Abstract
A sandal having a toe post configured to engage with a user's first toe and second toe, the toe post having an asymmetrical configuration created by the toe post's lateral sides curving inwards towards a vertical central axis, and a first distance from the vertical central axis to a center outer edge configured to be adjacent to the user's first toe being larger than a second distance from the vertical central axis to a center outer edge configured to be adjacent to the user's second toe.
Claims
1. A sandal comprising: a footbed; and a toe post associated with the footbed, the toe post being configured to engage with a user's first toe and second toe, the toe post comprising: a vertical central axis; an asymmetrical configuration, created by the toe post's lateral sides curving inwards towards the vertical central axis, and a first distance from the vertical central axis to a center outer edge configured to be adjacent to the user's first toe being larger than a second distance from the vertical central axis to a center outer edge configured to be adjacent to the user's second toe; a core made from a first material; and a cladding disposed over the core of the toe post, the cladding being made of a second material that is softer than the first material.
2. The sandal of claim 1 wherein the toe post for a right foot is rotated counterclockwise and for a left foot is twisted clockwise.
3. The sandal of claim 2 wherein the toe post is rotated by 5-30 degrees.
4. The sandal of claim 3 wherein the toe post is rotated by 10-15 degrees.
5. The sandal of claim 1 wherein the core and the cladding form a monolithic toe post.
6. The sandal of claim 1 further comprising a toe post anchor associated with the footbed and with the toe post, a pair of straps associated with the toe post, and, a pair of strap anchors associated with the footbed, each strap anchor of the pair of anchors being further associated with a corresponding strap of the pair of straps.
7. A sandal comprising: a footbed; and a toe post associated with the footbed, the toe post being configured to engage with a user's first toe and second toe, the toe post comprising: a vertical central axis; and an asymmetrical configuration, created by the toe post's lateral sides curving inwards towards the vertical central axis, and a first distance from the vertical central axis to a center outer edge configured to be adjacent to the user's first toe being larger than a second distance from the vertical central axis to a center outer edge configured to be adjacent to the user's second toe.
8. The sandal of claim 7 wherein the toe post for a right foot is rotated counterclockwise and for a left foot is twisted clockwise.
9. The sandal of claim 8 wherein the toe post is rotated by 5-30 degrees.
10. The sandal of claim 9 wherein the toe post is rotated by 10-15 degrees.
11. A sandal comprising: a footbed; and a toe post associated with the footbed, the toe post being configured to engage with a user's first toe and second toe, the toe post comprising: a core made from a first material; and a cladding disposed over the core of the toe post, the cladding being made of a second material that is softer than the first material.
12. The sandal of claim 11 wherein the core and the cladding form a monolithic toe post.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a top, side perspective view of a thong-style sandal, according to an aspect.
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a left side elevation view of a thong-style sandal, according to an aspect.
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a right side elevation view of a thong-style sandal, according to an aspect.
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a top plan view of a thong-style sandal, according to an aspect.
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a bottom plan view of a thong-style sandal, according to an aspect.
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a front elevation view of a thong-style sandal, according to an aspect.
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a rear elevation view of a thong-style sandal, according to an aspect.
[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation cross-sectional view of a thong-style sandal, taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 4, according to an aspect.
[0019] FIG. 9 depicts a rear elevation view of a toe post having straps, according to an aspect.
[0020] FIGS. 10A-10C depict a front view, a side sectional view, and a rear view, respectively, of a toe post that may be used for any of the thong-style sandals disclosed herein, according to an aspect.
[0021] FIG. 10D depicts a bottom plan view of a toe post anchor of a toe post, according to an aspect.
[0022] FIG. 11A depicts a view of a mold produced from the first webspace impression from an exemplary male user's right foot. FIGS. 11B-11C depict various views of molds produced from the first webspace impression from an exemplary male user's left foot, according to an aspect.
[0023] FIGS. 12A-12B depict rear perspective views of molds produced from two exemplary right feet (male left side of photo/female right side of photo 12A), and two exemplary left feet (male left side of photo/female right side of photo) photo 12B), respectively, according to an aspect.
[0024] FIGS. 12C-12D depict rear perspective views of molds produced from an exemplary left foot and an exemplary right foot, according to an aspect.
[0025] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a toe post having a soft cladding to interface with the human skin between the first and second toes, according to an aspect.
[0026] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a toe post associated with the sandal straps, the toe post having a soft cladding, according to an aspect.
[0027] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a toe post associated with the sandal straps, the toe post being depicted without a soft cladding, according to an aspect.
[0028] FIG. 16 depicts a rear perspective view of a right foot toe post having straps, according to an aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/or examples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawings is part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/or examples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0030] It should be understood that, for clarity of the drawings and of the specification, some or all details about some structural components or steps that are known in the art are not shown or described if they are not necessary for the invention to be understood by one of ordinary skills in the art.
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts a top, side perspective view of a thong-style sandal 1, according to an aspect. The thong-style sandals (thong sandals, sandals) 1 disclosed herein may comprise a toe post 2, which is associated with straps 3, a footbed 4, and a sole 5. Generally, the toe post 2 and the straps 3 may be provided as a single unitary element, and may include three points at which this single unitary element attaches to the footbed 4 and/or sole 5. In some embodiments, the toe post 2 and the straps 3, may be made separately and then joined together and they may be structurally different and/or made from different materials. The toe post 2 may attach to the footbed 4 at attachment point 6, and the straps 3 may attach to the footbed 4 at attachment points 7 in order to facilitate a secure attachment of the toe post 2 and straps 3 to the footbed 4. In an embodiment, the sandal may be constructed from foam PU (polyurethane foam), rubber, TPE or PVC blend, etc., in accordance with the needs of the user, use case, etc. In some embodiments, the sandal 1 may have a unibody single piece sandal configuration that has the same anatomically improved toe post 2 disclosed herein. It is understood that in unibody sandals the straps 3 are not plugin, and instead, together with footbed 4, they form a monolithic sandal made by using a single mold.
[0032] A toe post that fits well between the user's toes, such as the herein disclosed toe post 2, may be configured to distribute pressure exerted on the user's toes by the toe post 2 evenly, thus avoiding or reducing potential soreness and irritation that may occur with extended wear and use of the disclosed thong-style sandals. Furthermore, the disclosed toe post 2 may be configured to force or otherwise facilitate proper toe alignment in a user, and thus can aid in natural gait and foot mechanics, which can be beneficial for overall foot health and comfort, especially during long periods of walking or standing. As is understood, the disclosed thong-style sandal 1 as-a-whole is also preferably configured to fit well to a user's foot and mimic the natural shape of the foot, thus encouraging proper alignment of the user's toes, arch, and heel. This in turn further reduces the need for user's toes to grip the thong style sandal 1 in place, thus avoiding the need for corresponding compensatory action.
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts a left side elevation view of a thong-style sandal 1, according to an aspect. FIG. 3 depicts a right-side elevation view of a thong-style sandal 1, according to an aspect. In an embodiment, the footbed 4 may be configured to be a suitable shape to conform to a user's foot, to facilitate proper engagement with the user. It should be understood that the size and general dimensions of the footbed 4 may be varied in accordance with the needs of the intended user.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a top plan view of a thong-style sandal 1, according to an aspect. FIG. 5 depicts a bottom plan view of a thong-style sandal 1, according to an aspect. In an embodiment, the toe post 2 may comprise a toe post anchor 51 that is passed through the footbed 4 and the sole 5 to anchor the toe post 2 into the footbed 4 and/or the sole 5. In an embodiment, each strap 3 may comprise a corresponding strap anchor 52 that is passed through the footbed 4 and the sole 5 to anchor the straps 3 into the footbed 4 and/or the sole 5. In said embodiments, the toe post anchor 51 and the strap anchors 52 may also pass through the footbed 4. The toe post anchors 51 and strap anchors 52 may be configured to be securely engaged with the sole 5 to prevent damage and/or blow out during use of the sandal.
[0035] As is understood, while in use, the force exerted upon the toe post 2 by the user may be greater than the force exerted upon straps 3 by the user, as a result of the toe post 2 being disposed between the user's toes while in use. To accommodate this greater amount of force being exerted upon the toe post 2, the toe post 2 may be thicker than conventional toe posts present in the market. Furthermore, the anchoring structure of the toe post (e.g., the toe post anchor 51) may be wider (or otherwise larger) than the corresponding anchoring structures of conventional toe posts currently available in the market. In an embodiment, the top portion of the anchor (shown by 53 as will be discussed in further detail when referring to FIG. 9) conforms to the post transitioning from the sole.
[0036] FIG. 6 depicts a front elevation view of a thong-style sandal 1, according to an aspect. FIG. 7 depicts a rear elevation view of a thong-style sandal 1, according to an aspect. In some embodiments, the toe post 2 of the thong-style sandal 1 may be suitably configured to improve its structure and function, and to fit comfortably between the first and second toe sulcus of a user, as disclosed herein. In said embodiments, the shape of the toe post 2 enables for example improved grip and toe purchase, thus providing a more secure engagement between the user and the thong-style sandal 1. As such, among other benefits, a user may maintain a normal gait during use, and thus may experience no discomfort or injury from wearing the disclosed thong-style sandals 1.
[0037] FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation cross-sectional view of a thong-style sandal 1, taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 4, according to an aspect. Generally, as shown in FIG. 8, the thong-style sandals 1 disclosed herein may have a substantially flat footbed 4, but still providing a shape that conforms to a user's foot, such as in the arch area. In some embodiments, the footbed and/or the sole may be provided with any suitable surface pattern. However, it should be understood that, generally, the footbed 4 may be substantially flat and having a smooth surface, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0038] FIG. 9 depicts a rear elevation view of a toe post 2 having straps 3, according to an aspect. The toe post 2 may include a toe post anchor 51 and may be associated with the toe post 2 via a flange 53. The widened surface area of the flange 53 may provide part of the anatomical improvement of the sandals disclosed herein that transition the unique contour of the toe post 2 of the sandal disclosed to the footbed (4 in FIG. 1), allowing for better toe grip. In some embodiments, the flange 53 may also assist with reducing breaking, blow out, or pulling out of the toe post from the bed of the sandal and as well as providing a smooth contour between the toe post 2 and the footbed (4 in FIG. 1). As described hereinabove, each strap 3 may include or otherwise be associated with a corresponding strap anchor 52. As is understood, the toe post anchor 51 and strap anchors 52 may be configured to facilitate the secure engagement between the toe post 2 and straps 3 and the footbed (4 in FIG. 1) and/or sole (5 in FIG. 1).
[0039] FIGS. 10A-10C depict a front view, a side sectional view, and a rear view, respectively, of a toe post 2 for a right foot that may be used for any of the thong-style sandals disclosed herein, according to an aspect. FIG. 10B depicts a side sectional view taken along lines A1-A2 of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10D depicts a bottom plan view of a toe post anchor 51 of a toe post, according to an aspect. Generally, the toe posts 2 disclosed herein may be provided with a substantially concave configuration (as viewed from the front and rear views depicted in FIGS. 10A and 10C), by the opposite lateral sides of the toe post 2, extending between the top and bottom outer edges 61 and 62, respectively, on each side of the toe post 2, curving inwards toward the vertical axis A1-A2. It should be noted that each of the two opposite lateral sides of the toe post 2 are configured to receive user's toes when the sandal is in use. The concave configuration of the toe post 2 improves several aspects of the disclosed toe post 2, including the grip of the user's foot and toes onto the footbed of the thong-style sandal. In an embodiment, a particular asymmetrical configuration, as described hereinafter, of the toe post 2, is also provided. The asymmetrical configuration also improves the engagement of the toe post 2 with the user's toes better and more effectively than in typical, traditional, or conventional flip flop sandals. As described hereinabove, the toe post 2 may be engaged or otherwise associated with a toe post anchor 51, wherein the toe post anchor 51 is configured to secure the toe post 2 to the footbed of the thong-style sandal.
[0040] In referring to the asymmetrical configuration of the toe post, the top outer edges 61 and bottom outer edges 62 of the toe post 2 are shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the toe post 2 may curve inwards towards a vertical central axis represented by line A1-A2 of FIG. 10A. The vertical central axis A1-A2 may generally be central with respect to the distance between the two top outer edges 61 and also with respect to the two bottom outer edges 62. However, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the central axis A1-A2 is not disposed symmetrically (thus, giving the toe post an asymmetrical configuration) with respect to the entire mass or volume of the toe post 2. For example, as shown, the vertical central axis A1-A2 is not symmetrical to the center outer edges shown by 63 and 64. In other words, the distance from the central axis A1-A2 to center outer edge 63 (adjacent to a user's second toe) is smaller than the distance from the central axis A1-A2 to center outer edge 64 (adjacent to a user's largest toe). Thus, in an embodiment, the larger side of the toe post occurs on the side of the toe post that is adjacent to the user's largest toe and the smaller side of the toe post occurs on the side of the toe post that is adjacent to the user's second toe. That allows for better transfer of grip forces from the user's foot to the sandal, and thus to better control the sandal. It also allows for a better anatomic fit of toe post 2. Lastly, it also reduces medial and lateral drift of the sandal to the foot.
[0041] It should be understood that the units utilized the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D may be in millimeters, but that the exact sizing specifications of the disclosed toe post 2, toe post anchor 51 and other structures of the thong-style sandal may be varied in accordance with the needs of the user. As is understood, the toe post anchor 51 may be configured to be inserted through the footbed and sole of a thong-style sandal, such as footbed 4 and sole 5 of thong-style sandal 1 of FIG. 1, to secure the toe post 2 to the footbed and sole.
[0042] In some embodiments, the toe posts disclosed herein are provided with a rotation about the central axis A1-A2. That is, a twist is present throughout the column-like shape of the toe post from bottom to top. The twist is apparent for example in FIG. 16 and when referring to the front curvature lines 65 and the back curvature lines 66, shown and discussed in further detail when referring to FIGS. 12A-12B.
[0043] FIGS. 11A-11C depict various views of molds produced from the first webspace impression from an exemplary user's foot, according to an aspect. The first webspace refers to the space between a person's first (largest) and second toes. FIG. 11A depicts a perspective view of a mold taken from a person's right foot. FIGS. 11B-11C depict a rear perspective view and a front perspective view, respectively, of a mold taken from a person's left foot. FIGS. 12A-12B depict rear perspective views of molds produced from two exemplary right feet, and two exemplary left feet, respectively, according to an aspect. FIGS. 12C-12D depict rear perspective views of molds produced from an exemplary left foot and an exemplary right foot, according to an aspect. As with the molds shown in FIGS. 11A-11C, the molds depicted in FIGS. 12A-12D are taken from the webspace between a person's first and second toes. The rear curvature lines 66 shown on the molds as examples are provided to more clearly depict the twist/rotation that occurs along the vertical axes of the molds, and thus, of the improved toe post disclosed herein.
[0044] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a toe post 2 having a soft cladding 2b to interface with the human skin between the first and second toes, according to an aspect. The soft cladding can better interface with the human skin between the first and second toes and provides a better interface and fit, reducing the need for toe flexion/extension in order to keep the sandal engaged with the foot. In an embodiment, the bi-material construct of the post uses strong TPU (or other similar materials) for the core (not shown) of the toe post 2, the core being cladded or overlayed with a softer layer 2b, of a less dense TPU (or other similar materials), for comfort. In an embodiment, the bi-material toe post 2 may be monolithic and may be manufactured by injection molding. The cladding overlay 2b of a softer material may ranging from 1-3 mm. The cladding overlay 2b may be made also from SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene).
[0045] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a toe post associated with the sandal straps, the toe post having a soft cladding, according to an aspect. FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a toe post associated with the sandal straps, the toe post being depicted without a soft cladding, according to an aspect. As shown by 82 and 84 in FIGS. 14,15, the strap 3 of higher density may be thinned in order to flush with the toe post's cladding layer 2b. Referring to FIG. 15, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the core 2a of the toe post may need to be thinner to accommodate the cladding layer 2b. Still, the core 2a would preferably maintain the improved anatomical configuration of the toe post disclosed herein (asymmetry, concavity, etc.). The cladding overlay 2b may need to be extended further down the whole strap 3 or part thereof, for better and more comfortable engagement with the user's foot.
[0046] FIG. 16 depicts a rear perspective view of a right foot toe post having straps, according to an aspect. As described hereinabove, and as clearly shown in FIG. 16, when the right foot toe post 2 is seen from the top, a counterclockwise twist/rotation 92 is an important aspect of the improved configuration of toe post 2. It should be understood that when a left foot toe post would be seen from the top, a clockwise twist/rotation would be observed instead. The preferred range of the toe post's rotation in the respective direction is 5-30 degrees. An even more preferred range of rotation is 10-15 degrees. FIG. 16 shows at 94 and 96 that in an embodiment there may be arc and radius differences for the side of the toe post 2 corresponding to the first/large toe of a sandal user compared to the side of the toe post 2 corresponding to the second toe of the user.
[0047] It should be understood that, given that the human foot can vary greatly from person to person, the toe post disclosed herein had to be derived from modeling multiple human anatomic samples into a universal, anatomically improved toe post.
[0048] Generally, the toe posts disclosed herein may be adapted from exemplary shapes of the webspaces of the first and second toes of male and female users, such that the toe post conforms as closely as possible to the natural space occurring between a user's toes. In this way, sandals that conform to the foot's natural shape, such as the thong style sandals disclosed herein which make use of such toe posts, distribute weight and pressure more evenly across the foot. This reduces the likelihood of overcompensation by certain parts of the foot (like the ball of the foot or the toes) during walking, leading to a more natural gait pattern. The disclosed anatomically improved thong-style sandal having the well-placed and suitably shaped toe post 2 is configured to minimize the need for the user to grip the thong-style sandal with their toes, thus allowing the user's toes to remain more relaxed during walking. Better-fitting toe posts reduce the strain on the foot muscles and joints. When the user's foot is more properly engaged with a sandal, there's less need for compensatory muscular effort, reducing overall foot fatigue. Furthermore, the anatomically improved toe post 2 reduces the need for unnatural movements while walking, such as excessive flexion and extension of the user's foot and toes, thus promoting a more efficient and comfortable gait.
[0049] Generally, the features disclosed herein may each assist in providing a more natural gait pattern to a user, and accordingly reduce stress, strain, injury, discomfort, and so on. The asymmetry of the toe posts disclosed herein, which conform to the naturally occurring space between a user's first and second toes, may provide such assistance.
[0050] As is understood, improved comfort and anatomic fit in sandals, particularly through features like the disclosed toe post 2 can significantly influence the biomechanics of a user's gait, reducing the need for compensatory movements in the feet and toes, thus reducing the likelihood of discomfort or injury while wearing. The anatomically improved toe post 2 is configured to conform more closely to the natural shape of the toes, which enhances stability and reduces slippage of the user's foot inside the thong-style sandal. As such, the anatomically complementarily shaped toe post 2 can reduce these issues by aligning better with the natural spacing and movement of the user's toes. In summary, toe posts that offer an improved anatomical fit and comfort can greatly reduce the need for compensatory foot and toe movements while walking in sandals. This leads to a more natural and efficient walking pattern, which can contribute to overall foot health and comfort.
[0051] It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term couple and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The term or is inclusive, meaning and/or. As used in this application, and/or means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.
[0052] The phrases associated with and associated therewith, as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.
[0053] Further, as used in this application, plurality means two or more. A set of items may include one or more of such items. The terms comprising, including, carrying, having, containing, involving, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases consisting of and consisting essentially of, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases.
[0054] Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus or procedures disclosed. Although some of the examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives.
[0055] Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one aspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from a similar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples.
[0056] Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described as processes, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depict the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should be understood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the steps as shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the described methods.
[0057] Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated and described herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily detect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted for the aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternate aspects, embodiments and/or examples.
