NL2004449C2

NL2004449C2 - Foldable footwear item.

Info

Publication number: NL2004449C2
Application number: NL2004449A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Johannes Jozef Maatman; Sebastian Michael Roland Kraus; Khodayar Feiz; Barbara Maria Grosse-Hering; Sebastian Doermann; Claudia Petula Madelon Lijnsvelt
Original assignee: Born In Saint Tropez B V
Priority date: 2010-03-23
Filing date: 2010-03-23
Publication date: 2011-09-27

Description

P30173NL00/WHA Title: Foldable footwear item 5 Field of the invention

The present invention relates to footwear which can be folded into a compact state and expanded into a use state. In the compact state, the footwear can be stored in a relatively small compartment such as a purse. The present invention further relates to a combination of a left and right footwear item and to a method for folding and/or unfolding the 10 footwear item.

Description of the prior art

Foldable footwear is known in the field of the art. W02009/071907 discloses a foldable footwear item small enough to be sold in vending machines. The footwear item has 15 a plurality of fold lines 34-40. The shoe can be folded to a length which is less than the unfolded length. A disadvantage of this type of footwear is that it is a relatively low-quality product. The upper shoe part needs to be of a soft fabric and the shoes according to W02009/071907 are substantially limited to slipper-like shoes.

A further disadvantage of this type of footwear is that is difficult to provide an upper 20 shoe construction on the sole, in particular while maintaining a compact size in the folded state.

The shoe W02009/071907 further has a twist, in the sense that the fold lines are configured in such a way that the toe end of the shoe pivots over 180 degrees relative to the heel end about a longitudinal axis of the shoe. This is due to the slightly diagonal orientation 25 of the fold lines, which cause each sole part to pivot about the longitudinal axis relative to the adjoining sole part.

US2008/0052964 discloses a footwear item configured to be rolled or folded into a packaged configuration and later unrolled or unfolded into an unpackaged configuration. Figure 5 of US2008/0052964 shows how this may be done. The shoe 100 comprises a 30 flexible sole of a foam material which can be tied in an S-type configuration with a holding member 122. US2008/0052964 discloses a product which is relatively difficult to maintain in the folded state.

Object of the invention 35 It is an object of the invention to provide improved foldable footwear.

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Summary of the invention

The invention provides a footwear item comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between: - a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and 5 - a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one another.

An advantage of the invention is that the footwear can be easily stored, for instance in a woman’s purse. Due to the compact form of the shoes, the footwear item in the folded state has a small volume and small dimensions.

10 The present footwear may be used as temporary footwear, for instance for the purpose of going home on comfortable shoes after a party. Often, women wear shoes with high heels at a party. After a while, these high-heel shoes may cause fatigue and/or pain in the feet and lower legs. Upon leaving the party, it is often much more comfortable to put on low-heel shoes for the trip home. However, it is quite cumbersome to carry low-heel shoes 15 around during the party. With a set of footwear items according to the invention, the footwear items may conveniently be carried in a purse.

The footwear item according to the invention may also be used for walking in a hotel, in a swimming pool, on a camping, on a beach, or in a medical environment. The footwear item may be shoe or a slipper, or another kind of footwear item.

20 The footwear item according to the invention has a footprint area in the folded state which is smaller than in the use state. The dimensions, i.e. the length, width and height of the footwear item in the folded state are also smaller than in the use state. The volume of the minimum bounding box in the folded state is also smaller than in the expanded state.

In an embodiment, the sole parts may be sturdy and substantially form stable. In 25 another embodiment, the sole is manufactured from a flexible material.

In use, the footwear item can be worn as a normal shoe and performs the functions of a normal shoe, i.e. protect the foot of a user, keep the foot clean and support the foot.

The footwear item may have attachment members to connect the footwear item with the heel or the ankle of the foot. These attachment members may have different forms 30 which are known per se in footwear, such as bands, straps, strings, Velcro, leather parts etc...

Different kinds of materials may be used for the footwear item, leather, synthetic materials, cloth, felt, cork, wood rubber.

In an embodiment, the respective sole parts are connected to one another via 35 respective connections which act as a hinge. The sole parts may be substantially sturdy in order to provide a suitable support for the foot. The transformability is effectuated via the -3- connections which act as a hinge. The connections which act as hinges may be distinct from the sole parts.

In an embodiment, the sole comprises three sole parts: - a toe sole part, 5 - a middle sole part, and - a heel sole part, the toe sole part being connected to the middle sole part via a first connection which acts as a hinge and the middle sole part being connected to the heel sole part via a second connection which acts as a hinge.

10 Three sole parts has been found to be a practical number, wherein the resulting size of the footwear item is small enough to be carried around in a purse in the folded state, but large enough to be able to provide only a limited number of connections. The size of the individual sole parts remains large enough to be able to provide a shoe on the sole.

In an embodiment, the sole parts are constructed to fold substantially onto one 15 another in a zig-zag type configuration. A zig-zag type configuration (also indicated as a accordion type configuration) is a practical way of folding the footwear item.

In an embodiment, the toe sole part forms the top bar of the Z, and the heel sole part forms the lower bar of the Z.

In an embodiment, the upper side of the middle sole part is constructed to fold onto 20 the upper side of the heel sole part and the underside of the toe sole part is constructed to fold onto the underside of the middle sole part.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, wherein the fixation device is an integral part of the footwear item.

25 In some shoes of the prior art, a band or elastic string is used as a fixation device to keep the shoe in the folded state. This band or string is provided separately from the shoe. This is burdensome, because the band or string is to be carried around separately when the shoe is used. The band or string may get lost very easy. In this embodiment, loss of the fixation device is not possible, because the fixation device is a part of the footwear item 30 itself.

In an embodiment, the fixation device is constructed to: - perform a first function of fixing the footwear item in the folded state, and - perform a second, different function in the footwear item in the use state.

This embodiment provides the advantage that the same fixation device that fixes 35 the footwear item in the folded state is made useful in the use state for another function. In this way, a situation is avoided that in the use state the footwear item would comprise a useless part.

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In an embodiment, the fixation device is constructed to, in the use state, engage a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot.

In the use state, the fixation device is not functional to maintain the footwear item in the folded state. By providing the fixation device with the mentioned extra function, a more 5 compact and simple footwear item can be created.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises: - a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, and - a heel, wherein the heel is constructed to be a part of or to cooperate with the fixation device.

10 A heel is a simple part, and provides space and a mounting base for any fixation device. The heel can thus advantageously be used for the fixing of the footwear item in the folded state.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a heel which defines a volume, wherein the fixation device is constructed to, in the folded state, be at least partially 15 positioned within the volume defined by the heel.

The volume of the heel is a useless space in most shoes. In this embodiment, this space is put to use.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises an element which is constructed to serve as a toe holder in the use state and constructed to serve as a fixation device in the 20 folded state.

It was found that these two functions surprisingly can be combined by one element.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a toe holder which is connected to a sole part and movable relative to said sole part between two operating positions: - a use position wherein the toe holder protrudes from the sole part and 25 provides a connection between the footwear item and the foot of the user in the region of the toes, and - volume a compact position wherein the toe holder protrudes substantially less from the sole part than in the use position and functions as a fixation device for fixating the footwear item in the folded state.

30 By providing a movable toe holder, the fixation function can be simply provided by moving the toe holder between the two operating positions. The toe holder may be manufactured from wood, metal, a synthetic material or any other sturdy material. The toe holder may have a mushroom-type shape.

In an embodiment, the toe holder which is constructed to slide relative to the sole 35 part to which it is connected. A sliding movement allows a simple movement between the two operating positions.

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In an embodiment, the toe sole part comprises a hole and the toe holder is constructed to slide through the sole part. This allows the toe holder to perform a fixation function with another element which is located on an underside of the toe sole part, i.e. on the opposite side of the toe sole part as the side on which the toe holder is provided.

5 In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a toe holder which is movable relative to the sole such that: - in the expanded state the toe holder protrudes at least partially upward from the toe sole part, and - in the folded state the toe holder protrudes at least partially downward from 10 the toe sole part into the heel.

In the folded state, the footwear item becomes more compact with this embodiment in the sense that the minimum bounding box can have a smaller volume.

In an embodiment, the sole parts each comprise a hole, wherein in the folded state the holes are aligned with one another, and wherein the toe holder is configured to extend 15 through said holes in the folded state in order to fix the footwear item in the folded state.

This allows a simple folding of the sole parts substantially onto one another, followed by penetrating the aligned holes with the toe holder and fixing the toe holder in the penetrated position.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a toe holder comprising: 20 - a volume toe-gap member comprising a connection means for connection with the sole and comprising a body configured to - in use - extend upwardly from the sole through a gap between the large toe and the toe adjacent to the large toe, and - a span member which is wider than the body and which is connected to an 25 upper end of the body and constructed to extend over a region of the foot near the large toe and the second toe.

This is a simple embodiment of a toe holder and it allows the toe holder to perform a fixation function.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a fixation device, in particular a toe 30 holder, which comprises a connector for fixing the fixation device to the heel or the heel sole part of the footwear item, in order to keep the footwear item in the folded state.

The connector can be any kind of click-in connector, friction connector, locking device, or other connector suitable to connect the toe holder to the heel.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a heel and a toe holder, wherein 35 the toe holder is configured to be at least partially inserted into the heel in the folded state, and wherein the connector is constructed to connect the toe holder to the heel in said -6- inserted position. This provides a sturdy connection, wherein the connector can be provided out of sight for a user.

The volume of the minimum bounding box in the compact state is reduced by the at least partial insertion of the toe holder into the heel.

5 In an embodiment, the connector comprises: - a magnet attached to the toe holder, and - a magnet attached to the heel or the heel sole part for allowing the toe holder to be clicked to the heel in order to fix the footwear item in the folded state.

Magnets form a simple and sturdy connector.

10 In an embodiment the span member of the toe holder is constructed to act as a stop for - in the folded state - preventing the sole parts from unfolding, thereby maintaining the sole parts in the folded state. The span member may naturally have a form which is suitable to function as a stop, since the span member generally has a width which is larger than the width of the body of the toe holder.

15 In an embodiment, the footwear item is constructed to, in the use state, have the folded sole parts positioned between the heel and a span member of the toe holder.

In an embodiment, the footwear item further comprises attachment means connected to the sole, the attachment means being constructed to attach the footwear item to the foot of a user, in particular to the ankle of the user. The toe holder may not be the only 20 attachment means with the foot. Further attachment means may be provided, providing an advantage of better wearability.

In an embodiment, the attachment means comprise flexible, elongate members, which are configured to be at least partially positioned around the ankle. These members are very suitable for footwear items 25 In an embodiment, the attachment means are connected at least to a heel end of the sole and to the sole near the second connection device. This embodiment improves the positioning of the rear part of the footwear item with respect to the foot of a user.

In an embodiment, the connections which act as a hinge define pivot axes which are substantially parallel or extend at an acute angle of 0-20 degrees relative to one 30 another.

This relative orientation of the pivot axes allow a simple zig-zag folding of the sole parts.

In an embodiment, the sole parts having a thickness and an underside and an upper side, wherein the first connection device which acts as a hinge is provided near the 35 underside of the sole parts connected by it and wherein the second connection device which acts as a hinge is provided near the upper side of the sole parts connected by it.

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This provision allows an easy zig-zag-type folding of three parts relative to one another without any hindrance of the sole parts themselves.

In an embodiment, the connections which act as a hinge comprise: - a relatively thin, easily deformable material which acts as a hinge, and/or 5 - at least one pin being pivotable in at least one hole in a receptacle.

These are relatively simple and suitable forms of a hinging connection. The relatively thin, easily deformable material may be thin leather, a synthetic material, canvas, or even a thin metal.

In an embodiment, the connections which act like a hinge are constructed to 10 provide minimal resistance to the folding, so that the connection device which acts as a hinge does not provide a substantial counteracting force. This allows the footwear item to remain stable in the folded state.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a locking device constructed to lock the sole parts in the unfolded state, such that the sole parts provide a form stable sole. The 15 locking device may be provided near the connections which form as a hinge. The improved form stability of the sole allows an improved comfort for the user in use. The locking device is locked when the footwear item is transformed from the folded state into the use state and is unlocked when the footwear item is transformed from the use state into the folded state.

In an embodiment, the locking device comprises a pin which is constructed to move 20 between: - un unlocked position wherein the pin is positioned in a first lock receptacle provided in one sole part, - a locked position wherein the pin is at least partially positioned in both the first lock receptacle and a second lock receptacle positioned in a second sole 25 part.

This is a simple locking device which may be small enough to be integrated into the footwear item.

In an embodiment, the locking device comprises: a first magnet provided on a projection of one sole part, and 30 - a second magnet provided on an adjoining sole part, wherein the second magnet is constructed to engage the first magnet in the use state.

This also provides a relatively simple and reliable locking device.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a sole which is manufactured from a relatively soft material, wherein the sole can be folded between the use state and the 35 folded state along folding regions which are an integral part of the sole. Some soft materials are relatively cheap, and this embodiment may provide a cost-effective foldable footwear -8- item. Other advantages may also be attained, such as a light weight footwear item or other advantages.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a cover configured to - in use - at least partially cover the toes of a user, wherein the cover is connected to the toe sole part 5 and is collapsible onto the toe sole part in the folded state.

This embodiment provides a footwear item which is closed or substantially closed at the toes. In many situations, that can be a preferred choice for a user.

In an embodiment, the cover comprises a fixation device configured to fix the cover onto the toe sole part in a collapsed form. This allows the cover to be fixed in a collapsed 10 state, decreasing the size of the footwear item in the collapsed state.

The invention further relates to a combination comprising a left and a right footwear item, each comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between: - a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and 15 - a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one another.

In an embodiment of the combination, the left and right footwear items comprise a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, wherein the fixation device is an integral part of the footwear item, and wherein the fixation device is constructed to, in the 20 use state, engage a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot.

The method further relates to a carrying strap for carrying shoes, the carrying strap comprising: a first loop of variable size formed by a first flexible elongate member, 25 - a second loop of variable size formed by a second flexible elongate member, a carrying handle, and an adjustment member comprising at least one through hole through which the flexible elongate members extend, wherein the adjustment member is configured to slide along the flexible elongate members for varying the size of 30 the loops.

With the carrying strap, the regular shoes can be easily carried on the shoulder or on the wrist.

The invention further relates to a method of folding or expanding a footwear item, the method comprising: 35 - providing a footwear item comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between: -9- i. a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and ii. a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one another, and 5 - folding the footwear item from the use state into the folded state or expanding the footwear item from the folded state into the use state.

The method provides substantially the same benefit and advantage as the footwear item according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises providing a fixation 10 device, the method comprising the steps: a) providing the footwear item in the use state, the fixation device being an integral part of the footwear item and engaging a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot, b) removing the footwear item from the foot, 15 c) folding the footwear item from the use state into the folded state, and d) fixing the footwear item in the folded state with the fixation device.

or a) providing the footwear item in the folded state, the fixation device maintaining the footwear item in the folded state, 20 b) loosening or uncoupling the fixation device, c) unfolding the footwear item from the folded state into the use state, wherein the fixation device engages a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot, and d) putting the footwear item on the foot.

25 In the following, the aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be elucidated further by reference to the annexed figures illustrating exemplary embodiments. In the figures, the same parts or parts having the same function have been identified with the same reference numeral.

30 List of Figures

Figure 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a footwear item according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a view on the underside of the embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of figure 1.

35 Figure 4 shows a rear view of a toe holder according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a view from below of the toe holder according to the invention.

Figure 6 shows a side view of the toe holder according to the invention.

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Figures 7A-7E show a sequence in side view of the folding of the footwear item according to the invention.

Figures 8A-8E show a sequence in a view from above of the folding of the footwear item according to the invention.

5 Figures 9A-9E show a sequence in a view from below of the folding of the footwear item according to the invention.

Figure 10 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the footwear item in the use state.

Figure 11 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the footwear item in the 10 folded state.

Figure 12A shows a schematic view of another embodiment according to the invention.

Figure 12B shows a schematic view of another embodiment according to the invention.

15 Figure 13 shows a schematic view of another embodiment according to the invention.

Figures 14A -14D show schematic side views of another embodiment according to the invention in different stages.

Figure 15 shows a detailed side view of the embodiment of figures 14A-14D.

Figure 16 shows an orthogonal view of yet another embodiment of he invention in the 20 use state.

Figure 17 shows an orthogonal view of the embodiment of fig. 16 in the folded state. Figures 18A, 18B, 18C, 18Dshow schematic side views of the embodiment of figures 16,17 in different stages.

Figure 19 shows a detailed side view of the embodiment of figures 16-18D.

25 Figure 20 shows an orthogonal view of a carrying strap for carrying shoes.

Detailed description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the footwear item 10 of the invention in top view. The footwear item 10 comprises a sole 12 which is divided in three sole parts 12A, 12B, and 30 12C. A toe sole part 12A is connected to a middle sole part 12B via a first hinge connection 14A. The middle sole part 12B is connected to the heel sole part 12C via a second hinge connection 14B.

The footwear item has a toe end 70 and a heel end 72.

A toe holder 16 is provided on the toe sole part 12A. A first hole 17 is provided in 35 the toe sole part 12A ( see Figure 2), a second hole 18 is provided in the middle sole part 12B and a third hole 19 is provided in the heel sole part 12C.

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The sole 12 has the form of an ordinary sole. The perimeter 21 of the sole 12 has a rounded shape. The footwear item of figure 1 is to be worn on a left foot.

The first connection 12A defines a first hinge axis 28A and the second connection 12B defines a second hinge axis 28B. The first and second hinge axis 28A, 28B extend 5 substantially parallel, but may also extend at an acute angle relative to one another of about 0 -20 degrees.

A toe holder (or fixation device) 20 is provided on the toe sole part 12A.

Figure 2 shows the underside of the embodiment of figure 1. The footwear item 10 comprises a heel 24 having an underside 26 which in use contacts the ground. The 10 underside 26 may define an opening 30 which provides access to a cavity 32 inside the heel. However, it is also possible that the heel 24 is closed on the underside 26.

The heel 24 may have an oval or substantially oval cross-section, a circular or substantially circular cross-section, a square or substantially square form or have another form.

15 The toe sole part 12A has a hole 17, which will be elucidated further below.

The sole 12 may be provided with ribbles or other projections known in the art for increasing the grip on the ground.

Turning to Figure 3, the footwear item 10 is show in side view. The footwear item 10 is in the use state and ready to use. The footwear item has a length 62. The sole parts have 20 an upper side 50 and a lower side 51 and a thickness 53.

The three holes 17, 18, 19 are visible and extend all the way through the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C. The toe holder comprises a body 36 and a span member 38. The body 36 has a length 44 which is greater than the width 46. The body 36 is elongate and comprises a lower end 40 and an upper end 42. The body 36 may have a substantially circular cross-25 section, but other forms are also possible.

A span member 38 is connected to the upper end of the body. The span member 38 has a width 48 which is greater than the width of the body 36. The span member has a thickness 49 and is flat. Different forms of the span member 38 are possible.

The body 36 is able to slide through the opening 17 in the toe sole part 12A over a 30 certain length. The span member 38 functions as a stop to prevent the toe holder 20 from sliding all the way through the hole 17 in the sole part 12A.

At the end 40, another stop is provided to prevent the toe holder 20 to slide out of the hole 17 at the end 40. The stop can be a tapering part of the body 36 which matches a tapering form of the hole 17. Different kinds of stops are also possible.

35 A magnet 52 is provided at the lower end 40, the function of which will be discussed further below.

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The toe holder 20 thus is movable between an upper position as shown and a lower position. In the lower position, the span member 38 engages an upper surface 50 of the toe sole part 12A.

The heel 24 has a somewhat widening or tapering form. The lower end 60 has a 5 smaller cross-sectional area than the upper end 61 of the heel. The heel may be attached to the heel sole part 12C, but may also be integral with the heel sole part 12C.

The heel 24 comprises a cavity 32 which is open at the tope thereof via opening 19. The cavity has a length 54 and a width 56. The width corresponds substantially to the width 46 of the body 36. The length corresponds substantially to the length 44 of the body, such 10 that the cavity is suitable to accommodate the body 36. At a lower end 58 of the cavity, a magnet 33 is provided which is fixed in the cavity 32.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the footwear item wil additionally comprise bands or strings to connect the footwear item to the ankle or other parts of the foot of the user. Thus, Figure 3 may not show a complete embodiment of the footwear item.

15 Figures 4, 5, 6 show the toe holder 20 in more detail. The magnet 52 has a greater width than the body 36 and thus forms simple stop to prevent the toe holder from completely coming out of the hole 17. The width of the magnet 52 still remains small enough to be able to pass through holes 18, 19. From figure 6 it is clear that the magnet 52 is not wider than the body 36 in all horizontal directions, but only in a direction which is substantially 20 transverse to a longitudinal axis of the footwear item.

The body 36 tapers outwardly near the span member 38 in order to provide a solid connection with the span member. The width of the body 36 is small enough to fit between the large toe and the second toe of a user. The length of the body 36 is large enough to allow the span member 38 to span over a part of the foot of the user near the toes. Both the 25 body 36 and the span member 38 have a somewhat rounded shape to easily guide the toes when the footwear item is put on the foot or removed from the foot.

The span member 38 may be disconnectable from the body 36, in order to be exchangeable with another span member 38. The span member 38 may serve as a support for a visual sign, an ornament, a logo or brand, a form of an animal, a humanoid figure, a 30 text, a form of a known object, a fantasy form, an image, or another visual item.

Turning to the shown sequences of figures 7A-7E, 8A-8E and 9A-9E, the folding of the footwear item 10 is disclosed. In Figures 7A, 8A and 9A, the footwear item 10 is in the unfolded or expanded state, i.e. the use state. The toe sole part 12A, the middle sole part 12B and the heel sole part 12C form a continuous sole 12 which is ready to support a foot of 35 a user. The toe holder 20 is ready to accommodate the toes of the user, and the heel 24 is ready to support the heel of the user.

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In Figures 7B, 8B and 9B, the toe sole part 12a is raised and the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C start to hinge relative to one another. This movement continues in Figures 7C, 8C, 9C, from which it is clear that at some point, the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C will have a Z-like configuration.

5 In Figures 7D, 8D and 9D, the toe sole part 12A, 12B, 12C engage one another and come to rest in the folded state. The upper side of the middle sole part 12 B folds onto the upper side of the heel sole part 12C and the underside of the toe sole part 12A folds onto the underside of the middle sole part 12B.

In Figures 7E, 8E and 9E, the toe holder 20 is inserted into the heel 24 and the 10 footwear item is in the folded state. In this state, the footwear item has only limited dimensions and a limited volume, and can be carried in a purse relatively easy.

Various variations to the design are possible. The toe sole part 12A may be provided with a cushion in order to provide more comfort to the heel of a user. The heel sole part 12C may be provided with a slight indentation in order to provide more comfort to the 15 heel of a user.

Figure 10 shows a view of the footwear item in the use state. A cushion 64 may be provided on the toe sole part 12A. An indentation 66 may be provided on the heel sole part 12C.

Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the footwear item in the folded state.

20 Turning to Figure 12A, another embodiment according to the invention is shown.

This embodiment comprises a flexible sole 12 manufactured from a flexible material. The sole 12 comprises sole part 12A, 12B, 12C which are integral with one another. The footwear item comprises a toe holder 20 and a heel 24 which are similar to the toe holder 20 and heel of the embodiment of figures 1-9.

25 Instead of connections 14A, 14B which act as hinges, the sole 12 itself folds into three sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C. at folding sections 15A, 15B. The footwear item is fixed in the folded state in very much the same way as the embodiment of figures 1 -9.

It is also possible that the footwear item does not have a heel 24, but that the body 36 of the toe holder 20 is connected to the underside 51 of the heel sole part 12C.

30 Turning to Figure 12B, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The sole 12 is divided in three parts, i.e. sole parts 12A, 12B and 12C. Two sole parts are relatively soft, i.e. the toe sole part 12A and the middle sole part 12B. One part is relatively hard, i.e. the heel sole part 12C. The soft part may be a different material than the hard part of the sole. The hard part 12C may be integrated with the heel 24.

35 This embodiment comprises one folding section 15A between the toe sole part 12A

and the middle sole part 12B and one hinge connection 14B between the middle sole part 12B and the heel sole part 12C.

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Turning to figure 13, another embodiment is shown in which the toe holder 20 has substantially the form of a staple or an inverted U. The toe holder 20 comprises two bodies 36 connected to one another via a bridge-like span member 38. Two holes 17A, 17B are provided in the toe sole part 12A, and two holes 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B are provided in the 5 middle sole part 12B and heel sole part 12C.

In this embodiment, the toe holder 20 has two bodies 36, which have a slightly different position than the single body 36 of the embodiment of figures 1-12. The sole 12 may need to be slightly modified in order to ensure that the holes 18A, 18B fall within the middle sole part 12B. For instance, the middle sole part 12B may be somewhat broader, or 10 the hinge connections 14B, 14C may oriented at an angle with respect to one another.

Turning to Figures 14A, 14B, 14C.14D, and 15, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The embodiment comprises a lock mechanism 76 to lock at least one sole part in the use position relative to another sole part. Here, the middle sole part 12B is locked relative to the heel sole part 12C. Details of the lock mechanism 76 are shown in 15 Figure 15.

The lock mechanism 76 comprises a projection 78. The projection 78 is formed on a forward ridge 80 of the heel 24 or the heel sole part 12C. The projection 78 extends in the forward direction, and extends under the middle sole part 12B over a certain distance 82. The projection 78 may have the form of a tongue. The projection 78 extends at an angle 20 downward. The angle corresponds substantially to an angle at which the middle sole part 12B extends in the use state.

In the projection 78, a metal part 84 or a magnet 84 is provided. The metal part 84 may be a plate or sheet material. In the middle sole part 12B, a matching magnet 85 or metal part 85 is provided. The magnet 85 is provided in a recess 87 in the middle sole part 25 12B which accommodates the projection 78. Together, the magnets or the combination of a magnet and metal part form the locking device 76.

The locking device 76 is configured to maintain the footwear item 10 in the locked state during use, e.g. during walking, but to be able to be unlocked by the user with relative ease when the footwear item is to be transformed into the folded state.

30 In Figure 14A it can be seen that in the use state, the projection 78 engages the underside 51 of the middle sole part 12 B. The magnet 84 will engage the magnet 85 and the footwear item will be locked in the use state. In Figure 14B, the magnets 84, 85 are disengaged and the footwear item 10 can be transformed into the folded state.

In Figures 14C and 14D the footwear item is collapsed into the folded state in the 35 regular way.

Different kinds of locking devices 76 are conceivable, such as slideable pin which can slide in a hole.

- 15-

Turning to Figures 16, 17, 18A,18B, 18C.18D and 19, another embodiment according to the invention is shown. The toe holder 20 comprises a cover 90 which is constructed to cover the toes. The toe holder 20 is configured to accommodate the toes of the user in an inner space 88 thereof. The cover 90 comprises side walls 91, a front wall 92 5 and a top 93. The side walls 91, front wall 92 and top 93 go over into one another. The embodiment does not comprise a body 36 which extends between the toes, but rather the toe holder 20 extends around the toes of a user.

The cover 20 is semi-hard and deformable, in such a way that the cover can be collapsed when the footwear item 10 is folded in the collapsed state. This is shown in figures 10 18D and 17. The cover 20 is collapsed onto the toe sole part 12a.

A metal part 94 is provided in the top 93 of the cover 20. The metal part 94 may be a wire mesh. Instead of a metal part, a magnet may also be used.

This embodiment does not have holes in the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C, because the toe holder 20 is formed differently. The embodiment comprises magnets 95, 96, 97 which 15 are provided in the sole part 12A, 12B, 12C in suitable positions. A first magnet 95 is provided in the toe sole parti2A. A second magnet is provided in the middle sole part 12B and a third magnet 97 is provided in the heel sole part 12C. The magnets 95, 96 are active both at the underside 51 of the sole part as at the upper side 50 of the sole part. The magnet 95 is constructed to engage magnet 96 and is constructed to engage metal part 94 20 in the folded state. The magnet 96 is constructed to engage magnet 95 and magnet 97 in the heel sole part 12C.

The metal part 94 is constructed to engage the magnet 95 in the folded state, so that the cover 20 remains collapsed.

The magnets 95, 96, 97 may be provided in the respective sole parts in many 25 different ways and positions. The function of the magnets 95, 96, 97 and the metal part 94 is to keep the footwear item 10 in the folded state once it has been collapsed. Different configurations of the magnets are possible to this end. In an embodiment, the magnets 65, 96, 97 are not aligned with one another in the folded state. It is also possible that two magnets are provided in the middle sole part, one magnet 96A at the underside 51 and one 30 magnet at the upper side 50 of the middle sole part.

The embodiment also comprises the locking device 76.

Figures 18C and 18D show that the cover is collapsed in the direction of arrow 101 after the sole parts have been folded onto one another.

Turning to Figure 20, the invention further relates to a carrying strap 100 for 35 carrying shoes. The strap 100 comprises a first loop 102 and a second loop 103. The loops 102, 103 are manufactured from respective flexible elongate members 105A, 105B. The flexible elongate members 105A, 105B may be a string or a ribbon. An adjustment member -16- 104 is provided with which the size of the loops 102, 103 can be changed. The adjustment member 104 comprises at least one through hole 106 through which the flexible elongate members 105A, 105B extend. Each flexible elongate member 105A, 105B extends through the hole 106 twice, such that the two loops 102, 103 are formed.

5 The adjustment member 104 is configured to slide along the flexible elongate members 105A, 105B in the direction of arrows 110, 111 in order to vary the size of the loops 102, 103. In a first position of the adjustment member 104, the size of the loops 102, 103 is large enough to insert a first shoe in an opening 118 defined by the first loop 102 and to insert a second shoe in an opening 119 defined by the second loop 103. The adjustment 10 member 104 can then be slid in the direction of arrow 110 in order to decrease the size of the loops 102, 103 and to cause the shoes to remain strapped in the strap 100.

The strap 100 further comprises a handle 112 which is constructed to be held in the hand of a user.

In an embodiment, the carrying strap 100 comprises two closed loops 102, 103, 15 wherein at one end 114 the closed loops 102, 103 are interconnected to form a handle 112. At an opposite end 116, the two closed loops 102, 103 are not interconnected and form individual loops 102, 103.

In an embodiment, the carrying strap 100 is combined in a combination (or kit-of-parts) with a left and right footwear item 10 of the invention.

20 In use, for instance at an end of a party, the user takes off her regular high heeled shoes and ties the high heeled shoes in the carrying strap 100. The user then puts on the footwear itemsIO of the invention and is capable of walking comfortably again. One advantage of the heel may be that the user still feels feminine and sexy. Other advantages may also exist.

25 The present invention may be suitable for a high-end fashion market.

The regular high heeled shoes can be carried on the shoulder or on the wrist with the carrying strap.

It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the details and the arrangement of the parts may be varied over considerable range without departing from the spirit of the 30 invention and the scope of the claims.

Claims

Footwear comprising a sole comprising a plurality of sole parts, wherein the footwear is transformable between: - a position of use in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear, and 5. a folded condition in which the sole parts are substantially folded together.

2. Footwear according to claim 1, wherein the respective sole parts are connected to each other by means of respective connections that act as a hinge.

3. Footwear as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising three sole parts: - a toe sole part, a midsole part, and - a heel sole part, wherein the toe sole part is connected to the midsole part by means of a first connection and which the midsole part by means of a second connection which acts as a hinge is connected to the heel sole part. 20

The footwear of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole parts are constructed to fold substantially together in a zigzag type configuration.

Footwear according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the upper side of the midsole part is adapted to fold on the upper side of the heel sole part and wherein the underside of the toe sole part is arranged to fold on the underside of the midsole part.

Footwear according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening device for fastening the footwear in the folded state, the fastening device being an integral part of the footwear. -18-

The footwear of claim 6, wherein the fastening device is constructed to: perform a first function of fixing the footwear in the folded state, and 5. perform a second other function in the condition of use of the footwear.

8. Footwear as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the fastening device is constructed, in the position of use, to engage on a part of the foot in order to keep the footwear on the foot at the desired position on the foot.

9. Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising: a fastening device for fastening the footwear in the folded state, and 15. a heel, wherein the heel is constructed to be a part of or cooperate with the fastening device.

10. Footwear as claimed in any of claims 6-9, comprising a heel defining a volume, wherein the fastening device is constructed to be positioned at least partially in the volume defined by the heel in the folded state.

11. Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising an element which is constructed to serve as a toe piece in the position of use and is arranged to serve as a fastening device in the folded state.

12. Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a toe holder connected to a sole part and movable relative to said sole part between two operational positions: 30. a position of use in which the toe holder protrudes from the sole part and provides a connection between the footwear and the user's foot in the area of the toes, and - a compact position in which the toe holder protrudes considerably less from the sole part than in the position of use and functions as a fastening device for fastening the footwear in the folded condition. -19-

13. Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprises a toe holder which is constructed to slide with respect to the sole part to which it is connected.

The footwear of claim 12 or 13, wherein the toe holder is constructed to slide through a hole in the toe sole part.

15. Footwear as claimed in any of the claims 12-14, wherein the sole parts each comprise a hole, wherein in the folded state the holes are aligned with each other and wherein the toe holder is adapted to extend through said holes in the folded state to fix the foot covering in the folded state.

16. Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a toe holder that is movable relative to the sole such that: in the unfolded position the toe holder protrudes upwards at least partially from the sole, and in the folded state the toe holder extends upwards. at least partially downward from the sole protruding into the heel. 20

17. Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a toe holder which comprises: a toe slit part comprising a connecting means for connection to the sole and comprising a body which is adapted - in use - to extend upwards from the sole by a gap between the big toe and the toe adjacent to the big toe, and a stretch portion that is wider than the body and that is connected to an upper end of the body and is arranged to extend over an area of the foot near the big toe and the second toe. 30

Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a fastening device, in particular a toe holder, which comprises a connector for fixing the fastening device to the heel or the heel sole part of the footwear, in order to keep the footwear in the folded condition . 35

Footwear as claimed in claim 18, comprising a heel and a toe holder, wherein the toe holder is adapted to be inserted into the heel at least partially in the folded state, the connector being constructed around the toe holder in said inserted position to connect with the heel.

The footwear of claim 19, wherein the connector comprises: 5. a magnet attached to the toe holder, and a magnet attached to the heel or heel sole portion, to allow the toe holder to snap onto the heel, in order to fix the footwear in the folded state.

A footwear according to claim 17, wherein the extension part of the toe holder is adapted to act as a stop which - in the folded state - prevents the unfolding of the sole parts, so that the sole parts are kept in the folded state.

Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the footwear further comprises a fastening means connected to the sole, the fastening means being adapted to connect the footwear to the user's foot, in particular to the user's ankle .

Footwear as claimed in claim 22, wherein the connecting means comprise flexible elongate parts which are adapted to be positioned at least partially around the ankle.

24. Footwear as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the connecting means are adapted to be connected to at least one heel end of the sole and to the sole near the second connecting device.

25. Footwear as claimed in any of claims 2-24, wherein the joints that act as a hinge define pivot axes that are substantially parallel to each other or extend relative to each other at an acute angle of 0 to 20 degrees.

26. Footwear as claimed in any of the claims 2-25, wherein the sole parts have a thickness and a bottom side and top side, wherein the first connecting device 35 which acts as a hinge is provided near the bottom side of the sole parts which are connected thereto and wherein the second connecting device which acts as a hinge is provided near the top of the sole parts that are connected thereto.

27. Footwear as claimed in any of the claims 2-26, wherein the connections that act as a hinge comprise: - a relatively thin, easily deformable material that functions as a hinge, and / or - at least one pin pivotable in at least at least one hole of a holder.

Footwear as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a closing device which is adapted to fix at least two sole parts relative to each other in the unfolded state, such that the sole parts form a form-stable sole.

Footwear as claimed in claim 28, wherein the closing device comprises a pin for moving between: - a non-closed position wherein the pin is positioned in a first shutter holder provided in a sole part, a closed position in which the pin is positioned at least partially is in both the first shutter holder and a second shutter holder in the second sole part.

The footwear of claim 28, wherein the shutter device comprises: a first magnet mounted on a protrusion of a sole part 25 and a second magnet mounted on an adjacent sole part, the second magnet being constructed to engage in the condition of use on the first magnet.

Footwear according to any of claims 13 to 26 and 28-29, wherein the sole or at least a part of the sole is made of a relatively soft material, wherein the sole can be folded between the position of use and the folded state in folding areas which form an integral part of the sole.

Footwear as claimed in any of the claims 9-31, comprising a cover part which is adapted to at least partially cover the toes of the user 35-22 during use, the cover part being connected to the toe sole part and in the folded condition can be folded on the toe sole part.

Footwear according to claim 32, wherein the cover part comprises a fastening device 5 which is adapted to fix the cover part on the toe sole part in a folded state.

A combination comprising left and right footwear according to claim 1.

A combination according to claim 34, wherein the left and right footwear comprise a fixing device for fixing the footwear in the folded state, wherein the fixing device is an integral part of the footwear and wherein the fixing device is constructed to, in the condition of use, to grip on a part of the foot in order to keep the footwear at the desired position on the foot.

A carrying strap for wearing footwear, the carrying strap comprising: a first loop of a variable format formed by a first elongated flexible member, 20. a second loop of variable format formed by a second elongated flexible member, a handle, and an adjusting member comprising at least one through hole through which the flexible, elongated members extend, the adjusting member being adapted to slide along the flexible elongated members to vary the size of the first and second loop.

37. A method for folding or unfolding footwear, comprising the method, 30. providing footwear comprising a sole comprising a plurality of sole parts, wherein the footwear is transformable between: i. a condition of use in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear ii. a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded on top of each other, and the folding of the footwear from the position of use to the folded state or the unfolding of the footwear from the folded state to the use condition.

A method according to claim 37, wherein the footwear comprises a fixing device, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the footwear in the position of use, wherein the fixing device is an integral part of the footwear and engages a part of the foot purpose keeping the footwear on the foot in the desired position, b) removing the footwear from the user's foot, c) folding the footwear from the position of use to the folded state, and d) fixing the footwear in the folded state with the fixing device, or a) providing the footwear in the folded state, wherein the fixing device keeps the footwear in the folded state, b) loosening or uncoupling the fixing device, c) unfolding the footwear from the folded state to the position of use, the fixing device engaging a part of the foot in order to position the footwear at the desired position (d) to place the footwear on the user's foot.