GB2310356A - Casual footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

A sock 1 and sole 2 are provided with touch and close fastening materials 3. A person wearing the socks steps onto the respective soles to effect connection. To remove a sole a foot is placed on tail 6. Removal can thus be effected without bending.

Description

Walk on / Walk off Casual Footwear Separatable Footwear This invention relates to a casual shoe type based on the idea of a walk on / walk off principle, supporting safety, comfort and style, it allows totally unrestricted freedom of foot movement (excludes the normal suffocation of daily footwear).

Footwear, being a necessity of modern life, obviously has to account for a wide range of activities and styles, mainly as protection so that the effort of walking can be left to the unconscious mind. It is an area of daily life which simply cannot be disregarded. Yet, at present, there is a gap in the market place, where open shoes are still left much to the imagination. Therefore every type of footwear which can be bought, momentarily restricts foot movement in one way or another.

According to the present invention there is provided a type of casual footwear, comprising a specially adapted sock and a specially adapted sole which upon contact with one another become a fixed unit. Whilst protecting, the foot is given total freedom of movement.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. Shows the sock and the sole which are separated and are about to become one.

Figure 2. Shows the sock and the sole as a fixed unit. (inside view).

Figure 3. Shows the sock and the sole as a fixed unit. (outside view) Figure 4. Shows the sock and the sole as a fixed unit in motion.

Figure 5. Shows the detaching procedure.

Figure 6. Shows the sock and the sole as separate articles, with the features which make the product viable.

Figure 7. Shows the sock and the sole as a fixed unit. (front view).

Figure 8. Shows the sock and the sole as a fixed unit. (rear view).

With reference to the drawing, this casual footwear requires a specially adapted 'sock' 1, which is of a thick material providing warmth inside or outside the home. On the underside of the sock the loop side of the 'hook and loop fastener' 3 would be attached to where a bare foot would normally come into contact with the ground. This if worn without the sole 2, indoors, would create added comfort and protection for the wearer.

The specially adapted sole, on the side of contact with the sock, would have the hook / arrow side of the hook and loop fastener attached to it. (i.e. mirroring the places of contact with one another).

This sole must be of a light material so that, whilst walking on the fixed unit, it remains as one.

This sole, being of a flexible nature, allows for unrestricted foot movement, enhancing the factor of comfortability. The bottom of the sole has a thin flexible 'protective grip' 5, which not only covers the sole but also curves up and around it. This protects the foot I sock from contact with the wet ground. The sole is reinforced with protective toe and heel caps 4, which are either a part of the sole; part of the protective grip; or entirely separate pieces connected to the front and back of the sole (i.e. the most vulnerable places). This allows the wearer to have total peace of mind with relation to stubbing or heal injury. This also, whilst giving added protection, prevents the sole from attracting debris from the ground. (The hook side of the hook and loop fastener, attached to the sole, sits within the walls of the protective surroundings). This allows the foot to sit slightly within the sole as opposed to on the sole.

At the rear of the sole a 'tail' 6 piece is either attached to or apart of the sole itself.

This tail piece enables the wearer to separate themselves from the sole pressing on it with the front of the opposite foot thus detaching the other foot from the sole. (The same applies for the other foot).

Claims (7)

1. It can be used as an alternative use for shoe wear when making short trips: For example, going down the end of the garden; putting out the rubbish; popping to the car; going to the shops; popping next door; thus creating far less aggravation or frustration. This is all due to the fact that this article uses the 'WALK ON / WALK OFF principle'

2. Due to the 'principle', it would suit a person who is unable or had difficulty with bending down to put their shoes on..

3. Because it requires no laces to be tied, the method of use is totally stress free - it is a much easier way, especially, for example young children who not only get frustrated with laces, but are unable to tie them. This allows the child to be protected simply and quickly. This charactistic is also particularly suited to the disadvantaged i.e. the elderly, the handicapped, arthritic etc, who could also be unable to tie laces.

4. No longer need one be tempted with leaving the house just in socks, because of the ease of this concept. Thus socks will be saved from being worn-out as well as bringing dirt, on the sock, back into the house.

5. The fasteners on both the sock and the sole could be luminous, thus allowing them to be visible or found in the dark.

6. The sock and the sole can be made in many different colour schemes to suit the taste of the individual and to be in keeping with the colour of the wearer's clothes.

7. The wearer of this product can escape the feeling of suffocation from normal shoes, whilst resting in the knowledge that their feet are protected.

Amendments to the clalms have been filed as follows The combination of a sock and a sole, which are provided with touch and close fastening material,allows a user wearing a sock on one foot to step on to the sole, thus connecting one to the other.

The sole, which is provided with a "tail piece", enables the sole to be removed without the user bending, by placing the other foot on the "tail piece" and removing the one foot from the other.