GB2303780A

GB2303780A - Spa sandal

Info

Publication number: GB2303780A
Application number: GB9615745A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Papini Rosetta
Original assignee: R and S Sales Co Inc; R&S Sales Co Inc
Current assignee: R and S Sales Co Inc; R&S Sales Co Inc
Priority date: 1995-07-28
Filing date: 1996-07-26
Publication date: 1997-03-05
Also published as: AU6076896A; GB9615745D0; CA2182140A1

Abstract

A shower or spa sandal has a molded polymeric sole having upwardly and downwardly facing surfaces. The upwardly facing surface includes rounded projections for contacting and massaging the sole of a foot. The projections include (I) a cylindrical projections 20, each of which has a hollow center and a rounded head, the hollow center passing through the structure and opening to the downwardly facing surface, (ii) tapered finger-like bristles 22, (iii) an arcuate member 24 having a hollow center, the hollow center passing through the structure and opening to the downwardly facing surface, and (iv) a solid cylindrical shaped disc 26. The projections are shaped to the contour of the foot sole. The projections are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow water to drain away from the foot and off the upwardly facing structure.

Description

SPA SANDAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is related to the provisional application U.S. Serial No. 60/001636, filed July 28, 1995 and design patent application U.S. Serial No. 29/043635 filed on September 8, 1995.

FiELD OP THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a non-slip, self-draining sandal for use in the shower, spa, swimming pool, lake, or ocean.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention facilitate the massaging of the underside of the foot and traction between the foot and the sandal.

ERPB~EBT Numerous type footwear are known having various configurations that are in contact with the sole of the foot, see for example, the following: U.S. Patent Des. 251,216 to Krippelz shows a slipper having on the insole thereof a uniform pattern of identical flat projections protruding upwardly to touch a wearer's foot.

U.S. Patent Des. 281,735 to Seltzer shows a foot massaging sandal having on the insole thereof a uniform pattern of identical spherical projections protruding upwardly to touch a wearers foot.

U.S. Patent Des. 298,583 to Yung-Mao shows a midsole for a shoe having a pattern of substantially cylindrical projections protruding downwardly to support a contoured planar midsole that is in contact with a wearer's foot.

U.S. Patent Des. 305,954 to Kin shows an insole foot having thereon a uniform pattern of spaced apart identical projections protruding upwardly to touch a wearer's foot that includes a raised arch section.

U.S. Patent No. 2,185,762 to K.M. Cox describes a shower sandal having a plurality, i.e., six, sponge rubber conoidal knobs protruding upward, wherein after soaping the bottom of the foot, the foot can be stamped up and down to cause a usquishing effects to rinse the soap from the foot.

U.S. Patent No. 3,676,940 to Shively describes a web of rubber formed with patterns of small closely spaced vacuum cups on each of the faces of the web. When compressed between two smooth surfaces, the cups grip them together. The film can be used as bathing sandal soles.

U.S. Patent No. 4,215,491 to Giannetti describes a shower boot having a lining that has a plurality of small projecting knobs, prongs or nipples which engage the exterior skin surface of the foot, ankle and lower leg regions. The movement of the foot in the boot while taking a shower provides a scrubbing effect on the foot to cleanse it.

U.S. Patent No. 4,345,387 to Daswick describes an inner sole for a shoe that has plurality of openings which are upwardly enlarged to form air pockets. Each air pocket is closed by a protrusion having a smoothly rounded upper surface. The protrusions are of three different heights and diameters, with the smaller diameter protrusions of greater height. When an impact is received oll the upper surface of the inner sole, the protrusions compress to support and cushion the under surface of the wearers foot and air flows out of and is compressed in the openings.

U.S. Patent No. 4,598,484 to H describes an insole that includes a plurality of non-slip projections that can be adjusted to conform to the curvature of the bottom of the foot.

U.S. Patent No. 4,674,203 to Goller describes an inner sole having a plurality of cylindrical lugs having rounded heads molded thereon in uniform rows. A smooth leather covering is glued thereon. The lugs are arranged to cross at an angle to each other to provide air channels under the leather covering.

U.S. Patent No. 4,694,831 to Seltzer describes an inner sole of a sandal that has upwardly projecting flat foot support platforms with foot stimulating, dome-shaped, spaced massage bumps and non-specific rounded projections on the areas of the inner sole not occupied by the platforms. The platforms having a lightly stippled surface on the areas on the platforms not occupied by the massage bumps for preventing slippage of the foot when the sandal is worn.

U.S. Patent 4,831,749 to Tsai describes an insole having a plurality of uniformly sized and spaced beads protruding upwardly and downwardly. The upper beads are interlacedly adjacent to the lower beads and separated from each other by a plurality of through holes therebetween. When the upper beads are depressed by the foot, air is pumped upwardly through the holes to ventilate the foot while the beads massage the foot.

U.S. Patent No. 4,893,418 to Qaça describes an insole wherein the bottom layer is formed of a cushioning material and the top layer is formed of apertures embedded in the bottom layer so that the cushioning material extends at least partially into the apertures in the top layer.

U.S. Patent No. 4,896,441 to Galasso describes a removable innersole that has on the underside (the side not in contact with the foot) a plurality of protruding cylindrical elements which have differing transversal dimensions, heights and hardness in different parts of the innersole to achieve a better distribution in the weight of the user along the entire surface of the inner sole.

U.S. Patent No. 4,897,937 to Misevich describes a base for an insole of a shoe that provides a non-slip surface and a mechanical interlock for holding the shoe insole in place.

U.S. Patent No. 4,910,882 to roller describes an insole for a shoe having a plurality of transverse ribs. The side facing the foot is covered with a perforated base layer. The shape of the ribs results in a reinforced reciprocal rolling effect resulting in foot massaging and aeration.

U.S. Patent No. 4,910,887 to Turner et al describes a boating shoe having a midsole that includes a drainage system that causes water seeping into the shoe to be drained therefrom.

U.S. Patent No. 5,035,068 to Biasi describes a removable insole for a shoe comprising a base having a plurality of upwardly extending compressible support columns and a pad on top of the columns to thereby form a chamber therebetween that can be aerated.

None of these known type footwear provides the unique combination of benefits exhibited by the sandal of this invention.

In particular, none of the prior art provides the cushioning, massaging and gripping effect on the foot that the sandal of this invention exhibits, while still providing water drainage capacity when used, for example, in a shower.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF TEE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a novel sandal that provides a massaging effect to the foot.

It is another object of this invention to provide a sandal that anatomically conforms to the bottom of the foot.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a sandal that can be used in the shower, pool, etc., that adequately drains water from between the bottom of the foot and the insole of the sandal.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a spa or shower sandal that grips the bottom of the foot to enhance stability and traction for the user and provides cushioning for the foot.

The foregoing objects of this invention are achieved by the shower or spa sandal of this invention. The sandal comprises an upper and a sole attached thereto. The sole is a one piece molded polymeric sole shaped structure having an upwardly facing structure and an opposed downwardly facing surface. The upwardly facing structure includes a plurality of rounded projections for contacting and massaging the sole of a foot. Each of the projections has an approximately circular base extending upwardly from the structure and a closed head on the upper end that is in contact with the sole of the foot.The plurality of projections include (I) a plurality of cylindrical projections, each of which has a hollow center and a rounded head, the hollow center passing through the structure and opening to the downwardly facing surface, (ii) a plurality of tapered finger-like bristles, (iii) an arcuate member having a hollow center, the hollow center passing through the structure and opening to the downwardly facing surface, and (iv) a solid cylindrical shaped disc. The projections on the upwardly facing structure are shaped to accommodate the contour of the foot sole so that substantially all of the surface of the foot sole is in contact with substantially all of the heads of the projections.Further, the projections are of a height and width and sufficiently spaced from each other to allow water to drain away from the foot and off the upwardly facing structure.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the sandal of this invention; Fig. 2 is cut-away top view of the sandal of this invention; Fig. 3 is top view of the sole of the sandal of this invention wIthout the upper; Fig. 4 is cross-sectional view of the sandal of this invention taken along line 4-4 of Pig. 2; Fig. 5 is a front view of the sandal of this invention; Fig. 6 is rear view of the sandal of this invention; Fig. 7 is a side view of the medial edge of the sandal of this invention; Fig. 8 is a side view of the lateral edge of the sandal of this invention; Fig. 9 is bottom view of the sandal of this invention, without the bottom of the sole; Fig. 10 is cross-sectional view of the sandal of this invention taken along lin 10-10 of Pig. 1; and Fig. 11 is a cut-away bottom view of the sandal of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Pigs. 1-11, sandal 10 of this invention has an upper or vamp 12 and a sole 14 attached thereto. Referring to Pig.

3, for example, as used herein, the "lateral edge" refers to the outside peripheral edge A of the sandal 10 and the "medial edge" refers to the inside edge B of the sandal 10. Further, as used herein, reference to the "distal end" refers to that end of the sandal near the toes C, and reference to the "proximal end" refers to that end near the heel of the sandal D. All components shown in the drawings are for a left sandal 10, the components for a right sandal being mirror images thereof.

Still referring to Fig. 3, for the purpose of understanding the invention herein, there are several portions of the sole 14 that correspond to specific regions of the foot and are designed to fit those regions. One portion of the sole 14 is the heel portion where the heel region of the foot rests. Another portion of the sole 14 is the metatarsal portion which corresponds to the arch region of the foot. Yet another portion of the sole 14 is the anterior metatarsal portion which extends from the outer longitudinal arch to the inner longitudinal arch and includes the portion of the inner sole where the ball of the foot would rest.

Still another portion of the sole 14 corresponds to the area of the sole where the toes of the foot are positioned.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 4, the upper or vamp 12 is attached to a peripheral edge 15 of the sole 14. The vamp 12 is constructed and arranged to keep the sandal secured to the foot.

The vamp 12 covers the forepart of the foot and a portion of the ankle. Typically the vamp 12 is made from a soft, flexible material, such as a cloth or fabric which will not be damaged by wet environments and dries easily to a soft, flexible consistency.

The vamp 12 may be connected to the peripheral edge of the sole 15 by stitching, gluing or a combination thereof.

The sole 14 is a one piece molded polymeric sole shaped structure having an upwardly facing structure 16 and an opposed downwardly facing surface 18. The downwardly facing surface 18 can include treads or ridges thereon to provide a non-slip surface.

The sole 14 is also of a sufficient thickness so as to provide the wearer with a degree of protection from hazardous objects on which the wearer might step.

The upwardly facing structure 16 includes a plurality of several type of rounded projections 20, 22, 24, and 26 extending upwardly from the molded sole 14 to form the upwardly facing structure that contacts the wearer's foot. The projections 20, 22, 24, and 26 are formed from a flexible polymeric or plastic material compatible with human skin.

Referring to the Figures, with Pig. 10 being helpful, generally, each of the projections 20, 22, 24, and 26 has an approximately circular base 20a, 22a, 24a, and 26a extending upwardly from the structure 16 and a closed head 20b, 22b, 24b and 26b on the upper end of the projection 20, 22, 24, and 26 that is in contact with the sole of the foot. Generally, the heads 20b, 22b, 24b and 26b of the projections 20, 22, 24, and 26 are rounded off, convex or smooth to comfortably contact a corresponding region of the sole of the foot.

In the sandal 10 of this invention, their are four different type projections 20, 22, 24, and 26. Referring, for example to Figs. 3 and 10, the dominant number of projections are cylindrical projections 20. Each one of these projections 20 has a cylindrical base 20a that has a hollow center 20c and a rounded head 20b. The hollow center 20c passes through the structure 16 to the downwardly facing surface 18 to provide an opening 21 in the surface 18. Thus, depending on the diameter and height of projection 20 and the wall thickness, this type projection not only provides support but also provides a cushioning effect created by the air that is trapped in and escapes from the hollow center 20c. For general guidance, the height of each projection 20 is about 3-9 millimeters (mm) and the diameter about 8 millimeters.

Referring, for example, to Figs. 1 and 10, other type projections in the upwardly facing structure 16 are solid, tapered finger-like bristles 22. Each bristle comprises a tapered circular base 22a ending in a spherical or rounded head 22b. These bristles 2 provide support and a massaging effect to the sole. Further, due to the bristles 22 relatively small diameter they can be used to ufill-inu between the other larger sized projections, i.e., 20, 24 and 26. For general guidance, the height of each bristle 22 is about 4-12 millimeters with a diameter of about 3-6 millimeters at the base and narrowing to about 2-4 millimeters at the top.

Referring, for example, to Figs. 1-3 and 9, another type projection in the upwardly facing structure 16 is an arcuate member 24. This member 24 has an arcuate base 24a that has a substantially hollow center 24c and a relatively flat and smooth head 24b. At the joinder of the head 24b and the base 24a, are rounded edges 24d.

The hollow center 24c passes through the structure 16 to the downwardly facing surface 18 to provide an opening 25 in the surface 18. Thus, this type projection 24 not only provides support but also provides a cushioning effect created by the air that is trapped in and escapes from the hollow center 24c. For general guidance, the height of the arcuate member 24 is about 6 millimeters, the length about 24 millimeters and the width about 8 mllimeters.

Referring, for example, to Figs. 3 and 10, the final type projection in the upwardly facing structure 16 is a solid cylindrical shaped disc 26. This projection 26 has a substantially solid cylindrical base 26a and a relatively flat, smooth circular head 26b. At the joinder of the head 26b and the base 26a, are rounded edges 26c. For general guidance, the height is about 4 millimeters and the diameter about 17 millimeters. The head 26b may have a label adhesively applied thereto having, for example the size of the sandal or other product information printed thereon.

Such information may also be molded or printed thereon.

It is understood that the foregoing dimensions are by way of example only. Other dimensions for the height, width and diameter of the projections can be employed.

As indicated previously, the sole 14 includes the heel portion where the heel region of the foot rests, the metatarsal portion which corresponds to the arch region of the foot, the anterior metatarsal portion which extends from the outer longitudinal arch to the inner longitudinal arch and includes the portion of the inner sole where the ba]1 of the foot rests and the area of the sole where the toes of the foot are positioned.

Referring to Fig. 3, preferably, the heel portion includes the cylindrical shaped disc 26 encircled by at least one row of bristles 22 and one row of hollow cylindrical projections 20; the metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections 20 and a plurality of bristles 22t the anterior metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections 20, and the toe portion includes the arcuate hollow member 24, a plurality of bristles 22 and hollow cylindrical projections 20.

More specifically still referring to FIG. 3 and 10, the bristles 22 encircling the disc 26 in the heel portion are approximately the same height as the disc 26. The plurality of cylindrical projections 20 encircling the disc 26 are all of the same diameter, but of varying heights. The taller projections 20 are slightly higher than the disc 26 and the bristles 22 encircling the disc 26 and are on the outer edge of the sole 14. The cylindrical projections 20 in the middle of the sole 14 are about the same height as the disc 26 and bristles 22.

The metatarsal portion of the sole 14 is comprised of an arcshaped row of upwardly projecting finger-like bristles 22 of uniform height, width and shape, having a height and width slightly greater than that of the bristles 22 on the heel portion of the sole 14. This arc-shaped row of bristles 22 extends from a point on the medial edge of the sole, passes through the middle of the metatarsal portion to another point on the medial edge distal from the first point and encloses a portion of the sole over which the arch will lie. Inside the arc-shaped row of bristles 22 is an arc shaped row of cylindrical projections 20 of a uniform diameter and height. The height of these projections 20 are slightly greater than that of the arc-shaped row of bristles 22.This arc-shaped row of projections 20 is inside of and parallel to the arc-shaped row of bristles 22, i.e., extending from a point on the medial edge to another point on the medial edge distal from the first point and encloses a portion of the sole over which a portion of the arch will lie. Inside the arc-shaped row of projections 20 are three rows of bristles 22 with the outer row running longitudinally along the medial edge of the sole 14 and each of the two inner rows running parallel to the outer row. The inner row of bristles 22 are of a height slightly greater than that of the arc-shaped row of projections 20. The middle row of bristles 22 are greater in number and of a height slightly greater than that of the inner row of bristles 22. The outer row of bristles 22 are greater in number and of a height slightly greater than that of the middle row of bristles 22.

Additionally, several rows of projections 20 run longitudinally along the outer lateral edge of the metatarsal portion of sole 14 from the front of the heel to the anterior metatarsal portion of the sole. These projections 20 are of uniform diameter with the height varying slightly, with the row of projections 20 closest to the lateral edge being of a greater height than the adjacent rows of projections.

On the anterior metatarsal portion of the sole 14 where the ball of the foot rests, just behind the anterior metatarsal arch, are a plurality of cylindrical projections 20 of uniform diameter.

The height of these projections 20 varies according to their position on the sole 14. The projections 20 are shortest where the ball of the foot rests directly on the sole 14 and taller the further away from the center of the ball of the foot.

The toe portion of the sole 14, in front of the anterior metatarsal arch, is comprised of an arc-shaped rows of cylindrical projections 20 of uniform height and diameter running along the lateral edge of the toe portion of the sole 14. Inside these arcshaped rows, distal from the anterior metatarsal arch, where the toes of the foot attach to the base of the foot, there are three arc-shaped uniform rows of bristles 22 of a height equal to that of the surrounding upward projections 20. These rows of bristles 22 run from just inside the projections 20 along the lateral edge of the sole 14 to a point just inside projections 20 on the medial edge of the sole 14, extending to a point more rearward or proximal on the lateral edge of the sole 14 than the point on the medial edge.Between the arc-shaped row of projections 20 on the edge of the front or distal end of the sole 14 and the three arc-shaped rows of finger-like bristles 22, are a plurality of cylindrical projections 20 of uniform diameter interspersed with a plurality of bristles 22 of uniform diameter, all being of uniform height equal to the height of the projections 20 in the surrounding arc-shaped row of projections 20 along the front or distal end of the sole 14.

At the portion of the sole 14 where the big toe would rest, immediately distal from the three arc-shaped rows of bristles 22, is the arcuate member 24. Distal from the arcuate member 24 extending to the arc-shaped row of projections 20 along the distal edge of the inner sole 14 are a plurality of bristles 22 of uniform diameter and height of a height equal to that of the arcuate 24 member.

Referring to Figs. 1-8, generally, the projections 20, 22, 24 and 26 on the upwardly facing structure 16 are shaped to accommodate the contour of the foot sole so that substantially all of the surface of the footsole is in contact with substantially all of the heads 20b, 22b, 24b and 26b of the projections 20, 22, 24 and 26. Further, the projections 20, 22, 24 and 26 are of a height and width and sufficiently spaced from each other to allow water to drain away from the foot and off the upwardly facing structure 16.

Optionally, for aesthetic purposes and/or to more clearly define the fields of projections each of the different type of projections can be of a different color indicative of that type of projection at the first or inner surface of the inner sole.

Atternatively, the projections can be of a single color or substantially transparent while the outer sole is of a different color to provide a striking contrast for the appearance of the footwear.

While the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than limitation and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A sandal having an upper and a sole attached thereto, the sole comprising: a one piece molded polymeric sole shaped structure having an upwardly facing structure and an opposed downwardly facing surface; the upwardly facing structure comprising a plurality of rounded projections for contacting and massaging the sole of a foot, each of the projections having an approximately circular base extending upwardly from the structure and a closed head on the upper end of the projection that is in contact with the sole of the foot, the plurality of projections comprising:: a plurality cylindrical projections, each of which has a hollow center and a rounded head, the hollow center passing through the structure and opening to the downwardly facing surface; a plurality of tapered finger-like bristles; an arcuate member having a hollow center, the hollow center passing through the structure and opening to the downwardly facing surface; and a solid cylindrical shaped disc; wherein the projections on the upwardly facing structure are shaped to accommodate the contour of the foot sole so that substantially all of the surface of the footsole is in contact with substantially all of the heads of the projections, and the projections are of a height and width and sufficiently spaced from each other to allow water to drain away from the foot and off the upwardly facing structure.

2. The sandal of Claim 1, wherein the upwardly facing structure includes a heel portion, a metatarsal portion an anterior metatarsal portion and a toe portion wherein: the heel portion includes the cylindrical shaped disc; the metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections; the anterior metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections, and the toe portion includes the arcuate hollow member.

3. The sandal of Claim 1, wherein the upwardly facing structure includes a heel portion, a metatarsal portion an anterior metatarsal portion and a toe portion wherein: the heel portion includes the cylindrical shaped disc encircled by at least one row of bristles; the metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections and a plurality of bristles; the anterior metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections, and the toe portion includes a plurality of bristles and the arcuate hollow member.

4. The sandal of Claim 1, wherein the upwardly facing structure includes a heel portion, a metatarsal portion an anterior metatarsal portion and a toe portion wherein: the heel portion includes the cylindrical shaped disc encircled by at least one row of bristles and one row of hollow cylindrical projections; the metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections and a plurality of tapered bristles; the anterior metatarsal portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections; and the toe portion includes the plurality of hollow cylindrical projections, a plurality of tapered bristles and the arcuate hollow member.