HK1099671A - Footwear - Google Patents

Description

Article of footwear

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an article of footwear.

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

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

Background

Although footwear must meet the practical requirements of protecting the foot of a wearer, footwear has long been a fashion item, particularly for young people. Often, to be successful, shoe manufacturers must utilize certain features or structural components that are attractive and appealing to consumers. Although important to the widespread acceptance of trademarks, new competitors of the shoe market could gain significant advantages in countering the well-known brands if they were able to provide structural features that attract the attention of consumers.

Disclosure of Invention

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

A preferred object is to provide a design structure that is inexpensive to apply to an article of footwear and which will be attractive to consumers.

Another preferred object is to combine the tail shape of the surfboard with the shape of a conventional footwear article, such as a toed sandal, to provide a significantly different toed sandal (shoe) shape.

Another preferred object is to provide such a shape that also mimics one or more surfboard-shaped structures, including waist corners or wings, fins, ridges, leg cord holes, signs, labels, and aesthetic structures.

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

Other preferred objects will become apparent from the following description.

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 decoration that mimics one to three fins of the surfboard.

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

The shape of the tail of the simulated surfboard may include (a) "pintail"; (b) "dovetail shape"; and (c) "square tail".

The sides of the sole may be supplemented with a waist corner or wing that mimics the waist corner or wing on a surfboard to complement the shape of the tail.

The shape may also employ a colored spine extending from the front end to the back end, simulating 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 simulate a panel grip (deck grip) or a "brute-grip" on a surfboard. Preferably, the heel pad includes a diagonally forward directed face and a patterned or contoured upper side surface and provides support and/or grip for the heel of the wearer.

The sole may contain leg cord holes, or patterns or decorations imitating it.

The upper side of the sole may contain labels, tags and other surfboard aesthetic structures to simulate a surfboard.

In another aspect, the invention relates to an article of footwear as described above for use as a hand-held surfer for a body surfer.

Preferably, the hand-held surfer comprises a wristband attachable at one end to the sole and at the other end to the wearer's wrist.

Preferably, the hand-held surfer comprises a front side strap extending transversely relative to the sole adjacent a front side end of the sole, said front side strap being engageable by a hand and/or fingers of a wearer.

Drawings

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

FIGS. 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 shoe having a sole imitating the shape of a "pintail" surfboard having a single wing shape, which is applied to a sandal;

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

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

4(a) to (g) show similar views of a shoe with a sole imitating the shape of a "boxboard" with two wings;

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

figures 6 and 7 are top and side views, respectively, of one 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 used as a handheld surfer, a perspective view of the wristband, and an end view showing the assembly of the wristband.

Detailed Description

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

In particular, as will be illustrated in the preferred embodiments described hereinafter, the sole may mimic one or more of the following structures of the surfboard:

(a) tail shapes-such as "needle tail", "dovetail", and "square tail";

(b) waist corners (hip) or wings-one or more waist corners or wings cut at the sides to complement the shape (and aesthetic structure) of the tail;

(c) raised heel pad-a panel grip to provide surfboard-like support for the wearer's heel, an additional grip and a longer-lived heel sole;

(d) fin system-a decoration on the underside of the sole that mimics a single-fin, double-fin or triple-fin structure;

(e) leg cord tie-a decoration that simulates a leg cord tie;

(f) a spine-trim piece extending centrally from a front end to a rear end for simulating a wooden spine on all surfboards; and

(g) aesthetic structure of art-a decorative element, preferably located on the upper side of the sole, is used to simulate signage, labels and aesthetic structures of art, including champion surfers' signature/recognition graphics.

Figures 1(a) to (g) show respectively 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 of a sandal 10 (for the right foot) of the double-toe sandal type, wherein the sole 11 comprises a rear (or heel) portion 12 shaped to mimic the shape of a "pintail" surfboard having a single wing 30; and a decorative element imitating a single wing on the upper side.

The front portion 13 of the sole 11, and the band 14, are shown in phantom, since they are of known shape and do not form part of the present invention.

It is preferred. The mid-portion (arch portion) 20 of the sole 11 is wider than conventional sandals to ensure that the sole 11 accurately mimics the structural features and proportions of a surfboard. The wider medial or arch portion 20 allows for the provision of one or more lateral waist corners or wings 30 which are accomplished as the sole narrows toward the posterior portion, forming a "needle tail" shape in this embodiment. The wider middle or arch 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 of material, such as contrasting color, is molded or otherwise secured in (or on) the underside of the rear portion 12 to simulate a surfboard fin.

The "leg cord holes" 16 mimic leg cord holes on surfboards, where the leg cord holes 16 may be actual holes through the sole 11, or may be pieces of contrasting color material molded or affixed to the underside of the sole 11. Leg cords (not shown) may extend from the apertures 16.

Although the embodiment of fig. 1(a) to (g) mimics a "needle tail" shape with a single wing (and single fin), the shape can be modified to include a pair of wings, as described above with reference to fig. 4(a) to (g), and the trim piece can mimic a double or triple fin.

Fig. 2(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 210, in which the rear (or heel) portion 212 of the sole 211 mimics a "dovetail" surfboard with a V-shaped recess 217, a single wing 230 and a pair of trim pieces of "fins" 215.

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

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

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

In all three embodiments shown in fig. 1(a) to (g), 2(a) to (g) and 3(a) to (g), the heel portion 12, 212, 412 is elongate to enable the imitation of three alternative surfboard shapes that are wider than the heel region. In addition, the additional length allows for a wider shape to be provided than conventional raised heel pads, as will be explained below with reference to fig. 5(a) through (d).

FIGS. 4(a) to (g) show modifications of the sandal 410 of FIGS. 3(a) to (g)

Examples are given.

The sandal 610 includes a "strip" 620 of contrasting color material centered along the upper side of the sole 611, extending from the toe to the heel, to simulate a wooden spine along a surfboard — see fig. 4 (c).

As shown in fig. 4(c), the material of the simulated tri-fin 615 may extend below the rear portion 612 of the sole 611 (as shown in phantom) to form a raised heel portion on the underside of the 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 along each side of the rear portion 612, while there is only one waist corner or wing 430 per side for the sole 411.

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

Referring to fig. 5(a) through (d), the sandal 810 includes a sole 811 that includes a "dovetail" shape in accordance with the sole 211 of the sandal 210 of fig. 2; whereas the sole 611 according to figure 4 comprises two waist corners or wings.

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

The actual shape of heel grip pad 840 may vary, but it preferably includes a narrowed front side 841 and a patterned or textured top surface 842 that "grips" the wearer's heel in the same manner as a panel grip or so-called "power grip" on a surfboard.

The heel gripping pad 840 may be disposed on any of the shaped soles described above (e.g., "needle-tail"/single-wing or double-wing; "square-tail"/single-wing or double-wing; "dovetail"/single-wing or double-wing;) wherein the ornamental piece may mimic a single-wing, double-wing, or triple-wing and/or a wood plate spine. The heel grip pads 840 are simulated inspired by panel grips used on surfboards and provide both functional and aesthetic appeal.

The heel gripping pad 840 is integrally provided with a sole 811 to provide a raised heel area that provides more heel support performance advantages than conventional toe sandals, and is provided with additional gripping portions to ensure that the wearer's heel remains on the raised pad area while traveling and/or deploying in a walking and pacing manner.

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

The raised heel gripping pad 840 has the added advantage of resulting in a long-lived double-toe sandal. Additionally, the pads 840 also improve the accuracy with which the sole 810 mimics a surfboard, because the pads 840 mimic the panel grip on a surfboard known as a "power grip".

Sandals 10, 210, 410, 610, 810 are all comfortable to wear and provide an attractive aesthetic appeal to the sandal or other article of footwear equipped with a sole 11, 211, 411, 611, 811.

The shapes shown in fig. 1 to 5 are merely exemplary and are not limiting to the present invention.

By incorporating (or deleting) a variety of different structures, the sole can emulate an almost limitless variety of surfboards. Less expensive versions may, for example, not include trim pieces to simulate fins, ridges, and/or leg cords, and/or not include a raised heel gripping pad. With the addition of structure, different price ranges can be covered. The "preferred" format may include all of the structures described/shown, and may also include a wide range of tag/label/aesthetic structure options. The "limited version" or "signature" signage may include identification/approval of the champion surfer/board shape/manufacturer. The range of colors/graphics that can be selected is almost limitless.

The combination of surfboard shape with the article of footwear results in a unique, attractive design structure that has the ability to appeal not only to surfers, but also to the average consumer.

In addition, the use of a raised heel gripping pad provides a product with improved functionality for reasons discussed above.

The invention is not limited to sandals of the toe-clip sandal type shown but may be applied to all other sandals and indeed to other types of footwear.

Referring to figures 6, 7 and 8, the article of footwear as described above with reference to figures 1 to 5 may be used as a hand-held surfer for a body surfer.

A hand-held surfer is a water craft that is worn on the left or right hand of a swimmer to assist in surfing.

In general, hand-held surfers include a wide plastic or foam structure that is secured to the hand by straps to help with the advantages of flatness.

Surfing without any paddling assistance is called body surfing. When surfing the body, surfers capture the wave and slide the water with their torso and hands straight down from the face of the wave. For body surfing, surfers need to keep speed and body area on top of the water surface and travel along the waves.

Experienced body surfers surf left or right on the face of the wave. Body surfing across the face of the wave enables the body surfer to reach faster speeds and experience a feeling of wandering or wrapping-when the wave throws a large sheet of water on the experienced body surfer. Experienced body surfers surf the more powerful part of the wave and need to keep themselves in a preferred flat position and help prevent pushing to the bottom side of the wave, which in turn means the end of the surfing.

Experienced body surfers may be assisted by hand-held surfers worn on the left or right hand. When the hand-held surfer is used for body surfing, the hand-held surfer provides a controlled leveling area for the body surfer to facilitate maneuverability, leveling capability and length of the surfer. A body surfer using a hand-held surfer may travel a distance similar to a surfboard while traversing wave surfing. A hand-held surfer is a rowing machine that is specifically made for a body surfer.

The article of footwear of the present invention may be used as a hand surfer to aid the aquaplaning performance of a body surfer.

Referring to figures 6 and 7, the hand surfer 1010 of the first embodiment includes a sole 1011 that includes any of the shapes/trim pieces previously described with reference to figures 1-5, such as a square tail 1012 with a single wing 1030.

Preferably, the leg cord is replaced by a wrist strap 1070 that is anchored at one end to the sole 1011, such as at a leg cord hole, and removably attached at the other end about the wearer's wrist 1090 (e.g., by a "VELCRO" trademark band).

As shown, the wearer places his hand 1091 under the front side strap 1014 adjacent the front side end of the sole 1011, e.g., thumb 1092 and forefinger 1093 on one side of the toe strap 1014a, and the remaining fingers 1094-1096 on the other side.

The lightweight waterproof material of the sole 1011 is buoyant and serves to provide both buoyancy and flatness advantages. The unique surfboard tail shape of the sole 1011 enables it to slide on top of the water, with a surfing board-like response due to the shape of the rear portion 1012 of the sole 1011. The wings 1030 also help provide a surfboard-shaped response.

The wrist strap 1070 functions in the same manner as the leg cord of a surfboard. The wristband 1070 ensures that the handheld surfer 1010 remains attached to the wearer while surfing the body and/or after any "water falls".

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

The article of footwear is easy to wear and secure on the hand 1091 and immediately becomes a handheld surfer when applied. As shown, the handheld surfer 1010 is easily worn on the hand 1092, and final positioning and retention is achieved by the thumb 1092 and the little finger 1096. The toe strap 1014a between the index finger 1093 and the middle finger 1094 provides lateral positioning of the handheld surfer 1010 relative to the wearer's hand 1092. At the end of the body surf, the wearer may remove the wristband 1070 and use the handheld surfer 1010 as a shoe.

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

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

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

The locking pin 1273 is inserted through the leg cord aperture 1216 (see fig. 8 (f)); laterally under the heel portion 1212 of the sole 1211 (see fig. 8 (g)); and the cord 1271 is pulled to secure the locking pin 1273 against the underside of the sole 1211 (see fig. 8 (h)).

To release the wristband 1270, the steps of fig. 8(f) to (h) are reversed.

The dual capability of the present invention, a shoe/hand surfer, is unique due to the shape of the tail of the surfboard that is mimicked in the heel portion of the sole of an article of footwear.

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

Claims (14)

1. An article of footwear comprising a sole, wherein at least a rear portion of the sole is shaped to mimic the shape of the tail of a surfboard.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the underside of the sole includes a pattern or decoration that mimics one to three fins of a surfboard.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein two or more fins extend below the sole to form a raised heel portion.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the tail of the simulated surfboard comprises (a) a "pintail"; (b) "dovetail shape"; and (c) "square tail".

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the sides of the sole include waist corners or wings that complement the shape of the tail, wherein the waist corners or wings mimic those on a surfboard.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole includes a colored spine extending from a front end to a rear end, the spine simulating a surfboard on an upper side of the sole.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the upper side of the sole is provided with a raised heel pad with an additional grip to simulate a panel grip or "power grip" on a surfboard.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the heel pad includes a forward-sloping-directed face and a patterned or contoured upper side surface and provides support and/or grip for the heel of the wearer.

9. An article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the sole includes a leg cord hole, or a pattern or decoration imitating it.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper side of the sole contains tags, labels and/or other aesthetic structures of the surfboard.

11. A hand-held surfer of a body surfer comprising an article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The handheld surfer of claim 11, further comprising a wristband adapted to be attached to the sole at one end and to be attached to a wearer's wrist at the other end.

13. A hand surfer as claimed in claim 12 wherein said wristband comprises a length of cord or rope having a loop at one end and a locking pin at the other end, said cord or rope passing through said loop for attachment to the wearer's wrist and said locking pin being engageable in a leg cord hole of said sole.

14. A hand-held surfer as claimed in claim 11 or 12 further comprising a front side strap extending transversely relative to said sole adjacent a front side end of said sole, said front side strap being engageable with a hand and/or finger of a wearer.