Footwear component and positioning device

Abstract

A lozenge 100 for an item of footwear, comprising one or more marks 102 located on an edge of the lozenge; each mark arranged to allow the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear. The marks m

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a component for an item of footwear and a positioning device for use with the component. BACKGROUND For shoes and other footwear items, comfort is of the utmost importance. To improve user comfort, many footwear designers incorporate a pad, otherwise known as a lozenge, Into the heel of their footwear. It is imperative that these lozenges are positioned accurately and consistently between footwear, as otherwise, the wearer is likely to experience moderate discomfort. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect provides a lozenge for an item of footwear, the lozenge comprising: one or more marks, each mark located on an edge of the lozenge, wherein each of the one or more marks is arranged so as to allow the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear. The one or more marks may be configured to cooperate with a lozenge positioning device to allow the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear. The one or more marks may comprise one or more notches in the edge of the lozenge. The one or more marks may comprise visual indicators on the lozenge. The lozenge may further comprise one or more grooves on a surface of the lozenge, the one or more grooves being configured to allow the lozenge to bend to one or more contours of the item of footwear. The grooves may be arranged in a crosshatching pattern on the surface. Alternatively, the grooves may be arranged in a series of parallel or substantially parallel lines vertically or horizontally across the lozenge, or arranged in any other pattern that improves curvature of the lozenge and enables it to conform to the contours of the Item of footwear on which It is placed. The lozenge may be made of at least one of the following: foam; single density foam; multi density foam; paper; board; leather; and synthetic leather. The lozenge may be configured to be positioned on a heel of the item of footwear. Specifically, the lozenge may be configured to be positioned on the portion of the item of footwear on which a heel of the wearer will typically rest, when the item of footwear is worn. The lozenge may comprise an adhesive portion configured to adhere to the item of footwear. The adhesive portion may comprise glue, tape or any other adhesive. A second aspect provides a device for positioning a lozenge on an item of footwear, the device comprising: a handle; an alignment portion connected to the handle, the alignment portion comprising: an inner curved edge; a first outer curved edge located on a first side of the alignment portion and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the first outer curved edge together define a first alignment channel; and a second outer curved edge located on a second side of the alignment portion and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the second outer curved edge together define a second alignment channel; and a positioning pin connected to the alignment portion and extending away from the inner curved edge, wherein the first and second outer curved edges are each configured to abut the item of footwear, such that when one of the first and second outer curved edges abuts the item of footwear, the item of footwear is received in the respective alignment channel, such that the inner curved edge and the positioning pin together enable the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear. The inner curved edge and the first and second outer curved edges may be concave. The inner curved edge and the first and second outer curved edges may be substantially U-shaped. The inner curved edge may be configured to receive the lozenge, such that when the one of the first and second outer curved edges abuts the item of footwear, the device is arranged such that the position of the lozenge when it is received in the inner curved edge is indicative of the intended position of the lozenge on the item of footwear. In other words, the lozenge may be received in the inner curved edge such that it rests against the inner curved edge or on the positioning pin, and when the first or second outer curved edge abuts the item of footwear, the position of the lozenge, when viewed from the top-down, is the intended position of the lozenge on the item of footwear, i.e. the position at which the lozenge will be affixed. The first side of the alignment portion may be different to the second side of the alignment portion. The first side of the alignment portion may be a reflection of the second side of the alignment portion, such that the first side of the alignment portion is configured for use with an item of left footwear (i.e. an item of footwear configured to be worn on the wearer's left foot) and the second side of the alignment portion is configured for use with an item of right footwear (i.e. an item of footwear configured to be worn on the wearer's right foot). Each of the first and second alignment channels may comprise a respective curved flange that is configured to abut the item of footwear to enable the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear. The first and second outer curved edges may be configured to abut a back / heel of the item of footwear. The item of footwear may comprise a shoe or other kind of wearable footwear. For example, the item of footwear may be a shoe, boot, stiletto, sandal, slipper or any other kind of footwear. The item of footwear may comprise an inner-sock arranged to be affixed to a shoe or other kind of wearable footwear. In other words, the lozenge may be received on or in an inner-sock, and the inner-sock may be configured to be received in or on, or affixed to, a further item of footwear, such as a shoe. This arrangement would be advantageous when access to the insole of the shoe is limited. The lozenge can be put on the inner-sock and this would in-turn be put inside the shoe and be affixed to the insole. The lozenge may be made of at least one of the following: foam; single density foam; multi density foam; paper; board; leather; and synthetic leather. The device may be configured to be handheld. The first and / or second outer curved edges may comprise one or more markings to facilitate positioning of the lozenge on the item of footwear. The positioning pin may comprise one or more markings to facilitate positioning of the lozenge on the item of footwear. A third aspect provides an apparatus comprising a lozenge according to the first aspect and a device according to the second aspect. A fourth aspect provides a method of positioning a lozenge on an item of footwear using a device, the device comprising: a handle; an alignment portion connected to the handle, the alignment portion comprising: an inner curved edge; a first outer curved edge located on a first side of the alignment portion and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the first outer curved edge together define a first alignment channel; and a second outer curved edge located on a second side of the alignment portion and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the second outer curved edge together define a second alignment channel; and a positioning pin connected to the alignment portion and extending away from the inner curved edge, the method comprising the steps of: abutting the item of footwear with the first curved edge such that the item of footwear is received in the respective alignment channel; using the first curved edge and the positioning pin to position the lozenge on the item of footwear. The lozenge may comprise one or more marks located on an edge of the lozenge, the method further comprising using the one or more marks to position the lozenge on the item of footwear. The first and / or second outer curved edges may comprise one or more markings, and the method may further comprise: aligning at least one of the one or more markings with at least one of the one or more marks when the lozenge is received in the inner curved channel, so as to facilitate positioning the lozenge on the item of footwear. The method may further comprise receiving the lozenge in the inner curved edge of the device; and using the position of the lozenge when it is received in the inner curved edge to position the lozenge on the item of footwear when the first curved edge abuts the item of footwear. A fifth aspect provides an item of footwear comprising the lozenge of the first aspect. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, integers or steps. Moreover the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires: in particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are Incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la is a plan view of a lozenge; Figure lb is a side-on view of the lozenge of Figure la; Figure 2 is a plan view of a lozenge; Figure 3a is an exploded view of an item of footwear comprising the lozenge of Figure 2; Figure 3b is a plan view of the item of footwear of Figure 3a; Figure 4a is a plan view of a first side of a device; Figure 4b is a plan view of a second side of the device of Figure 4a; Figure 4c is a side-on view of the device of Figure 4a; Figure 5 is a view of the device of Figure 4a cooperating with the lozenge of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a side-on view of the device of Figure 4a being used to position a lozenge on an item of footwear; and Figure 7 is a plan view of the device of Figure 4a being used to position a lozenge on an item of footwear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring first to Figure la, a lozenge 100 is shown. The lozenge 100 is for an item of footwear such as a shoe, a boot or a sandal for example. The lozenge 100 is a pad, typically made from foam, received in a heel portion of the item of footwear. This will be discussed in more detail below. The lozenge 100 may alternatively be made from single density foam; multi density foam; paper; board; leather; or synthetic leather, or any combination of these. The lozenge 100 is typically 0.5mm - 5mm in thickness. The lozenge 100 may be formed from a mould, or it may be cut out of a bulk material, for example. As may be seen in Figure la, the lozenge 100 comprises a number of marks on its edge. In this embodiment, the marks are notches 102 in the edge of the lozenge 100. These notches 102 help to correctly position the lozenge 100 on the heel of the item of footwear. These notches 102 may be used to correctly position the lozenge 100 in conjunction with a positioning device, which is described In more detail below. Instead of, or as well as, notches in the edges of the lozenge 100, it is possible to have visual indicators on the lozenge. These visual indicators may be located around the edges of the lozenge, and may comprise one or more lines, for example. For instance, the visual indicators may comprise one or more radial lines, extending away from the edge, in a direction substantially towards the centre of the lozenge 100. Each of these lines may be 0.5cm, 1cm or 2cm in length, for example. One side of the lozenge 100 comprises an adhesive portion, the adhesive portion configured to adhere to the item of footwear to enable the lozenge 100 to be firmly affixed to the item of footwear. The adhesive portion may comprise glue, tape or some other adhesive. The adhesive portion may cover the whole of one side of the lozenge 100, or just a part of the one side of the lozenge 100, such as the circumference, the centre or a proportion of the area of the one side. A side view of the lozenge 100 is shown in Figure lb. The lozenge 100 is intended to cushion the wearer's heel and help absorb the force applied to the item of footwear by the wearer's foot while walking, and hence improve wearer comfort. Hence, the lozenge may have any suitable thickness for this purpose. Generally, a thicker lozenge 100 will offer more cushioning and be capable of absorbing more force than a thinner one. However, the lozenge 100 must not be so thick as to obstruct the foot's normal placement on the item of footwear, thereby causing the wearer discomfort. Figure 2 shows a lozenge 200, similar to that shown in Figure la. The lozenge 200 comprises marks around its edge, the marks being notches 202. The lozenge also comprises a number of grooves 204 on the surface of the lozenge 200. The lozenge 200 is able to bend more easily along each of the grooves 204. The grooves 204 therefore allow the lozenge to more easily bend to one or more contours of the Item of footwear when the lozenge 200 is placed thereon. As such, the grooves 204 enable the lozenge 200 to be positioned so as to more closely fit the contours of the item of footwear, providing a more snug fit and making it less likely for the lozenge to exhibit crimps, wrinkles or air bubbles, which would be uncomfortable for the wearer. In the case where the lozenge 200 is made from a mould, the grooves 204 may be present in the mould such that they are formed in the lozenge when it is moulded. Alternatively, the grooves may be formed as slits in the surface of the lozenge, using a knife or other sharp tool. The grooves may alternatively be cut using a V-shaped tool or U-shaped tool, or be punched / indented using a press-knife, for example. Figure 3a provides an exploded view that shows how the lozenge 200 is incorporated into an item of footwear 300. In this embodiment, the item of footwear 300 is a sandal, but as discussed previously, the item of footwear 300 could be any type of wearable footwear. As can be seen, the lozenge 200 is typically received on the heel portion of the item of footwear 300, such that when the item of footwear 300 is worn, the wearer's heel rests on the lozenge 200. As discussed above, the lozenge 200 is typically adhered to the item of footwear by an adhesive. An inner-sock 302 covers the lozenge 200 and lines the item of footwear 300. The inner-sock 302 helps to keep the lozenge 200 in place, by ensuring that its edges are not exposed, which could lead to the lozenge being peeled off the item of footwear. The inner-sock 302 also provides greater comfort for the user, as it will provide a consistent material and feel under the wearer's foot. The inner-sock 302 is typically attached to the Item of footwear 300 by way of an adhesive. Alternatively, the inner-sock 302 may be sewn to the item of footwear 300, or by any other suitable affixing means. Figure 3b shows a top-down view of the item of footwear 300. As can be seen, the lozenge 200 is positioned at the heel end of the item of footwear 300, so as to cushion the wearer's heel when worn. A gap is typically left around the lozenge 200, so as to allow the inner-sock 302 to be affixed to the item of footwear 300 around the lozenge 200. It is important that the lozenge 200 is positioned correctly and consistently with respect to both the left and corresponding right items of footwear, as incorrect or inconsistent positioning will lead to noticeable discomfort for the wearer. Turning now to Figure 4a, a device 400 for positioning the lozenge on an item of footwear is shown generally. The device 400 comprises a handle 402 and an alignment portion connected to the handle 402. The alignment portion comprises an inner curved edge 404. The alignment portion further comprises a first outer curved edge 406 located on a first side of the alignment portion and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge 404, such that the inner curved edge 404 and the first outer curved edge 406 together define a first alignment channel 408. This can be seen more clearly in Figure 4c, showing a side profile of the device 400, in which it can be seen that the inner curved edge 404 exists in a first plane and the first outer curved edge 406 exists in a second plane. The stepped nature of the first outer curved edge 406 with respect to the inner curved edge 404 results in a substantially L-shaped channel 408 that extends along the boundary between the first outer curved edge 406 and the inner curved edge 404. Returning to Figure 4a, it can be seen that the inner curved edge 404 and the first outer curved edge 406 are each substantially U-shaped, or horseshoe-shaped. The inner curved edge 404 and first outer curved edge 406 are hence shaped so as to follow the shape of a heel of an item of footwear. The device 400 further comprises a positioning pin 410 that Is connected to the alignment portion and extends away from the inner curved edge 404. The positioning pin 410 has a number of markings that extend along Its length. The alignment portion of the device also comprises markings 414 located radially around the first outer curved edge 406. Figure 4b shows a second, reverse side of the device 400. On this second side, the device 400 comprises a second outer curved edge 412 stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge 404. As with the features on the first side of the device 400, the inner curved edge 404 and the second outer curved edge 412 together define a second alignment channel 414. Typically, if the first side shown in Figure 4a is for use with an item of "left" footwear, i.e. an item of footwear configured to be worn on the wearer's left foot, then the second side shown in Figure 4b is for use with an item of "right" footwear, i.e. an item of footwear configured to be worn on the wearer's right foot. Hence, the second side is a reflection of the first side. As can be seen in Figure 5, the device 400 is configured to receive a lozenge 200. The lozenge 200 is received in the inner curved edge of the device 400. When the lozenge 200 is received in the inner curved edge of the device 400, the lozenge 200 typically abuts a surface of the positioning pin 410. The lozenge 200 may be temporarily adhered to the positioning pin 410 by way of an adhesive on the lozenge 200, or it may simply be held in place by a user's finger. The lozenge 200 is received on a first side of the positioning pin 410 and hence on a first side of the device 400. The device 400 is used to position the lozenge 200 on the item of footwear, specifically on a heel portion of the item of footwear, as discussed above. By using the device to position the lozenge 200, the lozenge 200 can consistently be accurately positioned. This consistent and accurate positioning can be further improved by using the markings 414 on the device. Specifically, the markings 414 on the alignment portion and / or the markings on the positioning pin 410 can be used to align the lozenge 200 on the item of footwear. For example, it can be seen in Figure 5 that the lozenge 200 is positioned and aligned within the device 400 such that its edge lines up with the fourth marking on the positioning pin 410, and the central notches of the lozenge 200 align with the central marking on the alignment portion of the device 400. Hence, if the lozenge 200 is positioned and aligned within the device 400 in this manner, it will be consistently positioned on the item of footwear. As another example, the lozenge 200 could be positioned such that its edge lines up with the first marking on the positioning pin 410, and the left-most notch of the lozenge 200 aligns with the left-most marking on the alignment portion of the device 400. There are many different positioning and alignment configurations that could be applied, specific to different items of footwear or desired lozenge positions. It is also possible that a lozenge may be used that is of a size that somewhat snugly fits the inner curved edge of the device. In other words, the lozenge may have the same or approximately the same area as the area enclosed by the inner curved edge. Turning now to Figure 6, the step of positioning a lozenge 200 on an item of footwear 300 using the device 400 is shown. The lozenge 200 is first received in the inner curved edge of the device 400, as discussed above. The lozenge 200 is typically received on a first side of the positioning pin and hence on a first side of the device 400. Each of the first and second 8 alignment channels of the device are configured to receive a heel portion of the item of footwear 300. Hence, once the lozenge 200 is received in the inner curved edge of the device 400, on the first side of the device, the alignment channel 414 on a second side of the device, opposite the first side, receives a heel portion of the item of footwear. In other words, the outer curved edge that defines the alignment channel abuts the heel-end of the item of footwear such that the edge of the heel portion of the item of footwear is received in the alignment channel. Specifically, each alignment channel comprises a curved flange that abuts the curved back edge of the item of footwear. Typically, the side-on cross-sections of the edge of the heel portion and the alignment channel are both shaped like a right angle, and so they fit neatly together, as can be seen in Figure 6. In other words, the heel portion provides a surface against which the alignment may abut against, preferably snugly. Figure 7 shows a top-down view of the device 400 being used to position the lozenge 200 on the item of footwear 300. As discussed above, the heel of the item of footwear 300 Is received in an alignment channel of the device 400, such that the back edge of the heel abuts the outer curved edge of the device 400. If necessary, for example if the radius of curvature of the heel is less than the radius of curvature of the outer curved edge of the device, the markings on the alignment portion of the device can be used to align the lozenge with respect to the item of footwear. By using the markings on the positioning pin and the alignment portion of the device 400, the lozenge 200 can be positioned accurately and consistently on the item of footwear. Hence, taking two items of footwear, each comprising a lozenge that has been positioned using the device 400, it is likely that the lozenges in each item of footwear will be positioned in the same or near identical locations on each item of footwear. Once the device 400 has been used to Indicate the intended position of the lozenge 200, the lozenge 200 can be pressed onto the item of footwear 300, perhaps using a user's finger, such that an adhesive on the back of the lozenge 200 affixes the lozenge 200 to the item of footwear 300. The device 400 can be removed from the lozenge 200 at this point. In this manner, the device 400 is used to position the lozenge 200 on the item of footwear 300.

Claims

ozenge for an item of footwear, the lozenge comprising:one or more marks, each mark located on an edge of the lozenge; and5 one or more grooves on a surface of the lozenge, the one or more grooves beingconfigured to allow the lozenge to bend to one or more contours of the item of footwear,wherein each of the one or more marks is arranged so as to allow the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear; the lozenge being configured to cooperate with a lozenge positioning device, such that the one or more marks cooperate with corresponding10 features of the lozenge positioning device in order to position and secure the lozenge to the item of footwear,wherein the one or more marks comprise one or more notches in the edge of the lozenge.

2. The lozenge according to claim 1, wherein the one or more marks comprises visual indicators on the lozenge.15 3. The lozenge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grooves are arranged in acrosshatching pattern on the surface.

4. The lozenge according to any preceding claim, wherein the lozenge is made of at least one of the following: single density foam; multi density foam; paper; board; leather; and synthetic leather.20 5. The lozenge according to any preceding claim, wherein the lozenge is configured tobe positioned on a heel of the item of footwear.

6. The lozenge according to any preceding claim, wherein the lozenge comprises an adhesive portion configured to adhere to the item of footwear.

7. A device for positioning a lozenge having one or more features on an item of25 footwear, the device comprising:a handle;an alignment portion connected to the handle, the alignment portion comprising:an inner curved edge;a first outer curved edge located on a first side of the alignment portion andstepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the first outer curved edge together define a first alignment channel; anda second outer curved edge located on a second side of the alignment portion5 and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the second outer curved edge together define a second alignment channel; anda positioning pin connected to the alignment portion and extending away from the inner curved edge,wherein the first and second outer curved edges are each configured to abut the item of10 footwear, such that when one of the first and second outer curved edges abuts the item of footwear, the item of footwear is received in the respective alignment channel, such that the inner curved edge, the positioning pin and the features of the lozenge are configured to cooperate to enable the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the inner curved edge and the first and15 second outer curved edges are concave.^r cmI 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the inner curved edge and the first and | second outer curved edges are substantially U-shaped.

10. The device according to any of claims 7-9, wherein the inner curved edge is configured to receive the lozenge, such that when the one of the first and second outer 20 curved edges abuts the item of footwear, the device is arranged such that the position of the lozenge when it is received in the inner curved edge is indicative of the intended position of the lozenge on the item of footwear.

11. The device according to any of claims 7-10, wherein the first side of the alignment portion is different to the second side of the alignment portion.25 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the first side of the alignment portion is areflection of the second side of the alignment portion, such that the first side of the alignment portion is configured for use with an item of left footwear and the second side of the alignment portion is configured for use with an item of right footwear.

13. The device according to any of claims 7-12, wherein each of the first and second 30 alignment channels comprise a respective curved flange that is configured to abut the item of footwear to enable the lozenge to be positioned on the item of footwear.

14. The device according to any of claims 7-13, wherein the first and second outer curved edges are configured to abut a back / heel of the item of footwear.

15. The device according to any of claims 7-14, wherein the item of footwear comprises a shoe or other kind of wearable footwear.

16. The device according to any of claims 7-14, wherein the item of footwear comprises an inner-sock arranged to be affixed to a shoe or other kind of wearable footwear.5 17. The device according to any of claims 7-16, wherein the lozenge is made of at leastone of the following: single density foam; multi density foam; paper; board; leather; and synthetic leather.

18. The device according to any of claims 7-17, wherein the device is configured to be handheld.10 19. The device according to any of claims 7-18, wherein the first and / or second outercurved edges comprise one or more markings to facilitate positioning of the lozenge on the item of footwear.

20. The device according to any of claims 7-19, wherein the positioning pin comprises one or more markings to facilitate positioning of the lozenge on the item of footwear.^rCM15 21. An apparatus comprising a lozenge according to any of claims 1-6 and a device co according to any of claims 7-20.

22. A method of positioning a lozenge on an item of footwear using a device, the device CO comprising: a handle; an alignment portion connected to the handle, the alignment portion1 comprising: an inner curved edge; a first outer curved edge located on a first side of the20 alignment portion and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the first outer curved edge together define a first alignment channel; and a second outer curved edge located on a second side of the alignment portion and stepped outwardly with respect to the inner curved edge, such that the inner curved edge and the second outer curved edge together define a second alignment channel; and a25 positioning pin connected to the alignment portion and extending away from the inner curved edge, the method comprising the steps of:abutting the item of footwear with the first curved edge such that the item of footwear is received in the respective alignment channel;using the first curved edge and the positioning pin to position the lozenge on the 30 item of footwear.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the lozenge comprises one or more marks located on an edge of the lozenge, the method further comprising using the one or more marks to position the lozenge on the item of footwear.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first and / or second outer curved edges comprise one or more markings, the method comprising: aligning at least one of the one or more markings with at least one of the one or more marks when the lozenge is received in the inner curved channel, so as to facilitate positioning the lozenge on the item of footwear.5 25. The method of any of claims 22-24, further comprising receiving the lozenge in theinner curved edge of the device; and using the position of the lozenge when it is received in the inner curved edge to position the lozenge on the item of footwear when the first curved edge abuts the item of footwear.

26. An item of footwear comprising the lozenge of any of claims 1-6.16 08 24

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