Abstract:
A pair of flexible shoes have an outer sole, a foam mid-sole, and an inner sole as well as an upper portion. Each of the shoes may be rolled or folded into a compact configuration and have a sandal configuration. The folded shoes may be stored in a container such as a pouch or case for convenient carrying, such as in the wearer&#39;s purse or handbag, for use upon need. For example, a wearer may want to change to more stylish and/or more comfortable shoes after work or to change to a pair of sandals after receiving a pedicure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/720,245, filed Sep. 23, 2005 for a “Flexible Shoe and Pouch,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes permitted by law and regulation. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    None. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention is directed to footwear. In particular, the present invention is directed to flexible shoes such as sandals and containers for the same. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    A number of sandals and “flip-flops” are known that have some flexibility. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,853 to Smejkal discloses a shoe sole which is convertible into a shoe. More particularly, a shoe sole is constituted of a flexible material wherein predetermined notch-like cut-outs and incisions may be provided in the shoe sale, with the latter being in a generally planar condition while not in use or when adapted to be stored and/or carried, and whereby the shoe sole may then be bent along the predetermined incision lines so as to cause deformed or bent portions thereof to engage into respective of the cut-outs or notches so as to form a foot-receiving shoe structure; for example, in the nature of a beach shoe, thong, sandal or the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,496 to Sharpstein and U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,736 to Bierk disclose thong sandals that include flexible soles cut to provide straps for placing around the heel of the foot and a tab for griping between the wearer&#39;s toes. These thong-type sandals are simple and inexpensive. The soles have a single layer construction (Smejkal and Bierk) or two-layer construction (Sharpstein), in which a cushioned upper surface is provided by a first layer made of foam rubber bonded to a second layer made of high density rubber. Although the material of the soles of the thong-type sandals disclosed in these references has some flexibility, as shown by the bending of selected portions of the sole to make straps, thongs, and the like for engagement with the wearer&#39;s foot, the bending of the entire sole into a compact configuration is not disclosed. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,538 B2 to Kraft discloses a thin sandal made for reef and river walking that has a sponge-top layer (for comfort) directly fixed to a rubber sole as well as a single continuous adjustable elastic strap. Kraft teaches that the sandal may be slipped into a user&#39;s pocket when he is swimming, surfing, etc. U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,372 to Pan discloses a “thong” type sandal having a sole of “appropriate pliability” joined to an upper layer consisting of a breathable body made of a plurality of elastic filaments. Neither Kraft nor Pan teaches folding his sandals into a compact configuration. 
         [0008]    Collapsible footwear is known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,490,916 to Miller discloses a flexible slipper or sandal that can be completely collapsed by tucking the heel portion into the toe portion. U.S. Pat. No. 2,252,315 to Doree discloses a foldable “scuff” or slipper that may be rolled or folded into a compact shape about an elastic shank portion “so that the counter portion may be tucked into the vamp portion.” 
         [0009]    The sandals and slippers described so far have had a very practical and utilitarian look. More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,327 B1 to Tartaglia, et al. has disclosed a more attractive footwear assembly that is structured to be collapsible. The footwear assembly comprises a sole including a front portion and a rear portion movably interconnected by an intermediate segment. An outer sole is connected to an undersurface of the sole in corresponding relation to the front portion of the sole and a heel is connected to the undersurface of the sole in corresponding relation to the rear portion of the sole. The sole is preferably made of a leather material and the front portion and the heel are made of a rubbery material. An upper such as a thong extends along at least a portion of the length of the sole, depending upon the style of the footwear, wherein the upper and the sole are preferably structured to define the sandal configuration which may vary in style. The intermediate portion includes sufficient flexibility to significantly reduce the size of the sandal by folding the sole into a stored orientation defined by the front and rear portions disposed in at least partially overlying relation to one another. A pouch-like container is provided that is dimensioned and configured to receive and maintain at least a pair of the sandals on the interior thereof, when in the stored orientation. 
         [0010]    Tartaglia, et al. note the lack of success of convertible footwear and observe that “an individual going to work on a normal business schedule, but intending to attend a different event thereafter, may initially wear more practical, everyday business shoes during the daytime or normal business hours. Later that person may be desirous and changing into more stylistic, decorative and/or comfortable shoes during the evening. As such, an improved footwear assembly could be structured to be selectively disposed between a normal, operable orientation intended for wearing and then be converted into a stored, reduced-size orientation. The reduced size of the stored orientation would facilitate carrying and storage thereof until the improved footwear is intended for use.” Rather than attempting to convert the appearance of the shoes worn during the day, the wearer simply carries a pair of shoes that have the desired qualities for use later in the day. The reduced size of the shoes in the stored orientation permits the wearer to store them in her handbag, for example, for later use. 
         [0011]    The Tartaglia, et al. sandals may have the potential to be more fashionable than the sandals and other footwear that were discussed earlier. However, the Tartaglia, et al. sandals are not very comfortable nor are they very flexible, because the outer sole and the heel of Tartaglia, et al. sandals are fairly rigid. 
         [0012]    A need exists, therefore, for footwear that can be folded or collapsed for convenient carrying in a container or the like and that is comfortable. A need also exists for footwear that can be stored so as to be available for emergency use, such as may be caused by a sudden change of plans, and will be comfortable. Furthermore, a need exists for footwear that can be carried by a wearer whereby the wearer can switch to footwear that will not disrupt the polish or other aspects of a pedicure. In addition, a need exists for portable footwear that a wearer can carry for use while traveling, or because her regular “heels” are hurting her. Preferably, such footwear should be capable of being made to be attractive so that it will be sought out by “fashionistas” to wear. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The invention meets the needs set forth above and has additional advantages. 
         [0014]    In a preferred aspect of the invention, a flexible shoe is provided comprising a sole having a longitudinal and transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of a wearer, the sole comprising an outer sole comprising a sheet of a flexible material, a cushioning midsole connected to the upper surface of the outer sole, an upper portion in overlying relation to the insole for engaging a foot of a wearer; wherein the flexible shoe may be rolled up into a stored orientation. 
         [0015]    The flexible shoe according to this embodiment may have an outer sole having a front portion and a rear portion joined by an intermediate portion, and the stored orientation comprises the outer sole being folded at the intermediate portion so that the front and rear portions are in substantially overlying relation to one another. The outer sole may be uniformly flexible and the stored orientation may comprise a rolled-up configuration. The midsole may be comprised of a foam material. 
         [0016]    The flexible shoe according to this embodiment may further comprise an insole overlying the midsole and the insole may be made of a fabric and may be connected to the upper surface of the outer sole at a periphery thereof. 
         [0017]    The upper portion of the flexible shoe may be attached to the outer sole. It may comprise a strap attached at two ends thereof to the outer sole and an intermediate portion of the strap is in overlying relation to the midsole. The upper portion may further comprise a second strap attached at one end thereof to the outer sole in spaced relationship to the ends of the first strap and at an other end to the first strap. The flexible shoe according to this embodiment may have a sandal configuration with thongs as the upper portion or it may have an upper portion of another configuration, such as wherein the upper portion defines a closed end for receiving the front of the foot of a wearer. 
         [0018]    In another preferred aspect of the invention, a footwear kit is provided comprising a flexible shoe comprising a sole having a longitudinal and transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of a wearer and comprising an outer sole comprising a sheet of a flexible material, a cushioning midsole connected to the upper surface of the outer sole, and an upper portion in overlying relation to the insole for engaging a foot of a wearer; wherein the flexible shoe may be rolled up into a stored orientation; and a container disposed to receive the flexible shoe when in the stored orientation and maintain the flexible shoe in the stored orientation. 
         [0019]    The footwear kit may further comprise an additional flexible shoe wherein the flexible shoes comprise a pair of flexible shoes for the two feet of a wearer. The container may be a pouch having a compartment and an opening, the opening being secured by a drawstring or a case having a compartment and an opening, the opening being secured by a zipper. 
         [0020]    In a further preferred aspect of the invention, a flexible shoe is provided comprising a sole having a longitudinal and a transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of a wearer and comprising an outer sole for contacting the ground having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a periphery, the outer sole being made of a flexible sheet; a cushioning foam midsole connected to the upper surface of the outer sole; and an insole overlying the cushioning midsole and connected to the periphery of the outer sole; an upper portion attached at ends thereof to the outer sole in overlying relation to the insole for engaging a foot of a wearer; wherein the flexible shoe has a predetermined flexibility whereby the flexible shoe may be rolled up into a storage orientation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a left side view of an embodiment of the flexible shoe according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a right side view of an embodiment of the flexible shoe according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the flexible shoe shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a bottom side view of the flexible shoe shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a section view of the flexible shoe shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along the plane  5 - 5  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  shown folded into a compact configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a left side view of the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  shown folded into a compact configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8A  is a left side view of the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  shown in a rolled or curled-up configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  in the rolled or curled-up configuration of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0031]      FIGS. 9A ,  9 B, and  9 C are side views of a first preferred embodiment of a container in the form of a pouch with a drawstring for containing flexible shoes in accordance with the present invention.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  show the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  in hidden line as folded in the configuration of  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  FIG. 9C  shows the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  in hidden line as rolled in the configuration of  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
           [0032]      FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  10 C are perspective views of a second preferred embodiment of a container in the form of a zippered case for containing flexible shoes in accordance with the present invention.  FIGS. 10A and 10B  show the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  in hidden line as folded in the configuration of  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  FIG. 10C  shows the flexible shoe of  FIG. 1  in hidden line as rolled in the configuration of  FIGS. 8A and 8B . 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a left side view of a second, dosed toe, embodiment of the flexible shoe according to the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of the flexible shoe shown in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a front end view of the flexible shoe shown in  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0036]    The flexible shoes disclosed herein will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the flexible shoes and containers disclosed herein are shown. The same numbers for components and features are used where applicable. 
         [0037]    As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a flexible shoe  1  or  30  preferably, but not necessarily, having the form of a sandal. It is emphasized that in the informative description of the various preferred embodiments of the present invention the flexible shoes  1  or  30  may comprise a variety of different footwear structures other than the one or more sandal configurations represented in  FIGS. 1 through 13 . The flexible shoes and containers disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth in this specification. 
         [0038]    A first preferred embodiment of a flexible shoe  1  is shown in  FIGS. 1-8B . A second preferred embodiment of a flexible shoe  30  is shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . Only one flexible shoe  1  or  30  is shown but it will be understood that the flexible shoe  1  or  30  generally will be supplied in a pair, for wearing on the left foot and the right foot of a human being.  FIGS. 9A-10B  show two currently preferred embodiments of containers  20  and  24  for receiving and containing the flexible shoe  1  or  30 . 
         [0039]    The flexible shoe  1  or  30  has a sole  2  having a longitudinal and transverse dimension sufficient to support the foot of the wearer. The sole  2  will preferably comprise three layers. The outer sole  3  preferably is constructed from a single piece of a durable and flexible sheet, preferably made of rubber. The outer sole  3  may also be constructed of other materials such as leather, Pleather (artificial leather), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and synthetic rubber. An example of a suitable thickness of the outer sole  3  is about three (3) millimeters. A thickness in the range two (2) millimeters to five (5) millimeters is preferred although a range of one (1) millimeter to twenty (20) millimeters is acceptable. The choice of thickness of the outer sole  3  depends to some extent on the stiffness or flexibility of the material chosen. A stiffer material will require a thinner outer sole  3 , all other factors being equal, so that the flexible shoe  1  (or  30 ) will be able to flex into a stored or compact orientation as discussed below. 
         [0040]    The outer sole  3  has a front portion  4 , an intermediate portion  5 , and a rear portion  6  and an outer side periphery  7 . The front portion  4 , the intermediate portion  5 , and the rear portion  6  are integrally joined together because, as described above, the outer sole  3  preferably is of single piece construction. The side of the outer sole  3  that contacts the ground may be provided with ridges or other features that will increase grip and prevent slipping on smooth and/or wet surfaces, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  8 A, and  8 B. 
         [0041]    A midsole  9  substantially overlies the top side of the outer sole  3 . The midsole  9  preferably is adhered to the outer sole  3  with a cement or glue. Preferably, the midsole  9  is made from one or more sheets of foam material, such as PVC or EVA or a combination of both PVC and EVA or other “textured” foam for adhesion and added comfort. The midsole  9  may have a dual layer construction in which two sheets of foam are adhered to each other or one sheet of foam is adhered to a sheet of gauze. 
         [0042]    A preferred range of suitable thickness of the midsole  9  is three (3) millimeters to five (5) millimeters, although a range of one (1) millimeter to fifteen (15) millimeters is acceptable. The midsole  9  generally will be made of a softer and more compressible material than that of the outer sole  3  and therefore may be made thicker than the outer sole  3  without causing the shoe  1  or  30  to lose flexibility, although a thicker midsole  9  will cause the flexible shoe  1  or  30  to be bulkier and to take up more space when in the stored configuration discussed below. 
         [0043]    An insole  11  substantially overlies the top side of the midsole  9 . The insole  11  preferably is made from a sheet of a fabric or knit material. A vast range of fabrics and knits are physically suitable for service as the insole  11  and the actual choice will therefore be on the basis of appearance. 
         [0044]    The insole  11  is preferably folded around the midsole  9  so that its edge is tucked under the midsole  9 . The folded-under portions of the insole  11  are adhered directly to the outer sole  3  with a thin layer of cement or glue. 
         [0045]    A preferred method of forming the overall sole  2  of the flexible shoe  1  or  30  comprises the steps of cutting the materials for an outer sole  3 , a midsole  9 , and an insole  11 , placing the insole  11  on top of the midsole  9  and folding the edge of the insole  11  under the periphery of the midsole  9 , placing an adhesive such as a cement or glue on the bottom of the midsole  9  and the folded-under portions of the insole  11  (or, optionally, on the top side of the outer sole  3 ), and contacting the bottom of the midsole  9  and the folded-under portions of the insole  11  to the outer sole  3 . Optionally, an additional step of raising the temperature of the sole  2  may be employed to cure the adhesive cement or glue. 
         [0046]    Alternatively, the insole  11  and the midsole  9  may be attached to the outer sole  3  by sewing. 
         [0047]    It will be understood that although the currently preferred embodiment discussed herein has an insole covering the top of a midsole, an insole need not be provided. An insole does give an attractive appearance but a midsole made of a sufficiently durable material by itself may be satisfactory for providing comfort to the wearer while standing and walking. 
         [0048]    The flexible shoe  1  has an upper portion  13  in overlying relation to the insole  11  for engaging a foot of a wearer, as shown in the preferred embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8B . The upper portion  13  has two straps (or thongs)  15  and  16 . The strap  16  is secured at both ends thereof to the outer sole  3 . One end of the strap  16  is attached to the outer sole  3  at the front portion  4  of the outer sole  3  and the other end of the strap  16  is attached to the outer sole  3  at the intermediate portion  5  of the outer sole  3 . The strap  15  is secured at one end thereof to the outer sole  3  at the intermediate portion  5  of the outer sole  3 . The other end of the strap  15  is attached to the strap  16  by a sliding loop  17  formed in that end of the strap  15  around the strap  16 . 
         [0049]    Together, the straps  15  and  16  form two loops into which the wearer places the front of her foot in the well known thong style. The strap  15  may be adjusted by moving the loop  17  along the strap  16  as indicated by the arrow  14 . 
         [0050]    The configuration of the upper portion  13  may be varied. For example, the straps  15  and  16  may be fastened to each other rather than having a sliding connection. Persons of skill in the art will readily recognize that other configurations of the thong-type upper portion  13  are possible. 
         [0051]    The straps  15  and  16  may be made of cotton twill, microfiber, terrycloth, suede, leather, rubber, felt or satin. Any fabrics are acceptable and can be used, including synthetic man made materials. In addition, decorative ornaments (not shown) may be attached to the straps  15  and  16  to enhance the appearance of the wearer&#39;s foot. One appropriate place for a decorative ornament would be the loop  17 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 11-13  show a second embodiment  30  of a flexible shoe that is different from the first embodiment  1  only in the construction of the upper portion  32 . As will be seen in those drawings, the upper portion  32  has the appearance of forming a pocket into which the wearer places the front of her foot. The upper portion  32  may be made of any of the materials described for the upper portion  13  of the flexible shoe  1 . 
         [0053]    The embodiments  1  and  30  of the flexible shoe described above have a sandal format, wherein a sandal is an open type of shoe, consisting of a sole held to the wearer&#39;s foot by straps or thongs. A sandal generally reveals most or all of the foot to view. The upper portion of a sandal may be a thong that passes between the big and second toe, or by a strap that passes over the arch of the foot, with or without a heel strap. It will be understood that a flexible shoe according to this disclosure could have an upper portion like that of a sandal or of any other shoe, for that matter, consistent with being put into a compact configuration as described below. 
         [0054]    The flexible shoe  1  or  30  may be folded as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The soles  2  are sufficiently thin and flexible that they may be folded so that the insole  11  adjacent the front portion  4  of the outer sole  3  preferably is in contact with the insole  11  adjacent the back portion  6  of the outer sole  3 , the fold occurring in the intermediate portion  5  of the outer sole  3  and the superposed portions of the midsole  9  and insole  11 . The flexible shoe  1  or  30  will be much more compact and can be stored in a smaller space. The flexible shoe  1  or  30  can be folded more than once. 
         [0055]    Alternatively, the flexible shoe  1  or  30  could be rolled or curled up into a compact, generally cylindrical shape, as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . A compact stored configuration of the flexible shoe  1  or  30  will enable the wearer or owner to more easily carry the flexible shoe  1  or  30  in her purse or hand bag. 
         [0056]    A pair of flexible shoes  1  or  30  may be supplied as a kit with a container. The container may be a pouch  20  as shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C  or a case  24  as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C . Preferably, the pouch  20  or case  24  will comprise an outer layer of the same material as the shoe with an inner nylon lining. As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the pouch  20  or case  24  may be closeable with a tie cord  22  (pouch  20 ), or with a zipper  26  (case  24 ) as shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C . 
         [0057]    While illustrative embodiments of the flexible shoes and containers disclosed herein have been shown and described in the above description, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.