US20110154691A1 - Shoe accessory - Google Patents
Shoe accessory Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110154691A1 US20110154691A1 US13/041,916 US201113041916A US2011154691A1 US 20110154691 A1 US20110154691 A1 US 20110154691A1 US 201113041916 A US201113041916 A US 201113041916A US 2011154691 A1 US2011154691 A1 US 2011154691A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- heel
- strap
- ankle
- loop
- shoe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
- A43B3/101—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals
- A43B3/102—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/24—Ornamental buckles; Other ornaments for shoes without fastening function
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/12—Sandals; Strap guides thereon
- A43B3/122—Sandals; Strap guides thereon characterised by the attachment of the straps
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/12—Sandals; Strap guides thereon
- A43B3/126—Sandals; Strap guides thereon characterised by the shape or layout of the straps
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
- A43B3/18—Devices for holding overshoes in position
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D1/00—Garments
- A41D1/06—Trousers
Definitions
- Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an accessory for use with an open-backed shoe.
- the open-backed shoes make certain activities difficult and potentially dangerous without a back to retain the shoe in place during use. For example, climbing stairs, dancing or long walks represent some activities in which particular open-backed shoes may be desired to be worn but not well suited.
- the lack of a heel can also cause a slapping noise, as the shoe hits the individual's heel while walking, which may be undesirable in some instances.
- many people have and wear the open-backed shoes, thereby requiring owning additional shoes with backs, changing shoes for periods of time depending on activities, or enduring the detriments of the open-backed shoes.
- an apparatus for wearing as an accessory to a shoe includes a heel back member having a first end with a first channel and a second end with a second channel.
- a continuous strap threads through the channels to form a heel loop disposed at the second end of the back member for attachment around an outside of a heel of the shoe.
- a first end of the continuous strap extends from the first channel and includes a fastener to mate with a second end of the continuous strap such that the ends are positioned to be disposed around an ankle.
- a method includes connecting a heel loop to a heel of the shoe.
- the heel loop is part of a continuous strap routed through a heel back member. Sliding the continuous strap relative to the back member tightens the heel loop around the heel and alters a length of free ends of the continuous strap that have a fastener to provide an anklet.
- an apparatus for wearing as an accessory to a shoe includes an anklet formed by two free ends of a strap that wrap around an ankle.
- a shoe interface formed by a loop of the strap wraps around an outside of a heel of the shoe.
- the strap is routed along a coupling member.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary pant protector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the pant protector being worn.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an inner side of a shoe accessory in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an outer side of the shoe accessory shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a strap type accessory in use according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a barrier type accessory in use according to one embodiment.
- FIG. 7 illustrates yet another pant protecting accessory, according to one embodiment, that functions analogous to the pant protector shown in FIG. 1 .
- Embodiments of the invention relate to alleviating problems associated with an open-backed shoe during use.
- the apparatus prevents or at least inhibits the bottom of a pant leg from slipping between a person's heel and a shoe bed of the shoe when walking.
- the apparatus is external to the shoe and comprises an anklet, which is worn around the ankle and adjustable in size.
- the anklet is coupled to a heel strap that couples to an optional heel loop, which attaches to a heel of the shoe, thereby retaining or securing the shoe in place when worn.
- a pant protector 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown in use in FIG. 2 .
- the pant protector 1 includes an anklet 4 that wraps around a person's ankle 8 and is fastened with an anklet fastener 5 .
- the anklet 4 can be made from any material, stretch or non-stretch.
- the anklet fastener 5 can also be any type of fastener such as Velcro®, hook and eye or snap.
- the anklet fastener 5 can be one part, or it could be composed of two parts, as embodied in 5 A and 5 B. This invention includes all types of fastening techniques, thus this list of fasteners does not compile an all-inclusive list.
- the addition of an anklet fastener 5 can be omitted, such that the anklet material could be tied together without the aid of an anklet fastener 5 .
- anklet 4 is adjustable, such that it fits ankles 8 of all sizes.
- the ability to adjust to different sizes of ankles can be done by the anklet 4 itself, or could be accomplished by the anklet fastener 5 .
- a heel strap 3 connects the anklet 4 at a first end 7 to the heel loop 2 at a second end 6 .
- the preferred embodiment includes sewing the heel strap 3 to the anklet 4 and heel loop 2 at locations 7 and 6 , respectively.
- this invention also foresees other fastening techniques.
- the heel strap 3 is long enough to extend past the bottom of a person's heel and shoe bed 9 of a shoe 11 when in use. It is also within the purview of this invention to have an adjustable heel strap.
- the heel strap 3 can be made of any type of material, stretch or non-stretch.
- the heel strap 3 is wide enough such that it does not move away from the back-center of a person's ankle 8 , which would allow the bottom of a pant leg 12 to slip under one's foot.
- the heel strap 3 is also wide enough to form a barrier such that the fabric at the bottom of a pant leg 12 will not slip between the bottom of a person's heel and the shoe bed 9 .
- a heel loop 2 is connected to the bottom of the heel strap 3 at a second end 6 in the preferred embodiment.
- the heel loop 2 wraps around a heel 10 of the shoe 11 .
- the heel loop 2 is preferably worn at the point where the heel 10 of the shoe 11 meets the sole of the shoe, but this invention contemplates different placements of the heel loop, such as around the bottom of the heel 10 itself.
- the heel loop 2 is preferably a stretch material, such that the heel loop 2 facilitates the heel strap 3 to remain taut against the back of one's heel.
- the heel loop 2 is also stretchy to allow for varying widths of shoe heels.
- this invention spans the use of heel loop made from material that is non-stretchable.
- the heel loop 2 is preferably a loop of material, or a ring of material. However, it is also within the purview of this invention for the heel loop 2 to be a solid cupped piece such that an entire shoe heel 10 is covered with material.
- the heel loop 2 could also be embodied as an open piece of material with its own fastener. In addition this open piece of material could be fastened by tying the two ends together, in order for a loop to be formed.
- the heel strap 3 and heel loop 2 are worn on the outside of the shoe 11 . However, in the preferred embodiment, it should not be visible because long pants would extend past the heel loop 2 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the preferred method of using the pant protector 1 is to loop the heel loop 2 around the heel 10 of the shoe 11 , extend the heel strap 3 up along the back of the ankle 8 , wrap the anklet 4 around the ankle 8 , and secure with the fastener 5 .
- the pant protector 1 may be utilized with garments other than long pants such that the garment may not reach the pant protector 1 that thus does not necessarily protect the garment, which is incapable of catching in the shoe due to the length of the garment.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an inner side and an outer side, respectively, of a shoe accessory 301 that includes a heel loop 302 , a heel strap or back member 303 and an anklet 304 , for use as described heretofore.
- a first end of the anklet 304 includes a buckle 305 for adjustable fastening to a second end of the anklet 304 .
- a single continuous band of material retained by the back member 303 forms both the anklet 304 and the heel loop 302 . Due to the arrangement, the continuous band enables adjusting the size of both the heel loop 302 and the anklet 304 utilizing the buckle 305 .
- the buckle 305 may include a conventional tongue member that inserts into one of a plurality of punched eyelets along the length of the second end of the anklet 304 .
- the continuous band passes through a channel 307 within the back member 303 .
- folding and securing, such as with stitching, a top edge of the back member 303 onto itself may create the channel 307 disposed at a first end of the back member 303 .
- One or two separate apertures through the back member 303 may, in some embodiments, define the channel 307 such as described herein with respect to a second end of the back member 303 . Any combination of arrangements depicted for retaining the continuous band by the back member 303 while permitting sliding movement for adjustment may be utilized at either end of the back member 303 .
- the continuous band traverses the back member 303 to a second end of the heel strap where the band passes through a first aperture 306 and then returns back through a second aperture 308 (or the first aperture 306 if only one aperture is present).
- a length of the continuous band between the first and second apertures 306 , 308 defines the heel loop 302 .
- the continuous band extends back to the channel 307 and is routed through the channel 307 in a direction such that the second end of the continuous band extends from the channel 307 opposite from the first end with the buckle 305 .
- the band need not cross itself within the back member 303 even though exemplarily shown doing so.
- sliding of the continuous band through the first and/or second apertures 306 , 308 and the channel 307 repositions the continuous band with any subsequent increase or decrease in length of the anklet 304 being compensated by using the buckle 305 .
- the back member 303 includes double layers formed by a backing material 310 sewn onto the back member 303 .
- a central area of the backing material 310 and one perimeter portion of the backing material 310 remains unconnected to the back member 303 .
- the backing material 310 covers the continuous band and permits at the one perimeter portion free ingress and egress of the continuous band disposed along the back member 303 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a strap accessory 501 in use that like the shoe accessory 301 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 utilizes a single continuous band of material, but does not include the back member 303 .
- the strap accessory 501 includes a first end 504 for fastening to a second end 505 of the strap accessory 501 at a location about an ankle 508 of a user.
- any fastener such as a buckle arrangement shown may be utilized for securing the first and second ends 504 , 505 together.
- the strap accessory 501 may define a straight solid length from the first end 504 to the second end 505 prior to wrapping, as described further herein.
- location of the ends 504 , 505 depends on the wrapping such that the ends 504 , 505 relative orientations may be anywhere along the strap accessory 501 and not necessarily at the ankle 508 .
- a shoe interface region 502 of the strap accessory 501 traverses an underside of a shoe 511 ahead of a heel 510 of the shoe 511 prior to the strap accessory 501 crossing itself at an overlapping point on a back of the ankle 508 .
- the strap accessory 501 lacks any connection to itself at the overlapping point and/or any other position between the ends 504 , 505 except where the ends 504 , 505 themselves are fastened together.
- a sliding interface e.g., a slit in the band that one of the ends 504 , 505 is passed through
- the strap accessory 501 still facilitates the strap accessory 501 accommodating various combinations of shoes and users by permitting size adjustments as necessary. From the overlapping point, the strap accessory 501 extends on both sides of the ankle 508 to a front of the ankle 508 thereby wrapping around the ankle 508 .
- attaching the strap accessory 501 includes placing the shoe interface region 502 under the shoe 511 with the length of the shoe accessory 501 transverse to a length of the shoe 511 . Next, crossing the strap accessory 501 that is on both sides of the shoe 511 occurs at the overlapping point. Wrapping of the strap accessory 501 continues around the ankle 508 until the ends 504 , 505 meet to enable fastening thereof.
- FIG. 6 shows a barrier accessory 601 that attaches to a user without requiring attachment to a shoe 611 worn by the user.
- the barrier accessory 601 includes an anklet portion 604 secured around an ankle 608 of the user.
- a barrier member 603 extends from the anklet portion 604 toward a heel 610 of the shoe 611 and down at least a portion of the heel 610 to cover where there is potential for trapping of a pant leg during walking. Sufficient stiffness, size and/or shape of the barrier member 603 may ensure that the barrier member 603 does not become trapped like the pant leg would.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a pant protecting accessory 701 that functions analogous to the pant protector 1 shown in FIG. 1 so that details are not repeated for conciseness.
- the pant protecting accessory 701 includes a strap forming an ankle wrapping portion 704 , a heel traversing portion 703 , and a heel looping portion 702 .
- a ring 706 or other aperture disposed at one end of the strap creates the heel looping portion 702 by passage of the heel traversing portion 703 and the ankle wrapping portion 704 through the ring 706 to form a loop.
- such an arrangement provides adjustment flexibility combined with simple manufacturability and ease of use.
Abstract
Apparatus and methods secure an open-backed shoe during use. The apparatus prevents the bottom of a pant leg from slipping between a person's heel and a shoe bed of the shoe when walking. The apparatus is external to the shoe and comprises an anklet, which is worn around the ankle and adjustable to the size of an individual's ankle. The anklet is coupled to a heel strap that couples to a heel loop, which attaches to a heel of the shoe.
Description
- This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/782,467, filed Jul. 24, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/208,697, filed Aug. 22, 2005, each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an accessory for use with an open-backed shoe.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- When an individual wears long pants with open-backed shoes, fabric at the bottom of the pants has the tendency to move between the individual's heel and a shoe bed. This causes the fabric to become worn, frayed and deformed. In addition, the pant leg can become bunched under the foot creating an unsightly fashion statement.
- Furthermore, the open-backed shoes make certain activities difficult and potentially dangerous without a back to retain the shoe in place during use. For example, climbing stairs, dancing or long walks represent some activities in which particular open-backed shoes may be desired to be worn but not well suited. The lack of a heel can also cause a slapping noise, as the shoe hits the individual's heel while walking, which may be undesirable in some instances. Despite such nuisances and problems, many people have and wear the open-backed shoes, thereby requiring owning additional shoes with backs, changing shoes for periods of time depending on activities, or enduring the detriments of the open-backed shoes.
- Therefore, a need exists for apparatus and methods that are functional and easily used to secure an open-backed shoe during use.
- In one embodiment, an apparatus for wearing as an accessory to a shoe includes a heel back member having a first end with a first channel and a second end with a second channel. A continuous strap threads through the channels to form a heel loop disposed at the second end of the back member for attachment around an outside of a heel of the shoe. Further, a first end of the continuous strap extends from the first channel and includes a fastener to mate with a second end of the continuous strap such that the ends are positioned to be disposed around an ankle.
- A method according to one embodiment of attaching an accessory to a shoe includes connecting a heel loop to a heel of the shoe. The heel loop is part of a continuous strap routed through a heel back member. Sliding the continuous strap relative to the back member tightens the heel loop around the heel and alters a length of free ends of the continuous strap that have a fastener to provide an anklet.
- For one embodiment, an apparatus for wearing as an accessory to a shoe includes an anklet formed by two free ends of a strap that wrap around an ankle. A shoe interface formed by a loop of the strap wraps around an outside of a heel of the shoe. The strap is routed along a coupling member.
- So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary pant protector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the pant protector being worn. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an inner side of a shoe accessory in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an outer side of the shoe accessory shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a strap type accessory in use according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a barrier type accessory in use according to one embodiment. -
FIG. 7 illustrates yet another pant protecting accessory, according to one embodiment, that functions analogous to the pant protector shown inFIG. 1 . - Embodiments of the invention relate to alleviating problems associated with an open-backed shoe during use. The apparatus prevents or at least inhibits the bottom of a pant leg from slipping between a person's heel and a shoe bed of the shoe when walking. The apparatus is external to the shoe and comprises an anklet, which is worn around the ankle and adjustable in size. The anklet is coupled to a heel strap that couples to an optional heel loop, which attaches to a heel of the shoe, thereby retaining or securing the shoe in place when worn.
- In one embodiment, a
pant protector 1 is illustrated inFIG. 1 and shown in use inFIG. 2 . Thepant protector 1 includes ananklet 4 that wraps around a person'sankle 8 and is fastened with ananklet fastener 5. Theanklet 4 can be made from any material, stretch or non-stretch. Theanklet fastener 5 can also be any type of fastener such as Velcro®, hook and eye or snap. Theanklet fastener 5 can be one part, or it could be composed of two parts, as embodied in 5A and 5B. This invention includes all types of fastening techniques, thus this list of fasteners does not compile an all-inclusive list. In addition, the addition of ananklet fastener 5 can be omitted, such that the anklet material could be tied together without the aid of ananklet fastener 5. - Another feature of the
anklet 4 in general, is that it is adjustable, such that it fitsankles 8 of all sizes. The ability to adjust to different sizes of ankles can be done by theanklet 4 itself, or could be accomplished by theanklet fastener 5. - A
heel strap 3 connects theanklet 4 at a first end 7 to theheel loop 2 at asecond end 6. The preferred embodiment includes sewing theheel strap 3 to theanklet 4 andheel loop 2 atlocations 7 and 6, respectively. However, this invention also foresees other fastening techniques. Theheel strap 3 is long enough to extend past the bottom of a person's heel and shoe bed 9 of ashoe 11 when in use. It is also within the purview of this invention to have an adjustable heel strap. Theheel strap 3 can be made of any type of material, stretch or non-stretch. Theheel strap 3 is wide enough such that it does not move away from the back-center of a person'sankle 8, which would allow the bottom of apant leg 12 to slip under one's foot. Theheel strap 3 is also wide enough to form a barrier such that the fabric at the bottom of apant leg 12 will not slip between the bottom of a person's heel and the shoe bed 9. - A
heel loop 2 is connected to the bottom of theheel strap 3 at asecond end 6 in the preferred embodiment. Theheel loop 2 wraps around a heel 10 of theshoe 11. Theheel loop 2 is preferably worn at the point where theheel 10 of theshoe 11 meets the sole of the shoe, but this invention contemplates different placements of the heel loop, such as around the bottom of theheel 10 itself. - The
heel loop 2 is preferably a stretch material, such that theheel loop 2 facilitates theheel strap 3 to remain taut against the back of one's heel. Theheel loop 2 is also stretchy to allow for varying widths of shoe heels. However, this invention spans the use of heel loop made from material that is non-stretchable. - The
heel loop 2 is preferably a loop of material, or a ring of material. However, it is also within the purview of this invention for theheel loop 2 to be a solid cupped piece such that anentire shoe heel 10 is covered with material. Theheel loop 2 could also be embodied as an open piece of material with its own fastener. In addition this open piece of material could be fastened by tying the two ends together, in order for a loop to be formed. - The
heel strap 3 andheel loop 2 are worn on the outside of theshoe 11. However, in the preferred embodiment, it should not be visible because long pants would extend past theheel loop 2 as shown inFIG. 2 . - The preferred method of using the
pant protector 1 is to loop theheel loop 2 around theheel 10 of theshoe 11, extend theheel strap 3 up along the back of theankle 8, wrap theanklet 4 around theankle 8, and secure with thefastener 5. However, other methods of utilizing thepant protector 1 are within the scope of the invention. In some embodiments, thepant protector 1, despite the name, may be utilized with garments other than long pants such that the garment may not reach thepant protector 1 that thus does not necessarily protect the garment, which is incapable of catching in the shoe due to the length of the garment. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an inner side and an outer side, respectively, of ashoe accessory 301 that includes aheel loop 302, a heel strap or backmember 303 and ananklet 304, for use as described heretofore. A first end of theanklet 304 includes abuckle 305 for adjustable fastening to a second end of theanklet 304. A single continuous band of material retained by theback member 303 forms both theanklet 304 and theheel loop 302. Due to the arrangement, the continuous band enables adjusting the size of both theheel loop 302 and theanklet 304 utilizing thebuckle 305. Thebuckle 305 may include a conventional tongue member that inserts into one of a plurality of punched eyelets along the length of the second end of theanklet 304. - Starting from the first end of the
anklet 304 with thebuckle 305, the continuous band passes through achannel 307 within theback member 303. For some embodiments, folding and securing, such as with stitching, a top edge of theback member 303 onto itself may create thechannel 307 disposed at a first end of theback member 303. One or two separate apertures through theback member 303 may, in some embodiments, define thechannel 307 such as described herein with respect to a second end of theback member 303. Any combination of arrangements depicted for retaining the continuous band by theback member 303 while permitting sliding movement for adjustment may be utilized at either end of theback member 303. - After passing through the
channel 307, the continuous band traverses theback member 303 to a second end of the heel strap where the band passes through afirst aperture 306 and then returns back through a second aperture 308 (or thefirst aperture 306 if only one aperture is present). A length of the continuous band between the first andsecond apertures heel loop 302. From thesecond aperture 308, the continuous band extends back to thechannel 307 and is routed through thechannel 307 in a direction such that the second end of the continuous band extends from thechannel 307 opposite from the first end with thebuckle 305. The band need not cross itself within theback member 303 even though exemplarily shown doing so. To adjust the size of theheel loop 302 for accommodating different shoes, sliding of the continuous band through the first and/orsecond apertures channel 307 repositions the continuous band with any subsequent increase or decrease in length of theanklet 304 being compensated by using thebuckle 305. - For some embodiments, the
back member 303 includes double layers formed by abacking material 310 sewn onto theback member 303. A central area of thebacking material 310 and one perimeter portion of thebacking material 310 remains unconnected to theback member 303. Thebacking material 310 covers the continuous band and permits at the one perimeter portion free ingress and egress of the continuous band disposed along theback member 303. -
FIG. 5 illustrates astrap accessory 501 in use that like theshoe accessory 301 shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 utilizes a single continuous band of material, but does not include theback member 303. Thestrap accessory 501 includes afirst end 504 for fastening to asecond end 505 of thestrap accessory 501 at a location about anankle 508 of a user. As with all embodiments, any fastener such as a buckle arrangement shown may be utilized for securing the first and second ends 504, 505 together. Thestrap accessory 501 may define a straight solid length from thefirst end 504 to thesecond end 505 prior to wrapping, as described further herein. In addition, location of theends strap accessory 501 and not necessarily at theankle 508. - In use, a
shoe interface region 502 of thestrap accessory 501 traverses an underside of ashoe 511 ahead of aheel 510 of theshoe 511 prior to thestrap accessory 501 crossing itself at an overlapping point on a back of theankle 508. For some embodiments, thestrap accessory 501 lacks any connection to itself at the overlapping point and/or any other position between theends ends strap accessory 501 accommodating various combinations of shoes and users by permitting size adjustments as necessary. From the overlapping point, thestrap accessory 501 extends on both sides of theankle 508 to a front of theankle 508 thereby wrapping around theankle 508. - Upon putting on the
shoe 511, attaching thestrap accessory 501 includes placing theshoe interface region 502 under theshoe 511 with the length of theshoe accessory 501 transverse to a length of theshoe 511. Next, crossing thestrap accessory 501 that is on both sides of theshoe 511 occurs at the overlapping point. Wrapping of thestrap accessory 501 continues around theankle 508 until the ends 504, 505 meet to enable fastening thereof. -
FIG. 6 shows abarrier accessory 601 that attaches to a user without requiring attachment to a shoe 611 worn by the user. Thebarrier accessory 601 includes ananklet portion 604 secured around anankle 608 of the user. Abarrier member 603 extends from theanklet portion 604 toward aheel 610 of the shoe 611 and down at least a portion of theheel 610 to cover where there is potential for trapping of a pant leg during walking. Sufficient stiffness, size and/or shape of thebarrier member 603 may ensure that thebarrier member 603 does not become trapped like the pant leg would. -
FIG. 7 illustrates apant protecting accessory 701 that functions analogous to thepant protector 1 shown inFIG. 1 so that details are not repeated for conciseness. Thepant protecting accessory 701 includes a strap forming anankle wrapping portion 704, aheel traversing portion 703, and aheel looping portion 702. Aring 706 or other aperture disposed at one end of the strap creates theheel looping portion 702 by passage of theheel traversing portion 703 and theankle wrapping portion 704 through thering 706 to form a loop. As with other embodiments, such an arrangement provides adjustment flexibility combined with simple manufacturability and ease of use. - While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for wearing with a shoe, comprising:
an adjustable ankle strap having at least two free ends that are configured to wrap around a person's ankle;
a heel strap having a first end that is coupled to the ankle strap; and
a heel loop that is coupled to a second end of the heel strap, wherein the heel loop is configured to wrap around an outer surface of a heel of the shoe, and wherein the heel strap extends from the ankle strap to the heel loop and is configured to traverse along a backside of the person's heel.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a fastener for coupling the two free ends together around the person's ankle.
3. The apparatus in claim 2 , wherein the fastener allows for adjustment of the ankle strap around the person's ankle.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the two free ends are coupled together so that the ankle strap forms a closed loop.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the first end of the heel strap is coupled to an outer surface of the closed loop formed by the ankle strap.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the heel strap is coupled to an outer surface of the heel loop.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ankle strap and the heel strap form a substantially T-shaped configuration.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ankle strap and the heel strap have substantially the same widths.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ankle strap and the heel strap are formed from a single continuous piece of material.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the ankle strap, the heel strap, and the heel loop is formed from a stretchable material.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heel loop includes two free ends that are coupled together to form a closed loop.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ankle strap, the heel strap, and the heel loop are formed from a single continuous piece of material.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the heel loop includes a first end that is integral with the second end of the heel strap, and a second end having an aperture, and wherein the heel strap is disposed through the aperture to thereby form the heel loop.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the heel strap is sewn to the ankle strap, and wherein the second end of the heel strap is sewn to the heel loop.
15. A method of attaching a shoe accessory to a shoe, comprising:
providing a shoe accessory having an ankle strap, a heel strap, and a heel loop;
coupling two free ends of the ankle strap together around a person's ankle; and
coupling the heel loop to a heel of the shoe such that the heel loop wraps around an outer surface of the heel, and such that the heel strap traverses a backside of the person's heel from the ankle strap to the heel loop and prevents a portion of the person's clothing from moving into a space between the person's heel and the shoe.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the ankle strap and the heel strap form a substantially T-shaped configuration.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the heel strap and at least one of the ankle strap and the heel loop are formed from a single continuous piece of material.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the heel loop includes a first end that is integral with an end of the heel strap, and a second end having an aperture, and further comprising disposing the heel strap through the aperture to form the heel loop.
19. The method of claim 15 , further comprising adjusting at least one of the ankle strap and the heel loop to fit around the person's ankle and the heel of the shoe, respectively.
20. The method in claim 15 , further comprising putting on the shoe prior to coupling at least one of the ankle strap and the heel loop to the person's ankle and the heel of the shoe, respectively.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/041,916 US20110154691A1 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2011-03-07 | Shoe accessory |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/208,697 US20070039207A1 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2005-08-22 | Pant protector |
US11/782,467 US7908770B2 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2007-07-24 | Shoe accessory |
US13/041,916 US20110154691A1 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2011-03-07 | Shoe accessory |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/782,467 Continuation US7908770B2 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2007-07-24 | Shoe accessory |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110154691A1 true US20110154691A1 (en) | 2011-06-30 |
Family
ID=46329042
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/782,467 Expired - Fee Related US7908770B2 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2007-07-24 | Shoe accessory |
US13/041,916 Abandoned US20110154691A1 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2011-03-07 | Shoe accessory |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/782,467 Expired - Fee Related US7908770B2 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2007-07-24 | Shoe accessory |
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Cited By (6)
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US20100299960A1 (en) * | 2009-05-31 | 2010-12-02 | Sarah Nyamuswa | FairyJanes: "The Suspender for Stilettos" |
US20130192093A1 (en) * | 2012-01-30 | 2013-08-01 | Kelley Simons | Hem protector for open heeled shoe |
US20130326907A1 (en) * | 2012-06-08 | 2013-12-12 | Joann Ahanotu | Removable ankle strap system for use with high heeled shoes |
US20160338448A1 (en) * | 2015-05-18 | 2016-11-24 | Emily Karal Kenison | Footwear Securing Device |
US10413018B2 (en) | 2015-05-18 | 2019-09-17 | Emily Karal Kenison | Footware securing device |
USD896497S1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2020-09-22 | Emily Karal Kenison | Shoe strap |
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US7908770B2 (en) * | 2005-08-22 | 2011-03-22 | Natalie Mallamohamad | Shoe accessory |
US20080060230A1 (en) * | 2006-09-13 | 2008-03-13 | Anne Kernkamp | Cuff protector |
US20110258884A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-27 | Jocelyn Nicole Monroe | Heel Helper |
US20140000126A1 (en) * | 2010-07-12 | 2014-01-02 | Simone Nelson-Warren | Removable and Reversible Shoe Fashion Accessory |
US20120192459A1 (en) * | 2011-02-02 | 2012-08-02 | Buluro Oluwakemi Aderonke | Strap-On, a shoe and foot securing piece |
US20130192094A1 (en) * | 2012-01-30 | 2013-08-01 | Kelley Simons | Hem protector for open heel shoe |
US20130333242A1 (en) * | 2012-05-16 | 2013-12-19 | Jewel Linda Whiting | Adhesive backed heel pad with loop attachment and ankle strap |
US20140202032A1 (en) * | 2013-01-18 | 2014-07-24 | Angelica Alas | Shoe comfort strap devices and methods of manufacture |
US20150033584A1 (en) * | 2013-08-02 | 2015-02-05 | Beverly FERGUSON | Accessorizable Shoe and Accessories for the Shoe |
US20150047092A1 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2015-02-19 | Suzanne SCHLIER | Sole-less sandal |
US20150250264A1 (en) * | 2014-03-10 | 2015-09-10 | Ceil Hollander | Method and kit for accessorizing a sandal |
US9591890B2 (en) | 2015-07-16 | 2017-03-14 | Gravity Sports Gear, Inc. | Securing device and method for preventing removal of a shoe |
US20170042292A1 (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2017-02-16 | Adriana Ghirda | Device for protecting a heel |
US20180014604A1 (en) * | 2016-07-13 | 2018-01-18 | Sonny Tabrizian | High Heel Shoe or Boot Ankle Support |
US20180310668A1 (en) * | 2017-05-01 | 2018-11-01 | Melissa Maricela Argueta Morales | Compact shoe comfort device |
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US20190021445A1 (en) * | 2017-07-21 | 2019-01-24 | Yolaine Eugene | Universal Open-Backed Footwear Strap |
CN107373872B (en) * | 2017-09-18 | 2022-11-18 | 安踏(中国)有限公司 | Shoes with elastic sole |
USD864535S1 (en) | 2017-12-29 | 2019-10-29 | Kickstands, Inc. | Shoe strap |
US20220192323A1 (en) * | 2020-12-23 | 2022-06-23 | Salina Janoobi | Footwear Customization Accessory |
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US20100299960A1 (en) * | 2009-05-31 | 2010-12-02 | Sarah Nyamuswa | FairyJanes: "The Suspender for Stilettos" |
US20130192093A1 (en) * | 2012-01-30 | 2013-08-01 | Kelley Simons | Hem protector for open heeled shoe |
US20130326907A1 (en) * | 2012-06-08 | 2013-12-12 | Joann Ahanotu | Removable ankle strap system for use with high heeled shoes |
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USD896497S1 (en) | 2018-10-26 | 2020-09-22 | Emily Karal Kenison | Shoe strap |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7908770B2 (en) | 2011-03-22 |
US20080010866A1 (en) | 2008-01-17 |
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Legal Events
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