U.S. patent application number 14/422949 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-20 for footwear article.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Fu. Invention is credited to David Fu.
Application Number | 20150230547 14/422949 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50149496 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150230547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fu; David |
August 20, 2015 |
FOOTWEAR ARTICLE
Abstract
The footwear article comprises a generally elongate sole having
a first portion for interaction with a ground surface during
ambulation, a second portion for interaction with the ground
surface during ambulation, and a third portion between the upper
surface and the lower surface. The first portion includes a first
material with a first material property, the second portion
includes a second material with a material property, and the third
portion includes a material with a third material property. The
first and portions extend to the upper surface of the sole. The
first material property provides dampening of impact load imparted
to the foot of the person upon contact of the footwear article with
the ground surface. The third material property is a visco-elastic
property for providing controlled deformation upon contact of the
footwear article with the ground surface and returns to an initial
state upon removal of the impact.
Inventors: |
Fu; David; (Kowloon,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fu; David |
Kowloon |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
50149496 |
Appl. No.: |
14/422949 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
September 10, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2012/001732 |
371 Date: |
April 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/87 ;
36/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/108 20130101;
A43B 7/142 20130101; A43B 7/143 20130101; A43B 7/1435 20130101;
A43B 13/12 20130101; A43B 7/144 20130101; A43B 13/189 20130101;
A43B 1/14 20130101; A43B 7/1445 20130101; A43B 7/148 20130101; A43B
3/128 20130101; A43B 13/187 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 3/12 20060101 A43B003/12; A43B 1/14 20060101
A43B001/14; A43B 13/12 20060101 A43B013/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 21, 2012 |
HK |
12108206.9 |
Claims
1-70. (canceled)
71. A footwear article comprising: a generally elongate sole
comprising a first portion, a second portion and a third portion
and having an upper surface and a lower surface, said first portion
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; said second
portion forming substantially the entire lower surface of the
footwear article and being for direct contact and interaction with
a ground surface and being formed from a second polymeric material
having a second density; said third portion being disposed between
the upper surface and the lower surface, and being formed from a
third polymeric material, a generally elongate and flexible foot
engagement means for securing the footwear article to the foot of a
person, said foot engagement being engaged directly with at least
said second portion and configured so as to extend over a portion
of the upper side of the foot of the person; wherein the first
material is provided in a gel form and the second polymeric
material is provided in an expanded form, and wherein the first
density is greater than the second density; wherein the first
polymeric material and the second polymeric material are selected
and the first portion and the second portion 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; wherein
the first polymeric material and the second polymeric material are
selected and the first portion and the second portion are sized and
arranged such that dampening is provided upon load being imparted
to the foot of the person upon contact with the surface; and
wherein the third material property is a visco-elastic property for
providing controlled deformation upon contact of the footwear
article with a ground surface and return to an initial state upon
removal of said impact.
72. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the first
portion forms substantially the entire upper surface of the
sole.
73. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the third
portion is provided as a shape memory expanded polymer and the
viscosity of and density is selected such that the third portion in
conjunction with the third material property provides said
visco-elastic property.
74. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the third
portion is provided in the form of interconnected deformable
sub-portions or discrete deformable sub-portions.
75. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the third
portion is provided as an expanded shape memory sponge
construct.
76. A footwear article according to claim 74, wherein the
sub-portions a geometry which is partially spherical.
77. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the third
portion extends substantially the length of the sole and
substantially the width of the sole.
78. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the
visco-elastic property of the third portion is non-uniform
laterally.
79. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the
visco-elastic property of the third portion is non-uniform
longitudinally.
80. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the first
polymeric material and the second polymeric material are selected
from the group including thermoplastic polymeric materials,
co-polymers and mixed polymer blends.
81. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein first
polymeric material and the second polymeric material are selected
from the group including polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, poly
vinyl acetate and the like.
82. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the third
polymeric material is polyurethane.
83. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein said foot
engagement means is selected from the group including straps, an
enclosure, a buckle or the like.
84. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein the sole is
formed as a unitary construct by co-molding the first portion and
the second portion together, with the third portion encapsulated
within the sole.
85. A footwear article according to claim 71, wherein said foot
engagement means is a "thong" type engagement means, and the
footwear article is provided in the form of a "flip-flop" type
footwear article.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of footwear
articles, in particular to footwear of composite form.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well known in the art that shock loadings and forces
applied to the underside of the foot of a person via the sole of
footwear article have long term effects on the integrity of joints
of a person, whilst also at times causing pain and discomfort, in
particular when wearing footwear for extended periods of time.
[0003] Furthermore, it is well known that the majority of loading
on impact to the foot of a person is imparted to the underside of
the heel portion of the foot of a person in use.
[0004] Footwear articles of the prior art include various manners
in which to increase comfort and conformity to the foot of user,
including shock absorptive inserts, various types of foam rubber
and air cushioning devices. Such footwear articles typically
require increased manufacturing costs and tooling, thus increasing
complexity of production.
[0005] The present invention is provides a footwear article which
overcomes or at least substantially ameliorates at least some of
the deficiencies as exhibited by those of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a footwear
article comprising:
[0007] a generally elongate sole for engagement with and support of
the foot of a person, said sole having an upper surface, a lower
surface, a first portion being for interaction with at least the
heel region of the foot of the person, a second portion for
interaction with at least a ground surface during ambulation, and a
third portion disposed between the upper surface and the lower
surface; and
[0008] a foot engagement means for securing the footwear article to
the foot of a person.
[0009] characterised in that a first portion of the sole includes a
first material having a first material property, the a second
portion of the sole includes a second material having a second
material property, and the third portion of the sole includes a
third material having a third material property,
[0010] said first portion and said second portion extend at least
to the upper surface of the sole, the first material property
provideing for dampening of impact load imparted to the foot of the
person upon contact of the footwear article with a ground surface,
and the third material property being a visco-elastic property for
providing controlled deformation upon contact of the footwear
article with a ground surface and return to an initial state upon
removal of said impact.
[0011] The third portion may extend substantially the length of the
sole and substantially the width of the sole.
[0012] The visco-elastic property of the third portion may be
non-uniform laterally. The visco-elastic property material of the
central portion of the third portion may deform in a manner greater
than the medial and lateral portions of the third portion so as to
oppose lateral movement of the foot of the person with respect to
the sole during ambulation.
[0013] The visco-elastic property of the third portion is
non-uniform longitudinally.
[0014] Preferably, the second portion provides for interaction with
at least the metatarsal region of the foot of the person.
[0015] Preferably the first portion further provides for
interaction with and at least partial support of the plantar arch
of the user.
[0016] Preferably the first portion extends substantially laterally
across the sole.
[0017] Alternatively, the first portion is provided as a first part
and a second part and laterally spaced apart such that the first
part provides for interaction with the lateral inferior of the heel
of the person and the second part provides for interaction with the
medial inferior aspect of the heel of the user. The first part and
the second part of the first portion are preferably sized and
selected from a material so as to provide lateral stabilisation and
load distribution of the heel of the person.
[0018] The first material property and the second material property
may differ from each other and the first material and the second
material may differ from each other, and the first material and the
second material have differing densities.
[0019] The first portion and the second portion are preferably
selected from the group including polymeric materials, rubbers,
elastomers and organic materials or combinations thereof.
[0020] Preferably the first material and the second material are
selected from the group including thermoplastic polymeric material,
co-polymers and mixed polymer blends.
[0021] The first material and the second material are preferably
selected from the group including polyurethane, ethylene vinyl
acetate, poly vinyl acetate and the like.
[0022] The first material and the second material may be provided
in the form of expanded form, compact form or gel form of
combinations thereof.
[0023] Preferably the first material is a polyurethane gel and the
second material is an expanded poly vinyl acetate material.
[0024] Preferably, the first material is a polyurethane gel and the
second material is an expanded polyurethane.
[0025] Preferably the third portion is provided as a shape memory
expanded polymer and the viscosity of and density is selected such
that the third portion in conjunction with the third material
property provides said visco-elastic property. Preferably the third
material is polyurethane.
[0026] The third portion may be provided in the form of
interconnected deformable sub-portions. Alternatively, the third
portion may be provided in the form of discrete deformable
sub-portions.
[0027] Preferably, the third portion is provided as an expanded
shape memory sponge construct.
[0028] Preferably, the sub-portions have a geometry which is
partially spherical.
[0029] The engagement means is preferably selected from the group
including straps, an enclosure, a buckle or the like.
[0030] Preferably the sole is formed as a unitary construct by
co-molding the first portion and the second portion, with the third
portion encapsulated within the sole. The sole is preferably formed
as a unitary construct whereby the first portion and the second
portion are joined together by an adhesive bonding agent, contact
cement pressure or heat activated film or the like.
[0031] The upper surface of the sole is preferably provided as a
substantially continuous surface and formed by at least part of the
first portion and the second portion of the sole, and the first
portion preferably extends partially towards the lower surface of
the sole. Alternatively, the first portion may extend through the
sole to the lower surface of the sole.
[0032] The upper surface is preferably of concave form and the sole
includes a peripheral lip extending at least partially along the
periphery of the sole so as to provide a contoured upper surface
configured to receive the underside of the foot of the person.
[0033] The first portion of the sole may be provided as a
multi-layered gel construct.
[0034] The sole may further include a fourth portion which extends
to the upper surface of the sole and having material property
provides for dampening of load imparted to the foot of the person
upon contact with a surface, said third portion providing for
interaction with at least the metatarsal region of the foot of the
person.
[0035] Preferably the footwear article is provided is substantially
non-enclosed, more preferably in the form of a "flip-flop" type
footwear article. Alternatively, the article may be provided in the
form of a "sandal" type footwear article, or as an at least
partially enclosed footwear article.
[0036] Alternatively, the article may be provided as a heeled
article such that the upper surface of the sole is inclined in a
direction of from the upper surface towards the lower surface in a
direction of from the first portion towards the second portion, and
the third portion is located in a portion to substantially prevent
or reduce movement of the foot of the person along the upper
surface of the sole. The fourth portion may be located so as to be
at adjacent the ball of the underside of the foot of the
person.
[0037] Preferably, said first material is a gel type polymeric
material and said second material is an expanded polymeric
material, the sole is preferably formed as a unitary molded
structure, and said first portion and said second portion
co-operatively form a flexible sole.
[0038] Preferably a part of the first portion and a part of the
second portion form the upper surface of the sole.
[0039] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a
footwear article comprising:
[0040] a generally elongate sole comprising a first portion, a
second portion and a third portion and having an upper surface and
a lower surface,
[0041] said first portion 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;
[0042] said second portion forming substantially the entire lower
surface of the footwear article and being for direct contact and
interaction with a ground surface and being formed from a second
polymeric material having a second density; and
[0043] said third portion being disposed between the upper surface
and the lower surface, and being formed from a third polymeric
material, wherein said third
[0044] a generally elongate and flexible foot engagement means for
securing the footwear article to the foot of a person, said foot
engagement being engaged directly with at least said second portion
and configured so as to extend over a portion of the upper side of
the foot of the person;
[0045] wherein the first polymeric material and the second
polymeric material are selected and the first portion and the
second portion 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;
[0046] wherein the first polymeric material and the second
polymeric material are selected and the first portion and the
second portion are sized and arranged such that dampening is
provided upon load being imparted to the foot of the person upon
contact with the surface;
[0047] wherein the third material property is a visco-elastic
property for providing controlled deformation upon contact of the
footwear article with a ground surface and return to an initial
state upon removal of said impact; and
[0048] wherein the sole is formed as a unitary construct by
co-molding the first portion and the second portion together with
the third portion encapsulated within the sole, and the first
polymeric material and the second polymeric material are suitably
selected for said co-molding.
[0049] The first density is preferably greater than the second
density, and the first material is preferably provided in a gel
form and the second polymeric material is preferably provided in an
expanded form.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the foot engagement means is a
"thong" type engagement means, and the footwear article is provided
in the form of a "flip-flop" type footwear article.
[0051] The third portion may extend substantially the length of the
sole and substantially the width of the sole.
[0052] The visco-elastic property of the third portion is
non-uniform laterally or non-uniform longitudinally.
[0053] The visco-elastic property of the central portion of the
third portion may deform in a manner greater than the medial and
lateral portions of the third portion so as to oppose lateral
movement of the foot of the person with respect to the sole during
ambulation. The first polymeric material and the second polymeric
material may be selected from the group including thermoplastic
polymeric materials, co-polymers and mixed polymer blends, more
preferably from the group including polyurethane, ethylene vinyl
acetate, poly vinyl acetate and the like.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the first material is a
polyurethane gel material and the second material is an expanded
polyurethane material.
[0055] The third portion may be provided as a shape memory expanded
polymer and the viscosity of and density is selected such that the
third portion in conjunction with the third material property
provides said visco-elastic property. Preferably, the third
material is polyurethane.
[0056] The third portion may be provided in the form of
interconnected deformable sub-portions. Alternatively, the third
portion may be provided in the form of discrete deformable
sub-portions.
[0057] Preferably, the third portion is provided as an expanded
shape memory sponge construct.
[0058] Preferably, the sub-portions have a geometry which is
partially spherical.
[0059] The first portion may extend substantially laterally across
upper surface of the sole and substantially form the rear part of
the upper surface of the sole, and the second portion may form at
least a part of the front part of the upper surface of the
sole.
[0060] Alternatively, the first portion may form at least part of
the front part of the upper surface of the sole, and the second
portion may form at least a part of the rear part of the upper
surface of the sole.
[0061] In an alternate embodiment, the first portion may form
substantially the entire upper surface of the sole
[0062] The first portion may further provide for interaction with
and at least partial support of the plantar arch of the user.
[0063] In other embodiments, the first portion may be provided as a
first part and a second part and laterally spaced apart such that
the first part provides for interaction with the lateral inferior
of the metatarsal region of the foot of the person and the second
part provides for interaction with the medial inferior aspect of
the metatarsal region of the foot of the person. The first part and
the second part of the first portion may be sized and selected from
a material so as to provide lateral stabilisation and load
distribution of the heel of the person.
[0064] In further embodiments, the upper surface may be of concave
form and the sole may include a peripheral lip extending at least
partially along the periphery of the sole so as to provide a
contoured upper surface configured to receive the underside of the
foot of the person.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
explained in further detail below by way of examples and with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0066] FIG. 1a is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a
footwear article according to the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 1b is a side view of the embodiment of the invention as
depicted in FIG. 1a;
[0068] FIG. 1c is an enlarged side view of a portion of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1a and 1b, in a partially deconstructed
arrangement;
[0069] FIG. 1d depicts the embodiment of the footwear article of
FIG. 1a in a flexed state;
[0070] FIG. 2a shows an exemplary embodiment of a third portion of
the article according to the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view through the embodiment
of FIG. 2a through the line E-E;
[0072] FIG. 2c shows a further exemplary embodiment of a third
portion of the article according to the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 2d shows a cross-sectional view through the embodiment
of FIG. 2c through the line F-F.
[0074] FIG. 3a depicts a cross-sectional view of a first schematic
representation of a footwear article according to the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 3b depicts a cross-sectional view of a second schematic
representation of a footwear article according to the present
invention;
[0076] FIG. 3c depicts a cross-sectional view of a third schematic
representation of a footwear article according to the present
invention;
[0077] FIG. 3d depicts a cross-sectional view of a fourth schematic
representation of a footwear article according to the present
invention;
[0078] FIG. 3e depicts a cross-sectional view of a fifth schematic
representation of a footwear article according to the present
invention;
[0079] FIG. 3f depicts a cross-sectional view of a sixth schematic
representation of a footwear article according to the present
invention;
[0080] FIG. 3g depicts a cross-sectional view of a seventh
schematic representation of a footwear article according to the
present invention;
[0081] FIG. 3h depicts a cross-sectional view of the first
schematic representation of the footwear article of the present
invention along the line A-A;
[0082] FIG. 3i depicts a cross-sectional view of the third
schematic representation of the footwear article of the present
invention along the line B-B;
[0083] FIG. 3j depicts a cross-sectional view of the second
schematic representation of the footwear article of the present
invention along the line C-C;
[0084] FIG. 3k depicts a cross-sectional view of the seventh
schematic representation of the footwear article of the present
invention along the line D-D;
[0085] FIG. 4a is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a
footwear article according to the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 4b is an underside view of the embodiment of the
invention as depicted in FIG. 4a;
[0087] FIG. 4c is a side view of the embodiment of the invention as
depicted in FIGS. 4a and 4b;
[0088] FIG. 5a is a plan view of another schematic representation
of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 5b is a plan view of a further second schematic
representation of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 5c is a plan view of yet another schematic
representation of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0091] FIG. 5d is a plan view of yet a further schematic
representation of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0092] FIG. 6a is a plan view of a first schematic representation
of yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0093] FIG. 6b is a plan view of a second schematic representation
of yet a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0094] FIG. 6c is a plan view of a third schematic representation
of still a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0095] FIG. 7a depicts yet still another embodiment of a footwear
article according to the present invention;
[0096] FIG. 7b depicts yet still a further embodiment of a footwear
article according to the present invention;
[0097] FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of a footwear article
according to the present invention; and
[0098] FIG. 9 depicts yet an alternate embodiment of a footwear
article according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1a to 1d show an exemplary embodiment of
a footwear article 100 according to the present invention is shown.
In the present embodiment, the footwear article 100 is provided in
the form of a "flip-flop" type article, however other articles or
other or alternate embodiments are also applicable to the
invention, such as a sandal, slip-on type shoes or the like.
[0100] The article 100 is provided as a generally elongate sole 110
which, in the present invention, is provided as three portions, a
first portion 116, a second portion 118, and a third portion 115
disposed between the first portion and the second portion although
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the article 100 may
be provided as further portions without departing from the
invention.
[0101] A foot engagement means 120 is provided which is provided so
as to co-operatively secure the article 100 to the foot of a
person. Although depicted as a typical "flip flop" engagement
device, those skilled in the art shall appreciate that other
engagement devices such as straps, buckles, cross-overs or the like
are equally applicable to the invention. Co-operatively with the
sole 110, the engagement means 120 secures the article 100 to the
foot of a person.
[0102] The engagement means 120 is affixed to the sole 110 of the
article via apertures extending through the sole 110, the
engagement means 120 having formations for abutting against and
within recesses within the underside 114 of the sole 110. Again,
those skilled in the art will understand that various engagement
means may secured to the sole 110 in other manners where
applicable.
[0103] The first portion 116 is positioned and formed from a
material suitable for providing cushioning or dampening to the heel
of a person when standing or during walking. The second portion 118
provides for support of the front portion or metatarsal portion of
the foot of a person.
[0104] The third portion 115 has visco-elastic properties for
providing controlled deformation upon contact of the footwear
article with a ground surface and return to an initial state upon
removal of said impact.
[0105] The first portion 116 of the sole 110 is formed from a
gel-type polymeric material, in the present embodiment a
polyurethane gel material, which provides for cushioning and shock
absorption to the heel portion of a user.
[0106] The second portion 118 of the sole 110 is formed from a
further polymeric material, in the present embodiment expanded
polyurethane, which is integrally formed with the first portion
110. The second portion of the present embodiment forms the
majority of the sole, the flexural properties in conjunction with
suitable sizing provides for significant flexing of the sole when
walking and again increases comfort to a use.
[0107] In the present embodiment 100, the third portion 115 extends
substantially the length of the sole and substantially the width of
the sole. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, in other or alternate embodiment, the visco-elastic property
of the third portion is non-uniform laterally and may vary
laterally.
[0108] For example, the visco-elastic property of the central
portion of the third portion may deform in a manner greater than
the medial and lateral portions of the third portion so as to
oppose lateral movement of the foot of the person with respect to
the sole during ambulation.
[0109] This can provide a degree of assistance in preventing or at
least partly ameliorating the incidence of a person walking off the
medial or lateral side of the footwear article. This may provide
advantages orthotically as well as provide more even distribution
of wear of the heel portion of the article, hence increasing and
enhancing product longevity. As will also be appreciated, third
portion and hence visco-elastic properties may be non-uniform
longitudinally, depending upon the physical requirements of the
article.
[0110] In a preferred embodiment such as that of the present
embodiment, the third portion is provided as a shape memory
expanded polymer and the viscosity of and density is selected such
that the third portion in conjunction with the third material
property provides said visco-elastic property. preferably, the
third material is polyurethane.
[0111] In the present embodiment of the article 100, the first
portion 116 and the second portion 118 are integrally formed by a
co-molding process, whilst the third portion 115 is located within
the mold so as to be encapsulated within the sole 110 of the
article 100.
[0112] Further, such a co-molding process so as to provide
continuity between the portions 116 and 118, and results in an
interphase between the first portion 116 and the second portion
118, rather than an interface. Such a process of formation provides
a suitably strengthed bond between the first portion 116 and the
second portion 118.
[0113] A co-molding process, as will readily be understood by those
skilled in the art, is whereby the portions are molded together and
are generally formed with a common mold.
[0114] By being formed as a co-molded sole 110, the present
invention provides for continuity of the sole 110 to be formed as a
unitary construct, allowing for ease of form and providing for
continuity of the upper surface 112 of the sole, thus allowing for
direct contact of the underside of the foot of a user and also
provides for ease of formation and manufacturing. Further, by
providing a unitary construct such that the sole 110 is
substantially formed in total by the first portion 116 and the
second portion 118, ease and simplicity of formation and
manufacture is achieved.
[0115] In other or alternate embodiments, the sole 110 may be
formed by adhering the first portion 116 and the second portion 118
together by adhesives, pressure or heat sensitive glues or the
like, where applicable.
[0116] Although in the present embodiment, the first portion 116,
the second portion 118 are formed from a polyurethane gel, an
expanded polyurethane material and a shape memory polyurethane
visco-elastic material, respectively, those skilled in the art that
other polymer or thermoplastic materials may also be utilised, such
as poly vinyl acetate materials or other such suitable polymeric
materials.
[0117] Alternatively, in other embodiments and as would be
understood by those skilled in the art, other materials such as
rubbers, elastomers, organic materials or combinations thereof, and
co-polymer and mixed polymer blends and combinations thereof may
also be utilised. Further, materials may be provided in the form of
compact polymers, expanded polymeric materials or gel materials or
combinations thereof and may be used in various combinations
without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the
sole 110 may be provided as a single material having varying
densities so as to provide a first portion with appropriate
cushioning whilst being of a expanded form for example for other
parts of the sole so as to provide for structural integrity.
[0118] In other embodiments, cushioning elements such as "air
cushioning" elements may be incorporated within the sole to provide
for additional cushioning to the foot of a user.
[0119] Referring to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, Referring to FIGS. 2a-2d,
there are shown schematic exemplary embodiments of a third portion
200a, 200b, in accordance with the present invention. The third
portion 200a, 200b may be provided as a polymeric sheet, or any
other membrane with suitable visco-elastic deformable portions
210a, 210b, which, as depicted, are interconnected by a membrane
220a, 220b.
[0120] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous
embodiments and materials or constructs may be applicable, to
provide the visco-elastic properties in accordance with the
requirements for the third portion 200a, 200b, in accordance with
the present invention.
[0121] Preferably, the third portion 200a, 200b, is provided as an
expanded shape memory sponge type construct, for example, an
expanded polyurethane material. Again, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that any similar such suitable material for
providing the requisite visco-elastic properties is equally as
applicable to the present invention.
[0122] Referring to FIGS. 3a-3g, there are shown cross-sectional
schematic views of a number of alternate exemplary embodiments of a
footwear article 300a-300g according to the present invention,
these embodiments 300a-300g include a third portion 310a-310g being
formed of different geometries depending upon the particular
requirements and requisite physical properties of the article
300a-300g.
[0123] As will be noted and appreciated by those skilled in the
art, the third portions 300a-300g may be of different geometries,
sizes and shapes, and may extend both laterally and longitudinally
in different amount so as to provide different visco-elastic
dampening, again depending upon the application of the article.
[0124] Referring to FIGS. 3h-3k cross-sectional views are shown in
which the third portions 310a, 310c, 310b and 310g are depicted as
being encapsulated within the footwear article 300a, 300c, 300b and
300g.
[0125] Referring to FIGS. 4a-4c, there is shown another exemplary
embodiment of a footwear article according to the present
invention. In this embodiment, the sole 410 is provided with a
concave upper surface 412 which is suitably contoured so as to
provide for comfort of fit to the foot of a user when wearing the
article 400. A peripheral lip 413 is provided which extends around
the periphery of the sole 410 again providing for comfort to a user
and for foot conformity.
[0126] In the present embodiment, the first portion 416 further
extends as a medial portion 419 to provide arch support to the foot
of a person. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other
geometries and positioning of the first portion 416 may be provided
in other or alternate embodiments so as to provide cushioning to
the underside of the foot of a person, without departing from the
scope of the invention.
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 5a-5d, there are shown schematic
representations of embodiments of the present invention. Referring
to FIG. 5a there is shown an embodiment 500a of the invention
whereby a fourth portion 515a is provided towards the metacarpal
portion of a user's foot to provide for cushioning to the front
portion of the foot of a user. The fourth portion may be formed
from same of different materials as that of the first portion
516a.
[0128] In another embodiment of the footwear article 500b as shown
in FIG. 5b, the first portion 516b and the second portion 515b are
integrally formed, and co-operatively provide for lateral support
of the underside of the foot of a user.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 5c, and embodiment of the footwear article
200c is shown whereby a portion 519c of the first portion provides
for medial arch support.
[0130] In a further embodiment of a footwear article 500d according
to the present invention as depicted in FIG. 5d, the first portion
516d is provided as two separate parts being spaced apart laterally
so as to provide for increased medial or lateral support and
cushioning to the underside of the heel portion of the foot of a
user.
[0131] Referring to FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, there are shown
embodiments of footwear articles 600a, 600b and 600c having various
foot engagement means. FIG. 6a shows a foot engagement means 620
typical of that of a "flip-flop", FIG. 6b shows an "cross-over"
type engagement means and FIG. 6c shows a single-strap type foot
engagement means 620c. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that numerous types of foot engagement means are applicable without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 7a, there is shown another embodiment of a
footwear article 700 according to the present invention. In the
present embodiment, the first portion 710 extends along the entire
length of the article 700 so as to provide the entire upper surface
720. In this embodiment, the first portion 710 again is formed from
a gel material so as to provide dampening to the foot of a user
upon impact, in combination with an expanded polymeric foam of
which the second portion 720 is formed.
[0133] Further, in the present embodiment, elongate grooves 740
extend laterally across the upper surface 720 of the article 700.
The grooves 740 allow for localized deformation of the first
portion 710, which provides for additional dampening to the foot of
a user during use. Furthermore, the laterally extending grooves
4740 also provide a "grip" effect which prevents slippage of the
foot of a user against the other surface 720 during use.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 7b, there is shown a further embodiment of
a footwear article 700 according to the present invention.
Similarly as in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7a, the first
portion 710 extends the entire length of the footwear article 700
so as to form the entire upper surface 720. Again, the second
portion is provided by an expanded polymeric material 720 of foam
form which extends the entire length of the article 700.
[0135] In the present embodiment, grooves 740 are provided which,
similarly as in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7a, allow for
localized deformation of the first portion 710, and due to the gel
like properties, and further incorporation with the expanded
polymeric properties of the second portion 730, the grooves 740
allow for additional dampening and cushioning to the foot of a user
during use. Furthermore, again the grooves 740 provide a "grip"
type effect which reduces slippage of the foot of a user on the
upper surface 720 of the article 700 during use.
[0136] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is depicted yet a further
embodiment of a footwear article 800 according to the present
invention. In the present embodiment, the first portion 810, again
formed from a gel material, and in this embodiment is provided
towards the front portion of the footwear article 800. The first
portion 810 forms a part of the upper surface 820, and the second
portion 830, again formed from an expanded polymeric material,
forms the remaining portion of the upper surface 820.
[0137] In the present embodiment, the first portion 810 provides
for dampening and shock absorption at the front portion of the foot
of a user in use, and furthermore, the first portion being located
in this position provides for grip of the foot of a user and
prevents slippage along the upper surface 820 in use.
[0138] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is depicted yet a further
embodiment of a footwear article 900 according to the present
invention. In the present embodiment, the first portion 910 is
provided again in a gel material form, and the second portion 930
is provided in an expanded polymeric form. The first portion 910
extends the entire length of the footwear article 900 so as to form
the entire upper surface 920 of the article 900
[0139] In reference to the embodiments of the invention as
described in the description above, as will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art, the footwear articles are provided such that
the sole of the article comprises the entire sole of the device,
and the foot engagement means merely hold the sole to the bottom of
the foot of the user. Such footwear articles are termed different
names in different parts of the world, including terms such as
"flip flop", "thongs" and "jandals".
[0140] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, to
provide a flip-flop type footwear article, the article must be
extremely flexible so as to allow for continual flexing during
walking or ambulation of a person. Such a sole 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.
[0141] As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it
is necessary to provide an article which, after many repetitions of
flexion, maintains its structural integrity without the first
portion and the second portion separating or delaminating.
[0142] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
the sole of a flip-flop device as claimed and shown in the
accompanying drawings in accordance with the present invention,
only comprises the upper portion and the lower portion as
described, the upper portion (i.e. first portion) providing for
direct contact with the underside of the foot of a user most often
without a sock, and the lower portion (i.e. second portion) engages
directly with the grounds or surface upon which a person walks,
without the use of additional outer source or the like.
[0143] Furthermore, flip-flop type footwear, as will readily be
understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art, are often
exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as water and long
durations of sunlight due to their typical applications, and the
materials from which they are formed and the manner in which the
portions are joined, must be capable of withstanding such
exposure.
[0144] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a
substantial difference exists between the sole of the footwear
article in the present invention and those of conventional
footwear, for which have in the prior art been described as being
formed by multiple layers.
[0145] It will be appreciated, that as the sole of the present
invention is comprised only of the first portion and the second
portion, these portions must be securely joined or bonded together
securely in a manner, as there exists no outer shoe body whereby an
inner sole is still retained within a shoe even if not securely
bonded to the inside of a shoe, and also in view of typical
applications as discussed above.
[0146] The present invention has overcome problems of the prior art
such as delamination, so as to provide a footwear article having a
sole distinctly different from those of conventional footwear, a
sole which must endure significantly larger amounts of flexion and
strain, whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the sole. By
provision of a "co-molding process" whereby a gel material is
co-moulded with a polymeric material which is expanded in a manner
so as to provide continuity between the gel-type material and the
expanded polymeric material. As such, a unitary sole of a unitary
construct has been provided that overcomes practical and longevity
problems which may be encountered when utilizing bonding techniques
such as used in the prior art. The co-molding process provides for
structural integrity and also maintains the bond between the
materials throughout angles of flexion of the sole well beyond the
amount of flexion that conventional footwear are exposed to.
[0147] Furthermore, the co-molding process simplifies production so
as to allow ease of manufacture and reduction in manual labour, and
does not require separate formation of the two portions, and does
not require a post-fabrication process for joining the
portions.
[0148] Thus, the two portions, by being moulded, provides a unitary
structure whereby the sole is formed of a "continuous" polymeric
material, without the necessity for adhesive and the like, and thus
mitigating the incidence of de-bonding, even throughout repetitive
large amounts of flexing. The co-molding process provides for rapid
and cost and time effective manufacture, and reduces the amount of
material wastage, thus also providing environmental advantages.
[0149] While the present invention has been explained by reference
to the examples or preferred embodiments described above, it will
be appreciated that those are examples to assist understanding of
the present invention and are not meant to be restrictive.
Variations or modifications which are obvious or trivial to persons
skilled in the art, as well as improvements made thereon, should be
considered as equivalents of this invention.
[0150] Furthermore, while the present invention has been explained
by reference to "flip-flop" type footwear articles, it should be
appreciated that the invention can apply, whether with or without
modification, to other footwear articles without loss of
generality.
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