OPEN-TOE FOOTWEAR BASE MEMBER SYSTEM

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to an open-toe footwear system including a base member, toe post, and strap member. The toe post is coupled to the base member at a region corresponding to a location between the user's big toe and adjacent toe. The base member includes a forefoot member and a hindfoot member having different densities. The hindfoot member is denser and/or stiffer than the forefoot member. The base member may further include a top and bottom member between which the forefoot and hindfoot members are disposed. The forefoot member and hindfoot member may be intercoupled and respectively positioned to be under the respective forefoot and hindfoot regions of a user's foot. The forefoot member may be shaped to anatomically correspond to the phalanx and metatarsal regions of the user's foot. The hindfoot member may be shaped to anatomically correspond to the heel and arch regions of the user's foot.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to open-toe footwear. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved base member system for an open-toe footwear system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Open-toe footwear comprises various footwear systems that include a supportive base member disposed under the sole of the foot, along with a retaining system to hold the foot on the base member. One particular type of open-toe footwear is a sandal or flip-flop that includes a specific triangular foot retaining system. The foot retaining system of a flip-flop commonly includes a toe post and two lateral foot posts intercoupled via a strap member. The toe post and lateral foot posts are coupled to the base member. The toe post is positioned on the base member so as to align with the region of the foot between the first and second toes. The lateral foot posts are positioned on the base member on either side of the user's foot with respect to the toe post. The strap member extends between the toe post and each of the respective lateral foot posts. The frontal region of a user's foot is thereby retained between the base member and the strap member via the toe post and the lateral foot posts. This form of frontal foot retainment enables a user's foot to efficiently articulate about the metatarsal region, including allowing the heel region to separate from the base member. One alternative form of open-toe footwear includes a strap member extending between two lateral foot posts without a toe post.

[0003] One of the problems with conventional open-toe footwear systems is potential discomfort on the sole of a user's foot due to the impact force of each step. The impact force created when a user lifts and lowers the foot is translated directly from a supporting surface to the base member and the sole of the foot. Thus, cushioning on the base member may mitigate the force felt upon the sole of a user's foot. However, a highly cushioned sole member compromises the ability of a user to generate force and/or initiate dorsiflexion about the heel region while walking. A highly cushioned sole may also lose all or part of its cushion and support over time, a condition commonly referred to as being "packed out". Highly cushioned soles may also promote an increase in foot temperature and perspiration due to a lack of air circulation between the foot and sole. Therefore, conventional open-toe footwear base members are either too rigid, imparting significant impact force upon the user's foot, or too cushioned, impeding support, durability, comfort, and/or walking movements.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the industry for an improved base member for an open-toe footwear system that both cushions the impact force and does not impede the initiation of the walking movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to an improved base member for an open-toe footwear system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an open-toe footwear system including a base member, toe post, and strap member. The toe post is coupled to the base member at a region corresponding to a location between the user's big toe and adjacent toe. The strap member is intercoupled between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member. The base member includes a forefoot member and a hindfoot member having different densities. The hindfoot member is denser and/or stiffer than the forefoot member. The base member may further include a top and bottom member between which the forefoot and hindfoot members are disposed. The forefoot member and hindfoot member may be intercoupled and respectively positioned to be under the respective forefoot and hindfoot regions of a user's foot. The forefoot member may be shaped to anatomically correspond to the phalanx and metatarsal regions of the user's foot. The hindfoot member may be shaped to anatomically correspond to the heel and arch regions of the user's foot. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an open toe footwear system to support the anatomy of a user's foot and assist in initiating the walking motion. The method may include providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member, coupling the forefoot member and the hindfoot member, coupling a toe post to the base member, and coupling a strap member between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention represent a significant advance in the field of open-toe footwear. Open-toe footwear systems such as sandals, flip flops, Zori, etc. are generally associated with a lack of sole support and therefore an increased impact force upon a user's foot. Prior art improved open-toe footwear has attempted to address this problem via a cushioned base member. However, a uniformly soft/cushioned base member fails to overcome the problem of impact force without simultaneously introducing other problems. For example, a uniformly cushioned base member either incorporates force absorption or support characteristics depending on the density/stiffness of the cushioning. A cushioned base member with a low density/stiffness improves force absorption but decreases support performance. Likewise, a cushioned based member with a relative high density/stiffness improves support but decreases force absorption performance. Embodiments of the present invention overcome these failures by utilizing a base member comprising a separate forefoot member and hindfoot member having different densities. The forefoot member is less dense/stiff, thereby optimizing force-absorption at the anatomical impact region. As a user's foot articulates or rolls from heel to toe during the walking motion, the forefoot member provides a smooth transition to the forefoot. The hindfoot member is more dense/stiff, thereby optimizing support by elevating/supporting a user's heel and arch regions. The stiffer hindfoot member also optimizes shock absorption during heel strike to mitigate the higher impact force between the heel region and the ground.

[0007] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The following description of the invention can be understood in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the invention. In the Figures, the physical dimensions may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions will be omitted.

[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates an elevation view of an open-toe footwear system with a multi-member base member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 1B illustrates a bottom view of the open-toe footwear system of FIG. 1A;

[0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a profile view of the open-toe footwear system of FIG. 1A;

[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates a profile lateral view of an alternative open-toe footwear system with a multi-member base member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates a profile medial view of the open-toe footwear system of FIG. 2A;

[0014] FIG. 2c illustrates a bottom view of the open-toe footwear system of FIG. 2A; and

[0015] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a profile schematic view of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the operational walking movement with an open-toe footwear system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to an improved base member for an open-toe footwear system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an open-toe footwear system including a base member, toe post, and strap member. The toe post is coupled to the base member at a region corresponding to a location between the user's big toe and adjacent toe. The strap member is intercoupled between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member. The base member includes a forefoot member and a hindfoot member having different densities. The hindfoot member is denser and/or stiffer than the forefoot member. The base member may further include a top and bottom member between which the forefoot and hindfoot members are disposed. The forefoot member and hindfoot member may be intercoupled and respectively positioned to be under the respective forefoot and hindfoot regions of a user's foot. The forefoot member may be shaped to anatomically correspond to the phalanx and metatarsal regions of the user's foot. The hindfoot member may be shaped to anatomically correspond to the heel and arch regions of the user's foot. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an opentoe footwear system to support the anatomy of a user's foot and assist in initiating the walking motion. The method may include providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member, coupling the forefoot member and the hindfoot member, coupling a toe post to the base member, and coupling a strap member between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member. Also, while embodiments are described in reference to open-toe footwear, it will be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are application to other areas.

[0017] The following terms are defined as follows:

DEFINITIONS

[0018] Anatomically correspond--The act of spatial correspondence between a region of an object and an anatomical region of a human. For example, a watch may be positioned to anatomically correspond to a user's wrist.

[0019] Forefoot--An anatomical foot region including the phalanx bones and the metatarsal bones. The forefoot region is generally longer on the lateral side than the medial side as a result of the corresponding anatomy.

[0020] Hindfoot--An anatomical foot region including the heel region and arch region. The hindfoot region is generally longer on the medial side (arch side) than the lateral side as a result of the corresponding anatomy.

[0021] Phalanx--The bones which compose the toes of a human foot.

[0022] Metatarsal bones--The medial bones proximal of the toes corresponding to the ball or dorsiflexion pivot region of a human foot.

[0023] Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1A-C, which illustrate one embodiment of an open-toe footwear system, designated generally at 100. The system includes a base member 105, a toe post 110, and a strap member 120. The base member 105 is an elongated platform structure configured to support the sole of a user's foot. The base member 105 includes a plurality of members having unique characteristics which will be discussed in more detail below. The shape and surface contour of the base member 105 is configured to anatomically correspond to a specific foot size. For example, the top surface of the base member 105 may also include a particular ergonomic contour configured to correspond and provide support to the anatomical arch region. Likewise, the bottom of the base member 105 (FIG. 1B) may include a particular tread pattern that both optimizes foot comfort and creates traction between the system 100 and the ground. The toe post 110 is coupled to the base member 105 at a location around which a user's big toe and adjacent toe may circumvent. The illustrated toe post 110 is composed of a rubber material having a particular stiffness and flexibility. The illustrated toe post 110 extends through the base member 105 as is common on rubber Zori-type flip flops. However, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments may utilize a toe port and/or strap member coupling scheme that does not extend through the base member 105. The strap member 120 is an elongated substantially flat structure that curves and extends across the base member between the toe post 110 and the two lateral foot coupling regions 125, 130. The strap member 120 includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface faces outward and/or perpendicular with respect to the base member 105 at the two lateral coupling regions 125, 130. The top surface also faces substantially opposite the base member 105 at the toe post 110. The top surface of the strap member 120 is also the only exposed surface of the strap member 120 when a user's foot is engaged with the system 100. The bottom surface faces substantially inward at the two lateral coupling regions 125, 130. The bottom surface also faces substantially towards the base member 105 at the toe post 110.

[0024] The base member 105 further includes a top member 150, a forefoot member 160, a hindfoot member 170, and a bottom member 180. The forefoot member 160 and hindfoot member 170 are specifically configured to have unique density characteristics so as to both optimally support a user's foot while absorbing force during operation. The optimal support of a user's foot includes a natural position within which the heel region is elevated above the toe region as a result of the unique density characteristics of the base member 105. In addition, the density characteristics of the forefoot member 160 and the hindfoot member 170 are correspondingly configured to initiate the walking motion from a resting state. The walking motion is initiated by elevating the heel above the location of the toe region in a resting state (see FIG. 3A). The forefoot member 160 is less dense/stiff than the hindfoot member 170. The forefoot member 160 is positioned across the frontal region of the base member 105 so as to anatomically correspond to the forefoot, including the phalanx and metatarsal regions. Likewise, the hindfoot member 170 is positioned across the rear region of the base member 105 so as to anatomically correspond to the heel and arch regions of a user's foot. In addition, the overall shape of the forefoot member 160 and hindfoot member 170 is configured to anatomically correspond to a user's foot. For example, the medial side of the hindfoot member 170 is longer than the lateral side so as to correspond to the user's heel and arch regions. Therefore, the lateral side of the forefoot member 160 is longer than the medial side so as to correspond to the user's phalanx and metatarsal regions. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1A-C, the relative transition/coupling region of the forefoot and hindfoot members 160, 170 may be curved to anatomically correspond to the particular regions of the user's foot as illustrated in FIG. 2c. The forefoot member 160 and hindfoot member 170 may be composed of an absorbent or resilient material that is capable of being compressed and then returning to the original shape. The density of the forefoot member 160 is sufficiently soft so as to absorb and/or dampen the impact force between the forefoot region and the ground. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the force impact between the forefoot and the ground during operation of an open-toe footwear system. Likewise, the density of the hindfoot member 170 is sufficiently rigid so as to support the weight of the user via the heel region without significant compression while absorbing and/or dampening the heel strike force during operation.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, the forefoot member 160 and hindfoot member 170 are substantially sandwiched between the top and bottom members 150, 180. The sandwich configuration is illustrated in the profile view of FIG. 1C. The top and bottom members 150, 180 may be composed of a cushioned material having a medium density/stiffness. The degree of density/stiffness of the top and bottom members 150, 180 may be between the relative stiffness of the forefoot and hindfoot members 160, 170. The top and bottom members 150, 180 act as force-buffering layers to smooth the density transition between the hindfoot and forefoot members 170, 160. In addition, the top and bottom members 150, 180 increase durability and protect the forefoot and hindfoot members 160, 170 from wear. Members composed of softer materials such as the forefoot member 170 are generally susceptible to accelerated wear if not properly protected. The top and bottom members 150, 180 also improve the aesthetic appearance of the system 100 by concealing certain coupling schemes such as seams. In operation, the positioning of the top member 150 with respect to the forefoot and hindfoot members 160, 170 may create a trampoline effect in which the forefoot and hindfoot members 160, 170 actively elevate the supportive top member 150.

[0026] Reference is next made to FIGS. 2A-C, which illustrate an alternative embodiment of an open-toe footwear system, designated generally at 200. The system includes a strap member 220, a toe post 210, and a base member 205. The strap member 220 is coupled to the base member 205 via two lateral coupling points and the toe post 210. The base member 205 includes a plurality of members having unique density characteristics. The illustrated base member 205 includes a top member 250, a forefoot member 260, a hindfoot member 270, and a bottom member 280. FIG. 2A illustrates a lateral view while FIG. 2B illustrates a medial view. As discussed above, the forefoot member 260 and the hindfoot member 270 are specifically shaped and configured to anatomically correspond to regions of the user's foot. The forefoot member 260 is longer on the lateral side while the hindfoot member 270 is longer on the medial side. FIG. 2c illustrates the curved overall shapes of the forefoot and hindfoot members 260, 270. The forefoot member 260 and hindfoot member 270 are sandwich-coupled between the top member 250 and the bottom member 280, as illustrated. Various coupling schemes between the components of the base member 205 may be utilized, including but not limited to chemical adhesion.

[0027] Reference is next made to FIGS. 3A-C, which illustrate the operational walking motion between a user's foot 350 and an open-toe footwear system 300. FIG. 3A illustrates a resting or non-active state between the user's foot 350 and the open-toe footwear system 300. As illustrated, the heel region of the user's foot 350 is supported in an elevated position with respect to the toe region. FIG. 3B illustrates the initial walking motion in which the user exerts dorsiflexion articulation across the metatarsal region, thereby lifting the heel region. FIG. 3c illustrates the apex of the walking motion in which the user's foot 350 is maximally articulated across the metatarsal region prior to elevating the user's foot 350 and open-toe footwear system 300 for translation.

[0028] Although not illustrated, a second embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an open-toe footwear system to support the anatomy of a user's foot and assist in initiation of walking motion. The method includes an initial act of providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member. The forefoot member and hindfoot member may be composed of a foam-like material that includes force-absorption properties corresponding to a particular density/hardness. The forefoot member and hindfoot members are intercoupled to create a base member. The toe post is coupled to the base member. The strap member is coupled between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member.

[0029] It should be noted that various alternative system designs may be practiced in accordance with the present invention, including one or more portions or concepts of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 or described above. Various other embodiments have been contemplated, including combinations in whole or in part of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. An open-toe footwear system comprising: a base member; a toe post coupled to the base member; a strap member intercoupled between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member; and wherein, the base member includes a forefoot member and a hindfoot member, and wherein the composition of the forefoot member is less dense than the composition of the hindfoot member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base member further includes a top member and a bottom member, and wherein the forefoot member and the hindfoot member are disposed between the top member and the bottom member.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the top member and bottom member include ethylene vinyl acetate.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the forefoot member is shaped to anatomically correspond to the shape of the metatarsal and phalanx regions of a user's foot.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the forefoot member is shaped such that a lateral side is longer than the medial side.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the density of the hindfoot corresponds to substantially supporting the weight of an average user.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the relative densities of the forefoot member and the hindfoot member are configured to support a rear portion of a user's foot elevationally higher than the front portion.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the relative densities of the forefoot member and the hindfoot member are configured to assist in initiating a dorsiflexion walking motion.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the hindfoot member is shaped to include a region anatomically corresponding to the arch of the user's foot.

10. An open-toe footwear system comprising: a base member; a toe post coupled to the base member; a strap member intercoupled between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member; and wherein, the base member includes a forefoot member and a hindfoot member, and wherein the composition of the forefoot member is less dense than the composition of the hindfoot member, wherein the base member further includes a top member and a bottom member, and wherein the forefoot member and the hindfoot member are disposed between the top member and the bottom member.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the top member and bottom member are chemically adhered to the forefoot member and the hindfoot member.

12. A method for manufacturing an open-toe footwear system to support the anatomy of a user's foot and assist in initiating a walking motion, comprising the acts of: providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member; coupling the forefoot member and the hindfoot member to create a base member; coupling a toe post coupled to the base member; and coupling a strap member between the toe post and two lateral foot coupling regions on the base member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the act of providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member includes shaping the forefoot member to anatomically correspond to the shape of the metatarsal and phalanx regions of a user's foot.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the act of providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member includes shaping the forefoot member such that a lateral side is longer than the medial side.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the act of providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member includes configuring the relative densities of the forefoot member and the hindfoot member to support a rear portion of a user's foot elevationally higher than the front portion.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the act of providing a forefoot member having a lower density than a hindfoot member includes shaping the hindfoot member to include a region anatomically corresponding to the arch of the user's foot.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the act of coupling the forefoot member and the hindfoot member to create a base member further includes disposing the forefoot member and the hindfoot member between a top member and a bottom member.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the act of coupling the forefoot member and the hindfoot member to create a base member further includes positioning the forefoot member to correspond to the metatarsal and phalanx bones of a user's foot.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the act of coupling the forefoot member and the hindfoot member to create a base member further includes chemically adhering the forefoot member and the hindfoot member between a top and bottom member.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the top and bottom member comprise ethylene vinyl acetate.

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