US2889639A - Plastic hollow clog - Google Patents

Description

June 9, 1959 R. l.. RUDINE 2,889,639

' PLASTIC HOLLOW cLoG Filed sept. 1o, 1957 2 sheets-sheet 1 INVENTOR. RUTH L. RumNE y BY Pme.

f7 r ramvsY.

June 9, 1959 R. RUDINE 2,889,639

PLASTIC HOLLOW CLOG y Filed Sept. lO, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. RUTH L. RumNE .Y BY

F G. 5. F G- 1,0 ATTORNEY United States Patent A PLASTIC HOLLOW CLOG Ruth L. Rudine, Miami, Fla.

Application September 10, 1957, Serial No. 683,104

1 Claim. (Cl. 36-25) This invention relates to an improvement in hollow plastic footwear and primarily of the type commonly recognized as clogs.

The invention contemplates an article of footwear including a molded or otherwise formed clear plastic base having an integral sole portion and with the base being open at its top whereby to form a receptacle having the configuration of a conventional shoe in top plan and with the open top being closed by a sheet of clear plastic in the form of an insole for sealing the base and whereby the base serves as a medium for the reception of various ornamental objects and a uid whereby the objects may float and otherwise be animated as an attraction for children or the like.

An important object of the invention resides in novel connecting means carried by the opposite side edges of the insole whereby to detachably connect a cross strap or vamp, preferably formed of flexible plastic.

Various other objects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent during the course of the following description, reference :being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein has been illustrated the preferred forms of the device and wherein like characters of reference are employed to denote like parts throughout the several figures.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a clog constructed in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof,

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on line 3 3 of Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a transverse section taken on line 4--4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of one insole Ycarrying connecting means and the associated strap, or vamp,

Figure 6 is a side elevation of a modied form of clog,

Figure 7 is a top plan view thereof,

Figure 8 is a longitudinal section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7 and,

Figures 9 and lO are a fragmentary side elevation and transverse section respectively of a further modified form of the invention.

Referring specifically to the drawings and particularly to Figures 1-5 inclusive, the numeral 5 designates a preferably die-formed base member for the clog. The clog is formed of transparent plastic and while it is preferably die-formed it will be apparent that it may be formed in any other desirable manner. The member 5 includes a shaped sole portion 6 and upstanding side walls 7. The clog 5 is of conventional shape and also includes a heel portion S. The member 5 is formed open at its top and presents an upper marginal edge 9 throughout its circumference. The member 5 as will be hereinafter clearly apparent, constitutes a receptacle in which is disposed for ornamental purposes and to have amusement characteristics, a suitable fluid 10. Various relatively small objects 10 are disposed within the liquid so that they may oat and shift around in an animated manner. The sole portion or receptacle 5 is only partly lled with the liquid 10. This renders it possible for the liquid 10 and articles 16' to quickly travel longitudinally within the sole portion or receptacle 5 when the sole portion or receptacle is turned or tilted upon its transverse axis. The sole portion or receptacle 5 has a much greater horizontal longitudinal dimension than transverse vertical dimension. It is also contemplated that various other decorative objects may be placed within the base with or without fluid and such objects may be employed as flowers of various colors. The upper open side of the member 5 is closed by an insole portion 11. The insole 11 is likewise formed of clear plastic in any desirable manner whereby the elements within the member 5 may be visible from any direction. The insole 11 is circumferentially grooved around its marginal portion as at 12, to receive the upper marginal edge 9 of the member 5 and the marginal edge 9 is preferably cemented into the groove 12 so that the insole and the member 5 are united permanently and with the insole sealing the upper open side of the member 5.

A cross-strap or vamp 13, formed of preferably clear exible plastic is disposed transversely across the insole 11 to form the retaining means for the foot of the user. Preferably formed integral with the opposite edges of the insole 11, are spaced apart lugs 14. The lugs 14 are preferably cylindrical and are arranged substantially in opposed relation at each side of the insole. The vamp 13 at its opposite ends is preferably formed tubular, as at 15 and with the tube having an internal diameter corresponding generally to the lugs 14. The vamp 13 and its tubular ends 15 are adapted to be supported upon the lugs 14 by slipping ends of the tubes over the lugs, thus providing a very desirable connecting means for the vamp that permits of the member 15 and the insole 11 being molded or die-formed, with the vamp 13 being subsequently connected to the lugs.

In the assembly of this form of the invention, the clog 5 and the insole 11 are preformed, after which the ornamental elements are placed within the receptacle formed by the clog 5 and the insole 11 is then connected to the marginal edges of the wall 7 by cement or possibly desirable heat treatment. A small aperture may then be formed in the rear wall of the heel 8, through which the fluid 10 may be injected to the required depth. The aperture is then sealed. The vamp 13 is then engaged with the lugs 14, by rst engaging corresponding ends of the tubes 15 upon adjacent lugs, after which the tube is distorted to permit the engagement of the opposite ends of the tubes upon the other lugs. The sole 6 and the heel 8 may be slightly recessed, as at 16 and 17 for the reception of a suitable friction member, not shown, whereby to prevent slipping of the clog upon polished surfaces, and to prevent wear and abrasion to the bottom surface of the clog.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 6-8 inclusive, there has been provided a hollow clog or base portion 18, having circumferential side walls 19. The clog 18 is formed open at its upper side, and terminates in the circumferential marginal edge 2l). Disposed over the open side of the clog 18 is an insole 21. The insole 21 is circumferentially groove upon its underside, as at 22 for the reception of the marginal edge 20 of the clog. The marginal edge 20 is cemented or otherwise engaged into the groove 22 and effectively seals the clog 18. The clog 18 is provided with the sole portion 23 and the heel portion 24 that are recessed at 25 and 26 for the cementing reception of any desirable anti-slipping pads. As in the iirst form of the invention, the hollow clog constitutes a receptacle for any suitable decorative or entertaining objects, or suitable uid 27 in which is 3 oatably disposed various preferably plastic articles 27' that have an attractive and amusing appearance to a child. The liquid 27 only partly fills the sole portion or casing 18, andthe sameaction is obtained as explained in connection with the rst form of the invention.

Intermediate the length ofthe insole 21, there has been provided' transverse step portions 28 and 29. A band of clear flexible plastic 30 has resting engagement within the stepped portion 29 with its upper flight overlying the insole asY the means to engage the foot of the Wear-er so thatA the clog may be suitably held upon the foot. The band 30 may be a continuous section of relatively thin plastic or it may be a strip that is cemented together and with` the joint being disposed within the step 29. That portion of the band 30 lying within the step 29 may be cemented to prevent shifting transversely of the clog. Disposed in overlying relation to the step 29 and the supported portion of the band 30 is a preferably upwardly bowed `arch support 31. The opposite ends of the arch support 31 are supported upon the steps 28, where they are preferably cemented against displacement. The arch support 31 is obviously shaped at its opposite outer edgesto conform to the longitudinal curvature of the insole 21 and to lie in ush arrangement therewith. The arch support 31 at its opposite ends is lalso disposed in flush arrangement with the upper surface of the insole.

In Figures 9 and l0 there has been illustrated a modified form of vamp connecting means, such means embodying studs or buttons 32 that may be molded integral with the side of the base or they may be molded integralwith the insole 11. Any suitable number of studs may be employed in accordance with the width of the vamp to be connected. The vamp, here illustrated at 33 has its opposite ends apertured for snapping engagement over the studs 32 and whereby the vamp may be connected in a simple manner without the use of screws or other fastening devices.

While` the structures illustrated are the preferred assembly arrangements, it is contemplatedthat the assembly may. be reversed by employing the base as the upper hollow shell having its top conformingto the insole and with the shell being open at its bottom and closed by an outersole that conforms to the bottom of the base as illustrated and with the outersole being connected tothe lowerm-arginal edge ofthe shell insubstantially the same manner asrpreviously employed. The connecting means for the-.vamp will obviously be carried by the upper marginal portion of the shell.

` An assembly may similarly be contemplated employing three pieces consisting of upstanding. side Wall '7 formed of onepiece-open at top and bottom. An insole member conforming to top marginal edge of side wall 7 would 'be `connected thereto, forming top closure. Anoutersole 4 conforming to bottom marginal edge of side wall 7 would be connected' thereto, forming bottom closure; thus formi ing a hollow clog of one, two, or several formed, fitted, and assembled parts.

Connecting means for vamp in the foregoing assembly will be substantially the same as previously employed and will be carried by either the marginal edge of insole member or side wall '7.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that a very novel arrangement of footwear has been provided. The device, while primarily designed for use of children, obviously will be made into sizes capable of fitting adults. The vdevice is ornamental in appearance, is light in weight, is economical to manufacture and provides in addition to an article of footwear, an ornamental article that, due to its sealed construction embodies floatation qualities. The contour of the device obviously conforms generally to that embodied in footwear.

It is to, be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction shown but that changes are contemplated as readily fall within the spirit of the invention as shall be determined by the scope of the sub` joined claim.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A sandal, comprisingv a hollow transparent sole portion, said sole portion having an upper portion formed to receive the sole portion of the foot, said hollow sole portion having a horizontal dimension far exceeding its vertical dimension, a liquid only partly lling said hollow sole portion, solid articles arranged within said hollow sole portion and contacting with said liquid to move thereinA and therewith, saidv liquid` and articles. moving freely longitudinally within the hollow sole portion when the hollow sole portion is tilted upon its transversev axis, and a foot engaging'band arranged above the hollow sole portionand attached thereto adjacent to the sides thereof.

ReferencesCited inthe le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS'

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