AU2014200694B2

AU2014200694B2 - Footwear

Info

Publication number: AU2014200694B2
Application number: AU2014200694A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Aaron Benjamin Jennings; Bradley Andrew Munro
Original assignee: 29 PS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: 29 PS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-03-26
Filing date: 2014-02-10
Publication date: 2019-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-26
Also published as: AU2014200694A1

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

FOOTWEAR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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 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 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.

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 individual to try and force the circular head back through the hole without the use of the tool.

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.

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 the sole having three holes passing through the sole;

a front channel and a first rear channel and a second rear channel formed in an underside of the sole;

a strap of unitary construction having two side portions which join to form a central portion, the strap having a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug connected to the two side portions and integrally formed with the strap, the front plug, the first rear plug and the second rear plug are tapered and have two sections unequally spaced from either side of a central plug portion and formed at an angle with respect to the central plug portion, the three plugs are releasably attached to the sole and configured to allow the foot of the user to be located between the strap and the sole; and wherein each of the three holes in the sole are aligned with one of the front channel, the first rear channel and the second rear channel so as to allow the front plug, the first rear plug and the second rear plug to pass and be threaded through each respective hole, the first rear plug which when located in the first rear channel and the second rear plug when located in the second rear channel extend partially along a length of the sole, and each respective plug is completely located within each of the respective channels such that each respective plug sits flush with the underside of the sole to secure the strap to the sole, the three channels and the three plugs are of complementary size and shape, and the strap, three plugs and sole are interchangeable or configured to be changed without the use of tools.

Preferably, the front plug when located in the front channel may extend partially across the width of the sole. The two sections of each respective plug may form an apex at the central plug portion. Each plug may have a long section and a short section.

Preferably, the long section and the short section of each plug may be shaped as flat elongate, longitudinally curvilinear strips which are joined to form an apex at the central plug portion. Each plug may be formed in the shape of an irregular concave curvilinear quadrilateral.

Preferably, each plug may have an inner surface and an outer surface separated and spaced apart by a wall joining the inner surface to the outer surface.

Preferably, the front channel, the first rear channel and the second rear channel formed in the underside of the sole may have a long section and a short section joined at a central channel portion.

Preferably, the long section and the short section may have a bottom surface spaced a distance from the underside of the sole and forming a wall extending around and between the bottom surface and the underside of the sole.

Preferably, when each complementary shaped plug is inserted into each channel, the inner surface of each plug and the plug wall may be frictionally engaged with the bottom surface and the channel wall of each channel and the outer surface of each plug is so aligned to sit flush with the underside of the sole.

Preferably, when each complementary shaped plug is inserted into each channel, the inner surface of each plug and the plug wall may be frictionally engaged with the bottom surface and the channel wall of each channel, allows each plug to be retained within each channel without the need for any secondary retention means, and the integral connection between the strap and each plug being frictionally engaged with each channel, allows the strap and plugs to be interchangeable without the need for tools.

Preferably, the first rear channel may extend partially along a long axis of the sole and adjacent a side of the sole. The second rear channel may extend partially along a long axis of the sole and adjacent a side of the sole.

Preferably, the long section of the first rear channel and the short section of the second rear channel may be located in adjacent positions on opposing sides of the sole. The short section of the first rear channel and the long section of the second rear channel may be located in adjacent positions on opposing sides of the sole.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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. 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 side portions may be connected to the front plug and the respective rear plugs, and the two side portions join to form a central plug 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 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.

Preferably, each plug may have two sections equally spaced either side of a central plug portion. Alternatively, each plug may have two sections unequally spaced either side of a central plug portion. Each plug may have two sections which are formed at an angle with respect to a central plug portion. The two sections may form an apex at the central plug 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 without the use of tools, the method comprising the steps of a) providing a strap of unitary construction having two side portions which join to form a central portion, the strap comprising a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, connected to the two side portions and integrally formed with the strap, the front plug, the first rear plug and the second rear plug are tapered and have a first section and a second section unequally spaced from either side of a central plug portion and formed at an angle with respect to the central plug portion; 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 formed in an underside of the sole, each of the holes are aligned with the respective channels; c) inserting the first sections of each of the plugs through the respective holes of a topside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through the sole; and d ) locating each of the plugs into their respective channels such that each plug is completely received within each respective channel and sits flush with the underside of the sole to secure the strap to the sole.

In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method for disassembling footwear without the use of tools, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an assembled footwear in accordance with the previous aspect b) removing each plug from their respective channels; c) inserting the second sections of each of plugs through their respective holes in the underside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through the sole to disengage the strap from the sole.

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:

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;

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;

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;

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;

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 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;

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;

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;

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;

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

In order to remove the strap 30 from the sole 20, the steps are simply followed in reverse.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 invention and may include some or all of the features described therein. In its most general form and as illustrated in Figs. 32 to 35, the footwear or flip-flop 10 comprises a sole 20 and a unitary interchangeable strap 30. The sole 20 is able to be located under the foot of a user and has three holes 26, 44, 46 passing through the sole 20. The sole has a top side 22 and an underside 23. In the underside 23 three channels are formed; a front channel 24 and a first rear channel 40 and a second rear channel 42. The interchangeable strap 30 has three plugs 34, 48, 50 connected to the strap 30. The three plugs 34, 48, 50 and the strap 30 are releasably attached to the sole 20 and configured to allow the foot of the user to be located between the strap 30 and the sole 20. Each of the three holes 26, 44, 46 in the sole 20 are aligned with respective channels 24, 40, 42 so as to allow the three respective plugs 34, 48, 50 to pass through each respective hole 26, 44, 46, and each respective plug 34, 48, 50 is completely located within each of the respective channels 24, 40, 42 such that each respective plug sits flush with the underside 23 of the sole 20 to secure the strap 30 to the sole 20. The three channels 24, 40, 42 and the three plugs 34, 48, 50 are of complementary size and shape, and the strap 30, three plugs 34, 48, 50 and sole 20 are interchangeable or configured to be changed without the use of tools.

The releasably attached strap 30 and sole 20 are interchangeable in that other straps 30 and other soles 20 are capable of being put or used in the place of each other. For example, straps 30 may be supplied in different colours and with different designs on the straps 30. This allows the user to easily change the look of the footwear 10 by simply changing the current strap 30 for a new strap 30. This is also the case for different coloured soles 20 which may be interchangeable should the user require a different colour combination or a different design on the sole 20.

Therefore in order to be interchangeable the plugs 34, 48, 50 are releasably attached to the sole 20. This means the plugs 34, 48, 50 are brought into direct contact with and retained within the channels 24, 40, 42 for frictional engagement. The surfaces of the plugs 34, 48, 50 frictionally engage with the surfaces of the channels 24, 40, 42 to releasably retain the strap 30 to the sole 20.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 plug fits into a similarly shaped channel in an underside of a sole 20. The Hshaped 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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 loop extending rearwards of the sole 20 connected to a vertex of the V, the loop hooking around a user's heel. A plug is formed in a lower section of the

2014200694 04 Dec 2019 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 plug 38. Similarly, the Z-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and 5 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 upper section of the strap 30 is formed from interconnecting side portions 31 io 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 a lower section of the strap 30, the plug forming three parallel sections, the 15 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, the channel is formed from a front channel 24, an intermediate channel 24A, a 20 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 upper section of a strap 30 forms a support extending horizontally across a top 25 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 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 30 33. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel formed in an underside of the sole 20.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 may form any suitable shape, such as square or circular. The holes 26, 44, 46 extend a short distance into the sole 20 until they come in contact with the inner surface of the channels 24, 40, 42.

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 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 shape to the front plug 34.

All three plugs 34, 48, 50 and all three channels 24, 40, 42 are of complementary shape and size thus allowing the releasable strap 30 to be interchangeable with the sole 20 of the footwear 10. As illustrated the plugs 34, 48, 50 and the channels 24, 40, 42 are all of the same shape and size. Each plug 34, 48, 50 has two sections unequally spaced from either side of a central portion 32, 52, 54 and formed at an angle with respect to the central portion. Each plug 34, 48, 50 has a long section 35, 56, 60 and a short section 36, 58, 62 and are shaped as flat elongate, longitudinally curvilinear strips joined to form an apex at the central portion and similar in shape of an irregular concave curvilinear quadrilateral. The plugs 34, 48, 50 and strap 30 will be described in further detail below.

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 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 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.

As illustrated the channels 24, 40, 42 are formed within the underside 23 of the sole 20. Each channel 24, 40, 42 has an open end which is in the same plane as the underside 23 of the sole 20 and an inner surface which is joined to the open end by a wall. The channels 24, 40, 42 extend a distance into and are spaced from the underside 23 of the sole 20. The distance which the channels 24, 40, 42 extend into the sole 20 is comparable with the height of each plug 34, 48, 50. When the strap 30 and plugs 34, 48, 50 are assembled and the plugs are located within the channels the outer surface of the plugs lies in the same plane or is aligned to sit flush with the underside of the sole 23.

The interchangeability of the releasable strap 30 and the sole 20 allows for easy assembly and disassembly of the footwear 10 without the need for tools. The assembly of the releasable strap 30 to the sole 20 will be described in more detail below The disassembly of the releasable strap 30 from the sole 20 will also be described in more detail below.

A first rear channel 40 is located adjacent to a first side 49 and a second 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 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.

In order to assemble a flip-flop 10, the long section 35 of the front plug 34 is placed and pushed by a user into the front hole 26 in the sole 20. The long section 35 and the front plug 34 are then pulled through the front hole 26, this includes the short section 36. 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 completely within the front channel 24 such that the outer side of the front plug 34 will be aligned with the underside 23 of the sole 20. The front plug 34 is pushed firmly into the channel 24 such that the front plug 34 is frictionally engaged with the front channel 24 to releasably retain the front plug 34 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 44 and a second rear hole 46, in the sole 20. The rear plugs 48 and 50 comprise long sections 56 and 60 respectively and short sections 58 and 62 respectively. Like the front plug 34 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 sole 20.

In order to remove the strap 30 from the sole 20, the following steps are performed. Firstly, each plug 34, 48, 50 is pushed by the user 80 out of frictional engagement with each channel 24, 40, 42. The short section 36, 58, 62 of each plug 34, 48, 50 is then folded towards the central portion 32, 52, 54 and pushed through the holes 26, 44, 46. The plugs 34, 48, 50 are then pulled completely through the holes. For example, removal is achieved 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 sections 35, 56 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, 58, 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 make the flip-flop 10 easier to assemble and disassemble.

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 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.

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 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. 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 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 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.

2014200694 04 Dec 2019

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 releasably attached strap can be placed within a sole very easily. This allows for quicker assembly time. Further, as the releasably attached strap can also be removed from the sole quickly without the use of tools, different io interchangeable straps are able to be used with different soles to create a variety of different looks.

With the plugs frictionally engaged in each channel allows each plug to be retained within each channel without the need for any secondary retention 15 means such as adhesive or glues. This further allows the releasable strap and integrally connected each plug to be interchangeable without the need for tools.

The present invention provides the user with the ability to change your footwear straps and sole combination themselves without the need for tools.

Having the ability to customise your footwear quickly means you will always have the right look for any occasion. Mix and match colours to suit your outfit or your favourite sporting team or charity. Take a few different coloured straps when you go on holidays and it won’t take up room in your luggage.

The present invention provides affordable fashion that can be updated at a low cost each season. A number of different coloured soles and releasably attached straps provide an interchangeable range of footwear.

The design of the channels and plugs ensures that the strap is securely 30 retained within the sole of the footwear. The unique complementary shape of the plugs and channels provides footwear which unlike it counterparts the plugs will not easily pull out of the channels. With the plugs frictionally retained within the channels they can only be removed by pushing the plug through the channel in the reverse direction and folding the short section of the plug and then pushing through the hole in the sole. The frictional engagement also means that no secondary retention devices like adhesives is required. The ability to releasably attach the plugs and strap to the sole also means that it is easily disassembled and reassembled without the needs of any tools.

It will also be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described 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 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 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

1. A footwear comprising:

a sole able to be located under the foot of a user, the sole having three holes passing through the sole;

2. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front plug when located in the front channel extends partially across the width of the sole.

3. The footwear as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the two sections of each respective plug form an apex at the central plug portion.

4. The footwear as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each plug has a long section and a short section.

5. The footwear as claimed in claim 4, wherein the long section and the short section of each plug is shaped as flat elongate, longitudinally curvilinear strips which are joined to form an apex at the central plug portion.

6. The footwear as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each plug is formed in the shape of an irregular concave curvilinear quadrilateral.

7. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each plug has an inner surface and an outer surface separated and spaced apart by a wall joining the inner surface to the outer surface.

8. The footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front channel, the first rear channel and the second rear channel formed in the underside of the sole have a long section and a short section joined at a central channel portion.

9. The footwear as claimed in claim 8, wherein the long section and the short section have a bottom surface spaced a distance from the underside of the sole and forming a wall extending around and between the bottom surface and the underside of the sole.

10. The footwear as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein when each complementary shaped plug is inserted into each channel, the inner surface of each plug and the plug wall is frictionally engaged with the bottom surface and the channel wall of each channel and the outer surface of each plug is so aligned to sit flush with the underside of the sole.

11. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein when each complementary shaped plug is inserted into each channel, the inner surface of each plug and the plug wall is frictionally engaged with the bottom surface and the channel wall of each channel, allows each plug to be retained within each channel without the need for any secondary retention means, and the integral connection between the strap and each plug being frictionally engaged with each channel, allows the strap and plugs to be interchangeable without the need for tools.

12. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first rear channel extends partially along a long axis of the sole and adjacent a side of the sole.

13. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the second rear channel extends partially along a long axis of the sole and adjacent a side of the sole.

14. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the long section of the first rear channel and the short section of the second rear channel are located in adjacent positions on opposing sides of the sole.

15. The footwear as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the short section of the first rear channel and the long section of the second rear channel are located in adjacent positions on opposing sides of the sole.

16. A method for assembling footwear without the use of tools, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a strap of unitary construction having two side portions which join to form a central portion, the strap comprising a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, connected to the two side portions and integrally formed with the strap, the front plug, the first rear plug and the second rear plug are tapered and have a first and a second section unequally spaced from either side of a central plug portion and formed at an angle with respect to the central plug portion;

b) providing a sole comprising a front hole, a first rear hole, a second rear hole with each hole passing through the sole, a front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel, wherein the channels

2014200694 04 Dec 2019 are formed in an underside of the sole, each of the holes are aligned with the respective channels;

c) inserting the first sections of each of the plugs through the respective holes of a topside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely

5 through the sole; and

d) locating each of the plugs into their respective channels such that each plug is completely received within each respective channel and sits flush with the underside of the sole to secure the strap to the sole.

17. A method for disassembling footwear without the use of tools, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing the assembled footwear as claimed in claim 16;

b) removing each plug from their respective channels;

15 c) inserting the second sections of each of plugs through their respective holes in the underside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through the sole to disengage the strap from the sole.