WO2009067615A1

WO2009067615A1 - Footwear with retractable members

Info

Publication number: WO2009067615A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/084222
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Michael O'brien; Thomas Kevin Milo
Original assignee: Select Sole, Llc
Priority date: 2007-11-20
Filing date: 2008-11-20
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Also published as: US20080066348A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide footwear that may be easily adapted for increased traction and/or recreation. Embodiments may include a chamber having a flexible wall, and retractable members coupled to the flexible wall such that when fluid is inserted into the chamber, the retractable members are extended from the bottom of a shoe and when fluid is removed from the chamber the retractable members are retracted into the bottom of a shoe.

Description

FOOTWEAR WITH RETRACTABLE MEMBERS

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/943,418, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/768,062, filed June 25, 2007, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/053,590, filed February 7, 2005, entitled "Convertible Traction Shoes," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of footwear, and, more specifically, to improvements applied to footwear that result in a wider range of footwear utility.

Background

[0003] Specialty footwear is currently available for a variety of sports and other activities. For example, shoes used in some sports include cleats protruding from the bottom of the soles to improve traction and balance. Roller skates include wheels affixed to the sole of a shoe, allowing the user to glide along a flat surface such as pavement. While mobility, balance and traction may be enhanced by the specialty footwear currently available, the utility of such footwear is extremely limited. Non-specialty footwear is much more versatile but is less than optimal for users on slick surfaces or for users who wish to alter their mode of transport.

[0004] While footwear users have the option of bringing specialty footwear for use as needed, a better option is to increase the versatility of the footwear. Currently, there are shoes having a wheel fixed to the sole of the shoe in a constant position. While these shoes allow a user to utilize the wheel, they are cumbersome and potentially dangerous, as the wheels are constantly positioned to engage the ground. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings. [0006] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional side view of a cleated shoe in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0007] FIG. 2 is a view of a sole portion of the shoe of FIG. 1 as seen from view lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 ;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a view of the sole portion of FIG. 2 taken on view lines 3-3 Of FIG. 1 ;

[0009] FIGS. 4A and 4B are retracted and expanded views respectively of the sole portion of FIGS. 2 and 3 as seen from view lines 4-4 of FIG. 3; [0010] FIGS. 5A to 5H illustrate variations of expandable cleats for a convertible shoe in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0011] FIGS. 6-8 are views similar to FIGS. 1-3 showing alternate fluid sources in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; [0012] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate cross-sectional views of a shoe in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0013] FIGS. 10A-10E2 illustrate interchangeable retractable member modules for use in the practice of various embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] FIGS. 11A and 11 B illustrate views of a convertible traction shoe in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 12 illustrates a fluid pressurizing device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view footwear in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of footwear in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 15 illustrates a partial perspective view of a system in accordance with various embodiments; [0019] FIG. 16A illustrates a retractable member assembly in accordance with various embodiments;

[0020] FIG. 16B illustrates an exploded view of various components of the retractable member assembly of FIG. 16A in accordance with various embodiments;

[0021] FIG. 16C illustrates a retractable member assembly with the retractable member in the extended position in accordance with various embodiments; and

[0022] FIG. 16D illustrates a retractable member assembly with the retractable member in the retracted position in accordance with various embodiments.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention [0023] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments in accordance with the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0024] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. [0025] The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. [0027] For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "A/B" means A or B. For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "A and/or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)." For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "at least one of A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C)." For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "(A)B" means "(B) or (AB)," that is, A is an optional element.

[0028] The description may use the phrases "in an embodiment," or "in embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present invention, are synonymous.

[0029] While reference is made herein to a "shoe," this term is used in the broadest sense, and is intended to encompass all forms of footwear, including, but not limited to shoes, boots, sandals, and the like. The term "retractable member," along with its derivatives, is defined for the purposes of this description as a protrusion (e.g., a cleat, ball, wheel, nodule, plate, bar, etc.) that may be extended and retracted from the sole of a shoe. The term "retractable member module," along with its derivatives, is used herein to describe any retractable member that is releasably coupled to a shoe and/or any part thereof. A retractable member module may be coupled to any part of a convertible shoe by any one of a variety of coupling mechanisms, and those coupling mechanisms identified herein are not intended to restrict the application of other mechanisms adapted for use with embodiments of the present invention. [0030] In various embodiments of the present invention, methods, apparatuses, and systems for convertible footwear are provided. Various embodiments of the present invention include a shoe that may provide both the versatility of nonspecialty footwear and the improved traction, balance, and/or maneuverability offered by specialty footwear; and may do so with a minimum of additional materials for the user to transport. In addition, the footwear may help to selectively prevent damage to floors and other surfaces from the retractable members. Further, embodiments of the present invention may provide increased traction and/or increased ease of mobility on a variety of surfaces (e.g., ice, mud, dirt, grass, wood, etc.). Some embodiments provide alternative methods of controlling the extension/retraction of a retractable member. Embodiments may also utilize a variety of mechanisms to force the movement of media or fluid to and from channels and/or chambers in order to help control extension and retraction of the retractable members; and some embodiments may include alternative options for powering such mechanisms. Various embodiments may also include interchangeable retractable member modules. [0031] In various embodiments, a convertible shoe may include: a shoe body and a sole, said sole having a bottom surface, the bottom surface being adapted for engaging a support surface, such as the ground; a fluid directing channel and/or chamber formed in said shoe sole; a designated pocket or opening in the tread underlying at least a part of said fluid channel and/or chamber; a flexible wall portion between said fluid channel and/or chamber and the pocket; and a retractable member coupled to and extended away from said flexible wall portion and residing in said pocket when in the retracted position. As used herein, a pocket may be any opening in the sole that partially or completely surrounds the retractable member; and the opening may be of varying sizes and configurations (e.g., clearance between the retractable member and the wall of the opening may vary) depending on the application. In various embodiments, the footwear may also include a fluid source connection to said fluid directing channel and/or chamber for introducing and releasing pressurized fluid to and from the fluid directing channel and/or chamber. A variety of media or fluids may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention, including gases such as air and CO₂, as well as liquids, such as hydraulic fluid, self-sealing viscous materials and the like.

[0032] In various embodiments, the flexible wall portion may be responsive to the pressurized fluid such that directing fluid into the channels and/or chambers may cause the flexible wall portion to extend toward the bottom surface and/or into the pocket, which in turn may cause the retractable member to extend out of the pocket and into engagement with said support surface. Likewise, when the fluid is removed from the channel, the retractable member may retract into the pocket. In various embodiments, the retraction may be due in whole or in part to the resiliency of the flexible wall portion, and in other embodiments, such retraction may be due in whole, part, or in combination with evacuation of the fluid from the air channel. [0033] In the operation of various embodiments, fluid may be forced into the fluid directing channel, which may in turn exert fluid pressure on the flexible wall to cause the wall to expand generally outward thereby urging the retractable member outward. In various embodiments, the fluid channels may be coupled to chambers that may be larger or of geometrically different configuration, and the flexible wall portion of the chambers may expand and contract in response to the fluid pressure. In various embodiments, pressure may be exerted on one or more individual members coupled individually (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-8 and 13) or in multiples to one or more flexible walls in the channels and/or chambers (see, e.g., FIGS. 11 A and 11 B). In other embodiments, pressure may be exerted on one or more plates having one or more protruding members coupled thereto (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A and 9B, and 13, and 16A-16D). In such embodiments, fluid pressure exerted may cause movement of the plate and thus cause extension of one or more of the protruding members past the bottom surface of the sole. In various embodiments, removal of fluid from the fluid channel may decrease pressure on one or more plates/retractable members, thereby allowing the protruding members to retract with retractive movement of the plate. [0034] Reference is made to FIGS. 1 through 4B which illustrate an example embodiment of a convertible shoe in accordance with various embodiments. In FIG. 1 is shown a shoe having an upper body portion 10. The upper body portion can take any of a wide variety of forms but as shown is a shoe of the type worn for sporting events such as golf, football, soccer and the like, i.e., sports played on turf, or of the type worn for outdoor and indoor use as well as in areas where outdoor use can involve walking or running on ice, dirt, or other surfaces.

[0035] The upper body portion 10 may include a foot wrap 12 for the sides and upper foot and an upper sole portion 14, which may be made of, for example, a semi-flexible/semi-stiff leather or molded rubber that is shaped to the contour of a wearer's foot bottom. The portion of the shoe in which various features of the present invention are incorporated is the lower sole portion 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower sole portion 16 may include a groove or fluid directing channel 18 disposed in the sole. At spaced locations along the channel 18 one or more chambers or pockets 20 may be disposed. (See also FIGS. 4A and 4B.) Affixed to the apex of the pocket, as particularly seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, is a retractable member 22 which can be of the same material as the sole portion 16, e.g., a hard rubber retractable member, or of a different material, e.g., a metal spike, cleat retractable member, wheel, ball, or other protruding member. Disposed between pockets 20 and the air directing channel is a flexible wall portion 24 that may resiliently urge withdrawal of the retractable members 22 into the pockets 20 as viewed in FIG. 4A.

[0036] In various embodiments, the bottom sole portion 16 may include an inlet/outlet valve 26. While the valve 26 is shown to be at an intermediate position, i.e., between the toe and heel of the shoe, the valve location may be positioned as desired. In various embodiments, inlet/outlet valve 26 may facilitate the introduction and release of pressurized fluid, such as air, into and out of the channel 18. With the channel 18 pressurized, the resiliency of the flexible wall portion 24 is overcome and the pockets 20 may be reconfigured to force the retractable members 22 from the retracted position of FIG. 4A to the extended position of FIG. 4B.

[0037] It will be appreciated that the shoe having the retractable members withdrawn as seen in FIG. 4A can be worn to walk on hard surfaces, e.g., typically used for indoor flooring. When the shoe is to be used, e.g., on icy sidewalks, for sports on grass, dirt or turf, for recreation, or other activities, the user can simply introduce fluid under pressure, e.g., from a bicycle pump, CO2 container, other fluid driver and reservoir coupled to the shoe, or any of a number of other fluid sources to cause the protruding retractable members 22 (in the illustrated example, spikes) to be extended as viewed in FIG. 4B and thereby enhance, for example, traction. [0038] Whereas, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4B utilize fluid directing channel, pockets, retractable members and an exterior fluid source, there are many variations that may be used. For example, reference is made to FIGS. 5A to 5H which illustrate some variations in the configuration of the retractable members 22, i.e., 22a - 22d shown in retracted and extended conditions. The valve 26 can be designed to accept a tire pump valve, for example, and the valve may be provided with a valve stem which can be pressed inwardly to release the air pressure, e.g., in the same manner as a bicycle. In various embodiments, a fluid source, such as a small hand pump or replaceable CO2 cartridge may be embedded in the heel portion of the bottom sole, e.g., see FIGS. 6-8. In one embodiment, a CO2 cartridge 30 is provided with a three-way valve 32 that can be actuated by hand to insert and release air into and from the channel 18. [0039] In various embodiments, the channel 18 (or in some cases a chamber) may be incorporated into the upper sole portion, a lower sole, and/or the entire combination of upper and lower sole portion may be molded as a single layer with channel 18, e.g., in the form of a collapsible tube embedded in the mold. In other embodiments, the retractable member 22 can be a single rib or member that extends the length of the channel and extends from a continuous elongated pocket formed in the bottom surface of the bottom sole portion. And in other embodiments, the chamber may be constructed of a multipiece assembly that can be molded into the sole (see, e.g., FIGS. 15 and 16A-16D).

[0040] In various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11 B, the fluid directing channels 18 may have expanded portions referred to herein as chambers 21 that span a larger portion of the sole, and wherein the sole also may include a larger pocket 20 running substantially the length of the bladder and/or air channel. A lower chamber wall 23 may be a flexible wall portion that is adapted to expand upon the addition of pressurized fluid into the chamber 21. The other walls of the chamber may be appropriately reinforced so as to resist deformation of the chamber in directions other than towards the underlying pocket. Coupled to the lower chamber wall 23, retractable members 22 may extend out of the pocket 20 and into engagement with the ground upon expansion of the chamber 21. In various embodiments, a protective plate or material may completely or partially cover the lower chamber wall 23 (not shown) to assist in avoiding puncture from external debris. In other embodiments, the exposed portion of the chamber may be puncture resistant or lined with a puncture resistant material (e.g., Kevlar).

[0041] FIG. 9A illustrates footwear having retractable members in accordance with various embodiments, and in particular showing a retractable member retaining plate and a retractable member retaining plate housing with the members being in a retracted state. FIG. 9B illustrates the footwear of FIG. 9A with the member retaining plate, and thus the members illustrated in an extended position.

[0042] In various embodiments, one or more retractable members 22 may be coupled to one or more movable plates 36 that are positioned within a housing 34 disposed in the sole portion 16. An upper chamber 40 may be disposed in an upper portion of the housing 34. Plate 36 may be disposed within housing 34 and adapted to move there within (in some embodiments the lower area may be similar to the aforementioned and described pocket). In one embodiment, fluid may be forced into an upper chamber 40, above plate 36, thereby causing the upper chamber 40 to expand and force the plate 36 downward, thereby decreasing the volume of lower area 38. One or more retractable members 22 may thus be urged to protrude generally past the bottom surface of sole portion 16. When the fluid is evacuated from the upper chamber 40, the removal of the fluid may cause the plate to rise, thereby retracting the retractable members into the lower area and sole. [0043] In various embodiments, a resilient member 42 may be disposed between and/or within the plate and upper chamber 40 and/or the lower area 38. Resilient member 42 may be configured to act on the plate 36 so as to help urge the plate upward and help retract the retractable members 22 upon evacuation of the fluid from the upper chamber 40. In one embodiment, the plate 36 may rest on a compressible resilient member 42, which may be compressed by the plate when fluid is introduced into the upper chamber 40. The resiliency of the member 42 may exert an upward pressure on the plate 36, to thereby help retract the retractable members 22 when the fluid is removed from the upper chamber 40. In various embodiments, the resilient member 42 may include elastomeric material, springs, polymers, and the like. In various other embodiments, the biasing member may be disposed on the chamber side of the plate and help urge retraction of the retractable members.

[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of footwear having a fluid reservoir and pump or driving source in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, which may cause extension and retraction of retractable members. In various embodiments a fluid reservoir 52 may be coupled to the footwear 12 (either removably or integrally). A driving source 54, such as a pump, may be coupled to reservoir 52, and adapted to force fluid into and out of reservoir 52. The reservoir 52 may be coupled via passage 50 to a chamber 56 and/or a fluid directing channel 18. In various embodiments, the fluid directing channel 18 may be in communication with, coupled to, and/or adjacent to a pocket and flexible wall portion, a plate and chamber configuration, or other means of moving the retractable members. As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 12, fluid directing channel 18 may be in communication with expandable chambers 56, which may include a flexible wall portion 58 that is adapted to expand outward upon forced injection of fluid into the chambers 56. A retractable member 22 (e.g., a multidirectional ball as illustrated, or other member such as a spike, low durometer nub, etc.) may be forced upward and/or downward in a direction 59, thereby forcing the retractable member to extend and retract relative to the bottom surface of the sole portion 16.

[0045] The driving source in accordance with various embodiments may be a fluid pump such as a compressor, a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump, a kinetic pump, etc., which upon activation may drive the fluid to and from the reservoir 52. In other embodiments, the driving source 54 may be an auger, syringe, squeeze ball, or other pump configuration adapted to allow a user to selectively force fluid to and from the reservoir. The driving source, such as a pump, may be powered by an electric motor, manual force, etc. Where the driving source operates off an electrical current, the current may be supplied by, for example, a rechargeable battery (e.g., solar, A/C source, etc.). In some embodiments, a rechargeable battery may be recharged by motion, such as by the rotation of a retractable wheel module. In an embodiment, a nuclear (beta voltaic) battery may power a driving source. In other embodiments, the driving source may be powered by one or more other power sources such as a capacitor, an ultra capacitor, a piezoelectric power source, an energy cell, etc. In various embodiments, a driving source may be powered by more than one source (such as by a rechargeable battery and manual input). In various embodiments, no fluid reservoir is present and fluid may be supplied from an external source, such as by way of a syringe or compressed canister. In other embodiments, a manual force, such as a lever (see, e.g., FIG. 13) may be used to force fluid to and from the reservoir. In one embodiment, manual force is used to turn an actuator causing a screw-like action, for example, that forces fluid from a reservoir into a fluid channel.

[0046] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment of a shoe including an extendable and retractable plate in accordance with various embodiments. Plate 36 may be disposed within a pocket 20, which may be a recessed portion within the tread of the sole portion 16. A chamber 18 may be disposed behind plate 36, such that introduction and removal of fluid from the chamber 18 may cause extension and retraction of the plate 36. In various embodiments, only the lower portion of the chamber may be adapted to move in response to the introduction and removal of fluid into the chamber. Fluid may be directed to a chamber in a different part of the shoe via channels 52. In one embodiment, the plate 36 may be integrated as part of the flexible material of sole portion 16.

[0047] In various embodiments, the plate 36 may be disposed relative to the sole such that inward and outward movement (extending and retracting movement), may occur without undue infiltration of material between the plate and the sole or into the fluid directing channels (see, e.g., discussion regarding FIGS. 15 and 16A-16D). In various embodiments, the plate may be at least partially integrated and/or covered by the sole material and recessed from the portion of the sole tread face that engages the ground when retracted or extended. As fluid is injected and retracted from the pod, the sole material may flex allowing the plate to move inward and outward as desired without allowing material to breach the pod/channel or area behind the plate.

[0048] In various embodiments, a pump 54 may be coupled to a reservoir 55 containing a fluid media such as air, viscous liquid, etc. A pump actuator 53 may be coupled to the pump 54 and the shoe in such a way that movement of the pump actuator 53 will cause the pump 54 to force the media into or out of the reservoir 55, and thus into and out of chamber 18. In one embodiment, the actuator may be so coupled to the pump such that multiple pumps may incrementally force fluid into and out of the chambers, thereby incrementally increasing and/or decreasing the amount of retraction. Yet in other embodiments, a single movement of the actuator may sufficiently move enough media to cause extension and retraction of the plate as desired. In various embodiments, the actuator may take a variety of forms and be coupled to the shoe and/or the pump in a variety of ways (e.g., pivotally, slidingly, etc.). In various embodiments, the pump may be a push- button pump mechanism with a separate release and/or a reverse pumping configuration.

[0049] FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view of components of an embodiment of a retractable member system having a front and rear pods that illustrate an example of various components that may facilitate extension and retraction of the retractable members. FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of the pods illustrated in FIG. 15 in accordance with various embodiments, assembly 100 may be coupled to each other via channels 118 and further coupled to a reservoir 155 containing a fluid. A pump 154 or other actuation system may be coupled to the reservoir 155 and adapted to force fluid to and from assemblies 100 and/or channels 118 to selectively cause extension and retraction of the retractable members 122. Pump 154 may include an actuator 153 and a release 157 for pressurizing and depressurizing the assembly 100.

[0050] FIG. 16A illustrates a single assembly of FIG. 15 in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 16B illustrates an exploded view of various components of the assembly 100 in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 16C illustrates assembly 100 with the retractable member 122 in the extended position. FIG. 16D illustrates assembly 100 with the retractable member 122 in the retracted position. In various embodiments, Assembly 100 may include several components, including retractable member carrying plate 136 and a chamber 121 having a flexible lower portion 123 that flexes in response to fluid being forced into and out of chamber 121. Assembly 100 may also include a chamber housing 130 that has a rigid upper top 132 coupled thereto. A seal 133 may be disposed between upper top 132 and chamber housing 130.

[0051] In various embodiments, a movable member 134 may be disposed within the chamber 121 and adapted for movement generally in an axial direction 131 with respect to the chamber 121 and chamber housing 130. In various embodiments, plate 136 may be coupled to the flexible wall portion 123 and movable member 134, such that movement of the movable member 134 may cause movement of the flexible wall portion 123 and the plate 136. So configured, as fluid is forced into chamber 121 via channel 118, the fluid forces displacement of the movable member 134, thus causing the plate 136 and attached retractable members 122 to move to the extended position (as illustrated in FIG. 16C). Likewise, as fluid is removed from the chamber 121 , the movable member and associated components will be urged to a retracted position (as illustrated in FIG. 16D).

[0052] In various embodiments, movable member 134 may be sized to seat into chamber 121 in such a fashion that lateral movement of the movable member 134, and thus plate 136 is resisted. In one embodiment, a first portion 139 of the movable member 134 may have a taper that when in the extended position, is seated in a corresponding receiving taper portion of the chamber housing 130 such that lateral movement is resisted. In various other embodiments, other seating features may be used to resist lateral movement of the movable member in relation to the chamber housing 130. [0053] In various embodiments, a protective cover 141 may be coupled to chamber housing 130 and serve to resisting infiltration of debris into the may be coupled to Cover, Seal seats, etc. In one embodiment, protective cover 141 may have a plate opening 142 sized slightly smaller than plate 136 such that plate 136 may rest and/or engage the edge of the opening 142. In various embodiments, the protective cover may also have a tapered portion that may serve to align the plate 136 with the opening 142. [0054] FIGS. 10A - 10E2 illustrate perspective views of several different retractable member modules that may be coupled to flexible wall members, plates, and/or other configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In various embodiments, the retractable members modules may be configured to be removably coupled, thus allowing a user to selectively fit the footwear with a retractable member to suit the desired situation. In various embodiments, one or more retractable member modules may be removably coupled to the flexible wall portion (directly or via plates, for example), such that expansion of the flexible wall portion will cause the selected retractable member module to extend past the bottom of the tread portion of the sole and engage the surface. In another embodiment, the one or more retractable member modules may be removably coupled to the plate and adapted for extension and retraction as previously discussed.

[0055] While a multitude of retractable members may be used with the retractable member modules, FIGS. 10A - 10E2 illustrate examples of removable modules in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 10A illustrates a retractable member module that includes a generally free rolling or multidirectional ball 70, which may allow a user to slide their feet in any direction. Coupler 60 may be coupled to ball 70 and adapted for engagement with a receiving coupler 61 which may be coupled to the flexible wall, plate, etc. of the shoe, and which would allow removable coupling for the retractable member module to the shoe. FIG. 10B illustrates a retractable member module that includes a unidirectional rolling wheel 72, which may be coupled to a shoe via coupler 60. FIG. 10C illustrates a retractable member module that includes a pointed spike 74, which may be coupled to a shoe via coupler 60. FIG. 10D illustrates a retractable member module that includes a blunt end 76, which may be coupled to a shoe via coupler 60.

[0056] FIGS. 10E1 and 10E2 illustrate a retractable member module that includes a spring-loaded member 78, which may be coupled to a shoe via coupler 60. Spring-loaded member 78 may react to a wearer's weight in a similar fashion to a pogo stick, and may include a spring, elastomer, or other biasing element to provide the responsive springing action. Spring-loaded member 78 may be coupled to flexible wall portion 24 of fluid directing channel 18 via coupler 60 and receiving coupler 61. FIG. 10E1 illustrates the spring-loaded member 78 in an extended position and FIG. 10E2 shows the spring-loaded member in a retracted position.

[0057] In various embodiments, the retractable member modules may be interchangeable with one or more other retractable member modules such as studs, spikes, posts, wheels, rollers, balls, blades, springs, treads, suction cups, bladders, etc. Retractable member modules may be individually interchangeable in some embodiments, while in other embodiments two or more retractable member modules may be coupled such that they must be removed together. One or more retractable member modules may be mechanically coupled to one or more plates and/or to one or more flexible wall portions by use of a variety of coupling arrangements including a spiraling circumferential thread, a series of flanges (as illustrated), a magnet, and/or by another mechanical fastener.

[0058] Various embodiments may include a variety of fluids used to cause actuation of the retractable members, including, but not limited to liquids and gasses, air, water, organic solvent, gel, hydraulic fluid, etc. In an embodiment, a self-sealing fluid that cures or hardens upon contact with ambient air or water may be used as the fluid. In another embodiment, a self-sealing fluid that plugs a leak may be used as the fluid. In an embodiment, one, two or more different fluids may be used simultaneously and/or consecutively. In such embodiments if the flexible wall portion is punctured, the puncture may seal automatically, thereby prolonging the useful life and versatility of the shoe.

[0059] In various embodiments, the retractable member carrying plate may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as metal, ceramic, wood, synthetic fiber, plastic, polymer, carbon fiber, etc. In various embodiments, a plate may include one or more retractable members and/or sites adapted to accommodate the coupling of one or more retractable members thereto, and arranged in a variety of patterns such as around the edge of the plate, in rows, in concentric circles, etc. In various embodiments the footwear may include one or more plates on the front, sides and/or back areas of the sole, with one or more retractable members coupled to each plate. [0060] In various embodiments, fluid reservoir and a driving source may be located within separate or a single housing, and/or may be removably coupled to the shoe (e.g., see FIG. 12). In some embodiments the driving unit and/or reservoir may be mounted on the shoe in a variety of locations, such as on the rear of the heel portion (see, e.g., FIGS. 13, 14, and 15), on one or both sides of the shoe body, on one or both sides of the heel portion, on the front of the shoe, etc. In various embodiments, the pump may be coupled to an external port adapted to allow coupling to an energy source for recharging purposes. In other embodiments, a reservoir and/or driver may be handheld and/or worn in a location other than on the convertible shoe. [0061] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments in accordance with the present invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A convertible shoe comprising: a shoe body and a sole, the sole having a bottom surface adapted to engage a support surface; a fluid reservoir coupled to the shoe; a chamber at least partially disposed in the sole and coupled to the reservoir, the chamber having a flexible wall portion; one or more pockets underlying the chamber; a retractable member coupled to and extended from the flexible wall portion and residing in the pocket; and a fluid driving source coupled to the reservoir to force fluid to and from the chamber in order to extend and retract the flexible wall portion with respect to the pocket and to thereby extend and retract the retractable member with respect to the pocket.

2. The convertible shoe of Claimi wherein upon the retractable member is retracted by removal of the fluid from the fluid directing channel and/or the resiliency of the flexible wall portion.

3. The convertible shoe of Claim 1 wherein the pocket extends along a substantial length of the fluid directing channel.

4. The convertible shoe of Claim 1 wherein the retractable member is an integral part of the flexible wall.

5. The convertible shoe of Claim 1 wherein the retractable member is removably coupled to the flexible wall portion.

6. The convertible shoe of Claim 1 wherein the retractable member is a selected one of wheels, balls, studs, and biasing members.

7. The convertible shoe of Claim 1 , further comprising a retractable member module that carries the retractable member, and wherein the retractable member module allows the retractable member to removably couple to the flexible wall portion.

8. The convertible shoe of Claim 1 wherein multiple pockets having multiple flexible wall portions are positioned along a portion of the length of the chamber, and multiple retractable members project from multiple ones of the multiple pockets.

9. The convertible shoe of Claim 1 further comprising a retractable member carrying plate coupled to the flexible wall portion such that expansion of the flexible wall causes movement of the plate.

10. The convertible shoe of Claim 9, further comprising a debris shield to resist penetration of debris behind the plate.

11. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 1 wherein the fluid upon exposure to a leak generally seals the leak to prevent fluid loss.

12. A convertible shoe comprising: a shoe body and a sole having a bottom surface adapted for engaging a support surface; a chamber disposed in the sole and coupled to the fluid channel, the chamber having a flexible wall portion; a plate coupled to the flexible wall; a fluid source coupled to the chamber for introducing and removing pressurized fluid to and from the chamber.

13. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 12 further including a compressible resilient member disposed in the sole coupled to the plate, the resilient member adapted to help urge movement of the plate to a retracted position.

14. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 12, further comprising retractable members coupled to the plate.

15. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 12 wherein the plate is at least partially coated with a lower durometer material than the sole.

16. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 12 wherein the plate is integrated with the material of the sole.

17. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 12, wherein the chamber includes: a chamber housing; a flexible membrane coupled to the chamber housing; a generally rigid chamber top plate; and a movable member disposed in the chamber, the movable member coupled to the plate and adapted to move axially relative to the chamber housing with introduction and removal of the fluid to and from the chamber.

18. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 17, further comprising a protective cover coupled to the chamber housing, the protective cover having an opening that is generally smaller than a periphery of the plate.

19. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 17, wherein the movable member includes a seating feature that coordinates with the chamber housing to help restrict lateral movement of the movable member when in an extended position.

20. The convertible shoe as defined in Claim 12, further comprising a driving source coupled to the reservoir to force fluid between the chamber and the reservoir.

21. A system for directing fluid into and out of a chamber disposed in the sole of a shoe to cause extension and retraction of retractable members, comprising: a fluid source; a fluid driving source coupled to the fluid source; and wherein actuation of the driving source forces fluid from the fluid source into the fluid directing channel.

22. The system of Claim 21 wherein the fluid source is a reservoir, and wherein the reservoir and the fluid driving source are at least partially disposed within the sole of the shoe.

23. The system of Claim 21 wherein the fluid driving source is a fluid pump.

24. The system of Claim 23 wherein the pump is manually powered.

25. The system of Claim 23 wherein the pump is powered by a driver and power source.

26. The system of Claim 25 wherein the power source is powered by a rechargeable battery.