Interchangeable Shoe Upper with Decorative Button Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe systems with interchangeable upper shoe parts lack a unique and fashionable design, limiting user customization and appearance options.

Innovation Solution

The shoe system incorporates a button closure with a decorative member and auxiliary fastening means, such as hook and loop, allowing for personalized and stylish configurations, with the button positioned on a thong part between the toes and additional straps for a comfortable fit, and optional ankle straps for enhanced design flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fastening means (Velcro, snap fits, loops) are used to join strap ends, then the shoe system allows easy coordination with variety of clothing, but the resulting appearance is rather conventional and lacks unique fashionable design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordination with variety of clothingVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies decorative members with various colors, patterns, and designs (floral, geometric, abstract) that can be attached to buttons on the shoe straps. These decorative elements transform the conventional appearance into unique fashionable designs while maintaining the interchangeability and coordination versatility of the shoe system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enhances specific local areas of the shoe (strap ends, button areas) with decorative members while keeping other parts simple. This localized decoration approach creates unique fashionable appearance without compromising the overall adaptability and interchangeability of the shoe system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a button closure with decorative member is used, then the shoe system allows extensive personalization and unique fashionable appearance, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepersonalizationVSAvoidfastening means structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fastening system into separate functional components: buttons attached to straps, buttonholes on the shoe, and detachable decorative members. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of assembly/disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The button closure system serves multiple functions: it provides the primary fastening mechanism (button through buttonhole) and simultaneously offers a platform for personalization (decorative members). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate fastening and decoration systems, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the button is positioned on a thong part between toes with auxiliary fastening means, then the straps optimally follow the shape of the foot providing comfortable fit, but the auxiliary fastening means add to the device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfortable fitVSAvoidfastening means
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different fastening solutions to different locations on the shoe: button closures at critical positioning points (toe area, ankle) and simpler auxiliary fastening means (Velcro, snap fits) at other locations. This localized approach provides comfortable fit where needed while minimizing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary fastening means are designed to automatically secure the straps in position without requiring additional fastening actions by the user. The straps self-adjust and self-secure through the auxiliary fastening mechanisms, providing comfortable fit while keeping the system simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a customizable and aesthetically appealing shoe system that optimally fits the foot, offering comfortable and versatile footwear options through the combination of button closures and auxiliary fastening systems.

Implementation Method 1

the sole and the strap are provided with auxiliary cooperating fastening means for releasable fastening the strap against the backside of the sole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHook and loop fastening: Velcro

Data Source

PatentEP2810578B1Shoe system with interchangeable upper shoe part
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 WIGGERS WILLIAM MARIA ANTONIUS
  • EP2810578B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2810578B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2810578B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a shoe system (100), comprising a sole (110) and an interchangeable upper shoe part (120) for receiving a foot of a user, wherein the sole and the upper shoe part are provided with cooperating fastening means for releasable fastening. The fastening means comprise a button closure, comprising a button, an attaching member for attaching the button to the sole and a decorative member (6), wherein the button has an upper side that is a arranged to releasably receive the decorative member.