WO2002015729A1

WO2002015729A1 - Convertible shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2002015729A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/003719
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fred Clementi
Original assignee: Delynn Enterprise, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-08-18
Filing date: 2001-02-05
Publication date: 2002-02-28
Also published as: AU2001233325A1

Abstract

A convertible shoe (1) that can be used for walking or for skating having an extendable and retractable or removable interchangeable transportation accessory. The convertible shoe (1) has cavities (6, 7, 9, 10) in the sole (2) of the shoe capable of storing and enclosing the retracted accessory (3). The accessory allows the wheels (22) to be held perpendicular to the walking surface (8) of the sole (2) when the accessory (3) is extended, and parallel to the walking surface (8) of the sole (2) when the accessory is retracted. With the accessory (3) extended, the convertible shoe (1) can be used for skating. With the accessory (3) retracted and stored in the sole (2), the convertible shoe (1) can be used for walking. The shoe may be used for in-line skating, roller skating, or ice skating.

Description

CONVERTIBLE SHOE

This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of copending U.S.

Patent Application Serial No. 09/374,848, filed August 16, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to a convertible shoe that can be converted

from a walking shoe into a skate.

Description Of The Related Art

Convertible shoes capable of converting from walking shoes into skates

are known in the art. One type of known convertible shoe comprises a shoe

component, or upper, attached at its underside to a wheel mechanism, and to a

sole. The wheel mechanism comprises wheels rotatably connected to an

undercarriage, the undercarriage being connected to the underside of the upper.

The wheel mechanism can be extended to allow a wearer to skate on a skating

surface, or retracted to allow a wearer to walk. When extended, the wheel

mechanism can provide clearance between the sole and the skating surface, and

can support the upper some distance above the skating surface allowing the

upper and sole to ride on the wheels or rollers. When retracted, the wheel

mechanism provides no clearance between the upper and sole and the ground or skating surface and can be enclosed by the sole. The sole contains cavities that

provide a storage enclosure for the retracted wheel mechanism.

There are inconveniences and problems associated with this type of

known convertible shoe. Wheel diameter is limited to about 1 inch or less

because the wheels must fit in the enclosing space provided by the sole. When

the wheel mechanism is retracted, the wheels remain roughly perpendicular to

the underside of the upper, so that their rolling axes are parallel to the upper's

underside. Therefore, wheel diameter can generally be no greater than the

thickness of the enclosing sole. The smaller the wheels' diameter, the greater

the number of revolutions a wheel must make to travel a given distance, and the

greater a wheel's wear. Small wheels are also generally less able to negotiate

bumps and undulations in the skating surface. Further, small wheels can limit

the clearance between the upper or sole and the skating surface, making skating

more hazardous and preventing more aggressive skating. Examples of this type

of convertible shoe are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,643 to Sclireyer, U.S. Pat.

No. 4,333,249 to Schaefer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,609 to Fichepain, and U.S. Pat.

No. 5,785,327 to Gallant.

Another type of known convertible shoe is similar to the convertible

shoe just described except that the sole is detachable. In this type of convertible

shoe, the sole is generally attached to the upper when the wheel mechanism is

retracted, thus covering and enclosing the retracted wheel mechanism, and

allowing a wearer to walk in the convertible shoe. When the wheel mechanism is to be extended, the sole is removed and either must be set aside or carried

separately by the wearer. In addition to the problems arising from small wheel

diameters, having to remove and set aside, or carry, the sole is inconvenient for

the wearer. An example of this type of convertible shoe is described in U.S.

Pat. No. 3,979,842 to Texidor.

Another type of known convertible shoe provides a wheel mechanism

that is detachable from and storable within the shoe. In this type of shoe, the

wheels are held in the skating position by a shallow groove formed in the

bottom surface of a sole plate. The groove may be "T-shaped" to allow a rail

on the wheel mechanism to slide therein in a direction parallel to the

longitudinal axis of the shoe. In another embodiment, the groove is rectangular.

In this embodiment, the sole plate is provided with supporters in front of and in

back of the groove. Bores through the supporters and a bore through the wheel

mechanism allow a rod to be placed through the front supporter and wheel

mechanism and to be threaded into the back supporter, thereby holding the

wheel mechanism in place. Underneath the groove is a sole with a chamber for

storing the wheel mechanism in the walking mode.

There are inconveniences and problems associated with this type of

known convertible shoe. In either embodiment, the groove must be shallow in

order to ensure there is enough space to store the wheel mechanism while the

shoe is in the walking mode. This shallow groove does not provide much

support for the wheel mechanism, making detachment during skating more likely. The likelihood of detachment is increased when the skater turns, due to

the dynamics of the forces acting on the wheel mechanism and groove. Another

possibility due to use is rounding-off of the groove edges. Furthermore, the

location of the chamber and sole underneath the groove in combination with the

limited space available for storage allow only a small portion of the wheels to

extend beyond the sole. This in turn allows only a small range of rotation

before the sole contacts the skating surface. Thus, a skater is only able to make

gentle turns, precluding an aggressive skating style. An example of this type of

convertible shoe is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,125 to Wu.

Still another type of known convertible shoe provides wheel

mechanisms wherein the wheels are mounted at the sides of the sole and

protrude therefrom. When used for skating, the wheels may be lowered, or

extended downwards, to contact the skating surface and provide clearance

between the sole of the shoe and the ground. When used for walking the wheels

are raised by the sides of the shoe, allowing the sole to contact the ground. An

example of this is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,970 to Tucky. In an

alternative design, the wheels are attachable to axles embedded in the sole. The

wheels are attached to the axles when the shoe is to be used for skating and

protrude from the sides of the sole. When used for walking, the wheels are

removed. An example of this design is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,824 to

Kim. This type of convertible is not suitable for in-line skates because the

wheels must be mounted on both sides of the sole. The Kim convertible shoe is also inconvenient because the wheels are not integral with the shoe, and they

must be set aside or carried when the user is skating.

Known convertible shoe wheels that are integral with and fixed to the

convertible shoe can be subject to uneven wheel wear. The wheels' orientation

is generally fixed in a plane parallel to the direction of in-line skate travel, and

the orientation cannot easily be reversed or rotated through 180 degrees. With

prolonged skating, wheel wear can be uneven if, for example, the wearer's feet

tilt inwards or outwards while skating. Unevenly worn wheels are undesirable

because they are difficult to skate with.

Therefore, a need exists for improved convertible shoes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a convertible shoe capable of reversibly

converting from a walking shoe to a skate. The convertible shoe comprises an

upper, a sole connected to the underside of the upper, and an interchangeable

transportation accessory connected to the underside of the upper. The accessory

may be extendable and retractable, or it may be removable. The sole has

storage cavities configured to enclose and store various accessories. In one

embodiment the accessory comprises a wheel mechanism having at least two

wheels rotatably mounted on one or more undercarriages that permit wheels

connected thereto to be extended by swiveling about an axis perpendicular to

the wheels' rolling axis. Swiveling can be achieved by mounting each wheel on an undercarriage via, for example, a swivel-hinge mounting. There are several

possible undercarriage configurations. For example, each wheel can be

mounted on a separate undercarriage, with each undercarriage extendibly

connected to the underside of the upper. When the wheel mechanism is

extended the swivel-hinge mounting can be locked in a position such that its

wheel is held parallel to the direction of skating motion and about peφendicular

to the sole. When the wheel mechanism is retracted, the swivel-hinge mounting

permits the wheel to swivel through about 90 degrees and lie flat on the sole so

that the wheel is roughly parallel to the sole. Thus retracted, the wheel can be

enclosed by the sole even though the wheel's diameter is greater than the sole's

thickness. The swivel-hinge mountings also permit the wheel orientation to be

reversed, so that with the wheel mechanism extended, a wheel can be held in

either of two positions 180 degrees apart, and parallel to the skating direction.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the accessory can

comprise a wheel mechanism having at least two removable undercarriages

with rotatable wheels. Each undercarriage can be mounted onto the convertible

shoe so that the undercarriage and the wheel connected thereto can be held in at

least two different orientations. For example, the undercarriage can be mounted

in an extended orientation with its wheel parallel to the skating direction and

about peφendicular to the sole of the shoe, or the undercarriage can be mounted

in a retracted orientation with its wheel about parallel to the sole of the

convertible shoe. To change the wheel orientation the undercarriage can be dismounted from the bushing then remounted with wheels in a different

orientation.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the accessory can

comprise a single removable undercarriage having at least one transportation

element connected thereto. The transportation elements can take the form of in¬

line skates, roller skates, or ice skates to allow the user to use the convertible

shoe in a variety of environments.

One advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

shoe can be integrally constructed so that no accessories need to be attached or

removed from the convertible shoe in converting the shoe from a walking shoe

to a skate.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

extendable and retractable wheel mechanism accessory can have wheels with

diameters greater than the thickness of the sole that can be enclosed and stored

in the sole of the convertible shoe.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

convertible shoe can have wheels with diameters greater than about 1 inch.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

shoe is useable as an in-line skate that permits safer yet more aggressive

skating.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

shoe is useable as an in-line skate, the shoe having wheels with orientations parallel to the skating direction, wherein the wheels can be swiveled through

180 degrees so that their orientation can be reversed.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

shoe is useable as an in-line skate, wherein the wheels' orientation can be

reversed to permit even wear of the wheels.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

shoe is useable as an in-line skate, wherein the wheels are stored about parallel

to the sole of the shoe, with their rolling axes parallel to the sole.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is the

shoe is useable as an in-line skate, a roller skate, or an ice skate.

Another advantage of the convertible shoe of the present invention is a

removable ankle support may be coupled to and used in conjunction with the

integral convertible shoe of the present invention.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be

apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof and from the

claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side partial sectional view of an embodiment of the present

invention with the wheel mechanism extended;

FIG. 1 A is an enlarged sectional view of the extended wheel mechanism

of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a side partial sectional view of an embodiment of the present

invention with the wheel mechanism retracted;

FIG. 2 A is an enlarged sectional view of the retracted wheel mechanism

of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the upper/sole assembly of an

embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 A is a top side view of the plate of an embodiment of the present

invention;

FIG. 3B is a bottom side view of the sole of the convertible shoe of an

embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the swivel hinge wheel assembly of an

embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the base housing of an embodiment of

the present invention;

FIG. 5 A is a front elevation of the base housing of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5B is a top elevation of the base housing of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5C is a side elevation of the base housing of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the sub-housing of an embodiment of the

present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side partial sectional view of another embodiment of the

present invention with the wheel mechanism extended; FIG. 8 is a side partial sectional view of another embodiment of the

present invention with the wheel mechanism retracted;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the wheel mechanism of another

embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view of an ankle support for use with the present

invention and its attachment thereto;

FIG. 10A shows another embodiment of the ankle support of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11 is a top and side view of a connection plate for use with some

embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 A is a top and side view of a ball and socket connector for use

with the present invention;

FIG. 1 IB is a top and side view of a ball and socket and locking pin

connector for use with the present invention;

FIG. 11C is a top and side view of a bore and pin connector for use with

the present invention;

FIG. 1 ID is a top and side view of a post and retaining ring connector

for use with the present invention;

FIG. 1 IE shows side views of the standard wheel assembly of the

present invention;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of the different configurations of the sole plate

of the present invention; FIG. 13 shows side views of an embodiment of the interchangeable

transportation accessory of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side partial sectional view of an embodiment of the present

invention with the interchangeable transportation accessory extended;

FIG. 15 is a side partial sectional view of an embodiment of the present

invention with the interchangeable transportation accessory retracted;

FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the interchangeable

transportation accessory of the present invention;

FIG. 16A shows side and top views of the embodiment of the

interchangeable transportation accessory of FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the interchangeable

transportation accessory of the present invention;

FIG. 17A shows side and top views of the embodiment of the

interchangeable transportation accessory of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of the interchangeable

transportation accessory of the present invention;

FIG. 18A shows side and top views of the embodiment of the

interchangeable transportation accessory of FIG. 18;

FIG. 18B is a rear view of the embodiment of the interchangeable

transportation accessory of FIG. 18;

FIG. 19 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 21 is a view of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is a convertible shoe having a

retractable and extendable interchangeable transportation accessory in the form

of a wheel mechanism, wherein the convertible shoe is useable as an in-line

skate when the wheel mechanism is extended, as shown in FIG. 1, and is

useable as a walking shoe when the wheel mechanism is retracted, as shown in

FIG. 2. The convertible shoe comprises an upper 1 and a sole 2 attached to the

underside of the upper 1 to form an upper/sole assembly shown in FIG. 3. The

upper/sole assembly can further comprise an insole 27, a plate 11 located under

the insole 27, and a heel pad 5 located under the posterior of the plate 11,

attached to the underside of the upper 1 and above the sole 2.

The upper 1 is capable of receiving a user's or wearer's foot and can be

made of materials including leather, fiber, or synthetic material. The insole 27

cushions a wearer's foot, and can be made of, for example, a resilient synthetic

material. The plate 11, shown in a top side view in FIG. 3 A, can be made of,

for example, non-corrosive metal or rigid synthetic material capable of

providing structural support for the wheel mechanism. The heel pad 5 acts as a

spacer, and provides support for the wearer's heel at the posterior end of plate

11. The sole 2, shown in a bottom side view in FIG. 3B, is located below

plate 11 and is connected to the underside of upper 1. The sole 2 can be made

of, for example, rubber or synthetic material, or other material known in the art

to be a suitable material for a sole for this type of footwear. The sole 2 is

capable of storing and enclosing the retracted wheel mechanism in cavities 6, 7,

9 and 10.

The wheel mechanism is connected to the underside of plate 11, and

comprises one or more swivel hinge assemblies ("SHA's") 3, shown in FIG. 4.

In this embodiment, the plate 11 is connected to an anterior and a posterior

SHA 3. Each SHA 3 includes a base housing 24, a swivel wheel yoke 18, a

sub-housing 17, and a wheel 22. The SHA's 3 can be connected to the plate 11

by, for example, screws 12 that pass through pre-drilled or formed holes in plate

11 and are screwed into the base housing 24.

Referring to FIG. 4, the wheel 22 can be of materials such as, for

example, molded rubber, metal, or synthetic material. The wheel 22 preferably

has a diameter greater than about one inch, which increases the clearance

between the non- wheel components of the convertible shoe and the ground or

skating surface and allows safer more aggressive skating. The wheel 22 is

rotatably mounted on an axle 20 via wheel bearings 21 that support the wheel

22 on the axle 20. With the wheel 22 and the bearings 21 mounted, the axle 20

can be connected to a swivel wheel yoke 18 having side members 18A by, for example, screws 19 that r m through a hole 18D in each side member 18A of

the yoke 18 and into the ends of the axle 20.

The swivel wheel yoke 18 has a cylindrical shank 18B that can be

rotatably located in a cylindrical opening 17C in the sub-housing 17, shown in

FIG. 6. The shank 18B can be held in the cylindrical opening 17C by, for

example, a screw 16. With the cylindrical shank 18B thus held, the swivel

wheel yoke 18 can swivel or rotate 360 degrees while connected to the sub-

housing about an axis peφendicular to the rolling axis of wheel 22.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the sub-housing 17 is constructed of

metal, fiber or synthetic material and includes a hole sized to accept the

cylindrical shank 18B of the swivel wheel yoke 18. The sub-housing 17 is

rotatably secured to the base housing 24 by a hinge pin 25 that allows the sub-

housing 17 to both hinge and slide into a retracted position for walking and into

an extended position for skating. The sub-housing 17 contains a hinge pin hole

17E. The hinge pin 25 extends through the hinge pin hole 17E of sub-housing

17, and each end of hinge pin 25 protrudes into elongated holes 24F (shown in

FIG. 5) in the base housing 24, allowing the sub-housing 17 to hinge and slide

when extending or retracting the SHA 3. The hinge pin 25 can slide from one

end to the other of the elongated holes 24F allowing the sub housing 17 to

move in a hinging motion as the swivel wheel yoke 18 is retracted or extended.

The sub-housing 17 also includes a top surface 17F, and an adjacent

surface 171. Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, when the SHA 3 is extended, the top surface 17F of sub-housing 17 contacts abase housing

mounting wall 24E of base housing 24, and the sub-housing surface 171 lays

flush against an angled wall 24A of the base housing 24.

The SHA 3 additionally comprises a locking mechanism to lock the

SHA in an extended position. The sub-housing 17 includes a drilled or

preformed locking pin hole 17D through which can be inserted a locking pin 23

which extends through and protrudes on either side of the sub-housing 17. The

protruding locking pin 23 ends can be engaged by the locking mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 5C, the base

housing 24 is fabricated from metal, fiber or synthetic material and comprises

two side walls 24G, the mounting wall 24E and the angled wall 24A. Within

each side wall 24G is formed or machined a recess 24C. The recesses 24C

extend through the angled wall 24A. A base housing hinge pin hole 24H,

capable of accepting a dual locking arm hinge pin 26, extends through the

angled wall 24 A and through both side walls 24G.

Referring to FIG. 4, the locking mechanism comprises a dual arm

mechanism 14 having dual locking arms 14B with hooked ends, a tab 14A,

locking mechanism hinge pin holes 14C, a lock spring 13 and a lock release

button 15. The dual locking arms 14B pass through the recesses 24C with their

hooked ends facing the mounting wall 24E of the base housing 24. The dual

arm mechanism 14 is pivotably connected to the base housing 24 by the dual locking arm hinge pin 26 that passes through dual locking arm holes 14C and

through hinge pin hole 24H.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, located in each cavity 9 and 10

is a lock release button 15, a lock spring 13 and the tab 14A of a dual arm

mechanism 14. The lock release button 15 is made of metal, fiber or synthetic

material and extends through the tab 14A and the lock spring 13 When the

button 15 is depressed it pushes the tab 14A, causing the dual arms 14B to pivot

on hinge pin 26, thereby releasing the hooked ends from the lock pin 23. This

allows the sub-housing 17 to hinge and slide, and the swivel wheel yoke 18 to

swivel into a retracted or walking position. An enlarged sectional view of the

extended SHA is shown in FIG. 1 A, and an enlarged sectional view of the

retracted SHA is shown in FIG.2A.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the sole 2 includes anterior and

posterior cavities 6, 7, posterior and anterior lock release cavities 9, 10, and a

lower plane that defines a walking surface 8. These cavities extend from the

walking surface 8 of the sole 2 to the plate 11 and the heel pad 5. Anterior

assembly cavity 6 and posterior assembly cavity 7 house or store the anterior

and posterior SHA's 3 respectively.

Posterior lock release cavity 9 and anterior lock release cavity 10 are

smaller and house lock release buttons 15 which extend through tab ends 14A

of dual lock arms 14 and into the spring 13. Cavity 6 is located in the anterior

portion of the sole 2 and is configured or shaped to hold a retracted SHA 3. Cavity 7 is located in the posterior portion of sole 2 and is configured or shaped

to hold a retracted SHA 3.

Posterior and anterior cavities 9 and 10 are shaped to accommodate the

shape of the lock mechanism. The walking surface 8 end of cavities 9 and 10 is

a smaller diameter than the interior of the cavity itself so as to retain the lock

release button 15 within the cavities. Cavities 6 and 7 are connected to cavities

10 and 9, respectively, through an opening within the sole 2 through which the

dual lock arm tabs 14A can extend from the base housings 24 located in cavities

6 and 7 to the stem of the lock release button 15 located in cavities 9 and 10.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9, the

interchangeable transportation accessory can comprise a wheel mechanism

having at least one coupling member 30 with a cavity 41 defining a keyway

parallel to a first keyway axis 42, and at least one removable wheel yoke

assembly 31 mountable in the cavity 41. In this embodiment, the coupling

member 30 takes the form of a mounting bushing. The wheel yoke assembly 31

can comprise a yoke 32 having a wheel 33 rotatably mounted thereon via an

axle 34 and bearings 35. The axle 34 can be mounted on the yoke 32 via, for

example, screws or pins 36 that pass through holes in the yoke 32 and into the

ends of the axle 34. The yoke 32, having first key axis 43 and a second key

axis 44, which are non-parallel axes, can include an attachment element, here in

the form of a mandrel or shank 40. The shank 40 is shaped to define a key

parallel to the first key axis 43 and the second key axis 44, the key being slidably engagable with the keyway of the cavity 41 when either of the first key

axis 43 or the second key axis 44 of the shank 40 are aligned with the keyway

axis 42. When the first key axis 43 is aligned with the keyway axis 42, the

shank 40 can be inserted into the cavity 41 and held in the mounting bushing 30

with the wheel 33 about peφendicular to the walking surface of the convertible

shoe's sole 39 and parallel to the skating direction, as shown in FIG. 7. A

locating pin 37 can be inserted through a hole in the mounting bushing 30 and

through the shank 40 of the wheel yoke assembly 31 to lock the wheel yoke

assembly 31 in the mounting bushing 30. With wheel yoke assemblies 31 thus

mounted, the wheel mechanism is extended, and the convertible shoe can be

used as a skate as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, when the second key axis 44

is aligned with the keyway axis 42, the shank 40 can be inserted into the

mounting bushing cavity 41 with the wheel yoke assembly 31 in a retracted

position, as shown in FIG. 8, and with the wheel 33 about parallel to the shoe's

sole 39. With the wheel yoke assembly 31 thus mounted, the convertible shoe

can be used for walking. The wheel yoke assembly 31 can be locked in this

position by the locating pin 37 that can be inserted through a hole in the

mounting bushing 30, and through holes in the shank of the wheel yoke

assembly 31. Mounting bushings 30 can be connected to the underside of the

upper of the convertible shoe by, for example, attaching the mounting bushing

30 to plate 11, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. A mounting base plate 38 can be

located between the mounting bushing 30 and the plate 11. In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 13, the

interchangeable transportation accessory can comprise a double wheel assembly

47. The double wheel assembly 47 provides a wider base than do the wheel

mechanism accessories described above. The wider base of double wheel

assembly 47 is more stable, which may be helpful for beginning or less-

experienced skaters. The double wheel assembly 47 can comprise two wheels

47A rotatably mounted on an attachment part 47E by an axle 47C and bearings

47B. The wheels can be coupled to the axle 47C by, for example, screws or

pins 47D that thread into the ends of the axle 47C. Connected to the attachment

part 47E can be an attachment element 47F that can connect the double wheel

assembly 47 to the sole 2. The double wheel assembly 47 can be coupled to the

sole 2 in an extended position such that the double wheel assembly 47 can

contact a skating surface, as seen in FIG. 14, or in a retracted position such that

the double wheel assembly 47 is stored completely within the sole 2, as seen in

FIG. 15.

A plate 46 (FIG. 11) can be placed intermediate the upper 1 and the sole

2 to facilitate attaching the interchangeable transportation accessories to the

shoe. The plate 46 has a sole 46A that extends across the entire length of the

shoe, thereby distributing stresses across the shoe bottom. The plate 46 can

include a heel lift 46B to encourage the skater into the correct skating posture of

slightly bent knees. The plate can have a substantially planar surface with one

or more coupling members 46C, 46D extending away therefrom. The coupling members 46C, 46D can be integral with the plate 46 (via, for example,

machining from a single piece, or casting or molding into a single part) or they

may be mechanically joined thereto (via, for example, glue, welds, rivets,

screws, or bolts). The interchangeable transportation accessories can include

attacliment elements to attach the accessories to the shoe and transportation

elements to allow for skating or otherwise moving relative to the ground. The

attachment elements are configured to matingly engage the coupling members

46C, 46D. Each coupling member 46C, 46D can contain two cavities 46E, 46F

for holding the attachment elements of the interchangeable transportation

accessories in both the extended and retracted positions. Alternatively, the

attachment elements can contain cavities into which the coupling members 46C,

46D fit. The plate 46 has four internally threaded holes 46G that can also be

used to secure the interchangeable transportation accessories to the plate 46.

FIG. 12 illustrates the different configurations of the plate 46, which vary

according to shoe size.

The interchangeable transportation accessories can be connected to the

shoe through a variety of different connection mechanisms. One such

mechanism, shown in FIG. 11 A, is a ball and socket connection mechanism 56.

Each cavity 46F contains the first portion of the connection mechanism in the

form of a number of balls and springs - three are shown FIG. 11 A. The

interchangeable transportation accessory has a second portion of the connection

mechanism in the form of sockets 56A. When the interchangeable transportation accessory is positioned within the cavity 46F, each spring biases

its ball into a corresponding socket, thereby holding the interchangeable

transportation accessory in place. To remove the accessory, the user pulls it

away from the shoe with enough force to overcome the retaining force imparted

by the springs. Each side of the interchangeable transportation accessory base

has a socket, as does the top of the base. This allows the interchangeable

transportation accessory to be secured in the cavity 46F in a variety of

positions, including with the interchangeable transportation accessory

completely stored within the sole 2.

To provide additional assurance that the interchangeable transportation

accessory will be secure, a locking pin 55 and spring 55 A may be used with the

ball and socket connection mechanism, as seen in FIG. 1 IB. In this case, one or

more of the springs of FIG. 11 A are replaced by pin(s) 55 and spring(s) 55A.

Pin 55 is kept in a locked position by spring 55 A, which pushes the pin outward

and creates a biasing force against the corresponding ball greater than that

provided by the springs of figure 11 A. Before the interchangeable

transportation accessory is positioned within the cavity 46F, the locking pin 55

is pushed inward to release the locking ball and allow the accessory to be

inserted. When the user wishes to remove or reposition the interchangeable

transportation accessory, the locking pin 55 is pushed inward, allowing the

corresponding ball to move out of the accessory socket so that the

interchangeable transportation accessory may be removed from the cavity 46F. FIG. 11C shows another connection mechanism. With this mechanism,

a pin and hole connection is used. The interchangeable transportation accessory

has a first portion of the connection mechanism in the form of two holes 60

formed there-through. Likewise, the plate 46 has a second portion of the

connection mechanism in the form of holes 59 formed there-through. Locking

rings 58 can be positioned in the plate 46 adjacent holes 59. To attach the

interchangeable transportation accessory, the accessory is positioned in the

cavity 46F, in the desired orientation, such that the holes 59, 60 are aligned. A

locking pin 57 is then inserted through the locking ring 58 and the holes 59, 60.

The pin 57 retains the accessory within the cavity 46F. The pin 57 can be

provided with a crossbar portion and the locking ring 58 can be provided with a

slot to help prevent the pin 57 from being removed inadvertently. Once the pin

57 is inserted, it can be rotated approximately 90 degrees so that the crossbar

portion is out of line with the locking ring 58 slot.

FIG. 1 ID and FIG. 1 IE show yet another connection mechamsm. With

this mechanism, a ring and groove connection is used. A post 61 is provided in

the cavity 46F. The post 61 has located thereon a first portion of the connection

mechanism in the form of a retaining ring 62. The interchangeable

transportation accessory has the second portion of the connection mechanism in

the form of holes 51, 53 bored or otherwise formed there-through. Located

within each hole 51,53 is a groove 52. To attach the accessory, the user inserts

the accessory into the cavity 46F such that the post 61 is captured by the chosen hole 51,53. If hole 53 is used the accessory will be inserted in the extended

position, while use of holes 51 will position the accessory in the retracted

position. The accessory is inserted into the cavity 46F until the ring 62 locks

into the groove 52, holding the accessory within the cavity 46F.

Although the figures discussed above only show the connection

mechanisms in conjunction with an in-line skate accessory, the connectors can

be used with other interchangeable transportation accessories as well.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 16A show another embodiment of a double wheel

assembly 48. This double wheel assembly 48 comprises a rear wheel assembly

48 A and a front wheel assembly 48B. Each wheel assembly 48 A, 48B

comprises two wheels 48F connected by an axle and bearing assembly 48E and

mounted on an axle housing 48H. The wheels 48F on an assembly 48A, 48B

are positioned such that their travel paths do not overlap. The front wheel

assembly 48B may contain a brake 48G. The wheel assemblies 48A, 48B can

be attached to the shoe by inserting an attachment element 48C into the cavities

46E, 46F and using one of the connection mechanisms discussed above - the

figures show a ball and socket connection mechanism. Screws 48D can then be

coupled with the holes 46G to provide an additional portion of the connection

mechanism. This method of connection allows wheels 48F to be larger than

with the previous connection methods. Additionally, this method of connection

allows the use of a brake 48G. However, the larger wheels 48F and the brake

48G do not allow the accessory to be stored within the sole 2. To convert the shoe to a walking shoe, the user disconnects the screws 48D from the holes 46G

and removes the wheel assemblies 48A, 48B from the shoe.

FIG. 21 shows an alternate connection mechanism for attaching the

wheel assemblies 48A, 48B to the shoe. In this mechanism, each wheel

assembly 48A, 48B is provided with an attachment element 481 containing a

cavity, and the shoe is provided with coupling members 51 that matingly

engage the attacliment elements 481 by insertion therein. Screws or other

fasteners 48 J may be used as an additional portion of the connection

mechanism.

Another embodiment of an in-line skate accessory 49 is shown in FIG.

17 and FIG. 17A. The in-line skate accessory 49 comprises a rear wheel

assembly 49 A and a front wheel assembly 49B. Each assembly 49 A, 49 B

comprises two wheels 49F, each wheel 49F being attached to an axle housing

49H by an axle and bearing assembly 49E. The wheels 49F on an assembly

49 A, 49B are positioned such that their travel paths overlap. The rear wheel

assembly 49A can contain a brake 49G. The wheel assemblies 49 A, 49B can be

attached to the shoe by inserting an attachment element 49C into the cavities

46E, 46F and using one of the connection mechanisms described above.

Screws 49D can then be coupled with the holes 46G to provide an additional

portion of the connection mechanism. To convert the shoe to a walking shoe,

the user disconnects the screws 49D from the holes 46G and removes the wheel

assemblies 49 A, 49B from the shoe. FIG. 19 shows an alternate connection mechanism for attaching the

wheel assemblies 49 A, 49B to the shoe. In this mechanism, each wheel

assembly 49 A, 49B is provided with an attachment element 491 containing a

cavity, and the shoe is provided with coupling members 51 that matingly

engage the attachment elements 491 by insertion therein. Screws or other

fasteners 49 J may be used as an additional portion of the connection

mechanism.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 18, FIG.

18A and FIG. 18B. hi this embodiment, the interchangeable transportation

accessory is an ice skate accessory 50. The ice skate accessory 50 comprises an

attachment element 50A that can be inserted into the cavities 46E, 46F in both

the front and rear of the shoe, and connected thereto by using one of the

connection mechanisms described above. Screws 50B can be coupled with the

holes 46G to provide an additional portion of the connection mechanism.

Coupled to the attachment element 50A is a housing 50C. Coupled to the

housing 50C is a skate blade 50E. The blade 50E can be connected to the

housing 50C by screws 501 that pass through holes 50D in the housing 50C and

slots 50F in the blade 50E. The slots 50F allow the blade 50E to be used with a

plurality of housings 50C, the size of which varies dependent upon shoe size.

The screws 501 are held in the housing 50C by, for example, internally threaded

bolts 50J. The blade 50E can have a flange 50G and the housing 50C can have

a channel portion 50H to help secure the blade 50E to the housing 50C. FIG. 20 shows an alternate connection mechanism for attaching the ice

skate accessory 50 to the shoe. In this mechanism, each attachment element

50A has a cavity 5 OK therein, and the shoe is provided with coupling members

51 that matingly engage the attachment elements 50A by insertion therein.

Screws or other fasteners 50L may be used as an additional portion of the

connection mechanism.

An ankle support 45 (see FIG. 10) can be used with the convertible shoe

of the present invention to provide additional support to the wearer, for example

during skating. The ankle support 45 is easily coupled to and removed from the

shoe upper 1. The ankle support 45 can comprise snap buttons 45 A that

cooperate with receiving snap buttons 1 A on the upper 1 to couple the ankle

support 45 thereto. By threading the shoelaces through loops 45B and hooks

45C, the wearer can securely fasten the ankle support 45 around the wearer's

ankle. Strap 45D and eyelet 45E can also be used to secure the ankle support

45 around the wearer's ankle. The strap 45D may use, for example, a

VELCRO™ closure. The shoe can be provided with an elongated tongue IB to

cushion the ankle support 45 against the wearer's leg. Ankle support 45 can

include holes and slots 45F to allow for ventilation and to provide for

flexibility.

Other connectors may be used with the ankle support 45. For example,

FIG. 10A shows a buckle device. The buckle device comprises male and

female connector parts, 45H and 451 respectively. One of the connector parts 45H, 451 is attached to the ankle support 45, and the other connector part is

attached to the upper 1. Although FIG. 10A depicts the male comiector 45H

being attached to the ankle support 45 and the female connector 451 being

attached to the sole 1, it is equally possible to attach the female connector 451 to

the ankle support 45 and the male connector 45H to the sole 1. The buckle is

coupled by inserting the male connector part 45H into the female connector 451

until it snaps in place and is uncoupled by pressing inward on the male

connector 45H to release it from the female connector 451, allowing the male

connector 45H to be removed from the female connector 451.

In lieu of loops 45B, an additional strap 45G and eyelet 45 J can be used

to secure the ankle support to the wearer. Like strap 45D, strap 45G may use a

VELCRO™ closure. Such a closure allows the strap 45G to be fed through the

eyelet 45 J and secured by doubling back and connecting the strap 45G to itself

in known fashion.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been

illustrated and described herein, the present invention is not limited to such

illustrations and descriptions. It is apparent that changes and modifications may

be incoφorated and embodied as part of the present invention within the scope

of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A convertible shoe, comprising:

an upper having an underside;

a plate coupled to said underside, said plate having a substantially planar

surface and a coupling member extending away from said substantially planar

surface; and

an interchangeable transportation accessory including an attachment

element configured to matingly engage said coupling member by insertion in a

direction substantially peφendicular to said substantially planar surface.

2. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein:

said coupling member has a cavity formed therein; and

said attachment element is connectable to said coupling member within

said cavity.

3. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein:

said attachment element has a cavity formed therein; and

said coupling member is connectable to said attacliment element within

said cavity.

4. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein:

said coupling member includes a first portion of an attachment

mechanism; and said attachment element includes a second portion of an attachment

mechanism, said first and second portions combinable to couple said coupling

member and said attachment member.

5. The convertible shoe of claim 4, wherein said attachment mechanism is

a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a ball and socket

mechanism, a pin and hole mechanism, and a ring and groove mechanism.

6. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein said plate and said coupling

member are integral.

7. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein said plate and said coupling

member are mechanically joined.

8. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein said interchangeable

transportation accessory is an accessory selected from the group consisting of

an ice skate accessory, a wheeled accessory, and an in-line skate accessory.

9. The convertible shoe of claim 1 , further comprising a removable ankle

support.

10. The convertible shoe of claim 9, wherein said removable ankle support

is attached to the shoe by a snap connector.

11. The convertible shoe of claim 9, wherein said removable ankle support

is attached to the shoe by a buckle connector.

12. A convertible shoe comprising:

an upper having an underside; and a plate coupled to said underside, said plate having a substantially planar

surface and a coupling member extending away from said substantially planar

surface, said coupling member being configured to matingly engage an

interchangeable transportation accessory.

13. The convertible shoe of claim 12, further comprising a removable ankle

support that is attached to the shoe by a snap connector.

14. The convertible shoe of claim 12, further comprising a removable ankle

support that is attached to the shoe by a buckle connector.

15. An accessory for a convertible shoe having an upper coupled to a plate

having a substantially planar surface and a coupling member extending away

from the substantially planar surface, comprising:

a transportation element; and

an attachment element, said attachment element being connectable to

the shoe by insertion in a direction substantially peφendicular to the

substantially planar surface and being configured to matingly engage the

coupling member.