Abstract:
A sandal system for athletic activities. The sandal system may include a sandal with a midsole having a cavity contoured to receive an activity-specific insole and a plurality of interchangeable insoles. Each insole of the plurality of interchangeable insoles may be configured for a specific activity, such as running, hiking, walking, water activities, etc. A sandal upper coupled to the insole has one or more straps configured for securing the foot of the wearer in the sandal during athletic activities. The sandal may also include an outsole for providing traction and wearability and a support component for providing support and stability. The outsole, the midsole, and the support component may be configured to include a fluid drainage system including at least one drainage channel and at least one outlet aperture. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims (37 C.F.R. 1.72(b)).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/406,777, filed Aug. 29, 2002, and herein incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is directed toward footwear and more particularly toward sandal-style footwear. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Activities such as walking, hiking, running, golfing and water sports are typically associated with specialized footwear. For example, conventional running and walking shoes typically have cushioned and flexible soles to promote a natural gait while hiking shoes have stiffer soles to protect against sharp rocks and other objects typically encountered on the trail. Some activity-specific footwear includes features such as soles and uppers that facilitate walking on submerged surfaces (e.g., during kayaking, rafting, beach combing, etc.) and outsoles that provide traction on grass or mud or other slick surfaces (e.g., soccer and golf shoes). 
     Along with performance features such as those described above, some shoes provide compatibility with customized after-market insoles. These insoles are used to help customize a shoe to provide a better fit or to accommodate wearers that have, for example, flat feet or high arches. 
     Because of their open nature, conventional sandals, while somewhat versatile within a range of casual uses, neither offer high performance features for sports nor compatibility with customized orthotic insoles. Specialized sandals that do offer specialized performance features are typically geared toward a single sport or activity, which can make them undesirable for other uses. Likewise, sandals that accommodate insoles are primarily limited to casual use (e.g., standing and light walking). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a sandal system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged side elevation view of a sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged top plan view of a midsole component of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged bottom plan view of the midsole component of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged side elevation view of a sole assembly of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged rear elevation view of the sole assembly of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged bottom plan view of an outsole component of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged top plan view of a walking insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged side elevation view of a hiking insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged bottom plan view of a hiking insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged top plan view of a hiking insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged bottom plan view of a running insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged top plan view of a running insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged top plan view of an aquatic insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged top plan view of a golf training insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged rear elevation view of a golf training insole for use in the sandal system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of a sandal system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a side elevation view of a sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of a disassembled sole assembly of the sandal of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of the midsole component of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a rear elevation view of the sole assembly of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of the sole assembly of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of an outsole component of the sandal associated with the sandal system of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In reference to the drawings in detail,  FIG. 1  illustrates a sandal system  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The sandal system  10  includes a sandal  11 , best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and a combination of interchangeable insoles  16 . The sandal  11  includes an upper  12 , a sole assembly  14  and a removable insole  16 , which is tailored to a specific activity (e.g., walking, running, hiking, etc.) and/or foot-type. A front portion  18  of the sandal  11  corresponds to a wearer&#39;s forefoot and toes (not shown), while a rear portion  20  of the sandal corresponds to a wearer&#39;s heel area (not shown) in the sandal  11 . 
     The upper  12  is shaped and sized to receive and secure the wearer&#39;s foot (not shown). The upper  12  of the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of fixed straps ( 22 ,  24  and  26 ) connected to the sole assembly  14 , including front straps  22 , lateral/medial straps  24  and a heel strap  26 . The upper  12  also includes an adjustable strap  28  or pulley strap. The adjustable strap  28  is configured in combination with the fixed straps ( 22 ,  24  and  26 ) to form an adjustable strap system for comfortably securing the wearer&#39;s foot in the sandal  11  during strenuous activities such as hiking, golf, running, swimming or the like. 
     The adjustable strap  28  has two end portions  30 , each being looped around a center ring  32  fixed to one or more of the front straps  22  of the upper  12  and fastened back to a mid portion of the adjustable strap  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, a hook-and-loop material, such as Velcro™ is used to fasten the adjustable strap  28  to itself. In alternate embodiments, fasteners such as snaps, hooks, clips, ties, etc. may be used. The adjustable strap  28  extends down both lateral sides of the sandal upper  12  and around the heel strap  26 . On each lateral side of the sandal  11 , the adjustable strap passes through a keeper  34  secured to the sole assembly  14 . The adjustable strap  28  is also secured at various points on the heel strap  26  and lateral/medial straps  24  by passing through various fixed loops  36  or other retention devices. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, when one or both of the end portions  30  of the adjustable strap  28  are pulled back and down toward the rear portion  20  of the sandal, the adjustable strap  28  slides through the center ring  32  to snugly secure the front straps  22  over the instep and forefoot area of the wearer&#39;s foot. The adjustable strap  28  also slides through the keepers  34  and loops  36  of the adjustable strap system, thereby pulling the heel strap  26  forwardly and securely against the heel portion of the wearer&#39;s foot. The heel strap  26  may be fixed to both lateral/medial straps  24  or to only one of the lateral/medial straps so as to reduce buckling of the heel strap when the adjustable strap  28  is tightened. Accordingly, a single adjustment of the sandal&#39;s adjustable strap  28  secures the sandal&#39;s upper  12  around the forefoot and heel portion of the wearer&#39;s foot, anchoring the wearer&#39;s foot evenly and firmly into the sandal  11  for a stable and secure feeling. In an alternate embodiment, the adjustable strap  28  may be securely fixed to the sole assembly  14  and/or fixed straps ( 22 ,  24  and  26 ) at one or more points. In a second alternate embodiment, multiple adjustable straps  28  may be configured to form an adjustable strap system. Yet another embodiment of a strap system is illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
     The adjustable strap  28  and fixed straps ( 22 ,  24  and  26 ) of the upper  12  securely hold the wearer&#39;s foot in place on the insole  16  on the sole assembly  14 . The sole assembly  14  is a molded member having when it is inserted into a contoured cavity  48  molded therein. The contoured cavity  48  is formed by a sidewall  38  and a support surface molded into a midsole component  46  of the sole assembly  14  so as to removeably receive the insole  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed straps ( 22 ,  24  and  26 ) are all secured to the sole assembly  14  inside apertures formed just inside the sidewall  38  on the support surface. This placement of the fixed straps ( 22 ,  24  and  26 ) with respect to the midsole component  46  and the contoured cavity  48  provides additional engagement of the insole  16  when it is inserted into the contoured cavity  48 . The sidewall  38  also helps to protect the sides of the insoles, and in some embodiments, protect the sides of the wearer&#39;s foot. Similarly, to protect the wearer&#39;s toes, a toe guard  40  extends from the front of the sole assembly  14 . In some embodiments the toe guard  40  may not be provided or may be removable. 
     The midsole component  46  of the sole assembly  14  is constructed, at least in part, of a shock-absorbing material such as a Phylon foam material. While Phylon is used to construct the midsole component  46  of the sole assembly  14  in the illustrated embodiment, other materials may be used, including materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyurethane foam or a combination of materials (e.g., a dual-density sole). As best shown in  FIGS. 3 through 6 , the midsole component  46  of the sole assembly  14  includes a drainage system  37  that allows water to escape through side and rear portions of the midsole component  46 , especially when a perforated or poriferous insole  16  or otherwise water permeable insole designed for aquatic activities (described in more detail below) is inserted into the footbed  48 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the drainage system  37  includes multiple inlet channels  47  that are approximately vertically oriented in the midsole component  46  (when the longitudinal axis of the midsole component is substantially horizontal). The inlet channels  47  begin at the support surface level of the midsole component  46  and extend downward to approximately midway through the midsole component  46  before joining multiple outlet or drainage channels  49  that are approximately horizontally oriented and extend laterally toward the outside perimeter of the midsole component. Each outlet channel  49  ends in at least one outlet aperture  51 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet apertures  51  are located on the sides and rear portions of the midsole component  46 . Both the inlet channels  47  and the outlet channels  49  are molded into the midsole component  46 . The outlet apertures  51  may be reinforced in one or more places with plastic tubes  53  or other reinforcement means. These plastic tubes  53  have sufficient rigidity to help keep the outlet apertures  51  open even when the midsole component  46  is compressed from the weight of the wearer. 
     As a result of this configuration, water that enters through the inlet channels  47  and into the outlet channels  49  may drain out of the outlet apertures  51  with every step of the wearer. Because of the plastic tubes  53  inserted into the outlet apertures  51 , the outlet apertures  51  are kept open while the outlet channels  49  open and close with each step, causing an inward suction to bring the water down and an outward pressure to push the water out. Alternate embodiments (such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 17 through 23 ) may include other combinations of openings, perforations, or drainage features, or may not include any drainage system  37  at all. 
     Along with the midsole component  46 , the toe guard  40  and the sidewall  38 , the sole assembly  14  also includes an outsole component  42  and a support component  44 , best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . The support component  44  of the sole assembly  14  may consist of one or more support features, such as an arch shank or stabilizer  50  and/or a heel cup (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the arch shank  50  is positioned between the midsole component  46  and the outsole component  42  of the sole assembly  14  at a location generally corresponding to the arch area and instep area of the wearer&#39;s foot to provide support for the wearer&#39;s foot. The arch shank  50  may be constructed of a semi-flexible material that allows for some fore and aft flexion while maintaining appropriate lateral support and arch support. In an alternate embodiment, the support component  44  includes a firmer density material positioned within the midsole component  46  of the sole assembly  14  at the arch area of the wearer&#39;s foot, providing additional arch support. The support component  44  generally aids in the flow of the kinetic energy generated by the wearer&#39;s motion, allowing the wearer to maintain a flowing smooth stride while walking, running or the like. 
     The outsole component  42 , best shown in  FIG. 7 , is constructed to provide grip on a variety of surfaces, and may be adhered to at least a portion of the bottom of the midsole component  46  of the sole assembly  14 . Outer portions of the arch shank  50  can remain exposed. The outsole component  42  in the illustrated embodiment is a dual-density component (i.e., made of at least two compounds), but other outsole component  42  constructions may be used in alternate embodiments. Dual formula, variable sized traction lugs  55  provide good road, water, and trail traction. 
     In the sandal  11  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a concave flex groove  56  is positioned at the bottom of the sole assembly  14  proximate to the outsole component  42  and extending into the midsole component  46  in an area that corresponds approximately with the ball of the wearer&#39;s foot when the sandal is worn. The flex groove  56  extends laterally across the sole assembly  14 , oriented with respect to the front and rear portions of the sandal  11 . The flex groove  56  adds targeted flexibility to the sole assembly  14 , reducing some of the ground reaction force transmitted through the sandal  11  to the wearer&#39;s forefoot and providing a smoother toe-off and a natural heel-to-toe-off stride. The outsole component  42  may be bifurcated so that the flex groove  56  remains exposed, allowing for appropriate flexibility and fore-aft rolling action. A dual flex groove may also be used in an alternate embodiment. 
       FIGS. 8 through 16  show a selection of possible insoles  16  comprising an embodiment of a sandal system  10  in accordance with the present invention. Each insole  16  is designed for a different activity and/or foot type. For example, a walking-specific insole  58 , shown in  FIG. 8 , includes a base with extra cushioning  60  and a leather topsole  62 , designed for comfortable walking. The cushioning  60  can be made from various materials, such as polyurethane, and the thickness and density of the insole  58  may vary depending on the amount of cushioning and stability desired. For example, a first wearer may prefer a firmer cushioning that offers medium support while a second wearer may prefer softer and thicker cushioning with slightly less support. The walking-specific insole  58  may also include a toe ridge  64  for increased foot stability. 
     A hiking-specific insole  66 , shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 , has a base with extra cushioning  68  for enhanced shock absorption. The hiking-specific insole  66  adds a stiffer bottom shell layer  70  and a deep heel cup  72  to provide additional lateral support for walking on rough and uneven surfaces. Varying levels of arch support may be offered, as well as features such as a toe ridge  64  for increased foot stability. 
     A running insole  74 , shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is designed for supporting a runner&#39;s foot, and includes various support features and a lightweight design. The running insole  74  in the illustrated embodiment includes a two-piece lower support component ( 80  and  82 ), a heel cushioning layer (not shown) and a topsole layer  78 . The two-piece lower support component ( 80  and  82 ) provides structure for the insole  74  as well as lateral and arch support, and includes a medial portion  80  and a lateral portion  82 . For pronators, the medial portion  82  is firmer than the lateral portion  80  to keep the foot from collapsing inward. For supinators, the lateral portion  80  is firmer than the medial portion  82  to keep the foot from collapsing outward. For neutral runners, the lateral portion  80  and the medial portion  82  are of substantially equal firmness. The two-piece lower support component ( 80  and  82 ) also promotes a natural heel-to-toe running gait. 
     The heel cushioning layer (not shown) of the running insole  74  may consist of a dual hardness heel pad (not shown), including an extra shock-absorbing material such as EVA. The topsole layer  78  may include a material that aids in keeping the foot cool, such as Outlast™. A non-skid material  84 , such as rubber or Velcro™ may be placed on the bottom of the insole  74  at one or more locations so that it stays secure on the contoured cavity  48  of the midsole component  46 , even while the wearer is engaged in vigorous activity. This non-skid material  84  may be included on any of the insoles  16  in accordance with the invention. 
     An aquatic-specific insole  86 , shown in  FIG. 14 , includes a poriferous, yet supportive construction that allows water to drain down into the midsole component  46 , through the drainage system  37 , and out of the sandal  11 . The aquatic specific insole  86  may be made from a non-absorbent material that allows it to dry quickly. 
     A golf training insole  88 , shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , is designed as a teaching device for golf where the insole  88  has an extra thickness lift (e.g., 10 mm) on the lateral side  90  to give the wearer the feel of keeping his or her weight to the insides of his or her feet. 
     Along with the insoles shown in  FIGS. 8 through 16 , a variety of orthotic insoles produced by, for example, a foot specialist, podiatrist, or physical therapist may be used with the sandal system  10 . The contoured cavity  48  is shaped and formed in a way to receive and secure any selected one of the insoles,  16 , as well as a wide range of custom or orthotic insoles. 
     In one embodiment, the sandal system  10  is a versatile system for a consumer by providing the sandal  11  along with a combination of the different insoles  16 , such as three described above and/or other insoles, as a single package. For example, the sandal system  10  may include the sandal  11  and a running insole, a hiking insole, and a water sports insole. Special-interest sandal systems  10  may also be offered for wearer&#39;s with narrower interests. For example, a specialized “runners pack” may include with the sandal a selection of running-specific insoles (e.g., standard, extra-support, trail running, hot-weather), while a “golf lovers” package may include an insole for walking, and multiple insoles of different thicknesses for golf training. Other insoles  16  can be sold separately and added to the sandal system  10  to tailor the system to individual needs. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a sandal  100  in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Like the sandal  11  of  FIG. 1 , the sandal  100  includes an upper  102 , a sole assembly  104  and a removable insole  106  tailored to a specific activity (e.g., water sports, running, hiking, golf, etc.) and/or foot-type. A front portion  108  of the sandal  100  corresponds to a wearer&#39;s forefoot and toes, while a rear portion  110  of the sandal corresponds to a wearer&#39;s heel area in the sandal  100 . The sole assembly  104  includes an outsole component  146 , a support component including an arch shank or stabilizer  144  and a curved forefoot plate  150 , and a midsole component  114  constructed, at least in part, of a shock-absorbing material. The sole assembly  104  also includes a contoured cavity that forms a contoured cavity  112  associated with the midsole component  114 . 
     The curved forefoot plate  150 , best shown in  FIG. 19  facilitates a fluid motion when the wearer walks or runs. The curved forefoot plate  150  also helps to maintain a forward acceleration associated with the wearer&#39;s stride. The curved forefoot plate  150  shown in  FIG. 19  is constructed to be supportive yet flexible. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved forefoot plate  150  is positioned between the midsole component  114  and the outsole component  146  of the sole assembly  104 , covering an area that corresponds approximately with the forefoot of the wearer&#39;s foot when the sandal is worn. When oriented as worn, the curved forefoot plate  150  is curved slightly upward at both a front portion and a rear portion in a manner so as to allow for a fore and aft rolling action consistent with the wearer&#39;s natural gate. 
     The upper  102  of the second illustrated embodiment, best shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , includes first and second adjustable straps ( 116  and  118 ), both connected to the sole assembly  104 . The upper  102  also includes a medial side heel support strap  120  and a lateral side heel support strap  122 , which are both fixed to and extend from the sole assembly  104  at the rear portion  110  of the sandal  100 . The first adjustable strap  116  is fixed at the medial side of the front portion  108  of the sandal  100  and slides through a keeper  124  secured to the lateral side of the sole assembly  104  before crossing back over to the medial side of the sandal  100 . At the medial side of the sandal  100 , the first adjustable strap  116  is fixed to the medial side heel support strap  120  and then to the lateral side heel support strap  122  before ending in the receiving portion  126  of a fastener  128 . The area of the first adjustable strap  116  between the heel support straps ( 120  and  122 ) corresponds to the upper portion of the wearer&#39;s heel (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the first adjustable strap  116  is one continuous strap. In alternate embodiments, the first adjustable strap  116  can have a plurality of interconnected strap segments, such as separate segments connected to the heel support straps ( 120  and  122 ). 
     The second adjustable strap  118  is fixed at the lateral side of the front portion  108  of the sandal  100  and slides through a keeper  124  secured to the medial side of the sole assembly  104 . The second adjustable strap  118  ends in an engaging portion  130  of the fastener  128 , which can be fastened to the receiving portion  126  of the fastener. In the illustrated embodiment, the effective length of the second adjustable strap  118  can be modified at the engaging portion  130  of the fastener  128  using any one of a variety of techniques so that the wearer&#39;s foot can be firmly and evenly secured to the sandal  100 . Because the strap system allows for both major and minor adjustment at many locations, it allows for a comfortable fit with many foot types. 
     The sole assembly  104  of the illustrated embodiment includes a fluid drainage system  132 , of which portions are best shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The fluid drainage system  132  is formed by a combination of components, including inlet channels  134  and outlet channels  135  and  137  in the midsole component  114 , discrete channel reinforcements  138  positioned in the outlet channel, and one or more outlet apertures  140  in fluid connection with the outlet channels. When the sole assembly  104  is fully assembled, the outsole component  146 , the stabilizer  144 , and the curved forefoot plate  150  are sealably connected to the midsole component  114  and support the drainage system  132  in place. The outsole component  146 , the stabilizer  144  and the curved forefoot plate  150  also provide closure to the bottom sides of the outlet channels  135  and  137  to allow fluid (e.g., air, water, sweat, vapor, etc.) to flow through the sole assembly to the outlet apertures  140 . 
     The drainage system&#39;s inlet channels  134  extend substantially vertically (with respect to the orientation of the midsole component  114  when the sandal is worn) through the midsole component  114  from the support surface level  112  of the midsole component. The inlet channels  134  are in fluid communication with the multiple outlet channels  135  and  137  formed in the bottom portion of the midsole component  114 . The outlet channels  135  and  137  extend in one or more directions, ultimately toward the outside perimeter of the sole assembly  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet channels  135  and  137  extend approximately horizontally (when the sandal is worn) toward the front, lateral, medial and rear portions of the sandal  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first outlet channel  135  is located approximately at the front portion  108  of the midsole component  114  and the second outlet channel  137  is located approximately at the rear portion  110  of the midsole component. From the approximate center of the front portion  108  of the sandal  100 , the first outlet channel  135  has a central portion that extends longitudinally before branching out laterally toward the medial and lateral sides of the midsole component  114  at locations approximately corresponding to the arch and toe areas of the wearer&#39;s foot. The second outlet channel  137  has a central portion that extends longitudinally before branching out laterally toward the medial and lateral sides of the midsole component  114  at locations approximately corresponding to the heel area of the wearer&#39;s foot (not shown). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, channel reinforcements  138  support the outlet channels. The channel reinforcements  138  have contours corresponding to those of the outlet channels  135  and  137  and a plurality of apertures  139  that align with the inlet channels  134  of the midsole component  114  so fluid can pass through the inlet channels  134  into the outlet channels  135  and  137 . The channel reinforcements  138  help keep the outlet channels  135  and  137  open, even when portions of the midsole component  114  are compressed from the weight of the wearer. The channel reinforcements  138  also help to direct fluid through the outlet channels  135  and  137  to the outlet apertures  140  and away from the interior portions of the sole assembly  104  and the wearer&#39;s foot (not shown). 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 21 through 23 , each outlet channel  135  and  137  terminates at one of the outlet apertures  140 , which may be located in various portions of the sole assembly  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet apertures are located at the toe guard  142 , the arch shank  144 , and in the outsole component  146 . As the toe guard  142  and arch shank  144  are generally constructed to be less flexible than, for example, the outsole component  146 , it may be unnecessary to provide reinforcement around the outlet apertures  140  associated with the toe guard  142  and arch shank  144 . However, for outlet apertures  140  located in more flexible areas, such as in the midsole component  114  and outsole component  146 , the channel reinforcements  138  of the outlet channels ( 135  and  137 ) may extend into the outlet apertures  140  to keep them open under the weight of a wearer. In addition to the outlet apertures  140 , as best shown in  FIG. 22 , the toe guard  142  may include additional drainage apertures  148  that allow for drainage of fluid to and from the foot bed and for increased air circulation, keeping the wearer&#39;s foot cooler and dryer. 
     Fluid drainage can be enhanced when the sandal  100  is combined with a poriferous insole, such as the aquatic insole  86  of  FIG. 14 . Additionally, because fluid can flow through the drainage system&#39;s  132  various apertures, passages and channels, the problem of scooping up fluid is minimized—making walking in submerged areas easier and more comfortable. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.