AU2009227985A1 - Footwear - Google Patents

Description

WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 1 "FOOTWEAR" FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to footwear. In particular, the invention relates to footwear including flip-flops, sandals, slippers, scuffs and the like. 5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Flip-flops are a very popular form of footwear due to their ease of placement and removal on a person's foot. Historically, flip-flops have been used as casual wear, especially in warmer climates. However, in recent times, flip-flops have become an essential footwear fashion item with 10 a variety of different patterns, styles and colours being used to enhance the visual characteristics of flip-flops. Flip-flops are typically formed from a sole which is located under the foot and a strap which is placed between the toes and over the foot to hold the sole to the foot. In order to produce a flip-flop, three holes 15 are normally located through the sole with circular recesses located on the underside of the sole adjacent each of the holes. The strap has a central portion and two side portions with an end of each of the portions terminating in a circular head. The heads are forced through respective holes and are located within the circular recesses to hold the strap and the sole together. 20 The problem with the manufacture of a flip-flop is that it is relatively difficult to pull the circular heads through the respective holes in the sole. A special tool must be used and considerable physical strength is required. Also, in general use, the circular heads can be pulled through the holes leaving an individual to try and force the circular head back through the 25 hole without the use of the tool. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to overcome or alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 30 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in footwear comprising: WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 2 a sole able to be located under a user's foot; and a strap which is attached to the sole; wherein: the sole has at least one channel. Usually, the at least one channel may be located at the front 5 and/or rear of the sole. Preferably, there are two channels. Optionally a single hole passes through the sole. The hole is typically in alignment with the at least one channel. Optionally a lug is formed in the strap which engages in a side hole located in the sole. 10 The strap is typically formed from a pair of side portions which join to form a central portion. Preferably, the side portions are interconnected by a rear plug. A front plug may be located adjacent an end of the central portion. Normally the front plug is located in a front channel in the sole. 15 Further, the rear plug is located in a rear channel in the sole. The invention also provides footwear which includes: a sole able to be located under a user's foot; the sole having at least two channels; and a single strap which is removably attached to the sole; the strap 20 having at least two plugs; wherein the at least two plugs are located within the at least two channels. The at least two channels may include at least one front channel and at least one rear channel. 25 The strap may include at least one side portion. The strap may include at least two side portions. The strap may be formed from a pair of side portions which join to form a central portion. At least one side portion may be connected to at least one plug. The side portions may be interconnected by a rear plug. 30 A single hole may pass through the sole in alignment with at least one channel. A plug may be able to be located within a channel through the single hole. The plug may include a long section and a short WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 3 section. At least one lug may be formed in the strap to engage in at least one side hole located in the sole. The footwear may include at least a front plug and a rear plug. 5 The front plug and rear plug may be interconnected by an interconnecting plug. The channel and the plugs may be shaped and sized so as to form a snug frictional fit so that the plugs are frictionally retained within the respective recesses. 10 The strap arrangement may be unitary in construction. The plugs may be shaped and sized so when they are located within the channel, the plugs sit flush with an underside of the sole. The invention also provides a method of producing footwear, the method including: 15 obtaining a sole that has at least one located recess located in an underside of the sole; and obtaining at least one strap having at least one plug that is complementary in shape and size to the channel for snug location within the channel, the strap attached to at least one side portion; 20 assembling the sole and the strap by locating the plug into the channel so that the side portion extends outside the sole. The method may include the step of forming a sole having at least two channels at an underside of the sole. The method may also include the step of forming a strap that 25 includes two plug formations for locating within respective channels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention, by way of example only, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of footwear according to 30 an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a further exploded perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1; WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 4 FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1; FIG. 4 shows a top exploded perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1; 5 FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1 when the strap is located in the sole; FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of footwear according to FIG. 1; 10 FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of footwear according to FIG. 1; FIGS. 9 and 10 are top plan views of footwear according to FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a further bottom plan view of footwear according to 15 FIG. 1; FIGS. 12 and 13 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a third embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; FIGS. 14 and 15 show top and bottom plan views respectively 20 of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; FIGS. 16 and 17 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a fifth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; FIGS. 18 and 19 show top and bottom plan views respectively 25 of a sixth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a scuff or slipper; FIGS. 20 and 21 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a seventh embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sandal; FIGS. 22 and 23 show top and bottom plan views respectively 30 of an eighth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sandal; FIGS. 24 and 25 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a ninth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a sandal; WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 5 FIGS. 26 and 27 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a tenth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop; FIGS. 28 and 29 show top and bottom plan views respectively of an eleventh embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop; 5 and FIGS. 30 and 31 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of footwear in the 10 form of a flip-flop 10. Although the figures show solely a left foot flip-flop, it should be appreciated that a right foot flip-flop can be produced in exactly the same manner. The flip-flop 10 includes two parts, namely a sole 20 and a strap 30. The sole 20 is shaped in a standard sole shape. However, it 15 should be appreciated that the sole may be formed in any number of different shapes and sizes. It should also be appreciated that the materials used for the sole can include any standard material that is currently used on footwear, such as rubber, cork and a variety of plastics. The sole 20 is formed from a main body 21 that has a top side 20 22 and an underside 23. A front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 extend along the width of the underside 23 of the sole 20. It should be appreciated that although the front channel 24 and rear channel 25 extend the entire width of the underside 23 of the sole 20, it is envisaged that the front channel 24 may only extend along a portion of the width of the sole 20. 25 A hole 26 extends through the top side 22 of the sole 20 through to the underside 23 of the sole 20. The hole 26 is rectangular in shape and is positioned so that the hole 26 is in alignment with the front channel 24. It should be appreciated, however, that the hole 26 may form any suitable shape, such as square or circular. 30 The strap 30 is formed from two side portions 31 which are joined to form a central portion 32. A rear plug 33 interconnects the side portions 31. A front plug 34 is connected to and located adjacent an end of WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 6 the central portion 32. Both the front plug 34 and rear plug 33 are shaped and sized to commensurate with the respective front channel 24 and rear channel 25 of the sole 20. The strap 30 is integrally formed. That is, the strap is unitary in 5 construction. Accordingly, any suitable material can be used, including rubber or plastics such as polyurethane. In order to assemble a flip-flop 10, the front plug 34 is placed within the hole 26 in the sole 20. The front plug 34 is then pulled through the hole 26. As the front plug 34 is pulled through the hole 26, a part of the 10 central portion 32 will also be pulled through the hole 26. Once the front plug 34 is pulled entirely through the hole 26, the front plug 34 is located within the front channel 24. The rear plug 33 is then located within the rear channel 25 by placing the sole 20 between the two side portions 31. The rear plug 34 and the rear channel 25 is shaped and sized so that a frictional fit is formed 15 between. That is, the rear plug 34 is frictionally retained within the rear channel 25. This can be facilitated by selection of proper materials, and plug and channel profile. Once the front plug 34 and rear plug 33 are located within the front channel 24 and rear channel 25, the flip-flop 10 is then able to be worn. 20 In order to remove the strap 30 from the sole 20, the steps are simply followed in reverse. FIGS. 4 to 11 show a second embodiment of a flip-flop 10. Similarly to the first embodiment, the figures show solely a left foot flip-flop. However, it should be appreciated that a right foot flip-flop can be produced 25 in exactly the same manner. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 11, the flip-flop 10 is identical to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 with the following exceptions. Firstly, a front channel 24 only partially extends along the width of the underside 23 of the sole 20. Furthermore, a front plug 34 is sized to 30 commensurate with the respective front channel 24 of the sole 20. The front plug 34 comprises a long section 35 and a short section 36. The long section 35 and the short section 36 are tapered to allow the front plug 34 to WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 7 be easily threaded through hole 26. The long section 35 and the short section 36 intersect at a central portion 32 forming an angle. It should be appreciated, however, that the long section 35 and the short section 36 may not form an angle at the intersection of the long section 35 and the short 5 section 36. Secondly, the flip-flop 10 comprises two lugs 37 positioned on the inside of the side portions 31 adjacent a rear plug 33. The lugs 37 locate in corresponding side holes 27 in the sole 20 and allow the strap 30 to be securely fastened to the sole 20. It should be appreciated, however, that one 10 lug 37 or more than one lug 37 may be used and that the lugs 37 may be positioned at any suitable location on side portions 31. Furthermore, side holes 27 may be located on any suitable position in the sole 20. The flip-flop 10 is assembled in a similar manner to the first embodiment. In this case, the long section 35 of the front plug 34 is placed 15 through the hole 26 in the sole 20. The long section 35 may be labeled "IN" indicating to a user that the long section 35 is used to insert the front plug 34. The long section 35 is then pulled through the hole 26. As the front plug 34 is pulled through the hole 26, a part of the central portion 32 will also be pulled through the hole 26. Once the front plug 34 is pulled entirely through 20 the hole 26, the front plug 34 is located within the front channel 24. The rear plug 33 is then located within the rear channel 25 by placing the sole 20 between the two side portions 31. Furthermore, the lugs 37 are positioned in side holes 27. Once the front plug 34 and rear plug 33 are located within the front channel 24 and rear channel 25, the flip-flop 10 is then able to be worn. 25 In order to remove the strap 30 from the sole 20, the steps are simply followed in reverse. In this embodiment, the short section 36 of the front plug 34 is firstly threaded through the hole 26. The short section 36 may be labeled "OUT" indicating to the user that this end is threaded first to dissemble the flip-flop 10. The short section 36 and the long section 35 on 30 the front plug 34 makes the flip-flop 10 easier to assemble and dissemble. Various alternative embodiments of the footwear of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 12 to 31. In each embodiment, strap 30 and WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 8 sole 20 is configured as described in the first and second embodiments of the present invention and may include some or all of the features described therein. FIGS. 12 and 13 show top and bottom plan views respectively 5 of a third embodiment of footwear in the form of a scuff or a slipper 10. In this embodiment, the strap 30 is formed from two non-interconnecting side portions 31. The two side portions 31 are connected to a diagonal "H" shaped plug that locates in a corresponding diagonal H-shaped channel in an underside of a sole 20. The H-shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 10 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by an interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the H-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29. FIGS. 14 and 15 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a fourth embodiment of footwear also in the form of a scuff or slipper 10. 15 The strap 30 is formed from two interconnecting side portions 31 to provide a cross shaped support. In this embodiment, a horizontal "H" shaped channel is formed in an underside of a sole 20 to accept a similarly shaped H-shaped plug formed in a lower section of the strap 30. The H-shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by an 20 interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the H-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29. FIGS. 16 and 17 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a fifth embodiment of footwear again in the form of a scuff or slipper 10. In 25 this embodiment, the strap 30 is formed from two side portions connected by an interconnection portion. This forms two parallel supports across a front section of a sole 20 with a third support diagonally connecting the two parallel supports and extends to an outside, rear section of a sole 20. A lower section of the strap 30 forms a sideways "H" shaped plug with an 30 additional diagonal section extending from a mid point of the "H" to an outside portion of the sole 20. The plug fits into a similarly shaped channel in an underside of a sole 20. The H-shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 9 34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by a diagonal interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the H-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by a diagonal interconnecting channel 29. 5 FIGS. 18 and 19 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a sixth embodiment of footwear in the form of a scuff or slipper 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of a strap 30 is formed from three side portions 31 which form three parallel supports extending across a section of a sole 20. A lower section of the strap 30 forms a plug in the shape of three 10 parallel horizontal sections connected by a vertical section. That is, the plug is formed from a front plug 34, intermediate plug 39, rear plug 33 and an interconnecting plug 38. The plug fits into a similarly shaped channel formed in an underside of a sole 20. Similarly, the channel is formed from a front channel 24, an intermediate channel 24A, a rear channel 28 and an 15 interconnecting channel 29. FIGS. 20 and 21 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a seventh embodiment of footwear in the form of a sandal 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of a strap 30 is formed by side portions 31 to form a front support and a rear support. The front support is a single 20 horizontal section extending across a front section of a sole 20. A rear support forms a horizontal section with a loop extending rearwards, the loop hooking around a user's heel. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30, the plug forming an "i" shape. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel in an underside of the sole 20. The "i" shaped plug is formed from a front 25 plug 34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by an interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the "i" shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29. FIGS. 22 and 23 show top and bottom plan views respectively 30 of an eighth embodiment of footwear in the form of a sandal 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of the strap 30 is formed from side portions 31 which form a front support and a rear support. The front support is a WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 10 sideways "V" shaped section extending across a front section of a sole 20. A rear support forms a loop extending rearwards of the sole 20 connected to a vertex of the "V", the loop hooking around a user's heel. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30, the plug forming a "Z" shape. The plug fits 5 into a similarly sized channel in an underside of the sole 20. The Z-shaped plug is formed from a front plug 34 and a rear plug 33 which are interconnected by an interconnecting plug 38. Similarly, the Z-shaped channel is formed from a front channel 24 and a rear channel 25 which are interconnected by an interconnecting channel 29. 10 FIGS. 24 and 25 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a ninth embodiment of footwear in the form of a sandal 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of the strap 30 is formed from interconnecting side portions 31 and non-interconnecting side portion forming a front support and a rear support. The front support is an "X" shaped section extending 15 across a front section of a sole 20. A rear support is formed by a horizontal section connected to a loop extending rearwards, the loop hooking around a user's heel. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30, the plug forming three parallel sections, the parallel sections connected by a vertical section. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel in the sole 20. That is, 20 the plug is formed from a front plug 34, intermediate plug 39, rear plug 33 and an interconnecting plug 38. The plug fits into a similarly shaped channel formed in an underside of a sole 20. Similarly, the channel is formed from a front channel 24, an intermediate channel 24A, a rear channel 25 and an interconnecting channel 29. 25 FIGS. 26 and 27 show top and bottom plan views respectively of a tenth embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. In this embodiment, an upper section of a strap 30 forms a support extending horizontally across a top section of a sole 20. A further support extends from a centre top section of a top of the sole 20 diagonally across to a rear outside 30 edge of the top of the sole 20. A plug is formed in a lower section of the strap 30, using a tapered plug as described in the second embodiment together with a sideways "V" shaped section which is formed from a front WO 2009/117772 PCT/AU2009/000342 11 plug 34 and an interconnecting rear plug 33. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel formed in an underside of the sole 20. FIGS. 28 and 29 show top and bottom plan views respectively of an eleventh embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. In this 5 embodiment, an upper section of a strap 30 forms a support extending horizontally across a top section of a sole 20. A second support extends from a centre top section of a top of the sole 20 diagonally across to a rear outside edge of the top of the sole 20. A third support extends diagonally from a top outside section to a bottom inside section of the sole 20. A plug is 10 formed in a lower section of the strap 30 using a tapered plug as described in the second embodiment and by two horizontal plugs connected by a diagonal plug. The plug fits into a similarly sized channel formed in an underside of the sole 20. FIGS. 30 and 31 show top and bottom plan views respectively 15 of a twelfth embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop 10. This embodiment is identical to the second embodiment with the following exception. An additional support formed in a strap 30. To facilitate the additional support, an intermediate plug 39 is formed in the lower section of the strap 30 and an extra channel is formed in an underside of the sole 20. 20 The advantage of the footwear embodiments described above is that the strap 30 can be placed within a sole 20 very easily. This allows for quicker assembly time. Further, as the strap can also be removed from the sole quickly without the use of tools, different straps are able to be used with different soles to create a variety of different looks. 25 It will also be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. Footwear comprising: a sole able to be located under a user's foot; the sole having at least two channels; 5 a single strap which is removably attached to the sole; the strap having at least two plugs; wherein the at least two plugs are located within the at least two channels.

2. The footwear of claim 1 wherein there is at least one front channel 10 and at least one rear channel.

3. The footwear of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the strap includes at least one side portion.

4. The footwear of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the strap includes at least two side portions. 15

5. The footwear of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the strap is formed from a pair of side portions which join to form a central portion.

6. The footwear of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one side portion is connected to at least one plug.

7. The footwear of claim 5, wherein the side portions are interconnected 20 by a rear plug.

8. The footwear of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a single hole passes through the sole in alignment with at least one channel.

9. The footwear of claim 8, wherein a plug is able to be located within a channel through the single hole. 25

10. The footwear of claim 9, wherein the plug has a long section and a short section.

11. The footwear of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one lug is formed in the strap to engage in at least one side hole located in the sole.

12. The footwear of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein there is at least a 30 front plug and a rear plug.

13. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the front plug and rear plug are interconnected by an interconnecting plug.