What company in Mexico presently manufactures polypropylene rope
sandals in the
style commonly known as Gurkees? 

This sandal may be seen at <davesdiscount.com> or by searching The
Sandal Dudes, or at <gurkeesandals.com>. These three business are
resellers--the sandal itself is a product originally designed in the
US in the late sixties or early seventies in a commune that made rope
hammocks, as a means to recycle rope scrap.

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Request for Question Clarification by journalist-ga on 23 Jul 2002 20:37 PDT

I have located them wholesale in Spain.  If you would like this info
as an answer, please let me know.  I am unable to ocate any in Mexico.

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Clarification of Question by ldmorgan-ga on 23 Jul 2002 21:54 PDT

Let's reserve the Spainish source for now as a possible answer for a
later question. It's early yet. If the Mexican source proves
unfindable, I'll probably want to try for one other closer location
first. Thank you, though.

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Request for Question Clarification by claudietta-ga on 24 Jul 2002 01:12 PDT

ldmorgan,

Can you per chance have the Trade name for the materials on the
Gurkees?  I have found a rather large Mexican company in the
Apparel/Accessories industry that has numerous Trade marks all sorts
of materials, including polypropylene material.

Let me know what you think,
claudietta

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Clarification of Question by ldmorgan-ga on 24 Jul 2002 09:52 PDT

claudietta:

The rope used in these sandals is very similar to "Unmanilla" TM rope 
manufactured by the LeHiegh Corp (sic?). Polypropylene rope of similar
type is also made by many other companies, worldwide. Cut pieces are
heated and fused together to make the sandals. No stitching is
involved.

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Request for Question Clarification by brad-ga on 24 Jul 2002 10:17 PDT

I am wondering if you want the manufacturer or the owner of the
trademark.
A visit to the U.S. Patent Office indicates an owner: 

Gurkee's International, Inc. 
CORPORATION OKLAHOMA 
7011 E. 40th St. 
Tulsa OKLAHOMA 74145

It is probable that this American corporation has its product, the
Gurkee sandals, manufactured in Mexico.

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Clarification of Question by ldmorgan-ga on 24 Jul 2002 10:58 PDT

Brad:

Interesting question.

Ownership of a trademark would be of no use, because the same product
from the same factory (or different factories) can be sold under many
different trademarks.  In this case, it certainly is.

The owner of any given trademark might be a step toward finding the
factory, though. IF the owner cares to disclose the factory he deals
with. But it's a dead end if he doesn't.

It's almost certain that the guys at Gurkees get their sandals from
Mexico. You might even ask them---but I think they'll be inclined to
keep their sources secret.


A bit of a challenge, wot?

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 25 Jul 2002 22:14 PDT

Hi Idmorgan,
Would the original sandal inventors information in the US be
acceptable as an answer? They are in the US and still manufacture
those sandals. I have that information. Should I post it as an answer?

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Clarification of Question by ldmorgan-ga on 26 Jul 2002 06:08 PDT

Bobbie7-ga:

Nope. Any source, wholesale or retail, in the US is not the subject of
the question. Take the question literally. The original inventors (the
commune)
are easy to find (hey, even I could find them!), and of no particular
utility.

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Clarification of Question by ldmorgan-ga on 27 Jul 2002 09:17 PDT

Claudietta:

Thanx for the comment. A lot of research there. The "Unmanilla" TM
probably wouldn't be used on this company's sandals--if they have them
in the first place-
since it would advertise the rope-maker instead of the sandal-maker.
Trademarks can be an easy way to find things, sometimes. Other times
they seerm to mask the very information they are supposed to
spotlight.

LDMorgan,

The one Mexican company I found, Cydsa SA, manufactures apparel with
the following Brands/Trade marks, however, it does not include the one
you seem to have.

Below is only a subset of what they do, for your information.

Flexible Packaging Division: this division is comprised by Co.'s
subsidiary Masterpak, which has 4 plants in Mexico. Masterpak offers
complete solutions to its clients, from artwork and design to the
optimization of the specific client's packaging logistics and
operations. Masterpak provides flexible packaging to manufacturers of
food and industrial products. This division sells and distributes its
products under the brand name PROPIREY®.

Fibers Division: this division produces acrylic fiber for textile
products, raw and pre-dyed tow, tops and staple, and rayon for
textiles and industrial filament. The division's products are used to
manufacture knitted and woven sweaters and household goods, such as
rugs, tablecloths and blankets. They are also used to produce velvet,
clothing, sports apparel, belts, hoses and tire cords. This division
sells and distributes its products under the brand names: Crysel®,
Superfil® and Kromolon®.

Yarn Spinning and Apparel Division: this division develops and markets
yarns, mainly under the Dasa and San Marcos brands, for the apparel
and home textile markets. Ultracril, one of the businesses in this
division, manufacturers sweaters and exports over 90% of its
production to international markets. This business unit sells directly
to J.C. Penney and other department stores. This division sells and
distributes its products under the brand names: Dasa®, San Marcos®,
Novacril®, Quetzal®, Cotton Like®, Pill Guard®, Festival®, Hilatex®,
Ultracil®, 1900®, Ultrajeans®, Essex®, Pacific Winds®, St. Marcus®,
Allegro®, San Marcos®, Eva M.®, Novelty®, Night & Day® and Hi-Pile®.

Home Textiles Division: this division manufactures blankets, quilts
and throws, as well as comforters, towels, tablecloths, rugs and
curtains. This division sells and distributes its products  under the
brand names: Dasa®, San Marcos®, Novacril®, Quetzal®, Cotton Like®,
Pill Guard®, Festival®, Hilatex®, Ultracil®, 1900®, Ultrajeans®,
Essex®, Pacific Winds®, St. Marcus®, Allegro®, San Marcos®, Eva M.®,
Novelty®, Night & Day® and Hi-Pile®.

good luck -