GB2432295A

GB2432295A - Foldable footwear

Info

Publication number: GB2432295A
Application number: GB0523687A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Joseph Evans; Matthew James Knights
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-22
Filing date: 2005-11-22
Publication date: 2007-05-23
Also published as: GB0523687D0

Abstract

Footwear with an elasticated upper 4, a fixed heel unit 3 and a partly fixed sole unit 1 with an adjustable flexible arch 2 that allows the length of the footwear to be adjustable thereby allowing different sized feet to be accommodated and for the footwear to be foldable to allow easy storage of the footwear. One end of the adjustable arch 2 is fixed to the heel unit while the other can freely slide back and forth between the sole base unit 1 and the elasticated upper 4, thereby allowing the length of the footwear to be altered to accommodate different sized feet. To prevent the adjustable arch from sliding out from between the sole base unit and the elasticated upper, the adjustable arch may have a bulbous end. The arch is also flexible enough to bend back on itself to allow the footwear to be folded in half. To secure the footwear in the folded position the elasticated upper is preferably folded back over it's self to encase the folded footwear (Fig 5 and 6). Preferably the footwear has a foam cushioned inlay 6.

Description

Description Title

Shoe Sock

Background

This invention relates to footwear that can be worn or stored away in a pocket or bag when not in use.

When people don't have suitable footwear or feet are in discomfort

Statement of invention

The invention is a lightweight, self-adjusting, foldable item of footwear with a comfortable and protective sole base unit and heel unit The size of the product means they can easily be stored away in a handbag or pocket and can be worn when discomfort sets in, due to the majority of shoes being made for fashion rather than for comfort This product is designed for both comfort and fashion, and will not rub or cause irritation to the wearer. When the foot is in motion, the footprint changes in length and width and a combmation of the materials and adjusting arch makes it fit precisely at any stage of movement. The footwear will be available in various designs imitating original shoes and boots e.g knee high, ankle, pointed and round toe, toe design The product would also make an ideal driving shoe as it is illegal to drive bare foot and dangerous to drive in heels The object of this invention is to provide a type of footwear that can be changed into at a moment's notice and takes the place of their original footwear whist on foot, walking or drivmg with great comfort and easy storage Accordingly, this invention provides footwear including a fixed heel unit and partly fixed sole base unit and an elasticated upper and sole cushioning, with an adjustable flexible arch to allow for easy storage and multi sizing. The cushioning and sole/heel unit will protect the foot The arch may have a bulbous end on it to prevent it from sliding out of the lax area between the sole base unit and elasticated upper.

Preferably, the sole unit will be symmetrical and have neither a left or right foot.

Preferably, The footwear will come in varying designs/colours emulating ladies fashion shoes.

Preferably, The elasticated upper sll keep the wearers foot warm Preferably, The sole and heel units will have a tread A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which (See Pages 2-3)

Introduction to drawings

Specification

Figure 1 shows a side view of the product and how all the components are sandwiched together Figure 2 shows the wcrkitws of the adjustable arch from a bird's eye view.

Figure 3 shows an underside view of the cushioning for the sole of the foot Figure 4 shows an underside view of how the elasticated upper and the adjustable arch fit together as one unit Figure 5 shows a view of the product partly folded Figure 6 shows a view of the product filly compact for easy storage Figure 7 shows a different version of the adjustable arch and different shape of sole.

Figure 8 shows different versions styles and photos of the invention In Figure 1, A elasticated upper which includes all the individual parts (1,2,3,4,6) in the order of which they would be sandwiched together and therefore would turn the material into a durable lightweight product that is small and easy to fold for storage as shown in figure 5 and 6.

In figure 2, this is a birds eye view distinguishing the self adjustable flexible arch (2) to which it is fixed to the heel unit (3), but allowed to move freely back and forth between the sole base unit (1) and the upper (4) and foam inlay (6) in the lax area (5). This means that the product will adjust to fit it's owner's foot due to the elasticity in the entire foot covering (4) In figure 3, this shows the base of the elasticated upper (4) and the cushioning layer (6) for comfort and support in reducing burning and pain from the sole and ball of the foot.

In figure 4, this shows the underside view of the sole base unit (1) and heel unit (3) with the selfadjustable flexible arch (2) running between the heel unit (3) and the sole base unit (1) which protects the wearers arch In figure 5, this shows how the product in figure 5 and figure 6 folds into a small convenient size for storage By folding the product in half at the instep (2) so that the heel unit (3) is thcing up and the upper part of the elasticated upper extended The upper part of the elasticated upper can then be turned inside out as shown at (7) and pulled back over the entu unit (1,2,3,4) as shown in figure 6 In figure 6, this shows the product in its state of storage compact small enough to easily fit into pocket or handbag due to its lightweight, flexible, durable materials and elasticity in the materials Additional drawings of different versions of the invention In figure 7, This shows a different design of the adjustable arch (2) which has a bulbous end (8) preventing it from sliding Out from between the sole base unit (1) and the elasticated upper (4) at the lax area (5). This design also incorporates a pointed toe sole base unit (9) design.

In figure 8, this is included to show different versions of the invention and close ups of the invention, partly folded and fully folded and close ups of the adjustable arch When the adjustable arch is fixed to the heel unit and left lax between the sole base unit and elasticated upper it may lengthen to change to a large variety of sizes, whilst still maintaining protection to the entire base of the foot. Due to the flexibility of the arch it enables it to bend back on its self allowing the product to fold in half so that it can pack away conveniently The material that forms the upper part of the designs will be of an elasticated structure that can expand freely with the foots movements Explanation of numbers 1-6 in drawings.

1 is sole base unit.

2 is flexible adjustable arch.

3 is heel unit.

4 is elasticated upper.

is lax area.

6 is foam cushioning inlay.

7 are directional arrows.

8 is a flexible adjustable arch with a bulbous end.

9 is a pointed toe sole base unit

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An elasticated upper with a part fixed sole base unit and heel unit with an adjustable arch, which enables the design to fold flat.

2. An adjustable arch as described in claim 1 which is attached to the heel unit and can slide back and forth freely between the elasticated upper and sole base unit.

3. A, sole base unit and heel unit as described in claim 1 which can be made from plastic, rubber, wood, metal, compounds or form a combination of these materials.

4. An adjustable arch as described in claim 2 which can be made from plastic, rubber, wood metal, compounds or form a combination of these materials.

5. An adjustable arch as described m claim 2 that is flexible allowing it to bend and fold.

6. An item of footwear substantially as herein described above and illustrated in any accompanying drawings.