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  Surfing footwear with leash anchorUSPTO Application #: 20060143944Title: Surfing footwear with leash anchor Abstract: An article of footwear specifically designed for surfing has an ergonomic forefoot construction that completely envelops the toes. A thin rubber outsole wraps from underneath the forefoot construction onto both the lateral and medial sides. A molded protruding edge is present on the lateral portion of the outsole to create significant support for lateral force. An ankle brace which wraps around onto itself to become a loop and pile fastened strap incorporates a molded anchor to function as a leash for the user. A support piece which is connected to the ankle brace and the forefoot construction maintains rearward tension that prevents the forefoot construction from becoming dislodged during aggressive use. (end of abstract) Agent: Matthew Collins - Newton, MA, US Inventor: Matthew Kevin Collins USPTO Applicaton #: 20060143944 - Class: 036008100 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Boots, Shoes, And Leggings, Boots And Shoes, Bathing The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060143944. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/642,136 filed 2005 Jan. 6 by the present inventor. FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH [0002] Not applicable SEQUENCE LISTING [0003] Not applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] This invention relates to aquatic footwear, specifically to the sport of surfing. [0006] 2. Prior Art [0007] Surfing is a sport that is typically performed barefoot. Under the extreme conditions, most surfers wish to have direct contact with the board as well as utilizing natural unobstructed movement of the foot to ensure their maneuvers are precise. Even under cold or rocky conditions surfers will usually opt to go barefoot. Current articles of aquatic footwear are often inadequate for surfing because they are too thick and encompass the entire foot eliminating any direct contact with the board. Additionally, aquatic footwear to date has always gravitated to strictly ergonomic outsole and tread design that relies on rubber nodes as traction for lateral and longitudinal movement. While this does provide some additional traction, the benefits thus far have not been sufficient enough to convince surfers to employ any of the current footwear offerings with any regularity. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,322,894 to Dykes (1982) attempts to remedy the first problem with a booty construction that includes an open toe area. This would give the user direct contact with the board. However, the booty construction would be considered cumbersome because of lateral and longitudinal movement constriction in the ankle and arch. When the surfer then attaches his leash, which is typically wrapped around the ankle to tether the rider to his board, he would be utilizing more equipment than he would typically be comfortable with. [0009] This construction also contradicts it's purpose. Because aquatic footwear is typically used in surfing under cold or rocky conditions, the exposure of the toes leaves the most sensitive and vital appendages for surfing vulnerable to frostbite and/or knicks and cuts from jagged or rocky beaches. [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,071 to Hergenroeder (1993) provides a less restrictive solution to the surfing footwear problem. This surfing sandal allows for direct contact with the surf board in several places as well as unfettered ankle movement. The outsole, however, provides most of its coverage under the arch of the foot culminating at the joint of the fifth metatarsal bone and the proximal phalange on the lateral side. Subsequently, if a surfer's steering foot has the majority of the body weight on the phalange bones, the lateral traction of the outsole would be almost nonexistent. Also, this coverage could adversely affect the natural torsion that occurs in the midfoot. [0011] This concept leaves the toes exposed to extreme elements as well, rendering the sandal inadequate for cold water use and providing little protection on jagged or rocky beaches. The rider is also required to fasten his own leash around the ankle creating a potential for uncomfortable overlapping of hardware. [0012] In conclusion, insofar as I am aware, no surf or aquatic footwear has been developed that offers natural flexibility of the ankle and midfoot while providing superior lateral support, direct contact with the board, integration of a surfing leash and protection for sensitive forefoot appendages. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION--OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES [0013] Accordingly, the objects and advantages of the present invention are: [0014] (a) to provide a surfer with a protective footwear option that offers natural flexibility in the ankle and midfoot; [0015] (b) to provide a surfer with superior lateral support under the harsh conditions; [0016] (c) to provide a surfer with the maximum amount of direct physical contact with the surfboard without sacrificing protection for the surfers sensitive forefoot appendages; [0017] (d) to eliminate the need for additional hardware by incorporating a surfing leash into the footwear. [0018] Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. SUMMARY Continue reading... Full patent description for Surfing footwear with leash anchor Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Surfing footwear with leash anchor patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Surfing footwear with leash anchor or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Shoe with improved ventilation Next Patent Application: Article of manufacture for ballet shoes and shanks Industry Class: Boots, shoes, and leggings ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Surfing footwear with leash anchor patent info. 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