WO2005034669A1

WO2005034669A1 - Footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2005034669A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/001400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Justin Douglas King
Original assignee: SOLE SURFER INTERNATIONAL Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SOLE SURFER INTERNATIONAL Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-10-13
Filing date: 2004-10-13
Publication date: 2005-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2006-04-13
Also published as: JP2007508071A; ZA200603708B; US20070130795A1; CN1893844A; EP1679985A4; BRPI0415597A; NZ547022A; WO2005034669A8; EP1679985A1

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

TITLE: FOOTWEAR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 . Field of the Invention THIS INVENTION relates to footwear. The invention is particularly suitable for, but is not limited to, sandals, including sandals of the type commonly known as "thongs". The invention also relates to footwear which can be used as a hand surfer by body surfers.

2. Prior Art While footwear must meet utilitarian requirements to protect the wearer's feet, footwear has long been a fashion item, especially casual footwear for the young. Generally, to be successful, a footwear manufacturer must have some feature, or design component, which is eye-catching and attractive to consumers. While a high recognition trade mark is important, a new entrant into the footwear market can make significant in-roads against well-known brands if they can provide a design feature which catches the consumer's attention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a striking design concept for footwear, particularly sandals. It is a preferred object to provide such a design concept which is inexpensive to apply to footwear and which will be attractive to consumers. It is a further preferred object to combine the tail shapes of surfboards with the shapes of traditional footwear, such as thongs, to provide a significantly different thong (footwear) shapes. It is a still further preferred object to provide such shapes

which further replicate one or more surfboard shape features, including hips or flyers, fins, stringers, leg rope holes, branding, labelling and design aesthetics. It is a still further preferred object to provide footwear which can be used as hand surfers by body surfers. Other preferred objects will become apparent from the following description. In one aspect, the present invention resides in footwear, preferably sandals, having a sole, wherein at least the rearward portion of the sole is shaped to replicate the tail shape of a surfboard. Preferably, the underside of the sole incorporates pattern or ornamentation to replicate the one to three fin(s) of a surfboard. In a preferred embodiment, two or more fin(s) may extend below the sole to form a raised heel portion. The tail shapes of the surfboards replicated may include (a) "pintail"; (b) "swallow tail"; and (c) "square tail". The side portions of the soles may incorporate hips or flyers, replicating the hips or flyers in surfboards, to complement the tail shapes. The shapes may also incorporate a coloured stringer, from nose to tail, replicating the stringer of a surfboard. Preferably, the upper side of the sole is provided with a raised heel pad, preferably with added grip, eg., to replicate the deck

grip or "gorilla-grip" on a surfboard . Preferably, the heel pad has an

inclined forwardly-directed face and a patterned-or-profile upper surface and provides support and/or grip to a wearer's heel . The sole may incorporate a leg rope hole, or pattern or

ornamentation replicating same. The upper side of the sole may incorporate branding,

labelling and other surfboard aesthetics to replicate a surfboard. In a second aspect, the present invention resides in footwear as hereinbefore described for use as a hand surfer by body surfers. Preferably, the hand surfer incorporates a wrist strap

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

laterally to the sole, adjacent the front end of the sole, engageable by the wearer's hand and/or fingers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 (a) to (g) show respective front, side, top, bottom, rear, top and bottom perspective views of footwear with a sole replicating a "pintail" surfboard shape, with a single flyer shape, applied

to sandals; FIGS. 2(a) to (g) show similar views of footwear with a sole

replicating a "swallow tail " surfboard shape with a single flyer; FIGS. 3(a) to (g) show similar views of footwear with a sole

replicating a "square tail" surfboard shape with a single flyer; FIGS. 4(a) to (g) show similar views of footwear with a sole

replicating a "square tail" surfboard shape with a double flyer; FIGS. 5(a) to (d) show front, side, top and rear views of footwear with a sole replicating a "swallow tail" surfboard shape with a

raised heel grip; FIGS. 6 and 7 are respective top and side views of one

embodiment of the foot wear used as a hand surfer; FIGS. 8(a) to (h) are respective side, top, bottom and perspective views of a second embodiment of the footwear used as a hand surfer, a perspective view of the wrist strap and end views showing the fitting of wrist strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As hereinbefore described, the present invention is directed to the design of the sole of footwear, preferably sandal-type footwear

such as thongs, to incorporate design features replicating the shapes and/or aesthetics of surfboards, to produce a striking design concept. In particular, as will be illustrated in the preferred

embodiments to be hereinafter described, the soles may replicate one or

more of the following features of surfboards: (a) tail shapes - such as "pin tail", "swallow tail" and

"square tail "; (b) hip or flyers - one or more hips or flyers cut into the

side portions to complement the tail shapes (and aesthetics); (c) raised heel pad - to provide surfboard-like deck grip,

with wearer's heel support, added grip and a longer lasting heel sole; (d) fin systems - ornamentation on the underside of the

sole replicating a single fin, a twin fin or a tri-fin arrangement; (e) leg rope plug - ornamentation replicating a leg rope plug; (f) stringer - ornamentation, central from nose to tail, to replicate the wooden stringer on all surfboards; and

(g) artistic aesthetics - ornamentation, preferably on the upper side of the sole, to replicate branding, labelling and artistic

aesthetics, including signatures/endorsement graphics of champion surfers.

FIGS. 1 (a) to (g) show respective front, side, top, side, rear, top perspective and bottom perspective views of a thong-type sandal 10

(for a right foot) where the sole 1 1 has a rear (or heel) portion 1 2 shaped to replicate a "pintail" surfboard shape, with a single flyer 30, and ornamentation to replicate a single fin on the under side. The forward portion 1 3 of the sole 1 1 , and the straps 14, are shown in broken lines, as they may be of known shape and do not form part of the invention. It is preferred that the mid-section (arch) 20 of the sole 1 1 is broader than for conventional sandals to ensure the sole 1 1 accurately replicates the design features and scale of a surfboard. The broader mid- section or arch 20 allows for the provision of one or more side hips or flyers 30 as the sole tapers to the rear portion options - in this example, the "pin tail" shape. The broader mid-section or arch 20 allows forδ all surfboard design shapes and provides sufficient area for the heel and the raised heel pad (to be hereinafter described). A "single fin" 1 5, eg., of material of contrasting colour, is moulded or fixed in (or on) the lower face of the rear portion 1 2 to replicate the surfboard fin. A "legrope hole" 1 6, which may be an actual hole through the sole 1 1 , or a piece of contrasting-colour material moulded in, or fixed to, the underside of the sole 1 1 , replicates the legrope hole on a surfboard. A leg rope, not shown, may extend from the hole 1 6. While the embodiment of FIGS. 1 (a) to (g) replicates the "pin tail" shape with a single flyer (and single fin), the shape can be modified to incorporate a pair of flyers, as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) to (g), and the ornamentation may replicate twin- or tri-fins.

FIGS. 2(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 21 0 where the rear (or heel) portion 21 2 of the sole 21 1 replicates a "swallow

tail" surfboard with a V-shape recess 21 7, a single flyer 230, and

ornamentation for a pair of "fins" 21 5. FIGS. 3(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 41 0 where

the rear (or heel) portion 41 2 of the sole 41 1 replicates a "square

tali" surfboard, with a single flyer 430, and with ornamentation for three fins 41 5. It will be readily apparent to the skilled addressee that the

"twin fins" 21 5 and "tri-fins" 41 5 may extend below the lower

faces of the soles 21 1 , 41 1 to form raised heels. As hereinbefore described, the sole 1 1 , 21 1 , 41 1 can be modified to incorporate two flyers (as to be hereinafter described) and ornamentation for single, twin or tri-fins, as desired.

In all three embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 (a) to (g), 2(a) to (g) and 3(a) to (g), the heel portions 1 2, 21 2, 41 2 are lengthened to enable the three alternative surfboard shapes, which border the heel area, to be replicated. In addition, the additional length allows the provision of

the shapes to border a custom raised heel pad, to be hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) to (d) .

FIGS. 4(a) to (g) show a modified embodiment of the sandal 41 0 of FIGS. 3(a) to (g) . The sandal 61 0 has a contrasting colour material "stripe"

620 centred along the upper side of the sole 61 1 , from the toe to the heel, to replicate the wooden stringer along a surfboard - see FIG. 4(c). As shown in FIG. 4(c), the material replicating the tri-fins 61 5 can extend below the rear portion 61 2 of the sole 61 1 (as shown in dashed lines) to form a raised heel portion on the underside of the sole

41 1 . When comparing the sole 61 1 of FIG. 4 with the sole 41 1 of FIG. 3, it will be noted that two hips or flyers 630, 631 are provided along each side of the rear portion 61 2, whereas the sole 41 1 only has one hip or flyer 430 per side. As hereinbefore described, the additional hips or flyers also can be provided on the soles 1 1 , 21 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively; while the number of fins replicated on the underside of the sole can be varied. Referring to FIGS. 5(a) to (d), the sandal 810 has a sole 81 1 with the "swallow-tail" shape as per the sole 21 1 of sandal 21 0 of FIG. 2; but with the twin hips or flyers as per the sole 61 1 of FIG. 4. A raised heel grip pad 840 is provided on the upper side of the rear portion 81 2 and the dimensions illustrated are by way of example only for a (British) size 1 1 sandal. The actual shape of the heel grip pad 840 may be varied, but it preferably has a tapered front face 841 and a patterned or textured top surface 842 to "grip" the wearer's heel, in the same manner as for the deck grip or so-called "gorilla-grip" on surfboards. The heel grip pad 840 may be provided on any of the sole shapes hereinbefore described (eg., "pin tail'Vsingle- or double-flyer; "square tail'Vsingle or double flyer; "swallow tail'Vsingle- or double-flyer) where the ornamentation can replicate single-, twin or tri-fins and/or the wooden stringer. The heel grip pad 840 is inspired by, and replicates, the deck grip used on surfboards and provides both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The heel grip pad 840 is provided integrally with the sole

81 1 , to provide the raised heel area, which provides a performance advantage offering more heel support than a conventional thong, with added grip to ensure the wearer's heel stays on the raised padded area when running and/or manoeuvring at a walking plus pace. Preferably, the heel grip pad 840 is moulded from a super soft sponge (rubber or plastics) material, ie., softer than the material of the balance of the sole 81 1 , and it may have a slightly concave surface 842 to assist location/grip of the wearer's heel. The top surface 842 of the grip pad 840 may have a wide range of textures/patterns thereon. The raised heel grip pad 840 has the added advantage that it will result in a longer-lasting thong. In addition, the pad 840 further accentuates the accuracy of the sole 810 to replicate a surfboard, in that the pad 840 replicates the deck grip pad on surfboards known as "gorilla- grip". The sandals 1 0, 21 0, 41 0, 61 0, 81 0 are all comfortable to

wear and provide a striking aesthetic appeal to sandals, or other footwear

fitted with the soles 1 1 , 21 1 , 41 1 , 61 1 , 81 1 . The shapes illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 are by way of

examples only and are not limiting to the invention. By the inclusion (or deletion) of different features, the soles

can replicate an almost infinite number of surfboards. Less expensive models may, eg., not include the ornamentation to replicate the fin(s), stringer and/or leg rope, and/or not include the raised heel grip pad. As features are added, different price ranges can be covered. "Top-of-the-

line" models can include all of the features described/illustrated, and may

further include a wide range of branding/labelling/aesthetic options. "Limited edition" or "Signature" boards can include the

signatures/endorsements of champion surfers/board

shapes/manufacturers. The range of alternative colours/graphics is almost limitless.

The marriage of surfboard shapes to footwear results in a unique, striking design concept with the ability to appeal to consumers generally, and not just dedicated surfers.

In addition, the incorporation of the raised heel grip pad provides a functionally-improved product, for the reasons hereinbefore described . The invention is not limited to the thong-type sandals shown, but can be applied to all other sandals, and indeed, to other types

of footwear. Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the footwear hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 can be used as a hand surfer for body surfers. A hand surfer is a water craft that is worn on the left or

right hand of a swimmer to assist in surfing waves. Generally, a hand surfer has a broad plastic or foam structure that is secured to the hand by straps to assist in planing advantage. To ride waves without the assistance of any craft is called body surfing. When body surfing, the surfer catches a wave and uses their torso and hands to aquaplane straight down from the face of the wave. To body surf, the surfer needs speed and body area to keep on top of the water surface and travel along the wave. The more experienced body surfers ride waves going 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 getting tubed or barrelled - this is when the wave throws a sheet of water over the experienced body surfer. The experienced body surfer rides the more powerful part of the wave and needs to keep himself/herself in perfect planing position and resist against being pushed into the bottom of the wave which, in turn, means the end of the ride. Experienced body surfers can be assisted by a hand surfer

worn on the left or right and. When body surfing with a hand surfer, it

offers the body surfer a controlled planing area to assist in

manoeuvrability, planing ability and length of ride. Body surfers using the hand surfer can travel distances similar to surfboards whilst riding across

waves. The hand surfers are a performance craft made specially for the

body surfers. The footwear of the present invention can be used as a hand surfer to assist in aquaplaning performance for the body surfers. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hand surfer 1 01 0 of a first

embodiment has a sole 1 01 1 having any of the shapes/ornamentations

as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, eg., a square tail 1 01 2 with a single flyer 1 030. Preferably, the leg rope is replaced by the wrist strap 1 070, which is anchored at one end to the sole 101 1 , eg., at the leg rope hole,

and at the other end is releasably connectable (eg., by "VELCRO " trade mark) tape) about the wearer's wrist 1 090. As shown, the wearer places his hand 1 091 under the front strap 1 01 4 adjacent the forward end of the sole 1 01 1 , eg., with the

thumb 1 092 and index finger 1 093 on one side of the toe strap 1 01 4a

and the remaining fingers 1 094- 1096 on the other side.

The lightweight waterproof material of the sole 1 01 1 is buoyant, to provide both flotation and planing benefits. The unique surfboard tail shapes of the sole 1011 enables it to aquaplane on top of

the water, with a surfboard-like response due to the shape of the rear

portion 1012 of the sole 1011. The flyer(s) 1030 also assist in providing

the surfboard-like response. The wrist strap 1070 works in the same manner as the leg

rope of a surfboard. The wrist strap 1070 ensures that the hand surfer 1010 stays attached to the wearer whilst body surfing and/or after any

"wipe outs". As the sole 1011 has a greater surface area than the wearer's hand 1091 , and is broader, it offers a greater planing advantage

than the hand alone. The footwear is easy to fit and secure to the hand 1091 and instantly becomes a hand surfer when applied. As shown, the hand surfer 1010 is easily fitted to the hand 1092 and final positioning and holding can be effected by the thumb 1092 and little finger 1096. The

toe strap 1014a between the index and second fingers 1093, 1094

provides lateral location of the hand surfer 1010 relative to the wearer's hand 1092. When finished body surfing, the wearer can remove the wrist strap 1070 and use the hand surfer 1010 as footwear.

FIGS.8(a) to (h) illustrate a second embodiment of the hand surfer 1210, where the heel portion 1212 of the sole 1211 is of the "swallow tail" shape with a single flyer 1230. In this embodiment, the wrist strap 1 270 is a length of cord

or rope 1 271 with a loop 1 272 at one end and a locking pin 1 273 at the

other end . As shown in FIGS. 8(a), (b), (d) and (e), the cord or rope

1 271 is passed through loop 1 272 to form an adjustable loop to be secured to the wearer's wrist (not shown) . The locking pin 1 273 is inserted through the leg rope hole

1 21 6 (see FIG . 8(f)); located transversely below the heel portion 1 21 2 of the sole 1 21 1 (see FIG . 8(g)); and the cord 1 271 is pulled to locate the locking pin 1 273 against the underside of the sole 1 21 1 (see FIG . 8(h)) . To release the wrist strap 1 270, the steps of FIGS. 8(f) to

(h) are reversed .

The dual capability of the present invention, ie., footwear/hand surfer, is unique due to the surfboard tail shapes replicated in the heel portions of the soles of the footwear. Various changes and modifications may be made to the

embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.

Claims

1 . Footwear, having a sole, wherein at least the rearward

portion of the sole is shaped to replicate the tail shape of a surfboard.

2. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 wherein: the underside of the sole incorporates a pattern or ornamentation to replicate the one to three fin(s) of a surfboard .

3. Footwear as claimed in Claim 2 wherein: two or more fins may extend below the sole to form a raised

heel portion.

4. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 wherein: the tail shapes of the surfboards replicated include (a)

"pintail "; (b) "swallow tail"; and (c) "square tail ".

5. Footwear as claimed in Claim 4 wherein: side portions of the sole incorporate hips or flyers, replicating the hips or flyers in surfboards, to complement the tail shapes.

6. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 wherein: the sole incorporates a coloured stringer, from nose to tail, replicating the stringer of a surfboard on the upper side of the sole.

7. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 wherein: the upper side of the sole is provided with a raised heel pad,

with added grip, to replicate the deck grip or "gorilla grip" on a surfboard.

8. Footwear as claimed in Claim 7 wherein: the heel pad has an inclined forwardly-directed face and a patterned-or-profile upper surface and provides support and/or grip to a

wearer's heel.

9. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 wherein: the sole incorporates a leg rope hole, or pattern or

ornamentation replicating same.

1 0. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the upper side of the sole incorporates branding, labelling and/or other surfboard

aesthetics.

1 1 . A hand surfer for body surfers comprising the footwear as

claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 1 0.

1 2. A hand surfer as claimed in Claim 1 1 , including: a wrist strap attachable at one end to the sole and at the

other end to the wearer's wrist.

1 3. A hand surfer as claimed in Claim 1 2 wherein: the wrist strap has a length of cord or rope, with a loop at one end and a locking pin at the other end, the cord or rope passing

through the loop for attachment to the wearer's wrist and the locking pin being engageable in a leg rope hole in the sole.

1 4. A hand surfer as claimed in Claim 1 1 or Claim 1 2, including: A front strap, extending laterally to the sole, adjacent the

front end of the sole, engageable by the wearer's hand and/or fingers.