Slotted endless member and flexible lacing belt locking system and method for assembling prefabricated components

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for securing and locking a prefabricated component of a manufactured article to another prefabricated component of the article using a series of rings, a series of corresponding or matching features (e.g., flaps), and a flexible lacing strap, the series of respective or mating features have an opening or slot configured to receive a mating ring. The flexible lacing belt is configured to engage and lock / secure an annulus of a belt slot received in a feature having an opening or slot such that the flexible lacing belt completes assembly of the article.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent document claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 320,372, filed on March 16, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The following disclosure relates to a method of assembling prefabricated components for manufacturing an article (or product) by using a system for fixing prefabricated components of an article or product. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling a first prefabricated component and a second prefabricated component of a shoe by using a system for fixing prefabricated components of a shoe, the method not requiring the use of adhesives or glue. Background Art

[0004] Many techniques are generally known for locking or securing two components when assembling a manufactured article (or product). In the case of shoes, the upper is the upper portion of the shoe that generally conforms to the shape of the foot, while the outsole is the lower portion of the shoe that is connected or attached to the upper and is designed to contact the floor or ground.

[0005] In a conventional method of assembling a shoe upper and a shoe outer sole, it is generally known to combine or bond a preform of the shoe upper and a preform of the outer sole together by applying an adhesive or glue and then drying and / or curing the adhesive or glue. Typically, heavy machinery and ultraviolet (UV) lamps are required to implement the application, drying and / or curing of the adhesive or glue.

[0006] Alternatively or in combination with bonding, it is known to assemble the upper and the outer sole together using sewing or stitching techniques.

[0007] However, these conventional techniques for assembling shoe components have certain disadvantages. As mentioned above, in instances where an adhesive or glue is used to bond the upper and outsole together, heavy machinery such as mechanical presses, polishers, adhesive ovens, and UV lamps are required to perform the bonding process. As a result, this bonding process leaves a significant carbon footprint. In addition, shoes made according to this bonding process are not easily recyclable into various separate categories of materials after reaching the end of their useful life because such shoes are not easily disassembled into recyclable parts due to the necessity to remove the adhesive or glue, thereby further increasing the carbon footprint of the shoe.

[0008] Sewing and stitching may also require heavy machinery to implement the shoe assembly process. In addition, shoes assembled by sewing and stitching cannot be easily disassembled and recycled. Therefore, these technologies also require a large carbon footprint and potentially complex systems.

[0009] However, there is still a need in the art to provide an improved method or system for locking or securing two prefabricated components of a manufactured article or product, such as an upper and an outer sole of a shoe, which method or system does not require the use of any adhesive, glue, sewing or stitching, and is easy, effective and simple. The inventive concept described below meets this need. Summary of the invention

[0010] In one embodiment, a method for assembling a prefabricated component of an article or product is provided, the method comprising providing a first prefabricated component having a series of loops along a portion of its outer peripheral surface. The method further comprises providing a second prefabricated component having a series of corresponding features configured to receive a series of loops. The features have an opening or slot and are arranged along at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second prefabricated component. The method further comprises passing a series of loops of the first prefabricated component through an opening or slot of a corresponding feature of the second prefabricated component. Additionally, the method comprises securing the first prefabricated component and the second prefabricated component together by a tightening band, the tightening band passing through an opening of a slotted series of loops, so that the tightening band is configured to secure a series of loops of the slotted series in place in a series of corresponding features.

[0011] In another embodiment, a system for securing a prefabricated assembly of an article or product is provided, the system comprising a first prefabricated assembly and a second prefabricated assembly. The first prefabricated assembly includes a series of rings along a portion of its outer peripheral surface. The second prefabricated assembly includes a series of corresponding features configured to receive the series of rings. The features have openings or grooves and are arranged along at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second prefabricated assembly. The system further comprises a tightening band, which is configured to secure the series of rings in the series of corresponding features so as to secure the first prefabricated assembly to the second prefabricated assembly. When the series of rings are received through the series of corresponding features of the second prefabricated assembly, the tightening band passes through the openings of the series of rings of the first prefabricated assembly.

[0012] This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are provided to illustrate rather than limit the present disclosure, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements, and in the accompanying drawings:

[0014] Figure 1Depicted is a partial perspective view of a system for securing a prefabricated assembly of an article or product embodied as a shoe.

[0015] Figure 2 An embodiment of a first prefabricated assembly of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0016] Figure 3 An embodiment of a second prefabricated assembly of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0017] Figure 4 An embodiment of a cinching band of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0018] Figure 5 A medial side view of an article of manufacture in the form of a right shoe is depicted assembling a first prefabricated assembly and a second prefabricated assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 Depicted Figure 5 An exterior view of a manufactured article.

[0020] Figure 7 A side view of a railing-type structure of a second prefabricated assembly of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0021] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and use of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "illustrative" means "used as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as being superior to other implementations. All implementations described below are implementations provided to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to make or use embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For the purposes of the description herein, the terms "up," "down," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and their derivatives shall be used interchangeably. Figure 1 The disclosure herein is directed to. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background technology, summary of the invention, or the following detailed description. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims explicitly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0023] As described above, in a conventional method of assembling a first prefabricated component of a shoe to a second prefabricated component of a shoe, it is generally known to combine or bond the first prefabricated component (e.g., the upper of the shoe) to the second prefabricated component (e.g., the outsole of the shoe) by applying an adhesive or glue and then drying and / or curing the adhesive or glue. Typically, heavy machinery and ultraviolet (UV) lamps are required to implement the application, drying and / or curing of the adhesive or glue.

[0024] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved method or system that overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages or meets one or more of the objectives listed below.

[0025] As described herein, the present disclosure relates to a method and system for securing and locking a prefabricated component of an article to another prefabricated component of the article using a series of loops, a series of corresponding or matching features (e.g., flaps) having openings or slots configured to receive matching loops, and a flexible tightening band configured to engage and lock / secure the slotted loops received in the features having openings or slots, such that the flexible tightening band completes the assembly of the article.

[0026] An advantage of the present disclosure relating to modular shoe construction is that an improved method and system is provided that will allow for the assembly of a shoe upper and a shoe outsole in a manner that is faster and easier than would be required by methods employing adhesives or glues. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide an improved method or system for assembling a shoe upper and a shoe outsole that would not require any heavy machinery such as sole stitching machines, mechanical presses, polishing machines, adhesive ovens, UV lamps, etc.

[0027] It is also an advantage of the present disclosure to provide an improved method for locking or securing an upper of a shoe to an outsole of a shoe with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

[0028] An advantage of the present disclosure is also that it provides an improved method for locking or securing a shoe upper to a shoe outsole, wherein the resulting shoe upper and outsole can be easily disassembled at the end of the useful life of the shoe and can be easily recycled into various categories of materials.

[0029] Additionally, the present disclosure has the advantage of providing an improved method for locking or securing the upper of a shoe to the outer sole of a shoe, in which method a shoe already made with such a structure can be very easily re-soled with a new replacement sole, since only the sole and sole tightening strap need to be replaced manually without any glue, and with or without the use of tools.

[0030] Additionally, the present disclosure provides an improved method that implements a new and unique technical engineering innovation for locking or securing two prefabricated components (e.g., a shoe upper and a shoe outsole) together, thereby producing a product with a new and unique visual appearance.

[0031] Furthermore, the present disclosure has the advantage of providing an improved method that implements a new and unique technical engineering innovation for locking or securing two prefabricated components together, thereby producing a product with a new and unique visual appearance. The resulting product can be items such as clothing, bags, accessories, furniture, etc., and is not limited to shoes.

[0032] Furthermore, it is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a footwear product that is better for the environment in various ways, more comfortable to wear, and easier to assemble.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , which depicts an embodiment of a system for securing a prefabricated component of an article or product implemented as a shoe, the system 100 includes a first prefabricated component 102 (e.g., an upper), a second prefabricated component 104 (e.g., an outsole), and a tightening strap 106. The first prefabricated component 102 includes a series of loops 102a along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the first prefabricated component 102. The second prefabricated component 104 includes a series of corresponding features (e.g., flaps or tabs) 104a, in which slots 104b (e.g., openings) are formed. The flaps or tabs 104a can advantageously increase the flexibility of the system 100. The features 104a are configured to receive the series of loops 102a in a slotted fashion through the slots 104b. The features 104a having the openings or slots 104b are arranged along at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second prefabricated component 104. The tightening strap 106 is passed through the slotted ring members 102a (i.e., through the opening defined by each ring member) and then through the Figure 4 The enlarged ends 106a (discussed further below) are shown being secured in place. The tightening bands 106 are configured to secure the series of loops 102a within the series of corresponding features 104a, thereby securing the first preformed assembly 102 to the second preformed assembly 104 without the need for any heavy machinery such as sole stitching machines, mechanical presses, polishing machines, adhesive ovens, UV lamps, etc.

[0034] like Figure 1As depicted, the first prefabricated component 102 may be an upper of a shoe and the second prefabricated component 104 may be an outsole of the shoe. The tightening band 106 is configured to secure a series of loops 102a of the upper within a series of corresponding features 104a of the outsole, thereby securing the upper to the outsole without requiring any heavy machinery such as sole stitching machines, mechanical presses, polishing machines, adhesive ovens, UV lamps, etc.

[0035] Figure 2 An embodiment of a first prefabricated assembly 102 of the system 100 of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 As depicted, the first preformed component 102 includes a series of loops 102a. The series of loops 102a is provided as part of a preformed component for manufacturing an article, in this case, the first preformed component 102. The first preformed component 102 may be an upper of a shoe that generally conforms to the shape of a foot and resembles a sock. The loops 102a may be continuously attached around the bottom periphery of the first preformed component 102 as part of the first preformed component 102 (e.g., upper) by any suitable technique such as, but not limited to, sewing or gluing. Alternatively, the series of loops 102a may be integral with the first preformed component 102. It should be understood that the loops 102a need not be as Figure 1 The first prefabricated component 102 is not shown disposed on the entire periphery of the prefabricated component 102, but may be disposed only on multiple portions of the periphery (e.g., to assemble a strap and an outsole, or to assemble a sandal or an open-toed shoe). In this regard, it should be readily apparent that in embodiments where the first prefabricated component 102 is an upper of a shoe, the first prefabricated component 102 or the upper is not necessarily in the form of a sock with a sole, but rather an open upper without a sole, such as in the case where the foot directly contacts an elastomer (e.g., EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate rubber)), and it is desirable that the second prefabricated component 104 (e.g., the outsole) material is not a fabric type material (e.g., a sandal that may be water-infiltrated). It should be noted that prefabricated components of any material and thickness may be used, and are not limited to the materials and thicknesses described in the present disclosure.

[0036] The material that can be used to make the loop 102a is not limited and can be any material that can provide sufficient locking or fixation, such as fabric, leather, woven polymeric material, etc. The first prefabricated component 102 can be constructed of various materials known in the field of footwear, such as fabric, leather, suede, woven polymeric material, soft but sufficiently strong material, etc. The shape of the loop 102a is not particularly limited and can be provided in various configurations sufficient to provide the desired fixation.

[0037] In another embodiment, if Figure 8As shown, the first prefabricated assembly 102 may include a prefabricated upper 109 and a prefabricated shoe upper (rand) 110 (to be further described below). The prefabricated shoe upper 110 may be sewn to the prefabricated shoe upper 109, and may include a series of rings 110a along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the prefabricated shoe upper 110. It should be noted that the prefabricated shoe upper 110 and the prefabricated shoe upper 109 are not limited to being sewn, and may also be assembled by adhesives, glues, etc.

[0038] Figure 3 An embodiment of a second prefabricated assembly 104 of the system 100 of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 As depicted, feature 104a has openings or slots 104b, each of which is configured to receive a corresponding or mating ring 102a. Figure 3 , the features 104a are provided in the shape of generally tooth-like protrusions extending outward (i.e., upward) from the periphery of the upper surface of the second preformed component 104, but it should be understood that the features 104a can be made into any shape as long as they are configured to receive the annular member 102a in a locked or fixed manner when secured by the tightening band 106. Gaps or grooves 104c can be provided between the features 104a protruding from the second preformed component 104. In other words, the features 104a and the gaps 104c alternate with each other. The gaps 104c can be configured to provide the desired flexibility or rigidity to the second preformed component 104 or the outsole. It should be understood that the gaps 104c can be of any size and can be positioned in any manner without limitation to the disclosure herein. For example, as Figure 7 As depicted (and discussed further below), the gap 104c may be absent and may instead be a railing type structure to accommodate a more rigid design.

[0039] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, if desired, the loop 102a can be passed through the opening or slot 104b on the feature 104a in an inside-out manner to provide a unique physical and visual appearance to the assembled shoe of the system 100 when locked or secured by the tightening band 106. Alternatively, if desired, the loop 102a can be passed through the opening or slot 104b on the feature 104a in an outside-in manner to provide a unique physical and visual appearance to the assembled shoe of the system 100 when locked or secured by the tightening band 106.

[0040] Additionally, if Figure 3As shown, the feature 104a having an opening or slot 104b can be integrated with the second prefabricated component 104 and can be disposed on the upper portion of the second prefabricated component 104 (e.g., the upper portion of the outsole). When the manufactured article is a shoe, the second prefabricated component 104 (e.g., the outsole) can be made of any material commonly used in the art, such as, but not limited to, molded elastomers (rubber) such as EVA elastomers, leather, etc. The second prefabricated component 104 can be a single molded part or made of multiple components attached together. Within the scope of the present disclosure, a separate feature 104a having an opening or slot 104b is also provided, which feature 104a is then attached to the upper portion of the second prefabricated component 104 by any suitable attachment technique.

[0041] Alternatively, if Figure 7 As depicted, a series of features 104a having slots 104b (e.g., openings) and gaps 104c therebetween may be replaced with a railing-type structure 108 that includes or defines slots 108a (e.g., openings). The railing-type structure may be integrally formed as part of the second prefabricated component 104, or may be separate from the second prefabricated component 104 but attached to the second prefabricated component 104 by any conventional technique. The railing-type structure 108 may be configured to provide greater rigidity to the shoe, thereby eliminating some of the flexibility that may be introduced by the gaps between the slots 108a.

[0042] Figure 4 The tightening strap 106 of the system 100 of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the tightening band 106 is provided with an enlarged end 106a (i.e., an end that is larger in size than the opening of the ring to prevent the tightening band 106 from moving significantly). The enlarged end 106a is configured to prevent the tightening band 106 from exiting the grooved ring 102a after the tightening band 106 passes through the grooved ring 102a. In this way, the tightening band 106 is Figure 1 As shown, the tightening band 106 is positioned to lock or fix the grooved ring 102a on the first prefabricated component 102 and the feature 104a on the second prefabricated component 104, thereby completing the assembly of the shoe in the system 100. However, it should be noted that any number and length of tightening bands can be used to lock or fix the grooved ring 102a on the first prefabricated component 102 and the feature 104a on the second prefabricated component 104, without being limited to the present disclosure. In addition, the tightening band 106 can be made of any material and is not limited thereto. In this case, the tightening band 106 is made of a flexible material (e.g., a thin rope, a thick rope, a metal wire, etc.).

[0043] It should also be understood that, instead of using enlarged ends 106a, the lacing band 106 can be secured in place by tying (in a manner similar to shoe lacing) or tying a knot at its ends. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure to use commercially available or manufactured products (connectors, lacing band locks, buckles, etc.) that allow for tying loose ends. In addition, it should be noted that the lacing band 106 can be secured to the first prefabricated component 102, the second prefabricated component 104, or a combination thereof. For example, the lacing band 106 can be tied to the first prefabricated component 102 instead of being tied to itself.

[0044] As previously mentioned, one or more tightening straps 106 of shorter lengths may be used. For example, in the case of a sandal, two shorter tightening straps 106 may be used on both sides of the first prefabricated component 102, which may simply be in the form of a flexible plane or strap that conforms to the foot. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure to use more than one tightening strap 106 passing through the slotted loop 102a to enhance fixation or present a different appearance.

[0045] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the Figures, the simple but technically innovative system of prefabricated components for securing articles or products of the present disclosure provides a unique and recognizable visual appearance. In these Figures, the grooved ring 102a, the feature 104a with an opening or slot 104b, and the single tightening strap 106 are all positioned on the periphery of the shoe. Although the enlarged end 106a of the tightening strap 106 is as shown in the Figure 5 Although shown interconnected at the midpoint of the inside of the shoe (ie, the midpoint of the first and second preformed assemblies 102, 104), the enlarged ends 106a of the tightening straps 106 may be interconnected at any location along the periphery of the shoe.

[0046] When the useful life of the shoe of system 100 ends, it can be easily recycled into various material categories. For example, the tightening band 106 can be simply cut using scissors or other cutting equipment to separate the first prefabricated component 102 from the second prefabricated component 104. This is because, unlike conventional methods and systems, no adhesives, glues and / or sewing are required to assemble the first prefabricated component 102 and the second prefabricated component 104. In the present disclosure, as discussed herein, additional equipment such as heavy machinery (e.g., sole stitching machines, mechanical presses, polishing machines, adhesive ovens, UV lamps, etc.) and other complex systems are not required. Therefore, the methods and systems according to the present disclosure produce modular shoe structures that are environmentally friendly and significantly reduce carbon footprint.

[0047] like Figure 1The depicted system 100 for securing prefabricated components of an article or product can be assembled by first placing a first prefabricated component 102 having a series of rings 102a along a portion of its outer peripheral surface over a second prefabricated component 104. As described above, the second prefabricated component 104 includes a series of corresponding features 104a configured to receive the series of rings 102a of the first prefabricated component 102. The features 104a have openings or slots 104b, and the features 104a are along at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second prefabricated component 104.

[0048] Next, the loops 102a of the first prefabricated component 102 are passed through the slots 104b of the corresponding features 104a of the second prefabricated component 104. The first prefabricated component 102 and the second prefabricated component 104 are secured / locked together by a tightening band 106 that passes through the openings of the series of loops 102a with slots (i.e., through the openings defined by each loop), such that the tightening band 106 is configured to secure the series of loops 102a in the series of corresponding features 104a. The tightening band 106 can be secured to itself by tying, locking, knotting, etc. at both ends of the tightening band 106. In another embodiment, as described above, the tightening band 106 can be secured to the first prefabricated component 102 (e.g., the upper) or the second prefabricated component 104 (e.g., the outsole).

[0049] Figure 8 Another embodiment of the system 100 of the present disclosure is described. Figure 8 An embodiment of a system 200 is depicted in which a previously worn shoe may be resoled and the upper 109 of the previously worn shoe may be reused. Figure 8 , the system 200 includes a first prefabricated component 102, a second prefabricated component 104, and a tightening band 106. The first prefabricated component 102 may include a prefabricated upper 109 (e.g., the upper of a previously worn shoe) and a prefabricated upper 110. The prefabricated upper 110 may include an upper portion and a lower portion. In addition, the prefabricated upper 110 may include two layers, namely an inner layer and an outer layer, and an opening 110b formed between the inner layer and the outer layer at the top of the prefabricated upper 110. Therefore, the opening 110b between the two layers at the top of the prefabricated upper 110 is configured to receive the lower portion of the prefabricated upper 109. In other words, the lower portion of the prefabricated upper 109 is received by the opening 110b of the upper 110. The upper 110 may then be sewn or connected (e.g., sewn, glued, or riveted) to the prefabricated upper 109, which is now located between the two layers of the upper 110.

[0050] In addition, the upper portion of the prefabricated upper 110 can have a series of rings 110a. The series of rings 110a can be along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the prefabricated upper 110. The series of rings 110a can be sewn or otherwise connected to the upper portion of the prefabricated upper 110 in an upside-down configuration compared to the configuration shown and described above, but any configuration (i.e., orientation) of the rings 110a is possible. The lower portion of the prefabricated upper 110 can have a skirt 110c, which is along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the prefabricated upper 110. The skirt 110c is configured to be disposed inside the second prefabricated component 104. In other words, when the prefabricated upper 110 is assembled to the second prefabricated component 104 (e.g., the outsole) and the insole 111 is added inside the prefabricated upper 109, the skirt 110c is located between the outside (i.e., bottom) of the insole 111 and the inside (i.e., top) of the second prefabricated component 104. In other words, when the insole 111 is added, the insole 111 presses the skirt 110c between the outside / bottom of the insole 111 and the inside / top of the outsole 104. Since the components are already fixed, this compression of the skirt 110c between the insole 111 and the outsole 104 is easily maintained in place, and this compression is reinforced by standing on the insole with a foot, thereby making this compression firm.

[0051] As described above, the second prefabricated component 104 includes a series of corresponding features 104a, which are configured to receive a series of rings 110a through slots 104b (e.g., openings). The features 104a and the included openings or slots 104b are arranged along at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second prefabricated component 104.

[0052] The prefabricated upper 110 and the prefabricated upper 109 (i.e., the first prefabricated component) are assembled to the second prefabricated component 104 through a series of loops 110a and features 104a. The series of loops 110a are arranged to pass through the slots 104b of the features 104a. The tightening band 106 is configured to fix the series of loops 110a in a series of corresponding features 104a to fix the prefabricated upper 109 and the prefabricated upper 110 (i.e., the first prefabricated component 102) to the second prefabricated component 104 without using any heavy machinery such as a sole stitching machine, a mechanical press, a polishing machine, an adhesive oven, a UV lamp, etc. After the tightening band 106 passes through the slotted loops 110a, an enlarged end 106a is provided for the tightening band 106. The enlarged end 106a is used to prevent the tightening band 106 from being withdrawn from the grooved ring 110a after the tightening band 106 passes through the grooved ring 110a. In this way, the tightening band 106 is positioned in place to lock or fix the grooved ring 110a on the first prefabricated component 102 and the feature 104a on the second prefabricated component 104, thereby completing the assembly of the shoe in the system 200.

[0053] Figure 8The system 200 for fixing prefabricated components of an article or product depicted in FIG. 1 can be assembled by first placing a first prefabricated component 102 above a second prefabricated component 104. The first prefabricated component 102 is assembled by placing the lower portion of the prefabricated upper 109 in the opening 110b of the upper 110. Once the prefabricated upper 109 is inserted into the opening 110b, the upper 110 is sewn, glued, riveted, etc. to the prefabricated upper 109. When the prefabricated upper 109 and the upper 110 are sewn or otherwise connected together, the prefabricated upper 110 is inserted into the second prefabricated component 104. The skirt 110c at the bottom of the upper 110 is tightened inwardly (i.e., toward the center of the upper 110 and the second prefabricated component 104) so ​​that the tightened portion of the skirt 110c is located on the upper surface of the second prefabricated component 104. The loop of the prefabricated upper 110 passes through the corresponding feature 104a of the second prefabricated component 104. The first prefabricated component 102 including the prefabricated upper 109 and the prefabricated shoe upper 110 is fixed / locked together with the second prefabricated component 104 by the tightening band 106, and the tightening band 106 passes through the opening of the series of rings 110a of the belt groove, so that the tightening band 106 is configured to fix the series of rings 110a in place in a series of corresponding features 104a. The tightening band 106 fixes the two ends 106a of the tightening band 106 together by tying, locking, knotting, etc. Finally, the insole 111 is positioned between the first prefabricated component 102 and the second prefabricated component 104 in the shoe. The insole 111 is positioned on the top of the skirt 110c of the prefabricated shoe upper 110, thereby fixing the skirt 110c. Therefore, when the user wears the shoe, the skirt 110c is squeezed between the insole 111 and the second prefabricated component 104.

[0054] Although the disclosed systems and methods are described with reference to shoes, the systems and methods can be used for items other than shoes, such as clothing, bags, accessories, equipment, furniture, etc. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes, additions and / or deletions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0055] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be referred to herein individually and / or collectively as "the present disclosure", which is merely for convenience and is not intended to actively limit the scope of the present application to any particular disclosure or inventive concept. In addition, although specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent arrangements designed to achieve the same or similar purposes may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adjustments or variations of the various embodiments. After reading this specification, the combination of the embodiments herein and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0056] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0057] As used herein, "for example," "for example," "such as," or "including" are intended to introduce examples that further illustrate a more general subject matter. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, these examples are provided only to aid in understanding the embodiments shown in the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting in any form. These phrases also do not imply any type of preference for the disclosed embodiments.

[0058] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 CFR §1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter may involve fewer features than all the features of any disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim independently having separately claimed subject matter.

[0059] It is intended that the above detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and it should be understood that the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the claims should not be interpreted as limited to the described order or elements. Therefore, all embodiments that fall within the scope and spirit of the following claims and their equivalents are claimed as the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a prefabricated assembly of an article or product, the method comprising: providing a first prefabricated component having a series of ring-shaped members along a portion of its outer peripheral surface; providing a second precast component having a series of corresponding features configured to receive the series of rings, the features having openings or slots, the features being arranged along at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the second precast component; Passing a series of rings of the first precast component through openings or slots of corresponding features of the second precast component; as well as The first and second preformed assemblies are secured together by a tightening band that passes through the openings of the series of grooved loops such that the tightening band is configured to secure the series of grooved loops in place within the series of corresponding features.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first prefabricated component is a one-piece piece, the one-piece piece is a shoe upper, and the second prefabricated component is an outsole of a shoe.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The series of features of the second preformed assembly are configured with gaps between individual features of the series of features to provide flexibility when the shoe is worn.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first prefabricated component includes a prefabricated upper and a prefabricated shoe part.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The prefabricated upper includes an opening formed between an inner layer and an outer layer of the prefabricated upper, the opening being configured to receive a lower portion of the prefabricated upper.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The prefabricated shoe upper further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the prefabricated shoe upper having the series of rings along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer layer, and the lower portion of the prefabricated shoe upper having a skirt.

7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: Inserting the lower portion of the prefabricated upper into the opening of the prefabricated upper, and connecting the prefabricated upper to the prefabricated upper.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Inserting an insole into the interior of the prefabricated upper, the insole being located on top of the folded portion of the skirt of the prefabricated upper so as to compress the folded portion of the skirt of the prefabricated upper between the insole and the second prefabricated component.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The lacing strap is a flexible lacing strap configured to be secured to itself or configured to be secured to the first precast component, the second precast component, or a combination thereof.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The lacing straps are a plurality of flexible lacing straps configured to be secured to each other or to the first prefabricated component, the second prefabricated component, or a combination thereof.

11. A system for securing a prefabricated assembly of an article or product, the system comprising: a first prefabricated component having a series of ring-shaped members along a portion of its outer peripheral surface; a second precast component having a series of corresponding features configured to receive a series of rings, the features having openings or slots, the features being arranged along at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the second precast component; as well as a tightening strap configured to secure the series of loops within the series of corresponding features so as to secure the first precast assembly to the second precast assembly, wherein the tightening band passes through the openings of the series of loops of the first preformed component when the series of loops are received through the series of corresponding features of the second preformed component.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The first prefabricated component is a one-piece piece, the one-piece piece is a shoe upper, and the second prefabricated component is an outsole of a shoe.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The series of corresponding features of the second preformed assembly are configured with gaps between each of the series of corresponding features to provide flexibility when the shoe is worn.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The first prefabricated component includes a prefabricated upper and a prefabricated shoe part.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The prefabricated upper includes an opening formed between an inner layer and an outer layer of the prefabricated upper, the opening being configured to receive a lower portion of the prefabricated upper.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The prefabricated shoe upper further comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the prefabricated shoe upper having the series of rings along a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer layer, and the lower portion of the prefabricated shoe upper having a skirt.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein: The prefabricated upper is configured to be inserted into the opening of the prefabricated upper, and the prefabricated upper is connected to the prefabricated upper.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising: An insole is configured to be inserted into the interior of the prefabricated upper, the insole being located on top of the folded portion of the skirt of the prefabricated upper so as to compress the folded portion of the skirt of the prefabricated upper between the insole and the second prefabricated component.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein: The lacing strap is a flexible lacing strap configured to be secured to itself or configured to be secured to the first precast component, the second precast component, or a combination thereof.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein: The lacing straps are a plurality of flexible lacing straps configured to be secured to each other or to the first prefabricated component, the second prefabricated component, or a combination thereof.

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