Patent Publication Number: US-11388948-B2

Title: Footwear with adjustable height platform and interchangeable platform layers

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to platform footwear, such as platform sneakers, wherein the user may vary the height of the platform. 
     CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     (Not applicable) 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     (Not applicable) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A conventional article of footwear includes two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure is secured permanently to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (i.e., imparting cushioning), the sole structure may provide traction and control foot motions, such as pronation. Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable structure that is suited for a variety of ambulatory activities, such as walking and running. 
     The sole structure of footwear generally exhibits a layered configuration that may include a comfort-enhancing insole, a resilient midsole formed from a polymer foam material, and a ground-contacting outsole that provides both abrasion-resistance and traction. The midsole is the primary sole structure element that imparts cushioning and controls foot motions. Suitable polymer foam materials for the midsole include ethylvinylacetate or polyurethane, which compress resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground reaction forces created by the impacts of running and jumping. Conventional polymer foam materials are resiliently compressible, in part, due to the inclusion of a plurality of open or closed cells that define an inner volume substantially filled with gas. The polymer foam materials of the midsole may also absorb energy when compressed during ambulatory activities. The compression of the foam is affected by hysteresis loss, and deflection of such systems is affected by the volume of the compressed mass of the midsole. 
     The mechanical structures of the footwear must be capable of providing rigidity to accommodate in-use stresses while remaining compliant enough to provide impact absorption. The variety of rates, magnitudes and distributions of the loads encountered in use also require a non-buckling, progressive stiffness structure to properly handle different activities, surfaces, and uses of the footwear. 
     The prior art includes platform shoes as well as platform sneakers. 
     It would be desirable to provide a simple, highly efficient structure with low production costs and simplified manufacturing processes. It would also be desirable to provide an article of footwear that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain embodiments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventive footwear comprises an upper and an outsole with one to three platform inserts in between. The platform inserts are held in place by three metal screws which extend vertically from the upper through holes in the platform inserts. The screws can be removed and changed for screws of different sizes to accommodate a desired number of platform inserts. 
     The screws are each secured to the upper by means of a metal bolt and a metal washer which are embedded in the upper. Hook and loop fastening materials, such as those sold under the trademark Velcro, are used for secure platform inserts to each other and to the upper and the outsole. A layer of hooks is attached, for example, to the bottom of the upper by a layer of glue. The layer of hooks covers the bolts and washers and the screws protrude through the layer of hooks via holes. The layer of hooks attaches to a layer of loop material that is glued to the top of the platform insert. Each platform insert is made up of a layer of loops on top attached by a layer of glue to a layer of foam. A layer of hook material is attached to the bottom of the layer of foam by a layer of glue. Alternatively, the hooks and loops may be interchanged. The outsole includes a layer of loops attached to a layer of plastic with grooves by a layer of glue. The layer of hooks on the bottom of the upper attaches to the layer of loops on the top of the platform insert. The layer of hooks on the bottom of the platform insert attaches to either the layer of loops on the top of the next platform insert or the layer of loops on top of the outsole. 
     Further in accordance with the invention, an item of platform footwear or a kit for assembly of the same comprises a footwear housing configured to house the foot of a wearer. The footwear housing comprises (i) a footwear housing upper portion, and (ii) a footwear housing sole portion. The footwear housing sole portion has a bottom side. One or more platform layers have a top side and a bottom side, and are adapted to be secured to two other platform layers and/or to the bottom side of the housing sole portion. An outer sole is adapted to be secured to the bottom side of one of the platform layers and/or the bottom side of the housing sole portion. 
     The inventive platform shoe kit may comprise a housing portion for housing the foot of the wearer. A bottom portion supports the foot of the wearer. The bottom portion has an upper support surface. 
     One or more platform layer members may be adapted to be secured to one another and to the bottom portion of the housing portion. 
     A sole may be adapted to be secured to the bottom of one of the platform layers. 
     The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of alignment members securable to the bottom portion, and wherein the platform portions define holes for receiving said alignment members. 
     In accordance with the invention first connection members may be secured to the first sides of said platform layer members and second connection members may be secured to the second sides of said platform layer members. The second connection members may mate with and engage the first connection members. 
     A sole connection member may be secured to the sole member and adapted to be secured to one of the platform layer members. 
     The lower support surface of said bottom portion of said housing portion of said left shoe may be a mirror image of the lower support surface of said bottom portion of said housing portion of the right shoe. The first and second connection members may mate with each other. The bottom portion of the lower support surface of the housing portion of the left shoe kit may be adhered to one of the first connection members. The bottom portion of the lower support surface of the housing portion of the right shoe kit may be adhered to one of the second connection members. The sole connection member of the left shoe kit maybe adhered to one of the second connection members and the sole connection member of the right shoe kit maybe adhered to one of the first connection members, whereby said platform layer members may be used interchangeably in said right and left shoes. 
     The first and second connection members may be hook and loop fastening members. 
     The first and second connection members may be mating plastic snap members. 
     The first and second connection members may be north and south poles of magnetic members. 
     The platform layer members may be roughly flatish. 
     The housing portion, platform layer members and sole may be assembled together to form a shoe. 
     A plurality of alignment members may be securable to the bottom portion. The platform portions may define holes for receiving the alignment members. 
     A ribbon or lip member may hide the junction between adjacent parts of the shoe formed by the kit. 
     The platform layer members maybe sculptural. 
     The connection members may be snaps about which the platform layer members are molded. 
     The kit may further comprise a plurality of alignment members securable to the footwear housing sole portion, and wherein the platform portions define holes for receiving the alignment members. 
     The kit or shoe may further comprise an alignment member supports, the alignment member supports incorporating support surfaces and wherein the alignment members are configured to mate with and engage the support surfaces. 
     The alignment member support surfaces may comprise the threads of a tapped hole defined by the alignment member supports and the alignment members may comprise a threaded portion. 
     The alignment member support surfaces may comprise a bayonet retention surface and the alignment members may comprise a pair of bayonet studs. 
     The top surface of the platform layers and the outer sole are covered with a layer of a first type of attachment structure. The bottom surface of the platform layers and the bottom side of the footwear housing sole portion are covered with a layer of a second type of attachment structure the first type of attachment structure mating with the second type of attachment structure. 
     The first type of attachment structure may be a loop material. The second type of attachment structure may be a hook material. 
     One of the platform layers may be a three-dimensional sculpture. 
     There may be three of the platform layers, and the platform layers may be configured to form a smoothly flaring out member when engaged with one another. 
     The footwear housing may be a sneaker footwear housing, a leather shoe footwear housing, a sandal footwear housing or other type of footwear housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The structure of the inventive platform footwear will become apparent from the following description of the invention applied in the context of a sneaker, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a sneaker illustrating a general implementation of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is front view of the front of the inventive sneaker; 
         FIG. 3  is a class-sectional view of a platform sneaker constructed in accordance with the present invention along lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the platform sneaker illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional diagrammatic view illustrating a detail of the construction of the platform sneaker of the present invention which enables one or more platform members to be used and result in a platform sneaker of varying height, or which, alternatively, enables assembly of the sneaker with a simple treaded sole without any platform member; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates alignment members for use in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  to result in a high platform; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates alignment members for use with only two platform members resulting in a somewhat less elevated platform sneaker; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates alignment members for use with only one platform member resulting in a modestly elevated platform sneaker; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a platform sneaker with a smooth uniform platform matching the sole of the sneaker portion of the platform sneaker; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the platform sneaker of  FIG. 9  illustrating its flared out width implemented for the purpose of imparting greater stability and ease of use two wearers who are not familiar with platform sneakers or who have not regularly use the same and may not have muscles strong enough to safely use the same; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative guide member set with only partial threading suitable for use with three platform members; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an alternative guide member set with only partial threading suitable for use with two platform members; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates yet another alternative guide member set with only partial threading suitable for use with a single platform member. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention featuring a hotdog sculpture; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the platform smoothly conforms to the shape of the sole of the sneaker portion of the sneaker; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the sneaker of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a cylindrical member for accurately aligning the outsole and platform layers with the upper shoe housing during assembly of the inventive platform footwear; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical member of  FIG. 17 ; and 
         FIG. 19  is a view of yet another alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the inventive platform sneaker; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the sneaker of  FIG. 20 ; and 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of a pair of yet another alternative embodiment of the inventive sneakers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the inventive customizable platform sneaker  10  comprises a sneaker portion  12 . In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that sneaker portion  12  may be replaced by a sneaker portion of any desired design such as the many sneaker designs which are currently on the market. Likewise, sneaker portion  12  may be replaced with a shoe portion, such as saddle shoes, wingtip shoes, Balmoral shoes, and so forth. 
     Sneaker portion  12  comprises a footwear upper portion  14  and a footwear sole portion  16 . Sole portion bottom surface  18  ( FIG. 5 ) bears a layer of glue  20 , which secures Velcro attachment loop fabric  22  (such as that sold under the trademark Velcro), which, on its surface, includes numerous loops  24  and is of conventional design. 
     The next layer in the inventive sneaker  10  comprises attachment hook fabric  26  (such as that sold under the trademark Velcro). Attachment hook fabric  26  has hooks  28 , and is of conventional design. Hooks  28  mate with loops  24 . Attachment hook fabric  26  is secured to a platform layer  30  by a layer of glue  32 . During use, hooks  28  engage loops  24  and provide adhesion between the bottom surface of sole portion  16  and the top portion of platform layer  30 . 
     Similar to Velcro attachment fabric  22 , attachment fabric  34  is glued to the bottom surface  36  of platform layer  30  and has hooks  38  on its bottom surface. Hooks  38  mate with loops  40  on the top surface of hook fabric  42 . Hook attachment fabric  42  is glued to the top surface  46  of platform layer  44 . 
     In similar fashion, attachment loop fabric  48  is glued to the bottom surface of platform layer  44 . Attachment loop fabric  48  bears loops  50  on its bottom surface. Attachment hook fabric  52  bearing hooks  53  on its top surface is glued to the top surface  54  of platform layer  56 . 
     The bottom surface  58  of platform layer  56  is glued to attachment fabric  60  which bears loops  62  on its bottom surface. Loops  62  mate with hooks  64  on the top surface of hook attachment fabric  66 . Hook attachment fabric  66  is, in turn, glued to the top surface  68  of treaded outer sole  70  which includes treads  72  and heel  74 . 
     The mating hooks and loops on adjacent hook attachment fabric layers and loop attachment fabric layers engage each other to provide for adhesion between the adjacent hook attachment fabric layers and loop attachment fabric layers. This combined with the action of the glue results in making the platform portion of the inventive shoe  10  a solid object. 
     In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that the parts illustrated in constructed form in  FIG. 1 , and illustrated in exploded perspective in  FIG. 4  will be assembled by the user. Such assembly is facilitated by alignment members  76 , which pass through holes  78  in the various members, and thus ensure proper positioning of the various elements of the inventive platform sneaker. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , alignment members  76  may be made of a simple threaded bar, and are secured to sole portion  16  by being screwed into threaded metal nuts  78 . Nuts  78  may be of the type which are welded to a metal washer  80 , thus ensuring that they are well anchored in sole portion  16 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that sole portion  16  would be molded with nuts  78  and washers  80  in place during molding. 
     Alternatively, both the nut and washer may be injection molded of plastic, such as the polymer sold under the trademark Nylon. 
     The three alignment members  76  included in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-5  are illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Alignment members  76  making made of metal or plastic. In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that these three long alignment members would be used in the case of the assembly of a platform sneaker with three platform layers, thus resulting in a platform sneaker of relatively high dimension. If, on the other hand, it is desired to have a platform sneaker of somewhat shorter height, the alignment members  82  illustrated in  FIG. 7  may be utilized. 
     Alternatively, if relatively short platforms are desired, only a single platform layer may be used and the alignment members  84  illustrated in  FIG. 8  may be employed. 
     Turning to  FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment of an inventive sneaker  110  is illustrated. Sneaker  110  has three platform layers  130 ,  144 , and  156  which match the shape of sole portion  116 , and a tread member  170  for a smooth unitary appearance. Moreover, in order to enhance stability, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , platform layers  130 ,  144 , and  156  and sole portion  116  flare out in width. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , alternative partially threaded alignment members  286  may be employed in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-10 . In contrast to the alignment members in  FIGS. 6-8 , which are threaded along the entire length, the alignment members illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13  are only threaded along a limited portion of their length, as illustrated. In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that the three long alignment members of  FIG. 11  would be used in the case of the assembly of a platform sneaker with three platform layers, thus resulting in a platform sneaker of relatively high dimension. If, on the other hand, it is desired to have a platform sneaker of somewhat shorter height, alignment members  286  illustrated in  FIG. 12  may be utilized. 
     Alternatively, if relatively short platforms are desired, only a single platform layer may be used and the alignment members  286  illustrated in  FIG. 13  may be employed. 
     In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that the platform may be formed by any of a wide variety of arbitrary sculptural shapes, provided that the same provide the required mechanical support. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a sneaker  310  constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The platform effect is achieved, in part, in sneaker  310  by a hotdog shaped sculpture  330 , in this case comprising a hotdog between a pair of hotdog roll halves. 
     Sculpture  330  is glued to loop attachment fabric loop  326 . Loop attachment fabric  326  mates with hook attachment fabric  322  which is glued to the underside of sole portion  316 . In similar fashion, the bottom of sculpture  330  is glued to hook attachment fabric  334  which mates with loop attachment fabric  342 . Loop attachment fabric  342  is glued to the top of tread member  370 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 15-16 , a sneaker  410  constructed in accordance with the present invention and featuring sole and platform members which match the shape of the platforms and the sole of the speaker portion of the inventive sneaker is illustrated. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the width of the inventive platform sneaker  410  may be flared out for stability. 
     In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that more than three or fewer than three platform layers may be employed. Likewise, it is contemplated that the platform layers may be printed with decorative markings, such as stars, smile faces, thumbs-up signs, and so forth. In addition, platform layers may be of various thicknesses, for example ranging from 0.5 cm to as large a platform as the wearer is able to walk on, for example, 25 cm or even thicker. The same can be included in a kit form including a number of platform layers, alignment posts, shoe housings and outer soles. Multiple housings may also be provided, allowing the user to change the look of his shoes from day to day, or even from hour to hour. 
     What is referred to herein as an “outer soul” or an “outsole” is the layer of sole that is exposed to the ground. Due to the amount of wear and stress this part of the shoe receives it is usually made of a very durable material. It is also important that it provides enough friction with the floor to prevent the wearer from slipping. This can be done by the provision of treads or other articulations in the surface of the outer soul. 
     In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that the user will put the platform shoe together using the Velcro™-type fastener material. Later the user may elect to take the shoe apart and either add an additional platform layer or layers, or remove some of the platform layers, or switch them out for different layers or sculptures. Multiple sculptures are also possible, for example, platform layers may comprise such things as the top and bottom of a hotdog bun, a hotdog, a layer of sauerkraut, a mouse, or anything likely to project a desired aesthetic. 
     An alternative kit approach is to dispense with the use of Velcro™-type fastener and, instead, provide the user with a of glue to permanently secure the desired platform layers in position to the outer sole and the housing of the shoe. It is contemplated that multiple parts may be included in the kit allowing the user to select those parts which he wishes to use and construct a platform show of suitable height and style. 
     Also, in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to dispense with use of the alignment members. For example, the platform layers may be aligned by eye and secured with the hook and loop fabric fasteners. 
     Still yet another alternative in accordance with the present invention is the use of an outside cylindrical guide  580  whose cross-section matches the cross-section of the outsole and platform layers, as illustrated in  FIGS. 17-18 . In  FIG. 17 , guide  580  is illustrated in perspective, while in  FIG. 18 , guide  580  is illustrated in cross-section with the inventive footwear. In accordance with this embodiment, when it is desired to assemble the inventive platform footwear, the outsole is first put into cylindrical guide  580 . Next any number of platform layers are inserted into guide  580  and each secured to the layer underneath. Finally, the footwear upper portion is inserted into guide  580  and the shoe is completed. In this arrangement, the platform footwear is held together only by the hook and loop attachment layers, which are glued to their respective footwear upper portion, platform layers and outsole. 
     In accordance with the invention, platform layers need not be of uniform thickness. For example, they can be sloped to be thinner in the front and thicker toward the heel (for example simulating the effect of a raised heel), or vice versa. In this sort of arrangement, the distance that the heel is raised may be varied by the selection of an appropriate platform layer or multiple platform layers. Likewise, layers, for example of different colors, which slope upwardly at the heel may be combined with layers which slope downwardly at the heel to provide an interesting aesthetic when viewed from the side. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the inventive footwear  610  may include a flat platform layer  1630  such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1-18 , but may also include a curved platform layer  1629  and a plurality of wedge shaped platform layers  1631 . As a yet further alternative, wedge shaped layers  1631  may be permanently incorporated into sneaker portion  1612 , and only flat platform layers used. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , another alternative embodiment of the inventive platform sneaker  610  is illustrated. In this embodiment, sneaker  610  is constructed in a manner substantially identical to that of the early embodiment except as noted. More particularly, sneaker  610  includes a sole portion  616 . Sole portion  616  is made of rubber (for example high density foam rubber) which may be made by being injected into a mold. A snap receiving member  611  is placed in the mold prior to injection molding, whereby snap receiving female member  611  has the rubber of which sole portion  616  is made molded around and secured to snap receiving member  611 . 
     Female snap member  611  may be made of a relatively rigid plastic, typical of mechanical snaps. Female snap member  611  has a socket  613  incorporated therein. 
     A platform layer  630  incorporates a male snap member  615 . Integrally formed with male snap member  615  is a knob  617 . Knob  617  mates with socket  613 . Knob  617  and female snap member  611  are both made of similar or the same materials and may be made by injection molding. 
     As illustrated mostly clearly in  FIG. 18 , sole portion  616  secured to platform layer  630  by the action of female snap member  611  and male snap member  615 .  FIG. 8 , for purposes of illustration, three pairs of snap members  611 ,  615  are illustrated. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the snap members would be smaller than illustrated and would be distributed across the length and the width of platform layer  630 . For example, fifteen snap member might be used to secure platform layer  632  sole portion  660 . 
     Likewise, fifteen pairs of snap members  611 ,  615  may be used to secure platform layer  630  to platform to layer  656 . Similarly, fifteen pairs of snap members  611 ,  615  may be used to secure platform layer  656  to treaded sole  670 . 
     In accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS. 20-21 , the aesthetic appearance of the shoe is improved through the use of overlying ribbon members  673 . Uppermost ribbon member  673  is secured to sole portion  616  at surface  675 . It may be secured using glue, heat activated glue, or other type of glue. Alternatively, the solvent may be used sole portion  616  and ribbon member  673  to form a dope which allows the two members to be secured to each other. 
     Ribbon members  673  also include a lower portion  677  which overlies the platform layer or the treaded sole below the element to which they are secured. For example, sole portion  616  overlies platform layer  630 . The respective ribbon member  673  is secured to sole portion  616 , but is not secured to platform layer  630 . This allows platform layer  630  to be slid against the inside of ribbon member  673  during installation of platform layer  630 , resulting in engagement between male and female snap members  611  and  650 . More particularly, knobs  617  slip and snap into sockets  613 , resulting in securely binding sole portion  616  to platform layer  630 . 
       FIG. 22  is a front view of a pair of sneakers yet another alternative embodiment of the inventive sneakers. In accordance with this embodiment of the inventive platform sneakers (including a left sneaker  710 L and the right sneaker  710 R), additional conveniences provided by configuring all platform layers to be interchangeable. More particularly, as between the left and right foot, platform layers for the respective left and right sneakers are mirror images of each other. By “reversing” the type of connector put on the various parts of the inventive sneaker, platform members which could be positioned on the left sneaker may be flipped over and used on the right sneaker. 
     However, in order to work in the right sneaker, the right sneaker must have the opposite type of mating connector. Thus, sole portion  716 L may be provided with loop-type fastening elements, while sole portion  716 R may be provided with hook-type fastening elements. This carries over to the other layers. More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , in the right sneaker, a hook fabric is used on the bottom of the sole portion and the platform layers, and a loop fabric is used on the top of the platform layers and treaded sole. 
     Similarly, also as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , in the left sneaker, a loop fabric is used on the bottom of the sole portion and the platform layers, and a hook fabric is used on the top of the platform layers and treaded sole. 
     It is noted that this methodology, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , may be used no matter what type of connection is used to assemble the sneakers. For example, hook fabric may be replaced by male snaps and loop fabric may be replaced by female snaps for a snap version of the system. 
     Likewise, hook and loop fabrics may be replaced magnets, for example vinyl polymeric magnets, with hook fabric being replaced by exposed magnet north poles and loop fabric being replaced by replaced by exposed magnet south poles. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the inventive footwear  710  may include a flat platform layer  730  such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1-18 , but may also include a curved platform layer  729  and a plurality of wedge shaped platform layers  731 . As a yet further alternative, wedge shaped layers  731  may be permanently incorporated into sneaker portion  712 , and only flat platform layers used. 
     While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, it is noted that various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above description and drawings. Such modifications are within the scope of the invention which is limited and defined only by the following claims.