FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLEY AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

Abstract

A footwear assembly (10) including a wearable footwear part (12) and a detachable sole part (14), the wearable footwear part including a body portion (16) in which a foot is receivable and a fixed sole portion (18) extending along an underside (20) of the body portion (16). Each of the fixed sole portion (18) and the detachable sole part (14) include correspondingly arranged magnetic elements (22) adapted to be attractive to one another such that placement of the fixed sole portion (18) of the wearable footwear part (12) proximate to the detachable sole part (14) draws the detachable sole part (14) into abutment with the fixed sole portion (18) of the wearable footwear part (14).

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Australian patent application no. 2014100247, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a footwear assembly. More specifically, the invention relates to a footwear assembly having a wearable footwear part or article and a detachable sole part, and an associated method of use.

BACKGROUND

Footwear such as boots and slippers often have a hardened rubber sole so as to allow the boots and slippers to be worn outside and protect the feet of a user wearing the footwear. A problem with this type of footwear is that the hardened rubber sole makes the boots and slippers relatively inflexible and the hardened rubber sole may cause damage to surfaces such as, for example, carpet or wooden floors of a house. Another problem is that the hardened rubber sole also makes the boots and slippers somewhat uncomfortable to wear if worn to bed or whilst seated or lying on furniture such as a couch.

If the boots or slippers are worn outside then the hardened rubber sole may become dirty. Accordingly, a user either needs to remove the boots or slippers before re-entering the house or clean the hardened rubber sole. A problem with removing or cleaning the boots or slippers is the inconvenience to the user.

Alternatively, the user may need to remove the boots or slippers prior to walking outside and perhaps change into a second pair of outside footwear before walking outside. A problem with changing footwear is that the user requires the second pair of outside footwear to be available and changing footwear is inconvenient.

The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first main aspect there is provided, a footwear assembly including a wearable footwear article and a detachable sole, wherein the fixed sole and the detachable sole each carry two magnetic elements, and wherein the two magnetic elements are of differing polarities and are arranged such that placement of the fixed sole proximate to the detachable sole draws the detachable sole into abutment with the fixed sole in a preferred orientation with a toe end and a heal end of the detachable sole being aligned with a respective toe end and a heal end of the fixed sole.

In one aspect, the two magnetic elements of the fixed sole include a first magnetic element located toward the toe end, and a second magnetic element located toward the heal end.

In another aspect, the detachable sole part includes a top side arranged to fit with the fixed sole and a ground engaging underside, wherein the two magnetic elements of the detachable sole include a third magnetic element located toward the toe end and a fourth magnetic element is located toward the heal end so as to correspond with the first and second magnetic elements of the fixed.

In yet another aspect, the first and second magnetic elements are disposed adjacent to or at an underside of the fixed sole portion.

In yet another aspect, the third and fourth magnetic elements of the detachable sole are disposed adjacent to or at an underside of the detachable sole.

In yet another aspect, the first and second magnetic elements are of different polarity to each other, and wherein the third and fourth magnetic elements are of a different polarity to each other such that the detachable sole and fixed sole are coupled to one another in the preferred orientation.

In yet another aspect, the detachable sole includes a rim at least partially skirting the top side such that the detachable sole at least partially receives and locates with the fixed sole in an attached condition.

In yet another aspect, the rim substantially skirts and the top side.

In yet another aspect, the heal end of the detachable sole is dimensioned to extend outwardly relative to the heal end of the fixed sole.

In yet another aspect, the heal end of the detachable sole includes a projection shaped to allow hands free detachment of the detachable sole.

The footwear assembly according to claim 10, wherein the projection is wedge shaped and tapers outwardly from the top side to the ground engaging underside of detachable sole.

In yet another aspect, the detachable sole part includes an actuable part extending from the heal end of the detachable sole, the actuable part being adapted to assist with detachment of the detachable sole.

In yet another aspect, the actuable part is provided in the form of a claspable tab.

In yet another aspect, the two magnetic elements are each relatively flat plate structures.

In yet another aspect, the two magnetic elements are sufficiently attractive to lift the detachable sole from a ground surface into abutment with the fixed sole within a distance of about less 30 mm.

In yet another aspect, the wearable footwear part or article is at least one of a boot, shoe, sock or slipper.

In yet another aspect, each of the removable sole and fixed sole carry more than two magnetic elements.

In accordance with a second main aspect there is provided, a method of releasable attachment of a removable sole with a wearable footwear article having a fixed sole, the method including the steps of: placing the fixed sole at a distance above the removable sole, the distance being sufficiently close such that corresponding magnetic elements carried by each of the fixed sole and the detachable sole attract to one another, the magnetic elements of each of the fixed and detachable soles having differing polarities and locations such that the removable sole is drawn into abutment with the fixed sole in a preferred orientation with a toe end and a heal end of the detachable sole being aligned with a respective toe end and a heal end of the fixed sole.

In one aspect, the magnetic elements are arranged to self-locate the wearable footwear article and the detachable sole with one another, and wherein the method includes the step of the magnetic elements drawing the detachable sole into alignment with the wearable footwear article with the toe end of the detachable sole being aligned with the toe end of the wearable footwear article.

In another aspect, a heal end of the removable sole includes an actuation means, and wherein the method includes the step releasing the removable sole by a user applying a force to the actuation means to separate the removable sole from the wearable footwear article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a footwear assembly have a first wearable footwear part and a second removable sole part, magnetics elements carried by each of the wearable footwear part and a removable sole part are shown in hidden detail;

FIG. 2 is an exploded parts view illustrating the footwear assembly;

FIG. 3a is a front view illustrating the footwear assembly;

FIG. 3b is a side view illustrating the footwear assembly;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view illustrating the footwear assembly along section A-A as illustrated in FIG. 3a;

FIG. 5 is an exploded parts side view illustrating the footwear assembly;

FIG. 6a is a top view illustrating the removable sole,

FIG. 6b is a side view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 6c is an underside view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 6d is an end of view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view illustrating another example of the removable sole;

FIG. 7b is a side view of the footwear assembly in an attached condition with the removable sole;

FIG. 7c is a top view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 7d is a side view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 7e is a bottom view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 7f is an end view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 8a is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of the removable sole;

FIG. 8b is a side view of the footwear assembly in an attached condition with the removable sole;

FIG. 8c is a top view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 8d is a side view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 8e is a bottom view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 8f is an end view illustrating the removable sole;

FIG. 9a is a perspective view illustrating the footwear assembly in use with the removable sole being drawn by the magnetic elements toward the wearable footwear part; and

FIG. 9b is a perspective view illustrating the footwear assembly in use with the removable sole attached or coupled with the wearable footwear part in an attached condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5 there is shown a footwear assembly 10 including a wearable footwear part 12 and a detachable sole part 14. The wearable footwear part 12 includes a body portion 16 in which a foot is receivable and a fixed sole portion 18 extending along an underside 20 of the body portion 16. We can't find 20?

The fixed sole portion 18 of the wearable footwear part 12 and the detachable sole 14 each include correspondingly arranged magnetic elements 22 adapted to be attractive to one another such that placement of the fixed sole portion 18 of the wearable footwear part 12 proximate to the detachable sole part 14 draws the detachable sole part 14 into abutment with the fixed sole of the wearable part. The detachable sole part 14 thereby being moveable between a detached condition, in which the detachable sole part 14 is removed or remotely located relative to the wearable footwear part 12, and an attached or coupled condition in which the detachable sole part 14 is abutted with and is magnetically carried by the wearable footwear part 12.

Turning to the wearable footwear part 12 in more detail, the fixed sole portion 18 includes a toe end 30 and a heal end 32. In this example, the magnetic elements 22 include a first magnetic element 34 located toward the toe end 30, and a second magnetic element 36 located toward the heal end 32. The fixed sole portion 18 includes a first upper layer 38 which is located and supports the underside of a foot of a user and a second bottom layer 40 which abuts with the detachable sole 14 in the coupled condition. The first layer 38 may be a fabric lining suitable for an inside of a shoe, boot or sock. The second bottom layer 30 may be a relatively thin and flexible rubber or foam material. The thickness of the second bottom layer 30 may be similar to the thickness of the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 which are, in this example, between about 1 to 5 mm in thickness.

The first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 are each relatively flat and have a magnetic surfaces 42 arranged adjacent to or at a surface 44 of the second bottom layer 40. In some examples, the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 may be partially embedded within recesses 46 of the second bottom layer 40 and in other examples the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 may be sandwiched between the first and second layers 38, 40. In either case, it is important that the magnetic surfaces 42 are arranged close to or even extending from second bottom layer 40 to ensure that the magnetic field is sufficiently exposed to the detachable sole part 14 which includes correspondingly arranged magnetic elements 22 are is further detailed below. If the magnetic surfaces 42 extend from or are exposed from second bottom layer 40, the magnetic surfaces 42 may be covered by a thin rubber layer in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm to cushion the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 and protect external surfaces from damage such as scratching.

In this example the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 are rare earth magnets with an N52 strength rating and may have a width or diameter of about 20 mm and a thickness of about 3 mm. Other suitable dimensions and configurations are application to a person skilled in the art.

The wearable footwear part 12 may be provided in the form of any suitable boot, shoe, sock or slipper. However, preferably, the wearable footwear part 12 is a soft boot or slipper formed from a soft leather or fabric material so as to be relatively flexible and comfortable when worn by a user inside a house or lounging or lying on a sofa. In this example, the body portion 16 of the wearable footwear part 12 may be made from a lined leather material stitched or glued to the fixed sole portion 18.

Turning now to the detachable sole 14 and referring to additionally to FIGS. 6a to 6b, the detachable sole 14 includes a toe end 50, a heal end 52, a top side 54 arranged to fit with the fixed sole portion 18 of the wearable part 12 and a ground engaging underside 56. The ground engaging underside 56 includes tread or texture 57 and two cut outs or channels 69 spanning between the opposing sides 61 and located toward the toe end 50 so as to be located beneath the rear end of the ball of a users foot. These channels 69 allow the detachable sole 14 to flex at a location away from the magnetic element 22, as are further described below, to keep contact between the magnetic elements 22 of the fixed sole portion 18 of the wearable footwear part 18 and the magnetic elements 22 of the detachable sole 12. We're not sure if we want to include the cut outs. The detachable sole 14 may be formed from rubber or foam and have a thickness of about 10 mm.

The magnetic elements 22 of the detachable sole 14 are provided in the form of a third magnetic element 58 located toward the toe end 50 and a forth magnetic element 60 located toward the heal end 52 so as to correspond with the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 of the fixed sole 18 of the wearable part 12.

The third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 of the detachable sole 14 are disposed adjacent to or at the topside 54 of detachable sole 14. The third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 may be thin and flat magnets which are embedded into the detachable sole 14. The detachable sole 14 may be formed from a relatively thick rubber or foam material including recesses 64 into which the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 are received. The recesses 64 and the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 being arranged such that a magnetic surface 66 of the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 is adjacent to, located at or even extending slightly from the topside 54 of detachable sole 14. This allows the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 to be proximate to and attachable with the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 of the wearable footwear part 12 in the attached condition.

In this example the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 are rare earth magnets with an N52 strength rating and may have a width or diameter of about 20 to 25 mm and a thickness of about 3 to 10 mm. Other suitable dimensions and configurations are application to a person skilled in the art. If the magnetic surfaces 66 extend from or are exposed from the topside 54, the magnetic surfaces 66 may be covered by a thin rubber layer in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm to cushion the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 and protect external surfaces from damage such as scratching.

It is noted that the magnetic element being the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 and the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 are arranged and have sufficient strength to lift the removable sole part 14 into abutment with the fixed sole portion 18. The distance or gap from which the removable sole part 14 may be drawn or lifted is about 30 mm between the upper surface 50 of the removable sole part 14 and the underside 32 of the fixed sole 18 of the wearable footwear part 12.

The third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 are each arranged to be a different polarity to the respective first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 of the wearable footwear part 12. For example, if the first magnetic element 34 has a north polarity, the corresponding third magnetic will have a south polarity such that the first magnetic element 34 and third magnetic element 58 attract to one another. Similar opposing polarities are present in the second and fourth magnetic elements 36, 60. The magnetic elements thereby attract to one another and draw the detachable sole 14 into aligning abutment with the wearable footwear part 12.

In this example, the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 are of different polarity to each other, and wherein the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 are of a different polarity to each other such that the fixed sole and detachable sole are coupled to one another in a preferred orientation being a toe-to-toe orientation. For example, the first and second magnetic elements 34, 36 may be respectively north and south polarities, and the third and fourth magnetic elements 58, 60 are then south and north polarities. Accordingly, this ensures that the detachable sole 14 is drawn into the pre-preferred orientation and abutment with the wearable footwear part 12. For example, if the detachable sole 14 is resting on a floor at an angle relative to the wearable footwear part 12, the detachable sole 14 will be drawn and rotated into alignment and abutment with the wearable footwear part 12.

Referring to FIGS. 7a to 7f, there is shown another example of the detachable sole part 14 and like numerals are used to denote like parts. This example of the detachable sole 14 is similar to that disclosed above. However, in this example, the detachable sole 14 includes a rim 70 at least partially skirting the topside 54 of detachable sole 14 such that the detachable sole part 14 at least partially receives and locates the fixed sole portion 18 in the attached condition. Accordingly, the rim 70 defines a foot shaped recess 72 which assist to locate and support the fixed sole portion 18 and the foot of a user relative to the detachable sole part 14. To provide sufficient width and length, the detachable sole part 14 is typically longer and wider that the fixed sole portion 18 of the wearable footwear part 12,

In this example, the heal end 52 of the detachable sole 14 is dimensioned to extend outwardly relative to the heal end 32 of the fixed sole portion 18. More specifically, the heal end 52 may include an actuation means 90 provided in the form of a wedge shaped projection 74 which extends outwardly and rearward between the topside and the underside of the detachable sole 14. The wedge shaped projection 74 allows a user to urge or press on the wedge shaped projection 74 with one foot to hold the detachable sole 14 stationery and thereby allow the detachable sole 14 to be detached from the fixed sole 18. Advantageously, this allows the detachable sole 14 to be moved to the detached condition without a user needing to bend down or handle the detachable sole 14 with their hands. In this example, the detachable sole 14 and the fixed sole portion 18 are fitted with further correspondingly arranged intermediate magnetic elements 61.

Referring now to FIGS. 8a to 8b, there is shown yet another example of the detachable sole part 14 and like numerals are used to denote like parts. This example of the detachable sole 14 is similar to that disclosed above. However in this example, the detachable sole 14 includes a removing part 80 in the form of a hand operable or claspable tab 82 arranged to extend from the heal end 52 of the detachable sole part 14. This tab 82 may be pulled or otherwise hand actuated to separate the detachable sole part 14 from the fixed sole part 18 of the wearable footwear part 12.

In this example, the toe ends of the wearable footwear part 12 and detachable sole 14 each include an additional magnetic element 58 such that wearable footwear part 12 and detachable sole 14 each have two laterally spaced or arranged magnetic elements 84 at the respective toe ends 30, 50. By having two magnetic elements 84 at the toe ends 30, 52 each of the magnetic elements 84 may be smaller and thinner which is beneficial toward the toe ends where, for example, the detachable sole 14 may be thinner. In contrast, the heal end of the detachable sole 14 is thicker and can accommodate a single larger magnetic element. Of course, other arrangements magnetic elements may also be devised to achieve a similar purpose.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b, there is shown a method of using the footwear assembly 10 as described above and like numerals denote like parts. A method of releasable attachment of the removable sole 14 with the wearable footwear part or article 14 may including the steps of: placing the wearable footwear article 12 at a distance above the removable sole 14, such that the toe end 30 of the footwear article 12 is substantially aligned with the toe end 50 of the removable sole 14. The distance being sufficiently close, in this example, in the range of about 0 to 30 mm, such that the corresponding magnetic elements 22 carried by each of the wearable footwear article 12 and the detachable sole 14 attract to one another thereby lifting the removable sole 14 into abutment with the wearable footwear article 12.

As has been described above, in some examples, the magnetic elements 22 are arranged to self-locate wearable footwear article 12 and the detachable sole 14 with one another by having differing polarities such that the wearable footwear article 12 and the detachable sole 14 only couple to one another in a preferred toe end-to-toe end orientation. Accordingly, the method may also include the step of the magnetic elements 22 drawing the detachable sole 14 into alignment with the wearable footwear article 14 with the toe end of the detachable sole being aligned with the toe end of the wearable footwear article.

In some examples, the heal end of the removable sole 14 includes an actuation means 90, which may, for example, be provided by the wedge shaped projections as shown in FIG. 7a or the tab 80 as shown in FIG. 8a. The method may then include step of releasing the removable sole 14 by a user applying a force to the actuation means 90 to separate the removable sole 14 from the wearable footwear article 12.

There has been described a footwear assembly having wearable footwear part and a detachable sole part. Each of the wearable footwear part and the detachable sole part include magnetic elements which are arranged such that when the wearable footwear part is placed over and near to the detachable sole part, the magnetic elements lift and draw the detachable sole part into abutment against an underside of the wearable footwear part. In some examples, each of the wearable footwear part and the detachable sole part include magnetic elements having differing polarities such that the detachable sole part self-orients when being drawn toward the underside of the wearable footwear part. The detachable sole part may also include a rim which defines a recess so as to further assist with locating the detachable sole part with the wearable footwear part. In some examples, the detectable sole part may include a heel having an actuation means in the form of a wedge shaped projection or a tab to allow the easy removal of the detachable sole part.

Advantageously, the above described footwear assembly allows a user to wear the wearable footwear part which may be provided in the form of a boot, slipper, sock or shoe. The user may then attach and detach the removable sole part without needing to directly handle the removable sole part. For example, the user may leave the detachable sole part at an entry to a house or building, and when walking outside may then simply place the wearable footwear part over, either contacting or non-contacting, the removable sole part which is then drawn or lifted into abutment with an underside of the wearable footwear part. Most advantageously, the magnetic arrangements disclosed herein has been developed to draw or lift the detachable sole part from a gap or spacing of about up to 30 mm which allows the detachable sole to be attached to the wearable footwear part without the user needing to bend down or handle the detachable sole part. Examples of the magnetic arrangements have also been disclosed which allow the detachable sole to self-align with the wearable footwear part.

The user may then walk around with the complete footwear assembly and when returning back into the house or building, may then remove the detachable sole which may contain dirt or grit from walking outside. Again, the removal of the detachable sole may be accomplished without the user needing to directly handle the detachable sole by using the actuation means such as the tab or the wedge shaped projection as has been described above.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

1. A footwear assembly including a wearable footwear article having a fixed sole and a detachable sole, wherein the fixed sole and the detachable sole each carry two magnetic elements, and wherein the two magnetic elements are of differing polarities and are arranged such that placement of the fixed sole proximate to the detachable sole draws the detachable sole into abutment with the fixed sole in a preferred orientation with a toe end and a heal end of the detachable sole being aligned with a respective toe end and a heal end of the fixed sole.

2. The footwear assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two magnetic elements of the fixed sole include a first magnetic element located toward the toe end, and a second magnetic element located toward the heal end.

3. The footwear assembly according to claim 2, wherein the detachable sole includes a top side arranged to fit with the fixed sole and a ground engaging underside, wherein the two magnetic elements of the detachable sole include a third magnetic element located toward the toe end and a fourth magnetic element is located toward the heal end so as to correspond with the first and second magnetic elements of the fixed sole.

4. The footwear assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are disposed adjacent to or at an underside of the fixed sole portion.

5. The footwear assembly according to claim 4, wherein the third and fourth magnetic elements of the detachable sole are disposed adjacent to or at an underside of the detachable sole.

6. The footwear assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are of different polarity to each other, and wherein the third and fourth magnetic elements are of a different polarity to each other such that the detachable sole and fixed sole are coupled to one another in the preferred orientation.

7. The footwear assembly according to claim 3, wherein the detachable sole includes a rim at least partially skirting the top side such that the detachable sole part at least partially receives and locates with the fixed sole in an attached condition.

8. The footwear assembly according to claim 7, wherein the rim substantially skirts the top side.

9. The footwear assembly according to claim 3, wherein the heal end of the detachable sole is dimensioned to extend outwardly relative to the heal end of the fixed sole.

10. The footwear assembly according to claim 9, wherein the heal end of the detachable sole part includes a projection shaped to allow hands free detachment of the detachable sole.

11. The footwear assembly according to claim 10, wherein the projection is wedge shaped and tapers outwardly from the top side to the ground engaging underside of detachable sole.

12. The footwear assembly according to claim 3, wherein the detachable sole includes an actuable part extending from the heal end of the detachable sole, the actuable part being adapted to assist with detachment of the detachable sole.

13. The footwear assembly according to claim 12, wherein the actuable part is provided in the form of a claspable tab.

14. The footwear assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two magnetic elements of each of the detachable sole and fixed sole are each relatively flat plate structures.

15. The footwear assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two magnetic elements of each of the detachable sole and fixed sole are sufficiently attractive to lift the detachable sole from a ground surface into abutment with the fixed sole within a distance of about less 30 mm.

16. The footwear assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wearable footwear article is at least one of a boot, shoe, sock or slipper.

17. The footwear assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the removable sole and fixed sole carry more than two magnetic elements.

18. A method of releasable attachment of a removable sole with a wearable footwear article having a fixed sole, the method including the steps of: placing the fixed sole at a distance above the removable sole, the distance being sufficiently close such that corresponding magnetic elements carried by each of the fixed sole and the detachable sole attract to one another, the magnetic elements of each of the fixed and detachable soles having differing polarities and locations such that the removable sole is drawn into abutment with the fixed sole in a preferred orientation with a toe end and a heal end of the detachable sole being aligned with a respective toe end and a heal end of the fixed sole.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein a heal end of the removable sole includes an actuation means, and wherein the method includes the step releasing the removable sole by a user applying a force to the actuation means to separate the removable sole from the wearable footwear article.

20. (canceled)