US20190231029A1

US20190231029A1 - Footwear

Info

Publication number: US20190231029A1
Application number: US15/883,168
Authority: US
Inventors: Alexander Dardinski
Original assignee: North Face Apparel Corp
Current assignee: North Face Apparel Corp
Priority date: 2018-01-30
Filing date: 2018-01-30
Publication date: 2019-08-01
Also published as: JP2021511870A; KR20200099605A; EP3745895A1; CN111629624A; WO2019152248A1

Abstract

A footwear including a foot bed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length and a width, the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the footbed defining plural openings therethrough; an outer sole extending downward relative to the footbed, the outer sole supporting at least a portion of the footbed; the outer sole having a ground contacting surface opposite the footbed, wherein the outer sole defines a channel, the channel extending from the ground contacting surface to the footbed, wherein at least one of the plural opening communicates with the channel; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening over the footbed.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application relates to footwear. More particularly, the present application relates to footwear having a footbed that allows debris to pass through the footbed to reduce the likelihood of it from being entrapped under the wearer's foot. Most particularly, the present application relates to a footbed in footwear with openings that communicate with a channel in the outer sole that allow debris to pass through the footbed and exit the footwear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a top view of a footwear according to an example of the disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a sectional view as might be seen along line A-A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a sectional view as might be seen along line B-B in FIG. 1;

FIG. 1C is a sectional view as might be seen along line C-C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a footwear according to another example of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a footwear according to still another example of the disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a top perspective view similar to FIG. 6A of a footwear according to another example;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a footwear according to still another example;

FIG. 8 is a side view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing details of a footbed according to the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing details of an outer sole and upper according to the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a footwear according to a further example of the disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a footwear according to still a further example of the disclosure with the upper removed to show details of the footbed.

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, and not by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the present document.

SUMMARY

Examples of the disclosure generally relate to footwear comprising a foot bed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length and a width, the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the footbed defining plural openings therethrough; an outer sole extending downward relative to the footbed, the outer sole supporting at least a portion of the footbed; the outer sole having a ground contacting surface opposite the footbed, wherein the outer sole defines a channel, the channel extending from the ground contacting surface to the footbed, wherein at least one of the plural opening communicates with the channel; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening over the footbed.
Another example relates to a footwear comprising a footbed defining plural openings, wherein at least one of the plural openings has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm; an outer sole in supporting relation to the footbed, the outer sole defining a channel that communicates with the opening; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening.
A further example relates to a footwear comprising a footbed including a layer of polymer material defining plural openings, wherein at least one of the plural openings has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm; the footbed defining a perimeter; an outer sole including an upper surface and a ground contacting surface, wherein the ground contacting surface is spaced from the upper surface and located beneath the footbed; the outer sole being in supporting relation to the perimeter of the footbed; the outer sole defining a channel inward of the perimeter and beneath the footbed; wherein the channel open upward to communicate with the plural openings and outward adjacent to the ground contacting surface of the outer sole; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples of the disclosure generally relate to footwear. Footwear is often purpose built for various activities and environments. One example of footwear built for a particular environment is the sandal. A sandal is designed to be lightweight and breathable and generally is adapted for use in warmer environments. In addition, sandals are often designed to be used in activities and locations where water is present including trips to the beach, pools, showers, creeks, streams, and rivers. They may also be worn during activities on water including boating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and the like. To that end, sandals are made of lightweight and typically water proof or water resistant materials. Sandals often have a solid yet flexible footbed that supports the foot. In most instances, the footbed is solid to facilitate manufacture and provide a layer of protection covering the bottom of the foot. The minimalistic nature of the upper, which is often made by one or more straps, allows water to flow freely off of the wearer's foot. The contour of the solid footbed, however, relative to the wearer's foot may allow small amounts of water to be entrapped causing a squishing sound and undesirable feeling of moisture under foot. Often during activities near or in water, debris is drawn on to the footbed when wearing a sandal or other footwear. The debris may include a variety of objects including small rocks, pebbles, beach glass and other materials found in bodies of water that may cause discomfort when lodged between the wearer's foot and the footbed. To that end, there is a need for a footbed that facilitates drainage from beneath the wearer's foot and permits debris to pass through the footbed to reduce the likelihood of entrapment.
According to one example, a footbed used in footwear includes openings that allow debris and water to pass through the footbed and exit the footwear. With reference to the drawings, an article of footwear is generally indicated by the number 100. A variety of examples of footwear 100 are shown. It will be understood that features from these various examples may be interchanged. In addition, the look and other ornamental features are limited only by the imagination of the designer. As depicted, the footbed having openings that allow debris and liquid to pass through may be accomplished in a wide variety of designs having openings of various shape, size and configuration. The examples shown are not limiting.
With reference to FIG. 1, footwear 100 includes a foot bed 120 having an upper surface 121 and a lower surface 122. The footbed 120 has a length L and a width W, the footbed 120 corresponding to a longitudinal axis A_loand a lateral axis A_la. The foot bed 120 defines a perimeter 123 suitable to receive a wearer's foot. As will be understood, the perimeter shape may be varied depending on the size of the foot to be accommodated and aesthetic considerations. For example, FIGS. 1-3 show a footbed 120 having a shape that conforms somewhat to a shape of a foot while FIG. 11 depicts a foot bed 520 having a rectangular shape. The depicted examples are not limiting.
In general, footbed 120 is a member that contacts the sole of a wearer's foot F. It may be any suitable member in this regard including thick and thin walled members. In the examples shown, where footwear 100 is a sandal, a thin walled member or membrane is used to provide lighter weight within the footwear 100. Footbed 120 may be rigid or flexible. Footbed 120 may be constructed from a variety of materials suitable for use in footwear including but not limited to natural materials, such as, leather, wood, cork, sisal, cotton, hemp, gut, and other natural fibers; metal; rubber; plastics and other polymer materials; ceramics and other synthetic materials; and combinations thereof. The materials may be treated or modified to tailor the characteristics for use in the footbed 120 or other components of the footwear 100 including the outer sole 130 and upper 140 described below. For example, the materials may be treated with hardeners, softeners, water-proofing or water-repelling coatings or combinations thereof. In other examples, reinforcing elements including but not limited to fiber reinforcement, particle reinforcement, additives or other materials may be incorporated to improve wear characteristics, toughness or other characteristics of footwear 100.
Footbed 120 may formed from a single piece of material or multiple components may be combined to form footbed 120. The footbed 120 defines at least one opening 125 therethrough. The opening 125 is provided to allow liquid, such as water, and debris to pass through footbed 120 i.e. from upper surface 121 to lower surface 122 to assist in evacuating liquid or debris reducing the likelihood of it being entrapped between a wearer's foot and the upper surface 121 of footbed 120. The shape and number of openings 125 may vary according to aesthetic or design considerations and are limited only by the imagination of the designer.
In the example depicted in FIGS. 1-3, footbed 120 includes a screen 126 that defines generally rectangular openings 125. Screen 126 may be formed from a series of longitudinal and lateral members such as a cord or fiber threaded through a sidewall 133 of outer sole 130 as best shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, screen 126 may be a molded member that is attached to outer sole 130. The longitudinal and lateral members may be evenly spaced relative to each other or spaced at varying differences to form different patterns of openings 125. With reference to FIG. 1, longitudinal and lateral members may form rectangular openings that vary in size and wall configuration across the length of footwear 100. In the example shown, as a product of the variation in width of the footwear along the longitudinal axis, the lateral dimension of openings 125 vary with the width. Considering FIG. 1, at the forefoot portion, where the footwear is widest, the lateral dimension of the openings 125 is larger than the longitudinal dimension. In areas where the footwear 100 is narrower, such as at the toe, mid-foot and heel portions, the lateral dimension of the opening 125 is equal to and in some cases less than the longitudinal dimension.
The size of the opening may vary depending on consideration of the material to be evacuated from the foot bed 120. Any sized opening is believed suitable for allowing liquid to escape from foot bed 120. To evacuate debris, openings sized to facilitate evacuation of the debris may be selected. The opening size may vary based on the type of material, geometry or construction of foot bed 120. For example, in examples using a thin-walled geometry surrounding the opening, the thin walls may flex outward under pressure created by the debris expanding the opening to allow the debris to exit the footwear. Similarly, flexible materials may be selected for the foot bed 120 to allow the opening walls to stretch to accommodate the passage of debris. In other examples, the geometry of the opening or opening construction may permit the opening to deform to allow debris to pass. For example, for debris having a larger longitudinal dimension than the opening, the pressure on opening from debris may cause the opening stretch longitudinally while compressing laterally altering its configuration to allow the debris to pass. In these examples, openings that are smaller than the debris encountered by the wearer may be suitable for evacuating debris based on the ability of the opening to deform and stretch to allow the debris to pass. The following description provides examples of different configurations and materials for foot bed 120 and, also shows several examples of opening sizes that facilitate debris passing through foot bed 120. These examples are not limiting.
The size of opening 125 may be considered in terms of its major dimension, area or mesh value. For example, opening 125 may have a major dimension of at least 0.5 cm to facilitate passage of debris therethrough. In another example, opening 125 may have an area of greater than about 1 mm²to suitably evacuate debris. According to other examples, opening 125 has an area of about 1 mm²to about 5 cm². According to still another example, opening 125 has as an area of about 2 mm²to about 40 mm². Alternatively, opening sizes may be constructed based on a mesh number suitable for allowing debris to pass. For example, a mesh of about 1 to about 10 may be suitable for allowing particles having a major dimension from about 10 mm to about 2 mm to pass through the openings 125.
In the example depicted in FIGS. 1-3, openings 125 have an area of about 4 mm²to about 8 mm². With reference to FIGS. 3-4, footwear 100 having an alternative footbed 220 is shown. In this example, footbed 220, which will be described more completely below, has various sized openings ranging from 2 mm²to about 40 mm².
With reference to FIGS. 6A-6B, another example of a footbed 320 is shown having openings having an area from about 4 mm²to about 25 mm². In this example, the openings 325 are in a grid-like pattern and only the openings at the margins of the pattern have reduced areas due to the shape of the footbed. The openings 325 underlying the central area of the sole are generally 5 mm×5 mm square openings having an area of about 25 mm².
FIGS. 7-10 show yet another example with a footbed 420 having openings 425 formed from a rectangular mesh of longitudinal and lateral extending fibers (best shown in FIG. 9) defining regularly sized openings 425 having an area of about 25 mm².
Another example is depicted in FIG. 11 having a footbed 520 formed from a fiber mesh defining square openings between the longitudinal and lateral fibers. The openings 525 in this example are approximately 4 mm×4 mm and have an area of about 16 mm².
Still another example is shown in FIG. 12 where the footbed 620 is formed from webbing. The openings 625 in this example have an area from about 4 mm²to about 20 mm². According to examples herein, not all openings within a footbed 120 need to be configured to remove debris as smaller openings are useful in evacuating liquids such as water. Openings smaller than those provided in the examples for the purpose of removing debris may be included to facilitate drainage of liquid or for aesthetic purposes. The shape and configuration of openings 125 may be varied according to the imagination of the designer for aesthetic purposes. As depicted in the examples, various sized openings may be used to contribute to the aesthetic of the footbed. Also, a number of opening shapes including but not limited to regular polygons, irregular polygons, recognizable non-polygon shapes, such as clover, hearts, stars, letters, numbers, words etc., and amorphous shapes may be used. The shapes may be varied within a single footbed. The examples shown are not limiting.
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, footwear 100 may also include an outer sole 130 extending downward relative to the footbed 120. The outer sole 130 supporting at least a portion of the footbed. Outer sole 130 may be located near or at the perimeter 123 of footbed 120 as shown. Outer sole 130 as an upper surface 131 that may contact at least a portion of footbed 120 to support footbed 120. The lower surface of outer sole 130 may be a ground contacting surface 132 as shown. In the example, outer sole 130 attaches to at least a portion of footbed 120. The outer sole 130 and footbed may be attached by at least one of an adhesive, a weld, a bond, a fastener, a stitchinig, or strung through holes as shown. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-3, footbed 120 and outer sole 130 attach at a side wall by stringing the lateral and longitudinal members through the sidewall at the perimeter 123 of footbed 120. In other examples, lower surface of footbed 120 and upper surface of outer sole 130 are attached to each other by an adhesive, weld or bond.
As depicted in the additional figures, the outer sole may have a variety of shapes and configurations limited only by the imagination of the designer. The examples depicted herein are not limiting. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, outer sole 130 may comprise a frame 134 supporting the perimeter 123 of footbed 120 and defining a central opening or channel 135. As shown, frame 134 may include a cross-member 136 that connects opposite sides of frame 134 extending through channel 135. Frame 134 may be made of a single unitary member or multiple members. In the example, cross-member 136 spans frame 134 at an arch portion of footbed 120 dividing channel 135 into a forefoot portion 135A and a heel portion 135B.
With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, upper surface 131 of outer sole 130 may be somewhat concave extending upward at its outer edge to form a sidewall 133. In the example, frame 134 includes an upper land that forms the upper surface 131 of outer sole 130. Upper land is spaced from a lower land or base 137 by at least one truss-like member 138. In the example, truss-like member 138 includes a first leg 138A and a second leg 138B that extend outward as the extend downward from upper surface 131. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, frame 134 may include a further truss support 139 extending from first leg 138A to second leg 138B. First and second legs of truss-like member 138 may be supported on base 137.
As depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C and 3, the height h of outer sole 130 may vary along the longitudinal axis A_lo. In the example, the height of outer sole at heel portion (h_C) is greater than the height h_Aat forefoot portion. The cross-section of frame 134 varies accordingly with the change in height in the example shown. The variation in the cross-section is more apparent in the truss-like member 138 where the angle of inclination of at least the second leg 138B changes from the forefoot portion to heel portion. In the example, the angle of second leg 138B relative to base 137 increases from forefoot portion to heel portion. A slight increase in the angle of first leg 138A relative to base 137 from forefoot portion to heel portion is also present in the example. Such variation in height causes a change in cross-section of truss-like member 138 in the example. The cross section of frame and truss-like member also may be varied in terms of the upper surface 131 of outer sole 130. The degree of concavity may be varied to increase or decrease the height of sidewall 133 as shown. For example, at the forefoot portion sidewall 133 is low and the concavity of upper surface 131 is shallow (FIG. 1A). At the arch portion (FIG. 1B), the sidewall 133 extends upward to a greater extent than forefoot portion resulting in a cross-section with greater concavity. Heel portion (FIG. 1C) may have even greater concavity resulting from a higher sidewall than both forefoot and arch portions. These examples are not however limiting as the sidewall height and concavity may be varied in other manners or remain constant along the longitudinal axis. With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, the shape of upper surface 131 may vary from one side of outer sole to the other as well resulting in further variation in the concavity of upper surface 131 and the cross-section of frame 134.
As shown, outer sole includes a ground contacting surface 132 opposite the footbed 120, which may be integrally formed with frame 134 or attached thereto. In the example, ground contacting surface 132 is attached to base 137 of frame 134. Ground contacting surface 132 may be constructed of a different material than frame 134. To provide greater traction, ground contacting surface 132 may be constructed of a softer material to improve conformity, a material with a suitable friction coefficient, or ground surface may include additional traction elements that are formed integrally or attached to ground contacting surface to improve traction or provide other desired characteristics. For example, ground contacting surface 132 may include a rubber layer that has a tread T molded thereon. The tread T may have any shape or pattern and include positive surfaces, such as ribs, blocks or other projections that extend outward from outer sole 130 to engage a supporting surface. Alternatively, tread T may include negative surfaces, i.e. inwardly extending surfaces, such as grooves, recesses or channels.
The outer sole 130 defines at least one channel 135 (FIG. 2), where the channel 135 extends from the footbed 120 and opens outward of the footwear 100. At least one of the plural openings 125 in footbed 120 communicates with the channel 135. In this way, liquid and debris passing through an opening 125 in communication with channel 135 may exit the footwear 100 via channel 135. In the examples shown, channel 135 opens outward of footwear 100 adjacent to ground contacting surface 132 of outer sole 130. It will be understood that a channel 135 may be formed to open outward of footwear at another location, such as, for example at a side of outer sole 130.
Footwear 100 may also include an upper 140 attached to at least one of the footbed 120 and outer sole 130, the upper 140 defining a foot receiving opening 145 over the footbed 120. In general, at least a portion of upper 140 overlies the wearer's foot F to support the footwear 100 on the foot F. As noted, upper 140 may have a variety of shapes and configurations. Several examples are provided in the figures, but these examples are not limiting. With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 4-5, upper 140 includes a y-shaped strap 142 having an end 144 that attaches to at least one of the footbed 120 or outer sole 130. End 144, when worn, may pass between the first and second toes of the wearer's foot. Strap 142 also includes portions 146,147 that extend laterally outward relative to end and attach to at least one of the footbed and outer sole near the perimeter 123 of footbed 120. When worn, portions 146, 147 wrap around both sides of the foot F. In the example shown, portions 146,147 extend rearward as they extend laterally outward from end 144 to overlie the foot rearward of the toes. Portions 146,147 attach to outer sole 130 at a sidewall 133 thereof near the center C of footwear 100.
With reference to FIGS. 1-3, footbed 120 is constructed from multiple members. In this example, footbed 120 includes threads or fibers 126 that are laced through a sidewall 133 of outer sole 130 as best shown in FIG. 3. In the example, the fibers 126 extend laterally and longitudinally to form a grid-like footbed 120 having plural rectangular opening 125. It will be understood that fibers 126 may be threaded in other directions to provide different patterns of openings 125 within footbed 120.
With reference to FIGS. 4-5, an alternate footbed 220 is shown. Footbed 220 is a unitary member with openings 125 formed in it. For example, footbed 220 may be formed from a sheet of material and stamped or otherwise cut to form holes therein. Alternatively, footbed 220 may be formed in a mold. In the depicted example, footbed 220 is a constructed from a polymer material, such as EVA, formed in a mold with a desired pattern of openings 225 therein. As discussed previously, the mesh, major dimension or are of openings 225 may be varied across the footbed as shown. In the example, footbed 225 includes a forefoot portion 227 and a heel portion 228 that communicate with corresponding regions 135A,135B of channel 135 defined by outer sole 130. As shown, channel 135 is located inward of perimeter 223 of footbed due to the thickness of the upper surface of outer sole 130. Openings 225 within footbed 220 located over channel 135 may vary in size and shape as shown. In the example, larger openings 225 are provided in the forefoot portion 227 and heel portion 228 to facilitate the passage of debris in these areas. An arch portion 229 of footbed 220 may have smaller openings since the intimate contact between the ball and heel of the foot F at these portions cause greater discomfort when debris is trapped therein.
The outer sole of footwear 100 depicted in FIGS. 4-5 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3 and like numbers have been used to identify like components.
With reference to FIGS. 6A-6B, additional examples are shown. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, footbed 320 generally includes a leather member that has had plural rectangular openings 325 formed therein.
With reference to FIG. 6A, footbed 320 includes at least one flap 355 extending laterally outward therefrom to facilitate attachment of upper 340 to footbed 320. In the example, upper 340 includes a Y-shaped strap 342 similar to the one shown in FIGS. 1-5. Side portions 346,347 may be stitched to corresponding flaps 355 extending from footbed 320 as shown. As a further alternative, strap 342 may include a toebed 356 extending from end 344 and stitched to the footbed 320. In this embodiment, toebed 356 may cover openings in the footbed, or, as shown, footbed 320 may be solid underneath toebed 356.
With further reference to FIG. 6A, the outer sole 330 may be attached to the periphery as shown in previous examples defining an interior channel beneath openings 325. As an alternative to previous examples, outer sole 330 omits the truss-like member and includes only a tread layer attached directly to footbed 320.
FIG. 6B shows another example similar to FIG. 6A. This example has an outer sole 330 that includes a solid cushioning layer 360 between footbed 320 and tread T. Cushioning layer 360 may be constructed of any material suitable for footwear including natural materials such as paper based products, cork, or leather products; polymer products such as a thermoplastic synthetic resin foam including but not limited to an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA); thermosetting resin foam including but not limited to a polyurethane (PU), rubber foam, butadiene or chloroprene rubber. With the additional cushioning layer 360, outer sole 330B in FIG. 6B is thicker than outer sole 330 in FIG. 6A. The example in FIG. 6B includes another type of upper that includes plural straps, generally indicated at 365, that engage the forefoot and heel of the wearer. Straps 365 may extend through slots 366 in footbed 320 to attach to outer sole 330B. Straps 365 may include a pair of crossed forefoot straps 367,368 that define an opening at the forefoot portion of footbed that receives the toes of the foot therethrough. A first heel strap 371 and a second heel strap 372 may be provided at the rear of the footbed to define an opening for receiving the heel of the foot F. First heel strap 371 may extend in front of the heel and over the foot while second heel strap 372 extends rearward from first heel strap 371 and around the back of the ankle above the heel. As shown, the heel straps 371, 372 may be attached to forefoot straps by one or more sidestraps 369.
FIGS. 7-10 footwear 100 having a footbed 420 according to another example. In this example, footbed 420 is constructed of a contoured pad that is thicker at the heel and tapers inward toward the toe of footpad 420. Footpad 420 defines a rectangular opening 425 rearward of toe portion of footbed 420. Opening 425 may be further divided into smaller openings by a screen-like insert 475 that is attached to or molded within footbed 420.
In this example, outer sole 430 includes plural tread blocks 480 that are located to support footbed 420. For example, outer sole 430 may include a pair of heel blocks 481, a pair of arch blocks 482, and a pair of toe blocks 483. In the example the blocks are spaced laterally from each other to define a channel 435 that extends the entire length of footbed 420. An upper surface 431 of blocks 480 provides support to footbed 420 and may be attached to footbed 420 as described in earlier examples. The ground contacting surface 432 may be formed as in earlier embodiments to improve traction and may include a tread T as shown. In the example, blocks 480 are located at perimeter 423 of footbed to define a channel 435 that communicates with opening 425. As best shown in FIG. 7, a portion of blocks 480 may cover a portion of opening 425. As in other examples, the shape of outer sole 430 may be contoured for aesthetic purposes according to the imagination of the designer. The pairs of blocks may also be spaced longitudinally from each other to create more flex in the area between the heel and arch, and between the arch and toe. Upper 440 may be attached to footbed 420 or outer sole 430 as described in earlier examples. Alternatively, as shown, upper 440 may be formed integrally with outer sole 430. In the example, upper 440 includes plural upper members, generally indicated at 490, that extend upward from blocks 480. For example, each heel block 481; arch block 482; and toe block 483 may correspondingly include a heel upper member 491; arch upper member 492; and toe upper member 493. Upper 440 may also include a lip 494 formed extending upward from the forward end of toe blocks 483.
Upper 440 may further include a heel strap assembly 495 that attaches to heel upper members 491 to define an opening for receiving the ankle of the wearer. Heel strap assembly 495 may include a first strap that extends over the foot just forward of the ankle and a second strap that extends rearward from the first strap to go around the back of the ankle above the heel. A forefoot strap 496 may attach to at least one of the arch upper members 492 and toe upper members 493 to define an opening to receive the toes therethrough and engage the upper part of the forefoot.
FIG. 11 shows footwear 100 according to another example. In this example, a screen-like footbed 520 is provided. The screen-like footbed defines plural openings 525. Outer sole 530 includes a generally vertical wall that surrounds the perimeter of footbed 520. A portion of wall may extend above the plane of footbed 520 such that upper surface 531 of outer sole 530 is above footbed 520. The wall of outer sole 530 defines a channel 535 below footbed 520 that communicates with openings 525. Debris may pass through openings to fall into channel 535. Outer sole 530 includes a ground contacting surface 532 at the lower edge of wall. In the example, ground contacting surface 532 is formed by tread elements 536 that are attached to the lower edge of wall. Tread elements 536 may be divided into heel, arch and toe portions as shown and separated by a first gap and a second gap. Alternatively, a continuous tread element may be used. In the example, the tread elements 536 are located at the periphery of outer sole 530 leaving channel open to atmosphere and allowing debris to exist from the bottom of footwear 100. It will be understood that the thickness of outer sole 530 or tread elements 536 may be varied to cover or enclose channel 535 beneath footbed 520.
An upper 540 is attached to at least one of footbed 520 and outer sole 530. Upper 540 may have any configuration including those shown in other examples. In the example shown, upper 540 includes a first strap 567 and a second strap 568 that are attached to the outer side of outer sole 530 and crossed over each other in a generally x-shape to define an opening for receiving the wearer's foot.
With reference to FIG. 12, another example of footwear 100 is shown. This example is similar to the example shown in FIG. 11. It has a generally rectangular shape including a footbed 620 that is formed from plural straps 601 that are configured in a loose weave. The weave W defines openings 625 between the straps. Outer sole 630 may plural slots S near the upper surface 631 to facilitate use of straps to form footbed 620. In the example, slots S are formed evenly spaced around the periphery of outer sole 630 to receive longitudinal and lateral straps. Outer sole 630 may further include a cushion layer 602 between upper surface 631 and ground contacting surface 623. A firmer tread layer 604 may underlie cushion layer 602 and define ground contacting surface 623. As in other examples, ground contacting surface may be made from materials that improve traction or include surface characteristics to improve traction including but not limited to a tread T as shown.
Outer sole 630 is formed to support the perimeter 623 of footbed 620, and defines a channel 635 inward of perimeter 623. As shown, the straps forming footbed 620 may sag into channel 635. Openings 625 within footbed 620 allow liquid and debris to pass therethrough and exit footwear 100 via channel 635. For sake of simplicity, an upper is not shown in FIG. 12. It will be understood that any upper from earlier examples may be attached to at least one of footbed 620 and outer sole 630 in this example to define an opening for receiving the foot of a wear and supporting the footwear on the foot.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

A footwear comprising a foot bed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length and a width, the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the footbed defining plural openings therethrough; an outer sole extending downward relative to the footbed, the outer sole supporting at least a portion of the footbed; the outer sole having a ground contacting surface opposite the footbed, wherein the outer sole defines a channel, the channel extending from the ground contacting surface to the footbed, wherein at least one of the plural opening communicates with the channel; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening over the footbed.

Example 2

A footwear of example 1, wherein the at least one opening has an area of 1 mm²to about 5 cm².

Example 3

A footwear of example 1, wherein the at least one opening has a mesh of at least 1 and no greater than 10.

Example 4

The footwear of example 1, wherein the at least one opening has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm.

Example 5

A footwear of example 1, wherein the footbed includes a screen formed from longitudinal and members defining the at least one opening therebetween.

Example 6

A footwear of example 5, wherein the longitudinal and lateral members are woven together.

Example 7

A footwear of example 5, wherein the longitudinal and lateral members are formed from a polymer.

Example 8

A footwear of example 1, wherein the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening, where the first opening and second opening have a different configuration relative to each other.

Example 9

A footwear of example 1, the outer sole is located below the perimeter of the footbed and wherein the channel is located inward of the perimeter.

Example 10

A footwear of example 1, wherein the outer sole includes a frame having a truss-like member including a first leg and a second leg extending upward from a base to support an upper surface of the outer sole.

Example 11

The foot wear of example 10, wherein the first leg extends at an angle relative to the base, and wherein the angle increases relative to the base from a forefoot portion of the frame to a heel portion of the frame.

Example 12

The footwear of example 10, wherein the outer sole includes a sidewall extending upward to form a concave upper surface above supported on the frame, wherein the height of the sidewall at a heel portion of the frame is greater than the height of the sidewall at a forefoot portion of the frame.

Example 13

The footwear of example 10, wherein the outer sole includes a tread attached to the base of the frame.

Example 14

The footwear of example 1, wherein the ground contacting surface has a tread.

Example 15

A footwear of example 1, wherein the upper includes at least one strap attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole.

Example 16

A footwear of example 1, wherein the upper includes a y-shaped strap including an end extending downward to contact the footbed at a toe portion therof, and a first strap portion and a second strap portion extending laterally outward relative to the end and attaching to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole rearward of the end near the perimeter of the footbed.

Example 17

A footwear of example 16, wherein the footwear further comprises a toe pad covering a portion of the footbed adjacent to the end.

Example 18

The footwear of example 1, wherein the outer sole includes a cushioning layer and a traction layer.

Example 19

A footwear comprising a footbed defining plural openings, wherein at least one of the plural openings has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm; an outer sole in supporting relation to the footbed, the outer sole defining a channel that communicates with the opening; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening.

Example 20

A footwear comprising a footbed including a layer of polymer material defining plural openings, wherein at least one of the plural openings has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm; the footbed defining a perimeter; an outer sole including an upper surface and a ground contacting surface, wherein the ground contacting surface is spaced from the upper surface and located beneath the footbed; the outer sole being in supporting relation to the perimeter of the footbed; the outer sole defining a channel inward of the perimeter and beneath the footbed; wherein the channel open upward to communicate with the plural openings and outward adjacent to the ground contacting surface of the outer sole; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening.

Claims

1. A footwear comprising:

a foot bed having an upper surface and a lower surface, the footbed having a length, a width, and a perimeter; the footbed having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis;

wherein the footbed defines at least one opening therethrough;

an outer sole extending downward relative to the footbed, the outer sole supporting at least a portion of the footbed;

the outer sole having a ground contacting surface opposite the footbed;

wherein the outer sole defines a channel, the channel extending from the ground contacting surface to the footbed, and wherein the at least one opening communicates with the channel; and

an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening over the footbed.

2. A footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening has an area of 1 mm²to about 5 cm².

3. A footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening has a mesh of at least 1 and no greater than 10.

4. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm.

5. A footwear of claim 1, wherein the footbed includes a screen formed from longitudinal and members defining the at least one opening therebetween.

6. A footwear of claim 5, wherein the longitudinal and lateral members are woven together.

7. A footwear of claim 5, wherein the longitudinal and lateral members are formed from a polymer.

8. A footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening, where the first opening and second opening have a different configuration relative to each other.

9. A footwear of claim 1, the outer sole is located below the perimeter of the footbed and wherein the channel is located inward of the perimeter.

10. A footwear of claim 1, wherein the outer sole includes a frame having a truss-like member including a first leg and a second leg extending upward from a base to support an upper surface of the outer sole.

11. The foot wear of claim 10, wherein the first leg extends at an angle relative to the base, and wherein the angle increases relative to the base from a forefoot portion of the frame to a heel portion of the frame.

12. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the outer sole includes a sidewall extending upward to form a concave upper surface above supported on the frame, wherein the height of the sidewall at a heel portion of the frame is greater than the height of the sidewall at a forefoot portion of the frame.

13. The footwear of claim 10, wherein the outer sole includes a tread attached to the base of the frame.

14. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the ground contacting surface has a tread.

15. A footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper includes at least one strap attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole.

16. A footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper includes a y-shaped strap including an end extending downward to contact the footbed at a toe portion therof, and a first strap portion and a second strap portion extending laterally outward relative to the end and attaching to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole rearward of the end near the perimeter of the footbed.

17. A footwear of claim 16, wherein the footwear further comprises a toe pad covering a portion of the footbed adjacent to the end.

18. The footwear of claim 1, wherein the outer sole includes a cushioning layer and a traction layer.

19. A footwear comprising: a footbed defining plural openings, wherein at least one of the plural openings has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm; an outer sole in supporting relation to the footbed, the outer sole defining a channel that communicates with the opening; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening.

20. A footwear comprising: a footbed including a layer of polymer material defining plural openings, wherein at least one of the plural openings has a major dimension greater than 0.5 cm; the footbed defining a perimeter; an outer sole including an upper surface and a ground contacting surface, wherein the ground contacting surface is spaced from the upper surface and located beneath the footbed; the outer sole being in supporting relation to the perimeter of the footbed; the outer sole defining a channel inward of the perimeter and beneath the footbed; wherein the channel open upward to communicate with the plural openings and outward adjacent to the ground contacting surface of the outer sole; and an upper attached to at least one of the footbed and the outer sole, the upper defining a foot receiving opening.