U.S. patent application number 16/219782 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for strain-relief element for footwear articles.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Fu. Invention is credited to David Fu.
Application Number | 20190357633 16/219782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55453509 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190357633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fu; David |
November 28, 2019 |
STRAIN-RELIEF ELEMENT FOR FOOTWEAR ARTICLES
Abstract
A strain relief element for a footwear article is provided. The
strain relief element is engageable with a portion of a footwear
article for engagement with a portion of the foot of a subject,
wherein the strain relief element is formed from an elastically
deformable material, the strain relief element is sized and
provided with a geometry, such that upon engagement with the
engagement portion of a foot of a subject, the strain relief
element elastically deforms and the internal surface of the strain
relief element which engages with the foot of a user substantially
conforms to the engagement portion of the surface of the foot of a
subject. Footwear including such a strain relief element are also
provided.
Inventors: |
Fu; David; (Kowloon,
HK) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fu; David |
Kowloon |
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HK |
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Family ID: |
55453509 |
Appl. No.: |
16/219782 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15232642 |
Aug 9, 2016 |
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16219782 |
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14484179 |
Sep 11, 2014 |
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15232642 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/28 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/28 20060101
A43B023/28 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A footwear article for engagement with a foot of a subject, said
footwear article comprising: a sole member, an upper attached to
said sole member, and a strain relief element engaged with said
upper; said strain relief element engaged with said upper and
extending about a portion and comprising part of a periphery of an
opening of the upper of the footwear article, and said strain
relief element formed from an elastically deformable material and
having an internal surface for engagement with an engagement
portion of the foot of said subject; wherein said strain relief
element has a cross sectional area and geometry and a peripheral
length such that upon engagement of the internal surface of the
strain relief element with said engagement portion of the foot of
said subject, the strain relief element provides compressive hoop
stress so as to secure said upper and the footwear article to the
foot of said subject during ambulation; wherein upon engagement of
the internal surface of the strain relief element with said
engagement portion of the foot of said subject, the strain relief
element elastically deforms and the internal surface of the strain
relief element substantially conforms to said engagement portion of
the foot of said subject, a load induced during ambulation normal
to said engagement portion of the foot of said subject and imparted
to said engagement portion of the foot of said subject distributed
along the strain relief element so as to reduce point loading to
the foot at bony prominences of the foot of the subject; and
wherein the strain relief element is formed from said elastically
deformable material and said internal surface provides a reduced
friction coefficient so to allow movement of the strain relief
element during ambulation relative to said engagement portion the
foot of said subject, so as to reduce internal shear stresses
induced from relative movement between the surface of said
engagement portion of the foot of said subject and bones of the
foot of said subject.
3. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the strain
relief element is positioned at an anterior contact portion, a
medial contact portion, a lateral contact portion, a posterior
contact portion, or combinations thereof of the upper of the
footwear article for engagement with a corresponding one of an
anterior contact portion, a medial contact portion, a lateral
contact portion, a posterior contact portion, or combinations
thereof of the engagement portion of the foot of said subject.
4. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the strain
relief element is positioned at a superior-posterior portion of the
footwear article for engagement with a posterior heel portion of
the foot of said subject.
5. The footwear article according to claim 4 wherein the strain
relief element is formed from the elastically deformable material
and finished so as to provide the reduced friction coefficient in
order to allow superior and inferior movement of the strain relief
element during ambulation relative to a posterior surface of the
posterior heel portion of the foot of the subject, so as to reduce
internal shear stresses induced from relative movement between the
posterior surface of the heel and a calcaneus of the foot of the
subject.
6. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the
elastically deformable material is a material comprising at least
one of an elastomeric polymer, a silicon based material, or a
rubber based material.
7. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the strain
relief element is elongate in a lateral direction.
8. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the strain
relief element further includes a marking, and wherein said marking
is a branding or trade mark marking.
9. The footwear article according to claim 3, wherein the strain
relief element is provided in a color distinct from the color of
the upper to provide a visual indication of the incorporation of
the strain relief element within the footwear article.
10. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the sole
member is provided in the same color as to that of the strain
relief element, to provide further visual indication of the
incorporation of the strain relief element of the present invention
within the footwear article.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a strain-relief element for
footwear articles, more particularly to a strain-relief element for
reducing the incident of blisters and abrasions to the posterior
aspect of the heel of a person when wearing a footwear article.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Blisters and abrasions occurring on the foot of a person, in
particular on the posterior aspect of heel of a person, have long
been an affliction to people caused by the wearing of footwear
articles.
[0003] Such an affliction is experienced from persons wearing any
footwear article which contacts the person's foot, particularly the
posterior portion of a person's heel, such footwear articles
including sports shoes, dress shoes, boots, enclosed footwear
articles, open sandal type footwear articles and the like.
[0004] Blisters and abrasions on the heel often cause severe pain,
and may be debilitating, thus causing a person to be immobilised or
mobility severely reduced, due to pain experienced during
ambulation and contact of a footwear article with the heel region
of a person.
[0005] In sports type scenarios, performance of an athlete may be
severely compromised from pain experienced during a sports event.
In other scenarios such as hiking, either recreationally or for
commercial or military related activities, the incidence of
blisters and abrasions poses a health and welfare risk, in
particular if such ailments occur when a person is in a remote area
or location in particular whereby there does not exist the
opportunity for evacuation by mechanised transport, or in areas of
long distance from transport or assistance, of in areas of rough
and awkward terrain.
[0006] Untreated blisters and abrasions may further be exacerbated,
and upon lesions of the dermis, further abrasion may occur, with
more subcutaneous tissue being exposed, causing immobilisation as
well as the potential for infection.
[0007] There are several manners of minimising and treatment of
blisters according the prior art:
[0008] (i) Lacing to Minimise Rubbing
[0009] In order to prevent rubbing between the heel of a person and
the internal contact surface of a footwear, is to maintain the heel
secured firmly within the foot wear article, which is seeks to
minimise heel abrasion. Such techniques include "lace-lock" as
utilised in some sports type footwear article.
[0010] However, such techniques are only applicable to lace up
footwear, and such footwear generally has lace eyelets further
towards the rear of the footwear article than typical lace up
footwear, thus requiring specific structural constrains and
specific footwear type.
[0011] (ii) Taping and Dressings-Protective Layer
[0012] A protective layer may be formed in the anterior heel of a
person, by adhering a protective layer to the skin, however
blisters may occur and friction may remove or loosen the tape
causing stress concentrations and pressure, which may further
precipitate blisters. This technique may be used prophylactically,
as well as after a blister or abrasion has formed.
[0013] This technique may be used in conjunction with a variety of
footwear article types, however the incidence of blister formation
may not be obviated, as use of such a technique may also often be
unsightly, in particular when used by persons wearing sandals and
fashion footwear, in particular when used in conjunction with
women's open rear sandals or footwear.
[0014] (iii) Donut-Type Pads
[0015] In order to reduce pressure ant the posterior heel portion
of a foot of a person, a "donut" shaped pad may be provided, which
id formed from a relatively thick piece of material, typically of a
felt type material, having an aperture extending therethrough.
[0016] The pad is taped or affixed to the heel of a person, with
the aperture of the pad extending over the region of the heel in
the region where a blister is likely to occur, or where a blister
has occurred. As such, this technique may be used prophylactically,
as well as after a blister or abrasion has formed.
[0017] Whilst providing some protection of the posterior heel
portion of a user, such a pad may loosen and exacerbate the
formation of a blister or abrasion by stress concentration, as well
as be unsightly in use.
[0018] (iv) Integrally Formed Padded Portion
[0019] Another technique of the prior art to minimise or obviate
the formation of blisters and abrasion of the posterior portion of
a heel of a person, is the incorporation of an integrally formed
padded cushioning portion at the superior-posterior portion of a
footwear article.
[0020] Such padded portions may be formed with a sponge like
material internally, and are generally formed from the same
material from which the footwear article is formed.
[0021] Whilst providing some comfort and relief and prevent of
blister formation, such padded portions may crack and cause
abrasion of the heel, as well as seam portions rubbing or pressing
on the heel causing discomfort. Further, such padded portions are
generally only able to be incorporated in enclosed-type footwear
articles, and can be unsightly and impact unfavourably upon the
aesthetic characteristics of the footwear article.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a strain-relief element for footwear articles that
overcomes or at least ameliorates at least some of the deficiencies
as associated with those of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a strain
relief element for a footwear article, said strain relief element
being engageable with the portion of a footwear article for
engagement with a portion of the foot of a subject, wherein said
strain relief element is formed from an elastically deformable
material, said strain relief element and is sized and provided with
a geometry, such that upon engagement with the engagement portion
of a foot of a subject, the strain relief element elastically
deforms and the internal surface of the strain relief element which
engages with the foot of a user substantially conforms to the
engagement portion of the surface of the foot of a subject.
[0024] The load normal to the engagement portion of the foot
imparted to the engagement portion of the foot of the subject is
distributed along the strain relief element so as to reduce point
loading to the foot at bony prominences of the foot of the
subject.
[0025] Preferably, the strain relief element is formed a material
and finished so as to provide a reduced friction coefficient and to
allow movement of the strain relief element during ambulation
relative to the foot of the subject, so as to reduce internal shear
stresses induced from relative movement between the surface of the
foot and bones of the foot of the subject.
[0026] The strain relief element may be located at member at the
anterior contact portion, medial contact portion, lateral contact
portion, posterior contact portion, or combinations thereof.
[0027] Preferably, the strain relief element is engageable with the
superior-posterior portion of a footwear article for engagement
with the posterior heel portion of the foot of a subject, and the
strain relief element is preferably formed a material and finished
so as to provide a reduced friction coefficient and to allow
superior and inferior movement of the strain relief element during
ambulation relative to the posterior surface of the heel of the
subject, so as to reduce internal shear stresses induced from
relative movement between the posterior surface of the heel and the
calcaneus of the foot of the subject.
[0028] Preferably, the strain relief element is formed from an
elastomeric polymer.
[0029] Preferably, the strain relief element is formed from a
silicon based material, or alternatively the strain relief element
is formed from a rubber based material.
[0030] The strain relief element may further includes a tab
portion, and wherein said tab portion provides a gripping portion
for assistance in fitting a footwear article to the foot of a
subject.
[0031] Preferably, the strain relief element is generally elongate
in the lateral direction.
[0032] The strain relief element may include rebates for alteration
of the structural properties of the strain relief element.
[0033] The strain relief element may further include a recess or a
protruded portion, for the carrying thereon of a marking, wherein
said marking may be a branding or trade mark marking.
[0034] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a
footwear article comprising a strain relief element according to
the first aspect.
[0035] The footwear article may comprise an upper to which the
strain relief element is engaged, and a sole member to which the
upper is engaged.
[0036] The strain relief element may be provided in a colour
distinct from the colour of the upper, providing a visual
indication of the incorporation of the strain relief element of the
present invention within the footwear article.
[0037] The sole member may be provided in the same or similar
colour as to that of the strain relief element, to provide further
visual indication of the incorporation of the strain relief element
of the present invention within the footwear article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] 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:
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the heel region
of a subject,
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a drawing of a first embodiment of a footwear
article according to the present invention,
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a drawing of a second embodiment of a footwear
article according to the present invention,
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a line drawing representation of a further
embodiment of a footwear article according to the present
invention,
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a line drawing representation of another
embodiment of a footwear article according to the present
invention,
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a line drawing representation of yet a further
embodiment of a footwear article according to the present
invention,
[0045] FIG. 7A shows a side view sectional schematic representation
of a footwear article with strain relief member according to the
present invention,
[0046] FIG. 7B shows a top view schematic representation of a
footwear article with strain relief member of FIG. 7A,
[0047] FIG. 7C shows a rear view schematic representation of a
footwear article with strain relief member of FIG. 7A and 7B,
[0048] FIG. 8A shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of
a strain relief element in accordance with the present
invention,
[0049] FIG. 8B shows a schematic representation of another
embodiment of a strain relief element in accordance with the
present invention,
[0050] FIG. 8C shows a schematic representation of a further
embodiment of a strain relief element in accordance with the
present invention,
[0051] FIG. 8D shows a schematic representation of an alternate
embodiment of a strain relief element in accordance with the
present invention,
[0052] FIG. 9 shows a rear schematic view of a footwear article
having a strain relief element and including a recess or a
protruded portion, for the carrying thereon, such as branding or
trade mark marking, in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] In order describe the manner in which the present invention
is effected and in contrast to the prior art, an understanding of
the biomechanics of the heel region of a foot is required, as well
as an appreciation of the physiology behind the formation of
blisters, in comparison to mechanisms to which the prior art is
directed.
[0054] The formation of blisters has traditionally been thought to
be caused by pressure and friction between a footwear article and
the foot of a person, such as between a footwear article and heel
posterior portion and pressure, and solutions of the prior art
directed to addressing or mitigating the traditionally perceived
causes of blister formation.
[0055] However, in more recent times, further understanding of
biomechanics and tissue mechanics, in particular in the heel region
of the foot, has provided underlying causes of blister
formation.
[0056] A blister is trauma of the deep layer of skin cells, which
is caused by shear between the skin and the underlying bone
structures. Shear occurs when there is sufficient friction between
two objects or portions of an object, such that when force is
applied it moves over the underlying object of less resistance.
This is distortion within the skin is called shear. A blister
occurs in the case when there no sliding between the skin surface
and the sock/shoe interior, rather the sliding/translational motion
occurs relative between the skin and the bones.
[0057] Over a period of time, and in particular with lateral foot
movements such as experienced in tennis, the shear becomes to an
abnormal level and damage is causing, and the damaged area will
fill with fluid thus causing a blister.
[0058] By comparison, when there is sliding motion between the
sock/shoe and the skin surface, abrasion which damage to only the
top layers of skin, and which often results in lesions of the skin
and red raw wound. This phenomena is typically observed in poorly
fitted or poorly manufactured footwear article which allow movement
of a foot within the footwear article.
[0059] Whilst blisters such as those that occur on the posterior of
the heel have been traditionally thought be solely caused by the
heel moving up and down in the shoe, recent and modern
biomechanical and tissue research suggests that blisters are
actually formed by the calcaneus (i.e. heel bone) moving
excessively which causes adjacent skin to be impinged between the
interior of the shoe and the calcaneus. This excessive movement has
been suggested to be caused by tight calf muscles, a bony
prominence, or biomechanical related issues.
[0060] As such, solutions of the prior art such as taping prevents
abrasions, and does not prevent not blisters per se. Thus, taping
provides a barrier to the skin to prevent abrasive wear rather than
reducing shear within adjacent tissue.
[0061] Blister management may be complex, as the causes are
typically multi-factorial, such as foot moisture from sweating,
activity level and type, and shoe fit.
[0062] Accordingly, the present invention provides a solution to
the cause of both blistering and abrasive wear, which addresses
underlying causes of blister formation as well as causes for
abrasive wear.
[0063] By way of example and explanation as to how a blister is
formed on the foot of a person, reference is made to the heel
portion whereby referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic
representation of the heel region 10 of a subject, whereby the
formation of blisters is demonstrated diagrammatically. When
wearing a footwear article which engages with the posterior region
of the heel of a subject, frictional forces 6 are present, which
are depicted as the tangential and normal components of the
frictional force.
[0064] During ambulation, the calcaneus 4 may move from small
amount to large amounts as depicted by arrow 2, which causes tissue
3 below the skin surface to be exposed to shear forces as
represented by arrows 8, to cause trauma and the formation of a
blister, as described above.
[0065] Representations of embodiments of the present invention in
the application of blister amelioration at the heel portion of a
user are now described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6,
and the manner in which the invention is thereafter described with
reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C.
[0066] A first embodiment of the present invention is depicted in
FIG. 2, whereby footwear article 20 is shown which includes a
strain relief element 22 located at the superior-posterior portion
of the footwear article 20. In the present embodiment, the
invention is embodied as a ballet shoe type footwear article, which
includes an upper 24 to which the strain relief element 22 is
affixed, and which is affixed to a sole member 26. As will be
understood, the strain relief element 22 engages with the heel
portion of a subject in use, either directly when no socks or
stockings are used, or indirectly when socks and stockings are
used.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a second embodiment of
the present invention whereby footwear article 30 includes a strain
relief element 32 located at the superior-posterior portion of the
footwear article 30, again in which the invention is embodied as a
ballet shoe type footwear article which includes an upper 34 to
which the strain relief element 32 is affixed, and which is affixed
to a sole member 36. Again as will be understood, the strain relief
element 32 engages with the heel portion of a subject in use,
either directly when no socks or stockings are used.
[0068] In the present embodiment, the footwear article 30 further
includes a peripheral elastic member 38 which extends around the
periphery of the opening in the upper 34 through which a foot is
inserted into the footwear article 30, which functions in
cooperation with the strain relief element 32 so as to provide a
tangential hoop strain which causes the upper to be urged radially
inwardly towards the foot of a subject, and provide a fixation
mechanism so as to secure the footwear article to the foot of a
subject.
[0069] In the present embodiment, the peripheral elastic member is
a continuous elastic element which is fixed to the upper 34
adjacent the strain relief element 32, and which extends around the
periphery of the upper 34 through a plurality of apertures provided
as a series of eyelets, thus providing ease of movement of the
peripheral elastic member 38 through the apertures so as to provide
a more uniform strain and stress in the peripheral elastic member
38 such that a more even load is imparted to the foot of a user
along the aperture in the upper, thus providing increased comfort
to the user.
[0070] In the present embodiment, the peripheral elastic member 38
is formed from a silicon elastic material, which may be provided as
a single filament structure, or a multi-strand structure.
[0071] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
strain relief element of the present invention is equally as
applicable to a variety of footwear articles, such as closed shoes,
sports shoes, hiking boots, sandals, fashion shoe articles and the
like, examples of which are depicted in reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and
6.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a further embodiment of
the present invention whereby footwear article 40 whereby the
footwear article is a lace-up dress shoe. The footwear article
includes a strain relief element 42 located at the
superior-posterior portion of the upper 44 of the footwear article
40, with the upper being joined to a sole member 46. Again as will
be understood, the strain relief element 42 engages with the heel
portion of a subject in use, either directly when no socks or
stockings are used, or indirectly when socks and stockings are
used.
[0073] FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the present invention
whereby footwear article 50 whereby the footwear article 50 is a
sandal including a rear strap portion 54 which is attached to a
sole member 56. The footwear article 50 includes a strain relief
element 52 located at the superior-posterior portion of the rear
strap portion 54 of the footwear article 50. Again as will be
understood, the strain relief element 52 engages with the heel
portion of a subject in use, either directly when no socks or
stockings are used, or indirectly when socks and stockings are
used.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, there is yet another embodiment of the
present invention whereby footwear article 60 is provided as a
high-heeled ladies fashion footwear article which includes a closed
upper 64 and a heel portion 68 of a sole and a front platform
portion 66 of the sole. The footwear article 60 includes a strain
relief element 62 located at the superior-posterior portion of the
upper 64 of the footwear article 60. Again, as will be understood,
the strain relief element 62 engages with the heel portion of a
subject in use, either directly when no socks or stockings are
used, or indirectly when socks and stockings are used.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the manner in which the
present invention operates is depicted and described schematically.
A footwear article 70 is shown for reference which includes a sole
member 76 and an upper 74 attached to the sole member, with the
foot 78 of a subject engaged with the footwear article 70. A strain
relief element 72 is shown which in the present embodiment is
located at the superior posterior aspect of the upper 74.
[0076] The strain relief element 72 is formed from an elastic
material, such as an elastomeric polymeric material, a silicon
based material or a rubber based material.
[0077] The strain relief element 72 and is formed such that the
anterior (interior) surface of the strain relief element 72 is
relatively smooth, and the strain relief element has a modulus of
elasticity and is provided with a cross sectional area and geometry
and peripheral length, so as to provide sufficient compressive hoop
stress so as to secure the footwear article 70 to the foot 78 of
the user during ambulation, whilst providing sufficient movement of
the strain relief element relative to the outer surface of the skin
of the user such that: [0078] (i) Upon movement of the calcaneus 73
of the foot 78 internal shear stresses in the region 75 are
minimised so as to reduce formation of blistering, and [0079] (ii)
Wear abrasion from the strain relief element 72 on the outer
surface of the skin is minimised due to reduced friction and more
uniform load distribution in the radially inward direction from the
elastic relief member 72 to the outer skin surface.
[0080] This cumulative effect of the strain relief element,
provides additional comfort for a user, whilst reducing the
incidence of blistering and abrasion, both which have detrimental
effects to a user.
[0081] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, suitable
sizing and the geometry of the elastic strain element 72, in
combination with the mechanical properties of the material from
which the elastic strain element 72 is formed, allows for the
provision of sufficient hoop stress to as to sufficiently secure
the footwear article to the foot of the user, whilst utilising a
material so as to provide a suitably low coefficient of friction,
can minimise internal shear and external abrasion of the heel of
the foot 78 of a user.
[0082] The strain relief element, when located at the posterior
portion of a footwear article, may, in other embodiment, be
provided with a gripping portion for assistance in fitting a
footwear article to the foot of a subject.
[0083] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, there are depicted
embodiments of the invention with the strain relief element located
at the posterior of footwear articles 80A, 80B, 80C and 80D, having
an upper 82A, 82B, 82C and 882D affixed to sole members 84A, 84B,
84C and 84D.
[0084] As will be seen, strain relief elements 86A, 86B, 86C and
86D may be of different shapes and extend partly or fully to the
84A, 84B, 84C and 84D, with exemplary embodiments schematically
depicted showing a plurality of strain relief elements 86A, 86B,
86C and 86D which, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, may be of any geometry, shape or size, whilst providing the
functional attributes of the present invention.
[0085] In accordance with the present invention, the strain relief
elements 86A, 86B, 86C and 86D may be provided of a distinctive
colour in contrast with the upper 82A, 82B, 82C and 82D or other
components of a footwear article, which provides for identification
that the strain relief elements 86A, 86B, 86C and 86D are that of
the present invention, thus enabling consumes to associate such
strain relief elements 86A, 86B, 86C and 86D as being those of the
present invention visually. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the
sole members 84A, 84B, 84C and 84D may be of the same or similar
colour to that of the strain relief elements 86A, 86B, 86C and 86D,
providing for further visual identification that such footwear
articles 80A, 80B, 80C and 80D embody the strain relief elements
86A, 86B, 86C and 86D of the present invention.
[0086] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
strain relief element may be provided with varying geometry and
shape, such as the inclusion of rebates for alteration of the
structural properties of the strain relief element.
[0087] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that in other
or alternate embodiments, footwear article may be provided with the
strain relief member at the anterior contact portion, medial
contact portion, lateral contact portion, posterior contact
portion, or combinations thereof.
[0088] No limitation may be made to the structure, shape, geometry,
size, location, positioning of the strain relief element of the
present invention, by reference to the embodiments, which are
exemplary embodiments. Further, no inference or limitation may be
taken from the exemplary embodiments in respect of the positioning,
location, or number of strain relief elements.
[0089] In other embodiments, such as that as exemplified by the
schematic rear representation of a footwear article 120 of FIG. 9,
the strain relief element 122 which is engaged with upper 124 which
is engaged with a sole member 126, further may include a recess or
a protruded portion, for the carrying thereon, such as branding or
trade mark marking 128. The branding or trade marking 128 may be
incorporated during the manufacturing process when the strain
relief element is formed, and the branding of trade mark marking
may be on the interior aspect of the strain relief element, the
exterior strain relief element, or both the exterior or interior
aspect.
* * * * *