Article of Footwear with Singular Adjustment Attachment Cord

Abstract

One embodiment of footwear, in the category of a sandal, which may include a sport sandal, thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal for protecting feet while working or taking part in leisure activities such as walking, hiking, or running. In particular, a sports sandal (FIG. 1-3) comprising a sole (1) fabricated from a material such that during the break in period conforms to the shape and contours of the wearer's foot, in which three circular holes (2, 4, and 5) are cut through the sole (1). Provides an anti-slip heel cushion (10) for the Achilles tendon threaded on a single continuous attachment cord (3) which snugly secures the foot to the shoe sole (1) by sliding a cord lock (8) along the attachment cord (3) and through lateral hole (4) and medial hole (5) in sole (1) by which the comfort of the shoe is adjusted. An antiskid coating (9) attached to the bottom reduces sole (1) wear. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/531,041, filed Sep. 5, 2011 by present inventor (the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference).

BACKGROUND

1. Prior Art

US Patents
Patent	Kind
Number	Code	Issue Date	Patentee	Comment
D658868 S	D2/972	May 8, 2012	Chenciner	Three-Toed Shoe
0,116,840	A1	Aug. 29, 2002	Kraft	Beach Sandal
4,622,723	24/11G	Nov. 18, 1986	Krauss	Cord Lock
6,632,506	428/141	Oct. 14, 2003	Grall	Safety-Walk Tape
6,516,538	B2	Feb. 11, 2003	Brown	Beach Sandal
4,262,434	36/67D	Apr. 21, 1981	Michelotti	Detachable tread

U.S. Patent Application Publications
Publication	Kind
Nr.	Code	Publ. Date	Applicant
20120090077	A1	Apr. 19, 2012	Brown	Coated Toe Sock
20120124860	A1	May 24, 2012	Lester	Training Sandal

Foreign Patent Documents
		Kind
Frgn Doc. Nr.	Cntry	Code	Pub. Dt.	App[or Patentee
933683	KR	A1	Sep. 20, 2010	Kyung 5 Toe Shoe

2. Non Patent Literature

• Lieberman, Daniel, Barefoot Running: “How Humans Ran Comfortably and Safely Before the Invention of Shoes”, ScienceDaily Feb. 1, 2010, Harvard University
• McDougall, C. Born to Run Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2009
• Munson, L. The Soldier's Foot and Military Shoe, George Banta Publishing, 1917

Prior to World War I (WWI) an extensive investigation by the Army Shoe Board of two thousand soldiers' feet, careful examination and fitting of thousands more, including x-raying their feet in their boots revealed that less than ten percent of the soldier's feet to be in good condition. The rest suffered painful foot injuries some debilitating. By shoe manufactures simply added a quarter inch or more room on the medial side of the great toe on standard military and civilian shoes made shoes fit naturally and flex comfortable. This simple remedy dramatically reduced shoe caused foot injuries for both soldiers and civilians. Shoe caused foot injuries remained relatively low and stable until the invention of modern running shoes during the running boom in the 1970's.

Recent studies indicate that well over fifty percent of runners are injured at any one time and that eight out of every ten runners are hurt every year. The designs of typical athletic shoes are the primary source of running injuries. Proponents of barefoot running claim that it causes fewer injuries than wearing athletic running shoes. Barefoot runners typically run softly, landing on the midfoot or balls of their feet called forefoot striking. Shoed runners typically land on their heels, heel striking. Modern Running shoes deceptively feel comfortable but are contributing to a wide variety of injuries, including but not limited to foot, ankle, knee, and hip injuries. Placing various amounts of sponge like padding under the heels of runners enables them to quickly increase their running mileage by landing on their heels. In doing so, the foot's natural motion is impeded and the foot arches and lower leg are not able to adequately absorb the shock of the landing. The shock moves from the heel to the ankle, knees, hips and back causing a plethora of common running injuries.

Barefoot locomotion such as running, hiking and walking forces the athlete to move in a natural evolutionary ergonomically efficient way that puts less stress on the joints by landing on the forefoot or midfoot. By absorbing impact forces with the springiness of slightly bent knees, short stride and rapid foot turnover, barefoot locomotion develops muscle strength in the feet, legs and hips which is healthier for feet and reduces chronic repetitive stress injuries as typically occurs during running and the like. However, barefoot locomotion has all the risks and limitations associated with being barefoot outdoors in the modern society like but not limited to sanitation, puncture and abrasion wounds. For example when traveling barefoot outside a person has no insulation or protective barrier to shield bare feet from exposure to broken glass, metal shards, various debris and other modern barefoot hazards. This results most notably in lacerations, abrasion burns, blisters and bleeding. The overall cleanliness of a person's feet is dramatically impacted when no foot protection is worn. Lastly, barefoot people typically are not permitted in stores or allowed in attendance to most social events.

Attempts to produce a running shoe or sandal that has all the benefits of barefoot locomotion have been numerous and unsatisfactory. Every major shoe company and a plethora of minor shoe companies have shoe models that are claimed to mimic barefoot running, hiking, walking and the like locomotion. For example in U.S. Pat. Nos. D658,868 S and KR 933,683 includes a sole insert and a thick rubber bottom layer. These two layers create soles that are too thick to properly simulate barefoot running, and negatively affect the user's balance, posture, and running style. Further negatives for these products include extra weight and difficulty keeping them sanitary, as well as providing artificial arch support which impair the foot's arches from performing its natural spring function. Other sports sandals and shoes like U.S. Pat. No. 0,116,840 have a cord lock adjustment in the back of the sandal that cause rubbing and abrading on the Achilles tendon. Barefoot shoes, barefoot sandals, minimalist shoes, huaraches and the like suffer from a combination of limitations and disadvantages listed:

• (a) The use of padded soling material on their sports shoes and sandals permits the wearer to heel strike cause joint and feet injuries.
• (b) As the padding and shoe structures break down the shoe magnifies and accelerates the frequencies of foot and joint injuries.
• (c) The use of synthetic materials that do not conform to the contours of the athlete's feet restrict the natural motion of the feet.
• (d) Their shoe construction and method of attaching the shoe to the foot utilize straps, cloth, canvas, synthetic soles, and the like structures that confine, constrain and control the feet in an unnatural manner.
• (e) By enclosing the wearer's foot in the confining structures of typical athletic shoes the user needs to clean the interiors for comfort, sanitation, and the elimination of unpleasant odors.
• (f). Wearing their shoes cause the users to incur an additional expense of purchasing sweat and moisture absorbing socks that make the feet hot and uncomfortable.
• (g) Socks are needed to protect the wearer's feet from the confining, abrading, and blistering caused by the foot making unprotected contact with their shoes.
• (h) The confining nature of their shoes deprives the wearer of the necessary sensory information from the feet to adjust the users stride which reduce injuries.
• (i) The cast like structures of their shoes over support the foot structures weaken the feet.
• (j) Lack of a sole repair method increases the shoe cost and reduces the useful life of their shoes necessitating purchasing a complete shoe replacement just when the shoe finally becomes comfortable but the sole is worn out.
• (k) Their shoes deprive the wearer the benefit of the airy barefoot locomotion feeling of freedom.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment a sports sandal having a sole that conforms to the user's foot attached with a singular adjustment attachment cord, and having an anti-slip heel cushion positioned on the Achilles tendon, and having an adjustable cord lock, and with a replaceable anti-skid overlay attached to the underside of the sole.

Advantages

Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide a sports sandal that provides protection from barefoot hazards and provides sanitation. It permits the foot arch structures to move naturally as in barefoot locomotion, conforms to the natural contours of the human foot, and has a sole that molds to the wearers arch after the break in period forms a natural arch support, is open aired, comfortable, speedy to adjusted with a cord lock. It has a singular adjustment attachment cord system, comfortable cord suspension system that centers the foot on the sole, has an anti-slip heel cushion, has less than two degrees of co-planarity of the sole, and is light weight. The anti-skid slip resistant coating improves foot agility and safety. Other advantages or one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DRAWINGS

Figures

FIG. 1 is a top view of a sports sandal, showing cord lacing pattern.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a sports sandal of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the distal end of the sports sandal of FIG. 1, showing an attachment cord between the great and second toe of single sole element.

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the distal end of the sports sandal of FIG. 1, showing the attachment cord between the great and second toe and the mid sole element.

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the distal end of the sports sandal of FIG. 1, showing the attachment cord between the great and second toe, the mid sole element FIG. 4, female spike receptacle and typical spike.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 1. Sports sandal sole.
• 2. Hole in sole 1, for passing of attachment cord 3.
• 3. Attachment cord.
• 4. Hole at lateral side of sole 1 for passing of attachment cord 3.
• 5. Hole at medial side of sole 1 for passing of attachment cord 3.
• 6. Splayed end of attachment cord 3, affixed beneath anti-slip overlay 9.
• 7. Great toe, shown in position of foot when sports sandal is worn.
• 8. Cord lock
• 9. Anti-slip overlay tread
• 10. Heel anti-slip cushion
• 11. Keeper knot
• 12. Aglet tapered termination
• 13. Mid sole element
• 14. Spike receptacle
• 15. Typical spike

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference Numerals

1. Sports sandal sole is composed of a single layer or more layers consisting of 8-10 ounce leather (3 to 4 mm) thicker or thinner or the like or various thicknesses of SoleTech® or another typical EVA foam (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) used in athletic shoes or sandals or the like and laminated together or attached with all-purpose contact cement or the like.

2. Circular or specifically shaped hole located on the distal side of the sole 1 at the interspace between the great toe and second toe just touching the foot webbing is punched or cut to permit the snug passing of attachment cord 3 through the sole 1.

3. Singular adjustment attachment cord 3 consists of 750, 550, parachute cord nominally 5/32 of and inch (4 mm) or the like with thermoplastic attributes, slight elasticity, resistance to light and heat, has the smooth texture of a high number of woven strands of the outer braded sheath, is comfortable against the skin of bare feet, which typically has seven or more nylon yarns comprises thermally-liquefiable material, which material once liquefied into a globule, may be re-solidified into an irregularly shaped globular anchor at hole 2, to anchor the cord end 6, and seal and taper the aglet termination 11.

4. Circular or specifically shaped hole is located on the lateral side of the foot forward of the ankle towards the distal side of the foot through sole 1, is punched or cut to permit the snug constricting passing of attachment cord 3 through sole 1.

5. Circular or specifically shaped hole is located on the medial side of the foot forward of the ankle towards the distal side of the foot through sole 1, is punched or cut to permit the snug constricting passing of attachment cord 3 through sole 1.

6. The outer braded sheath of the splayed end of attachment cord 3 is thermally-liquefied and solidified into an irregular globular ring that fits snugly around hole 2 at the planter side of sole 1, the seven or more core nylon yarns not less than that ¾ of an inch (19 mm) are splayed on sole 1 plantar side in a specific three way pattern such that they passes under the great toe, between the great and second toe and under the remaining toes on the planter side of sole 1, and all the strands of attachment cord 3, and irregular globular ring of the outer braded sheath 6 are affixed to sole 1 with an adhesive such as 3M Scotch-Weld or the like beneath the anti-slip overlay 9 and planter side of sole 1.

7. Great toe as shown in position of foot when sports sandal is worn.

8. Plastic cord lock cord fastener, plastic stopper or cord toggle invented by Mark J. Krauss (U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,723 Nov. 18, 1986) consist generally of three parts, a barrel, a toggle plunger, and a spring when squeezed together, tension is released and the cord lock moves freely along the cords, when released, the tension is engaged and the cord lock stays in place. Attachment cord 3 threads twice through plastic cord lock to adjust the comfort and fit of the sports sandal sole 1 which eliminates the need for knots, straps, bows, fasteners and the like.

9. Layer of slip resistance anti-skid overlay material such as 3M Safety-Walk™ consisting of a large abrasive particles bonded by a durable polymer on a plastic film with the reverse side covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive or the like, or Shoe Goo@ created in 1972 by Lyman Van Vliet which is a pliable adhesive sealer primarily used to repair athletic shoes, or the like, and trimmed or applied to follow the outline of the foot above with notched setbacks for the main medial foot arch and the lateral hole, which is centered and applied to the planter side of the sole 1 to cover typical wear points.

10. Heel anti-slip cushion composed of soft rubber latex tubing, silicone tubing or the like with approximate dimensions of interior diameter of 5/32 of an inch (4 mm), outside diameter ¼ of an inch (6.4 mm), and wall thickness 3/64 of an inch (1.2 mm), approximately 2 inches (50.8 mm) long, through which attachment cord 3 is threaded and is positioned on the Achilles tendon to secure the anterior of sports sandal to wearers foot.

11. Typical over hand knot tied in attachment cord 3 to keep cord lock 8 from slipping off the attachment cord 3, and securely secures sports shoe by immobilizing and prevents slippage of cord lock 8.

12. Aglet terminus of cord 3 is formulated by retracting the sheath 3 inches (76.2 mm) and, trimming 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) off one quarter of the yarns, and trimming 1 inch (25.4 mm) off one quarter of the yarns, and pulling the sheath back over the all the yarns, and using a heat source to thermally liquefy the end of the attachment cord, and using a glove to cover bare hand, and forming the molting globular end into a tapered aglet.

13. Midsole element material composed of EVA foam or like material that decreases in elasticity as it conforms to the contours of the wearer's foot plantar is sandwiched between the outer sole 1 layers, comprised of leather or like, and shaped to the same dimensional length and width as the sole 1, and matches the medial and lateral outline of the tread 9 permitting sole 1 to form to the contours of the wearers feet.

14. Receptacle for cleats or spike is attached to sole 1 by cutting a hole, securing by means of rivets, screws, nails, glue or such, arrange in typical patterns common in golf, running, hiking shoes, and the like, composed of metal, nylon, plastic or the like, with female threads designed to receive threaded cleat or spike 15.

15. Sports shoe cleat or spike used to improve traction on golf course, track, mud, ice and the like may be comprised of metal, plastic, nylon or the like, typical for golf, running, climbing and such.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3—First Embodiment

One embodiment of the sport sandal FIG. 1 (top view) consists of a sole 1 that is designed with a computer program, and a 30 watts or greater CO2 laser, or a mechanical punch and press machine or the like cuts the sole 1, and the three attachment holes into the sole material. The machine is controlled by the program to fabricate clean smooth contours and holes that are aesthetically pleasing and appealing. The sole with use during the break in period molds or conforms snugly to the contours of the foot plantar forming a natural arch support. Attachment cord 3 consists of parachute cord 750, 550, or the like with thermoplastic attributes, elasticity, resistance to light and heat, and has a smooth texture created by high number of woven strands of the outer braded sheath, which typically has seven or more nylon yarns comprising of thermally liquefiable material. Beginning on the planter side of sole 1 the attachment cord 3 is threaded through a circular shaped hole 2 located on the distal side of the foot at the interspace between the great toe and second toe just touching the foot webbing of sole 1, is punched or cut to permit the snug restrictive passing of attachment cord 3 through the sole 1. Then attachment cord 3 passes through plastic, nylon or the like cord lock 8 also known as cord fastener, plastic stopper or cord toggle or the like consisting generally of three parts, a barrel, a toggle plunger, and a spring when squeezed together, tension is released and the cord lock can move freely up and down the cord, when released, the tension is engaged and the cord lock stays in place. Next the attachment cord 3 passes through the circular or specifically shaped hole 4 that is located on the lateral side of the foot forward of the ankle towards the distal side of the foot through sole 1, that was punched or cut to permit the snug restricted passing of attachment cord 3 through sole 1. Attachment cord 3 is then threaded through anti-slip heel cushion 10 composed of soft rubber latex tubing, silicone tubing or the like through which attachment cord 3 is positioned on the Achilles tendon to secure the posterior end of the sole 1 to the foot. Then attachment cord 3 starting at the planter side of sole 1 passes through the circular or specifically shaped hole 5 that is located on the medial side of the foot forward of the ankle towards the distal side of the foot through sole 1, that was punched or cut to permit the snug passing of attachment cord 3 through sole 1. Attachment cord 3 next passes back through plastic cord lock 8 to secure sole 1. A typical over hand knot 11 is tied in attachment cord 3 to keep the cord lock 8 from slipping off the attachment cord 3 immobilizes and prevents slippage of cord lock 8. Cord 3 is formed into aglet 12 terminuses by separating and trimming less than half of the core yarns 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) thermally liquefied and cooled globular mass of the outer sheath and the remaining yarns of cord 3 then are tapered into an aglet terminus 12.

Illustrated in FIG. 2 (bottom view) beginning on sole 1, at hole 2 attachment cord 3 is threaded through hole 2 located by the great toe. Views of cord 3 threaded through hole 4 and hole 5 is shown. The outer braded sheath 6 of the splayed end terminus of attachment cord 3 is thermally-liquefied and solidified into an irregular globular ring that fits snugly around hole 2 at the planter side of sole 1. The seven or more nylon yarns are splayed on sole 1 plantar in a specific three way pattern such that they pass under the great toe, between the great and second toe and under the remaining toes on the planter side of sole 1. The strands are affixed with an adhesive such as 3M Scotch-Weld or the like beneath the slip resistant anti-skid overlay 9 and planter side of sole 1. A layer of slip resistance anti-skid overlay material such as 3M Safety-Walk™ consisting of a large abrasive particles bonded by a durable polymer on a plastic film with the reverse side covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive or the like, or Shoe Goo® which is a pliable adhesive sealer primarily used to repair athletic shoes, or the like, trimmed or applied to follow the outline of the foot above with notched setbacks for the main medial foot arch and the lateral hole 4, which is centered and applied to the planter side of the sole 1 to cover the typical wear points.

Illustrated by FIG. 3 (cross section of sole 1 at the distal end) is sole 1, the attachment cord 3 between the great toe 7 and the second toe. The great toe 7 is shown in the normal position. Sole 1 is composed of a single layer consisting of leather or the like material. Layer of slip resistance anti-skid overlay material such as 3M Safety-Walk™ consisting of a large abrasive particles bonded by a durable polymer on a plastic film with the reverse side covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive or the like, or Shoe Goo® which is a pliable adhesive sealer, or the like, trimmed or applied to follow the outline of the foot above with notched setbacks for the main medial foot arch and the lateral hole 4, which is centered and applied to the planter side of the sole 1 to cover the typical wear points.

FIGS. 1-4—A Second Embodiment

A second embodiment includes all the elements in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 listed and discussed above. Plus the additional element included in FIG. 4 (cross section of the distal end with a midsole) is illustrated. In addition to all the items, methods and process listed in embodiment one a midsole element 13 composed of EVA foam or like material that decreases in elasticity as it conforms to the contours of the wearer's foot plantar is sandwiched between the outer sole 1 layers comprised of leather or like. The midsole shape is the same length and width as that of the sole 1 but with cut outs that match the medial and lateral outline of the skid resistant anti-slip overlay 9 which permits the sole to flex at the arch near hole 5 and near attachment point near hole 4.

FIGS. 1-5—A Third Embodiment

A third embodiment includes everything in embodiment one, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 listed and discussed above, and the mid sole element discussed in embodiment two, FIG. 4. The new elements are listed in FIG. 5 (cross section of the distal end of the sports sandal of FIG. 1 mid sole element FIG. 4, spike receptacle and typical spike) shows the midsole 13 identified in embodiment two. A spike receptacle 14 for cleats or spikes is attached to sole 1 by cutting a hole, securing by means of rivets, screws, nails, glue or such, arranged in typical patterns common in golf, running, hiking shoes, and the like, composed of metal, nylon, plastic or the like, with female threads designed to receive threaded cleat or spike 15 used to improve traction on golf course, artificial track, mud, ice and the like may be comprised of metal, plastic, nylon or the like, typical for golf, running, climbing and such.

Alternative Embodiments

There are various other possibilities with regard to constructing alternative embodiments such as FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 by varying the number of layers of the mid sole, or number of layers of the single sole. In FIG. 1 the anti-slip tread could be composed of a type of industrial coating that has similar wear properties, or the anti-slip heel cushion could be formulated in a different lengths and thicknesses.

ADVANTAGES

From the descriptions above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my sports sandal with a singular adjustment attachment cord become evident:

• (a) Using thin 8-10 ounce (3.5 to 4.0 mm) natural leather or soling material with leather characteristics on the sport sandal encourages the wearer to use good barefoot form of midfoot or forefoot striking which reduces joint and feet injuries.
• (b) Reduced frequencies of foot and joint injuries by using little or no padding and few shoe structures to break down and accelerate injuries.
• (c) Uses natural leather or a less rigid soling material that conforms and supports the natural motion of the athlete's feet.
• (d) Sport shoe construction and method of attaching the shoe to the foot that does not utilize straps, cloth, canvas, synthetic soles, and the like structures that confine, constrain and control the wearer's feet in an unnatural manner.
• (e) Improves sanitation by exposing the wearer's feet to open air, sunshine and non-confining shoe structures.
• (f) Eliminates the user's need to purchase sweat absorbing socks for athletic shoe comfort.
• (g) Eliminates the need for socks to protect the wearer's feet from abrasions, blisters, and foot sores caused by the wearer's foot making contact with the interior of typical athletic shoes.
• (h) Wearer's feet provide immediate uncomfortable sensory feedback reducing injuries by causing athletes to adjust their stride thus reduce bone jarring heel striking pounding.
• (i) Eliminates shoes with cast like structures that over support the foot and weaken the feet.
• (j) Provides a sole repair method that reduces sports shoe cost and increases the useful life of the sports sandal by reduces the necessity of complete replacement of the shoes just when the shoe gets comfortable and the sole wears out,
• (k) Easy tread replacement accomplished by replacing the layer of slip resistance anti-skid overlay material with a new tread or with a pliable adhesive sealer typically used to repair athletic shoes which restores planter sole surface to near new condition and function,
• (l) Simple adjustment procedures of pulling the adjustment cord through the side holes then tightening the cord lock until a comfortable fit is attained,
• (m) The sports sandal with a singular adjustment attachment cord gives the wearer the benefit of an airy feeling of freedom similar to barefoot mobility with sanitation and puncture protection.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, SCOPE

Accordingly, the reader will see that the sports sandal with a singular adjustment attachment cord of various embodiments can be used to provide the user with the benefits of puncture protection and sanitation during near barefoot locomotion that:

• encourages the wearer to use the good barefoot midfoot or forefoot striking form by providing immediate sensory feedback information;
• encourages the wearer's to adjust his stride to eliminate pounding from heel striking which reduces joint and feet injuries;
• by using materials that conform to the contours of the athlete's feet the sport sandal eliminates shoes with cast like structures that over support the foot and weaken the feet;
• by attaching the sole to the foot without utilizing straps, cloth, canvas, and the like structures the wearer's feet are not an confine, constrain and control in an unnatural manner;
• provides good sanitation by exposing the wearer's feet to the open air and sunshine and not the confining structures of athletic shoes;
• eliminates the additional expense of purchasing sweat absorbing socks to protect the wearer's feet from abrading caused by the foot making contact with the interior of typical athletic shoes;
• provides sole repair methods that reduces sports shoe cost and increases the useful life to the sports sandal by reduces the necessity of completely replacing the shoes when the shoe begins to show excessive wear;
• has a simple adjustment procedures whereby pulling the adjustment cord through the side holes, then tightening the cord lock until a comfortable fit is attained, and using the overhand knot to secure the cord lock on an attachment cord;
• has a sandal suspension system that forms a structure with the attachment cord as it tightens the moldable sole against the main foot arch during the break in period resulting in natural arch support;
• has a singular adjustment attachment cord that provides the wearer the benefit of the airy feeling of freedom with barefoot like mobility with sanitation and puncture protection.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention essentially provides a sole, singular attachment cord, anti-slip Achilles heel cushion, and a cord lock, and a slip resistant treaded sports sandal as of FIGS. 1-5 clearly demonstrates that is suitable for various types of foot locomotion, mobility, activities, etc.

Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A sandal comprising: whereby permitting full mobility of each toe and the all of arches of the wearer's foot relative to the foot attachment means.

(a) sole, a sole made of a layer of leather or a material with like properties that during the break in period molds to the natural contours of wearer's foot; and

(b) foot attachment means, a singular adjustment foot attachment means that passes through three holes in the sole securing the sandal of wearer's foot,

2. The sandal of claim 1, wherein the sole comprises of an optional mid-sole element and an outer sole, and the mid-sole disposed between the outer sole and the foot attachment means passes through the sole, and the mid-sole comprising material that during the break in period molds to the natural contours of wearer's foot plantar.

3. The sandal of claim 1, whereon the sole the replaceable tread is applied and is composed of a layer of slip resistance anti-skid overlay material consisting of a large abrasive particles bonded by a durable polymer on a plastic film with the reverse side coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and trimmed and applied to follow the outline of the foot above, and notched with setbacks for the main medial foot arch and the lateral hole, which is centered and applied to the planter side of the sole of claim 1 whereby to cover the typical wear areas of normal shoe wear on the plantar side of the sole or is applied a pliable adhesive sealer used to repair athletic shoes following the pattern as above both of which improves foot agility and safety of the wearer.

4. The sandal of claim 1, wherein the singular adjustable attachment cord comprising of a nominally thickness of 5/32 of an inch (4 mm) cord with thermoplastic attributes, slight elasticity, resistance to light and heat, has a smooth texture of a high number of woven strands of the outer braded sheath, typically has seven or more nylon yarns comprises thermally-liquefiable material which material once liquefied into a globule, may be re-solidified into an irregularly shaped globular and adapted to penetrate through the sole in claim 1, comprise a means to couple the sole in claim 1 to a human foot without constraining any toes or arch structures of a human foot is attached.

5. The attachment cord means of claim 4 is affix with adhesive to the sole of claim 1 by splaying the core yarns, and thermally molding the outer sheath, and adhering them with an adhesive to sole of claim 1 planter side around the hole in the proximity of the great toe hole.

6. The sandal of claim 1, wherein the three holes penetrate the sole of claim 1, and the tightness of same holes restrict the singular adjustable attachment cord of claim 4 and a three hole lacing method of the attachment cord of claim 4, and the cord lock of claim 7, and the slight elasticity of the attachment cord, provides improvement of human foot centering and comfort of the sole of claim 1.

7. The sandal of claim 1, wherein a cord lock placement on the dorsal side between the medial and anterior of the human foot threaded twice through by the attachment means of claim 1 efficiently secures the shoe to the wearers foot, and provides improved efficiency, and easy of attaching and adjusting the shoe to wearers foot without constraining any toes or arch structures of the human foot.

8. The sandal of claim 1, wherein the anti-slip heel cushion composed of soft rubber latex tubing, silicone tubing or the like through which attachment cord in claim 1 is threaded and is positioned on the Achilles tendon provides comfort and secures firm connection of the sandal posterior to the wearer's foot.

9. The sandal of claim 1, wherein the spike or cleat female receptacle is attached to sole 1 by cutting a hole, securing by means of rivets, screws, nails, glue or such, arranged in typical patterns common in golf, running, hiking shoes, and the like, composed of metal, nylon, plastic or the like, with female threads designed to receive the threaded spike or cleat provides a functional shoe that grip and is adaptable for traction for multiple terrains.

10. The sandal of claim 1, wherein the sole presents a top surface and a bottom surface, and the top surface and the bottom surface are co-planar within the range of from zero degrees to 5 degrees of co-planarity.

11. The sandal of claim 1, wherein the attachment cord forms a suspension system that forms a structure with the attachment cord as it tightens the moldable sole against the main foot arch during the break in period, whereby forms a natural arch support to the wearer's foot plantar structure.

12. A method of constructing a sports sandal, comprising:

(a) providing a sole composed of a moldable material that compresses and flexes to the contours of wearers feet, and with three holes cut or punched,

(b) providing an attachment cord means of affixing a sole to the human foot, and that the outer sheath is thermally moldable into a circular ring, and the core yarns are splayed, and said yarns and outer sheath are affixed with adhesive to the planter side of the sole at the great toe hole,

(c) provides a gluing pattern of cord yarns divided into three sets with one set passing under the great toe and the second toe, and another set passing under the great toe, toward the medial side of the foot, and the third set passing under the toes towards the lateral side of the foot,

(d) providing an attachment cord to pass over the wearer's foot through the three holes in the sandal sole, and through the anti-slip the heel cushion, and through the cord lock,

(e) providing a heel anti-slip cushion composed of soft rubber latex tubing, silicone tubing or the like through which attachment cord Is threaded between the lateral and the medial side holes, is positioned on the Achilles tendon,

(f) providing a cord lock that slides long the attachment cord, and is twice threaded through the cord lock to provide adjustment to the sandal,

(g) providing an aglet that is formulated by retracting the outer sheath 3 inches (76.2 mm) and, trimming 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) from one quarter of the yarns, and trimming 1 inch (25.4 mm) from one quarter of the yarns, and then pulling the sheath back over the all the yarns, and using a heat source to thermally liquefy the end of the attachment cord, and using a glove to cover bare hand and, form the molting globular end into a tapered aglet,

(h) providing an overhand knot to secure the cord lock in its final adjustment position on the wearer's foot,

(i) providing a replaceable tread to extend the useful life of the sandal, whereby said sports sandal provides foot protection, sanitation, and comfort of barefoot like locomotion to the wearer.

13. The method of the sole in claim 12, wherein is composed of material of leather or like characteristics.

14. The method of the sole of claim 12, wherein the sole is designed with a computer program, and a 30 watts or greater CO2 laser, or a mechanical punch and press machine or the like cuts the sole in claim 12 and the three attachment holes into the sole material whereby the laser cutting is controlled by the computer program to provide fabricated clean smooth contours and holes that are aesthetically pleasing improves the function and appeal of said sole.

15. The method of the singular attachment cord in claim 12, providing a continuous singular attachment cord composed of braded outer sheath containing a core of multiple yarns that threads through the sole, and providing a 3 group patterned splaying of the yarns, and gluing method of attachment to the sole in claim 12.

16. The method of the singular attachment cord in claim 12, providing an aglet formulated by trimming the core yarns, and thermally forming and shaping whereby said attachment cord can be easily threaded through sole in claim 12, and threaded through the anti-slip heel cushion in claim in claim 12, and twice threaded through the cord lock in claim 12, thereby easily adjusted.

17. A method of replacing a sandal tread on sports sole comprising: whereby said tread restores planter sole surface to near new condition, and reduces sports shoe cost and increases the useful life to the sports sandal, and reduces the necessity of completely replacing the pair of shoes when the sole begins to show excessive wear.

(a) providing a replacement layer of slip resistance anti-skid overlay material, or a layer of pliable adhesive sealer used to repair athletic shoes,

(b) providing a firm grip of attachment cord near the great toe hole of sandal on the dorsal side,

(c) providing a careful pulling and removing of worn tread by loosening by hand or with pliers while firmly holding said attachment cord to prevent yarns from lengthening at the planter side of the sole,

(d) providing a thorough cleaning of the planter side of sandal,

(e) providing a regluing of any loose yarns on the plantar side of the sole,

(f) providing a replaceable worn tread with a new one specially formulated to fit the particular sandal being repaired, or by applying a pliable adhesive sealer used to repair athletic shoes permitting it to solidify over the worn surfaces,

18. The method of applying a pliable adhesive sealer of claim 17 primarily used to repair athletic shoes, or the like, and applied to follow the outline of the foot above with notched setbacks for the main medial foot arch and the lateral hole, and is applied to the planter side of the sole in claim 17 to cover the typical wear points then permitted to harden and cure.

19. The tread in claim 17 is trimmed and applied to follow the outline of the foot above with notched setbacks for the main medial foot arch and the lateral hole, which is centered and applied to the planter side of the sole claim 17 to cover the typical wear points.

20. The tread of claim 17 is cut or trimmed at least ¼ inch (6.6 mm) or more shorter than the length and width of the sole in claim 17, and is firmly applied creating a strong, seamless bond to the sole in claim 17.