Improved foot-receiving apparatuses that may include: a housing somewhat defining an interior (16) for receiving a foot, and having an external periphery; and at least one Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, where the Pant-Leg-Cover (XX1) extends upward from a fixable lower portion (A1) joined to the housing to a free upper portion (D1) movable relative to the housing, where a pant leg (99) can be at least accommodated, secured, and utilized between the housing and the Pant-Leg-Cover. The consumer may have the option to freely join or un-join the Pant-Leg-Cover with the housing to at least change the aesthetic appearance of the apparatus, e.g. depending on personal preference. This specification describes numerous embodiments that will create a sustainable competitive advantage for a select corporation.
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1. A customizable foot-receiving apparatus comprising:
a housing at least partially defining an interior, and having an external periphery and at least one engagement feature; and
at least one interchangeable pant leg cover to customize the housing and being disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, and extending upwardly from a fixable lower portion to a free upper portion movable relative to the housing, wherein the fixable lower portion includes an engagement feature removably engageable with the at least one engagement feature of the housing;
wherein the housing includes a sole, an upper carried by the sole, a tongue carried by the upper to provide accessibility to the interior, and a closure device carried by the upper and extending over the tongue to close the apparatus, wherein the external periphery is at least partially defined by outer surfaces of at least one of the sole, upper, tongue, or closure device;
wherein the fixable lower portion of the pant leg cover is removably joined to the housing at an instep portion of the upper; and
wherein the engagement feature of the at least one interchangeable pant leg cover includes a body and a flexible projection extending from the body, and the at least one engagement feature of the housing includes a pocket for receiving the body and a retainer arm to retain the flexible projection.
2. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
3. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
4. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
5. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
6. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
7. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
8. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
9. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
10. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
11. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
12. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
13. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
14. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
15. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
16. The customizable foot-receiving apparatus of
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THIS APPLICATION IS A CONTINUATION-IN PART TO U.S. application Ser. No. 10/936,166 filed Sep. 8, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,348.
The present invention relates to modified footwear, conventional footwear, and other foot-receiving apparatuses, and especially a foot-receiving apparatus having at least the ability to customize and enhance its appearance.
In leisure shoes, athletic shoes or sneakers, and many sports boots the ability to have functional, safe, comfortable, customizable, and expressive footwear is particularly important for successful marketing of footwear. Over the years, footwear and other foot-receiving apparatuses have become an increasing method for personal expression. Inventors, investors, and corporations have been feverishly trying to discover the footwear that their youth target market will love. In the past decade, numerous patents have been issued for functional, safe comfortable, customizable, and expressive portions of shoes. None of these ideas have solved all of the following problems.
Many sports and music fans enjoy supporting their favorite sports teams or music artists by wearing clothing decorated with the team's/artist's logo, team's/artist's name, etc. Foot-receiving apparatuses are commercially available that depict such logos and names for consumers. However, if a fan wishes to display different logos or names, then a corresponding number of foot-receiving apparatuses are needed. In the same manner, a fan who wishes to display the team or artist logo with different styles of foot-receiving apparatuses would also require a corresponding number of foot-receiving apparatuses. This can be very costly and is not the only problem.
Current expressive portions of footwear get covered not only by lace-securing members, but also by long, loose-fitted pant legs. Decorative attachments used to customize footwear are also are covered by long, loose-fitted pant legs. Thus, consumers are forced to bunch-up or jam-up their pant legs behind the expressive portions on their footwear. This action is necessary for consumers in order to ‘show off’ or express themselves, the best they can, using their footwear. From a perspective within this target market, jamming-up our pant legs is extremely uncomfortable. The jammed-up pant leg rubs between our ankle and portions of our footwear. This proves to be extremely inconvenient, uncomfortable, and looks hideous. Moreover, after some walking or movement, our pant legs return to covering the expressive portions on our footwear, we are inconvenienced, and left with little options. Current expressive portions for footwear are not built to accommodate, secure, and utilize long, loose-fitted pant legs.
Additionally, long, loose-fitted pant legs are fashionable for a select target market. Yet, the fashionable pant legs have caused consumers an increasing number of problems (some additional to those mentioned above). Problems from pant legs include, but are not limited to: safety hazards (e.g. when riding a bicycle or scooter), comfort (worn in the wind), keeping the pant leg clean, and in one piece (keeping it above the bottom sole of the footwear), and fashion (pant legs and closure devices cover the expressive portions on footwear).
Most recently, electronic components have been added to footwear. Manufacturers are putting electronic components and visual displays on every type of object known to man. The mindset seems to be, if it has a visual display, it will sell. As a result, patents exist where visual displays are added onto furniture, shirts, pants, footwear, etc. However, this broad mindset does not take into account the many disadvantages associated with incorporating visual displays with footwear.
Similar to other customizable portions of footwear, the current visual displays on footwear include disadvantages. Disadvantages of current visual displays on footwear are, but not limited to, the following:
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide foot-receiving apparatuses including at least a Pant-Leg-Cover. The Pant-Leg-Covers would be built to at least substantially accommodate, secure, and utilize the long, loose-fitted pant legs of consumers. As a result, the Pant-Leg-Covers would at least increase consumer safety, convenience, cleanliness, comfort, fashion, options, and personal expression. Moreover, it would be advantageous if the consumer would be able to at least: easily, conveniently, efficiently, and securely include the Pant-Leg-Covers with foot-receiving apparatuses, if so desired; to easily, conveniently, efficiently, and comfortably secure long, loose-fitted pant legs between the housing of the apparatus and the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired; to customize the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired; to easily, conveniently, and efficiently interchange the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired, and/or to easily, conveniently, and efficiently remove the Pant-Leg-Covers, if so desired.
The object of the following embodiments is to overcome the disadvantages of conventional footwear, modified footwear, and other foot-receiving apparatuses described herein above. Furthermore, relating to the present invention, the object of its embodiments are to at least increase consumer comfort, convenience, fashion, personal expression, and safety.
The object of the following embodiments is to provide portions of foot-receiving apparatuses that are more readily visible to the consumer, other consumers, and the surrounding environment. Increasing the visibility of expressive portions on a foot-receiving apparatus increases the marketability of the apparatus. The following embodiments relate to increasing the visibility of interchangeable expressive portions, affixed expressive portions, and unique expressive closure devices.
In accordance with one embodiment, a foot-receiving apparatus, relating to at least some examples, can consist of, for example, the following: a housing somewhat defining an interior for receiving a foot, and having an external periphery and at least one engagement feature; and at least one interchangeable, Pant-Leg-Cover disposed substantially outside of the external periphery of the housing, where the Pant-Leg-Cover extends upward from a fixable lower portion joined to the housing to a free upper portion movable relative to the housing.
The following embodiments are great assets, due to the fact that they increase the visibility and marketability of foot-receiving apparatuses. The increased marketability aspects will appeal to more consumers, leading to increased sales and revenues. Proper strategy combined with increased revenues equates to a higher profit margin, which expands shareholder value.
The invention as described thus far and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art and more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in association with the appended drawings, in which:
In association with the appended drawings, specific embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. To assist the reader, this specification is separated into multiple subsections, as follows: Terms; General Description of Foot-Receiving Apparatuses and Methods in Accordance with Embodiments of the Present Invention; Specific Embodiments; and Conclusion.
The following terms are used in this specification. Unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, the terms' meanings are provided as follows:
In general, aspects of the present invention relate to modified footwear, conventional footwear, and other foot-receiving apparatuses that can be freely modified (e.g. by any user) to change the footwear's aesthetic appearance in any desired way. For example, to date, many pieces of footwear have removable portions such as, shoe tongues, vamps, or instep coverings.
Unfortunately, at least the long, loose-fitted pant legs of the consumer cover these expressive portions (shoe tongues, vamps, instep coverings). Not only do pant legs cover these expressive portions, but also closure devices such as lace-securing members can cover them as well. Current expressive portions of footwear do not provide a substantial length of space to accommodate, secure, and utilize long, loose-fitted pant legs. Nor do they provide a place to accommodate closure devices. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to these disadvantages.
The PLC lies above the consumer's pant leg. Thus, pant legs do not jeopardize the visibility of the Pant-Leg-Cover. In fact, the consumer's pant leg acts as a contrasting background to a Pant-Leg-Cover. As a result, the visibility of the Pant-Leg-Cover increases exponentially. Moreover, the Pant-Leg-Cover, in at least some examples, joins and un-joins with the body of the footwear. Further depicting this example, when the PLC is un-joined, the foot-receiving apparatus can appear to be any conventional footwear. Additionally, when the PLC is joined, the consumer has an additional portion of the footwear that is readily customizable.
The Pant-Leg-Cover has limitless possibilities pertaining to appearance, expression and function. The PLC can take on a variety of shapes, sizes, layers, textures, figures, effects, colors, features, and the like. Most importantly, the PLC provides priceless advertising space on the feet of millions of people around the globe. Consumers can express their favorite brands, rap stars, cartoon characters, rock bands, sports teams, and the like above their pant legs in a comfortable, convenient, and safe manner. Trademarks, Copyrights, and electronic devices also provide possible advertisements for the PLC's.
Consumers can personally detail their PLC's using a variety of ‘at home’ methods including, but not limited to: patches, embroidery, paints, markers, needles and thread, etc. The consumer can also choose to create their own PLC by completing a few actions. First, they can use software programs or hand-draw their desired design. Second, they can email or upload the design to a company web page. Next, the company's designers will make their vision a reality. The corporation selling the PLC's can simplify the design process. For example, a design program can be offered at the company's website where the consumer can easily, conveniently, and quickly create their own personalized Pant-Leg-Covers.
As technology advances, the market space for consumer products advances. Today, numerous Internet based virtual worlds are existent. The largest virtual world I know of is called Second Life. In these virtual worlds, virtual economies and virtual property exist. The virtual property can be made, used, sold, offered for sale, and even imported. Producers and consumers do benefit economically from the creation, use, sale, and offering of consumer products within these virtual worlds (e.g. Pant-Leg-Covers). Users or consumers of the Internet based programs can actually trade-in their virtual dollars for true currency (e.g. United States Dollars). As a result, it is imperative of the reader to understand that virtually created embodiments are not out of the scope of the present intellectual property.
Specific embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention will be described by the way of illustrations and not limitations.
The figures referenced in this application illustrate embodiments of foot-receiving apparatuses including conventional and modified footwear and their use in accordance with embodiments of this invention. It should be noted, for some readers, that when the same reference numbers or letters appear in multiple figures; the reference numbers or letters refer to the same parts of the invention throughout the figures. For example, pant leg 99 will be labeled constantly throughout the following figures. If any words seem confusing, please reference the “Terms” section of this specification.
Also note worthy; the figures will begin with a general description and will be followed by guidance for operation. A total of twenty-two figures are present. The first operational section begins after the descriptions of
“FIG. 1—Description of Modified Footwear w/3 Pant-Leg-Covers” is a right side view of a specific embodiment. The embodiment of
In at least some embodiments, the sole member 14 (
The embodiment of
The embodiment of
The consumer can personalize or customize their PLC's in any suitable manner including, but not limited to: silkscreen prints, heat transfer images, pens, markers, paint brushes, iron-on patches, needle and thread, and even using electronic displays (discussed later). In addition, other ornamentation (e.g. tassels, metal spikes, mirrors, fringes, 3D figures, shiny objects, spinning/movable objects, bows, etc.) can be used to create unique Pant-Leg-Covers. These ornamentations can be joined to the Pant-Leg-Covers in any suitable manner (e.g. sewing, adhesives, fastener arrangements, etc.).
As illustrated in
As mentioned, “FIG. 1—Modified Footwear w/3 Pant-Leg-Covers” further includes two additional Pant-Leg-Covers: the PLC XX2, and the PLC XX3. The PLC XX2 is located on the heel portion of the embodiment. PLC XX2 includes a fixable lower portion A2 and a free upper portion D2. In this particular embodiment, the PLC XX2 is fixedly joined to the upper member 12 at the fixable lower portion A2. The free upper portion D2 is capable of being free of the upper member 12 and movable relative to the housing. Furthermore, the free upper portion D2 is capable of creating a considerable separation between the external periphery of the housing and the Pant-Leg-Cover XX2. This results in a substantial length of space 13 above the fixable lower portion A2. The substantial length of space is capable of at least accommodating, securing, and utilizing a long, loose fitted pant leg between PLC XX2 and the housing.
Furthermore, PLC XX3 is located on the outboard side of the embodiment of
As illustrated, in
Pant-Leg-Covers XX1, XX2 and XX3 (
“FIG. 2—Description of Pant-Leg-Covers including Pant Leg” is a view of
“FIG. 3—Description of Three Pant-Leg-Covers, Front Right View” is the embodiment from
Also,
“FIG. 4—Description of Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX1” is a side sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
Further describing this embodiment (
“FIG. 4—Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX1” illustrates an embodiment that uses two engagement features. The two engagement features (clip portion 23, engagement feature 29) join PLC XX1 with the housing. PLC XX1 includes the engagement feature described, thus far, as clip portion 23. On the other hand, the housing's engagement feature has been described, thus far, as engagement feature 29. I presently contemplate for this embodiment that the clip portion 23 and engagement feature 29 are composed of a strong plastic or metal. However, they can most certainly be made of different materials, or a variety of materials. The different materials, features, and arrangements will have different characteristics. The different characteristics will at least change the weight, durability, cost, efficiency, functionality, etc. of the engagement features. These varying characteristics will provide different and additional advantages to the consumer and/or manufacturer. The engagement features in the embodiment of
Further describing “FIG. 4—Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX1”, the lace-securing members 30 comfortably hold the foot-securing tongue 18 over the top of the consumer's foot. In this specific embodiment, foot-securing tongue 18 does not change. This provides a consistent feel for the consumer's foot. However, other embodiments can include removable foot securing tongues.
The embodiment of
“FIG. 6—Description of Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX3” is a side sectional view taken along line 6-6 of
As illustrated, the embodiment of
Clip portion 23AA creates a clean position for an engagement feature on the footwear. The sole member of footwear tends to build up dirt. Clip portion 23AA allows a consumer to have an engagement feature further from the sole of their footwear. Moreover, the engagement feature is less susceptible to dirt or other environmental factors.
Operational Section [
The embodiments illustrated in
“FIG. 1—Modified Footwear with Three Pant-Leg-Covers” shows the embodiment including the three PLC's. As mentioned, each PLC extends upwardly from the fixable lower portions A1, A2, and A3. The free upper portions D1, D2, and D3 are movable relative to the housing. Therefore, each PLC creates their own substantial length of space (11, 13, and 15) between themselves and the housing. The substantial lengths of space are capable of at least accommodating, securing, and utilizing the pant leg 99 of the consumer. For example, a consumer can easily create the substantial length of space by moving the free upper portion of their PLC away from the housing. Next, the consumer can slide their pant leg between the housing and their PLC. This action at least accommodates, secures, and utilizes their pant leg between the housing and the inside surface of their PLC. “FIG. 2—Pant-Leg-Covers including Pant Leg” illustrates this action completed.
In these embodiments, the location of the PLC's XX1, XX2 and XX3 (
In
“FIG. 3—Three Pant-Leg-Covers, Front Right View” illustrates PLC's that are personalized to the preference of the consumer. The consumer can order custom PLC's from a manufacturer or personalize them in countless ways. For example, the consumer can use software and the Internet to build a virtual PLC. Next, the consumer can send that virtual image to a manufacturer for production. On the other hand, a consumer can choose to iron-on a patch to customize their PLC. Another consumer can use markers on their PLC, since it can contain a dry-erase type surface. The possibilities of materials and methods for customizing the PLC's are endless, and therefore; as stated, the illustrated examples are not limitations.
“FIG. 4—Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX1” illustrates an embodiment where PLC XX1 is removable and interchangeable. As mentioned, the embodiment of
It is easy to un-join clip portion 23 and PLC XX1 from engagement feature 29 (
This embodiment easily, quickly, and conveniently un-joins. PLC XX1 from the housing. This embodied method of joining provides the consumer with a safe, quick, easy, convenient, and efficient way to interchange the PLC's with the housing of a foot-receiving apparatus. Yet, any numerous methods, arrangements, and/or materials can be used to benefit the consumer and/or manufacturer.
As mentioned, the embodiment of
As mentioned, “FIG. 4—Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX1” also shows how the inside surface of the free upper portion D1 includes a fastener arrangement/s F1. Fastener arrangement/s F1 can connect to at least pant leg 99 to keep it in at least a clean, comfortable, styling, safe, and secure position. When pant leg 99 is not present, fastening arrangement/s F1 can connect to the housing. Connecting PLC XX1 with the housing ensures that the PLC is in at least a safe, comfortable, styling, and secure position for the consumer. The safety of the consumer is important at all times. Fastener arrangement/s F1 (
Furthermore, (as discussed) the consumer can move the free upper portion D1 of
The fastener arrangement/s F1 keep the pant leg 99 in a set position attributing to the consumer's style. The set position keeps the pant leg comfortably away from the consumer's body, increasing consumer comfort. And most importantly, the fastener arrangement keeps the pant leg close to the footwear. This reduces the possibility of the pant leg becoming hazardous to the consumer. For example, when the pant leg is kept close to the footwear it is far less likely to get caught on any objects (e.g. moving bicycle parts, the top of a metal fence, etc.).
“FIG. 5—Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX2” was pretty well described in the detailed description. The PLC XX2 operates in a very similar way to the PLC XX1. The PLC XX2 extends upwardly from the upper member 12 at the fixable lower portion A2. In this particular embodiment, the PLC is integrally joined with the upper member by adhering, molding, etc. However, PLC XX2 can be joined to the upper member or housing by use of a fastener arrangement (fastening). Again, the free upper portion D2 is movable relative to the housing. Thus, the consumer can place their pant leg between the housing and the inside surface of their PLC. As a result, the pant leg 99 is accommodated, secured, and utilized between the upper member 12 and the inside surface of PLC XX2.
“FIG. 6—Engagement of Pant-Leg-Cover XX3” operates similarly to both PLC XX1, and PLC XX2. Yet, the fixable lower portion A3 does not include the main fastener arrangement or engagement features. Instead, a long clip portion 23AA extends upward from the fixable lower portion A3. The long clip portion 23AA extends up the side of the housing to an engagement feature 29AA. The engagement feature 29AA includes a pocket. The pocket is located at the top of the upper member 12. The engagement feature 29AA and clip portion 23AA share characteristics similar to engagement feature 29 and clip portion 23 of
In the embodiment of
As illustrated, the embodiment of
The fixable lower portion A3 of
Advantages [
From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my modified footwear including Pant-Leg-Covers become evident:
(A) The modified footwear's appearance is very similar to conventional footwear. Therefore, the modified footwear will appeal to current consumer and market tastes.
(B) The consumers can easily, conveniently, efficiently, and comfortably secure a long, loose-fitted pant leg between the housing and the PLC's, if so desired.
(C) The consumer can choose to own footwear including multiple PLC's. The multiple locations of the PLC's provide additional marketing space for the consumer. This increases the degree to which the consumer can express themselves.
(D) The multiple locations of PLC's provide the manufacturer with numerous ways to increase product differentiation.
(E) The PLC's can be fixedly joined or removably joined to the housing, if so desired (e.g. depending on consumer and manufacturer preferences).
(F) The multiple aspects of joining the PLC's with the housing also increase the manufacturer's ability to differentiate product lines.
(G) The consumer can easily, conveniently, efficiently, and securely join the PLC's with the modified footwear, if so desired.
(H) With the PLC's joined to the housing; the PLC's create the substantial lengths of space that are capable of accommodating, securing, and utilizing the pant legs of consumers. As a result, the PLC's increase at least the consumer's safety, convenience, cleanliness, comfort, fashion, and personal expression.
(I) The consumer's pant legs can secured off the ground and at least kept clean, styling, and in one piece.
(J) The consumer's pant legs are secured close to the housing of the footwear. As a result, the pant legs are not likely to get caught on objects such as moving bicycle parts. This increases consumer safety.
(K) The pant leg of the consumer acts as a contrasting background to the expressive PLC. This exponentially increases the visibility of the consumer's PLC. As a result, this increases the marketability of the modified footwear.
(L) The consumer can easily, conveniently, and efficiently un join the PLC's with the modified footwear, if so desired.
(M) With the PLC's un joined from the housing, the modified footwear appears to be conventional footwear, if so desired.
(N) With the PLC's un-joined from the housing; the modified footwear can include additional ornamentation making it apparent that the footwear is modified, if so desired (a different consumer taste).
(O) The consumer can customize their PLC's. To customize, the consumer can use at-home methods or they can send their PLC's to a hired designer, if so desired.
(P) The consumer can personalize or customize their PLC's in countless ways, if so desired.
(Q) The consumers can use countless custom materials, figures, shapes, objects, etc. to express themselves, if so desired.
(R) The consumer is able to express themselves, to an extreme degree. Their personalized footwear will not be covered by wearing long, loose-fitted pant legs, if so desired.
(S) The consumer is able to express themselves above the closure device on their footwear, if so desired.
(T) The consumer can interchange PLC's on their single pair of modified footwear, if so desired. This potentially saves the consumer money from purchasing multiple pairs of footwear to express themselves.
(U) The modified footwear provides a select corporation with a unique and sustainable competitive advantage over their fierce competition.
(V) The manufacturers are provided with a modified piece of footwear that is marketable to one of the highest grossing target markets.
(W) The modified footwear provides an entirely new field of advertising. Corporations can now reach their own consumers wherever they travel. Consumers can now express these advertisements at least through the shoes on their feet. Pant legs will not cover the advertisements. The advertisements are interchangeable and customizable, therefore; the consumer is able to constantly change their advertisements. This is the newest way to reach; at least, the youth target market.
(X) The PLC advertisements are not only a billboard advertisement; they also provide a satisfied customer behind the advertisement. Therefore, a corporation's advertisement can be seen and positively reinforced (verbally) by the consumer wearing the foot-receiving apparatus.
(Y) The manufacturer is provided with multiple locations of positioning PLC's, multiple fastener arrangements, multiple characteristics of PLC's, etc. This opens opportunities for differentiating product lines. Expanded product lines appeal to more potential consumers. More consumers will increase sales and revenues. Proper strategy combined with increased revenues equates to a higher profit margin, which expands shareholder value. Expanding shareholder value is critical in this competitive industry.
Additional Advantages Follow . . .
“FIG. 7—Description of Combined Expressive Features” illustrates an alternative embodiment at a front right view. For convenience, I have utilized the same reference numerals of
“FIG. 8—Description of Combined Expressive Features, Side Section” illustrates a side sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
Similarly to previous embodiments, the embodiment of
“FIG. 8—Combined Expressive Features, Side Section” is only one embodiment. Thus, some embodiments will vary from the illustration. For example, the at least one foot securing tongue 18A can be joined with the at least one Pant-Leg-Cover 1XX1. Moreover, at least one fastener arrangement can join both PLC 1XX1 and foot securing tongue 18A to the housing. PLC 1XX1 can join with foot securing tongue 18A in any suitable manner.
Foot securing tongue 18A, in this particular embodiment (
Foot securing tongue 18A (
Portion 1A is the top portion of foot securing tongue 18A (
Portion 1B, of
The fastener arrangement 1F3 (
I presently contemplate for this embodiment the dimensions and the materials used to line portion 1B. For example, portion 1B can be broken into individual lacing sections. Moreover, lace-securing members 130 can connect with portion 1A (top) or portion 1C (bottom) in any suitable manner known in the art. I believe the dimensions and advantages of those dimensions will vary between product lines. Currently, I believe a cloth or plastic-like material will be well suited to line portion 1B. However, any suitable material will be capable of lining portion 1B. Various materials will provide various advantages to benefit the consumer. Any suitable material and any suitable amount of material can be used within the different portions of this embodiment
In the embodiment of
“FIG. 8—Combined Expressive Features” includes Pant-Leg-Cover 1XX1 and foot securing tongue 18A. While wearing pant leg 199, consumers can express themselves using PLC 1XX1. While wearing short pants, consumers can express themselves using foot securing tongue 18A. The presence of pant legs and closure devices no longer limit consumer expression. Using the combined expressive features of
Operational Section [
“Operation of Combined Expressive Features” The manner of using Pant-Leg-Cover 1XX1 in the embodiment of
The advantage to this embodiment is that with, or without, the long pant leg 199 the consumers can express themselves to a greater degree than conventional footwear. The reason is that the embodiment includes the PLC 1XX1 and the modified foot securing tongue 18A. However, as described, the interchangeable foot securing tongue is modified to accommodate the lace-securing members 130. Moreover, the embodiment of
The modified foot securing tongue 18A connects to the front portion of the upper member 128 at the point 126A. Point 126A can use any type of or combination of fastener arrangements noted in the “Terms” section of this specification. As a result, the consumer can freely choose to connect or disconnect the modified foot securing tongue from the front portion of the upper member. They can by simply operating the fastener arrangement. For example, when the point 126A uses a hook and loop type fastener arrangement, the consumer can easily, quickly, and conveniently pull apart the hook and loop fastener. This would disconnect the modified footwear tongue. Conversely, the consumer can connect the hook and loop fastener by placing the corresponding fastening pieces together and applying slight pressure with their hands. This method is only one example of a fastener arrangement that can be used in accordance with the embodiment of
As illustrated in the embodiment of
The embodiment of
The modified footwear described above can easily include other modifications to improve consumer comfort both on the inside and outside of the housing. Also noteworthy; the housing of any of the various embodiments can be altered to accommodate the features and characteristics of Pant-Leg-Covers to benefit the consumer and/or manufacturer.
Advantages [
From the descriptions above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my footwear including combined expressive features become evident:
(A) The footwear including combined expressive features carries all advantages from previous
(B) When not wearing long, loose-fitted pant legs, the consumer can detach their PLC and still have an expressive portion of footwear above their closure device (the decorative surface portion).
(C) As mentioned, the modified foot securing tongue is capable of at least accommodating a closure device. As a result, the closure device remains below the customizable surface portion.
(D) The modified foot securing tongue includes a decorative surface portion. The decorative surface portion is customizable and interchangeable. This benefits the consumer in at least two ways. First, the consumer does not need multiple pairs of shoes to express themselves differently. As a result, this saves the consumer money. Second, the consumer has the decorative surface portion that they can customize to express their own personal desires (above their closure device!).
(E) The consumer can customize their modified foot securing tongue's surface portions in any way discussed for customizing PLC's.
(F) The modified foot securing tongue is capable of including decorative ornamentation on multiple sides. This increases the options for the consumer to express themselves.
(G) The modified foot securing tongue can be made of various materials to benefit the consumer/and or manufacturer.
(H) The modified foot securing tongue can be attached to the housing a plurality of fastener arrangements. These fastener arrangements can be hidden or visible to the surrounding environment.
(I) The modified foot securing tongue can include fastener arrangements on the surface portion. The fastener arrangements on the surface portions can join to the housing. This keeps the contour of the footwear and avoids flailing portions on the footwear. As a result, this not only increases consumer fashion, but also increases consumer safety. Additional benefits are possible.
(J) The modified foot securing tongue can include fastener arrangements at any portion below the surface portion too. These fastener arrangements can make it easy for the consumer to accommodate their closure device. Again, the closure device is accommodated below the decorative surface portion. Thus, the consumer can easily, conveniently, and efficiently interchange their modified foot securing tongue. This saves the consumer time, frustration, and energy.
(K) The portion 1B of
“FIG. 9—Description and Operation of Pant-Leg-Cover including Adjustment Mechanism” is a side view of an embodied PLC. The PLC includes an adjustment mechanism AG1. The PLC is drawn in three positions: P1, P2, and P3. The multiple positions provide different angles to which the PLC can be viewed. The positions illustrated P1, P2, and P3 are only examples and not set positions. Adjustment mechanism AG1 provides the PLC with a wide range of adjustable motion for the consumer. Adjustment mechanism AG1 allows for the PLC to be locked into countless positions. Adjustment mechanism AG1 is similar to a hinge mechanism that can be found on cellular phones today. For example, a cellular phone can have a hinge mechanism that allows it to open, exposing the phone's keypad and screen. Yet, adjustment mechanism AG1 has the ability to lock into many different positions to secure a specific angle desired by the consumer.
The embodiment of
“FIG. 10—Description of PLC with Electronic Device Carrier” is a front view of a Pant-Leg-Cover XX4. The PLC XX4 includes a built-in compartment casing C1. This particular embodiment uses the compartment casing C1 to hold an electronic display device. However, compartment casing C1 is capable of holding photographs, drawings, objects, etc. or anything the consumer desires to express. In this particular embodiment, compartment casing C1 is a clear display case. Compartment casing C1 can be joined or removably joined to the PLC XX4 in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to adhesives, sewing, fastener arrangements, etc. Compartment casing C1 can take on a variety of shapes, sizes, and characteristics to resemble at least the contour and characteristics of the PLC's, electronic devices, or footwear. For example, one compartment casing can have a flat panel, while another compartment casing is rounded.
The embodiment of
Compartment casing C1 (
Other advantages are apparent from the embodiment of
“FIG. 11—PLC with Electronic Device Carrier, Side Section” is a side sectional view taken along line 11-11 of
This particular embodiment of
“FIG. 12—PLC with Electronic Device Carrier, Back View” is the back view of
“FIG. 13—Additional Battery and Memory without PLC Engaged” is an illustration where the pant leg 99 covers a majority of the housing. From this embodiment, it is evident that a visual display on the housing of the footwear would not be clearly visible to the consumer and people in the surrounding environment. Again, the pant leg 99 covers the majority of the housing. In turn, the pant leg potentially jeopardizes the expressive, visual portions on the footwear.
The embodiment of
“FIG. 14—Description and operation of Additional Battery and Additional Memory Setup” is a side sectional view taken along line 14-14 of
In the embodiment of
Furthermore, as illustrated, the embodiment of
The pocket of the engagement feature 29 can include, but is not limited to, characteristics of prior embodiments to engage a Pant-Leg-Cover. In the embodiment of
Therefore, when the consumer desires, they can engage their Pant-Leg-Cover into the engagement feature 29 (operation of engagement described in previous embodiments). In doing so, the power and data connector 50 connects with a power and data connector located on the clip portion of the PLC. The connection provided between the at least two power and data connectors enables the consumer to transfer data and power. The power and data can be transferred from the housing to the PLC or vice versa. As a result, the consumer is provided with additional battery life and additional memory for their PLC. The PLC mentioned will be described in the following embodiment, “FIG. 15—PLC with Visual Display, Camera, and Synchronized Audio Speakers”.
“FIG. 15—PLC with Visual Display, Camera, and Synchronized Audio Speakers” is a front view of PLC XX5. PLC XX5 includes a visual display 54, a camera 55, a couple sets of hinge-type mechanisms 58, a couple wing members 60, a set of synchronized audio speakers 56, a clip portion 23, and a data and power connector 52.
The visual display 54 can be removably joined to the PLC XX5 similar to the way that the compartment casings were joined to the PLC in the above figures. Therefore, additional power and data connectors can be present between the visual display and the PLC XX5. These power and data connectors can be quickly, easily, and efficiently connected and disconnected.
In the embodiment of
Moreover, the synchronized audio speakers 56 are connected to play corresponding sound with the visual display. In the embodiment of
Above the visual display is the camera 55 on PLC XX5 (
The bottom portion of PLC XX5 includes the clip portion 23 and the data and power connector 52. The clip portion 23 engages with the engagement feature of the housing (described earlier), and joins the PLC XX5 with the footwear. When the PLC is engaged with the housing, the power and data connector 52 also engages with the corresponding power and data connector on the housing. As mentioned, the corresponding footwear includes the additional battery and the additional memory source. The additional battery and memory is transferred to the PLC XX5 using the power and data connectors. The power and data connector 52 can also directly connect to an outside source (e.g. personal computer, docking device).
It must be noted; as technology evolves so will the features and benefits of PLC XX5. Today, the PLC XX5 can include at least wireless interne or wireless data connections (e.g. Bluetooth technology). Also, the PLC can be a wireless phone including multiple functions, and capable of displaying the consumer's desires as well. The Pant-Leg-Cover can include multiple screens too.
Currently, I believe that the Pant-Leg-Cover will be best suited for displaying videos from the Internet. The videos can come from websites such as, YouTube, or other video websites: People can have videos of themselves, friends, family, music videos, the possibilities are endless. Today, many phones have access to the interne and consumers can view their videos by phone. However, these must be accessed by a phone. The phone must be kept in a pocket or garment when not in use. The Pant-Leg-Covers that include visual displays and synchronized audio speakers allow a consumer to constantly advertise their video. As a result, their footwear continually displays a priceless conversation piece, if so desired.
Relating to communication, humans are more comfortable starting conversations with someone that has a conversation piece. As a result, a consumer wearing modified footwear including the visual displays and synchronized audio speakers should expect to talk with others about the videos on their footwear. On days that the consumer does not want to interact with others (their mood changes), they can at least easily, efficiently, conveniently, and safely remove their PLC's including the visual displays and synchronized audio speakers. In turn, their footwear appears to be any conventional footwear, if so desired. Also, their PLC's can fold up or reduce in size to easily, conveniently, and temporarily store the PLC.
The reader must realize that a PLC will soon be more than just an interchangeable display for footwear. The Pant-Leg-Cover is in line to become more valuable than the underlying footwear to which the PLC is connected. It is no secret that footwear wears down with consumer use. The PLC on footwear is less susceptible to wear and tear. As a result, consumers can keep their PLC's for a longer period of time than their footwear. Since the PLC's are interchangeable, the consumer can quickly, efficiently, and conveniently interchange their PLC's to other, newer footwear. This saves the consumer from purchasing multiple visual displays with synchronized audio speakers.
“FIG. 16—PLC Docking Device” is a front view of another embodiment. The embodiment includes a docking device 62. The docking device is used to hold a PLC including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers. A set of positioning members 64 are used to hold the PLC in an upright position. A power and data port 66 is used to transfer data and power to the power and data connector of the PLC. The docking device can connect with multiple outside sources (e.g. personal computers, power outlets, phones, etc.).
I presently believe that the docking device in
“FIG. 17—Modified Footwear w/PLC XX5 and Pant Leg” is a side view of an embodiment. The embodiment of
Advantages [
Numerous advantages from the embodiments of
(A) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays, cameras, and synchronized audio speakers do not directly touch the consumer/user's foot. Therefore, the PLC's can be stiff or flexible and not jeopardize the comfort of the consumer's foot. As a result, the PLC's can accommodate both stiffly and flexibly-backed visual displays.
(B) The PLC's can capture and save images from the surrounding environment (e.g. take pictures, video).
(C) The PLC's provide the manufacturer with additional options in producing differentiated visual displays. This enables the manufacturer to expand their product lines.
(D) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers are visible when the consumer is wearing short pants.
(E) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers are visible even when the consumer is wearing long, loose-fitted pant legs. This is a very important advantage. The reason, the consumer's pant leg will not cover any portion of their visual display.
(F) The consumer's pant leg acts as a contrasting background to the visual display and synchronized audio speakers. The contrasting background exponentially enhances the appearance of the consumer's PLC's.
(G) The enhanced visibility of the PLC's including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers greatly increase the marketability of the footwear.
(H) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers provide a visual display with corresponding sound (music, voice, etc.). As a result, at least the consumer can see their visual images with the corresponding sound. This is very advantageous for any video or image that includes and/or needs corresponding sound data.
(I) Both the consumer/user and other people in the surrounding environment can conveniently view the Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers.
(J) The PLC's including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers are easily, conveniently, quickly, and safely interchangeable and/or removable from the housing of the foot-receiving apparatus. This is advantageous when the PLC's are not desired.
(K) Additional Advantages of being interchangeable and/or removable
(L) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers contain their own battery separate of the footwear. Therefore, it is possible for the consumer to keep watching and listening to their visual display without it being connected to the footwear.
(M) The Pant-Leg-Cover keeps the visual display, battery, audio speakers, etc. on a single hand-held piece of material that is detachable to the wearable footwear. This greatly increases consumer convenience when the Pant-Leg-Covers are detached and at least passed around to friends and family.
(N) The footwear contains additional batteries that recharge the Pant-Leg-Covers including the visual display and synchronized audio speakers. Therefore, if the consumer uses up the battery-life included within their Pant-Leg-Covers, it is not a problem. The consumer can simply and conveniently engage the Pant-Leg-Cover with the footwear and receive a needed charge. This is particularly advantageous for a consumer that is traveling and has no convenient way to recharge their Pant-Leg-Covers.
(O) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers include a headphone port. This is advantageous when the loud speakers are not desired.
(P) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers include multiple function buttons capable of controlling the following, but are not limited to: mute, zoom, contrast, volume, brightness, etc.
(Q) The visual displays can be interchanged to different Pant-Leg-Covers. In other words, different Pant-Leg-Covers are capable of interchanging and receiving different visual displays. This is advantageous to consumers if multiple electronic corporations are providing different visual displays at various prices.
(R) The Pant-leg-Covers can include sealable casings around the visual displays and marine speakers. This is advantageous since footwear is susceptible to water, dirt, and various other environmental factors.
(S) The Pant-Leg-Covers including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers can include a customizable lens or display cap. This cap or covering can be desirable at certain times when the visual display is not desired and is not removed.
(T) The borders of the Pant-Leg-Covers are capable of being customized by at least the consumer.
(U) The PLC's including visual displays and synchronized audio speakers are always viewable, if desired. This provides a priceless conversation piece.
(V) The advertisements that are shown on the visual displays can be verbally reinforced by the consumer. This increases the effectiveness of the advertisement on the recipient.
“FIG. 18—Additional Decorative Cover Member” illustrates a back view of a PLC XX6. An additional decorative cover member 68 wraps around to the back of the PLC. On the back of the PLC, the additional decorative cover member joins to the back surface of the PLC by a plurality of button fasteners 70. However, any type of fastener arrangement can be used to join the additional decorative cover member with the PLC. For example, the additional decorative cover member can use a set of elastic members to join to the PLC.
I presently contemplate that the additional decorative cover member (
The additional decorative cover members (
“FIG. 19—Conventional Footwear with Pant-Leg-Covers” illustrates a front right view of another embodiment. In the embodiment of
Again, this specific example of Pant-Leg-Cover 1XXX (
In the same manner, PLC 1XXX (
“FIG. 20—PLC for Conventional Footwear, Side Section” is a side sectional view taken along line 20-20 of
A fastener arrangement 1F2 (
Moreover, PLC 1XXX (
“FIG. 21—Boot including PLC” is a right side view of another embodiment. The embodiment of
Hunters can walk through swaps and creeks while wearing their boots. Thus, when their winter pant leg is outside their boot, it is prone to get wet. After the hunter sits in the cold, their pant leg can get frozen and lead to potentially dangerous effects (e.g. hypothermia, frost bite, etc.) As a result, hunters (much like other consumers) are forced to jam-up or bunch-up their winter pant leg between their boot and their body. Again, this is proven uncomfortable and often times in effective (e.g. pant leg returns to covering the outside of the hunter's boot). Accordingly, embodiments will at least solve this problem.
I presently contemplate that the PLC XX7 of
Additionally, hunters are able to hunt in different environments. These environments often times require different types of camouflage. In turn, many hunters are forced to buy numerous pairs of boots to match the environment they are hunting. The PLC XX7 of
“FIG. 22—Boot including PLC, Side Section” is a side sectional view taken along line 22-22 of
The Pant-Leg-Cover can be composed of any variety of materials, some of which are mentioned in this specification. The different materials provide different advantages to benefit at least the consumer and/or manufacturer. From satisfying personal taste to fitting the contour of the shoe, the material that the Pant-Leg-Cover is composed of plays an integral role in at least the construction, method of manufacture, marketability, sale, and profit of the footwear. Additionally to materials, the combinations and sub-combinations of interchangeable and affixed Pant-Leg-Covers will also help to differentiate product lines. Product differentiation allows a corporation to appeal to more potential consumers.
In brief financial terms, Pant-Leg-Covers at least increase the marketability of foot-receiving apparatuses; multiple marketability aspects lead to increased sales; increased sales lead to profit growth; profit growth expands shareholder value. This specification describes some of the advantages of Pant-Leg-Covers that utilize pant legs to create a sustainable competitive advantage for a select corporation.
Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and it will be understood by those of ordinary skill that the present invention includes within its scope all combinations and sub-combinations of these various embodiments. Thus, the reader will see that at least one embodiment of the Pant-Leg-Cover provides at least a more visible, expressive, secure, clean, comfortable, easily usable, fashionable, safe, yet economically feasible portion of footwear that can be used by persons of almost any age.
It is not intended herein to mention all of the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of the present invention (e.g. adding basic functions to the Pant-Leg-Covers, foot-receiving apparatuses, and pant legs, such as but not limited to: pockets, containers, removable display cover members, safety features, varied displays, casing adjustments, multiple displays, magnets, different materials, glow-in-the dark features, waterproof materials, fixedly joined electronic displays, different fastening arrangements, synchronized visual displays, and the like). The embodiments mentioned herein are not intended to mention all possible embodiments that can or will sell to potential consumers. For example, modified footwear including Pant-Leg-Covers where additional modifications are made to portions of the footwear housing. Other examples include: a Pant-Leg-Cover that is reversible (indicia on all sides), is washer or dishwasher safe, changes color with temperature, has a fold over flap, has removable portions, extendable portions, etc. It is understood that the terms used herein are merely descriptive rather than limiting, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, as described in the appended claims and based throughout this specification. Again, the above are merely illustrations, not limitations.
COMPONENTS OF EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1
12
Upper member
14
Sole member
11
Substantial length of space
13
Substantial length of space
15
Substantial length of space
16
Interior of the housing
18
Foot-securing tongue
28
Front portion of upper member
30
Lace-securing members
30 & 18 =
Closure device
XX1
Pant-Leg-Cover (PLC) (at instep)
XX2
PLC (at heel)
XX3
PLC (at outboard side)
A1
Fixable lower portion PLC XX1
A2
Fixable lower portion PLC XX2
A3
Fixable lower portion PLC XX3
D1
Free upper portion of PLC XX1
D2
Free upper portion of PLC XX2
D3
Free upper portion of PLC XX3
FIG. 2
XX1
Pant-Leg-Cover (PLC) (at instep)
XX2
PLC (at heel)
XX3
PLC (at outboard side)
99
Pant leg
11
Substantial length of space
13
Substantial length of space
15
Substantial length of space
FIG. 3
XX1
Pant-Leg-Cover (PLC) (at instep)
XX2
PLC (at heel)
XX3
PLC (at outboard side)
99
Pant leg
28
Front portion of upper member
28A
Retainer arm
FIG. 4
XX1
Pant-Leg-Cover (PLC) (at instep)
D1
Free upper portion of PLC XX1
F1
Fastener arrangement
18
Foot-securing tongue
23
Clip portion (flexible projection)
26
Point/Location (possible fastener
arrangement)
28
Front portion of upper member
28A
Retainer Arm (extension of 28)
29
Engagement Feature
30
Lace-securing members
99
Pant leg
FIG. 5
XX2
PLC (at heel)
A2
Fixable lower portion PLC XX2
D2
Free upper portion of PLC XX2
12
Upper member
14
Sole member
99
Pant leg
FIG. 6
XX3
PLC (at outboard side)
A3
Fixable lower portion PLC XX3
D3
Free upper portion of PLC XX3
12
Upper member
16
Interior of the housing
23AA
Clip portion
29AA
Engagement feature
99
Pant leg
FIG. 7
1XX1
PLC
1F2
Fastener arrangement
S-1A
Surface portion
112
Upper member
128
Front portion upper member
128A
Retainer arm
130
Lace-securing members
199
Pant Leg
FIG. 8
1XX1
PLC
1F1
Fastener Arrangement
123
Clip portion
128
Front portion upper member
128A
Retainer arm
129
Engagement feature
199
Pant Leg
18A
Modified Tongue
S-1A
Surface portion
S-1C
Surface portion
1A
Top portion
1B
Middle portion
1C
Bottom portion
1F3
Fastener arrangement
126A
Point/fastener arrangement
130
Lace-securing members
FIG. 9
AG1
Adjustment mechanism
P1
Position 1
P2
Position 2
P3
Position 3
FIG. 10
XX4
PLC
C1
Compartment casing
FIG. 11
XX4
PLC
C1
Compartment casing
C2
Compartment casing
B1
Built-in button
SP
Speaker port
44
Seal member
FIG. 12
XX4
PLC
C2
Compartment casing
B1
Built-in button
SP
Speaker port
41
Fastener arrangements
FIG. 13
14
Bottom sole member
99
Pant leg
FIG. 14
14
Bottom sole member
16
Interior
18
Foot securing tongue
28
Front portion upper member
29
Engagement feature
40
Direct connection
42
Battery (power source)
44
Memory source
46
Line connector
48
Power/data line
50
Power/data connector
99
Pant leg
FIG. 15
XX5
PLC
23
Clip portion
52
Power/data connector (PLC)
54
Visual Display
55
Camera
56
Synchronized audio speakers
58
Hinge-type mechanism
60
Wing member
FIG. 16
62
Docking device
64
Positioning member
66
Power/data port
FIG. 17
XX5
PLC
D1
Free upper portion
54
Visual Display
56
Synchronized audio speakers
99
Pant leg
FIG. 18
XX6
PLC
68
Additional decorative cover
70
Button fasteners
FIG. 19
1XXX
PLC
2XXX
PLC
1AG1
Adjustment mechanism
99
Pant leg
111
Substantial length of space
FIG. 20
1XXX
PLC
1AG1
Adjustment mechanism
1D1
Free upper portion
1F2
Fastener arrangement
1BA
PLC attachment
118
Foot securing tongue
126
Point/Fastener arrangement
128
Front portion upper member
130
Lace-securing members
99
Pant leg
FIG. 21
2XXX
PLC
1A3
Fixable lower portion
1D3
Free upper portion
112
Upper member
123AA
long hook mechanism
99
Pant leg
FIG. 22
XX7
PLC
F4
Fastener arrangement
74
Housing
999
Winter pant leg
FIG. 23
XX7
PLC
F4
Fastener arrangement
74
Housing
76
Boot liner
116
Interior
999
Winter pant leg
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