ZA200603708B - Footwear - Google Patents

Description

1 n

TITLE: FOOTWEAR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENITION

1. Field of the Invention

THIS INVENTION relates to footwear.

The invention is particularly su itable for, but is not limitec® to, sandals, including sandals of the type cormmonly known as “thongs”.

The invention also relates to footwear which can be used as a hand surfer by body surfers. od 2. Prior Art

While footwear must meet utilita rian requirements to protect the wea rer's feet, footwear has long been a fashion item, especially casual footwear for the young. Generally, to be successful, a footwear manufacturer must have some feature, or design component, which is eye-catct qing and attractive to consumers. While a high recognition trade mark is i mportant, a new entrant into the footwear market can make significarat in-roads against well-known brarmds if they can provide a . design fe ature which catches the consumer’s attention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present inve ntion to provide a striking design co ncept for footwear, particularly sand als.

It is a preferred object to provid e such a design concept which is imexpensive to apply to footwear and which will be attractive to consumers.

1 Lh 4

It is a further preferred object to combine the tail shap-es of surfboard s with the shapes of traditiona | footwear, such as thongss, to provide a significantly different thong (fomotwear) shapes. )

It is a still further preferred object to provide such sh apes ! which further replicate one or more surftooard shape features, incliading hips or fl=yers, fins, stringers, leg rope holes, branding, labelling and design aesthetics. itis a still further preferred object to provide footwear which can be used as hand surfers by body surf ers. iy

Other preferred objects wil | become apparent from the following description.

In one aspect, the present imvention resides in footw ear, preferably ssandals, having a sole, wherein at least the rearward portio n of the sole is shaped to replicate the tail shape of a surfboard.

Preferably, tha underside of the sole incorporates patterrm or ornamentation to replicate the one to threes fin(s) of a surfboard. in a preferred embodiment, twvo or more fin{s) may extend : Co below the sole to form a raised heel portio n.

The tail shapes of the surfboawmds replicated may include (a) “pintail”; (b ) “swallow tail”; and (c) “squar e tail”.

The side portions of the soles ray incorporate hips or flye rs, replicating t.he hips or flyers in surfboards, to complement the tail shapes. '

The shapes may also incorporate a coloured stringer, from \

3 nose to tail, replicating the stringer of a surftooard.

Preferably, the upper side of tine sole is provided with a raised h eel pad, preferably with added grip, eg., to replicate the deck grip or “gorilla-grip” on a surfboard. Preferably, the heel pad has an inclined ¥orwardly-directed face and a pattern ed-or-profile upper surface and prov ides support and/or grip to a wearer’ s heel.

The sole may incorporate a legg rope hole, or pattern or ornamentation replicating same.

Log The upper side of the sole mway incorporate branding, labelling and other surfboard aesthetics to replicate a surfboard.

In a second aspect, the prese=nt invention resides in footwear as hereinbefore described for use &s a hand surfer by body surfers.

Preferably, the hand surfer incorporates a wrist strap attachable at one end to the sole and at the other end to the wearer's wrist.

Preferably, the hand surfer has a front strap extending oo laterally to the sole, adjacent the front end of thee sole, engageable by the wearer's hand and/or fingers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1(a) to (g) show respective front, side, top, bottom,

, " rear, top and bottom perspective views of footwear with aa sole replicating a “pintail” surfboard shape=, with a single flyer shape, applied to sandals;

FIGS. 2(a) to {g) show sirmilar views of footwear with a sole ! replicating a “swallow tail” surfboard shape with a single flyer;

FIGS. 3(a) to (g) show sirmilar views of footwear with a sole replicating a “square tail” surfboard s hape with a single flyer;

FIGS. 4(a) to (g} show sirmilar views of footwear with a sole replicating a “square tail” surfboard shape with a double flyer; - ;

FIGS. 5(a) to (d) show Front, side, top and rear viexws of footwear with a sole replicating a “swallow tail” surfboard shape v-vith a raised heel grip;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are respective top and side views of one embodiment of the foot wear used as a hand surfer;

FIGS. 8(a) to (h} are respective side, top, bottom and perspective views of a second embodiment of the footwear used as a hand surfer, a perspective view of the =wrist strap and end views sho= wing the fitting of wrist strap. oo

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As hereinbefore described, the present invention is direacted to the design of the sole of footwear. preferably sandal-type foot=wear s such as thongs, to incorporate desigr features replicating the sh apes

J bd and/or aesthetics of surfboards, To produce a striking design con cept.

In particular, as ‘will be illustrated in the preeferred embodiments to be hereinafter de=scribed, the soles may replicate one or : more of the following features of surfboards: 5 (a) tail shapes ~ such as “pin tail”, “swallow ta il” and “square tail”; (b) hip or flyers — one or more hips or flyers cut irto the side portions to complement the tail shapes (and aesthetics);

C 3 {c) raised heel pad - to provide surfboard-like deck grip, with wearer's heel support, added grip and a longer lasting heel ssole; @ fin systems — ornamentation on the underside of the sole replicating a single fin, a twir fin or a tri-fin arrangement; (e) leg rope plug — ornamentation replicating a leg rope plug; (f) stringer — ornamentation, central from nose to tail, to replicate the wooden stringer on all surfboards; and oo (g) artistic aesthetics — ornamentation. preferably ©n the oo wipper side of the sole, to replicate branding, labelling and artistic aesthetics, including signatures/endorsement graphics of charmpion surfers.

FIGS. 1(a) to (g) show respective front, side, top, side, rear, t op perspective and bottom perspective views of a thong-type sand al 10 (for a right foot) where the sole 11 has a rear {or heel) portion 12 sh aped

: i" to replicate a “pintail” surfboard shape, with a single flyer 30, and ornamentation to replicate a single fin on the under side.

The forward portion 13 o=f the sole 11, and the straps 14, are showwvn in broken lines, as they mamy be of known shape and cdo not } form part of the invention. (t is preferred that the mid-section (arch) 20 of the sole 11 is broadesr than for conventional sandal=s to ensure the sole 11 accumrately replicate sthe design features and scale of a surfboard. The broade=rmid- section or arch 20 allows for the prov ision of one or more side h ips or oy flyers 3Q as the sole tapers to the rear portion options - in this example, the “pin ail” shape. The broader mid-section or arch 20 allows fcorb all surfboarcd design shapes and provides s ufficient area for the heel ard the raised he=el pad (to be hereinafter described).

A "single fin” 15, eg., of material of contrasting colour, is moulded or fixed in (or on) the lower face of the rear portion 712 to replicate the surfboard fin.

A “legrope hole” 16, whic h may be an actual hole through : the sole ¥W 1, or a piece of contrasting-co lour material moulded in, or fixed Co to, the winderside of the sole 11, re plicates the legrope hole on a surfboarcd. A leg rope, not shown, may extend from the hole 16.

While the embodiment of F 1GS. 1(a) to (g) replicates thes “pin tail” shapee with a single flyer (and single= fin), the shape can be modified : to incorporate a pair of flyers, as hereinbeefore described with referen ce to \

.

FIGS. 4(a) to (g), and the ornamen tation may replicate twin- or tri-fians.

FIGS. 2(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 210 wimere the rear {or hee!) portion 212 of the sole 211 replicates a “swall ow tail” surfboard with a V-shape re=cess 217, a single flyer 230, and ornamentation for a pair of “fins” 215.

FIGS. 3(a) to (g) show similar views of a sandal 410 wheere the rear (or heel) portion 412 of the sole 411 replicates a “square tali” surfboard, with a single flyer 430, and with ornamentation for three ! fins 415.

It will be readily appareznt to the skilled addressee that t he “twin fins” 215 and “tri-fins” 415 may extend below the lower ¥aces of the soles 211, 411 to forns raised heels.

As hereinbefore described, the sole 11, 211, 411 can oe rnodified to incorporate two flyers ( as to be hereinafter described) ard ornamentation for single, twin or tri—fins, as desired.

In all three embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1(a) to (g}, 2(=a) t o (g) and 3{(a) to {(g), the heel portions 12, 212, 412 are lengthened To e=nable the three alternative surfboard shapes, which border the heel area, tw be replicated. In addition, the additional length allows the provision of the shapes to border a custom raised heel pad, to be hereinafter d escribed with reference to FIGS. 5(a) to (d).

FIGS. 4(a) to {g) show a modified embodiment of the sandal 4 10 of FIGS. 3(a) to {(g). :

The sandal 610 Fas a contrasting colour matesrial “stripe” 620 centred along the upper side of the sole 611, from thee toe to the heel, to replicate the wooden stringer along a surfboard —- seme FIG. 4(c). ’

As shown in FIG. 4(c), the material replicating the tri-fins 615 can extend below the rear gortion 612 of the sole 611 {=s shown in dashed lines) to form a raised eel portion on the underside of the sole 411.

When comparing t he sole 611 of FIG. 4 with tine sole 411 of FIG. 3, it will be noted that t wo hips or flyers 630, 631 a re provided ; oy along each side of the rear port ion 612, whereas the sole 4 1 only has one hip or flyer 430 per side.

As hereinbefore de scribed, the additional hips or flyers also can be provided on the soles 1 1, 211 of FIGS. 1 and 2, re spectively; while the number of fins replica ted on the underside of the ssole can be varied.

Referring to FIGS. 5(a) to (d)}, the sandal 810 has a sole 811 with the “swallow-tail” shape a=s per the sole 211 of sandal 2210 of FIG. . 2; but with the twin hips or flye rs as per the sole 611 of FIG . 4. oo

A raised heel grip p ad 840 is provided on the uppgoer side of -the rear portion 812 and the dimensions illustrated are by way of «example only for a (British) size 11 sandal.

The actual shape of the heel grip pad 840 may be varied,

But it preferably has a tapered fro nt face 841 and a patterned cr textured top surface 842 to “grip” the wearer's heel, in the same manner as for the deck grip or so-called “gorilla-grip” on surfboards.

The heel grip pad 840 may be provided on any of the sole shapes hereinbefore described (eg., “pin tai l"/single- or double-flyer; “square t ail”/single or double flyer; “swallow t=il”/single- or double-flyer) where the ornamentation can replicate single-, twin or tri-fins and/or the wooden stringer. The heel grip pad 840 is in spired by, and replicates, the deck grip used on surfboards and provides both functionality and

Cb aesthetic appeal.

The heel grip pad 840 is provide d integrally with the sole 811, to provide the raised heel area, which provides a performance advantage offering more heel support than a «conventional thong, with added grigo to ensure the wearer's heel stays osn the raised padded area : when run ning and/or manoeuvring at a walking plus pace.

Preferably, the heel grip pad 840 is moulded from a super soft sponage (rubber or plastics) material, ie., softer than the material of oo the balance of the sole 811, and it may have a slightly concave surface 842 to assist location/grip of the wearer's heel_ The top surface 842 of the grip pad 840 may have a wide range of tex<tures/patterns thereon.

The raised heel grip pad 840 has t he added advantage that it will result in a longer-lasting thong. In addit ion, the pad 840 further accentuates the accuracy of the sole 810 to rep licate a surfboard, in that the pad 840 replicates the deck grip pad on surfboards known as “gorilla-

grip”. : The sandals 10, 210,410,610, 810 are all comfortable to wear and provide a striking a esthetic appeal to sandals, or othmer footwear fitted with the soles 11, 21°1,411, 611, 811.

The shapes illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 are by way of examples only and are not lirmiting to the invention.

By the inclusion (or deletion) of different feature =s, the soles can replicate an almost infin ite number of surfboards. Less expensive models may, eg., not include the ornamentation to replicate the fin{s), Co stringer and/or leg rope, and/ or not include the raised heel grip pad. As features are added, different price ranges can be covered. “T op-of-the- line” models can include all of the features described/illustratec, and may further include a wide range of branding/labelling/aesthetic options. “Limited edition” or “Signature” boards can incFude the 1.5 signatures/endorsements of champion sur—fers/board shapes/manufacturers. The range of alternative colours/geaphics is almost limitless. - The marriage of surfboard shapes to footwear re=sults in a oo unique, striking design concept with the ability to appeal 10 consumers 2 0 generally, and not just dedicated surfers.

In addition, the incorporation of the raised heel grip pad provides a functionally-improved product, for the reasons hereinbefore described. ?

The invention is not li mited to the thong-type sandals show n, but can be applied to all other sandals, and indeed, to otker types of footwear.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, the footwear here-inbefore descri bed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 can be used as a hand s urfer for body =surfers.

A hand surfer is a water craft that is worn on thee left or right Mand of a swimmer to assist in s urfing waves.

Log Generally, a hand surfe=r has a broad plastic or foam structure that is secured to the han d by straps to assist in planing advantage.

To ride waves without thee assistance of any craft i=s called body s urfing. When body surfing, the surfer catches a wave ard uses : their torso and hands to aquaplane stmraight down from the face= of the wave. To body surf, the surfer needs speed and body area to k eep on top of mhe water surface and travel alomng the wave. i The more experienced bod vy surfers ride waves goings left or right or the face of the wave. Body surfing across the face of thes wave enables the body surfer to reach fastemr speeds and experience ggetting tubed o rbarrelied - this is when the waave throws a sheet of water over the expe=rienced body surfer. The experi enced body surfer rides thee more powerful part of the wave and needs to keep himself/herself in p-erfect planing position and resist against being pushed into the bottom -of the wave whicsh, in turn, means the end of the ride. : Experienced body surfers can be assisted by a hand surf er worn on the left or right and. When body surfing with a hand surfer, it offers the= body surfer a controlled pgplaning area to assist in manoeuvrambility, planing ability and length cfride. Body surfers using tie hand surfer can travel distances similar to s_irfboards whilst riding acrosss waves. Thame hand surfers are a performance craft made specially for the body surfemrs.

The footwear of the present invention can be used as a hard Cy surfer to asssist in aquaplaning performance for the body surfers.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hand surfer 1010 of a first embodimert has a sole 1011 having any off the shapes/ornamentatiorms as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, eg., a square tail 1012 with a single flyer 1030. :

Preferably, the leg rope is repla ced by the wrist strap 1070, : which is an chored at one end to the sole 10 11, eg., at the leg rope hole, and at the other end is releasably connectable (eg., by “VELCRO” trad mark) tape) about the wearer's wrist 1090.

As shown, the wearer places hiss hand 1091 under the fron t strap 1014 adjacent the forward end of tke sole 1011, eg., with thes thumb 109.2 and index finger 1033 on one side of the toe strap 1014a and the remaining fingers 1094-1096 on th e other side.

The lightweight waterproof m aterial of the sole 1011 is buoyant, to provide both flotation and planing benefits. The unique surfboard tail shapes of the sole 1011 enables it to aquaplane on top of the water, with a surfboard-like response due to the shape of the rear : portio n 1012 of the sole 1011. The flyer(s) 1030 also assist in providing the swurfboard-like response. : The wrist strap 1070 works im the same manner as the leg rope of a surfboard. The wrist strap 1070 ensures that the hand surfer 1010 stays attached to the wearer whilst tbody surfing and/or after any

Ty “wipe outs”.

As the sole 1011 has a gre ater surface area than the wearer's hand 1091, and is broader, it offers a greater planing advantage than the hand alone.

The footwear is easy to fit and secure to the hand 1091 and . instantly becomes a hand surfer when applied. As shown, the hand surfer 1010 is easily fitted to the hand 1092 and final positioning and holding can be effected by the thumb 1092 and little finger 1096. The oo toe str ap 1014a between the index and second fingers 1093, 1094 provide=s lateral location of the hand surfer 1010 relative to the wearer's hand 1 092. When finished body surfing, t he wearer can remove the wrist strap 1070 and use the hand surfer 1TO10 as footwear.

FIGS. 8(a) to (h) illustrate a seco nd embodiment of the hand surfer 1210, where the heel portion 1212 ef the sole 1211 is of the “swallo w tail” shape with a single flyer 1230.

in this embodiment, the wrist strap “1270 is a length of cord or rope 1271 with a loop 1272 at one end and a Bocking pin 1273 at the other end.

As shown in FIGS. 8{a), (b), (d) an d (e), the cord or rope 1271 is passed through loop 1272 to form an adjustable loop to be secured to the wearer's wrist (not shown).

The locking pin 1273 is inserted thr ough the leg rope hole 1216 (see FIG. 8( 1)); located transversely below the heel portion 1212 of the sole 1211 (sere FIG. 8(g)); and the cord 1271 is pulled to locate the oo locking pin 1273 against the underside of the sole 1211 (see FIG. 8(h)}.

To release the wrist strap 1270, the steps of FIGS. 8(f) to (h) are reversed.

The dual capability of the prezsent invention, ie., footwear/hand surfer, is unique due to the surfboard tail shapes replicated in the h eel portions of the soles of the footwear.

Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention. :

Claims (14)

1. Footwear, having a sole, wherein at least the rearward portion of the sole is shaped to replicate the tail shape of a surfbeoard.

2. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 wherein: the underside of the sole incorporates a pattern or ornamentation to replicate the one to three fin(s) of a surfboard.

3. Footwear as claimed in Claim 2 wherein: two or more fins may extend below the sole to form a raised “ heel portion.

4, Footwear as claimed &n Claim 1 wherein: oo the tail shapes of the surfboards replicated inclucle {a) “pintait”; (b) “swallow tail”; and (c } “square tail”.

5. Footwear as claimed i n Claim 4 wherein: side portions of the sole incorporate hips or f lyers, replicating the hips or flyers in surf» cards, to complement the tail sh apes.

6. Footwear as claimed i n Claim 1 wherein: oo the sole incorporates a coloured stringer, from nose to tall, replicating the stringer of a surfboard on the upper side of the soles.

7. Footwear as claimed im Claim 1 wherein: the upper side of the sole is provided with a raised heell pad, with added grip, to replicate the dec k grip or “gorilla grip” on a surfb oard.

8. Footwear as claimed im Claim 7 wherein: the heel pad has an in clined forwardly-directed face &and a pat terned-or-profile upper surface and provides support and/o r grip to a we arer’s heel.

9. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1 wherein: the sole incorporates a leg rope hole, or peattern of orn amentation replicating same.

10. Footwear as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the uppwer side of the sole incorporates branding , tabelling and/or other surfboard aes thetics.

11. A hand surfer for body surfers comprising the footwear as ji claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10.

12. A hand surfer as clairmed in Claim 11, including: a wrist strap attacha ble at one end to the sole a nd at the othezr end to the wearer's wrist.

13. A hand surfer as clairmed in Claim 12 wherein: the wrist strap has a length of cord or rope, with a loop at one end and a locking pin at the other end, the cord or rope passing thro ugh the loop for attachment to the wearer's wrist and the lo cking pin bein g engageable in a leg rope holes in the sole.

14. A hand surfer as claim ed in Claim 11 or Claim 12, including: A front strap, extendi ng laterally to the sole, adjacent the front end of the sole, engageable bey the wearer's hand and/or fingers.