inward and contained within the interior of the folded shoe 10. In this configuration, the folded shoe 10 may be stored and transported in any of various containers without the outer sole 16 being exposed. Although FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate the shoe strap 22 and the cord 70 with the stopper or toggle 78, the invention is not so limited and these elements of the shoe 10 according to the invention are optional.

As shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, the folded shoe 10 may be individually stored or "packed" in its folded and self-contained state to permit the shoe 10 to fit individually, or together with its folded mate, into a pocket, a purse, handbag, backpack, luggage or any other container having any of various sizes and/or shapes. FIG. 14B illustrates each folded shoe 10 of a pair of shoes 10 disposed in a side-by-side arrangement within the interior of a long, narrow purse or container. FIG. 14C illustrates each folded shoe 10 of a pair of shoes 10 disposed in a stacked arrangement and laid sidewise within a short and wide purse or container.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, additional optional elements of the shoe 10 according to the invention include a strap 80 that may extend and wrap around the shoe 10 in its folded state and may be secured with a section of Velcro^® 82, as shown in FIG. 15 A. The strap with the Velcro^® section 82 may include an independent unit separate from the shoe 10 or, alternatively, may be removably or permanently attached to a portion, e.g., the upper 11, of the shoe 10. Another optional element includes strap or lacing 84 that may extend and wrap around the shoe 10 in its folded state and may be secured by tying the strap or lacing 84. Similarly, the strap or lacing 84 may be include an independent unit separate from the shoe 10 or, alternatively, may be removably or permanently attached to a portion, e.g., the upper 11, of the shoe 10.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the foldable shoe according to the invention may define any style or type of shoe such as the active or sport shoe 90 shown in FIG. 16 A. The active or sport shoe 90 may include any of the layers and/or components of the shoe 10 as described above and with reference to FIGS. 1-13 and, in particular, includes an upper 92 that has at least a portion, e.g., a heel upper 94, that is configured to reverse to fold outward or flip over to define a pouch or pocket for receiving at least another portion of the upper 90, e.g., at least a portion of a forefront section 96, when the shoe 90 is in its folded state. The active or sport shoe 90 similarly creates the pivot point 20 along the length of the shoe 90 about which the shoe 90 folds and unfolds as described above and with reference to FIGS. 1-13.

As shown in FIG. 16B, the foldable shoe according to the invention may include a foldable boot 100 including any of the layers and/or components of the shoe 10 as described above and with reference to FIGS. 1-13. The foldable boot 100 includes an upper 102 that has at least one portion that includes a zipper 101 that unzips the upper 102 into separate sections. Each section is designed and configured to roll or fold in an outward orientation and in downward manner to create a pouch or pocket. The foldable boot 100 similarly creates the pivot point 20 along the length of the boot 100 about which the boot 100 folds and unfolds as described above and with reference to FIGS. 1-13. One rolled or folded section of the upper 102 defining the pouch or pocket would receive the other rolled or folded section of the upper when the boot 100 is folded along the pivot point 20 to retain the boot 100 in a folded, self-contained state.

Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of the inventions, various alterations, substitutions, modifications and improvements in form and detail will readily occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the inventions. Such alterations, substitutions, modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the inventions. Other aspects, functions, capabilities, and advantages of the inventions are also within their scope. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. In addition, in describing aspects of the invention, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. For purposes of description, each specific term is intended to at least include all technical and functional equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. In some instances where a particular aspect of the invention includes a plurality of system elements or method steps, those elements or steps may be replaced with a single element or step; likewise, a single element or step may be replaced with a plurality of elements or steps that serve the same purpose. Further, where parameters for various properties are specified herein for aspects of the inventions, those parameters can be adjusted or rounded-off to approximations thereof within the scope of the invention, unless otherwise specified.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A foldable shoe comprising:

an upper defining a design and shape of the shoe and including a forefront upper and a heel upper;

an instep layer configured as an inner surface of the shoe along which a wearer's foot rests, the instep layer joined with the upper;

an outer sole joined with the instep layer, the outer sole including a skived section defined in an exterior surface of the outer sole and traversing at least a portion of the width of the exterior surface, the skived section being disposed and configured such that the shoe folds outwardly along the skived section to bring portions of the exterior surface of the outer sole in face-to-face contact and to dispose the shoe in a folded state; and

the heel upper being adapted to permit at least a portion of the heel upper to reverse or fold outward to create a pocket, wherein the resulting pocket is configured to receive and to retain at least a portion of the forefront upper when the shoe is in the folded state.

2. The foldable shoe of claim 1 wherein the heel upper includes a height to define the resulting pocket with a depth sufficient to retain the portion of the forefront upper and to self- contain the shoe in the folded state.

3. The foldable shoe of claim 1 wherein the instep layer includes a layer of material having a capacity to stretch such that the instep layer stretches along the skived section and the shoe folds and unfolds about the skived section.

4. The foldable shoe of claim 1 wherein the skived section is disposed and configured such that the shoe unfolds along the skived section to assume an unfolded and wearable state of the shoe.

5. The foldable shoe of claim 1 wherein the skived section defines a width in a range of from about 0.40 inches (10 mm) to about 1.60 inches (40 mm) and a depth in a range of from about 0.04 inches (1 mm) to about 0.40 inches (10 mm).

6. The foldable shoe of claim 1 wherein the forefront upper includes a collapsible forefront upper configured such that at least the portion of the forefront upper the pocket receives collapses.

7. The foldable shoe of claim 1 comprising a lateral portion of the upper along each side of the shoe adapted to reverse or fold outward away from the instep layer.

8. The foldable shoe of claim 1 comprising a strap joined with the upper and disposed over the upper.

9. The foldable shoe of claim 8 wherein the strap includes a strap with a capacity to stretch such that the strap is adapted to stretch and extend over the upper to an underside of the shoe and to wrap around the shoe in the folded state.

10. The foldable shoe of claim 1 wherein the instep layer includes a flexible instep layer with a defined area traversing at least a portion of the width of the flexible instep layer, the defined area being disposed in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds.

11. The foldable shoe of claim 1 wherein the instep layer includes a split instep layer defined with a forefoot instep portion and a heel instep portion and a band of flexible material disposed between and joined to each instep portion to connect the instep portions.

12. The foldable shoe of claim 11 wherein the band of flexible material is disposed in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds.

13. The foldable shoe of claim 1 comprising a flexible middle layer disposed between the instep layer and the outer sole, the flexible middle layer being adapted to stretch and fold along the skived section.

14. The foldable shoe of claim 1 comprising a split middle layer disposed between the instep layer and the outer sole, the split middle layer being defined with a forefront section and a rear section and a gap disposed between the sections, wherein the gap traverses at least a portion of the width of the split middle layer.

15. The foldable shoe of claim 14 wherein the gap is disposed in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds.

16. The foldable shoe of claim 14 comprising a patch of material having a capacity to stretch, the patch of material being disposed over the gap and in approximate vertical alignment with the skived section to define a pivot point about which the shoe folds and unfolds.

17. The foldable shoe of claim 1 comprising a draw cord channel defined along an upper perimeter of the upper and configured to contain a draw cord, wherein the draw cord is disposed within the channel such that the draw cord may be pulled or drawn outward from the channel to reduce the perimeter of the upper.

18. The foldable shoe of claim 17 wherein the draw cord channel defines two eyelets, each eyelet configured to permit a portion of the draw cord to extend through the eyelet.

19. The foldable shoe of claim 17 wherein the draw cord is operatively connected to a locking toggle that secures the draw cord when locked and releases the draw cord when unlocked.

20. A foldable shoe comprising:

an instep layer configured as an inner surface of the shoe along which a wearer' s foot rests, the instep layer joined with the upper;

an outer sole joined with the instep layer, the outer sole configured as a split outer sole including a forefront section and a rear section that define a split between each section, the split being disposed and configured such that the shoe folds outwardly along the split to bring portions of an exterior surface of the outer sole in face-to-face contact and to dispose the shoe in a folded state; and

21. The foldable shoe of claim 20 wherein the heel upper includes a height to define the resulting pocket with a depth sufficient to retain the portion of the forefront upper and to self- contain the shoe in the folded state.

22. The foldable shoe of claim 20 wherein the instep layer includes a layer of material having a capacity to stretch such that the instep layer stretches along the split and the shoe folds and unfolds about the split of the outer sole.

23. The foldable shoe of claim 20 wherein the split in the outer sole is disposed and configured such that the shoe unfolds along the split to assume an unfolded and wearable state of the shoe.

24. The foldable shoe of claim 20 comprising a flexible middle layer disposed between the instep layer and the outer sole, the flexible middle layer joined with the forefront section and the rear section of the outer sole to retain the sections and to maintain the split, the middle layer being adapted to stretch and fold along the split.

25. The foldable shoe of claim 20 comprising a draw cord channel defined along an upper perimeter of the upper and configured to contain a draw cord, wherein the draw cord is disposed within the channel such that the draw cord may be pulled or drawn outward from the channel to reduce the perimeter of the upper.

26. The foldable shoe of claim 25 wherein the draw cord channel defines two eyelets, each eyelet configured to permit a portion of the draw cord to extend through the eyelet.

27. The foldable shoe of claim 25 wherein the draw cord is operatively connected to a locking toggle that secures the draw cord when locked and releases the draw cord when unlocked.

28. A foldable shoe comprising:

an outer sole joined with the instep layer;

a middle layer disposed between the instep layer and the outer sole, the middle layer being adapted to flex and stretch such that the shoe folds outwardly along a pivot point across the width of the shoe to bring portions of an exterior surface of the outer sole in face-to-face contact and to dispose the shoe in a folded state; and