US6696000B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making a shoe and an outsole
Assignee: ES Originals Inc
•
Filing: 2002-06-05
•
Granted: 2004-02-24
•
Expires: 2022-06-05
Abstract
Abstract An outsole for a shoe, especially a house slipper, has an outer layer constituted of a fabric material, and a backing layer constituted of a shape-retaining, moldable material. The fabric layer and the backing layer are molded integrally together to provide the outsole with increased slip resistance, quieter usage and increased shape retention.
Inventors
- 👤 Jon Otis
- 👤 Michael Safdeye
- 👤 Michael Stein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:22
CPC Classifications
A; A43; A43B; A43B13/00; A43B13/14; A43B13/143; A43B13/02; A43B13/12; A43B13/145; A43B17/00; A43B17/10; A43B17/107; A43B23/00; A43B23/24; A43B3/00; A43B3/0036; A43B3/0078; A43B3/10; A43B3/108
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole subsequently to, and independently of, the molding step.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole subsequently to, and independently of, the molding step.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the attaching step is performed outside of the mold.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the attaching step is performed by adhering the shoe upper to the shoe outsole.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the attaching step is performed by stitching the shoe upper to the shoe outsole.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the attaching step is performed by non-moldably attaching the shoe upper to the shoe outsole.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the attaching step is performed by moldably attaching the shoe upper to the shoe outsole.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 , and further comprising the step of non-moldably attaching a shoe lower between the shoe upper and the shoe outsole.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the molding step is performed by molding a tread pattern with raised and recessed areas on both the inner backing part and the outer fabric part.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the molding step is performed by positioning the outer fabric part in direct non-adhesive contact with the inner backing part.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , and further comprising the step of overlying the outsole with a cushioning element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 10 , and further comprising the step of non-moldably attaching the cushioning element to the outsole.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 10 , and further comprising the step of confining the cushioning element in an interior compartment of the shoe.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 1 , and further comprising the step of exposing a visible bare region of the inner backing part uncovered by the outer fabric part, and wherein the attaching step is performed by attaching the shoe upper at the bare region of the inner backing part out of contact with the outer fabric part.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , and the step of constituting the inner backing part of plastic material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 , and the step of constituting the inner backing part of rubber material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , and the step of constituting the outer fabric part of a knitted material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , and the step of constituting the outer fabric part of a woven material.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 , and the step of printing indicia on the outer fabric part.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the molding step is performed without placing a cushioning element in the mold.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a fabric material in an injection mold; and b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part, the molding step being performed by molding a tread pattern with raised and recessed areas on both the inner backing part and the outer fabric part.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a fabric material in an injection mold; and b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part, the molding step being performed by molding a tread pattern with raised and recessed areas on both the inner backing part and the outer fabric part.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the molding step is performed by positioning the outer fabric part in direct non-adhesive contact with the inner backing part.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 20 , and the step of constituting the inner backing part of plastic material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 20 , and the step of constituting the inner backing part of rubber material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 20 , and the step of constituting the outer fabric part of a knitted material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 20 , and the step of constituting the outer fabric part of a woven material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 20 , and the step of printing indicia on the outer fabric part.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 20 , and further comprising the step of exposing a visible bare region of the inner backing part uncovered by the outer fabric part, the shoe outsole constituting a discrete molded shoe component for assembly at the bare region out of contact with the outer fabric part with other of the shoe components.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the inner backing part and the outer fabric part are the only parts of the outsole within the mold.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold, the molding step being performed by molding a tread pattern with raised and recessed areas on both the inner backing part and the outer fabric part; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold, the molding step being performed by molding a tread pattern with raised and recessed areas on both the inner backing part and the outer fabric part; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole; and d) overlying the outsole with a cushioning element.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole; and d) overlying the outsole with a cushioning element.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; c) exposing a visible bare region of the inner backing part uncovered by the outer fabric part; and d) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole, the attaching step being performed by attaching the shoe upper at the bare region of the inner backing part out of contact with the outer fabric part.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; c) exposing a visible bare region of the inner backing part uncovered by the outer fabric part; and d) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole, the attaching step being performed by attaching the shoe upper at the bare region of the inner backing part out of contact with the outer fabric part.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a knitted fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a knitted fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a woven fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
145 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a woven fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole; and d) printing indicia on the outer fabric part.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole; and d) printing indicia on the outer fabric part.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold, the molding step being performed without placing a cushioning element in the mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of making a shoe, comprising the steps of: a) molding a molded shoe outsole with an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material and with an outer fabric part of a fabric material different from the shape-retaining material, the molding step being performed by placing the outer fabric part in an injection mold, and by injection molding the inner backing part in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold, the molding step being performed without placing a cushioning element in the mold; b) continuing the injection molding step until at least the inner backing part is integrally embedded in the outer fabric part in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) attaching a shoe upper to the molded shoe outsole.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a knitted fabric material in an injection mold; and b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a knitted fabric material in an injection mold; and b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a woven fabric material in an injection mold; and b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a woven fabric material in an injection mold; and b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a fabric material in an injection mold; b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) printing indicia on the outer fabric part.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
119 words
A method of making a shoe outsole for a shoe having shoe components, comprising the steps of: a) positioning an outer fabric part of a fabric material in an injection mold; b) injection molding an inner backing part of a shape-retaining, moldable material different from the fabric material in situ with the outer fabric part in the injection mold so as to integrally embed the inner backing part in the outer fabric part, in order to resist separation of the different materials and to resist shape distortion of the outer fabric part which is retained and held in shape and position by the shape-retaining material of the inner backing part; and c) printing indicia on the outer fabric part.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-02-23 | 2007-08-25 | 2008-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-02-23 | 2011-08-25 | 2012-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-02-23 | 2015-08-25 | 2016-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |