Abstract
Improved footwear is disclosed, including an improved foot gripping member and footwear having a resilient and angled or curved sole. The improvements are particularly well adapted for footwear made for beach, street, home, sports, or general casual wear. The various features of the disclosed footwear may be utilized alone, or in combination with each other, in order to improve the comfort and improve the attachment to the footwear to the foot.
Claims
1. Footwear comprising: a sole made of a resilient material; a thong connected to said sole; an insert-member made of metal, plastic, or rubber; wherein said insert member is disposed substantially within the center of said sole; wherein said insert-member is disposed such that it deforms said sole; such that when said footwear is not being worn by the user, said sole includes a fore portion upwardly inclined relative to the horizontal plane of an aft portion of said sole; wherein said aft portion of the sole is thereby structured to maintain substantially continuous contact with the heel of the wearer's foot while walking; wherein the footwear does not include any material designed to secure the user's heel to said aft portion of said sole.
2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear is sandals.
3. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear is flip-flops.
4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the footwear is slippers.
5. The footwear of claim 1, wherein a fore portion of said sole is upwardly inclined at an angle of more than about 30 degrees and less than about 90 degrees when the footwear is not being worn by the user.
6. The footwear of claim 5, wherein a fore portion of said sole is upwardly inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees when the footwear is not being worn by the user.
7. The footwear of claim 6, wherein said sole is made of a single-piece of resilient material.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a prior art sandal showing a sole with a thong having branching thong straps, which corresponds to FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,836.
(2) FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a sandal with elastic heel straps showing a prior art sandal design, which corresponds to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,481,281.
(3) FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a prior art exercise clog showing a foot band and heel strap, which corresponds to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 2,518,649.
(4) FIG. 4 is a top view of a prior art beach sandal showing a surrounding, adjustable heel strap, which corresponds to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,538.
(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of a prior art “negative toe rocker” athletic shoe showing the concave curve of the bottom of the sole of the shoe which corresponds to FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,797.
(6) FIG. 6A is a top view of a typical prior art conventional sandal or flip-flop, not in use, showing a sole and a thong, which branches into or connects to thong straps.
(7) FIG. 6B is a side view of the typical prior art conventional sandal or flip-flop also shown in FIG. 6A, not in use, depicting a sole and a thong which branches into or connects to thong straps.
(8) FIG. 7 is a side view of the typical conventional sandal or flip-flop of FIGS. 6A and 6B, in use, showing a trailing foot angling up and separating from the sole of the sandal during a walk.
(9) FIG. 8A is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention that is not in use. This view indicates the approximate horizontal direction of the axis BB of the bend or angle in the sole of the footwear that substantially parallels the axis along which a person's forefoot normally hinges relative to the remainder of the foot. The axis BB of the bend in the sole lies in a horizontal plane and is referenced by angle α which would normally be somewhat more than 90 degrees from a vertical, longitudinal, fore and aft, mid-plane A-A passing through the sole of the footwear. This axis also approximates the border between the fore portion 14 of the sole, or fore-sole, of the footwear and the remaining portion (or aft portion) of the footwear. As referenced herein, said remaining or aft portion is comprised of a heel section 15b of the sole 7 and a mid-section 15a of the sole 7, the mid-section residing between the heel section 15b and the fore portion 14 of the sole 7.
(10) FIG. 8B is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention that is not in use and shown also in FIG. 8A. This view shows a significant angle of incline θ of the front or fore-portion of the sole, rising from the horizontal plane of the remaining or aft portion of the sole 7, at a location 13 approximately where the sole hinges along an axis BB at a position close to and substantially parallel to the location where a person's forefoot normally hinges relative to the remaining portion of the foot. The angle θ is the complimentary angle to the obtuse angle β. Angle β represents the upward obtuse angle subtended by the top surface of the fore portion of the sole and the top surface of the aft portion of the sole. Also shown in this view and in FIG. 8A is a thong 11 which is attached at its forward end to the fore-portion 14 of sole 7. From there, the thong travels up to a forking junction 10 where it divides into or attaches to two thong straps 8 and 9, each of which travel to opposite sides of the sole where they are attached at or near the edge of the sole somewhat toward the rear of the mid-section 15a of the sole 7 and/or near the front of the heel section 15b of the sole 7.
(11) FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, shown in use, and essentially straightened or flattened by the pressure or force exerted simultaneously on the fore and aft portions of the sole by the wearer's foot.
(12) FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9, shown in use on the trailing foot during a walk. As the fore-portion 14 of the sole 7 is held down by the forefoot, the heel 15b of the sole 7 of the sandal is shown rising with the heel of the foot 16 while the sole 7 tends to return to its natural angle, indicated by θ and β, shown above in FIG. 8B.
(13) FIG. 11A is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention depicting an angled or curved and resilient insert 17 for the sole which functions to provide the desired angularity and physical properties, such as resiliency, for the composite sole shown below in FIG. 12.
(14) FIG. 11B is a top view of the insert 17 depicted in FIG. 11A.
(15) FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the insert 17 depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B having been inserted into a flexible sole 18 to form another embodiment of the present invention, comprising the angled or curved and resilient insert 17 with the flexible sole 18 of a sandal, flip-flop or similar footwear.
(16) FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of an attachment 17B having been affixed or attached to the sole 18B to form another embodiment of the present invention comprising the angled or curved, resilient attachment 17B with the flexible sole 18B of a sandal, flip-flop or similar footwear.
(17) FIG. 12C is a top view of the embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 12B, showing a flexible sole 18B and an angled, resilient, flexible attachment 17B.
(18) FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention comprising an assembly of the sole 18 and insert 17, depicted in FIG. 12A, with the addition of a thong having attached branching thong straps 8 and 9. It is shown in use, and essentially straightened or flattened by the force or pressure exerted simultaneously on the fore and aft portions of the sole by the wearer's foot.
(19) FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 13. Here, the embodiment is shown in use and trailing the wearer's foot during a walk. As the fore portion 14 of the sole 18 is held down by the forefoot, the heel of the sole 19 of the sandal is shown rising with the heel of the foot 16 as it tends to return to the natural angle of the insert, shown above, for example, in FIGS. 11A and 12A.
(20) FIG. 15A is a top view of an insert with serrations, tabs or projections to anchor the insert in position after assembly with a basic sole.
(21) FIG. 15B is a top view of an insert with serrations, tabs or projections biased in one direction to aid in insertion during assembly and inhibit extraction during use.
(22) FIG. 15C is a top view of a wider elongated and straight insert, somewhat narrower in width than the heel of the sole and somewhat shorter in length than the length of the sole of the footwear.
(23) FIG. 15D is a top view of an insert shaped similar to but somewhat smaller than the sole of the footwear.
(24) FIG. 15E is a top view of a double or two elongated and connected inserts.
(25) FIG. 16A is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a sandal or flip-flop having a sole 22, a thong 21 with thong straps 23 and 24, a forking junction 25 and a curved, shaped or angled resilient insert 30, with a forked terminus and end tabs 27. Also indicated is the fore portion 20, mid section 28 and heel section 29 of the sole.
(26) FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional, side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 16A, showing the sole 22, the thong 21 and the curved, somewhat “C-shaped” and angled, resilient insert 30, with a forked terminus and end tabs 27. Also indicated is the fore portion 20, mid section 28 and heel section 29 of the sole 22.
(27) FIG. 17A is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a sandal or flip-flop having a sole 42, a thong 41 without thong straps, a forking junction 45 and a curved, somewhat “C-shaped” or similar shaped and angled resilient insert 48. Also shown is a finger-like or tab-like gripping or holding terminus or tab 47.
(28) FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional, side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 17A, showing the sole 42, the thong 41 and the curved, somewhat “C-shaped” shaped and angled resilient insert 48, having an finger-like or tab-like gripping or holding terminus or tab 47. Here, the embodiment is shown in its natural shape or uncompressed shape.
(29) FIG. 17C is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIGS. 17A and 17B, but shown here in use on the trailing foot during a walk. As the fore portion 44 of sole 42 is held down by the forefoot, the heel of the sole 49 of the sandal is shown rising with the heel of the foot 46 as it tends to return to the natural shape and opening of the insert, shown above in FIG. 17B.
(30) FIG. 17D is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a sandal or flip-flop having a sole 42B, a thong 41B without thong straps and a curved, somewhat “C-shaped” or similar shaped and angled resilient insert 48B with its upper extremity made with a hinged end. In this example the hinge is shown as a clevis 49B, which is a “U-shaped” opening through which a clevis pin 50B is inserted to provide the axis for the hinge. Also shown is a finger-like or tab-like gripping or holding terminus or tab 47B having an end which mates with the clevis pin and enables terminus (or tab) 47B to rotate about the clevis pin 50B. In this embodiment it is intended to spring-load the terminus (or tab) about the axis of the clevis pin such that the spring will provide a holding pressure upon the top of a wearer's foot. For example a torsion spring (not shown) could be utilized. Other spring-loaded hinging mechanisms are known in the art and are envisaged.
(31) FIG. 17E is an enlarged view of the clevis arrangement shown in FIG. 17D.
(32) FIG. 17F is a cross-sectional, side elevation view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17D, showing the sole 42B, the thong 41B and the curved, somewhat “C-shaped” and angled, resilient insert 48B. Also depicted is the rotatable, spring-loaded terminus or tab 47B.
(33) FIG. 18A is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention that is not in use and thus is in its natural, uncompressed shape. This view shows a significant angle of incline θ of the fore portion 31 of sole 33, angling up or rising from the plane of the horizontal, remaining or aft portion of the sole 38, at a location 39, close to and substantially parallel to the axis of the location where a person's forefoot normally hinges relative to the remaining portion of the foot. Also shown is the obtuse angle β, the complimentary angle to angle θ. Angle β represents the upwardly open obtuse angle subtended by the top surface of the fore portion of the sole and the top surface of the aft portion of the sole. This figure also depicts a mid-sole foot band 35 and cleats 34 attached to the bottom of the sole 33.
(34) FIG. 18B is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 18A and in FIG. 18C. Here, it is shown in use, and essentially straightened or flattened by the pressure or force exerted by the wearer's foot. The figure also depicts cleats 34 attached to the bottom of the sole 33.
(35) FIG. 18C is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Here, it is shown in use on the trailing foot during a walk. As the fore portion 31 of the sole 33 is held down by the forefoot, and the heel of the foot relieves pressure on the aft portion of the sole, the heel of the sole 36 of the sandal is shown rising with the heel of the foot 37 as the sole tends to return to its natural angle shown above in FIG. 18A. The figure also depicts cleats 34 attached to the bottom of the sole 33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(36) Turning now more particularly to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like elements, certain representative and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 8A-18C, with particular emphasis on the angled resilient sole and the angled resilient insert.
(37) It is to be understood and defined as used herein: The term “sole,” when used alone, means the sole or platform of the footwear. When reference is made to the underside of the foot, the phrase “sole of the foot” is used. The term “sole to heel” means “sole of the footwear to heel of the wearer's foot.” The term “heel strap” means any material attached to the sole that is adapted to wrap around the wearer's heel or otherwise secure the wearer's heel to the heel portion of the sole. The terms “natural angle” and “natural shape” and “initial shape” and “original shape,” as used herein, mean the shape or angle of the sole when not worn. Thus, these terms refer to the shape of the sole before forces are applied simultaneously on the fore and aft portions of the sole that together act to straighten or flatten the sole. Such straightening forces are applied, for example, when a user is standing upright, with his feet flat upon the top surface of the sole. The term “thong” as used herein means a strip of material that is attached to and rises from the front or fore portion of the sole between the wearer's first and second toes. Conventionally, thong straps are connected to the end of the thong and to the sole of the footwear on each side of the foot. The term “thong strap” as used herein means a length or strip of material that is connected to the end of the thong and also to either side of the sole of the footwear. This may be a distinct piece of material or a continuation of the thong material. Descriptions of the footwear when mentioned in the singular also refer to the plural since footwear is always considered in pairs.
(38) In one embodiment of the invention, as depicted in FIG. 8A through FIG. 10, the footwear closely resembles the appearance of a conventional “flip-flop” or sandal. In this embodiment, the sole 7 is made out of a flexible material with considerable elastic or resilient properties, including the desired amount of strength and strength and stiffness and fabricated or molded to a significant upwardly angled or curved shape at the fore portion of the sole. The degree of stiffness of the sole or insert material may be increased or decreased to restrict or aid in the flexing action as desired. Typically, the sole 7 will be made out of a relatively soft, durable, light and flexible, elastic, and highly resilient material. Construction may include, e.g., manual or automatic fabrication or molding in one piece or more or other processes known in the art. When not worn, that is, under no pressure from the foot, the initial shape or angle of the sole, as indicated by the angle θ and β, is shown, for example, in FIG. 8B, which depicts a sole that is relatively flat from the heel section 15b through the mid-sole section to the angling location 13 at or near where the ball of the foot would rest. At that point it angles or turns up like a hinge toward the toe of the sole 7. The amount of upward deflection is indicated in FIG. 8B by θ and its complementary obtuse angle β. At the discretion of the designer, this upward turn or bend may be offered in a variety of angles to accommodate a variety of foot sizes, shapes and walking characteristics, not unlike the lengths and widths of shoe dimensions. Preferably, however, the upward turn or bend would be at an angle θ of approximately 30 or more degrees to the horizontal, most preferably at an angle of about 45 degrees. In terms of the complementary obtuse angle β, the preferred angle, is approximately 150 or less degrees, most preferably at an angle of about 135 degrees.
(39) In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A through 10, an angled fore portion of the sole is disclosed. It should be noted, however, that in other embodiments the fore portion may be upwardly disposed more gradually, such as a curve similar to the shape of a banana. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A through 10, the axis of the “hinge” associated with the upwardly deflected portion would preferably reside horizontally within the sole and would normally be directed at an angle α of somewhat more than 90 degrees to a vertical, longitudinal, fore and aft, mid-plane of the sole; this direction being taken clockwise from the front on the right sole and counter-clockwise from the front of the left sole. It is intended to be in approximate alignment with the hinging of the forefoot relative to the remaining or aft portion of the foot.
(40) FIG. 9 depicts this embodiment of the present invention when in use showing the sole 7 flattened or straightened by the pressure or force applied simultaneously on the fore portion of the sole and the aft portion of the sole by the foot of the wearer
(41) FIG. 10 depicts this embodiment of the present invention in the position of the trailing foot during walking, as the heel 16 of the foot angles up. In this condition pressure is applied by the forefoot on the fore portion 14 of sole 7 while pressure is relieved from the heel section 15b of the sole 7 causing the sole 7 to flex back toward its natural shape thus maintaining continuous, or substantially continuous, contact between the heel of the sole 15b and the heel of the foot 16.
(42) It should also be noted that in other embodiments it may be desirable to provide a thong with elastic qualities, in the forward part of the thong 11, thong straps 8 and 9 or both, sufficient to accommodate (or assist) the need for stretch or “give” as the foot bends during walking. In still other embodiments of this invention the pull of the side straps on the heel section may be increased by locating the branching point 10 of the thong higher up on the top of the foot. Further, in other embodiments, the straps 8 and 9 may be affixed to the sole 7 further hack, toward or within the heel section of the sole.
(43) In still other embodiments the fore-sole of the footwear may be secured to the forefoot of the wearer through other securing means known in the art. For example, the forefoot of the wearer could be secured to the fore-sole by a simple strap over all the wearer's toes and/or a loop of material that secures one or more of the wearer's toes to the fore-sole of the footwear. Another example would include a toe-pocket or receptacle, formed by a partial upper connected to the fore-sole and adapted to form a pocket into which the wearer's toes may be inserted. Other examples will be readily apparent to those in the art. Where possible, these known securing means may of course be used alone or in conjunction with a thong, the preferred embodiments of the foot attaching band described below and seen in FIGS. 18A-18C, or the preferred embodiments of the gripping member described below and seen in FIGS. 17A-17F.
(44) Flexible properties of the sole 7 material will allow the sole 7 to effectively flatten out, as depicted in FIG. 9, when under compression by the foot, e.g. standing, or resting the feet on the floor while sitting, etc. Moreover, the resilient properties of the sole 7 enable it to alternately flatten and flex back toward its original shape while walking. That is, the sole 7 straightens or flattens out when directly underfoot and, when the heel of the foot 16 relieves pressure on the heel section 15b of the sole as the heel of the foot rises or angles up during walking and while the fore portion 14 of the sole 7 is held down by the forefoot, the sole 7 bends back, as shown in FIG. 10, toward its natural shape or angle as the heel of the sole 15b follows the heel of the foot 16. Another advantage of this embodiment is that it is simple, can emulate a conventional flip-flop or sandal and would be relatively easy to manufacture.
(45) Another embodiment of this invention is depicted in FIGS. 11A-12A and 13-14. This embodiment includes an angled insert 17, which is shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. This embodiment of the insert acts to provide some or all of the desired resilient and angular properties of the sole of the footwear and the angle or bend desired for the sole. That is, the insert could provide additional elastic or resilient properties to a flexible angled sole having its own inherent resilient properties or even supply all of the elastic or resilient requirements and angled shape for a sole that may have little or no resilient or elastic characteristics. In one embodiment, seen in FIGS. 12A, 13 and 14, insert 17 and sole 18 are assembled. Before assembling these two elements, the flexible sole 18, itself, may be made similar to a conventional flat flexible sole and obtain its angle or bend and resiliency from the addition of an insert 17, or the flexible sole 18 may be pre-formed with a bend, shape or angle as in the previous embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A-10 described above, thereafter adding an angled, resilient insert which would share comparable angularity and properties, such as resiliency, with the sole 18. It is also envisaged that the sole 18 in this embodiment may be made with a slot or a slit to accommodate and aid in the installation of the insert 17. For example, the slot or slit could be incorporated in the molding process or added later in a subsequent operation. The insert 17 may be made of a relatively slender strip of flexible and elastic, or spring-like material such as a resilient plastic, rubber, spring steel, other metal or the like that is manufactured with the desired bend, curve or shape, such that, if it were to be flattened or straightened out and released, it would rapidly return to its original shape. In particular, the insert 17 would aid or substitute for some or all of the desired angularity, resilience and elasticity of the flexible sole 18. The shape and relative dimensions of the insert 17 and flexible sole 18, depicted in FIGS. 11A, 11B, 12A, 13 and 14, and their physical properties, such as resilience, elasticity, stiffness, durability, density, strength, etc., may be varied to obtain a wide variety of characteristics. The insert could be molded within the sole or inserted later, depending upon the manufacturing process.
(46) The sole could be made in a variety of ways as known in the art. For example, the sole could be cut out of flexible, flat material and derive its angle and resiliency solely from the insert or it could be made out of flexible and resilient material(s) and fabricated, molded or otherwise formed to the desired angle and shape. Alternatively, a flexible and resilient material could be molded to the desired angle or shape. Another option would be to cut the sole out of a flat material and form the angle or shape in a subsequent operation. Still another option would be to cut or form the sole out of a flat material, make an insertion slot, and install an insert made to provide the desired angular shape and resilient qualities.
(47) The insert could have serrated or tabbed edges to anchor the insert in position after assembly. It could have a variable thickness along its length to increase or decrease characteristics such as strength at certain locations as desired for the application. Although only one particular insert design is shown in the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 11A and 11B, other shapes or configurations of inserts may also be used. Examples are shown in FIGS. 15A-15E, and it is envisaged that the inserts may be made in a variety of other shapes or forms.
(48) Another embodiment of the present invention, which is an alternative to or a variation of the insert, is depicted in FIGS. 12B and 12C which show a comparable resilient, angled attachment 17B applied to the exterior of the sole, in this case on the top surface of the sole, to act as or function as an insert, not within the sole, however, but on the sole. FIGS. 12B and 12C show the attachment affixed to the top surface of sole 18B but the attachment would readily function in the same manner if affixed to the bottom surface of the sole. In such an embodiment the attachment would be made in a convenient shape and dimensioned to easily be attached along the length of the sole on the upper surface or lower surface. The resilient, angled attachment could be molded with or pressed, with or without heat, into either the top or bottom surface of the sole. It could also be attached with adhesives, tabs or anchoring devices similar to those described above. To further enhance its use, a layer of material could be applied over it. That is, the layer would isolate the attachment from the foot of the wearer if it was installed on the top surface of the sole or isolate the attachment from the walking surface if it was installed on the bottom surface of the sole. This attachment may also have anchors such as tabs, ears, bosses or the like to aid in its connection or retention to the sole of the footwear. Recesses or anchoring points may also be provided in the sole to accommodate connecting tabs or the like for attachment. Conversely, the recesses or female anchoring points may be part of the attachment with the anchors or tabs, etc. being part of the sole.
(49) In one embodiment, the sole 18 of this sandal or flip-flop, with the resilient insert 17, installed but without any thong or other foot-securing member, would appear, when not in use, as in FIG. 12A. The basic sole 18 together with the added insert 17 would appear, with a thong 11 and thong straps with inside thong strap 9 and its companion outside strap 8 attached, as in FIG. 13, shown compressed or flattened, for example when the wearer was standing, resting the foot on the floor while sitting, etc. During a walk or run as shown in FIG. 14, the basic sole 18 together with the added insert 17 would alternately flatten or straighten and return toward its original shape as the heel of the sole 19 follows the rising heel 16 of the foot.
(50) Another embodiment of the present invention, incorporating a somewhat “C-shaped,” resilient and angled insert, is depicted in FIGS. 16A and 16B. The insert 30, somewhat like a rib, is formed as a continuous piece, preferably starting in the mid-section 28 or heel section 29 and angling or bending up into the fore portion 20 of the sole 22 and entering the thong 21 at the thong's forward point of attachment to the sole 22, then curving within the thong, along the top of the foot where it may fork with the thong at the junction 25, the location where the division of the thong straps, 23 and 24, begins. In some embodiments the insert may end at any point along the top portion of the foot or at the forking junction 25. In other embodiments it may divide and continue to any desired termination point within the straps as the straps descend to the points to which they attach, close to, or at the sides of the sole. FIG. 16A shows a top, cutaway view of the sole 22, thong 21 and insert 30 with end tabs 27. An advantage of this embodiment is that the insert and tabs can essentially grip or hold the foot and its angled segment can flatten or straighten as foot pressure is exerted upon the fore and aft portions of the sole and flex back toward its natural angle or shape to provide the necessary or an additional moment to rotate the heel of the sandal or flip-flop with the heel of the foot as the heel of the foot rotates off the ground when walking or running. If the sole itself is not sufficiently angled or resilient, the insert can also provide part or all of the necessary angle and resilience.
(51) Another embodiment of the present invention, also incorporating a somewhat C-shaped insert, is depicted in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C. Here, the “C-shaped” insert contributes angularity and resilience to the sole and acts as a gripping member. This somewhat C-shaped, resilient and angled gripping member, could be made or formed as a continuous piece, with a first portion 48 substantially within the mid-section or heel section of the sole of the footwear, traveling to and angling up within the fore portion, or fore-sole, and a second portion 41 moving to and rising between the wearer's first and second toes, and continuing along the top of the foot where it may terminate, or continue and fork with the thong and then terminate, or it may continue and extend somewhat further down and/or along the sides of the foot, in either case being positioned to grip or hold the foot to the sole of the footwear and ending without connecting to thong straps or the sides of the sole of the footwear. The end or terminus of the insert may also be made with finger-like terminus or end tabs 47 as shown, to aid in the hold or grip of the footwear on the foot.
(52) For the designs of 12A-14 and 16A-17F, the insert or attachment can be made of flexible, resilient material and formed with an angle that conforms to the angled junction between the fore portion and the aft portion of the sole of the footwear. The flexible sole of the footwear can also be made of resilient material and angled comparable to the angle of the insert or attachment, or the sole could optionally be made without necessarily being resilient or angled itself but instead derive its resiliency and angular shape from the resilient and angled insert or attachment.
(53) In the embodiments of FIGS. 16A-17F, the curvature or opening of the “C shaped” insert (as viewed from the side when the fore-sole portion is on the left) can be made, either more open or more closed, to provide options in fit, comfort and walking characteristics for a variety of users.
(54) For the designs depicted in FIGS. 16A-17F it is also envisaged that the upper portion of the thong and/or the tabs, 27, 47 and/or 47B, at the ends of the thong may be made to be adjustable for fit and comfort. For example, the elements of these sections may be made of material that is capable of being deformed beyond its elastic limit and retaining its new shape or set, under normal use.
(55) Another embodiment of the present invention is also envisaged as shown in FIGS. 17D-17F wherein the end of the insert 48B could be pivoted and spring-loaded, for example, at a location somewhat before or forward of the junction point and as depicted in FIGS. 17D-17F by the clevis 49B and clevis pin 50B. In this arrangement, a hole in the end of the separate tab-like terminus or end 47B would receive or engage the clevis pin enabling it to rotate about the pin such that with a spring load it may readily hold and adjust for movements of the foot. The rotating terminus or end tab could also have an open position for entry and a closed position for use.
(56) It is also envisaged that the thong and/or the end tabs may be made wider along the top and/or the sides of the foot to provide more surface area for improved holding and/or comfort.
(57) A variation of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 16A-17C is also envisaged wherein the somewhat C-shaped insert could be modified for anchoring only in the fore portion of the sole. In such a case the insert would not be angled and could not provide the desired angle for the sole. Therefore, the angularity must be provided by the basic sole itself, made with sufficient resiliency and to the necessary angled shape or form to cause the sole of the footwear to function as intended, that is, flatten or straighten when pressure is applied simultaneously on the fore and aft portions of the sole by the foot and flex back toward its natural angle following the heel of the foot as the heel rises during walking or running.
(58) It is also envisaged that somewhat C-shaped inserts similar, for example, to those depicted in FIGS. 16A-17C herein, which could be made without an angle for conventional flat-soled footwear such as sandals, flip-flops and the like. In such case they would grip or hold the foot to the footwear but would not cause the heel of the footwear to angle up with the heel of the foot while walking.
(59) As noted, the resilient angled sole may be provided in numerous ways. For example, in the embodiments disclosed herein the basic sole may itself be angled and sufficiently resilient. In other embodiments, the basic sole may be angled and somewhat resilient, with the remainder of the resiliency provided by an angled insert. In still other embodiments, the required resiliency is provided by a combination of the resiliency of an angled basic sole and the resiliency of an angled insert. Whatever the means, the preferred embodiments of the sole provide sufficient angularity and resiliency such that the sole of the footwear straightens or flattens when pressure is applied simultaneously on the fore and aft portions of the sole by the wearer's foot and flexes back toward its original shape causing the heel of the footwear to follow the heel of the foot as the heel of the foot rises up while walking.
(60) Variations of the insert embodiments described herein are also envisaged wherein the insert can be omitted, and the entire footwear (e.g. sandal) including the sole and thong or other forefoot securing means, is made by molding it as one or more pieces having the shape, resiliency and other physical properties that had been supplied by the insert. This, of course is also true of the embodiments that were not originally intended to have an insert.
(61) For any of the designs disclosed herein that utilize an angled, resilient insert, the use of an angled, resilient basic sole is optional but not required.
(62) It is also envisaged that for any of the embodiments of the present invention, the foot-gripping or holding action and conformance of the footwear to the foot could be increased by incorporating a highly elastic section(s) in all or part of the thong and/or the thong straps. For example, the entire thong/strap combination or any portion thereof may be made of a stretchable, elastic material.
(63) As another example, one design for the employment of this concept would he to use a relatively stiff forward section of the thong, leather, plastic or rubber for example, from the toes to the forking point. Thereafter, an elastic material could be used, as described above, for all or a portion of the thong straps, for example, from the fork 25 shown in FIG. 16A to the attachment points on either side of the sole. This could lend additional stretch and pull to aid in keeping the sole in intimate contact with the heel of the foot.
(64) It is also envisaged that, depending upon the specific style or desired design, the foot-gripping or walking comfort could be improved by changing the point at which conventional thongs typically fork. Conventional thongs, as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, usually fork immediately upon emergence from the toes. A further improvement is contemplated that would establish the point at which the thong forks on the upper portion of the foot to a position as far up and back toward the upward curve of the ankle as possible. As an additional option, the lower attachment points of the thong straps to the sole could be moved back further toward or into the heel section of the footwear. This would provide a better angle for the thong strap to exert the pull on the heel section of the sole. It is understood that the aforementioned embodiments can be utilized individually or in any combination with each other.
(65) Another embodiment of the present invention is also envisaged that incorporates a resilient angled sole for golf footwear such as golf sandals, golf “flip-flops” and the like. For example, this could be provided by adding golf cleats or spikes to the bottom of a relatively thick and durable sole of the open top thong designs depicted in FIGS. 8A-17C.
(66) The golf sandals could also be made with angled, flexible and resilient soles having a thong or, as an alternative for example, with an upper foot attaching band 35 in the mid-section of the sandal having an open toe, as depicted in FIGS. 18A-18C. For additional toe protection, an open-toe or a completely closed-toe fore portion covering of the sandal could be provided. Further, such a design could work with other known designs, for example, as a provision for golfers that may prefer additional fastening of the foot to the sole of the footwear, heel straps or upper heel coverings could be incorporated. Heel straps or coverings would, however, preclude the convenience of “slip-on” entry.
(67) Further, the angled sole of the sandal, as depicted in FIGS. 18A-18C, could be made, not only of flexible and resilient material but also of a moldable, durable material in order to either mold the cleats 34 as part of the sole or the cleats could be made separately and affixed to the sole of the footwear in a subsequent assembly. The sole 33 could also be molded as one piece or molded with a flexible, resilient and angled insert or a slot for an insert as described previously herein. The number and location of the cleats 34 would be at the option of the footwear designer. The mid-sole foot band 35 could be provided as a single piece, wrapping over the foot and attached at each end to either side of the sole 33 or it could be made in two pieces connectable at the top of the foot by hook and loop (Velcro) material or comparable connecting device. It is contemplated that other prior art foot fastenings may also be used in conjunction with the various embodiments of the present invention.
(68) It is contemplated that the embodiments disclosed herein may be made by various methods of manufacturing. As one example, a method of manufacturing casual footwear would include the steps of (1) selecting a flat mat-like flexible and resilient material, (2) cutting said material into the shape of a casual footwear sole having a top surface, a fore portion, and an aft portion, (3) deforming the sole such that said top surface of said fore portion of the sole forms and retains an obtuse angle relative to the top surface of said aft portion of the sole, and (4) attaching to the sole a means for securing the forefoot of the wearer's foot to the fore portion of the sole. This method could further include forming the obtuse angle to an angle of less than about 150 degrees, preferably to an angle of about 135 degrees. In this method, the deformation step could further include applying pressure to said sole, and it could also include the application of heat. In this method, the step of providing a slot in said sole could be added such that sole was adapted for the inclusion of an insert. As a further step this method could include the step of placing a substantially resilient insert having an initial shape into said slot.
(69) Several methods of manufacturing the footwear embodiments presented herein are envisaged. For example, for the construction of a basic sole, a flat mat-like flexible and resilient material, such as rubber or plastic, can be cut into the shape of a casual footwear sole having a top surface, a fore portion, and an aft portion. Thereafter, the sole could be deformed such that said top surface of said fore portion of said sole forms and retains an obtuse angle relative to the top surface of said aft portion of said sole. When the sole is cut to shape and formed as described above, a means for securing the forefoot of the wearer's foot to the fore portion of the sole can be attached to the sole. It is preferred that said obtuse angle would be about 150 degrees or less, most preferably about 135 degrees.
(70) The obtuse angle could be formed by applying force or pressure by any of various conventional means. This process could also be accompanied by the application of heat controlled according to considerations of the physical properties of the selected material
(71) Inserts and attachments, such as depicted in FIGS. 11A-15E, could be cut or machined out of a flexible and resilient material, such as metal, rubber or plastic, to the desired pattern and thereafter deformed into the desired angle with force or pressure applied by mechanical means. The shaped and resilient insert would then be put into the sole. To facilitate the installation of the insert into the sole, a slot can be provided in said sole that is adapted to aid in the inclusion of the insert.
(72) It is understood that other manufacturing methods or sequences could be employed to achieve a similar result or product. For example, a flat resilient insert could be inserted into a flat flexible sole and, in a subsequent operation, the composite flat sole could be deformed or shaped into a composite angled sole. In this case only the insert would contribute the desired angular shape and resiliency.
(73) Other methods of manufacturing casual footwear according to the designs of the embodiments presented herein bear consideration. For example, for the construction of the basic sole, a flat mat-like flexible and resilient material having a top surface could be selected. The resilient material could be deformed so that the top surface of a first portion of said material is angled at an obtuse angle relative to the top surface of said remaining portions. Thereafter, individual soles could be cut out of the angled material into the shape of a casual footwear sole having a top surface, a fore portion, and an aft portion. Thence, a means for securing the forefoot of the wearer's foot to the fore portion of the sole can be attached to the sole. It is preferred that said obtuse angle would be about 150 degrees or less, most preferably about 135 degrees.
(74) Still other methods of manufacturing are envisaged. For example, a sole-making mold could be constructed and configured to form a casual footwear sole comprising a fore portion and an aft portion, and having an initial shape where said fore portion is upwardly inclined relative to the horizontal plane of said aft portion. A hot viscous material could be injected into said mold such that when cooled the material would be substantially flexible and resilient. The material would be ejected from the mold after cooling and a means for securing the forefoot of the wearer's foot to the fore portion of the sole would then be attached to the sole.
(75) Still other methods of manufacturing casual footwear according to the designs of the embodiments presented herein are considered. For example, a sole-making mold could be constructed and configured to form a casual footwear sole comprising a fore portion and an aft portion, and having an initial shape where said fore portion is upwardly inclined relative to the horizontal plane of said aft portion and also including a means for securing the forefoot of the wearer's foot to the fore portion of the sole. A hot viscous material could be injected into said mold such that, when cooled, the material is substantially flexible and resilient. The material would be ejected from the mold after cooling.
(76) A method of manufacturing a casual footwear sole could be employed wherein the sole of the flexible casual footwear would be made with a slot. A substantially resilient insert member having a fore portion, an aft portion, and an initial shape wherein said fore portion is angled relative to said aft portion would also be made and said substantially resilient insert member would be inserted into said slot in order to cause the fore portion of the sole to have an upward bend relative to the remaining portion of said sole.
(77) It should be mentioned that the sole itself without the insert may or may not be made resilient and angled or curved. If the sole itself is not resilient and angled, all of the resiliency and angularity would be provided by the insert.
(78) Also envisaged is a method of manufacturing a gripping member, for example, as depicted in FIGS. 16A-17C, which is adapted for use in footwear such as a sandal wherein a mold would be constructed which is adapted to form a substantially “c-shaped” member comprising a substantially elongated sole-insert portion adapted to be inserted into the sole of the sandal and a thong-portion of said member disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from said substantially elongated sole-insert portion, wherein said thong portion is adapted to protrude out the top of the sole of the sandal and be disposed in between the first and second toes of the wearer and a continuing top portion of said member disposed above the substantially elongated sole-insert portion and adapted to form a foot-insert pocket or receptacle for the wearer's foot. To produce said member, a hot viscous material such as metal, plastic or rubber would be injected into said mold which, when cooled, would be substantially flexible and resilient, after the material was cooled, the material would be ejected from the mold. As discussed earlier, the finished gripping member could be made of a material and dimensioned to allow convenient deformation of upper terminus or ends to allow some adjustment for improved conformance to the wearer's foot.
(79) The gripping member, as shown assembled in FIGS. 17D-17F, could also be made in a similar manner as the aforementioned gripping member, but molded in two separate pieces, each having a complimentary clevis hinge joint. The two pieces would be joined with a clevis pin after being ejected from the mold(s) and a torsion spring, for example one similar to those used in clothes pins and mouse traps, could be added to provide additional gripping bias to hold the footwear to the foot when worn. The insert could then be inserted (or attached) to the sole.
(80) Another method of making or manufacturing a gripping member would be to stamp or cut the appropriate pattern or shape out of material, for example such as metal, plastic or rubber and, in a subsequent operation, form the cutting or stamping using a mandrel or other forming tool(s) suitable to form the piece into the desired final shape of the gripping insert.
(81) Many other conventional techniques can be used to form, mold or fabricate metal, plastic and/or rubber parts. Note that more than one material may be used in the manufacture of the embodiments of this invention, many of which may be suitable to form the constituent parts of the final product.
(82) A number of embodiments and manufacturing methods have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, much of this document has been described, with respect to sandals and “flip flops,” but other forms of footwear may also be addressed, such as slippers and athletic footwear. It will be further understood that still other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions described herein.
