US20110119963A1 - Shoe with transparent panels - Google Patents

Abstract

In accordance with one embodiment, a shoe includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper has a first transparent window formed therein, with the first window being completely contained within the upper such that material that forms the upper completely surrounds the first window. The first window permits an interior of the shoe to be visible.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/184,718, filed Aug. 1, 2008, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/244,630, filed Oct. 5, 2005, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,806), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/615,896, which was filed on Oct. 5, 2004, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly, to footwear with at least one display area that overlaps in a specific predetermined manner with an innerliner to display the innerliner.
BACKGROUND
• Conventional footwear having transparent and translucent areas that can display an underlying sock have been available for some time, e.g., Jellies®, Melissa Love System®, Adidas Clima Response/Cool® or Nike Air Max Rival®. The first reference to this concept identified was in 1697 when Charles Perrault included glass slippers in his version of the tale of Cinderella. A user could use such footwear with a conventional sock, such as one having a single color, so that the color of the sock would be visible through the footwear. In the art, U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,792 to Staff notes that, at the time of that patent, women's shoes with transparent uppers were popular and they allowed the stockings of the wearer to be visible. Staff discloses a transparent woman's dress shoe that uses a consumer changeable plastic insert to change the appearance of the shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 5,659,979 to Sileo has a transparent sole and upper so its decorated and exchangeable tongue and insole can be viewed. Coordinated shoelaces may also be used. U.S. Pat. No. 6,711,836 to Weiss also presents the concept of an exchangeable device to alter the appearance of footwear in the form of a removable member, an elongated insole.
• Additionally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,982,033, 3,319,360 and 4,096,650 to Bingham, Nadler, and Seidel, respectively, disclose transparent boots that use a liner to influence the appearance of the boot in which the liner is permanently attached during the manufacturing process. A version of the Nike Air Zoom UltraFlight® provides a clear plastic shell that allows a single removable sock-liner provided with the footwear to be displayed therethrough. The Nike Air Force II Espo® provides a sneaker with transparent areas and an associated flat blue sock with a white swoosh, representing the company's logo, to be displayed through the footwear. Cheer Athletic® provides a sneaker with a mesh display area and Severe Socks® with flat colors that allow the user to alter the color of the area on the shoe by displaying the different flat colored socks. Nike® also provides a line of Michael Jordan Sandals that have an associated sock whose color pattern aligns with the color pattern on the sandal. Crocs® provide a sandal with circular and oval cut out/open areas and a line of socks that have a design that emulates the layout of cut out/open areas on the sandal. When the sandals and socks are worn in conjunction a section of the sock may align with a section of the cut out/open areas on the sandal, loosely displaying a portion of the sock's design through the sandal.
• Several patents disclose cutout or window sections of footwear, which allow a picture placed inside or on the footwear to be seen. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,337 to Adamik and U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,276 to Savoca provide a transparent pouch on the outside of the footwear for displaying materials inserted in the pouch, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0025373 to Schuver et al. discloses a window to the interior of the footwear for viewing indicia for sizing purposes.
• Several additional patents and patent applications address changeable footwear. U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,385 to Halford provides interchangeable uppers that allow the footwear to be readily transformable. US Patent Applications No. 2004/0172853, No. 2004/0187351 and 2005/0102856 disclose footwear with a rotating tongue that can be turned to provide a second appearance to the footwear. A product utilizing this technology called the Varados® with Tongue Twister®, have transparent mesh stripes that can display the appearance of the elongated tongue, and are currently marketed by K-Swiss®. US Patent Application No. 2005/0016032 discloses a changeable stripe for footwear having a pull tab connected to the stripe that can be shifted in one direction or the other to disclose different surface features of the stripe, in order to vary the coloration or design of the stripe that is visable. A product utilizing this technology called the Wallis, with Stripe Shifter, is currently marketed by K-Swiss®.
• None of the above inventions or products provide a footwear system having footwear with at least one transparent, semi-transparent, and/or translucent display area and a system of specifically designed user interchangeable innerliners that allow the user to rapidly, easily, and effectively alter the appearance of their footwear to achieve multiple predetermined combined appearances by simply changing the innerliners.
SUMMARY
• In accordance with one embodiment, a shoe includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper has a first transparent window formed therein, with the first window being completely contained within the upper such that material that forms the upper completely surrounds the first window. The first window permits an interior of the shoe to be visible.
• In another embodiment, a shoe includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper has a first transparent window formed therein, with the first window being completely contained within the upper such that material that forms the upper completely surrounds the first window. The first transparent window includes an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening. The transparent material is configured to alter an appearance of an object disposed within an interior of the shoe that is visible through the window. The object can be in the form of an innerliner that is disposed within an interior of the shoe and is constructed to be worn on a foot such that a selected portion of the innerliner aligns with and display through the window. The selected portion of the innerliner includes graphic content for display through the window.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of the illustrative embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements and in which:
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view of footwear according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a single color innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively;
• FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a two color innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 1A and 1D, respectively;
• FIG. 1F is a perspective view of a three color innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1G is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 1A and 1F, respectively;
• FIG. 1H is a perspective view of a multicolor innerliner with an image designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1I is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 1A and 1H, respectively;
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view of footwear according to a second embodiment of the present invention with multiple special display areas;
• FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a two color, innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 2A according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively;
• FIG. 2D is a perspective view of an innerliner with multiple segments of different colors, which is designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 2A according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2E is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 2A and 2D, respectively;
• FIG. 3A is a perspective view of multiple segment footwear according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an innerliner with multiple segments of different colors designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 3A according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively;
• FIG. 4A is a perspective view of footwear according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an innerliner, with multiple segments, text, and images, designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 4A according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively;
• FIG. 5A is a perspective view of footwear according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention with special display areas forming text;
• FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an innerliner with multiple segments of different colors designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 5A according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively;
• FIG. 5D is a perspective view of footwear designed for use with the innerliner ofFIG. 5B according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 5E is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 5D and 5B, respectively;
• FIG. 6A is a perspective view of footwear according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention with a single small special display area;
• FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an innerliner with text, which is designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 6A according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively;
• FIG. 7A is a perspective view of footwear according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention wherein the footwear has designs and text;
• FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a multiple section, multiple color innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 7A according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 7A and 7B, respectively;
• FIG. 7D is a perspective view of a multiple section, multiple color innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 7A according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7E is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 7A and 7D, respectively;
• FIG. 8A is a perspective view of footwear according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention with colored special display areas;
• FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 8A according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, respectively;
• FIG. 8D is a perspective view of a two color innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 8A according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention wherein the innerliner and display area colors interact to produce the color orange;
• FIG. 8E is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 8A and 8D, respectively;
• FIG. 8F is a perspective view of a two color innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 8A according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention wherein the innerliner and display area colors interact to produce the color green;
• FIG. 8G is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 8A and 8F, respectively;
• FIG. 9A is a perspective view of footwear according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention in which some of the appearance of the innerliner emanates from the SDA;
• FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 9A according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 9A and 9B, respectively;
• FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the combination of a SDA and innerliner according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, in which a SDA with mirrors effects, and/or interacts with, the innerliner to cause emanation;
• FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the combination of a SDA and innerliner also according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, in which a SDA with a surface treatment effects and/or interacts with the innerliner to cause emanation;
• FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the combination of a SDA and innerliner according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention in which a SDA with lenses effects and/or interacts with the innerliner to cause emanation;
• FIG. 11A is a perspective view of footwear according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention with an image shaped SDA on the shoe that is coordinated with the innerliner;
• FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a multiple color, multiple section innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 11A according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively;
• FIG. 12A is a perspective view of footwear according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention that includes a SDA that magnifies attributes of the innerliner;
• FIG. 12B is a perspective view of an innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 12A according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively;
• FIG. 13A is a perspective view of footwear according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an innerliner with text and images, which is designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 13A according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 13A and 13B, respectively;
• FIG. 14A is a perspective view of footwear according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention with a SDA that makes the appearance of an innerliner sparkly and a SDA that transmits varying degrees of light;
• FIG. 14B is a perspective view of an innerliner designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 14A according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 14C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 14A and 14B, respectively;
• FIG. 15A is a perspective view of footwear according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention that includes a fluid filled SDA with particles that can be positioned using magnetized materials;
• FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an innerliner incorporating magnetized materials designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 15A according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 15A and 15B, respectively;
• FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an innerliner according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention with temperature and humidity control areas;
• FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the combination of footwear according to the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention and the innerliner ofFIG. 16A;
• FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an innerliner having strength bands according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 18A is a cross section of footwear according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention with recessed portions that interlock with a corresponding innerliner;
• FIG. 18B is a cross section of an innerliner, which is designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 18A according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 18C is a cross section of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 18A and 18B, respectively;
• FIG. 19A is a cross section of footwear according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention with a protrusion that interlocks with a corresponding innerliner;
• FIG. 19B is a cross section of an innerliner, which is designed for use with the footwear ofFIG. 19A according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 19C is a cross section of the combination of the footwear and innerliner ofFIGS. 19A and 19B, respectively;
• FIG. 20A is an enlarged cross section of a combination of footwear and an innerliner with a small gap in-between them;
• FIG. 20B is an enlarged cross section of the combination of the footwear and the innerliner ofFIG. 20A without the gap;
• FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the steps for putting an innerliner on a user's foot and placing the innerliner covered foot into the footwear, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 22A is a diagram showing the steps for inserting an innerliner into footwear, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 22B is a diagram showing the steps for placing a user's foot into the combined footwear and the innerliner ofFIG. 22A;
• FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a two part innerliner and the steps for inserting the outer layer of an innerliner into footwear, for putting a user's foot into the inner layer of the innerliner, and for placing the inner layer covered foot into the combined footwear and outer layer to create the innerliner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 24A is a diagram showing a two part innerliner and the steps for putting a user's foot into an inner layer and placing the inner layer covered foot into an outer layer in order to form the innerliner, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 24B is a diagram showing the steps for placing the user's foot and the innerliner ofFIG. 24A into footwear;
• FIG. 25A is a perspective view of an inner layer of an innerliner;
• FIG. 25B is a perspective view of an outer layer adapted to be worn over the inner layer ofFIG. 25A, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 26A is a perspective view of a “non-sock-like” liner that can serve as, an outer layer or an innerliner, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 26B is a perspective view of a “non-sock-like” liner that can serve as, an outer layer or an innerliner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• FIGS. 1A-1I illustrate various combinations of footwear of the present invention and multiple innerliners according to various embodiments of the present invention. The footwear system of the present invention includes the footwear with SDA and a system of innerliners.
Footwear
• The footwear according to the present invention typically includes a sole and an upper, which is the part of the footwear disposed above the sole. The footwear can be of any type, such as sneakers, shoes, boots, moccasins, slippers, rollerblades and ice skates. The innerliner can be any type, such as socks, hosiery, stockings, a two-part liner, an inner layer of traditional footwear, a flexible shell, which is contiguous, but not necessarily continuous around at least a portion of a user's foot. The innerliner does not necessarily encompass the whole foot. Examples of potential innerliner materials include, but are not limited to, cotton, Spandex, nylon, rayon, lycra, silk, jute, polyester, wool, CoolMax, Spandex, leather, plastic, thermoplastic, PVC, EVA, sponge, foam, elastic, Velcro®, rubber and Teflon®.
• At least a portion of the upper of the footwear includes at least one special display area (SDA). The SDA is made of transparent, semi transparent or translucent materials. The SDA may also be a structure that contains physical openings that allow the transmission of light. Examples of potential SDA materials include, but are not limited to sheets of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), polycarbonate, acrylic, silicone, polypropylene, polyester, water, helium, neon, air, Licron, Grip-Gard®, AdNano™, Teflon®, coatings and pigments dyes. Examples of structures of the SDA include, but are not limited to, solid, mesh, webbing, weave, gauze and sheer. The SDA allows light to travel from an interior surface to an exterior surface of the footwear. The SDA can cover a small area of the footwear, a medium-sized area of the footwear, or almost the entire upper of the footwear.
• FIG. 1A illustrates a first embodiment of thefootwear1 of the present invention having a sole2 and an upper3. Thefootwear1 includes several SDAs,4 located at the top of the upper3, a central portion of the rear of the upper3, and around the sides, front, and rear of the upper3. As an example, in this embodiment of the invention, the non-SDA portions of thefootwear1 may be black.
Innerliner
• Multiple innerliners with different appearances are provided for each model of footwear, thereby allowing users to rapidly, easily, and effectively alter the appearance of their footwear by simply changing their innerliners.
• In the present invention, the interchangeable innerliners are worn in conjunction with the footwear to allow at least one area of the innerliner to be displayed through at least one SDA on the footwear. The innerliners are designed to be worn with at least one model of footwear with the SDA. Specific areas of the innerliners are displayed through the SDA or a portion of the SDA. When the footwear displays the innerliner through the SDA, the resulting appearance, combined with its interrelation with the appearance of the other non-SDA portions of the footwear, provide an overall unique, user desirable combined appearance. This user desirable combined appearance can be maintained during the normal usage of and over the life cycle of the footwear and innerliners. The combined appearance is reproduced when the innerliner of the present invention is worn with a particular model of footwear with an SDA for which the innerliner is specifically designed, and the innerliner is displayed through the SDA in the footwear.
• The combined appearance is user desirable because the combination of the SDA and the specifically designed innerliner create a pleasing appearance, i.e., color, pattern, arrangement, picture, indicia, log, when displayed as desired by the user.
• FIG. 1B illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner6, which is entirely of one color, e.g., black.FIG. 1C illustrates the combination of thefootwear1 shown inFIG. 1A and theinnerliner6 shown inFIG. 1B. The combination of the all-black innerliner6 and thefootwear1 having black non-SDA portions results in a combined appearance where the appearance of the footwear is all black, as shown inFIG. 1C, and gives the appearance of a dress shoe.
• In the figures, the reference character shown in parentheses (“( )”) next to the reference character indicating a SDA, e.g.,SDA4, on the footwear indicates the reference number of the portion of the innerliner which is seen through the SDA. For example, inFIG. 1C, reference character “4 (6)” indicates that the all-black innerliner6 is visible through theparticular SDA4.
• FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner7, which has two colors, e.g., a grey-colored bottom portion7A and a black-colored ankle portion7B.FIG. 1E illustrates the combination of thefootwear1 shown inFIG. 1A and theinnerliner7 shown inFIG. 1D. The grey-colored bottom portion7A is designed to be positioned inside thefootwear1 when theinnerliner7 and thefootwear1 are placed on the user's foot. The combination of theinnerliner7 and thefootwear1 results in a combined appearance that includes the grey-colored bottom portion7A being visible through theSDA4 in thefootwear1, as shown inFIG. 1E.
• The innerliners of the present invention are interchangeable with at least one model of footwear so that when the innerliners are worn with the footwear, specific portions of the innerliners are visible through the SDA in the footwear, thereby creating a unique, user desirable combined appearance in coordination with the particular model of footwear. Thus, the innerliners can be designed having particular portions that are intended to be shown only through one or more predetermined SDAs on the footwear. Therefore, the positioning of the design and attributes of the innerliners relative to the SDA can be important, as shown by the embodiments of the invention described below.
• FIG. 1F illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner8, which has three colored portions or sections, e.g., a white-coloredtop portion8A, a grey-colored bottom portion8B, and a black-colored ankle portion8C.FIG. 1G illustrates the combination of thefootwear1 shown inFIG. 1A and theinnerliner8 shown inFIG. 1F. The white-coloredtop portion8A and grey-colored bottom portion8B are adapted to be positioned inside thefootwear1 when theinnerliner8 and thefootwear1 are placed on the user's foot. The combination of theinnerliner8 and thefootwear1 results in a combined appearance in which the white-coloredtop portion8A is visible through theSDA4 at the top and the central portion of the rear of the upper3, and the grey-colored bottom portion8B is visible through theSDA4 that spans the sides, front, and rear of the upper3 in thefootwear1, as shown inFIG. 1G. Thus, the innerliners provide different predetermined and precise appearances through different SDA on the footwear.
• FIG. 1H illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner9, which has abottom portion9A that is decorated with an image or graphical representation, e.g., of a flame, with a background color that is darkest at the toe of theinnerliner9 and fades towards the rear of theinnerliner9. Theinnerliner9 also includes anankle portion9B that is of a different color, e.g., white.FIG. 1I illustrates the combination of thefootwear1 shown inFIG. 1A and theinnerliner9 shown inFIG. 1H. This combination shown results in footwear that appears adorned with a flame with a background color that is darkest at the toe and fades towards the rear of thefootwear1, as shown inFIG. 1I. Thus, fromFIGS. 1A-1I, it should be apparent that thefootwear1 can have dramatically different appearances based on the design of the innerliner and its interrelation with SDA on the footwear. For example,FIG. 1C shows a conservative black dress shoe whereasFIG. 1I has a more casual appearance.
• There are various ways in which the SDA can be positioned on the footwear, and there are various ways to design the innerliner to coordinate with the SDA on the footwear.FIG. 2A illustrates a second embodiment offootwear11 of the present invention having a sole12 and an upper13. Thefootwear11 includesseveral SDA14 located at various positions on the upper13. In this embodiment of the invention, the non-SDA portions of thefootwear11 can be various colors, e.g., black and white.
• FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of asegmented innerliner16, which has a single-colored bottom portion16A, which may be grey, and a different-colored ankle portion16B, which may be white. The lines on the grey-colored bottom portion16A indicate the boundaries of the areas or segments of theinnerliner16.FIG. 2C illustrates the combination of thefootwear11 shown inFIG. 2A and theinnerliner16 shown inFIG. 2B. The combination of theinnerliner16 and thefootwear11 results in a combined appearance in which the grey-colored bottom portion16A is visible through theSDA14 in thefootwear11, as shown inFIG. 2C.
• FIG. 2D illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner17, which has a multi-colored bottom portion with different-colored segments or panels, e.g., ayellow panel17A, a blue panel17B, a red panel17C, ayellow panel17D, ared panel17E, and a white-colored ankle portion17F. Eachsegment17A,17B,17C,17D,17E of the multi-colored bottom portion of theinnerliner16 is designed to be positioned under therespective SDA14 on thefootwear11.FIG. 2E illustrates the combination of thefootwear11 shown inFIG. 2A and theinnerliner17 shown inFIG. 2D. The combination of theinnerliner17 and thefootwear11 results in a combined appearance which includes thepanels17A,17B,17C,17D,17E of the multi-colored bottom portion being visible through therespective SDA14 in thefootwear11, as shown inFIG. 2E. Thus, with theinnerliner16 shown inFIG. 2B, thefootwear11 is black, white, and grey. With theinnerliner17 shown inFIG. 2D, thefootwear11 is black, white, yellow, red, and blue. Thus, in this case, multiple colors are displayed through multiple SDA, and the tongue of the footwear, through whichred panel17E is visible, is a SDA.
• FIG. 3A illustrates a third embodiment offootwear21 of the present invention having a sole22 and an upper23. Thefootwear21 includesseveral SDAs24 located at various positions on the upper23, includingSDA24, that are shaped as stripes on the top and the sides of the upper23.Other SDAs24 are located on the front and rear of the upper23 and extend to the sides of the upper23. In this embodiment of the invention, most of the non-SDA portions of thefootwear21 may be black.
• FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner26, which has multiple colored sections, e.g., a black-colored bottom portion26A andmiddle portion26C, a light grey-coloredstriped portion26B andrear portion26D, and a dark grey-colored ankle portion26E.FIG. 3C illustrates the combination of thefootwear21 shown inFIG. 3A and theinnerliner26 shown inFIG. 3B. The combination of theinnerliner26 and thefootwear21 results in a combined appearance in which the black-colored bottom portion26A andmiddle portion26C and the light grey-coloredrear portion26D are visible through theSDA24 in thefootwear21 and the light grey-coloredstriped portion26B is visible through thestriped SDA24 on the top and sides of thefootwear21, as shown inFIG. 3C. Thefootwear21 ofFIG. 3A is nearly the same as thefootwear1 ofFIG. 1A, except for the stripe, which creates anadditional viewing area24 and thus a whole new set of potential combined appearances.
• As described above, a specifically designed innerliner can contribute to a consumer desirable appearance by displaying various appearances through the SDA. Further development of the capabilities of this footwear system are demonstrated through the combination of innerliners with widely varied appearances, such as those containing information and indicia relating to a particular sports player, and footwear with a SDA designed to display the innerliners. For example,FIG. 4A illustrates a fourth embodiment offootwear31 of the present invention having a sole32 and an upper33. Thefootwear31 includesseveral SDAs34 located on the sides and top of the upper33.FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner36 with a design that includes information about a particular sports player. In this embodiment, the design includes apicture36A of the sports player, the sports player'steam colors36B, the sports player's team name36C (Bulls), and the sports player's name (Michael Jordan) and jersey number (#23)36D. Theankle portion36E of theinnerliner36 is white and looks similar to an ankle portion of a typical sock.
• FIG. 4C illustrates the combination of thefootwear31 shown inFIG. 4A and theinnerliner36 shown inFIG. 4B. The combination of theinnerliner36 and thefootwear31 results in a combined appearance in which the sports player's name and number, the sports player's team name and team colors, and the picture of the sports player on theinnerliner36 are visible through theSDA34, as shown inFIG. 4C. According to this embodiment of the present invention, other innerliners can be produced with a similar design but with information specific to other sports players so that the user of thefootwear31 shown inFIG. 4A can interchange the innerliners of the various sports players with the same pair offootwear31.
• Thus, the innerliners of the present invention can be used to change the appearance of a user's footwear so that the user has the ability to easily, rapidly and effectively change the appearance of their footwear. It is possible to create many user desirable combinations of footwear with SDA and innerliners, such that this invention provides a huge breadth of potential footwear model designs, as well as huge depth of innerliner designs that can complement a single pair of footwear with a SDA.
Design Interaction
• Specific pre-determined areas of the innerliners can be displayed through specific pre-determined areas of the footwear based on the coordination of one or more of the following characteristics: the size and shape of the footwear; the layout of the SDA on the footwear; the layout, size and shape of the innerliners; the expansion and contraction characteristics of the innerliners, footwear, and SDA; and foot dimensions. The innerliners and the locations of the SDA on the footwear can be coordinated by their axes, e.g., horizontally, vertically, to facilitate an effective display of the innerliner. Furthermore, a margin of error can be built into the footwear system to account for small differences in foot size, as well as small variations in the positioning of the innerliner on the foot and within the footwear.
• FIG. 5A illustrates a fifth embodiment offootwear41 of the present invention having a sole42 and an upper43. Thefootwear41 includesSDA44 located on the side of the upper43. TheSDA44 of this embodiment of the present invention are formed in the shape of the word “CRAZY.”
• FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner46 havingmultiple bands46A,46B,46C,46D,46E of different colors. Theankle portion46F of theinnerliner46 is white and looks similar to an ankle portion of a typical sock.
• FIG. 5C illustrates the combination of thefootwear41 shown inFIG. 5A and theinnerliner46 shown inFIG. 5B. The combination of theinnerliner46 and thefootwear41 results in a combined appearance in which the multiplecolored bands46A,46B,46C,46D,46E on theinnerliner46 are visible through theSDA44, as shown inFIG. 5C, so that each letter of the word “CRAZY” is shown in a different color according to the color band,46A,46B,46C,46D,46E on theinnerliner46, which the letter aligns to. Other innerliners can be produced with a similar design having multiple bands of the same width as the bands of theinnerliner46 shown inFIG. 5B but with different appearances so that the user of thefootwear41 shown inFIG. 5A can interchange the innerliners with the same pair offootwear41 to change the combined appearance. In this design, the multiplecolored bands46A,46B,46C,46D,46E are designed so that they are positioned on theinnerliner46 corresponding to predetermined positions along the length of the foot thus aligning with the letters of theSDA44 that are formed as the word “CRAZY.”
• Additionally, other footwear can be produced with SDAs in the form of words, numbers objects, symbols, indicia that match up accordingly with some or all of thecolored bands46A,46B,46C,46D,46E of theinnerliner46 shown inFIG. 5A.
• FIG. 5D illustratesfootwear45 of the present invention having a sole47 and an upper48. Thefootwear45 includes SDAs49 located on the side of the upper48. TheSDAs49 of this embodiment of the present invention are formed in the shape of the word “JOHN” so that four of thecolored segments46A,46B,46C,46D on theinnerliner46 align with the four letters of the SDA49: J, O, H, and N, respectively. Thus, a single innerliner can be designed to provide a consumer desirable combined appearance with multiple lines of footwear, and multiple lines of footwear can be designed to each provide a different consumer desirable combined appearance in conjunction with a single design of the innerliner.
• The SDA on the footwear can cover a small area, a medium-sized area, or almost the entire upper of the footwear. The innerliners can incorporate visual attributes that cover a small area, a medium-sized area, or the entire area of the innerliner.
• FIG. 6A illustrates a sixth embodiment offootwear51 of the present invention having a sole52 and an upper53. Thefootwear51 includes asingle SDA54 that covers a small portion of the upper53. In this embodiment of the invention, the non-SDA portions of thefootwear51 occupy more area on the upper53 than theSDA54.
• FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner56 with a single attribute. In this embodiment, the design of theinnerliner56 includes asmall design56A, e.g., the logo “GB.”
• FIG. 6C illustrates the combination of thefootwear51 shown inFIG. 6A and theinnerliner56 shown inFIG. 6B. The combination of theinnerliner56 and thefootwear51 results in a combined appearance that includes the letters “GB”56A on theinnerliner56 being visible through thesingle SDA54, as shown inFIG. 6C. TheSDA54 in this embodiment is small and therefore the position of the innerliner in relation to SDA can be very important in achieving the intended combined appearance.
• A specific combined appearance can be created by integrating the layout, materials, and appearance of the innerliners; the layout, materials, and appearance of the SDA; and the layout, materials, and appearance of the non-SDA portion of the footwear. A large number of combined appearances can be created by coordinating one or more of the above-described characteristics.
• For example, one or more flowers can be designed on the footwear by using SDAs for the petals of the flower and non-SDA portions for other flowers. Various innerliners can be interchanged to alter the appearance, e.g. color of the petals of the SDA flowers on the footwear. The combined appearance integrates the SDA flowers, other SDAs, innerliner, non-SDA flowers and other non-SDA portions of the footwear.
• FIG. 7A illustrates a seventh embodiment offootwear61 of the present invention having a sole62 and an upper63. Thefootwear61 includes aSDA64A that is shaped in the logo of the shoe manufacturer (BG) and anotherSDA64B that is shaped as a flower with petals located on the side of the upper63. Thefootwear61 also includes designs offlowers64C which are not SDA with the color of the petals of the non-SDA flowers not changeable by interchanging the innerliners.
• FIG. 7B illustrates aninnerliner66 with onecolored portion66A that is designed to be positioned under theSDA64A that is shaped as the logo, anothercolored portion66B that is designed to be positioned under theSDA64B shaped as the flower, and a thirdcolored portion66D. The thirdcolored portion66D wraps around the non-visible side of theinnerliner66 and would be visible through a SDA if there were a SDA aligned with the thirdcolored portion66D on the non-visible side offootwear61. If there were no SDAs on the non-visible side offootwear61 that aligns withcolored portion66D, then coloredportion66D would not be visible through a SDA on the non-visible side of thefootwear61. Theankle portion66C of theinnerliner66 is white and looks similar to an ankle portion of a typical sock.
• FIG. 7C illustrates the combination of thefootwear61 shown inFIG. 7A and theinnerliner66 shown inFIG. 7B. The combination of theinnerliner66 and thefootwear61 result in a combined appearance in which the color of thecolored portion66B on theinnerliner66 positioned below the flower-shapedSDA64B is visible through the flower-shapedSDA64B, as shown inFIG. 7C. This combination also shows the logo-shapedSDA64A having the color printed on thecolored portion66A of theinnerliner66 positioned below the logo-shapedSDA64A. Thus, thisfootwear61 can be worn withcolored innerliners66 to provide a combined appearance that includes a flower on thefootwear61 with colored petals depending on theinnerliners66 chosen by the user.Colored portion66D of theinnerliner66 is not visible from the perspective provided.
• Furthermore, it is also possible for a single pair of innerliners to provide two combined appearances for a single pair of footwear based on the appearance of each side of the innerliner, the layout/existence of SDAs on each side of the footwear, and which foot of the footwear, i.e., left or right, the innerliner is placed.
• FIG. 7D illustrates aninnerliner67 with onecolored portion67A that is designed to be positioned under theSDA64A shaped as the logo, anothercolored portion67D that is designed to be positioned under theSDA64B shaped as the flower and a thirdcolored portion67B. Thecolored portion67B wraps around the non-visible side of the innerliner and would be visible through an SDA, if there were an SDA aligned with thecolored portion67B on the non-visible side offootwear61. If there were no SDA on the non-visible side offootwear61 that aligns withcolored portion67B, then coloredportion67B would not be visible. Theankle portion67C of theinnerliner67 is white and looks similar to an ankle portion of a typical sock. It is to be understood thatinnerliner67 represents the inverse ofinnerliner66 and that innerliners66 and67 could represent a pair of innerliners that are worn together.
• FIG. 7E illustrates the combination of thefootwear61 shown inFIG. 7A and theinnerliner67 shown inFIG. 7D. The combination of theinnerliner67 and thefootwear61 results in a combined appearance in which thecolored portion67D on theinnerliner67 positioned below the flower-shapedSDA64B is visible through the flower-shapedSDA64B, as shown inFIG. 7E. This combination also shows the logo-shapedSDA64A having the color printed on thecolored portion67A of theinnerliner67 positioned below the logo-shapedSDA64A.Colored portion67B of theinnerliner67 is not visible from the perspective provided.
• Thus, with thefootwear61 and the pair ofinnerliners66 and67, the user has the capability to produce two combined appearances from just one pair ofinnerliners66 and67 by switching the foot on which theinnerliner66 or67 is used with thefootwear61, i.e., from left to right, and vice versa.
• For example, iffootwear61 shown inFIG. 7A is the right shoe of a pair of footwear, and a user placesinnerliner66 on his right foot and then puts his innerliner-covered foot intofootwear61, it would produce one combined appearance. If the user then removes his innerliner-covered foot fromfootwear61, removesinnerliner66 from his right foot, placesinnerliner67 on his right foot, and then replaces his innerliner-covered foot intofootwear61, it would produce a second combined appearance. It is to be understood in this example that the left shoe (not shown), would form a pair of footwear, in combination withfootwear61 shown inFIG. 7A. When a foot covered withinnerliner66 is placed in theright shoe61, then innerliner67 could be worn on the left foot and thus create a combined appearance with the left shoe. This left shoe may have the same, the inverse, or a different layout of SDA, as well as having the same or different type and/or design SDA, as compared tofootwear61. Thus, a pair of innerliners may produce the same, the inverse, or a different combined appearance with each shoe of the footwear and the same, the inverse, or a different combined appearance for the right shoe as compared to the left shoe of a pair of footwear.
• Thus, it is possible for a single pair of innerliners to create two combined appearances for each shoe in a pair of footwear with SDAs. Additional methods for multiplying the combined appearances possible with a single pair of innerliners include turning the innerliner inside out (reversing) or rotating the innerliner on the foot. Reversible innerliners can be designed to provide a different combined appearance by turning the innerliner inside out. The reversible innerliners include an inner or inside surface and an outer or outside surface. Thus, a user changes the combined appearance of the footwear by removing their footwear, turning the innerliners inside out, such that area formally facing the foot is now facing outward toward the footwear and display areas, and then replacing the innerliner covered feet into the footwear.
• Another embodiment involves the innerliners being adapted to provide a different combined appearance by rotating the innerliner on the foot. Users can change the combined appearance of the footwear by removing the footwear, turning the innerliners, e.g. 90 or 180 degrees and replacing them in the footwear. Each of these components of the innerliner system multiply the number of potential combined appearances that are possible from one pair of innerliners and provide the user with the ability to alter the appearance of their footwear when an additional pair of innerliners is not readily available, such as when traveling from a work setting to a more casual atmosphere.
• SDA Effect/Interaction with Innerliner
• A large number of different optical and visual effects and/or appearances can be created by coordinating the appearance, design and materials of the SDA and the appearance, design and materials of the innerliners. The SDA of the present invention can display, interact with and/or affect the appearance of the innerliners.
• Significant improvements in the quality of the combined appearance resulting from the combination of the innerliner and the SDA, as well as increased design options can be achieved by incorporating various materials, structures and designs into the SDA, such that rather than just displaying the innerliner, the SDA interacts with and/or affects the appearance of the innerliner, thus impacting the result of the combination of the innerliner and SDA. One method to accomplish such an effect is to include a semitransparent color tinted material in the SDA, such as the tinted acrylic sold by A&C Plastics, Inc., or tinted polyvinyl chloride sold by Wiman Corp. For example, if a yellow SDA covers a green portion of the innerliner it would create a blue appearance when viewed from outside of the footwear.
• FIGS. 8A-8G illustrate combinations of footwear and innerliners of the present invention in which the color of the innerliner appears to change to a different color when viewed through a colored SDA. The color of the innerliner, the SDA (if applicable), and the color appearing through the SDA as it overlaps the innerliner are indicated on the figures (FIGS. 8A-8G) and described below.
• FIG. 8A illustrates an eighth embodiment offootwear71 of the present invention having a sole72 and an upper73. Thefootwear71 includes severalcolorless SDAs74 located at various positions on the upper73 and multipleyellow SDAs74A that are shaped as stripes on the top, sides, and rear of thefootwear71. In this illustration of the invention, most of the non-SDA portions of thefootwear71 are black.
• FIG. 8B illustrates aninnerliner76, which is entirely in white.FIG. 8C illustrates the combination of thefootwear71 shown inFIG. 8A and theinnerliner76 shown inFIG. 8B. The combination of theinnerliner76 and thefootwear71 results in a combined appearance that includes a yellow stripes when theyellow SDAs74A on the top and sides of thefootwear71 display thewhite innerliner76, as shown inFIG. 8C. The areas where thetransparent SDAs74 cover thewhite innerliner76 appear white.
• FIG. 8D illustrates another version of aninnerliner77 of the eighth embodiment of the present invention which has ared bottom portion77A and awhite ankle portion77B.FIG. 8E illustrates the combination of thefootwear71 shown inFIG. 8A and theinnerliner77 shown inFIG. 8D. The combination of theinnerliner77 and thefootwear71 results in a combined appearance that includes orange stripes when theyellow SDAs74A on the top and sides of thefootwear71 display thered bottom portion77A of theinnerliner77, as shown inFIG. 8E. The areas where thetransparent SDAs74 display thered bottom portion77A ofinnerliner77 appear red.
• FIG. 8F illustrates aninnerliner78, which has ablue bottom portion78A and awhite ankle portion78B.FIG. 8G illustrates the combination of thefootwear71 shown inFIG. 8A and theinnerliner78 shown inFIG. 8F. The combination of theinnerliner78 and thefootwear71 results in a combined appearance that includes green stripes when theyellow SDAs74A on the top and sides of thefootwear71 display theblue bottom portion78A of theinnerliner78, as shown inFIG. 8G. The areas where thetransparent SDAs74 display theblue bottom portion78A of theinnerliner78 appear blue.
• Another effect is provided through the interaction of the innerliner and SDA which occurs when the appearance of the innerliner emanates from within the SDA or the outside surface of the SDA. Through this interaction, the SDA can take on some of the user desirable attributes of the innerliner. This optical effect occurs by using various optical devices and materials in the SDA including e.g. a lens that bends light, a prism that breaks light apart, and mirrors that reflect or redirect light. Optical effects identified that create emanation include reflection, refraction, suffusion, diffusion, diffraction, deflection and dispersion. These optical effects can be created in various ways. One example is to align double sided mirrors at45 degree angles, overlapping by half their length. Again the light appears to originate from the location from which its direction was last changed, thus the appearance, e.g. color of the innerliner would emanate or appear to originate from the SDA. Another method for achieving these effects includes putting a finish, e.g. matte, microsheen, taffeta or suede on a transparent material, such that the finish deflects, redirects or diffuses a portion of the light from the innerliner back to the observer's eye. A third method for achieving this effect is to include small lenses within a transparent material, such that the lenses redirect, concentrate and dissipate the light, such that the light appears to originate from the location from which its direction was changed, rather than the innerliner from which it was reflected. The emanation effect can be enhanced by incorporating various materials into the SDA and innerliner and/or coordinating the materials of the SDA with the materials of the innerliners. Effective innerliner materials include materials that are reflective, such as 3M™ Scotchlite™ or materials that have are fine threads, thus minimizing the space between the SDA and innerliner.
• The spatial relationship of the innerliner and SDA is important, because space between the innerliner and SDA can cause some light to bounce off the inside surface of the SDA, thus preventing it from being transmitted to an observer's eye, and limiting or eliminating the ability to create emanation. The SDA is also important since the finish on the inner facing side has limited reflective qualities, that the material be supple enough to conform to the foot and innerliner and that the SDA material and structure results in the desired optical effect in coordination with the innerliner material.
• FIG. 9A illustrates a ninth embodiment offootwear81 of the present invention having a sole82 and an upper83. Thefootwear81 includes aSDA84 that incorporates light diffusing materials, such as LEXAN, Mylar, DynaGlas Plus LDT, Bayer's Makrolon® or De-lite specialized coatings, located on the side of the upper83.
• FIG. 9B illustrates aninnerliner86 with an area positioned under theSDA84 on the side of thefootwear81 that includes anarea86A of flat color, e.g., yellow.FIG. 9C illustrates the combination of thefootwear81 shown inFIG. 9A and theinnerliner86 shown inFIG. 9B. The combination of theinnerliner86 and thefootwear81 results in a combined appearance that includes theinnerliner86 positioned under theSDA84 so that light is diffused by theSDA84, some light is reflected offcolored area86A and is again diffused by theSDA84 before exiting theSDA84. The effect of the diffusion is that some of the colors of light that are not absorbed by thecolored area86A emanate from within or from the surface of theSDA84 and not from the innerliner underneath theSDA84. This effect is consumer desirable as it provides many additional combined appearances, and it allows for the use of an innerliner to alter the appearance of footwear with an SDA in a manner such that through the observation of the end result, one may not be able to tell that an innerliner is used to contribute to the appearance of the footwear and instead provides the impression of a seamless unit.
• As stated above, various materials, structures, and techniques can be used to accomplish the effect of having the appearance, e.g., color, of the innerliner emanate from within or from the exterior surface of the SDA, versus when the SDA simply displays the innerliner. A technique utilizing reflection via mirrors to accomplish this emanation effect is shown inFIG. 10A.FIG. 10A illustrates a sectional view of the combination of aSDA93 of footwear overlying aninnerliner96 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. TheSDA93 includes aninterior surface94A that is positioned flush against the exterior surface of theinnerliner96 and anexterior surface94B. Double-sidedmirrors95 are each positioned at 45° angles with respect to the interior andexterior surfaces94A and94B of theSDA93. The double-sided mirrors95 are lined up so that the bottom of each mirror aligns vertically with the top of the next mirror. External light97 can be reflected off and between themirrors95 to the outer surface of theinnerliner96 or theexternal light97 can reach theinnerliner96 directly (not shown).Light99 that is not absorbed by theinnerliner96 is then mostly reflected back to and between themirrors95 before exiting theSDA93. Thus, since a majority of the reflected light99 that exits from theSDA93 reflects off theinnerliner96 and off at least onemirror95, a majority of the light and, thus the reflected visual attributes of theinnerliner96, emanate from themirrors95 within theSDA93. A majority of the visible attributes of theinnerliner96, e.g. color, emanate from theSDA93. Also, there may be variations in appearance of the combined innerliner and SDA as a result of the 45° angle of the mirrors, the various angles that light enters the SDA, the way the light reflects off of the innerliner and/or the mirrors, and the angle from which the SDA is observed.
• Another technique, utilizing a surface finish to accomplish the emanation effect, is shown inFIG. 10B. In this example, the left side of the SDA has a surface treatment that results in the deflection or redirection of light traveling in either direction, whereas the right side of the has a surface treatment that results in the diffusion of light as it departs the SDA. A third technique utilizing imbedded lenses to accomplish the effect is shown inFIG. 10C. In this example light rays traveling through the convex lens causes the light to converge and light traveling through the concave lens is refracted. The resulting appearance includes the magnification or shrinking of certain aspects of the appearance of the innerliner, and that some of the visual attributes of the innerliner would appear to emanate from the SDA.
• Another optical effect of the SDA occurs when the SDA acts as a filter to display hidden attributes on the innerliner. The footwear includes a SDA that includes transparent and semitransparent pigments, often finely ground, such as those sold by Hongment Chemicals Limited, Oxen's Pearl Lustre Pigments, which absorb certain colors of light, thus changing the colors of light that are available to be reflected off of the innerliner, and thus changing the appearance of the innerliner when it is displayed through the SDA.
• FIG. 11A illustrates an eleventh embodiment offootwear101 of the present invention having a sole102 and an upper103. Thefootwear101 includes aSDA104A located on the side of the upper103 that is formed in the shape of a face of a children's television character, e.g., a Teletubby, and a color-filtering SDA104B that is impregnated with transparent or semitransparent pigments, which act to absorb and thus filter out various colors of light. TheSDA104A is formed as a three-dimensional Teletubby whose surface is textured to enhance its appearance. In this example, theSDA104A provides both the shape and the texture of an image whereas the innerliner only provides the color.SDA104B illustrates the potential of the SDA to filter certain colors of light, to modify the appearance of the innerliner, and to display otherwise hidden or unapparent aspects of the innerliner. If, for example, a green display or design on an innerliner were interspersed with indigo and violet colored fibers or dye, the colors indigo and violet would act to obscure the clarity of the green display or design. When the innerliner was placed behind a SDA impregnated with transparent or semitransparent pigments that absorb indigo and violet, the green display or design would become more apparent when the innerliner is viewed through the SDA. In this embodiment of the present invention, the color-filteringSDA104B is positioned above theSDA104A of the character's face on the side of the upper103. The upper103 also includesother SDAs104C on the sides of thefootwear101. TheSDAs104A,104B,104C can be in a consumer desirable shape, and be raised, recessed, and/or textured with respect to the non-SDA portions of thefootwear101.
• FIG. 11B illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner106 with afirst portion106A for positioning under theSDA104A shaped as the face of the Teletubby, asecond portion106B for positioning under the color-filterings SDA104B, andportions106C,106D for positioning under theother SDAs104C on the sides of thefootwear101. Theankle portion106E of theinnerliner106 is white, similar to an ankle portion of a typical sock. For children's television characters such as Teletubbies that are identified by their color,different innerliners106 can be provided by varying the color of thevarious portions106A,106B,106C,106D of theinnerliner106 based on the colors of the particular Teletubby. Furthermore, the color-filteringSDA104B modifies and displays the appearance of the colors visible through theSDA104A when the innerliner is positioned under the color-filteringSDA104B. In this example, theSDA104B and theinnerliner106 interact to show the identifying mark (i.e.,circle108 inFIG. 11C) of the particular Teletubby.
• FIG. 11C illustrates the combination of thefootwear101 shown inFIG. 11A and theinnerliner106 shown inFIG. 11B. The combination of theinnerliner106 and thefootwear101 results in a combined appearance that includes a particular Teletubby with its individual color, as shown inFIG. 11C. The color-filteringSDA104B in this particular case displays acircle108. Thus, in this embodiment, the Teletubby shown on thefootwear101 is identified by the colors shown through theSDA104A and by thecircle108 that is shown through the color-filteringSDA104B since theportion106B of theinnerliner106 underlying the color-filteringSDA104B includes transparent pigments that absorb the colors that would otherwise obscure the clarity of the circle design. Theother SDA104C also displays the same color of the Teletubby that is shown using theSDA104A that is shaped as the face of the Teletubby or they can show other colors or appearances.
• Thus, the SDA can be used as a filter to display hidden attributes of the innerliners, e.g., a color or design that can be used to identify a children's television character, and/or by altering the apparent color or appearance of the innerliner.
• Another example of an optical effect provided by the SDA occurs when the SDA magnifies the attributes of the innerliners. Small attributes of an innerliner can be enlarged or emphasized by displaying the attributes on the innerliner through a SDA that is or contains properly shaped lenses.
• FIG. 12A illustrates a twelfth embodiment offootwear111 of the present invention having a sole112 and an upper113. Thefootwear111 includes a magnifyingSDA114 located on the side of the upper113. The magnifyingSDA114 is or contains a properly shaped magnifying lens.FIG. 12B illustrates an embodiment of aninnerliner116 with aportion116A positioned under theSDA114 on the side of thefootwear111 that includes a small image of a car.
• FIG. 12C illustrates the combination of thefootwear111 shown inFIG. 12A and theinnerliner116 shown inFIG. 12B. The combination of theinnerliner116 and thefootwear111 results in a combined appearance in which theportion116A of theinnerliner116 positioned under theSDA114 so that the small image of the car is magnified through the magnifyingSDA114 to produce an enlarged image of the car.
• Another example of an optical effect that can be created through the interaction of the SDA and innerliner is to provide a three-dimensional appearance when the innerliner is displayed through the SDA. Methods for achieving the appearance of three dimensions may include: incorporating three dimensional objects on the innerliner or into the SDA; the use of position, color, shadowing, patterns, to provide the illusion of depth; incorporating materials into the SDA that reflect, refract, diffuse, suffuse, disperse or magnify light, such that when the innerliner is displayed through the SDA, the combination either appears to have or does have three dimensions.
• The three-dimensional effect described above does not refer to the result of putting an innerliner behind a SDA, such that when the combination is observed, the difference in the depth of the innerliner in relation to the SDA provides the appearance of depth. Rather, the three-dimensional effect described results from the interaction of the innerliner and the SDA, e.g., a red innerliner used in combination with a SDA that has a heart formed of light-diffusing material located within an otherwise transparent SDA, would result in the appearance of a red background, with a red heart that appears to emanate from within the SDA. The three-dimensional effect described above can result from an attribute of the innerliner appearing as if it emanates from the SDA, from attributes of the innerliner emanating from differing depths within the SDA, from the SDA enhancing an innerliner that has or appears to have three dimensions or an innerliner enhancing an SDA that has or appears to have three dimensions.
• The present invention also provides a vehicle for displaying the advertisements of multiple companies. Multiple innerliners with different advertisements can be interchanged with a single pair of footwear.
• FIG. 13A illustrates a thirteenth embodiment offootwear121 of the present invention having a sole122 and an upper123. Thefootwear121 includesSDAs124A,124B,124C located on the sides and top of the upper123.FIG. 13B illustrates aninnerliner126 with a two-dimensional design showing a beverage can126A and other various information such as aslogan126B (“It gives you wings”) and a name of theproduct126C (Red Bull). Theankle portion126D of theinnerliner126 is white, similar to an ankle portion of a typical sock.
• TheSDA124A located at the front of thefootwear121 is made of a material or materials that give the two-dimensional design on theinnerliner126 underlying theSDA124A, e.g., the beverage can126A, the appearance of being three dimensional. To create this three-dimensional appearance, theSDA124A uses a combination of line positioning, coloring, and shadowing of the image of the beverage can126A on theinnerliner126 and also includes light suffusing materials at differing depths within theSDA124A.
• FIG. 13C illustrates the combination of thefootwear121 shown inFIG. 13A and theinnerliner126 shown inFIG. 13B. The combination of theinnerliner126 and thefootwear121 results in a combined appearance in which the two-dimensional design of the beverage can126A on theinnerliner126 is displayed as a three-dimensional image using theSDA124A located at the top of the upper123, as shown inFIG. 13C.
• The various pieces ofinformation126B,126C printed on the side of theinnerliner126 are displayed through theother SDAs124B,124C. Thus, the footwear and SDAs may utilize a “generic” design that is adapted to endorse a large array of products by producing different innerliners. The SDAs can display the product name, a slogan, and/or other product information.
• Another example of an optical effect occurs when the SDA allows varying degrees of light to be transmitted, e.g., from transparent to translucent, across its area. The SDA can cover a solid-colored portion of the innerliner to create a fading appearance when viewing the SDA from outside of the footwear.
• FIG. 14A illustrates a fourteenth embodiment offootwear131 of the present invention having a sole132 and an upper133. Thefootwear131 includesSDAs134 and135, located on the top and sides of the upper133.SDA134 is located at the top of the toe of thefootwear131 contains non-transparent sparkles.SDA135 is located on the side of thefootwear131 and has threesections135A,135B, and135C which transmit different amounts of light.SDA section135A is transparent.SDA section135C is translucent and transmits less light thanSDA section135A andSDA section135B.SDA135B transmits an intermediate degree of light, which is less than the amount transmitted bytransparent SDA section135A and more than the amount transmitted bytranslucent SDA section135C. TheSDA sections135A,135B, and135C are positioned adjacent to each other to form a single continuous SDA with one end (SDA section135A) that is transparent and the opposite end (SDA section135C) that is translucent. Thus, theSDA sections135A,135B, and135C are formed such thatSDA135 ranges from transparent to translucent and transmits varying degrees of light.FIG. 14B illustrates aninnerliner136 of a single solid color with adesign136A, e.g., a smiley face, on top of the toe of theinnerliner136.
• FIG. 14C illustrates the combination of thefootwear131 shown inFIG. 14A and theinnerliner136 shown inFIG. 14B. The combination of theinnerliner136 and thefootwear131 results in a combined appearance, which includes aSDA135 on the side of thefootwear131, which varies in appearance across its body even though theinnerliner136 positioned underneath theSDA135 is one solid color. This is due to the varying light transmitting characteristics ofSDA sections135A,135B, and135C.
• This embodiment also illustrates the ability of the innerliner and SDA to interact through non-optical techniques.FIG. 14B illustrates aninnerliner136 of a single solid color with adesign136A, e.g., a smiley face, on top of the toe of theinnerliner136. Thesmiley face136A on theinnerliner136 appears “sparkly” due to the non-transparent sparkles inSDA134. Thus, the SDA of the present invention can interact with the appearance of an innerliner without requiring the modification of light that reaches the innerliner by providing a SDA that is formed in a particular shape and that includes non-transparent indicia or other features, such as sparkles. Thus, thesparkly SDA134 shown inFIGS. 14A and 14C is one of several ways that a SDA can interact with the appearance of an innerliner in a non-optical technique. The modification of light may change the amount of light that is transmitted through the SDA, but the SDA is not affecting the design, color, or other characteristics of the innerliner.
• Additional visual effects are created through the interaction of the innerliner and the SDA by using various materials whose appearance varies based upon various environmental and mechanical interactions. Examples of these materials and interactions include innerliners and/or SDA that include: glow-in-the-dark materials, such as the aluminate phosphors sold by Artemis US; photochromic materials, which change color due to variations in their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as Plastisol Light Sensitive Ink; thermochromic materials which change color in response to temperature fluctuations, such as thermochromic materials made by Detco Enterprise and Matsui; hydrochromic materials, which change in response to water; materials that use electricity, such as electrochromic materials that change color due to the external stimuli of electrical energy, e.g., neon; a motorized photo sensitive Polaroid filter; and LED lights which illuminate the innerliner and the SDA itself. Magnets or static electricity focusing materials can be used to create designs on the innerliners that are replicated when the innerliner is placed next to a fluid-filled SDA that contains free-floating colored particles which contain ferromagnetic materials.
• FIG. 15A illustrates a fifteenth embodiment offootwear141 of the present invention having a sole142 and an upper143. Thefootwear141 includes a fluid-filledSDA144 located on the side of the upper143. The fluid-filledSDA144 also containsnon-transparent particles144A that include ferromagnetic materials which move freely in the fluid inside theSDA144. In this embodiment of the invention, theferromagnetic materials144A are colored white.
• FIG. 15B illustrates aninnerliner146 withdesigns146A, e.g., a smiley face on top of the toe and a rainbow on the side of theinnerliner146. Thedesigns146A are not intended to be visible through thefootwear141. Theinnerliner146 also includes anarea146B, which is colored blue, that hasmagnetic materials146C woven into theinnerliner146. Themagnetic materials146C are shown inFIG. 15B as visible to the user. However, themagnetic materials146C can also be incorporated into theinnerliner146 so that they are not visible. In this embodiment of the invention, themagnetic materials146C are formed in the shape of a smiley face.
• FIG. 15C illustrates the combination of thefootwear141 shown inFIG. 15A and theinnerliner146 shown inFIG. 15B, which results in an appearance in which the particles containingferromagnetic materials144A in theSDA144 are attracted to themagnetic materials146C in the blue-colored portion146B of theinnerliner146 positioned underneath theSDA144. Thus, some of the white particles containingferromagnetic materials144A are held in place by the magnetic field caused by themagnetic materials146C formed in the shape of a smiley face in the blue-colored portion146B of theinnerliner146 so that a white-colored smiley face appears above a blue background in theSDA144 on thefootwear141. The particles containingferromagnetic materials144A that are not held in place by themagnetic field146C float freely in theSDA144.
• It is thus possible for the SDA and/or innerliner to change appearance based upon environmental and/or mechanical influences. This change in appearance of the SDA and/or innerliner would thus alter the combined appearance that incorporates the result of their interaction with the appearance of the remainder of the footwear. Furthermore, by leveraging the fact that the SDA and/or innerliner can change appearance based on various environmental and mechanical interactions, one can create a multitude of additional combined appearances, and the users influence the combined appearance of their footwear, e.g., by running to facilitate the movement of particles in a fluid-filled SDA or to heat up thermochromic materials.
Structure
• This invention includes multiple structural improvements to footwear with an SDA and innerliners, which may be important to the success of the above described footwear system as well as various other applications. Within the footwear system the structural improvements allow for enhanced user comfort, improved performance, precise consumer reproducible combined appearances, and the ability to repeatedly and effectively reproduce the combined appearance over the product's life.
• The SDA and the innerliners are made from materials designed in various configurations to maximize comfort, durability, dispersion of heat and moisture, especially in the areas of the innerliners that are displayed through the SDA, as well as to help maintain the spatial relationship between the footwear, SDA, and innerliners during normal usage and during their life cycle. The normal usage and life cycle includes the stages of breaking in, stretching, washing, and wearing the footwear system, as well as the effects of heat and moisture. Normal usage and life cycle of the footwear can also include, in some embodiments, the usage of the innerliners without using the footwear. For instance, the innerliners can be made of more durable colorfast materials if the innerliner is subject to repeated washing and non-footwear use.
• The structure, the expansion and contraction properties, and the material degradation characteristics of the innerliners, the footwear, and the SDA are designed to maintain the footwear's ability to display and enhance the user desirable portions of the innerliners through normal usage and the life cycle of the footwear.
• User comfort can be maintained during the normal usage of the footwear with the SDA and associated innerliner by coordinating one or more of the following characteristics of the innerliners, footwear, and SDA including: their size, shape, dimensions, materials, consistency, flexibility, support properties and characteristics. For example, the materials and design of the innerliners, footwear, and the SDA can be altered to allow the innerliners, footwear, and/or the SDA to maintain suitable temperature and humidity levels throughout the normal usage. Additionally, the incorporation of soft materials such as rubber, neoprene or silicon into the footwear system provides cushioned support therethrough. Suitable temperature and humidity levels can be provided by incorporating and coordinating one or more heat and moisture dispersion characteristics of the innerliners, footwear, and the SDA.
• FIG. 16A illustrates a sixteenth embodiment of aninnerliner156 of the present invention that is designed to maintain suitable temperature and humidity levels. Theinnerliner156 is preferably used with footwear that is also designed to maintain suitable temperature and humidity levels, e.g., an embodiment offootwear151 shown inFIG. 16B. Anarea156A of theinnerliner156 is displayed through aSDA154. Theinnerliner156 includes at least aportion156B formed of a wicking material to help draw moisture away from the foot. Examples of materials that wick moisture are DuPont's CoolMax® polyester, SmartWool™, Merino wool, and Wonder-Wick® polypropylene. Theinnerliner156 also includes at least a portion136C formed of air channels to help transfer heat away from the foot.
• FIG. 16B illustrates the combination of the innerliner ofFIG. 16A and thefootwear151 of the present invention that is designed to maintain suitable temperature and humidity levels within thefootwear151. Thefootwear151 includes a sole152, an upper153, and theSDA154 located on the side of the upper153.
• At least aportion155A of thefootwear151, e.g., near at least a portion of theSDA154, can be made of one of the wicking materials to wick moisture away from theinnerliner156. The moisture is drawn away theinnerliner156 so that it may evaporate outside of thefootwear151. In addition, at least a portion of thefootwear151, e.g., near at least a portion of theSDA154, includes holes orbreathable materials155B located near at least a portion of theSDA154. The holes orbreathable materials155B allow the removal of excess heat that may build up between theinnerliner156 and thefootwear151.
• Thus, the footwear and the innerliners can be designed to help control the temperature and humidity levels within the footwear, e.g. by using moisture wicking materials and/or incorporating holes or other breathable materials within the footwear and/or the innerliners.
• Many of the design options made possible by this invention require substantial precision in aligning and interrelating the innerliner and the SDA, in order to achieve precise combined appearances that can be readily and easily recreated by the user and maintained during normal usage. Multiple advances are detailed below that allow for increased precision in controlling and maintaining the spatial relationship between the innerliner, footwear, SDA and user's foot.
• One way of improving the footwear's ability to display and enhance the user desirable portions of the innerliners is by controlling the spatial relationship of the innerliner, foot, and footwear. Strength bands are incorporated into the footwear and/or the innerliners to help control the spatial relationship of the innerliner, foot, and footwear. The strength bands can be incorporated into the innerliner and/or the footwear that go around conducive areas of the foot such as at the arch or ankle connection, or in conjunction with the lacing system in order to limit the movement between the innerliner and foot and/or between the footwear and the foot, in order to provide additional control over the spatial relationship between the innerliners, the SDA, and the footwear.
• FIG. 17 illustrates a seventeenth embodiment of aninnerliner166 withstrength bands167A around the arch of the foot andstrength bands167B around the ankle. Thestrength bands167A,167B can be formed using Lycra®, Luzima®, Spandex® or Cordura® nylon reinforcements.
• Another way of maintaining the spatial relationship of the innerliner, foot and footwear is by engineering innerliners and/or footwear that maintain their orientation with respect to the feet and to each other during normal usage of the footwear system. The innerliners are thus engineered to maintain their orientation with respect to the feet by coordinating one or more of the following characteristics: the size and shape of the innerliners, the expansion and contraction properties of the innerliners, the materials of the innerliners, the effects of heat and moisture, other characteristics of the innerliners, and foot dimensions. The footwear is engineered to maintain its orientation with respect to the feet during normal usage of the footwear by coordinating one or more of the following characteristics: the size and shape of the footwear, the expansion and contraction properties of the footwear, the materials of the footwear, the effects of heat and moisture, other characteristics of the innerliners, and foot dimensions.
• The spatial relationship between the innerliner and footwear, and more specifically, the distance between the innerliner and the SDA or the pressure applied by the innerliner on the SDA can be controlled by coordinating one or more of the following characteristics: the size, shape, and layout of the innerliner, footwear, and SDA; the expansion and contraction characteristics of the innerliner, footwear, and SDA; the materials of the innerliner, footwear, and SDA; the effects of heat and moisture; other characteristics of the innerliner, footwear, and SDA; and foot dimensions.
• Additional control of the spatial relationship between the innerliners, the footwear, and SDA can be attained and maintained by the design and coordination of one or more of the following: the materials and attributes on the exterior of the innerliners and on the interior of the SDA and remaining footwear. Examples of materials in the innerliners, the SDA, and the footwear that can enable additional control of the spatial relationship between the innerliners and the SDA include Velcro®, rubber, magnets, silicone and Teflon®. Attributes of the innerliners, the SDA, and the footwear that can enable additional control of the spatial relationship between the innerliners, the footwear, and the SDA include materials that adhere to each other; form fitting materials that fit snugly around the foot or within the footwear; rough surfaces that limit movement due to friction; smooth areas that facilitate movement in certain areas; an airtight concave area that limits movement through use of a vacuum effect; and areas which are electrically charged (e.g., with static electricity) and that limit movement by leveraging opposite attractive electrical forces.
• Furthermore, topography can be use on innerliners and the interior of the SDA and the non-SDA portions of the footwear in order to manage the alignment of the innerliner, footwear and SDA. For example the system can be can be designed and coordinated so that the inner topography of the footwear can be engineered to “fit together”, or interlock with the outer topography of the innerliners. Thus, portions of the innerliners' outer topography can be inversely engineered with respect to the inner topography of the footwear and the SDA. The innerliners can be held in place within the footwear because their topography fits together developing interrelational strength, which allows for additional control of the spatial relationship between the innerliners, the SDA, and the footwear.
• FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate an example of an innerliner and footwear which are designed and engineered so that the outer topography of the innerliner is inversely engineered with respect to the inner topography of the footwear and the SDA.
• FIG. 18A illustrates a cross section of an embodiment offootwear171 of the present invention having a sole172 and an upper173. Thefootwear171 includes aSDA174 located on a side of the upper173 and apositioning groove175 located on the side of thefootwear171 opposite to theSDA174. TheSDA174 and thepositioning groove175 are positioned so that they provide respective indentations in the interior surfaces of the sides of the upper173 of thefootwear171.
• FIG. 18B illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of aninnerliner176 with first and second protrudingportions176A,176B positioned on theinnerliner176 that protrude outward from the exterior surface of theinnerliner176. The protrudingportions176A,176B are received, respectively, by the indentations formed by theSDA174 and thepositioning groove175 on the opposite sides of thefootwear171 when theinnerliner176 is placed inside thefootwear171.
• FIG. 18C illustrates a cross section of the combination of thefootwear171 shown inFIG. 18A and theinnerliner176 shown inFIG. 18B. When theinnerliner176 is properly placed inside thefootwear171, the indentation formed by theSDA174 receives the first protrudingportion176A on theinnerliner176, and the indentation formed by thepositioning groove175 on the opposite side of thefootwear171 receives the second protrudingportion176B on theinnerliner176. Thus, theinnerliner176 interlocks with thefootwear171.FIG. 18C also shows that theinnerliner176,footwear171 andSDA174 can be designed to leave a space between theSDA174 and theinnerliner176A. Alternatively, theSDA174 and the first protrudingportion174 may be sized in order to prevent the existence of a space between the innerliner and SDA.
• FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate another way in which the interior topography of the footwear can be formed to interlock with the exterior topography of the innerliner.FIG. 19A illustrates a cross section of an embodiment offootwear181 of the present invention having a sole182 and an upper183. Thefootwear181 includes aSDA184 located on a side of the upper183 and apositioning protrusion185 located on the side of thefootwear181 opposite to theSDA184. The interior surface of theSDA184 is positioned flush with the interior surface of the non-SDA portions of the upper183 of thefootwear181. The protrudingportion185 in thefootwear181 is positioned so that it protrudes into the interior of the upper183 of thefootwear181. Thus, thefootwear181 shown inFIG. 19A has a different interior topography than thefootwear171 shown inFIG. 18A.
• Also, theinnerliner186 shown inFIG. 19B has a different exterior topography than theinnerliner176 shown inFIG. 18B.FIG. 19B illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of aninnerliner186 with apositioning groove186A formed as an indentation on the exterior surface of theinnerliner186. Thepositioning groove186A is positioned under the protrudingportion185 on the side of thefootwear181 opposite theSDA184 when theinnerliner186 is placed inside thefootwear181.
• FIG. 19C illustrates a cross section of the combination of thefootwear181 shown inFIG. 19A and theinnerliner186 shown inFIG. 19B. When theinnerliner186 is properly placed inside thefootwear181, the indentation formed in theinnerliner186 receives the protrudingportion185 on the interior surface of thefootwear181. Thus, theinnerliner186 can form interrelational strength withfootwear181 because its topography fits together with thefootwear181. Due to this interrelation strength, a specific portion of theinnerliner186 displays through theSDA184. Furthermore, since the interior surface of theSDA184 is positioned flush with the interior surface of the non-SDA portions of thefootwear181, theSDA184 is positioned flush against the exterior surface of theinnerliner186, thus limiting any space in between the innerliner and the SDA.
• While this example illustrates interlocking topography, it should be understood that topography can be used of any individuals or group of elements, in any configuration or structure, in order to manage the spatial relationship between the innerliner, foot, and footwear, and aligning the innerliner sections intended for the display with SDA. The spatial relationship of the innerliners and the SDA can be maintained over the life cycles of the footwear and innerliners by also coordinating one or more of the aging and wear characteristics of the materials and structures of the innerliners, footwear, and the SDA.
• Another way of managing the spatial relationship between the innerliner, foot, and footwear, and aligning the innerliner sections intended for the display with SDA, is to engineer the display section of the innerliner to have some freedom of movement with respect to the rest of the innerliner. For example by attaching a display section to an innerliner with an elastic material, the display section would have an increased degree of movement. Thus, it could maintain its alignment with the SDA even if the innerliner moved within the footwear and thus could compensate for normal sizing variances, stretching and movement during usage of the footwear system. This embodiment of the present invention, combined with topography described above allows for the very precise management of the spatial relationship between the innerliner and SDA.
• The spatial relationship between the SDA and the innerliner can also affect the result of the combination of the innerliner and the SDA. For example, the appearance of the combined innerliner and the SDA may vary based on whether the exterior surface of the innerliner is in contact with the interior surface of the SDA or if there is a space between them. The appearance of the combined innerliner and the SDA may also vary based on the amount of pressure with which the exterior surface of the innerliner contacts the interior surface of the SDA. Moreover, the appearance of the combined innerliner and the SDA may vary where only portions of the exterior surface of the innerliner contacts the interior surface of the SDA. Lastly, the appearance of the combined innerliner and the SDA may vary where the relationship between the exterior surface of the innerliner and the interior surface of the SDA changes during usage. The change in the relationship between the exterior surface of the innerliner and the interior surface of the SDA is in the form of the distance between them, the pressure with which they contact, the alignment between them, or any combination of the aforementioned.
• Examples of ways to create this optical and visual effects might include: changing the innerliner's distance from a SDA that has magnifying properties; utilizing piezochromic materials, which change color in response to pressure; including a foil-like material on the innerliner that changes shape and appearance when it contacts the denser surface of the SDA; and using an innerliner having varied topography across the area underlying the SDA, thereby creating ridges and valleys which present a varied appearance when relatively motionless. This appearance changes based upon lateral movement of the innerliner in relation to the SDA.
• FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which an innerliner has a varied topography across the area underlying the SDA. This type of innerliner creates different appearances for the footwear depending on the position of the innerliner. For instance, different appearances are created when the innerliner is relatively motionless at different positions with respect to the SDA and when the innerliner is moving laterally in relation to the SDA.FIG. 20A illustrates a cross section of aSDA194 and aninnerliner196 when there is a gap G between theSDA194 and theinnerliner196.Ridges197 on theinnerliner196 provide adesign198 that is visible through theSDA194. When there is a gap G between the exterior surface of theridges197 on theinnerliner196 and the interior surface of theSDA194, thedesign198 formed by theridges197 on theinnerliner196 appears muted and less bright.
• Theinnerliner196 is free to move laterally with respect to theSDA194, i.e., towards and away from theSDA194, and as the gap G becomes smaller as theinnerliner196 moves toward theSDA194, the relative definition of thedesign198 formed by theridges197 on theinnerliner196 increases.FIG. 20B illustrates a cross section of theSDA194 and theinnerliner196 after theinnerliner196 has moved laterally with respect to theSDA194 so that the upper surface of theridges197 on theinnerliner196 is positioned flush against the interior surface of theSDA194. Therefore, there is no gap between the exterior surface of theridges197 on theinnerliner196 and the interior surface of theSDA194. In this configuration, thedesign198 formed by theridges197 on theinnerliner196 appears clearer.
• This embodiment of the invention produces footwear having a changing appearance when the innerliner moves with respect to the SDA. As shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B, due to the design and engineering of the footwear, SDA, and innerliner, the portion of the innerliner under the SDA includes a degree of freedom to move laterally relative to the SDA in response to movement of the user's foot. The portion of the innerliner under the SDA moves laterally relative to the SDA to leave, at times, varying amounts of space between the innerliner and the SDA. The movement of the innerliner under the SDA results in a variation in the intensity of the appearance of the attributes or design on the innerliner, as viewed from the exterior of the footwear.
Innerliners
• There are several different embodiments of an innerliner. For example,FIG. 21 illustrates the most common conception of an innerliner and how it would be incorporated with footwear with the SDA.FIG. 21 illustratesfootwear201 having aSDA204, aninnerliner206 having adisplayable portion206A, and the user'sfoot200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theinnerliner206 is placed directly on the user'sfoot200, and then the user'sfoot200 is inserted into thefootwear201 and removed from thefootwear201 together with theinnerliner206.
• FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate another way in which an innerliner can be incorporated with the footwear.FIGS. 22A and 22B illustratefootwear211 having aSDA214, aninnerliner216 having adisplayable portion216A, and the user'sfoot210. As shown inFIG. 22A, theinnerliner216 is first inserted directly into thefootwear211. Then, as shown inFIG. 22B, after theinnerliner216 is inserted into thefootwear211, theinnerliner216 and thefootwear211 are placed on the user'sfoot210. Theinnerliner216 and thefootwear211 are placed onto and removed from the user'sfoot210 as a single unit.
• With the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIGS. 22A and 22B, the user uses the combination of thefootwear211 and theinnerliner216 with bare feet and therefore does not have to insert a new innerliner into thefootwear211 each time the user uses thefootwear211.
• FIG. 23 illustrates a method for inserting a multi-part innerliner into footwear. This method of inserting the innerliner intofootwear221 is similar to the method shown inFIGS. 22A and 22B except that the innerliner shown inFIG. 23 includes two parts, anouter layer227 which is inserted directly into thefootwear221 and aninner layer228, e.g., a sock, which is placed directly onto the user'sfoot220. The user places theouter layer227 of the innerliner directly into thefootwear221 and places theinner layer228 of the innerliner onto the user'sfoot220. Then, the user places thefoot220, which is covered by theinner layer228, into thefootwear221, into which theouter layer227 has already been inserted. Thefootwear221 has aSDA224 and theouter layer227 of the innerliner has adisplayable portion227A that is visible through theSDA224 when theouter layer227 is placed in thefootwear221. Thus, theouter layer227 of the innerliner and thefootwear221 are placed onto and removed from the user'sfoot220 as a single unit. Theouter layer227 includes thedisplayable portion227A, which includes, e.g., colors, designs, that are displayed by and can interact with theSDA224 on thefootwear221. Theinner layer228 provides additional comfort, as well as moisture and heat dispersion characteristics. Theinner layer228 can also provide the characteristics for providing a predetermined internal spatial relationship during the interaction between thefoot220 and thefootwear221.
• Thus, the innerliner can include more than one layer. After removing theinner layer228 from inside theouter layer227 and thefootwear221, the user may use theinner layer228 like a normal sock. The usage of a two layers allows for frequent washing and substantial usage of theinner layer228 outside of the footwear, without impacting the display characteristics of theouter layer227. Theouter layer227 can remain in thefootwear221 while theinner layer228 is removed with the user'sfoot220, thereby limiting wear and tear on theouter layer227, increasing the life of thedisplayable portion227A of the innerliner, increasing the materials that can be effectively used in the innerliner, and significantly increasing the number and quality of appearances that can be displayed. The user can remove and interchange theouter layer227 when the user wants to alter the combined appearance of the footwear.
• FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate another embodiment of a multi-part innerliner.FIGS. 24A and 24B illustratefootwear231 having aSDA234, an innerliner that includes anouter layer237 having adisplayable portion237A and aninner layer238, and the user'sfoot230. As shown inFIG. 24A, theouter layer237 and theinner layer238 are both placed on the user'sfoot230 with theouter layer237 overlapping theinner layer238. Theouter layer237 includes thedisplayable portion237A, e.g., colors, designs, that are displayed by and interact with theSDA234 on thefootwear231. Theinner layer238 provides additional comfort, as well as moisture and heat dispersion characteristics. Theinner layer238 also provides the characteristics for providing a predetermined internal spatial relationship during the interaction between thefoot230 and thefootwear231. As shown inFIG. 24B, the user'sfoot230, theouter layer237, and theinner layer238 are inserted together into thefootwear231. Further, if theouter layer237 does not cover thecomplete foot230, e.g., if atoe area237B is missing, theinner layer238 can have a design or symbol in the region outside theouter layer237, e.g., in thetoe area237B, which could be visible through another SDA, e.g.,SDA234 inFIG. 24B. Moreover, innerliners that do not cover the front or toe portion of the user's foot makes the innerliner more comfortable.
• The relationship between theouter layer237 and theinner layer238 of the innerliner can vary depending on the particular model of the footwear system. For example, theouter layer237 and theinner layer238 are designed to limit the amount of movement between the two layers. Alternatively, theouter layer237 and theinner layer238 are designed to facilitate movement between the two layers. Furthermore, theouter layer237 and theinner layer238 can be designed to provide a full range of movement that lies between the extremes. Finally, theouter layer237 and theinner layer238 are designed to provide varying degrees of movement in different locations.
• Thus, for the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 23,24A, and24B, there are several potential relationships between the inner layer and outer layer of the innerliner.
• The outer layer and the inner layer can be designed to limit the amount of movement between the two layers. In this embodiment, the materials and attributes of the outside of the inner layer and of the inside of the outer layer are designed to limit movement between the layers. The spatial relationship between the innerliner and the SDA on the footwear is similar to the spatial relationship between the innerliner and the SDA of the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 20. The spatial relationship between the outerlayer and SDA is mostly controlled by the relation of the innerliner to the foot, the relation of the innerliner to the footwear, and the relation of the foot to the footwear.
• Alternatively, for the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 23,24A, and24B, the outer layer and the inner layer are designed to facilitate movement between the two layers. In this embodiment of the invention, the materials and attributes of the outside of the inner layer and of the inside of the outer layer are designed to facilitate movement between the layers. This is accomplished by coating the outside of the inner layer and the inside of the outer layer with low friction materials such as silk, Teflon® or Emralon 329® Fluorocarbon Low Friction Coating. Thus, the outer layer can maintain its position in relation to the footwear, while the inner layer and the foot are provided with substantial freedom of movement, without disturbing the display of the innerliner through the SDA. The spatial relationship between the outer layer and SDA is mostly controlled by the relation of the outer layer of the innerliner to the inside surface of the footwear and SDA.
• Finally, for the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 23,24A, and24B, the outer layer and the inner layer can be designed to facilitate movement between the two layers in some locations while limiting movement between the two layers in other locations. In the embodiments of the invention that facilitate some movement between an inner layer and an outer layer of the innerliner, the outer layer can be temporarily connected to the inner layer at one or more points, e.g., by using Velcro®, clips, snaps, buttons or hooks, so that the outer layer of the innerliner is assured of being removed from the footwear together with the inner layer.
• FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate an innerliner having an outer layer247 (FIG. 25B) and an inner layer248 (FIG. 25A) designed so that movement is facilitated between the two layers. Theouter layer247 has aportion247C displayed through a SDA in the footwear (not shown). At least aportion247A of the inside surface of theouter layer247 includes materials described above that provide low resistance to movement against the material of at least aportion248A of the outside surface of theinner layer248 of the innerliner, thereby allowing substantial movement between the layers when theouter layer247 is positioned on theinner layer248.
• In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B, theouter layer247 and theinner layer248 includes at least one of multiple mechanisms, a fastener such as snaps, Velcro®, hooks, buttons or clips for connecting the two layers at localized positions so that the user is assured of removing theouter layer247 together with theinner layer248 when the user's foot is removed from the footwear. As shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B, theouter layer247 of the innerliner includes at least one snap247B on a top edge thereof. The loops247B on theouter layer247 connect to at least onesnap248B on theinner layer248. The embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B has a single way for attaching the outer andinner layers247,248 of the innerliners. However, it is to be understood that multiple types of fasteners as described above may be used to attach the outer andinner layers247,248.
• In the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B, theouter layer247 also includes multiple mechanisms for limiting movement of theouter layer247 in relation to the footwear. Theouter layer247 also includes at least oneVelcro® patch247D and arubber strip247E on an outside surface thereof. TheVelcro® patch247D and therubber strip247E on the outside surface of theouter layer247 contact the inside surface of the footwear and cause theouter layer247 to resist movement in relation to the corresponding area on the inside surface of the footwear. Thus, the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B includes multiple ways for causing theouter layer247 to resist movement against the inner surface of the footwear. However, it is to be understood that a single type of mechanism for resisting movement may be used.
• Furthermore, an innerliner may be used that bears little resemblance to a typical sock.FIG. 26A illustrates an example of a “non-sock-like innerliner”device250, that is used as an innerliner or the outer layer of an innerliner illustrated in the various innerliner embodiments shown inFIGS. 22A,22B,23,24A, and24B. Thedevice250 includesvarious areas251 to be displayed through the SDA of correspondingly designed footwear and theseareas251 containdesigns253, such as a square, dots, and a triangle to enhance their appearance. In addition, thedevice250 also acts as an inside portion of the footwear itself and can include various materials for providing support, fit and comfort. The exterior topography of thedevice250 interrelates with the interior topography of corresponding footwear to hold thedevice250 in place. For example, theareas251 on thedevice250 are recessed such that they would fit with SDA that protrude in relation to the surrounding interior surface of the footwear, thus helping to maintain the spatial relationship between thedevice250, the SDA and the footwear. Similarly, the recessedportions251 are also adapted to protrude from thedevice250, such that they would to fit into SDA that are recessed in relation to the surrounding interior surface of the footwear. Finally, the raisedportions252 on thedevice250 fit with recessed areas on the non-SDA portions of interior surface of the footwear creating interrelation strength and thus allowing further control over the spatial relationship between thedevice250, the SDA and the footwear.
• FIG. 26B illustrates another example of a “non-sock-like innerliner”device255 that is used as an innerliner or as the outer layer of an innerliner used in the various innerliner embodiments shown inFIGS. 22A,22B,23,24A, and24B. If thedevice255 is used in the embodiment described inFIGS. 22A and 22B, then it is understood that thedevice255 is an innerliner and would fit contiguously, but not continuously around the foot. Ifdevice255 is used in a three-part footwear system (inner layer, outer layer, and footwear), then thedevice255 is an outer layer. In this case, the outer layer fits contiguously around the inner layer, but does not necessarily fit continuously around the inner layer. The entire exterior surface of theouter layer255 does not necessarily fit continuously around the inner layer since theouter layer255 includesopenings256. On device235 there areareas238 that are designed to be displayed through SDA. One of theareas238 has a star-shaped opening which is designed to allow the inner layer to be visible from underneath theouter layer255. Thus, the inner layer is used to provide appearances that are visible through theouter layer255 and thus can be displayed by a SDA and contribute to the combined appearance of the footwear.
• Thedevice255 acts as an inside portion of the footwear and can include various materials for providing structure, topography, and fit. The exterior topography of theouter layer255 matches the interior topography of the footwear to hold theouter layer255 in place. For example, theouter layer255 includes atongue piece257 that is received within a corresponding recessed portion in the footwear. The tongue piece is excluded from the footwear in this embodiment of the present invention.
• It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the colors, designs, and illustrations disclosed in the embodiments described above and that other colors, designs, and illustrations may be used to provide similar effects. Furthermore, one or more of the aspects described above may be employed, alone or in combination, with footwear with an SDA and an innerliner designed to be used in combination with the footwear.
• Having described embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (24)

1. A shoe comprising:

a sole;

an upper attached to the sole, wherein the upper has a first transparent window formed therein, the first window being completely contained within the upper such that material that forms the upper completely surrounds the first window, the first window permitting an interior of the shoe to be visible.

2. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the window has a defined shape.

3. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the window has a shape that represents an image.

4. The shoe ofclaim 1, further including a second transparent window formed within the upper, the second window being completely contained within the upper such that the material of the upper completely surrounds the second window.

5. The shoe ofclaim 4, wherein the second window is formed on the same side of the upper relative to the first window.

6. The shoe ofclaim 4, wherein the second window is formed on an opposite side of the upper relative to the first window.

7. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening.

8. The shoe ofclaim 1, further including an innerliner that is disposed within an interior of the shoe and is constructed to be worn on a foot such that a selected portion of the innerliner aligns with and display through the window.

9. The shoe ofclaim 8, wherein the selected portion of the innerliner includes graphic content for display through the window.

10. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening, the transparent material being tinted so as to alter an appearance of an object placed within the interior of the shoe.

11. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening, the transparent material has magnification properties so as to enlarge an appearance of an object placed within the interior of the shoe.

12. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening, the transparent material being a material that alters a direction of light that passes through therethrough.

13. The shoe ofclaim 12, wherein the light is altered such that it has an emanating effecting in that an object within the interior appears to emanate from the window.

14. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening, the transparent material creating a three dimensional appearance.

15. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening, the transparent material having at least two distinct appearances.

16. The shoe ofclaim 15, wherein the transparent material has a plurality of different sections each transmitting a different degree of light.

17. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening, the transparent material containing non-transparent components.

18. The shoe ofclaim 16, wherein the non-transparent component comprises sparkles.

19. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the first transparent window is formed of a layered structure with a fluid being contained between two layers of the first transparent window.

20. The shoe ofclaim 19, wherein the fluid includes ferromagnetic materials which move freely within the fluid.

21. The shoe ofclaim 20, further including an innerliner that is disposed within an interior of the shoe and is constructed to be worn on a foot such that a selected portion of the innerliner aligns with and display through the window, wherein the innerliner includes a magnetic material that attracts the ferromagnetic materials contained within the fluid.

22. A shoe comprising:

a sole; and

an upper attached to the sole, wherein the upper has a first transparent window formed therein, wherein the first transparent window comprises an opening formed in the upper with a transparent material being disposed over the opening, the transparent material being configured to alter an appearance of an object disposed within an interior of the shoe that is visible through the window.

23. The shoe ofclaim 22, wherein the object comprises an innerliner that is disposed within an interior of the shoe and is constructed to be worn on a foot such that a selected portion of the innerliner aligns with and display through the window, wherein the selected portion of the innerliner includes graphic content for display through the window.

24. A shoe comprising:

a sole; and

an upper attached to the sole, wherein the upper has a first transparent window formed therein, the first window having a shape defined by an opening and further including a material disposed across the opening, the material being selected such that an interior of the shoe is visible.

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