Patent Publication Number: US-7213354-B1

Title: Footwear with display element

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/461,308, filed Apr. 8, 2003, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its attachments contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an article of footwear and in particular to footwear having a display element viewable through the outsole and methods of making such an article of footwear. Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for providing footwear in which indicia and colors of a sports team can be viewed through defined portions of the outsole of a shoe. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Athletic or other activewear shoes of a conventional construction generally have three or four separate parts. First, such shoes are provided with an outsole that is made of a durable material and that extends across the lower surface of the shoe. The outsole provides traction, protection, and a durable wear surface. A midsole is joined to the outsole to provide a cushioning layer to the wearer&#39;s foot. An insole is disposed between the midsole and the wearer&#39;s foot for additional cushioning. Usually, an upper formed of leather, synthetics, or other materials is joined to the midsole. The upper is designed to snugly and comfortably enclose the foot. 
     Conventional footwear designs provide decorations, embossed figures, and the like on the outer surface of the shoe soles. Such designs are generally worn off or degraded quickly after use of the footwear. Other footwear constructions utilize the insertion of an inset figure in a recessed area of the sole. While such figures maybe inset so as to be substantially flush with the walking surface of the sole, the figure design often wears off due to pressure of the foot against the shoe and walking or running surface. Also, the design can be obscured by mud and dirt. Other shoe constructions involve embedding plugs in recesses in the outsole of the shoe. Such plugs function to provide reduce skidding, for example, in an infant&#39;s shoe, or to promote sliding, such as in a bowling shoe. These plugs, however, provide little or no decorative effect. 
     Other conventional footwear soles provide an insert for a decorative effect. In such designs, a transparent or translucent window in an outsole allows viewing of the unique design aspects of an insert within the outsole of the shoe. For example, one footwear sole construction provides a decorative insert mounted within a single outer surface ply of the outsole protected by a clear plastic element. In another construction, a footwear sole includes two attached layers. The first layer has an integral display element and is at least semi-transparent such that the display element is observable through the first layer. Yet another design includes an outsole upper surface extending peripherally about the outsole having an aperture in the outsole upper surface. A display article is disposed within the aperture and is observable through a transparent outsole bottom surface. 
     Another shoe sole design has an outsole and a cushioning insert visible through a transparent window located in the sidewall of the sole. The window opening weakens the sidewall and can adversely affect the durability and resiliency of the sole. In another arrangement, a transparent window is recessed into the outsole to prevent scuffing or abrasion which could obscure the view through the window. However, the recessed window has the disadvantage of reducing the wear surface of the sole. 
     In yet another design, a transparent or translucent cleated insert is mounted within an outsole aperture to provide a cleated window forming a portion of the outsole wear surface. A cushioning insert is mounted on top of the cleated window within a pocket in the upper portion of the outsole, such that the inserts are visible through the window so that the wearer can better appreciate the shoe construction and its function. Another disadvantage of conventional decorative shoe sole inserts is that such inserts are mounted in or are integral with the outsole of the shoe and are not easily interchangeable. Moreover, shoe sole display inserts are often provided for their novelty or entertainment value, while purchasers of shoes also seek performance value in terms of both proper support of the shoes and durability. 
     A conventional athletic shoe includes a transparent or translucent sole having a bore extending at least half the length of the sole and a tubular light source inserted into the bore. While this type of athletic shoe design allows for display of a light source which may be interchangeable, the shoe does not provide for display of logo indicia or coordinating team colors through the bottom of an outsole. 
     Thus, there is a need to provide footwear having a display element viewable through the outsole such that the display element is easily interchangeable. There is a need to provide such footwear that have display elements that have a decorative effect, that provide good support to a wearer, and that are not susceptible to increased wear and tear. There is a need for such footwear in which indicia and colors of a sports team can be viewed through defined portions of the outsole of a shoe. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an article of footwear having a display element viewable through the outsole and methods of making such an article of footwear. Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for providing footwear in which colors and indicia of a sports team can be viewed through defined portions of the outsole of a shoe. 
     In an embodiment, an article of footwear includes an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The footwear includes a display element having a shape and a thickness. The display element shape can be circular, oval, or other shape appropriate for display through a shoe outsole. The display element has a color, such as a color that coordinates with team colors of a sports team. In embodiments, the display element can include logo indicia, for example, a team mascot logo or a trademarked sports team logo. 
     In embodiments, a cut-out is formed in the midsole for receiving the display element. The display element has substantially the same shape and thickness as the midsole cut-out. In embodiments, a cut-out is formed in both the midsole and the insole and both cut-outs are aligned with each other. Each cut-out has substantially the same shape as the display element for fittingly receiving the display element. The combined thickness of the midsole cut-out and the insole cut-out is substantially the same as the thickness of the display element. A display element is inserted into either or both cut-outs, depending on the decorative effect desired. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, a display element has substantially the same dimensions as a cut-out into which the display element is inserted. As such, the display element fits snugly in the cut-out, and is further supported in the cut-out by the outsole adjacent to the bottom of the display element and the pressure of a wearer&#39;s foot against the top of the display element. In addition, the top of a display element snugly inserted into a midsole cut-out can be supported in position by the presence of an insole on top of the display element. 
     The outsole includes a transparent portion through which a display element can be viewed from the outsole. In particular embodiments, a display element can be viewed from only the bottom of the outsole so that the display element can be viewed only when the shoe is raised. The midsole cut-out, display element, and outsole transparent portion can be located in the heel portion of the outsole or in the forward portion of the outsole. In embodiments, the outsole transparent portion is located in both the heel portion and the forward portion. Alternative, the entire outsole is transparent. When the display element is inserted into the cut-out in the midsole and/or insole, the display element is viewable through the transparent portion of the outsole. 
     In addition to an outsole, a midsole, a an insole, a display element, and an outsole transparent portion, an article of footwear of the present invention includes an upper attached to the sole and defining a volume for enclosing a wearer&#39;s foot. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, an article of footwear includes a plurality of interchangeable display elements. The display elements can be interchanged in various combinations to coordinate with a school or sports team&#39;s colors and/or logo. For example, if a school&#39;s colors are orange and purple, an orange display element can be used when the team is dressed in predominantly orange uniforms. When the team is dressed in predominantly purple uniforms, purple display elements can be inserted into the cut-out(s). Alternatively, when the team is dressed in orange uniforms, purple display elements can be easily inserted into the cut-out(s) as a contrasting color. Such interchangeable display elements are particularly useful for cheerleading shoes. 
     In embodiments of an article of footwear of the present invention, the shoe sole is formed from a moldable material. The moldable material can be thermoplastic and/or rubber. The midsole can be formed of a resiliently compressible material, such as a foam material. In some embodiments, the midsole foam material is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane, which compress resiliently under an applied load and dampen to provide cushioning. The outsole is preferably formed of a wear-resistant material, such as a carbon-black rubber compound. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include methods of making an article of footwear. One such method includes providing an article of footwear having an outsole, a midsole, and a an insole. The footwear includes a display element having a shape and a thickness. A cut-out having substantially the same shape as the display element is formed in the midsole for receiving the display element. At least a portion of the outsole is formed from a transparent material. The display element is interchangeably inserted into the cut-out. An upper defining a volume for enclosing a wearer&#39;s foot is attached to the shoe sole. When the display element is inserted into the cut-out in the midsole, the display element is viewable through the transparent portion of the outsole. 
     Other embodiments of a method include interchanging a plurality of the display elements. The display elements have a shape, for example, a circular shape or an oval shape. The display elements have a color, preferably a color that coordinates with team colors of a sports team. The display elements can further include logo indicia. 
     The thickness of the display element is the same as the thickness of the mid-sole so that the display element provides proper support to a wearer&#39;s foot. In embodiments, an article of footwear has a cut-out in the midsole and the insole, and both cut-outs are aligned. Both cut-outs have substantially the same shape as the display element for receiving the display element. The thickness of the display element is the same as the combined thicknesses of the mid-sole and the insole the display element provides proper support to a wearer&#39;s foot. 
     The outsole includes a transparent portion through which a display element can be viewed from the bottom of the outsole. The outsole transparent portion can be located in the heel portion of the outsole or in the forward portion of the outsole. In embodiments, the outsole transparent portion is located in both the heel portion and the forward portion. Alternative, the entire outsole is transparent. When the display element is inserted into the cut-out in the midsole and/or insole, the display element is viewable through the transparent portion of the outsole. 
     Features of footwear with a display element viewable through the outsole and methods of making such footwear of the present invention may be accomplished singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the embodiments of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention has wide utility in a number of applications as illustrated by the variety of features and advantages discussed below. 
     Footwear with a display element viewable through the outsole and methods of making such footwear of the present invention provides numerous advantages over prior footwear and methods for making the footwear. For example, the present invention advantageously provides footwear having a display element viewable through the outsole such that the display element is easily interchangeable. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention provides such footwear that have display elements that have a decorative effect. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention provides a non-reduced wear surface of the sole and provide good support to a wearer. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention provides such footwear having normal durability and resilience and that are not susceptible to increased wear and tear. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention provides such footwear in which indicia and colors of a sports team can be viewed through defined portions of the outsole of a shoe. 
     As will be realized by those of skill in the art, many different embodiments of footwear with a display element viewable through the outsole and methods of making such footwear according to the present invention are possible. Additional uses, objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are set forth in the detailed description that follows and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or by practice of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a shoe sole showing an insole lifted away from a midsole, a midsole cut-out, and a display element viewable through the outsole in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a right-foot shoe sole with a display element viewable through the heel and the forward portion of the outsole in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the embodiment of a right-foot shoe sole in  FIG. 2 , having a display element viewable through the heel and the forward portion of the outsole. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a right-foot shoe outsole having a circular display element viewable through the heel and through the forward portion of the outsole in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of a right-foot shoe outsole having an oval display element viewable through the heel and through the forward portion of the outsole in another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of a right-foot shoe shown in  FIG. 7 , illustrating an upper attached to the midsole and outsole and having a display element viewable through the heel and the forward portion of the outsole in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the outsole of the shoe shown in  FIG. 6 , having a display element viewable through the heel and through the forward portion of the outsole. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In embodiments of the present invention, an article of footwear includes a display element viewable through an outsole and methods of making such an article of footwear.  FIGS. 1–7  show such embodiments. For example, in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , an article of footwear  10  comprises a midsole  20  having a cut-out  21  formed in the midsole  20 . The midsole cut-out  21  has a shape  22  and a thickness  23 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the midsole is made of an opaque material  24 . A display element  30  has substantially the same shape  31  and thickness  32  as the midsole cut-out  21  so as to be fittingly insertable into the midsole cut-out  21 . An outsole  40  has a transparent portion  41  (as shown in  FIGS. 2–5 ) overlying the midsole cut-out  21 . When the display element  30  is inserted into the midsole cut-out  21 , the display element  30  is viewable through the transparent portion  41  of the outsole  40 . In embodiments, the display element  30  is viewable from the bottom  42  of the outsole  40  (as shown in  FIGS. 2–5 ). 
     While a right-foot shoe is depicted in  FIG. 1 , it is to be understood that similar elements are also present in embodiments of a left-foot shoe. That is, all elements of the present invention may apply to embodiments of either right-foot and/or left-foot footwear. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the shape  22  of the midsole cut-out  21  and the display element  30  is circular  25 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  5 , the shape  22  of the midsole cut-out  21  and the display element  30  is oval  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 2–5  and  7 , the midsole cut-out  21  is located in both the heel  11  and the forward portion  12  of the outsole  40  of the article of footwear  10 . In embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 1 , the midsole cut-out  21  is located in only the heel  11  of the article of footwear  10 . In other embodiments (not shown), the midsole cut-out  21  is located only in the forward portion  12  of the article of footwear  10 . 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the article of footwear  10  includes a plurality of interchangeable display elements  30 . For example, display elements  30  can comprise one of various desired colors  33 , as shown in  FIGS. 2–5 . The desired color  33  can be a color  33  coordinated with team colors of a sports team. As such, a plurality of display elements  30  are interchangeable in midsole cut-outs  21  such that display elements  30  having colors  33  of a particular school or team can be viewable through the bottom  42  of an outsole  40  of a shoe. By way of illustration, when a team wears particular colors for a “home” game, one color  33  of display elements  30  that coordinates with the “home” color can be displayed through the outsoles  40  of team shoes. When “away” game colors are worn, display elements  30  having colors  33  that coordinate with the “away” game colors can be displayed through the outsoles  40  of team shoes. 
     In addition, in another embodiment, midsole cut-outs  21  for a left-foot shoe and a right-foot shoe have the same dimensions. Accordingly, a display element  30  that has substantially the same dimensions as the left-foot and right-foot shoe midsole cut-outs  21  can be used in either left-foot or right-foot shoe. As such, the display element  30  can be used interchangeably between the left-foot and right-foot shoes. Embodiments of the present invention can include display elements  30  that include logo indicia  34 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In other embodiments, logo indicia  34  can be embedded in the transparent portion  41  of the outsole  40 , such that the logo indicia  34  are visible in front of the display element  30 . 
     As shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 , the article of footwear  10  can an insole  50  having a cut-out (not shown) having substantially the same shape as the midsole cut-out  21  and the display element  30  and aligned with the midsole cut-out  21  for fittingly receiving the display element  30  through the insole cut-out and into the midsole cut-out  21 . In such an embodiment, the display element  30  thickness  32  is substantially the same as the combined thicknesses of the insole cut-out and the midsole cut-out  21 . 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the midsole  20  and/or the display element  30  can be made from a resiliently compressible material  27 ,  35 , respectively. For example, the display element  30  can comprise a foam material or a gel pad. The outsole  40  can be made from a wear-resistant material. The transparent portion  41  of outsole  40  can be based on either thermoplastic or thermosetting resin systems and can be formulated from any elastomeric material that can be made into a clear product with a combination of sufficient strength, flexibility, and durability. Suitable elastomeric materials include synthetic elastomers based on homo and copolymer systems such as polycondensation polymers (for example, polyurethanes), ethylene-propylene based copolymers (for example, EPDM), other synthetic rubber materials (for example, SBR or neoprene), vinyl-based polymers (for example, polyvinyl chloride), polyacrylate copolymers, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , embodiments of the article of footwear  10  can include an upper  60  attached to the midsole  20  and outsole  40  and defining a volume for enclosing a wearer&#39;s foot. In embodiments, a sock liner of an upper  60  is attached to the upper  60 , for example by sewing, such that lifting the insole  50  to remove a display element  30  from and/or place a display element  30  into the midsole cut-out  21  is unimpeded by the sock liner. In embodiments of an article of footwear  10  of the present invention, the sock liner and/or other structures, including the insole  50 , can include a moisture-management material. One such moisture-management material is Drilex, available commercially from the Faytex Corporation of Weymouth, Mass. 
     In another embodiment, the article of footwear  10  includes a midsole  20  having a cut-out  21  formed in the midsole  20 , the cut-out  21  having a shape  22  and a thickness  23 . A midsole insert (not shown) similar to display insert  30  has substantially the same shape as the midsole cut-out  21  so as to be fittingly insertable into the midsole cutout  21  and a thickness less than the thickness  23  of the midsole cut-out  21 . The display element  30  has substantially the same shape  31  as the midsole cut-out  21  so as to be fittingly insertable into the midsole cutout  21  and a thickness  32  less than the thickness  23  of the midsole cut-out  21 . When the display element  30  is inserted into the midsole cut-out  21  and disposed between the midsole insert (not shown) and the outsole  40 , the midsole insert thickness and the display element thickness  32  together are substantially the same as the midsole cut-out  21  thickness  23 . The outsole  40  has a transparent portion  41  overlying the midsole cut-out  21 . In this arrangement, the display element  30  is viewable through the transparent portion  41  of the outsole  40 . In such an embodiment, the midsole insert can comprise a cushioning material or a non-cushioning material. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include methods of making an article of footwear having one or more display element(s) viewable through the bottom of a shoe outsole. One such embodiment of a method includes forming a cut-out  21  in a midsole  20  of the footwear  10 , the cut-out  21  having a shape  22  and a thickness  23 . A display element  30  has substantially the same shape  31  and thickness  32  as the midsole cut-out  21  for fittingly inserting the display element  30  into the midsole cut-out  21 . A transparent material is utilized to form a transparent portion  41  of an outsole  40  of the footwear  10  overlying the midsole cut-out  21 . The display element  30  is then inserted into the midsole cut-out  21  so that the display element  30  is viewable through the transparent portion  41  of the outsole  40 . Such an embodiment can include attaching the midsole  20  and outsole  40  to an upper  60  to define a volume for enclosing a wearer&#39;s foot. 
     In other embodiments of a method, a plurality of the display elements  30  is provided. Each of the plurality of display elements  30  has a color  33  or indicia. The display elements  30  can be interchanged in one or more of the midsole cut-outs  21 . 
     In other embodiments of a method, a cut-out (not shown) is made in the insole  50  of the footwear  10 . The insole  50  cut-out has substantially the same shape as the midsole cut-out  21  and the display element  30 , and is aligned with the midsole cut-out  21  for fittingly receiving the display element  30  through the insole cut-out and into the midsole cut-out  21 . 
     In yet other embodiments of a method, a midsole insert (not shown) is provided. The midsole insert has substantially the same shape as the midsole cut-out  21  for fittingly inserting into the midsole cutout  21 . The midsole insert has a thickness less than the thickness  23  of the midsole cut-out  21 . The display element  30  thickness  32  is less than the thickness  23  of the midsole cut-out  21 . The display element  30  is inserted into the midsole cut-out  21 , and disposed between the midsole insert and the outsole  40 . In this arrangement, the midsole insert thickness and the display element  30  thickness  32  together are substantially the same as the midsole cut-out  21  thickness  23 . The display element  30  is viewable through the transparent portion  41  of the outsole  40 . 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that footwear with a display element viewable through the outsole and methods of making such footwear of the present invention may be constructed and implemented in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.