Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to footwear. The footwear comprising a sole able to be located under the foot of a user, the sole having three holes passing through the sole and a front channel and first and second rear channels formed in an underside of the sole. The footwear also consists of a strap able to locate the sole under the foot of a user, the strap having three plugs; and wherein each of the three holes in the sole are aligned with respective channels so as to allow the three respective plugs to pass through each respective hole to be located in each of the respective channels to secure the strap to the sole.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to footwear. In particular, the invention relates to footwear including flip-flops, sandals, slippers, scuffs and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It should be noted that reference to the prior art herein is not to be taken as an acknowledgement that such prior art constitutes common general knowledge in the art. 
         [0003]    Flip flops are one of the most common types of sandals, where two ends of a Y-shaped strap are attached to the sole of the sandal on the opposite sides of the sole where a wearers foot would rest, with the two ends intersecting at a thong or toe piece extending from the sole for placement between the big or first toe and the second toe of the wearers feet. This configuration of sandal straps contributes to the common name of “flip-flops” due to the slapping of the sole against the heel that occurs while walking. 
         [0004]    Flip-flops are a very popular form of footwear due to their ease of placement and removal on a person&#39;s foot. Historically, flip-flops have been used as casual wear, especially in warmer climates. However, in recent times, flip-flops have become an essential footwear fashion item with a variety of different patterns, styles and colours being used to enhance the visual characteristics of flip-flops. 
         [0005]    In order to produce a flip-flop, three holes are normally located through the sole with circular recesses located on the underside of the sole adjacent each of the holes. The strap has a central portion and two side portions with an end of each of the portions terminating in a circular head. The heads are forced through respective holes and are located within the circular recesses to hold the strap and the sole together. 
         [0006]    The problem with the manufacture of a flip-flop is that it is relatively difficult to pull the circular heads through the respective holes in the sole. A special tool must be used and considerable physical strength is required. Also, in general use, the circular heads can be pulled through the holes leaving an individual to try and force the circular head back through the hole without the use of the tool. 
         [0007]    It has also been proposed in the past to manufacture sandals and shoes with interchangeable and removable elements, but these prior art devices are normally quite complicated and difficult to provide for the interlocking of the elements 
         [0008]    Clearly it would be advantageous if footwear could be devised that helped to at least ameliorate some of the shortcomings described above or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a footwear comprising: a sole able to be located under the foot of a user, the sole having three holes passing through the sole; a front channel and first and second rear channels formed in an underside of the sole; a strap able to locate the sole under the foot of a user, the strap having three plugs; and wherein each of the three holes in the sole are aligned with respective channels so as to allow the three respective plugs to pass through each respective hole to be located in each of the respective channels to secure the strap to the sole. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the strap may be of unitary construction. The strap and three plugs connected to the strap may be formed integrally with the strap. The three plugs and three channels may be shaped and sized such that the three plugs sit flush with the underside of the sole when located in respective channels. Alternatively, the three channels and the three plugs may have complementary size and shape such that the three plugs are frictionally retained in the three channels. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the strap may include at least two side portions. The two side portions may be connected to the front plug and the respective rear plugs. The strap may be formed by a pair of side portions which join to form a central portion. Preferably, the plugs may be tapered so as to allow the plugs to be threaded through their respective holes. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the front plug when located in said front channel may extend partially across the width of the sole. The first rear plug and second rear plug when located in said channels may extend partially along the length of the sole. 
         [0013]    Preferably, each plug may have two sections equally spaced either side of a central portion. Alternatively, each plug may have two sections unequally spaced either side of a central portion. Further alternatively, each plug may have two sections which are formed at an angle with respect to a central portion. Preferably, the two sections may form an apex at the central portion. Each plug may have a long section and a short section. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for assembling footwear, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a strap comprising a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, each plug having a first section and a second section; b) providing a sole comprising a front hole, a first rear hole, a second rear hole, a front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel, wherein the channels are on an underside of the sole; c) inserting the first sections of each of the plugs through the respective holes of a topside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through; d) locating each of the plugs into their respective channels such that the plugs are flush with the underside of the sole. 
         [0015]    In accordance with a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method for disassembling footwear, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing an assembled footwear comprising a strap which further comprises: a front plug, a first rear plug and a second rear plug, each having a first section and a second section; a sole comprising a front hole, a first rear hole, a second rear hole, a front channel, a first rear channel and a second rear channel, wherein the channels are on an underside of the sole; b) removing the plugs from their respective channels; and c) inserting the second sections of each of plugs through their respective holes of an underside of the sole until each of the plugs pass completely through, disengaging the strap from the sole. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    An embodiment of the invention, by way of example only, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in the form of an assembled flip-flop; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows a bottom plan view of the footwear according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows a top perspective view of a sole of the footwear according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows a top perspective view of a strap of the footwear according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention in the form of a flip-flop; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  shows a top perspective view of a strap of the footwear according to  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0023]    The following description, given by way of example only, is described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1 to 4  show views of an embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop  10 . The figures show variations of both a left foot flip flop in  FIG. 2  and a right foot flip flop in  FIGS. 1 and 3 .  FIG. 4  shows the strap  30  for the flip flop  10 .  FIG. 1  shows the assembled flip flop  10  having a sole  20  and a strap  30 . 
         [0025]    The sole  20  is shaped in a standard sole shape. However, it should be appreciated that the sole may be formed in any number of different shapes and sizes. It should also be appreciated that the materials used for the sole can include any standard material that is currently used on footwear, such as rubber, cork and a variety of plastics. 
         [0026]    The sole  20  is formed from a main body that has a top side  22  and an underside  23 . A front channel  24  extends partially along the width of the underside  23  of the sole  20 . A front hole  26  extends through the top side  22  of the sole  20  through to the underside  23  of the sole  20 . The front hole  26  is rectangular in shape and is positioned so that the front hole  26  is in alignment with the front channel  24 . It should be appreciated, however, that the front hole  26  may form any suitable shape, such as square or circular. 
         [0027]    The strap  30  as shown in  FIG. 4  is formed from two side portions  31  which are joined to form a central portion  32 . Rear plugs  48 ,  50  extend from one end of either side portion  31 . A front plug  34  is connected to and located adjacent an end of the central portion  32 . Both the front plug  34  and rear plugs  48 ,  50  are shaped and sized to commensurate with the respective front channel  24  and rear channels  40 ,  42  of the sole  20 . The strap  30  is integrally formed. That is, the strap  30  is unitary in construction. Accordingly, any suitable material can be used, including rubber or plastics such as polyurethane. The strap  30  of  FIG. 4  comprises a first rear plug  48  and a second rear plug  50 . Both the first rear plug  48  and second rear plug  50  are similar in both size and shape to the front plug  34 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a front channel  24  which partially extends along the width of the underside  23  of the sole  20 . The front plug  34  comprises a long section  35  and a short section  36 . The long section  35  and the short section  36  are tapered to allow the front plug  34  to be easily threaded through front hole  26 . 
         [0029]    The long section  35  and the short section  36  intersect at a central portion  32 , the sections  35 ,  36  forming an angle with the central portion  32  and extending away from the central portion  32 . It should be appreciated, however, that the long section  35  and the short section  36  may not form an angle at the intersection of the long section  35  and the short section  36 . 
         [0030]    A first rear channel  40  is located adjacent to a first side  49  and a second rear channel  42  adjacent to a second side  51  extend essentially parallel to the long axis of the sole  20  and along the underside  23  of the sole  20 . It should be appreciated that the two rear channels  40  and  42  need not be essentially parallel to the long axis of the sole  20 , but should be configured on the underside  23  such that the two rear channels  40  and  42  do not intersect. In this embodiment a long section  43  of the first rear channel  40  is adjacent to a short section  47  of the second rear channel  42 . Further a short section  41  of the first rear channel  40  is adjacent to a long section  45  of the second rear channel  42 . This configuration provides a means to separate the two channels  40  and  42  maximally. 
         [0031]    In order to assemble a flip-flop  10 , the front plug  34  is placed within the front hole  26  in the sole  20 . The front plug  34  is then pulled through the front hole  26 . As the front plug  34  is pulled through the front hole  26 , a part of the central portion  32  will also be pulled through the front hole  26 . Once the front plug  34  is pulled entirely through the front hole  26 , the front plug  34  is located within the front channel  24 . The method of engagement of the rear plugs  48  and  50  with the channels  40  and  42  is the same as described above for the front plug  34  engaging with front channel  24 . The rear plugs  48  and  50  are inserted into their respective channels through respective holes, a first rear hole  44  and a second rear hole  46 , in the sole  20 . The rear plugs  48  and  50  comprise long sections  58  and  60  respectively and short sections  56  and  62  respectively. Both rear plugs  48  and  50  of the strap  30  are shaped complimentarily to the rear channels  40  and  42  to provide a means for engagement for the rear plugs  48  and  50  to the rear channels  40  and  42  of the sole  20 . 
         [0032]    In order to remove the strap  30  from the sole  20 , the steps are simply followed in reverse. For example, removal is achieved by reversing the assembly method but by inserting short sections  36 ,  56 ,  62  through holes  26 ,  44 ,  46  and pushing until the plugs  34 ,  48 ,  50  disengage from the sole  20 . 
         [0033]    To facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the flip flop  10  the long sections  35 ,  58  and  60  may be labeled “IN” indicating to a user that the long section is used to insert the plugs  34 ,  48  and  50 . Likewise, the short sections  36 ,  56 ,  62  may be labeled “OUT” indicating to the user that this end is threaded first to dissemble the flip-flop  10 . The short sections and the long sections on the plugs makes the flip-flop  10  easier to assemble and disassemble. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5 and 6  show views of a further embodiment of footwear in the form of a flip-flop. Like the previous embodiment the sole  20  is shaped in a standard sole shape and formed from a main body that has a top side  22  and an underside  23 . A front channel  24  extends partially along the width of the underside  23  of the sole  20 . A front hole  26  extends through the top side  22  of the sole  20  through to the underside  23  of the sole  20 . The front hole  26  is rectangular in shape and is positioned so that the front hole  26  is in alignment with the front channel  24 . It should be appreciated, however, that the front hole  26  may form any suitable shape, such as square or circular. 
         [0035]    The strap  30  as shown in  FIG. 6  is formed from two side portions  31  which are joined to form a central portion  32 . Rear plugs  48 ,  50  extend from one end of either side portion  31 . A front plug  34  is connected to and located adjacent an end of the central portion  32 . Both the front plug  34  and rear plugs  48 ,  50  are shaped and sized to commensurate with the respective front channel  24  and rear channels  40 ,  42  of the sole  20 . The strap  30  is integrally formed. That is, the strap  30  is unitary in construction. Accordingly, any suitable material can be used, including rubber or plastics such as polyurethane. The strap  30  of  FIG. 4  comprises a first rear plug  48  and a second rear plug  50 . Both the first rear plug  48  and second rear plug  50  are similar in both size and shape to the front plug  34 . 
         [0036]    In the present embodiment the front plug  34  when located in the front channel  24  extends partially across the width of the sole  20 . Likewise the first and second rear plugs  48 ,  50  when located in their respective rear channels  40 ,  42  extend partially along the length of the sole  20  and adjacent to their respective sides  49 ,  51  of the sole  20 . In  FIG. 6  each plug  48 ,  50  consist of two sections  56 ,  58  and  60 ,  62  which are equally spaced either side of a central portion  52 ,  54 . Alternatively, each plug  48 ,  50  may consist of two sections  56 ,  58  and  60 ,  62  which are unequally spaced either side of a central portion  52 ,  54 . That is the portions  56 ,  58  and  60 ,  62  may be of different lengths on either side of the central portions  52 ,  54 . 
         [0037]    In order to disassemble and assemble the flip flop, the same process is used as was explained above for the previous embodiment. 
       ADVANTAGES 
       [0038]    The advantage of the footwear embodiments described above is that the strap  30  can be placed within a sole  20  very easily. This allows for quicker assembly time. Further, as the strap can also be removed from the sole quickly without the use of tools, different straps are able to be used with different soles to create a variety of different looks. It will also be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the scope of the invention. 
       VARIATIONS 
       [0039]    It will be realized that the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example only and that all other modifications and variations as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth. 
         [0040]    In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.