A shoe making kit

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a display kit which is for use in a shop and which comprises a plurality of shoe making kits.

[0002] Shoes are normally made in factories and there must inevitably be a limitation on the various sizes, designs and colours of shoe that can be produced in the factory. There is a need for a great selection of different types of shoes, especially fashion shoes for girls and ladies.

[0003] In FR-A-2237406 there is disclosed a sandal having interchangeable uppers. The uppers can be in different shapes and colours and so the sandal disclosed in FR-A2237406 enables a person to interchange uppers on a single pair of sandals. The French specification thus tries to give persons a greater selection of different types of shoes but the French specification does not go sufficiently far enough and it does not give a sufficiently wide selection that is required by many persons. In addition to different uppers, many persons require to be able to choose different soles. Still further, the choice of different uppers and different soles needs to be as wide as possible and FR-A-2237406 does not address itself to this problem of providing persons with a very wide choice of components for making shoes such that the person can choose desired components, can then test the shoes for comfort and good fitting during their production, and can be afforded the enjoyment and self-satisfaction of making the shoes.

[0004] Accordingly, this invention provides a display which is for use in a shop and which comprises a plurality of shoe making kits, each shoe making kit comprising a plurality of shoe making components, the shoe making components comprising a pair of soles, a pair of uppers, double sided adhesive tape for temporarily fixing the uppers to the soles for test purposes whilst the uppers and the soles are on the feet of a wearer of the created shoes, and permanent fixing means for permanently fixing the uppers to the soles after tests with the double sided adhesive tape have established for the wearer of the created shoes the most suitable position and fitting for the uppers on the soles, and at least the soles and the uppers being separate from each other in the display and being of different aesthetic appearance so that a purchaser is able to choose from the display various shoe making components which are to his or her own aesthetic taste and which form one shoe making kit, the purchaser then being able to assemble by hand at home or have assembled by hand in the shop, the chosen shoe making components of the shoe making kit in such a manner that the uppers are temporarily fitted to the soles and tested by the purchaser for comfort prior to the soles being permanently fixed in place with the permanent fixing means to form a personally chosen custom made pair of shoes.

[0005] As indicated above, the use of the temporary fixing means can enable the wearer of the shoes to test them during their manufacture for the most suitable position of the uppers on the soles. In addition, the customer can choose various combinations of soles and uppers to give a far greater variety of designs and colour combinations than could ever economically be produced in a factory. The shoes are so simple to make that hardly any skill or effort is required so that the customer is able to obtain much job satisfaction for the expenditure of very little time and effort. Still further, with high fashion shoes, for example for ladies and girls, the uppers on a pair of soles can be changed at will to suit various dress requirements.

[0006] The components of the shoe making kits may be packaged to give the customer the greatest possible choice of shoe component designs, materials and colours.

[0007] The soles may be made of wood, cork or a plastics material. Other materials may of course be employed. The soles may be made from a single material or a composite material formed for example of two or more layers of different materials.

[0008] The uppers may be such as to cover at least a front part of the wearer's foot. These uppers may or may not cover the wearer's toes.

[0009] Where the uppers do not cover the wearer's toes, then the uppers may be in strap form. One or more straps may be employed.

[0010] The uppers may be made from a fabric, leather or a plastics material.

[0011] The temporary fixing means is a double sided adhesive tape. The permanent fixing means may be nails or staples. The nails may be brass and/or nickel nails.

[0012] The nails may be provided in two designs and colours to afford a customer a choice of permanent fixing means.

[0013] The soles may be such that they have heels already fixed thereto. However, if desired, the shoe making kit may be one which includes a separate heel for fixing to each sole. It would thus be apparent that with separate heels, a customer can choose different heel sizes, different heel designs and different heel colours to go with chosen soles.

[0014] The back part of the shoe may be strapless or it may have one or more straps. The straps may be one or more ankle straps.

[0015] The shoe making kit may include masking means for covering the permanent fixing means for example the nails' The masking means may be metal strips.

[0016] The temporary fixing means may be all the same or may be different. Similarly, the permanent fixing means may be all the same or different. Usually, the temporary fixing means will all be the same, whilst the permanent fixing means will be different, for example to suit different types of materials for the soles and also to suit different types of aesthetic taste.

[0017] Embodiments of the invention will now he described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 to 15 show different stages in the making of some shoes;

Figure 16 to 22 show seven different designs of shoes; and

Figures 23, 24 show two different types of masking means.

[0018] Referring to the drawings, it is to be appreciated that when assembling a pair of shoes, it is always best to make the two shoes at the same time. The only tools needed may be a hammer and a sharp knife.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a foot 2 on a sole 4. The sole 4 has a heel 6 and the heel 6 may be already fixed to the sole 4 or it may be separate from the sole 4 as will be described herein below. In order to obtain the correct fitting, the foot 2 is placed on the sole 4, with the heel of the foot 2 fitting exactly on the edge of the sole 4. There should be a gap of about 10mm between the big toe and the edge of the sole.

[0020] Referring to Figure 2 temporary fixing means in the form of double sided adhesive tape 8 is then secured where illustrate, to the sole 4. A two inch (50mm) strip of the tape is placed on the edge of each sole 4 and the protective strips 10 are removed.

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates the foot 2 such that the person is sitting down and has rested the sole 4 on a resting block 12.

[0022] An upper in the form of a single strap 14 is then taken as illustrated in Figure 4 and the ends of the strap 14 are held between the finger and the thumb as illustrated. The strap 14 is then placed on the foot 2 in the required position for giving maximum comfort and/or aesthetic effect.

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates how the strap 14 requires to be firmly pressed with the thumbs, using the fingers to bring the remainder of the strap on both sides right underneath the sole 4. As this happens, it is necessary to press the strap 14 firmly on to the tape 8.

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 6, further temporary fixing means in the form of tacks 16, are hammered through the strap 14 and into the sole 4, using a hammer 18. Two or three tacks may be employed and they only need to be forced approximately half way into the sole 4 on both sides of the sole 4. The thus so far assembled shoes can then be worn and the person can walk around in. the shoes to establish that they are totally comfortable and that they look right. or that they required alteration in some way. If alteration is required, then the temporary fixing means can easily be removed and the process described above redone.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates how a person standing with both feet 2 together can make sure that the straps 14 are in the same position on both soles 4. The person can also make sure that the straps 14 are not too tight and not too loose. The person should make sure that the little toe and the big toe joint have enough support. As indicated above, if the fit is not correct, it is only necessary to remove the temporary tacks if they have been used and then to reposition the straps 14 on the strip 8. When the position of the straps 14 on the soles 4 is totally satisfactory, then the tacks can be removed if they have been used.

[0026] Figure 8 illustrates how permanent fixing means in the form of brass or nickel nails 20 can be hammered through the strap 14, and into the sole 4 using the hammer 18. In order to do this, the sole 4 should be held against a firm surface.

[0027] The top part of Figure 9 illustrates that the nails 20 should be placed approximately half way between the edges of the sole 4. As illustrated in the lower part of Figure 9, the nails 20 should never point towards the feet 2 and they should always point towards the middle of the sole 4. If desired, the temporary tacks 16 can be left in position.

[0028] Figure 10 illustrates how the nails 20 should be approximately 4mm apart. The nails can be placed in a straight or curved row as illustrated in Figure 11. Non-serrated nails should be used with wooden soles 4 and serrated nails should be used with plastics soles 4.

[0029] When nailing is completed, a sharp knife 22 should be taken as illustrated in Figure 12 and used to trim off the surplus double sided tape 8 and the strap 14, approximately 4mm below the row of nails 20. If desired, a guide line of where to cut can be marked on the strap 14 before actually cutting the strap, the guideline being marked with a pencil.

[0030] The finished shoes will then be such that they fit exactly and that they are of the right colour with the required sole and heel shape and height. Everything will have been made to the wearer's specification and the wearer will be the individual creator of his or her own fashion.

[0031] The heels illustrated in Figures 1 to 12 have been shown as differently shaped to illustrate the different designs of heel that may be employed. These heels may be already fixed to the sole 4 or, as illustrated in Figure 13, the customer may be given the choice of fixing individual heels 6 to the sole 4. Thus, referring to Figure 13, it will be seen that the heel 6 has two upstanding posts 24. These posts 24 are fitted into two complementary holes 26 formed in the underside of the sole 4. The heel 6 can be given a light tap with the hammer 18 to ensure that the posts 24 are fully home in the holes 26. A screw 28 is then inserted into a hole 30 in the sole 4 and the screw passes through the sole 4 and is screwed tightly into the heel 6 to tightly fix the heel 6 to the sole 4. A top piece 32 is then employed having pegs 34. The pegs 34 are inserted in to holes 36 in the heel 6. The pegs 34 are a tight fit in the holes 36 and they only need hitting in with the hammer 18 to ensure that the top piece 32 stays in position on the heel 6. It will also be appreciated that because the top piece 32 is a friction fit in the heel 6, the top piece 32 can easily be replaced in the event that it should become worn.

[0032] Figure 14 illustrates two feet 2 showing the straps 14 extending at different angles relative to the feet 2. Wherever the strap 14 is put, it should always be such that it protects the little toe and the big toe joint.

[0033] If desired, the shoes can be made by a sales person in a shop or by a shoemaker. The customer would then select the required combination of shoe components and the person in the shoe shop or the shoemaker would then assemble the components to the customer's requirements in the shop. The customer could walk around the shop to ensure that the fit was desired with the temporary fixing means in position as mentioned above. Obviously, the customer would expect to pay extra for having the shoes assembled in the shop.

[0034] Referring now to Figures 16, 17 and 18, there are shown three further different designs of shoe, these shoes being ladies shoes. It will be seen that three different types of straps 14 are employed and the straps 14 can generally be employed in a large variety of colours, widths, patterns and textures.

[0035] Referring now to Figures 19, 20, 21 and 22, it will be seen that four further different designs of shoe are illustrated. All of these shoes have high heels 6, and they also have different straps 14. It will be seen that the shoes in Figures 19, 20 and 21 have straps 38 which fix to the sole 4 by permanent fixing means such for example as the same type of nails employed for fixing the straps 14 permanently in position. The straps 38 extend into ankle straps 40. The ankle straps 40 have buckles 42 as illustrated. The straps 14 in Figures 19,20,21 and 22 are preferably leather straps. The designs are especially cut for providing good comfort and support. The ankle straps 38 have been standardised and may come in two sections so that one may choose to have the outside strap in one colour and the inside strap in another colour. This provides a unique mix and match facility.

[0036] Figures 23 and 24 illustrate two different types of masking means in the form of two different metal strips 44, 46. It will be seen that the metal strip 44 is straight whilst the metal strip 46 is longer and is curved. Most strips are provided with holes 48 by means of which they can be nailed to the sides of the sole 4 to cover the nails 20.

[0037] It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, different designs to those illustrated may be used.

[0038] It is envisaged that the shoes may be sold as Rafi Bespoke Shoes. The shoes can be additionally sold as made to measure shoes or do-it-yourself shoes.

Claims

1. A display which is for use in a shop and which comprises a plurality of shoe making kits, each shoe making kit comprising a plurality of shoe making components, the shoe making components comprising a pair of soles (4), a pair of uppers (14), double sided adhesive tape means (8) for temporarily fixing the uppers (14) to the soles (4) for test purposes whilst the uppers and the soles are on the feet of a wearer of the created shoes, and permanent fixing means (20) for permanently fixing the uppers (14) to the soles (4) after tests with the double sided adhesive tape (8), have established for the wearer of the created shoes the most suitable position and fitting for the uppers (14) on the soles (4), and at least the soles (4) and the uppers (14) being separate from each other in the display and being of different aesthetic appearance so that a purchaser is able to choose from the display various shoe making components which are to his or her own aesthetic taste and which form one shoe making kit, the purchaser then being able to assemble by hand at home or have assembled by hand in the shop, the chosen shoe making components of the shoe making kit in such a manner that the uppers (14) are temporarily fitted to the soles (4) and tested by the purchaser for comfort prior to the soles (4) being permanently fixed in place with the permanent fixing means (20) to form a personally chosen custom made pair of shoes.

2. A display according to claim 1 characterised in that the uppers (14) are in strap form.

3. A display according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the permanent fixing means (20) are nails (20) or staples.

4. A display according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the soles (4) have heels (6) already fixed thereto.

5. A display according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the display includes a separate heel (6) for fixing to each sole (4).

^* 6. A display according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the display includes one or more ankle straps (40).

7. A display according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the display includes masking means (44, 46) for masking the permanent fixing means (20).

Ansprüche

1. Auslage zur verwendung in einem Geschäft, mit mehreren Bausätzen zur Schuhherstellung, wobei jeder Bausatz mehrere Komponenten für die Schuhherstellung mit jeweils zwei Sohlen (4), zwei Oberlederteilen (14), doppelseitig klebendem Klebeband (8) zum vorübergehenden Fixieren der Oberlederteile (14) an den Sohlen (4) für Testzwecke, während die Oberlederteile und die Sohlen an den Füßen desjenigen, der die gestalteten Schuhe trägt, anliegen, und Dauerbefestigungsmitteln (20) beinhaltet, um eine dauerhafte Befestigung der Oberlederteile (14) an den Sohlen (4) durchzuführen, nachdem Tests mit dem doppelseitig klebenden Klebeband (8) für den Träger der geschaffenen Schuhe die am besten passende Anordnung und die Anpassung der Oberlederteile (14) an die Sohlen (4) ergeben haben, und wobei mindestens die Sohlen (4) und die Oberlederteile (14) in der Auslage voneinander getrennt und von unterschiedlicher ästhetischer Wirkung sind, so daß ein(e) Käufer(in) in der Lage ist, aus der Auslage unterschiedliche Komponenten für die Schuhherstellung auszuwählen, die seinem oder ihrem eigenen ästhetischen Empfinden entsprechen und einen Bausatz zur Schuhherstellung ergeben, wodurch der Käufer dann in die Lage versetzt wird, die ausgewählten Komponenten des Bausatzes zur Schuhherstellung derart mit den Händen zu Hause zusammenzusetzen oder im Geschäft zusammengesetzt zu haben, daß die Oberlederteile (14) vorübergehend an den Sohlen (4) festgelegt werden und von dem Käufer auf Bequemlichkeit hin überprüft werden, bevor die Sohlen (4) dauerhaft mit den Dauerbefestigungsmitteln (20) an einer Stelle befestigt werden, um ein persönlich ausgewähltes, durch die Kundschaft hergestelltes Schuhpaar zu schaffen.

2. Auslage gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Oberlederteile (14) in Bandform ausgebildet sind.

3. Auslage nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Dauerbefestigungsmittel (20) Nägel (22) oder Heftklammern sind.

4. Auslage nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sohlen (4) bereits an ihnen befestigte Absätze (6) aufweisen.

5. Auslage nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie einen separaten Absatz (6) zum Befestigen an der jeweiligen Sohle (4) beinhaltet.

6. Auslage nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie eine oder mehrere Knöchelspangen (40) unfaßt.

7. Auslage nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie Abdeckungselemente (44, 46) zum Abdecken der Dauerbefestigungsmittel (20) beinhaltet.

Revendications

1. Etalage ou présentoir destiné à s'utiliser dans un magasin et .qui comprend une série de trousses de fabrication de chaussures, chaque trousse comprenant plusieurs pièces constitutives destinées à la fabrication de chaussures, ces pièces constitutives étant formées par une paire de semelles (4), une paire d'empeignes (14), un ruban adhésif double face destiné à la fixation temporaire des empeignes (14) sur les semelles (4) pour des besoins d'essai, tandis que les empeignes et les semelles sont aux pieds du porteur des chaussures créées, et des moyens de fixation permanente (20) destinés à attacher en permanence les empeignes (14) aux semelles (4) après que les essais avec le ruban adhésif double face ont montré au porteur des chaussures créées, la position et le montage les plus appropriés pour les empeignes (14) sur les semelles (4), au moins les semelles (4) et les empeignes (14) étant séparées les unes des autres dans le présentoir et étant d'un aspect esthétique différent de manière qu'un acheteur puisse choisir sur le présentoir, diverses pièces constitutives de fabrication de chaussures, qui répondent à son propre goût esthétique et qui forment une trousse de fabrication de chaussures, l'acheteur étant alors capable d'assembler à la main chez lui ou de faire assembler à la main dans le magasin, les pièces constitutives choisies de la trousse de fabrication de chaussures de manière que les empeignes (14) soient temporairement assemblées sur les semelles (4) et essayées par l'acheteur du point de vue confort avant que les semelles (4) soient fixées en permanence en place grâce aux moyens de fixation permanente (20) pour former une paire de chaussures faite suivant les désirs et choisies personnellement par l'acheteur.

2. Présentoir suivant la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les empeignes (14) sont sous forme de sangles.

3. Présentoir suivant la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de fixation permanente (20) sont des clous (20) ou des agrafes.

4. Présentoir suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les semelles (4) présentent des talons (6) qui sont déjà fixés en place.

5. Présentoir suivant l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des talons séparés (6) destinés à la fixation aux semelles (4).

6. Présentoir suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une ou plusieurs sangles de cheville (40).

7. Présentoir suivant l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens de masquage (44,46) destinés à masquer les moyens de fixation permanente (20).

Drawing