Patent Publication Number: US-10779607-B1

Title: Extendible shoe

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of human necessities including footwear, more specifically, footwear adjustable as to length. (A43B3/26) 
     While footwear comes in many styles and forms, most commonly available footwear shares certain common characteristics including, but not limited to, an upper and a sole. The upper and sole are generally said to be attached at the feather. If the feather is reinforced with an additional piece of material, the additional piece of material is referred to as a welt. The upper is divided into a quarter region and a vamp region. The superior edge of the upper is called the top line (or collar). A foot typically enters footwear through the top line. The quarter region covers the heel of the foot. The vamp region covers the toes and attaches to the quarter. The sole is further defined with an insole and an outsole. The insole is the surface of the sole that is proximal to the foot when the footwear is worn normally. The outsole is the surface of the sole that is distal from the insole. The sole is often fitted with a heel, which is a structure that is designed to raise the quarter portion of the footwear above the vamp. The tongue is a flap of material that is attached to the upper such that the tongue is positioned between a foot and the upper. The tongue is attached to the upper at the frenulum. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The extendible shoe is a footwear item. The extendible shoe has an adjustable length. The span of the length of the extendible shoe in the anterior-posterior direction adjusts such that the length of the extendible shoe is adjustable. The extendible show comprises an extendible sole and an extendible upper. The extendible upper attaches to the extendible sole. The extendible sole extends in the anterior-posterior direction. The extendible upper extends in the anterior-posterior direction. 
     These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the extendible shoe will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the extendible shoe in detail, it is to be understood that the extendible shoe is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the extendible shoe. 
     It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the extendible shoe. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view (extended) of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view (retracted) of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view (extended) of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view (extended) of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view (retracted) of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view (retracted) of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure across  7 - 7  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 7 . 
     The extendible shoe  100  (hereinafter invention) is a footwear item. The invention  100  has an adjustable length. The span of the length of the invention  100  in the anterior-posterior direction  201  adjusts such that the length of the invention  100  is adjustable. The extendible show comprises an extendible sole  101  and an extendible upper  102 . The extendible upper  102  attaches to the extendible sole  101 . The extendible sole  101  extends in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The extendible upper  102  extends in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . 
     The extendible sole  101  forms the sole of the invention  100 . The extendible sole  101  is an adjustable structure. The span of the length of the extendible sole  101  extends and retracts in the anterior-posterior direction  201  to fit the length of the foot of a wearer. The extendible sole  101  locks into position. The extendible sole  101  comprises an anterior sole  111 , a posterior sole  112 , an inferior extendible structure  113 , and an insert  114 . 
     The anterior sole  111  forms the anterior segment of the extendible sole  101 . The anterior sole  111  forms the inferior element of the invention  100  that is positioned under the forefoot and the vamp  121  of the extendible upper  102 . 
     The posterior sole  112  forms the posterior segment of the extendible sole  101 . The posterior sole  112  forms the inferior element of the invention  100  that is positioned under the hind foot and the quarter  122  of the extendible upper  102 . 
     The inferior extendible structure  113  is a mechanical structure that attaches the anterior sole  111  to the posterior sole  112 . The inferior extendible structure  113  is an adjustable apparatus that allows the span of the length of the extendible sole  101  to adjust in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The inferior extendible structure  113  attaches the anterior sole  111  to the posterior sole  112  at a location inferior to the location where the superior extendible structure  123  attaches the vamp  121  to the quarter  122 . The inferior extendible structure  113  is positioned underneath the arch of the foot. The inferior extendible structure  113  comprises a compression shell  131 , a plurality of metal plates  132 , and a plurality of springs  133 . 
     The compression shell  131  is a roughly rectangular structure. The compression shell  131  is a hollow structure. The compression shell  131  forms the outer shell of the inferior extendible structure  113 . The compression shell  131  is formed from an elastomeric material such that the compression shell  131  can be compressed in the anterior-posterior direction  201  by the application of a force. The compression shell  131  contains the plurality of springs  133 . The compression shell  131  contains portions of each of the plurality of metal plates  132 . The compression shell  131  comprises a rouleau  141 . The rouleau  141  is a channel formed through the compression shell  131  in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . 
     Each of the plurality of metal plates  132  is a rectangular metal plate installed in the extendible sole  101 . Each of the plurality of metal plates  132  performs a function selected from the group consisting of: a) forming a beam structure that distributes the load path borne by the invention  100  through the anterior sole  111 , the posterior sole  112 , and the inferior extendible structure  113 ; and, b) locking the span of the length of the extendible sole  101  to a fixed length. The plurality of metal plates  132  comprises a superior plate  151 , a medial plate  152 , an inferior plate  153 , and a cotter pin  154 . 
     The superior plate  151  is a metal plate structure. The superior plate  151  is formed with a plurality of holes used to lock the span of the length of the extendible sole  101  into position. The superior plate  151  is rigidly fixed into the posterior sole  112 . The superior plate  151  inserts into the anterior sole  111  such that the superior plate  151  slides into and out of the anterior sole  111  along the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The superior plate  151  inserts through the rouleau  141  of the compression shell  131  such that the compression shell  131  can compress without interference from the superior plate  151 . 
     The inferior plate  153  is a metal plate structure. The inferior plate  153  is rigidly fixed into the posterior sole  112 . The inferior plate  153  inserts into the anterior sole  111  such that the inferior plate  153  slides into and out of the anterior sole  111  along the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The inferior plate  153  inserts through the rouleau  141  of the compression shell  131  such that the compression shell  131  can compress without interference from the inferior plate  153 . 
     The medial plate  152  is a metal plate structure. The medial plate  152  is formed with a plurality of holes used to lock the span of the length of the extendible sole  101  into position. The medial plate  152  is rigidly fixed into the anterior sole  111 . The medial plate  152  inserts into the anterior sole  111  such that the medial plate  152  slides into and out of the rouleau  141  of the compression shell  131  along the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The medial plate  152  inserts into the rouleau  141  of the compression shell  131  such that the medial plate  152  can compress without interference from the superior plate  151 . 
     The cotter pin  154  is a metal pin that simultaneously inserts through a hole formed in the superior plate  151  and a hole formed in the medial plate  152 . The cotter pin  154  fixes the position of the anterior sole  111  relative to the posterior sole  112  such that the span of the length of the invention  100  remains fixed. The cotter pin  154  inserts into the superior plate  151  and the medial plate  152  through the superior surface of the inferior extendible structure  113 . The cotter pin  154  is cushioned using the insert  114 . 
     The medial plate  152  is positioned directly underneath the superior plate  151  such that the cotter pin  154  can simultaneously insert through the superior plate  151  and the medial plate  152  to secure the anterior sole  111  in a fixed position relative to the posterior sole  112 . 
     Each of the plurality of springs  133  is a compression spring. Each of the plurality of springs  133  attaches the posterior edge of the anterior sole  111  to the anterior edge of the posterior sole  112  by inserting through the rouleau  141  of the inferior extendible structure  113 . Each of the plurality of springs  133  compresses when the span of the length of the extendible sole  101  is reduced. Each of the plurality of springs  133  moves towards its relaxed shape when the span of the length of the extendible sole  101  expands. Each of the plurality of springs  133  is fully relaxed when the span of the distance of the extendible sole  101  is at its maximum. 
     Each of the plurality of springs  133  pass through the rouleau  141  to attach the anterior sole  111  to the posterior sole  112 . The superior plate  151  installs in the rouleau  141 , the anterior sole  111 , and the posterior sole  112  such that the superior plate  151  forms the superior surface of the rouleau  141 . The inferior plate  153  installs in the rouleau  141 , the anterior sole  111 , and the posterior sole  112  such that the inferior plate  153  forms the inferior surface of the rouleau  141 . The medial plate  152  installs in the rouleau  141  and the anterior sole  111  such that the medial plate  152  projects into the rouleau  141  from the anterior sole  111 . 
     The insert  114  is an orthotic cushion that rests on the superior surface of the extendible sole  101 . 
     The extendible upper  102  forms the upper of the invention  100 . The extendible upper  102  is an adjustable structure. The span of the length of the extendible upper  102  extends and retracts in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The span of the length of the extendible upper  102  is set by the span of the length of the extendible sole  101 . The extendible upper  102  comprises a vamp  121 , a quarter  122 , and a superior extendible structure  123 . 
     The vamp  121  is the portion of the extendible upper  102  that creates an enclosed space over the anterior sole  111 . The vamp  121  is the portion of the extendible upper  102  that encloses the forefoot. The use of a vamp  121  is well-known and documented in the shoemaking arts. 
     The quarter  122  is the portion of the extendible upper  102  that creates an enclosed space over the posterior sole  112 . The quarter  122  is the portion of the extendible upper  102  that encloses the hind foot. The use of a quarter  122  is well-known and documented in the shoemaking arts. 
     The superior extendible structure  123  is an elastic structure that attaches the vamp  121  to the quarter  122 . The superior extendible structure  123  is an adjustable apparatus that allows the span of the length of the extendible upper  102  to adjust in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The superior extendible structure  123  attaches to the extendible sole  101  at a location directly superior to the inferior extendible structure  113 . The superior extendible structure  123  is positioned such that the superior extendible structure  123  is proximal to the talus of the foot. The superior extendible structure  123  comprises a left talus structure  161  and a right talus structure  162 . 
     The left talus structure  161  is an elastic textile that attaches the left side of the vamp  121  to the left side of the quarter  122 . The left talus structure  161  installs such that the left talus structure  161  stretches in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The left talus structure  161  adjusts the span of the length of the extendible upper  102  in concert with changes to the span of the length of the extendible sole  101 . The right talus structure  162  is an elastic textile that attaches the right side of the vamp  121  to the right side of the quarter  122 . The right talus structure  162  installs such that the right talus structure  162  stretches in the anterior-posterior direction  201 . The right talus structure  162  adjusts the span of the length of the extendible upper  102  in concert with changes to the span of the length of the extendible sole  101 . 
     The following definitions were used in this disclosure: 
     Ankle: As used in this disclosure, the ankle is the joint in the human body that joins the foot to the leg. The ankle comprises the lateral malleolus region of the fibula, the medial malleolus region of the tibia, and the talus. The talus attaches the lateral malleolus region of the fibula and the medial malleolus region of the tibia to the hind foot region of the foot. 
     Anterior: As used in this disclosure, anterior is a term that is used to refer to the front side or direction of a structure. When comparing two objects, the anterior object is the object that is closer to the front of the structure. 
     Arch: As used in this disclosure, an arch refers to an edge or surface that forms a concave edge or surface of a definable negative space. 
     Arch: As used in this disclosure, the arch refers to an arch formed in the foot proximal to the talus and metatarsal bones. The form of the arch helps to support and distribute the weight borne by the foot. 
     Ball of the Foot: As used in this disclosure, the ball of the foot is a padded area on the bottom of the foot of a person located between the toes and the arch of the foot. When the heel of the foot is raised, the ball of the foot supports the weight of the person. 
     Compression Spring: As used in this disclosure, a compression spring is a spring that resists forces attempting to compress the spring in the direction of the center axis of the spring. The compression spring will return to its original position when the compressive force is removed. 
     Cotter Pin: As used in this disclosure, a cotter pin is a metal shaft that is used to hold two mechanical components together. 
     Detent: As used in this disclosure, a detent is a device for positioning and holding a first object relative to a second object such that the position of the first object relative to the second object is adjustable. 
     Elastic: As used in this disclosure, an elastic is a material or object that deforms when a force is applied to it and that is able to return to its relaxed shape after the force is removed. A material that exhibits these qualities is also referred to as an elastomeric material. A material that does not exhibit these qualities is referred to as inelastic or an inelastic material. 
     Elastic Textile: As used in this disclosure, an elastic textile is a textile that contains elastic yarns as some of the yarns that make up the textile. An elastic textile is constructed such that the elastic textile will stretch when a force is applied and will return to its original shape when after the force is removed. 
     Feather: As used in this disclosure, the feather is the junction between the upper and the sole. 
     Foot: As used in this disclosure, the foot refers to the portion of the leg that is below the ankle. Within this disclosure, the foot is further defined with a forefoot, a midfoot, a hind foot, and a sole. The forefoot is the region of the foot is the anterior portion of the foot within which the phalanges and the metatarsals bones are located. The midfoot is the region of the foot within which the navicular, cuboid, and cuneiform bones are located. The hind foot is the region of the foot that is posterior to the midfoot. The sole refers to the inferior surfaces of the foot located underneath the forefoot, the midfoot, and the hind foot. The healthy foot further comprises five toes formed at the distal end of the forefoot. 
     Footwear: As used in this disclosure, footwear refers to a protective structure that is worn on a foot. Footwear is commonly referred to as a shoe. 
     Frenulum: As used in this disclosure, the frenulum is the junction between the tongue and the upper where the tongue is connected to the upper. 
     Ground: As used in this disclosure, the ground is a solid supporting surface formed by the Earth. The term level ground means that the supporting surface formed by the ground is roughly perpendicular to the force of gravity. 
     Heel: As used in this disclosure, the heel is the portion of the sole or the outsole that is underneath the ankle and posterior to the arch of the foot of the wearer. 
     Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally. 
     Insert: As used in this disclosure, an insert is an orthotic cushion that inserts into footwear such that the insert rests on the insole of the footwear. The insert forms a structure between the foot and the insole. 
     Insole: As used in this disclosure, the insole is the component of a shoe sole that is proximal to the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure. 
     Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth. 
     Medial: As used in this disclosure, the term medial is used to describe a third object relative to the position of a first object and a second object. The third object is positioned such that: a) the span of the distance from the third object to the first object is lesser than the span of the distance between the first object and the second object; and, b) the span of the distance from the third object to the second object is lesser than the span of the distance between the first object and the second object. The third object would commonly be said to be between the first object and the second object. 
     Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object. 
     Plate: As used in this disclosure, a plate is a smooth, flat and semi-rigid or rigid structure that has at least one dimension that: a) is of uniform thickness; and b) that appears thin relative to the other dimensions of the object. Plates often have a rectangular or disk like appearance. The face of the plate is a surface of the plate selected from the group consisting of: a) the surface of the plate with the greatest surface area; b) the surface of the plate that is distal from the surface of the plate with the greatest surface area. The edges of the plate comprise the surfaces of the plate that would not be considered faces as defined above. As defined in this disclosure, plates may be made of any material, but are commonly made of metal, plastic, and wood. When made of wood, a plate is often referred to as a board. 
     Posterior: As used in this disclosure, posterior is a term that is used to refer to the side of an object that is distal or in the opposite direction of the anterior side. When comparing two items, the posterior item is the item that is distal from the anterior of the object. 
     Outsole: As used in this disclosure, the outsole is the outer component of the sole of the shoe that is in contact with the ground. 
     Quarter: As used in this disclosure, the quarter is the portion of the upper that is connected to the vamp and that surrounds the heel and the sides of the foot. 
     Relaxed Shape: As used in this disclosure, a structure is considered to be in its relaxed state when no shear, strain, or torsional forces are being applied to the structure. 
     Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a rigid structure is a solid structure formed from an inelastic material that resists changes in shape. A rigid structure will permanently deform as it fails under a force. 
     Rouleau: As used in this disclosure, a rouleau is a tube or channel that is formed through a structure. 
     Semi-Rigid Structure: As used in this disclosure, a semi-rigid structure is a solid structure that is stiff but not wholly inflexible and that will deform under force before breaking. A semi-rigid structure may or may not behave with an elastic nature in that a semi-rigid structure need not return to its relaxed shape. 
     Sole: As used in this disclosure, the sole component of a shoe that forms the undersurface of the shoe and comes in contact with the ground. 
     Spring: As used in this disclosure, a spring is a device that is used to store mechanical energy. This mechanical energy will often be stored by: 1) deforming an elastomeric material that is used to make the device; 2) the application of a torque to a semi-rigid structure; or 3) a combination of the previous two items. 
     Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally. 
     Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load path of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object. 
     Textile: As used in this disclosure, a textile is a material that is woven, knitted, braided or felted. Synonyms in common usage for this definition include fabric and cloth. 
     Tongue: As used in this disclosure, the tongue is the portion a shoe that is attached to the vamp such that the tongue sits underneath the upper and underneath the fastener (such as shoelaces) used to tighten the shoe. 
     Top Line: As used in this disclosure, the top line is the superior edge of the upper. The foot is generally inserted into an upper at the top line. The top line is often referred to as the collar. 
     Upper: As used in this disclosure, the upper is the portion of the shoe that is superior to the sole. 
     Vamp: As used in this disclosure, the vamp is the portion of the upper that covers the superior portion of the foot from the toes to where the vamp connects to the quarter. 
     Welt: As used in this disclosure, a welt is a piece of material that reinforces the attachment of the upper to the sole. 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in  FIGS. 1 through 7  include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention. 
     It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.