WO2014047687A1

WO2014047687A1 - Open-toed footwear strap repair element

Info

Publication number: WO2014047687A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/001104
Authority: WO
Inventors: Samantha MANCINI
Original assignee: Flugs Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-28
Filing date: 2013-09-30
Publication date: 2014-04-03

Abstract

A repair element for footwear comprising a sole and a strap attached with a toe portion of the sole, the strap comprising a shaft extending through an aperture in the toe portion of the sole and terminating at a terminal flange, the terminal flange being sized and positioned to maintain a portion of the shaft within the aperture, the repair element being adapted for use when the terminal flange has been detached from the shaft, the repair element comprising a repair flange adapted to be attached with the shaft of the strap to retain the strap with respect to the sole.

Description

OPEN-TOED FOOTWEAR STRAP REPAIR ELEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to repair elements for the repair of a strap or strap portion of open-toed footwear.

BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE

Open toed footwear is known to comprise a sole composed of a flexible material and a strap attached with the sole via a shaft which is adapted to extend between the user's toes. The shaft is incorporated into the strap which is configured to retain a wearer' s foot with respect to the footwear. Such footwear is commonly known as thongs, flip flops or jandals.

Generally, the footwear requires a strap having a shaft attached with the sole through use of a terminal flange positioned at an attachment end of the strap. The attachment end of the strap includes the shaft which in use extends through an aperture in the sole of the footwear. The flange is sized to be larger than the aperture through which the shaft extends. The flange therefore resists movement through the aperture and retains the strap in place. In some footwear, the flange is designed to be located within a recess in a lower surface of the sole. In this footwear a lower face of the flange is designed to be flush with the lower surface of the sole. An upper shoulder of the flange abuts the inner surface of the recess, retaining the strap within the aperture. In use, the strap extends from the shaft about a user' s foot and attaches to an outer portion of the sole intermediate toe and heel portions. The footwear is lightweight and generally not intended to be long-wearing. However a preferred pair of open-toed footwear can be worn regularly for long periods of time. This can result in the terminal flange being worn and damaged or, worse, detaching from the shaft.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed in a first aspect is a repair element for footwear comprising a sole and a strap attached with a toe portion of the sole, the strap comprising a shaft

extending through an aperture in the toe portion of the sole and terminating at a terminal flange, the terminal flange being sized and positioned to maintain the shaft within the aperture, the repair element being adapted for use when the terminal flange has been detached from the shaft, the repair element comprising a repair flange adapted to be attached with the shaft portion of the strap to retain the strap with respect to the sole. In some embodiments, the repair flange includes an internal bore adapted to retain the shaft.

In some embodiments, the bore includes an internal helical thread.

In some embodiments, the repair flange includes an internal bore adapted to retain the shaft, and the repair element further comprising a retainer adapted to be inserted within the internal bore.

Disclosed in a second aspect is a method of repairing a footwear component using a repair element as defined in the first aspect, the method comprising:

feeding the shaft through the internal bore of the repair flange;

positioning the retainer about the shaft;

moving the retainer into the closed position such that the shaft is retained in the internal hole; moving the repair flange over the retainer such that the retainer is fitted at least partially within the internal bore of the repair flange. The footwear repair element allows for simple repair of a pair of open toed footwear in circumstances where the strap is damaged. A wearer can simply attach the repair element to the strap such that the strap is again attached with the sole of the footwear. In at least one

embodiment, it is advantageous to repair the strap and enable the life of the footwear to be prolonged, in

particular, where the life of the footwear has been

without cause cut short. BRIE F DE SCRI PTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of repair elements will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of repair elements according to two embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a cross- section of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of a cross-section of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 is an elevation view of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of a broken or worn piece of footwear capable of receiving the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8 is a side perspective view of the footwear illustrated in Fig. 7 ;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the footwear illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a side view of the piece of footwear illustrated in Fig. 7 with one of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 affixed to the footwear; Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view in close-up of one of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 affixed to the footwear of Fig. 7 in the process of repair;

Fig. 12 is a bottom perspective view in close-up of one of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 1 affixed to the footwear of Fig. 7 ready for use;

Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a third and fourth embodiment of repair elements of the present invention; Fig. 15 is a top perspective view of the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 14; Fig. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a cross- section of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 14;

Fig. 18 is a plan view of the repair elements illustrated in Fig. 14; and

Fig. 19 is a bottom perspective view of a further embodiment of a repair flange which forms part of a repair element according to the present invention;

Fig. 20 is a top perspective view of the repair flange of Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a retainer which forms part of a repair element according to the present invention; Fig. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the retainer of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a side view of the retainer of Fig. 21; Fig. 24 is a plan view of the retainer of Fig. 21 inserted within the repair flange of Fig. 19 to form an embodiment of a repair element according to the present invention; and Fig. 25 is a top perspective view of the repair element of Fig. 24. DE TAILED DE SCRI PTION OF EMBOD IMENTS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily

understood that the aspect of the present disclosure as generally described herein and illustrated can be

arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of configurations, all of which are

contemplated in this disclosure.

This disclosure is directed generally to repair elements for straps of open toed footwear such as thongs, flip flops or jandals, however the repair element is useable in any footwear which includes a strap extending through the sole and terminating in a flange.

In some forms, a repair element for footwear

comprises a sole and a strap attached with a toe portion of the sole, the strap comprising a shaft extending through an aperture in the toe portion of the sole and terminating at a terminal flange, the terminal flange being sized and positioned to maintain the shaft within the aperture, the repair element being adapted for use when the terminal flange has been detached from the shaft, the repair element comprising a repair flange adapted to be attached with the shaft portion of the strap to retain the strap with respect to the sole.

In some forms, the repair flange includes an internal bore adapted to retain the shaft.

In some forms, the bore includes an internal helical thread .

In some forms, a repair element further comprises an elongate projection extending from the flange, the

projection being sized to be inserted within the aperture, and wherein the bore extends through the elongate

projection into the repair flange.

In some forms, the sole of the footwear includes a recess situated about the aperture and the repair flang is sized and shaped to fit within the recess.

In some forms, a lower face of the repair flange is configured in use to be flush with a lower surface of the sole .

In some forms, the repair flange includes an internal bore adapted to retain the shaft, and the repair element further comprising a retainer adapted to be inserted within the internal bore.

In some forms, the retainer includes an internal hole adapted to retain the shaft. In some forms, the retainer includes concentric ridges formed within the internal hole.

In some forms, the internal hole is a blind hole.

In some forms, the repair element includes a cavity situated about a periphery of the internal bore, and the retainer includes a corresponding shoulder sized and shaped to fit within the cavity.

In some forms, an elongate projection extends from the flange, the projection being sized to be inserted within the hole, and wherein the bore extends through the elongate projection into the repair flange.

In some forms, the retainer includes a slit that is positioned such that pressure on the outside of an end of the retainer by the projection results in contraction of the retainer.

In some forms, the retainer is formed from two parts joined by a hinge having a closed position, the closed position being where the two parts define the internal hole .

In some forms, a secondary cavity formed adjacent the cavity and the hinge corresponds to the secondary cavity to fit within the secondary cavity in use. In some forms, a method of repairing a footwear component using the repair element is disclosed, the method comprising: feeding the shaft through the internal bore of the repair flange;

positioning the retainer about the shaft;

moving the retainer into the closed position such that the shaft is retained in the internal hole; and

moving the repair flange over the retainer such that the retainer is fitted at least partially within the internal bore of the repair flange.

In some forms, the method further comprises aligning the hinge with the secondary cavity.

As illustrated in the Figures, some illustrative embodiments of repair elements provide for simple repair footwear straps without the need for specialised

tradespeople or purchasing new footwear.

Referring to Fig. 1, disclosed is a repair element 1 for a footwear strap. The repair element 1 comprises a body 2 which in the illustrated form comprises a flange 4 and a projection 5 extending from the flange. The flange 4 defines a shoulder 7 which abuts the projection 5.

A bore 9 extends through the projection 5 and into the flange 4. The bore 9 defines an engagement cavity 10 which in the illustrated form is located centrally in the body 2 and extends from an open end 11 to a closed end 15. As shown in Fig. 1, the bore 9 can be variably sized to allow for repair of a variety of footwear.

An interior surface 13 of the bore 9 includes a helical thread 14 extending inwardly into the engagement cavity 10. As shown best in Figs. 2 through 4, the bore 9 extends from an open end 11 to a closed end 15 which forms an inner surface of the flange 4. The helical thread 14 in the illustrated form extends for the full length of the bore 9, however in alternative not illustrated embodiments the helical thread may be intermittent, may be present for only a portion of the bore or may be absent. The flange 4 includes a lower face 17, which is in an opposing relationship with the closed end 15 and the shoulder 7.

Figs. 5 and 6 show the external surface of the repair element 1 including the lower face 17 and the shoulder 7 which form outer surfaces of the flange 4.

In use, as shown in Figs. 7 through 13, the repair element 1 is adapted to be affixed to a broken or worn strap 27 of footwear 20. As shown in Fig. 7, the footwear comprises a sole 21 extending from a toe portion 22 to a heel portion 23. The footwear includes the strap 27 having a shaft 25 which is attached with the sole 21 at the toe portion 22. Each strap 27 further attaches with the sole 21 at a position intermediate the toe portion 22 and the heel portion 23.

As shown in Fig. 8, an attachment portion 32 of the strap 27 of the footwear 20 comprises a shaft 25 which, in its original form, engages with the sole 21 by extending through an aperture 28 in the toe portion 22 of the sole 21. As shown in Figs. 9 through 11, the aperture 28 extends through the sole 21 from an upper surface 29 of the footwear to a recess 30 located in a lower surface 31 of the footwear. In use, the upper surface 29 is in contact or adjacent the wearer's foot while the lower surface 31 is in contact with or adjacent the ground.

Though not illustrated, in the original form the shaft 25 terminates in a terminal flange. This terminal flange is sized to fit within the recess 30 but be larger than the aperture 28 such that engagement with the terminal flange retains the shaft 25 with respect to the sole 21.

Wear of the footwear can result in the detachment of the original terminal flange from the shaft 25. As shown in Fig. 8, this makes the footwear unwearable as the shaft of each strap 27 no longer includes the flange and is no longer configured to be attached with the sole 21 at the toe portion 22. As shown best in Figs. 10 and 11, the repair element

1 is, in use, attached with the shaft 25 of the strap 27. The shaft 25 is inserted into the bore 9. In some illustrated forms, the attachment between the shaft 25 and the repair element 1 comprises the helical thread 14 within the bore 9, however in other embodiments there is no helical thread 14 and the shaft 25 and repair element 1 engage through interference fit, press fit, or any other method of retaining the repair element 1 with respect to the shaft 25.

As shown in Fig. 12, once the repair element 1 is positioned on the shaft 25, the flange 4 of the repair element 1 can be located within the recess 30 in the lower surface 31 of the footwear 20. The projection 5 of the repair element 1 is sized and shaped to fit into the aperture 28 in use. The flange 4 is sized and shaped such that once the projection 5 is positioned in the aperture 28 and the flange 4 is positioned within the recess 30, the lower face 17 of the flange 4 is flush with the lower surface 31 of the sole.

Referring to Figs. 14 through 18, alternative embodiments of a repair element 10 are shown where like numerals indicate like features. The primary difference between the alternative embodiments and the previously illustrated embodiments is the bore 9 extends from the open end 11 through the repair element 10 to a second open end 16 (as opposed to the closed end 15) . The second open end 16 is formed in the flange 4 and extends through the lower face 17. The helical thread 14 in the illustrated form extends for the full length of the bore 9, i.e., through both the projection 5 and through the flange 4. In any event, the bore 9 defines the engagement cavity 10. The alternative embodiments may be advantageous in that the manufacturing process is simplified, and thus more cost effective to manufacture.

Now referring to Figs. 19 to 25 a further embodiment of a repair element 100 is illustrated and disclosed where like reference numerals indicate like features. The primary difference illustrated by the further embodiment is that the repair element 100 is formed from two parts, namely a repair body 102 and a retainer 104. The repair body 102 includes an internal bore 106 adapted to retain the retainer 104, and the retainer 104 includes an internal hole 130 adapted to retain the shaft 25 of the strap 27 of the footwear 20. The internal bore 106 extends through both the flange 108 and the projection

Referring to Figs. 19 and 20, the repair body 102 generally includes a flange 108, a cavity 110 situated about the periphery of the internal bore 106, a secondary cavity 112 also located at the periphery of the internal bore 106 and an elongate projection 114 extending from the flange 108. The internal bore extending through both the flange and the projection. The repair body 102 will be discussed in more detail below in relation to the retainer 104.

Now referring Figs. 21 to 23, the retainer 104 is formed from two parts 134 joined by a hinge 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 132 is formed of a flexible material. The two parts 134 of the retainer 104 move relative to one another about the hinge 132 between an open position (as shown in Figs. 21 to 23) and a closed position (as shown in Figs. 24 and 25) .

In the closed position, the two parts 134 define the internal hole 130. In use, each part 134 of the retainer 104 is rotated towards one another until one part 134 abuts the other part 134 about the shaft 25. In non- illustrated alternative embodiments, the two parts of the retainer need not abut one another in the repair position provided the retainer is capable of retaining the shaft of the footwear 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 104 includes concentric ridges 136 formed within the internal hole 130. The ridges 136 are beveled and extend about the circumference of the hole 130 into the hole for engagement with the shaft 25. In at least one embodiment, the ridges are advantageous in that they facilitate an interference fit between the shaft 25 and the retainer 104 by biting into the shaft.

In non-illustrated alternative embodiments, the retainer may include a helical thread within the internal hole similar to the helical thread discussed above. Alternatively, the retainer may engage the shaft through press fit, or any other method of retaining the retainer with respect to the shaft. The retainer may also be is formed as one part and function in a similar way to the above mentioned embodiments.

To further facilitate the engagement of the retainer 104 and the shaft 25, the retainer 104 also includes an end wall 138. The end wall 138 acts as a depth guide when mounting the retainer 104 about the shaft 25 in the repair position. In use, the shaft 25 may abut the end wall 138. In this regard, the internal hole 130 of the retainer 104 is a blind hole.

Referring to Figs. 24 and 25, the retainer 104 is adapted to be inserted within the internal bore 130 of the repair body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 104 includes a slit 140 extending from a lead end 142 (as best shown in Fig. 23) and a peripheral projection 144 located about the circumference of the lead end 142 (as best shown in Fig. 21) . Both the slit 140 and the peripheral projection 144 facilitate the insertion of the retainer 104 into the internal bore 130 and the engagement therebetween .

Each retainer part 134 includes a slit 140 which divides each lead end 142 of each part 134 into two segments 146. The segments 146 are capable of moving laterally, and radially towards and away from one another or expanding and contracting within the internal bore 130 of the repair flange. The slit 140 extends through part of the length of each retainer part 134.

The peripheral projection 144 is also located about the exterior of the lead end 142. When the retainer 104 is inserted into the internal bore 106 of the body 102, the lead end 142 is the first end forced through body 102. Once positioned within the body 102, the peripheral projection 144 engages with the lead end 142 to inhibit the retainer 104 from being withdrawn in the opposite direction as it was inserted (as best shown in Fig. 25) .

The retainer 104 also includes a trailing end 148 that is enlarged with respect to the lead end 142. The retainer is enlarged to include a shoulder 150. In this regard, the repair body 102 includes the primary cavity 110 that is recessed to receive the shoulder 150. The shoulder 150 sized and shaped to fit within the cavity 110. In use, the trailing end 148 in combination with the primary cavity inhibit the retainer 104 from being forced all the way through the repair body 102 and assists to secure the retainer in relation to flange . As best shown in Figs. 19 and 24, the repair body 102 also includes the secondary cavity 112 which is formed adjacent the primary cavity 110 and is sized and shaped to accommodate the hinge 132 of the retainer 104.

In use, when the terminal flange has been detached from the shaft of the footwear, the following method for repairing the footwear component is performed when using the repair element as discussed in relation to Figs. 19 to 25. The steps of the method need not necessarily be performed in this order.

First, the user feeds the shaft 25 through the internal bore 106 of the repair flange 108. Second, the user positions the retainer 104 about the shaft 25. In at least one embodiment, where the flange 108 is positioned first, the flange 108 is slid further up the shaft 25 closer to the sole 21 of the footwear 20, and the retainer 104 is positioned about the shaft 25 below the flange 108.

Third, the user moves the retainer 104 into the closed position such that the shaft 25 is retained in the internal hole 130. Fourth, the user moves the repair flange 108 over the retainer 104 such that the retainer 104 is fitted at least partially within the internal bore 106 of the repair flange 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the lead end 142 of the retainer 104 is forced through the flange 108 of the body 102 first when the body 102 is being slid over the retainer 104. The user also aligns the hinge with the secondary cavity. While the repair element of the illustrated forms generally comprises a substantially circular flange, it will be clear that any shaped flange will fall within the scope of the disclosure as long as the flange is sized to be retained within the recess. While the illustrated forms include a projection 5 extending from the flange and allowing for a longer bore 9 , it will be clear that the repair element could include simply a flange with an internal bore.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

1. A repair element for footwear comprising a sole and a strap attached with a toe portion of the sole, the strap comprising a shaft extending through an

aperture in the toe portion of the sole and

terminating at a terminal flange, the terminal flange being sized and positioned to maintain a portion of the shaft within the aperture, the repair element being adapted for use when the terminal flange has been detached from the shaft, the repair element comprising a repair flange adapted to be attached with the shaft of the strap to retain the strap with respect to the sole.

2. A repair element as defined in claim 1, wherein the repair flange includes an internal bore adapted to retain the shaft.

3. A repair element as defined in claim 2, wherein the bore includes an internal helical thread.

4. A repair element as defined in claim 2 or 3, further comprising an elongate projection extending from the flange, the projection being sized to be inserted within the aperture, and wherein the bore extends through the elongate projection into the repair flange .

5. A repair element as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sole of the footwear includes a recess situated about the aperture and the repair flange is sized and shaped to fit within the recess.

6. A repair element as defined in claim 5, wherein a lower face of the repair flange is configured in use to be flush with a lower surface of the sole.

7. A repair element substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A repair element as defined in claim 1, wherein the repair flange includes an internal bore adapted to retain the shaft, and the repair element further comprising a retainer adapted to be inserted within the internal bore.

.A repair element as defined in claim 8, wherein the retainer includes an internal hole adapted to retain the shaft.

10. A repair element as defined in claim 9, wherein the retainer includes concentric ridges formed within the internal hole.

A repair element as defined in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the internal hole is a blind hole.

A repair element as defined in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the repair element includes a cavity situated about a periphery of the internal bore, and the retainer includes a corresponding shoulder sized and shaped to fit within the cavity.

13. A repair element as defined in any one of claims 8 to 12 further comprising an elongate projection extending from the flange, the projection being sized to be inserted within the hole, and wherein the bore extends through the elongate projection into the repair flange. . A repair element as defined in either claim 13 , wherein the retainer includes a slit that is

positioned such that pressure on the outside of an end of the retainer by the projection results in contraction of the retainer. . A repair element as defined in any one of claims 12 to 14 , wherein the retainer is formed from two parts joined by a hinge having a closed position, the closed position being where the two parts define the internal hole. . A repair element as defined in any one of claims 12 to 15 , wherein the repair element further

comprises a secondary cavity formed adjacent the cavity and the hinge corresponds to the secondary cavity to fit within the secondary cavity in use. . A method of repairing a footwear component using a repair element as defined in claim 15 , the method comprising :

feeding the shaft through the internal bore of the repair flange;

positioning the retainer about the shaft;

moving the retainer into the closed position such that the shaft is retained in the internal hole; moving the repair flange over the retainer such that the retainer is fitted at least partially within the internal bore of the repair flange.

A method as defined by claim 16, further comprising aligning the hinge with the secondary cavity .