초록 ▼

The present invention teaches a method of conducting retail and Internet business including making and delivering a custom article of footwear. The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unli

The present invention teaches a method of conducting retail and Internet business including making and delivering a custom article of footwear. The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, a preferred spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, heel counter, spring element, and sole can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Accordingly, the present invention also teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear.

대표청구항 ▼

I claim: 1. A method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of: collecting data relating to an individual; creating from said collected data information and intelligence for making said custom article of footwear for said individual; pr

I claim: 1. A method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of: collecting data relating to an individual; creating from said collected data information and intelligence for making said custom article of footwear for said individual; providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, a plurality of said footwear components including fastening means; selecting from the plurality of footwear components sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, and comprising at least an upper, a sole, and cushioning means affixable together in functional relation by said fastening means; providing said information and intelligence and said sufficient footwear components to a physical location at which said custom article of footwear can be made; securing a plurality of said sufficient footwear components in functional relation with said fastening means and completing the assembly for making said custom article of footwear; and, causing said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address. 2. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said information and intelligence comprising said individual's foot length size and foot width size. 3. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper comprising at least in part a textile material. 4. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper substantially comprising a molded upper. 5. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper substantially comprising a biodegradable material. 6. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said fastening means comprising at least one independent fastening component. 7. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 6, said fastening component comprising a single mechanical fastener including male and female parts. 8. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components being substantially affixed together in functional relation by mechanical means and being removable and replaceable. 9. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein at least seventy-five percent of said sufficient footwear components are removable and replaceable. 10. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein at least ninety percent of said sufficient footwear components are removable and replaceable. 11. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear being substantially recyclable. 12. The method of conducting business including waking and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear further comprising an insole. 13. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 12, said insole being removable and replaceable and provided in a plurality of variations including different alternate effective length sizes for possible use within said upper, whereby the effective length size provided by said upper can be selectively varied. 14. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 12, said insole being removable and replaceable and provided in a plurality of variations including different alternate effective width sizes for possible use within said upper, whereby the effective width size provided by said upper can be selectively varied. 15. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear further comprising closure means. 16. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 15, said closure means comprising laces. 17. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear further comprising a heel counter. 18. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 17, said heel counter positioned on the exterior of said upper. 19. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising an elastomeric material. 20. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 19, said elastomeric material comprising a foam material. 21. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a fluid-filled bladder. 22. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 21, said fluid comprising a gas. 23. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a spring. 24. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 23, said spring comprising a fiber composite material. 25. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 23, said spring comprising a metal material. 26. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 23, said spring comprising a spring element. 27. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 26, said spring element comprising a superior spring element. 28. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 27, said superior spring element being positioned inside of said upper and extending substantially between said posterior side and said anterior side. 29. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 27, said superior spring element extending between said posterior side and said anterior side for at least fifty percent of the length of said upper. 30. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 27, said superior spring element further comprising at least one flex notch. 31. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 26, said spring element comprising an inferior spring element. 32. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 31, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and a flexural axis, said inferior spring element comprising an anterior portion extending between said anterior side of said inferior spring element and an anterior tangent point, a middle portion including an anterior curve extending downwards between said anterior tangent point and a posterior tangent point, and a posterior portion extending upwards between said posterior tangent point and said posterior side of said interior spring element. 33. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 31, said inferior spring element having a medial side and a lateral side and comprising an asymmetrical curved configuration on said medial side relative to said lateral side. 34. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 31, said inferior spring element having an anterior side, posterior side, medial side, lateral side, superior side, inferior side, longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and a flexural axis, said flexural axis deviated from said transverse axis in the range between 10 and 50 degrees. 35. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 31, said inferior spring element comprising a tapered configuration. 36. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said cushioning means comprising a dampener. 37. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components further comprising a central processing unit for adjusting the cushioning characteristics provided by said article of footwear. 38. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sole comprising a midsole. 39. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sole comprising an outsole. 40. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 39, said outsole further comprising an anterior outsole element and a posterior outsole element. 41. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 39, said outsole comprising a backing portion. 42. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 41, said backing portion of said outsole comprising at least one upwardly extending stability element. 43. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 39, said outsole further comprising a pocket, whereby a portion of said cushioning means is inserted into said pocket and said outsole is thereby at least partially removably affixed in functional relation to said cushioning means. 44. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 39, said upper having a superior side and inferior side, said outsole being removably affixed in functional relation to the inferior side of said upper. 45. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said article of footwear comprising at least one cushioning element. 46. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said upper having a superior side and an inferior side, said sole comprising an outsole including a plurality of traction members, said upper further comprising a plurality of openings on said inferior side, whereby at least a portion of said outsole is removably affixed in functional relation to said upper and said plurality of traction members substantially project through said plurality of openings on said inferior side of said upper. 47. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 46, said plurality of traction members each comprising an undercut, whereby said outsole can be mechanically secured in functional relation to said upper. 48. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said sufficient footwear components including a heel counter, said heel counter, said upper, said cushioning means, and said sole being removably secured together in functional relation by said fastening means. 49. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein at least five of said sufficient footwear components are removably secured in functional relation with said fastening means. 50. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the step of securing a plurality of said sufficient footwear components in functional relation with said fastening means is completed in less than five minutes. 51. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the step of securing a plurality of said sufficient footwear components in functional relation with said fastening means is completed in less than one working day. 52. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein all of the recited steps are substantially completed at a retail store. 53. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said sufficient footwear components are provided to an address selected by said individual, and the step of securing a plurality of said sufficient footwear components in functional relation with said fastening means is completed by said individual. 54. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said data is provided by said individual from a remote site using electronic means. 55. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said data and said information and intelligence is stored in a data storage and retrieval system for future use. 56. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said data is transmitted electronically over a global communication network. 57. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 56, wherein said global communication network comprises the Internet. 58. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the step of collecting data relating to an individual comprises a means of communication selected from the group consisting of direct spoken word, direct observation and measurement, spoken word using a telephone, key selection using a telephone, written word, letter, facsimile, electronic mail, use of a point of purchase display, use of a computer keyboard, use of a computer touch screen, use of a computer including voice recognition capability, use of a data storage and retrieval system, use of a scanner, use of an imaging device, use of a photograph, use of video. 59. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein said data relating to said individual comprises information selected from the group consisting of said individual's name, mailing address, age, sex, weight, foot length size, foot width size, arch characteristics, preferred athletic activity, performance level, telephone number, electronic mail address, identification number, password, preferred method of payment, preferred method of delivery, and said individual's preferences regarding the selection of said custom article of footwear and components thereof. 60. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the step of creating information and intelligence comprises information and intelligence selected from the group consisting of determining said individual's foot length, determining said individuals foot width, determining at least one appropriate footwear last, determining an appropriate three dimensional footwear model, determining a three dimensional footwear pattern, determining at least one appropriate footwear category type, determining at least one appropriate footwear style, determining at least one appropriate footwear sku, determining a plurality of appropriate footwear components and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, determining present inventory and location thereof, causing new inventory to be created, determining the most efficient and cost effective location from which to distribute at least one footwear component of said custom article of footwear, determining the most efficient and cost effective location from which to distribute said custom article of footwear. 61. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, comprises providing alternative footwear options selected from the group consisting of alternative footwear product categories, alternative footwear models, alternative footwear skus, alternative footwear colors, alternative footwear materials, alternative footwear components, alternative footwear options using images generated using a computer database, alternative footwear options using at least one actual footwear component, and alternative footwear options using at least one custom article of footwear. 62. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the step of selecting from the plurality of footwear components sufficient footwear components f or making said custom article of footwear comprises providing a capability to said individual selected from the group consisting of providing a data input capability, providing a search capability, providing a selection capability, providing a purchase capability. 63. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the step of causing said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address from a physical location comprises a site selected from the group consisting of a company headquarters, a retail store, a sales office, a service center, a medical office, a factory, a vending machine, a warehouse and distribution center. 64. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said fastening means comprising a mechanical means. 65. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said fastening means comprising mechanical means and self-adhesive means. 66. The method of conducting business including making and selling a custom article of footwear according to claim 1, said fastening means comprising self-adhesive means. 67. A method of conducting business including making and selling footwear components for making a custom article of footwear comprising the steps of: collecting data relating to an individual; creating from said collected data information and intelligence for making said custom article of footwear; providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, a plurality of said footwear components including fastening means; selecting from the plurality of footwear components sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, and comprising at least an upper, a sole, and cushioning means affixable together in functional relation by said fastening means; providing said information and intelligence and said sufficient footwear components to a physical location at which said sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear can be distributed; and, causing said sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address, whereby a plurality of said sufficient footwear components are secured in functional relation with said fastening means and the assembly for making said custom article of footwear is completed. 68. A method of conducting business including selling at least one footwear component for making a custom article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, and comprising at least an upper, a sole, and cushioning means affixable together in functional relation comprising the steps of: collecting data relating to an individual; creating from said collected data information and intelligence for providing said at least one footwear component for use in making said custom article of footwear; providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, a plurality of said footwear components including fastening means; selecting from said plurality of footwear components said at least one footwear component for making said custom article of footwear; providing said information and intelligence regarding said at least one footwear component to a physical location at which said at least one footwear component for making said custom article of footwear can be distributed; and, causing said at least one footwear component for making said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address, whereby a plurality of footwear components comprising sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear including said at least one footwear component are secured in functional relation with said fastening means and the assembly for making said custom article of footwear is completed. 69. A method of conducting business with the use of a vending device for selling at least one footwear component for use in making a custom article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, and comprising at least an upper, a sole, and cushioning means affixable together in functional relation comprising the steps of: collecting data relating to an individual; creating from said collected data information and intelligence for providing said at least one footwear component for use in making said custom article of footwear; providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, a plurality of said footwear components including fastening means; selecting from the plurality of footwear components said at least one footwear component for making said custom article of footwear; providing said information and intelligence regarding said at least one footwear component to a physical location at which said at least one footwear component for making said custom article of footwear can be distributed; and, causing said at least one footwear component for use in making said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address, whereby a plurality of footwear components comprising sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear including said at least one footwear component are secured in functional relation with said fastening means and the assembly for making said custom article of footwear is completed. 70. A method of conducting business with the use of a vending device for selling at least one footwear component for use in making a custom article of footwear according to claim 69, wherein the step of collecting data relating to an individual comprises a means of communication selected from the group consisting of direct spoken word, direct observation and measurement, spoken word using a telephone, key selection using a telephone, written word, letter, facsimile, electronic mail, use of a point of purchase display, use of a computer keyboard, use of a computer touch screen, use of a computer including voice recognition capability, use of a data storage and retrieval system, use of a scanner, use of an imaging device, use of a photograph and use of video. 71. A method of conducting business with the use of a vending device for selling at least one footwear component for use in making a custom article of footwear according to claim 69, wherein said data relating to said individual comprises information selected from the group consisting of said individual's name, mailing address, age, sex, weight, foot length size, foot width size, arch characteristics, preferred athletic activity, performance level, telephone number, electronic mail address, identification number, password, preferred method of payment, preferred method of delivery, and said individual's preferences regarding the selection of said custom article of footwear and components thereof. 72. A method of conducting business with the use of a vending device for selling at least one footwear component for use in making a custom article of footwear according to claim 69, wherein the step of creating information and intelligence comprises information and intelligence selected from the group consisting of determining said individual's foot length, determining said individuals foot width, determining at least one appropriate footwear last, determining an appropriate three dimensional footwear model, determining a three dimensional footwear pattern, determining at least one appropriate footwear category type, determining at least one appropriate footwear style, determining at least one appropriate footwear sku, determining a plurality of appropriate footwear components and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, determining present inventory and location thereof, causing new inventory to be created, determining the most efficient and cost effective location from which to distribute at least one footwear component of said custom article of footwear, determining the most efficient and cost effective location from which to distribute said custom article of footwear. 73. A method of conducting business with the use of a vending device for selling at least one footwear component for use in making a custom article of footwear according to claim 69, wherein the step of providing a plurality of footwear components, and a plurality of variations of a plurality of said footwear components, comprises providing alternative footwear options selected from the group consisting of alternative footwear product categories, alternative footwear models, alternative footwear skus, alternative footwear colors, alternative footwear materials, alternative footwear components, alternative footwear options using images generated using a computer database, alternative footwear options using at least one actual footwear component, and alternative footwear options using at least one custom article of footwear. 74. A method of conducting business with the use of a vending device for selling at least one footwear component for use in making a custom article of footwear according to claim 69, wherein the step of selecting from the plurality of footwear components sufficient footwear components for making said custom article of footwear comprises providing a capability to said individual selected from the group consisting of providing a data input capability, providing a search capability, providing a selection capability, providing a purchase capability. 75. A method of conducting business with the use of a vending device for selling at least one footwear component for use in making a custom article of footwear according to claim 69, wherein the step of causing said custom article of footwear to be delivered to a designated address from a physical location comprises a site selected from the group consisting of a company headquarters, a retail store, a sales office, a service center, a medical office, a factory, a vending machine, a warehouse and distribution center.