WO2017070733A1

WO2017070733A1 - An article of footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2017070733A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/050990
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pek Joo TEOH
Original assignee: Teoh Pek Joo
Priority date: 2015-10-27
Filing date: 2016-10-21
Publication date: 2017-05-04

Abstract

Provided is an article of footwear (10) which comprises an upper portion (12) made from a first resiliently deformable material and a sole portion (16) made from a second resiliently deformable material. The material defines a plurality of interspaced fluid-filled cavities (18) therein comprising at least 5% of a total volume of the sole portion, with the sole and upper portions (12) and (16) joined together to define a fluid-tight compartment (20) for operatively receiving a foot therein. The sole portion (16) includes an orthotic insole for operatively supporting the foot comfortably and ergonomically within said (compartment 20). The article of footwear (10) also includes a covering (22) operatively covering at least 25% of an outside surface of the upper portion (12), said covering (22) being configured to have a particular characteristic selected from a group consisting of a germicidal characteristic, a fungicidal characteristic, a hydrophobic characteristic, an oleophobic characteristic, and a colour changing characteristic on contact with a specific type of substance, temperature, and or pressure.

Description

AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of design and construction of shoes. In particular, the invention relates to an article of footwear.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Footwear, or shoes, is well-known in the art. For example, by way of background, Figure 1 shows a conventional shoe 1 with typical constituent parts, including an upper portion 2 and a sole portion 3. The upper 2 typically includes toebox 4 with vamp 5 having eyelets 6 for laces and tongue 7, as shown. The upper 2 also includes heel counter 8 with the shoe 1 having an insole 9.

[0004] The Applicant has identified a need in the art for an article of footwear more suitable to people working in a medical environment, a chemical or biological laboratory, a factory, a kitchen, and/or the like. In such environments, regulations typically exist around the type of footwear required for the sake of safety, health, hygiene, etc. [ 0005 ] For example, in a medical environment (such as a hospital or operating theatre) personnel sometimes wear waterproof clogs or Wellington-type polymer or rubber boots for safety, as these prevent the ingress of medical or other fluids etc. However, one shortcoming of such footwear is that they are generally designed to be water-or liquid- proof, rather than with comfort foremost in mind. As such, they typically have soles which are not comfortable, often even problematic for people with orthopedic or podiatric conditions .

[ 0006] Paradoxically, it is often necessary for such shoes to be worn for long periods of time. In addition, as numerous people in such an environment generally wear similar styles of footwear, such footwear is often mistakenly exchanged or mixed-up due to having a similar appearance and design.

[ 0007 ] The following invention seeks to propose possible improvements, at least in part, in amelioration of some of the shortcomings in the art of footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ 0008 ] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an article of footwear comprising:

an upper portion made from a resiliently deformable material, defining a user-personalisable indicium thereon; and

a sole portion made from a resiliently deformable material defining a plurality of interspaced fluid-filled cavities therein comprising at least 5% of a total volume of the sole portion, wherein the upper and sole portions are joined together to define a fluid-tight compartment for operatively receiving a foot therein.

[0009] In different examples, the resiliently deformable material may be selected from a group consisting of a resin, a rubber, a polymer, a foam, or leather.

[0010] The article of footwear may be configured in a particular shape, including a clog, a boot, a loafer, a sports shoe, a sneaker, etc.

[0011] The article of footwear may be manufactured by means of a moulding or injection moulding process.

[0012] Advantageously, the article of footwear may be manufactured in a unitary manner wherein the sole and upper portions are joined together.

[0013] Typically, the user-personalisable indicium may include a surface configured to be written on, a surface configured to be printed on, a surface on which letters or numerals may be moulded, a surface configured to receive a sticker or nametag, and/or the like.

[0014] Typically, the sole portion may comprise an orthotic insole for operatively supporting the foot.

[0015] In one example, the cavities defined by the sole portion may comprise external opening cavities. [0016] Alternatively, or additionally, the cavities defined by the sole portion may include internal sealed cavities .

[0017] The fluid within the interspaced fluid-filled cavities may be selected from a group consisting of air, a particular gas, a particular liquid, a gel, and a foam, inclusive of both Newtonian or non-Newtonian forms of these.

[0018] In one example, the article of footwear may further comprise a removable cover configured to operatively cover a portion of the footwear.

[0019] Typically, the removable cover is configured for disposal after use.

[0020] In different examples, the removable cover may comprise a germicidal cover, a fungicidal cover, a hydrophobic cover, an oleophobic cover, and/or a cover configured to change colour on contact with a specific type of substance, temperature, pressure, etc.

[0021] Accordingly, the article of footwear may define cover engaging means configured to releasably engage the removable cover.

[0022] In one example, the resiliently deformable material comprising the upper portion and/or the sole may comprise a coating. [ 0023 ] In different examples, the coating is selected from a group consisting of a germicidal coating, a fungicidal coating, a hydrophobic coating, an oleophobic coating, a coating configured to change colour on contact with a specific type of substance, temperature, pressure, etc .

[ 0024 ] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an article of footwear comprising:

an upper portion made from a first resiliently deformable material;

a sole portion made from a second resiliently deformable material defining a plurality of interspaced fluid-filled cavities therein comprising at least 5% of a total volume of the sole portion, said sole and upper portions joined together to define a fluid-tight compartment for operatively receiving a foot therein, the sole portion including an orthotic insole for operatively supporting the foot comfortably and ergonomically within said compartment; and

a covering operatively covering at least 25% of an outside surface of the upper portion, said covering being configured to have a particular characteristic selected from a group consisting of a germicidal characteristic, a fungicidal characteristic, a hydrophobic characteristic, an oleophobic characteristic, and a colour changing characteristic on contact with a specific type of substance, temperature, and/or pressure.

[ 0025 ] Typically, the covering comprises a removable cover to facilitate replacement thereof. [0026] Typically, the article of footwear comprises cover engaging means configured to releasably engage the removable cover .

[0027] Typically, the covering comprises a coating operatively coating a portion of the footwear.

[0028] Typically, the covering additionally covers an outside surface of the sole portion.

[0029] Typically, the first resiliently deformable material defines a plurality of interspaced fluid-filled cavities therein comprising at least 5% of a total volume thereof .

[0030] Typically, the first and second resiliently deformable materials are the same material.

[0031] Typically, the resiliently deformable material is selected from a group consisting of a resin, a rubber, a polymer, and a foam.

[0032] Typically, the article of footwear is manufactured in a unitary manner wherein the sole and upper portions comprise a single portion.

[0033] Typically, the article of footwear is manufactured by means of a moulding or injection moulding process.

[0034] Typically, the cavities defined by the resiliently deformable material comprise external opening cavities. [ 0035 ] Typically, or additionally, the cavities defined by the resiliently deformable material comprise internal sealed cavities.

[ 0036] Typically, the fluid within the interspaced fluid- filled cavities is selected from a group consisting of air, a particular gas, a particular liquid, a gel, and a foam.

[ 0037 ] Typically, the upper portion defines a user- personalisable indicium thereon.

[ 0038 ] Typically, the user-personalisable indicium includes a surface configured to be written on, a surface configured to be printed on, a surface on which letters or numerals are moulded, or a surface configured to receive a sticker or nametag.

[ 0039] Typically, the article of footwear is configured in a particular shape selected from a group consisting of a clog, a boot, a loafer, a sports shoe, and a sneaker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[ 0040 ] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non- limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective representation of a conventional shoe showing typical constituent parts;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of one example of an article of footwear, in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and

Figure 3 is diagrammatic side-view representation of a further example of an article of footwear, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0042] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0043] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown examples of an article of footwear 10 which typically comprise an upper portion 12 made from a resiliently deformable material and which defines a user-personalisable indicium thereon 14. In addition, the article of footwear 10 further includes a sole portion 16 also made from a resiliently deformable material which defines a plurality of interspaced fluid-filled cavities 18 therein. These cavities 18 may comprise external opening cavities and/or internally sealed cavities. Some of the externally opening cavities 18 can be seen in the Figures.

[ 0044 ] It is to be appreciated that these cavities 18 generally serve to provide shock-absorbing qualities to the article of footwear. As a result, the location of these cavities 18 may be determined according to design requirements, as will be understood by the skilled addressee .

[ 0045 ] Typically, the cavities 18 comprise at least 5% of a total volume of the sole portion 16. It is, however, to be appreciated that different applications and/or designs may have a higher percentage of cavities to overall volume of the sole portion 16. In addition, the fluid within the interspaced cavities 18 may be selected from a group consisting of air, a particular gas, a particular liquid, a gel, and a foam, inclusive of both Newtonian or non- Newtonian forms of these. Accordingly, any type of suitable fluid, including liquids and/or gasses, may be chosen depending on design requirements.

[ 0046] As shown, the upper and sole portions 12 and 16 of the article of footwear 10 are generally joined together to define a fluid-tight compartment 20 for operatively receiving a foot therein. Typically, the sole portion 16 comprises an orthotic insole for operatively supporting the foot. Such an insole may take various forms, as is well known in the art of orthopedics or podiatry.

[ 0047 ] The resiliently deformable material comprising both the upper and sole portions 12 and 16 may be selected from a group consisting of a resin, a rubber, a polymer, a foam, or leather. Generally, any suitable resiliently deformable material that is fluid-tight may be used. It is further to be appreciated that, in one example, the upper portion 12 may be manufactured from a different material than the sole portion 16.

[0048] Furthermore, it is to be appreciated that the article of footwear 10 may be configured in a particular shape, including a clog, a boot, a loafer, a sports shoe, a sneaker, etc. Depending on practicality and design requirements, and type or shape of footwear is possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] As a result, the upper portion 12 may define a vamp, a toebox, eyelets, a heel counter, a tongue, and other constituent parts of known types of footwear. Similarly, the sole portion 16 may define similar known constituent parts of a shoe, such as a heel, a midsole, etc.

[0050] In one example, the article of footwear 10 is manufactured by means of a moulding or injection moulding process. Typically, in such an example, the article of footwear 10 is manufactured in a unitary manner wherein the sole and upper portions 12 and 16 are joined together.

[0051] The user-personalisable indicium 14 may take various forms. In different examples, the indicium 14 may comprise a surface configured to be written on, a surface configured to be printed on, a surface on which letters or numerals may be moulded, a surface configured to receive a sticker or nametag, and/or the like. Such indicium provides customisation options to users for including their names on their articles of footwear to prevent accidental or unintentional exchanges etc.

[ 0052 ] In one example, the article of footwear 10 further comprises a removable cover 22 which is configured to operatively cover a portion of the footwear 10. Such a cover typically 22 provides protection against spills with dangerous or harmful fluids, such as blood, chemicals, etc. As a result, the removable cover 22 is generally configured for disposal after use.

[ 0053 ] In different examples, the removable cover may comprise a germicidal cover, a fungicidal cover, a hydrophobic cover, an oleophobic cover, or a cover configured to change colour on contact with a specific type of substance, temperature, pressure, etc.

[ 0054 ] Accordingly, the article of footwear 10 may define cover engaging means configured to releasably engage the removable cover 22. Such cover engaging means may include studs 26, clips, straps, grooves, channels, etc. In the exemplified embodiment, the cover engaging means comprises press studs 26, as shown. However, it is to be appreciated that various types of cover engaging means may be appropriate, depending on requirements, as will be understood by the skilled addressee.

[ 0055 ] In another example, the resiliently deformable material comprising the upper portion 12 and/or the sole 16 may comprise a coating 24. Typically, the coating 24 is selected from a group consisting of a germicidal coating, a fungicidal coating, a hydrophobic coating, an oleophobic coating, a coating configured to change colour on contact with a specific type of substance, temperature, pressure, etc .

[ 0056 ] Similar to the above, in a further example, there is provided an article of footwear 10 which comprises an upper portion 12 made from a first resiliently deformable material and a sole portion 16 made from a second resiliently deformable material. The material again defines a plurality of interspaced fluid-filled cavities 18 therein comprising at least 5% of a total volume of the sole portion, with the sole and upper portions 12 and 16 joined together to define a fluid-tight compartment 20 for operatively receiving a foot therein, the sole portion 16 including an orthotic insole for operatively supporting the foot comfortably and ergonomically within said compartment 20.

[ 0057 ] The article of footwear 10 also includes a covering 22 operatively covering at least 25% of an outside surface of the upper portion 12, said covering 22 being configured to have a particular characteristic selected from a group consisting of a germicidal characteristic, a fungicidal characteristic, a hydrophobic characteristic, an oleophobic characteristic, and a colour changing characteristic on contact with a specific type of substance, temperature, and or pressure.

[ 0058 ] It is to be appreciated that the particular characteristic can be configured according to requirements. For example, a medical application for the footwear may have the characteristic of the covering configured to indicate, e.g. by changing colour, when a bodily fluid, such as blood, lands on the footwear. Another medical example has the covering being germicidal or antibacterial, or the like. Similarly, an industrial application may have the characteristic of the covering configured to indicate when an oil or similar industrial material lands on the covering. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various other examples are possible and within the scope of the current invention .

[0059] The covering 22 may comprise a removable cover to facilitate replacement thereof, or alternatively the covering 22 may comprise a coating. Where the covering 22 comprises a removable cover, the article of footwear 10 generally includes cover engaging means 26 configured to releasably engage the removable cover. It is to be appreciated that the covering 22 need not only cover an outside surface of the upper portion 12, but may additionally cover an outside surface of the sole portion 16 as well .

[0060] Although not strictly necessary, the first and second resiliently deformable materials are typically the same material, but this need not be the case in all examples. The resiliently deformable material is generally selected from a group consisting of a resin, a rubber, a polymer, and a foam.

[0061] In one example, the article of footwear 10 is manufactured in a unitary manner wherein the sole and upper portions 12 and 16 comprise a single portion. Examples of manufacturing techniques include manufacturing by means of a moulding or injection moulding process, or the like.

[ 0062 ] The cavities defined by the resiliently deformable material may comprise external opening cavities and/or internal sealed cavities. The fluid within the interspaced fluid-filled cavities is generally selected from a group consisting of air, a particular gas, a particular liquid, a gel, and a foam.

[ 0063 ] Applicant believes it advantageous that the article of footwear 10 provides for shoes which can be worn outside of a working environment, as it can be fashionable, waterproof and comfortable. Another advantage is that the article of footwear includes a covering offering a number of various and inventive benefits for work shoes in hazardous environments. A further advantage is that the article of footwear 10 can be constructed without any grooves and stitches between different parts which make cleaning easier. In addition, users are able to customise their shoes via the indicium 14, including printing their initials or names on the shoes.

[ 0064 ] A yet further advantage is that the article of footwear 10 provides podiatric or orthotic support, as well as shock-absorbing qualities, through the cavities 18 and options of different fluids within such cavities 18. Being fluid-tight with an option of a specific cover 22 or coating 24 that can be configured to indicate a specific occurrence within a work environment (chemical spills, germicidal qualities, etc.) also finds particular application in a work environment, such as a medical environment, a chemical or biological laboratory, a factory, a kitchen, and/or the like.

[ 0065 ] Further perceived benefits sees the use of lightweight waterproof material configured ergonomically to minimise prolonged compression of a wearer' s toes while the comfortable insole encourages good posture with prolonged wearing while doing physical work. The minimalist design makes cleaning easier.

[ 0066 ] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[ 0067 ] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention is not made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[ 0068 ] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiment is intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0069] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application.

[0070] The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0071] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non- claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[ 0072 ] The use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "up", down", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forwards", "backwards", "towards", "distal", "proximal", "in", "out" and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only, unless the context indicates otherwise. The inventor (s) envisage that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations.

[ 0073 ] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted.

[ 0074 ] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values there between, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all sub-ranges there between, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

[0075] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive; and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising:

an upper portion made from a first resiliently deformable material;

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the covering comprises a removable cover to facilitate replacement thereof .

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the article of footwear comprises cover engaging means configured to releasably engage the removable cover.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the covering comprises a coating operatively coating a portion of the footwear .

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein, the covering additionally covers an outside surface of the sole portion.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first resiliently deformable material defines a plurality of interspaced fluid-filled cavities therein comprising at least 5% of a total volume thereof.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first and second resiliently deformable materials are the same material .

8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable material is selected from a group consisting of a resin, a rubber, a polymer, and a foam.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear is manufactured in a unitary manner wherein the sole and upper portions comprise a single portion.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the article of footwear is manufactured by means of a moulding or injection moulding process.

11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the cavities defined by the resiliently deformable material comprise external opening cavities

12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the cavities defined by the resiliently deformable material comprise internal sealed cavities.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the fluid within the interspaced fluid-filled cavities is selected from a group consisting of air, a particular gas, a particular liquid, a gel, and a foam.

14. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper portion defines a user-personalisable indicium thereon.

15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the user- personalisable indicium includes a surface configured to be written on, a surface configured to be printed on, a surface on which letters or numerals are moulded, or a surface configured to receive a sticker or nametag.

16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the article of footwear is configured in a particular shape selected from a group consisting of a clog, a boot, a loafer, a sports shoe, and a sneaker.