Patent Publication Number: US-2016227871-A1

Title: Footwear Insert Member Assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of, and claims priority benefit to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/455,138, filed Aug. 8, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No. 61/863,637, filed Aug. 8, 2013, and which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. Ser. No. 61/943,018, filed Feb. 21, 2014, the entire contents of each being herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to insert member assemblies for footwear and, more particularly, to adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a user. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In general, footwear/shoes and related accessories or the like are known. Some exemplary shoes and related accessories or the like are described and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,802,380; 6,408,542; D663,941; and D499,877; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2002/0139009 and 2002/0029494; and Canadian Patent No. 1,217,631, and DE20-2005015954, the entire contents of each being hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     A constant need exists among footwear manufacturers to develop footwear and related accessories that are cost-effective and/or include improved features/structures. 
     Thus, an interest exists for advantageous insert members/assemblies for footwear. These and other inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement are addressed and/or overcome by the assemblies, systems and methods of the present disclosure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure provides advantageous insert member assemblies for footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous insert member assemblies (e.g., adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member assemblies) that are configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a user. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for insert member assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a user, thereby providing comfort and style to the user. In certain embodiments, the insert member assemblies also provide or include a structure/place (e.g., a pocket or the like) to house personal items (e.g., keys, money, etc.) of the user. 
     Any combination or permutation of embodiments is envisioned. Additional advantageous features, functions and applications of the disclosed systems and methods of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures. All references listed in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and aspects of embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which elements are not necessarily depicted to scale. 
       Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the appended figures. It is to be noted that the various features, steps and combinations of features/steps described below and illustrated in the figures can be arranged and organized differently to result in embodiments which are still within the scope of the present disclosure. To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and using the disclosed systems, assemblies and methods, reference is made to the appended figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary insert member assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 2-3  are rear views of the insert member assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the insert member assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of another exemplary insert member assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of another exemplary insert member assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of another exemplary insert member assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 8-9  are side views depicting exemplary insert member assemblies positioned within shoes of a user; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of an exemplary insert member assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial rear view of the assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of the inner member of the assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of the insert member assembly of  FIG. 10 , with the assembly positioned within shoelaces of a user; 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of an exemplary insert member assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 16-17  are front views of another exemplary insert member assembly according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear view of the insert member assembly of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an end view of the insert member assembly of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a rear view of the insert member assembly of  FIG. 16 ; and 
         FIGS. 21-22  are side perspectives views of the insert member assembly of  FIG. 16 , with the insert member assembly substantially positioned beneath the tongue of a shoe, and beneath laces of the shoe. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of advantageous insert member assemblies for footwear, and systems of the present disclosure and methods/techniques thereof. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, details disclosed herein with reference to exemplary insert members/fabrication methods and associated processes/techniques of assembly and use are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the advantageous insert members/systems and/or alternative insert members of the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure provides advantageous insert member assemblies for footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved insert member assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe worn by a user. In exemplary embodiments, the insert member assemblies are adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable. 
     Current practice provides that some users prefer to leave their shoe laces untied or loosely laced/tied (e.g., so that they do not have to tie or tightly tie their laces). Moreover, with such looks/configurations of having the shoe laces untied or loosely laced/tied, some users fold their socks a few times (e.g., two or three times) to cause the shoe tongue of each shoe to bulge out away from the user&#39;s foot/leg. However, such efforts, practices and/or methods are inefficient, time-consuming, short-lived, non-adjustable and/or non-reproducible over time. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved and user-selected (e.g., customized) insert member assemblies that are configured and dimensioned to be inserted in footwear (e.g., shoes) worn by a user and which provide comfort and style to the user, thereby providing a significant operational, commercial and/or manufacturing advantage as a result. In certain embodiments, the insert member assemblies also advantageously provide or include a structure/place (e.g., a pocket or the like) to house personal items (e.g., keys, money, etc.) of the user. Moreover, the insert member assemblies of the present disclosure advantageously allow users to achieve multiple shoe style looks and/or create a platform where users can accessorize as desired (e.g., with insert members/assemblies having their favorite or complementary colors, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, the insert member assemblies of the present disclosure allow for more cushion space between the top of the user&#39;s foot and the tongue of the user&#39;s shoe, and/or provide the user&#39;s shoe with a stress-free look with substantially no or few crease marks caused by tightly tied lace string. The extra cushion space advantageously allows for the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to achieve various styling looks (e.g., the knotted-tie look, or the laced-out styling look, as discussed further below). In certain embodiments, the insert member assemblies of the present disclosure provide a comfortable and proportionate look and feel as the user ties a bow tie with their laces (or with the user leaving the laces untied or loosely tied). The insert member assemblies of the present disclosure advantageously add extra thickness between the shoe tongue and the user&#39;s foot, thereby providing for more cushion which minimizes creases in the shoe tongue as well as helps alleviate or provide for the extra or undesired length of the shoe laces. 
     Referring now to the drawings, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. Drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and in certain views, parts may have been exaggerated for purposes of clarity. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , there is illustrated an embodiment of an insert member assembly  10  according to the present disclosure. In general, insert member assembly  10  is configured and dimensioned to be inserted or positioned, at least in part, within a shoe  15  or piece of footwear  15  utilized by a user (e.g.,  FIGS. 8-9 ). 
     Exemplary insert member assembly  10  is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe  15  worn by a user (e.g.,  FIGS. 8-9 ), although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, insert member assembly  10  can take a variety of forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a variety of purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments and as discussed further below, insert member assembly  10  is fabricated from one or more materials (e.g., neoprene and/or cross-linked polyethylene foam), and can be utilized as a shoe insert and/or fashion accessory or the like. 
     In certain embodiments, insert member assembly  10  includes a front (outer) housing member  12  and a rear (outer) housing member  14 . Housing members  12 ,  14  can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from neoprene or the like (e.g., 1/16″ open-cell spg neoprene), although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, it is noted that housing members  12 ,  14  can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural material, plant-based material, rubber, foam, flexible material, etc.). A benefit of using neoprene or the like for members  12 ,  14  is to ensure that the assembly  10  absorbs substantially no moisture during use, and the textured surface of the neoprene facilitates with the positioning of the assembly  10  between the shoe tongue and the user&#39;s foot, as discussed further below. 
     Exemplary insert member assembly  10  can also include inner base member  20  ( FIG. 4 ). Inner base member  20  can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from cross-linked polyethylene foam or the like (e.g., ⅜″ cross-linked polyethylene foam), although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, it is noted that inner base member  20  can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural material, plant-based material, rubber, neoprene, flexible material, etc.). 
     In certain embodiments, during fabrication of insert member assembly  10 , the inner base member  20  is machined/cut to the desired shape, and then at least a portion of the rear side of the inner base member  20  is positioned or mounted with respect to (e.g., glued or adhered or the like) to at least a portion of the front or inner side of the rear housing member  14 . The rear or inner side of the front housing member  12  is then positioned over at least a portion of the base member  20 . In certain embodiments, it is noted that two members  12  can be positioned over at least a portion of the base member  20 . However and as further discussed below, it is noted that assembly  10  need not include inner base member  20 , and/or inner base member  20  can be a separate and independent member that is not mounted to rear housing member  14 , but instead is optionally insertable/removable to/from members  12 ,  14 . 
     At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing member  12  and the rear housing member  14  are then secured or mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the like) to form a recess or cavity  24  ( FIG. 4 ) between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  12  and the front side of the inner base member  20  (and the front side of member  14 ). Stated another way, the inner base member  20  is sandwiched between the housing members  12 ,  14 , and portions of the outer edges of the base members  12 ,  14  are secured together (e.g., stitched together) around a portion of the perimeter of the inner base member  20  to form a recess or cavity  24  between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  12  and the front side of the inner base member  20 . It is noted that the outer edges of members  12 ,  14  can be secured or mounted with respect to one another via a variety of securement or mounting techniques (e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, adhering, gluing, etc.). 
     In the embodiments where two members  12  are positioned over at least a portion of the base member  20 , the inner base member  20  is sandwiched between: (i) the two housing members  12 , and (ii) member  14 , and portions of the outer edges of the base members  12 ,  14  are secured together around a portion of the perimeter of the inner base member  20  to form two cavities  24 —one cavity  24  between the rear/inner side of the first housing member  12  and the front side of the inner base member  20 , and a second cavity between front side of the first housing member  12  and the rear side of the second housing member  12 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the left side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members  12 ,  14  are secured/stitched together to form recess/cavity  24 . In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the outer edges of the top side of members  12 ,  14  are also secured/stitched together to form recess/cavity  24 . 
     In certain embodiments, after the members  12 ,  14  are secured together to form cavity  24 , an outer trim portion  26  (or portions  26 ) is mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of members  12 ,  14  to provide a finished look to assembly  10 , and to reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly  10 . In exemplary embodiments, outer trim portion  26  is fabricated from neoprene or the like, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, outer trim portion  26  can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , insert member assembly  10  can include a flap or cover member  16 . Similar to members  12 ,  14 , flap member  16  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., neoprene). In exemplary embodiments, flap member  16  is configured and dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to recess/cavity  24  of assembly  10 , when flap member  16  is in the closed position ( FIG. 1 ). When flap member  16  is in the open position ( FIG. 4 ), the opening to recess/cavity  24  is accessible to a user (e.g., to insert items in a pocket  28  of assembly  10 , and/or to insert an inner insert member  22  into cavity  24 , as discussed further below). 
     In certain embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , during fabrication of assembly  10 , at least a portion of the bottom side of the front/inner portion of the flap member  16  is positioned or mounted with respect to (e.g., glued to) the top side of the rear portion of the inner base member  20 . It is noted that the bottom side of the flap member  16  can be positioned/secured with respect to the rear portion of member  20  before or after the rear side of the inner base member  20  is positioned or mounted with respect to a portion of the front/inner side of the rear housing member  14 , and before or after the rear/inner side of the front housing member  12  is positioned over at least a portion of the base member  20 . 
     The flap member  16  can then be mounted with respect to members  12 ,  14  at various positions. For example, at least a portion of the outer edge of the flap member  16  can be mounted with respect to at least a portion of the outer edges of members  12 ,  14  (e.g., via stitching). Additionally, outer trim portion  26  (or portions  26 ) can be mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of flap member  16  (and members  12 ,  14 ) to provide a finished look to assembly  10 , and to reinforce the outer perimeter of flap member  16 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , after flap member  16  is mounted with respect to members  12 ,  14  and/or  20 , the line  17 A in  FIG. 3  depicts where the flap member hinges/bends to close over the top side of the inner base member  20  when the flap member  16  is in the closed position ( FIG. 1 ). The line  17 A in  FIG. 3  indicates where the line of flap member  16  is positioned underneath rear housing member  14 , after flap member  16  is mounted with respect to members  12 ,  14  and  20  (and indicates where member  16  is mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) member  14 ). It is noted that flap member  16  could be a continuous section and/or integral with member  14 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, flap member  16  includes a fastener member  30  (e.g., positioned at a distal end of flap member  16 ), and the outer portion of front housing member  12  includes a corresponding fastener member  32 . Fastener members  30 ,  32  can be buttons or clips or the like, or any other suitable fastener members (e.g., Velcro, strap, clips, knobs/recesses, etc.). Fastener members  30 ,  32  allow a user to releasably fasten or secure flap member  16  to member  12  and to at least partially enclose cavity  24  ( FIG. 1 ), when desired by the user. 
     Secured flap member  16  also facilitates assembly  10  to house/contain inner insert member  22  (when desired) within cavity  24 , and/or provides a cover or closure over pocket  28  (and over the contents contained/housed within pocket  28 ). 
     In certain embodiments and as shown in  FIG. 4 , the top side of inner base member  20  includes a pocket or slit  28  or the like. In general, pocket  28  is configured and dimensioned to at least partially house and/or contain items of the user (e.g., money, keys, personal items, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, when flap member  16  is secured to member  12  (e.g., via fastener members  30 ,  32 ), the secured flap member  16  advantageously covers, conceals and/or hides pocket  28  (and its contents) from view. 
     In some embodiments and as discussed further below, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  22  in cavity  24  of assembly (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly  10  that includes member(s)  22 , and/or to provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly  10  that includes member(s)  22 ). In exemplary embodiments, when flap member  16  is secured to member  12  (e.g., via fastener members  30 ,  32 ), the secured flap member  16  advantageously at least partially covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s)  22  (when desired) within cavity  24 . Similar to inner base member  20 , each inner insert member  22  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene foam), and each can be shaped/sized in various different sizes, dimensions, widths, depths, lengths, etc. 
     In some embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , assembly  10  includes at least one eyelet tab member  34 . In exemplary embodiments, assembly  10  includes two eyelet tab members  34 , each member  34  secured or mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the left and right sides) of assembly  10  (e.g., mounted with respect to members  12 ,  14  and/or portion  26 ). In certain embodiments, each member  34  includes a protruding section  36  that protrudes or extends from the outer edge of the assembly, and an aperture or eyelet  38  positioned proximal to the distal end of the protruding section  36 . Each member  34  can be positioned a pre-determined distance from the top side of the inner base member  20  (e.g., about 2″ down from the top side of member  20 ). In exemplary embodiments, each protruding section of each member  34  is fabricated from fabric or the like (e.g., ¾″ inch long lace fabric), and each aperture  38  is fabricated from a metal eyelet or the like (e.g., ¼″ metal eyelets). 
     In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly  10  in each shoe  15  is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style, and/or as a place to house/hold the user&#39;s items (e.g., house key, money, credit cards, personal items, etc.). As noted above, some users prefer to leave their shoe laces untied or loosely laced/tied so that they do not have to tie (or tightly tie) their laces. The advantageous assemblies  10  of the present disclosure allow users to do this by adding extra thickness between the shoe tongue and the user&#39;s foot, thereby creating more cushion which minimizes creases in the shoe tongue as well as helps alleviate the extra (undesired) length of the shoe laces. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the assemblies  10  (in conjunction with shoes  15 ) provide users with multiple styling looks (e.g., bow-tie, knotted-tie, laced-out, etc.). One of the ways users can style their shoe  15  is by simply sliding in the assembly  10  within the shoe  15  (assembly  10  with or without member(s)  22  positioned therein), and positioning the assembly  10  between the top of the foot and underneath the tongue of the shoe  15 . 
     While lacing up the shoes  15 , the user can also further secure the assembly  10  by lacing the shoelaces of the shoe  15  in/through the eyelets  38  of the eyelet tab members  34  at the desired placement relative to the shoe  15  and/or on the top part of the foot. Once the assemblies  10  are in the desired place/position, the user can adjust and style their shoelaces accordingly. The use of assembly  10  provides the shoe  15  a stress free look with zero to few crease marks that can be caused by tightly tied shoelace string. They also provide a comfortable and proportionate look and feel as the user ties a bow tie with their laces, if desired. 
     Some other styling options the assemblies  10  offer is through the use of the inner insert members  22 . As noted, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  22  in cavity  24  of assembly (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly  10  that includes member(s)  22 , and/or to provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly  10  that includes member(s)  22 ). In general, each user-selected (and optional/removable) inner insert member  22  is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into/within assembly  10  (e.g., into/within cavity  24  of assembly  10 ). 
     In general, each inner insert member  22  slides into the cavity  24  from the top side. The inner insert members  22  allow for even more cushion space between the top of the user&#39;s foot and the tongue of the shoe  15 . For example, the extra space can allow for the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out styling looks. Some advantages for utilizing assemblies  10  is to achieve multiple shoe style looks, and/or to create a platform where users/consumers can accessorize with their favorite or complementary colors. 
     In another embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 5 , assembly  10 ′ is similar to assembly  10  discussed above, except that assembly  10 ′ includes a slit or opening  40  for each eyelet tab member  34 . In exemplary embodiments, each slit  40  is configured and dimensioned to house or contain (when desired) at least a portion of the eyelet  38  and/or the protruding section  36  of its respective eyelet tab member  34 . For example, each slit  40  can be advantageously utilized when assembly  10  is utilized in conjunction with a shoe  15  that does not include shoelaces. The user could then tuck at least a portion of the eyelet  38  and/or the protruding section  36  of the eyelet tab member  34  into each slit  40 , thereby substantially eliminating any potential discomfort caused by the un-housed eyelet tab members  34  and shoe  15 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated another embodiment of an insert member assembly  100  according to the present disclosure. The insert member assembly  100  may be structurally and functionally similar to the assembly  10  discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , with some differences. 
     Similar to assembly  10 , exemplary insert member assembly  100  is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe  15  worn by a user (e.g.,  FIGS. 8-9 ). It is noted that insert member assembly  100  can take a variety of forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a variety of purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments and as discussed further below, insert member assembly  100  is fabricated from one or more materials (e.g., neoprene and/or cross-linked polyethylene foam), and can be utilized as a shoe insert and/or fashion accessory or the like. 
     In general, insert member assembly  100  includes a front (outer) housing member  112  and a rear (outer) housing member  114 . Housing members  112 ,  114  can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from neoprene or the like (e.g., 1/16″ open-cell spg neoprene). It is noted that housing members  112 ,  114  can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or combinations of materials. As noted above, a benefit of using neoprene or the like for members  112 ,  114  is to ensure that the assembly  100  absorbs substantially no moisture during use, and the textured surface of the neoprene facilitates with the positioning of the assembly  100  between the shoe tongue and the user&#39;s foot. 
     Insert member assembly  100  also includes inner base member (obscured—similar to member  20 ). Inner base member can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from cross-linked polyethylene foam or the like (e.g., ⅜″ cross-linked polyethylene foam). It is noted that inner base member can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or combinations of materials. 
     In exemplary embodiments, during fabrication of insert member assembly  100 , the inner base member is machined/cut to the desired shape, and then at least a portion of the rear side of the inner base member is positioned or mounted with respect to (e.g., glued or adhered or the like) at least a portion of the front/inner side of the rear housing member  114 . The rear/inner side of the front housing member  112  is then positioned over at least a portion of the base member. 
     At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing member  112  and the rear housing member  114  are then secured or mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the like) to form a recess or cavity (similar to cavity  24 ) between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  112  and the front side of the inner base member (and the front side of member  114 ). As such, the inner base member is sandwiched between the housing members  112 ,  114 , and portions of the outer edges of the base members  112 ,  114  are secured together (e.g., stitched together) around a portion of the perimeter of the inner base member to form a recess or cavity between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  112  and the front side of the inner base member. It is noted that the outer edges of members  112 ,  114  can be secured or mounted with respect to one another via a variety of securement or mounting techniques (e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, adhering, gluing, etc.). 
     At least a portion of the left side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members  112 ,  114  are secured/stitched together to form the recess/cavity. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the outer edges of the top side of members  112 ,  114  are also secured/stitched together to form the recess/cavity. 
     In certain embodiments, after the members  112 ,  114  are secured together to form the cavity, an outer trim portion  126  (or portions  126 ) is mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of members  112 ,  114  to provide a finished look to assembly  100 , and to reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly  100 . In exemplary embodiments, outer trim portion  126  is fabricated from neoprene or the like. 
     In certain embodiments, an opening can be provided/machined through front housing member  112  to provide access to the cavity. Insert member assembly  100  can include a flap or cover member  116 . Similar to members  112 ,  114 , flap member  116  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., neoprene). In exemplary embodiments, flap member  116  is configured and dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to the recess/cavity of assembly  100 , when flap member  116  is in the closed position. When flap member  116  is in the open position, the opening to the recess/cavity is accessible to a user (e.g., to insert an inner insert member  122  into the cavity). In exemplary embodiments, flap member  116  is mounted with respect to the front side of member  112 . It is noted, however, that flap member  116  can be mounted with respect to assembly at a variety of suitable positions (e.g., to member  114 ,  112 , etc.). 
     In exemplary embodiments, member  112  includes a strap member  121  mounted with respect to member  112  (e.g., and/or to trim portion  126 ). Strap member  121  allows a user to releasably fasten or secure flap member  116  to member  112  and to at least partially enclose the cavity (and the cover opening), when desired by the user. It is noted that in lieu of, or in addition to strap member  121 , assembly  100  could also include fastener members or the like on members  112 ,  116  to allow a user to releasably fasten or secure flap member  116  to member  112 . Secured flap member  116  also facilitates assembly  100  to house/contain inner insert member  122  (when desired) within the cavity. 
     In certain embodiments, the top side of the inner base member includes a pocket or slit or the like. In general, the pocket is configured and dimensioned to at least partially house and/or contain items of the user. In exemplary embodiments, the top portions of members  112  and/or  114  include an opening or slit that is configured and dimensioned to be releasably secured together (e.g., via velcro or fastener members or the like) to cover, conceal and/or hide the pocket from view when secured together (and to allow user access to the pocket when un-secured or opened). 
     In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  122  in the cavity of assembly  100  (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly  100  that includes member(s)  122 , and/or to provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly  100  that includes member(s)  122 ). When flap member  116  is secured to member  112 , the secured flap member  116  at least partially covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s)  122  (when desired) within the cavity. Similar to the inner base member, each inner insert member  122  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene foam), and each can be shaped/sized in various different sizes, dimensions, widths, depths, lengths, etc. 
     In certain embodiments, assembly  100  includes at least one eyelet tab member  134 . In exemplary embodiments, assembly  100  includes two eyelet tab members  134 , each member  134  secured or mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the left and right sides) of assembly  100  (e.g., mounted with respect to members  112 ,  114  and/or portion  126 ). In certain embodiments, each member  134  includes a protruding section  136  that protrudes or extends from the outer edge of the assembly, and an aperture or eyelet  138  positioned proximal to the distal end of the protruding section  136 . Each member can be positioned a pre-determined distance from the top side of the inner base member  120 . In exemplary embodiments, each protruding section  136  of each member  134  is fabricated from fabric or the like, and each aperture  138  is fabricated from a metal eyelet or the like. 
     In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly  100  in each shoe  15  is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style, and/or as a place to house/hold the user&#39;s items. As noted above, some users prefer to leave their shoe laces untied or loosely laced/tied so that they do not have to tie (or tightly tie) their laces. The advantageous assemblies  100  of the present disclosure allow users to do this by adding extra thickness between the shoe tongue and the user&#39;s foot, thereby creating more cushion which minimizes creases in the shoe tongue as well as helps alleviate the extra (undesired) length of the shoe laces. 
     The assemblies  100  provide users with multiple styling looks (e.g., bow-tie, knotted-tie, laced-out, etc.). One of the ways users can style their shoe  15  is by simply sliding in the assembly  100  within the shoe  15  (assembly  100  with or without member(s)  122  positioned therein), and positioning the assembly  100  between the top of the foot and underneath the tongue of the shoe  15 . 
     While lacing up the shoes  15 , the user can also further secure the assembly  100  by lacing the shoelaces of the shoe  15  in/through the eyelets  138  of the eyelet tab members  134  at the desired placement relative to the shoe  15  and/or on the top part of the foot. Once the assemblies  100  are in the desired place/position, the user can adjust and style their shoelaces accordingly. The use of assembly  100  provides the shoe  15  a stress free look with zero to few crease marks that can be caused by tightly tied shoelace string. They also provide a comfortable and proportionate look and feel as the user ties a bow tie with their laces, if desired. 
     Some other styling options the assemblies  100  offer is through the use of the inner insert members  122 . As noted, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  122  in the cavity of assembly  100  (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly  100  that includes member(s)  122 , and/or to provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly  100  that includes member(s)  122 ). In general, each user-selected (and optional/removable) inner insert member  122  is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into/within assembly  100  (e.g., into/within the cavity of assembly  100 ). 
     In general, each inner insert member  122  slides into the cavity from a position proximal to the top side of member  112  (e.g., via the opening). The inner insert members  122  allow for even more cushion space between the top of the user&#39;s foot and the tongue of the shoe  15 . For example, the extra space can allow for the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out styling looks. Some advantages for utilizing assemblies  100  is to achieve multiple shoe style looks, and/or to create a platform where users/consumers can accessorize with their favorite or complementary colors. 
     In another embodiment, an assembly can be similar to assembly  100  discussed above, except that the assembly  100  includes the distal portion of member  112  and  114  folded upwards toward the top side of assembly  100 , and mounted with respect to member  112 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated another embodiment of an insert member assembly  300  according to the present disclosure. The insert member assembly  300  may be structurally and functionally similar to the assembly  10  and/or  100 / 200  discussed above, with some differences. 
     Similar to assembly  10  and  100 / 200 , exemplary insert member assembly  300  is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe  15  worn by a user. In general, insert member assembly  300  includes a front (outer) housing member  312  and a rear (outer) housing member  314 . Housing members  312 ,  314  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., neoprene). Insert member assembly  300  also includes inner base member  320 . Inner base member  320  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., cross-linked polyethylene foam). 
     In exemplary embodiments, during fabrication of insert member assembly  300 , the inner base member  320  is machined/cut to the desired shape, and then at least a portion of the rear side of the inner base member  320  is positioned or mounted with respect to at least a portion of the front/inner side of the rear housing member  314 . The rear/inner side of the front housing member  312  is then positioned over at least a portion of the base member  320 . 
     At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing member  312  and the rear housing member  314  are then secured or mounted with respect to one another to form a recess or cavity (obscured—similar to cavity  24 ) between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  312  and the front side of the inner base member  320 . As such, the inner base member  320  is sandwiched between the housing members  312 ,  314 , and portions of the outer edges of the base members  312 ,  314  are secured together around a portion of the perimeter of the inner base member  320  to form a recess or cavity between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  312  and the front side of the inner base member  320 . At least a portion of the left side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members  312 ,  314  are secured/stitched together to form the recess/cavity. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the outer edges of the top side of members  312 ,  314  are also secured/stitched together to form the recess/cavity. After the members  312 ,  314  are secured together to form the cavity, an outer trim portion  326  is mounted with respect to the outer edges of members  312 ,  314  to provide a finished look to assembly  300 , and to reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly  300 . 
     An opening can be provided/machined through front housing member  312  to provide access to the cavity. Insert member assembly  300  can include a flap or cover member  316 . Flap member  316  is configured and dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to the recess/cavity of assembly  300 , when flap member  316  is in the closed position. When flap member  316  is in the open position, the opening to the recess/cavity is accessible to a user (e.g., to insert an inner insert member into the cavity). In exemplary embodiments, flap member  316  is mounted with respect to the front side of member  312 . It is noted that flap member  316  can be mounted with respect to assembly  300  at a variety of suitable positions. In some embodiments, flap member  316  is configured to be releasably fastened to member  312  via fastener member  330 . 
     In certain embodiments, the top side of inner base member  320  includes a pocket or slit  328  or the like. In general, pocket  328  is configured and dimensioned to at least partially house and/or contain items of the user. In exemplary embodiments, flap member  316  is configured to cover, conceal and/or hide pocket  328  from view when secured to member  312 . 
     In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member (e.g., similar to member  22 ,  122  or  222 ) in the cavity of assembly  300 . When flap member  316  is secured to/positioned against member  312 , the flap member  316  at least partially covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s) within the cavity. 
     In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly  300  in each shoe  15  is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style, and/or as a place to house/hold the user&#39;s items, as similarly discussed above. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10-15 , there is illustrated another embodiment of an insert member assembly  400 ′ according to the present disclosure. The insert member assembly  400 ′ may be structurally and functionally similar to the assembly  10  and/or  100 / 200 / 300  discussed above, with some differences. 
     Similar to assembly  10 , exemplary insert member assembly  400 ′ is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe  15  worn by a user (e.g.,  FIGS. 8-9 ). It is noted that insert member assembly  400 ′ can take a variety of forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a variety of purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments and as discussed further below, insert member assembly  400 ′ is fabricated from one or more materials (e.g., neoprene, polyester, polyester mesh, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)), and can be utilized as a shoe insert and/or fashion accessory or the like. 
     In certain embodiments, insert member assembly  400 ′ includes a front housing member  412  and a rear housing member  414 . As further discussed below, housing members  412 ,  414  can be fabricated from a variety of materials. For example, it is noted that housing members  412 ,  414  can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural material, plant-based material, rubber, foam, flexible material, etc.). 
     Exemplary insert member assembly  400 ′ can also include inner member  420 . As discussed below, inner member  420  can be fabricated from a variety of materials, such as, for example, from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyester mesh and/or polyester or the like, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, it is noted that inner member  420  can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural material, plant-based material, rubber, neoprene, flexible material, etc.). As discussed further below, it is noted that assembly  400 ′ need not include inner member  420 , and/or inner member  420  can be a separate and independent member that is optionally insertable/removable to/from members  412 ,  414  (e.g., cavity  424 ). 
     In certain embodiments, during fabrication of insert member assembly  400 ′, the rear/inner side of the front housing member  412  is positioned over at least a portion of the rear housing member  414 . 
     At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing member  412  and the rear housing member  414  are then secured or mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the like) to form a recess or cavity  424  between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  412  and the front side of the rear housing member  414 . Stated another way, portions of the outer edges of the housing members  412 ,  414  are secured together (e.g., stitched together) to form a recess or cavity  424  between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  412  and the front side of the rear housing member  414 . It is noted that the outer edges of members  412 ,  414  can be secured or mounted with respect to one another via a variety of securement or mounting techniques (e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, adhering, gluing, etc.). 
     In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the left side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members  412 ,  414  are secured/stitched together to form recess/cavity  424 . 
     In certain embodiments, after the members  412 ,  414  are secured together to form cavity  424 , an outer trim portion  426  (or portions  426 ) is mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of members  412 ,  414  to provide a finished look to assembly  400 ′, and to reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly  400 ′. In exemplary embodiments, outer trim portion  426  is fabricated from neoprene or the like, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , insert member assembly  400 ′ can include a flap or cover member  416 . Flap member  416  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane). In exemplary embodiments, flap member  416  is configured and dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to recess/cavity  424  of assembly  400 ′, when flap member  416  and/or member  414  is in the closed position. When flap member  416  and/or member  414  is in the open position, the opening to recess/cavity  424  is accessible to a user (e.g., to insert items in cavity  424 , and/or to insert an inner insert member  422  into cavity  424 , as discussed further below). 
     In certain embodiments, during fabrication of assembly  400 ′, at least a portion of the bottom side of the flap member  416  is positioned or mounted with respect to the top side of the front housing member  412 . 
     The flap member  416  can be mounted with respect to members  412 ,  414  at various positions. For example, at least a portion of the outer edge of the flap member  416  can be mounted with respect to at least a portion of the outer edges of members  412 ,  414  (e.g., via stitching). Additionally, outer trim portion  426  can be mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of flap member  416  (and members  412 ,  414 ) to provide a finished look to assembly  400 ′, and to reinforce the outer perimeter of flap member  416 . It is noted that flap member  416  could be a continuous section and/or integral with member  412 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, flap member  416  includes a fastener member  430  (e.g., positioned on the rear side of flap member  416 ), and the outer portion of rear housing member  414  includes a corresponding fastener member  432  ( FIG. 11 ). Fastener members  430 ,  432  can be Velcro (e.g., hook and loop fasteners), or buttons or clips or the like, or zippers, or any other suitable fastener members (e.g., strap, knobs/recesses, etc.). Fastener members  430 ,  432  allow a user to releasably fasten or secure flap member  416  to member  414  and to at least partially enclose cavity  424  ( FIG. 11 ), when desired by the user. 
     Secured flap member  416  with member  414  also facilitates assembly  400 ′ to house/contain inner member  420  and/or inner insert member  422  (when desired) within cavity  424 . 
     In certain embodiments, the front side (or rear side) of inner member  420  includes a pocket or slit  428  or the like. In general, pocket  428  is configured and dimensioned to at least partially house and/or contain items of the user (e.g., money, keys, personal items, etc.). In exemplary embodiments, when flap member  416  is secured to member  414  (e.g., via fastener members  430 ,  432 ), the secured flap member  416  advantageously covers, conceals and/or hides the inserted inner member  420  and its pocket  428  (and its contents) from view (e.g., within cavity  424 ). 
     In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  422  (in addition to and/or in lieu of inner member  420 ) in cavity  424  of assembly  400 ′ (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly  400 ′ that includes member(s)  422 , and/or to provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly  400 ′ that includes member(s)  422 ). In exemplary embodiments, when flap member  416  is secured to member  414  (e.g., via fastener members  430 ,  432 ), the secured flap member  416  advantageously at least partially covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s)  422  (when desired) within cavity  424 . Similar to inner member  420 , each inner insert member  422  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., EVA and/or polyester), and each can be shaped/sized in various different sizes, dimensions, widths, depths, lengths, etc. 
     In some embodiments, assembly  400 ′ includes at least one eyelet tab member (e.g., similar to member  34 ). In exemplary embodiments, assembly  400 ′ includes two eyelet tab members, each eyelet tab member secured or mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the left and right sides) of assembly  400 ′ (e.g., mounted with respect to members  412 ,  414  and/or portion  426 ). In certain embodiments, each eyelet tab member includes a protruding section that protrudes or extends from the outer edge of the assembly  400 ′, and an aperture or eyelet positioned proximal to the distal end of the protruding section. In exemplary embodiments, each protruding section of each eyelet tab member is fabricated from fabric or the like, and each aperture/eyelet is fabricated from a metal eyelet or the like. Assembly  400 ′ may also include a slit/opening for each eyelet tab member, as similarly discussed above (e.g., similar to opening  40 ). 
     Some options the assemblies  400 ′ offer is through the use of the optional inner members  420  and/or inner insert members  422 . As noted, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  422  (in addition to and/or in lieu of inner member  420 ) in cavity  424  of assembly  400 ′. In general, each user-selected (and optional/removable) inner insert member  422  (and the optional/removable inner member  420 ) is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into/within assembly  400 ′ (e.g., into/within cavity  424  of assembly  400 ′). 
     In general, each inner insert member  422  slides into the cavity  424  from the top side. The inner insert members  422  allow for even more cushion space between the top of the user&#39;s foot and the tongue of the shoe  15 . For example, the extra space can allow for the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out styling looks. Some advantages for utilizing assemblies  400 ′ is to achieve multiple shoe style looks, and/or to create a platform where users/consumers can accessorize with their favorite or complementary colors. 
     In an embodiment and as depicted in  FIG. 15 , assembly  400 ′ may include eyelet tab members  434 ′ having protruding sections  436 ′ that protrude/extend from the outer edge of the assembly  400 ′. In exemplary embodiments, each protruding section  436 ′ is fabricated from beading cord elastic or the like. This material has low visibility to the user and is stretchable. Thus, it can stretch to accommodate a wide range of shoe/foot widths when assembly  400 ′ is secured to a shoe  15  (e.g., with shoelaces positioned within the aperture defined by each protruding section  436 ′). In general, each member  434 ′ is secured or mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the left and right sides) of assembly  400 ′ (e.g., mounted with respect to members  412 ,  414  and/or portion  426 ). 
     In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly  400 ′ in each shoe  15  is to provide shoes with improved comfort and style, and/or as a place to house/hold the user&#39;s items, as similarly discussed above. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 10-15 , the assembly  400 ′ can be constructed by a bottom layer of neoprene  414  and a top layer  412 , which includes a TPU ( 416 ) and polyester mesh material ( 412 ). The polyester mesh ( 412 ) can be stitched to the TPU material ( 416 ), constructing the top layer ( 412  and  416 ) of the assembly  400 ′. The top  412  and bottom layer  414  are held together by a neoprene material  426 , which is used as trim, covering the outer edges. Once the assembly  400 ′ is formed, Velcro  432  is glued and/or stitched on the outer top of the neoprene material  414 . The corresponding piece of Velcro  430  is then glued/stitched on the inner bottom of the TPU material  416 . The Velcro  430 ,  432  is used to secure the neoprene flap  414  closed. Also, two small tabs composed of synthetic fibers are stitched on each side near the middle (under the neoprene trim  426 ). At the end of each tab, a metal eyelet is placed. The eyelet is used to position and lace the assembly  400 ′ securely to the shoe  15 . 
     The pocket insert pad  420  (inner member  420 ) is constructed with an EVA material used as a base. The EVA material is then enclosed in polyester. On the topside of  420  is a layer of polyester mesh covering about ⅔rds of the pocket insert pad  420 . This layer of polyester mesh constructs a pocket/pouch  428  used to store small personal items. A final phase to completing the pocket insert pad  420  is to cover the polyester and polyester mesh outer edges with a neoprene trim  426 . 
     The small insert pad  422  (inner insert member  422 ) is constructed with an EVA material used as a base. The EVA material is then enclosed in a polyester material. The outer edges of the polyester material is then covered with a neoprene trim  426 . 
     Assemblies  400 ′ provide style, and also many benefits, including comfort and functionability. 
     Style—The use of assembly  400 ′ minimizes the stress creases around the shoes  15 , especially on the top of the shoe near the eye-let holes. The extra cushion provided by utilized assembly  400 ′ also gives the option to lace and tie the shoelaces with at least three different styles: (i) laced-out, (ii) knotted-tie and (iii) classic bow tie. Also, by adjusting what eyelet the user chooses to position the assembly  400 ′ in the shoe  15 , the user has the option to style and coordinate the laces and the style of the shoe tongue. 
     Comfort—Having an extra cushion (e.g., assembly  400 ′) on top of the users shoes  15  decreases the pressure point caused by tightly tied shoelaces. Also, while wearing shoes without socks, assembly  400 ′ reduces the pressure points above the toes of the user. This creates less irritation and friction near the top of the toes. 
     Function—Assembly  400 ′ also provides a secure location to store or hide small personal items such as keys, money, USB flash drive, driver&#39;s license/credit card, small jewelry, etc. The user has the option to store or hide your small items either in the pocket insert pads  420  or cavity  424  ( FIGS. 12-13 ). 
     In general, there is not a wrong way to wear assembly  400 ′. A user can wear/utilize assembly  400 ′ based on the user&#39;s desired fashion style and accessories, which is encouraged. The user has the option to lace the assembly  400 ′ in using the eyelet tabs  434 ′, or the user can simply tuck in the eyelet tabs inside the housing for a quick fit after placing the assembly  400 ′ on top of the foot and under the shoe tongue. The pocket insert  420  and small insert  422  provide the ability to achieve a desired thickness, based on style and comfort. 
     The pocket insert pad  420  provides a pocket/pouch  428  to store or hide small personal items securely. Also, pad  420  provides extra cushion to adjust the comfort and style options. 
     The small insert pads  422  provide additional ability to adjust the thickness inside the assembly  400 ′. The extra cushion gives multiple options to achieve different shoelace styling looks. 
     The eyelet tabs  434 ′ secure the assembly  400 ′ in the desired position inside the shoe  15 . 
     The eyelet housing can store the eyelet tabs inside the assembly  400 ′ to eliminate any discomfort (e.g., while wearing shoes  15  that come with straps instead of shoelaces). 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 16-22 , there is illustrated another embodiment of an insert member assembly  500  according to the present disclosure. The insert member assembly  500  may be structurally and functionally similar to the assembly  10  and/or  100 / 300 / 400 ′ discussed above, with some differences. 
     Similar to assembly  400 ′, exemplary insert member assembly  500  is an adjustable, interchangeable and/or removable insert member assembly that is configured and dimensioned to be inserted in a shoe  15  worn by a user (e.g.,  FIGS. 21-22 ). It is noted that insert member assembly  500  can take a variety of forms/shapes/configurations, and can be utilized for a variety of purposes/uses. In exemplary embodiments, insert member assembly  500  can be fabricated from one or more materials (e.g., neoprene, polyester, polyester mesh, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)), and can be utilized as a shoe insert and/or fashion accessory or the like. 
     Exemplary insert member assembly  500  includes a front housing member  512  and a rear housing member  514 . In general, housing members  512 ,  514  can be fabricated from a variety of materials. For example, it is noted that housing members  512 ,  514  can be fabricated from a variety of suitable materials or combinations of materials (e.g., plastic material, polymer material, clothing/cloth material, synthetic material, natural material, plant-based material, rubber, foam, flexible material, etc.). 
     In certain embodiments, during fabrication of insert member assembly  500 , the rear/inner side of the front housing member  512  is positioned over at least a portion of the rear housing member  514 . 
     At least a portion of the outer edges of the front housing member  512  and the rear housing member  514  are then secured or mounted with respect to one another (e.g., via stitching or the like) to form a recess or cavity  524  between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  512  and the front side of the rear housing member  514 . Stated another way, portions of the outer edges of the housing members  512 ,  514  are secured together (e.g., stitched together) to form a recess or cavity  524  between the rear/inner side of the front housing member  512  and the front side of the rear housing member  514 . It is noted that the outer edges of members  512 ,  514  can be secured or mounted with respect to one another via a variety of securement or mounting techniques (e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, adhering, gluing, etc.). 
     In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the left side, right side and bottom side of the outer edges of the members  512 ,  514  are secured/stitched together to form recess/cavity  524 . 
     In certain embodiments, after the members  512 ,  514  are secured together to form cavity  524 , an outer trim portion (e.g., similar to neoprene portions  426  above) can be mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of members  512 ,  514  to provide a finished look to assembly  500 , and to reinforce the mounted/stitched outer perimeter of the assembly  500 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , insert member assembly  500  can include a flap or cover member  516 . Flap member  516  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane). In exemplary embodiments, flap member  516  is configured and dimensioned to cover, at least in part, the opening to recess/cavity  524  of assembly  500 , when flap member  516  and/or member  514  are in the closed position. When flap member  516  and/or member  514  are in the open position, the opening to recess/cavity  524  is accessible to a user (e.g., to insert items in cavity  524 , and/or to insert an inner insert member  522  into cavity  524 , as discussed further below). 
     In certain embodiments, during fabrication of assembly  500 , at least a portion of the bottom side of the flap member  516  is positioned or mounted with respect to the top side of the front housing member  512 . 
     The flap member  516  can be mounted with respect to members  512 ,  514  at various positions. For example, at least a portion of the outer edge of the flap member  516  can be mounted with respect to at least a portion of the outer edges of members  512 ,  514  (e.g., via stitching). Additionally, and outer trim portion can be mounted with respect to (e.g., stitched to) the outer edges of flap member  516  (and members  512 ,  514 ) to provide a finished look to assembly  500 , and to reinforce the outer perimeter of flap member  516 . It is noted that flap member  516  could be a continuous section and/or integral with member  512 . 
     In exemplary embodiments, flap member  516  includes a fastener member  530  (e.g., positioned on the rear side of flap member  516 ), and the outer portion of rear housing member  514  includes a corresponding fastener member  532  ( FIG. 19 ). Fastener members  530 ,  532  can be Velcro (e.g., hook and loop fasteners), or buttons or clips or the like, or zippers, or any other suitable fastener members (e.g., strap, knobs/recesses, etc.). Fastener members  530 ,  532  allow a user to releasably fasten or secure flap member  516  to member  514  and to at least partially enclose cavity  524  ( FIG. 18 ), when desired by the user. 
     Secured flap member  516  with member  514  also facilitates assembly  500  to house/contain inner insert member  522  (when desired) or other items within cavity  524 . 
     In some embodiments, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  522  in cavity  524  of assembly  500  (e.g., to provide the user with extra cushion or space via assembly  500  that includes member(s)  522 , and/or to provide the user with different looks/styles via assembly  500  that includes member(s)  522 ). In exemplary embodiments, when flap member  516  is secured to member  514  (e.g., via fastener members  530 ,  532 ), the secured flap member  516  advantageously at least partially covers/houses/contains/conceals the inner insert member(s)  522  (when desired) within cavity  524 . Each inner insert member  522  can be fabricated from a variety of materials (e.g., a gel-pack material or the like), and each can be shaped/sized in various different sizes, dimensions, widths, depths, lengths, etc. 
     Some options the assemblies  500  offer is through the use of the optional inner insert members  522 . As noted, a user may wish to insert/position one or more inner insert member  522  in cavity  524 . In general, each user-selected (and optional/removable) inner insert member  522  is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into/within assembly  500  (e.g., into/within cavity  524  of assembly  500 ). 
     In general, each inner insert member  522  slides into the cavity  524  from the top side/end. The inner insert members  522  allow for even more cushion space between the top of the user&#39;s foot and the tongue of the shoe  15  ( FIGS. 21-22 ). For example, the extra space/bulk can allow for the use of less shoelace string, thereby enabling the user to achieve the knotted-tie or laced-out styling looks. Some advantages for utilizing assemblies  500  is to achieve multiple shoe style looks, and/or to create a platform where users/consumers can accessorize with their favorite or complementary colors. 
     In exemplary embodiments, assembly  500  includes eyelet tab members  534  having protruding sections  536  that protrude/extend from the outer edge of the assembly  500 . In exemplary embodiments, each protruding section  536  is fabricated from beading cord elastic or the like (e.g., elastic band/cord eyelet protruding sections  536 ). This material has low visibility to the user and is stretchable. Thus, it can stretch to accommodate a wide range of shoe/foot widths when assembly  500  is secured to a shoe  15 , as discussed further below (e.g., and optionally with shoelaces  13  of shoe  15  positioned within the aperture  537  defined by each protruding section  536 ). In general, each member  534  is secured or mounted with respect to each side (e.g., the left and right sides) of assembly  500  (e.g., mounted with respect to members  512 ,  514  and/or  516 ). 
     In exemplary embodiments, each protruding section  536  of each eyelet tab member  534  includes a toggle or securement member  555  (e.g., a rod-like metal toggle/securement member  536 ) mounted or secured thereon. In general, when assembly  500  is mounted to shoe  15  ( FIGS. 21-22 ), each toggle/securement member  555  is configured and dimensioned to be pushed through a desired shoelace hole  19  of shoe  15 , for securing assembly  500  underneath tongue  23  of shoe  15  (e.g., to secure members  512 ,  514  and/or  516  underneath tongue  23 — FIG. 22 ). As noted above, when assembly  500  is secured to shoe  15  (e.g., via toggle members  555  positioned through user-selected holes  19 ), a user may also optionally position shoelaces  13  of shoe  15  within/through the apertures  537  defined by each protruding section  536  and out/in each hole  19 , for further securement purposes of assembly  500  to shoe  15 . 
     In exemplary embodiments and as shown in  FIGS. 16, 17, 21 and 22 , the front side of assembly  500  (e.g., member  512 ) includes one or more strap members  557  (e.g., elastic strap members  557 ). In general, each strap member  557  is secured/mounted to a first/left side of member  512  and to a second/right side of member  512 , and extends from the first/left side of member  512  to the second/right side of member  512  (or member  516 ). 
     In general, at least a portion of each strap member  557  is configured and dimensioned to be positioned above tongue  23  to facilitate securement of assembly  500  to shoe  15  ( FIGS. 21-22 ). 
     In exemplary embodiments, during securement of assembly  500  to shoe  15 , a user may position each strap member  557  above tongue  23 , and position members  512 ,  514  and/or  516  underneath tongue  23  and above the user&#39;s foot ( FIGS. 21-22 ). A user may then push/move each toggle/securement member  555  through a desired shoelace hole  19  of shoe  15  ( FIG. 22 ), to further secure assembly  500  to shoe  15  (e.g., to secure members  512 ,  514  and/or  516  underneath tongue  23 ). In this position, a user may also optionally position shoelaces  13  of shoe  15  within/through the apertures  537  defined by each protruding section  536  and out/in each hole  19 , for further securement purposes of assembly  500  to shoe  15 . 
     In use, some advantageous reasons for using assembly  500  in each shoe  15  is to provide shoes  15  with improved comfort and style, and/or as a place to house/hold the user&#39;s items (e.g., housed/concealed within cavity  524 ), as similarly discussed above. 
     As such, assembly  500  can function as a shoe tongue pad that provides the ability to adjust the thickness/bulk between the top of the user&#39;s foot and under the shoe tongue  23 . By having the option to adjust the thickness/bulk, it is advantageously possible to fashion and style shoelaces  13  depending on the shoelace length. As the tongue thickens/bulks up with assembly  500  in place ( FIG. 22 ), the shoelace shortens at the terminal ends (e.g., less dangling of laces through proximal holes  19 ). The features of assembly  500  (e.g., toggles  555 , straps  557  and gel packs  522 ) are strategically placed and attached to ensure comfort and cohesiveness to the user of shoe  15 . 
     Whereas the disclosure has been described principally in connection with insert member insert member assemblies for footwear (e.g., shoes), such description has been utilized only for purposes of disclosure and is not intended as limiting the disclosure. To the contrary, it is to be recognized that the disclosed insert members/assemblies are capable of use for many other user-friendly purposes (e.g., inserted into pockets or the like, utilized as a wallet or hand-held carrier or the like, etc.). 
     Although the systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and/or implementations. Rather, the systems and methods of the present disclosure are susceptible to many implementations and applications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly encompasses such modifications, enhancements and/or variations of the disclosed embodiments. Since many changes could be made in the above construction and many widely different embodiments of this disclosure could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the drawings and specification shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additional modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.