A SHOE MODEL AND DIFFERENT EXAMPLES THEREOF

Subject of the Invention and Technical Field

The invention relates to a development in the shoe model. The invention relates to a development of an innovative shoe model which offers the different walking modes and different sensations to the consumer by using the changeable functional sole variations in the shoe, thus allowing the consumer to buy any shoe design with the insole combination of his/her choice, or to adapt the product to the intended use by modifying it by attaching a replaceable functional sole developed specifically for the product afterwards.

State of the Art

Today, choosing the right shoes is very important for the foot health. The foot structure of each person is different from each other and generally takes shape according to the genetic characteristics. The errors in choosing the shoes for the feet providing movement in daily life and carry the full body weight cause many health problems. In the state of the art, there are different shoe models designed according to the place of use and the needs of the person. The criteria of comfort, style and durability come to the fore in the shoe choice of the consumers.

The shoes basically consist of three main components: sole, shoe-upper (the part that covers the foot) and insole. Among these, the sole is of decisive importance for comfort. The form of the sole and the raw material used in the sole constitute the basic construction and character of the shoe. Especially, the raw material used in the sole is decisive in terms of flexibility and lightness. The soles, in which the raw materials such as phylon and eva are used, have a sporty appearance by nature, and are preferred for the high-level comfort with their flexibility and lightness properties. The shoe soles made of relatively heavier raw materials such as rubber and thermal material are more stylish and expensive, and stand out with their durability (stiffness).

The cross-sectional views of some examples of the embodiments in the state of the art are given in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Under the normal conditions, a finished shoe product basically comprises an outsole (1) in contact with the ground, an insole (2) on said outsole (1), and a shoe-upper (3) positioned to cover said outsole (1) and insole (2). When considered as a production technique, the various parts which make up the shoeupper (3) are cut according to the shape and model of the shoe and joined appropriately. In the assembly process, the shoe-upper (3) and the lining are first sewn together. Then, the lower part and the shoe-upper are joined together by sewing, gluing, nailing or applying a combination thereof. The heels are prepared with the parts of the insole (2) and outsole (1). The outsole (1) is joined to the shoe-upper (3) by sewing, nailing, or a combination thereof. In the present embodiments, the insole (2) is thinner than the outsole (1), it supports the sole of the foot and the sole elements in a complementary way, and provides extra softness. In some comfort-oriented embodiments, it is seen that an additional pad, midsole (4), is placed inside the outsole (1).

In the state of the art, the people keep the different shoes for the different activities and wear the shoes suitable for the purpose of use at the time of need. For example, the shoes preferred while playing tennis, playing basketball, and jogging, and the shoes used daily are different. The need to change the shoes for the different activities is a technical problem and a waste of time and energy. In addition, in such cases, the shoes can be lost or forgotten.

On the other hand, it is known that the insoles for the shoes, which are produced completely independently of the shoe model, are also included in the present embodiments. It is possible for the consumer to replace the original insole of their shoe with said replaceable insoles. However, the fact that these insoles are not specially designed for that shoe model causes said insoles to not fully fit into the shoe mold form. In addition, the insoles in the state of the art do not change the character and function of the shoes, but provide some improvement in the feeling of comfort. The production of said insoles in a thick version, on the other hand, is insufficient to provide the desired comfort since it narrows the volume in which the foot will be placed, and it causes the shoes to be small and tight for the consumer’s feet. Therefore, the studies on the shoe model are open to develop as a whole, rather than the separate studies only on insoles or outsoles.

In the Turkish utility model application no. 2021/016919, the shoe sole designed with various features according to the daily living conditions is described. Herein, a structure is described, wherein the different types of soles are brought together with the help of the touch and close fastener and can be removed from the shoe according to the need.

In the Turkish utility model application no. 2021/003723, a multifunctional shoe is described, which is designed to contribute to the family economy and to prevent the excess of shoes. In this study, a system is described, in which the shoe sole, such as the soles of sports shoes, soles of boots, soles of crampons, etc. can be changed by separating the junctions thereof.

In the Turkish utility model application no. 2017/04644, a technique is described, in which the sole of the shoe is changed according to the environment and conditions in which the shoe will be used, and a multi-purpose use of the shoe is provided.

In the Turkish utility model application no. 2016/19078, the shoe structure with four soles, which can be shaped according to the needs, is described. In said structure, there are at least one shoe without sole, the soles with different functions, which can be mounted on the shoes without soles, a foldable bag in which the soles are placed for the storage purposes, and a box in which the bag and the shoe without sole are placed. The alternatives, such as classic soles, semi-classical soles, sports soles, winter soles, are described.

In the state of the art, it has been tried to adapt the shoes to the different conditions with simple changes, and the improvements have been made accordingly. However, it is seen that these studies are mostly on the customization of the outsoles. In the state of the art, there is no shoe which provides a high level of comfort and offers different walking modes and feelings to the consumer in a durable shoe that looks stylish and expensive. There is a need for the innovative models and techniques which will allow the consumer to modify the purchased product offering the different comfort options and to adapt it to the intended use.

Technical Problems to Be Solved by the Invention

With the shoe model according to the invention, it is aimed to develop a model which allows the consumer to modify the product purchased and adapt it to its intended use. The shoe model according to the invention is a unique model created by using a single functional sole determining the character of the shoe and can be changed easily, unlike the structures comprising more than one sole, such as insole, outsole and midsole in the state of the art.

An advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that it eliminates the use of outsole, insole and midsole. Thus, it can be produced with a simpler technique compared to the state of the art and provides advantages in terms of time, labor and cost.

The most important advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that the consumer can easily change the comfort and walking character (mode) of the product by attaching a functional sole suitable for the consumer’s shoes according to the activity during the day. For example, a casual shoe can easily turn into a running shoe.

An advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that it comprises the functional sole variations developed to provide the orthopedics of the shoe, the tread ergonomics of the foot, and the feeling of softness and comfort. Said variations are the functional sole constructions created as a result of the scientific research and experimental observations.

Another advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that it is sufficient for the person to change the functional sole to adapt the shoe to the different conditions. Thus, the need for the person to have more than one pair of shoes will be eliminated. (For example, the person who goes to the gym after work carries the sports shoes along herself/himself) In such cases, the person will be able to reach the desired comfort and performance features by simply changing the functional sole.

Another advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that the need of the person for a large number of shoes is reduced with said model. This brings along the advantages in terms of economy.

Another advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that it has an alternative in which the heel support parts of various hardness can be easily attached to the functional sole and removed therefrom. Thus, the hardness of the rear sole, with which the back (heel) part of the foot contacts, can change independently of the front part. This makes it possible to use much softer heel support parts, especially for feet with heel spurs, and provides the benefits in terms of the foot health.

One of the advantages of the shoe model according to the invention is that it allows the consumer to create his/her own personal product by choosing both the sole and the heel part that he/she desires. Thus, it creates a product option that will willingly be used by the consumer.

Another advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that said functional sole is specific to the shoe model according to the invention. Thus, in the state of the art, the problem of not being able to adapt to the mold in the replaceable insoles will be prevented.

An advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that the foot of the consumer is placed directly on the functional sole which is a high-thickness sole. The replaceable insoles used in the state of the art were in the form of the thin pads, and it was not possible to exceed a certain thickness in terms of adapting to the shoe model.

Another advantage of the shoe model according to the invention is that it offers many options to the consumer with the alternative functional soles which can be diversified in different constructions, different colors and different patterns. Although the functional sole can be provided inside the shoe, it will be possible to sell the shoe design and the functional sole design separately. Thus, a unique shoe sales and marketing model is created.

In order to better understand the shoe model according to the invention, the figures will be referred.

Description of the Figures

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic elements of a standard shoe in the state of the art.

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic elements of a comfort type shoe in the state of the art. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic elements of the shoe model according to the invention.

Fig. 4 is the cross-sectional view showing the channel and covering layer details of the functional sole variations in the shoe model according to the invention.

Fig. 5 is the cross-sectional view showing the forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot sections and critical measurement points of the functional sole variations in the shoe model according to the invention.

Fig. 6 is the perspective view of the casual functional sole in the shoe model according to the invention.

Fig. 7 is the top and bottom views of the casual functional sole in the shoe model according to the invention.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the functional sole with a replaceable heel support in the shoe model according to the invention, with the heel support part removed.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the functional sole with a replaceable heel support in the shoe model according to the invention, with the heel support part attached.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the functional sole with a replaceable heel support in the shoe model according to the invention, with the heel support part attached.

Fig. 11 is a view showing the different examples of the shoe model according to the invention.

Reference Numbers of Parts and Sections that Help Explain the Invention

1- Outsole

2- Insole

3- Shoe-upper

4- Midsole 5- External skin

6- Functional sole

6a- Casual functional sole

6b- Functional walking sole

6c- Functional running sole

6d- Functional sole with replaceable heel support

7- Channel

8- Covering layer

9a- Forefoot section

9b- Midfoot section

9c- Rearfoot section

10- Heel support part

10a- Slot

A- Standard shoe

B- Comfort type shoe

C- Shoe model according to the invention

H1- Toe thickness

H2- Heel thickness

Detailed Description of the Invention

With the shoe model (C) according to the invention, the object is to provide a shoe model which essentially allows the consumer to adapt the same shoe to different conditions, is durable and visually stylish, and provides the desired foot comfort. In accordance with the object, the soles such as outsole, insole and midsole in the state of the art have been eliminated and a unique structure including a single functional sole has been developed. The shoe model according to the invention will offer the different walking modes and the different comfort options with the different functional sole options to the consumer. The shoe model (C) according to the invention includes the shoe types, such as the lace-up and lace-free shoes and shoes with hook and loop fastener, etc. in casual or sports style rather than the high-heel dressy models. In order to better understand the difference in the shoe model (C) according to the invention, the views of the shoe constructions in the state of the art are given in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As is shown in Fig.1 , the standard shoes (A) basically consist of an outsole (1), an insole (2) and a shoe-upper (3). In Fig. 1, the insole (2) is thinner than the outsole (1). The insole (2) supports the tread ergonomics of the foot, the sole of the foot and the sole elements in a complementary way, and provides extra softness. In the comfort type shoes (B), as in Fig. 2, an additional pad, called the midsole (4), is placed inside the outsole (1).

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shoe model (C) according to the invention. The shoe model (C) according to the invention comprises a functional sole (6), preferably made of polyurethane, silicone, memory foam, latex or recycled material, an external skin (5) surrounding externally the lower part of said functional sole (6), a shoe-upper (3) joined with said external skin (5), and a covering layer (8), preferably made of leather or fabric, covering said functional sole (6). The shoe model (C) according to the invention differs from the state of the art in terms of the functional sole (6) therein, and also creates a difference in the shoe production technique. In the shoe model (C) according to the invention, said functional sole (6) is not in the assembled state with said external skin (5), and it is a separate part. Said functional sole (6) can be easily removed and replaced with a different functional sole (6) by the user, if desired. Although it is defined as the functional sole (6) because it is a part into which the sole of the foot fits, this element should not be confused with the known insoles (2) and outsoles (1), but should essentially be considered as a thick support for the foot. In the shoe model according to the invention, the functional sole (6) differs from the existing replaceable insoles and outsoles in terms of material, construction, and technique. In the shoe model (C) according to the invention, the part of the shoe which contacts the ground is the external skin (5). The functional sole (6) is a product that is much thicker than the external skin (5) and is designed with the different constructions to provide the orthopedics of the shoe, the tread ergonomics of the foot, and the feeling of softness and comfort.

The shoe model (C) according to the invention can adapt to the environment with the alternatives of the replaceable functional sole (6) for the different conditions. Some examples of the functional soles (6) developed to be used in the shoe model (C) according to the invention are given in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. These are the casual functional sole (6a), functional walking sole (6b), and functional running sole (6c). The examples of said functional sole (6) have been developed as a result of the scientific and experimental studies, taking into account the problems experienced by the foot of the person in the different environmental conditions, and the orthopedic and ergonomic needs. For this reason, the details such as the channels (7) under the functional sole (6), the depth and positioning of the said channels (7), the thickness, material, and curvature of said functional sole (6) are very important in the shoe model (C) according to the invention. In order to give said details more clearly, said functional sole (6) is divided into the sections such as forefoot section (9a), midfoot section (9b) and rearfoot section (9c), and is given in Fig. 5. The sections of the toe thickness (H1) and heel thickness (H2) are also shown in Fig. 5, and the toe thickness (H1) of the functional sole (6) in the shoe model (C) according to the invention is preferably in the range 15-25 mm, and the heel thickness (H2) is preferably in the range of 25-40 mm. The functional sole (6) in the shoe model (C) according to the invention should not be confused with the insoles and/or outsoles in the state of the art. Said functional sole (6) is not an alternative to the replaceable insoles in the state of the art. The subject of the invention is a shoe model, and said functional sole (6) is specific to the shoe model (C) according to the invention, and is a complementary element. It is not possible to use the replaceable insoles in the state of the art in the shoe model (C) according to the invention, or to use the functional sole (6) of the shoe model (C) according to the invention in a shoe model in the state of the art and to create the same technical effect (to give the desired comfort and feeling). When a thick functional sole (6) is placed on the shoe models in the state of the art, the volume of the space inside the shoe will be narrowed and it will be very difficult for the foot to fit comfortably.

The exemplary applications of the shoe model (C) according to the invention are described in detail below.

Casual Shoes: The shoe model (C) according to the invention can be adapted to a casual shoe by using the casual functional sole (6a). The perspective view, top and bottom views of said casual functional sole are given in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. In one of the perspective views in Fig. 6, the foot pressure points are also shown. The casual shoe is a type of shoe which can be worn while going to work or school in the routine life, and the biggest expectation about such shoes is a structure which will provide maximum comfort and will not disturb the feet throughout the day. In the casual shoes, the heel part must be hard enough to grasp the heel of the foot, otherwise the excessively hard heel part will cause the foot to ache. In addition, the parameters to be considered are that the sole is thick enough to not hurt the foot, is flexible so as not to restrict the movements, and is not too low or high. Considering all these requirements, the memory foam material is preferred for said casual functional sole (6a) in the shoe model (C) according to the invention. The memory foam is known as a dense material and differs from other foams in terms of its flexibility and adaptability. The memory foam material is preferred because it can be easily restored compared to other foams. At the same time, the memory foam material reduces the impact of the casual functional sole (6a) and allows it to adapt to all kinds of feet and shoes. Said casual functional sole (6a) preferably comprises one channel (7) in the midfoot section (9b), while four channels (7) are preferably positioned at certain intervals in the forefoot section (9a). It is preferred that the toe thickness (H1) of said casual functional sole (6a) is in the range of 18-22 mm, and the heel thickness (H2) is in the range of 32-35 mm.

Walking Shoes: The shoe model (C) according to the invention can be adapted to a walking shoe by using the functional walking sole (6b). Said functional walking sole (6b) is designed for walking without extremely tiring the whole body and foot. The parameters such as the perfect fit of the shoe, flexibility, cushioning in the heel area, and comfortable movement of the toes in the shoe are taken into consideration. For a healthier and easier walking, the light and low-heel shoes are preferred. Accordingly, the polyurethane material is preferably used for the functional walking sole (6b) in the shoe model (C) according to the invention. It is preferred that the toe thickness (H1) in Fig. 5 of said functional walking sole (6b) is in the range of 15-20 mm, and the heel thickness (H2) is in the range of 27-32 mm. Said functional walking sole (6b) preferably comprises two channels (7) in the midfoot section (9b), while the number of these channels (7) is increased in the forefoot section (9a), and in the preferred structure, seven channels (7) are positioned in the forefoot section (9a). The number of channels (7) in the forefoot section (9a) of said functional walking sole (6b) has been increased compared to the casual functional sole (6a) in order for the forefoot section (9a) to bend more easily during walking and to increase the flexibility towards the toes.

Running Shoes: The shoe model (C) according to the invention can be adapted to a running shoe with the functional running sole (5c). It is known that all exercises put the load of the body more or less on the feet and legs. Running is more effective on the feet compared to other sports. While running, the pressure is applied to the midfoot and forefoot sections. Therefore, it is expected from a running shoe that it is suitable for the running style, can adopt the shape of the foot, and provide balance. For a comfortable and ideal running shoe, a design created using the appropriate material supporting the foot anatomy is important. Under the normal conditions, the running shoes with the light soles allow the person to exert less effort and can increase the efficiency of the sports. Based on all this information, a special design has been developed for the functional running sole (6c) of the shoe model (C) according to the invention, which is preferably made of silicone material and which has the toe thickness (H1) preferably in the range of 15-18 mm and the heel thickness (H2) preferably in the range of 25-30 mm. Said running insole (6c) preferably comprises three channels (7) in the midfoot section (9b), while the number of these channels (7) is increased in the forefoot section (9a), and in the preferred structure, nine channels (7) are positioned in the forefoot section (9a).

As can be seen in Fig. 5, while the midfoot section (9b) of the casual functional sole (6a) is more linear in the shoe model (C) according to the invention, the midfoot section (9b) of the functional walking sole (6b) has a slight curvature, and the functional running sole (6c) has a more pronounced (curled) curvature.

The shoe model (C) according to the invention comprises at least one covering layer (8) joined on the functional sole (6), as shown in Fig. 4, by the methods known in the state of the art. Said covering layer (8) may be made of fabric or leather. Under the normal conditions, the moisture and perspiration in the shoes cause the bacteria formation and malodor. Therefore, it is preferred to use an antibacterial and high air permeability fabric as the covering layer (8). Said covering layer (8) is aimed to reduce perspiring on the foot thanks to the air permeability and to maximize the interaction of the raw material of the functional sole (6) with the foot by providing the maximum flexibility. In the shoe model (C) according to the invention, it is also possible to use the synthetic leather or genuine leather as the covering layer (8) apart from the fabric. The use of the synthetic leather helps the functional sole to look more elegant and stylish. The genuine leather material, on the other hand, allows the perspiration to be absorbed by the skin in the excessively perspiring feet and minimizes the feeling of wetness/humidity in the shoes.

In an alternative, the shoe model (C) according to the invention may comprise a functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support. The views of the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support in the shoe model (C) according to the invention are given in Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Accordingly, said functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support comprises a slot (10a) in the lower part at the heel section, into which the heel support part (10) will be fit. The heel support part (10) of the cross-sectional view of said functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support is given in Fig. 8 in a removed state, and the cross-sectional view of the heel support part (10) is given in Fig. 9 in an attached state. The functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support can be included in any of the above-mentioned exemplary models, considering the channel structures and dimensions. In other words, a slot (10a) can be constructed in the casual functional sole (6a), the functional walking sole (6b) or the functional running sole (6c), into which the heel support part (10) will be fit. In the shoe model comprising the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support, the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support and the heel support part (10) are made of the same raw material with different densities. In the preferred embodiment, the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support is made of polyurethane, and the heel support part (10) is made of silicone material. In the preferred embodiment, said heel support part (10) on the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support is placed directly into the slot (10a) without any connection element. However, the scope of the invention should not be limited thereto. If desired, there may be alternative structures in which the heel support part (10) is connected to the slot (10a) with various connection elements (lugs, etc.). The thickness of the heel support part (10) can be at most 2/3 of the heel thickness (H2) in said functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support. Said heel support part (10) must be dimensioned so that it can be fully inserted into the slot (10a). The heel support part (10) and the slot (10a) can be of different geometries, if desired. In this sense, the views should not be binding.

In the shoe model according to the invention, thanks to the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support, the consumer can easily attach and remove the heel support parts (10) of various hardnesses on the functional sole (6), and can change the hardness of the sole which contacts the back (heel) part of the foot independently from the front part. Thus, especially for the feet with heel spurs, much softer heel support parts (10) are used to solve the health problems.

The functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support should not be considered completely separate from the different types of the functional soles (6). The different types of the functional soles (6), such as the casual functional sole (6a), functional walking sole (6b), functional running sole (6c), which are exemplified above, can be made into the functional soles (6d) with replaceable heel support. The views of Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10 are the examples in which the casual functional sole (6a) is transformed into a functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support. The most important characteristic of the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support is that the functional sole (6) comprises a slot (10a) in the lower part at the heel section at a height not exceeding 2/3 of the heel thickness (H2) and a heel support part (10) sized to fully fit into said slot (10a).

Industrial Application of the Invention

The shoe model (C) according to the invention includes many types of shoes, such as the lace-up and lace-free shoes and shoes with hook and loop fastener, etc. Fig. 11 shows some of the exemplary embodiments of the shoe model (C) according to the invention. The shoe model (C) according to the invention can be in different colors and designs for all ages and genders. Although the shoe model (C) according to the invention comprises a functional sole (6) in the product, the different functional soles (6) can be given as a promotion or as a separate package for a fee.

For the functional sole (6d) with replaceable heel support, the heel support parts (10) of the different degrees of hardness and different materials can be given as a promotion inside or alongside the product similarly to the functional soles (6), or they may be sold as a separate package for a fee.

The shoe model (C) according to the invention can be diversified with the alternatives of the different functional sole (6) according to the ground and environmental conditions. For example, there may be the alternatives, such as a magnetic (magnetic field) antistress functional sole, a reflexology functional sole which applies pressure on the nerves in the sole of the foot, a support functional sole with extra foot cavity support for the flatfooted patients, an air-conditioned functional sole which increases the air circulation inside the shoe with the air channels while the consumer takes a step, a spring functional sole which makes it easy to take a step with the spring system therein, an airy functional sole which provides the different comfort experience via the air capsule therein, a smart functional sole which can be connected with a mobile phone via the electronic circuits therein, a safety functional sole which will prevent the sharp objects that may prick on the sole from the ground from reaching the foot, a wool functional sole which will keep the foot extra warm in the cold geographical areas, etc., and these alternatives can further be developed.