Footwear for use on sand and other granular terrain

Abstract

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to improved footwear in the nature of sandals, shoes, sports shoes, running and jogging shoes, civilian and military boots, work boots and work shoes, water shoes, waders, and the like, for personal use in walking on sand and other granular terrain, each item of footwear comprising a distinctively profiled outsole. A left outsole profile is defined by a first radius, and a right outsole profile is defined by a second radius. A line connecting the center of each radius passes through and defines the centers of the side profiles of the outsole. A preferred toe-out or progressive angle of approximately six degrees helps ensure that the outsole, during use, is near the widest position for optimal left and right side balance.

Claims

1. An item of footwear for use in walking on sand and other granular terrain comprising: an outsole, said outsole comprising a toe portion and a heel portion; said outsole further comprising a curvilinear profile; said curvilinear profile comprising, at least in part, a first outsole profile, corresponding to an outside portion of a wearer's foot, defined by a first continuous radius sweeping between said toe portion and said heel portion and a second outsole profile, corresponding to an inside portion of a wearer's foot, defined by a second continuous radius sweeping between said toe portion and heel portion, said first radius being less than said second radius.

2. The item of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a toe-out or progressive angle between approximately four and seven degrees outside a hypothetical straight line direction of travel of a presumed wearer thereof.

3. The item of footwear of claim 2, wherein said toe-out or progressive angle is approximately six degrees outside a hypothetical straight line direction of travel of a presumed wearer thereof.

4. The item of footwear of claim 2, wherein said toe-out or progressive angle, when in configuration for use, orients a maximum width of said outsole, located approximately equidistant between said toe portion and said heel portion of said outsole, at a ground-adjacent position proximate the wearer's center of gravity, so as to provide enhanced user balance.

5. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein said outsole comprises a taper angle of approximately eight degrees, measured between an outsole inside edge and an outsole outside edge.

6. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein a bottom of said outsole comprises a bottom surface, a recess, and a feature.

7. The item of footwear of claim 6, wherein said bottom surface and a portion of said feature are approximately co-planar.

8. The item of footwear of claim 6, wherein said feature comprises an indicia.

9. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein said footwear comprises waterproof or water resistant materials.

10. The item of footwear of claim 1, wherein said footwear comprises mold and mildew-proof or mold and mildew-resistant materials.

11. An item of footwear comprising: an insole, a midsole, and an outsole, said outsole comprising a toe portion and a heel portion; said outsole further comprising an outsole inside edge, an outsole outside edge, and a tapering surface there-between; said outsole further comprising a curvilinear profile; said curvilinear profile comprising, at least in part, a first outsole profile, corresponding to an outside portion of a wearer's foot, defined by a first continuous radius sweeping between said toe portion and said heel portion and a second outsole profile, corresponding to an inside portion of a wearer's foot, defined by a second continuous radius sweeping between said toe portion and said heel portion, said first radius being less than said second radius.

12. The item of footwear of claim 11, wherein said tapering surface rises approximately eight degrees from said outsole outside edge to said outsole inside edge.

13. The item of footwear of claim 11 configured so as to provide said tapering surface on each of two respective sides of said item of footwear.

14. The item of footwear of claim 11 further comprising a toe portion, said toe portion configured to curve toward a bottom of said item of footwear.

15. The item of footwear of claim 11 further comprising a heel portion, said heel portion configured to curve toward a bottom of said item of footwear.

16. The item of footwear of claim 11, further comprising a toe-out or progressive angle between approximately four and seven degrees outside a hypothetical straight line direction of travel of a presumed wearer thereof.

17. The item of footwear of claim 16, wherein said toe-out or progressive angle is approximately six degrees outside a hypothetical straight line direction of travel of a presumed wearer thereof.

18. The item of footwear of claim 16, wherein said toe-out or progressive angle, when in configuration for use, orients a maximum width of said outsole, located approximately equidistant between said toe portion and said heel portion of said outsole, at a ground-adjacent position proximate the wearer's center of gravity, so as to provide enhanced user balance.

19. The item of footwear of claim 11, wherein a bottom of said outsole comprises a bottom surface, a recess, and a feature, and wherein said bottom surface and a portion of said feature are approximately co-planar.

20. An item of footwear comprising: an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. said outsole comprising a toe portion and a heel portion; said outsole further comprising a curvilinear profile, said curvilinear profile comprising, at least in part, a first outsole profile, corresponding to an outside portion of a wearer's foot, defined by a first continuous radius sweeping between said toe portion and said heel portion, and a second outsole profile, corresponding to an inside portion of a wearer's foot, defined by a second continuous radius sweeping between said toe portion and said heel portion, said first radius being less than said second radius; said outsole configured to comprise a toe-out or progressive angle of between approximately four and seven degrees, such that, when said item of footwear is in configuration for use by a wearer thereof, said toe-out or progressive angle orients a maximum width of said outsole. located approximately equidistant between said toe portion and said heel portion of said outsole, at a ground-adjacent position proximate the wearer's center of gravity, so as to provide enhanced user balance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Accordingly, the within disclosure will be best understood through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawing Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of the footwear for personal use in walking on sand and other granular terrain, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 depicts a top plan view of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure;

(4) FIG. 3 depicts a right elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure;

(5) FIG. 4 depicts a left elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure;

(6) FIG. 5 depicts a front elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure;

(7) FIG. 6 depicts a rear elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure;

(8) FIG. 7 depicts a bottom plan view of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure;

(9) FIG. 8 depicts a top plan view of an aspect of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, and more particularly depicts certain features and geometry thereof;

(10) FIG. 9 depicts a top plan view of an aspect of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, and more particularly depicts certain features and geometry thereof;

(11) FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of an aspect of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, and more particularly depicts certain features and geometry thereof; and,

(12) FIG. 11 depicts a top plan view of an aspect of the footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, and more particularly depicts certain features and geometry thereof.

(13) It is to be noted that the drawing Figures presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

(14) In describing the several embodiments illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Additionally, in the Figures, like reference numerals and like description shall be used to designate corresponding elements, parts, and functionality throughout the several Figures.

(15) Turning now to the drawing Figures, generally, and specifically to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the footwear 20 for personal use in walking on sand and other granular terrain, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, is depicted. Although the selected embodiment of footwear 20 has been depicted as an open configuration, strapped sandal, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that footwear 20 may take any of a variety of conventional and non-conventional forms, including, but not limited to, sandals, shoes, sports shoes, running and jogging shoes, civilian and military boots, work boots and work shoes, water shoes, waders, therapeutic versions of each and/or any of the above, and the like, without limitation.

(16) In some embodiments, footwear 20 may be fabricated from, or treated with, waterproof and/or water resistant materials. In some embodiments, footwear 20 may be fabricated from, or treated with, mold and/or mildew-proof and/or -resistant materials.

(17) Footwear 20 has insole 22. Affixed by conventional means to insole 22 are toe strap 24, instep strap 26, and heel strap 28. Each of toe strap 24, instep strap 26, and heel strap 28 may be outfitted with appropriately selected strap adjustment means, typically comprising D-type rings, hook and loop fasteners, and/or the like, as known in the art. Heel strap 28 may carry logo or other indicia (not shown) for purposes of brand, product, and/or other identification.

(18) Footwear 20 further has midsole 30. Midsole 30 may provide appropriate foot profiles, contours, and boundaries. Midsole 30 may further provide appropriate padding and/or other comfort-directed features, as known in the art. Midsole 30 bridges between and interconnects insole 22 and distinctively profiled outsole 32.

(19) As will be described hereinbelow in greater detail, outsole 32 has outsole inside edge 34 and outsole outside edge 36. Surface 38 bridges and interconnects outsole inside edge 34 and outsole outside edge 36. In some embodiments, surface 38 may taper upwards approximately eight degrees toward outsole inside edge 34. In such configuration, surface 38 adds strength to outsole 32. It should be noted that tapered surface 38 may be provided on each respective side of each item of footwear 20.

(20) Turning next to FIG. 2, typical profile P1 of a conventional beach shoe is depicted, and is extended, in accordance with the subject matter disclosure hereof, to depict curvilinear outsole profile P2 of footwear 20.

(21) FIGS. 3 and 4 depict, respectively a right side and a left side of footwear 20, wherein may be seen different views of outsole inside edge 34, outsole outside edge 36, and tapered surface 38. At the front or fore of footwear 20 is toe 40. Toe 40 has rounded and/or curvilinear portion 42, which curves toward the bottom of footwear 20 in order to facilitate smooth walking. At the rear or aft of footwear 20 is heel 44. Like toe 40, heel 44 has rounded and/or curvilinear portion 46, which curves toward the bottom of footwear 20 in order to further facilitate smooth walking. Logo or other indicia 48 may be provided for purposes of brand, product, and/or other identification.

(22) FIG. 5 depicts a front elevation view of footwear 20. In FIG. 5 may further be seen the curvature of toe 40 and a different view of curvilinear outsole profile P2. Similarly, FIG. 6 depicts a rear elevation view of footwear 20, in which may further be seen the curvature of heel 44 and a different view of curvilinear outsole profile P2.

(23) Turning now to FIG. 7, a bottom plan view of outsole 32 is shown. Outsole perimeter 50 bounds recess perimeter 52. Recess perimeter, in turn, bounds recess 54. Spanning between outsole perimeter 50 and recess perimeter 52 is outsole bottom surface 56. Details 58 may be provided for additional surface traction of footwear 20.

(24) Details 58 may be selected from any of a variety of shapes and/or designs, and may comprise any of a variety of sizes. Details 58 may comprise or may include logo or other indicia for purposes of brand, product, and/or other identification. As well, details 58 remain at the plane of outsole bottom surface 56. Accordingly, in cooperative association with recess 54, details 58 may be embossed, during ordinary use, into an underlying granular surface or terrain. This is especially the case when that granular surface or terrain comprises sand, silt, or other fine-grained material.

(25) Advantageously, in some embodiments, and in some terrains (such as those comprising sandy surfaces, for example), it has been observed that, when the heel of footwear 20 contacts the ground during walking, the bottom of outsole 32 tends to bend downwardly with respect to the ground. In this configuration, and as the user's step proceeds, the bottom of outsole 32 tends to bulldoze the granular material there-beneath, and to mound it under the bottom of outsole 32. As the user's weight comes fully to bear, the granular material is spread and flattened within recess perimeter 52. This tends to compact and stabilize the weight bearing granular surface, and provides stability for the user. By contrast, a conventional shoe tends to allow the granular material to eject and/or escape at an otherwise arched portion of the shoe, which, then, tends to destabilize the user.

(26) FIGS. 8-11 are provided to assist with an understanding of the design and construction of footwear 20, and to further provide an understanding of the geometric considerations attendant to the design and formation of outsole 32.

(27) According to some embodiments, and/or in various embodiments, of footwear 20 disclosed outsole 32 provides a toe-out or progressive angle of between four and seven degrees, with a preferred toe-out or progressive angle of approximately six degrees. This toe-out or progressive angle helps ensure that outsole 32, during use, is oriented near the widest position for optimal left and right side balance of the user.

(28) With reference to FIG. 8, the leftmost figure depicts footwear 20A, shown with a zero degree toe-out or progressive angle. The rightmost figure depicts footwear 20B, shown with a preferred, approximately six degree toe-out or progressive angle. Best seen in the leftmost figure, circular profile 60 designates a profile of the left side of outsole 32. Similarly, circular profile 62 designates a profile of the right side of outsole 32. One may further observe that line L1 defines that certain line between the centers of respective left and right outsole profiles. Midpoint MP defines that certain midpoint of the section of line L1 between the centers of respective left and right outsole profiles. Line L2 defines that certain line between center of heel CH and center of the widest section of midsole CW, and it may further be seen that line L2 passes through midpoint MP of the section of line L1 between the respective outsole profiles.

(29) Turning next to FIG. 9, it may now be seen that first radius R1 defines an outside outsole profile P2. On the other side, second radius R2 defines an inside outsole profile P2. In this figure, it may be seen that line L1 (see FIG. 8) passes through the centers of the outsole profiles on each respective side of each item of footwear 20. For design reference, it may be seen that line VA defines the vertical axis of footwear 20.

(30) In FIG. 9, it may also be seen that rounded and/or curvilinear profile P2 of footwear 20 reduces the chance that a wearer of said footwear would inadvertently snag an obstacle O, such as a bench leg, during ordinary use.

(31) Turning next to FIG. 10, footwear 20 is depicted as worn with a user's feet in true parallel alignment. Note the geometric relationship in this foot position between vertical axis line VA of footwear 20 and that of line L1. In this figure, one may better see the impact of a design wherein an appropriate toe-out or progressive angle has not been considered. In this regard, the widest portions of profile P2 are shifted from that design intent described hereinabove, such that the beneficial attributes of profile P2 are not properly oriented for optimal left and right side balance of the user.

(32) By comparison, we turn next to FIG. 11, wherein proper design and use attributes of footwear 20 can best be seen and appreciated. It is known that a large majority of people have a natural toe-out angle of between four and seven degrees. For this reason, respective outsole radii R1, R2 and, thus, the corresponding radius centers, are selected such that line L1 drawn through said centers would be horizontal when the toe-out angle is approximately six degrees. Said geometry ensures that outsole 32 of footwear 20 would be near the widest position for optimal left and right side balance of the user. In this figure, it may be observed that the total angular offset between respective left and right foot items of footwear 20 measures approximately twelve degrees.

(33) With benefit of the detailed disclosure provided herein, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that there are an extensive variety of uses and applications for the subject footwear. For example, the footwear of the present disclosure effectively and advantageously may improve a user's ability to walk, run, play, and/or work in diverse and varied environments, such as, but not limited to, sand, loose soil, mud, mud flats, grass, rice paddies, cranberry bogs, shellfish beds, areas with environmentally sensitive subaqueous conditions, wet concrete, and the like.

(34) Additionally, it will be recognized that, during use, the wide outsole of the footwear of the present disclosure advantageously serves to reduce and/or minimize entry and collection of destabilizing materials, such as sand, mud, and/or the like, between the user's foot and the footwear's insole.

(35) For convenience of the reader, following is a summary of parts referenced in the written Specification and Drawings hereof:

(36) TABLE-US-00001 Part Number Part Description 20 Footwear 22 Insole 24 Toe Strap 26 Instep Strap 28 Heel Strap 30 Midsole 32 Outsole 34 Outsole Inside Edge 36 Outsole Outside Edge 38 Surface, Tapered 40 Toe 42 Rounded and/or Curvilinear Portion, Toe 44 Heel 46 Rounded and/or Curvilinear Portion, Heel 48 Indicia 50 Outsole Perimeter 52 Recess Perimeter 54 Recess 56 Outsole Bottom Surface 58 Details 60 Circular Profile, Left 62 Circular Profile, Right P1 Typical Profile, Conventional Beach Shoe P2 Outside Profile L1 Line, as Designated L2 Line, as Designated CH Center of Heel CW Center, Widest Section of Midsole MP Midpoint, as Designated 20A Footwear, Zero Degree Progressive Angle 20B Footwear, Six Degree Progressive Angle R1 First Radius, as Designated R2 Second Radius, as Designated O Obstacle VA Line, Vertical Axis, as Designated

(37) Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure, it is noted that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present subject matter is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.