Shoe footbed system with interchangeable cartridges
US7681333B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43D999/00
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides an interchangeable shoe footbed cartridge system. The system includes a footbed such as a midsole, insole or a sockliner. A cartridge is inserted into or otherwise attached to the forefoot section of the footbed. Multiple cartridges of varying depths, widths and/or lengths may be provided. The wearer can select a cartridge to achieve a desired fit. Because right and left feet may be of different sizes, different cartridges may be chosen for each foot. Furthermore, the user may swap cartridges depending upon different conditions, or to change the stiffness of the cartridge. Additionally, a slipcover having a stretchable portion may be placed over the cartridge system. The cartridges enable a footwear manufacturer to produce fewer shoe sizes while fitting more of the population. This reduces manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and accounting costs. All levels of the supply chain, as well as the end customers, will greatly benefit from the method of supplying footwear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.