U.S. patent application number 13/024811 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for minimal footwear.
Invention is credited to Christina Bracken.
Application Number | 20120204448 13/024811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46635770 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120204448 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bracken; Christina |
August 16, 2012 |
Minimal Footwear
Abstract
Minimalist footwear is provided including a resilient yet
flexible sole attached to the upper with a stitch and turn
construction method. In a valuable embodiment the upper has a
collar around the circumference of the foot access aperture to
increase the seal around the foot and preventing intrusion of
foreign objects while maintaining the strength and integrity of the
foot access aperture. The upper is fabricated of a flexible and
durable material that comfortably encapsulates the foot. Integral
to the upper are a series of bands that span from the medial edge
of the sole to the lateral edge of the sole over the foot. Said
bands are separated by a predetermined gap. The bands are flexible
but somewhat less stretchable than the balance of the upper thereby
reducing the lateral flexion of the shoe while permitting ample
flex from front to back as the foot flexes naturally during
ambulation. The materials used for the sole and the upper allow for
contoured molding to the wearer's foot shape when warmed by the
body heat of the wearer. High top, low top, full toe and split toe
varieties are also provided.
Inventors: |
Bracken; Christina; (Key
Biscayne, FL) |
Family ID: |
46635770 |
Appl. No.: |
13/024811 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/0205 20130101;
A43B 9/02 20130101; A43B 13/223 20130101; A43B 7/26 20130101; A43B
23/0265 20130101; A43B 9/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14 |
Claims
1. Footwear comprised of an upper assembly and a sole assembly;
Said sole assembly formed of a durable, impermeable and flexible
material; Said sole assembly having a first sole surface, a second
sole surface and a periphery edge further comprised of a lateral
edge, a toe edge, a heel edge and a medial edge; Said first sole
surface having an integral molded tread pattern; Said upper
assembly further comprising an upper and a plurality of structural
bands; Said upper further having an inside surface, an outside
surface and a periphery further comprised of a lateral edge, a toe
edge, a heel edge and a medial edge; Said upper formed of a
durable, semi-permeable and stretchable material; Said structural
bands formed of a durable, flexible material that is significantly
less stretchable than the material forming said upper; Said
structural bands are permanently affixed to said outside surface of
said upper spanning from the medial edge of said upper to said
lateral edge of said upper and each of said structural bands being
substantially parallel to each other; Said upper assembly affixed
to said sole assembly by stitch and turn method having a seam
uniting the toe edge of the upper with the toe edge of the sole,
the lateral edge of the upper with the lateral edge of the sole,
the heel edge of the upper with the heel edge of the sole and the
medial edge of the upper with the medial edge of the sole thereby
resulting in a margin of upper and sole about said periphery of
said sole which forms a raised edge about the periphery of the
second sole surface.
2. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
a split toe is provided between said toe edge of said upper and
said toe edge of said sole resulting in a pocket that separates a
wearer's big toe from the other toes.
3. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
there are between two and ten structural bands.
4. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
said upper material stretches omni-directionally.
5. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
said upper material stretches bi-directionally.
6. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
said upper assembly is extended about a collar thereby allowing the
upper assembly to cover the wearer's ankle.
7. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
said sole is constructed of ethylene vinyl acetate, said structural
bands are constructed of a urethane and said upper is constructed
of elastane.
8. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
said sole assembly is constructed from any individual or
combination of the group including: rubber, EVA, phylons or fabrics
coated with any of ground rubber, Teflon, stone, glass or plastics
particles.
9. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
said upper assembly is constructed from any individual or
combination of the group including: mesh, stretch mesh, leather,
neoprene, woven fabric, knit fabric or felt.
10. Footwear as disclosed in claim 1, further characterized in that
said structural bands are constructed from any individual or
combination of the group including: fabric adhesive paints, elastic
fabrics, rubber, plastics or ethelanes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to footwear, and more
particularly, to minimal structure, high-performance footwear.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Several designs for performance footwear have been designed
in the past. None of them, however, includes, among other
distinguishing features, a minimal sole for better ground sensation
and having a flexible upper with transverse substantially parallel
support bands to keep the foot stabilized and centered over the
sole thereby creating lateral stability that cradles the foot
automatically by adjusting in response to individual foot shapes
and body temperature.
[0005] Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to
U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,558 issued to Terlizzi. However, it differs
from the present invention because the present invention includes,
among other important features, a unitary, minimalist sole without
arch support, a flexible and breathable upper including a
multiplicity of lesser flexible lateral support band spanning the
upper from the medial edge of the sole to the lateral edge of the
sole.
[0006] Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide
for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to
solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these
patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is one of the main objects of the present invention to
provide a minimalist shoe that allows maximum ground tactile
sensation yet provides sufficient abrasion resistance.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide natural
freedom of movement and therefore improved foot agility and
increasing the foot's ability to grip the ground.
[0009] It is another object of this invention to provide a natural
and automatically self-adjusting form fitting minimalist shoe that
keeps the foot of the user centered over the sole by preventing
unwanted lateral shifting of the foot relative to the sole.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide an upper
assembly and structural bands that adjust with body temperature to
precisely mold to the shape of the wearer's foot.
[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide footwear that is breathable and drainable yet inhibits
soils or other foreign objects and the elements from entering the
shoe that would otherwise cause discomfort or injury to the wearer
while preserving the natural foot feel.
[0012] Additionally, the non-traditional assembly process of stitch
and turn construction reduces labor costs and eliminates the use of
harmful solvents, chemicals and adhesives and the need for a
traditional shoe assembly line.
[0013] It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a
device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while
retaining its effectiveness.
[0014] Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the
following part of the specification, wherein detailed description
is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without
placing limitations thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] With the above and other related objects in view, the
invention consists in the details of construction and combination
of parts as will be more fully understood from the following
description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 represents a perspective view of a full-toe variant
of the footwear.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a top side plan view of a similar version of
the footwear as shown in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate
variation including a split-toe and "high top" upper.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a variation of the footwear
turned inside out emphasizing the internal configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention
is generally referred to in FIG. 1 with numeral 10, it can be
observed that it basically includes an interior 26 compartment and
an upper assembly 12 that further includes, inter alia, a toe 14, a
heel 16, upper 18, bands 20, a collar 22, stitching 24, insole 28
and seam 30.
[0021] Some footwear, such as bedroom slippers and some moccasins,
are constructed with a stitch and turn method. Generally, the
stitch and turn fabrication method is applied to shoes when the
upper is affixed to the sole. The upper is turned inside out and
the sole is positioned so that the outsole is temporarily exposed
to the interior of the shoe. The perimeter of the sole is then
affixed to the lower edge perimeter of the upper. The shoe is then
returned to right side out so that the stitching between the sole
and upper is again on the interior of the shoe and thus not visible
on the exterior side of the footwear.
[0022] All known prior art then adds a separate insole to the
interior of the sole of the shoe to prevent the foot from
contacting the sole, seam and stitching between the sole and the
upper. This prevents unwanted chaffing and other related discomfort
to the wearer of the shoe. The separate insole in prior art adds
cushioning over the sole and often includes mid-foot arch
support.
[0023] In stark contrast, the present invention allows a wearer of
the footwear to experience maximum sensation of the ground and
increased toe and foot flexibility during regular use by avoiding a
traditional insole and having a minimal sole constructed of a
flexible, yet highly durable material.
[0024] Many runners, dancers, climbers and other athletes find
advantage in maximizing the tactile sensation of the ground under
their feet. Often shoes are foregone for barefoot activities. In
addition to sensation is the ability to flex ones foot for
improving traction and grasping the ground, particularly over
uneven surfaces or climbing. The sole is preferably flexible enough
to permit high resolution sensation yet remains durable enough to
prevent abrasion or laceration of the sole of the foot.
[0025] Conversely, almost all traditional footwear in the prior art
attempts to prevent the wearer from feeling the intricacies of the
ground by providing a thick rubber sole complemented by padding and
cushioning on the insole. This almost universally results in the
numbing of all but the most course and severe ground contact
sensations.
[0026] The human body is designed to naturally absorb shock from
movements like walking, running or jumping. Our feet have an
instant feedback system and send messages to the body to minimize
shock. When we constrain our feet by wearing traditional shoes or
sneakers this feedback system becomes distorted and muffled. It
becomes more challenging for our body to react instinctively to
mitigate shock. True stability and balance stems from the body's
natural ability to react and move freely.
[0027] Proprioception, or perception of movement and spatial
orientation arising from stimuli within the body, is a key to
improved performance. Transmission of sensory feed-back between the
nerve endings in the foot and the brain are maximized with minimal
footwear or barefoot. When engaging in barefoot activities you
allow your brain to receive data faster. It's not muffled and
diluted by the cushion effect of shoes. Feeling the ground more
directly enables the brain to receive better pure data, faster.
Studies clearly substantiate that improved proprioception helps
prevent fall injuries and increases balance and core strength.
[0028] An arch is a natural support structure of the foot. Like in
a bridge arch it is constructed specifically to stand up without
external help. When we support a support structure we in fact
weaken its natural strength over time. A constantly supported foot
arch has no chance to train and form muscles and tendons designed
to naturally hold it in place. By supporting this natural support
structure we compromise the original, well functioning design and
rob ourselves of our original foot strength and foot health our
bodies afford us with. Therefore, the absence of significant arch
support can increase the foot's natural performance capabilities
without injuring the foot.
[0029] Referring now to the embodiment and elements exemplified in
the Figures that the present footwear shares some common anatomy of
some other types of footwear including an upper assembly 12 having
a toe 14 end which encloses the toe end of the wearer's foot
opposite a heel 16 end that cradles the wearer's heel.
[0030] The interior 26 of the shoe is accessed through an aperture
rimmed by a collar 22. The collar 22, in a preferred variation of
the invention, reinforces the aperture. Generally, the collar 22 is
constructed of a strip of material, folded over the rim of the
aperture and affixed to the upper 18 by a line of stitching 24. The
collar 22 acts to improve the seal between the upper 18 and the
user's foot to prevent entry of foreign objects such as sand or
other debris while remaining comfortable. This also allows a
downward curl or grasping action of the toes that is impossible in
other traditional prior art footwear.
[0031] In a valuable version of the invention the upper 18 is
constructed of a flexible and resilient material. Experience and
discovery have shown that spandex or elastane fabrics that are
breathable, durable and flexible are preferred. These materials
also permit drainage of excess water, perspiration and other
moisture while having a fine enough weave or knit pattern to
prevent inclusion of soil or other unwanted materials to pass to
the interior of the shoe.
[0032] In other valuable variations, the upper 18 may be
constructed of a variety of natural or synthetic materials, such
as, leather, meshes, plastics, woven or knitted fabrics or other
materials that have a requisite amount of flexibility and
durability. The specific upper 18 material may be selected for
aesthetics and/or performance for a specific sport activity or
application.
[0033] In a preferred variation of the footwear, a series of bands
20 span over the upper 18 from the medial edge of the intersection
of the sole 50 and the upper 18 to the lateral edge on the opposite
side. The bands 20 are generally parallel as they traverse the
upper 18. In some variations the edge of the bands 20 nearer the
sole 50 tend to deviate from parallel to each other that spreads
the forces experienced along the edge of the sole 50.
[0034] In a principal variation, the bands 20 are permanently
bonded to the upper 18. Various means to bond the bands 20 to the
upper 18 have been successfully utilized including chemical bonding
with adhesives, heat or high frequency welding or other means as
may be known in the industry that may evolve from time to time.
[0035] In an alternate embodiment, the bands 20 are not permanently
affixed to the upper but instead traverse substantially parallel to
each other from the seam between the upper 18 and the sole 50 on
the medial edge to the seam between the upper 18 and the sole 50 on
the lateral edge. The bands 20 perform a similar function to those
in the principal variation that are affixed to the upper 18.
[0036] As a result of experience and discovery the preferred
material of the bands 20 is flexible and durable. Ideally, the
bands 20 are also significantly less stretchable than the balance
of the upper 18 but remain flexible. Gaps between the bands 20
expose a preselected distance of the more flexible upper 18. It is
this variation in flexibility between the bands 20 and the balance
of the upper 18 that directs the flex and stretch of the upper 18
as a whole.
[0037] The contrasting and complimentary stretch and flex
characteristics of the bands 20 and the upper 18 are carefully
matched to provide the perfect balance between the range of foot
flexibility and the need to closely hold the foot in the shoe.
Because of the limited stretchability of the bands 20 the foot is
held centered over the sole 50 while not immovably binding lateral
movement of the foot within the shoe. The stretchability of the
upper 18, particularly between the bands 20 permit the bands 20 to
be stretched apart to a predetermined degree lengthening the
distance between the toe 14 and the collar 22 allowing the foot to
flex naturally.
[0038] While ambulating, the human foot materially flexes between
heel and toe while having limited lateral flex motion. It is
important in minimal shoe design to keep the foot centered over the
sole while permitting the foot to flex naturally. Thus, during this
gait cycle, the foot naturally has varying curve lengthwise along
the foot between toe and heel and less change in deformation
laterally, from one side of the foot to the other. This is a key to
avoiding lateral instability.
[0039] The pattern and number of bands 20, along with the
stretchability of the upper 18 material, contribute to the
flexibility characteristics of the footwear. Because the bands 20
are significantly less stretchable than the balance of the upper 18
the overall flex behavior of the shoe is controllable. The bands 20
act to keep the wearer's foot centered over the sole 50 by forming
essentially a series of straps that wrap around the wearer's foot.
Importantly, the upper 18 material between the bands 20 is
stretchable so that the distance between the bands 20 can fluctuate
when the user's foot moves within the shoe throughout the gait
cycle.
[0040] Preferably the materials that comprise the structural bands
20 tend to conform more precisely to the shape of the wearer's foot
when warmed by body heat. The bands 20 mold to the unique shape of
the foot almost immediately after donning the shoe. This results in
a more precisely fitting shoe and therefore can increase tactile
sensation, stability and comfort level experienced by the
wearer.
[0041] The effective number of bands 20 can range from about two to
ten. The most effective balance between flexibility, control,
breathability and performance is about six. Other variations may
work equally well or better for particular sport applications. For
example, a general purpose shoe variation of the present invention
may have about six bands 20 where a versions more tailored to rock
climbing may have about eight to ten bands 20 for additional
support.
[0042] Typically, the most forward band 20, near the toe 14 end of
the upper 18 is the shortest from end to end as it spans over the
forward metatarsals of the foot. The substantially parallel bands
20 become successively longer as they conform to the anatomy of the
foot. The longest band 20 is the most dorsal and may arch from the
medial heel 16 edge of the intersection between the upper 18 and
the sole assembly 40, over the superior edge of the upper, ventral
to the collar 22 and terminating in the outside lateral edge of the
intersection between the upper 18 and sole assembly 40.
[0043] Without the presence of the bands 20, the shoe is permitted
to flex in all directions in an uncontrolled manner. Other
problems, such as the tendency of the foot to deviate from a
centered position over the sole assembly 50, have also been found
to occur. The bands 20 perform as a cage to restrain the foot over
the sole assembly while retaining the foot's ability to naturally
flex throughout the gait cycle in a barefoot specific motion.
[0044] In a preferred variation, the bands 20 are fabricated from a
flexible and durable material that has less stretchability than the
balance of the upper 18. Urethane or polyurethane polymers have
been found to be effective. However, it should be understood that
many other materials that are flexible and have limited stretch
characteristics could be effective material for the bands 20. Other
examples may include, by way of example only, leather, plastics,
rubber, meshes or fabrics.
[0045] As demonstrated more clearly in FIG. 3, the sole assembly 40
is also an important component of the invention as a whole and is
shown to include, inter alia, a tread 42, a tread 44, a tread 46,
optionally a split 48, a sole 50 and a roll 52. The sole assembly
40 is the foot's barrier from the ground and prevents or reduces
unwanted abrasion and laceration to the bottom of the foot.
[0046] The preferred material for the sole 50 is durable and
flexible. It has been determined that ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
is a suitable material. Alternatives, such as, in combination or
individually, EVA, leather, some plastics, rubber or vinyl may also
be suitable for some applications of the footwear. Other suitable
materials, used alone or in conjunction with other materials
include, for example, phylons or fabrics coated with particles of
any of ground rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (sometimes marketed
under the trade name Teflon), stone, glass or plastic.
[0047] Texture may optionally be integrated into the sole 50. In
the example shown in FIG. 3 treads 42 are present in the heel area
on the exterior of the sole. Treads 44 may also be present
mid-foot. Treads 46 may also be present on the toe end of the sole
assembly 40. Various designs for the treads 42, treads 44 and
treads 46 that may be suited to a particular activity or
application may be equally employed.
[0048] An optional split 48 is also shown on FIG. 3 that separates
the big toe from the other toes. This design feature increases toe
dexterity for improved grip, natural foot agility and grasp of the
foot. For example, a split 48 toe may be preferred for rock
climbing applications where the toes are more important for
gripping a rock face. FIG. 3 also shows a high-top variation of the
upper 18 that expands the upper assembly 12 to cover more of the
lower leg of the wearer than the other low-top designs as shown in
the example in FIG. 1.
[0049] FIG. 4 shows a version of the footwear in a view as might be
seen during the manufacturing process when the footwear is inside
out. This fabrication method is commonly referred to as stitch and
turn. In other words, the shoe is sewn while inside out and then
turned right side out placing the seams on the interior of the
shoe. This practice is common for most clothing, such as shirts and
pants, where the seams are preferably hidden on the inside. This
often creates a problem with footwear because footwear closely
holds the foot where seams and stitching can cause uneven surface
which can irritate the skin of the wearer.
[0050] The present invention, contrary to the prior art,
capitalizes on the problems encountered with typical stitch and
turn methods. When the sole assembly 50 is affixed to the upper 18
at seam 30, a rim 34 results from the small margin of material of
the upper 18 and sole 28 outboard of the seam 30. When the shoe is
turned right side out the rim 34 is raised slightly above the plane
of the sole 28 about the periphery of the sole 28. This rim 34
effectively creates a small but significant raised edge that acts
to help cup the foot and prevent the foot of the wearer from
sliding off the sole 28 during active use of the shoe.
[0051] The collar 22 about the foot aperture is optionally present
and provides a cushioned pad about the wearer's ankles. The collar
22 is generally formed of a strip of material, similar in
composition to that of the upper 18 that is affixed to the upper 18
by stitching 24.
[0052] The invention and its several variations can be accurately
described as footwear comprised of an upper assembly and a sole
assembly where said sole assembly formed of a durable, impermeable
and flexible material. The sole assembly has a first sole surface,
a second sole surface and a periphery edge further comprised of a
lateral edge, a toe edge, a heel edge and a medial edge. Said first
sole surface has an integral molded tread pattern to grip the
ground. The upper assembly further has an upper and a plurality of
structural bands. The upper further has an inside surface, an
outside surface and a periphery further comprised of a lateral
edge, a toe edge, a heel edge and a medial edge. Importantly the
upper is formed of a durable, semi-permeable and stretchable
material. Between two and ten structural bands are provided and are
formed of a durable, flexible material that is significantly less
stretchable than the material forming said upper. The structural
bands are permanently affixed to the outside surface of the upper,
spanning from the medial edge of said upper to said lateral edge of
said upper and each of said structural bands being substantially
parallel to each other but allowing for some deviation from
parallel. The upper assembly is affixed to the sole assembly by
stitch and turn method and therefore has a seam uniting the toe
edge of the upper with the toe edge of the sole, the lateral edge
of the upper with the lateral edge of the sole, the heel edge of
the upper with the heel edge of the sole and the medial edge of the
upper with the medial edge of the sole thereby resulting in a
margin of material formed of the upper and sole about said
periphery of said sole which forms a raised edge about the
periphery of the second sole surface.
[0053] A variation of the above is further characterized in that a
split toe is provided between said toe edge of said upper and said
toe edge of said sole resulting in a pocket that separates a
wearer's big toe from the other toes. This feature can provide
improved dexterity.
[0054] The performance characterisitics of the shoe can be
controlled by constructing the upper with defined stretch
characteristics including an upper material that stretches
omni-directionally or bi-directionally.
[0055] A high top version is also described that could be further
characterized in that said upper assembly is extended about a
collar thereby allowing the upper assembly to cover the wearer's
ankle.
[0056] The sole can be constructed of any combination of, or
individually, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, phylons or
fabrics coated with any of ground rubber, Teflon, stone, glass or
plastics particles.
[0057] The structural bands can be constructed of any combination
of, or individually, urethane, EVA, fabric adhesive paints, elastic
fabrics, rubber, plastics or ethelanes.
[0058] The upper can be constructed of any combination of, or
individually, elastane, mesh, stretch mesh, leather, neoprene,
woven fabric, knit fabric or felt.
[0059] The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of
the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different
embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention.
It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be
interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting
sense.
* * * * *