SLIDES AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

Abstract

Footwear, such as slides, are shown and disclosed. In some embodiments, the footwear may include an insole having an insole base and at least one strap formed with the insole base. The footwear may additionally include a midsole having an elongate midsole base. The midsole may be separate and distinct from the insole. The midsole base may have an elongate cavity that receives the insole base.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/414,264, filed on Oct. 7, 2022 and entitled “Slides and Components Thereof.” The complete disclosure of the above application is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to footwear and their components, and more specifically to slides.

Slides or sliders are a type of light footwear that have a loose heel that holds on to the foot from the front. They are typically used in casual situations and they leave the toes visible and in the open air. Slides consist of a sole and a simple upper strap or vamp strap. However, soles of slides generally are made of a single material (or a single combination of materials) that do not provide sufficient cushioning, shock absorption, and/or traction. For example, persons with arthritis, metatarsalgia, fractures, calluses, or other foot conditions may need special footwear to increase shock absorption and reduce pain resulting from their condition. Diabetics may seek footwear that helps them avoid skin breakdown or foot ulcers. People suffering from back pain may find that appropriate footwear may reduce their back pain. Others, lacking any particular condition, may desire a casual slide that provides good shock absorption, cushioning, and/or traction.

Additionally, slides are often formed from a single piece of material which prevents repurposing components of the slide for different goals. For example, a first wearer may desire a slide with a midsole that evenly distributes weight across the sole of their foot and an insole that provides high arch support, while a second wearer may desire a slide that also provides high arch support, but redistributes weight away from their heel.

What is desired, therefore, are slides that provide sufficient cushioning, shock absorption, and/or traction, and with components that may be interfaced with a variety of other components to serve differing purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example to the accompanying drawings, which:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an example of slides of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows another isometric view of the slides of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the slides of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the slides of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows another exploded view of the slides of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the slides of FIG. 1 taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of another example of the slides of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an illustrative example of slides 8 of the present disclosure is shown. The slides include an insole 10, a midsole 50, and one or more outsoles 100. The insole includes an insole base 15 and a vamp 20 fixedly attached to, or formed with, the insole base 15.

The insole base 15 includes an insole upper surface defining a footbed 12 and an opposed insole lower surface 16. The footbed 12 may be flat or shaped to better accept the sole of the wearer's foot, or the footbed may be shaped in any manner suitable for providing support and/or cushioning. The insole base 15 may be high, medium, or low volume, to provide varying arch support to the wearer, and may have a deep or shallow heel cup. The footbed 12 may be smooth or textured (e.g., bumps, depressions, ridges, etc.) to increase friction between the wearer's foot and the insole base 15.

As shown in the example of FIGS. 1-6, a toe bar 30 may be formed with or fixedly attached to the insole upper surface of insole base 15. The toe bar extends upwardly from the insole upper surface and/or separates the wearer's big toe from the index toe and/or provides support for the wearer's proximal phalanx. Other embodiments may include one or more additional toe bars 30, which may be formed with or fixedly attached to footbed 12. Toe bars 30 may increase traction between the wearer's foot and footbed 12. The toe bars may rest between the ball of the wearer's foot and the bottom of the wearer's toes, providing support for the wearer's proximal phalanx. Toe bars 30 may also separate one or more of the wearer's toes, providing increased stability, comfort, and/or traction.

The example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-6 includes a vamp 20, which is formed with or fixedly attached to the insole upper surface of insole base 15. The vamp comprises an inner vamp surface 22 and an outer vamp surface 24. In the example embodiment, the vamp 20 is a singular strap that arcs from one longitudinal edge of the insole upper surface of insole base 15 to the other opposed longitudinal edge. Other embodiments may include a vamp 20 that includes more than one strap, or a vamp made up of multiple parts. The vamp may also be adjusted to be tighter or looser around the wearer's foot with the ability to lock in a tightness by any suitable fastening device(s) (e.g., buckle(s) and/or hook-and-loop fasteners). While FIGS. 1-6 depict a footwear slide, vamp 20 may also be replaced by a Y-strap, which separates the big toe from the others (e.g., flip-flops), or any number of smaller straps suitable to accept the wearer's foot. Likewise, the footwear may include a closure or be closed-toed (e.g., slipper).

Midsole 50 of the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 includes a midsole upper surface 52 which generally conforms to the shape of insole lower surface 16 such that insole lower surface 16 and midsole upper surface 52 are substantially flush with each other. Further, midsole 50 is raised around the edges such that the midsole upper surface 52 is lower in the middle than on its sides, and insole base 15 sits inside the raised edges of midsole 50 and only footbed 12 is exposed. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, however, midsole 50 and insole 10 may be any shape suitable to interface with insole lower surface 16. For example, both insole lower surface 16 and midsole upper surface 52 may be flat or planar, and midsole upper surface 52 and insole lower surface 16 may have the same dimensions such that insole 10 rests entirely on top of midsole 50. In still other embodiments, insole 10 and midsole 50 may be formed together such that two are a singular component and no interfacing or adhesive is necessary. Additionally, midsole 50 may be comprised of multiple pieces which together make up the midsole.

In the illustrative embodiment, midsole 50 and insole 10 are bonded together by way of water-based, low-chemical adhesive(s) applied between the interface of insole lower surface 16 and midsole upper surface 52. Other embodiments, however, may use any permanent or non-permanent method of fixation between midsole 50 and insole 10, such as mechanical fastening (e.g., screws, pins), welding, sewing, crimping, gluing or other adhesives, magnets, vacuum suction, etc. Permanent methods of fixation may increase the durability and/or longevity of the connection. On the other hand, wearers may prefer non-permanent methods of fixation so the wearer may easily affix different midsoles and insoles together.

The midsole of the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 includes a groove 54 which wraps around the heel side of midsole 50. The groove may accept one or more strips of material 80 (the illustrative embodiment uses rubber) to fill groove 54. The one or more strips 80 may be affixed to midsole 50 by adhesive or any other suitable method of fixation.

The opposed lower surface of midsole (“midsole lower surface”) 60 may directly contact the surface upon which the slide rests and/or may be affixed to one or more outsoles 100. Where the midsole lower surface 60 directly contacts the surface upon which the slide rests, it may include a plurality of treads designed to increase traction with that surface, such as bumps, grooves, cavities, recesses, protuberances, and/or other structures. For examples, the treads may be road treads design for concrete having a light-weight flexible tread, light trail treads having a deeper more rugged look and feel and are capable of handling a light hike or jogging mountainous trails, and/or heavy trail snow and mud treads that are much deeper and firmer giving them the ability to grip in mud and snow. Where midsole lower surface 60 is affixed to the one or more outsoles 100, midsole lower surface 60 may be conformed to the shape of the upper surface(s) of the one or more outsoles (“outsole upper surface(s)”) 110 such that midsole lower surface 60 and outsole upper surface(s) 110 are substantially flush or generally co-planar with one another where they are affixed together.

Where midsole lower surface 60 is partially in direct contact with the surface upon which the slide rests and partially affixed to one or more outsoles 100, midsole lower surface 60 may include treads and one or more recesses for receiving outsoles (“outsole recesses”) 65. Outsole recesses 65 may be sized such that, when the one or more outsoles are affixed to midsole 50, midsole lower surface 60 and lower surfaces of the one or more outsoles (“outsole lower surface(s)”) 120 are contiguous and/or generally co-planar. In contrast, outsole recesses 65 may be sized such that, when one or more outsoles 100 are affixed to midsole 50, no part of midsole lower surface 60 contacts the surface upon which the slides are resting.

Outsole(s) 100 include a plurality of treads a plurality of treads designed to increase traction with that surface, such as bumps, grooves, cavities, recesses, protuberances, and/or other structures. For examples, the treads of outsole(s) 100 may be road treads design for concrete having a light-weight flexible tread, light trail treads having a deeper more rugged look and feel and are capable of handling a light hike or jogging mountainous trails, and/or heavy trail snow and mud treads that are much deeper and firmer giving them the ability to grip in mud and snow. In some embodiments, the treads of midsole 50 is different from the treads of outsole(s) 100. For example, the treads of outsole(s) 100 may be more rugged and less flexible than the treads of midsole 50.

The one or more outsoles and midsole lower surface 60 may be affixed by any permanent or non-permanent method of fixation, such as mechanical fastening (e.g., screws, pins), welding, sewing, crimping, gluing or other adhesives, magnets, vacuum suction, etc. Manufacturers may prefer permanent methods of fixation to increase the durability and/or longevity of the connection whereas wearers may prefer non-permanent methods of fixation so the wearer may easily affix different midsoles and insoles together.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-16, midsole 50 partially directly contacts the surface and is partially affixed to two outsoles 100. Accordingly, the midsole lower surface 60 of the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 defines a traction pattern (see, e.g., FIG. 2) and two outsole recesses 65.

The illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 depicts two outsoles 100 which are received by respective outsole recesses 65. The outsoles of the depicted embodiment cover only part of midsole lower surface 60, near the toe end and heel ends of midsole 50. Other embodiments, however, may include a singular outsole 100 which covers all of midsole lower surface 60 such that no portion of the midsole lower surface directly contacts the surface upon which the present disclosure rests, a singular outsole 100 which only covers part of the midsole lower surface 60, two or more outsoles 100 that cover all or part of the midsole lower surface 60. Further, outsole 100 may wrap up past the midsole lower surface 60 and cover the sides of the midsole 50 to provide, for example, extra protection for the toe edge of the midsole 50. Another embodiment of the disclosed slides may have zero outsoles 100, with midsole lower surface 60 instead being the only portion of the disclosed slides in direct contact with the surface upon which it rests (see FIG. 7).

Midsole 50 and/or one or more outsoles 100 may be made of material or designed to provide extra cushioning or to evenly disperse weight placed upon the foot. Midsole 50 and insole 10 may be designed to reduce pressure from certain areas of the wearer's foot, such as where calluses or ulcers are likely to develop. Midsole 50 and/or one or more outsoles 100 may be solid or comprise in part chambers of gas or air (not depicted), which increase cushioning.

Each portion of the disclosed invention may be made of any number of materials. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-6, the insole and midsole are made of ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”), while the outsole is made of rubber (e.g., “wet grip” rubber). However, the insole, midsole, and/or outsole of the slides of the present disclosure may alternatively, or additionally, be made in whole or in part of rubber; polyurethane, including thermoplastic polyurethane; leather; synthetic materials; cork; foam; or any material suitable for providing cushioning, support, and/or traction.

In some embodiments, the slides of the present disclosure include only the components described above to the exclusion of other components and/or structures. For example, some embodiments of the slides of the present disclosure may include only a single vamp fixedly attached or formed with the insole base and the slides includes no other vamps, straps, fasteners, and/or other similar devices to secure a user's foot in the footbed.

Example Features:

This section describes additional aspects and features of slides, presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and/or with disclosure from elsewhere in this application in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing, without limitation, examples of some of the suitable combinations.

A1. Footwear comprising:

• • a midsole having an upper surface which is lower in its middle than on its sides;
  • an insole, formed separately from said midsole, which interfaces with said upper surface of said midsole such that a lower surface of said insole is substantially flush with at least part of said upper surface of said midsole; and
  • a vamp which is either affixed to or formed with said insole;
  • wherein said insole and said midsole are affixed to one another.

A2. Footwear comprising:

• • a midsole formed together with an insole;
  • a vamp which is either affixed to or formed with said insole; and
  • a lower surface of said midsole configured to receive an outsole, said outsole being affixed to said lower surface of said midsole.

A3. The footwear of paragraph A1 or A2 wherein a lower surface of said midsole defines a traction-increasing pattern.

A4. The footwear of paragraph A1 or A2 wherein a lower surface of said midsole is configured to receive an outsole, said outsole being affixed to said lower surface of said midsole.

A5. The footwear of paragraph A4 wherein a lower surface of said outsole defines a traction-increasing pattern.

A6. The footwear of A1 wherein said insole and said midsole are non-permanently affixed to one another.

A7. The footwear of A1 wherein said insole and said midsole are affixed to one another by way of adhesive.

A8. The footwear of A4 wherein said midsole and said outsole are affixed to one another non-permanently.

A9. The footwear of A4 wherein said midsole and said outsole are affixed to one another by way of adhesive.

A10. The footwear of A1 or A2 wherein said insole further defines a toe bar.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment that has been described, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appending claims, as interpreted in accordance with principles of prevailing law, including the doctrine of equivalents or any other principle that enlarges the enforceable scope of a claim beyond its literal scope. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element, be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance, requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated. The word “comprise” or a derivative thereof, when used in a claim, is used in a nonexclusive sense that is not intended to exclude the presence of other elements or steps in a claimed structure or method.

Claims

1. Footwear, comprising:

an insole having an insole base and at least one strap formed with the insole base; and

a midsole having an elongate midsole base, the midsole being separate and distinct from the insole, the midsole base having an elongate cavity that receives the insole base.

2. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising one or more outsoles that are separate and distinct from the insole and the midsole, the midsole base having one or more recesses that receive and that correspond with the one or more outsoles such that the outer surface of one or more portions of the midsole base not having the one or more recesses is generally co-planar with the outer surface of the one or more outsoles.

3. The footwear of claim 2, wherein the insole and the midsole are made of a first material and the one or more outsoles is made of a second material that is different from the first material.

4. The footwear of claim 3, wherein the first material is ethylene vinyl acetate and the second material is rubber.

5. The footwear of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the one or more portions of the midsole base not having the one or more recesses includes a first traction pattern, and the outer surface of the one or more outsoles includes a second traction pattern different from the first traction pattern.

6. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising a toe bar formed with the insole base.

7. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the midsole base includes a heel portion having an elongate groove.

8. The footwear of claim 7, further comprising a strip sized to be received in the elongate groove.

9. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is a single vamp.

10. Slides, comprising:

an insole having an insole base and a vamp formed with the insole base;

a midsole having an elongate midsole base, the midsole being separate and distinct from the insole, the midsole base having an elongate cavity that receives the insole base; and

one or more outsoles that are separate and distinct from the insole and the midsole, the midsole base having one or more recesses that receive and that correspond with the one or more outsoles such that the outer surface of one or more portions of the midsole base not having the one or more recesses is generally co-planar with the outer surface of the one or more outsoles.

11. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the insole and the midsole are made of a first material and the one or more outsoles is made of a second material that is different from the first material.

12. The footwear of claim 11, wherein the first material is ethylene vinyl acetate and the second material is rubber.

13. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the outer surface of the one or more portions of the midsole base not having the one or more recesses includes a first traction pattern, and the outer surface of the one or more outsoles includes a second traction pattern different from the first traction pattern.

14. The slides of claim 10, further comprising a toe bar formed with the insole base.

15. The slides of claim 10, wherein the midsole base includes a heel portion having an elongate groove.