AU2014200694A1 - Footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

5 The present invention generally relates to footwear. The footwear comprising a sole able to be located under the foot of a user, the sole having three holes passing through the sole and a front channel and first and second rear channels formed in an underside of the sole. The footwear also consists of a strap able to locate the sole under the foot of a user, the strap having three 10 plugs; and wherein each of the three holes in the sole are aligned with respective channels so as to allow the three respective plugs to pass through each respective hole to be located in each of the respective channels to secure the strap to the sole.

Description

1 FOOTWEAR FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates to footwear. In particular, the invention relates to footwear including flip-flops, sandals, slippers, scuffs and the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 Flip-flops are a very popular form of footwear due to their ease of placement and removal on a person's foot. Historically, flip-flops have been used as casual wear, especially in warmer climates. However, in recent times, flip-flops have become an essential footwear fashion item with a variety of different patterns, styles and colours being used to enhance the visual 15 characteristics of flip-flops. Flip-flops are typically formed from a sole which is located under the foot and a strap which is placed between the toes and over the foot to hold the sole to the foot. In order to produce a flip-flop, three holes are normally located 20 through the sole with circular recesses located on the underside of the sole adjacent each of the holes. The strap has a central portion and two side portions with an end of each of the portions terminating in a circular head. The heads are forced through respective holes and are located within the circular recesses to hold the strap and the sole together. 25 The problem with the manufacture of a flip-flop is that it is relatively difficult to pull the circular heads through the respective holes in the sole. A special tool must be used and considerable physical strength is required. Also, in general use, the circular heads can be pulled through the holes leaving an 30 individual to try and force the circular head back through the hole without the use of the tool.

2 Clearly it would be advantageous if footwear could be devised that helped to at least ameliorate some of the shortcomings described above or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in footwear comprising: a sole able to be located under the foot of a user; 10 a strap able to locate the sole under the foot of a user; at least two channels formed in an underside of the sole; wherein the strap has at least two plugs which are able to be located in the channels to secure the strap to the sole. 15 Preferably, the strap may be of unitary construction. The strap and at least two plugs may be connected to the strap and are formed integrally with the strap. The at least two plugs and at least two channels may be shaped and sized such that the at least two plugs sit flush with the underside of the sole when located in respective channels. 20 Preferably, at least one channel and at least one plug may have complementary size and shape such that the at least one plug is frictionally retained in the at least one channel. 25 Preferably, the at least two channels may comprise at least one front channel and at least one rear channel and wherein the at least two plugs may comprise at least one front plug and at least one rear plug to secure the strap to the front and rear of the sole when located in respective channels. 30 Preferably, the strap may include at least one side portion. The at least one side portion may be connected to at least one plug.

3 Alternatively, the strap may include at least two side portions. The at least two side portions may be interconnected by a rear plug able to be located in a rear channel to secure the side portions to the rear of the sole. 5 Preferably, at least one lug may be formed on a side portion of the strap and wherein at least one side hole may be formed in the side of the sole and wherein the at least one lug may be able to engage in the at least one hole to secure the side portion to the side of the sole. 10 Preferably, the strap may be formed by a pair of side portions which join to form a central portion. Preferably, the strap may form a closed loop extending under the foot of a user near their heal. 15 Preferably, the sole may have a hole passing through the sole and wherein the hole may be aligned with a channel so as to allow a plug to pass through the hole to be located in the channel. The plug may be tapered so as to allow the plug to be threaded through the hole. The plug when located in 20 said channel may extend partially across the width of the sole. Preferably, the plug may have two sections which form an angle. The two sections may form an apex pointed towards the front of the sole. 25 Preferably, the plug may have a long section and a short section. The invention also provides a method of producing footwear, the method including: obtaining a sole that has at least one located recess located in an 30 underside of the sole; and obtaining at least one strap having at least one plug that is complementary in shape and size to the channel for snug location within the channel, the strap attached to at least one side portion; assembling the sole and the strap by locating the plug into the channel so that the side portion extends outside the sole.

4 The method may include the step of forming a sole having at least two channels at an underside of the sole. The method may also include the step of forming a strap that includes 5 two plug formations for locating within respective channels. In accordance with a further embodiment, the present invention provides a footwear comprising: a sole able to be located under the foot of a user, the sole having three holes passing through the sole; a front channel and first and 10 second rear channels formed in an underside of the sole; a strap able to locate the sole under the foot of a user, the strap having three plugs; and wherein each of the three holes in the sole are aligned with respective channels so as to allow the three respective plugs to pass through each respective hole to be located in each of the respective channels to secure the strap to the sole. 15 Preferably, the strap may be of unitary construction. The strap and three plugs connected to the strap may be formed integrally with the strap. The three plugs and three channels may be shaped and sized such that the three plugs sit flush with the underside of the sole when located in respective channels. 20 Alternatively, the three channels and the three plugs may have complementary size and shape such that the three plugs are frictionally retained in the three channels. Preferably, the strap may include at least two side portions. The two 25 side portions may be connected to the front plug and the respective rear plugs, and the two side portions join to form a central portion. The plugs may be tapered so as to allow the plugs to be threaded through their respective holes. Preferably, the front plug when located in said front channel may extend 30 partially across the width of the sole, and the first rear plug and second rear plug when located in said channels may extend partially along the length of the sole.

5 Preferably, each plug may have two sections equally spaced either side of a central portion. Alternatively, each plug may have two sections unequally spaced either side of a central portion. Each plug may have two sections which are formed at an angle with respect to a central portion. The two sections may 5 form an apex at the central portion, and each plug has a long section and a short section. In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method for assembling footwear, the method comprising the steps of a) 10 providing a strap comprising a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, each plug having a first section and a second section; b) providing a sole comprising a front hole, a first rear hole, a second rear hole, a front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel, wherein the channels are on an underside of the sole; c) inserting the first sections of each of the plugs through 15 the respective holes of a topside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through; d ) locating each of the plugs into their respective channels such that the plugs are flush with the underside of the sole. In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a 20 method for disassembling footwear, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an assembled footwear comprising a strap which further comprises: a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, each having a first section and a second section; a sole comprising a front hole, a first rear hole, a second rear hole, a front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel, 25 wherein the channels are on an underside of the sole; b) removing the plugs from their respective channels; c) inserting the second sections of each of plugs through their respective holes of an underside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through, disengaging the strap from the sole. 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention, by way of example only, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 6 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of footwear according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a further exploded perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1; 5 FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1; FIG. 4 shows a top exploded perspective view of footwear according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 4 when the strap is located in the sole; 10 FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 4; FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of footwear according to FIG. 4; FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 4; FIGS. 9 and 10 are top plan views of footwear according to FIG. 4; 15 FIG. 11 is a further bottom plan view of footwear according to FIG. 4; FIGS. 12 and 13 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a third embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; FIGS. 14 and 15 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; 20 FIGS. 16 and 17 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a fifth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; FIGS. 18 and 19 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a sixth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; FIGS. 20 and 21 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a 25 seventh embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sandal; FIGS. 22 and 23 show top and bottom plan views respectively of an eighth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sandal; FIGS. 24 and 25 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a ninth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sandal; 30 FIGS. 26 and 27 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a tenth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop; FIGS. 28 and 29 show top and bottom plan views respectively of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop; 7 FIGS. 30 and 31 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop; FIG. 32 shows a top perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention in the form of an assembled flip-flop; 5 FIG. 33 shows a bottom plan view of the footwear according to FIG. 32; FIG. 34 shows a top perspective view of a sole of the footwear according to FIG. 32; FIG. 35 shows a top perspective view of a strap of the footwear according to FIG. 32; 10 FIG. 36 shows a bottom plan view of a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop; and FIG. 37 shows a top perspective view of a strap of the footwear according to FIG. 36. 15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. Although the figures show solely a left foot flip-flop, it should be appreciated that a right foot flip-flop can be produced in exactly the same 20 manner. The flip-flop 10 includes two parts, namely a sole 20 and a strap 30. The sole 20 is shaped in a standard sole shape. However, it should be appreciated that the sole may be formed in any number of different shapes and sizes. It should also be appreciated that the materials used for the sole can include any standard material that is currently used on footwear, such as 25 rubber, cork and a variety of plastics. The sole 20 is formed from a main body 21 that has a top side 22 and an underside 23. A front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 extend along the width of the underside 23 of the sole 20. It should be appreciated that although the 30 front channel 24 and rear channel 25 extend the entire width of the underside 23 of the sole 20, it is envisaged that the front channel 24 may only extend along a portion of the width of the sole 20.

8 A front hole 26 extends through the top side 22 of the sole 20 through to the underside 23 of the sole 20. The front hole 26 is rectangular in shape and is positioned so that the front hole 26 is in alignment with the front channel 24. It should be appreciated, however, that the front hole 26 may form any suitable 5 shape, such as square or circular. The strap 30 is formed from two side portions 31 which are joined to form a central portion 32. A rear plug 33 interconnects the side portions 31. A front plug 34 is connected to and located adjacent an end of the central portion 10 32. Both the front plug 34 and rear plug 33 are shaped and sized to commensurate with the respective front channel 24 and rear channel 25 of the sole 20. The strap 30 is integrally formed. That is, the strap is unitary in 15 construction. Accordingly, any suitable material can be used, including rubber or plastics such as polyurethane. In order to assemble a flip-flop 10, the front plug 34 is placed within the front hole 26 in the sole 20. The front plug 34 is then pulled through the front 20 hole 26. As the front plug 34 is pulled through the front hole 26, a part of the central portion 32 will also be pulled through the front hole 26. Once the front plug 34 is pulled entirely through the front hole 26, the front plug 34 is located within the front channel 24. The rear plug 33 is then located within the rear channel by placing the sole 20 between the two side portions 31. The rear plug 25 33 and the rear channel 25 is shaped and sized so that a frictional fit is formed between. That is, the rear plug 33 is frictionally retained within the rear channel 25. This can be facilitated by selection of proper materials, and plug and channel profile. Once the front plug 34 and rear plug 33 are located within the front channel 24 and rear channel 25, the flip-flop 10 is then able to be worn. 30 In order to remove the strap 30 from the sole 20, the steps are simply followed in reverse.

9 FIGS. 4 to 11 show a second embodiment of a flip-flop 10. Similarly to the first embodiment, the figures show solely a left foot flip-flop. However, it should be appreciated that a right foot flip-flop can be produced in exactly the same manner. 5 Referring to FIGS. 4 to 11, the flip-flop 10 is identical to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 with the following exceptions. Firstly, a front channel 24 only partially extends along the width of the underside 23 of the sole 20. Furthermore, a front plug 34 is sized to commensurate with the respective front 10 channel 24 of the sole 20. The front plug 34 comprises a long section 35 and a short section 36. The long section 35 and the short section 36 are tapered to allow the front plug 34 to be easily threaded through front hole 26. The long section 35 and the short section 36 intersect at a central portion 32 forming an angle. It should be appreciated, however, that the long section 35 and the short 15 section 36 may not form an angle at the intersection of the long section 35 and the short section 36. Secondly, the flip-flop 10 comprises two lugs 37 positioned on the inside of the side portions 31 adjacent a rear plug 33. The lugs 37 locate in 20 corresponding side holes 27 in the sole 20 and allow the strap 30 to be securely fastened to the sole 20. It should be appreciated, however, that one lug 37 or more than one lug 37 may be used and that the lugs 37 may be positioned at any suitable location on side portions 31. Furthermore, side holes 27 may be located on any suitable position in the sole 20. 25 The flip-flop 10 is assembled in a similar manner to the first embodiment. In this case, the long section 35 of the front plug 34 is placed through the front hole 26 in the sole 20. The long section 35 may be labeled "IN" indicating to a user that the long section 35 is used to insert the front plug 34. The long 30 section 35 is then pulled through the front hole 26. As the front plug 34 is pulled through the front hole 26, a part of the central portion 32 will also be pulled through the front hole 26. Once the front plug 34 is pulled entirely through the front hole 26, the front plug 34 is located within the front channel 24. The rear plug 33 is then located within the rear channel 25 by placing the sole 20 10 between the two side portions 31. Furthermore, the lugs 37 are positioned in side holes 27. Once the front plug 34 and rear plug 33 are located within the front channel 24 and rear channel 25, the flip-flop 10 is then able to be worn. 5 In order to remove the strap 30 from the sole 20, the steps are simply followed in reverse. In this embodiment, the short section 36 of the front plug 34 is firstly threaded through the front hole 26. The short section 36 may be labeled "OUT" indicating to the user that this end is threaded first to dissemble the flip-flop 10. The short section 36 and the long section 35 on the front plug 10 34 makes the flip-flop 10 easier to assemble and disassemble. Various alternative embodiments of the footwear of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 12 to 35. In each embodiment, strap 30 and sole 20 is configured as described in the first and second embodiments of the present 15 invention and may include some or all of the features described therein. FIGS. 12 and 13 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a third embodiment of footwear in the form of a scuff or a slipper 10. In this embodiment, the strap 30 is formed from two non-interconnecting side portions 31. The two side portions 31 are connected to a diagonal "H" shaped plug that locates in a 20 corresponding diagonal H-shaped channel in an underside of a sole 20. The H shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by an interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the H-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29. 25 FIGS. 14 and 15 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a fourth embodiment of footwear also in the form of a scuff or slipper 10. The strap 30 is formed from two interconnecting side portions 31 to provide a cross shaped support. In this embodiment, a horizontal "H" shaped channel is formed in an 30 underside of a sole 20 to accept a similarly shaped H-shaped plug formed in a lower section of the strap 30. The H-shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by an interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the H-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29.

11 FIGS. 16 and 17 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a fifth embodiment of footwear again in the form of a scuff or slipper 10. In this embodiment, the strap 30 is formed from two side portions connected by an 5 interconnection portion. This forms two parallel supports across a front section of a sole 20 with a third support diagonally connecting the two parallel supports and extends to an outside, rear section of a sole 20. A lower section of the strap 30 forms a sideways "H" shaped plug with an additional diagonal section extending from a mid point of the "H" to an outside portion of the sole 20. The 10 plug fits into a similarly shaped channel in an underside of a sole 20. The H shaped plug is formed from a front plug34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by a diagonal interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the H-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by a diagonal interconnecting channel 29. 15 FIGS. 18 and 19 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a sixth embodiment of footwear in the form of a scuff or slipper 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of a strap 30 is formed from three side portions 31 which form three parallel supports extending across a section of a sole 20. A lower section of the strap 30 forms a plug in the shape of three parallel horizontal sections 20 connected by a vertical section. That is, the plug is formed from a front plug 34, intermediate plug 39, rear plug 33 and an interconnecting plug 38. The plug fits into a similarly shaped channel formed in an underside of a sole 20. Similarly, the channel is formed from a front channel 24, an intermediate channel 24A, a rear channel 25 and an interconnecting channel 29. 25 FIGS. 20 and 21 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a seventh embodiment of footwear in the form of a sandal 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of a strap 30 is formed by side portions 31 to form a front support and a rear support. The front support is a single horizontal 30 section extending across a front section of a sole 20. A rear support forms a horizontal section with a loop extending rearwards, the loop hooking around a user's heel. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30, the plug forming an "i" shape. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel in an underside of the sole 20. The "i" shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 and a rear plug 33 12 which are interconnected by an interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the "i" shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29. 5 FIGS. 22 and 23 show top and bottom plan views respectively of an eighth embodiment of footwear in the form of a sandal 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of the strap 30 is formed from side portions 31 which form a front support and a rear support. The front support is a sideways "V" shaped section extending across a front section of a sole 20. A rear support forms a 10 loop extending rearwards of the sole 20 connected to a vertex of the "", the loop hooking around a user's heel. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30, the plug forming a "Z" shape. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel in an underside of the sole 20. The Z-shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by an interconnecting 15 plug 38. Similarly, the Z-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29. FIGS. 24 and 25 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a ninth embodiment of footwear in the form of a sandal 10. In this embodiment, an 20 upper section of the strap 30 is formed from interconnecting side portions 31 and non-interconnecting side portion forming a front support and a rear support. The front support is an "X" shaped section extending across a front section of a sole 20. A rear support is formed by a horizontal section connected to a loop extending rearwards, the loop hooking around a user's heel. A plug is formed in 25 a lower section of the strap 30, the plug forming three parallel sections, the parallel sections connected by a vertical section. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel in the sole 20. That is, the plug is formed from a front plug 34, intermediate plug 39, rear plug 33 and an interconnecting plug 38. The plug fits into a similarly shaped channel formed in an underside of a sole 20. Similarly, 30 the channel is formed from a front channel 24, an intermediate channel 24A, a rear channel 25 and an interconnecting channel 29. FIGS. 26 and 27 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a tenth embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. In this embodiment, an 13 upper section of a strap 30 forms a support extending horizontally across a top section of a sole 20. A further support extends from a centre top section of a top of the sole 20 diagonally across to a rear outside edge of the top of the sole 20. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30, using a tapered plug as 5 described in the second embodiment together with a sideways "V" shaped section which is formed from a front plug 34 and an interconnecting rear plug 33. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel formed in an underside of the sole 20. 10 FIGS. 28 and 29 show top and bottom plan views respectively of an eleventh embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of a strap 30 forms a support extending horizontally across a top section of a sole 20. A second support extends from a centre top section of a top of the sole 20 diagonally across to a rear outside 15 edge of the top of the sole 20. A third support extends diagonally from a top outside section to a bottom inside section of the sole 20. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30 using a tapered plug as described in the second embodiment and by two horizontal plugs connected by a diagonal plug. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel formed in an underside of the sole 20. 20 FIGS. 30 and 31 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a twelfth embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment with the following exception. An additional support formed in a strap 30. To facilitate the additional support, an 25 intermediate plug 39 is formed in the lower section of the strap 30 and an extra channel is formed in an underside of the sole 20. FIGS. 32 to 35 show views of the thirteenth embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. The figures show variations of both a left foot flip flop 30 in FIG. 33 and a right foot flip flop in FIGS.32 and 34. FIG 35 shows the strap 30 for the flip flop 10. FIG 32 shows the assembled flip flop 10 having a sole 20 and a strap 30.

14 The sole 20 is shaped in a standard sole shape. However, it should be appreciated that the sole may be formed in any number of different shapes and sizes. It should also be appreciated that the materials used for the sole can include any standard material that is currently used on footwear, such as 5 rubber, cork and a variety of plastics. The sole 20 is formed from a main body that has a top side 22 and an underside 23. A front channel 24 extends partially along the width of the underside 23 of the sole 20. A front hole 26 extends through the top side 22 of 10 the sole 20 through to the underside 23 of the sole 20. The front hole 26 is rectangular in shape and is positioned so that the front hole 26 is in alignment with the front channel 24. It should be appreciated, however, that the front hole 26 may form any suitable shape, such as square or circular. 15 The strap 30 as shown in FIG 35 is formed from two side portions 31 which are joined to form a central portion 32. Rear plugs 48, 50 extend from one end of either side portion 31. A front plug 34 is connected to and located adjacent an end of the central portion 32. Both the front plug 34 and rear plugs 48, 50 are shaped and sized to commensurate with the respective front channel 20 24 and rear channels 40, 42 of the sole 20. The strap 30 is integrally formed. That is, the strap 30 is unitary in construction. Accordingly, any suitable material can be used, including rubber or plastics such as polyurethane. The strap 30 of FIG 35 comprises a first rear plug 48 and a second rear plug 50. Both the first rear plug 48 and second rear plug 50 are similar in both size and 25 shape to the front plug 34. FIG 33 shows a front channel 24 which partially extends along the width of the underside 23 of the sole 20. The front plug 34 comprises a long section 35 and a short section 36. The long section 35 and the short section 36 are 30 tapered to allow the front plug 34 to be easily threaded through front hole 26. The long section 35 and the short section 36 intersect at a central portion 32, the sections 35, 36 forming an angle with the central portion 32 and extending away from the central portion 32. It should be appreciated, however, that the 15 long section 35 and the short section 36 may not form an angle at the intersection of the long section 35 and the short section 36. A first rear channel 40 is located adjacent to a first side 49 and a second 5 rear channel 42 adjacent to a second side 51 extend essentially parallel to the long axis of the sole 20 and along the underside 23 of the sole 20. It should be appreciated that the two rear channels 40 and 42 need not be essentially parallel to the long axis of the sole 20, but should be configured on the underside 23 such that the two rear channels 40 and 42 do not intersect. In this 10 embodiment a long section 43 of the first rear channel 40 is adjacent to a short section 47 of the second rear channel 42. Further a short section 41 of the first rear channel 40 is adjacent to a long section 45 of the second rear channel 42. This configuration provides a means to separate the two channels 40 and 42 maximally. 15 In order to assemble a flip-flop 10, the front plug 34 is placed within the front hole 26 in the sole 20. The front plug 34 is then pulled through the front hole 26. As the front plug 34 is pulled through the front hole 26, a part of the central portion 32 will also be pulled through the front hole 26. Once the front 20 plug 34 is pulled entirely through the front hole 26, the front plug 34 is located within the front channel 24. The method of engagement of the rear plugs 48 and 50 with the channels 40 and 42 is the same as described above for the front plug 34 engaging with front channel 24. The rear plugs 48 and 50 are inserted into their respective channels through respective holes, a first rear hole 25 44 and a second rear hole 46, in the sole 20. The rear plugs 48 and 50 comprise long sections 58 and 60 respectively and short sections 56 and 62 respectively. Both rear plugs 48 and 50 of the strap 30 are shaped complimentarily to the rear channels 40 and 42 to provide a means for engagement for the rear plugs 48 and 50 to the rear channels 40 and 42 of the 30 sole 20. In order to remove the strap 30 from the sole 20, the steps are simply followed in reverse. For example, removal is achieved by reversing the 16 assembly method but by inserting short sections 36, 56, 62 through holes 26, 44, 46 and pushing until the plugs 34, 48, 50 disengage from the sole 20. To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the flip flop 10 the long 5 sections 35, 58 and 60 may be labeled "IN" indicating to a user that the long section is used to insert the plugs 34, 48 and 50. Likewise, the short sections 36, 56, 62 may be labeled "OUT" indicating to the user that this end is threaded first to dissemble the flip-flop 10. The short sections and the long sections on the plugs makes the flip-flop 10 easier to assemble and disassemble. 10 FIGS 36 and 37 show views of a fourteenth embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop. Like the previous embodiment the sole 20 is shaped in a standard sole shape and formed from a main body that has a top side 22 and an underside 23. A front channel 24 extends partially along the width of the 15 underside 23 of the sole 20. A front hole 26 extends through the top side 22 of the sole 20 through to the underside 23 of the sole 20. The front hole 26 is rectangular in shape and is positioned so that the front hole 26 is in alignment with the front channel 24. It should be appreciated, however, that the front hole 26 may form any suitable shape, such as square or circular. 20 The strap 30 as shown in FIG 37 is formed from two side portions 31 which are joined to form a central portion 32. Rear plugs 48, 50 extend from one end of either side portion 31. A front plug 34 is connected to and located adjacent an end of the central portion 32. Both the front plug 34 and rear plugs 25 48, 50 are shaped and sized to commensurate with the respective front channel 24 and rear channels 40, 42 of the sole 20. The strap 30 is integrally formed. That is, the strap 30 is unitary in construction. Accordingly, any suitable material can be used, including rubber or plastics such as polyurethane. The strap 30 of FIG 37 comprises a first rear plug 48 and a second rear plug 50. 30 Both the first rear plug 48 and second rear plug 50 are similar in both size and shape to the front plug 34. In the present embodiment the front plug 34 when located in the front channel 24 extends partially across the width of the sole 20. Likewise the first 17 and second rear plugs 48, 50 when located in their respective rear channels 40, 42 extend partially along the length of the sole 20 and adjacent to their respective sides 49, 51 of the sole 20. In FIG 6 each plug 48, 50 consist of two sections 56, 58 and 60, 62 which are equally spaced either side of a central 5 portion 52, 54. Alternatively, each plug 48, 50 may consist of two sections 56, 58 and 60, 62 which are unequally spaced either side of a central portion 52, 54. That is the portions 56, 58 and 60, 62 may be of different lengths on either side of the central portions 52, 54. 10 In order to disassemble and assemble the flip flop, the same process is used as was explained above for the previous embodiment. ADVANTAGES The advantage of the footwear embodiments described above is that the 15 strap 30 can be placed within a sole 20 very easily. This allows for quicker assembly time. Further, as the strap can also be removed from the sole quickly without the use of tools, different straps are able to be used with different soles to create a variety of different looks. It will also be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described 20 without departing from the scope of the invention. VARIATIONS It will be realized that the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example only and that all other modifications and variations as would be 25 apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply 30 the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

Claims (15)

1. A footwear comprising: a sole able to be located under the foot of a user, the sole having three 5 holes passing through the sole; a front channel and first and second rear channels formed in an underside of the sole; a strap able to locate the sole under the foot of a user, the strap having three plugs; and 10 wherein each of the three holes in the sole are aligned with respective channels so as to allow the three respective plugs to pass through each respective hole to be located in each of the respective channels to secure the strap to the sole. 15

2. The footwear as claimed in claim 1 wherein the strap is of unitary construction.

3. The footwear as claimed in claim 2 wherein the strap and three plugs connected to the strap are formed integrally with the strap. 20

4. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the three plugs and three channels are shaped and sized such that the three plugs sit flush with the underside of the sole when located in respective channels. 25

5. The footwear as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the three channels and the three plugs have complementary size and shape such that the three plugs are frictionally retained in the three channels.

6. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the strap 30 includes at least two side portions.

7. The footwear as claimed in claim 6, wherein the two side portions are connected to the front plug and the respective rear plugs, and the two side portions join to form a central portion. 19

8. The footwear as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plugs are tapered so as to allow the plugs to be threaded through their respective holes.

9. The footwear as claimed in claim 8, wherein said front plug when located 5 in said front channel extends partially across the width of the sole, and the first rear plug and second rear plug when located in said channels extend partially along the length of the sole.

10. The footwear as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein each plug has 10 two sections equally spaced either side of a central portion.

11. The footwear as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein each plug has two sections unequally spaced either side of a central portion. 15

12. The footwear as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein each plug has two sections which are formed at an angle with respect to a central portion.

13. The footwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein the two sections form an apex at the central portion, and each plug has a long section and a short 20 section.

14. A method for assembling footwear, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a strap comprising a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, each plug having a first section and a second 25 section; b) providing a sole comprising a front hole, a first rear hole, a second rear hole, a front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel, wherein the channels are on an underside of the sole; c) inserting the first sections of each of the plugs through the respective 30 holes of a topside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through; d) locating each of the plugs into their respective channels such that the plugs are flush with the underside of the sole. 20

15. A method for disassembling footwear, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an assembled footwear comprising a strap which further comprises: 5 a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, each having a first section and a second section; a sole comprising a front hole, a first rear hole, a second rear hole, a front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel, wherein the channels are on an underside of the 10 sole; b) removing the plugs from their respective channels; c) inserting the second sections of each of plugs through their respective holes of an underside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through, disengaging the strap from the sole. 15