Method and apparatus for sandal with hidden strap adjustment
A sandal with one or more adjustable strap where the strap closure or adjustment is hidden below the sole. In one embodiment, two straps are directed through slits in the sole of the sandal so that the straps can come through to the bottom of the sole in front of the heel and can be tightened or loosened via a hook and loop fastener. The adjustment mechanism may be hidden in order to provide an improved appearance of the shoe. The adjustment mechanism may include a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, a tying of the straps or strings.
This is U.S. non-Provisional patent application. This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/089,003 filed on Aug. 14, 1008, and claims the priority of that filing date.
BACKGROUND1. Field of Invention
The current invention relates to a new sandal design, featuring an adjustable strap where the strap closure or adjustment is hidden below the sole. In one example, this new design is created by making “slits” in the sole of the sandal so that the straps can come through to the bottom of the sole in front of the heel and can be tightened or loosened via a hook and loop fastener.
2. Prior Art
Prior art sandals typically provide either fixed straps that cannot be adjusted, or a visible adjustment means such as buckles or hook and loop fastening. This adjustment is typically provided on the top or sides of the straps above the sole.
There is a need for an adjustable but stylish sandal to enable the sandal to fit wide or narrow feet, as well as to be adjusted for comfort if the users' feet are temporarily swollen. The current invention addresses those needs with various embodiments of sandals or shoes with hidden adjustment means.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONIn one embodiment of the current invention, one or more strap of a sandal is adjustable below the sole of the sandal so that the adjustment mechanism may be hidden in order to provide an improved appearance of the shoe. The adjustment mechanism may include a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, a tying of the straps or strings.
In one embodiment of the current invention, holes are provided in either the front or the back of the shoe in order to permit straps or strings to be routed below the sole.
In one embodiment of the current invention, a wedge-shaped heel is provided so that a compartment is created in the heel wedge in order to hide and protect the strap or other adjustment mechanism. This compartment may be covered or may be left uncovered.
In one embodiment of the current invention, the upper part of the shoe is tied to the foot by routing wide straps or strings through the sole and then securing the straps or strings to each other below the sole.
In one embodiment of the current embodiment, an adjustable shoe is provided for children to allow for the periodic adjustment of the size of the shoe.
In the various embodiments of the current invention, several types of fastening devices and methods may be used including buckling the straps, snaps, tying the straps, or pinning or clamping the straps.
In this embodiment, a sandal 100 is provided with a first side strap 210 and a second side strap 220 as shown in
In another example, the two straps 210 and 220 may be portions of a single strap where one end the strap is fixed relative to the sole, and the other end of the strap can be adjusted with a buckle, a hook and loop device, or other adjustment device. One way to provide a single strap adjustment is to provide one portion of the hook and loop device on the end top portion of the strap, and to provide the other portion of the hook and loop device on the bottom top portion of the strap, such that the strap can be wrapped over a bar and fastened to itself.
EXAMPLE Hook and Loop Adjustment with a Multiple StrapsIn this example, more than two straps may be provided on the upper portion of the shoe, and the straps may be adjusted and fastened below the sole.
Description of Embodiment—Sandal with Front Strap Adjustment Positioned Below SoleIn one embodiment of the current invention, holes are provided in either the front or the back of the shoe in order to permit straps are ties to be routed below the sole.
Description of Embodiment—Sandal with Hidden Adjustment CompartmentIn one embodiment the current invention, a wedge-shaped heel is provided so that a compartment is created in the heel wedge in order to hide and protect the strap in the adjustment mechanism. This compartment may be covered or may be left uncovered.
Description of Embodiment—Shoe with TiesIn one embodiment of the current invention, the upper part of a shoe is tied to the foot by routing wide straps or strings through the sole and then securing the straps or strings to each other by tying them together.
Description of Embodiment—Adjustable Size ShoeIn one embodiment of the current embodiment, an adjustable shoe is provided for children to permit the periodic adjustment of the size of the shoe as a child's foot grows. This approach is also useful for modifying the size of adult shoes as the adult's weight changes or has a swelling of a foot.
Description of Embodiment—Removing Excess StrapIn this embodiment, the end portion of the straps are provided with markings or sections to permit excess strap to be cut and removed. For instance, in the case of a hook and loop fastener, the end portion may be sewn cross-wise in several sections so that the strap may be cut just outside of one section. By sewing across the strap, the remaining portion is less likely to unravel. When using snaps, multiple snaps may be utilized with sections sewn in between to allow cutting with scissors.
Claims
1. A shoe comprising
- a sole portion;
- an upper portion offset from the sole portion, the upper portion configured to accept a portion of a person's foot; and
- an adjustment element positioned below the sole portion of the shoe, such that the adjustment element secures the upper portion in a desired position relative to the sole.
2. The shoe of claim 1 wherein
- the upper portion comprises at least one strap.
3. The shoe of claim 2 wherein
- the upper portion comprises a first strap and a second strap;
- a first slit and a second slit are provided in the sole, such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit, and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit; and
- the adjustment element is a hook and loop fastener comprising a first portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the first strap, and a second portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the second strap.
4. The shoe of claim 2 wherein
- the upper portion comprises a first strap and a second strap; and the adjustment element is a buckle.
5. The shoe of claim 2 comprising
- a strap comprising a first end secured relative to the sole, and a second end in proximity to the adjustment element, so that the adjustment element may be used to secure the second end in order to set the upper portion in a desired position relative to the sole.
6. The shoe of claim 5 further comprising
- a plurality of markings provided on the second end of the straps to facilitate cutting the strap to a desired length.
7. The shoe of claim 1 further comprising
- a compartment provided below the sole, such that the adjustment element is contained in the compartment.
8. The shoe of claim 1 wherein
- the adjustment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, or a tying of straps or strings.
9. A method of adjusting the fit of a shoe, the method comprising
- providing a shoe comprising a sole portion, an upper portion offset from the sole portion, the upper portion configured to accept a portion of a person's foot, and an adjustment mechanism positioned below the sole portion of the shoe,
- determining a desired position of the upper portion relative to the sole portion; and
- adjusting the adjustment element in order to set the position of the upper portion.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein
- providing a shoe further comprises providing an upper portion comprising a first strap and a second strap, providing a first slit and second slit in the sole such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit, and providing a hook and loop fastener adjustment element comprising a first portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the first strap, and a second portion of the hook and loop fastener attached to the second strap; and
- adjusting the adjustment element further comprises adjusting the length of the first strap and a second strap, and attaching the first portion of the hook and loop fastener to the second portion of the hook and loop fastener in order to hold the straps at desired lengths.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein
- providing a shoe further comprises providing a first strap and a second strap, providing a first slit and second slit in the sole such that a portion of the first strap is positioned through the first slit and a portion of the second strap is positioned through the second slit, and providing a buckle adjustment element; and
- adjusting the adjustment element further comprises adjusting the length of the first strap and a second strap, and buckling the first strap to the second strap.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein
- adjusting the adjustment element further comprises removing the end portion of the strap or string.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 13, 2009
Publication Date: Feb 18, 2010
Inventor: Susan Connett (Austin, TX)
Application Number: 12/540,456
International Classification: A43B 13/00 (20060101); A43B 3/12 (20060101); A43C 11/00 (20060101);