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.

1 . A strain relief element for a footwear article, said strain relief element being engageable with a portion of a footwear article for engagement with a portion of the foot of a subject, wherein
 said strain relief element is formed from an elastically deformable material and is adapted to engage with an engagement portion of the foot of the subject,   said strain relief element is sized and provided with a cross sectional area and geometry and a peripheral length, such that upon engagement with the engagement portion of a foot of a subject, the strain relief element is adapted to provide sufficient compressive hoop stress so as to secure the footwear article to the foot of the subject during ambulation, elastically deforms and the internal surface of the strain relief element which engages with the foot of a user is adapted to substantially conform to the engagement portion of the surface of the foot of the subject,   load normal to the engagement portion of the foot imparted to the engagement portion of the foot of the subject is distributed along the strain relief element so as to reduce point loading to the foot at bony prominences of the foot of the subject, and   the strain relief element is formed of a material and finished so as to provide a reduced friction coefficient and to allow movement of the strain relief element during ambulation relative to the foot of the subject, so as to reduce internal shear stresses induced from relative movement between the surface of the foot and bones of the foot of the subject.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A strain relief element according to  claim 1 , wherein the strain relief element is adapted to be located at an anterior contact portion, medial contact portion, lateral contact portion, posterior contact portion, or combinations thereof of a footwear article, for engagement with the corresponding anterior contact portion, medial contact portion, lateral contact portion, posterior contact portion, or combinations thereof engagement portion of the foot of the subject. 
     
     
         5 . A strain relief element according to  claim 1  wherein the strain relief element is engageable with the superior-posterior portion of a footwear article for engagement with the posterior heel portion of the foot of a subject. 
     
     
         6 . A strain relief element according to  claim 5  wherein the strain relief element is formed of a material and finished so as to provide a reduced friction coefficient and to allow superior and inferior movement of the strain relief element during ambulation relative to the posterior surface of the heel of the subject, so as to reduce internal shear stresses induced from relative movement between the posterior surface of the heel and the calcaneus of the foot of the subject. 
     
     
         7 . A strain relief element according to  claim 1 , wherein the strain relief element is formed from an elastomeric polymer, a silicon based material, or a rubber based material. 
     
     
         8 . A strain relief element according to  claim 1 , wherein the strain relief element further includes a tab portion, and wherein said tab portion provides a gripping portion for assistance in fitting a footwear article to the foot of a subject. 
     
     
         9 . A strain relief element according to  claim 1 , wherein the strain relief element is generally elongate in the lateral direction. 
     
     
         10 . A strain relief element according to  claim 1 , wherein the strain relief element includes rebates for alteration of the structural properties of the strain relief element. 
     
     
         11 . A strain relief element according to  claim 1 , wherein the strain relief element further includes a recess or a protruded portion, for the carrying thereon of a marking, and wherein said marking is a branding or trade mark marking. 
     
     
         12 . A footwear article comprising a strain relief element according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . A footwear article according to  claim 12 , comprising an upper to which the strain relief element is engaged, and comprising a sole member to which the upper is engaged. 
     
     
         14 . A footwear article according to  claim 13 , wherein the strain relief element is provided in a color distinct from the color of the upper, providing a visual indication of the incorporation of the strain relief element within the footwear article. 
     
     
         15 . A footwear article according to  claim 14 , wherein the sole member is provided in the same color as to that of the strain relief element, to provide further visual indication of the incorporation of the strain relief element within the footwear article.