WO2006050092A2 - Semelle de chaussure presentant des cartouches interchangeables - Google Patents

Semelle de chaussure presentant des cartouches interchangeables Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006050092A2
WO2006050092A2 PCT/US2005/038928 US2005038928W WO2006050092A2 WO 2006050092 A2 WO2006050092 A2 WO 2006050092A2 US 2005038928 W US2005038928 W US 2005038928W WO 2006050092 A2 WO2006050092 A2 WO 2006050092A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cartridge
footbed
cartridges
footwear
sizing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2005/038928
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006050092A3 (fr
Inventor
Alexander Dardinski
Peter Dillon
David E. Miller
Douglas E. Clark
John Healy
Charles Kraeuter
Simon Luthi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Timberland Co
Original Assignee
Timberland Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/259,587 external-priority patent/US7461470B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/259,563 external-priority patent/US7681333B2/en
Application filed by Timberland Co filed Critical Timberland Co
Priority to EP05824163.9A priority Critical patent/EP1804599B1/fr
Publication of WO2006050092A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006050092A2/fr
Publication of WO2006050092A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006050092A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/38—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process
    • A43B13/383—Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insoles; Insoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process pieced
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B17/00—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined
    • A43B17/14—Insoles for insertion, e.g. footbeds or inlays, for attachment to the shoe after the upper has been joined made of sponge, rubber, or plastic materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/26—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use adjustable as to length or size
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1425—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the ball of the foot, i.e. the joint between the first metatarsal and first phalange
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1435—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the joint between the fifth phalange and the fifth metatarsal bone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
    • A43B7/145—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the toes, i.e. the phalanges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/1463—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with removable pads to allow custom fit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
    • A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
    • A43B7/1464—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties with adjustable pads to allow custom fit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43D—MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING OR REPAIRING FOOTWEAR
    • A43D999/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Definitions

  • Fit and comfort are arguably the two most important components of an article of footwear. This is especially true of any shoe type of footwear that includes some form of side or top restraint such as in a contoured sneaker or loafer. Improper fit can quickly lead to discomfort due to a tightly fitting shoe that pinches on the user's foot or a loosely fitting shoe that moves independently of the foot causing rubbing, irritation, and blisters. When shoes are made to a custom fit, these problems are rarely an issue. However, custom fitting presents a problem in today's economy where the cost of custom-made shoes is prohibitive. Moreover, one manufacturing trend is to produce generic, reusable components in order to reduce manufacturing costs, thus lowering the cost to the consumer.
  • Anthropometric data of the foot determines the general shape and size of contemporary footwear. As discussed above, this data is used to develop shoes for the most likely consumer population and does not account for fit concerns of wearers outside of the statistical norm. In addition to the concerns of manufacturing to the mean of a population, there are a number of other issues that create fit and comfort issues. [0006] By way of ' example only, there is a weak correlation between foot size versus height and weight. It is as likely to have a male with a weight of 145 pounds with a size 9 foot as it is to have a 225 pound male with a size 9 foot. This makes it difficult to adjust shoe and material specifications that would benefit comfort concerns for both males based solely on shoe size. For this reason, adjusting the density of the footbed to accommodate greater than normal loads should not be based solely on shoe size, but should also take into account the wearer's body mass and other factors.
  • SKUs offered in a product line, as this can generate substantial benefits throughout the supply chain.
  • the current invention presents a system and method that allows for adjustment of volume and/or width in the forefoot region of the foot.
  • shoe size alone is a poor predictor of body mass.
  • Two people with a similar shoe size can vary greatly in body mass and, therefore, place greatly different loads on footwear during locomotion. It is well known that during locomotion the human body generates peak ground reaction forces of 1.5 - 2.0 times their body weight while walking and 2.0 - 3.5 times their body weight while running. Peak forces of up to 10 times a person's body weight have been recorded while landing from a jump. Given a comparison between a 150 and 225 pound person, the smaller person might generate peak forces of 450 pounds while running, while the 225 pound person would generate 675 pounds of force during the same activity. Both of '"" "these individuals might wear identical footwear during these activities.
  • An ideal footbed system would allow for adjustment of the materials under the wearer's foot to account for body mass differences, changes in locomotion style, differences in footwear use, and personal preference. For instance, heavier users might place a denser material under the forefoot for greater attenuation of the landing forces. Materials that are more suitable for the distribution of pressure, such as gel- based materials, might also be used to reduce peak pressure points under the forefoot.
  • the replacement of existing parts provides a method of refreshing a previously worn footbed.
  • Footbeds commonly use elastomeric foams such as ethyl vinyl acetate (“EVA”) and polyurethane (“PU”) .
  • EVA ethyl vinyl acetate
  • PU polyurethane
  • the foaming process that produces the foam creates open or closed cell air bubbles that are distributed in the elastomeric foam.
  • These air cells create a lighter weight part and allow for cushioning properties through the compressing of the air cells. It is well known that these air cells rupture during extended use, creating a compression set in the material and causing the material to lose its cushioning properties.
  • Replacing a worn component with a new one provides rejuvenated cushioning and extends the life of the shoe.
  • the wearer does not have to replace the entire footbed and, therefore, can do so at a greatly reduced cost.
  • such pieces could be interchanged for different activities and/or as the wearer's foot changes shape.
  • Cartridges in accordance with the present invention may also be designed with a medial - lateral depth change or bias in order to supply a corrective geometry to the wearer. It is well known that certain orthopedic ailments to the lower leg, knee, hip, and back, are caused by poor alignment of the foot and ankle. Also, certain dynamic ailments such as flat or flexible feet may allow for excess motion in the normal gait. For instance, a person who over-pronates during the walking gait cycle would benefit from a forefoot component that elevates the medial " side of " t ⁇ ' e " foot. This "posting" of the medial foot border is a common technique when developing custom orthotics.
  • cartridges that are wedged shaped in cross section could be supplied at various geometries so that the wearer can choose a cartridge to benefit their personal anatomical alignment.
  • a cartridge system for adjusting sizing in an article of footwear comprises a footbed and a cartridge.
  • the footbed has a forefoot region, and the footbed is removably insertable into the article of footwear.
  • the cartridge has a predetermined sizing and includes a connection member for releasably attaching the cartridge to the forefoot region of the footbed. The cartridge adjusts the volume available to a wearer's foot within a forefoot region of the article of footwear.
  • connection member is insertable into a receptacle on the footbed.
  • connection member preferably has a length of at least 5 mm.
  • the footbed includes a top surface for supporting the wearer's foot and a bottom surface remote from the top surface.
  • the cartridge is connectable to the bottom surface of the footbed.
  • the footbed includes a stiffening member therein. In this case, the stiffening member is preferably disposed in a heel region of the footbed.
  • the cartridge further includes a fastening member for releasably securing the cartridge to the forefoot region of the footbed.
  • the connection member is desirably disposed along a posterior region of the cartridge and the fastening member is desirably disposed along an anterior region of the cartridge.
  • the fastening member is preferably a post operable to connect to a receptacle in a toe region of the footbed.
  • the footbed comprises a pair of footbeds and the cartridge comprises a pair of cartridges .
  • a first one of the footbeds and a first one of the cartridges are adapted for use with the wearer's left foot, and a second one of the footbeds and a second one of the cartridges are adapted for use with the wearer's right foot.
  • the predetermined sizing of the first cartridge may be different than the predetermined sizing of the second cartridge.
  • the cartridge includes a sizing identifier for indicating the predetermined sizing.
  • the cartridge preferably includes a first surface adjacent to the footbed and a second surface remote from the first surface, and the sizing identifier is preferably disposed on the second surface.
  • the system may further comprise a slipcover adapted to receive the footbed and the cartridge therein.
  • the slipcover includes an exposed opening configured so that the sizing identifier is readily observable through the exposed opening.
  • the cartridge preferably comprises a plurality of cartridges each having a different predetermined sizing.
  • a cartridge system for adjusting forefoot sizing in an article of footwear comprises a footbed and a cartridge.
  • the footbed has a forefoot region and a heel region, and the heel region includes a receptacle therein.
  • the cartridge has a first section of predetermined sizing in communication with the forefoot region of the footbed and a second section including at least one tab for releasably connecting the cartridge to the receptacle in the heel region of the footbed.
  • the tab includes a first end connected to the first section and a second end remote from the first end.
  • the receptacle of the footbed preferably includes an exterior opening and the second section preferably includes a lip member that is received in the exterior opening.
  • the first section preferably has a thickness on the order of 2.5 mm. In another example, the first section has a thickness of at least 2 mm.
  • the first section of the cartridge includes a first surface adjacent to the footbed and a second surface remote from the first surface.
  • the cartridge further includes a sizing identifier for indicating the predetermined sizing.
  • the sizing identifier is disposed on the second surface of the first section.
  • the footbed desirably includes a sizing identification thereon.
  • the first surface of the first section includes a fastening member for releasably securing the cartridge to the forefoot region of the footbed.
  • the cartridge provides forefoot sizing adjustment in the article of footwear but does not provide sizing adjustment in a heel region of the article of footwear.
  • a cartridge system for adjusting sizing in an article of footwear comprises a footbed and a plurality of cartridges .
  • the footbed has a forefoot region and a heel region.
  • the plurality of cartridges each have a first section of predetermined sizing adapted to mate with the forefoot region of the footbed and connection means for releasable connection to the footbed.
  • the volume available to a wearer's foot within a forefoot region of the article of footwear is adjusted by selecting one of the plurality of cartridges based on the predetermined sizing.
  • connection means attaches each cartridge to the heel region of the footbed.
  • each of the cartridges further includes fastening means for releasably securing the first section to the forefoot region of the footbed.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention provides an article of footwear comprising an outsole for contacting the ground, an upper attached to the outsole, a footbed and at least one cartridge.
  • the " upper and outsole define an enclosure for receiving a wearer's foot.
  • the footbed has an anterior region and a posterior region. The posterior region including a receptacle therein.
  • the footbed is removably insertable into the enclosure.
  • the at least one cartridge has a first section of predetermined sizing for mating to the anterior region of the footbed and a second section including at least one tab for releasably connecting the cartridge to the receptacle in the posterior region of the footbed.
  • a further embodiment of the present invention comprises a cartridge having an anterior forefoot section of a predetermined thickness and a posterior connection section adjacent to the forefoot section.
  • the connection section includes a tab that is adapted for removable insertion into a footbed.
  • the forefoot section of the cartridge is adapted for positioning in a mating relationship with the footbed, e.g., at least one surface of the forefoot section of the cartridge is placed face to face with at least one surface of the footbed.
  • the tab includes a lip member at a first end thereof remote from the forefoot section of the cartridge. The lip member is adapted for releasable connection to a receptacle opening in the footbed.
  • the cartridge further includes a fastening member on the forefoot section thereof for releasably securing the cartridge in the mating relationship with the footbed.
  • the forefoot section includes a mating region adapted to receive a cartridge, e.g., a surface of the forefoot section of the footbed is placed face to face with a surface of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge is interchangeable with other cartridges of different thickness.
  • the footbed has a connection region adapted to receive a connector of the cartridge.
  • the connection region is adapted to removably secure the connector.
  • the forefoot section of the footbed includes first fastening means for detachable connection to " " second! ⁇ fastr ⁇ 1 i ⁇ irig i '""-' 1 theans of the cartridge.
  • the connection region includes an interior channel and an exterior window adjacent thereto. The interior channel is adapted to receive a tab section of the cartridge connector and the exterior window is adapted to receive a lip member of the cartridge connector.
  • a cartridge system for adjusting sizing in an article of footwear comprises a footbed, a cartridge and a support saddle.
  • the footbed has a forefoot region and a heel region.
  • the heel region includes a receptacle therein.
  • the cartridge has a first section of predetermined sizing for mating to the forefoot region of the footbed and a second section including at least one tab for releasably connecting the cartridge to the receptacle in the heel region of the footbed.
  • the support saddle connects to the heel region of the footbed.
  • the support saddle is removably attached to the footbed.
  • the support saddle includes at least one sidewall member disposed along at least a medial side or a lateral side of the support saddle.
  • the system further comprises a board member disposed in communication with the footbed. The board member provides enhanced protection to a wearer of the article of footwear.
  • the system includes a footbed and a cartridge.
  • the footbed has a forefoot region and a heel region.
  • the heel region includes a receptacle therein, and the footbed includes a plurality of drainage channels therein. At least one of the drainage channels is disposed in the forefoot region thereof .
  • the cartridge has a first section of predetermined sizing for mating to the forefoot region of the footbed and a second section including at least one tab for releasably connecting the cartridge to the receptacle in the heel region of the footbed.
  • the first section includes at least one drainage channel " therein.
  • the ' at least' one drainage channel of the forefoot region of the footbed is aligned with the at least one cartridge drainage channel.
  • a cartridge system kit for adjusting sizing in an article of footwear comprises a footbed and a plurality of interchangeable cartridges.
  • the footbed has a forefoot region, and the footbed is removably insertable into the article of footwear.
  • the plurality of interchangeable cartridges is adapted to mate with the forefoot region of the footbed.
  • Each cartridge includes a connection member for releasably attaching the cartridge to the footbed.
  • a user can adjust the volume available to a wearer's foot within a forefoot region of the article of footwear by selecting one of the plurality of cartridges.
  • a first one of the cartridges has a thickness between about 2 to 3 mm and a second one of the cartridges has a thickness between about 4 to 6 mm.
  • at least some of the plurality of interchangeable cartridges are stackable.
  • first and second ones of the plurality of cartridges have the same predetermined sizing.
  • the first cartridge has a first hardness
  • the second cartridge has a second hardness different from the first hardness. The user may select either the first cartridge or the second cartridge based upon hardness.
  • Another embodiment of the present invention provides a cartridge system kit for adjusting sizing in articles of footwear.
  • the kit comprising a plurality of articles of footwear having different sizes, a plurality of footbeds, and a plurality of sets of interchangeable cartridges.
  • the footbeds each include a forefoot region therealong.
  • Each footbed has a different size and is adapted for removable insertion into a corresponding one of the different sized articles of footwear.
  • Each set of interchangeable cartridges is for use with a corresponding one of the plurality of footbeds.
  • Each cartridge in a given set is adapted to mate with the forefoot region of the "cofrespo ' ndiiTg' lu ⁇ o ⁇ tbfed, and each cartridge in the given set includes a connection member adapted to releasably attach the cartridge to the corresponding footbed.
  • a user adjusts the volume available to a wearer's foot within a forefoot region of a chosen one of the articles of footwear by selecting a corresponding footbed and one of the cartridges in the given set associated with the corresponding footbed
  • each set of interchangeable cartridges comprises a pair of cartridges.
  • a first one of the pair of cartridges in the given set may have a thickness between about 2 to 3 mm and a second one of the pair of cartridges may have a thickness between about 4 to 6 mm.
  • the forefoot region for at least one of the footbeds is between 2 to 4 mm thick.
  • connection member of each respective cartridge may be adapted to attach to a heel region of the corresponding footbed. At least some of the cartridges further include fastening means for releasably securing the cartridge to the forefoot region of the corresponding footbed.
  • the forefoot region of each footbed includes a first surface adapted to contact the wearer's foot and a second surface remote from the first surface.
  • Each cartridge in a given set is desirably adapted to mate to the second surface of the forefoot region of the corresponding footbed.
  • the user may select a right foot article of footwear of a first size and a left foot article of footwear of a second size different from the first size.
  • a first one of the cartridges in the given set has a first sizing and a first hardness
  • a second one of the cartridges in the given set has the first sizing and a second hardness
  • the user selects between the first and second cartridges based on hardness.
  • a method of fitting footwear to a wearer's foot comprises selecting an article of footwear of a predetermined size; providing a footbed including a forefoot region therealong, the footbed being sized in relation to the size ' ⁇ " f the article of footwear so as to be removably insertable into the article of footwear,- providing a plurality of interchangeable cartridges adapted to mate with the forefoot region of the footbed, each of the cartridges having a predetermined volume and including a connection member for releasably attaching the cartridge to the footbed; selecting one of the cartridges based upon the predetermined volume; and releasably attaching the cartridge to the footbed with the connection member.
  • the method may further comprise adjusting the fit of the article of footwear to the wearer's foot by replacing the selected cartridge with another cartridge having a different predetermined volume.
  • a first one of the cartridges has a first predetermined volume and a first hardness
  • a second one of the cartridges has the first predetermined volume and a second hardness
  • the method may further comprise selecting between the first and second cartridges based on hardness.
  • the steps of selecting an article of footwear, selecting a footbed, providing a plurality of interchangeable cartridges, and selecting one of the cartridges are performed for the right and left feet of the wearer.
  • the step of selecting a footbed includes electing between first and second footbeds of the same size, the first footbed having a first hardness and the second footbed having a second harness.
  • the forefoot region of the first footbed may have the first hardness and the forefoot region of the second footbed may have the second hardness.
  • a method of selecting footwear to fit a wearer's foot comprises selecting a style of footwear; selecting an article of footwear in the style having a predetermined size; providing a footbed including a forefoot region therealong, the footbed being sized in relation to the predetermined size of the article of footwear so as to be removably insertable into the article of footwear; selecting one cartridge from among a " plurality of " interchangeable cartridges adapted to mate with the forefoot region of the footbed, each of the cartridges having a predetermined volume and including a connection member for releasably attaching the cartridge to the footbed; and releasably attaching the selected cartridge to the footbed with the connection member.
  • the selected cartridge may be chosen based upon its predetermined volume.
  • the selected cartridge is chosen based on hardness.
  • a method of sizing footwear by employing interchangeable cartridges having predetermined sizing along with footwear adapted to receive the interchangeable cartridges comprises determining a range of foot sizes to be fit by the footwear and the interchangeable cartridges; selecting a sizing increment to cover the number of sizing units; calculating a number of sizing units to encompass the range of foot sizes; creating a set of molds based upon the selected sizing increment and the sizing units; and fabricating interchangeable cartridges with the molds .
  • FIGS. l(a)-(c) illustrate dimensions of a foot sizing system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 2 (a) - (c) illustrate an interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 3(a)-(e) illustrate components of the cartridge system of FIGS. 2 (a) - (c) .
  • FIGS. 4 (a) -(j) illustrate views of interchangeable cartridges .
  • FIGS. 5 (a) - (d) are cross-sectional views of the cartridge system of FIGS. 2 (a) - (c) .
  • FIGS. 6 (a) - (b) illustrate a stiffening member for use with cartridge systems of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a footbed in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS ' ; " “8 ' Ta)"-" ⁇ t) illustrate cross-sectional views of cartridge assemblies in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 9(a)-(c) illustrate a slipcover in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 10 (a) - (b) illustrate another interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 11 (a) - (c) illustrate components of the cartridge system of FIGS. 10 (a) - (b) .
  • FIGS. 12 (a) - (b) illustrate yet another interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 13 (a) - (c) illustrate cross-sectional views of the cartridge system of FIGS. 12 (a) - (b) .
  • FIGS. 14 (a) - (b) illustrate a further interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 15 (a) -(c) illustrate assembled views of the cartridge system of FIGS. 14 (a) - (b) .
  • FIGS. 16 (a) - (c) illustrate cross-sectional views of another cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 17 (a) - (c) illustrate shoe lasting configurations for use with cartridge systems of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 18 (a) - (c) illustrate cross-sectional views of another interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 19 (a) - (c) illustrate cross-sectional views of a further interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 20 (a) - (c) illustrate cross-sectional views of yet another interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • " [0 " 0 ' 6 ' .J] F ' ⁇ GS ' . ' "21"(5Lf- ' ⁇ d) illustrate cross-sectional views of another interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 22 (a) - (c) illustrate cross-sectional views of yet another interchangeable cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 23 (a) -(i) illustrate width and/or length adjustment using interchangeable cartridges.
  • FIGS. 24 (a) - (h) illustrate another footbed and cartridge system in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 25 (a) - (g) illustrate alternative footbed and cartridge systems in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 26 (a) - (g) illustrate a further footbed and cartridge system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating a footwear development process according to aspects of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of fitting footwear in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIG. 29 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of selecting footwear in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIG. 30 illustrates a footwear system in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIGS. l(a)-(c) show a template sizing system 100 in accordance with aspects of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 (a) illustrates width variations from size A to size EEE.
  • the widths are calculated at the metatarsal heads, and may be referred to as forefoot breadth.
  • the widths range from about 92.8 mm for size A up to about 102.44 mm for size EEE.
  • the width range is thus on the order of 9.6 mm. This width range covers the vast majority of forefoot widths.
  • FIG. 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the 1- 1 line of FIG. 1 (a) .
  • the height can range from size A up to size EEE.
  • the heights range from about 46.4 mm for height A up to about 61.9 mm for height EEE.
  • the height range is thus on the order of 15.5 mm. This height range covers the vast majority of forefoot heights.
  • the height and width ranges equate to volumes sized from A up to EEE.
  • the A volume is about 3,257 mm 2 and the EEE volume is about 5,169 mm 2 .
  • the volume range in the forefoot region between sizes A and EEE is on the order of 1,912 mm 2 .
  • FIGS. 2(a)-(c) illustrate an interchangeable cartridge system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cartridge system 200 includes a footbed, insock, or other shaped area 202 for supporting portions of the foot, as well as a cartridge or resizing member 204.
  • the cartridge 204 is insertab ⁇ e into t ⁇ e '" "footbed 202 and is secured in place by releasable fastening means as will be described below.
  • the footbed 202 need not extend the entire length of the foot from the toes to the heel.
  • the footbed 202 may only be positioned in the toe region of the shoe, or extend from the toes through part or all of the instep region of the sole.
  • the footbed 202 and/or the cartridge 204 may be formed from resilient materials such as EVA or PU foams or other such materials commonly used in shoe midsoles, insoles or sockliners.
  • One or both of the footbed 202 and the cartridge 204 may be formed of multiple material layers, regions and/or segments, which may each have a different thickness and/or a different rigidity.
  • the footbed 202 or the cartridge 204 may- comprise multiple layers of different rigidity.
  • a first layer may be, e.g., an EVA layer having a hardness of 20 on the Asker C scale
  • a second layer may be a PU layer having a hardness of 30 Asker C
  • a third may be a thermoplastic PU layer having a hardness of 40-50 Asker C.
  • the footbed 202 may have different levels of rigidity in the forefoot and heel regions, respectively.
  • the footbed 202 or the cartridge 204 could also have a first segment about the first metatarsal of a first rigidity and a second segment about the fifth metatarsal of a second rigidity.
  • different cartridges 204 of the same size may have different densities or hardness.
  • FIGS. 3 (a) - (b) are bottom views of the separated footbed 202 and cartridge 204, respectively.
  • the footbed 202 may optionally include a stiffening, stabilizing, or reinforcement member 206.
  • the stiffening member 206 is preferably integral with the rest of the footbed 202.
  • the stiffening member 206 can be made from one or more different materials, including thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"), EVA, nylon, etc.
  • TKe f ⁇ _f ⁇ tbe"d' 2 * 02 includes a heel bottom 208 and a forefoot bottom 210, which is recessed relative to the heel bottom 208.
  • the width of the forefoot bottom 210 measured along the metatarsal head area is preferably on the order of 96.5 mm. This width is between the C and D widths shown in FIGS. 1 (a) - (b) .
  • the fastening means preferably includes one or more tabs, protrusions, plugs or other connection members 212 on the cartridge 204 that engage respective slots or recesses 214 on the footbed 202.
  • the user may line up the tabs 212 with the slots 214 and then push the tabs 212 fully into the slots 214.
  • the tabs 212 preferably extend at least 5.0 mm away from the body of the cartridge 204. Shorter lengths may be appropriate if fastening can be achieved. More preferably, the tabs 212 are on the order of 12.0 mm long, which provides ample connectivity even when the foot is fully flexed during walking or running.
  • the tabs 212 are at least 5.0 mm wide for proper fastening, although as shown the tabs 212 are approximately 15 mm wide.
  • the tabs 212 may be integrally formed with the rest of the cartridge 204, for example as part of a molding process.
  • the tabs 212 may be fabricated apart from the body of the cartridge 204 and may be attached to the body using, for instance, an adhesive material or glue.
  • the tabs 212 may be the same or a different material from the cartridge 204, such as EVA, PU or TPU.
  • the ends of the tabs 212 may have a "lip" or overhang to assist in a secure and releasable connection to the slots 214.
  • male connection members are shown in FIG. 3 (b) as being part of the cartridge 204 and the female connection members are shown in FIG. 3 (a) as being part of the footbed 202, it can be appreciated that female connection members may be part of the cartridge 204 and male connection members may be part of the footbed 202. Furthermore, when more than one connection member is utilized, both male and female "connection ' members may be part of the footbed 202 and counterpart female and male connection members may be part of the cartridge 204.
  • Additional fastening means may include a post or other protruding member 216 in the forefoot bottom 210 and a corresponding receptacle, recess, or other opening 218 in the forward end of the cartridge 204.
  • the post 216 extends outward away from the forefoot bottom 210.
  • the post 216 is sized to securely fit into the receptacle 218, which may be a hole through the body of the cartridge 204. This secure fit provides a supplemental connection between the footbed 202 and the cartridge 204.
  • the tabs 212 are first inserted into the slots 214, and then the post 216 is secured within the receptacle 218.
  • the surface of the post 216 is textured. More preferably, the textured surface has the shape of a fingerprint such as a thumbprint.
  • the surface of the post 216 may be flush with the bottom face of the cartridge 204. However, it is preferable to recess the post surface within the receptacle 218.
  • the post 216 may act as release means in addition to a fastening means.
  • the thumbprint and/or the recessed surface give the user a visual cue to press on the post 216. These features also facilitate disengagement of the post 216.
  • the user may also pull on the cartridge 204.
  • the pressing and/or pulling disengage the post 216 from the receptacle 218, allowing the user to quickly and easily pull the cartridge 204 away from the footbed 202.
  • An alternative or complementary release means may include one or more post-like protrusion placed on the top surface of the cartridge 204 (not shown) .
  • the footbed 202 may include recesses or cutouts on either side of the protrusions. These protrusions may also include fingerprint visual cues.
  • the interchangeable cartridge system 200 may employ a pair of cartridges to change the sizing inside an article of footwear to insure proper fit.
  • the cartridge system 200 preferably includes the footbed 202 as well as cartridges 204i and 204 2 .
  • the posts 216 are disposed on the cartridges 204i and 204 2 , and the receptacle 218 is disposed in the footbed 202, for instance along the bottom forefoot region of the footbed 202.
  • the footbed 202 may be used without the cartridges 204i and 204 2 to accommodate feet of different sizes.
  • the cartridge 204 ⁇ has an average thickness on the order of 2.5 mm, for example between 1.5 and 4.5 mm, and the cartridge 204 2 has an average thickness on the order of 5 mm, for example between 3 and 7 mm.
  • any number of cartridges 204 may be employed, either alone or in combination, to achieve proper fit, and the thickness of each cartridge 204 may be greater or lesser than the specific examples provided.
  • mating tabs 212 and slots 214 as well as the post 216 and the receptacle 218, it should be understood that a wide variety of other connector means might be also employed. By way of example only, it is within the scope of the invention to use connectors such as hook and loop fasteners, dowels, clips, snaps, etc.
  • one or both of the mating surfaces of the footbed 202 and cartridge 204 may comprise a material or coating having a high coefficient of friction to prevent slippage between the footbed 202 and the cartridge 204.
  • the cartridge 204 may comprise multiple layers that connect, either individually or together, to the footbed 202.
  • the layers may each have a different thickness and/or rigidity.
  • the cartridge may be permanently fixed to the footbed with cement, double-sided tape or other suitable bonding methods.
  • the bottom of the cartridge 204 may include one or more flex grooves, indentations, score lines, sipes or flex areas 220.
  • the flex grooves or flex areas 220 permit the cartridge 204 to flex, for instance when the wearer is walking or running, or otherwise engaged in movement. It is possible to use score lines or other flexion means in place of or in combination with the flex grooves 220.
  • the connecting or parting line between the cartridge 204 and the footbed 202 is desirably located behind the flex area of the shoe. In this way, the shoe, the footbed 202 and the cartridge 204 may flex without placing undue strain on the connection between the mating tabs 212 and slots 214.
  • the bottom of the cartridge 204 may also include a region 222 that is used to identify the type of cartridge 204.
  • the region 222 in FIG. 3 (b) has indication means 224 in the displayed embodiment as "L" or "large” to show that this is a large cartridge.
  • the region 222 may be, for instance, a raised plateau or a recess in the cartridge 204.
  • the indication means 224 may be, for example, distinctive lettering, numbers, symbols, colors and/or textures. Preferably, such examples may be independent of a particular language.
  • the indication means 224 includes an indicator recessed approximately 0.5 mm.
  • the indication means 224 preferably includes a raised indicator of approximately 0.5 mm.
  • the cartridge 204 and the heel bottom 208 of the footbed 202 may include raised portions 226 and 228, respectively, to indicate to a user where the tabs " 212 ' and"slots ' 2l ' '4 !n "a ' r'e " ""Tocated.
  • the raised portions 226 and 228 are non-functional .
  • the raised portions 226 and 228 are elevated about 0.5 mm. This provides a substantially flat resultant surface to enhance wearer comfort. [0089] FIGS.
  • FIGS. 4(a)-(f) illustrate views of "large”, “medium” and “small” cartridges.
  • FIGS. 4 (a) - (b) illustrate bottom and top views, respectively, of a large cartridge 204 (a)
  • FIGS. 4(c)-(d) illustrate bottom and top views, respectively, of a medium cartridge 204 (b)
  • FIGS. 4(e)-(f) illustrate bottom and top views, respectively, of a small cartridge 204 (c) .
  • the top and bottom views for each cartridge 204 (a) - (c) are structurally very similar, and are readily interchangeable for use with the footbed 202.
  • each cartridge preferably includes the tabs 212, the receptacle 218, the flex grooves 220, a beveled upper edge 230 and a measurement location identifier 232.
  • the indication means 224 (a) - (c) on the bottom side of each cartridge should indicate the different sizes of the respective cartridge 204 (a) - (c) .
  • each cartridge 204 (a) - (c) may also include another indication means 234 (a) - (c) , respectively, which can show the size and/or thickness of the cartridge.
  • different cartridges may be distinguished by using different colors, shading, textures, etc.
  • FIGS. 4(g)-(j) illustrate an alternative embodiment of a footbed and cartridge system in accordance with the present invention.
  • footbed 202 ' may connect to any of cartridges 204', 204 ' • or 204' ' ', which represent narrow, medium and wide inserts, respectively.
  • Each of the cartridges may include one or more of the flex grooves 220, for instance on the bottom or “top “ surface” " Eh ' er ' e ⁇ ' f . '" '" ""
  • a "" single connection member 212' preferably extends from the cartridge 204 ', 204 •' or 204'" and is securely- received by the footbed 202'.
  • the connection member 212' may have a geometrical shape such as a partial ellipse or circle, although any other shape may be employed.
  • the footbed 202' preferably includes a receptacle (not shown) akin to slot 214 with a reciprocal shape adapted to receive the connection member 212' .
  • a connection member 212' with an ellipse shape has an added advantage of self- centering the cartridge 204', 204' ' or 204' ' ⁇ into the footbed 202' when the ellipse is inserted into a slot with the reciprocal shape on the footbed 202 ' .
  • FIGS. 5 (a) - (c) illustrates side cutaway views along the 3-3 line of FIG. 3 (a) .
  • FIG. 5 (a) shows the large cartridge 204 (a) connected to the footbed 202
  • FIG. 5 (b) shows the medium cartridge 204 (b) connected to the footbed 202
  • FIG. 5 (c) shows the small cartridge 204 (c) connected to the footbed 202.
  • Each cartridge 204 (a) - (c) provides a different total cross section 235 along the metatarsal region. It can be seen that the large cartridge 204 (a) actually provides the smallest total cross section 235 (a) of approximately 8 mm.
  • the medium cartridge 204 (b) provides a total cross section 235 (b) of approximately 10.5 mm and the small cartridge 204 (c) provides a total cross section 235 (c) of approximately 13 mm.
  • the thickness of each cartridge 204 may vary from the forward end near the receptacle 218 to the rearward end near the tabs 212. Nonetheless, in general, the cartridge 204 (a) preferably has a thickness on the order of 5 mm, the cartridge 204 (b) preferably has a thickness on the order of 7.5 mm, and the cartridge 204 (c) preferably has a thickness on the order of 10 mm.
  • FIG. 5(d) The volume differentials are seen more clearly in FIG. 5(d) , wherein the large cartridge 204 (a) is connected to the footbed 202.
  • the "L” line indicates that the large cartridge provides approximately 5 mm of additional space relative to the small cartridge, or, as seen in FIG. 5 (a) , approximately 15.75 mm of depth relative to the heel region of the footbed 202.
  • Dashed line “M” indicates that the medium- sized cartridge provides approximately 2.5 mm of additional space relative to the small cartridge, or, as seen in FIG. 5 (b) , approximately 13.25 mm of depth relative to the heel region of the footbed 202.
  • Dashed line “S” indicates space that would be taken up by the small-sized cartridge.
  • the combination of the footbed 202 and the cartridge 204 (c) takes up approximately 10.75 mm of depth relative to the heel region of the footbed 202.
  • the footbed 202 preferably includes the stiffening member 206 or other reinforcement structure.
  • a main function of the stiffening member 206 is to distribute or dissipate forces (e.g., when the wearer is running) across the footbed 202.
  • the stiffening member may include a lip or other type of flange 236 to act as a stopping point for the tab 212, and the lip 236 is placed to match up with the tab 212 when the cartridge 204 is fully inserted into the footbed 202.
  • the front end of the heel bottom 208 overlies the tab 212.
  • the tab 212 is sandwiched between the stiffening member 206 on one side and the front end of the heel bottom 208 on the other side.
  • FIGS. 6 (a) - (b) illustrate side and bottom views of the stiffening member 206 in detail.
  • the top of the stiffening member 206 (not shown) is a mirror image of the bottom view of FIG. 6 (b) , with the exception that there is no lip 236 on the top.
  • the stiffening member 206 desirably has the general shape of the footbed, "' arth ⁇ t ⁇ gn the width of the stiffening member 206 may be slightly larger (or smaller) than the forefoot bottom 210.
  • FIG. 6 (a) shows a cutaway view of the stiffening member 206 along the 6-6 line of FIG. 6 (b) .
  • the stiffening member 206 preferably comprises TPU or a similar material (s) .
  • Other materials may include PU or EVA foams having a hardness of at least 20 on the Asker C scale. The material should be selected depending upon the amount of rigidity desired.
  • the stiffening member 206 distributes pressure along the cartridge system 200 during wear.
  • the stiffening member 206 can be contoured to match the general shape of the foot . Another benefit of the stiffening member 206 is that the portion in contact with the tab 212 helps to reduce the amount of flexing by the tab 212 and to prevent the tab 212 from pulling out of the footbed 202.
  • the top surface of the footbed 202 may include a liner, covering or top layer 238, which is shown in FIG. 7.
  • the liner 238 will be the point of contact between the wearer's foot
  • the liner 238 preferably substantially or totally covers the surface of the EVA material of the footbed 202.
  • the liner 238 may be, for example, a knit fabric such as brushed nylon or brushed polyester, or a leather.
  • FIGS. 8(a)-(c) illustrate cutaway views of the cartridge system 200 in relation to a shoe 300.
  • cartridge 204 e.g., the cartridge 204 (b)
  • the stiffening member 206 is not embedded within the footbed 202, and there is no post on the forefoot portion of the footbed 202.
  • FIG. 8(c) shows the cartridge 204 (here, the cartridge 204 (a) ) and the footbed 202 inserted into the shoe 300.
  • the large cartridge 204 (a) provides an additional 2.5 mm of vertical space within the shoe 300 than the medium cartridge 204 (b) .
  • the shoe 300 may be any type of conventional footwear type, including, but not limited to dress shoes, loafers, athletic " sfioes "such ' “ as” sneakers, work boots, moccasins, etc.
  • the exemplary shoe is shown having an outsole 302 and an upper 304.
  • a heel 306 may be separate from or part of the outsole 302.
  • a region 308 connects the outsole 302 to the upper 304.
  • the region 308 may be integral with the outsole 302, a separate midsole, a lasting board, etc.
  • a piece 310, such as a shank piece, arch support, etc., may be fixed within the shoe 300 or may be removable.
  • the heel bottom 208 and/or the cartridge 204 might be shaped to fit the interior of any type of footwear.
  • the cartridge system 200 may be adapted for use in specially made shoes, or are suitable for use as replacement midsoles or insoles in conventional shoes .
  • FIGS. 9(a)-(b) illustrate a slipcover or other retention body 240 that can be used in combination with the cartridge system 200 or by itself.
  • FIG. 9 (a) shows the bottom 242 of the slipcover 240.
  • the bottom 242 may be made from one or more pieces of material, which may be sewn or otherwise connected to one another. At least a portion of the bottom 242 is preferably a stretchable or elastically resilient material such as spandex textile filament fiber or elastane, for example the LYCRA brand manufactured by E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Company.
  • the bottom may include a rim 244 around an opening 246 into the interior of the slipcover 240.
  • the bottom 242 is attached to a cover or top liner 248 as shown in FIG. 9 (b) and in the cutaway view of FIG. 9(c) .
  • the bottom 242 and the cover 248 may be fabricated from a single material.
  • the cover 248 comprises leather, a brushed polyester, a brushed nylon (typically referred to as NYLEX) or some other suitable material.
  • the cover 248 includes an EVA backing 248 (a) bonded to an outer cover 248 (b) .
  • the EVA backing 248 (a) is preferably on the order of 1 mm thick.
  • the top surface of the cover 248 (or the outer cover 248 (b) ) comprises a non-slip or non-skid surface.
  • the cover 248 can be sewn or otherwise attached to the bottom 242.
  • the cover 248 "preferably”" ' lias ahYi-riti'crobial and/or anti-odor qualities, which may be achieved using embedded chemicals (e.g., silver nitrate has anti-microbial properties), selected materials (e.g., charcoal impregnated materials reduce odors), etc.
  • embedded chemicals e.g., silver nitrate has anti-microbial properties
  • selected materials e.g., charcoal impregnated materials reduce odors
  • the slipcover 240 may be used as follows. After an appropriate cartridge 204 is selected and attached to the footbed 202, the cartridge system 200 is inserted through the opening 246 of the slipcover 240.
  • the opening 246 may be elastic.
  • the cartridge system 200 is preferably positioned so that the region 222 having the indication means 224 is at least partly visible through the opening 246. This way, a wearer can readily determine the size of the cartridge 204 without having to remove the cartridge system 200 from the slipcover 240.
  • the rim 244 can be formed to match the height of the region 222 (e.g., 0.5 mm) . This helps to minimize any mismatch of height between the region 222 and the slipcover 240 that a wearer might feel.
  • Slipcovers 240 are preferably provided in whole sizes, for example 9, 10, 11, etc for U.S. men's shoe sizing.
  • Right foot and left foot slipcovers 240 should be provided, as the cartridge system 200 can be tailored to the variations between the right and left feet. It should be understood that the slipcover 240 may be used not only with the cartridge system 200, but also with all other cartridge systems described herein, as well as with conventional midsoles, insoles and even custom orthotics.
  • the stretchable or elastically resilient material enables the wearer to insert the midsole, insole or custom orthotic, into the slipcover 240.
  • the cover 248 provides a suitable surface for contacting a wearer's foot or sock.
  • the anti-microbial and/or anti-odor means are very beneficial.
  • the slipcover 240 is readily removable from the shoe, it may be washed and/or dried out quickly and easily.
  • the slipcover 240 may also be used to store one or more cartridges, orthotics, etc.
  • the slipcover 240 may be sold or otherwise provided with a number of different cartridges, for example as a kit . "[010 " 4] " fh the cartridge system 200 described above, the replaceable/interchangeable cartridges 204 are inserted along the underside of the footbed 202 and connect using fastening means such as the tabs 212 and/or the post 216.
  • fastening means such as the tabs 212 and/or the post 216.
  • there are other types of cartridges and ways of connecting the cartridges to the footbed there are other types of cartridges and ways of connecting the cartridges to the footbed.
  • the following embodiments illustrate several types of alternative cartridge systems for use in place of the cartridge system 200.
  • FIGS. 10 (a) - (b) illustrate an interchangeable cartridge or resizing system 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cartridge system 400 includes a footbed or other shaped member 402 and a cartridge or resizing insert 404.
  • the cartridge 404 is insertable into the forefoot region of the footbed 402 along the side as shown by arrow 406.
  • the cartridge 404 is secured in place due to it being sandwiched between upper and lower portions of the footbed 402.
  • the footbed 402 and/or the cartridge 404 may be formed from resilient materials such as EVA foam or other such materials commonly used in shoe midsoles, insoles or sockliners.
  • One or both of the footbed 402 and the cartridge 404 may be formed of multiple material layers, which may each have a different thickness and/or a different rigidity.
  • different cartridges 404 of the same size may have different densities or hardness.
  • a wearer may swap out one cartridge for another based on the density/hardness. This may be done, for instance, depending upon the type of activity to be undertaken, the type of terrain or other environmental conditions.
  • FIG. 10 (b) illustrates a close-up view of the cartridge system 400, which shows how upper and lower forefoot portions of the footbed 402 "are ° force& 1 " "1 upwarS 11 an( ⁇ "" downward, as shown by arrows 408 and 410, respectively.
  • FIG. 11 (a) illustrates the footbed 402 having a side opening or slot 412 adapted to receive the cartridge 404. Regardless of the particular shape, it should be easy for a wearer to insert and readily remove the cartridge 404 from the footbed 402.
  • the footbed 402 may also include a stiffening member (not shown) similar to the stiffening member 206 described above.
  • FIGS, ll(b) -(c) illustrate thick and thin cartridges 404 (a) and 404 (b) , respectively.
  • the cartridges 404 (a) - (b) can be of any number of shapes or configurations, with the principal feature being that the cartridge 404 effects an increase or decrease in the thickness of the cartridge system 400 and, therefore, the available volume in the shoe or other article of footwear. While only two cartridges 404 (a) - (b) are shown, it should be understood that any number of different sized cartridges may be employed with the invention.
  • at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the cartridge 404 is partly convex.
  • the upper surface of the cartridge 404 is slightly concave and the lower surface is slightly convex.
  • the cartridge 404 may include a region having an indication means (not shown) similar to the indication means 224 on the region 222 of the cartridge 204 described above.
  • the different sized cartridges 404 may also include different colors, shadings, textures, lettering, numbers, etc. to indicate to a wearer what size cartridge is being used.
  • the cartridge 404 may comprise multiple separate cartridge members put together for insertion into the footbed 402.
  • FIGS. 12 (a) - (b) illustrate perspective views of one possible variant of the cartridge system 400.
  • the footbed 402' may include a serrated, "W", or waffle-shaped opening or slot 412' (see FIG. 13 (a) ) into which the cartridge 404' is inserted.
  • the opening or slot 412 ' closes up to a TM " min' ⁇ trMm thickness.
  • inserting the cartridge 404' with a first side 414 facing up causes the footbed 402' to expand vertically by a first amount.
  • FIGS. 10-13 inserting the cartridge 404' with a second side 416 facing up causes the footbed 402' to expand vertically by a second amount.
  • the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-13 may be utilized along with the slipcover 240 described above.
  • FIGS. 14 (a) - (b) illustrate an interchangeable cartridge system 500 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cartridge system 500 includes a footbed 502 and a cartridge or bottom attachment 504. It should be understood that the footbed 502 is shown inverted in the figure, and that the upper surface 506 of the footbed 502 is shown at the bottom and the lower surface 508 is shown at the top.
  • the cartridge or bottom attachment 504 preferably includes one or more rounded lines or beveled protrusions 510, which desirably run across the width of the cartridge 504.
  • the cartridge 504 is insertable onto the forefoot region of the footbed 502, and the lines 510 preferably mate with respective receiving areas or grooves 512 in the lower surface 508 of the footbed 502.
  • the cartridge 504 is secured in place due to the connection between the lines 510 and the grooves 512.
  • the footbed 502 and/or the cartridge 504 may be formed from resilient materials such as EVA foam or other such materials commonly used in shoe midsoles, insoles or sockliners.
  • One or both of the footbed 502 and the cartridge 504 may be formed of multiple material layers, which may each have a different thickness and/or a different rigidity.
  • the footbed 502 may also include a stiffening member (not shown) similar to the stiffening member 206 described above.
  • Different size cartridges 504 may be employed as in the embodiments described above.
  • the cartridge 504 can be flipped over and installed in an "unmeshed" position, as seen in FIG. 14 (b) .
  • an unmeshed cartridge 504 connected to the footbed 502 creates an overall size 514 (a) , which reduces the volume available for the foot within the shoe. This is akin to the small volume created by the footbed 204 (c) shown in FIG. 5 (c) .
  • FIG. 15 (a) an unmeshed cartridge 504 connected to the footbed 502 creates an overall size 514 (a) , which reduces the volume available for the foot within the shoe. This is akin to the small volume created by the footbed 204 (c) shown in FIG. 5 (c) .
  • the "meshed" cartridge 504 connected to the footbed 502 creates an overall size 514 (b) , which reduces the volume available for the foot, but not to the extent of 514 (a) .
  • This is akin to the medium volume crated by the footbed 402 (b) shown in FIG. 5 (b) .
  • the cartridge 504 may be omitted so that the footbed 502 creates an overall size 514 (c) , which provides the largest volume available for the foot within the shoe. This is akin to the large volume created by the footbed 204 (a) , shown in FIG. 5 (a) .
  • FIGS. 16 (a) - (c) illustrate various size cartridges or volume attachments 504 that may be used to create different volumes in accordance with the cartridge system 500.
  • the high volume cartridge 504 (a) , the medium volume cartridge 504 (b) and the low volume cartridge 504 (c) are merely examples of different cartridge sizes that may be used.
  • the top surface of the footbed 502 may also include a liner 516.
  • the liner 516 will be the point of contact between the wearer's foot (or sock) and the footbed 502.
  • the liner 516 preferably substantially or totally covers the surface of the footbed 502.
  • the liner 238 may be, for example, a knit fabric.
  • FIGS. 17 (a) -(c) illustrate a shoe 530 into which the cartridge system 500 may be inserted.
  • the shoe 530 may have a standard last, as seen by dashed line 532 that is substantially straight along the length of the outsole.
  • dashed line 534 it may be desirable to modify the last, as seen by dashed line 534, in order to provide additional volume in the forefoot of the shoe 530.
  • the additional volume in the last produces a larger than normal cavity within the shoe 530, thus allowing the cartridge system 500 to provide greater fit adjustments.
  • FIGS. 18-20 illustrate alternative cartridge system constructions. Specifically, FIGS. 18 (a) - (c) illustrate cross sections of a cartridge system 540 along the metatarsal region thereof.
  • the cartridge system 540 includes a footbed 542 and one or more cartridges or resizing attachments 544 (a) - (c) .
  • the cartridges 544 preferably include at least one tab, horn, or nodule 546 that releasably connects to a receptacle on the underside of the footbed 542.
  • Each of the cartridges 544 (a) - (c) may provide extra depth and/or width to the cartridge system 540.
  • the narrow (“N”) cartridge 544 (a) provides a width 548 (a) and a depth 550 (a)
  • the medium (“M”) cartridge 544 (b) provides a width 548 (b) and a depth 550 (b)
  • the wide (“N”) cartridge 544 (a) provides a width 548 (a) and a depth 550 (a)
  • the medium (“M”) cartridge 544 (b) provides a width 548 (b) and a depth 550 (b)
  • the wide (“N”) cartridge 544 (a) provides a width 548 (a) and a depth 550 (a)
  • the medium (“M”) cartridge 544 (b) provides a width 548 (b) and a depth 550 (b)
  • W cartridge 544 (c) provides a width 548 (c) and a depth 550 (c) . Different widths 548 and depths 550 may be selected depending upon the needs of the wearer and/or the manufacturing constraints of the footwear manufacturer.
  • the footbed 542 may also include a liner 552 and/or a stiffening member (not shown) .
  • FIGS. 19 (a) - (c) illustrate cross sections of a bottom mounting cartridge system 560 along the metatarsal region thereof.
  • the cartridge system 560 includes a footbed 562 and one or more cartridges or resizing members 564 (a) - (b) .
  • the cartridges 564 (a) - (b) preferably include one or more protrusions or posts 566, which are similar to the rounded lines 510 described above.
  • the protrusions 566 desirably run at least part of the length of the cartridge 564.
  • the cartridge 564 is insertable onto the forefoot region of the footbed 562, and the protrusions 566 preferably mate with respective grooves 570 in the lower surface 572 of the footbed 562.
  • the cartridge 564 is secured in place due to the connection between the protrusions 566 and the grooves 570.
  • the protrusions 566 may be of varying height and/or shape.
  • the footbed 562 preferably may include a liner 568 and/or a stiffening member (not shown) .
  • the cartridges 564 (a) - (b) provide depths 574 (a) - (b) , respectively.
  • the narrow (“N") cartridge 564 (a) provides the " depth ' 574 "” (aV " "anH “ "£-ie” " rfiedium (“M”) cartridge 564 (b) provides a depth 574 (b) .
  • a wide (“W") alternative is achieved as seen in FIG. 19 (c) .
  • Different depths 574 may be selected depending upon the needs of the wearer and/or the manufacturing constraints of the footwear manufacturer.
  • FIGS. 20 (a) - (c) illustrate cross sections of a side mounted cartridge system 580 along the metatarsal region thereof.
  • the cartridge system 580 includes a footbed 582 and one or more cartridges 584 (a) - (c) .
  • the cartridges 584 (a) - (c) preferably include one or more elongated tabs, protrusions, plugs or other connecting members 586, which are similar to the tabs 212 described above.
  • the elongated tabs 586 may comprise a substantial portion of the cartridge 584, and desirably run at least part of the length of the cartridge 584.
  • a pair of cartridges 584 is insertable into either side of the forefoot region of the footbed 582.
  • the elongated tabs 586 preferably are received within respective grooves or slots in the sides of the footbed 582.
  • Each of the cartridges 584 (a) - (c) may be used to provide extra depth and/or width to the cartridge system 580.
  • the narrow (“N") cartridge 584 (a) provides a width 588 (a) and a depth 590 (a)
  • the medium (“M”) cartridge 584 (b) provides a width 588 (b) and a depth 590 (b)
  • the wide (“W”) cartridge 584 (c) provides a width 588 (c) and a depth 590 (c) .
  • Different widths 588 and depths 590 may be selected depending upon the needs of the wearer and/or the manufacturing constraints of the footwear manufacturer.
  • FIGS. 21-22 illustrate additional cartridge system constructions suitable for use in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIGS. 21 (a) - (d) illustrate cross sections of a cartridge system 600.
  • the cartridge system 600 may include one or more footbeds 602 (a) - (b) and one or more cartridges 604 (a) - (c) .
  • the footbed 602 (a) may be used without a cartridge.
  • the footbed 602 (a) provides approximately 13.75 mm of depth in the metatarsal region relative to the heel region.
  • the footbed 602 (a) can be of any thickness in the metatarsal region or elsewhere.
  • the footbeds 602 (a) - (b) and/or the cartridges 604 (a) - (c) may be formed from resilient materials such as EVA foam or other such materials commonly used in shoe midsoles, insoles or sockliners.
  • One or both of the footbed and the cartridge may be formed of multiple material layers, regions or segments which may each have a different thickness and/or a different rigidity.
  • the cartridges 604 (a) - (c) are somewhat similar to the cartridges 404 and 404' discussed above with regard to FIGS. 10- 13.
  • the cartridges 604 (a) - (c) are inserted into a recess or slot within the front of the footbed 602 (b) as opposed to a recess or slot along the side of the footbed 402.
  • the cartridge 604 causes an increase in the overall thickness of the cartridge system 600. Regardless of the particular shape, it should be easy for a wearer to readily insert and remove the cartridge 604 from the front footbed 602 (b) .
  • the footbed 602 (b) (or the footbed 602 (a) ) may also include a stiffening member (not shown) similar to the stiffening member 206 described above.
  • FIGS. 21(b)-(d) illustrate cartridges 604 (a) - (c) of varying thickness.
  • the cartridge 604 (a) is the thinnest, for example about 2 mm thick, and is sized for maximum depth in the forefoot region of the shoe.
  • the cartridge 604 (b) is sized for medium depth in the forefoot region of the shoe, for example on the order of 4 mm thick.
  • the cartridge 604 (c) is the thickest, for example approximately 6 mm thick, and is sized for minimum depth in the forefoot region of the shoe.
  • the thickness for each cartridge is merely exemplary, and any other cartridge thickness may be employed with any gradation between 2 mm and 6 mm, greater than 6 mm or less than 2 mm.
  • the cartridges 604 (a) - (c) can be of any number of shapes or configurations, with the principal feature being that "the cartridge 604 effects an increase or decrease in the volume of the cartridge system 600. While only three cartridges 604 (a) - (c) are shown, it should be understood that any number of different sized cartridges may be employed with the invention.
  • the medium and thick cartridges 604 (b) - (c) preferably one or both of the upper and lower surfaces of the cartridge 604 may be convex.
  • the upper surface of the cartridge 604 (b) or 604 (c) may be slightly concave and the lower surface may be slightly convex.
  • the cartridges 604 (a) - (c) may include a region having an indication means (not shown) similar to the indication means 224 on the region 222 of the cartridge 204 described above.
  • the different sized cartridges 604 (a) - (c) may also include different colors, shadings, textures, lettering, numbers, etc. to indicate to a wearer what size cartridge is being used.
  • FIGS. 22 (a) -(c) illustrate cross sections of a cartridge or refitting system 620 that is a variant of the cartridge systems 580 and 600.
  • the cartridge system 620 may include a footbed 622 and one or more cartridges 624 (a) - (c) .
  • the cartridges 624 (a) - (c) preferably include one or more elongated tabs 626 (a) - (c) and edges 628 (a) - (c) , respectively.
  • the elongated tabs 626 (a) - (c) may comprise substantial portions of the cartridges 624 (a) - (c) , and desirably run at least part of the width of the cartridge 624.
  • the cartridge 624 is insertable into the front of the forefoot region of the footbed 622.
  • the elongated tabs 626 (a) - (c) preferably are received within respective grooves or slots in the front of the footbed 622.
  • Each of the cartridges 624 (a) - (c) may be used to provide extra depth and/or width to the cartridge system 620.
  • the thin cartridge 624 (a) provides a depth 626 (a) and a width (see, e.g., FIG. 23 (a) )
  • the medium cartridge 624 (b) provides a depth 626 (b) and a width (see, e.g., FIG.
  • the wide cartridge 624 (c) provides a depth 626 (c) and a width (see, e.g., FIG. 23 (c) ) .
  • Different depths 626 and widths may be selected depending upon the needs of the wearer and/or the manufacturing constraints of the footwear manufacturer.
  • the f ⁇ otbed 622 may include ' "a liner (not shown) and/or a stiffening member 629.
  • FIG. 23 (a) illustrates medium cartridge "W-SM” having a small width "A w " (e.g., 91.5 mm) and a small length "A L " .
  • FIG. 23 (b) illustrates medium cartridge "MED” having a medium width "D w " (e.g., 96.5 mm) and a medium length "D L n .
  • FIG. 23 (c) illustrates medium cartridge "W-LG” having a large width "EE W " (e.g., 101.5 mm) and the medium length "D L " .
  • FIGS. 23 (d) - (e) illustrate, for example, two cartridges having the same width, for example 96.5 mm. However, the cartridge in FIG. 23 (d) may have a depth of 7.5 mm and the cartridge in FIG. 23 (e) may have a depth of 12.5 mm.
  • FIGS. 23(f)-(i) illustrate four cartridges having different widths and depths.
  • the extra small cartridge "VW-XSM" of FIG. 23 (f) may have a width A w of 91.5 mm and a depth of 12.5 mm.
  • the small cartridge "VW-SM" of FIG. 23 (g) may have a width B w of 94 mm and a depth of 11.75 mm.
  • the large cartridge "VW-LG” of FIG. 23 (h) may have a width E w of 99 mm and a depth of 8.75 mm.
  • the extra large cartridge "VW- XLG" of FIG. 23 (i) may have a width EE W of 101.5 mm and a depth of 7.5 mm.
  • FIGS. 24 (a) -(h) illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 (a) presents a bottom view of cartridge system 2400, which is similar to the cartridge system 200 discussed above.
  • the cartridge system 2400 includes a footbed, insock, or other shaped area 2402 for supporting portions of the foot, as well as a cartridge or resizing member 2404.
  • the footbed 2402 need not extend the entire length of the foot from the toes to the heel.
  • the footbed 2402 may only be positioned at the toe/phalanges region of the shoe, the metatarsal region of the shoe, both the phalanges and metatarsal regions TM " or"" "' extend from the toes through the high point of the longitudinal arch region of the foot.
  • the footbed 2402 may only be positioned in the heel region of the shoe, for instance positioned from the high point of the longitudinal arch of the foot rearward to the back of the heel.
  • FIG. 24 (b) illustrates the bottom view of the cartridge 2404 without the footbed 2402.
  • the cartridge 2404 is insertable into the footbed 202 and is secured in place by a releasable fastening mechanism.
  • the cartridge 2404 may cover the entire forefoot area, although it may also only cover a portion of the forefoot area.
  • the cartridge 2404 may- cover the area from the metatarsals forward, the metatarsals only, the phalanges only, portions of the cuneiform bones, etc.
  • the cartridge 2404 desirably includes a connection member 2406 to engage a receptacle or channel 2408 (see FIG. 24 (e) ) on the footbed 2402.
  • the end of the connection member 2406 desirably has a lip or overhang 2410 to assist in a secure and releasable connection to the receptacle 2408.
  • the cartridge 2404 may also include additional fastening means, such as a post or other protruding member 2412, akin to the post 216 discussed above.
  • the post 2412 may have beveled, chamfered or angled edges. As seen in FIG.
  • FIG. 24 (e) illustrates a cutaway view of the footbed 2402 along the B-B line of FIG. 24 (a) .
  • the receptacle or channel 2408 is visible in the cutaway view.
  • the receptacle/channel 2408 is desirably on the order of 0.5 mm in height, such as between about 0.25 and 1.0 mm.
  • the receptacle 2408 includes an opening 2414 at the end thereof. The opening 2414 should be positioned to align with the overhang or lip 2410 of the cartridge 2404.
  • the lip 2410 provides a "positive lock ' ' with " " " "" t ' ⁇ ' e opening 2414.
  • the connection member 2406 of the cartridge 2404 is inserted into the channel 2408. Once the lip 2410 moves into alignment with the opening 2414, the lip 2410 will move downward causing the lip 2410 to form a positive lock with the opening 2414.
  • the user can depress the lip 2410 while pulling the cartridge 2404 away in order to disengage the positive lock.
  • the footbed 2402 may also include additional fastening means, such as a receptacle, recess, or other opening 2416, akin to the receptacle 218 discussed above. As seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 24 (f), the receptacle 2416 may have beveled, chamfered or angled edges complementary to the edges of the post 2412.
  • FIG. 24 (g) illustrates a cutaway view of the cartridge system 2400 showing the cartridge 2404 inserted into the footbed 2402. As seen here, the overhang 2410 is received by the opening 2414. The user will know that the cartridge 2404 is fully inserted into the footbed 2402 because the overhang 2410 will be visible, as seen in FIG. 24 (b) . When sliding the cartridge 2404 out of the footbed 2402, the user can press on the overhang 2410 to help disengagement.
  • the footbed 2402 is preferably configured to have between 1 and 5 mm of space in the forefoot region to receive the cartridge 2404 (e.g., the heel section of the footbed 2402 extends down approximately 1-5 mm relative to the "forefoot section r " or " 'a '"" bottom-fitting cartridge 2404) .
  • surfaces of the cartridge 2404 and/or the footbed 2402 may be tapered or blended to provide a substantially continuous interface when the two components are interconnected.
  • surfaces of the cartridge 2404 and/or the footbed 2402 may be tapered or blended to provide a substantially continuous interface when the two components are interconnected.
  • the forefoot section of the footbed 2402 allocates 2.5 mm for a cartridge 2404 (e.g., the bottom surface of the heel portion of the footbed 2402 extends approximately 2.5 mm relative to the bottom surface of the forefoot portion of the footbed 2402)
  • the selected cartridge 2404 is 5 mm
  • the rear section of the main portion of the cartridge 2404 adjacent the connection member 2406 may taper in thickness to approximately 2.5 mm to achieve a generally continuous interface with the heel section of the footbed 2402.
  • the forefoot section of the footbed 2402 allocates 5 mm for a cartridge 2404 (e.g., the bottom surface of the heel portion of the footbed 2404 extends approximately 5 mm below the bottom surface of the forefoot portion of the footbed 2402), and the selected cartridge 2404 is 2.5 mm, then the front portion of the heel section of the footbed 2402 which abuts the cartridge 2404 may taper or narrow in thickness to approximately 2.5 mm to achieve a generally continuous interface with the rear section of the cartridge 2404.
  • other dimensions are possible for the footbed 2402 and cartridge 2404.
  • tapering or blending may be employed with any of the embodiments of the invention where there may be a thickness differential between a selected cartridge and the footbed, regardless of whether the cartridge is disposed below a forefoot section of the footbed, above a forefoot section of the footbed, or elsewhere along the footbed.
  • the frontmost portion of the cartridge and/or the footbed may be tapered/blended in any of the embodiments herein.
  • the toe section of the cartridge 2404 may be contoured or otherwise shaped to have a reduced thickness relative to a metatarsal section of the cartridge 2404.
  • the post 2412 interlocks with the receptacle 2416 to ensure that the front of " the cartridge 2404 is secured to the front of the footbed 2402. While male fastening mechanisms have been shown on the cartridge 2404 and female fastening mechanisms have been shown on the footbed 2402, it is possible for female fastening mechanisms to be on the cartridge 2404 and male fastening mechanisms to be on the footbed 2402, or various combinations of complementary male and female fastening mechanisms to be on both the footbed 2402 and the cartridge 2404.
  • the footbed 2402 may include a liner, covering or top layer 2418 akin to the liner 238 discussed above. See FIG. 24 (g) .
  • the liner 2418 may be made of the same materials as the liner 238, and may also have anti ⁇ microbial and/or anti-odor qualities as with the cover 248.
  • the footbed 2402 may optionally include a stiffening, stabilizing, or reinforcement member such as the stiffening member 206.
  • the bottom of the cartridge 2404 may include a region 2424 that is used to identify the type of cartridge 2404, which is akin to the region 222 discussed above.
  • the region 2424 in FIG. 24 (b) preferably has indicators 2426 representing small, medium and large sizes.
  • the medium (“MED") size may have a different color, shading, texture, etc. to indicate that the cartridge 2404 is medium-sized.
  • the indicators 1 N 1 , 1 M 1 , and 1 W representing narrow, medium and wide, respectively, may be used in place of the small ( 1 SM 1 ), medium ( 1 M') and large ( 1 L 1 ) identifiers.
  • shoe sizing for instance 9/9.5, and left/right identifiers on the cartridge and/or footbed (not shown) .
  • Such indicators allow for easier matching of cartridges to footbeds in the retail and manufacturing sites.
  • Model numbers (not shown) may be placed on the cartridge and/or footbed for easier matching of cartridges and footbeds at manufacturing and retail sites .
  • the footbed 2402 and/or the cartridge 2404 may be formed from resilient materials such as EVA or PU foams, gels, or other materials commonly used in shoe midsoles, insoles or sockliners .
  • One or both of the footbed 2402 and the cartridge 2404 may be formed of multiple material layers, regions and/or segments, which may each have a different thickness and/or a different rigidity. For instance, a first zone of the cartridge 2404 may- have one hardness and a second zone of the cartridge 2404 may have a different hardness.
  • zone 2420 may have a first hardness while zone 2422 may have second hardness.
  • the zone 2422 would underlie the metatarsal region of the foot, and thus may be selected to be shock absorbing and softer than the zone 2422.
  • the footbed 2402 or the cartridge 2404 may comprise multiple layers of different rigidity as discussed above with regard to the footbed 202 and the cartridge 204.
  • the footbed 2402 may have different levels of rigidity in the forefoot and heel regions, respectively.
  • the footbed 202 or the cartridge 204 could also have a first segment about the first metatarsal of a first rigidity and a second segment about the fifth metatarsal of a second rigidity.
  • the footbeds and cartridges of the present invention may be adapted for particular environments, conditions, and/or activities.
  • wet, hot or humid environments and conditions may benefit from footbeds and cartridges that drain water or ventilate heat away from the foot.
  • Users performing activities requiring the article of footwear to support heavy loads will benefit from footbeds and cartridges that are reinforced to handle such loads. Footbeds and cartridges particularly adapted to such situations will now be described.
  • FIGS. 25 (a) -(c) illustrate an adjustable footbed cartridge system 2500, which includes a footbed 2502 and one or more cartridges 2504 in conjunction with a support saddle 2506.
  • the footbed 2502 may be of the same or a different configuration than the footbeds described elsewhere herein.
  • the cartridge 2504 preferably includes more flex grooves, ⁇ ' ndenta €ions " , ' " score " lines, siping or flex areas 2508, for instance on the bottom thereof.
  • a single fastening device such as tab 2510 preferably extends from the cartridge 2504 and is securely received by the footbed 2502.
  • the support saddle 2506 is shown by itself in FIG. 25 (d) .
  • the support saddle 2506 is flexible while providing enhanced foot support under extreme loading conditions, which may occur, by way of example only, when a soldier carries a heavy pack or is moving heaving equipment on a mission, when a construction worker is lifting heavy beams or operating heavy machinery such as a jackhammer, or when a mover is lifting furniture, pianos, etc.
  • the support saddle 2506 desirably comprises a cross-linked polymer, alternative materials, such as TPU may be employed.
  • the support saddle 2506 may include sidewall members 2512, which may be positioned on the medial and/or lateral sides of the support saddle 2506.
  • the sidewall members 2512 enhance the transverse support the support saddle 2506 provides to the footbed 2502.
  • a heel cutout 2514 can permit enhanced cushioning or extra padding in the heel region of the footbed 2502.
  • a cutout or contoured region 2516 is preferably provided to enable cartridges 2504 of various sizes and thicknesses to connect to the footbed 2502 without obstruction by the support saddle 2506.
  • the support saddle 2506 may be used in an article of footwear with or without an adjustable footbed cartridge system, for instance with or without a conventional footbed.
  • FIG. 25 (e) illustrates a top view of an insole board 2518 that is preferably bulletproof and puncture proof.
  • the insole board 2518 may comprise, for example, aramid blend fibers such as KEVLAR. While the insole board 2518 may be used in any 'number of " environments ' " and conditions, it is particularly suited for desert and urban warfare.
  • FIG. 25 (e) illustrates a top view of an insole board 2518 that is preferably bulletproof and puncture proof.
  • the insole board 2518 may comprise, for example, aramid blend fibers such as KEVLAR. While the insole board 2518 may be used in any 'number of " environments ' " and conditions, it is particularly suited for desert and urban warfare.
  • FIG. 25 (e) illustrates a top view of insulation board 2520, which preferably includes non-woven fibers. While the insulation board 2520 may be used in any number of environments and conditions, it is particularly suited for mountain regions and cold environments.
  • FIG. 25 (g) illustrates a top view of a lasting board 2522, which preferably includes a heat reflective coating or layer. While the lasting board 2522 may be used in any number of environments and conditions, it is particularly suited for desert regions and hot environments. Alternatively, the heat reflective coating or layer may be applied on the insole board 2518.
  • FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b) depict bottom and side views, respectively, of an adjustable footbed and cartridge system 2600 in accordance with the present invention.
  • footbed 2602 may be used alone or in combination with one or more cartridges 2604 that are used to vary the volume within the shoe, boot or other article of footwear.
  • the footbed 2602 may also be used in combination with the support saddle 2506 and other components discussed herein.
  • FIG. 26 (c) illustrates the footbed 2602 and one cartridge 2604 positioned within a bootie 2606, such as an air mesh bootie, that may be used in combination with an article of footwear such as a boot, sneaker, water shoe, etc. [0146] Returning to FIG.
  • the footbed 2602 preferably includes one or more channels or pathways 2608 that are adapted to channel water away from the footbed 2602 and out of the inside of the article of footwear.
  • the channels 2608 may include longitudinal channels 2608a that run substantially or generally lengthwise along the footbed 2602 and/or transverse channels 2608b that run substantially or generally from the medial side to the lateral side of the footbed 2602. Alternatively, the channels 2608 may run in any direction or path along the footbed 2602.
  • the cartridge 2604 may also include one or more channels 2610 therein.
  • the footbed 2602 preferably also includes, either alone or in combination with the channels 2608, perforations or vertical pathways 2612 running from the top or foot contacting surface of the footbed 2602 to the bottom thereof.
  • the pathways 2612 promote water drainage away from the top surface of the footbed 2602.
  • the sectional view of FIG. 26 (e) shows that the cartridge 2604 preferably also includes perforations or vertical pathways 2614 therein.
  • the cartridge pathways 2614 promote water drainage.
  • the cartridge pathways 2614 align with the footbed pathways 2612 when the cartridge 2604 is connected to the footbed 2602, as seen in the sectional view of FIG. 26 (f) .
  • the cartridge 2604 may include flex joints 2616 therein.
  • the footbed 2602 preferably comprises perforated PU having the pathways or drainage holes 2612 therein that allow water or moisture that has accumulated inside the cavity of the article of footwear near the foot to drain through the footbed 2602.
  • the pathways 2612 may be of any shape and size.
  • the pathways 2612 preferably are large enough to allow water to drain yet small enough to not inhibit the cushioning properties of the footbed 2602.
  • the pathways 2612 may also allow air to flow between the outside environment and the cavity of the article of footwear, which provides ventilation and thus added comfort to the wearer's foot.
  • FIG. 26 (g) shows a generally transverse cross-section of the footbed 2602, showing the pathways 2612. As shown here, the pathways 2612 may be tapered toward the top of the footbed 2602 to allow easy drainage of water through the footbed 2602 while still providing sufficient support on the top of the footbed 2602 for the wearer.
  • the present invention includes many variants that enable a user to effectively create a " "custom' 1" " fo ⁇ tbecT " by '”” selecting an appropriate cartridge. It should be understood that different combinations of widths, depths and/or lengths may be selected for different cartridges depending upon the needs of the wearer and/or the manufacturing constraints of the footwear manufacturer. This permits the shoe to be manufactured, for instance, using whole sizes and standard dimensions, while allowing the wearer to achieve a comfortable fit with any of the cartridge systems and/or slipcovers of the present invention. While different embodiments described above illustrate specific features, it is within the scope of the present invention to combine or interchange different features among the various embodiments to create other variants .
  • the stiffening member 206 of FIGS. 6 (a) - (b) may be used to reinforce any of the cartridge systems as shown in FIGS. 10-16 and 19-21.
  • Bottom-positioned cartridges such as those shown in any of FIGS. 2-5, 14-16, 18-19, and 24-26 could be used in combination with any of the center-placed cartridges shown in FIGS. 10-13. This can enable the wearer to mix and match cartridges of different sizes, styles, and/or placements to obtain the most comfortable fit.
  • Any connection member may be used in any of the embodiments to secure a cartridge to a footbed. The placement of the connecting/parting line between the cartridge and footbed may be located behind the flex area for any of the configurations herein.
  • a protruding member such as the post 216, and/or an opening such as the recess 218 as best illustrated in FIGS 2 (b) - (c) can also be employed with any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-23 to more easily permit the wearer to connect or disconnect a resizing member from the footbed or other shaped area.
  • Each cartridge may cover all or part of the forefoot region, such as at least the metatarsals forward to the tips of the toes .
  • most of the embodiments of the footbed discussed herein include a forefoot region, it is possible to provide alternative footbeds that do not include a forefoot region.
  • the cartridge would comprise the forefoot portion of the cartridge system and the footbed would comprise "trie heel '"" portion" " “of” " tli'e” cartridge system.
  • Different cartridge and footbed configurations may be used in different environments and may be adapted to include features or elements suitable for such environments.
  • the drainage system of FIG. 26 or the insole boards, lasting boards and insulation boards of FIG. 25 may be used with any cartridge and footbed system herein.
  • One or both of the cartridge and the footbed in any embodiment may include a mating surface (e.g., a surface in contact with the other one of the footbed or cartridge) with a high coefficient of friction material or coating to prevent slippage between the footbed and cartridge.
  • the cartridges in any of the embodiments may comprise EVA, PU, gel or other suitable cushioning material .
  • the present invention may be provided in kit form at a retailer.
  • Multiple cartridges and/or footbeds can be supplied with a given article of footwear, and the wearer may select the appropriate combination of components as desired.
  • different cartridges of the same size may have different densities or hardness.
  • a wearer may swap out one cartridge for another based on the density/hardness.
  • a wearer may swap out one cartridge for another in order to provide rejuvenated cushioning, thereby extending the life of the shoe.
  • the wearer does not have to replace the entire footbed and, therefore, can do so at a greatly reduced cost.
  • the many cartridge systems of the present invention make it possible to address fit through a customizable fit system.
  • the interchangeable and removable cartridges permit the footwear manufacturer to address the needs of the population without having to supply all of the sizes required in conventional sizing systems.
  • commonly manufactured men's shoe sizes in the U.S. can range from size 6 up to size 14.
  • Half sizes are standard.
  • from size 6 up to and including size 14 there are 17 incremental sizes that must be accounted for. This necessitates 17 separate molds for the various shoe sizes.
  • CT ⁇ 54 The "" cartfi ' dges" of the present invention allow the same range of foot sizes to be serviced with a predetermined set of sizing units. This is preferably done by eliminating, for example, half sizes.
  • sizing units in accordance with the present invention may be based upon any incremental sizing within a given size.
  • the sizing units are preferably spaced in increments ("sizing increments") of whole sizes, for example with a first size at 7 5/8 and the next larger size at 8 5/8.
  • the spacing between sizes need not be a whole size - larger or smaller size spacing is possible.
  • the sizing units for U.S. men's footwear could be 5, 6%, 8, 9%, 11, 12%, 14, etc. This example would result in even fewer molds and fewer SKUs for each model than the whole sizing examples.
  • the sizing units could be 5, 5%, 6%, I 1 A, 8, 8%, 9, etc. While more molds and SKUs would be required than in the whole sizing example, there is still a reduction in the number of molds and SKUs required in conventional footwear.
  • the cartridges of the present invention allow the footwear manufacturer to address the needs of the population with fewer shoe sizes, there can be a significant reduction in manutacturing costs aside from capital investments in the molds themselves.
  • fewer molds of different sizes require fewer production changes and delays when molds are changed.
  • the cost and time required to design, template and produce the molds for all shoe sizes in a particular style will be reduced because there are fewer shoe sizes to account for.
  • it is possible to make more molds of the same size which can help increase production throughput, as there are more molds to manufacture more shoes of one size at the same time.
  • the savings in the development and production of molds may be significant and may save 15-25% or more of the cost that would be incurred without the benefits of the present invention.
  • Flow diagram 2700 of FIG. 27 illustrates how a sizing system utilizing footbeds and interchangeable cartridges may be developed.
  • the range of foot sizes is initially determined. This may be done through statistical examination of a target population. By way of example only, when developing a men's hiking boot, substantially all of the population, such as 95%, may fall between sizes 6 and 14.
  • the number of sizing units is calculated in step 2704 and the sizing increment is selected in step 2706. These steps may occur at the same time, or with the sizing increment selected first.
  • molds are created for the interchangeable cartridges, as shown in step 2708. Molds for footbeds and lasts for the articles of footwear may also be fabricated at this time.
  • step 2710 the cartridges are fabricated using the molds.
  • the footbeds and footwear may be fabricated here as well.
  • the cartridges, footbeds and articles of footwear are shipped to retailers, wholesalers, warehouses, etc. in step 2712.
  • the sizing and development process is preferably done by computer.
  • population information may be stored in a computer database logically or physically connected to a computer, such as a general purpose desktop or laptop computer, "w ⁇ rk ' s'ta ⁇ i ' ⁇ "1 , 1 etc” 1 ;” ' “ “A” " ' ⁇ ”ser may select the sizing increment and sizing units based upon the stored information and a sizing output calculated by the computer.
  • the resultant sizing output may be exported to a program that generates mold templates to fabricate the molds.
  • the population information is desirably associated with the type of footwear being developed. For instance, hiking shoe wearers or runners may typically purchase footbeds having a specific hardness or different footbeds having different hardness.
  • a given cartridge thickness in a particular size may be offered in multiple hardness choices. In this way, different hikers or runners could select the same size cartridge with different hardness based upon their individual preference. Alternatively, one wearer could select two cartridges of the same thickness but of different hardness in order to use the cartridges in different conditions or environments.
  • a manufacturer will be able to reduce shipping and warehousing costs because the manufacturer can make and ship selected sizes in bulk. Because fewer sizes will be manufactured, it becomes possible to adequately stock warehouses with footwear.
  • Retail stores will also greatly benefit from the cartridge systems of the present invention. Reducing the number of sizes to stock means that stores can stock more of any given size. This is important as it allows retailers to more efficiently manage inventory, reducing lost sales due to size "stock outs" or depletions. With the present invention, inventory management at the warehouse level is also more efficient, allowing for improved inventory replenishment and reducing the potential for lost sales from the retailer, e.g., due to site stock out situations.
  • Flow diagram 2800 of FIG. 28 illustrates how an article of footwear may be fitted when employing a cartridge system of the present invention.
  • a wearer may select an article of footwear as shown in step 2802.
  • the article of footwear has a size that generally corresponds to the wearer's foot.
  • a person who normally wears a men's size 10.5 shoe may select an article of footwear of size 11.
  • a footbed is provided.
  • the size of the footbed should correspond to the size of the article of footwear.
  • the footbed may come with the article of footwear or may be sold separately.
  • multiple footbeds of the same size may be provided, and may vary based upon materials, cost, hardness, anti-microbial coatings or coverings, drainage, support, etc.
  • the user may select one of the footbeds based on his or her own personal preference.
  • a set of interchangeable cartridges are provided.
  • the wearer selects one of the cartridges and in step 2810 the cartridge is attached to the footbed.
  • the footbed is inserted into the article of footwear in step 2812 and the wearer tries it on.
  • a decision is made at step 2814 as to whether the fit is comfortable.
  • step 2816 the wearer may end the process with a purchase as in step 2816 or repeat the "process " ' for " the " "”other” foot as in step 2818. If the fit is not acceptable, the process may return to step 2808 where another one of the cartridges is selected.
  • Flow diagram 2900 of FIG. 29 illustrates how an article of footwear may be selected when employing a cartridge system of the present invention.
  • a purchaser selects a style of footwear in step 2902. This step may include selecting a brand, model, color combination, etc.
  • a specific article of footwear of a given size is selected in step 2904.
  • a footbed is provided.
  • the size of the footbed should correspond to the size of the article of footwear.
  • the footbed may come with the article of footwear or may be sold separately.
  • multiple footbeds of the same size may be provided, and may vary based upon materials, cost, hardness, anti-microbial coatings or coverings, drainage, support, etc.
  • the user may select one of the footbeds based on his or her own personal preference. Then in step 2908 a cartridge is selected and attached to the footbed in step 2910. As in the flow diagram 2800, the wearer may try on the footbed and cartridge combination in the article of footwear to ensure a desired fit. If the fit is not proper, the process returns to step 2908 as shown by dotted line 2912, so that a different sized cartridge may be selected. Once the fit is proper, the wearer may proceed to purchase the article of footwear, footbed and cartridge in step 2914.
  • FIG. 30 illustrates a system 3000 offering kits of footwear in combination with footbeds and cartridges.
  • multiple shoes 3002i, 3002 2/ ..., 3002 N are offered in different sizes. While three sizes are shown, any number of sizes may be offered.
  • Footbeds 3004i, 3004 2 , ..., 3004 N are provided that correspond to the shoes 3002!, 3002 2 ,..., 3002 N . While a single footbed is shown for each size of shoe, it should be understood that multiple footbeds may be provided per shoe. In this case, different footbeds may each have a different hardness, or may have other traits such as an anti ⁇ microbial lining, drainage holes or pathways, etc.
  • Alternatively 1 , ' muItipTe '" identical footbeds may also be included so that a wearer may replace a worn footbed with a new footbed.
  • Sets of interchangeable cartridges 30Oe 1 , 3006 2 , ..., 3006 N are also provide for each shoe, and which fit with a corresponding footbed. For instance, any of the cartridges 3006]. fit the footbed 3004i and are configured for shoe 3002i. Each footbed within a given set may have a different sizing/volume.
  • three cartridges 3006i a , 3006i b , and 3006i c are provided in set 3006i
  • three cartridges 3006 2a , 3006 2 b/ and 3006 2c are provided in set 3006 2
  • three cartridges 3006 Na , 3006 ⁇ , and 3006 Nc are provided in set 3006 N .
  • any number of cartridges may be provided in a set.
  • each set may have multiple cartridges of the same sizing/volume. In this case, one of the cartridges may have a first hardness and another one of the same size cartridges may have a different hardness.
  • multiple identical cartridges may be included in a set so that a wearer may purchase two or more and refresh the system if one of the cartridges becomes overly worn.
  • the cartridges of the present invention allow the same shoes to fit more of the population, the cartridges extend the market of potential customers. It is not possible to simply create a line of shoes with a reduced size offering
  • the present invention enjoys wide industrial applicability including, but not limited to, providing interchangeable cartridges that are connectable to footbeds in order to adjust interior sizing for an article of footwear.
  • a wearer may select different cartridges depending upon size, hardness, environmental conditions, to merely refresh the cartridge system, etc, which make the present invention suitable for use in all manner of footwear and in any number of climates and conditions.
  • Interchangeable cartridges and footbeds of the present invention also promote efficient footwear manufacturing and substantial cost savings throughout the supply chain.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de cartouches de semelle de chaussure interchangeables (200, 580, 2400). Ce système comprend une semelle (202, 582, 2402), notamment une semelle intercalaire, une semelle intérieure ou une fausse semelle. Une cartouche (204, 584, 2404) est insérée dans la partie avant ou est associée à la partie avant de la semelle (202, 582, 2402). Plusieurs cartouches (204a-c, 584a-c, 2404), de profondeurs variées, de largeurs variées et/ou de longueurs variées sont également décrites. L'utilisateur peut sélectionner une cartouche (204a-c, 584a-c, 2404) pour obtenir le maintien voulu. Comme le pied droit et le pied gauche peuvent présenter des tailles différentes, différentes cartouches (204a-c, 584a-c, 2404) peuvent être choisies pour chaque pied. En outre, l'utilisateur peut permuter les cartouches (204a-c, 584a-c, 2404) en fonction de différentes conditions, ou pour changer la rigidité de la cartouche (204a-c, 584a-c, 2404). Une housse (240) présentant une partie étirable peut également être placée sur le système de cartouches (200, 584, 2400). Les cartouches (204a-c, 584a-c, 2404) permettent à un fabricant de chaussures de produire moins de tailles de chaussure, tout en s'adaptant à une plus grande partie de la population. Ceci permet de réduire les coûts de fabrication, d'expédition, de stockage et de comptabilité. Tous les niveaux de la chaîne de production, ainsi que les consommateurs finaux bénéficient considérablement de la méthode de fabrication de chaussures de l'invention.
PCT/US2005/038928 2004-10-29 2005-10-27 Semelle de chaussure presentant des cartouches interchangeables Ceased WO2006050092A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP05824163.9A EP1804599B1 (fr) 2004-10-29 2005-10-27 Semelle de chaussure présentant des cartouches interchangeables

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US62347504P 2004-10-29 2004-10-29
US60/623,475 2004-10-29
US66797005P 2005-04-04 2005-04-04
US60/667,970 2005-04-04
US71461905P 2005-09-07 2005-09-07
US60/714,619 2005-09-07
US11/259,587 2005-10-26
US11/259,563 2005-10-26
US11/259,587 US7461470B2 (en) 2004-10-29 2005-10-26 Shoe footbed system and method with interchangeable cartridges
US11/259,563 US7681333B2 (en) 2004-10-29 2005-10-26 Shoe footbed system with interchangeable cartridges

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006050092A2 true WO2006050092A2 (fr) 2006-05-11
WO2006050092A3 WO2006050092A3 (fr) 2006-08-31

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WO (1) WO2006050092A2 (fr)

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WO2010011992A3 (fr) * 2008-07-25 2010-06-03 Genesco, Inc. Ensemble assise plantaire ajustable pour chaussure
US8490301B2 (en) 2010-12-20 2013-07-23 Allen Joseph Selner Adjustable forefoot posting for orthotic
US9655400B2 (en) 2010-12-20 2017-05-23 Allen Joseph Selner Adjustable forefoot posting for orthotic
US12357058B2 (en) 2022-12-06 2025-07-15 CSR Developments, LLC Interchangeable footbed for footwear and a modular shoe system having an interchangeable footbed

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IT201700024298A1 (it) * 2017-03-03 2018-09-03 Al Pi Srl “perfezionamento ad una suola dotata di mezzi antiscivolamento ribaltabili”
WO2023075796A1 (fr) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Semelles intérieures modulaires
WO2023075785A1 (fr) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Montants de talon
WO2023113830A1 (fr) * 2021-12-17 2023-06-22 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Semelles intérieures

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WO2010011992A3 (fr) * 2008-07-25 2010-06-03 Genesco, Inc. Ensemble assise plantaire ajustable pour chaussure
US8490301B2 (en) 2010-12-20 2013-07-23 Allen Joseph Selner Adjustable forefoot posting for orthotic
US9655400B2 (en) 2010-12-20 2017-05-23 Allen Joseph Selner Adjustable forefoot posting for orthotic
US12357058B2 (en) 2022-12-06 2025-07-15 CSR Developments, LLC Interchangeable footbed for footwear and a modular shoe system having an interchangeable footbed

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1804599A2 (fr) 2007-07-11
EP1804599A4 (fr) 2012-04-04
WO2006050092A3 (fr) 2006-08-31
EP1804599B1 (fr) 2013-08-14

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