U.S. patent application number 10/575484 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for footwear.
Invention is credited to Justin Douglas King.
Application Number | 20070130795 10/575484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34427370 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070130795 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
King; Justin Douglas |
June 14, 2007 |
Footwear
Abstract
Footwear; such as sandals (10) has soles (11) with shapes
replicating surfboard designs, such as "pintail", swallow tail" and
"square tail" and may incorporate leg ropes (16), stringers (620),
hips or flyers (430,431), raised heel grips (840) and ornamentation
of one-, two- or three fins. The raised heel grips (840) provide
support and/or grip to a wearer's heel. The footwear may also be
used as a hand surfer for body surfers and incorporate wrist strap
for releasable attachment to wearer's wrist.
Inventors: |
King; Justin Douglas; (New
South Wales, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NATH & ASSOCIATES
112 South West Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
34427370 |
Appl. No.: |
10/575484 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
October 13, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU04/01400 |
371 Date: |
April 12, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/11.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 31/10 20130101;
A43B 5/08 20130101; A43B 3/102 20130101; A43B 13/148 20130101; A63B
69/0093 20130101; A43B 3/108 20130101; A43B 3/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/011.5 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/12 20060101
A43B003/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 13, 2003 |
AU |
2003905580 |
Claims
1. Footwear, having a sole, wherein at least the rearward portion
of the sole is shaped to replicate the tail shape of a
surfboard.
2. Footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the underside of the
sole incorporates a pattern or ornamentation to replicate the one
to three fin(s) of a surfboard.
3. Footwear as claimed in claim 2 wherein: two or more fins may
extend below the sole to form a raised heel portion.
4. Footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the tail shapes of the
surfboards replicated include (a) "pintail"; (b) "swallow tail";
and (c) "square tail".
5. Footwear as claimed in claim 4 wherein: side portions of the
sole incorporate hips or flyers, replicating the hips or flyers in
surfboards, to complement the tail shapes.
6. Footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the sole incorporates a
coloured stringer, from nose to tail, replicating the stringer of a
surfboard on the upper side of the sole.
7. Footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the upper side of the
sole is provided with a raised heel pad, with added grip, to
replicate the deck grip or "gorilla grip" on a surfboard.
8. Footwear as claimed in claim 7 wherein: the heel pad has an
inclined forwardly-directed face and a patterned-or-profile upper
surface and provides support and/or grip to a wearer's heel.
9. Footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the sole incorporates a
leg rope hole, or pattern or ornamentation replicating same.
10. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper side of the
sole incorporates branding, labelling and/or other surfboard
aesthetics.
11. A hand surfer for body surfers comprising the footwear as
claimed in claim 1.
12. A hand surfer as claimed in claim 11, including: a wrist strap
attachable at one end to the sole and at the other end to the
wearer's wrist.
13. A hand surfer as claimed in claim 12 wherein: the wrist strap
has a length of cord or rope, with a loop at one end and a locking
pin at the other end, the cord or rope passing through the loop for
attachment to the wearer's wrist and the locking pin being
engageable in a leg rope hole in the sole.
14. A hand surfer as claimed in claim 11, including: A front strap,
extending laterally to the sole, adjacent the front end of the
sole, engageable by the wearer's hand and/or fingers.
15. A hand surfer as claimed in claim 12, including: A front strap,
extending laterally to the sole, adjacent the front end of the
sole, engageable by the wearer's hand and/or fingers.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] THIS INVENTION relates to footwear.
[0003] The invention is particularly suitable for, but is not
limited to, sandals, including sandals of the type commonly known
as "thongs".
[0004] The invention also relates to footwear which can be used as
a hand surfer by body surfers.
[0005] 2. Prior Art
[0006] While footwear must meet utilitarian requirements to protect
the wearer's feet, footwear has long been a fashion item,
especially casual footwear for the young. Generally, to be
successful, a footwear manufacturer must have some feature, or
design component, which is eye-catching and attractive to
consumers. While a high recognition trade mark is important, a new
entrant into the footwear market can make significant in-roads
against well-known brands if they can provide a design feature
which catches the consumer's attention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
striking design concept for footwear, particularly sandals.
[0008] It is a preferred object to provide such a design concept
which is inexpensive to apply to footwear and which will be
attractive to consumers.
[0009] It is a further preferred object to combine the tail shapes
of surfboards with the shapes of traditional footwear, such as
thongs, to provide a significantly different thong (footwear)
shapes.
[0010] It is a still further preferred object to provide such
shapes which further replicate one or more surfboard shape
features, including hips or flyers, fins, stringers, leg rope
holes, branding, labelling and design aesthetics.
[0011] It is a still further preferred object to provide footwear
which can be used as hand surfers by body surfers.
[0012] Other preferred objects will become apparent from the
following description.
[0013] In one aspect, the present invention resides in footwear,
preferably sandals, having a sole, wherein at least the rearward
portion of the sole is shaped to replicate the tail shape of a
surfboard.
[0014] Preferably, the underside of the sole incorporates pattern
or ornamentation to replicate the one to three fin(s) of a
surfboard.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, two or more fin(s) may extend
below the sole to form a raised heel portion.
[0016] The tail shapes of the surfboards replicated may include (a)
"pintail"; (b) "swallow tail"; and (c) "square tail".
[0017] The side portions of the soles may incorporate hips or
flyers, replicating the hips or flyers in surfboards, to complement
the tail shapes.
[0018] The shapes may also incorporate a coloured stringer, from
nose to tail, replicating the stringer of a surfboard.
[0019] Preferably, the upper side of the sole is provided with a
raised heel pad, preferably with added grip, eg., to replicate the
deck grip or "gorilla-grip" on a surfboard. Preferably, the heel
pad has an inclined forwardly-directed face and a
patterned-or-profile upper surface and provides support and/or grip
to a wearer's heel.
[0020] The sole may incorporate a leg rope hole, or pattern or
ornamentation replicating same.
[0021] The upper side of the sole may incorporate branding,
labelling and other surfboard aesthetics to replicate a
surfboard.
[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention resides in
footwear as hereinbefore described for use as a hand surfer by body
surfers.
[0023] Preferably, the hand surfer incorporates a wrist strap
attachable at one end to the sole and at the other end to the
wearer's wrist.
[0024] Preferably, the hand surfer has a front strap extending
laterally to the sole, adjacent the front end of the sole,
engageable by the wearer's hand and/or fingers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIGS. 1(a) to (g) show respective front, side, top, bottom,
rear, top and bottom perspective views of footwear with a sole
replicating a "pintail" surfboard shape, with a single flyer shape,
applied to sandals;
[0027] FIGS. 2(a) to (g) show similar views of footwear with a sole
replicating a "swallow tail" surfboard shape with a single
flyer;
[0028] FIGS. 3(a) to (g) show similar views of footwear with a sole
replicating a "square tail" surfboard shape with a single
flyer;
[0029] FIGS. 4(a) to (g) show similar views of footwear with a sole
replicating a "square tail" surfboard shape with a double
flyer;
[0030] FIGS. 5(a) to (d) show front, side, top and rear views of
footwear with a sole replicating a "swallow tail" surfboard shape
with a raised heel grip;
[0031] FIGS. 6 and 7 are respective top and side views of one
embodiment of the foot wear used as a hand surfer;
[0032] FIGS. 8(a) to (h) are respective side, top, bottom and
perspective views of a second embodiment of the footwear used as a
hand surfer, a perspective view of the wrist strap and end views
showing the fitting of wrist strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] As hereinbefore described, the present invention is directed
to the design of the sole of footwear, preferably sandal-type
footwear such as thongs, to incorporate design features replicating
the shapes and/or aesthetics of surfboards, to produce a striking
design concept.
[0034] In particular, as will be illustrated in the preferred
embodiments to be hereinafter described, the soles may replicate
one or more of the following features of surfboards:
[0035] (a) tail shapes--such as "pin tail", "swallow tail" and
"square tail";
[0036] (b) hip or flyers--one or more hips or flyers cut into the
side portions to complement the tail shapes (and aesthetics);
[0037] (c) raised heel pad--to provide surfboard-like deck grip,
with wearer's heel support, added grip and a longer lasting heel
sole;
[0038] (d) fin systems--ornamentation on the underside of the sole
replicating a single fin, a twin fin or a tri-fin arrangement;
[0039] (e) leg rope plug--ornamentation replicating a leg rope
plug;
[0040] (f) stringer--ornamentation, central from nose to tail, to
replicate the wooden stringer on all surfboards; and
[0041] (g) artistic aesthetics--ornamentation. preferably on the
upper side of the sole, to replicate branding, labelling and
artistic aesthetics, including signatures/endorsement graphics of
champion surfers.
[0042] FIGS. 1(a) to (g) show respective front, side, top, side,
rear, top perspective and bottom perspective views of a thong-type
sandal 10 (for a right foot) where the sole 11 has a rear (or heel)
portion 12 shaped to replicate a "pintail" surfboard shape, with a
single flyer 30, and ornamentation to replicate a single fin on the
under side.
[0043] The forward portion 13 of the sole 11, and the straps 14,
are shown in broken lines, as they may be of known shape and do not
form part of the invention.
[0044] It is preferred that the mid-section (arch) 20 of the sole
11 is broader than for conventional sandals to ensure the sole 11
accurately replicates the design features and scale of a surfboard.
The broader mid-section or arch 20 allows for the provision of one
or more side hips or flyers 30 as the sole tapers to the rear
portion options--in this example, the "pin tail" shape. The broader
mid-section or arch 20 allows for 5 all surfboard design shapes and
provides sufficient area for the heel and the raised heel pad (to
be hereinafter described).
[0045] A "single fin" 15, eg., of material of contrasting colour,
is moulded or fixed in (or on) the lower face of the rear portion
12 to replicate the surfboard fin.
[0046] A "legrope hole" 16, which may be an actual hole through the
sole 11, or a piece of contrasting-colour material moulded in, or
fixed to, the underside of the sole 11, replicates the legrope hole
on a surfboard. A leg rope, not shown, may extend from the hole
16.
[0047] While the embodiment of FIGS. 1(a) to (g) replicates the
"pin tail" shape with a single flyer (and single fin), the shape
can be modified to incorporate a pair of flyers, as hereinbefore
described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to (g), and the
ornamentation may replicate twin- or tri-fins.
[0048] FIGS. 2(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 210 where
the rear (or heel) portion 212 of the sole 211 replicates a
"swallow tail" surfboard with a V-shape recess 217, a single flyer
230, and ornamentation for a pair of "fins" 215.
[0049] FIGS. 3(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 410 where
the rear (or heel) portion 412 of the sole 411 replicates a "square
tail" surfboard, with a single flyer 430, and with ornamentation
for three fins 415.
[0050] It will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee that
the "twin fins" 215 and "tri-fins" 415 may extend below the lower
faces of the soles 211, 411 to form raised heels.
[0051] As hereinbefore described, the sole 11, 211, 411 can be
modified to incorporate two flyers (as to be hereinafter described)
and ornamentation for single, twin or tri-fins, as desired.
[0052] In all three embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1(a) to (g),
2(a) to (g) and 3(a) to (g), the heel portions 12, 212, 412 are
lengthened to enable the three alternative surfboard shapes, which
border the heel area, to be replicated. In addition, the additional
length allows the provision of the shapes to border a custom raised
heel pad, to be hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 5(a)
to (d).
[0053] FIGS. 4(a) to (g) show a modified embodiment of the sandal
410 of FIGS. 3(a) to (g).
[0054] The sandal 610 has a contrasting colour material "stripe"
620 centred along the upper side of the sole 611, from the toe to
the heel, to replicate the wooden stringer along a surfboard--see
FIG. 4(c).
[0055] As shown in FIG. 4(c), the material replicating the tri-fins
615 can extend below the rear portion 612 of the sole 611 (as shown
in dashed lines) to form a raised heel portion on the underside of
the sole 411.
[0056] When comparing the sole 611 of FIG. 4 with the sole 411 of
FIG. 3, it will be noted that two hips or flyers 630, 631 are
provided along each side of the rear portion 612, whereas the sole
411 only has one hip or flyer 430 per side.
[0057] As hereinbefore described, the additional hips or flyers
also can be provided on the soles 11, 211 of FIGS. 1 and 2,
respectively; while the number of fins replicated on the underside
of the sole can be varied.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 5(a) to (d), the sandal 810 has a sole
811 with the "swallow-tail" shape as per the sole 211 of sandal 210
of FIG. 2; but with the twin hips or flyers as per the sole 611 of
FIG. 4.
[0059] A raised heel grip pad 840 is provided on the upper side of
the rear portion 812 and the dimensions illustrated are by way of
example only for a (British) size 11 sandal.
[0060] The actual shape of the heel grip pad 840 may be varied, but
it preferably has a tapered front face 841 and a patterned or
textured top surface 842 to "grip" the wearer's heel, in the same
manner as for the deck grip or so-called "gorilla-grip" on
surfboards.
[0061] The heel grip pad 840 may be provided on any of the sole
shapes hereinbefore described (eg., "pin tail"/single- or
double-flyer; "square tail"/single or double flyer; "swallow
tail"/single- or double-flyer) where the ornamentation can
replicate single-, twin or tri-fins and/or the wooden stringer. The
heel grip pad 840 is inspired by, and replicates, the deck grip
used on surfboards and provides both functionality and aesthetic
appeal.
[0062] The heel grip pad 840 is provided integrally with the sole
811, to provide the raised heel area, which provides a performance
advantage offering more heel support than a conventional thong,
with added grip to ensure the wearer's heel stays on the raised
padded area when running and/or manoeuvring at a walking plus
pace.
[0063] Preferably, the heel grip pad 840 is moulded from a super
soft sponge (rubber or plastics) material, ie., softer than the
material of the balance of the sole 811, and it may have a slightly
concave surface 842 to assist location/grip of the wearer's heel.
The top surface 842 of the grip pad 840 may have a wide range of
textures/patterns thereon.
[0064] The raised heel grip pad 840 has the added advantage that it
will result in a longer-lasting thong. In addition, the pad 840
further accentuates the accuracy of the sole 810 to replicate a
surfboard, in that the pad 840 replicates the deck grip pad on
surfboards known as "gorilla-grip".
[0065] The sandals 10, 210, 410, 610, 810 are all comfortable to
wear and provide a striking aesthetic appeal to sandals, or other
footwear fitted with the soles 11, 211, 411, 611, 811.
[0066] The shapes illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 are by way of
examples only and are not limiting to the invention.
[0067] By the inclusion (or deletion) of different features, the
soles can replicate an almost infinite number of surfboards. Less
expensive models may, eg., not include the ornamentation to
replicate the fin(s), stringer and/or leg rope, and/or not include
the raised heel grip pad. As features are added, different price
ranges can be covered. "Top-of-the-line" models can include all of
the features described/illustrated, and may further include a wide
range of branding/labelling/aesthetic options. "Limited edition" or
"Signature" boards can include the signatures/endorsements of
champion surfers/board shapes/manufacturers. The range of
alternative colours/graphics is almost limitless.
[0068] The marriage of surfboard shapes to footwear results in a
unique, striking design concept with the ability to appeal to
consumers generally, and not just dedicated surfers.
[0069] In addition, the incorporation of the raised heel grip pad
provides a functionally-improved product, for the reasons
hereinbefore described.
[0070] The invention is not limited to the thong-type sandals
shown, but can be applied to all other sandals, and indeed, to
other types of footwear.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the footwear hereinbefore
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 can be used as a hand
surfer for body surfers.
[0072] A hand surfer is a water craft that is worn on the left or
right hand of a swimmer to assist in surfing waves.
[0073] Generally, a hand surfer has a broad plastic or foam
structure that is secured to the hand by straps to assist in
planing advantage.
[0074] To ride waves without the assistance of any craft is called
body surfing. When body surfing, the surfer catches a wave and uses
their torso and hands to aquaplane straight down from the face of
the wave. To body surf, the surfer needs speed and body area to
keep on top of the water surface and travel along the wave.
[0075] The more experienced body surfers ride waves going left or
right on the face of the wave. Body surfing across the face of the
wave enables the body surfer to reach faster speeds and experience
getting tubed or barrelled--this is when the wave throws a sheet of
water over the experienced body surfer. The experienced body surfer
rides the more powerful part of the wave and needs to keep
himself/herself in perfect planing position and resist against
being pushed into the bottom of the wave which, in turn, means the
end of the ride.
[0076] Experienced body surfers can be assisted by a hand surfer
worn on the left or right and. When body surfing with a hand
surfer, it offers the body surfer a controlled planing area to
assist in manoeuvrability, planing ability and length of ride. Body
surfers using the hand surfer can travel distances similar to
surfboards whilst riding across waves. The hand surfers are a
performance craft made specially for the body surfers.
[0077] The footwear of the present invention can be used as a hand
surfer to assist in aquaplaning performance for the body
surfers.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hand surfer 1010 of a first
embodiment has a sole 1011 having any of the shapes/ornamentations
as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, eg., a
square tail 1012 with a single flyer 1030.
[0079] Preferably, the leg rope is replaced by the wrist strap
1070, which is anchored at one end to the sole 1011, eg., at the
leg rope hole, and at the other end is releasably connectable (eg.,
by "VELCRO" trade mark) tape) about the wearer's wrist 1090.
[0080] As shown, the wearer places his hand 1091 under the front
strap 1014 adjacent the forward end of the sole 1011, eg., with the
thumb 1092 and index finger 1093 on one side of the toe strap 1014a
and the remaining fingers 1094-1096 on the other side.
[0081] The lightweight waterproof material of the sole 1011 is
buoyant, to provide both flotation and planing benefits. The unique
surfboard tail shapes of the sole 1011 enables it to aquaplane on
top of the water, with a surfboard-like response due to the shape
of the rear portion 1012 of the sole 1011. The flyer(s) 1030 also
assist in providing the surfboard-like response.
[0082] The wrist strap 1070 works in the same manner as the leg
rope of a surfboard. The wrist strap 1070 ensures that the hand
surfer 1010 stays attached to the wearer whilst body surfing and/or
after any "wipe outs".
[0083] As the sole 1011 has a greater surface area than the
wearer's hand 1091, and is broader, it offers a greater planing
advantage than the hand alone.
[0084] The footwear is easy to fit and secure to the hand 1091 and
instantly becomes a hand surfer when applied. As shown, the hand
surfer 1010 is easily fitted to the hand 1092 and final positioning
and holding can be effected by the thumb 1092 and little finger
1096. The toe strap 1014a between the index and second fingers
1093, 1094 provides lateral location of the hand surfer 1010
relative to the wearer's hand 1092. When finished body surfing, the
wearer can remove the wrist strap 1070 and use the hand surfer 1010
as footwear.
[0085] FIGS. 8(a) to (h) illustrate a second embodiment of the hand
surfer 1210, where the heel portion 1212 of the sole 1211 is of the
"swallow tail" shape with a single flyer 1230.
[0086] In this embodiment, the wrist strap 1270 is a length of cord
or rope 1271 with a loop 1272 at one end and a locking pin 1273 at
the other end.
[0087] As shown in FIGS. 8(a), (b), (d) and (e), the cord or rope
1271 is passed through loop 1272 to form an adjustable loop to be
secured to the wearer's wrist (not shown).
[0088] The locking pin 1273 is inserted through the leg rope hole
1216 (see FIG. 8(f)); located transversely below the heel portion
1212 of the sole 1211 (see FIG. 8(g)); and the cord 1271 is pulled
to locate the locking pin 1273 against the underside of the sole
1211 (see FIG. 8(h)).
[0089] To release the wrist strap 1270, the steps of FIGS. 8(f) to
(h) are reversed.
[0090] The dual capability of the present invention, ie.,
footwear/hand surfer, is unique due to the surfboard tail shapes
replicated in the heel portions of the soles of the footwear.
[0091] Various changes and modifications may be made to the
embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the
present invention.
* * * * *