Wearable apparatus
The wearable apparatus with a lower part featuring a plurality of channels and a convergent channel that guide liquid away from the contact surface, combined with protrusion strips to block liquid from reaching the upper part, effectively channels away liquid, preventing slips and enhancing traction and protection against hazards.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024386081
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing footwear designs face challenges with substances such as water, chemicals, oil, and debris accumulating in the outsole grooves, leading to slippery conditions, material degradation, and health concerns, which require a multifaceted approach in design and materials to address.
A wearable apparatus with a lower part featuring a plurality of first channels, second channels, and a convergent channel that guide liquid away from the contact surface, combined with protrusion strips to block liquid from reaching the upper part, enhancing traction and protection.
The apparatus effectively channels away liquid, preventing slips and protecting the wearer from slippery conditions, material degradation, and enhances safety and comfort, while providing a protective barrier against hazards.
Smart Images

Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to a footwear, and more particularly, relates to a wearable apparatus and a method thereof.BACKGROUND
[0002] In footwear design and manufacturing industries, ensuring the safety and comfort of a wearer is paramount. Footwear serves as a protective barrier between the wearer's feet and unpredictable environments they navigate. However, despite advancements in materials and design, certain challenges persist, particularly regarding the interaction between the outsole of the shoe and various hazards present in the environment. The outsole of the shoe plays a critical role in providing traction, stability, and durability. Substances such as water, chemicals, oil, mud, and debris can easily become lodged in grooves and channels of the outsole. Such accumulation of hazards presents several challenges such as slippery conditions, material degradation, health concerns, etc. and can also easily splash over the footwear and inside the footwear. Such challenges require a multifaceted approach that considers both the design of the outsole and the materials used in its construction.
[0003] The inventors have identified numerous areas of improvement in the existing technologies and processes, which are the subjects of embodiments described herein. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples of which are described in detail herein.BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a summary of some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such elements. It will also be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described in the detailed description that is presented later.
[0005] In an example embodiment, a wearable apparatus is disclosed. The wearable apparatus comprising an upper part, a lower part positioned underneath the upper part, the lower part defining a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels, and a convergent channel. Further, each of the plurality of second channels is integrated within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or within the convergent channel. Further, each of the plurality of first channels intersect with a first portion of the lower part and with the convergent channel. Further, the convergent channel intersects with a second portion of the lower part. Further, the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel may be collectively configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel to the first portion and / or the second portion of the lower part.
[0006] In some embodiments, a depth of each of the plurality of second channels is different than a depth of its corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or a depth of the convergent channel.
[0007] In some embodiments, the depth of each of the plurality of first channels is consistent along its length. Further, the depth of each of the plurality of second channels is consistent along its length and the depth of the convergent channel is consistent along its length.
[0008] In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus further comprising at least one protrusion strip at the second portion of the lower part configured to at least partially block liquid exiting the convergent channel at the second portion from reaching the upper part of the wearable apparatus.
[0009] In some embodiments, the lower part corresponds to an outer shoe sole of the wearable apparatus. In some embodiments, the first portion of the lower part corresponds to a side portion of the lower part.
[0010] In some embodiments, the second portion of the lower part corresponds to a front portion of the lower part. In some embodiments, the depth of each of the plurality of first channels ranges between 2.2-2.7 millimeters (mm).
[0011] In some embodiments, the depth of each of the plurality of second channels ranges between 0.6-0.9 mm. In some embodiments, the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are defined at a forefoot portion, a rear foot portion, and / or at a middle foot portion of the lower part.
[0012] In another example embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method comprises steps of positioning a lower part of a wearable apparatus underneath an upper part of the wearable apparatus. Further, the lower part defines a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels, and a convergent channel. The method further comprises steps of integrating each of the plurality of second channels within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or within the convergent channel. Further, each of the plurality of first channels intersect with a first portion of the lower part and with the convergent channel. Further, the convergent channel intersects with a second portion of the lower part. Further, the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels may be collectively configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels to the first portion and / or the second portion of the lower part.
[0013] The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the present disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lower part of a wearable apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG.2 illustrates a front view of the lower part of the wearable apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 illustrates a first portion of the lower part of the wearable apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the lower part of the wearable apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 illustrates a second portion of the wearable apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.
[0016] The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed line for visibility of the underlying components.
[0017] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of.
[0018] The phrases "in various embodiments," "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," "in some embodiments," and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).
[0019] The word "example" or "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
[0020] If the specification states a component or feature "may," "can," "could," "should," "would," "preferably," "possibly," "typically," "optionally," "for example," "often," or "might" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments or it may be excluded.
[0021] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a wearable apparatus is disclosed. Embodiments may comprise an upper part and a lower part positioned underneath the upper part. The lower part may define a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels, and a convergent channel. Embodiments may be integrated within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or within the convergent channel. Embodiments may be configured to intersect with a first portion of the lower part and with the convergent channel. Embodiments may be configured to intersect with a second portion of the lower part. Embodiments may collectively be configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels to the first portion and / or the second portion of the lower part.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a lower part 104 of a wearable apparatus 100, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus 100 may comprise an upper part 102 and the lower part 104. In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus 100 may be configured to be worn by a user over feet of the user. In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus 100 may be configured to protect the feet of the user from various hazards. In some embodiments, the various hazards may comprise splash of chemicals, injury from sharp and / or heavy objects, heat radiations from sunlight. In one example, the wearable apparatus 100 may comprise an opening (not shown) that may facilitate the user to insert the feet into the wearable apparatus 100. In one example, the wearable apparatus 100 may be worn by the user while walking / running over a ground surface.
[0024] In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus 100 may comprise the upper part 102. In some embodiments, the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be configured to cover an upper surface of the feet of the user. In some embodiments, the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be constructed with a material that may be selected from a group of materials such as, but not limited to, leather, synthetic leather, mesh, knit fabric, suede, or foam. In some embodiments, the material of the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be selected such that the user may not feel discomfort while wearing the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, a shape of the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be selected such that the wearable apparatus 100 fits well on the feet of the user.
[0025] In one example, the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100 may have fast lacing system (not shown). The fast lacing system may have a pair of laces that may be pulled by the user to tighten or loosen the opening at the upper part 102 while wearing or removing the wearable apparatus 100 by the user. In one example, the upper part 102 may be made up of microfiber material and may have heat reflective liner. In one example, the upper part 102 may further have lace fix feature. The lace fix feature may allow to fix the extra pair of laces in one place. In one example, the upper part 102 may have reflective webbing and graphic details for high visibility.
[0026] Further, the upper part 102 may be configured to decrease the impact of falling of any object on the feet of the user. In one example, the wearable apparatus 100 may be provided with the pair of laces. Further, the pair of laces may be attached with the upper part 1 02 of the wearable apparatus 100. Further, the pair of laces may facilitate tightening of the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100, upon application of an external force on the pair of laces to prevent loosening of the wearable apparatus 100. In another example, the wearable apparatus 100 may be provided with a pair of Velcro straps. Further, the pair of Velcro straps may be attached with the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100. Further, the pair of Velcro straps may facilitate tightening of the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100, upon application of an external force on the pair of Velcro straps to prevent loosening of the wearable apparatus 100.
[0027] In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus 100 may further comprise the lower part 104. In some embodiments, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be positioned underneath the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100. Further, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be configured to protect the user's feet from various hazards. Further, the hazards may include, but not limited to, slippery surfaces, falling of objects, emission of heat etc. In some embodiments, the lower part 104 may be composed of one or more materials. The materials may be selected from a group of materials such as, but not limited to, rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, cork, or carbon fiber.
[0028] In some embodiments, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be constructed with a shape. Further, the shape of the lower part 104 may be selected such that the wearable apparatus 100 fits well on the feet of the user. In one example, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be detachably coupled with the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100 through one or more adhesive materials. In another example, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be detachably coupled with the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100.
[0029] In some embodiments, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may comprise a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. In some embodiments, the first portion 106 of the lower part 104 may correspond to a side portion of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the second portion 108 of the lower part 1 04 may correspond to a front portion of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the first portion 106 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 and the second portion 108 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may come in contact with the ground surface during walking / running of the user.
[0030] In some embodiments, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may further comprise a heel portion 110. Further, the heel portion 110 of the lower part 104 may be configured to provide support to a heel portion of the user's feet. In one example, the heel portion 110 of the lower part 104 may be constructed with a predefined height. Further, the predefined height of the heel portion 110 of the lower part 104 may be higher than a plane of the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 of the lower part 1 04. In another example, the heel portion 110 of the lower part 104 may be constructed with a predefined height that may be similar to height of the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 of the lower part 104. Further, the heel portion 110 of the lower part 104 may be coplanar with the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100.
[0031] In some embodiments, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may define a plurality of first channels 112, a plurality of second channels 114, and a convergent channel 116. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 114, and the convergent channel 116 may be constructed at the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 114, and the convergent channel 116 may be configured to be defined at a forefoot portion, a rear foot portion, and / or at a middle foot portion of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the each of the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 114, and the convergent channel 116 may be constructed through at least one process such as, but not limited to, moulding, trimming, cutting, or machining. In one example, each of the plurality of second channels 114 may be integrated within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels 112 or within the convergent channel 116.
[0032] In some embodiments, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of protruded members 118. Further, each of the plurality of protruded members 118 on the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be fabricated along with the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruded members 118 define at least some portions of one or more of the plurality of first channels 112 and the convergent channel 116. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruded members 118 may be configured to provide grip to the wearable apparatus 100 when the user may walk on a wet surface. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protruded members 118 may be constructed with a material that may be selected from a group of materials such as, but is not limited to, rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, cork, carbon fiber, and any other material known in the art. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruded members 118 may be crafted with a shape that includes, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, etc. In some embodiments, the plurality of protruded members 118 may be configured to deflect liquid into the plurality of first channels 112 and / or away from the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100.
[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 114, and the convergent channel 116 may be configured to provide grip to the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 on the ground surface. In some embodiments, the plurality of first channels 112, and the plurality of second channels 114 may be configured to provide grip to the first portion 106 of the lower part 104. Further, the convergent channel 116 may be configured to provide grip to the second portion 108 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of first channels 112 may be constructed with a shape that includes, but is not limited to, an inverted U-shape, an inverted V-shaped, etc. In some embodiments, the shape of the plurality of first channels 112 may be selected such that the plurality of first channels 112 may retain a minimum amount of liquid while the user walks on a wet surface.
[0034] In some embodiments, the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 may be collectively configured to guide the liquid captured within the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 to the first portion 106 and / or the second portion 108 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In one example, when the first portion 106 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be in contact with the wet surface, the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 may be configured to capture some amount of the liquid. Further, the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 may be configured guide the retained liquid towards the first portion 106 and / or the second portion 108 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. That is, in some embodiments the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 1 14, and the convergent channel 116 are configured to collect liquid that might otherwise cause a wearer to slip and channel the collected liquid out from underneath the wearable apparatus 100 to the side and / or to the front of the wearable apparatus 100.
[0035] In some embodiments, the convergent channel 116 may be configured to intersect with the second portion 108 of the lower part 104. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first channels 112 and each of the plurality of second channels 114 may be configured to converge with the convergent channel 116. In some embodiments, the convergent channel 116 may be fabricated at the second portion 108 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 may be configured to guide the captured liquid towards the convergent channel 116 due to an inertial force generated during running / walking of the user.
[0036] In some embodiments, the convergent channel 116 may be configured to receive some amount of liquid from the liquid guided by the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 and guide that liquid toward the front and out from underneath of the wearable apparatus 100. Further, the liquid received within and guided out of the convergent channel 116 may be configured to travel towards the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100 due to the generated inertial force. In some embodiments, the convergent channel 116 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be crafted with a predefined depth. Further, the predefined depth of the convergent channel 116 may range between 0.8-2.5 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the convergent channel 116 may be selected such that a desired amount of liquid may be captured by the convergent channel 116.
[0037] In some embodiments, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may comprise the at least one protrusion strip 120. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be fabricated at the second portion 108 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be configured to at least partially block or deflect the liquid exiting the convergent channel 116 at the second portion 108 from reaching the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be constructed with a material that includes, but is not limited to, rubber, silicon, reinforced fabric, etc. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be constructed with the same material as the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be unitarily formed with the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates the first portion 106 of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus 100 comprise the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 114, and the convergent channel 116 on the lower part 104. Further, the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 114, and the convergent channel 116 may be configured to capture a desired amount of the liquid from a wet surface. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first channels 112 of the lower part 104 may define a depth of D1 mm. Further, the depth of D1 defined by each of the plurality of first channels 112 may correspond to a range between 2.2-2.7 mm. Further, the depth of each of the plurality of first channels 112 may be consistent along its length. In some embodiments, the depth of the plurality of first channels 112 may be selected such that a desired amount of liquid may be captured by the plurality of first channels 112.
[0040] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second channels 114 of the lower part 104 may define a depth of D2 mm. Further, the depth of D2 defined by each of the plurality of second channels 114 may correspond to a range between 0.6-0.9 mm. Further, the depth of each of the plurality of second channels 114 may be consistent along its length. In some embodiments, the depth of the plurality of second channels 114 may be selected such that a desired amount of liquid may be captured by the plurality of second channels 114 and the plurality of first channels 112. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second channels 114 is substantially centered within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels 112.
[0041] In some embodiments, the wearable apparatus 100 may comprise the at least one protrusion strip 120. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be constructed with a material that may be selected from a group of materials such as, but is not limited to, rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurethane, cork, carbon fiber, and any other material known in the art. It may be noted that the materials for making the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be selected carefully as the at least one protrusion strip 120 may demand durability and rigidity as the user may be exposed to various external factors that may physically damage the at least one protrusion strip 120. Further, the various external factors may include scratches from sharp objects or dropping from a particular height, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be crafted with a shape that includes, but is not limited to, a spherical shape, a chamfered shape, or a hemi-spherical shape.
[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be present at the second portion 108 of the lower part 104. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be configured to block or deflect the liquid at the second portion 108. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be configured to provide a third layer protection to the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be crafted with a predefined thickness. Further, the predefined thickness of the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be configured to define a range of 0.8-1.6 mm. Further, the thickness of the at least one protrusion strip 120 may be selected such that the liquid travelling from the convergent channel 116 may be substantially blocked by the at least one protrusion strip 120.
[0043] In some embodiments, a method for the wearable apparatus 100 may be disclosed. Further, the method may comprise one or more operations. Firstly, the lower part 104 of the wearable apparatus 100 may be positioned underneath the upper part 102 of the wearable apparatus 100. Further, the lower part 104 may define the plurality of first channels 112, the plurality of second channels 114, and the convergent channel 116. Successively, each of the plurality of second channels 114 may be integrated within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels 112 or within the convergent channel 116. Further, each of the plurality of first channels 112 may be configured to intersect with the first portion 106 of the lower part 104 and with the convergent channel 116. Further, the convergent channel 116 may be configured to intersect with the second portion 108 of the lower part 104. Further, the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 may be collectively configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels 112 and the plurality of second channels 114 to the first portion 106 and / or the second portion 108 of the lower part 104.
[0044] Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0045] The present disclosure extends to the following numbered statements: S1. A wearable apparatus comprising: an upper part; and a lower part positioned underneath the upper part, the lower part defining a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels, and a convergent channel, wherein each of the plurality of second channels is integrated within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or within the convergent channel, wherein each of the plurality of first channels intersect with a first portion of the lower part and with the convergent channel, wherein the convergent channel intersects with a second portion of the lower part, wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are collectively configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel to the first portion and / or the second portion of the lower part. S2. The wearable apparatus of statement S1, wherein a depth of each of the plurality of second channels is different than a depth of its corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or a depth of the convergent channel. S3. The wearable apparatus of statement S2 (or S1 or S2), wherein the depth of each of the plurality of first channels is consistent along its length, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of second channels is consistent along its length, and wherein the depth of the convergent channel is consistent along its length. S4. The wearable apparatus of statement S1 (or any of statements S1 to S3), further comprising at least one protrusion strip at the second portion of the lower part configured to at least partially block liquid exiting in the convergent channel at the second portion from reaching the upper part of the wearable apparatus. S5. The wearable apparatus of statement S1 (or any of statements S1 to S4), wherein the lower part corresponds to an outer shoe sole of the wearable apparatus. S6. The wearable apparatus of statement S1 (or any of statements S1 to S5), wherein the first portion of the lower part corresponds to a side portion of the lower part. S7. The wearable apparatus of statement S1 (or any of statements S1 to S6), wherein the second portion of the lower part corresponds to a front portion of the lower part. S8. The wearable apparatus of statement S2 (or any of statements S1 to S7), wherein the depth of each of the plurality of first channels ranges between 2.2-2.7 mm. S9. The wearable apparatus of statement S2 (or any of statements S1 to S8), wherein the depth of each of the plurality of second channels ranges between 0.6-0.9 mm. 510. The wearable apparatus of statement S1, wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are defined at a forefoot portion, a rear foot portion, and / or at a middle foot portion of the lower part. S11. A method comprising: positioning a lower part of a wearable apparatus underneath an upper part of the wearable apparatus, wherein the lower part defines a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels, and a convergent channel; and integrating each of the plurality of second channels within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or within the convergent channel, wherein each of the plurality of first channels intersect with a first portion of the lower part and with the convergent channel, wherein the convergent channel intersects with a second portion of the lower part, wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are collectively configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel to the first portion and / or the second portion of the lower part. S12. The method of statement S11, wherein a depth of each of the plurality of second channels is different than a depth of its corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or a depth of the convergent channel. S13. The method of statement S12 (or S11 or S12), wherein the depth of each of the plurality of first channels is consistent along its length, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of second channels is consistent along its length, and wherein the depth of the convergent channel is consistent along its length. S14. The method of statement S11 (or any of statements S11 to S13), further comprising blocking, via at least one protrusion strip at the second portion of the lower part, liquid exiting in the convergent channel at the second portion from reaching the upper part of the wearable apparatus. S15. The method of statement S11 (or any of statements S11 to S14), wherein the lower part corresponds to an outer shoe sole of the wearable apparatus. S16. The method of statement S11 (or any of statements S11 to S15), wherein the first portion of the lower part corresponds to a side portion of the lower part. S17. The method of statement S11 (or any of statements S11 to S16), wherein the second portion of the lower part corresponds to a front portion of the lower part. S18. The method of statement S12 (or any of statements S11 to S17), wherein the depth of each of the plurality of first channels ranges between 2.2-2.7 mm. S 19. The method of statement S12 (or any of statements S11 to S18), wherein the depth of each of the plurality of second channels ranges between 0.6-0.9 mm. S20. The method of statement S11 (or any of statements S11 to S19), wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are defined at a forefoot portion, a rear foot portion, and / or at a middle foot portion of the lower part.
Examples
Embodiment Construction
[0015]Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.
[0016]The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the present disclosure described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed line for visibility of the underlying components.
[0017]As used herein, the term "comprising" means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the ma...
Claims
1. A wearable apparatus comprising: an upper part; and a lower part positioned underneath the upper part, the lower part defining a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels, and a convergent channel, wherein each of the plurality of second channels is integrated within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or within the convergent channel, wherein each of the plurality of first channels intersect with a first portion of the lower part and with the convergent channel, wherein the convergent channel intersects with a second portion of the lower part, wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are collectively configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel to the first portion and / or the second portion of the lower part.
2. The wearable apparatus of claim 1, wherein a depth of each of the plurality of second channels is different than a depth of its corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or a depth of the convergent channel.
3. The wearable apparatus of claim 2, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of first channels is consistent along its length, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of second channels is consistent along its length, and wherein the depth of the convergent channel is consistent along its length.
4. The wearable apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein: the depth of each of the plurality of first channels ranges between 2.2-2.7 mm; and / or the depth of each of the plurality of second channels ranges between 0.6-0.9 mm.
5. The wearable apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one protrusion strip at the second portion of the lower part configured to at least partially block liquid exiting in the convergent channel at the second portion from reaching the upper part of the wearable apparatus.
6. The wearable apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein: the lower part corresponds to an outer shoe sole of the wearable apparatus; and / or the first portion of the lower part corresponds to a side portion of the lower part; and / or the second portion of the lower part corresponds to a front portion of the lower part.
7. The wearable apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are defined at a forefoot portion, a rear foot portion, and / or at a middle foot portion of the lower part.
8. A method comprising: positioning a lower part of a wearable apparatus underneath an upper part of the wearable apparatus, wherein the lower part defines a plurality of first channels, a plurality of second channels, and a convergent channel; and integrating each of the plurality of second channels within a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or within the convergent channel, wherein each of the plurality of first channels intersect with a first portion of the lower part and with the convergent channel, wherein the convergent channel intersects with a second portion of the lower part, wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are collectively configured to guide liquid captured within the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel to the first portion and / or the second portion of the lower part.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein a depth of each of the plurality of second channels is different than a depth of its corresponding one of the plurality of first channels or a depth of the convergent channel.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of first channels is consistent along its length, wherein the depth of each of the plurality of second channels is consistent along its length, and wherein the depth of the convergent channel is consistent along its length.
11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein: the depth of each of the plurality of first channels ranges between 2.2-2.7 mm; and / or the depth of each of the plurality of second channels ranges between 0.6-0.9 mm.
12. The method of any of claims 8 to 11, further comprising blocking, via at least one protrusion strip at the second portion of the lower part, liquid exiting in the convergent channel at the second portion from reaching the upper part of the wearable apparatus.
13. The method of any of claims 8 to 12, wherein: the lower part corresponds to an outer shoe sole of the wearable apparatus; and / or the first portion of the lower part corresponds to a side portion of the lower part; and / or the second portion of the lower part corresponds to a front portion of the lower part.
14. The method of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of first channels, the plurality of second channels, and the convergent channel are defined at a forefoot portion, a rear foot portion, and / or at a middle foot portion of the lower part.
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