Shoe Securing System and Method

Abstract

Shoe securing apparatus including multiple straps adjustably coupled together where a first support strap is configured to extent between one of the shoe counter or back and insole and the shoe shank and insole and the second locking strap is configured to extend between the other.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates generally to external shoe securing systems and in particular systems and apparatus for removable systems that may be employed to more securely couple a shoe to a wearer.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] It may be desirable to provide a removable shoe securing system that a user may employ to more securely couple a shoe to a foot, the present invention provides such a system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout and wherein:

[0004] FIG. 1A is a front view of a support strap that may be part of shoe securing system (SsS) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0005] FIG. 1B is a front view of a locking strap that may be part of shoe securing system (SsS) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0006] FIG. 2A is a simplified right side diagram of an architecture including a SsS coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0007] FIG. 2B is a simplified left side diagram of an architecture including a SsS coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2C is a simplified back diagram of an architecture including a SsS coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2D is a simplified front diagram of an architecture including a SsS coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 2E is a simplified top diagram of an architecture including a SsS coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2F is a simplified bottom diagram of an architecture including a SsS coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 3A is a front view of another support strap that may be part of shoe securing system (SsS) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 3B is a front view of another support strap that may be part of shoe securing system (SsS) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0014] FIG. 4 is a simplified left side diagram of an architecture including another configuration of a SsS coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Throughout this description, embodiments and variations are described for the purpose of illustrating uses and implementations of the invention. The illustrative description should be understood as presenting examples of the invention, rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0016] A shoe 20 such as show in FIGS. 2A-2F and 4 may have an open configuration where a user may insert a foot into an insole 29B and vamp 29A. The shoe 20 may hold a user's foot via the vamp 29A and upper 28A in a secure manner for its normal intended usage, such as walking on a somewhat smooth surface, particularly where the shoe 20 includes a heel 22A raising the shank 24A above the toe spring or front bottom 26B. In order for a user to ensure that the shoe 20 will remain securely coupled to a foot once inserted therein for other activities, a shoe securing system 30A (FIGS. 2A-2F) and 30B (FIG. 4) that may employed, the system 30A-B comprising a support strap 40, 60, 70 and a locking strap 50. The other activities may include walking on less secure or level surfaces, dancing, or other more physical activities.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a front view of a support strap 40 that may be part of a shoe securing system (SsS) 30A-B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, the support strap (SS) 40 may include a right end 42A separated from a left end 42B by a length 46. Each end 42A-B may include slots 44A-B formed from two slits where the slot is sized to enable one end 52B of a locking strap (LS) 50 of a SsS 30A-B to pass therethrough as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F and 4. In an embodiment, a support strap 40 may be made of any flexible, strong materials including man-made and natural materials including polymers, metals, alloys, leather, and other materials and combinations thereof such as car seat belt material. A support strap 40 may have a width of about 0.2 to 2 inches and about 1 inch in an embodiment. A support strap 40 may have a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.4 inches and about 0.1 inches in an embodiment as a function of the materials that comprise the SS 40. The support strap 40 may have various lengths as a function of the shoe 20 where it is to be employed and whether it is to be employed about the shoe 20 counter 28B to the insole 29B as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F or about the shank 24A to the insole 29B as shown in FIG. 4. In an embodiment, a support strap 40 may have a length of about 4 to 10 inches and about 6 inches in an embodiment. FIG. 2A-2F are simplified right side, left side, back, front, top, and bottom diagrams, respectively of an architecture 10A including a SsS 30A coupled to a shoe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, a SS 60 may be adjustable in length. As shown in FIG. 3A, the SS 60 may include a right end 62A that includes a first Velco.RTM. section 66A with tab lockable to a portion of a longer mating Velco.RTM. section 68A to form a slot 64A sized to enable one end 52B of a locking strap (LS) 50 of a SsS 30A-B to pass therethrough as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F and 4. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, a SS 70 may also be adjustable in length. As shown in FIG. 3A, the SS 70 may include a right end 72A and left end 72B that each includes a first Velco.RTM. section 76A,B with tab lockable to a portion of a longer mating Velco.RTM. section 78A,B to form a slots 74A,B sized to enable one end 52B of a locking strap (LS) 50 of a SsS 30A-B to pass therethrough as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F and 4. Other locking mechanisms other than Velco.RTM. may be employed in SS 60, 70 or LS 50 in an embodiment, including buttons, snaps, hooks, or other mechanisms.

[0019] FIG. 1B is a front view of a locking strap 50 that may be part of shoe securing system (SsS) 30A-B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1B, the locking strap (LS) 50 may include a right end 52A separated from a left end 52B by a length 56. The right end 52A may include a loop or ring 54D formed from a durable material where the loop or ring 54D opening is sized to enable the other end 52B of the LS 50 to pass therethrough as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F and 4. As shown in FIG. 1B, the LS 50 left end 52A includes a first Velco.RTM. section 54B with tab 54C lockable to a portion of a longer mating Velco.RTM. section 54A to adjust the overall length of the locking strap 50 when passed through and around the loop 54D to secure a shoe 20 to a foot (in particular angle region) of a user.

[0020] In an embodiment, a locking strap 50 and loop 54D may be made of any flexible, strong materials including man-made and natural materials including polymers, metals, alloys, leather, and other materials and combinations thereof such as seat belt material. A locking strap 50 may have a width of about 0.2 to 2 inches and about 1 inch in an embodiment. A locking strap 50 may have a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.4 inches and about 0.1 inches in an embodiment as a function of the materials that comprise the LS 50. The locking strap 50 may have various overall lengths as a function of the shoe 20 where it is to be employed and whether it is to be employed about the shank 24A to the insole 29B as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F or about the shoe 20 counter 28B to the insole 29B as shown in FIG. 4. In an embodiment, a locking strap 50 may have an overall length of about 8 to 20 inches and about 13 inches in an embodiment and be adjustable in length from about 6 to 18 inches and about 6 to 11 inches in an embodiment. The first Velco section 54B may have a length of about 0.5 to 2 inches and about 1 inch in an embodiment. The second Velco section 54A may have a length of about 2 to 5 inches and about 3 inches in an embodiment. The distance between the Velco.RTM. sections 54A, 54B may be about 2 to 8 inches and about 4 inches in an embodiment.

[0021] In an embodiment, a SsS 30A may be coupled to a shoe 20 by first placing a first end 42A, 42B of the SS 40 about the shoe 20 counter 28B to the insole 29B as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F or about the shank 24A to the insole 29B as shown in FIG. 4. Then the LS 50 second end 52B may be inserted into a first end 42A, 42B slot 44A, 44B (with Velco.RTM. sections 54A, 54B facing away from the SS 40) about the shank 24A to the insole 29B as shown in FIGS. 2A-2F or about the shoe 20 counter 28B to the insole 29B as shown in FIG. 4 and then through the other end 42B, 42A of the SS 40. A user may then insert their foot into the shoe 20. Then the end 52B of LS 50 may inserted in and over the loop 54D and placed against the front side of the LS 50 so the first Velco.RTM. section 54B is securely coupled to the second Velco.RTM. section 54A.

[0022] While this invention has been described in terms of a best mode for achieving the objectives of the invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, in an embodiment the support strap ends 42A, 42B may be permanently secured to section of the locking strap 50 where the combination is sized so it may be placed onto a shoe 20 while coupled together.

Claims

1. A removable shoe foot securing system for a shoe having an open configuration and including a heel, shank, upper, vamp, and opening between the upper and the vamp, the system including: a support strap (SS) having a width and length between a SS first end and a SS second end, the SS minimum length sized to extend about the shoe upper and wearer's foot upon insertion therein so the SS first end and the SS second end reach the shoe opening when the support strap is wrapped about the shoe upper and wearer's foot upon insertion therein; and a locking strap (LS) have a width and a length between a LS first end and a LS second end, the LS minimum length sized to at least encircle the shoe about the shank, upper, and wearer's foot upon insertion therein and a releasably securable locking mechanism to maintain a set length about the shank, upper, and wearer's foot upon insertion therein, wherein the LS first end slidably engages one of the SS first end and the SS second end and the LS second end slidably engages the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end.

2. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein the shoe heel raises the shank above one of the shoe toe spring and the front bottom.

3. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least one slit sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least one slit sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

4. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least two slits forming a slot sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least two slits forming a slot sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

5. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein the support strap is formed primarily of a car seat belt material.

6. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 5, wherein the locking strap is formed primarily of a car seat belt material.

7. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least one slit sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end is variable in length and forms an opening sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

8. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least two slits forming a slot sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end is variable in length and forms an opening sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

9. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end is variable in length and forms an opening sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end is variable in length and forms an opening sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

10. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein one of the LS first end and the LS second end includes one of a loop or a ring where the loop or the ring opening is sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to pass therethrough.

11. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 1, wherein one of the LS first end and the LS second end includes a first locking section with tab securable and releasably lockable to a portion of a second locking section to adjust the overall length of the locking strap when securing a wearer's foot upon insertion therein.

12. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 10, wherein one of the LS first end and the LS second end includes a first locking section with tab securable and releasably lockable to a portion of a second locking section to adjust the overall length of the locking strap when securing a wearer's foot upon insertion therein.

13. A removable shoe foot securing system for a shoe having an open configuration and including a heel, shank, upper, vamp, and opening between the upper and the vamp, the system including: a support strap (SS) having a width and length between a SS first end and a SS second end, the SS minimum length sized to at least encircle the shoe about the shank, upper, and wearer's foot upon insertion therein; and a locking strap (LS) have a width and a length between a LS first end and a LS second end, the LS minimum length sized to extend about the shoe upper and wearer's foot upon insertion therein so the LS first end and the LS second end reach the shoe opening when the locking strap is wrapped about the shoe upper and a releasably securable locking mechanism to maintain a set length about the shoe upper and wearer's foot upon insertion therein, wherein the LS first end slidably engages one of the SS first end and the SS second end and the LS second end slidably engages the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end.

14. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 13, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least one slit sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least one slit sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

15. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 13, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least two slits forming a slot sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least two slits forming a slot sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

16. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 13, wherein the support strap is formed primarily of a car seat belt material and the locking strap is formed primarily of a car seat belt material.

17. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 13, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end includes at least two slits forming a slot sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end is variable in length and forms an opening sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

18. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 13, wherein one of the SS first end and the SS second end is variable in length and forms an opening sized to enable one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough and the other one of the SS first end and the SS second end is variable in length and forms an opening sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to slidably pass therethrough.

19. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 13, wherein one of the LS first end and the LS second end includes one of a loop or a ring where the loop or the ring opening is sized to enable the other one of the LS first end and the LS second end to pass therethrough.

20. The removable shoe foot securing system of claim 19, wherein one of the LS first end and the LS second end includes a first locking section with tab securable and releasably lockable to a portion of a second locking section to adjust the overall length of the locking strap when securing a wearer's foot upon insertion therein.