WO2015008055A1 - Chaussure comportant une pluralité de moyens venant en prise avec les orteils - Google Patents

Chaussure comportant une pluralité de moyens venant en prise avec les orteils Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015008055A1
WO2015008055A1 PCT/GB2014/052156 GB2014052156W WO2015008055A1 WO 2015008055 A1 WO2015008055 A1 WO 2015008055A1 GB 2014052156 W GB2014052156 W GB 2014052156W WO 2015008055 A1 WO2015008055 A1 WO 2015008055A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toe
item
sole
footwear
user
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2014/052156
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bradford Rogers
Original Assignee
Bradford Rogers
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bradford Rogers filed Critical Bradford Rogers
Publication of WO2015008055A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015008055A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
    • A43B3/12—Sandals; Strap guides thereon
    • A43B3/126—Sandals; Strap guides thereon characterised by the shape or layout of the straps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/06—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated
    • A43B7/08—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated with air-holes, with or without closures
    • A43B7/084—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated with air-holes, with or without closures characterised by the location of the holes
    • A43B7/087—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated with air-holes, with or without closures characterised by the location of the holes in the bottom of the sole
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
    • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
    • A43B7/26—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with toe-spacers or toe-spreaders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to footwear, in particular footwear which maximises the exposure of the foot to the air, and which comprises minimal contact with the foot of a user.
  • the human brain uses electrical signals received from the meGhanoreceptors within the feet to control various aspects of gait ⁇ the style of walking/running) such as the foot-strike.
  • Foot-strike can be broadly categorised into heel, midfoot or forefoot strikes, and the selectio of which being determined by movement context.
  • the foot is able to react more optimally to proprioceptive feedback, resulting in the most appropriate expression of gait (evidenced by kinetic factor and kinematic variations). Heel striking is .though to be a normal aspect of gait when walking barefoot , particularly when carrying heavy objects. Barefoot walkers, however, have actually been found to walk with a less pronounced heel strike or more of a midfoot strike. it is known that the brain typically adjusts the gait when running barefoot such that amongst other things their posture is more upright, stride-length is inhibited,, cadence increases and a midfoot-strike running style or a forefoot-strike: running style is adopted.
  • padded running shoes reduces the amount of impact shock experienced by the feet whilst running such that mechanoreceptors do not output the same signals that the would during barefoot running, This means that the brain does not adjust: the gait in the same way when wearing running shoes, and in fact many people: have been found to adopt a heel- strike running style when wearing padded running shoes.
  • running shoes are typically provided with a ground engaging tread
  • the grip and ease with which direction may be changed is more influenced by the functionality of the hallux ⁇ the big toe) and toes (digits 2 to 5) than the texture of the shoe tread.
  • This has been recognised and running shoes have previously been proposed to: have a split-toe configuration wherein the hallux and the rest of the toes are able to move independently relative to one another. It has also been previously proposed to provide shoes wherein the hallux and each of the other toes can move independently relative to one another.
  • both of such shoe configurations cover a substantia!
  • a completely covered footwear arrangement with provision: for independent toe compartments is difficult to put on for a number of reasons. Firstly, the shape of feet varies widely throughout the human population, such footwear requires a close-fit and a section of the population may not be able to wear the shoe at all. Secondly, habitually barefoot people in particular may have less control over the movement of the second to the fifth toe compared to the hallux, whieh may make it time-consuming and/or cause discomfort to enter and exit the enclosed toe holders of th shoe.
  • the independent functionality of the digits may be impaired, in particular the 5 lh digit, which like the hallux possesses additional flexor and abductor muscles to allow for finer motor control and independent movement.
  • the present invention is intended to solve the aforementioned problems by the provision of an alternative item of footwear.
  • an item of footwear comprising a sole operable to engage a foot of a user, at least one attachment means operable to retain the sole on a foot of a user, and a plurality of toe engaging means operable to retain the sole on a plurality of individual toes or toe groups of a user, each engaging means comprising one or more strapping means, wherein the or each strapping means is arranged such that at least a portion of each toe or toe group is exposed in use
  • the sole is substantially between 2 to 20 mm in: thickness, more preferably the sole is substantially between 3 to 15 mm in thickness, most preferably the sole is 4.5mm thick.
  • the sole ma comprise a laminate formed from a plurality of layers, preferably the sole is formed from a first and a: second layer,
  • the above mentioned first layer preferably an outso!e.
  • the outsole is substantially between imrri and 3mm, more preferably between 1mm and 2mm in thickness, most preferably 1.5mm in thickness.
  • the above-mentioned second layer is preferably art insofe, more preferably a strobe! tasted insole.
  • the insole is substantially between 1 mm to 2mm in thickness.
  • the sole, and the first and second layers thereof may be formed from any suitable polymeric material, tor example Ethylene Vinyl Acetate; Pol urethane; thermoplastic urethane: natural latex; rubber; silicone and/or a mixture thereof.
  • the material is foamed.
  • the material is elastomeric, such that the: sole is flexible during use and operable to crease during flexion of the user's foot or toes.
  • the sole may be formed from a textile, preferably a weaved or knitted textile impregnated with or sandwiched between an elastomeric material.
  • the sole comprises a liner, preferably the liner is adhered to the second layer of the sole.
  • the liner is a textiles material, more preferably a textiles material with antibacterial properties and/or wicking properties, such as, for example Sympatex ®; Schoeller® or Coo! max ® fabrics.
  • the sole may comprise a wicking layer or a one-way permeable waterproof layer to remove perspiration, for example Goretex ® fabrics.
  • the sole may comprise an anti-puncture layer, for example a Kevlar ⁇ weave fabric
  • the sole comprises a forefoot region at the front end of the sole, a midfoot region at the centre of the sole, and a heel region at the rear end of the sole operable to engage the forefoot, midfoot, and the heel of a user respectively.
  • the sole further comprises a base surface on the bottom of the sole, and a facing surface on the top of the sole, trie base surface being operable to engage the ground, and the facing surface being operable to engage the plantar surface of a foot of a user.
  • the sole is configured such that when in use on a flat surface, at least part of the base surface of the forefoot region, and at least part of the base surface of the heel region, are in the same plane, Preferably the plane is substantially aligned with the plane of the surface upon which the item of footwear is in use.
  • the sole is contoured to the plantar surface of a human foot such that the facing surface s substantially flush with the plantar surface of a human foot.
  • the sole further comprises arches which correspond to those of a human foot, more preferably the sole comprise a medial and lateral arch positioned at either side of the midfoot region, most preferabiy the medial arch is positioned at the inner side of the foot of a user in use, and the lateral arch is positioned at the outer side of the foot of a user in use.
  • a contoured soie allows the sole to fle with the foot movements of a user and provide an enhanced perception of the ground beneath giving a truer 'barefoot' feeling.
  • the sole comprises a tread, preferably formed from a plurality of studs, cleats or lugs, located on and distributed across, the base surface to enhance the gri of the item of footwear on the ground.
  • the tread or studs are at least 1 ,5mm in depth, Siping may used as an alternative to, or in combination with the tread.
  • the sole may comprise pores or vents to provide ventilation.
  • the pores/vents are between 1 and 3mm in diameter, more preferably between 1 and 2 mm in diameter,, most preferably 1.5 mm in diameter.
  • the edges of the pores/vents are filleted.
  • Preferabiy the pores/vents are positioned in us between the toes and the midfoot region of a user and between the midfoot and the heel region of the user. Mor preferably the pores/vents are positioned in use between the heads of the toes and the toe mound, and between the heel mound and the arches. Preferabiy the pores/vents are distributed in .arcuate lines which extend laterally across the sole.
  • the arches may also compris pores/vents, preferabiy only the medial arch comprises pores/vents.
  • the pores/vents in the arches are distributed in arcuate lines which extend longitudinally across the sole,
  • the sole may comprise wing portions, the wing portions preferably extend upwardly from an edge of the facing surface of the sole, preferably at an edge of the midfoot or heel regions of the facing: surface of the sole, more preferably at: a edge of the media! and lateral arches of the sole.
  • the wing portions may extend in height from between: a few millimetres to a few centimetres upwards from an edge of the facing surface of the sole.
  • the wing portions may comprise one or more slits operable to allow the attachment means to: extend therethrough.
  • the slits comprise annular eyelets through which the attachment means may operably extend
  • the sole may: further comprise a lip extension, suitably the lip extensio extends from an edge of the forefoot region of the sole such that an overhang of sol is created in front of a user's toes.
  • the lip extension prevents the entry of dust and water info the item of footwear when in use,
  • the lip extension curls upwards to cover a substantial portion of the head of each of the toes, more preferably the lip extension curls upwards around the head of at least the first toe. in order to provide abrasion protection and structural support for the attachment means and toe retaining means.
  • the item of footwear may comprise a plurality of attachment means operable to retain the sol on a foot of a user.
  • the minimal number of attachment means is used to retain the sole on a foot of a user, preferably therefore the item of footwear comprises only one attachment means.
  • any number of attachment means may be present
  • the attachment means may comprise one or more body straps, these may be selected from any strap which is operable to secure the sole to a foot of a user, for example a dorsal strap; an achi!ies strap; an ankle strap; a ventral strap; or any combination thereof.
  • the body straps extend from: an edge of the facing surface of the sole to another edge of the facing surface of the sole.
  • the dorsal or ventral straps are typically operable to extend across the upper dorsal area of a foot in use, however this may be in any direction, for example the dorsal or ventral straps ma extend laterally from the medial arch to the lateral arch of a foot of a user, diagonally from the inside heel region to the outside forefoot region, or from the medial arch to the outside heel region, or longitudinally from the ankle to the toes.
  • the ankle stra is typically operable to extend around the ankle of a foot in use.
  • the Achilles strap is typically operable to extend from the inside heel region around the achi!ies tendon to the outside heel region of a foot in use.
  • the or each body strap may be formed from one continuous strap or separate straps.
  • the body straps may cross over one another.
  • the or each body strap may optionally be bound together at points where they meet, binding may be achieved by the use of tape, heat/melt welding, stapling, punching, threading through a tube etc.
  • the item of footwear may further comprise a support member.
  • the support member extends upwardly from an edge of the facing surface of the sole, preferably the support member is upstanding from the edge of the facing surface of a heel region of the sole, and is preferably configured to engage the heel of a user's foot in use.
  • the one or more attachment, means is coupled to the support member, preferably the achilles strap or the ankle strap of the attachment means is coupled to the support member.
  • the support member defines at least one opening.
  • the opening is configured to receive the heel of a users foot in use, more specifically the heel bone or calcaneus of the foot of a user.
  • the attachment means comprises a dorsal strap which is preferably operable to extend laterally across the upper surface of a foot in use, and an achiiles strap which is preferably operable to extend from the inside heel region around the achiiles tendon to the outside heel region.
  • the attachment means comprises a dorsal strap which is preferably operable to extend laterally across the upper surface of a foot, and an achiiles strap which is preferably operable to extend from the inside heel region around the achiiles tendon to the outside heel region, and a support member upstanding at the heel region of the sole to which the achiiles strap is coupled.
  • the attachment means comprises an ankle strap which is preferably operable to extend around the ankle, and an achiiles strap which is preferabl operable to extend from the inside heel region around the achiiles tendon to the outside heel region.
  • the ankle strap and the.achilles strap are bound together upon either side of the achiiles tendon of a foot of a user.
  • the attachment means comprises a dorsal strap which is preferably operable to extend laterally across the upper surface of a foot and through slits; in wing portions located at the arches on either side of th sole, the dorsal strap then preferably extends perpendicular to the lateral portion towards the heel region, and still further preferably extends through a connecting member and downwards at an angle of preferably 45 degrees to the perpendicular portion, towards the base of the wing portions where the dorsal strap is preferably secured.
  • the attachment means further comprises an achiiles strap which is preferably operable to extend from the inside heel region around the achi!ies tendon to the outside heel region.
  • the achiiles strap and the dorsal strap are connected to each other substantially at the ankle bone of a user via the connecting member such that the dorsal and achiiles straps are effectively operable as one complete strap.
  • the attachment means may comprise one or more fastening mechanisms such that the Item of footwear can be removed and replaced on a foot.
  • the or each fastening mechanism is adjustable.
  • the or each fastening mechanism allows the item of footwear to be tightened or loosened upon a foot.
  • the or each fastening mechanism may comprise any suitable fastening device such as, for example, hook and pile; fabric such as Vetera or micro Velcro; a toggle; a slider; poppers; zips; buttons; laces; or any combination thereof.
  • the or each fastening mechanism comprises micro Ve!cro and/or a toggle.
  • the or each fastening mechanism may be located upon any of the attachment means, however preferably the or each fastening mechanism is at least located upon an ankle strap and/or a dorsal strap.
  • the fastening mechanism comprises a toggle which is located on the ankle strap at the front of the foot of a user.
  • the fastening mechanism comprises a toggle which is located on the achilie strap at the heel of the: foot of a user.
  • the fastening mechanism is Velcro that is located on the dorsal strap at the dorsal surface of the foot of a user.
  • the or each fastening mechanism further comprises a spacer.
  • the spacer is positioned between the toggle and the foci of a user so as to cushion the pressure of the toggle on the foot of a user.
  • th spacer comprises a plate of suitably e!astorneric sponge material, preferably the p!ate comprises a substantially central aperture through which the attachment means is operable to extend before extending through the toggle.
  • the achilies strap is formed from two straps, a first strap member preferably extending from the inside heel region to the achilies tendon, and a second strap member preferably extending from the outside heel region to the achilies tendon of a user.
  • the first and second strap members meet at a fastening mechanism positioned at the achilies tendon of the heel of a user, preferably the fastening mechanism comprises a toggle and preferably the first and second strap members extend therethrough.
  • this allows the achilies strap to be tightened in a bi-directional manner around the heel of a user by simply opening the toggle and pulling on the first and second strap members when in use.
  • the item of footwear does not comprise an upper or vamp area, accordingly, the item of footwear allows a major proportion of the upper or dorsal surface of a foot of a user to be exposed in use.
  • the item of footwear may be a sandal shoe or slipper, preferably a sports shoe or sports sandal, more preferably it is a barefoot or minimalist item of footwear.
  • the item of footwear may suitably comprise between two arid five toe engaging means operable to retain the sole on a plurality of individual toes or toe groups of a user.
  • the item of footwear comprises at least two toe engaging means, preferably the item of footwear comprises two, three or four toe retaining means.
  • the item of footwear comprises two toe retaining means,
  • the .plurality of toe retaining means may be configured to retain any of the five Individual toes of a foot of a user when in use, or any combination thereof.
  • the plurality of toe retaining means are configured to retain at least the first toe or hallux and any one of the other toes in use, more preferably the first toe or hallux and the second toe, third toe, fourth toe and/or fifth toe of a foot in use, still more preferabiy the first toe or hallux and the second and fifth toe of a foot in use, most preferably the first toe or hallux and the fifth toe of a. foot in use.
  • individual toes ar retained exclusively of any other toes in use.
  • the plurality of toe retaining means are not configured to retain ait five toes of a user individually when in use.
  • the plurality of toe retaining means are not configured to retain only the first toe or hallux of a user when in use.
  • the plurality of toe retaining means are not configured to retain the third or fourth toes of a user when in use.
  • the stem of footwear comprises two toe retaining means operable to retain the sole on exclusively the first and fifth toes of a foot of a user.
  • the item of footwear comprises three toe retaining means operable to retain the sole on exclusively the first, second and fifth toes of a foot of a user.
  • Each toe retaining means suitably comprises one or more strapping means which allow at least a portion of each toe or toe group to be exposed during use of the item of footwear.
  • Preferabi each toe retaining means comprises one, two o three strapping means.
  • the or each strapping means may suitably be formed from straps, these may comprise one continuous strap or separate straps.
  • the or each strapping means may take any variety of positions that allow each toe or toe group to be securely retained on the sol of a user whilst allowing maximal contact of each toe with air.
  • the strapping means may loop laterally or diagonally over each toe or toe group, or extend longitudinally between the base and the head of each toe or toe group. in either case, the or each strapping means may ioop or extend at a diverging or a converging angle to relative to each other, or may be longitudinally displaced at various positions along the length of each toe or toe group.
  • the strapping means are arranged to form a caged structure in use around the toe/s comprising multiple openings therebetween, and as such the strapping means do not comprise enclosed pockets or compartments.
  • the or each strapping means may be positioned substantia!i over the proximal, medial or distal phalangeal bones, or the distal or proximal inter phalangeal joints therebetween of the toe or toe groups of a user.
  • at least one strapping means is positioned over the proximal phalangeal bone of the toe or toe groups of a user.
  • at least one strapping means is positioned substantially over the proximal phalangeal bone and one strapping means is positioned substantially over the distal phalange of the toe or toe groups of a user.
  • the toe retaining means comprises one strapping means wherein in use the strapping means preferably loops laterally over the body of the toe or toe grou of a user;
  • the toe retaining means comprises two strapping means wherein in use both the first and second strapping means preferably loop laterally over the body of the toe or foe groups at longitudinally displaced positions along the length of the toe or toe groups of a user.
  • the first and second sirapping means loo over the body of the toe or toe groups of a user at a diverging angle from each other.
  • the second strapping means is of lesser diameter than the first strapping.
  • the toe retaining means comprises three strapping means wherein in use the first strapping means oops laterally over the body of the toe or toe groups of a user, and the second and third strapping means extend longitudinally from the head of the toe to the base of the toe of a user.
  • the second and third: strapping means extend at diverging angles from each Other,
  • the use of multiple strapping means to form the toe retaining means allows the toe retaining means to secure the toe or toe group, yet allow at least a portion of each toe or to group to be exposed during use of the item of footwear and therefore allow a greater degree of exposure and greater range of movement in the foot of a user, it is thought that optimal exposure of mechanoreceptors to the terrain underfoot, coupled: with the unrestricted opportunity to react upon proprioceptive information by the body (and foot in particular ⁇ allows for optimal walking, running and sprinting movement patterning to be learnt along with development of related tissue structures.
  • the open structure of the toe retaining means allows true plantar and dorsal flexion of the toes of a user within the item of footwear when in use, such fine movements enable greater control and sensitivity particularly for sport.
  • the less restriction applied to the foot and toes increases the blood circulation, in particular to the extremities of the toes which are typically crushed or compressed in normal footwear. Accordingly, t e partial encasement of the toes by the second attachment means provides an item of footwear with minimal contact and restriction to the toes, and as such, an increase in comfort and pediatric health.
  • the toe retaining means may further comprise one or more ' adjustment mechanisms such that the toe retaining means can be tightened or loosened, and such that the item of footwear can be more easily tailored to different user's feet
  • the or each adjustment mechanism may comprise any suitable adjustment device suc as, for example, hook and pile fabric such as Velcro or micro Velcro; a. toggle; poppers; sliders; zips; buttons; faces; or any combination thereof.
  • the or each adjustment mechanis comprises micro Velcro and/or a toggle. More preferably the micro Velcro is elasticated micro Velcro.
  • the or each adjustment mechanism may be located upo any of the toe retaining means, however preferably the or each adjustment mechanism is at least located upo the first toe or hallux of a user and the fifth toe of a user, more preferably substantially upon the middle of the first toe or hallu of a user and the middle of the fifth toe of a user, stilt more preferably substantially upon the proximal phalangeal bone of the first toe or haffux of a user and the proximal pahaiangeal bone of the fifth toe of a user.
  • the toe retaining means comprises an adjustment mechanism preferably comprising elasticated micro Velcro located upon the toe retaining means of the first toe or hallux of a user.
  • the item of footwear may be configured such that in use individual toes or toe groups are able to move relative to one another.
  • the sole comprises a split-toe configuration, the sole may be split by an incision between any of the individual toes, However, preferably the sole is split between at least the first toe or hallux: and the second toe.
  • the item of ' footwear may further comprise webbing, preferably located within the incision of the split toe configuration.
  • the webbing may be formed from any suitable eiasisca!ly deforrnab!e material such as, for example, silicone, rubber, or any other elastomer.
  • the split toe configuration allows the toe or toe groups to move independently of each other and thereby gives a greater range of movements to the foot of a user.
  • the typical bending and deformation of the sole of footwear is much jess prevalent in the split toe arrangement, greatiy improving the ease of moving the toes of a user;
  • the attachment means, and/or the toe retaining means may be made from any suitable woven or non-woven textile material, for example nylon or polyester fabrics, tricot / 3D spacer fabrics and meshes; polymers such as synthetic rubbers, engineered foams and ⁇ composite foams; or natural or synthetic leathers, such as Giarino® and Tirrentna ⁇ faux leathers; and or any combination thereof.
  • the attachment means and/or toe retaining means comprise both inelastic and elastomeric material. More preferabl the attachment means and/or retaining means comprise a section of elastomeric material preferably interposed between inelastic material.
  • the attachment means, and/or the toe retaining means may be attached to each other and/or an other part of the item of footwear by any suitable means including water or solvent based adhesives; cements; resins; stitching, heat welding; RF welding: lamination; stamping; or any combination thereof,
  • the sole, attachment means and toe retaining means may consist of a single-piece, or multi-piece assembled molding
  • the molding may be an injection-molding, and/or compression and/or heat formed polymer molding.
  • anthropometricaliy customised footwear or small batch produetions may be produced using additive printing, for example using Stratsys® PoiyJet and PoiyJet MatrixTM polymer jetting technologies.
  • the sole provides tha a user does not experience heel to toe drop; in use, such that the user can adopt a more natural posture when standing - a posture similar to that if barefoot.
  • the thinness of the so!e provides that a user experiences more shock when each foot strikes the floor during running than they would if they were wearing typical padded training shoes.
  • Such a user may therefore be motivated to adopt more of a midfoot-strike or a forefoot-strike running style - a running style more similar to that of barefoot running, in essence, wearing an item of footwear as described in the present invention prompts a user to adopt or develop a more natural or appropriate gait which reduces the magnitude of forces exerted on leg joints during movement.
  • the materials and configuration of the item of footwear of the present invention allow a user to access the inherent natural fascial recoil within the foot ⁇ during toe splay and inversion of the foot) as well as the leg when in motion, thereby making movement more efficient as weli as altering the way in which movement is executed, for example , y reducing stride length but increasing cadence.
  • walking in such footwear may prepare the musculature, connective tissue and nervous system for transitioning to barefoot and minimalist footwear. It may also be used to as a means to improve wellness through adopted better dynamic and static postures during daily activities.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an item of footwear according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a top view of the forefoot region of an item of footwear according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of the forefoot region of an item of footwear according to another embodi men t of the i n ventio ;
  • Fig. 4 is a top view of the forefoot region of an item of footwear according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a heel region of an item of footwear according to one. embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a heel region of an Item of footwear according to another embodiment of th invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective: view of a heel region an item of footwear according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a rear view of an item of footwear according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig, 9 is. a perspective view Of a forefoot region of an item of footwear according to a further embodiment: of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a side view of the sole of an item of footwear according to one embodiment of. the present invention.
  • Figure 1 ' illustrates a minimalist item of footwear according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Such footwear 00 ma in one arrangement be a sandal, for example a sport sandal.
  • the footwear 100 is provided with a sole 102 for shielding a person's foot from the ground, for example an ultra-thin sole between 2 to 7 mm in thickness.
  • a soie exemplified in figure 10 and is envisaged to have zero-drop (i.e. zero heei to toe drop in thickness) and to compress; to no more than 7mm with wear.
  • the sole 102 may have two layers, namely an outsoie layer and an insole layer ⁇ not visible).
  • the sole 1002 may be configured such that its shape corresponds with the shape of a person's foot, specifically a plantar surface of a person's foot,
  • the sole 1002 may be somewhat curved such that its shape corresponds with the medial (inner) arch (generally designated 1001) and the lateral (outer) arch (generally designated 1003) of a person's foot In use.
  • the footwear 100 of figure 1 further comprises a plurality of attachments means 104 for attaching the sole 102 to a person's foot, the attachment means 104 comprising a dorsal strap 106 and an achilles strap 108.
  • the dorsal strap 106 extending laterally over the dorsal or upper surfac of the foot (g nerally designated 108) and the achilles strap 108 extending from the media! inside arch 101 around the achilles tendon (generally designated 112), to the lateral outside arch 103 of the foot.
  • the footwear 100 further comprises a support member 120 extending substantially vertically upwards from an distal edge of the heel region of the sole 102 and substantially covering the heel of a person's foot in use.
  • the achilles strap 1Q8 extends through pair of apertures 116, 118 formed in the support member 120, said apertures 116,1 8 are positioned on either side of the Achilles tendon 112 in the support member 120.
  • the support membe 120 further comprises an opening 122 ⁇ for the exiting of debris) at the base portion adjoining the sole 102, into which the heel bone or calcaneus of a person's foot may fit.
  • the sandal of figure 1 further comprises two toe retaining means 124 for attaching the sole to individual toe/s or groups of toes of a : user, the toe retaining means 124 comprising a first toe retaining means 126 and the fifth toe retaining means 128.
  • the fifth toe retaining means 1 8 com prises one strapping means 130 positioned to extend laterally over the body of the toe.
  • the first toe retaining means 126 comprises three strapping means designated 132, 134, and 138.
  • the first strapping means 132 loops iaterally over the body of the first toe, and S second and third strapping means 134 and 136 respectively extend longitudinally from the head of the toe (generally designated 138 ⁇ to the base of the toe (generally designated 140). At approximately the position of the distal phalangeal joint ⁇ generally designated 142) the strapping means 134 and 136 extend at diverging angles away from each other and around either side of the first toe to the sole 102 creatin a Y shaped arrangement over the head of the toe 138.
  • Figures 2 to 4 each illustrate adifferent exemplary embodiment of the present invention with regard to the toe retaining means.
  • Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of the toe retaining means 224. comprising a first toe retaining means means 228 and a fift toe retaining means 228.
  • the fifth toe retaining means 228 comprises one strapping means 230 positioned to extend laterally over the body of the toe.
  • the first toe retaining means 226 comprises two strapping means designated 232 and 234- First, strapping means 232 loops laterally over the body of the first toe, second strapping means 234 also loops laterally over the bod of the first toe but at a longitudinally displaced positio along the length of the first toe towards the head of the toe 238.
  • Second strapping means 234 loops over the body of the first toe at a diverging angle from the first strapping means 232 shown by A, such that the second strapping means 234 extends from the inside surface of the distai phalangeal joint (generally designated 242) diagonally across the Upper and lateral surfaces of the distai phalange of the first toe to the outer surface of the head of the to (generally designated 238 ⁇ .
  • Figure 2 further illustrates that the sole 202 has a: split-toe configuration and defines a slit 244 for enabling a user's hallux or first toe to move relative to their second toe (the toe immediately adjacent the hallux).
  • th slit 244 is shown with webbing 246 extending across the slit 244 and formed from elastomerie material of relatively greater elasticity than the remainder of the sole 202.
  • the webbing 246 may formed of the same material as the strapping means 232 and 234 and may merge into said first and second strapping means 232, 234 as a continuous section.
  • the webbing 244 overlaps the inside corner of the head of the first toe 238.
  • Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the toe .retaining means 324 comprising a first toe retaining means 326, a fifth toe retaining means 328, and a second toe retaining means 348.
  • the fifth toe retaining t means 328 comprises, one strapping means 330 positioned to extend laterally o er the body of the toe.
  • the first toe retaining means 326 comprises: two strapping means designated 332 and 334.
  • First strapping means 332 loops laterally over the body of the first toe
  • second strapping means 334 also loops iaierally over the body of the first toe but at a fongituciinalty displaced position towards the head of the toe 338.
  • Second strapping means 334 loops over the body of the first toe at a diverging angle from the first strapping means 332 shown by A, suc that second strapping means 334 extends from the inside surface of the distal phalangeal joint (generally designated 342 ⁇ diagonally across the upper surface of the first toe to the outer surface of the head of the toe or distal phalange (generally designated 338).
  • the second toe retaining means 348 comprises one strapping means 350 positioned to extend laterally over the body of the toe.
  • the strapping means 350 further comprises side barriers 352 and 354 positioned on the either side of the second toe, the first side barrier 352 extending between the first and second toes, and the second side barrier 354 extending between the second and third toes.
  • the first side barrier 352 extends further from the bas of the toes (generally designated 340) to the head of the toes (generally designated 338) than the second side barrier 354 in order to protect the second toe and the first toe from abrasion during independent movement and to optimally transfer abduction movements of the second toe to the soling.
  • Figure 3 further comprises a split-toe configuration and defines a sift 344 for enabling a: users hallux or first toe to move relative to their second toe (the toe immediately adjacent the hallux), in this embodiment, the slit 344 is shown without any webbing 346 therebetween
  • Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the toe retaining means 424 comprising a first toe retaining means 426, a fifth toe retaining means 428, and a second toe retaining means 448.
  • the fifth toe: retaining means 428 comprises one strapping means 430 positioned to extend laterally over the body of the toe.
  • the first toe retaining means 426 comprises three strapping means: designated 432, 434, and 436.
  • First strapping means 432 loops laterally over the body of the first toe, and second and third strapping means 434 and 436 extend longitudinally from the head of the toe ⁇ generally designated 438) to the base of the toe ⁇ generally designated 440) on the dorsal surface of the hallux. Longitudinally proximal from the head of the hallux (an area generally designated 442 ⁇ the strapping means 434 and 436 extend at diverging angles away from each other around either side of the first toe to the sole 402 in a Y shaped configuration over the head of the toe 438.
  • the second toe retaining means 448 comprises one strapping means 450 positioned to extend laterally over the body of the toe.
  • the strapping means 450 further comprises side barriers 452 and 454 positioned on the either side of the second toe, the first side barrier 452 extending between the. first and second toes, and the second side barrier 454 extending between the second and third toes.
  • FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of the attachment means 504 for attaching the sole 502 to: a person's foot.
  • the attachment means 504 comprises a dorsal strap 506 and an achflies strap 508.
  • the dorsal strap 506 extends laterally over the dorsal or upper surface of the foot (generally designated 509) and the achil!es strap 508 extends from the media! inside arch 501 , around: the achiiies tendon (generally designated 512) ,to the lateral outside arch 503 of the foot, in the embodiment shown, both the dorsal strap 506 and the achiiies strap 508 are formed from the same continuous body strap which extends through a first slit 556 formed in the inside media!
  • the inside medial arch 501 of the soie 502 and the outside lateral arch 503 of the sole 502 may comprise wing portions 559 formed from upward extensions of the sole 502, preferably, as shown, the slits 556 and 558 are located substantially at the centre of the wing portions 559.
  • the attachment means 504 may comprise a fastening mechanism 560 present upon one of the body straps, in the present embodiment, the fastening mechanism 560 is present upon the dorsal strap 506 and comprises an overlapping section 562 of dorsai strap 506 wherein complementary Velcro strips are positioned upon the upper 564 and lower 566 portions of the overlapping section 562,
  • Figure 6 shows a second embodiment: of the attachment means 6G4 for attaching the sole 602 to a person's foot.
  • the attachment means 604 comprises a dorsal strap 606 and an achiiies strap 608.
  • the dorsal strap 606 extending laterally over the dorsai or upper surface of the foot ⁇ generally designated 609) and the achiiies strap 608 extending from the inside medial arch 601, around the achiiies tendon (generally designated 612) ,to the outside lateral arch 603 of the foot.
  • the dorsal strap 606 and the achiiies strap 608 are separate body straps, however they are both attached to the sole 602 at wing portions 659 extending upwards from the soie 602 at the inside and outside arches 601, 603,
  • Figure 6 further comprises a support member 620, verticaiiy upstanding from a distal edge of the heei of the sole 602.
  • the support member 620 comprises an opening 622 at the base adjoining the sole 602 into which the heel bone or calcaneus of a person's foot may fit.
  • the support member 620 further comprises two apertures 616, (618 hot shown) formed on the support member 620 from loops 668 of body strap positione on either side of the achiiies tendon 612, the loops 668 arch laterally over the width of the support member 620 to provide the apertures 616, (618 not shown) through which the achiiies strap 608 extends around the achiiies tendon 612.
  • FIG 7 shows a third embodiment of the attachment means 704 for attaching the sole 702 to a person's foot.
  • the attachment means 704 comprises an ankle strap 770 and an achiiies strap 708 formed from elasticated: materia!.
  • the ankle strap 770 extends radially around the ankle, through s!its 756 and 758 located substantially at the centre of wing portions 759 upstanding to the ankle bone 757 at the lateral outside arch 703 and the inside medial arch 701.
  • the ankle strap 770 then further extends up from the wing portions 759 to a fastening mechanism 750 positioned at the front of the ankie : (generally designated 762),
  • the achiiies strap 708 extends from the medial inside arch 701 , around the achiiies tendon (generally designated 712), to the lateral outside arch 703 of the foot.
  • the achilles strap 708 and the ankle strap 770 meet at inside heel area 772 and: the outside heel area 774 (not shown) on either side of the achilles tendon 712 where the straps 708,770 are gathered by a short length of binding 776.
  • the fastening mechanism 760 comprises a toggle 778 through which the ankle strap 770: extends from both of the wing portions 759 on either side of the foot, and forms a loop 780.
  • the toggle 778 comprises a release button 782 which when depressed releases the ankle strap 770 such that the toggle 778 can be slid up and down the length of the loop 780 of the ankle strap 770 thereby adjusting the circumference of the ankle strap 770 and its tightness around the ankle.
  • Figure 7 shows that (he wing portions 759 are positioned upon either side of the foot at the inside and outside arches 701 ,703 and can extend upwardly from the sole 7Q2 by anywhere between a few millimetres up to a few centimetres, as shown in this embodiment, the wings extend up to approximately the ankle bone 757 of the foot of a user.
  • Figure 8 shows a rear view of one embodiment of the footwear of the present invention comprising a support member 820 vertically upstanding from a distal edge of the hee! of the sole 802.
  • the support member 820 comprises an opening 822 at the base adjoining the sole 802 into which the heel bone or ca!caneous of a person's foot may fit.
  • the support member 820 further comprises two apertures 816 and 818 on the support member 820 which are formed f om: loops 868 of body strap, the loops 868 arch laterally over the width of the support member 820 at either side of th achiiles tendon (generally designated 812), to provide the apertures 816 and 818 through which the achilles stra 808 extends.
  • the achilles strap comprises a first strap member 882 extending from the medial inside arch 801 of the foot (not shown) to the achiiles tendon area (generally designated 81 ), and a second stra member 884 extending from the lateral outside arch 803 of the foot (not shown) to the achilles tendon area (generally designated 812),
  • the first strap member 882 and the second strap member 884 meet at the achilles tendon area 812 and extend therethrough a toggle 878 to provide an excess of both straps 882, 884 extending from the toggle 878 outwardly from the heel of the foot.
  • the toggle 878 comprises a release button 882 which when depressed releases the first and second strap members 882, 884 such that the toggle 878 can be slid up and down the length of the strap members s 882, 884, thereby adjusting the tension of the achilles strap 808 and its tightness around the heel of the foot in a bi-directional manner.
  • the support member 820 may further comprise a tab 886 extending upwards from the top edge of the support member 820 towards the calf muscle and laying flat against the achilles tendon 812.
  • the tab 886 advantageously helps the item of footwear 801 to be puffed onto the foot, the tab 886 may optionally comprise a loop (not shown) to aid grip.
  • the area of the support member 820 beneath the toggle 878 may comprise padding 888 to cushion the tension of the toggle 878 and achslles strap 808 against the heel.
  • Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the forefoot region of an item of footwear of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the item of footwear 901 comprises toe retaining means 924 comprising a first toe retaining means 926, and a fifth toe retaining means 928.
  • the fifth toe retaining means 928 comprises one strapping means 930 positioned: to extend laterally over the body of the toe.
  • the first toe retaining means 926 comprises two strapping means designated 932 and 934.
  • First strapping means 932 loops laterally over the proxtmai phafange of the first toe
  • second strapping means 934 also loops laterally over the body of the first toe but at a longitudinally displaced position towards the head of the toe 938.
  • Second strapping means 934 loops over the body of the first toe at a diverging angle from the first strapping means 932 shown by A, such that the second strapping means 934 extends from the head of the first toe ⁇ generally designated 938) to the outside edge of the first toe (generally designated 990) diagonally across the first toe.
  • a further third strapping means (not shown), formed from an elasticated or elastomeric strap loops over the body of the first toe at a diverging angle to the second strapping means 934 and inserts into the sole 902 where the second strapping means 934 extends from the sole 902,
  • This third strapping means enables the accommodation of a variety of first toe dimensions without the first toe displacing forwards and laterally past second strapping means 934 during movement
  • the first strapping means 932 further comprises adjustment means 992 positioned upon the upper surface of the strapping means 932,
  • the adjustment means 992 comprises an overlapping section 994 of strapping means 932 wherein, complementary Velcro strips are positioned upon the upper 996 and lower 938 portions of the overlapping section 994.
  • the first and second strapping means 932 and 994 are adjoined, looping through a textile or polymer cord underneath the insole ⁇ not shown), or a molded strut (not shown) constructed to form an aperture between the insole and the .ouisole, either of the cord or molded strut structures running concurrent to the length of the sole . emerging at a slit in the insoiing (not shown) and exiting to loop the proximal phalange of the first toe as shown.
  • Figure 10 shows a side view of one embodiment of the sole 1002 of the item of footwear 1000 of the present invention
  • the sole 1002 comprises a plantar surface 1100 generally in contact with the ground, and dorsal surface 1102 generally in contract with the plantar surface of a foot in use, A tread 1104 i distributed across the plantar surfac to aid grip,, the tread 1104 may comprise a plurality of nodules 1106 as shown.
  • the sole 1002 is somewhat curved such that its shape corresponds w th the medial (Inner) arch (generally designated 1001) and the lateral (outer) arch (generally designated 1003) of a person's foot in use.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un article chaussant (100), la chaussure comportant une pluralité de moyens (126, 128) venant en prise avec les orteils destinés à retenir la semelle sur une pluralité d'orteils individuels ou de groupes d'orteils d'un utilisateur, chaque moyen de mise en prise (126, 128) comprenant un ou plusieurs moyens de fixation par sangle (130, 132, 134, 136), le ou les moyens de fixation par sangle étant chacun agencés de telle sorte qu'au moins une partie de chaque orteil ou groupe d'orteils soit exposée lors de son utilisation, ce qui permet de fournir une chaussure de taille réduite présentant une meilleure exposition à l'atmosphère afin de favoriser une démarche plus naturelle.
PCT/GB2014/052156 2013-07-17 2014-07-15 Chaussure comportant une pluralité de moyens venant en prise avec les orteils WO2015008055A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201312812A GB201312812D0 (en) 2013-07-17 2013-07-17 Footwear
GB1312812.9 2013-07-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015008055A1 true WO2015008055A1 (fr) 2015-01-22

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GB (1) GB201312812D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2015008055A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107750132A (zh) * 2015-05-29 2018-03-02 耐克创新有限合伙公司 具有带有单独固定的内侧部分和外侧部分的鞋面的鞋类制品

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1943829A (en) * 1933-04-03 1934-01-16 Koomrulan Harry Sandal
DE3442147A1 (de) * 1984-11-17 1986-05-22 Rudolf 5581 Reidenhausen Mayer Fussbekleidungsstueck
US20070245592A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2007-10-25 Sumiko Yamaguchi Footwear
US20100115793A1 (en) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-13 Alissa Kraisosky Compactable pedicure and evening footwear
US20110016745A1 (en) * 2009-07-02 2011-01-27 George Hammerbeck One-piece footwear
US20110061262A1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2011-03-17 Axel Krauss Corrective insole for treating defective positioning in the metatarsal and forefoot area
US20120152267A1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-21 Youn Jung Chang Pedicure Slipper with Toe Separator and Method
DE202012007002U1 (de) * 2012-07-20 2012-08-13 Martin Daumer Fußsohlenschutz zum Laufen und Gehen
US20130047464A1 (en) * 2011-08-24 2013-02-28 Tara Shuler Toe traction device

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1943829A (en) * 1933-04-03 1934-01-16 Koomrulan Harry Sandal
DE3442147A1 (de) * 1984-11-17 1986-05-22 Rudolf 5581 Reidenhausen Mayer Fussbekleidungsstueck
US20070245592A1 (en) * 2004-03-30 2007-10-25 Sumiko Yamaguchi Footwear
US20100115793A1 (en) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-13 Alissa Kraisosky Compactable pedicure and evening footwear
US20110016745A1 (en) * 2009-07-02 2011-01-27 George Hammerbeck One-piece footwear
US20110061262A1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2011-03-17 Axel Krauss Corrective insole for treating defective positioning in the metatarsal and forefoot area
US20120152267A1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-21 Youn Jung Chang Pedicure Slipper with Toe Separator and Method
US20130047464A1 (en) * 2011-08-24 2013-02-28 Tara Shuler Toe traction device
DE202012007002U1 (de) * 2012-07-20 2012-08-13 Martin Daumer Fußsohlenschutz zum Laufen und Gehen

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107750132A (zh) * 2015-05-29 2018-03-02 耐克创新有限合伙公司 具有带有单独固定的内侧部分和外侧部分的鞋面的鞋类制品

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