Abstract:
A customization system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The customization system comprises an insert system. The insert system includes an insert and a heel member. Both the insert and the heel member may be interchangeable, allowing the user to modify the article of footwear to provide a customized fit or performance optimization.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to footwear, and in particular the present invention relates to a customization system for footwear. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Conventional articles of footwear include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed of leather, synthetic materials, or a combination thereof and comfortably secures the footwear to the wearer&#39;s foot while also providing ventilation and protection from the elements. The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers that are conventionally referred to as an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The insole is a thin cushioning member located within the upper and adjacent the sole of the foot to enhance footwear comfort. The midsole, which is traditionally attached to the upper along the entire length of the upper, forms the middle layer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes that include controlling potentially harmful foot motions, such as over-pronation, attenuating ground reaction forces, and absorbing energy. The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of the footwear, and is usually fashioned from a durable material that includes texturing to improve traction. 
         [0005]    In addition to the upper and the sole, a heel counter is often provided at the rear of the footwear. The heel counter is contoured to wrap around the user&#39;s heel and along the sides of the footwear to provide stability and support for the user&#39;s heel. The upper wraps around the rear exterior surface of the heel counter and is typically secured to the heel counter. 
         [0006]    Shoes are typically manufactured with each portion of the shoe, the upper and the sole, prepared according to a standardized set of sizes. However, the size of a wearer&#39;s foot may not conform precisely to the standardized sizes, so customization of the shoe is desirable. Additionally, in high-performance settings, such as while playing a sport, it may be desirable to optimize the performance characteristics of the shoe, such as stability when turning, impact absorption, etc. One way to customize shoe fits is to use inserts. 
         [0007]    Auger et al. (U.S. patent application publication number US 2006/0010718 A1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto) discloses an article of footwear having a heel counter attached to the upper with a removable heel pad which may be secured to the heel counter. The heel pad is used to help improve the fit about a user&#39;s heel. However, the customization of fit and performance in Auger et al. is limited to the heel section of the article of footwear. 
         [0008]    In general, there is a need in the art for a system for customizing an article of footwear in both the heel region and along the length of the article of footwear. The use of such a system can allow for customization of fit or optimization for the use of the article footwear for a particular purpose, such as for playing a particular position in a sport. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An article of footwear including a customization system is disclosed. In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an insert and a heel member; the heel member and the insert are attached forming an insert system; and wherein the insert system is attached to an interior surface of the article of footwear. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the heel member and the insert are attached using a mechanical fastener. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the heel member includes a hole. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the hole of the heel member is configured to receive a protruding region disposed on the insert. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, the protruding region is generally circular and the hole is generally round. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the protruding region is larger than the hole thereby creating an interference fit. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the outer surface of the insert system is smooth. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, the heel member includes a first releasable fastener configured to attach to a second releasable fastener fixed to the inside surface of a footwear collar. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, the invention provides an insert for customizing an article of footwear comprising: a heel member configured to be removably insertable into a heel section of an upper of the article of footwear; and an insole portion attachable to the heel member and extending from the heel member towards a toe section of the upper of the article of footwear. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, the heel member is attached to the heel section of the upper. 
         [0019]    In another aspect, the heel member is attached to the upper with a hook-and-loop connector. 
         [0020]    In another aspect, a section of the hook-and-loop connector is flush-mounted to the heel member, and wherein a corresponding section of the hook-and-loop connector is flush-mounted to the upper. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, the insole portion is interference fitted to the heel member. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the insole portion is substantially flush to a sole portion of the article of footwear when inserted into the article of footwear. 
         [0023]    In another aspect, the insert customizes a fit of the article of footwear. 
         [0024]    In another aspect, the insert customizes at least one performance characteristic of the article of footwear. 
         [0025]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method of assembling an article of footwear comprising the steps of: selecting a heel member from a plurality of candidate heel members; selecting an insert from a plurality of candidate insert members; attaching the selecting heel member with the selected insert forming an insert system; placing the insert system inside the article of footwear. 
         [0026]    In another aspect, the step of attaching the selected heel member with the selected insert includes a step of assembling a mechanical joint. 
         [0027]    In another aspect, the step of assembling the heel member and the insert includes a step of placing a protruding region associated with the insert into a hole associated with the heel member. 
         [0028]    In another aspect, the step of assembling the heel member and the insert includes a step of attaching the heel member to the article of footwear through a releasable fastener system. 
         [0029]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an insert and a heel member; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a heel member; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an insert and a heel member; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an insert and heel member being placed inside an article of footwear; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear with a heel member attached. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    An insert for customizing an article of footwear is provided to customize fit or performance of the article of footwear. In some cases, a customizable insert for the insole and a heel member are used. The insert and heel member may also add additional support or cushioning for the foot while inside an article of footwear, so that these performance characteristics of the article of footwear are optimized for high-performance use of the article of footwear. For example, an insert may provide some extra cushioning between the foot and a full-length composite plate to reduce stresses to the foot. In addition, by inserting a heel member with the insole, extra support is provided to the heel to prevent slipping within the article of footwear. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of a preferred embodiment of insert  1702  and heel member  1704  as viewed from below. Insert  1702  is preferably made of some material that provides cushioning for the foot, reducing stresses that may be applied to the foot during motion. Insert  1702  is preferably made of a lightweight and flexible material that can cover, substantially cover, or replace an insole of an article of footwear. Heel member  1704  is shaped to fit around the heel. Heel member  1704  is also preferably made of a lightweight and flexible material. Insert  1702  and heel member  1704  need not be composed of the same material. 
         [0039]    Heel member  1704  includes rear extension  1708  and lateral extension  1710 . It also includes a medial extension, not shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, heel member  1704  includes heel member base  1712 , in which hole  1714  is disposed. Lateral extension  1710 , rear extension  1708  and the medial extension are all disposed at an angle to heel member base  1712 . Rear extension  1708  is disposed between, and at an angle to, lateral extension  1710  and the medial extension. Heel member base  1712  includes first base surface  1740  and a second base surface (not shown.) In a preferred embodiment, heel member  1704  can also include an inner wrap, not shown here, which provides extra cushioning for the heel. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, a means of fastening heel member  1704  to the inside of an article of footwear is provided. In a preferred embodiment, heel member  1704  includes first recessed portion  1732 , disposed on lateral extension  1710 . Heel member  1704  also includes second recessed portion  1734 , disposed along rear extension  1708 . Heel member  1704  also includes a third recessed region, disposed along the medial extension, not shown here. 
         [0041]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , insert  1702  includes recessed portion  1720  at the rear of insert  1702 . Insert  1702  also includes central protruding region  1722  at the rear of insert  1702 . Central protruding region  1722  is disposed with respect to first insert surface  1730  of insert  1702  in a way that allows for central protruding region  1722  to be flush with first insert surface  1730 . In a preferred embodiment, central protruding region  1722  is simply a region of first insert surface  1730  that has not been removed in the creation of recessed portion  1720 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of heel member  1704 . First recessed region  1732 , second recessed region  1734 , and third recessed region  1802  are disposed along lateral extension  1710 , rear extension  1708 , and medial extension  1804 , respectively. In some embodiments, a first releasable fastener  1820  may be inserted into first recessed region  1732 . Likewise, a second releasable fastener  1822  may be inserted into second recessed region  1734 . Likewise, a third releasable fastener  1824  may be inserted into third recessed region  1802 . In some embodiments, first releasable fastener  1820 , second releasable fastener  1822 , and third releasable fastener  1824  may be a low-profile hook or loop portion of a hook-and-loop releasable fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a low-profile Velcro® strip may be used as a releasable fastener, either hook or loop. Heel member  1704  further includes second base surface  1806  of heel base  1712 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of insert  1702  and heel member  1704  joined together as viewed from below. When joined together, heel member  1704  and insert  1702  may be referred to collectively as insert system  1903 . The recessed portion (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of insert  1702  contacts the second base surface of heel member base  1712 . Central protruding region  1722  fits inside hole  1714  of heel member  1704 . This allows insert  1702  and heel member  1704  to be joined. Preferably, the recessed portion of insert  1702  and heel member base  1712  comprise the same thickness, so that first base surface  1740  is disposed flush with first insert surface  1730  of insert  1702 . In other words, outer surface  1905 , comprised of first insert surface  1730  and first base surface  1740  is smooth. In some embodiments, first rim  1206  of protruding region  1722  is made slightly larger than second rim  1208  of heel member hole  1714 . This allows for an interference fit between central protruding region  1122  and heel member  1704 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, there may be more than one central protruding region included in insert  1702 , and more than one hole included in heel member  1704 . Multiple protruding regions and cutouts may be used in a fashion similar to central protruding region  1722  and hole  1714  to give multiple interference fits that allow heel member  1704  to be joined with insert  1702 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear  2000 . Article of footwear  2000  includes opening  2002 . Opening  2002  is configured to receive the foot of a wearer. Article of footwear  2000  includes collar  2030 . Opening  2002  is also where an insert and a heel member may be inserted into article of footwear  2000 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, article of footwear  2000  includes a releasable fastener attached to inside surface  2040  of collar  2030 . In a preferred embodiment, article of footwear  2000  includes several attachment regions, each with a separate releasable fastener. 
         [0047]    In the embodiment shown here, article of footwear  2000  includes first attachment region  2004 , disposed just inside opening  2002 , along medial side  2010  of article of footwear  2000 . Article of footwear  2000  also includes second attachment region  2006 , disposed just inside opening  2002 , along the rear side  2012  of article of footwear  2000 , and article of footwear  2000  also includes third attachment region  2008 , disposed just inside opening  2002 , along lateral side  2014  of article of footwear  2000 . First attachment region  2004  preferably includes a low-profile hook or loop releasable fastener. Similarly, second attachment region  2006  preferably includes a low-profile hook or loop releasable fastener. Similarly, third attachment region  2008  preferably includes a low-profile hook or loop releasable fastener. If a low-profile hook releasable fastener is used with the heel member, a low-profile loop releasable fastener is also preferably used in all three attachment regions of article of footwear  2000 . If a low-profile loop releasable fastener is used with the heel member, a low-profile hook releasable fastener is preferably used in all three attachment regions of article of footwear  2000 . In a preferred embodiment, the releasable fastener system is Velcro®. 
         [0048]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of footwear system  2100  with heel member  1704 , insert  1702 , and article of footwear  2000 . Heel member  1704  and insert  1702  are preferably joined prior to insertion in article of footwear  2000 . Insert  1702  with joined heel member  1704  are preferably inserted into article of footwear  2000  using footwear opening  2002 . In a preferred embodiment, insert  1702  is shaped like the last of the article of footwear so that insert  1702  extends into article of footwear  2000  and preferably lies substantially flush with the sole. 
         [0049]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of article of footwear  2000 , after heel member  1704  and insert  1702  have been inserted through opening  2002 . First releasable fastener  1820  of heel member  1704  is attached to third attachment region  2008  of article of footwear  2000 . Second releasable fastener  1822  of heel member  1704  is attached to second attachment region  2006  of article of footwear  2000 . Third releasable fastener  1824  of heel member  1704  is attached to first attachment region  2004  of article of footwear  2000 . Shown schematically in  FIG. 6  as protruding slightly from article of footwear  2000  for clarity, the outer surfaces of first attachment region  2004 , second attachment region  2006 , and third attachment region  2008  are preferably flush with the outer surface of article of footwear  2000  on an inside portion of collar  2030 . Similarly, the outer surfaces of the corresponding fasteners on heel member  1702 , fasteners  1820 ,  1822 , and  1824 , are also substantially flush with an outer surface of heel member  1702 . Using this arrangement of releasable fasteners, heel member  1704  is attached to article of footwear  2000 . Because insert  1702  is preferably attached to heel member  1704 , the releasable fasteners also help to secure insert  1702  to article of footwear  2000 . 
         [0050]    Insert  1702  and heel member  1704  can be interchanged to suit the user&#39;s needs. Heel member  1704  may come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and be interchanged to accommodate different heel sizes or provide different kinds of support or impact resistance. Similarly, insert  1702  may also come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, and also may be interchanged in order to allow the user to change the thickness of the insert or type of material. Using this interchangeable system, users can select an appropriate insert  1702  and an appropriate heel member  1704 , assemble the two, and install the system into article of footwear  2000  to achieve a customized fit. 
         [0051]    It is preferable that a second insert and heel member are made in mirror image of insert  1702  and heel member  1704  to be inserted into an article of footwear made in the mirror image of article of footwear  2000  to form a pair. In another embodiment, the second insert and/or heel member may be of different sizes than insert  1702  and heel member  1704 , such as to compensate for a wearer&#39;s differently-sized feet. 
         [0052]    In a preferred embodiment, insert  1702  and/or heel member  1704  may be used to customize the fit or performance characteristics of an article of footwear including a full-length composite plate. In an exemplary embodiment, insert  1702  and/or heel member  1704  may be used in combination the article of footwear including a full-length composite plate described in U.S. Pat. No. ______, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 51-1029), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
         [0053]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.