BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to footwear, and more particularly to shoes having an entire reversible upper of the shoe in order to change the coloration, texture, aesthetics, styles, or other appearance of the shoe, which furnishes differing and utilitarian uses to the benefit of its wearer.

Description of the Background Art

Numerous styles of footwear, comprised of various parts, for achieving a multitude of purposes, have long been considered in the prior art. Most of these types of innovations have been in the area of sports shoes, which area has been substantially in vogue for the past many years to increase the efficiency and performance of the athletes. Various types of modifications to the structure of the shoe itself, such as adding pockets to the side or within the tongue or gusset of the shoe, have been considered in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,060 discusses this type of technology and its modifications. 006812

By way of other examples, first, U.S. Pat. No. 2,049,347 relates to a closed shoe having stationary upper portions of a certain color, and reversible straps which, when reversed, display different colors which contrast with the color of the stationary upper portions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,321 relates to removable shoe tongues for changing the appearance of the tongues relative to the remainder of the shoes.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0039345 also relates to a reversible shoe strap for changing the appearance of a shoe by detaching the strap prior to reversing its position on the shoe. U.S Patent No. 7,266,907 relates to an open shoe having no enclosure for the toes of the wearer's foot, and the upper being comprised of at least one elongated strap, and preferably a plurality of straps, each strap having end regions permanently connected to the shoe and having opposite contrasting surfaces.

The present invention seeks further modifications to the structure of footwear, in order to add to the variations on usage of the shoe, enhance its styling, and enhance the attractiveness of the footwear, by providing alternative uses and applications to various components of the footwear itself.

A single pair of shoes is typically only harmonious with a single clothing ensemble. To provide versatility, the art has suggested reversing various shoe components to alter the appearance of the shoes. 006812

As advantageous as these known shoes may be in changing the appearance of the shoe, experience has shown that they are not altogether satisfactory in practice. Changing only the appearance of a single shoe component, for example a tongue or a strap, does not change the appearance of the entire shoe. The styling and color of the other upper components of the shoe are not changed and, which limits the total visual impact of the change, as well as the versatility to achieve a totally different harmonious color scheme.

In addition, the known reversible shoe components have unsightly hardware to enable them to be reversed. Such hardware is not desirable on certain fashion shoes. Also, the hardware includes fasteners which are often difficult to manipulate, because the reversible shoe component typically must be at least partially detached from the shoe upper prior to reversal, and then re-attached to the shoe after the reversal. For some users, such manipulation is often excessive and, hence, not often attempted, thereby defeating the reversibility function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention relates to a reversible shoe comprising: an outsole, an insole, and a double-vamped upper comprising identical and symmetrical front and back halves extending above the sole and surrounding the IB2000/006812

sole as a whole in opposite forming a stretchable collar-like confinement wall, wherein: the outsole is symmetrical, having a shape in which both halves are identical and symmetrical longitudinally such that each shoe head can be superimposed on the other; the shape of the outsole gives enough width for the wearer to cover the toe part when worn from either side (front/back); the shoe has flat outsole with or without a heel; the insole length of the shoe is about 3-5 mm greater than the insole length of an ordinary shoe of the same size; the increase insole length makes the shoe wearable from either the right or the left; the upper is made of a stretchable resilient material having an elastic in whole of the collar that provides a tight fit on the foot of the wearer; material having no stretch is excluded; the upper in its entirety is mounted on the sole and is permanently attached thereto; the upper is attached to the outsole with a retaining means; the upper has two opposite contrasting surfaces that are exposed to view when the shoe movement is reversed; 009/006812

the two contrasting surfaces optionally comprise ornaments of different designs and shapes; the shoe has ample space for toes on both parts (front and back) of the shoe; and the shoe can be worn from either side (left/right) and from either way

(front/back); in one example the waist girth ranges from approximately 1.5 cm (centimeters) to 7 cm and the joint girth from 2 cm to 12 cm. the material of the upper according to the invention is comprised of stretchable and/or non stretchable material, such as, but not limited to, leather, spandex, elastane, cloth, plastics, non-leather, or a mixture of materials thereof, etc.;

In an embodiment of the invention, the reversible shoe may have a heel fastened to the outer sole in such a manner that it can be rotated at 180° and can be fitted or locked in one half of the lower outer sole.

Another aspect of the invention provides a novel last for making a reversible shoe according to the present invention. The novel last may comprises two half cut pieces of normal lasts joined together to form the last of the present invention as shown in the accompanying drawings. The last may be comprised of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, wood, rubber, metal, plastics, etc.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a pattern for a reversible shoe which comprises the steps of: (i) preparing a pattern of the shoe without masking by keeping the fitting allowance manually; and (ii) finalizing the pattern to the shape wherein both halves are identical, symmetrical, and super imposable.

Accordingly, the entire upper of the shoe can be reversed for changing the entire appearance of the shoe.

Also, a wearer can more readily coordinate his or her clothing with his or her shoes.

Furthermore, the versatility of footwear can be increased, as the footwear is capable of having its entire appearance changed.

Moreover, unsightly hardware used for enabling reversibility can be removed from the shoes, and excessive manipulation of the hardware is not required.

Furthermore, the styling of an open shoe can be enhanced.

Moreover, two shoes can be provided in one pair.

This invention contemplates the formation of footwear in general, including a running or athletic shoe type, but the concepts of this invention may be embodied within any type of shoe, as will be readily determined upon reviewing this invention disclosure. The footwear includes, but is not limited to, the usual style of shoe having a sole, vamp, quarter portions, counter, and a tongue or gusset secured therein. In an example aspect, the gusset is of a reversible type, whereby the tongue can be turned to expose one surface, which may have a stylized and attractive surface provided thereon, or the tongue may be reversed, to furnish an entirely different appearance to the shoe, when worn.

This invention can pertain to athletic shoes, casual and dress shoes, hiking shoes or boots, etc. Means are provided to accommodate the reversing of the upper, and to hold the upper to the wearer's foot firmly, but which can be readily turned, simply upon turning the side of the shoe, while the shoe is being worn. In addition, the invention also provides a novel outer sole having a characteristic symmetrical and identical shape wherein both ends are super imposable to each other. One concept of this invention is to provide an easy method for reversing the upper, so that the wearer may reverse the upper, as desired, for revealing other colorations, styles, patterns, or designs. It provides versatility to the usage of the shoe. Accordingly, the invention can provide a reversible upper for footwear.

The invention can also provide a reversible upper that may have different styles of appearance upon either of its surfaces, so that the upper can be reversed and can completely change the appearance and attractiveness of the shoe, to the desire of the wearer. For example, the consumer can coordinate with team colors, fashion trends, and the like. Still further, an aspect of this invention can provide a novel shoe last. The prior art shoe lasts are shaped and stretched to one side according to the shape of foot, whereas novel lasts of the present invention take the shape of the front part of the foot on both sides.

The footwear according to the present invention may include walking shoes, running shoes, loafers, beach shoes, slippers, sandals, casual or dress shoes, boots, hikers, and even athletic shoes, and can be used in any of a variety of other athletic sports that incorporate particular styled shoes, incorporating the reversible upper of this invention which can add to the versatility of the appearance and usage of the subject footwear.

Still another aspect of this invention provides a novel outer sole that can be used for applying the reversible upper to the upper portion of the said outer sole, to stably hold the upper in place, while the shoe is being worn.

In keeping with the above aspects and others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in a shoe comprising a sole and a reversible upper mounted in its entirety on the shoe for reversing movement between two different positions, each of which imparts a different appearance to the shoe. The shoe's upper is comprised of an elastic material. In one of the exposed positions, one contrasting surface of the upper is exposed to view, while, in the other exposed position, the other contrasting surface of the upper is exposed to view. 12

The reversal of each position can be performed while the end region of the respective upper remains connected to the back side of foot.

In accordance with this invention, the entire upper, that is, all of the parts of the upper overlying a foot during wear are reversible to more completely and dramatically change the entire appearance of the shoe. The versatility of the footwear can thereby be increased. The wearer can more readily coordinate his or her clothing and shoes.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments and accompany drawings when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a shoe with the usual components including the out

sole, in sole, its vamp, the top line/collar, quarters, and lining; 009/006812

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FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a reversible shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a shoe last;

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of an outer sole having a

characteristic symmetrical and identical shape; and

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the novel reversible shoe.

The invention will next be described in connection with certain exemplary embodiments; however, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, and subtractions can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Fig. 1 shows a shoe 10 with the usual components including an outsole 2, insole 4, vamp 6, collar 8, quarter 10, heel 12, and back counter 14.

The upper of the shoe of the present invention may be fabricated to different embodiments or, in other words, both parts of the upper (i.e., front and back parts with reference to wearer's foot) can have different variants such as: 12

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• Style: both parts may have different styles.

• Shape: both parts may have different shapes, e.g., one part may have a

square shape whereas the second part may have a round shape.

• Material: one part may be comprised of an opaque material and/or the other

part may be comprised of a transparent or clear material.

• Ornaments: both parts may have different ornamental designs or patterns

applied to them.

• Color: the parts may have different colors.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, also may find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

One aspect of the invention describes a shoe having a characteristic feature of an upper in which both parts (front/back) can be brought to the front side, comprising: a) an outsole having the shape of the digit '8', wherein both halves are identical, symmetrical, and super imposable on each other; b) a reversible upper including an elastic in the whole collar/top line; and c) an insole having a characteristic shape and size.

The invention describes a shoe wherein the upper is comprised of two different materials, ornaments and shapes which may be closed or open, or square or round. The shoe of invention can be worn from either way, i.e., from the front or back. It can also be worn from either side, i.e., from the left side or the right side. In the shoe of present invention, the upper may be comprised of a unique stretchable and/or non stretchable material having a flat outsole with or without a heel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is ample space for the toes on both parts (front and back) of the shoe.

According to another embodiment the insole has a characteristic shape and has a length 3-5 mm more than the ordinary shoe, whereas the upper comprises a first upper portion and a second upper portion wherein each upper portion is attached to the outsole with retaining means, whereby each upper portion may individually become a front part and or a back part with respect to the foot to alternately display opposing sides of the upper. According to an embodiment of the invention the upper is made of a stretchable resilient material having an elastic in the whole of the collar that provides a tight fit on the wearer's foot.

According to another embodiment of the invention a heel is fastened with the outer sole in such a manner that it can be rotated at 180° and it can be fitted or locked in one half of the lower outer sole.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a reversible shoe 20 according to an embodiment of the invention. The shoe 20 comprises an outsole 22 and an insole 23. Vamps 24, 26 are located at front 28 and back 30 ends, respectively, to provide a double-vamped upper comprising symmetrical front and back halves extending above the sole and surrounding the sole as a whole opposite to the sole forming a stretchable collar-like confinement wall.

The upper may be made of a stretchable resilient material having an elastic in the whole of collar 32 that provides a tight fit on the foot of the wearer. The upper is mounted on the sole and is permanently attached thereto. The upper has two opposite contrasting surfaces at front 28 and back 30 ends that are differently exposed to view when the shoe 20 movement is reversed. The two contrasting surfaces may comprise ornaments of different designs and shapes, as shown.

The shoe 20 has ample space for toes on both parts (front 28 and back 30) and can be worn from either the left side or the right side. The material of the upper may include stretchable and/or non stretchable material, such as but not limited to leather, spandex, elastane, cloth, plastics, non-leather, or a mixture of materials thereof. Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of an outer sole 22 having a characteristic symmetrical and identical shape. The outer sole 22 has ball joint parts 22 A, 22B and an outsole waist 22C. The outer sole 22 is symmetrical, having a shape in which both halves are identical and symmetrical longitudinally such that each shoe head can be superimposed on the other.

Fig. 5 shows a side view of a reversible shoe 20 according to the invention including outsole 22, collar 32, counter 34, vamps 26, 28, and back counters 36, 38.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a shoe last 40 for making a reversible shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shoe last 40 comprises two half cut pieces 4OA, 4OB joined together to form the last 40. Toe parts 42 and 44 and instep girth points 46 and 48 are shown in the figure for each respective half cut piece 40A, 40B. Reference numeral 50 indicates the bottom of the last 40. The last 40 takes the shape of the front part of the foot on both sides. The last may be comprised of any suitable material including but not limited to wood, rubber, metal, and plastics.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a reversible shoe upper, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. IB2000/006812

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Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.