Apparatus and Methods for Carrying Footwear

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/472,415, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Carrying Footwear,” filed Sep. 22, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/287,868, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,800,914, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Carrying Footwear,” filed Feb. 27, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/393,484, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,258,121, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Carrying Footwear,” filed Dec. 29, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/882,145, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,565,908, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Carrying Footwear,” filed Oct. 13, 2015, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/207,399, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,167,862, entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Carrying Footwear,” filed Aug. 10, 2011, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for carrying foldable footwear and methods for using same.

In a continued effort to streamline women's accessories and provide more footwear options for women, a class of footwear known as foldable shoes has become popular.

Various bags and pouches have been designed to hold foldable shoes so that a woman may carry such shoes within a bag or a purse, while wearing conventional shoes, until such a time that the foldable shoes are desired. Then, when desired, the foldable shoes can be removed from the bag or pouch and used. The prior art further provides tote bags to place the conventional shoes in while the foldable shoes are being worn.

While systems that include both a pouch for the foldable shoes and a tote bag for the conventional shoes provide a significant advance in the effort to streamline women's accessories and provide more footwear options for women, there is significant room for improvement. For instance, the provision of a pouch for the foldable shoes and a tote bag for conventional shoes leads to disorganization and clutter. There are a multitude of parts involved: (i) a purse, (ii) a pouch for the foldable shoes, and (iii) a tote bag for the conventional shoes. Moreover, the pouch that holds the collapsible shoes becomes easily lost within the depths of a purse when the pouch is empty.

Given the above background, what is needed in the art are improved systems and methods for carrying foldable footwear and methods for using same.

The present disclosure addresses the preceding and other shortcomings of the prior art by providing an apparatus for carrying foldable footwear. The apparatus comprises a drawstring pouch having a side pocket. The drawstring pouch is reversibly configured to adjust between (i) an undrawn state and (ii) a drawn state. When in the undrawn state, the drawstring pouch is characterized by an opening at the top of the drawstring pouch that is dimensioned and configured for receiving a pair of foldable shoes in an interior of the drawstring pouch. When in the drawn state, the drawstring pouch is characterized by a drawstring arranged on the upper portion that seals off the opening, thereby concealing the interior of the drawstring pouch. The apparatus further comprises a collapsible tote bag removably inserted in the side pocket, where the collapsible tote bag is configured to reversibly convert between (i) an unfolded state and (ii) a folded state. When in the unfolded state, the collapsible tote bag is characterized by an interior portion that is configured to receive a pair of unfolded shoes, where the interior portion further includes a storage pocket. When in the folded state, the collapsible tote bag is characterized by being completely contained within the storage pocket.

An example of the type of foldable shoe that may be accommodated in the drawstring pouch is one having an upper, midsole, heel and toe and heel outsole patches. The upper forms an interior portion for receiving a foot of a woman, and this interior portion includes a toe cavity and a heel cavity. The midsole has (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner side, and (iv) an outer side, where a perimeter of the midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion that is bounded by a first seam. The heel outsole patch is stitched onto a heel portion of a first face of the midsole and the toe outsole patch is stitched onto a toe portion of the first face of the midsole. There is a spacing between (i) the heel outsole patch stitched onto the heel portion of the first face of the midsole and (ii) the toe outsole patch stitched onto the toe portion of the first face of the midsole, the spacing extending from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a position intermediate the toe end and the heel end thereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axis in the spacing running between the inner side and the outer side. This exemplary shoe is configured to fold between (i) an extended state in which the heel outsole patch and the toe outsole patch are coplanar and (ii) a folded state in which the shoe is bent about the axis such that a portion of the shoe comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity. The pair of shoes is in the folded state when the pair of foldable shoes is received in the interior of the drawstring pouch.

In some embodiments, the tote bag and/or the drawstring pouch is made out of a synthetic fabric. In some embodiments, the tote bag and/or the drawstring pouch is made out of a fabric comprising rayon, acetate, nylon, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic, polyester, lycra or carbon fiber. In some embodiments, the drawstring pouch and the collapsible tote bag are stored in a box having a removable lid.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for carrying foldable footwear. The method comprises obtaining a drawstring pouch having a side pocket, where the drawstring pouch is in a drawn state that is characterized by a drawstring arranged on an upper portion of the drawstring pouch, the drawstring sealing off an opening at the top of the drawstring pouch thereby concealing an interior of the drawstring pouch. The method further comprises pulling on the upper portion of the drawstring pouch thereby releasing the drawstring and exposing the opening. The method further comprises removing a pair of folded shoes from the interior of the drawstring pouch when the opening is exposed. The method further comprises removing a collapsible tote bag from the storage pocket on an exterior of the drawstring pouch, where the collapsible tote bag is in a folded state in which the collapsible tote bag is completely contained within a storage pocket of the collapsible tote bag. The method further comprises unfolding the collapsible tote bag to an unfolded state, the unfolded state characterized by an interior portion that is configured to receive a pair of unfolded shoes, where the interior portion further includes the storage pocket of the collapsible tote bag. The method further comprises storing a pair of unfolded shoes in the collapsible tote bag when the collapsible tote bag is in the unfolded state.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for carrying footwear. The method comprises removing a pair of shoes (e.g., unfoldable shoes) from a collapsible tote bag when the collapsible tote bag is in an unfolded state, the unfolded state characterized by an interior portion that is configured to contain the pair of unfolded shoes, where the interior portion further includes the storage pocket of the tote bag. The method further comprises folding the collapsible tote bag to a folded state, where the folded state of the collapsible tote bag is characterized by being completely contained within the storage pocket. The method further comprises placing the collapsible tote bag into a side pocket on an exterior of a drawstring pouch, when the collapsible tote bag is in the folded state. The method further comprises inserting a pair of folded shoes into an interior of the drawstring pouch when the drawstring pouch is in an undrawn state, where the undrawn state is characterized by an opening at the top of the drawstring pouch that is dimensioned and configured for receiving the pair of folded shoes into an interior of the drawstring pouch. The method further comprises pulling on a drawstring arranged on the upper portion of the drawstring pouch thereby sealing off the opening and concealing the pair of folded shoes.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for carrying foldable footwear. The apparatus includes a body. The body includes a first base and a first plurality of side walls. Each respective side wall in the first plurality of side walls extends upwardly from a first corresponding outer edge portion of the first base. Moreover, each respective side wall in the first plurality of side walls of the first base includes a first end portion proximate to the first corresponding outer edge portion of the first base and a second end portion that is configured to interface with a lid of the apparatus. The lid of the apparatus includes a second base and a second plurality of side walls. Each respective side wall in the second plurality of side walls of the lid extends downwardly from a second corresponding outer edge portion of the lid and substantially aligns with a corresponding side wall in the first plurality of side walls of the body. Furthermore, the lid and the body are collectively dimensioned and configured for receiving a pair of foldable shoes. Each shoe in the pair of foldable shoes includes an upper and a midsole. The midsole has a toe end, a heel end, an inner side, and an outer side, in which a perimeter of the midsole is affixed to the upper to form a bottom to the interior portion. An insole is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion. Each shoe includes an outsole patch having a toe portion disposed on the toe end of the midsole and a heel portion disposed on the heel end of the midsole. The outsole patch includes an exterior contour configured to provide (i) a clearance between the toe end and the heel end of the midsole and the ground when worn and (ii) a distance that is uniform between an edge of the heel portion and the perimeter of the midsole. There is a region between the heel portion of the outsole patch and the toe portion of the outsole patch, in which the region extends from the inner side to the outer side and occupying a first face of the midsole at a position intermediate the toe end of the midsole and the heel end of the midsole, which permits the shoe to fold about the region.

In some embodiments, when the apparatus is in a closed configuration, a respective first outer surface of the first end portion of each side wall in the first plurality of side walls of the body and a respective second outer surface of each corresponding side wall in the second plurality of side walls of the lid are coplanar.

In some embodiments, when the apparatus is in a closed configuration, a respective first outer surface of the first end portion of each side wall in the first plurality of side walls of the body and a respective second outer surface of each corresponding side wall in the second plurality of side walls of the lid are parallel with each other.

In some embodiments, in the closed configuration of the apparatus, a first height of each respective side wall in the first plurality of side walls in greater than a second height of each respective side wall in the second plurality of side walls of the lid.

In some embodiments, in the closed configuration of the apparatus, a band encompasses an external portion of the apparatus extending from the first base of the body to the second base of the lid via a first subset of side walls in the first plurality of side walls of the body and a second subset of side walls in the second plurality of side walls of the lid.

In some embodiments, a portion of the band includes a three-dimensional flower.

In some embodiments, a length of the three-dimensional flower is less than or equal to a length of the lid.

In some embodiments, a width of the three-dimensional flower is less than or equal to a width of the lid.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of side walls of the body is a first three-dimensional monolithic piece, and the plurality of side walls of the lid is a second three-dimensional monolithic piece.

In some embodiments, an edge portion of the apparatus is formed with a radius of curvature greater than zero.

In some embodiments, a first edge portion of a first side wall in the first plurality of side walls is formed with a first radius of curvature, and a second edge portion of a second side wall in the second plurality of side walls is formed with the first radius of curvature.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is a box.

In some embodiments, the box is rectangular.

In some embodiments, a face of the box includes a rectangular prism

In some embodiments, each side wall in the first plurality of side walls includes an aspect ratio of less than one.

In some embodiments, each side wall in the second plurality of side walls includes an aspect ratio of greater than one.

In some embodiments, each of the first base of the body and the second base of the lid includes a first aspect ratio.

In some embodiments, each side wall in the first plurality of side walls is substantially planar.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of side walls and the second plurality of side walls each includes four side walls.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of side walls has a polygonal shape with at least four side walls.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Reference is first made towhich depict an exemplary apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. Subsequently, reference is made towhich depict one type of foldable shoe () that may be stored in the exemplary apparatus, as well as a box () in which the exemplary apparatus may be placed.

Referring to, provided is a drawstring pouch. In some embodiments the drawstring pouchis made of stretch nylon, polyester or similar material. Such material adds functionality by safely and cleanly storing the foldable footwear and related items. In some embodiments, the drawstring pouchcompresses the footwear in their folded configuration for minimal size when stored or transported. In some embodiments, a rounded edgeon the bottom of the drawstring pouchfurther decreases volume and increases compression. In some embodiments, the drawstring pouchis sized just smaller than the footwear to minimize bulk. A drawstringaround the opening of the pouch further aids compression, and seals dirty shoes from purse or pocket contents. A side pocketlocated on one side of the drawstring pouchallows for compressed storage of a collapsible tote bagand/or other items. Examples of other items that may be stored in the side pocketinclude, but are not limited to, personal effects (e.g., lipstick, comb, brush, makeup, and perfume), wallets, cameras, keys, identification, etc.

Referring to, a lightweight, durable, reusable, self-contained collapsible tote bagwith a handlehat may be folded and compressed, and then stored in the side pocketof the drawstring pouch, adds utility to the foldable shoe system. When desired, the collapsible tote bagexpands to carry an alternate pair of shoes with sufficient volume for additional items. It will be appreciated that the tote bagmay have more than one handle.

Now that an overview of the components of the apparatus for carrying foldable footwear, drawstring pouchand collapsible tote bag, have been disclosed a more detailed description of the apparatus and methods for using same will be detailed. Referring to, an apparatus for carrying foldable footwear is collectively disclosed. The apparatus comprises a drawstring pouchhaving a side pocket. The drawstring pouchis reversibly configured to adjust between (i) an undrawn state as depicted inand (ii) a drawn state as depicted in. When in the undrawn state (), the drawstring pouchis characterized by an openingat the top of the drawstring pouchthat is dimensioned and configured for receiving a pair of foldable shoes in an interior of the drawstring pouch. When in the drawn state (), the drawstring pouch is characterized by a drawstringarranged on the upper portion of the pouch that seals off the opening, thereby concealing the interior of the drawstring pouch.

Referring to, advantageously, a seam that holds the drawstring pouchtogether does not come up all the way to the rim of opening, thereby leaving a seam opening. This is advantageous because it allows for the drawstring pouchto be dimensioned smaller. Indeed, in typical embodiments, when the drawstring pouchdoes not contain a pair of shoes, it is in fact smaller than the size of a pair of shoes. Usingas a reference for width and height, in exemplary embodiments, the drawstring pouch has a width of 4.25 inches or less, 4.00 inches or less, or 3.75 inches or less. In exemplary embodiments, the drawstring pouch has a maximum height of 6.5 inches or less, 6.25 inches or less, 6.00 inches or less, 5.75 inches or less, or 5.50 inches or less. In typical embodiments drawstring pouchis made out of a two-way stretch material and is capable of self-folding into a shape that minimizes volume (e.g., an approximately spherical shape). In some embodiments, the stitchingof the drawstring pouch facilitates this stretching (e.g., using a zigzag stitching). In some embodiments, a stretch thread material is used in such stitching.

A collapsible tote bag() is removably inserted in the side pocket() of the drawstring pouch. The collapsible tote bagis configured to reversibly convert between (i) an unfolded state () and (ii) a folded state. When in the unfolded state, the collapsible tote bagis characterized by an interior portion() that is configured to receive a pair of shoes(e.g., conventional unfoldable shoes). The interior portion further includes a storage pocket. When in the folded state, the collapsible tote bagis characterized by being completely contained within this storage pocket. In typical embodiments storage pocketis made out a two-way stretch material that compresses the tote bag when in the folded state. In some embodiments, the stitching of the storage pocketfacilitates the stretching of the stretch material (e.g., using zigzag stitching). In some embodiments, a stretch thread material is used in such stitching.

Now that a more detailed disclosure of the apparatus for carrying foldable shoes has been disclosed, a method for carrying foldable footwear is described. In the method, a drawstring pouchhaving a side pocketis obtained (). The drawstring pouchis in a drawn state that is characterized by a drawstringarranged on an upper portion of the drawstring pouch, the drawstringsealing off an openingat the top of the drawstring pouchthereby concealing an interior of the drawstring pouch. The method further comprises pulling on the upper portion of the drawstring pouchthereby releasing the drawstringand exposing the openingand shoeslocated in the interior of the drawstring pouch(). The method further comprises removing a pair of folded shoes from the interior of the drawstring pouch when the opening is exposed (). The method further comprises removing a collapsible tote bagfrom the side pocketon an exterior of the drawstring pouch (). Here, the collapsible tote bagis in a folded state in which the collapsible tote bag is completely contained within a storage pocketof the collapsible tote bag. The method further comprises unfolding the collapsible tote bagto an unfolded state, the unfolded state characterized by an interior portionthat is configured to receive a pair of unfolded shoes, where the interior portion further includes the storage pocketof the collapsible tote bag (). Finally, the method further comprises storing a pair of unfolded shoes in the collapsible tote bagwhen the collapsible tote bag is in the unfolded state ().

Reverse methods are, of course, within the scope of the present disclosure. In one such reverse method, a pair of unfolded shoes are removed from a collapsible tote bagwhen the collapsible tote bagis in an unfolded state, the unfolded state characterized by an interior portion that is configured to contain the pair of unfolded shoes, where the interior portion further includes the storage pocketof the tote bag. The collapsible tote bag is then folded into a folded state, where the folded state of the collapsible tote bagis characterized by being completely contained within the storage pocket. The collapsible tote bagis then placed into a side pocketon an exterior of a drawstring pouch, when the collapsible tote bag is in the folded state (). A pair of folded shoes is inserted into an interior of the drawstring pouchwhen the drawstring pouch is in an undrawn state, where the undrawn state is characterized by an openingat the top of the drawstring pouchthat is dimensioned and configured for receiving the pair of folded shoes into an interior of the drawstring pouch (). Then a drawstringarranged on the upper portion of the drawstring pouch is pulled thereby sealing off the opening and concealing the pair of folded shoes ().

In any of aforementioned embodiments, the tote bagand/or the drawstring pouchcan be made out of a synthetic fabric. In some embodiments, the tote bagand/or the drawstring pouchare made out of a fabric comprising rayon, acetate, nylon, modacrylic, olefin, acrylic, polyester, lycra, or carbon fiber.

respectively provide perspective, side, top, front and back views of a shoe that may be stored in the drawstring pouchin accordance with the present disclosure. From the perspective and side views of, and when worn, the shoe appears no different from a conventional rigid sole shoe. Yet the shoe affords flexibility in design, foldability, and comfort without dressing down the wearer's outfit. In some embodiments, a cushion insert absorbs impact to the foot from walking on hard surfaces. An elastic restrictionruns around the top of the upperto grip the foot and form a snug fit on feet of various sizes and shapes. However, the elastic restrictionis designed to not encircle the entire foot, by stopping short in the back where it would otherwise uncomfortably grip the Achilles tendon area. Instead, an Achilles cushionis embedded in the upper fold that would otherwise surround the elastic restrictionto increase comfort.

Referring to, a flexible insoleprovides added comfort without compromising portability, and may be fixed or removable. Optionally, the flexible insoleprovides arch support. The shoe further comprises a foam inlaythat is affixed by glue to the insole. In some embodiments, a flexible arch support provides added comfort without compromising portability. The flexible arch support does not restrict folding of the shoe, and may be fixed or removable.

Continuing to refer to, the shoe comprises three uniquely shaped elements: a midsole, a heel outsole patch, and a toe outsole patch. In some embodiments, the midsoleis made of a flexible but durable material, such as high quality leather. In some embodiments, the heel outsole patchand toe outsole patchare constructed from all weather, non-skid material. In typical embodiments, the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patchare individually sewn to the midsole. Materials required for the necessary durability and safety of a full time shoe are too rigid to afford the necessary flexibility to be folded. Thus, in preferred embodiments, the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patchare distinct, and individually stitched to the midsolewith a spacingbetween them for the shoe to be folded. The size and shape of the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patchare designed to optimally balance durability, comfort, and practicality, with compact size and minimal weight. The shape of the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patchmaximize protection for the foot in a space efficient manner. In some embodiments, the contours of the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patchare sloped to provide attractive additional height when worn, and increase the clearance between the midsoleand the ground when worn. In such embodiments, the slope is designed so that when two shoes are stacked, large meets small so as to significantly reduce the combined thickness of the compressed pair for increased portability.

The upperof the shoe is made of a high quality flexible but durable material designed to withstand repeated folding at the center of the shoe, as well as long periods of storage in the folded position. Such materials reduce or eliminate cracking at the surface of the joint, and damage from contact with surfaces. The upperis constructed and stitched in a manner to wrap around the top and sides of the foot. The specific proportion of upper to outsole also allows the soft upperto mold to wide and narrow feet, molding to the unique shape of each wearer's foot, and adding comfort and style benefits. The proportion also reduces the bulk of the shoes in the folded state for storage and portability. A rounded toe cavityand flexible wraparound upper design increases commercial appeal by reducing or eliminating the need for costly half-size and/or variable width inventory, while maintaining a durable and comfortable design. The design allows great flexibility for fashionable elements via the upper such as distinctive colors, textures and ornamentation. When worn, the shoe appears no different from conventional fixed sole footwear, adding style and the ability to be worn with more formal attire.

The disclosed foldable shoe design allows for footwear to be worn in a normal manner, consistent with conventional rigid sole products, and suitable for various surfaces, weather, fashions, etc. When storage or portability is desired, the shoes are folded manually at approximately their midpoint, thus reducing their length in half. In their folded configuration, the shoes can be stacked and placed in the compacting pouch for maximum compression and portability. Once stowed in the pouch, the pair requires roughly the space of a wallet, and may be carried in a purse or pocket.

Now that an overview of the shoe has been disclosed, specific features and various embodiments of the disclosed shoes will now be described. Referring to, illustrated is a shoe in accordance with the present disclosure. The shoe comprises an upper. The upperforms an interior portionfor receiving a foot of a woman. The interior portion includes a toe cavityand a heel cavity.

Referring to, the shoe further comprises a midsole. The midsolehas (i) a toe end, (ii) a heel end, (iii) an inner sideand (iv) an outer side. A perimeter of the midsoleis stitched to the upper. The stitching of the midsoleto the upperthereby forms a bottom to the interior portionthat is bounded by a first seam. A heel outsole patchis stitched onto a heel portion of a first face of the midsole. A toe outsole patchis stitched onto a toe portion of the first face of the midsole.

In typical embodiments, the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patchare stitched onto the midsole before the midsolehas been stitched to the upper.

Referring to, there is a spacingbetween (i) the heel outsole patchstitched onto the heel portion of the first face of the midsoleand (ii) the toe outsole patchstitched onto the toe portion of the first face of the midsole. The spacingextends from the inner sideto the outer sideof the midsoleand occupies a position intermediate the toe endand the heel endof the midsolethereby permitting the entire shoe to fold about an axisin the spacingrunning between the inner sideand the outer side. In some embodiments, the spacing is between 4/8 of an inch and 6/8 of an inch. In some embodiments, the spacing is about ⅝ of an inch. In taking these measurements, an “average” distance between the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patchacross the region bounded by the inner sideand the outer sidemay be taken. For example, at several different points in the region bounded by the inner sideto the outer side, the distance between the edge of the heel outsole patchand the edge of the toe outsole patchmay be measured and these measurements may be averaged together to determine the distance between the heel outsole patchand the toe outsole patch.