WO2013170225A1

WO2013170225A1 - Natural feel sole

Info

Publication number: WO2013170225A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/040667
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason APPLEGATE
Original assignee: Applegate Jason
Priority date: 2012-05-11
Filing date: 2013-05-10
Publication date: 2013-11-14

Abstract

A natural feel sole for protecting a foot includes a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes and one or more fingerprint areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and including one or more swirls.

Description

NATURAL FEEL SOLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to US Provisional Application number 61/646,228 filed on May 11, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Modern shoes offer support and cushioning at the expense of tactile feedback to the wearer, while some attempt has been made to develop shoes that provide more feel to the wearer, these do not replicate a natural barefoot feel while still offering protection.

SUMMARY

[0002] An aspect of the technology described herein relates to a natural feel sole for protecting a foot, the sole including a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes; and one or more fingerprints areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and comprising one or more swirls.

[0003] Another aspect of the technology described herein relates to a natural feel sole for protecting a foot, the sole including a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes and allow contact between the toes; and one or more fingerprints areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and comprising one or more swirls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a bottom of the footwear in some embodiments. [0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bottom and partial side of the footwear in some embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a side and partial bottom of the footwear in some embodiments .

[0007] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a side of the footwear in some embodiments .

[0008] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a front end of the footwear in some embodiments .

[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a top of the footwear in some embodiments .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The present technology relates to an apparatus, system, and method for making the same related to footwear. Each apparatus, system and method may include one or more embodiments in any combination. The features of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other embodiment. Furthermore, use of the term "top" and "bottom" is not intended to limit the orientation of any element (s), but is only used for convenience of discussion .

[0011] This application relates to a device, system and/or method. In some embodiments, the device, system and/or method provides a barefoot simulation via footwear that may be worn on the feet or via another apparatus adaptable to one or more other appendages . Some advantages include, for example, simulated barefoot feel that also offers superior traction and grip, along with freedom of movement and flexibility of the toes while allowing them to contact one another, providing a natural feel .

[0012] In some embodiments, the footwear may be affixed to another device or system including, but not limited to, shoes and/or artificial limbs, for example. In some embodiments, the footwear may be worn directly on the feet, while in some embodiments there may be other material or layers between the foot and the footwear. The terms "feet" and "foot" are used interchangeably herein.

[0013] In some embodiments, a natural feel sole for protecting a foot includes a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes and one or more fingerprint areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and including one or more swirls.

[0014] In some embodiments, the footwear comprises a sole that can have one or patterns arranged thereon, herein referred to as "fingerprints". For example, FIG. 1 illustrates fingerprints 111-115, 121-126 and 141. Each fingerprint can comprise a pattern of trenches 170 with walls 171. The walls 171 may be arranged to facilitate improved grip while still providing a natural barefoot feel. The walls 171 may be shaped and arranged to facilitate the flow of water. In some embodiments, the walls 171 are arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to a surface on the sole and/or the ground. However, any arrangement of the walls 171 that may facilitate the flow of water is contemplated. The pattern of trenches 170 may be configured so as to improve grip in a variety of environments, including but not limited to mountain trails, for example. In some embodiments, the pattern of trenches 170 may be configured to provide a degree of suction to improve grip in environments such as rock surfaces, and/or wet surfaces, for example. This can include, for example, wet surfaces such as paddle boards and surfboards where slip-resistance may be beneficial. In some embodiments, the pattern of trenches 170 may be configured so that they wear evenly. In some embodiments, the pattern of trenches 170 may be configured to adapt to hard surfaces such as concrete, for example, without being too rigid or knobby. One advantage of such a sole includes, for example, no "hot spots" poking the foot. One advantage includes suction on a wet surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the fingerprints may be contoured in three dimensions based on their location on the sole. For example, fingerprints near or along a side edge of the sole may have walls 171 with tapering and/or differing heights to accommodate an edge surface of the sole. In some embodiments, fingerprints along a bottom surface of the sole may likewise have walls 171 of differing heights. The wall 171 height may also vary to improve grip and/or provide a natural barefoot feel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pattern of the trenches 170 may be circular, semi-circular and/or curved, herein referred to as a "swirl". Each swirl may include one or more concentric circles, semi/circles/curves and/or other shapes and configurations. In some embodiments, each swirl can be configured to have a density that provides "bounceback" to produce a "springy" feel while still facilitating the flow of water and providing grip. In some embodiments, each swirl can be configured to have a density that provides bounceback to produce a springy feel as well as suction on hard and/or wet surfaces. Other patterns and shapes may be used, including but not limited to those incorporating non-curved patterns.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fingerprints are arranged to have a callous-like surface that can mimic or simulate a natural barefoot feel while still providing traction in one or more directions. In some embodiments, the callous-like surface can be a feature of the fingerprint wall 171. In some embodiments, the callous- like surface may comprise a material or layer arranged on or in the wall 171, but different from that of the walls 171. In some embodiments, the callous-like surface may result from a shape or pattern formed in or on the perpendicular walls 171 and/or in a material or layer different from that of the perpendicular walls 171. One advantage of such a callous-like surface, for example, includes providing enough grip to prevent slippage on multiple surfaces. In some embodiments, the pattern and/or shape is arranged to form callous-like walls 171.

[0018] In some embodiments, the fingerprints may be arranged in one or more sets . Each set of fingerprints may be defined by their location and/or arrangement on the sole. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the sole can include three sets of fingerprints 110, 120 and 140, for example. In some embodiments, the three sets of fingerprints 110, 120 and 140 include a toe area fingerprint set 110, a forefoot area fingerprint set 120, and a heel area fingerprint set 140. In some embodiments, each set of fingerprints can include one or more zones such fingerprint zones 121-125 and/or fingerprint zones 111-115. The heel area fingerprint set 140 may also include one or more zones. One advantage of having multiple sets of fingerprints, for example, is to provide natural, flexible movement of the foot in multiple directions while still providing natural grip and feel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sole may comprise one or more layers. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sole may comprise three layers, including a hypodermi layer 205, a dermi-sole layer 210, and an epidermi layer 220. In some embodiments, the hypodermi layer 205 may be between 1/16 and 1/8 of an inch thick and may be ribbed with a tapered edge and can aid in traction and ventilation. In some embodiments, the dermi- sole layer 210 may be between 1/32 and 1/16 of an inch thick. In some embodiments, the epidermi layer 220 may be clear and between 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. In some embodiments, the epidermi layer 220 may be the toughest layer and includes the fingerprints. These layers may either be formed separately or integrally with one another.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sole can include distinct individual toe areas, such as toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 as illustrated in FIG. 2 for receiving toes. The top of one or more toe areas 232, 234, 236 and 240 may be uncovered, thereby exposing at least a top portion of the toes. The individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 may be arranged for individual and/or independent movement of each toe while still allowing each toe to naturally contact/touch other toes— i.e. the toe areas may be independently movable. In some embodiments , the toes are not separated into their own individual pockets and/or restricted by pockets. In some embodiments, the toes can spread out naturally and can move in multiple directions. One advantage of such a configuration includes, for example, movement of individual toes to adapt/accommodate to a walking surface more naturally. Another advantage includes, for example, increased surface contact between the toes and ground surface since each toe can move independently, thereby improving, for example, balance, traction, grip and natural feel. In some embodiments, the top of the individual toes is not covered by the sole.

[0021] In some embodiments, one or more slits or gaps in a ground contacting surface of the sole can separate the one or more individual toe areas. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, one or more slits or gaps 151-154 separate one or more individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240. This can allow, for example, independent of other toe areas due to in the ground contacting surface of the sole, thereby allowing individual movement of each toe area (and therefore toe) with respect to the other toe areas while still allowing contact between the toes. In some embodiments, thinner and/or more flexible material between each individual toe area separates the one or more individual toe areas . One advantage of using slits/gaps and/or thinner/more flexible material between each individual toe area, for example, includes providing a more natural feel since the toes are free to touch each other and move individually as they do when barefoot. Another advantage includes, for example, improved traction and adapting to varying surfaces. Yet another advantage can include, for example, minimal coverage of each individual toe, thereby creating a more natural barefoot feel.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a side and partial bottom of the footwear with three sets of fingerprints 110, 120 and 140 and ridges 160 in some embodiments .

[0023] In some embodiments, the sole is configured to have "zero-drop" from heel-to-toe as shown in FIG. 4, for example. This can provide, for example no raised heel. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by configuring the thickness of heel area 402 and forefoot area 404 to be substantially the same, while configuring toe area 406 to be less thick than heel and forefoot areas 402 and 404. This can result in heel and forefoot areas 402 and 404 contacting the ground when in the natural standing position, while the toe area 406 can be slightly elevated. Such a configuration can provide the advantage of, for example, mimicking the natural position of the foot on the a ground surface. Another advantage includes providing improved balance and control when walking on both even and uneven surfaces. In some embodiments, the thickness of heel, forefoot and toe areas 402, 404 and 406 may be substantially the same thickness.

[0024] in some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4, heel area 402 may be between .215 and .375 inches thick, area 403 can be between .041 and .201 inches thick, forefoot area 404 may be between .215 inches thick and .375 inches thick, and the fingerprint thickness may be between .065 inches and .145 inches, for example. In some embodiments, the heel area 402 may be approximately .295 inches thick, area 403 may be approximately .121 inches thick, forefoot area 404 may be approximately .295 inches thick, and the fingerprint thickness may be approximately .065 inches, for example.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sole can be thin enough to provide, for example, tactile feedback to the wearer while still providing protection.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sole may be used in a system that can include attachment features for affixing the sole to the foot, for example. Some attachment features include, for example, laces that may be attached to the sole and foot.

[0027] In some embodiments, the one or more individual toe areas can include one or more front facing sole surfaces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 cover not only the bottom of one or more toes, but also cover one or more forward facing surfaces of one or more toes. FIG. 5 illustrates individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 covered by one or more front facing sole surfaces 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520. Some embodiments feature front facing sole surfaces 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520 having differing heights. Some embodiments feature front facing sole surfaces 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520 having substantially the same height. One advantage of front facing sole surfaces 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520 includes, for example, improved grip along the front surface of the toes. Yet another advantage may include, for example, providing protection for the forward facing surface of each toe while still providing a natural fit and/or feel.

[0028] In some embodiments, the one or more individual toe areas may include a top cupping portion that covers a portion of their respective toe. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 may cup a top portion of one or more toes. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the one or more individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 can have one or more top cupping portions 522, 524, 526, 528 and 530. One advantage of such an arrangement includes, for example, improved fit, while still providing a natural feel.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more slits and/or gaps may separate one or more front facing sole surfaces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more slits or gaps 502, 504, 506 and 508 may be arranged between front facing sole surfaces 512, 514, 516, 518 and 520. This can allow, for example, individual movement of each toe area (and therefore toe) with respect to the other toe areas while still allowing contact between the toes. In some embodiments, thinner and/or more flexible material can be arranged between each individual toe area. One advantage of this configuration is, for example, that the one or more individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 can move independent of adjacent toe areas. One advantage of using slits/gaps and/or thinner/more flexible material between each front facing sole surface, for example, includes providing a more natural feel since the toes are free to touch each other and move individually as they do when barefoot. Another advantage includes, for example, improved traction and adapting to varying surfaces as would a natural foot. Yet another advantage can include, for example, minimal coverage of each individual toe, thereby creating a more natural barefoot feel.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more slits and/or gaps may separate one or more toe cupping portions. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more slits or gaps 502, 504, 506 and 508 may be arranged between the toe cupping portions 522, 524, 526 528 and 530. This can allow, for example individual movement of each toe area (and therefore toe) with respect to the other toe areas while still allowing contact between the toes. In some embodiments, one or more individual toe areas 232, 234, 236, 238 and 240 can move independent of adjacent toe areas due to a thinner and/or more flexible material between each individual toe area. One advantage of using slits/gaps and/or thinner/more flexible material between each individual toe area, for example, includes providing a more natural feel since the toes are free to touch each other and move individually as they do when barefoot. Another advantage includes, for example, improved traction and adapting to varying surfaces as would a natural foot. Yet another advantage can include, for example, minimal coverage of each individual toe, thereby creating a more natural barefoot feel.

[0031] In some embodiments, one or more individual toe area includes ridges arranged along the front facing surface. In some embodiments, one or more individual toe areas include a fingerprint along their ground-facing surface .

[0032] In some embodiments, the sole includes one or more sets of ridges running along an outer periphery of the sole. These ridges may be made of the same material as the sole, or may alternatively be made of a distinct material. One advantage of such ridges includes, for example, providing improved grip and traction and removal of water.

[0033] In some embodiments, the sole can be made of rubber, such as that from tires, including but not limited to recycled rubber tires.

[0034] In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 6, the sole includes a wider forefoot 602. One advantage of such a forefoot 602 includes, for example, freedom of movement and flexibility. In some embodiments, the sole forefoot 602 and toe area is configured allow the toes to expand and/or touch together. For example, metatarsal pads that can be configured to allow the toes to expand and aid in treatment of metatarsalgia or Morton's Neuroma, helping to reduce pressure and relieve pain in the forefoot area. In some embodiments, the sole may be shaped, contoured and/or structured so that the toes are not separated from one another by the sole and can therefore touch one another.

[0035] Some embodiments may optionally include a sole, which may optionally include one or more fingerprints optionally having features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include one or more layers, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include a wider forefoot, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may include one or more toe areas which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include one or more slits or gaps in a ground contacting surface of the sole, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include one or more front facing sole surfaces, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include one or more top cupping portions, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include one or more slits and/or gaps between the one or more front facing sole surfaces, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include one or more slits and/or gaps between one or more toe cupping portions, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include ridges arranged along the front facing surface, ridges which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally be made of rubber, which may optionally include features described heretofore. The sole alternatively or additionally may optionally include a zero-drop from heel-to-toe, which may optionally include features described heretofore.

[0036] It is noted that the features described and inherent in the various embodiments may be combined across embodiments, and that the various embodiments may be combined together in whole or in part. It is contemplated that one or more features in one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments , and that various features may be optional.

[0037] All elements, parts and steps described herein are preferably included. It is to be understood that any of these elements, parts and steps may be replaced by other elements, parts and steps or deleted altogether as will be understood by those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

CONCEPTS

[0038] The application discloses at least the following concepts :

Concept 1. A natural feel sole for protecting a foot, the sole including: a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes ; and one or more fingerprints areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and including one or more swirls .

Concept 2. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the flexible toe areas are configured to allow contact between the toes.

Concept 3. The sole of concept 1, wherein the flexible toe areas are separated by slits between the toe areas.

Concept 4. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints comprise a toe area fingerprint set, a forefoot area fingerprint set, a heel area fingerprint set.

Concept 5. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints comprise trenches configured to provide suction.

Concept 6. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints comprise concentric circles .

Concept 7. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints comprise a callous- like surface.

Concept 8. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, further including including a hypodermi layer, a dermi-sole layer and an epidermi layer. Concept 9. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints are arranged on the epidermi layer.

Concept 10. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the dermi-sole layer is on at least a portion of the hypodermi layer and the epidermi layer is on at least a portion of the hypodermi layer.

Concept 11. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the sole is configured to have a zero- drop from heel-to-toe.

Concept 12. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the individual toe areas each comprise one or more front facing sole surfaces separated by slits and configured to cover at least a portion of the forward facing surface of the toes.

Concept 13. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the front facing sole surfaces extend to cup their respective toe.

Concept 14. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the front facing sole surfaces comprise ridges arranged along the front facing surface.

Concept 15. A natural feel sole for protecting a foot, the sole including: a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes and allows contact between the toes; and one or more fingerprints areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and including one or more swirls .

Concept 16. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the flexible toe areas are separated by slits between the toe areas. Concept 17. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints comprise a toe area fingerprint set, a forefoot area fingerprint set, a heel area fingerprint set.

Concept 18. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints comprise trenches configured to provide suction.

Concept 19. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, further including a hypodermi layer, a dermi- sole layer and an epidermi layer, wherein the dermi-sole layer is on at least a portion of the hypodermi layer and the epidermi layer is on at least a portion of the hypodermi layer.

Concept 20. The sole of any one or more of the previous concepts, wherein the fingerprints are arranged on the epidermi layer.

[0039] While certain features have been described herein, many other features are contemplated and fall within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A natural feel sole for protecting a foot, the sole comprising: a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes; and one or more fingerprint areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and comprising one or more swirls.

2. The sole of claim 1, wherein the flexible toe areas are configured to allow contact between the toes .

3. The sole of claim 1, wherein the flexible toe areas are separated by slits between the toe areas.

4. The sole of claim 1, wherein the fingerprints comprise a toe area fingerprint set, a forefoot area fingerprint set, a heel area fingerprint set.

5. The sole of claim 1, wherein the fingerprints comprise trenches configured to provide suction.

6. The sole of claim 1, wherein the fingerprints comprise concentric circles.

7. The sole of claim 1, wherein the fingerprints comprise a callous-like surface.

8. The sole of claim 1, further comprising comprising a hypodermi layer, a dermi-sole layer and an epidermi layer.

9. The sole of claim 8, wherein the fingerprints are arranged on the epidermi layer.

10. The sole of claim 8, wherein the dermi-sole layer is on at least a portion of the hypodermi layer and the epidermi layer is on at least a portion of the hypodermi layer.

11. The sole of claim 1, wherein the sole is configured to have a zero-drop from heel-to-toe.

12. The sole of claim 1, wherein the individual toe areas each comprise one or more front facing sole surfaces separated by slits and configured to cover at least a portion of the forward facing surface of the toes .

13. The sole of claim 12, wherein the front facing sole surfaces extend to cup their respective toe.

14. The sole of claim 12, wherein the front facing sole surfaces comprise ridges arranged along the front facing surface.

15. A natural feel sole for protecting a foot, the sole comprising: a plurality of flexible toe areas configured to receive toes and allow contact between the toes; and one or more fingerprint areas arranged along a bottom of the sole and comprising one or more swirls.

16. The sole of claim 15, wherein the flexible toe areas are separated by slits between the toe areas.

17. The sole of claim 15, wherein the fingerprints comprise a toe area fingerprint set, a forefoot area fingerprint set, a heel area fingerprint set.

18. The sole of claim 15, wherein the fingerprints comprise trenches configured to provide suction.

19. The sole of claim 15, further comprising hypodermi layer, a dermi-sole layer and an epiderm layer, wherein the dermi-sole layer is on at least portion of the hypodermi layer and the epidermi layer i on at least a portion of the hypodermi layer.

20. The sole of claim 19, wherein the fingerprint are arranged on the epidermi layer.