CN1893844A - Footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

Footwear, such as sandals (10) has soles (11) with shapes replicating surfboard designs, such as 'pintail', 'swallow tail' and 'square tail' and may incorporate leg ropes (16), stringers (620), hips or flyers (430, 431), raised heel grips (840) and ornamentation of one-, two- or three fins. The raised heel grips (840) provide support and/or grip to a wearer's heel. The footwear may also be used as a hand surfer for body surfers and incorporate wrist strap for releasable attachment to a wearer's wrist.

Description

footwear

technical field

The present invention relates to articles of footwear.

The present invention is particularly applicable to, but not limited to, sandals, including sandals of the type commonly referred to as "thongs".

The invention also relates to a shoe that can be used as a hand surfer by a body surfer.

Background technique

Although footwear must meet the practical requirements of protecting the wearer's feet, footwear has long been a fashion item, especially loafers for young people. Often, in order to be successful, shoe manufacturers must utilize certain features or structural components that are eye-catching and appealing to consumers. While widespread recognition of a trademark is important, new competitors in the shoe market can gain a significant advantage over established brands if they can offer structural features that attract consumers' attention.

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an attractive design of an article of footwear, in particular a sandal.

A preferred aim is to provide a design which is inexpensive to apply to footwear and which will be attractive to consumers.

Another preferred object is to combine the shape of the tail of a surfboard with the shape of traditional footwear such as thongs to provide a significantly different thong (shoe) shape.

Another preferred object is to provide a shape that also mimics one or more surfboard shape structures including waist corners or wings, fins, spines, leg lanyards, signage, labels and aesthetic structures.

Another preferred object is to provide footwear that can be used as a hand surfer by body surfers.

Other preferred objects will become clear from the description below.

In one aspect, the invention relates to an article of footwear, preferably a sandal, comprising a sole, wherein at least a rear portion of the sole is shaped to mimic the shape of the tail of a surfboard.

Preferably, the underside of the sole incorporates a pattern or trim that mimics one to three fins of a surfboard.

In a preferred embodiment, two or more fins may extend beneath the sole to form a raised heel portion.

Tail shapes for surfboards that are replicated may include (a) "pintail"; (b) "swallowtail"; and (c) "squaretail".

The sides of the sole may employ a waist or wings to complement the tail shape, wherein the waist or wings mimic those on a surfboard.

The shape can also feature a colored spine that runs from the front end to the rear end, mimicking the spine of a surfboard.

Preferably, the upper side of the sole is provided with a raised heel pad, preferably with an additional grip, for example to mimic a deck grip or "gorilla-grip" on a surfboard. )". Preferably, the heel pad includes an obliquely forwardly directed face and a patterned or contoured upper side surface and provides support and/or grip for the wearer's heel.

The sole may contain eyelets for the leg laces, or a pattern or ornament replicating them.

The upper side of the sole may contain signs, labels, and other surfboard aesthetics to mimic a surfboard.

In another aspect, the invention relates to footwear as described above for use as a hand surfer for a body surfer.

Preferably, the hand surfer includes a wrist strap attachable at one end to the sole and at the other end to the wearer's wrist.

Preferably, the hand surfer includes a front strap extending transversely relative to the sole adjacent a front end of the sole, said front strap being engageable by a wearer's hand and/or fingers.

Description of drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1(a) to (g) respectively show the front view, side view, top view, bottom view, rear view, top side perspective view and bottom side perspective view of the shoe with imitation " "pintail" surfboard-shaped soles, which are used on sandals;

Figures 2(a) to (g) show similar views of a shoe with a sole in the shape of a "dovetail" surfboard imitating a single wing;

Figures 3(a) to (g) show similar views of a shoe with a sole in the shape of a "square tail" surfboard imitating a single wing;

Figures 4(a) to (g) show similar views of a shoe with a "square tail" surfboard shaped sole that mimics the wings;

Figures 5(a) to (d) show front, side, top and rear views of a shoe with a sole mimicking a "dovetail" surfboard shape with a raised heel grip;

Figures 6 and 7 are top and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of a shoe used as a hand surfer;

Figures 8(a) to (h) are side, top, bottom and perspective views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a shoe being used as a handheld surfboard, a perspective view of a wrist strap, and showing the assembly of the wrist strap side view.

Detailed ways

As stated above, the present invention is directed to the sole structure of a shoe, preferably a sandal type of shoe such as a thong, with structural features that mimic the shape or aesthetic structure of a surfboard to create an attractive design structure.

Specifically, as will be illustrated in the preferred embodiments described hereinafter, the sole may mimic one or more of the following features of a surfboard:

(a) Tail shape—for example, "pintail," "swallowtail," and "square tail";

(b) hip or wing—one or more hips or wings cut at the side to complement the shape (and aesthetics) of the tail;

(c) Raised heel pads—used to provide surfboard-shaped panel grips for the wearer's heel support, additional grips, and longer-lasting heel soles;

(d) Fin system—a decorative element located on the underside of the sole that imitates a single-fin, double-fin, or triple-fin structure;

(e) Leg tethers—decorative pieces imitating leg tethers;

(f) Ridge—a trim piece extending centrally from front to rear to mimic the wooden spine found on all surfboards; and

(g) Artistic Aesthetics - A decorative piece, preferably on the upper side of the sole, to replicate placards, labels and artistic aesthetics, including a champion surfer's signature/approval graphic.

Figures 1 (a) to (g) show a front view, a side view, a top view, a bottom view, a rear view, a top side perspective view and a bottom side perspective view, respectively, of a thong-type sandal 10 (for the right foot), Wherein the sole 11 comprises a rear side (or heel) portion 12 shaped to replicate the shape of a "needle tail" surfboard with a single wing 30; and a trim piece on the upper side to simulate a single wing.

The front portion 13 of the sole 11, and the strap 14 are shown in dashed lines, as they are known shapes and do not form part of the invention.

It is preferred. The middle portion (arch portion) 20 of the sole 11 is wider than conventional sandals to ensure that the sole 11 accurately replicates the structural features and proportions of a surfboard. The wider mid-section or arched section 20 allows one or more lateral waist corners or wings 30 to be provided, and this is accomplished as the sole narrows toward the rear side portion - forming a "needle tail" shape in this embodiment . The wider central or arched portion 20 allows for any surfboard configuration shape and provides sufficient area for the heel and raised heel pad (described below).

A "single fin" 15, such as a contrasting color material, is molded or fixed in (or on) the underside of the backside portion 12 to imitate a surfboard fin.

The "leg lanyard hole" 16 mimics the leg lanyard hole on a surfboard, where the leg lanyard hole 16 can be an actual hole through the sole 11, or it can be a contrasting colored material that is molded or affixed to the underside of the sole 11 parts. Leg cords (not shown) may protrude from aperture 16 .

Although the embodiment of Figures 1(a) to (g) mimics a "pintail" shape with a single wing (and a single fin), the shape can be modified to include a pair of wings, see Figure 4(a) to (g) as above, and the trim piece may mimic double fins or triple fins.

Figures 2(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 210 in which the rear (or heel) portion 212 of the sole 211 is modeled after a V-shaped recess 217, a wing 230 and a pair of "fins" 215. Decorative "dovetail" surfboard.

Figures 3(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 410 in which the rear (or heel) portion 412 of the sole 411 mimics the "square tail" of the trim with a single wing 430 and three fins 415 surfboard.

It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the "double fins" 215 and "triple fins" 415 may extend under the underside of the sole 211, 411 to form a raised heel.

As noted above, the sole 11, 211, 411 may be modified to include two wings (described below) and a single, double or triple fin trim, as desired.

In all three embodiments shown in Figures 1 (a) to (g), Figures 2 (a) to (g) and Figures 3 (a) to (g), the heel portion 12, 212, 412 is elongated, to enable the replication of three optional surfboard shapes that are wider than the heel area. Additionally, the additional length allows for a wider shape than conventional raised heel pads, as will be described below with reference to Figures 5(a) to (d).

Fig. 4 (a) to (g) shows the modification of the sandal 410 of Fig. 3 (a) to (g)

Example.

Sandal 610 includes a "strip" 620 of contrasting color material centered along the upper side of sole 611 that extends from toe to heel to mimic the wooden ridge along a surfboard - see Figure 4(c).

As shown in FIG. 4( c ), material resembling three fins 615 may extend below rear portion 612 of sole 611 (as shown in dashed lines) to form a raised heel portion on the underside of sole 611 .

When comparing the sole 611 of FIG. 4 with the sole 411 of FIG. 3, it will be noted that there are two waist corners or wings 630, 631 on each side along the rear portion 612, whereas for the sole 411 there are There is only one loin or wing 430 .

As mentioned above, additional waist corners or wings may also be provided on the soles 11, 211 of Figs. 1 and 2 respectively; while the number of fins replicated on the underside of the soles may vary.

5 (a) to (d), the sandal 810 includes a sole 811, which according to the sole 211 of the sandal 210 of FIG. 2 comprises a "dovetail" shape;

A raised heel grip pad 840 is provided on the upper side of the rear portion 812, and the dimensions shown are for a size 11 (imperial) sandal by way of example only.

The actual shape of the heel grip pad 840 can vary, but it preferably includes a narrowed front side 841 and a patterned or textured top side surface 842 designed to match the panel grip on a surfboard or so-called "Grip" the wearer's heel in the same way as the "Strong Grip" of the shoe.

The heel grip pad 840 can be provided on any of the above-mentioned shaped soles (for example, "pintail"/single or double wings; "square tail"/single or double wings; "swallowtail"/single or double wings), wherein the trim Can replicate single, double or triple fins and/or wooden ridges. The heel grip pad 840 is a replica of the panel grips used on surfboards and provides both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The heel grip pad 840 is integrated with the sole 811 to provide a raised heel area which provides the performance advantage of more heel support than traditional thong sandals, the heel grip pad is provided with an additional grip, thereby When walking and pacing and/or deploying, ensure that the wearer's heels remain on the raised pad area.

Preferably, the heel grip pad 840 is molded from an ultra-soft spongy (rubber or plastic) material, that is to say softer than the material of the balance of the sole 811, and the heel grip The grip pad may include a slightly concave surface 842 to help locate/grip the wearer's heel. A wide range of textures/patterns may be included on the topside surface 842 of the grip pad 840 .

The raised heel grip pad 840 has the added advantage of resulting in a long-lasting thong. In addition, pad 840 also improves the accuracy with which sole 810 mimics a surfboard because pad 840 mimics the panel grip on a surfboard known as a "power grip."

Sandals 10, 210, 410, 610, 810 are comfortable to wear and provide attractive aesthetic appeal to sandals or other footwear equipped with soles 11, 211, 411, 611, 811.

The shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are merely examples and do not limit the invention.

By including (or deleting) various structures, the sole can mimic an almost infinite variety of surfboards. Less expensive styles may, for example, not include trim pieces to mimic fins, ridges and/or leg cords, and/or not include raised heel grip pads. With increasing structures, different price ranges can be covered. "Preferred" styles may include all structures described/shown, and may also include a wide range of signage/label/aesthetic structure options. "Limited Edition" or "Signature" tags may include the champion surfer/board shape/builder's identification/approval. The range of colors/graphics available is virtually unlimited.

The combination of the surfboard shape and the footwear results in a unique, eye-catching design structure that has the ability to appeal not only to surfers but also to the general consumer.

Additionally, the use of a raised heel grip pad provides a functionally improved product for the reasons described above.

The invention is not limited to sandals of the thong type shown, but can be applied to all other sandals, and indeed to other types of footwear.

Referring to Figures 6, 7 and 8, the footwear as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 can be used as a hand surfer for body surfers.

A hand surfer is a water craft that is worn on a swimmer's left or right hand to aid in surfing.

In general, hand surfers consist of a wide plastic or foam structure which is secured to the hand by straps to aid in the flatness advantage.

Surfing without any paddle aid is known as body surfing. In body surfing, the surfer catches the wave and uses their torso and hands to slide straight down the face of the wave. For body surfing, a surfer needs speed and body area to stay on top of the water and travel along the wave.

Experienced body surfers surf left or right on the face of the wave. Bodysurfing across the face of the wave allows the bodysurfer to achieve high speeds and experience the sensation of drifting or wrapping—this is when the wave throws a large body of water over an experienced bodysurfer. Experienced body surfers surf on stronger parts of the wave and need to keep themselves in the preferred flat position and help prevent pushing to the bottom side of the wave which in turn means the end of the surf.

Experienced body surfers can be assisted by a handheld surfer worn on the left or right hand. When bodysurfing with a hand surfer, the hand surfer provides the body surfer with a controlled flat area to aid in maneuverability, flat power and length of the surf. A body surfer utilizing a handheld surfboard can travel similar distances as a surfboard while surfing across waves. A handheld surfer is a type of executive paddle made specifically for body surfers.

The footwear of the present invention can be used as a hand surfer to aid in the wakeboarding performance of a body surfer.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a hand surfer 1010 of a first embodiment comprises a sole 1011 incorporating any shape/decoration as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, eg a square tail 1012 with a single wing 1030.

Preferably, the leg strap is replaced by a wrist strap 1070 which is anchored at one end to the sole 1011, such as at the leg strap hole, and which is detachably attached at the other end around the wearer's wrist 1090 (e.g., via a "VELCRO ” logo tape).

As shown, the wearer places his hand 1091 adjacent the front end of the sole 1011 under the front strap 1014, for example, thumb 1092 and index finger 1093 on one side of toe strap 1014a, while the remaining fingers 1094 to 1096 on the other side.

The lightweight waterproof material of the sole 1011 is buoyant to provide both buoyancy and flatness benefits. The unique surfboard tail shape of the sole 1011 enables it to surf on top of the water while having a surfboard like response due to the shape of the rear portion 1012 of the sole 1011. Wings 1030 also help provide a surfboard-like response.

Wrist strap 1070 functions in the same manner as a surfboard's leg straps. The wrist strap 1070 ensures that the hand surfer 1010 remains attached to the wearer while body surfing and/or after any "overboard".

Since the sole 1011 has a larger surface area than the wearer's hand 1091 and is wider, it provides a greater flatness advantage over the hand alone.

The footwear is easy to don and secure to the hand 1091, and immediately becomes a handheld surfer when applied. As shown, the hand surfer 1010 is easily donned on the hand 1092 and the thumb 1092 and pinky 1096 allow for ultimate positioning and retention. Toe strap 1014a between index finger 1093 and middle finger 1094 provides lateral positioning of hand surfer 1010 relative to wearer's hand 1092 . At the end of body surfing, the wearer can remove the wrist strap 1070 and use the hand surfer 1010 as a shoe.

Figures 8(a) to (h) show a second embodiment of a hand surfer 1210 in which the heel portion 1212 of the sole 1211 is "dovetail" shaped with a single wing 1230 .

In this embodiment, the wrist strap 1270 is a length of cord or cord 1271 having a loop 1272 at one end and a locking pin 1273 at the other end.

As shown in Figure 8(a), (b), (d) and (e), cord or cord 1271 is threaded through loop 1272 to form an adjustable loop that will be secured to the wearer's wrist (not shown). shown) on.

Locking pin 1273 is inserted through leg rope hole 1216 (seeing Fig. 8 (f)); Transversely places below the heel portion 1212 of sole 1211 (seeing Fig. 8 (g)); And rope 1271 is pulled to lock pin 1273 It is fixed against the underside of the sole 1211 (see FIG. 8(h)).

To loosen the wrist strap 1270, the steps of Figures 8(f) to (h) are reversed.

The dual performance shoe/handsurf of the present invention is unique due to the shape of the tail of a surfboard replicated in the heel portion of the sole of the shoe.

Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and shown without departing from the invention.

Claims (14)

1, a kind of article of footwear, it comprises sole, wherein, the rear section at least of described sole is shaped as the tail shape of imitated surfboard.

2, article of footwear according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the downside of described sole comprises the pattern or the decoration of one to three fin of imitated surfboard.

3, article of footwear according to claim 2 is characterized in that, two or more fins extend below described sole, to form the s heel portion of projection.

4, article of footwear according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the tail shape of the surfboard of being copied comprises (a) " pintail "; (b) " swallow-tail form "; (c) " square tail shape ".

5, article of footwear according to claim 4 is characterized in that, the sidepiece of described sole comprises the haunch or the wing that replenishes described tail shape, the haunch or the wing on the imitated surfboard of the wherein said haunch or the wing.

6, article of footwear according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described sole comprises the plate ridge that has color, and it extends to the rear end from front end, copies the plate ridge of surfboard at the upside of described sole.

According to the article of footwear described in the claim 1, it is characterized in that 7, the upside of described sole is provided with the saddle of projection, it has additional grasping part, with panel grasping part or " the powerful grasping part " on the imitated surfboard.

8, article of footwear according to claim 7 is characterized in that, described saddle comprises and turn forward the face that points to and have pattern or the uper side surface of profile, and provides supporting and/or grasping part for the heel of wearer.

9, article of footwear according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described sole comprises leg rope hole, perhaps copies its pattern or decoration.

10, article of footwear according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the upside of described sole comprises other aesthetic structures of label, label and/or surfboard.

11, a kind of hand-held surfing device of body-surf person's usefulness that comprises the arbitrary described article of footwear of claim 1 to 10.

12, hand-held surfing device according to claim 11 is characterized in that, also comprises wrist strap, and it at one end is suitable for being connected on the sole, and is suitable for being connected on the wrist of wearer at the other end.

13, hand-held surfing device according to claim 12, it is characterized in that, described wrist strap comprises the rope or the rope of certain-length, described rope or rope at one end have fake and have stop pin at the other end, described rope or rope pass described fake so that be connected on the wrist of wearer, and described stop pin can be bonded in the leg rope hole of described sole.

14, according to claim 11 or 12 described hand-held surfing devices, it is characterized in that, also comprise the front side band, the anterior end of its contiguous described sole is with respect to described sole horizontal expansion, and described front side band can engage the hand and/or the finger of wearer.

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