Free Floating Shoe Upper with Segmented Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vulcanized shoe constructions compromise the flexibility and comfort of the upper material due to the attachment of bands and components like toe caps and heel counters, reducing the overall flexibility and increasing rigidity, leading to less comfort for the foot.
Innovation Solution
A novel shoe construction where the upper sections of bands are left unattached to the shoe upper, and toe caps and heel counters are secured only to the shoe sole, allowing the upper to float freely, enhancing movement and reducing confinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bands are secured to both the shoe sole and the upper, then the shoe sole and upper are securely connected, but the flexibility of the upper is reduced in the area where the upper attaches to the shoe sole
Solution Approach 1:
The band is divided into two functional sections: a lower section that is secured to the shoe sole to provide structural support and connection strength, and an upper section that is left unattached to allow the upper material to move freely. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing secure connection where needed while maintaining flexibility where the upper interacts with the foot.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the band have different attachment characteristics: the lower section near the shoe sole is attached to provide strength and stability, while the upper section that contacts the upper material is left unattached to preserve flexibility and comfort. This local differentiation allows the band to simultaneously provide both strong connection and flexible movement.
2Strength
If a toe cap is secured over the material of the upper, then the toe area is protected and structured, but the flexibility of the upper in the toe area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The toe cap is attached only to the shoe sole and not to the upper material. This creates a segmented structure where the toe cap provides protective strength and structure to the toe area while allowing the upper material to maintain its natural flexibility and movement freedom.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a heel counter is secured over the material of the upper, then the heel area is stabilized and structured, but the flexibility of the upper in the heel area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heel counter is attached only to the shoe sole and left unattached to the upper material. This segmentation allows the heel counter to provide structural stability and support to the heel area while permitting the upper material to move freely and maintain flexibility for comfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
A novel shoe construction provides a unique fit and feel to the shoe wearer's foot. The shoe construction is a variation in what is typically called vulcanized shoe construction. Wherein the conventional vulcanized shoe construction bands of flexible material are permanently adhered or vulcanized to the shoe sole and to a portion of the upper adjacent the shoe sole, in the shoe construction of the invention upper sections of the bands are let loose by being unattached to the shoe upper. In addition, a toe cap of the shoe and a heel counter of the shoe are secured to the shoe sole, but are unattached to the shoe upper. This construction results in a shoe that not only has a unique appearance.