Adjustable footwear

Abstract

An adjustable footwear includes a body defining a foot receptacle for receiving a foot of a user; the sole is positioned below the body; an adjustment mechanism disposed on or in the footwear, where the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a longitudinal length of the footwear when actuated by a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to adjustable footwear, in particular but not exclusively, to a size adjustable footwear. BACKGROUND

[0002] A large amount of footwear is discarded every year, most of which ends up in landfills. Children’s footwear is particularly commonly discarded and ends up in landfills. The main reason for this is that children’s feet grow rapidly, resulting in frequent changes in size. This is particularly pronounced in the 1 month to 5 year old demographic. For example, children under 15 months grow approximately half a size in their feet every 2 months. For children between 15 months and 2 years, their feet grow approximately half a size every 2 to 3 months. For children between 2 and 3 years, their feet grow approximately half a size every 3 to 4 months. For children between 3 and 5 years, their feet grow approximately half a size every 4 months. During puberty, foot size can also grow rapidly.

[0003] Some recent surveys have shown that only about one third of children wear shoes that are the correct size. Shoes that are the incorrect size can cause foot deformities. Figure 1 Some common foot deformities that can result from wearing shoes that are the incorrect size are shown, for example, hammer toe, bunion, callus (corn) or corns. Due to the rapid changes in children’s foot size, parents face challenges in selecting shoes of the correct size. Furthermore, the constant purchase of new shoes is costly for parents and the financial burden can limit their ability to continue to purchase shoes of the correct size.

[0004] Many commercially available footwear is made from non-degradable materials, which can have a negative impact on the environment. The production and disposal of common footwear can result in an increase in carbon dioxide in the environment. The width of a child’s foot changes less during growth. For example, when a child’s size increases from a 10 to a 12, their foot width increases by only approximately 0.6 cm, whereas the foot length increases by approximately 2 cm. Therefore, during a child’s growth, length is the key size factor in order to reduce foot deformities. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an adjustable footwear comprising:

[0006] a body defining a foot receiving portion for receiving a user’s foot;

[0007] a sole located below the body;

[0008] an adjustment mechanism provided on or in the footwear, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a longitudinal length of the footwear upon actuation by a user.

[0009] In an example, the adjustment mechanism comprises two movable members movable along a longitudinal axis of the footwear, and wherein movement of the two movable members relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the footwear results in an increase or decrease in a longitudinal length of the footwear.

[0010] In an example, the two movable members are movable between a rest position and one or more extended positions, wherein each of the extended positions corresponds to a larger footwear size and the rest position corresponds to a base footwear size.

[0011] In an example, the adjustment mechanism comprises a locking mechanism for locking the members in the one or more extended positions.

[0012] In an example, the locking mechanism comprises a pair of latches, wherein a first latch is disposed at a first lateral edge of the footwear and a second latch is disposed at a second lateral edge. The latches are configured to engage with one or more protruding pins to lock the adjustment mechanism and secure the footwear to a particular size.

[0013] In an example, each protruding pin can correspond to a particular footwear size.

[0014] In an example, each of the movable members comprises a plurality of longitudinal rods, the longitudinal rods of the two movable members extending towards each other and nesting with each other when the two movable members are in a rest position.

[0015] In an example, the adjustment mechanism comprises:

[0016] two pairs of sliding members, a first pair of sliding members disposed proximate to a second pair of sliding members;

[0017] each pair of sliding members comprises two movable members configured to slide longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the footwear from a rest position to one or more extended positions to change the longitudinal length of the footwear.

[0018] In an example, the first pair of sliding members is disposed above the second pair of sliding members;

[0019] the first pair of sliding members defines a first adjustment layer and the second pair of sliding members defines a second adjustment layer;

[0020] each sliding member comprises a plurality of longitudinal rods;

[0021] the longitudinal rods of the sliding members in the first adjustment layer nest with each other when the members are in a rest position and the longitudinal rods of the sliding members in the second adjustment layer nest with each other when the members are in a rest position.

[0022] The first adjustment layer is offset from the second adjustment layer such that there is no gap within the footwear when the size of the footwear is adjusted by moving the sliding members of the first and second adjustment layers longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the footwear.

[0023] In an example, the footwear is divided into a front portion and a rear portion;

[0024] The adjustment mechanism is mounted to and connects the front and rear portions;

[0025] The adjustment mechanism further comprises two elastic spacers located at the lateral segments of the footwear and connecting the front and rear portions of the footwear;

[0026] The elastic spacers are configured to elastically deform in the longitudinal direction when the sliding members are moved longitudinally to adjust the length of the footwear.

[0027] In an example, each layer is secured to a respective portion of the footwear. Each layer can comprise a front sliding member and a rear sliding member, wherein the front sliding member is secured to the front portion of the footwear and the rear sliding member is secured to the rear portion of the footwear.

[0028] In use, a user or other person can hold the front and rear portions of the footwear and pull them apart to extend the footwear in the longitudinal direction. The extension of the two portions causes the sliding members to move apart from each other. The first and second adjustment layers are offset relative to each other in the lateral direction to ensure that no gap is created within the footwear when the sliding members move apart, thereby avoiding discomfort or slipping of the user's foot from the footwear.

[0029] In an example, the two layers are offset relative to each other in both the longitudinal and lateral directions to prevent or reduce the creation of a gap when the sliding members move apart along the longitudinal axis of the footwear.

[0030] In an example, the adjustment mechanism comprises:

[0031] a pressure sensor disposed within a toe region of the footwear, the pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the user's foot on the toe region;

[0032] a controller operably connected to the pressure sensor and configured to process the measured pressure and compare the measured pressure to a threshold value, the controller further configured to generate an alert if the measured pressure exceeds the threshold value.

[0033] In an example, the footwear comprises a plurality of pressure sensors. The pressure sensors are disposed at the toe region of the footwear and are spaced apart from each other.

[0034] In one example, the adjustment mechanism can be disposed within a sole of the footwear.

[0035] The adjustable footwear described in this specification has significant advantages in that its size (length) can be adjusted to accommodate the growth of a foot. The adjustable footwear is particularly suitable for children's footwear, as it can be adjusted in length as a child's foot grows. The use of adjustable footwear can reduce the need for frequent purchases of new footwear as a child's foot grows. Furthermore, the adjustable footwear can be adjusted to a suitable size, ensuring a correct fit, thereby reducing the risk of foot deformities. As the footwear can be adjusted in size (i.e. length), the life of the footwear is extended, thereby reducing the production of footwear waste.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the disclosure provides an adjustable footwear system, comprising:

[0037] The adjustable footwear, comprising:

[0038] a body defining a foot-receiving portion for receiving a foot of a user;

[0039] a sole disposed beneath the body;

[0040] an adjustment mechanism disposed on or in the footwear, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a longitudinal length of the footwear upon actuation by a user;

[0041] wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises:

[0042] two pairs of sliding members,

[0043] the first pair of sliding members defining a first adjustment layer and the second pair of sliding members defining a second adjustment layer,

[0044] each sliding member comprising a plurality of longitudinal rods,

[0045] the longitudinal rods of the sliding members in the first adjustment layer nest within each other when the members are in a rest position and the longitudinal rods of the sliding members in the second adjustment layer nest within each other when the members are in a rest position, the first adjustment layer being offset from the second adjustment layer such that there are no gaps within the footwear when the size of the footwear is adjusted by moving the sliding members of the first and second adjustment layers longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the footwear,

[0046] a locking mechanism for locking the sliding members in the one or more extended positions;

[0047] a pressure sensor disposed within a toe region of the footwear, the pressure sensor being configured to measure a pressure of the foot of the user on the toe;

[0048] a controller operably connected to the pressure sensor and configured to process the measured pressure and compare the measured pressure to a threshold value, the controller further configured to generate an alert if the measured pressure exceeds the threshold value,

[0049] a remote device comprising a processor and a user interface configured to communicate with the controller, the remote device configured to receive the alert and present the alert on the user interface, wherein the alert is a message that the user's foot has grown to check or adjust the size of the footwear.

[0050] In an example, the adjustable footwear can be the adjustable footwear of the first aspect.

[0051] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) as used herein is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including" and not with the excluding sense of "consisting only of.

[0052] The term "footwear" refers to any outer cover or worn garment for the foot of an adult or child, such as a shoe, sandal, boot, slipper, and the like. The term footwear can encompass a closed garment or an open or partially open garment.

[0053] It will be appreciated that if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference constitutes no admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the global domain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0054] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 Common foot deformities that can occur due to size are shown.

[0056] Figure 2 A heat map of pressure on a person's foot during walking and standing is shown.

[0057] Figure 3A A side view of the adjustable footwear is shown when the footwear is in a resting position.

[0058] Figure 3B A side view of the adjustable footwear is shown when the footwear is in an extended position.

[0059] Figure 4 A sole of the adjustable footwear and an adjustment mechanism are shown.

[0060] Figure 5 An example of the adjustment mechanism in a resting position and an extended position is shown.

[0061] Figure 6A second example of an adjustment mechanism comprising two layers in an extended position is shown.

[0062] Figure 7 An adjustment mechanism in a resting position is shown, wherein the first adjustment layer and the second adjustment layer are nested into each other.

[0063] Figure 8 A locking mechanism and a three size adjustable footwear is shown.

[0064] Figure 9 A schematic of a controller and pressure sensors of an adjustable footwear is shown.

[0065] Figure 10 A schematic of an adjustable footwear system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The present disclosure relates to adjustable footwear, in particular, but not exclusively, to a size adjustable footwear. The adjustable footwear is adapted to allow a user to manually adjust the size. In an example, the size refers to the footwear size (i.e. shoe size). Adjusting the footwear size involves adjusting the longitudinal length of the footwear. The present disclosure can also relate to an adjustable footwear system comprising the adjustable footwear and a remote device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, etc., for communicating with each other and presenting alerts or data to the user.

[0067] As mentioned previously, ill-fitting footwear can cause foot deformities. This is common in children as their feet grow rapidly. Therefore, the correct shoe size is of utmost importance. Figure 2 A heat map 100 is shown, which illustrates the typical pressure on a person’s foot (e.g. a child’s foot) when standing and walking. From Figure 2 As can be seen from the heat map 100, the majority of the pressure is in the forefoot 102 and the heel 104. The forefoot 102 is pushed into the ground to propel the person forward when walking. The heel 104 is used for support when standing. Therefore, these two areas 102, 104 experience the most pressure. The midfoot 106 experiences relatively low pressure compared to the forefoot 102 and the heel 104.

[0068] With reference to Figure 3A and Figure 3B An example embodiment of an adjustable footwear 200 is shown. Figure 3A The footwear 200 is shown in a resting position, Figure 3BA shoe 200 in an extended configuration is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable footwear 200 is a children's shoe. The adjustable footwear 200 includes a body 202 defining a foot-receiving portion 204 for receiving a user's foot, a sole 206 beneath the body, an adjustment mechanism 210 disposed on or in the footwear, wherein the adjustment mechanism 210 is for adjusting a longitudinal length of the footwear upon actuation by a user. The shoe can include a strap or laces or other securing mechanism to secure the footwear to a user's (e.g., child's) foot.

[0069] Figure 4 A sole 206 of the adjustable footwear 200 is shown. Referring to Figure 4 , the sole 206 includes a recess 208. The recess 208 is for receiving the adjustment mechanism 210. The recess 208 is also shown in Figure 8 . The recess provides an opening in the shoe, and the recess 208 receives the adjustment mechanism 210.

[0070] In an example form, the adjustment mechanism includes two movable members 212, 214. The two movable members 212, 214 are movable along a longitudinal axis L of the footwear 200. The two movable members 212, 214 are slidable relative to each other along the longitudinal axis L of the footwear 200. Movement of the two movable members 212, 214 relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the footwear results in an increase or decrease in the longitudinal length of the footwear 200, i.e., an increase or decrease in the size of the footwear.

[0071] In an example form, the two movable members 212, 214 are movable between a rest position and one or more extended positions. Figure 4 The two movable members 212, 214 in the rest position are shown. Each extended position corresponds to a larger footwear size, and the rest position corresponds to a base footwear size. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, each member 212, 214 can include a plurality of longitudinal rods 216 or tines. Referring to Figure 5 , the longitudinal rods 216 are oriented toward the sole 206. The longitudinal rods 216 on each member 212, 214 can have the same length and width. In the illustrated example, the cross-section of each longitudinal rod can be circular. In another example, each longitudinal rod can include a rectangular cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of each longitudinal rod can be elliptical, or the cross-section can be any other polygonal shape. The longitudinal rods 216 of the first member 212 and the second member 214 can have the same diameter.

[0072] Figure 5 The first member 212 and the second member 214 in the rest position 220 are shown. In the rest position, the longitudinal rods 216 of the two movable members 212, 214 are nested together. As Figure 4 andFigure 5 As shown, the longitudinal rods 216 are nested in an alternating arrangement. The first member 212 and the second member 214 can be pulled apart from each other to increase the length of the footwear. Figure 5 An expanded position 222 is shown, in which the first member 212 and the second member 214 are pulled apart from each other in directions A and B.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 210 can include two pairs of sliding members. A first pair of sliding members 230 is positioned adjacent to a second pair of sliding members 232. Each pair of sliding members 230, 232 includes two movable members for sliding longitudinally along a longitudinal axis L of the footwear from a resting position to one or more expanded positions to change the longitudinal length of the footwear.

[0074] In an example, the first pair of sliding members 230 is disposed above the second pair of sliding members 232, as shown. Figure 6 The first pair of sliding members 230 defines a first adjustment layer 240, and the second pair of sliding members 232 defines a second adjustment layer 242. Figure 6 The first adjustment layer 240 and the second adjustment layer 242 are shown separately. The two layers 240, 242 are stacked in a vertical arrangement.

[0075] The first adjustment layer 240 includes a first sliding member 212 and a second sliding member 214. The second adjustment layer 242 includes a third sliding member 252 and a fourth sliding member 254. The first sliding member 212 and the second sliding member 214 slide relative to each other. The third and fourth sliding members 252, 254 slide relative to each other.

[0076] When the sliding members in the first adjustment layer 240 are in the resting position, the sliding members are nested together. The sliding members in the second adjustment layer 242 are nested together when the members are in the resting position, as shown. Figure 7

[0077] The first adjustment layer 240 is offset from the second adjustment layer 242 such that there are no gaps within the footwear when the size of the footwear is adjusted by moving the sliding members of the first adjustment layer and the second adjustment layer longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the footwear. As shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first adjustment layer 240 and the second adjustment layer 242 can be offset in a horizontal direction (i.e., transverse direction), as shown. Alternatively, the first adjustment layer 240 and the second adjustment layer 242 can also be offset from each other in both the transverse direction and the longitudinal direction. This offset arrangement can reduce or ensure that there are no gaps in the sole when the adjustment mechanism is moved from the resting position to the expanded position.

[0078] ​The longitudinal rods 216 of the first adjustment layer and the rods 218 of the second adjustment layer are offset in the transverse direction. This transverse offset reduces the gap that occurs when the footwear is expanded in the longitudinal direction, as shown. Figure 6 As shown, when in the expanded position 222, the rods form an interlaced structure, such as a lattice structure, to support the user's foot and ensure that no gaps are created. Figure 6

[0079] Referring to Figure 7 , the footwear 200 (e.g., shoe) is divided into two portions, a first portion 260 and a second portion 262. The first portion 260 can be the front portion and the second portion 262 can be the rear portion. The two portions 260, 262 are spaced apart from each other and the adjustment mechanism 210 connects the front portion 260 and the rear portion 262. Figure 7 The adjustment mechanism 210 is shown in a resting position, where the first adjustment layer 240 and the second adjustment layer 242 are nested within each other. The front portion 260 and the rear portion 262 can be pulled apart to expand the footwear, i.e., to increase the size of the footwear. As shown, Figure 6 the front portion 260 and the rear portion 262 are pulled apart in the longitudinal direction.

[0080] The first member of each layer is fixed to the front portion 260 and the second member of each layer is fixed to the rear portion 262. As shown, Figure 6 and Figure 7 the sliding members 240, 242 in each layer are separated from each other. Figure 7 The longitudinal movement directions A and B of the two sets of rods are shown to increase the size of the footwear. The two sliding members in each layer are separated from each other to expand the footwear 200.

[0081] In use, the user or another person can hold the front portion and the rear portion of the footwear and pull them apart to expand the footwear in the longitudinal direction. The expansion of the two portions causes the sliding members to move apart from each other. The first adjustment layer and the second adjustment layer are offset relative to each other in the transverse direction to ensure that no gaps are created within the footwear as the sliding members move apart, thereby avoiding discomfort to the user's foot or the foot slipping out of the footwear.

[0082] The adjustment mechanism 210 also includes a pair of elastic spacers 270, 272. As shown, Figure 7 the elastic spacers 270, 272 are located in the transverse portion of the footwear 200. The elastic spacers are used to connect the front portion 260 and the rear portion 262 of the footwear 200. As shown, Figure 7 the elastic spacers 270, 272 are capable of elastically deforming in the longitudinal direction to adjust the length of the footwear when the sliding members move in the longitudinal direction.

[0083] ​The elastic spacers 270, 272 can be cubic blocks and can be attached to two portions of the footwear. The elastic spacers can be made of foam blocks that can expand or compress along the longitudinal axis of the footwear. In another form, the elastic spacers can be made of nylon or other suitable elastic material. The elastic spacers 270, 272 have a biasing property to return to a resting position and can enable the footwear to retract to its base size.

[0084] As mentioned, the footwear 200 can increase in size by up to two shoe sizes from the base size. The shoe sizes can be in EP, US, UK or any standardized shoe size system. For example, the footwear can be size 17 and can expand to size 18 or size 19. As Figure 8 shown, the footwear can include a size indicator to indicate the current size. As Figure 8 shown, the adjustment mechanism 210 enables the footwear to expand from the base size 17 to size 19. In one example, the footwear 200 can expand by up to 2 cm. In another example, the footwear 200 can expand by up to 4 cm. When the footwear is expanded, the user can put in a larger insole within the foot accommodation portion 204.

[0085] In another form, the adjustment mechanism can include a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet can be manually driven by the user. The ratchet can be used to separate the front and back portions of the footwear, i.e. when the ratchet is driven, the footwear can expand in the longitudinal direction and increase in size. The ratchet mechanism can be connected to the sliding members and drive the sliding members apart from each other.

[0086] The adjustment mechanism 210 also includes a locking mechanism 280. The locking mechanism 280 is provided on the footwear 200. The locking mechanism is able to lock the sliding members in one or more expanded positions. The locking mechanism 280 is adapted to lock the footwear in one or more expanded positions. The locking mechanism 280 can include at least one latch 282 provided on the side of the footwear 200. The latch is used to lock the footwear to a particular size.

[0087] Optionally, the locking mechanism 280 can include a pair of latches. The first latch is located on the first side edge of the footwear and the second latch can be located on the second side edge of the footwear. The locking mechanism 280 also includes a plurality of protruding pins. Each protruding pin corresponds to a footwear size. The footwear 200 can include a single latch on one side or two latches on opposite sides of the footwear 200.

[0088] As Figure 8 and Figure 3B shown, the locking mechanism 280 includes three protruding pins 286, 287, 288. Each protruding pin 286, 287, 288 corresponds to a particular size. As Figure 8As shown, the protruding pins 286, 287, 288 correspond to shoe sizes 17, 18, and 19, respectively. The latch 282 is adapted to engage with one of the protruding pins 286-288 to lock the footwear to the selected size. In the example shown, the base size (i.e., the unexpanded size) can be size 17, and the footwear can be expandable by two sizes to size 18 and size 19. The footwear can be locked at any size.

[0089] In another example, each locking pin can expand outward on each side, and each latch can be used to engage with each pin to lock the footwear at a selected size.

[0090] Figure 8 An example of locking the footwear 200 at size 17 by engaging the latch 282 to the pin 286 is shown.

[0091] As Figure 3B shown, the cover 276 can also expand when the footwear 200 (e.g., shoe 200) is expanded. In the Figure 3A rest position, the cover 276 can be loose, i.e., include some slack. The size of the cover 276 can be set to expand when the footwear 200 is expanded. In one example, the cover 276 can be made of Lycra or other stretchable material. In another example, the cover 276 can be made of a material that has elastic stretch properties.

[0092] The locking mechanism 280 can include one or more other types of locking devices, such as a clip or a clamp, which can be used to lock the footwear to a particular size. The user can expand the footwear and use the locking mechanism to lock the footwear to a selected size.

[0093] The adjustable footwear 200 includes a pressure sensor disposed within a toe region 299 of the footwear for measuring the pressure exerted by a user's foot on the toe. The footwear 200 can also include a controller in operative connection with the pressure sensor for processing the measured pressure and comparing it to a threshold value. The controller can also generate an alert if the measured pressure exceeds the threshold value.

[0094] Optionally, the footwear 200 can include an outer cover 276. The outer cover 276 can be made of stretchable material, such as a cloth cover, a nylon cover, or other suitable material that is capable of stretching as the size of the footwear changes.

[0095] As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the footwear is in a rest position and an expanded position, respectively. In Figure 3A , the footwear 200 is in a rest position, i.e., an unexpanded state. In Figure 3B , the footwear is in an expanded state. As Figure 3AAs shown, footwear 200 includes a plurality of pressure sensors 290, 292, 294, 296, 298, which are disposed within the footwear or on the surface of the footwear. In Figure 3A In the example shown, pressure sensors 290-298 are disposed within the footwear. In particular, pressure sensors 290-298 are located at the toe region 299 of footwear 200. These pressure sensors are used to measure the pressure exerted by the user’s toes on the front of the footwear. Footwear 200 (i.e., the shoe) includes a controller 300. Controller 300 can be in operative connection with each of pressure sensors 290-298. Controller 300 is used to calculate the pressure exerted by the user’s toes on the shoe. Controller 300 is used to calculate the pressure exerted by the user’s toes on the shoe. In addition, controller 300 can also compare the measured pressure with a threshold value. If the pressure measured by sensors 290-298 exceeds the threshold value, controller 300 can generate an alert or alarm.

[0096] With reference to Figure 9 Controller 300 includes appropriate components necessary to receive, store, and execute appropriate computer instructions. Controller 300 can include a processor 302 and a memory unit 304. Processor 302 can include, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Math Co-processing Unit (Math Processor), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), or a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for tensor or multi-dimensional array calculations or manipulation operations. Memory unit 304 can include one or more of a Read-Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM).

[0097] Alternatively, controller 300 can be connected to sensors 290-298 by wired means. Alternatively, controller 300 can be used to connect to sensors 290-298 wirelessly. Controller 300 is used to receive measurements from the sensors and process these measurements. Optionally, controller 300 can compare the pressure measurements with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value can be set by an authorized user.

[0098] Controller 300 can also include a communication module 306. Communication module 306 can include a wireless communication module, such as a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module or a cellular module or a multi-functional module. Controller 300 can be used to communicate with a remote device 402 via communication module 306. Controller 300 can be installed in the sole of the footwear or can be disposed in a controller housing formed in footwear 200.

[0099] The controller 300 can also provide the necessary computing power to operate or interface with a machine learning network, such as a neural network, to provide various functions and outputs. The neural network can be implemented locally, or can also be accessed or partially accessed through a server or cloud-based service. The machine learning network can also be untrained, partially trained, or fully trained, and / or can also be retrained, modified, or updated over time.

[0100] Figure 10 An adjustable footwear system 400 is shown. The system 400 includes a remote device 402 and an adjustable footwear 200. The adjustable footwear 200 is configured to communicate with the remote device 402. The adjustable footwear 200 can be the adjustable footwear described previously.

[0101] In an example, the remote device can be implemented by a computer with a suitable user interface. The computer can be implemented by any computing architecture, including a smartphone, a portable computer, a tablet computer, a standalone personal computer (PC), a smart device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an edge computing device, a client / server architecture, a "dumb" terminal / host architecture, a cloud computing-based architecture, or any other suitable architecture. The computing device can be suitably programmed to implement one or more functions, such as, for example, generating an alert or alarm, displaying pressure information, and any other functions described herein.

[0102] The remote device 402 can be configured to receive sensor readings and display the sensor readings on a user interface. The sensor readings can be presented as numerical values, or can be presented graphically. For example, a heat map can show sensor readings indicating areas of highest pressure.

[0103] The remote device 402 includes a processor 404 and a user interface 406, and is configured to communicate with the controller 300. The remote device 402 is also configured to receive an alert and present the alert on the user interface 406 (e.g., a screen). The alert is a message indicating that the user needs to check or adjust the size of the footwear due to foot growth. The user can then adjust the size of the footwear 200 accordingly. Figure 10 An alert message 410 on a smartphone is shown as an example.

[0104] The adjustable footwear 200 is advantageous in that it can be adjusted in length. The size of the shoe can be adjusted to accommodate the growth or changes in the foot. The adjustable footwear also allows for adjustment to the size of the footwear to ensure a proper fit for the individual. This is especially advantageous for children as their feet grow very quickly. The shoe allows for compensation for the constant growth of the foot. A proper fit also reduces the likelihood of foot deformities due to an ill-fitting size. Additionally, the adjustable footwear, i.e. expandable footwear, reduces the need for constant replacement of the shoe as the user's foot grows. This reduces the number of shoes that are thrown into landfills, thereby reducing the waste footprint.

[0105] The adjustable footwear 200 has an adjustment mechanism that allows for up to three size increases. This is advantageous in that the footwear can easily accommodate a growing foot or changes in the size of the foot. The adjustment mechanism includes a sliding member that can easily slide apart without creating a gap in the footwear due to two layers of the lever. This means that the foot is still protected even when the size of the shoe 200 is expanded.

[0106] The adjustable footwear 200 is advantageous in that it includes a pressure sensor that can track the pressure on the user's toes. This is advantageous because it indicates increased or unnatural pressure on the user's toes. The increased pressure can also prompt the user to expand the footwear or even indicate when the footwear needs to be replaced. This is advantageous because it reduces the subjective feedback from the user. The adjustable footwear 200 as described herein has several advantages.

[0107] The adjustable footwear 200 can reduce the cost of use because the shoe is adjustable and reduces the need for constant replacement of the shoe. The adjustable footwear 200 is strong and comfortable.

[0108] The adjustable footwear system 400 is also advantageous in that the footwear 200 can be used to interact with a remote device (e.g. a smartphone). The remote device 402 can be a smartphone of a parent. If too much pressure is measured on the user's toes, the parent can receive the pressure reading and the alert. In this way, the parent can properly adjust the size of the shoe and adjust the shoe to accommodate the growth of the child's foot.

[0109] While not required, implementations described in reference to the drawings can be implemented as an Application Programming Interface (API) or a series of libraries used by a developer, or can be included in another software application, such as an end or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device operating system. In general, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the functions of the software applications can be distributed in one or more routines, objects, or components among various software applications to achieve the same functionality as desired herein.

[0110] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and / or modifications can be made to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein, without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure in broad disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the disclosure are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0111] Unless otherwise indicated, any references contained herein to the prior art are not to be construed as an admission that such information is common general knowledge.

Claims

1. An adjustable footwear, characterized in that, include: The body, defined as the foot-receiving part used to accommodate the user's feet; The sole is located beneath the main body; An adjustment mechanism is provided on or in the footwear, wherein the adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the longitudinal length of the footwear when actuated by a user.

2. The adjustable footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The adjustment mechanism includes two movable members that are movable along the longitudinal axis of the footwear, wherein the movement of the two movable members relative to each other along the longitudinal axis of the footwear results in an increase or decrease in the longitudinal length of the footwear.

3. The adjustable footwear according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The two movable components can move between a stationary position and one or more extended positions, wherein each of the extended positions corresponds to a larger shoe size, and the stationary position corresponds to a base shoe size.

4. The adjustable footwear according to claim 3, characterized in that, in, The adjustment mechanism includes a locking mechanism for locking the component in one or more extended positions.

5. The adjustable footwear according to claim 3, characterized in that, in, Each of the movable members includes a plurality of longitudinal rods, the longitudinal rods of the two movable members extending toward each other, and the longitudinal rods of the two movable members nesting into each other when the two movable members are in a stationary position.

6. The adjustable footwear according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The adjustment mechanism includes: Two pairs of sliding members, with the first pair of sliding members positioned adjacent to the second pair of sliding members; Each pair of sliding members includes two movable members for sliding longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the footwear from a rest position to one or more extended positions to change the longitudinal length of the footwear.

7. The adjustable footwear according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, The first pair of sliding members are disposed above the second pair of sliding members; The first pair of sliding members defines a first adjustment layer, and the second pair of sliding members defines a second adjustment layer; Each sliding component includes multiple longitudinal bars; The longitudinal rods of the sliding member in the first adjustment layer are nested together when the member is in a stationary position, and the longitudinal rods of the sliding member in the second adjustment layer are nested together when the member is in a stationary position. The first adjustment layer is offset from the second adjustment layer such that when the size of the footwear is adjusted by moving the sliding members of the first and second adjustment layers longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the footwear, there are no gaps within the footwear.

8. The adjustable footwear according to claim 7, characterized in that, in, The footwear is divided into a front and a back; The adjustment mechanism is installed on and connected to the front and rear parts; The adjustment mechanism further includes two elastic spacers located in the lateral section of the footwear and connecting the front and rear of the footwear. The elastic spacer is used to elastically deform in the longitudinal direction when the sliding member moves longitudinally, so as to adjust the length of the footwear.

9. The adjustable footwear according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: A pressure sensor is disposed in the toe area of ​​the footwear, the pressure sensor being used to measure the pressure of the user's foot on the toes; A controller, operably connected to the pressure sensor, is configured to process the measured pressure and compare the measured pressure with a threshold, and the controller is further configured to generate an alarm if the measured pressure exceeds the threshold.

10. An adjustable footwear system, characterized in that, include: Adjustable footwear, including: The body, defined as the foot-receiving part used to accommodate the user's feet; The sole is located beneath the main body; An adjustment mechanism is provided on or in the footwear, wherein the adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the longitudinal length of the footwear when actuated by a user; The adjustment mechanism includes: Two pairs of sliding members, The first pair of sliding members defines a first adjustment layer, and the second pair of sliding members defines a second adjustment layer. Each sliding component includes multiple longitudinal bars. The longitudinal rods of the sliding members in the first adjustment layer are nested together when the members are in a stationary position, and the longitudinal rods of the sliding members in the second adjustment layer are also nested together when the members are in a stationary position. The first adjustment layer is offset from the second adjustment layer such that when the shoe size is adjusted by moving the sliding members of the first and second adjustment layers longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the shoe, there are no gaps within the shoe. A locking mechanism for locking the sliding member at one or more extended positions; A pressure sensor is disposed in the toe area of ​​the footwear, the pressure sensor being used to measure the pressure of the user's foot on the toes; A controller, operably connected to the pressure sensor and configured to process the measured pressure and compare it with a threshold, further configured to generate an alarm if the measured pressure exceeds the threshold. A remote device, comprising a processor and a user interface for communicating with the controller, the remote device being used to receive the alarm and present the alarm on the user interface, wherein the alarm is a message that the user's foot has grown and needs to be checked or adjusted for shoe size.

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