ELONGATE FOOT ENGAGEMENT ELEMENT FOR FOOTWEAR, AND FOOTWEAR ARTICLE

Abstract

An elongate foot engagement element (100) for a footwear article (200), the foot engagement element (100) comprising two elongate portions (110a, 110b) each having a longitudinal axis (310), a first and a second planar surfaces which are opposes to each other, wherein the elongate portions (110a, 110b) have a first longitudinal edge region and an opposed second longitudinal edge; wherein a plurality of recesses (324, 334) extending along at least a portion of at least one edge of at least one of the elongate portions (110a, 110b) of the foot engagement element (100), and wherein plurality of recesses (324, 334) of the elongate portions (110a, 110b) provides for flexion of that elongate portion (110a, 110b) within the plane of the first and the second planar surfaces, and wherein the elongate portion (110a, 110b) is sized and arranged in conjunction with plurality of recesses (324, 334) such that the foot engagement element (100) is substantially flexible and elastic so as to allow for substantial flexion when in use.

Claims

1. An elongate foot engagement element for a footwear article, said foot engagement element comprising: two elongate portions each having a longitudinal axis, a first and a second planar surfaces which are opposes to each other, wherein the elongate portion have a first longitudinal edge region and an opposed second longitudinal edge; wherein a plurality of recesses extending along at least a portion of at least one edge of at least one of the elongate portions of the foot engagement element, and wherein said plurality of recesses of the elongate portion provides for flexion of that elongate portion within the plane of the first and a second planar surfaces, and wherein the elongate portion is sized and arranged in conjunction with said plurality of recesses such that the foot engagement element is substantially flexible and elastic so as to allow for substantial flexion when in use.

2. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 1, wherein the recesses are provided on both edges of the elongate portion of the foot engagement element.

3. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recesses are provided both edges of both elongate portions of the foot engagement element.

4. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the recesses on one edge of elongate portion of the foot engagement element are aligned with the recesses on the opposed edge of the elongate portion.

5. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the recesses on one edge of elongate portion of the foot engagement element are offset from the recesses on the opposed edge of the elongate portion in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the elongate portion.

6. An elongate foot engagement element according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an extension portion extending from the first ends of the elongate portions and having an engagement portion thereon for engagement with a sole member of a footwear article, and the second ends of elongate portions each having an engagement portion thereon for engagement with a sole member of a footwear article.

7. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 6, wherein the extension portion is sized to as to pass between the big toe and the second toe of a user of a user, and wherein the elongate portions are sized so as to extend from the first ends thereof and over the upper surface of the foot of a user in a direction towards the rear of the foot of the user, and a first and second elongate portion extending towards the lateral and medial sides of the foot of the user respectively.

8. An elongate foot engagement element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot engagement element is a shape-formed element having been formed from a flowable and settable polymeric material, and wherein upon setting said polymeric material forms the shape of the foot engagement element and has said elastic properties.

9. An elongate foot engagement element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the foot engagement element is a molded element.

10. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 9, wherein the foot engagement element is an injection molded element.

11. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 9, wherein the foot engagement element is a compression molded element.

12. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 9, wherein the foot engagement element is a cast molded element.

13. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 9, wherein the foot engagement element is a transfer molded element.

14. An elongate foot engagement element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the foot engagement element is additive formed element.

15. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 14, wherein the foot engagement element is a three dimensional (3D) printed element.

16. An elongate foot engagement element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the foot engagement element is a fused filament fabricated element.

17. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 16, wherein the foot engagement element is a Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) element.

18. An elongate foot engagement element according to claim 15, wherein the foot engagement element is a Digital Light Synthesised (DLS) element.

19. An elongate foot engagement element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot engagement element is formed from an elastic material including a rubber or rubber compound, an elastomer, elastic polymer, polymeric resins or the like.

20. A footwear article comprising the elongate foot engagement element of any one of claims 1 to 19 and a sole member.

21. A footwear article according to claim 20, wherein the sole member is a sole member of a flip flop.

22. A footwear article according to claim 21, wherein the sole member includes an upper surface, a lower surface, an upper layer being for direct contact and interaction with at least a portion of the underside of the foot of the person and being formed from a first polymeric material having a first density, and a lower layer having a side wall and forming substantially the entire lower surface and being for direct contact and interaction with a surface and being formed from a second polymeric material having a second density, wherein the first polymeric material is provided in a gel form and the second polymeric material is provided in an expanded form whereby the first density is greater than the second density.

23. A footwear article according to claim 22, wherein the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material are selected and the upper layer and the lower layer are sized and arranged such that the sole is substantially flexible and elastic so as to allow for substantial flexion of the sole longitudinally and return, when in use and during ambulation of the person; and wherein said upper layer extends at least to the upper surface of the sole member, and the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material are selected and the upper layer and lower are sized and arranged such that said upper layer provides for dampening of load imparted to the foot of the person upon contact with the surface.

24. A footwear article according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein said footwear article is a flip-flop footwear article.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In order that a more precise understanding of the above-recited invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings.

[0024] The drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale and any reference to dimensions in the drawings or the following description is specific to the embodiments disclosed.

[0025] Any variations of these dimensions that will allow the subject invention to function for its intended purpose are within the scope of the subject invention. Thus, understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered as limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] FIG. 1a depicts a flip-flop type footwear article of the Prior Art;

[0027] FIG. 1b(i) is a photographic representation a Prior Art elongate foot engagement element for a flip-flop type footwear article;

[0028] FIG. 1b(ii) is a line drawing of FIG. 1b(i);

[0029] FIG. 1c(i) is a photographic representation of a portion of the Prior Art elongate foot engagement element of FIG. 1b(i) in a flexed state and flexed in the plane normal to the major planar surface of the elongate foot engagement element;

[0030] FIG. 1c(ii) is a line drawing of FIG. 1c(i);

[0031] FIG. 1d(i) is a photographic representation of a portion of the Prior Art elongate foot engagement element of FIG. 1b(i) and FIG. 1c(i) in a bucked state and buckling in a direction normal to the plane normal to the major planar surface of the elongate foot engagement element;

[0032] FIG. 1d(ii) is a line drawing of FIG. 1(i);

[0033] FIG. 1d(iii) shows a reference drawing for defining the planes with respect to elongate portions of a foot engagement element of a flip flop, for purposes of the prior art as well as the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 1e is photographic representation of a top view of first exemplary embodiment of a foot engagement element in accordance with the present invention in a planar and non-erect configuration;

[0035] FIG. 1f is a photographic a bottom view of the embodiment of the foot engagement element of

[0036] FIG. 1e in a planar and non-erect configuration;

[0037] FIG. 1g is a line drawing of FIG. 1e;

[0038] FIG. 2a depicts a top perspective view of an embodiment of a footwear article in accordance with the present invention including the foot engagement element of FIGS. 1a(i) and FIG. 1b(ii);

[0039] FIG. 2b depicts a top view of the embodiment of the footwear article of FIG. 2a;

[0040] FIG. 3a depicts a top view of the foot engagement element of FIG. 1, FIG. 1b(i) and FIG. 1b(ii) having been deformed in the lateral place of the foot engagement element;

[0041] FIG. 3b depicts a top view of the foot engagement element of FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b(i) and FIG. 1b(ii) having been further deformed in the lateral plane of the foot engagement element;

[0042] FIG. 4a depicts a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a footwear article in accordance with the present invention including a foot engagement element in accordance with the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 4b depicts a bottom view of the embodiment of the footwear article of FIG. 4a;

[0044] FIG. 5a depicts a schematic representation of a top view of the foot engagement element of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 5b depicts a schematic representation of a top view of the foot engagement element of the present invention of FIG. 5a having been deformed in the lateral plane of the foot engagement element;

[0046] FIG. 6a depicts an enlarged schematic representation of a top view of the foot engagement element of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 6b depicts a schematic representation of a top view of the foot engagement element of the present invention of FIG. 6a having been deformed in the lateral plane of the foot engagement element;

[0048] FIG. 6c is an enlarged spot section of circle 640 of FIG. 6a;

[0049] FIG. 6d is an enlarged spot section of circle 650 of FIG. 6b;

[0050] FIG. 7a depicts a top view of portion of an embodiment of an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 7b depicts a top view of portion of a further embodiment of an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 7c depicts a top view of portion of another embodiment of an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 7d depicts a top view of portion of an alternate embodiment of an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 8a shows a line drawing of a foot engagement element according to the present intention from my side view in a deformed state;

[0055] FIG. 8b shows the foot engagement element of FIG. 8a from above;

[0056] FIG. 9a shows a line drawing of a portion of an elongate portion of a foot engagement element of the Prior Art;

[0057] FIG. 9b shows a line drawing of a portion of an elongate portion of an embodiment of foot engagement element according to the present invention;

[0058] FIG. 10a is a graphical representation of deflection of the elongate portion of FIG. 9a;

[0059] FIG. 10b is FIG. 10a is a graphical representation of deflection of the elongate portion of FIG. 9b;

[0060] FIGS. 11(i), 11(ii) and 11(iii) show a comparison of line drawing of an embodiment of the elongate portion, experimental defamation of the embodiment of the elongate portion and numerical analysis of the embodiment of the elongate portion respectively.

[0061] FIG. 12a shows a photographic representation of an elongate foot engagement element according to the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 12b shows an enlarged spot view B of a portion of an elongate portion of the foot engagement element of FIG. 12a; and

[0063] FIG. 12c shows an enlarged spot cross sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 12b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] The present invention relates to an elongate foot engagement element and a footwear article embodying such an elongate foot engagement element.

[0065] Furthermore, and more particularly, the present invention in preferred embodiments, relates to flip flop type footwear, and in particular the elongate foot engagement element and sole member of such footwear.

[0066] Such footwear articles are termed different names in different parts of the world, including terms such as flip flop, thongs, jandals and Zori (Zori) under the worldwide harmonized tariff system. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a flip-flop type footwear article is extremely flexible so as to allow for continual flexing during walking or ambulation of a person, and the above terms may be used interchangeably.

[0067] The sole of such a footwear article is distinctly different from that of traditional footwear articles, whereby a comparatively small amount of flexion is allowable and typically at one portion of the sole, in comparison with that as required and provided by flip-flop type footwear articles.

[0068] Furthermore, and in addition to the sole member of a flip-flop footwear article being required to be flexurally resilient, it is imperative that the foot engagement element also allows for such large flexing, whilst retaining the sole and hence the footwear article to the foot of the user during use, otherwise the integrity of the foot engagement element may be compromised.

Prior ArtObservations

[0069] The following observations of the prior art, are those is made by the present inventor in respect of the present invention. FIGS. 1a-1d(ii) show a flip flop and elongate foot engagement element as typically utilized in a flip flop and according to the Prior Art.

[0070] It is noted that such engagement elements are elongate, generally rectangular and flat in section and are generally flexible to allow for bending to an extent, and allow for flexing of the foot and large amounts of flexing of the sole member, whilst maintaining the footwear article affixed to the foot of a user.

[0071] However, the present inventor has noted that although such engagement elements are generally flexible and allow for flexing of the foot, they are only flexible perpendicular in the flat plane of their generally rectangular cross-section, and are not flexible in the plane of the flat plane.

[0072] FIG. 1d(iii) shows a reference drawing for defining the planes with respect to elongate portions of a foot engagement element of a flip flop, for purposes of the prior art as well as the present invention. Referring FIG. 1(d)(iii), for the purposes of this invention and in reference to description of the invention, this flat plane is the large plane of the elongate portions of a flip flop, which also is called the lateral plane, or the plane of the major surface of the elongate portion.

[0073] As such, any reference to lateral plane, is the plane parallel to the lateral major axis of the elongate portions of the foot engage element, and is shown in FIG. 1(d)(iii), And such reference is consistently utilised in respect of the prior art, as well as the invention as provided by the present inventor.

[0074] The present inventor has identified deficiencies of such engagement elements of the prior art, and these are discussed further and below.

[0075] For illustrative purposes of the deficiencies of the prior art, reference is made to FIGS. 1a, 1b(i), 1b(ii), 1c(i), 1c(ii), 1d(i) and 1d(ii), all of which are Prior Art.

[0076] As is shown in FIG. 1a there is depicted a typical flip flop type footwear article 1000 in accordance with the prior art. Such an article 1000 includes and elongate outsole 1010 and an elongate foot engagement element 1020.

[0077] As will be known by those skilled in the art, the foot engagement element 1020 is held to the outsole 1010 by way of plug elements 1027, 1028, 1029 as shown in FIG. 1b(i), which extend through apertures in the outsole and act as plugs to prevent they fit engagement element being removed from the outsole, and such engagement is well known by those skilled in the art.

[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 1b(i) and 1b(ii) there is shown and elongate foot engagement element 1020 such as that as used in the footwear article 1000 in FIG. 1a, and FIGS. 1c(i), 1c(ii), 1d(i) and 1d(ii) show a portion of the elongate foot engagement element 1020 of FIGS. 1b(i) and 1b(ii).

[0079] The foot engagement element 1020 as shown includes a first elongate portion 1022 and a second elongate portion 1024. The first elongate portion 1022 and the second elongate portion 1024 elongate portion have first surfaces 103 and 105 respectively for engagement with at least the upper surface of the foot of a user.

[0080] The two elongate portions 1022 and 1024 converge at a first end of the foot engagement element 1020, and wherein the elongate portions 1022 and 1024 diverge from each other at the other end 1.

[0081] An extension portion 1026 extends from the first ends of the elongate portions 1022 and 1024, and has an engagement portion 1029 for engagement with the sole member of a footwear of FIG. 1a, wherein in the present embodiment such an engagement portion 1029 is provided as a plug element as is used in foot engagement elements 1024 as applicable for use in a flip-flip type footwear article such as in FIG. 1a.

[0082] At second ends of elongate portions 1022 and 1024 there are also provided engagement portion 1027 and 1028 respectively, again in the present embodiment being provided as a plug element as used in a typical flip-flop type footwear article.

[0083] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the extension portion 1026 is sized to as to pass between the big toe and second toe of a user, and the elongate portions 1022 and 1024 are sized to extend from the first ends thereof and over the upper surface of the foot of a user in a direction towards the rear of the foot of the user, such that the foot engagement element 1020 is a bifurcated engagement element for use in affixing a flip-flop footwear article to the foot of a user.

[0084] As will be noted and as is understood by those skilled in the art, such an elongated foot engagement element is typically formed from a rubberized or elasticized material, and is substantially flat.

[0085] Now referring to FIG. 1c(i) and FIG. 1c(ii), as is shown, one of the elongate portions 1024, which is substantially flat, can bend and flex as discussed above and as is typical for foot engagement elements of the prior art as utilized with flip flop type footwear. As is known, such elongate portions 1024 of elongate foot engagement elements can substantially flex in the major plane, as is shown in FIG. 1c(i) and FIG. 1(c)(ii).

[0086] However, as identified by the present inventor, and as is shown in FIG. 1d(i) and FIG. 1d(ii), elongate portions, such as elongate portion 1024, cannot flex or can flex very little within the plane of the major surface of the elongate portion. As will be understood, the plane of the major surface is the lateral plane as defined and described with reference to FIG. 1d(iii).

[0087] The present inventor has identified this shortcoming as depicted in FIG. 1d(i) and FIG. 1d(ii), whereby the elongate portion 1024 cannot bend in the lateral plane, that again plane parallel to the flat surface, or major surface, of the elongate portion 1024, and has identified consequences and shortcomings of such a foot engagement element of the prior art, which shall be discussed and elucidated further below.

[0088] Further, the present inventor has provided a novel solution to this problem as identified by the present inventor, and thus has provided a foot engagement element unique and distinguished from those of the prior art such as that as presently discussed, which does not have the disadvantages as identified by the present inventor and as discussed above. Thus, the present inventor has identified shortcomings of the newly identified characteristics, and has also identified shortcomings of such an engagement element not identified by others.

Problems of Prior Art

[0089] The present inventor has identified by such inherent stiffness and inflexibility of the engagement elements of the prior art such as that as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1d(ii), the following deficiencies and shortcomings exist: [0090] (i) Lack of conformity to different sized and shaped feet, [0091] (ii) Discomfort due lack of conformity with the foot of a user, [0092] (iii) Discomfort due to pressure points from non-conformity with the foot of a user, [0093] (iv) Abrasion and damage to skin due to lack of conformity with the foot of a user, and [0094] (v) Increased inventory sizes being required to accommodate different sized and shaped feet of different users.

[0095] However, the present inventor of the present invention has identified shortcomings of elongate foot engagement elements for flip flops, and has provided a unique and novel foot engagement which addresses these shortcomings and deficiencies of foot engagement elements according to the prior art.

[0096] As such, the present inventor has provided an elongate foot engagement element for flip flop type footwear articles and also is applicable to other types of footwear articles, as well as a footwear article embodying such an elongate foot engagement element, which overcomes the deficiencies as identified by the present inventor and yet not identified within the prior art, and furthermore which provides advantages not hinted or suggested of within the prior art type foot engagement elements as utilized in flip flop footwear and other similar types of footwear articles.

Present Invention

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 1e, FIG. 1f, FIG. 1g, FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of a foot engagement element 100 in accordance with the present invention.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the foot engagement element 100 as depicted and described is a foot engagement element 100 suitable for engagement for use in a flip-flop footwear article 200, whereby the footwear article 200 includes a sole member 210 in conjunction with the foot engagement element 100.

[0099] As can be seen, when the foot engagement element of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1e-8b includes a plurality of recesses along at least a portion of the length of at least one edge of at least one of the elongate portions 110a, 110b of the foot engagement element 100.

[0100] The recesses can be on both sides of the elongate portions major surface of the elongate portion of the foot engagement element, and may be on both elongate portions major surface of the elongate portion.

[0101] The recesses on one side elongate portion of the foot engagement element may be aligned, out of phase, off set or of different shape to those on the other opposed side of elongate portion of the foot engagement element, as discussed in reference to further embodiments. For example, the recesses may be 180 degrees out of phase, 90 degrees out of phase, or other amounts out of phase.

[0102] Furthermore, the recesses may be of different sizes and of different pitches on either side of and elongate portion of the foot engagement portion.

[0103] As will be noted, the presence of the plurality of recesses on at least the compressive side of the elongate portion of the foot engagement element when bend in the lateral plane, that is the major flat surface of the elongate portions, allows the elongate portions to flex in this plane by way of providing strain relief. As will be noted, the asperities between the recesses are urged towards adjacent asperities during such flexing.

[0104] In embodiments with a plurality or recesses on both sides of the elongate portion, those on the tensile side are stretched apart during flexing in the plane.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 2a there is shown a top perspective view of an embodiment of a footwear article 200 in accordance with the present invention including the foot engagement element 220 of FIGS. 1a(i) and FIG. 1b(ii), and FIG. 2b depicts a top view of the embodiment of the footwear article 200 of FIG. 2a.

[0106] The footwear article 200 includes a sole member or portion 210, which has an engagement surface 210 for engagement with the ground, and an upper surface 214 for engagement with the underside of a user's foot, in use.

[0107] Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, there is shown a portion 300 of elongate portions of an elongate portion of the foot engagement element 100 of FIGS. 1e, 1f and 1g.

[0108] As is shown, on one side 320 (left hand side in this illustration) of the elongate portion 310, there is a first plurality of recesses 324 and peaks 322 on the first side 320, and a plurality of recesses 334 on an opposed side 330 (right hand side in this illustration) with peaks 332 between the recesses 334.

[0109] As can be seen, when a load is applied so as to bend the elongate portion 310 in the lateral plane as depicted parallel to the page and also as defined above, which is the plane of the major surface of the elongate portion 310, there is compression on the first side 320 and tension on the second side 330.

[0110] The recesses 324 on the first side 320 and the recess is 334 on the second side 330 allow for the flexing in the plane of the page (lateral plane), and provide stress and strain relief, such that the peaks 322 on the first side 320 at urge towards each other and the peaks 332 on the second side 330 a purged away from each other.

[0111] As will be understood and is demonstrated in FIG. 3a, a smaller amount of load and bending allows a first amount of deformation, whilst as depicted in FIG. 3b, the relief structures provided by way of the recesses 324 on the first side 320 allow for compression along the edge of the portion 300 of the elongate portion on the first side 320 and the urging of the peaks 322 towards each other. Further, the recesses 334 on the second side 330 also allow for strain and deformation in the plane of the page, that is the lateral plane.

[0112] It can clearly be seen, deformation along the central axis 310 of the portion 300 allows for bending of portion 300 in the lateral plane, that is plane of the page, whilst also as can be seen does not result in buckling of the portion 330 out of the page, in contrast to that of the prior art as observed by the present inventor.

[0113] The present inventor has found that by providing such recess is in a foot engagement element for a footwear, in particular for a flip flop, allows for the foot engagement element to bend in the lateral plane of its flat axis, as well as in the plane normal to this flat axis plane, that is the lateral plane: [0114] (i) without buckling, [0115] (ii) so as to bend and deform at least in the flat plane of the page, [0116] (iii) to further bend in three dimensions and conform with this shape of the foot of a user, irrespective of the variation in anatomical features of the foot of the user, and [0117] (iv) Provide increased comfort due to the conformity of the engagement element with the foot of the user.

[0118] The provision of at least a plurality of recesses along at least one edge of the elongate portions of the engagement element, as provided by the present invention, provides the above features and advantages, as noted by the present inventor.

[0119] Referring now to FIG. 4a, there is depicted a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a footwear article 400 in accordance with the present invention including a foot engagement element 420 in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 4b depicts a bottom view of the embodiment of the footwear article 400 of FIG. 4a.

[0120] The footwear article 400 is provided in the form of a flip flop, including an elongate sole 410, and upper surface 414 for engagement with the underside of the foot of a user, and a foot engagement surface 412 for engagement with the ground when the footwear article is used.

[0121] The foot engagement element 420 according to the present invention, is affixed to the sole member 410 by way of plug elements 422 at the rear and 424 at the front, which extends through apertures within the sole 410.

[0122] FIG. 5a depicts a schematic representation of a top view of a portion 500 of a foot engagement element of the present invention in a non-deformed state, and FIG. 5b depicts a schematic representation of a top view of the portion 500 of the present invention of FIG. 5a having been deformed in the lateral plane of the foot engagement element.

[0123] As is shown, on the first side 520 of the portion 500 there is a first plurality of recesses 524 and peaks 522 on the first side 520, and a plurality of recesses 534 on an opposed side 530 with peaks 532 between the recesses 534.

[0124] As can be seen, when a load is applied so as to bend the elongate portion 500 as shown in FIG. 5b in the lateral plane as depicted parallel to the page, there is compression on the first side 520 and tension on the second side 530.

[0125] The recesses 524 on the first side 320 and the recess is 534 on the second side 530 allow for the flexing in the plane of the page (lateral plane), and provide stress and strain relief, such that the peaks 522 on the first side 520 at urge towards each other and the peaks 532 on the second side 530 a purged away from each other.

[0126] Such recesses also allow the elongate portion to deflect in the lateral plane, without buckling, and thus provide greater conformity of the foot engagement element with the external surface of the foot of a user. As noted, buckling of such an element results in a foot engagement element which does not provide such enhanced conformity with varying geometries and shapes and anatomical variations of a person's foot, as well as such buckling may provide discomfort.

[0127] Again, it can clearly be seen, deformation along the central axis 510 of the portion 500 allows for bending of portion 500 in the plane of the page (lateral plane), whilst also as can be seen does not result in buckling of the portion 530, in contrast to that of the prior art.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 6a there is depicted an enlarged schematic representation of a top view of a portion 600 of an elongate portion of a foot engagement element of the present invention, and FIG. 6b depicts a schematic representation of a top view of the portion 600 of the foot engagement element of the present invention of FIG. 6a having been deformed in the lateral plane of the foot engagement element. FIG. 6c is an enlarged spot section of circle 640 of FIG. 6a, and FIG. 6d is an enlarged spot section of circle 650 of FIG. 6b;

[0129] As can clearly be seen and depicted, the peaks 622 provided by recesses on the left-hand side a displaced apart from each other in the direction 660 upon application of load B, whilst the peaks 632 on the right-hand side are urged towards each other in the direction 670.

[0130] As clearly has been demonstrated with reference to the accompanying figures in respect of the present invention, the plurality of recesses along an edge of the elongate foot engagement element according to the present invention, allows for deformation of the foot engagement element in the lateral direction, and allows for compression on one side of the foot engagement element whilst allowing for tensile relief on the opposed side of the foot engagement element.

[0131] Thus, as has been clearly demonstrated, the present invention, in contrast with that of the prior art which is a planar strip without any recess is along its edge, allows for defamation in the lateral plane of the foot engagement element, And provides the advantages as identified by the present inventor.

[0132] As discussed, this provides numerous advantages, including allowing for improved conformity with the foot of a user, was allowing for anatomical variations between different feet of different users, which also provides for additional comfort to a user.

[0133] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the foot engagement element of the present invention can, of course, can deform in the plane normal to the lateral plane (i.e. the transverse plane), and thus the present invention provides a foot engagement element which can sufficiently deform in three dimensions so as to provide improved contour fitting and conformity of the elongate portions of the elongated foot engagement member, with the foot of a user.

[0134] FIGS. 7a-7d show examples of embodiments of the present invention, whereby different profiles or variations of portions of their foot engagement element are shown.

[0135] FIG. 7a depicts a top view of portion of an embodiment of a portion 700a of an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the peaks are on a first side are shifted by a phase of 180 degrees as denoted by 730a, in comparison with the peaks on the opposed side of the foot engagement element

[0136] FIG. 7b depicts a top view of portion of a further embodiment of a portion 700b an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention, whereby the peaks on a first side of the foot engagement element are shifted by a phase of 90 degrees, as shown by 730b, in comparison with those on the opposed side of the foot engagement element

[0137] FIG. 7c depicts a top view of portion of another embodiment of a portion 720c of an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention, whereby peaks 710c are present only on a first side, and the second side of the foot engagement element is linear.

[0138] FIG. 7d depicts a top view of portion of an alternate embodiment of a portion 700d of an elongate foot engagement member according to the present invention, whereby the peaks 710 on a first side have a different pitch to the peaks 720b on the opposed second side off the foot engagement element.

[0139] Referring to FIG. 8a there is shown a line drawing of a foot engagement element 800 according to the present invention from a sideview in a deformed state; and FIG. 8b shows the foot engagement element 800 of FIG. 8a from above.

[0140] As can be shown and as will be appreciated, the plurality of recesses 820 and peaks 830 on the sides of the elongate portions of the elongate foot engagement element 800, allow the foot engagement element to form, and without buckling, in the plane of the portions of the foot engagement element, that is within the lateral plane, which provides the advantages of conformity to the foot of a user comment as discussed above.

[0141] Also, as will be clearly evident, such a foot engagement element 800, of course, can to form in the plane normal to the lateral plane and as such, the foot engagement element as provided by the president mention allows for conformity and compliance with the foot of a user of a footwear article which embodies such a foot engagement element, without buckling, and walls provided comfort by conformity of fit and efficiency in maintaining the foot engagement element, and thus the footwear article, to the foot of a user.

Demonstration and Validation of Present Invention

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b, there is shown a numerical analysis which demonstrates invalidates the manner in which the elongate portion of the foot engagement element of the present invention flexes in the lateral plane, wherein the lateral plane, as defined, is the plane in which the first and second opposed surfaces of the foot engagement element reside, that is the plane of the page in respect of the depicted drawings and figures.

[0143] FIG. 9a shows a line drawing of a portion 900a of an elongate portion of a foot engagement element of the Prior Art, which is typical of that of the Prior Art, with dimensions of a height of 18 mm and a depth into the page of 3 mm.

[0144] FIG. 9b shows a line drawing corresponding to the portion of an elongate portion of FIG. 9a, however the portion 900b of FIG. 9b embodies the inventive features of the present invention, that is a plurality of recesses 910b extending along the edges 920b of the portion 900b of elongate portion, as is shown.

[0145] The present embodiment as shown, corresponds to that has depicted in previous photographic representations and line drawings of the invention, such as from FIGS. 1e-4b.

[0146] In this line drawing of a portion of an elongate portion of an embodiment of foot engagement element according to the present invention, for comparative purposes the dimensions accord with those of the Prior Art in FIG. 9a, wherein the total height of the elongate portion is 18 mm the depth (into the page) is 3 mm. Such dimensions are in keeping with those of the present invention as shown in the accompanying photographic representations and drawings.

[0147] Regarding the plurality of recesses 910b along the edge 920b of the portion 900b of the elongate portion, these have a depth of 2.5 mm, a pitch of 12.5 mm (centre-centre), and a 180 degree phase offset between the opposed edges of the elongate portion.

[0148] Referring now to FIG. 10a, there is a graphical representation of deflection of the portion 1000a corresponding to the elongate portion 900a of FIG. 9a under load. This is a computer simulated model of deflection, as well as stress, of the portion 900a of the elongate portion of FIG. 9a.

[0149] As can be seen, very little deflection of portion 1000a is provided by such a portion of a constant rectangular cross-section. Furthermore, the edges 1010a, 1020a of the portion 1000a remain substantially linear and parallel, and deflection in the lateral plane is minimal and generally linear.

[0150] Furthermore, tensile stresses are evident on the upper edge 1010a and compressive stresses on the lower edge 1020a, depicted and showed experimentally in FIGS. 1d(i) and (ii), has the effect of inducing buckling and a propensity for the portion 1000a to be urged out of the page or into of the page, that is normal to the plane of the page, as in keeping with the disadvantages of the Prior Art as identified by the present inventor. The stresses as depicted, is the Von Mices stress field, the details of which are known by those skilled in the art.

[0151] Referring now to FIG. 10b, there is a graphical representation of deflection of the elongate portion of FIG. 9b. This is a computer simulated model of deflection, as well as stress, of the portion 900b of the elongate portion of FIG. 9b. The portion 1000b of the elongate portion 900b of FIG. 9b, which corresponds to that of the embodiments of the present invention as previously discussed and shown.

[0152] Now as shown, there significant deflection of the portion 1000b in the lateral plane, and by way of comparison with that of the portion 1000a of the elongate portion of the Prior Art as depicted in FIG. 10a, there is a significantly larger amount of deflection shown, allowing greater deformity and compliance of the foot engagement element of the present invention with the geometry and anatomical variation of the foot by user.

[0153] Furthermore, the deflection in the lateral plane is nonlinear, and the portion 1010b according to the present invention has a greater amount of deflection and flexibility in the lateral plane, than that of the prior art is depicted in FIG. 10a. Such enhanced variation in flexibility provides for greater conformity with varying shapes and geometries and anatomical variances of the foot of a user to which the portion of the elongate portion of difficult engagement element is used in conjunction with

[0154] Also, as shown in FIG. 10b, the stress is distributed by the plurality of recess 1010b and on the upper edge 1012b and plurality of recesses 1020b the lower edge 1022b of the portion 1000b of the elongate portion, thus minimising, reducing or preventing buckling of the elongate portion in a direction in or out of the page, in comparison with that of the Prior Art as previously depicted and shown.

[0155] Still further, as can be seen, the peaks 1030b between the recesses 1010b on the upper edge 1012b, that is the tensile side of the portion 1000b elongate portion, are urged in a direction 1032b away from each other, whilst the peaks 1040b between the recesses 1050b on the lower edge 1014b, that is the compressive side of the portion 1000b elongate portion, are urged in a direction 1042b towards each other.

[0156] Referring now to FIGS. 11(i), (ii) and (iii) there is shown comparison of line drawing of an embodiment of a portion 1100a of the elongate portion which corresponds to FIG. 9b, experimental deformation of the embodiment of a portion 1100b of the elongate portion which corresponds to the photographic representation in FIG. 3a, and numerical analysis of the embodiment of the portion 1000b of the elongate portion of FIG. 10b respectively.

[0157] As has been demonstrated, both experimentally and theoretically, the plurality of recesses 1120a, 1120b, 1120c, provides and allows for flexion and deflection of the elongate portion 1100a, 1100b, 1100c within the plane of the first and second planar surfaces of the elongate portion 1100a, 1100b, 1100c.

[0158] Accordingly, the present invention has clearly been validated to show that the elongate portion with a plurality of recesses as provided by the present invention provides such flexion and deformation, In varying amounts when required due to the flexibility of the elongate portion, in the lateral plane which provides for increased an enhanced conformity of the foot engagement element with the anatomical shape and variation of various uses foot, and thus provides a more comfortable and form fitting for engagement element, as well as the other advantages and benefits as recited and elucidated.

[0159] Reference is now made to FIG. 12a, FIG. 12b and FIG. 12c, whereby FIG. 12a shows a photographic representation of an elongate foot engagement element 1200 according to the present invention, FIG. 12b shows an enlarged spot view B of a portion 1200 of an elongate portion 1210 of the foot engagement element 1200 of FIG. 12a literally through the elongate portion 1210 and through a recess 1240, and FIG. 12c shows an enlarged spot cross sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 12b.

[0160] As should be understood, the cross sectional area of the elongate portion 1210 of the foot engagement element 1200 may have a varying cross sectional area or geometry, and need not necessarily be rectangular, and the preceding analytical model has been simplified as a rectangular cross sectional view, for ease of demonstration of the invention and the inventive concept and the function as provided by the plurality of resources of the present invention.

[0161] In the present embodiment, and referring to the cross sectional representation of FIG. 12c, as can be readily evident, tapers in the lateral direction outwardly from the centre of the portion of 1220 of the elongate portion 1210, and tapers to a smaller cross section towards the outer edges 1230 of the portion 1220 of the elongate portion 1210.

[0162] As will be understood, other and alternate geometries and cross sections are also equally applicable to the invention, and will be understood by those skilled in the art to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0163] Furthermore, although the elongate portions of the foot engagement element of the present invention but depicted as being generally of the same size and shape along the length of the elongate portions, those skilled in the art will understand that the size and geometry may be altered and vary along the length of the elongate portions, and the edges of the elongate portions need not necessarily be parallel to each other.

[0164] As will be noted, the recesses as shown and described in the foregoing drawings, extend from the lateral edges of the elongate portions, in an inward direction within electoral plane of the elongate portion.

[0165] Further as will be noted, in the foregoing drawings, the recesses are depicted by a wave like structure with a curved wave-like profile, whereby the recesses are of a general curved nature, and the peaks between the recesses are depicted as being of the opposite geometry but as a convex surface or portion.

[0166] As such, the recesses are convex recesses in the lateral plane and extend inwardly from the outer longitudinal edge of the elongate portions and at least part way in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the elongate portions.

[0167] As will be appreciated, although the recesses and convex peak type portions are depicted as being curved and equal in the preceding embodiments, other and alternate geometries and profiles are equally applicable to the invention, and are also understood to fall within the scope of the invention.

[0168] Accordingly and as such, no geometric or structural limitations should be interpreted or imported from the accompanying examples, and any structural feature, shape or geometry which causes a plurality of recesses to extend along at least a portion of the lateral edges of the elongate portions in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis of the elongate portions, and provides for flexion and deformation within the lateral plane, will be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Foot Engagement Element of the Present Invention

[0169] The foot engagement element of the present invention, is preferably a shape-formed element. A shape-formed element is defined as an element or an article which is formed from a material which is provided in a flowable form which, upon setting or hardening takes the requisite form of the article or element.

[0170] Accordingly, a shape-formed article or element is not cut, machined or worked from a solid material, but rather is an article or element which has been formed from a material provided in a flowable form. Examples of shape-forming processes including molding processes and additive manufacturing processes.

[0171] Thus, the foot engagement element of the present invention, accordingly, is preferably formed from a flowable and settable polymeric material, and wherein upon setting said polymeric material forms the shape of the foot engagement element and has said elastic properties, which may be selected from the group including a rubber or rubber compound, an elastomer, elastic polymer or the like.

[0172] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other elastic or polymeric materials may also be utilised for the formation of the foot engagement element 100 in other and alternate embodiments of the invention.

[0173] Such a foot engagement element of the present invention may be formed from a molding process, such as an injection molding process or other molding processes including a compression molding process, a casting molding process, a transfer molding process or the like.

[0174] Alternatively, the foot engagement element of the present invention may be formed by way of an additive manufacturing process including a three-dimensional (3D) printing process, a fused filament fabrication process, a Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) process, a Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) process or the like.

[0175] The foot engagement element as shown includes a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion. The first elongate portion and a second elongate portion elongate portion have first surfaces and respectively for engagement with at least the upper surface of the foot of a user.

[0176] Such first surfaces and typically are provided as a smooth surface for contact and engagement with the upper surface of the foot of a user. Alternatively, first surfaces and may be provided with a texture. The foot engagement element has a second surface and opposed to the first surface and respectively.

[0177] In the present embodiment, the foot engagement element includes two elongate portions and which converge at a first end of the foot engagement element, and wherein the elongate portions and diverge from each other at the other end.

[0178] An extension portion extends from the first ends of the elongate portions and, and has an engagement portion thereon for engagement with the sole member of the footwear article wherein in the present embodiment such an engagement portion is provided as a plug element as is used in foot engagement elements as applicable for use in a flip-flip type footwear article.

[0179] At second ends of elongate portions and there are also provided engagement portion and respectively, again in the present embodiment being provided as a plug element as used in a typical flip-flop type footwear article.

[0180] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the extension portion is sized to as to pass between the big toe and second toe of a user, and the elongate portions and are sized to extend from the first ends thereof and over the upper surface of the foot of a user in a direction towards the rear of the foot of the user, such that the foot engagement element is a bifurcated engagement element for use in affixing a flip-flop footwear article to the foot of a user.

Processes for Forming Foot Engagement Element as Applicable to the Present Invention

[0181] As stated above, the foot engagement element of the present invention, is a shape-formed element, meaning the element is formed from a material which is provided in a flowable form which, upon setting or hardening takes the requisite form of the article or element.

[0182] Accordingly, a shape-formed article or element is not cut, machined or worked from a solid material, but rather is an article or element which has been formed from a material provided in a flowable form. Examples of shape-forming processes including molding processes and additive manufacturing processes.

[0183] As stated above, a foot engagement element of the present invention may be formed from a molding process, such as an injection molding process or other molding processes including a compression molding process, a casting molding process, a transfer molding process or the like. Injection molding, as applicable to the present invention, typically utilises an injection molding machine, raw plastic material, and a requisite mold. In such a process, the requisite elastic material is injected into a mold cavity having the requisite shape for the foot engagement element in a flowable and moldable state. Examples of suitable moldable elastic materials include a rubber or rubber compound, an elastomer, elastic polymer or the like. Upon setting of the elastic material, the mold is opened and a foot engagement element removed from the mold.

[0184] Compression molding may also be implemented in other embodiments for forming the foot engagement element, whereby a moldable material is generally preheated, and is first placed in an open, heated mold cavity defining the shape and geometry of the requisite foot engagement element. The mold is then closed with a top force or plug member and pressure is applied to force the material into contact with all mold areas in the mold cavity while heat and pressure are maintained until the material has cured. Such a process typically employs thermosetting resins in a partially cured stage, either in the form of granules, putty-like masses, or preforms.

[0185] As will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art, other molding processes may be implemented, such as casting molding or transfer molding, and are also understood to fall within the ambit of applicable molding processes for forming a foot engagement element in accordance with the present invention.

[0186] Alternatively, the foot engagement element of the present invention may be formed by way of an additive manufacturing process including a three-dimensional (3D) printing process, a fused filament fabrication process, a Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) process, a Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) process or the like.

[0187] Different 3D printing processes may be utilised for forming the foot engagement element as a shape formed element, such as Fused filament fabrication.

[0188] In other and alternate embodiments, other additive manufacturing processes can be utilised to provide a shape formed foot engagement element, such as Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) process, whereby a continuous process commences with the provision of a pool of liquid photopolymer resin. A portion of the pool bottom is transparent to ultraviolet light, which is termed the window. An ultraviolet light beam is utilised to shine through the window, illuminating the precise cross-section of the object, which light causes the resin to solidify. The object rises slowly enough to allow resin to flow under and maintain contact with the bottom of the object.

[0189] In other embodiments, a Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) process may be utilised to form the shape.

Advantages of Present Invention

[0190] The present invention, by providing a bifurcated elongate foot engagement element having a plurality of recesses extending along at least a portion of one side of at least one of the elongate portions of the foot engagement element, overcomes the problems and deficiencies of the prior art as identified by the present inventor, and provides a bifurcated elongate foot engagement which includes: [0191] (i) conformity to different sized and shaped feet, [0192] (ii) comfort due to conformity, [0193] (iii) mitigation or minimization of abrasion and damage to skin due to increased conformity, and [0194] (iv) reduced inventory sizes and volumes.