Abstract
Apparatuses, kits and methods for customizing one or more surfaces of an item of footwear (e.g., a shoe, a boot, etc.) are disclosed. A surface of an item of footwear may be customized by applying a decorative film thereto. The application of a decorative film may include the use of a sizing element, which may be specifically sized to a surface of a shoe that an individual wants to decoratively enhance. The sizing element may then be used to tailor a size of the decorative film, which may then be applied to the surface of the item of footwear.
Claims
1. A method for customizing a surface of footwear, comprising: aligning a decorative film with the surface of the footwear; adhesively securing a surface of contact paper against the sole, the contact paper extending beyond outer peripheral edges of the sole; with the contact paper in place on the sole, forming a mark around the outer peripheral edges of the sole; removing the contact paper from the sole; adhesively securing the surface of the contact paper to the decorative film; cutting the contact paper on the mark or at a location adjacent to the mark and simultaneously cutting the decorative film to impart the decorative film with a size that corresponds to a size of the sole; removing the contact paper from the decorative film; adhesively securing the decorative film to the sole; securing a non-slip element to the decorative film; and trimming a portion of the decorative film and/or the non-slip element that extends beyond the outer peripheral edges of the sole.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the non-slip element comprises adhesively securing the non-slip element to the decorative film.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: after adhesively securing the decorative film to the surface of the footwear, pressing bubbles and/or wrinkles from between the surface and the decorative film.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein pressing bubbles and/or wrinkles is effected in conjunction with heating the decorative film.
5. A method for customizing a surface of footwear, comprising: aligning a decorative film with the surface of the footwear; and adhesively securing the decorative film to the surface of the footwear.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: cleaning the surface of the footwear to be customized.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein cleaning the surface of the footwear comprises cleaning a sole of the footwear.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: placing contact paper against the sole, the contact paper extending beyond outer peripheral edges of the sole; with the contact paper in place on the sole, forming a mark around the outer peripheral edges of the sole; removing the contact paper from the sole; securing the contact paper to the decorative film; and cutting the contact paper on the mark or at a location adjacent to the mark and simultaneously cutting the decorative film to impart the decorative film with a size that corresponds to a size of the sole.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein placing contact paper against the sole comprises adhesively securing a surface of the contact paper to the sole.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein securing the contact paper to the decorative film comprises adhesively securing the surface of the contact paper to the sole.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: removing the contact paper from the decorative film.
12. The method of claim 11, comprising removing the contact paper from the decorative film before adhesively securing the decorative film to the sole.
13. The method of claim 11, comprising removing the contact paper from the decorative film after adhesively securing the decorative film to the sole.
14. The method of claim 7, further comprising: after adhesively securing the decorative film to the sole, trimming a portion of the decorative film that extends beyond the outer peripheral edges of the sole.
15. The method of claim 7, further comprising: securing a non-slip element to the decorative film.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein securing the non-slip element to the decorative film comprises securing a transparent non-slip element over at least a portion of the decorative film.
17. The method of claim 5, further comprising: after adhesively securing the decorative film to the surface of the footwear, pressing bubbles and/or wrinkles from between the surface and the decorative film.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein pressing bubbles and/or wrinkles is effected in conjunction with heating the decorative film.
19. A kit for decorating a surface of footwear, comprising: at least one decorative film having dimensions that exceed corresponding dimensions of a of footwear to be covered by the at least one decorative film; at least one sizing element having same dimensions as the at least one decorative film; and a blade configured to trim portions of the at least one decorative film that extend beyond the surface of the footwear.
20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the at least one decorative film has dimensions that enable it to cover soles of a pair of the footwear.
21. The kit of claim 20, further comprising: at least one transparent non-slip film; and at least one additional sizing element sized to enable positioning of the at least one transparent non-slip film on the soles of the pair of footwear.
22. The kit of claim 21, wherein each of the at least one decorative film, the at least one sizing element, the at least one transparent non-slip film and the at least one additional sizing element includes an adhesive-coated surface.
23. The kit of claim 22, comprising a pair of decorative films, a pair of sizing elements, a pair of transparent non-slip films and a pair of additional sizing elements.
24. The kit of claim 23, wherein each decorative film of the pair of decorative films has dimensions that exceed dimensions of a sole of the footwear.
25. The kit of claim 24, wherein each non-slip film of the pair of non-slip films has a width that exceeds a width of each portion of the sole of the footwear that is configured to contact a surface on which an individual stands and/or walks.
26. The kit of claim 19, wherein the blade is carried by a knife handle.
27. The kit of claim 19, further comprising: at least one cleaning element.
28. The kit of claim 19, further comprising: at least one application element.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In the drawings:
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a kit for decoratively enhancing one or more surfaces of an item of footwear, such as a shoe, a boot or the like;
[0022] FIGS. 2A-2C schematically depict various embodiments of decorative films;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a decorative film for application to a surface of an item of footwear;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that shows various acts that may be used in various embodiments of methods for decoratively enhancing one or more surfaces of an item of footwear;
[0025] FIGS. 5-9 illustrate various elements of an embodiment of a method for decoratively enhancing one or more surfaces of an item of footwear; and
[0026] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating possible acts of an embodiment of a method for removing a decorative film from a surface of an item of footwear.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an embodiment of a kit 10 for decoratively enhancing an item of footwear, such as a shoe, a boot or the like, is depicted. The kit 10 includes a pair of decorative films 20, which are configured to be applied to a surface of the item of footwear, such as a sole, a heel, or the like. In addition to the decorative films 20, the kit 10 may include a pair of sizing elements 30 that may be used to customize the size and shape of each decorative film 20. In some embodiments, the kit 10 may also include a pair of non-slip elements 40, as well as a pair of additional sizing elements 50 for use in customizing the size and shape of each non-slip element 40. Additionally, the kit 10 may comprise one or more cleaning elements 60 and a blade 72, which may be carried by a handle 74 to provide a knife 70. Of course, a package (not shown) may carry each of the elements of the kit 10.
[0028] As FIG. 1 illustrates, each decorative film 20 may include an outer surface 22 with a decorative appearance. In some embodiments, the decorative film 20 may comprise a film of a flexible material, such as a polymer. More specifically, the decorative film 20 may be formed from vinyl. The decorative aspect 23 (FIGS. 2A-2C) of the decorative film 20 may be a color, which may be printed onto the outer surface 22 or may comprise a feature of the decorative film 20 (e.g., the decorative film 20 may be formed from a colored material, etc.). Alternatively, or in addition to a base color, a decorative film 20 may have a design, such as a pattern (e.g., the stripes shown in FIG. 1, etc.), an image, or any other graphic element. In some embodiments the design may be printed into the outer surface 22 of the decorative film 20, while in other embodiments the design may be incorporated into the decorative film 20 (e.g., during manufacture of the decorative film 20, etc.).
[0029] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various embodiments of decorative films 20. In addition to the outer surface 22, which may carry the decorative aspect 23 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B; FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment of decorative film 20 without a printed color or design), the decorative film 20 may have a base surface 24. An adhesive material 25 may be carried by the base surface 24. In some embodiments, the adhesive material 25 may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive that will enable the decorative film 20 to be secured to a surface and, when desired, removed from the surface, while leaving little or no residue on the surface from which the decorative film 20 is removed. A removable backing 26 may be positioned over the adhesive material 25 until application of the decorative film 25 to a surface is desired.
[0030] As illustrated by FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, a top layer 28 may be applied over any decorative aspect 23 on the outer surface 22 of the decorative film 20. The top layer 28, which may protect the decorative aspect 23 and/or the outer surface 22, may be transparent or translucent to enable the decorative aspect 23 to be viewed therethrough.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a technique for manufacturing a decorative film 20 (FIGS. 1-2C) according to this disclosure. In such a method, at reference 101 of FIG. 3, a design may be selected for a particular decorative film 20. The design may comprise a color, a pattern, an image or any other graphic element. It may be selected by a manufacturer of the decorative film 20 or customized by a purchaser of the decorative film 20. Once a design has been selected, it may be uploaded, at reference 102 of FIG. 3, to a processing element that communicates with and controls operation of an applicator (e.g., a printer, another apparatus for controllably applying a design medium to an outer surface 22 (FIGS. 2A-2C) of the decorative film 20, an apparatus for randomly applying a design medium to the outer surface 22, etc.) and/or film manufacturing equipment (e.g., in embodiments where the design is incorporated into the decorative film 20, etc.) in a manner known in the relevant art. The design, at reference 103 of FIG. 3, may then be applied to and/or incorporated into the decorative film 20 with the applicator and/or the film manufacturing equipment, respectively.
[0032] In embodiments where a design is applied to and/or incorporated into a relatively large film, the decorative film 20 (FIGS. 1-2C) may be cut into one or more pieces, or sheets, having desired dimensions at reference 104 of FIG. 3. Any suitable process (e.g., the use of straight cutting blades, the use of dice, etc.) may be used to cut the relatively large film. The shape and dimensions of each sheet of decorative film 20 may enable packaging of the decorative film 20. The decorative film 20 may have a shape and dimensions that enable it to be custom cut by a consumer. Alternatively, the shape and dimensions of the decorative film 20 may correspond to a particular model, size and foot (i.e., left or right) of an item of footwear. Next, at reference 105 of FIG. 3, any scraps of the relatively large film may be removed and discarded or, if they are large enough, cut for other purposes (e.g., for application to smaller surfaces, such as the edges of a heel or sole, etc.).
[0033] Each decorative film 20 (FIG. 1) may have a shape and dimensions that enable it to be used to cover surfaces of a variety of different sizes, styles and models of footwear. In more specific embodiments, the shape and size of a decorative film 20 may enable it to cover the sole and heel of an item of footwear. Even more specifically, a decorative film 20 may be rectangular in shape, with a length of 12 inches or more and a width of four inches or more.
[0034] Once the decorative film 20 has been cut to a desired shape and dimensions, it may be packaged. A decorative film 20 for one item of footwear may be packaged with a decorative film 20 for the other item of a pair of the footwear. Additionally, a decorative film 20 may be package with other components of a kit 10 (FIG. 1) for decoratively enhancing footwear.
[0035] With returned reference to FIG. 1, each sizing element 30 may comprise a sheet of an adhesive-coated material. Each sizing element 30 may be transparent or translucent, which may enable visualization of elements (e.g., the surface of an item of footwear, the decorative film 20, etc.) over which the sizing element 30 is positioned through the sizing element 30. An adhesive material on a base surface of the sizing element 30 may enable the sizing element 30 to be secured to the surface of an item of footwear and to be removed from the surface, and then re-adhered to the outer surface 22 of the decorative film 20 or to a protective layer 28 on the outer surface 22 of the decorative film 20. By way of example, the adhesive material on the base surface of each sizing element 30 may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive. An outer surface of the sizing element 30 may be configured to receive a mark (e.g., ink, pencil lead, etc.) from a writing instrument. In some embodiments, contact paper may be used to form each sizing element 30. Each sizing element 30 may have the same shape and dimensions as its corresponding decorative film 20.
[0036] Each non-slip element 40 may have a base surface that is coated with an adhesive material (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc.) that will enable the non-slip element 40 to be secured to the outer surface 22 of the decorative film 20 or to a protective layer 28 on the outer surface 22 of the decorative film 20. In some embodiments, the non-slip element may be transparent or translucent to enable a decorative aspect of the decorative film 20 to be seen therethrough.
[0037] An outer surface of each non-slip element 40 may be configured to enable it to generate friction that will enable the outer surface of the non-slip element 40 to engage a surface against which it is positioned without damaging the surface against which it is positioned. In some embodiments, the outer surface of each non-slip element 40 may be textured. In a specific embodiment, each non-slip element 40 may comprise so-called grip tape with a small grit size or a non-abrasive anti-slip tape.
[0038] The additional sizing elements 50, which correspond to the non-slip elements 40 may each comprise a sheet of an adhesive-coated material. An adhesive material on a base surface of each additional sizing element 50 may enable that additional sizing element 50 to be secured to the surface of an item of footwear and to be removed from the surface, and then re-adhered to the outer surface of a non-slip element 40. By way of example, the adhesive material on the base surface of each additional sizing element 50 may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive. An outer surface of the additional sizing element 50 may be configured to receive a mark (e.g., ink, pencil lead, etc.) from a writing instrument. In some embodiments, contact paper may be used to form each additional sizing element 50. Each additional sizing element 50 may have the same shape and dimensions as its corresponding non-slip element 40.
[0039] The cleaning element(s) 60 of a kit 10 according to this disclosure may be configured to clean the surface of footwear to which a decorative film 20 is to be applied, such as a sole and/or a heel of the item of footwear. The cleaning element 60 may, more specifically, be configured to remove dirt, debris, adhesive material or other sticky substances from the surface of the item of footwear. In a specific embodiment, the cleaning element 60 may comprise a wipe wetted with a suitable cleaning agent. More specifically, the cleaning element 60 may comprise an isopropyl alcohol wipe. In other embodiments, the cleaning element 60 may be wetted with an organic solvent (e.g., acetone, etc.), a detergent, an adhesive remover or the like.
[0040] Turning now to FIG. 4, a flow diagram for an embodiment of a process for decoratively enhancing an item of footwear is shown. FIGS. 5-9 depict various aspects of such an embodiment.
[0041] At reference 201 of FIG. 4, an individual may select a design with which she wants to decoratively enhance an item of footwear, such as a shoe, a boot or the like. Next, at reference 202 of FIG. 4 and as shown in FIG. 5, the individual may clean the surface 2 of the item of footwear 1 that is to be decoratively enhanced. Cleaning of the surface 2 of the item of footwear 1 may include removal of one or more stickers, adhesive material, dirt, debris, sticky substances or the like from the surface 2. The surface 2 may be cleaned in any suitable manner and with any suitable cleaning apparatuses (e.g., a cloth, a cleaning element 60 (FIG. 1), a blade, etc.) and agents (e.g., water, solvents, detergents, other cleaning agents, etc.). If a liquid cleaning agent is used to clean the surface 2, the surface 2 may be allowed to dry.
[0042] Once the surface 2 of the item of footwear 1 is ready to be decoratively enhanced, an adhesive material on a base surface of a sizing element 30 (FIG. 1) may be exposed (e.g., by peeling a backing away from the adhesive material), as identified at reference 203 of FIG. 4. With the adhesive material on the sizing element 30 exposed, the sizing element 30 may be secured to the surface 2 of the item of footwear 1, at reference 204 of FIG. 4 and as illustrated by FIG. 6. Once the sizing element 30 is positioned on the surface 2, the individual may, at reference 205 of FIG. 4, mark an outer surface 32 of the sizing element 30 with an outline 35 of at least some of the outer peripheral edges 3 of the surface 2, such as by tracing around one or more outer peripheral edges 3 of the surface 2.
[0043] The sizing element 30 may then be removed from the surface 2 of the item of footwear 1, at reference 206 of FIG. 4, and positioned and secured (e.g., adhesively, etc.) over the upper surface 22 (FIGS. 1-2C) of the decorative film 20 (FIGS. 1-2C), at reference 207 of FIG. 4. In embodiments where the sizing element 30 is transparent or translucent, the outline 35 that has been applied to the sizing element 30 may be aligned with a design of the decorative film 20.
[0044] As shown by FIG. 7, after the sizing element 30 is secured in place over the upper surface 22 of the decorative film 20, the sizing element 30 and the decorative film 20 may be cut (e.g., with scissors, etc.) to a shape defined by the outline 35, at reference 208 of FIG. 4.
[0045] Next, at reference 209 of FIG. 4, a backing 26 (FIGS. 2A-2C) may be removed from the adhesive material 25 (FIGS. 2A-2C) carried by the base surface 24 (FIGS. 2A-2C) of the decorative film 20 to expose the adhesive material 25. With at least some of the adhesive material 25 exposed, the decorative film 20 may be aligned with the surface 2 to which it is to be applied, and then secured to the surface 2, which may occur at reference 210 of FIG. 4 and is illustrated by FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the decorative film 20 may be secured to the surface 2 while the backing 26 is gradually removed from the adhesive material 25 carried by the base surface 24 of the decorative film 24. In other embodiments, the backing 26 may be completely removed from the adhesive material 25 before the decorative film 20 is aligned with and adhesively secured to the surface 2.
[0046] As identified at reference 211 of FIG. 4, the sizing element 30 (FIG. 1) may be removed from the outer surface 22 (FIGS. 1-2C) of the decorative film 20 (FIGS. 1-2C). Removal of the sizing element 30 may occur before the decorative film 20 is applied to the surface 2 of the item of footwear 1 or after the decorative film 20 has been applied to the surface 2.
[0047] Before or after the sizing element 30 (FIG. 1) is removed from the outer surface 22 (FIGS. 1-2C) of the decorative film 20 (FIGS. 1-2C), the decorative film 20 may be further pressed against the surface 2, at references 212 and 213 of FIG. 4. Such additional pressing may enable the decorative film 20 to better conform to a contour of the surface 2 and/or enable movement and/or shaping of the decorative film 20. Additionally, the decorative film 20 may be pressed to remove wrinkles and/or bubbles. The decorative film 20 may be pressed by hand (e.g., with an individual's thumb and/or fingers, etc.) or with an application element (e.g., a plastic card, a squeegee, etc.). In some embodiments, as specified at reference 214 of FIG. 4, the decorative film 20 may be heated (e.g., with a blow dryer, etc.) in conjunction with pressing, which may enhance the ability of the decorative film 20 to conform to the contour of the surface 2 to which it is applied, facilitate the removal of wrinkles and/or bubbles and/or enable sliding movement of the decorative film 20 along the surface 2.
[0048] With the decorative film 20 secured to the surface 2 of the item of footwear 1, as specified at reference 215 of FIG. 4, edges of the decorative film 20 that protrude beyond any outer peripheral edges 3 of the surface 2 may be trimmed to impart the decorative film 20 with a cleaner appearance. Such trimming may occur with a blade or a knife, such as the knife 70 depicted by FIG. 1, or with a file.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates application of a non-slip element 40 to the decorative film 20 on an item of footwear 1. The non-slip element 40 may be sized, if necessary, and secured to the decorative film 20 in a similar manner to the sizing and application of the decorative film 20 to the surface 2 of the item of footwear described in reference to FIGS. 4-8. The non-slip element 40 may be positioned over a location on the item of footwear 1 (e.g., the sole and/or heel, etc.) that would otherwise contact a floor, pavement or the ground as the item of footwear 1 is worn.
[0050] An embodiment of a process for removing of a decorative film 20 from a surface 2 of an item of footwear 1 is illustrated by the flow diagram of FIG. 10. Specifically, at reference 301 of FIG. 10, an item of footwear 1 from which a decorative film 20 is to be removed is selected. A peripheral portion of the decorative film 20 is then peeled away from the surface 2 to which the decorative film 20 is adhered, at reference 302 of FIG. 10. The decorative film 20 may then be grasped, at reference 303 of FIG. 10, and pulled off of the surface, at reference 304 of FIG. 10.
[0051] While the above-described methods have been characterized as including specific elements in a particular order, it should be noted that many of the elements of these methods are optional and that various elements of the methods may be conducted in an order that differs from the disclosed and/or illustrated order. It should also be noted that while decorative enhancement of an item of footwear 1 has been described in the context of the application of a decorative film 20 to a sole and/or a heel of the item of footwear 1, the decorative enhancement of other surfaces of an item of footwear (e.g., the side edges of a sole, all or part of an upper, etc.) are also within the scope of this disclosure.
[0052] Although the preceding disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the ensuing claims. Other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scopes of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of each claim is, therefore, indicated and limited only by its plain language and the full scope of available legal equivalents to its elements.
