Patent Publication Number: US-2016242504-A1

Title: Footwear assembley and associated method

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from Australian patent application no. 2014100247, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to a footwear assembly. More specifically, the invention relates to a footwear assembly having a wearable footwear part or article and a detachable sole part, and an associated method of use. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Footwear such as boots and slippers often have a hardened rubber sole so as to allow the boots and slippers to be worn outside and protect the feet of a user wearing the footwear. A problem with this type of footwear is that the hardened rubber sole makes the boots and slippers relatively inflexible and the hardened rubber sole may cause damage to surfaces such as, for example, carpet or wooden floors of a house. Another problem is that the hardened rubber sole also makes the boots and slippers somewhat uncomfortable to wear if worn to bed or whilst seated or lying on furniture such as a couch. 
     If the boots or slippers are worn outside then the hardened rubber sole may become dirty. Accordingly, a user either needs to remove the boots or slippers before re-entering the house or clean the hardened rubber sole. A problem with removing or cleaning the boots or slippers is the inconvenience to the user. 
     Alternatively, the user may need to remove the boots or slippers prior to walking outside and perhaps change into a second pair of outside footwear before walking outside. A problem with changing footwear is that the user requires the second pair of outside footwear to be available and changing footwear is inconvenient. 
     The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with a first main aspect there is provided, a footwear assembly including a wearable footwear article and a detachable sole, wherein the fixed sole and the detachable sole each carry two magnetic elements, and wherein the two magnetic elements are of differing polarities and are arranged such that placement of the fixed sole proximate to the detachable sole draws the detachable sole into abutment with the fixed sole in a preferred orientation with a toe end and a heal end of the detachable sole being aligned with a respective toe end and a heal end of the fixed sole. 
     In one aspect, the two magnetic elements of the fixed sole include a first magnetic element located toward the toe end, and a second magnetic element located toward the heal end. 
     In another aspect, the detachable sole part includes a top side arranged to fit with the fixed sole and a ground engaging underside, wherein the two magnetic elements of the detachable sole include a third magnetic element located toward the toe end and a fourth magnetic element is located toward the heal end so as to correspond with the first and second magnetic elements of the fixed. 
     In yet another aspect, the first and second magnetic elements are disposed adjacent to or at an underside of the fixed sole portion. 
     In yet another aspect, the third and fourth magnetic elements of the detachable sole are disposed adjacent to or at an underside of the detachable sole. 
     In yet another aspect, the first and second magnetic elements are of different polarity to each other, and wherein the third and fourth magnetic elements are of a different polarity to each other such that the detachable sole and fixed sole are coupled to one another in the preferred orientation. 
     In yet another aspect, the detachable sole includes a rim at least partially skirting the top side such that the detachable sole at least partially receives and locates with the fixed sole in an attached condition. 
     In yet another aspect, the rim substantially skirts and the top side. 
     In yet another aspect, the heal end of the detachable sole is dimensioned to extend outwardly relative to the heal end of the fixed sole. 
     In yet another aspect, the heal end of the detachable sole includes a projection shaped to allow hands free detachment of the detachable sole. 
     The footwear assembly according to claim  10 , wherein the projection is wedge shaped and tapers outwardly from the top side to the ground engaging underside of detachable sole. 
     In yet another aspect, the detachable sole part includes an actuable part extending from the heal end of the detachable sole, the actuable part being adapted to assist with detachment of the detachable sole. 
     In yet another aspect, the actuable part is provided in the form of a claspable tab. 
     In yet another aspect, the two magnetic elements are each relatively flat plate structures. 
     In yet another aspect, the two magnetic elements are sufficiently attractive to lift the detachable sole from a ground surface into abutment with the fixed sole within a distance of about less 30 mm. 
     In yet another aspect, the wearable footwear part or article is at least one of a boot, shoe, sock or slipper. 
     In yet another aspect, each of the removable sole and fixed sole carry more than two magnetic elements. 
     In accordance with a second main aspect there is provided, a method of releasable attachment of a removable sole with a wearable footwear article having a fixed sole, the method including the steps of: placing the fixed sole at a distance above the removable sole, the distance being sufficiently close such that corresponding magnetic elements carried by each of the fixed sole and the detachable sole attract to one another, the magnetic elements of each of the fixed and detachable soles having differing polarities and locations such that the removable sole is drawn into abutment with the fixed sole in a preferred orientation with a toe end and a heal end of the detachable sole being aligned with a respective toe end and a heal end of the fixed sole. 
     In one aspect, the magnetic elements are arranged to self-locate the wearable footwear article and the detachable sole with one another, and wherein the method includes the step of the magnetic elements drawing the detachable sole into alignment with the wearable footwear article with the toe end of the detachable sole being aligned with the toe end of the wearable footwear article. 
     In another aspect, a heal end of the removable sole includes an actuation means, and wherein the method includes the step releasing the removable sole by a user applying a force to the actuation means to separate the removable sole from the wearable footwear article. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which; 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a footwear assembly have a first wearable footwear part and a second removable sole part, magnetics elements carried by each of the wearable footwear part and a removable sole part are shown in hidden detail; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded parts view illustrating the footwear assembly; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a front view illustrating the footwear assembly; 
         FIG. 3 b    is a side view illustrating the footwear assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view illustrating the footwear assembly along section A-A as illustrated in  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 5  is an exploded parts side view illustrating the footwear assembly; 
         FIG. 6 a    is a top view illustrating the removable sole, 
         FIG. 6 b    is a side view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 6 c    is an underside view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 6 d    is an end of view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 7 a    is a perspective view illustrating another example of the removable sole; 
         FIG. 7 b    is a side view of the footwear assembly in an attached condition with the removable sole; 
         FIG. 7 c    is a top view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 7 d    is a side view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 7 e    is a bottom view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 7 f    is an end view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 8 a    is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of the removable sole; 
         FIG. 8 b    is a side view of the footwear assembly in an attached condition with the removable sole; 
         FIG. 8 c    is a top view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 8 d    is a side view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 8 e    is a bottom view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 8 f    is an end view illustrating the removable sole; 
         FIG. 9 a    is a perspective view illustrating the footwear assembly in use with the removable sole being drawn by the magnetic elements toward the wearable footwear part; and 
         FIG. 9 b    is a perspective view illustrating the footwear assembly in use with the removable sole attached or coupled with the wearable footwear part in an attached condition. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 5  there is shown a footwear assembly  10  including a wearable footwear part  12  and a detachable sole part  14 . The wearable footwear part  12  includes a body portion  16  in which a foot is receivable and a fixed sole portion  18  extending along an underside  20  of the body portion  16 . We can&#39;t find  20 ? 
     The fixed sole portion  18  of the wearable footwear part  12  and the detachable sole  14  each include correspondingly arranged magnetic elements  22  adapted to be attractive to one another such that placement of the fixed sole portion  18  of the wearable footwear part  12  proximate to the detachable sole part  14  draws the detachable sole part  14  into abutment with the fixed sole of the wearable part. The detachable sole part  14  thereby being moveable between a detached condition, in which the detachable sole part  14  is removed or remotely located relative to the wearable footwear part  12 , and an attached or coupled condition in which the detachable sole part  14  is abutted with and is magnetically carried by the wearable footwear part  12 . 
     Turning to the wearable footwear part  12  in more detail, the fixed sole portion  18  includes a toe end  30  and a heal end  32 . In this example, the magnetic elements  22  include a first magnetic element  34  located toward the toe end  30 , and a second magnetic element  36  located toward the heal end  32 . The fixed sole portion  18  includes a first upper layer  38  which is located and supports the underside of a foot of a user and a second bottom layer  40  which abuts with the detachable sole  14  in the coupled condition. The first layer  38  may be a fabric lining suitable for an inside of a shoe, boot or sock. The second bottom layer  30  may be a relatively thin and flexible rubber or foam material. The thickness of the second bottom layer  30  may be similar to the thickness of the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  which are, in this example, between about 1 to 5 mm in thickness. 
     The first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  are each relatively flat and have a magnetic surfaces  42  arranged adjacent to or at a surface  44  of the second bottom layer  40 . In some examples, the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  may be partially embedded within recesses  46  of the second bottom layer  40  and in other examples the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  may be sandwiched between the first and second layers  38 ,  40 . In either case, it is important that the magnetic surfaces  42  are arranged close to or even extending from second bottom layer  40  to ensure that the magnetic field is sufficiently exposed to the detachable sole part  14  which includes correspondingly arranged magnetic elements  22  are is further detailed below. If the magnetic surfaces  42  extend from or are exposed from second bottom layer  40 , the magnetic surfaces  42  may be covered by a thin rubber layer in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm to cushion the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  and protect external surfaces from damage such as scratching. 
     In this example the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  are rare earth magnets with an N52 strength rating and may have a width or diameter of about 20 mm and a thickness of about 3 mm. Other suitable dimensions and configurations are application to a person skilled in the art. 
     The wearable footwear part  12  may be provided in the form of any suitable boot, shoe, sock or slipper. However, preferably, the wearable footwear part  12  is a soft boot or slipper formed from a soft leather or fabric material so as to be relatively flexible and comfortable when worn by a user inside a house or lounging or lying on a sofa. In this example, the body portion  16  of the wearable footwear part  12  may be made from a lined leather material stitched or glued to the fixed sole portion  18 . 
     Turning now to the detachable sole  14  and referring to additionally to  FIGS. 6 a  to 6 b   , the detachable sole  14  includes a toe end  50 , a heal end  52 , a top side  54  arranged to fit with the fixed sole portion  18  of the wearable part  12  and a ground engaging underside  56 . The ground engaging underside  56  includes tread or texture  57  and two cut outs or channels  69  spanning between the opposing sides  61  and located toward the toe end  50  so as to be located beneath the rear end of the ball of a users foot. These channels  69  allow the detachable sole  14  to flex at a location away from the magnetic element  22 , as are further described below, to keep contact between the magnetic elements  22  of the fixed sole portion  18  of the wearable footwear part  18  and the magnetic elements  22  of the detachable sole  12 . We&#39;re not sure if we want to include the cut outs. The detachable sole  14  may be formed from rubber or foam and have a thickness of about 10 mm. 
     The magnetic elements  22  of the detachable sole  14  are provided in the form of a third magnetic element  58  located toward the toe end  50  and a forth magnetic element  60  located toward the heal end  52  so as to correspond with the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  of the fixed sole  18  of the wearable part  12 . 
     The third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  of the detachable sole  14  are disposed adjacent to or at the topside  54  of detachable sole  14 . The third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  may be thin and flat magnets which are embedded into the detachable sole  14 . The detachable sole  14  may be formed from a relatively thick rubber or foam material including recesses  64  into which the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  are received. The recesses  64  and the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  being arranged such that a magnetic surface  66  of the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  is adjacent to, located at or even extending slightly from the topside  54  of detachable sole  14 . This allows the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  to be proximate to and attachable with the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  of the wearable footwear part  12  in the attached condition. 
     In this example the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  are rare earth magnets with an N52 strength rating and may have a width or diameter of about 20 to 25 mm and a thickness of about 3 to 10 mm. Other suitable dimensions and configurations are application to a person skilled in the art. If the magnetic surfaces  66  extend from or are exposed from the topside  54 , the magnetic surfaces  66  may be covered by a thin rubber layer in the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm to cushion the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  and protect external surfaces from damage such as scratching. 
     It is noted that the magnetic element being the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  and the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  are arranged and have sufficient strength to lift the removable sole part  14  into abutment with the fixed sole portion  18 . The distance or gap from which the removable sole part  14  may be drawn or lifted is about 30 mm between the upper surface  50  of the removable sole part  14  and the underside  32  of the fixed sole  18  of the wearable footwear part  12 . 
     The third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  are each arranged to be a different polarity to the respective first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  of the wearable footwear part  12 . For example, if the first magnetic element  34  has a north polarity, the corresponding third magnetic will have a south polarity such that the first magnetic element  34  and third magnetic element  58  attract to one another. Similar opposing polarities are present in the second and fourth magnetic elements  36 ,  60 . The magnetic elements thereby attract to one another and draw the detachable sole  14  into aligning abutment with the wearable footwear part  12 . 
     In this example, the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  are of different polarity to each other, and wherein the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  are of a different polarity to each other such that the fixed sole and detachable sole are coupled to one another in a preferred orientation being a toe-to-toe orientation. For example, the first and second magnetic elements  34 ,  36  may be respectively north and south polarities, and the third and fourth magnetic elements  58 ,  60  are then south and north polarities. Accordingly, this ensures that the detachable sole  14  is drawn into the pre-preferred orientation and abutment with the wearable footwear part  12 . For example, if the detachable sole  14  is resting on a floor at an angle relative to the wearable footwear part  12 , the detachable sole  14  will be drawn and rotated into alignment and abutment with the wearable footwear part  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 a  to 7 f   , there is shown another example of the detachable sole part  14  and like numerals are used to denote like parts. This example of the detachable sole  14  is similar to that disclosed above. However, in this example, the detachable sole  14  includes a rim  70  at least partially skirting the topside  54  of detachable sole  14  such that the detachable sole part  14  at least partially receives and locates the fixed sole portion  18  in the attached condition. Accordingly, the rim  70  defines a foot shaped recess  72  which assist to locate and support the fixed sole portion  18  and the foot of a user relative to the detachable sole part  14 . To provide sufficient width and length, the detachable sole part  14  is typically longer and wider that the fixed sole portion  18  of the wearable footwear part  12 , 
     In this example, the heal end  52  of the detachable sole  14  is dimensioned to extend outwardly relative to the heal end  32  of the fixed sole portion  18 . More specifically, the heal end  52  may include an actuation means  90  provided in the form of a wedge shaped projection  74  which extends outwardly and rearward between the topside and the underside of the detachable sole  14 . The wedge shaped projection  74  allows a user to urge or press on the wedge shaped projection  74  with one foot to hold the detachable sole  14  stationery and thereby allow the detachable sole  14  to be detached from the fixed sole  18 . Advantageously, this allows the detachable sole  14  to be moved to the detached condition without a user needing to bend down or handle the detachable sole  14  with their hands. In this example, the detachable sole  14  and the fixed sole portion  18  are fitted with further correspondingly arranged intermediate magnetic elements  61 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 a  to 8 b   , there is shown yet another example of the detachable sole part  14  and like numerals are used to denote like parts. This example of the detachable sole  14  is similar to that disclosed above. However in this example, the detachable sole  14  includes a removing part  80  in the form of a hand operable or claspable tab  82  arranged to extend from the heal end  52  of the detachable sole part  14 . This tab  82  may be pulled or otherwise hand actuated to separate the detachable sole part  14  from the fixed sole part  18  of the wearable footwear part  12 . 
     In this example, the toe ends of the wearable footwear part  12  and detachable sole  14  each include an additional magnetic element  58  such that wearable footwear part  12  and detachable sole  14  each have two laterally spaced or arranged magnetic elements  84  at the respective toe ends  30 ,  50 . By having two magnetic elements  84  at the toe ends  30 ,  52  each of the magnetic elements  84  may be smaller and thinner which is beneficial toward the toe ends where, for example, the detachable sole  14  may be thinner. In contrast, the heal end of the detachable sole  14  is thicker and can accommodate a single larger magnetic element. Of course, other arrangements magnetic elements may also be devised to achieve a similar purpose. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b   , there is shown a method of using the footwear assembly  10  as described above and like numerals denote like parts. A method of releasable attachment of the removable sole  14  with the wearable footwear part or article  14  may including the steps of: placing the wearable footwear article  12  at a distance above the removable sole  14 , such that the toe end  30  of the footwear article  12  is substantially aligned with the toe end  50  of the removable sole  14 . The distance being sufficiently close, in this example, in the range of about 0 to 30 mm, such that the corresponding magnetic elements  22  carried by each of the wearable footwear article  12  and the detachable sole  14  attract to one another thereby lifting the removable sole  14  into abutment with the wearable footwear article  12 . 
     As has been described above, in some examples, the magnetic elements  22  are arranged to self-locate wearable footwear article  12  and the detachable sole  14  with one another by having differing polarities such that the wearable footwear article  12  and the detachable sole  14  only couple to one another in a preferred toe end-to-toe end orientation. Accordingly, the method may also include the step of the magnetic elements  22  drawing the detachable sole  14  into alignment with the wearable footwear article  14  with the toe end of the detachable sole being aligned with the toe end of the wearable footwear article. 
     In some examples, the heal end of the removable sole  14  includes an actuation means  90 , which may, for example, be provided by the wedge shaped projections as shown in  FIG. 7 a    or the tab  80  as shown in  FIG. 8 a   . The method may then include step of releasing the removable sole  14  by a user applying a force to the actuation means  90  to separate the removable sole  14  from the wearable footwear article  12 . 
     There has been described a footwear assembly having wearable footwear part and a detachable sole part. Each of the wearable footwear part and the detachable sole part include magnetic elements which are arranged such that when the wearable footwear part is placed over and near to the detachable sole part, the magnetic elements lift and draw the detachable sole part into abutment against an underside of the wearable footwear part. In some examples, each of the wearable footwear part and the detachable sole part include magnetic elements having differing polarities such that the detachable sole part self-orients when being drawn toward the underside of the wearable footwear part. The detachable sole part may also include a rim which defines a recess so as to further assist with locating the detachable sole part with the wearable footwear part. In some examples, the detectable sole part may include a heel having an actuation means in the form of a wedge shaped projection or a tab to allow the easy removal of the detachable sole part. 
     Advantageously, the above described footwear assembly allows a user to wear the wearable footwear part which may be provided in the form of a boot, slipper, sock or shoe. The user may then attach and detach the removable sole part without needing to directly handle the removable sole part. For example, the user may leave the detachable sole part at an entry to a house or building, and when walking outside may then simply place the wearable footwear part over, either contacting or non-contacting, the removable sole part which is then drawn or lifted into abutment with an underside of the wearable footwear part. Most advantageously, the magnetic arrangements disclosed herein has been developed to draw or lift the detachable sole part from a gap or spacing of about up to 30 mm which allows the detachable sole to be attached to the wearable footwear part without the user needing to bend down or handle the detachable sole part. Examples of the magnetic arrangements have also been disclosed which allow the detachable sole to self-align with the wearable footwear part. 
     The user may then walk around with the complete footwear assembly and when returning back into the house or building, may then remove the detachable sole which may contain dirt or grit from walking outside. Again, the removal of the detachable sole may be accomplished without the user needing to directly handle the detachable sole by using the actuation means such as the tab or the wedge shaped projection as has been described above. 
     Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, 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. 
     The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates. 
     While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein. 
     Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.