Strain-relief element for footwear articles

Abstract

A strain relief element for a footwear article is provided. The strain relief element is engageable with a portion of a footwear article for engagement with a portion of the foot of a subject, wherein the strain relief element is formed from an elastically deformable material, the strain relief element is sized and provided with a geometry, such that upon engagement with the engagement portion of a foot of a subject, the strain relief element elastically deforms and the internal surface of the strain relief element which engages with the foot of a user substantially conforms to the engagement portion of the surface of the foot of a subject. Footwear including such a strain relief element are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 484,179, filed Sep. 11, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure relates to a strain-relief element for footwear articles, more particularly to a strain-relief element for reducing the incident of blisters and abrasions to the posterior aspect of the heel of a person when wearing a footwear article.[0004]Description of the Related Art[0005]Blisters and abrasions occurring on the foot of a person, in particular on the posterior aspect of heel of a person, have long been an affliction to people caused by the wearing of footwear articles.[0006]Such an affliction is experienced from persons wearing any footwear article which contacts the person's foot, particularly the posterior portion of a person's heel, such footwear articles including sports shoes, dress shoes, boots, enclosed footwear articl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device that reduces pressure on the foot during walking or running. It achieves this by distributing the load along a strain relief element, which reduces friction between the foot and the shoe. This helps to reduce stress on the foot bones and promotes better health. The strain relief element is made of a material that allows for flexibility and movement during walking or running.

Problems solved by technology

Blisters and abrasions occurring on the foot of a person, in particular on the posterior aspect of heel of a person, have long been an affliction to people caused by the wearing of footwear articles.

Blisters and abrasions on the heel often cause severe pain, and may be debilitating, thus causing a person to be immobilized or mobility severely reduced, due to pain experienced during ambulation and contact of a footwear article with the heel region of a person.

In sports type scenarios, performance of an athlete may be severely compromised from pain experienced during a sports event.

In other scenarios such as hiking, either recreationally or for commercial or military related activities, the incidence of blisters and abrasions poses a health and welfare risk, in particular if such ailments occur when a person is in a remote area or location in particular whereby there does not exist the opportunity for evacuation by mechanized transport, or in areas of long distance from transport or assistance, of in areas of rough and awkward terrain.

Untreated blisters and abrasions may further be exacerbated, and upon lesions of the dermis, further abrasion may occur, with more subcutaneous tissue being exposed, causing immobilization as well as the potential for infection.

However, such techniques are only applicable to lace up footwear, and such footwear generally have lace eyelets further towards the rear of the footwear article than typical lace up footwear, thus requiring specific structural constrains and specific footwear type.

A protective layer may be formed in the anterior heel of a person, by adhering a protective layer to the skin, however blisters may occur and friction may remove or loosen the tape causing stress concentrations and pressure, which may further precipitate blisters.

This technique may be used in conjunction with a variety of footwear article types, however the incidence of blister formation may not be obviated, as use of such a technique may also often be unsightly, in particular when used by persons wearing sandals and fashion footwear, in particular when used in conjunction with women's open rear sandals or footwear.

Whilst providing some protection of the posterior heel portion of a user, such a pad may loosen and exacerbate the formation of a blister or abrasion by stress concentration, as well as be unsightly in use.

Whilst providing some comfort and relief and prevent of blister formation, such padded portions may crack and cause abrasion of the heel, as well as seam portions rubbing or pressing on the heel causing discomfort.

Further, such padded portions are generally only able to be incorporated in enclosed-type footwear articles, and can be unsightly and impact unfavorably upon the aesthetic characteristics of the footwear article.

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