Water Shoe

Abstract

An improved water shoe is herein disclosed. The water shoe system comprises a body having a front region, a middle region, and a rear region. The water shoe system also comprises a cavity on the rear region. The middle region connects the front region and the rear region. The front region comprises a plurality of individual toe covers. Each of the toe covers comprises a toe orifice. The cavity configured accessible to a foot.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to an improved system and method for water shoe for recreational activities.

Water activities such as swimming, sailing, and other water-based recreation are being enjoyed by most people around the world. Generally, during these times flip-flops are being used. However, flip-flops are not purposely designed to be used for these activities since it does not have enough traction and can even cause slippage. Also this footwear is usually taken off and can easily slip off from a user's foot when used in water areas. Moreover, flip flops do not provide proper protection for places such as water parks. Water shoes can be a good alternative, but this kind of footwear can be heavy because of the rubber soles. Additionally, although water shoes are designed to be worn in a wet environment, their primary purpose is to protect the foot from cuts and abrasions in water from shells, glass, rocks or sharp floors. Thus, water shoes are not devised to keep the foot dry and do not provide proper support for strenuous water activities. Furthermore, water shoes can limit foot's mobility and flexibility that can oftentimes cause discomfort. As such, it would be useful to have an improved system and method for wearing footwear for water recreational activities.

SUMMARY

An improved water shoe is herein disclosed. The water shoe system comprises a body having a front region, a middle region, and a rear region. The water shoe system also comprises a cavity on the rear region. The middle region connects the front region and the rear region. The front region comprises a plurality of individual toe covers. Each of the toe covers comprises a toe orifice. The cavity configured accessible to a foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a foot wearing a water shoe.

FIG. 2 illustrates the arches and parts of a foot comprising a transverse arch, a lateral arch, and a medial arch.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a water shoe.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of a water shoe wherein a middle region comprises an opening.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of a water shoe wherein a middle region can partially expose the instep of a foot.

FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of a water shoe.

FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom view of a water shoe worn on foot.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of a water shoe comprising an outer sole and an inner sole.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a water shoe with a strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An improved system and method for wearing footwear for water recreational activities is disclosed herein. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a foot 100 wearing a water shoe 101. Water shoes 101 can be a type of foot wear worn on foot 100 to provide protection and prevent the user from slipping in water-based recreation places such as water parks. Water shoes 101 can be made of light and water resistant materials that include but are not limited to waterproof treated fabrics, plastics, rubber, and/or net. For purposes of this disclosure a synthetic rubber such as neoprene, hypalon, and or butyl rubber can be a material used for water shoe 101, however this is non-limiting. Neoprene is popularly used for wetsuits because of its soft texture, good insulation, and great elasticity. Therefore, neoprene can provide versatility, flexibility, breathability, and durability to water shoes 101. Moreover, due to neoprene's elasticity, water shoes 101 can provide a better contour that can match the shape of foot 100. Aside from the comfort that water shoes 101 can provide, water shoes 101 can also maintain a temperature range that can serve as insulation against cold. Additionally, using flexible material such as neoprene on water shoes 101 can allow unrestricted movement to foot 100.

Water shoes 101 can comprise a body 102. Body 102 can be the base structure of water shoes 101 covering foot 100. Body 102 can be divided into three sections, which is a front region 103, a middle region 104, and a rear region 105. Front region 103 can be the portion of water shoes 101 that wraps the toe of foot 100. As such, it can be the section of body 102 that extends from the toes up to the ball of foot 100. Middle region 104 can be the part of water shoes 101 that encloses the instep of foot 100. Thus, middle region 104 can terminate at the ankle of foot 100. Rear region 105 can be the portion of water shoes 101 that covers the ankle up to the heel of foot 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates the arches and parts of foot 100 comprising a transverse arch 201, a lateral arch 202, and a medial arch 203. Transverse arch 201 is the curve made at the base of foot 100 that spans between the big toe and small toe. Lateral arch 202 is the curve made between the big toe and the heel of foot 100. Medial arch 203 is the curve that goes from small toe up to the heel of foot 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of water shoe 101. Front region 103 can comprise one or more orifices 301 that allow toes of foot 100 to be exposed. Orifices 301 can be any opening made at one end of front region 103. In one embodiment, front region 103 can comprise a plurality of orifices 301. In this embodiment, orifices 301 can have an opening for each toe. As such, a portion of each toe can be partially enclosed by a toe cover 302 that prevents the toes from rubbing against each other. Additionally, toe covers 302 can aid in protecting the in-between sections of the toes from microbial and fungal infections.

In this embodiment, the materials used for front region 103 can be extended covering the neck portion of the toes. As such, the mid-portion of the toes up to the tip of the toes can be exposed. This feature provides most protection and comfort to user. Additionally, toe covers 302 can alleviate extruding between toes. Moreover, toe covers 302 can promote better blood circulation of foot 100. Toe covers 302 provides comfort to toes while ensuring that water shoes 101 stay in place and do not roll towards the heel of foot 100. Thus, the toes can be securely wrapped and snug in a foot-like glove to give maximum non-slippage of interior of foot 100. In this embodiment, front region 103 can allow water retained within water shoes 101 to be drained through orifices 301. Moreover, having toe cover 302 in water shoes 101 can prevent the toes from wrinkling and allow toes to breath and move freely thus providing comfort to the user. Furthermore, front region 103 can be contoured to snugly foot the toes and the transverse arch 201 of foot 100.

Each toe of foot 100 can be secured through toe covers 302 thus, giving equal force for all toes when weight of foot 100 is in forward motion stabilizing the whole foot 100. Furthermore, toe covers 302 can keep foot 100 at rest and can resist the changes of motion of foot 100. The force of foot 100 in motion when hit on the surface of ground slows the interior of foot slippage. Toe covers 302 could cause discomfort to the sensitive skin in between the toes when all the weight of foot 100 is relying on a single toe strap or straps in between each toe. As an example scenario, if a wearer were surfing, the force of foot 100 would mostly be in forward motion due to a wearer's body weight. If toe covers 302 or one toe cover 302 is used the straps would cause irritation to the sensitive skin in between the toes. The skin of foot 100 can be much softer and more susceptible to cuts and laceration when foot 100 is submerged on water for extended period. Furthermore, the break in the skin is a common area where bacteria can harbor. Therefore, this break in skin can lead to irritation, blisters, peeling of the skin and possibly infection. To prevent this, the toes can be individually wrapped by toe covers 302 that make use of a foot like glove material. The material used can give cushion between the toes and prevent irritation in between the toes to prevent breaks in the skin.

Further, various types of engravings or other design materials can be decorated along the toe portion of front region 103. As such, different patterns such as peace sign, aquatic animal, brandings, and/or logos can be sewn along the toe portion of water shoes 101. Moreover, embellishments such as jewelries can also be embedded onto water shoes 101. The logo or brand can be of a company having nothing to do with the manufacture, distribution, and/or sale of the water shoes. Hence, water shoes 101 can be used as an effective form of advertisement for items other than the water shoes. Such advertising can be words, pictures, or a combination of both.

FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of water shoe 101 wherein middle region 104 comprises an opening 401. Opening 401 can expose the instep of foot 100. In one embodiment, can be approximately the width of the middle three toes, and can extend predominantly from the back of the foot do the middle of middle region. Middle region 104 in this embodiment, can be a border that holds front region 103 and rear region 105 together.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of water shoe 101 wherein middle region 104 can partially expose the instep of foot 100. In such embodiment, opening 401 can comprise a patch 402. Patch 402 can comprise a net, and/or cargo-like fabric material that can lessen water absorption as compared to a hole, can help foot 100 breath and dry. Middle region 104 can partially cover the instep of foot 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a back view of water shoe 101. Rear region 105 can comprise a cavity 500. Cavity 500 can be an accessible hole for foot 100 positioned at the rear of water shoes 101. Cavity 500 can be the opening wherein foot 100 can be inserted. In one embodiment, rear region 105 can cover the heel of foot 100. As such, rear region 105 can enclosed the base of the heel and the coverage can extend just below the balls of the ankle. In another embodiment, rear region 105 can extend up to the ankle of foot 100. As such, rear region 105 can be wrapped around foot 100 covering inner and outer balls of the ankle. This embodiment provides extended support for the ankles of foot 100.

FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom view of water shoe 101 worn on foot 100. Water shoes 101 can be configured to contour the arches of foot 100. Consequently, the bottom portion of foot 100 can be enclosed with elastic materials such as spandex that is designed to snugly wrap the shape of foot 100. In one embodiment, the bottom section of water shoes 101 can have exposed portions. In this embodiment, water shoes 101 can cover transverse arch 201, lateral arch 202, and medial arch 203 leaving the base center of foot 100 exposed. In another embodiment, the bottom section of water shoes 101 can completely cover the base of foot 100. Further, the bottom surface of water shoes 101 can be made of anti-slip material or traction pad to allow better grip on the ground, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, bottom surface of water shoes 101 can be configured and functions like a suction pad that uses the pressure of air or water to adhere to any flat surfaces. Such embodiments can prevent slippage and allow better control when moving foot 100. Thus, water shoes 101 can be used to ensure safety of the user and prevent any accident or injuries caused by slipping.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of water shoe 101 comprising an outer sole 701 and an inner sole 702. Outer sole 701 can be the exterior portion of water shoes 101. Outer sole 701 can be the part of water shoes 101 that have a direct contact to the environment and/or the ground. Inner sole 701 can be the interior of water shoes 101. Inner sole 702 can be the portion of water shoes 101 where foot 100 rests thus has a direct contact with the skin. Inner sole 702 can comprise an antimicrobial and anti-fungal material that can inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus on inner sole 702. Therefore, inner sole 702 can aid in keeping foot 100 feeling fresh. Moreover, antimicrobial and anti-fungal material can aid in long lasting protection from odor causing bacteria and fungus. In one embodiment water shoes 101 can comprise of both outer sole 701 and inner sole 702. This embodiment can provide added protection and support for foot 100. Moreover, in such embodiment, inner sole 702 can provide additional cushion to foot 100. In another embodiment, water shoes 101 can only comprise of outer sole 701. This embodiment ensures that water shoes 101 can be light as possible. Water shoes 101 for this embodiment, can be intended to be used simple and basic water recreational activities such as swimming.

Further, outer sole 701 and inner sole 702 can use combination of durable and waterproof materials that can include but are not limited to nylon fibers, polyester fibers, and elastic spandex fibers. Moreover, materials used for water shoes 101 can consist of porous material such as carbon rubber, gel rubber, and spider rubber that can provide better ventilation for foot 100 and allow water shoes 101 to dry quickly. The elasticity of materials used for water shoes 101 can provide the needed tension for water shoes 101 to snugly wrap the contours of foot 100. Additionally, such materials allow the molding to terrain and foot 100 thus allowing foot 100 to be most even to the ground. Therefore, optimal coordination and balance can be achieved.

Embodiments mentioned are designed to allow user to feel as barefoot as possible but still providing the needed support and protection for foot 100. As such, water shoes 101 can use thin soles to allow flexibility of foot 100 and allow foot 100 to spread evenly on the ground. Moreover, water shoes 101 can follow the contours of transverse arch 201, lateral arch 202, and medial arch 203 to provide comfort for the user. The minimal material used in the mentioned embodiments can lessen water retention in water shoes 101. Additionally, such design can prevent water shoes 101 from absorbing water that can cause heaviness on the material. Moreover, the materials used can allow foot 100 to breathe and prevents the foot from wrinkling.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of water shoe 101 with a strap 801. In such embodiment, strap 801 can be placed between middle region 104, and rear region 105. As such, strap 801 can be wrapped and tightened around the ankle of foot 100. Fastening device such as zippers, buttons, and hook and loop fasteners can be used to lock or securely wrap strap 801 around the ankle of foot 100. Furthermore, fastening devices can be used to adjust and tighten the hold of water shoes 101 on foot 100. Strap 801 can be made of durable and water resistant material such as hypalon nylon. Thus, strap 801 can have a strong resistance to atmospheric conditions and temperature.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”

Claims

1. A water shoe system comprising

a body having a front region, a middle region, and a rear region, said middle region connects said front region and said rear region, said front region comprising a plurality of individual toe covers, each of said toe covers comprising a toe orifice;

a cavity on said rear region, said cavity configured accessible to a foot;

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said front region extends from a plurality of toes to a ball of said foot, said middle region extends across an instep, said rear region extends from an ankle to a heel of said foot.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said middle region an opening, said opening exposes said instep of said foot.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said opening comprises a patch.

5. The system of claim 5 wherein said patch is a net.

6. The system of claim 3 wherein said orifice is approximately the width of the three inner toe covers.

7. The system of claim 2 wherein said rear region comprises a strap.

8. The system of claim 8 wherein said strap comprises hypalon.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said body further comprising

an inner sole; and

an outer sole that surrounds said inner sole.

10. The system of claim 13 wherein said outer sole comprises a waterproof material

11. The system of claim 13 wherein said outer sole comprises a porous material.

12. The system of claim 13 wherein said outer sole is a synthetic rubber.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein said inner sole comprises a stretchable material.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein said inner sole comprises an antimicrobial material.

15. The system of claim 10 wherein said inner sole comprises an anti-fungal material.