Footwear with detachable sole

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a foot cover. The foot cover includes an upper member, a midsole, and a tread member. The midsole has a first set of mating structures defined on a first major surface of the midsole. A tread member is removably attached to the midsole by a second set of mating structures defined on a first major surface of the tread member. The second set of mating structures is configured to cooperate with the first set of mating structures to removably attach the midsole to the tread component. The present disclosure extends to a method for assembling a foot cover, a tread member for a foot cover.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to South African Provisional Patent Application No. 2023 / 09306, filed on 5 October 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to foot coverings having components that can be assembled and replaced by a user (e.g., an end user). In particular, this invention relates to shoes, boots, sandals, etc., configured to be assembled in a manner that provides removable and replaceable soles and treads. Background Technology

[0004] Footwear is typically manufactured by using strong adhesives to attach the upper to the sole and / or by sewing with industrial machines. However, industrial adhesives can be messy and require appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and providing ventilation, as they can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Industrial sewing machines and other machinery used in the shoe assembly process are expensive and increase manufacturing costs.

[0005] Shoe treads wear down over time. After a period of use, shoes often become unusable or at least dangerous to use because the tread surface no longer provides sufficient grip and / or may have worn down too much to protect against sharp objects on the ground. However, shoe uppers tend to last longer and are often still in good condition when the tread wears down. Due to factors such as the time, effort, and cost of repairing treads, users typically discard worn-out shoes and replace them with a new pair. This results in the waste of shoes that still have potential use, and the motivation to retain and maintain the shoes remains to be seen.

[0006] Therefore, there is room for improvement.

[0007] The foregoing discussion of the background art is intended only to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that this discussion is not an acknowledgment or confirmation that any of the materials mentioned were common general knowledge in the art at the priority date of the application. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a foot cover is provided, comprising: an upper part, a midsole attachable to the upper part to define a foot receiving area in use, and a tread part, wherein the midsole has a first main surface defining a first set of mating structures, and the tread part is detachably attached to the midsole by means of a second set of mating structures defined on the first main surface of the tread part, the second set of mating structures being configured to cooperate with the first set of mating structures to detachably attach the midsole to the tread part.

[0009] The first and second sets of mating structures can be configured to cooperate to detachably attach the midsole to the tread components via a shape-fit connection.

[0010] Each of the first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures may include a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other, wherein the protrusions of at least one of the first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures are at least partially elastically deformable.

[0011] Each protrusion may have an elongated rod terminating at a head. The head may be disc-shaped. The heads of the protrusions on the tread component and the heads of the protrusions on the midsole may be configured to capture each other when the tread component presses against the midsole and the heads on the tread component and the midsole are opposite each other.

[0012] The surface of each protruding rod can be hyperboloidal. The head of each protrusion can have a rounded edge. The head of each protrusion can have a center hole.

[0013] The head of the protrusion on the tread component can be configured to be received in a first head space defined by adjacent heads of the protrusion on the midsole, and can be configured to be held in a first rod space defined by adjacent rods of the protrusion on the midsole, and wherein the head of the protrusion on the midsole can be configured to be received in a second head space defined by adjacent heads of the protrusion on the tread component, and can be configured to be held in a second rod space defined by adjacent rods of the protrusion on the tread component, wherein the head of the protrusion is received in the head space by pushing the heads of the respective components against each other to deform the protrusion thereby expanding the head space and allowing the head to enter the head space.

[0014] The raised head on the tread component may have a maximum diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the first head space and equal to or less than the maximum diameter of the first rod space when at rest, and the raised head on the midsole may have a maximum diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the second head space and equal to or less than the maximum diameter of the second rod space when at rest.

[0015] The tread component can be removed from the midsole by applying a pulling force to the tread component, thereby removing the protrusion on the tread component from the first rod space and the protrusion on the midsole from the second rod space.

[0016] The foot cover may include a guide arrangement provided by a first guide structure located on the tread component and a second guide structure located on the midsole, the first and second guide structures being configured to align the tread component and the midsole for attachment to each other.

[0017] The engagement of the first guide structure and the second guide structure provides a seal between the tread components and the midsole.

[0018] The protrusions on the tread component can be positioned relative to a first guide structure on the tread component, and the protrusions on the midsole can be positioned relative to a second guide structure on the midsole, such that when the first and second guide structures are aligned, the protrusions on the tread component and the protrusions on the midsole are offset relative to each other, allowing the heads of the protrusions on the tread component and the heads of the protrusions on the midsole to capture each other when pressed together.

[0019] The first guiding structure can be either a mortise or a tenon, and the second guiding structure can be either a tenon or a mortise, the mortise being configured to accommodate the tenon during use.

[0020] The midsole may include raised structures extending from its second main surface.

[0021] The upper component may include a lip configured to be captured by the cooperative structure of the midsole.

[0022] The collaborative structure can be a recess in the inner wall of an edge structure provided on the perimeter of the second primary surface of the midsole.

[0023] The lip may include a fold shaped to cooperate with the raised structure, such that when the lip is captured by the cooperating structure, the fold is located on the raised structure of the midsole.

[0024] The foot cover may include a receiving structure defined in the second main surface of the midsole and configured to receive the overlapping portion of the upper component. The receiving structure may be located near the perimeter of the midsole within the cooperative structure.

[0025] The upper component, midsole, and tread component are configured to be secured together with stitches. The stitches can be hand-stitched. The upper component, midsole, and tread component include seam openings configured to align with each other and connected by stitches.

[0026] The stitching holes may include a first set of stitching holes, which includes a series of stitching holes having an inlet defined on a first side of the fold of the lip and extending through the midsole to an outlet defined in the mortise tip, such that the upper component can be secured to the midsole.

[0027] The tread component may include a grip structure defined in its second primary surface, the grip structure being configured to provide grip during use.

[0028] The foot cover may include an elongated groove provided near and extending along the periphery of a second main surface of the tread component, and a second set of stitching holes comprising a series of stitching holes having an inlet defined on a second side of the lip fold and extending through the midsole and tread component to an outlet defined in the elongated groove, such that the upper component is secured to the midsole and tread component.

[0029] The tread component may include a heel tread component having a second set of heel-fitting structures and a toe tread component having a second set of toe-fitting structures, and the midsole may include a first set of heel-fitting structures corresponding to the second set of heel-fitting structures and a first set of toe-fitting structures corresponding to the second set of toe-fitting structures.

[0030] The foot cover may include a heel tread component connection arrangement provided by a first heel tread component connection device located on the heel tread component and a second heel tread component connection device located on the midsole, the first and second heel tread component connection devices being configured to cooperate to connect the heel tread component to the midsole across the width of the midsole.

[0031] The first heel tread component connection device may be an elongated tongue extending from the edge of the heel tread component, and the second heel tread component connection device is an elongated groove defined in the midsole portion providing the heel, the elongated groove being configured to receive the elongated tongue to connect the heel tread component to the midsole.

[0032] The foot cover may include a toe tread component connection arrangement provided by a first toe tread component connection device located on the toe tread component and a second toe tread component connection device located on the midsole, the first and second toe tread component connection devices being configured to cooperate to connect the toe tread component to the midsole across the width of the midsole.

[0033] The first toe tread component coupling device may be provided by two elongated members extending from the edge of the toe tread component, and the second toe tread component coupling device may be provided by two elongated cavities defined in the midsole portion providing the heel, each elongated cavity being configured to receive cooperating elongated members to couple the toe tread component to the midsole.

[0034] The foot cover may include a retaining arrangement configured to hold the toe tread component on the midsole, the retaining arrangement being provided by a first retaining structure located on a first main surface of the toe tread component and a second retaining structure provided on the midsole surface between a first set of heel-fitting structures and a first set of toe-fitting structures.

[0035] The first and second group mating structures can be formed of thermoplastic rubber, wherein the protrusions can be formed of thermoplastic rubber with a Shore hardness between 70 and 90; wherein the protrusions can be formed of thermoplastic rubber with a Shore hardness between 75 and 85; wherein the protrusions can be formed of thermoplastic rubber with a Shore hardness between 78 and 82.

[0036] The first set of mating structures can be integrally formed with the midsole, and the second set of mating structures can be integrally formed with the tread components.

[0037] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a foot cover is provided, comprising: providing an upper component and a midsole attachable to the upper component to define a foot receiving area in use, the midsole having a first set of mating structures defined on a first main surface thereon; providing a tread component that can be detachably attached to the midsole by means of a second set of mating structures defined on the first main surface of the tread component, the second set of mating structures being configured to cooperate with the first set of mating structures to attach the midsole to the tread component by form-fitting connection; contacting the first set of mating structures of the midsole with the second set of mating structures of the tread component; and pressing the midsole and the tread component together to induce engagement of the first and second sets of mating structures, thereby detachably attaching the tread component to the midsole.

[0038] The step of pressing the midsole and tread components together to induce engagement of the first and second sets of mating structures can produce a form-fit connection to detachably attach the tread components to the midsole.

[0039] The method may include a step of aligning a guide arrangement configured to align the midsole and tread components before the step of pressing the midsole and tread components together.

[0040] The step of attaching the upper component to the midsole may include capturing the lip of the upper component in a cooperative structure on the second main surface of the midsole.

[0041] The method may include securing the upper component, midsole, and tread component with stitches through stitching holes respectively provided in the upper component, midsole, and tread component.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, a tread component for foot coverings is provided, comprising: a first main surface defining a second set of mating structures configured to cooperate with a first set of mating structures defined in a midsole to detachably attach the tread component to the midsole.

[0043] Embodiments of this technology will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0044] In the attached diagram: Figure 1This is a side view of an example embodiment of a foot cover having a heel tread component and a toe tread component detachably attached to the midsole, wherein the midsole and tread components are shown in cross-section to illustrate their interlocking protrusions. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The foot covering is shown in a side view after the heel tread component and toe tread component have been removed from the midsole, with the midsole and tread components shown in a cross-sectional view. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the foot cover from top to bottom, penetrating the upper component and midsole, to illustrate the interlocking protrusions of the midsole and tread components, respectively. Figure 4 It is penetration Figure 1 A top-down view of the cross-section of the midsole of the foot cover, illustrating the protrusions provided thereon; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Top-down view of the heel and toe tread components of the foot covering; Figure 6 and Figure 3 The same, but shows the tread components being removed from the midsole; Figure 7 This is a bottom view including the raised midsole of the tread component, illustrating when the tread component (not shown) is detachably attached to... Figure 1 The midsole of the foot cover features convex ridges that work together with each other; Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toe portion of the upper component, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of the upper component of a foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heel portion of the upper component, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of the upper component of a foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 10 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toe portion of the midsole, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of a midsole for foot coverings according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 11 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heel portion of the midsole, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of a midsole for foot coverings according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the toe tread component of the tread component, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of the tread component of the foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heel tread component of the tread component, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of the tread component of the foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 14 They are fixed together. Figure 8 The toe part of the upper component, Figure 10 The toe section of the midsole and Figure 12 A schematic cross-sectional view of the toe tread component; Figure 15 They are fixed together. Figure 9 The upper part of the heel section, Figure 11 The heel part of the midsole and Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the heel tread component; Figure 16 This is a schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the upper component attached to the midsole, illustrating the stitching details of an exemplary embodiment of the upper component and midsole of a foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 17 It is positioned and fixed together. Figure 8 The toe part of the upper component, Figure 10 The toe section of the midsole and Figure 12 A schematic exploded 3D sectional view of the toe tread component; Figure 18 They move closer together to secure themselves. Figure 8 The toe part of the upper component, Figure 10 The toe section of the midsole and Figure 12 A schematic exploded 3D sectional view of the toe tread component; Figure 19 They are fixed together. Figure 8 The toe part of the upper component, Figure 10 The toe section of the midsole and Figure 12 A schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the toe tread component; Figure 20 It is positioned and fixed together. Figure 9 The upper part of the heel section, Figure 11 The heel part of the midsole and Figure 13 A schematic exploded three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the heel tread component; Figure 21 They move closer together to secure themselves. Figure 9 The upper part of the heel section, Figure 11 The heel part of the midsole and Figure 13 A schematic exploded three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the heel tread component; Figure 22 They are fixed together. Figure 9 The upper part of the heel section, Figure 11 The heel part of the midsole and Figure 13 A schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the heel tread component; Figure 23These are schematic cross-sectional views of a tread component detachably attached to the midsole, illustrating interlocking protrusions in exemplary embodiments of the midsole of the foot cover and exemplary embodiments of the tread component according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 24 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the midsole protrusion, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of a midsole for foot coverings according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 25 It is a schematic top view of the midsole detachably attached to the tread component to illustrate the cooperation between the protrusions when the tread component is detachably attached to the midsole of the foot cover according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 26 It is a top view of the heel tread component and the toe tread component, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of the tread component of a foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 27 This is a top view of the midsole, illustrating the features of an exemplary embodiment of a midsole for foot coverings according to various aspects of this disclosure; Figure 28 From attachment to Figure 27 The midsole Figure 26 A cross-sectional view of the tread component viewed from bottom to top; Figure 29 This is a side view of a foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure, which has a removable attachment to... Figure 27 The midsole heel tread component and Figure 26 The toe tread component, wherein the midsole and tread components are arranged along... Figure 28 The cross-sectional view taken from line XXIX-XXIX is shown to illustrate the connection of the tread components to the midsole via the first and second connection arrangements; Figure 30 and Figure 29 The same, but shows the tread components being removed from the midsole and disconnected; Figure 31 This is a side view of a foot cover according to various aspects of this disclosure, which has a removable attachment to... Figure 27 The midsole heel tread component and Figure 26 The toe tread component, wherein the midsole and tread components are arranged along... Figure 28 The cross-sectional view taken by line XXXI-XXXI is shown to illustrate the connection of the tread components to the midsole via the first and second connection arrangements; Figure 32 and Figure 31 The same, but shows the tread components being removed from the midsole and disconnected; Figure 33 This is a top view of the midsole, illustrating the receiving structure of an exemplary embodiment of a midsole for foot coverings according to various aspects of this disclosure; and Figure 34 yes Figure 33 A schematic three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the midsole. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Embodiments of foot coverings are disclosed. Foot coverings can be shoes, sandals, boots, or any other suitable form of footwear. Foot coverings are made of several attachmentable components, allowing the end user (or wearer) to assemble and replace the shoe components themselves. Foot covering components include an upper component, a midsole, and one or more tread components. The tread component is the outermost part of the foot covering that comes into contact with the ground during use. The tread component has mating structures, such as knobs, short posts, or other forms of such structures compatible with corresponding mating structures on the midsole. When engaged, the mating structures on the midsole and tread component capture and hold in place, preventing them from shifting away from each other. As a function of the shape and form of the mating structures on the tread component and midsole, these components can be pressed together to attach them together and can be pulled apart by the user to remove the tread component. In this way, the use of glue can be eliminated, allowing the tread component to be securely attached to the midsole and relatively easy to remove. Therefore, when the tread components (and thus the foot cover tread) wear down due to friction as the foot cover is used, the user can easily replace them instead of buying brand new foot cover. This allows users to extend the lifespan of the foot cover and reduces waste by incentivizing users to maintain their foot cover.

[0046] These components also include various features that facilitate easy alignment and handling during foot cover assembly. Each component also includes seam holes that can be aligned with each other to allow the user to securely attach the components together using stitching before putting on the foot cover. The upper, midsole, and tread components are configured to be held together by hand stitching, avoiding the manufacturing time and costs associated with specialized industrial machinery. This foot cover provides a convenient, simple, and cost-effective solution for durable footwear needs.

[0047] Example embodiments of foot coverings (100) are in Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the diagram. The foot cover (100) includes an upper component (110), a midsole (120), and a tread component (140), in... Figure 1In this embodiment, the tread component comprises a toe tread component (147) and a heel tread component (149) detachably attached to the midsole. An upper component (110) is attached to the midsole to define a foot-accommodating area, which is the area or space where the user places their foot during use. As shown in this embodiment, the upper component may be shaped to cover the entire foot to provide a dress shoe. Other embodiments of the foot cover may be athletic shoes or may have an upper component extending above the ankle to provide a boot. The upper component may also take the form of or be provided therefrom as one or more straps arranged to attach to the midsole to provide a sandal-type foot cover. The upper component may be made of leather, canvas, polyester, or any other material suitable for foot covers. In this embodiment, the tread component (140) is provided as a toe tread component (147) at the toe end (102) of the foot cover and a heel tread component (149) at the heel end (104) of the shoe. Between the toe and heel tread components is the arch portion (106), to which the tread components do not extend, as the arch portion is not expected to contact the walking surface and therefore does not require grip. However, other embodiments of the foot cover may have tread components extending through the entire midsole or arranged in other configurations and patterns. The midsole has a first set of mating structures (122) configured to engage with a second set of mating structures (142) disposed on the tread components. The toe tread component (147) may have a second set of toe mating structures, and the heel tread component (149) may have a second set of heel mating structures (collectively referred to as the second set of mating structures). The midsole (120) may include a first set of heel mating structures corresponding to the second set of heel mating structures and a first set of toe mating structures corresponding to the second set of toe mating structures (collectively referred to as the first set of mating structures). The second set of mating structures of the tread component (142) can engage and connect with the first set of mating structures compatible with the midsole (122), so that the toe tread component (147) and the heel tread component (149) can be securely connected to the midsole (120). The first set of mating structures can be integrally formed with the midsole, and the second set of mating structures can be integrally formed with the tread component.

[0048] Reference Figure 2The tread component (140) can be detached from the midsole (120) by disconnecting the second set of mating structures of the toe and heel tread components (142) captured by the first set of mating structures of the midsole (122). The tread component can be detached from the midsole by the user pulling the toe and heel tread components in a direction generally axially away from the midsole, causing the first and second sets of mating structures to separate. The midsole may have a first surface or side surface (124) on which the mating structures (122) are arranged, and a second surface (126) located opposite the first surface. The mating structures of the tread component (142) may be arranged on the first surface or side surface (144) of the tread component (140). The tread component may have a second surface (146) opposite the first surface, on which grip structures (158) are provided to provide traction with the walking surface during use. In this embodiment, when the foot cover is in an operable orientation (i.e., the tread component is on the ground), the first surface (124) of the midsole is the lower surface, and the first surface (144) of the tread component is the upper surface. The grip structure (158) may be a groove or indentation or other feature defined in or on the tread component, configured to provide anti-slip functionality. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 6 One of the grip structures (158) on each side of the tread component (140) may further extend into the tread component to form an elongated groove (154). The elongated groove (154) may be an angled structure, which can provide further grip and extend wear life. With prolonged use of the shoe, the grip structure may wear down, resulting in a smooth secondary primary surface on the tread component, which may pose a slip hazard to the user. Therefore, the user can remove the worn tread component from the shoe and replace it with a new one.

[0049] Reference Figures 3 to 7 Each of the first set of mating structures on the midsole (122) and the second set of mating structures on the tread component (142) includes a plurality of protrusions, which are respectively disposed on at least a majority of the first surface (124) of the entire midsole and the first surface (144) of the tread component. The protrusions may be arranged in an inline (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 7 (as shown) or other suitable patterns.

[0050] In this embodiment, each protrusion on the midsole consists of an elongated rod (123) extending from the lower surface of the midsole (124) and having a head (125) at the end of the rod (123). Similarly, the protrusion on the tread component consists of an elongated rod (143) extending from the upper surface of the tread component (144) and terminating at the head (145). The protrusions on the tread component and the midsole may be identical in shape and size. The heads (145) of the midsole protrusions and the heads of the tread component protrusions are identical and are thin, flat, and disc-shaped. In other embodiments, the heads may have various other shapes suitable for providing a shape-fit connection, such as squares or other regular or irregular polygons, ovals, etc. The protrusions may be elastically deformable. For example, the protrusions may be made of rubber or other suitable elastically deformable materials. In this way, the heads of the protrusions may be moved away from their rest position or deviate from their respective axial states by radial forces (e.g., causing the rod to bend, making the head arc). Furthermore, the head can be tilted about its respective axis relative to its rest position or state by applying an axial force that causes radial displacement of the head. As elastically deformable, the protrusion returns to its rest position or state in the absence of such force. The rubber can be thermoplastic. The Shore hardness of thermoplastic rubber can be between 70 and 90, or between 75 and 85, or between 78 and 82. In some examples, the Shore hardness of the thermoplastic rubber is 80.

[0051] The form-fit connection is provided by the spacing and configuration of the midsole's stems (123) and heads (125) relative to the tread components' stems (143) and heads (145), and their elastically deformable nature. As used herein, the term "form-fit connection" refers to a mechanical connection between two components that, due to their form, interlock and block each other in at least one defined linear or rotational direction. The form-fit connection of the foot cover described herein is provided by the heads (or other similar features in other embodiments), which, in their resting state, interlock and block each other in the axial direction. The form-fit connection can be a force-limited form-fit connection, because when a sufficiently large force is applied relative to the heads in the axial direction, the protruding stems and / or heads deform or displace from their resting state to disrupt the form-fit connection and allow the tread components to separate from the midsole.

[0052] When the tread component (140) is aligned with the midsole (120) for attachment, the head (145) of the tread component is configured to be positioned offset relative to the head (125) of the midsole. The heads of the midsole are spaced apart to define a first head space (128) between adjacent heads. In this embodiment, the first head space (128) may be a central space formed by four circular heads (145). The gap between adjacent stems of the midsole provides a first stem space (130). Similarly, the head (145) of the tread component is positioned to have a second head space (128) between adjacent heads. Adjacent stems are spaced apart from each other to provide the first stem space (130). As described above, the head (125) of the midsole or the head (145) of the tread component, or both, may be at least partially elastically deformable or flexible. The protrusions provided on the midsole have a selected spacing such that the shape and size of the first head space they define is smaller than the head (145) on the tread component. In this way, the flexible head (145) of the tread component can be pushed into the first head space (128) and past the head (125) of the midsole by a force applied by the user, by at least partially bending or otherwise deviating from its rest position. Once pushed over, the head (145) of the tread component can return to its unbent rest position and be captured in the first stem space (130) of the midsole, which is configured to be large enough to accommodate the head (145). Simultaneously, the heads (125) of the midsole are pushed into the second head space (148) of the tread component and past the head (145) of the tread component, where they are accommodated in the second stem space (150) of the tread component. The length or height of the protruding stem (123) of the midsole can be similar to or correspond to (or substantially the same as) the thickness of the protruding head (145) on the tread component, such that the head (145) is securely captured and held in the first stem space (130) without significant movement along the length of the stem (123). The dimensions of the protruding stem (145) of the tread component can also be set relative to the thickness of the protruding head (125) of the midsole to prevent the head (125) from slipping or sliding within the second stem space (150). Thus, the tread component (140) can be tightly attached to the midsole (120).

[0053] Once attached, the head (123) of the midsole and the head (143) of the tread component can capture each other and prevent movement that would separate them, thus preventing the tread component (140) from being detached from the midsole (120). This can be achieved by ensuring that the head (123) of the midsole and the head (143) of the tread component partially overlap. To remove the tread component (140) from the midsole (120), a force can be applied to force the head (143) of the tread component and the head (123) of the midsole to bend and release themselves from the first rod space (130) and the second rod space (150).

[0054] In some examples, the arrangement or configuration of the cooperating structure is as follows (see reference below). Figures 23 to 28 As described.

[0055] Reference Figures 3 to 7 The foot cover may include several features that facilitate alignment of the upper part (110), midsole (120), and tread part (140) with each other during assembly. The second primary surface of the midsole (126) may include a cooperative structure (132) configured to capture the lip (112) of the upper part. The cooperative structure (132) may take the form of a recess (134) at the perimeter (136) of the upper surface of the midsole (126), the shape and size of which are designed to receive and retain the lip (112).

[0056] A guide arrangement (160) may be provided to aid in aligning the midsole and tread components before pressing the first and second mating structures together. The guide arrangement (160) may include a first guide structure (162) provided on a first main surface of the tread component (144) and a second guide structure (164) provided on a lower surface of the midsole (124) or the first main surface. The first guide structure (162) may be a tenon provided by a ridge at the perimeter (152) of the tread component. The second guide structure (164) may be a mortise complementary in shape and size to the tenon, such that the mortise can accommodate the tenon in use.

[0057] In some embodiments, the foot cover is provided with one or more heel tread component connection arrangements, toe tread component connection arrangements, retaining arrangements, and receiving structures, as described below. Figures 26 to 34 As described in detail. In some embodiments, in addition to providing a mating structure for mating the tread components to the midsole, the foot cover may be configured to stitch the upper component and / or one or more tread components to the midsole. Features of the foot cover providing this function are described in reference to [reference needed]. Figures 8 to 22 An illustrative representation was provided. See below for reference. Figures 8 to 22 The described features can be applied to the above reference. Figures 1 to 7 In the exemplary foot coverings described, the reverse is also true.

[0058] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper component as viewed from the front or toe end (202) and the rear or heel end (204) of the foot cover. The upper component (210) may include a lip (212) extending along its periphery. The lip may be an edge extending outward from the periphery of the upper component (210). The lip may include a fold (214), which in the present embodiment is provided as a rigid angular protrusion or a rolled edge.

[0059] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The upper surface or second main surface (226) of the midsole may include a raised structure (222) provided by a protrusion or rolled edge complementary in shape to a fold (214) on the lip (212) of the upper component (210). The fold (214) on the lip (212) is configured to cooperate with and position on top of the raised structure (222) during assembly to ensure that the upper component (210) is aligned with the midsole when it is attached to the midsole (220) during shoe assembly. The second main surface (226) of the midsole may also include a cooperating structure (232) configured to capture the lip (212) of the upper component. Such capture allows for easy handling of the component during assembly of the foot cover, as the lip (212) is snapped or engaged in the appropriate position of the cooperating structure (232). The cooperative structure (232) may be provided by a recess or cavity (234) at the edge or perimeter (236) of the upper surface of the midsole (226). The perimeter (236) may include an inwardly extending edge structure (238) having an inner wall (239) defining the recess.

[0060] Reference Figures 10 to 13 The midsole (220) and tread component (240) may include guide arrangements (260) configured to align these components during foot cover assembly. The guide arrangements may include a first guide structure (262) provided on the upper surface or first main surface of the tread component (244) and a second guide structure (264) provided on the lower surface or first main surface of the midsole (224). The shapes of the first guide structure (262) and the second guide structure (264) may be complementary, such that one fits the other. In this embodiment, the first guide structure (262) is a tenon and the second guide structure (264) is a mortise configured to receive the tenon in use. The tenon may be provided as an elongated edge or a series of pins extending from the upper surface of the tread component (244) near the perimeter (252) of the tread component. The pins may have a chamfered or beveled top edge with a pointed tip (266) at their highest point. A mortise can be a cavity with a shape complementary to the tenon, allowing the tenon to fit snugly and securely within it. The shape and size of the tenon and mortise can be configured to provide a friction or interference fit. The engagement of the mortise and tenon can provide a seal between the midsole and tread components to prevent water or other substances from entering between these components.

[0061] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13The grip structure (258) on the lower surface of the tread component may be angular grooves distributed on the surface to provide grip with the travel surface. Each side of the tread component (240) may have an elongated groove (254) located near the perimeter (252) of the tread component. The elongated groove (254) may be angled and extend deeper into the tread component than other grip structures. The elongated groove (254) may terminate at its highest point in the tread component (240) at a tip (256).

[0062] Reference Figures 14 to 22 The foot cover is assembled by capturing the lip (212) of the upper component (210) in the cooperative structure (232) on the midsole (220), such that the fold (214) of the lip is positioned above the raised structure (222) of the midsole. The midsole can be attached to the tread component (240) by aligning the mortise (264) and the tenon (262). The mortise (264) on the midsole and the elongated groove (254) on the tread component can be positioned such that, during assembly, they are at least approximately aligned with the fold (214) in the upper component.

[0063] Once the components are correctly positioned, they can be secured together by stitching (270). Stitching can be done by hand, using two needles and a thread. Stitching holes (272) are provided on the upper component, midsole, and tread component; these are pre-drilled holes configured to align or overlap for ease of stitching by the user. A first set of stitching holes (274) may include a series of stitching holes (272) having an entrance defined on a first side (216) of the fold (214) of the lip and extending through the midsole to an exit defined in the mortise tip (268), allowing the upper component to be secured to the midsole. The first set of stitching holes (274) may extend from a first hole or entrance defined in the fold (214) of the angular lip to a last hole or exit defined in the mortise tip (268). The first set of stitching holes secures the upper component (210) to the midsole (220). Ending the first set of suture holes at the tip of the mortise (i.e., the highest point of the mortise) can protect the line and reduce the chance of water seeping in along the line.

[0064] The second set of stitching holes (276) may include a series of stitching holes having an entrance defined on a second side (218) of the fold of the lip (212) and extending through the midsole (220) and tread component (240) to an exit defined in an elongated groove, such that the upper component is simultaneously secured to both the midsole and the tread component. The entrance may be the first hole of the second set of stitching holes (276), and the exit may be the last hole of the second set of stitching holes (276). Providing the stitching in this manner ensures that the stitching is not damaged by wear of the grip structure (258), as the stitching is positioned deeper within the tread than the grip structure.

[0065] The first set of stitching holes (274) and the second set of stitching holes (276) provide double stitching, allowing the user to release and replace the new tread component simply by untying one of these two sets of stitches, without having to untie any other stitches or remove the entire foot cover. Similarly, the user simply stitches through these two sets of holes to secure the new tread component to the rest of the foot cover. Therefore, the user can easily replace the tread component to extend the shoe's lifespan.

[0066] Reference Figures 23 to 28 In some examples, the surface of each raised stem (323) of the midsole (320) and the surface of each raised stem (343) of the tread component (340) can be hyperboloid, which means having a shape produced by rotating the hyperbola about one of its axes.

[0067] The raised head (325) of the midsole (320) and the raised head (345) of the tread component (340) may have rounded edges. The rounded edges may be smooth, curved edges rather than angular edges. In contrast to edges with sharper angles (e.g., 90 degrees, which are more easily damaged during manufacturing), the hyperboloid or hourglass shape of the stem and the rounded nature of each head edge each prevent tearing or other damage to the raised sections when the midsole or tread component containing these raised sections is removed from the mold in which the midsole or tread component is made.

[0068] The raised head (325) of the midsole (320) may have a center hole (378). Similarly, the raised head (345) of the tread component (340) may have a center hole (380). The center hole may be a cut-off portion formed during head molding, which allows the head itself to fold or deform or fold inward as it is demolded from the manufacturing mold, and minimizes damage to the raised head (such as tearing). The hole allows the surrounding portion of each head to bend into the space provided by the hole during demolding of the raised head, and the entire raised head to be removed through a mold rod-shaped cavity that is narrower than the mold head-shaped cavity.

[0069] The raised head (345) on the tread component may have a maximum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the first rod space (330) of the adjacent rod (323) on the midsole, and similarly, the raised head (325) on the midsole may have a maximum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the second rod space (350) defined by the adjacent rod (343) of the raised head on the tread component (340). The degrees of freedom of the heads in their respective rod spaces allow the heads to easily pass over each other when the corresponding components are pressed together or when the user applies an appropriate force to the components to pull them apart.

[0070] Reference Figures 26 to 32In some embodiments, the foot cover may include a heel tread component connection arrangement (382) to connect the heel tread component (349) to the midsole (320) across the width or lateral axis of the midsole. The heel tread component connection arrangement may be provided by a first heel tread component connection device (383) located on the heel tread component (349) and a second heel tread component connection device (384) located on the midsole (320). The first and second heel tread component connection devices may be configured to cooperate to attach the heel tread component to the midsole. The first and second heel tread component connection devices may have complementary shapes to allow them to fit together and connect the heel tread component to the midsole. The first heel tread component connection device may be an elongated tongue extending from the edge of the heel tread component. The edge of the heel tread component may be an edge adjacent to the vertical drop of the heel formed in the midsole, where the shoe is, as shown, a dress shoe. An elongated tongue may extend from the edge of the heel tread component, giving the first heel tread component connection a C-shaped cross-section at an angle. The second heel tread component connection may be an elongated groove or cutout defined in the midsole heel. The shape and size of the elongated groove are designed to accommodate the elongated tongue inserted therein to connect the heel tread component to the midsole.

[0071] Similarly, the foot cover may include a toe tread component connection arrangement (385) to connect the toe tread component (347) to the midsole (320) across the width of the midsole. The toe tread component connection arrangement may be provided by a first toe tread component connection device (386) located on the toe tread component and a cooperating second toe tread component connection device (387) located on the midsole. The first toe tread component connection device may be two elongated members or extensions extending from the edge of the toe tread component. The second toe tread component connection device may be provided by two elongated cavities defined in the heel portion of the midsole. Each elongated cavity may be shaped and sized to accommodate a cooperating elongated member in use to connect the toe tread component to the midsole. Figure 26 and 32 As shown, in this embodiment, the elongated member consists of two rectangular extensions, and the elongated cavity is a rectangular hole in the midsole configured to receive and hold the extensions therein. The elongated member and the cavity can be of any suitable shape or size.

[0072] When both heel and toe tread component connections are provided in the shoe, the elongated cavity of the heel tread component connection can be operationally positioned above or below the elongated groove of the toe tread component connection. Providing heel and toe tread component connections avoids the need for stitching across the width of the shoe, which could introduce waterproofing issues and weak points into the foot covering. The heel and toe tread component connections anchor the heel and toe tread components separately, with stitching only possible at the perimeter of the midsole and tread components.

[0073] Reference Figures 26 to 32 In some embodiments, the foot cover may include a retaining arrangement (388) for retaining the toe tread component (347) on the midsole (320). This retaining arrangement may include a first retaining structure (389) provided on a first main surface of the toe tread component (344), and further includes a second retaining structure (390) provided on the midsole surface between a first set of heel-fitting structures and a first set of toe-fitting structures (collectively referred to as the first set of fitting structures (322)). The surface of the midsole may be the first main surface (324). The second retaining structure may be configured to cooperate with the first retaining structure to retain the toe tread component on the midsole. The first and second retaining structures may be complementary structures that fit together. In this embodiment, the first retaining structure is provided by two adjacent circular sockets within a central wedge-shaped cutout defined in the first main surface of the toe tread component, and the second retaining structure is provided by two circular plugs protruding from the wedge-shaped portion of the midsole. When the toe tread component is pressed against the midsole, the plug can be configured to fit snugly into the two circular sockets, thereby attaching the toe tread component to the midsole near the center of the foot cover. Similar to the center hole of the raised head, in this embodiment, each of the two circular plugs has a center recess to allow the plug to fold inwards when the toe tread component is removed from the mold used to manufacture it, preventing damage (such as tearing). This retaining arrangement provides an attachment point between the toe tread component and the midsole at locations without mating structures. In use, this retaining arrangement can be used by the user to attach and retain the toe tread component on the midsole after engaging the mating structures of the midsole and the toe tread component, by pressing them together or otherwise connecting the first and second retaining structures. In other embodiments, the first and second retaining structures can be provided by any number of structures, such as one, three, or more. In other embodiments, the retaining structures can be interchanged compared to the illustrated embodiment, such that the plug is located on the toe tread component and the socket is located on the midsole.

[0074] Reference Figure 33 and Figure 34In some embodiments, the foot cover may include a receiving structure (391) defined in a second main surface of the midsole (326), the receiving structure being configured to receive overlapping portions of the upper component. In this embodiment, the receiving structure is a rectangular recess or cutout in the midsole. The receiving structure (391) may be located near the perimeter (336) of the midsole within the cooperative structure (not shown). The receiving structure prevents bulges in the upper component material at the seam line of the seam opening (372) if the upper material is folded to form two layers when the upper component is formed from a single layer of material, or if the materials of two upper components overlap to provide the upper component by stitching. Compared to the single-layer portion of the upper component, the relatively protruding overlapping or folded portions of the upper component can be housed within the receiving structure so that, after stitching, the upper component appears smooth, without any bumps or bulges at the folds or overlaps that might be unsightly to the consumer.

[0075] The foregoing description is provided for illustrative purposes only; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed. Those skilled in the art will understand that many modifications and variations can be made based on the above disclosure.

[0076] The language used in this specification has been chosen primarily for readability and guidance purposes, and not for defining or limiting the subject matter of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to this detailed description, but rather to any claims filed on this basis. Consequently, this disclosure is intended to illustrate, and not limit, the scope of any of the appended claims.

[0077] Finally, throughout this specification and any appended claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the word “comprise” or its variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” shall be understood to imply inclusion of the said whole or group of integers, but not to exclude any other whole or group of integers.

Claims

1. A foot cover, said foot cover comprising: The upper component, a midsole that can be attached to the upper component to define a foot receiving area in use, and a tread component, wherein the midsole has a first main surface on which a first set of mating structures is defined, and the tread component is detachably attached to the midsole by a second set of mating structures defined on the first main surface of the tread component, the second set of mating structures being configured to cooperate with the first set of mating structures to detachably attach the midsole to the tread component.

2. The foot covering according to claim 1, wherein, The first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures are configured to cooperate to detachably attach the midsole to the tread component via a form-fit connection.

3. The foot covering according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, Each of the first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other, wherein the protrusions of at least one of the first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures are at least partially elastically deformable.

4. The foot covering according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the protrusions has an elongated rod portion terminating in the head.

5. The foot covering according to claim 4, wherein, The raised heads on the tread component and the raised heads on the midsole are configured to be captured by each other when the tread component presses against the midsole and the heads on the tread component and the midsole are opposite each other.

6. The foot covering according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein, The surface of each protruding rod is hyperboloidal.

7. The foot covering according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, Each of the protruding heads has a rounded edge.

8. The foot covering according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, Each of the protruding heads has a central hole.

9. The foot covering according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, The head of the protrusion on the tread component is configured to be received by a first head space defined by an adjacent head of the protrusion on the midsole, and the head of the protrusion on the tread component is configured to be held in a first rod space defined by an adjacent rod of the protrusion on the midsole, and wherein the head of the protrusion on the midsole is configured to be received by a second head space defined by an adjacent head of the protrusion on the tread component, and the head of the protrusion on the tread component is configured to be held in a second rod space defined by an adjacent rod of the protrusion on the tread component, wherein the head of the protrusion is received in the head space by deforming the protrusion by pressing the heads of the respective components against each other, thereby expanding the head space and allowing the head to enter the head space.

10. The foot covering according to claim 9, wherein, The head of the protrusion on the tread component has a maximum diameter that is greater than the maximum diameter of the first head space and equal to or less than the maximum diameter of the first rod space when at rest, and wherein the head of the protrusion on the midsole has a maximum diameter that is greater than the maximum diameter of the second head space and equal to or less than the maximum diameter of the second rod space when at rest.

11. The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the foot cover comprising a guide arrangement provided by a first guide structure located on the tread component and a second guide structure located on the midsole, the first guide structure and the second guide structure being configured to align the tread component and the midsole for attachment to each other.

12. The foot covering according to claim 11, wherein, The first guide structure is one of a mortise and a tenon, and the second guide structure is the other of a tenon and a mortise, the mortise being configured to receive the tenon in use.

13. The foot covering according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The midsole includes a raised structure extending from its second main surface.

14. The foot covering according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The upper component includes a lip configured to be captured by the cooperative structure of the midsole.

15. The foot covering according to claim 14, wherein, The lip includes a fold shaped to cooperate with the raised structure, such that when the lip is captured by the cooperating structure, the fold is located on the raised structure of the midsole.

16. The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the foot cover comprising a receiving structure defined in the second main surface of the midsole, the receiving structure being configured to receive an overlapping portion of the upper component.

17. The foot covering according to claim 16, wherein, The receiving structure is located near the perimeter of the midsole within the cooperative structure.

18. The foot covering according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The upper component, the midsole, and the tread component include stitching holes configured to be aligned with each other and connected by stitches.

19. The foot covering according to claim 18, wherein, The stitching holes include a first set of stitching holes, which includes a series of stitching holes having an inlet defined on a first side of the fold of the lip and extending through the midsole to an outlet defined in the tip of the mortise, such that the upper component can be secured to the midsole.

20. The foot cover according to any one of claims 1 to 19, the foot cover comprising an elongated groove disposed near and extending therefrom the periphery of the second main surface of the tread member, and a second set of stitching holes comprising a series of stitching holes having an inlet defined on a second side of the fold of the lip and extending through the midsole and the tread member to an outlet defined in the elongated groove, such that the upper member is secured to the midsole and the tread member.

21. The foot covering according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The tread component includes a heel tread component with a second set of heel-fitting structures and a toe tread component with a second set of toe-fitting structures, wherein the midsole includes a first set of heel-fitting structures corresponding to the second set of heel-fitting structures and a first set of toe-fitting structures corresponding to the second set of toe-fitting structures.

22. The foot cover of claim 21, the foot cover comprising a heel tread component connection arrangement provided by a first heel tread component connection device located on the heel tread component and a second heel tread component connection device located on the midsole, the first heel tread component connection device and the second heel tread component connection device being configured to cooperate to connect the heel tread component to the midsole across the width of the midsole.

23. The foot covering according to claim 22, wherein, The first heel tread component connecting device is an elongated tongue extending from the edge of the heel tread component, and the second heel tread component connecting device is an elongated groove defined in the midsole portion providing the heel, the elongated groove being configured to receive the elongated tongue to connect the heel tread component to the midsole.

24. The foot cover according to any one of claims 21 to 23, the foot cover comprising a toe tread component connection arrangement provided by a first toe tread component connection device located on the toe tread component and a second toe tread component connection device located on the midsole, the first toe tread component connection device and the second toe tread component connection device being configured to cooperate to connect the toe tread component to the midsole across the width of the midsole.

25. The foot covering according to claim 24, wherein, The first toe tread component coupling device is provided by two elongated members extending from the edge of the toe tread component, and the second toe tread component coupling device is provided by two elongated cavities defined in the midsole portion providing the heel, each elongated cavity being configured to receive cooperating elongated members to couple the toe tread component to the midsole.

26. The foot cover according to any one of claims 21 to 25, the foot cover comprising a retaining arrangement configured to retain the toe tread member on the midsole, the retaining arrangement being provided by a first retaining structure and a second retaining structure, the first retaining structure being located on a first main surface of the toe tread member, and the second retaining structure being disposed on a surface of the midsole between the first set of heel-fitting structures and the first set of toe-fitting structures.

27. The foot covering according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein, The first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures are formed of thermoplastic rubber, wherein the protrusion is formed of thermoplastic rubber with a Shore hardness between 70 and 90; wherein the protrusion is formed of thermoplastic rubber with a Shore hardness between 75 and 85; wherein the protrusion is formed of thermoplastic rubber with a Shore hardness between 78 and 82.

28. The foot covering according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein, The first set of mating structures is integrally formed with the midsole, and the second set of mating structures is integrally formed with the tread component.

29. A method for assembling a foot covering, the method comprising: A superstructure is provided and a midsole is attached to the superstructure to define a foot receiving area in use, the midsole having a first set of mating structures defined on its first main surface; A tread component is provided, the tread component being removably attached to the midsole via a second set of mating structures defined on a first main surface of the tread component, the second set of mating structures being configured to cooperate with the first set of mating structures to attach the midsole to the tread component via a form-fit connection; The first set of mating structures of the midsole comes into contact with the second set of mating structures of the tread component; In addition, the midsole and the tread component are pressed together to induce engagement of the first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures, thereby detachably attaching the tread component to the midsole.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The step of pressing the midsole and the tread component together to cause the first set of mating structures and the second set of mating structures to engage creates a shape-fit connection to detachably attach the tread component to the midsole.

31. A tread component for foot coverings, the tread component comprising: A first main surface, on which a second set of mating structures is defined, the second set of mating structures being configured to cooperate with a first set of mating structures defined in the midsole to detachably attach the tread component to the midsole.

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