AU2008202551A1 - A shoe - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant (s) Bared Pty Ltd Invention Title: A SHOE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P77852.AU PaSetFiling ApplUcation 2006-6-10.doC (M) - 2 A Shoe Field of the invention The present invention relates to a shoe. In 5 particular, the present invention relates to a shoe in which an orthotic can be worn. Background 10 It is widely recognized that, when wearing a shoe, a person's foot functions most efficiently if that shoe fits the foot correctly. This is of particular importance for people who wear corrective orthotic devices as reduced efficiency of foot function reduces the efficacy of the 15 orthotic device. It is also recognised that a correctly fitted shoe will keep the orthotic device against the underside of the wearer's foot. Unfortunately, shoe designers often place fashion 20 considerations before the fit of a shoe. This is particularly so with regard to women's shoes of the style have that have a low-cut upper without fastenings, such as a strap or the like. This style of shoe is particularly popular, and is sometimes referred to as a "pump". 25 Due to the size of the opening in the upper for receiving the foot and the lack of fastenings, a pump style shoe tends to allow the heel cup of the shoe to slip down from the wearer's heel during the gait cycle. As a 30 result, the wearer has to claw their toes in order to keep the shoe against the underside of their foot while walking. When an orthotic device is worn in a shoe the clawing action reduces the efficacy of the orthotic N: \Mel boure\aSea\Patent\ 77D0-77999\P77852.AU\Speci .\peci a. originally filed.doc 10/06/08 - 3 device. For these reasons, if women need to wear an orthotic device in their shoe it is advised that they wear a shoe with a strap most of the time to support of the foot and prevent muscles working too hard to keep the shoe 5 on the foot. In addition, if a shoe that is sized to be worn with an orthotic device is worn without that device (which can leave more room in the toe area), a fastening such as a 10 strap keeps the shoe on the foot. The present invention has been conceived in light of many considerations, including those described above. 15 Summary The present invention provides a shoe comprising: an upper secured to a sole; at least one keeper arranged on the under surface of 20 the sole; and a removable fastening that, in use, can extend around the upper and the sole, and through the keeper. Preferably, the or each keeper is located under the 25 arch of the sole. Preferably, the ends of the or each keeper are embedded in the sole. 30 In certain embodiments, the shoe has a single keeper. In some alternative embodiments, the shoe has two or more keepers. Preferably, the keepers are longitudinally N:\Melbourne\Cases\Paten0\77000-77999\P77852.AU\Speci.\.pecI a. originally filed.doc 10/06/08 -4 spaced along the sole of the shoe, such that the fastening can be worn in a plurality of positions. Preferably, the or each keeper is centrally located 5 on the sole, with respect to the lateral direction of the shoe. Preferably, the shoe has a low-cut upper. 10 The present invention also provides a shoe comprising: an upper having two spaced apart holes; a elongate trim; and means for attaching one portion of the trim to 15 another, wherein the trim can be passed through the holes and secured across the upper between the holes to form a closed loop. 20 In certain embodiments, the means for attaching one portion of the trim to another comprises two complementary fastener members. In one form, the complementary fastener members consist of a press stud and a press stud socket that are each secured to a respective portion of the trim. 25 Brief description of the drawings In order that the invention may be more easily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of 30 example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1: is a perspective view of a shoe according to a first embodiment of the present N \Melboure\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\ P7752.AU\Spec I\.peci as oriqnally filed.doc 10/06/08 -5 invention, showing a removable fastening in a forward wearing position; Figure 2: is a side elevation view of the shoe of Figure 1; 5 Figure 3: is a perspective view of the shoe of Figure 1, showing a removable fastening in a rearward wearing position; Figure 4: is a side elevation view of the shoe of Figure 3; 10 Figure 5: is a perspective view of a shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6: is a partial perspective view of the shoe of Figure 5, showing the sole of the shoe; 15 Figure 7: is a perspective view of a shoe according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing a removable orthotic partially inserted in the shoe; Figure 8: is a further perspective view of the shoe 20 of Figure 7, showing the removable orthotic fully inserted in the shoe; Figure 9: is a top view of a front portion of the shoe of Figure 7, showing a trim attached to the upper; 25 Figure 10: is a plan view of a first trim for attachment to a shoe of the present invention; and Figure 11: is a plan view of a second trim for attachment to a shoe of the present 30 invention. N+\Melboure\Caa e9\Patent\77000-77999\P77852.AU\SpcCI\9peci a. originally filed.doc 10/06/08 - 6 Detailed description Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a shoe 10 according to a first embodiment. The shoe 10 has an upper 12 that is secured to a sole 14. In this embodiment, the sole 14 5 includes a raised heel 16. The upper 12 is of low-cut style, such that there is a broad opening F. When the shoe 10 is worn on a person's foot, a large portion of their instep is exposed. 10 As shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 4, the shoe 10 has two keepers 18, 20 that are arranged on the under surface of the sole 14. A removable fastening, which in this embodiment is in the form of a strap 22 with a 15 buckle, can be worn on the shoe 10, if desired. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the strap 22 can extend around the upper 12 and the sole 14, and through one of the keepers 18, 20. When the strap 22 is worn on the shoe 10, the strap 22 holds the innersole 24 of the shoe 10 against the 20 sole of the wearer's foot, including during the gait cycle. The two keepers 18, 20 are longitudinally spaced along the sole 14 of the shoe 10. This enables the strap 25 22 to be worn in two positions on the shoe 10. In Figures 1 and 2, the strap 22 passes through the forward keeper 18 so that the strap 22 is to be worn in a forward wearing position. In this position the strap 22 30 passes across the front of the wearer's instep. In Figures 3 and 4, the strap 22 passes through the rearward keeper 20 so that the strap 22 is to be worn in a N:\Melbourne\Ca.ee\Patent\77000-77999\P77852.AU\SpeCis\Npeci a. originally filed.doc 10/06/08 - 7 rearward wearing position. In this position the strap 22 passes across the rear of the wearer's instep, and immediately adjacent the wearer's ankle. 5 In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the shoe 10 can be worn in three configurations, as follows: 1. with the strap 22 passing through the forward keeper 18, and around the sole 14 and the upper 12, and thus over a front portion of the 10 wearer's instep; 2. with the strap 22 passing through the rearward keeper 20, and around the sole 14 and the upper 12, and thus over a rear portion of the wearer's instep; and 15 3. without the strap 22. In this third configuration, the wearer's foot must work to hold the innersole 24 against the foot. The three different wearing configurations enables 20 the wearer to choose when and wear they wear the strap 22. For example, a wearer can wear the shoe 10 with the strap 22 when walking longer distances and later remove the strap 22 at a later time if they prefer. As will be appreciated, when the shoe 10 is worn without the strap 25 22, the wearer's foot must work with the sole 14 and the upper 12 to retain the shoe 10 on the foot. If the innersole 24 is part of an orthotic device worn in the shoe 10, it is recommended that the shoe be 30 worn with the strap 22. The strap 22 reduces the load on the foot muscles that must work to keep the shoe 10 on the foot. N:\Melboure\Caoes\PatenL\77000-77999\P77852.AU\Specia\apeci as originally filed.doc 10/06/08 -8 In addition, providing a strap 22 facilitates wearing a larger shoe with more room in the toe area for comfort, while still keeping the shoe on the foot. For example, if the shoe 10 is worn without the orthotic device. 5 The keepers 18, 20 are centrally located on the sole 12, with respect to the lateral direction of the shoe 10. Thus, the keepers 18, 20 are concealed on the underside of the shoe 10. In particular, when the shoe 10 is worn 10 without the strap 22, the keepers 18, 20 are not generally visible, and do not detract from the visual appearance of the shoe 10. Figures 5 and 6 show a shoe 110 according to a second 15 embodiment. The shoe 110 has an upper 112 that is secured to a sole 114. In this embodiment, the sole 114 includes a heel 116, which is of lower height when compared with the heel 16 of the shoe 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4. 20 The upper 112 is of low-cut style, such that there is a broad opening F. When the shoe 110 is worn on a person's foot, a large portion of their instep is exposed. The shoe 110 has a single keeper 118 that is arranged 25 on the under surface of the sole 114. A removable fastening, which in this embodiment is in the form of strap 122, can be worn on the shoe 110, if desired. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the strap 122 can extend around the upper 112 and the sole 114, and through the keeper 30 118. When the strap 122 is worn on the shoe 110, the strap 122 holds the innersole (not shown) of the shoe 110 against the sole of the wearer's foot. N:\Melboure\Case.\Patent\77000-77999\P77852.AU\Speci,\SpeCt as originally fled.doc 10/06/08 -9 In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the shoe 110 can be worn in two configurations, as follows: 1. with the strap 122 passing through the keeper 118 and around the sole 114 and the upper 112, 5 and thus over the wearer's instep; and 2. without the strap 122. In this configuration, the wearer's foot must work to hold the innersole 124 against the foot. 10 As shown in Figure 6, the keeper 118 is centrally located on the sole 112, with respect to the lateral direction of the shoe 110. Thus, the keeper 118 is concealed on the underside of the shoe 110. In particular, when the shoe 110 is worn without the strap 15 122 the keeper 118 is not generally visible, and does not detract from the visual appearance of the shoe 110. It will be appreciated the location of the keeper 118 on the sole 112 is such that the keeper 118 is spaced from 20 the ground engaging parts of the shoe 110 (that is, the ball of the foot region and the heel 116). Thus, in regular use, the keeper 118 will not be in contact with the ground. 25 Figures 7 to 9 show a shoe 210 according to a third embodiment. The shoe 210 has an upper 212 that is secured to a sole 214. In this embodiment, the sole 214 includes a raised heel 216. 30 The upper 212 is of low-cut style, such that there is a broad opening F. When the shoe 210 is worn on a person's foot, a large portion of their instep is exposed. N:\Melbourne\Case\Patent\77000-77999\P77852.AU\Specis\.peci a. orig- n ly filed.doc 10/06/08 - 10 As indicated in Figure 7, an orthotic device 226 can be worn in the shoe 210. The shoe 210 has two keepers (not shown in Figures 7 5 to 9) that are arranged on the under surface of the sole 214. The shoe 210 includes a removable fastening (also not shown in Figures 7 to 9) that can be worn, if desired. Once the orthotic device 226 has been located in the 10 shoe 210 (as shown in Figure 8), the fastening can be passed through one of the keepers. When the wearer puts the shoe 210 on, the fastening can then be secured around the upper 212 and the sole 214, and across their instep. The fastening then assists in holding the orthotic device 15 226 against the sole of the wearer's foot, which reduces the work required by the muscles to keep the shoe 210 on the foot. As shown in Figure 9, the shoe 210 has two spaced 20 apart holes 228, 230 in the upper 214. An elongate trim 232 can be passed through the holes 228, 230 and secured across the upper 214 between the holes 228, 230 to form a closed loop. To this end, the trim 232 has means for attaching one portion of the trim 232. In this 25 embodiment, such means are in the form of a press stud (not shown in Figure 9), and a press stud socket 234 that are each secured to a respective portion of the trim 232. The holes 228, 230 in the upper 214, and the trim 232 30 provide a simple way of changing the appearance of the shoe. For example, the shoe 210 can be worn with, or without the trim 232. Alternatively, the trim 232 can be interchanged with other trims to change the appearance of N:\Melbourne\CsOes\Patent\77000-77999\P77852.AU\Specis\apeci as originally filed.doc 10/06/08 - 11 the shoe. Thus, a wearer can co-ordinate their shoes with the other clothes in their outfit. Figure 11 illustrates an example of a trim 332. The 5 overall shape of the trim 332 is elongate so that it can pass through holes in the upper 212. In addition, a press stud 336 and complementary press stud socket 334 are secured to the trim 332 so that one can be secured to the other to form a closed loop. However, within these 10 requirements, the features of the trim may be varied. For example, the shapes of the edges of the trim can be varied and different materials may be used. It will be appreciated that many further variations are possible. 15 Figure 12 illustrates an alternative example of a trim 432, which includes a pres stud 436 and press stud socket 434. It will be understood to persons skilled in the art 20 of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 25 description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but 30 not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. N \Melbourne\Ca0ee\Patent\77000-77999\P77852.AU\Specis\speci ae -r9gnaly fled-do 10/06/08

Claims (12)

1. A shoe comprising: an upper secured to a sole; 5 at least one keeper arranged on the under surface of the sole; and a removable fastening that, in use, can extend around the upper and the sole, and through the keeper. 10

2. A shoe according to claim 1, wherein the or each keeper is located under the arch of the sole.

3. A shoe according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the ends of the or each keeper are embedded in the sole. 15

4. A shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each keeper is centrally located on the sole, with respect to the lateral direction of the shoe. 20

5. A shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shoe has a single keeper.

6. A shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shoe has two or more keepers. 25

7. A shoe according to claim 6, wherein the keepers are longitudinally spaced along the sole of the shoe, such that the fastening can be worn in a plurality of positions. 30

8. A shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shoe has a low-cut upper. N:\Melbounme\Cases\Patent\77000-77999\P77852.AU\Speci.\opeci as Originally filed.doc 10/06/08 - 13

9. A shoe comprising: an upper having two spaced apart holes; a elongate trim; and means for attaching one portion of the trim to 5 another, wherein the trim can be passed through the holes and secured across the upper between the holes to form a closed loop.

10 10. A shoe according to claim 9, wherein the means for attaching one portion of the trim to another comprises two complementary fastener members.

11. A shoe according to claim 10, wherein the 15 complementary fastener members consists of a press stud, and a press stud socket that are each secured to a respective portion of the trim.

12. A shoe substantially as herein described with 20 reference to the accompanying drawings. N:\Melbourne\Ca0se\Patent\27000-27999\P27652.AU\Specis\opecI as originally filed.doc 10/06/01