STRIKEPLATE AND MATCH ASSOCIATION COMPONENT

Abstract

Footwear and accessories that can be used to ignite fire are described herein. The footwear described herein includes a component to associate one or more matches to the footwear. In at least one embodiment, the component to associate one or matches to the footwear is configured to house, store, or carry the one or more matches. In at least one embodiment, the footwear described herein includes a strikeplate that is associated with the footwear. In some embodiments, the strikeplate can be made out of an abrasive material such as a granulated product, a paper product, a hard product, and/or a hard-backed granulated paper product. A method for using the accessories associated with the footwear and methods for manufacturing accessories and/or the footwear are also described herein.

Description

This application claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/725,833 filed 13 Nov. 2012 and entitled “Footwear and Footwear Accessories.”

BACKGROUND

In recent years, footwear has become even more important for providing not only comfort, but a storage device for certain items as well. For example, footwear can include a storage device for keys; it can also provide an apparatus for opening bottles as displayed in certain sandals. What has not been disclosed is footwear and accessories that can be used to ignite fires, for example.

SUMMARY

Footwear and accessories that can be used to ignite fire are described herein. In various embodiments, the footwear described herein includes a component to associate one or more matches to the footwear. In at least one embodiment, the footwear described herein further includes a strikeplate.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying Figures. The use of the same reference number in different Figures indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 illustrates footwear and/or accessories according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2 is a view of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 3 is a second view of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 4 is a third view of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates footwear that encompasses all or a portion of a foot and two portions of the footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a fourth view of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 7 is a fifth view of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure

FIG. 8A is a sixth view of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a seventh view of footwear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for igniting a fire according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method for manufacturing accessories for igniting a fire according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method for manufacturing footwear with associated accessories for igniting a fire according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, footwear 10 is shown that encompasses all or a portion of a foot 12. Footwear 10 can be footwear that includes a sole. This sole can include an outsole as well as a heel, for example. Footwear 10 can also include an upper which can include a portion of the footwear that covers foot 12, as opposed to the sole that supports foot 12. The upper can include a toe cap throat line for example, and/or a tongue, for example. The sole can include an insole and the upper can also include a quarter, for example, and the sole can also include an outsole, for example. In accordance with example implementations, the footwear of the present disclosure can have components 14 and 16 associated therewith.

Component 14 can be, for example, a strikeplate that can be utilized to ignite one or more matches as typically used in the art. Strikeplate 14 can be positioned in associate with the sole, for example, of the shoe, and/or with the upper of the shoe. In either case, strikeplate 14 can be associated with footwear 10.

Component 16 can be an assembly and/or an area to house or associate with one or more matches. Component 16 can be a compartment, for example, and/or a loop configuration that allows for the storage of one or more matches. In this fashion, component 16 can be associated with either the upper or the sole of the shoe and/or some combination of both, for example.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, an example configuration of an embodiment of the footwear of the present disclosure is shown. In accordance with example implementations, a base or sole 22 has an associated component 24 that is associated with the base or sole 22 of footwear 20. Footwear 20 can be configured as a sandal, for example, having a sole 22 and an upper 26 that is in the shape of loops or lines configured to hold the sole of footwear 20 against the wearer's foot.

Component 24 can be a strikeplate. This strikeplate can be associated with the heel of footwear 20, for example. Component 24 can also be associated with other portions of footwear 20, such as for example, the arch or upper of the footwear 20. The strikeplate can be made of an abrasive material such as a granulated product, a paper product, a hard product, and/or a hard-backed granulated paper product. In various embodiments, the material(s) from which a strikeplate is made can be determined based at least in part on a planned position of the strikeplate on the footwear and/or a type of match with which the strikeplate is planned for use.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate another view of footwear 20 and show an example of upper 26 that can have an associated component 32 to house, store, or carry one or more matches as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and these one or more matches can be associated with an upper portion of footwear 20; in the as shown embodiment, the upper portion being a strap as used in a sandal, for example. Component 32 can include a plurality of loops configured to secure individual matches. Component 32 can also be a compartment, for example. The one or more matches can be standard, windproof, or waterproof matches, for example. Additionally, the one or more matches can be water and/or wind resistant. In various embodiments the one or more matches can include strike-anywhere matches, while in some embodiments the one or more matches can include safety matches so that ignition from a chemical reaction will not occur from friction of two matches rubbing together.

Example Materials

The footwear materials of the present disclosure can be comprised of most materials, including but not limited to cellulose based and/or polymeric materials, or combinations of both.

A sole is the part of the footwear that provides protection from and cushion against uncomfortable contact with a supporting surface like the ground. The sole provides grip, durability, and water resistance. In at least one embodiment, the sole can be comprised of materials, including but not limited to one or more of, polyurethane, natural or resin rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Vibram, leather, or plastic. The sole can be formed as a single piece or can be an assembly of separate pieces, often of different materials. In at least one embodiment, the sole is affixed on its upper surface to the lower margin of the upper portion of the footwear using an adhesive.

The upper helps hold the footwear onto the foot. In at least one embodiment, the upper can be made of materials including but not limited to leather, synthetic, rubber, and other textile materials. The upper can cover the entire foot or can be a few straps for holding the sole in place. The upper can be connected to the sole by a strip of leather, rubber, or a welt (e.g., plastic that is stitched between it and the sole).

With reference to FIG. 2, component 24 can represent an example of a component 14 of FIG. 1. Component 24 can be a strikeplate. In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate can be made of an abrasive material such as a granulated product, a paper product, a hard product, and/or a hard-backed granulated paper product. In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate can comprise natural or synthetic abrasive materials including but not limited to calcite, emery, novaculite, pumice, rouge, sand, corundum, garnet, sandstone, Tripoli, staurolite, borazon, ceramic, ceramic oxides, steel, silicon carbide, zirconia alumina, boron carbide, slags, nickel, glass, powdered glass, silica, diamond, red phosphorous, carbon black, or a combination of the materials described above. Furthermore, the strikeplate can be made of any material with at least one surface having a coefficient of friction equal to or greater than the coefficient of friction appropriate to light a match. In various embodiments the strikeplate can include at least one chemical for ignition of safety matches such that striking of a safety match against the strikeplate initiates a chemical reaction for ignition of a fire.

The strikeplate 24 is associated with the footwear 20. In at least one embodiment the strikeplate 24 can be attached to the footwear 20 or, alternatively, can be embedded in the footwear 20. In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate 24 can be attached to the footwear 20 using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.). In some embodiments, the strikeplate 24 can be associated with the footwear 20 by attaching the strikeplate 24 to the footwear 20. Examples of attaching the strikeplate 24 to the footwear 20 include but are not limited to adhering (e.g., using glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.), stitching, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, or other mechanical operations, melting, welding, or chemical bonding, or some combination of the above. The strikeplate 24 can be temporarily associated with the footwear 20 (e.g., removable and/or replaceable) or non-temporarily associated with the footwear 20.

Furthermore, the strikeplate 24 can be associated with the footwear 20 and a backing material. In at least one embodiment, the attachment between the strikeplate 24 and footwear 20 can be indirect (e.g., the backing material can be attached to the footwear 20 by attaching the backing material to the upper 26, and the strikeplate 24 can be removably attached to the backing material). In at least one embodiment, the attachment between the strikeplate 24 and the upper 26 can be direct.

In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate 24 can be associated with the footwear 20 by a flexible material tying, latching, or otherwise associating, the strikeplate 24 to portions of the footwear 20 (e.g., by association to laces, by association to a zipper, etc.).

Illustrative Examples

FIG. 5 illustrates footwear 10 that encompasses all or a portion of foot 12. In accordance with example implementations, the footwear 10 of the present disclosure can have components 14 and 16 associated therewith and as discussed herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a line 56 which divides the footwear 10 into two portions, portion 52 and 54. Portion 52 is located on the upper margin of the footwear 10 such that a strikeplate 24 is less likely to be affected by dirt or moisture than a strikeplate in portion 54. Therefore, a strikeplate 24 in portion 52 can be made of material less resistant to dirt or moisture. Portion 54 is located on the lower margin of the footwear 10 such that a strikeplate 24 in portion 54 is more likely to be affected by dirt or moisture than a strikeplate in portion 52. As such, it can be desirable for the strikeplate 24 in portion 54 to be made of material that is more resistant to dirt or moisture.

Referring back to FIG. 3, component 32 can represent element 16 of FIG. 1. Component 32 can associate one or more matches to the footwear. In at least one embodiment, component 32 can house the one or more matches in a compartment. In at least one embodiment, the compartment is located in portion 54 of footwear 10. The compartment can comprise rigid housing affixed within a recess of a sole and an insert that is received within the housing. The insert can be easily insertable and removable while the footwear is worn. The insert can also include a locking mechanism for securing the insert within the housing.

In an embodiment, component 32 can be located associated with the upper of the footwear 10. For example, the upper of the footwear 10 can have a pocket for housing at least one match. The pocket can close by a magnetic or zipping mechanism. The pocket can be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of both portion 52 and 54.

In at least one embodiment, component 32 can be made of an adhesive material associated with the upper, the adhesive material configured to receive at least one match. The adhesive material can be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of both portion 52 and 54.

In various embodiments, component 32 can include a clipping mechanism having at least two arms, at least one of which being mobile, the at least two arms being configured to receive the one or more matches. In some embodiments, the clipping mechanism can store the one or more matches using resistance between the arms of the clipping mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the clipping mechanism can store the one or more matches using a clasp associated with the at least two arms or magnetism. The clipping mechanism can be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of both portion 52 and 54.

Component 32 can also be made of a hook and loop material (e.g., VELCRO®). The hook and loop material can store the one or more matches by hooking and looping around the one or more matches while the one or more matches are inserted between the hook and loop layers. The hook and loop material can be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of both portion 52 and 54.

In at least one embodiment, component 32 can associate one or more matches to the footwear via an apparatus that includes at least one recessed area for receiving at least one match. The apparatus can be made of rigid, flexible plastic, or gel-like material, or some combination of the above. The apparatus can be located in portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of both portion 52 and 54.

In at least one embodiment, component 32 can associate one or more matches to the footwear via a loop configuration that allows for the storage of the one or more matches. In at least one embodiment, component 32 can be a plurality of loops associated with either the upper or the sole of the footwear, or some combination of both. Accordingly, component 32 can be located on portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10. In at least one embodiment, the loops can be made of materials including, but not limited to, elastic, leather, flexible plastic, and other materials for associating one or more matches to the footwear, or some combination of the above. The loops can be arranged in a parallel or off-set configuration. In at least one embodiment, the loops can be associated with the footwear by means of adhesion. Alternatively, the loops can be associated with the footwear by means of being sewn into the upper or sole, or some combination of both the upper and sole.

In at least one embodiment, component 32 can associate one or more matches to the footwear via a crossing configuration that allows for the storage of the one or more matches. For example, component 32 can be a plurality of strings crossing one another such that one or more matches can be stored under and within the crossing of the strings. In at least one embodiment, the strings can be made of materials including but not limited to, elastic, leather, flexible plastic, and other materials for associating one or more matches to the footwear, or some combination of the above. The crossing configuration can be randomly arranged or can be arranged geometrically. The crossing configuration can be located on portion 52 or portion 54 of footwear 10, or some combination of both.

FIG. 6 depicts a boot configuration of footwear 10 having a sole 60 and an upper 62. Component 64 can be component 14 or 24. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, component 64 is associated with the upper of the footwear, in portion 52 of footwear 10. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, component 64 can be associated with the lower margin of the upper on the outside of the footwear, in portion 54 of footwear 10. In at least one embodiment, component 64 can be associated with the upper 62 on the inside of the footwear, in either portion 52 or portion 54. In at least another embodiment, component 64 can be associated with the sole, in portion 54 of footwear 10.

Component 66 can be component 16 or 32. As FIG. 6 depicts, component 66 can be associated with the upper of the footwear, in portion 52. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, component 66 can be associated with the upper in portion 54 or the sole in 54.

Further, in at least one embodiment, portion 52 includes tongue 68. In such an embodiment, component 64 and/or component 66 can be associated with the tongue of the upper, in portion 52.

FIG. 7 depicts a back view of a boot. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, component 64 is associated with the upper of the footwear, in portion 52 or 54. In at least one embodiment, the sole 60 has a heel and component 64 is associated with the heel of the sole 60, in portion 54. In at least another embodiment, component 64 is associated with the upper and the sole of the footwear, only in portion 52, only in portion 54, or in both portion 52 and 54.

Component 66 can be associated with the upper of the footwear, in portion 52. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, component 66 can be associated with the upper in 54 or the sole in 54. In at least one embodiment, component 66 and component 64 can be both be associated with portion 52, both be associated with portion 54, or each be associated with 52 and the other associated with 54.

FIGS. 8A and 8B each depict a sole 60 of a footwear, in portion 54. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the sole 60 comprises an arch and component 64 is associated with the arch of the sole 60. In FIG. 8B, the sole 60 comprises a heel and component 64 is associated with the heel of the sole 60. In at least one embodiment, component 64 can be embedded in the heel. In at least another embodiment, component 64 can be associated with the heel but can be recessed in the heel.

Open-Toe Footwear

Although the Figs. referred to in this detailed description show the accessories in use on a flip-flop type sandal, it is understood that the accessories could be incorporated into many kinds of open-toe footwear. Open-toe footwear includes, but is not limited to, sandals and peep-toes. Sandals can include, but are not limited to, all terrain, fisherman, or hiking sandals, pump, stiletto, or wedge sandals, flip-flops, thongs, huaraches, and other sandal footwear. Peep-toe footwear can include, but is not limited to, D'Orsay, espadrille, wedge, mary-jane, pump, stiletto, slide, sling back, boot, or other peep-toe footwear.

Close-Toed Footwear

Although the Figs. referred to in this detailed description show the accessories in use on a boot, it is understood that the accessories could be incorporated into any kind of closed-toed footwear. Close-toed footwear includes, but is not limited to, boots, booties, athletic shoes, dress shoes, flats, loafers, boat shoes, moccasins, mules, clogs and other close-toed footwear. Boots include, but are not limited to, demi, cowboy, Chukka, Chelsea, engineer, galosh, harness, hiking, motorcycle, riding, wellington, and other types of boot footwear. Athletic shoes include, but are not limited to, fitness, running, sneaker, tennis, climbing, hiking, and other types of athletic footwear. Dress shoes include, but are not limited to, pumps, stilettos, oxfords, loafers, skimmers, slingbacks, wing tips, and other types of dress footwear.

Other Clothing

Although the Figs. referred to in this detailed description show the accessories in use on footwear, it is understood that the accessories could be incorporated into other kinds of wearable articles. In various embodiments, components 64 and 66 can be associated with belts, pants, jackets, shirts, hats, socks, bracelets, jewelry, or other wearable articles.

Method for Igniting a Fire

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 900 for igniting a fire. A person may obtain accessories such as components 64 and 66 as described herein. In various embodiments, the accessories can be obtained associated with a wearable article such as footwear 10. In at least one embodiment, the footwear 10 can be configured as an open-toe footwear illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 or equivalents thereof. Alternatively, in at least another embodiment, the footwear 10 can be configured as a close-toed footwear illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 or equivalents thereof.

At block 902, the person can remove a match from a component 66 to associate one or more matches with the wearable article. At block 904, the person can strike the match against the strikeplate component 64 to ignite the match and ignite a fire.

Method for Making Accessories

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 1000 for manufacturing accessories for igniting a fire as described herein.

At block 1002 a component 66 to associate one or more matches is formed. In various embodiments the component can be formed via injection molding, machining, assembly, weaving, sewing, or other operations. For example, when formed via injection molding, the component can be formed from synthetic materials. Examples of synthetic materials that may be used to form the component via injection molding include, without limitation, Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) and/or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Component 66 can be formed from machining and/or assembly of metal or alloy parts, in some instances in combination with parts made from synthetic materials and/or textiles. Component 66 can be formed from weaving or sewing any of a variety of textiles.

At block 1004 a strikeplate 64 can be formed via injection molding, smelting (e.g., roasting, reduction, fluxes, etc.), machining assembly, adhering, abrasive blasting, or other operations. The strikeplate can be formed from natural or synthetic abrasive materials. Examples of natural or synthetic abrasive materials that may be used to form the strikeplate via injection molding, smelting, machining assembly, adhering, abrasive blasting, or other operations as described above include, without limitation, calcite, emery, novaculite, pumice, rouge, sand, corundum, garnet, sandstone, Tripoli, staurolite, borazon, ceramic, ceramic oxides, steel, silicon carbide, zirconia alumina, boron carbide, slags, nickel, glass, powdered glass, silica, diamond, red phosphorous, carbon black, or a combination of the materials described above.

Method for Making Footwear

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram that illustrates a method 1100 for manufacturing footwear with associated accessories for igniting a fire as described herein.

At block 1102, a component 66 to associate one or more matches with a footwear is associated with at least a portion of footwear. In at least one embodiment, component 66 can be associated with an upper and/or a sole before the upper is attached to the sole. Alternatively, component 66 can be associated with an upper and/or a sole after the upper is attached to the sole. Component 66 can be associated with the footwear by operations including but not limited to adhering (e.g., using glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.), stitching, lacing, screwing, bolting, stapling, riveting, or other mechanical operations, melting, welding, or chemical bonding or some combination of the above.

At block 1104, a strikeplate is associated with footwear. In at least one embodiment, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with an upper and/or a sole before the upper is attached to the sole. Alternatively, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with an upper and/or a sole after the upper is attached to the sole.

In at least one embodiment the strikeplate 64 can be can associated with the footwear by operations including one or more of being attached to a portion of the footwear 20 or embedded in the footwear 20. In various embodiments, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with the footwear 20 using an adhesive (e.g., glue, cement, mucilage, paste, etc.). In some embodiments, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with the footwear 20 by operations including but not limited to stitching, lacing, screwing, bolting, or welding the strikeplate 64 to the footwear 20. In some embodiments, strikeplate 64 can be associated with the footwear by operations including chemical bonding, stapling, riveting, or other mechanical operations.

Furthermore, the strikeplate 64 can be associated with the footwear 20 and a backing material. In at least one embodiment, the attachment between the strikeplate 64 and upper 26 can be indirect such that the backing material can be associated with the footwear 20 by attaching the backing material to the upper 26, and the strikeplate 64 can be removably attached to the backing material.

CONCLUSION

In closing, although the various embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodical acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended representations is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. Accessories comprising:

a strike plate; and

a component to associate at least one match with a wearable article.

2. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the strikeplate comprises abrasive material.

3. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material comprises a granulated product.

4. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material comprises a paper product.

5. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material comprises a hard-backed product.

6. The accessories of claim 2, wherein the abrasive material comprises a hard product.

7. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the wearable article includes footwear and the strikeplate is associated with an arch of the footwear.

8. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the component to associate the at least one match with the wearable article comprises at least one loop configured to secure the at least one match.

9. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the component to associate the at least one match with the wearable article comprises a compartment configured to store the at least one match.

10. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the wearable article includes footwear and the strike plate and the component to associate the at least one match with the wearable article are located in a same portion of the footwear.

11. The accessories of claim 1, wherein the wearable article includes footwear and the strike plate and the component to associate the at least one match with the wearable article are located in different portions of the footwear.

12. A footwear comprising:

a strikeplate; and

a component to associate at least one match to the footwear.

13. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the component to associate at least one match includes at least one loop configured to secure the at least one match.

14. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the component to associate at least one match includes a plurality of loops configured to secure the at least one match.

15. The footwear of claim 12, wherein the component to associate at least one match includes a compartment configured to store the at least one match.

16. The footwear of claim 12, further comprising:

an upper; and

a sole.

17. The footwear of claim 16, wherein the component to associate the at least one match is associated with at least one of the upper of the footwear or the sole of the footwear.

18. The footwear of claim 16, wherein the strikeplate is associated with at least one of the upper of the footwear or the sole of the footwear.

19. A method for igniting a fire comprising removing matches from a coupling assembling associated with footwear and striking the match against a strikeplate associated with the footwear to ignite the match.

20. A method as claim 19 recites further comprising igniting the fire.