U.S. patent application number 12/863436 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for heel-lock shoe.
Invention is credited to James Neville Somerville.
Application Number | 20110016751 12/863436 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40884986 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110016751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Somerville; James Neville |
January 27, 2011 |
Heel-lock shoe
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear. The
footwear may comprise a sole for supporting a foot and vamp means
for extending from the sole. A heel restraint may extend from
either side of the vamp means. The heel restraint may comprise
biasing means for biasing the heel restraint to extend around the
upper heel of the foot so that the foot is restrained from slipping
from the footwear. The heel restraint may be able to be moved from
the upper heel and toward the sole so that the foot can be slipped
from the footwear. The footwear of the present invention, in many
embodiments, is less prone to cause discomfort than other known
footwear, owing to the fact that the heel restraint extends from
the vamp means.
Inventors: |
Somerville; James Neville;
(Queensland, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Schubert Law Group PLLC
P.O. Box 90879
AUSTIN
TX
78709-0879
US
|
Family ID: |
40884986 |
Appl. No.: |
12/863436 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 11, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2008/001824 |
371 Date: |
September 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/105 ;
36/50.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/126 20130101;
A43B 3/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/105 ;
36/50.1 |
International
Class: |
A43B 21/00 20060101
A43B021/00; A43C 11/00 20060101 A43C011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 16, 2008 |
AU |
2008900208 |
Claims
1. Footwear comprising: a sole for supporting a foot; vamp means
for extending from the sole; and a heel restraint for extending
from either side of the vamp means, the heel restraint comprising
biasing means for biasing the heel restraint to extend around the
upper heel of the foot so that the foot is restrained from slipping
from the footwear, the heel restraint configured to be moved from
the upper heel and toward the sole so that the foot can be slipped
from the footwear; wherein the heel restraint comprises a heel
strap and the biasing means is integrally formed with the heel
strap.
2. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heel restraint is
configured to pivot proximal to the vamp means.
3. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heel restraint
extends from the vamp means such that a plane of the heel restraint
approaches an orthogonal relationship with a tangential plane of
the upper heel.
4. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heel restraint
comprises a stiffener for stiffening the heel strap.
5. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing means
comprises a pair of neck portions on either side of the heel strap
about which the heel strap can pivot.
6. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footwear is a
sandal.
7. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a limp heel
cover that can extend between the heel restraint and the sole.
8. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vamp means comprises
a single vamp extending from either side of the sole and for
retaining the foot between the sole and the vamp.
9. Footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vamp means comprises
two separated instep restraints each extending from either side of
the sole, a first one of the instep restraints being located distal
from the toes of the foot and comprising instep biasing means for
biasing the first instep restraint to extend around the upper
instep of the foot, a second one of the instep restraints being
located proximal to the toes of the foot and comprising a second
instep strap extending from either side of the sole.
10. Footwear comprising: a sole for supporting a foot; an upper for
extending from the sole; and a foot restraint for extending from
the upper, the foot restraint comprising a biasing arrangement for
biasing the foot restraint to extend behind the upper rear portion
of the foot so that the foot is restrained from slipping rearward
from the footwear, the foot restraint configured to be moved toward
the sole so that the foot can be slipped from the footwear wherein
the foot restraint comprises a foot strap and the biasing
arrangement is integrally formed with the foot strap.
11. Footwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the foot restraint is
configured to pivot proximal to the upper.
12. Footwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the foot restraint
extends from the upper such that a plane of the foot restraint
approaches an orthogonal relationship with a tangential plane of
the upper rear portion of the foot.
13. Footwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the foot restraint
comprises stiffener for stiffening the foot strap.
14. Footwear as claimed in claim 10, wherein the biasing
arrangement comprises a pair of neck portions on either side of the
foot strap about which the foot strap can pivot.
15. Footwear as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a limp heel
cover that can extend between the foot restraint and the sole.
16. Footwear as claimed in claim 10, wherein the upper comprises a
vamp extending from either side of the sole and for retaining the
foot between the sole and the vamp.
17. Footwear as claimed in claim 10, wherein the upper comprises
two separated instep restraints each extending from either side of
the sole.
18. Footwear substantially as herein described with reference to
FIG. 5.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention generally relates to footwear.
[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not,
and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of
suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general
knowledge.
[0003] Footwear is widely used for protecting feet. Footwear comes
in a variety of different forms including, for example, shoes,
boots and slippers.
[0004] The applicant has perceived a need for footwear which can
restrain the foot when in use, yet can enable the foot to be either
more readily inserted into or slipped from the footwear without
using hands or hand-operated tools.
[0005] FIG. 1 of DE 196 11 797 discloses such a shoe including a
sole for supporting a foot, and a vamp for covering the instep of
the foot to hold the shoe onto the foot. A heel restraint extends
from either side of the sole and around the upper heel of the foot
so that the foot is restrained from slipping rearward from the
shoe. However, in practice, the shoe is uncomfortable to wear and
the heel restraint may cause blistering about the upper heel.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide
alternative footwear to that of FIG. 1 of DE 196 11 797.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided footwear comprising:
[0008] a sole for supporting a foot;
[0009] vamp means for extending from the sole; and
[0010] a heel restraint for extending from either side of the vamp
means, the heel restraint comprising biasing means for biasing the
heel restraint to extend around the upper heel of the foot so that
the foot is restrained from slipping from the footwear, the heel
restraint configured to be moved from the upper heel and toward the
sole so that the foot can be slipped from the footwear;
[0011] wherein the heel restraint comprises a heel strap and the
biasing means is integrally formed with the heel strap.
[0012] The heel restraint extends from the vamp means which is
elevated with respect to the sole. Accordingly, the free end of the
heel restraint can more freely move when the foot moves within the
footwear during walking and is less prone to cause discomfort to
the heel, than if the heel restraint otherwise extended from the
sole thereby increasing the acute angle between the sole and the
heel restraint. Furthermore when steps are taken, the heel
restraint applies less pressure to the heel, than if the heel
restraint otherwise extends from the sole.
[0013] Preferably, the heel restraint is configured to pivot
proximal to the vamp means. The user can readily pivot the heel
restraint from the upper heel and toward the sole so that the foot
can be slipped from the footwear.
[0014] Preferably, the biasing means biases the heel restraint to
extend around the top of the heel. Preferably, the heel restraint
can lock the foot within the footwear.
[0015] The heel restraint may extend from the vamp means such that
a plane of the heel restraint approaches an orthogonal relationship
with a tangential plane of the upper heel. The heel restraint may
extend from the vamp means and contact the heel to form a
comfortable fit.
[0016] The heel restraint may further comprise a stiffener for
stiffening the heel strap. The heel strap may be mounted directly
to the vamp means. The biasing means may comprise a pair of neck
portions on either side of the heel strap about which the heel
strap can pivot.
[0017] The heel restraint may be substantially resistant to lateral
bending when it is moved downwards from the upper heel and toward
the sole. Preferably, the heel restraint can be rotated downwards
from the upper heel and toward the sole. The heel restraint may
substantially maintain its shape when it is moved along the heel
and toward the sole.
[0018] In one embodiment, the vamp means comprises a single vamp
extending from either side of the sole and for retaining the foot
between the sole and the vamp. The vamp may be made from leather,
fabric or plastic.
[0019] In another embodiment, the vamp means comprises two
separated instep restraints each extending from either side of the
sole. A first one of the instep restraints may be located distal
from the toes of the foot and comprise instep biasing means for
biasing the first instep restraint to extend around the upper
instep of the foot.
[0020] The first instep restraint may comprise a first instep
strap. The vamp means may further comprise a pair of anchor tabs
extending from the sole and to which the heel and first instep
restraints are pivotally anchored. The instep biasing means may
comprise at least one torsional spring located between the first
instep strap and the anchor tabs. The instep biasing means may
comprise a pair of torsional springs fast with respective anchor
tabs. Alternatively, the first instep strap, instep biasing means
and anchor tabs may be integrally formed.
[0021] A second one of the instep restraints may be located
proximal to the toes of the foot and comprise a second instep strap
extending from either side of the sole.
[0022] The footwear may further comprise a waterproof heel cover
that can extend between the heel restraint and the sole.
[0023] The footwear may comprise any one of the following group:
low shoes, shoe, slipper, sandal, mule, slide, scuff, backless
sandal, slip-on, athletic shoe or similar.
[0024] The footwear may or may not comprise a tongue.
[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided footwear comprising:
[0026] a sole for supporting a foot;
[0027] an upper for extending from the sole; and
[0028] a foot restraint for extending from the upper, the foot
restraint comprising a biasing arrangement for biasing the foot
restraint to extend behind the upper rear portion of the foot so
that the foot is restrained from slipping rearward from the
footwear, the foot restraint configured to be moved toward the sole
so that the foot can be slipped from the footwear;
[0029] wherein the foot restraint comprises a foot strap and the
biasing arrangement is integrally formed with the foot strap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be
discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides
sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the
invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as
limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any
way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of
drawings as follows:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a side view of footwear in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the footwear of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3a is a side view of the Footwear of FIG. 1 showing a
foot being slipped into the footwear;
[0034] FIG. 3b is a side view of the Footwear of FIG. 1 showing a
foot being slipped from the footwear;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a side view of footwear in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a side view of footwear of FIG. 4 showing
insertion of a foot into the footwear;
[0037] FIG. 6 is a side view of footwear in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 6 showing the
pivotal movement of the rear instep restraint;
[0039] FIG. 8 is yet another side view of the footwear of FIG. 6
with the heel removed from the footwear;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a side view of footwear in accordance with a
fourth embodiment of the present invention; and
[0041] FIG. 10 is a side view of footwear in accordance with a
fifth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0042] According to a first embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a sandal 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The sandal
2 includes a rubber sole 4 for supporting a foot 6, and a leather
vamp 8 extending from either side of the sole 4. The vamp 8 retains
the foot 6 between the sole 4 and the vamp 8 in use. The sandal 2
further includes a pivotal heel restraint 10 which extends from
either side of the vamp 8 and around the upper heel 12 of the foot
6 so that the foot 6 is restrained from slipping rearward from the
footwear 2 and is effectively locked into the footwear 2. Referring
to FIG. 1, the heel restraint 10 can be pivoted downward from the
upper heel 12 and toward the sole 4 (see dashed lines) so that a
small gap 14 may be formed between the heel restraint 10 and the
heel 12. Accordingly, the foot 6 can then more readily slip or be
slipped from the footwear 2 without significant impediment.
[0043] The heel restraint 10 includes biasing means in the form of
a pair of discrete torsional springs 16a, 16b mounted on either
side of the vamp 8 so that they are co-incident with a pivot axis
18 of the heel restraint 10. Each discrete spring 16 may be in the
form of a resilient bar or leaf spring and is mounted between the
vamp 8 and a heel strap 20 of the heel restraint 10 so that the
heel restraint 10 can undergo pivotal motion. The biasing means
biases the heel restraint 10 in an orientation so as to extend
around the upper heel 12 or heel top of the foot 6 as shown in FIG.
1.
[0044] The heel restraint 10 includes the arcuate heel strap 20
which, in turn, is made from leather. The heel restraint 10 further
includes a plastic stiffener 22 mounted to the outside of the heel
strap 20 so that the heel restraint 10 is stiffened. As shown in
FIG. 1, the heel restraint 10 is substantially resistant to lateral
bending when it is rotated down from the upper heel 12 and toward
the sole 4 (see dashed lines). Accordingly, the heel restraint 10
substantially maintains its shape when it is moved along the heel
12 and toward the sole 4.
[0045] The heel restraint 10 extends from the vamp 8 which is
elevated with respect to the sole 4. Accordingly, the free end of
the heel restraint 10 can more freely move when the foot 6 moves
within the sandal 2 during walking and is less prone to cause
discomfort to the heel 12, than if the heel restraint 10 otherwise
extended from the sole 4 thereby increasing the acute angle between
the sole 4 and the heel restraint 10. Furthermore, the heel
restraint 10 applies less pressure to the heel 12 owing to the
cyclic action of the foot 6 during walking, than if the heel
restraint 10 otherwise extended from the sole 4.
[0046] Operation of the sandal 2 will now be described with
reference to FIG. 3.
[0047] Turning firstly to FIG. 3a, the sole of the foot 6 initially
presses down on the free end of the heel restraint 10 which causes
the heel restraint 10 to retract toward the sole 4. The user fully
slips his or her foot 6 into the vamp 8 and the heel restraint 10
then springs back away from the sole 4 so that the heel restraint
10 extends around the upper heel 12 of the foot 6. The foot 6 is
then locked securely into the footwear 2 and is restrained from
slipping from the footwear 2. Accordingly, the insertion of the
foot 6 into the footwear can be readily achieved without the need
to use the hands (or a hand operated tool such as a shoe horn)
which would undesirably require the user to stoop.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 3b, the user can use a toe 24 of his or
her other foot (or another shoe) to retract the heel restraint 10
toward the sole 4. Pushing the foot 6 a small distance into the
footwear 2 may assist in creating a gap 14 between the heel
restraint 10 and the heel 12. The foot 6 is no longer locked into
the footwear 2 and can then more readily slip from the footwear 2.
Accordingly, the release of the foot 6 from the footwear can be
readily achieved without the need to use the hands (or a hand
operated tool such as a shoe horn) which would undesirably require
the user to stoop.
[0049] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 where like reference numerals refer to like features
previously described. The heel restraint 10 extends directly from
either side of the vamp 8 and includes a heel strap 23. The biasing
means include a pair of discrete springs 16 mounted on either side
of the rear of the single vamp 8. In turn, the heel strap 23 is
mounted to the springs 16 so that the springs 16 are located
between the vamp 8 and the heel strap 23.
[0050] The springs 16 are mounted at a distance 27 above the sole 4
so that a plane 26 of the heel restraint 10 approaches an
orthogonal relationship with the skin surface (or a tangential
plane 25) of the top of the heel 12. In practice, the angle between
the plane 26 of the heel restraint 10 and the skin surface (or
tangential plane 25) of the top of the heel 12 is greater than
70.degree.. Because of this near orthogonal relationship combined
with the pivotal mounting of the strap 23, a comfortable and a safe
fit of the foot 6 within the footwear 2 is provided. In particular,
the inner surface or apex of the heel strap 23 hugs the top of the
heel 12 and thereby provides a comfortable fit.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the stiff heel restraint 10 may define a
neck portion 30 about which it can pivot so that the centre of
rotation is located proximal to the vamp 8.
[0052] A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 6 to 8 where like reference numerals refer to like features
previously described. The footwear 2 includes vamp means 32 (or an
upper) for partially covering the instep of the foot 6. The vamp
means 32 includes two separated instep restraints 8a, 8b each
extending from either side of the sole 2. The rear instep restraint
8a is located distal from the toes of the foot 6 and includes
instep biasing means 29 for biasing the rear instep restraint 8a to
extend around the upper instep of the foot 6.
[0053] The rear instep restraint 8a is of similar construction to
the heel restraint 10 described in detail above. Accordingly, the
rear instep restraint 8a includes a rear instep strap 40. The vamp
means 32 further includes a pair of anchor tabs 34 extending from
opposite sides of the sole 4 and to which the heel restraint 10 and
rear instep restraint 32 are pivotally anchored. The instep biasing
means 29 includes a pair of torsional springs fast with respective
anchor tabs 34.
[0054] Turning to FIG. 7, the rear instep restraint 8a can be
pivoted forward (from rear position R to forward position F) toward
the toes of the foot 6 when the foot 6 is inserted into or removed
from the footwear 2. This compliance of the restraint 8a
particularly facilitates insertion of the foot 6 into footwear 2
which includes orthotic (or orthopedic) soles. Upon insertion of
the foot 6, the biasing means 29 pivots the restraint 8a rearward
to position R once again and, together with the heel restraint 10,
securely locks the foot 6 within the footwear 2. In this manner,
the footwear 2 has a safety fit when the foot is restrained in use,
so that movement of the foot 6 relative to the footwear 2 is
minimized and the foot 6 is prevented from involuntarily slipping
rearward from the footwear 2.
[0055] The front instep restraint 8b is located proximal to the
toes of the foot 6 and includes a front instep strap extending
directly from either side of the sole 4.
[0056] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 9 where like reference numerals refer to like features
previously described. The biasing means, for biasing the heel
restraint 10 to extend around the upper heel of the foot 6,
includes a pair of resilient stretchable (e.g. woven elastic)
fabric portions 50 extending between the heel restraint 10 and the
vamp 8. The fabric portions 50 are located on respective sides of
the footwear 2.
[0057] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
10 where like reference numerals refer to like features previously
described. A limp waterproof heel cover 52 or fabric panel can
extend between the heel restraint 10 and the sole 4. The heel cover
52 is sewn about its periphery to the footwear 2.
[0058] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many
embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the
ambit of the present invention.
[0059] In the some embodiments, the heel restraint 10 extends from
the vamp 8. The user can readily pivot the heel restraint 10 from
the upper heel 12 and toward the sole 4 so that the foot can be
slipped from the sandal 2. The intersection point (and pivot axis
18) of the heel restraint 10 with the vamp 8 can be varied.
[0060] In the first embodiment, the vamp 8 was made from leather.
Alternatively, the vamp 8 may be made from fabric or plastic.
Similarly, in the first embodiment, the heel strap 20 was made from
leather. Alternatively, the heel strap 20 may be made from fabric
or plastic.
[0061] In the first embodiment, the biasing means included a pair
of torsional springs 16a,b. In an alternative embodiment, the
biasing means may include only one of the springs 16. The springs
16 may be made from rubber, plastic, metal or other suitable
resiliently flexible material.
[0062] The first embodiment related to a sandal, however, the
present invention can be equally applied to other forms of footwear
such as shoes, slippers, sandals, sport shoes, runners, mules,
slides, scuffs, backless sandals, slip-ons, athletic shoes or
similar.
[0063] In some embodiments, the sole 4 was made from rubber.
However, in alternative embodiments, the sole may be made from
plastic or leather.
[0064] In the first embodiment, a gap 14 was formed between the
heel restraint 10 and the heel 12. In an alternative embodiment,
this gap 14 need not be formed.
[0065] In one embodiment with reference to FIG. 5, the heel
restraint 10 may be integrally formed (or molded) from a resilient
rubber strip or moulding, and therefore the biasing means may be
integrally (or homogeneously) formed with the heel strap 23. The
biasing means can include a pair of neck (or narrowing) portions on
either side of the heel restraint 10 about which the heel restraint
10 can pivot.
[0066] In another embodiment with reference to FIG. 8, the rear
instep restraint 8a may be integrally formed from a resilient
rubber strip or moulding. Accordingly, the rear instep strap 40,
instep biasing means 29 and anchor tabs 34 may be integrally
formed. The heel restraint 10 may be of similar construction to
that previously described in the preceding paragraph and may be
integrally formed with the rear instep restraint 8a.
[0067] In one embodiment with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the heel
restraint 10 may be pivotally affixed to the vamp 8 using pins or
rivets. The footwear may or may not include a tongue.
[0068] In compliance with the statute, embodiments of the invention
have been described in language more or less specific to structural
or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention
is not limited to specific features shown or described since the
means herein described comprises some of a plurality of forms of
putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore,
claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper
scope of specification and the appended claims as appropriately
interpreted by those skilled in the art.
* * * * *