Abstract
A footbed for a modular shoe system, a modular shoe system, and an interlocking fastener system for a footbed or for a modular shoe system, are provided. The interlocking fastener system includes a plurality of interlocking elements on a footbed configured to interlock with a plurality of complementary interlocking elements on a shoe base to releasably secure the footbed to the shoe base.
Claims
1. A footbed for a modular shoe system, the footbed comprising: a top surface; and a bottom surface; wherein the bottom surface comprises a plurality of integrally-formed first interlocking elements configured to releasably secure the footbed to a plurality of second interlocking elements of the modular shoe system; wherein the plurality of first interlocking elements comprise rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a first wave pattern; wherein the plurality of second interlocking elements comprise rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a second wave pattern that is complementary to the first wave pattern; and wherein the concentric ovals of the plurality of first interlocking elements meet at a tangent with the concentric ovals of the plurality of second interlocking elements when the plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements are interlocked.
2. The footbed of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements each comprise a resilient material.
3. The footbed of claim 2, wherein the resilient material comprises polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, rubber, and/or ethylenevinyl acetate.
4. The footbed of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the first wave pattern is uniform along an entire length of the first wave pattern and a cross-section of the second wave pattern is uniform along an entire length of the second wave pattern.
5. The footbed of claim 1, wherein the top surface is flat and the footbed comprises a foot support coupled to the top surface, wherein the foot support comprises a top side configured to support a foot of a user and a bottom side that is coupled to the top surface.
6. The footbed of claim 5, wherein the foot support is permanently coupled to the top surface.
7. The footbed of claim 1, wherein the top surface comprises an integrally-formed foot support configured to support a foot of a user.
8. A modular shoe system comprising: a shoe base comprising a bottom surface and a top surface; a midsole comprising a bottom surface and a top surface; and a footbed comprising a bottom surface and a top surface; wherein the top surface of the shoe base is flat, wherein the bottom surface of the midsole is flat and coupled to the top surface of the shoe base; wherein the top surface of the midsole comprises a plurality of integrally-formed first interlocking elements, the plurality of first interlocking elements comprising rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a first wave pattern; wherein the bottom surface of the footbed comprises a plurality of integrally-formed second interlocking elements configured to releasably secure the footbed to the plurality of first interlocking elements of the midsole, the plurality of second interlocking elements comprising rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a second wave pattern that is complementary to the first wave pattern; and wherein the concentric ovals of the plurality of first interlocking elements meet at a tangent with the concentric ovals of the plurality of second interlocking elements when the plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements are interlocked.
9. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the bottom surface of the shoe base is flat and the modular shoe system comprises a sole coupled to the bottom surface of the shoe base.
10. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the bottom surface of the shoe base comprises an integrally-formed sole.
11. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the top surface of the footbed is flat and the modular shoe system comprises a foot support coupled to the top surface of the footbed, wherein the foot support comprises a top side configured to support a foot of a user and a bottom side that is coupled to the top surface of the footbed.
12. The modular shoe system of claim 11, wherein the foot support is permanently coupled to the top surface of the footbed.
13. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the top surface of the footbed comprises an integrally-formed foot support configured to support a foot of a user.
14. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the modular shoe system is a closed-back shoe.
15. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the modular shoe system is an open-back shoe.
16. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the modular shoe system comprises an upper coupled to the shoe base.
17. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the shoe base further comprises an integrally-formed upper.
18. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements each comprise a resilient material.
19. The modular shoe system of claim 18, wherein the resilient material comprises polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, rubber, and/or ethylenevinyl acetate.
20. The modular shoe system of claim 8, wherein a cross-section of the first wave pattern is uniform along an entire length of the first wave pattern and a cross-section of the second wave pattern is uniform along an entire length of the second wave pattern.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present embodiments will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(3) FIG. 2 is an assembled view of the modular shoe system of FIG. 1.
(4) FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(5) FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of a modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a partially assembled modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(7) FIGS. 6A-6H are perspective views illustrating a plurality of interchangeable shoe bases and interchangeable footbeds of a modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(8) FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of a modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a shoe base of the modular shoe system of FIG. 7.
(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a footbed, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(11) FIG. 10A is a plan view of assembled components of a modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(12) FIG. 10B is an exploded perspective view of the components of the modular shoe system of FIG. 10A.
(13) FIG. 10C is an exploded cross-sectional view of the components of the modular shoe system of FIG. 10A.
(14) FIG. 10D is an assembled cross-sectional view of the components of the modular shoe system of FIG. 10A.
(15) FIG. 10E is an assembled perspective view of the components of the modular shoe system of FIG. 10A.
(16) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an interlocking fastener system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(17) FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate correlations of elements of wave patterns of an interlocking fastener system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(18) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a component of an interlocking fastener system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(19) FIGS. 15-17 are perspective views illustrating steps of a method of forming components of an interlocking fastener system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
(20) FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a shoe base and interchangeable footbed of a modular shoe system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(21) The present embodiments are now described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. These embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
(22) Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-18 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a footbed for a modular shoe system, a modular shoe system, and an interlocking fastener system suitable for a footbed or for a modular shoe system.
(23) With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary modular shoe system 10 can include a shoe base 12 having a surface (e.g., an upper surface such as a midsole 14) and one or more footbeds 16 configured to be releasably secured to the shoe base 12. The modular shoe system 10 is not limited to the illustrated example and can include various types of upper and/or lower configurations, such as open-backed shoes, closed-backed shoes, open-toed shoes, thong sandals, slides, mules, boots, sneakers, dress shoes, etc.
(24) As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary modular shoe system 10 can include a plurality of interchangeable footbed options, which are represented by 16a-16c. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more pairs of footbeds 16a-16c for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options 16a-16c can include one or more orthotic footbed options, such as footbeds to provide arch support, support and/or relief for bunions, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options 16a-16c can include one or more seasonal or weather-specific footbed inserts, such as footbeds that are waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options 16a-16c can include one or more footbed inserts that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief at pressure points, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam inserts that mold to a heel or all of the user's foot. Other interchangeable footbed options are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.
(25) As shown in FIG. 1, in an example, the midsole 14 can include a plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the footbed 16 can include a plurality of second interlocking elements 20. In this example, the plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 20 are configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed 16 to the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12, as shown in FIG. 2. Each of the plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 20 can be formed from a resilient material. For example, the interlocking elements can be formed using various suitable resilient materials, such as thermo-plastics (e.g., PVC), two-component polyurethanes (e.g., PU), co-polymers, rubbers, ethyl-vinyl acetates (e.g., EVA), and/or bio-derived or bio-inspired materials that are environmentally friendly, and equivalents thereof.
(26) As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary modular shoe system 10 can include a midsole 14 having a plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and a footbed 16 having a plurality of second interlocking elements 20. The plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 20 are configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed 16 to the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12. In the example, the modular shoe system 10 includes an upper 22 coupled (e.g., glued, cemented, stitched, fused, etc.) to the shoe base 12. In another example, the upper 22 can be integrally formed with the shoe base 12. In an example, the upper 22 can include padding, foam (e.g., memory foam), or the like on an underside facing a user's foot. In an example, the upper 22 can include one or more devices on an upper side configured to tighten the upper against a user's foot, such as one or more canvas belts, laces, hook and loop fasteners, or the like configured to be tightened and/or adjusted in length and/or position. The midsole 14 can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed into the shoe base 12. In the example, a sole 26 can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto a lower side of the shoe base 12. In another example, the shoe base 12 can be integrally formed with a sole 26. In the example, a foot support 24 can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto an upper side of the footbed 16. In another example, the foot support 24 can be integrally formed with the footbed 16.
(27) As shown in FIG. 4, the exemplary modular shoe system 10 can include a plurality of interchangeable foot support options, which are represented by 24a-24c, which can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto an upper side of the footbed 16. The plurality of foot support options 24a-24c can be provided for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of foot support options 24a-24c can include one or more orthotic footbed options, such as foot supports to provide arch support, support and/or relief for bunions, etc. The plurality of foot support options 24a-24c can include one or more seasonal or weather-specific footbed inserts, such as foot supports that are waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of foot support options 24a-24c can include one or more components that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief at pressure points, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam inserts that mold to a heel or all of the user's foot. Additionally, the plurality of foot support options 24a-24c can be configured for one or more different aesthetic appearances or sensory characteristics, such as one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. to enable a user to create their own custom and/or personalized look and/or feel. Other foot support options 24a-24c are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.
(28) As shown in FIG. 5, in an exemplary modular shoe system 10, a footbed 16 having foot support 24 is inserted into a shoe base 12 having an upper 22 with the foot support 24 facing the upper 22 when inserted into the shoe base 12. The interlocking elements 20 of the footbed 16 interlock with the interlocking elements 18 of the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12 to releasably secure the footbed 16 to the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12.
(29) As shown in FIGS. 6A-6H, an exemplary modular shoe system 10 includes a plurality of interchangeable footbed options, which are represented by 16a, 24a-16d, 24d, and a plurality of interchangeable shoe base options, which are represented by 12a-12d. The shoe base options 12a-12d can include a plurality of upper options 22a-22c, as shown in the illustrated example. Other interchangeable footbed options 16a, 24a-16d, 24d, shoe base options 12a-12d, and upper options 22a-22c are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.
(30) As shown again in shown in FIGS. 6A-6H, the exemplary modular shoe system 10 can include a plurality of interchangeable upper options, which are represented by 22a-22c, which can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed onto an upper side of the shoe base 12. The plurality of upper options 22a-22c can be provided for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of upper options 22a-22c can be configured for seasonal or weather-specific use, such as being waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of upper options 22a-22c can include one or more components that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam that molds to a top and/or sides of the user's foot. Additionally, the plurality of upper options 22a-22c can be configured for one or more activity, performance, and/or wellness needs, such as one or more activity, conditions, and/or performance features, etc. to meet the use needs of a user, and/or one or more different aesthetic appearances or sensory characteristics, such as one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. to enable a user to create their own custom and/or personalized look and/or feel. Other upper options 22a-22c are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.
(31) As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, each of the interchangeable footbed options 16a, 24a-16d, 24d can be inserted into a shoe base option 12a-12d with the foot support 24a-24d facing the upper option 22a-22c. The interlocking elements 20 of each footbed option 16a-16d interlock with the interlocking elements 18 of each shoe base option 12a-12d to releasably secure each footbed option 16a-16d to each shoe base option 12a-12d.
(32) As shown in FIGS. 6E-6H, any one of the interchangeable footbed options 16a, 24a-16d, 24d can be releasably interchanged with any one of the shoe base options 12a-12d. For example, as schematically illustrated by dashed-arrows in FIG. 6E, any of the interchangeable footbed options 16a, 24a-16d, 24d can be removed from a shoe base option 12a-12d and inserted into a different shoe base option 12a-12d with the foot support 24a-24d facing the upper 22. The interlocking elements 20 of each footbed option 16a-16d interlock with the interlocking elements 18 of each shoe base option 12a-12d to releasably secure each footbed option 16a-16d to a different shoe base option 12a-12d. In this way, the interchangeable footbed options 16a, 24a-16d, 24d of the exemplary modular shoe system 10 can be quickly and easily interchanged (e.g., removed, inserted, and/or replaced) to selectively adapt a single, modular shoe system 10 to any one of a plurality of different activities and/or conditions, while at the same time providing suitable and desired performance features for the respective activities and/or conditions, thereby enabling a user to wear a preferred or favorite pair of shoes in a variety of different use cases. Additionally or alternatively, the interchangeable footbed options 16a, 24a-16d, 24d of the exemplary modular shoe system 10 can be quickly and easily interchanged (e.g., removed, inserted, and/or replaced) to selectively adapt a single, modular shoe system 10 to one or more different aesthetic appearances or sensory characteristics, such as one or more materials, textures, colors, patterns, styles, etc. to enable a user to create their own custom and/or personalized look and/or feel.
(33) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an exemplary modular shoe system 10 can include a plurality of interchangeable footbed options, which are represented by 16a-16d. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options can include one or more pairs of footbeds 16a-16d for use for specified activities such as running, hiking, walking, climbing, aerobic, cross-training, dance, fitness, athletics, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options 16a-16d can include one or more orthotic footbed options, such as footbeds to provide arch support, support and/or relief for bunions, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options 16a-16d can include one or more seasonal or weather-specific footbed inserts, such as footbeds that are waterproof, shearling-lined, sweat resistant, etc. The plurality of interchangeable footbed options 16a-16d can include one or more footbed inserts that aid in reducing or limiting formation of odor, smell, mold, fungus, etc., that provide support or relief at pressure points, etc., and/or that mold to a part of or all of a user's foot, such as memory foam inserts that mold to a heel or all of the user's foot. Other interchangeable footbed options are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art.
(34) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in an example, the midsole 14 can include a plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the footbed 16 can include a plurality of second interlocking elements 20. In this example, the plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 20 are configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed 16 to the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12. Each of the plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 20 can be formed from a resilient material. For example, the interlocking elements can be formed using various suitable resilient materials, such as thermo-plastics (e.g., PVC), two-component polyurethanes (e.g., PU), co-polymers, rubbers, ethyl-vinyl acetates (e.g., EVA), and/or bio-derived or bio-inspired materials that are environmentally friendly, and equivalents thereof.
(35) In an example, a footbed can include one or more tabs (e.g., one or more small tabs, finger tabs, etc.), such as a tab 40 located on or just behind the heel of the footbed 16, as shown in FIG. 9. By pulling the tab 40 located just behind the heel of the footbed 16, the footbed 16 can be detached from the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12 allowing for the user to remove the present footbed 16 and switch to a different desired footbed 16.
(36) With reference to FIGS. 10A-14, examples of an interlocking fastener system 30 of an exemplary modular shoe system 10 will now be described.
(37) With reference to FIGS. 10A-10E, examples of an interlocking fastener system 30 of an exemplary modular shoe system 10 can include a footbed 16 having a plurality of first interlocking elements 20, and a shoe base 12 having a plurality of second interlocking elements 18. The plurality of first interlocking elements 20 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 18 are configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed 16 to the shoe base 12. Each of the plurality of first interlocking elements 20 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 18 can be formed from a resilient material, as described herein. In the example, the plurality of first interlocking elements 20 includes rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a wave pattern, and the plurality of second interlocking elements 18 includes rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a complementary wave pattern to the wave pattern of the plurality of first interlocking elements 20 such that the concentric ovals of the plurality of first interlocking elements 20 meet at a tangent with the concentric ovals of the plurality of second interlocking elements 18 when the plurality of first interlocking elements 20 interlock with the plurality of second interlocking elements 18. As shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, the wave patterns can have a length extending across a width of each of the footbed 16 and shoe base 12. In the example, the cross-section of the wave patterns is uniform or constant along the length of the wave pattern (e.g., along the entire length of the waves and troughs).
(38) With reference to FIGS. 11-14, in illustrated examples, the interlocking fastener system 30 can include a first support layer 32 having a plurality of first interlocking elements 34, and a second support layer 36 having a plurality of second interlocking elements 38. The first support layer 32 can be integrally formed with or coupled to one of the footbed 16 or the shoe base 12 (e.g., the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12) and the second support layer 36 can be integrally formed with or coupled to the other of the footbed 16 or the shoe base 12 (e.g., the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12). The plurality of first interlocking elements 34 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 38 are configured to interlock to releasably secure the first support layer 32 to the second support layer 36. Each of the plurality of first interlocking elements 34 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 38 can be formed from a resilient material, as described herein. In the example, the plurality of first interlocking elements 34 includes rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a wave pattern, and the plurality of second interlocking elements 38 includes rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a complementary wave pattern to the wave pattern of the plurality of first interlocking elements 34 such that the concentric ovals of the plurality of first interlocking elements 34 meet at a tangent with the concentric ovals of the plurality of second interlocking elements 38 when the plurality of first interlocking elements 34 interlock with the plurality of second interlocking elements 38, as shown on the left-hand side of FIG. 11. A cross-section of each of the plurality of first interlocking elements 34 can correspond or match, and more particularly, can be complementary to, a cross-section of each of the plurality of second interlocking elements 38.
(39) With reference again to FIGS. 11-14, the cross-section of the plurality of first interlocking elements 34 can include a pattern of alternating waves and troughs. The cross-section of the plurality of second interlocking elements 38 can include a pattern of complementary alternating waves and troughs. In the illustrated examples, a cross-section of each wave of the first and second interlocking elements 34 and 38 can include a protuberance at a crest of the wave. A cross-section of each trough of the first and second interlocking elements 34 and 38 can be complementary to the cross-section of the protuberance at the crest of each wave.
(40) As shown in FIG. 14, the wave patterns can have a length extending across a width of the support layer 36. The cross-section of the wave patterns can be uniform or constant along the length of the wave pattern (e.g., along the entire length of the waves and troughs). In other examples, the wave patterns can extend at a different angle, such as lengthwise with respect to the shoe base 12, at an angle other than lengthwise or widthwise with respect to the shoe base 12, etc.
(41) With reference again to FIGS. 1-9, the plurality of first interlocking elements 18 of the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 20 of each of the plurality of footbeds 16 can be formed by an interlocking fastener system, such as the interlocking fastener system 30 shown in FIGS. 11-14. In an example, the interlocking elements can be integrally formed with the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12 and/or integrally formed with the footbeds 16. In other examples, the midsole 14 of the shoe base 12 and/or the footbeds 16 can include a first support layer having the interlocking elements, with the support layer being coupled to the respective midsole 14 and/or footbed 16.
(42) With reference to FIGS. 15-17, in an exemplary embodiment, the interlocking fastener system can be formed by producing sheets of material having the exemplary wave pattern. In an example of a modular shoe system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-8, the wave pattern sheets then can be cut to the desired size and shape, as shown in FIG. 9, and coupled into a top of a midsole 14 and/or to a bottom of a footbed 16, as shown in FIG. 1-8. The midsole 14 can be permanently coupled (e.g., glued) and installed into the shoe base 12, to provide lower waves on the top of the midsole 14 to accept the upper waves on the bottom of one of the plurality of footbeds 16. In an example, a variety of shoe base styles (e.g., sandal, mule, slides, different colors or fabrics, leathers, etc.) can be manufactured. Each of the styles of shoe base then can have the lower wave pattern sheets permanently installed as a connection piece. The various midsoles 14 of the shoe bases 12 will then be capable of accepting the upper waves on the bottom of one of the footbeds 16.
(43) In another exemplary embodiment, a modular shoe system having the exemplary interlocking fastener system can be formed using injection molding or extrusion methods to form the waves directly into the midsole 14 and/or the footbeds 16. In this example, the midsole 14, comprising a plurality of first interlocking elements, can be formed as a unitary element with the shoe base 12 and are configured to receive a plurality of second interlocking elements from the footbed 16, which may also be formed as a unitary element.
(44) With reference again to FIGS. 15-17, during manufacturing, the dimensions (e.g., size, spacing, shape, etc.) of the elements of the exemplary wave pattern can be selected and/or adjusted based on the particular application, use case, etc. The desired elements of the wave pattern then can be extruded along an axis extending in the direction of the length of the waves, as shown for example in FIG. 14.
(45) In some embodiments, a midsole need not be produced by making sheets of material, but rather, individual midsole can be formed utilizing molds, 3D printing, extrusion processes and the like. In some embodiments, one or more midsole can be produced according to unique features of a user's foot such as foot size, shape, width, arch height, a user's weight, a user's gait style, etc. In such an embodiment, the user's information can be provided via analysis of the user's foot by photography, automated measuring tools, user inputted information, and the like.
(46) With reference again to FIGS. 11-14, the examples of an interlocking fastener system 30 are not limited to application or incorporation into a footbed for a shoe or a shoe base of a modular shoe system. The examples of an interlocking fastener system 30 also can be utilized or incorporated into various other elements to facilitate releasably coupling one element to another and/or to provide interlocking interchangeability of a plurality elements on another element and/or to provide a stable and strong connection between elements and/or a united structure, while also enabling the elements to be easily released and/or reattached to each other.
(47) While the examples illustrate the plurality of interlocking elements as including rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a wave pattern, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other arrangements are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the plurality of interlocking elements can include one or more rows of triangular-shaped protuberances, arrow-shaped protuberances, or protuberances having other shapes, such that complementary protuberances interlock with each other to releasably secure the footbed 16 to a part of the shoe base 12. In an example, the interlocking elements includes rows of protuberances interconnected into a pattern (e.g., a wave pattern) such that complementary protuberances interlock with each other.
(48) In an example, one or more of a cross-sectional size, shape, pattern, spacing, etc. of the interlocking elements can be uniform along a length of the midsole of the shoe base 12 and/or footbed 16. In some examples, one or more interlocking elements include wave patterns having a length extending across a width of each of the footbed 16 and the midsole of the shoe base 12 (e.g., extending laterally across a width of each of the footbed 16 and the midsole of the shoe base 12). The cross-section of the wave patterns on each of the footbed 16 and the midsole of the shoe base 12 can be uniform or constant along the length of the wave pattern (e.g., along the entire length of the waves and troughs).
(49) In another example, one or more of a size, shape, pattern, spacing, etc. of the interlocking elements can differ along a length of the midsole of the shoe base 12 and/or footbed 16. In some examples, the interlocking elements can be formed along a length of the midsole of the shoe base 12 and/or footbed 16 (e.g., along an entire length). In other examples, the interlocking elements can be formed only in particular areas of the midsole of the shoe base 12 and/or footbed 16, such as one or more interlocking elements, or groups of interlocking elements, being formed at different locations along a length of the midsole of the shoe base 12 and/or footbed 16 with spacing in between. In an example, one or more interlocking elements, or groups of interlocking elements, can be separated from another interlocking element, or group of interlocking elements, by a non-interlocking element or region, such as complimentary sinusoidal or square cross-sectional features, or a region that forms an air gap or a resilient feature, for example, to provide support, shock absorption, etc.
(50) In an example, the interlocking elements can be configured such that the footbed 16 is capable of being attached to or aligned with the shoe base 12 in only a single way, such as a single position, arrangement, etc. For example, the interlocking elements can be configured such that a footbed 16 for a right shoe can only be coupled to a shoe base 12 of a right shoe and a footbed 16 for a left shoe can only be coupled to a shoe base 12 of a left shoe.
(51) The interlocking elements, such as nub/wave features, connecting the footbed 16 to the midsole of the shoe base 12 locking elements can be configured to allow the footbed 16 to be removed and/or replaced (e.g., repeatedly removed and/or replaced) within the midsole of the shoe bed.
(52) Moreover, while the examples illustrate a plurality of interlocking elements interconnected into a pattern (e.g., a wave pattern), one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other arrangements are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In other examples, the interlocking elements include one or more protuberances disposed at one or more predetermined locations along the footbed 16 such that one more complementary protuberances on a part of the shoe base 12 interlock with them to releasably secure the footbed 16 to a part of the shoe base 12. A location of one or more interlocking elements can be selected depending, for example, on a type, style, configuration, etc. of the shoe, a location prone to separation during use, a location subjected to greater force during use, a location outside of an upper of the shoe, among other things. In an example, the interlocking fastener system 30 includes a single interlocking element interconnected into a complimentary interlocking element such that the complementary interlocking elements interlock with each other to releasably secure the footbed 16 to a part of the shoe base 12. In an example, the interlocking fastener system 30 can include two or more interlocking elements, for example, spaced from one another, adjacent to one another, arranged in groups, arranged in patterns (e.g., a wave pattern), etc. and interconnected into complimentary interlocking elements such that the complementary interlocking elements interlock with each other to releasably secure the footbed 16 to a part of the shoe base 12.
(53) While the examples illustrate an interlocking fastener system 30 including a plurality of interlocking elements having complimentary shapes, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other arrangements are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In an example, one or more interlocking elements on either the footbed 16 and/or the shoe base 12 are configured to engage a part of the other of the footbed 16 and/or shoe base 12 to releasably secure the footbed 16 to a part of the shoe base 12. In an example, one or more interlocking elements on either the footbed 16 and/or the shoe base 12 has a different configuration and/or arrangement than the part of the other of the footbed 16 and/or shoe such as a different type, size, shape, etc. of interlocking element. In an example, one or more interlocking elements on either the footbed 16 and/or the shoe base 12 are configured to engage a part of the other of the footbed 16 and/or shoe such as a corresponding receptacle, notch, groove, protrusion, in the other of the footbed 16 and/or shoe base 12 to releasably secure the footbed 16 to a part of the shoe base 12.
(54) For example, as shown in FIG. 18, an exemplary modular shoe system 10 includes a shoe base 12 having a pair of first interlocking elements 18a, 18b and the footbed 16 can include a corresponding pair of second interlocking elements 20a, 20b. In this example, the pair of first interlocking elements 18 and the pair of second interlocking elements 20 are configured to interlock to releasably secure an interchangeable footbed 16 to the shoe base 12. In this example, the first interlocking element 18a has a different configuration than the first interlocking element 18b, and the second interlocking element 20a has a different configuration than the second interlocking element 20b. The first interlocking element 18a is formed by a recess or groove extending across the shoe base 12, and the first interlocking element 18b is formed by a protuberance extending across the shoe base 12. The second interlocking element 20a is formed by a protuberance extending across the shoe base 12 and which compliments the first interlocking element 18a. The second interlocking element 20b is formed by a recess or groove extending across the shoe base 12 and which compliments the first interlocking element 18b. Each of the plurality of first interlocking elements 18 and the plurality of second interlocking elements 20 can be formed from a resilient material. In the example, the recesses or grooves and the protuberances have a partial cross-section of a cylinder.
(55) Other configurations of one or more interlocking elements are possible and would be readily envisaged by those skilled in the art. For example, one or more interlocking elements can be formed by a recess or groove and/or a protuberances having a curved, square, rectangular, triangular, or other shaped cross-section. In an example, a cross-sectional shape of an interlocking element can be angled, hooked, tapered, etc., for example, in a direction extending from a front of the shoe base 12 toward a rear of the shoe base 12, or vice versa. In an example, a cross-sectional shape of two or more interlocking elements can be angled, hooked, tapered, etc., for example, in a direction extending from a front of the shoe base 12 toward a rear of the shoe base 12, or vice versa. In another example, a cross-sectional shape of two or more interlocking elements can be angled, hooked, tapered, etc., for example, in different directions, such as extending from a front of the shoe base 12 toward a rear of the shoe base 12, extending from a rear of the shoe base 12 toward a front of the shoe base 12. In yet another example, a cross-sectional shape of an interlocking element can be angled, hooked, tapered, etc., for example, in a direction extending across the shoe base 12 or at an angle with respect to a longitudinal length of the shoe base 12. In an example, one or more interlocking elements 18, 20 can extend entirely across a dimension (e.g., lateral width or longitudinal length) of the shoe base 12, a midsole 14 of the shoe base 12, and/or the footbed 16. In an example, one or more interlocking elements 18, 20 can extend partially across a dimension (e.g., lateral width or longitudinal length) of the shoe base 12, a midsole 14 of the shoe base 12, and/or the footbed 16.
(56) The exemplary modular shoe system and components thereof can include one or more features or combinations of features illustrated in any of the examples shown in FIGS. 1-18.
(57) With reference again to FIGS. 1-18, an example footbed for a modular shoe system includes a first surface configured to support a foot of a user, and a second surface configured to be inserted into the modular shoe system, wherein the second surface includes at least one first interlocking element configured to interlock with at least one second interlocking element on the modular shoe system.
(58) With reference again to FIGS. 1-18, an example modular shoe system includes a shoe base, and a footbed, wherein the shoe base includes at least one first interlocking element and the footbed includes at least one second interlocking element, and wherein the at least one first interlocking element and the at least one second interlocking element are configured to interlock to releasably secure the footbed to a part of the shoe base.
(59) With reference again to FIGS. 1-18, an example modular shoe system includes a shoe base, a footbed, and means for releasably securing the footbed to a part of the shoe base.
(60) With reference again to FIGS. 1-18, an example interlocking fastener system for releasably coupling a plurality of first elements and second elements together includes a first support layer having a plurality of first interlocking elements, a second support layer having a plurality of second interlocking elements, wherein the plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements are configured to interlock to releasably secure the first support layer to the second support layer, and wherein a cross-section of each of the plurality of first interlocking elements is complementary to a cross-section of each of the plurality of second interlocking elements. In an example, each of the plurality of first interlocking elements and the plurality of second interlocking elements are formed from a resilient material. In an example, the plurality of first interlocking elements includes rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a wave pattern, and wherein the plurality of second interlocking elements includes rows of concentric ovals interconnected into a complementary wave pattern to the wave pattern of the plurality of first interlocking elements such that the concentric ovals of the plurality of first interlocking elements meet at a tangent with the concentric ovals of the plurality of second interlocking elements when the plurality of first interlocking elements interlock with the plurality of second interlocking elements. In an example, the cross-section of the plurality of first interlocking elements includes a pattern of alternating waves and troughs, and the cross-section of the plurality of second interlocking elements includes a pattern of complementary alternating waves and troughs. In an example, a cross-section of each wave of the first and second interlocking elements includes a protuberance at a crest of the wave, and a cross-section of each trough of the first and second interlocking elements is complementary to the cross-section of the protuberance at the crest of each wave.
(61) The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, are possible from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
