REMOVABLE ANKLE STRAP SYSTEM FOR USE WITH HIGH HEELED SHOES

Abstract

A device, system and method of securing heeled footwear, and backless heeled footwear in particular, to a user's ankle in order to increase stability and enhance aesthetics. The device includes a heel loop having an elastic component that is positioned within the recessed portion of a shoe's sole, with the heel loop engaged with an ankle loop that encircles a wearer's ankle. The device is fully detachable from the footwear, and thus can be utilized with more than one shoe. The heel loop and ankle loop are semi-permanently attached in one embodiment, and fully separable in an alternative embodiment.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/657,092, filed Jun. 8, 2012.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shoe accessories, and more specifically to a strap system that secures shoes to a wearer by wrapping around the wearer's ankle, and around the heel of a heeled shoe.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Most women own many pairs of high heel shoes, each chosen with a specific look and construction. Unfortunately, many high heel shoes do not offer the support, stability needed, or the desired versatility to wear for various occasions. For example, backless heels are often seen as casual shoes and provide “one look” or are very difficult to wear with pants because the material gets caught up under the foot heel. Thus, women can either wear shoes that don't quite satisfy their needs, or attempt to modify the shoes that they like so that they are closer to what they want fit-wise and aesthetically. However, modification typically involves adding a homemade permanent ankle strap, which is time consuming, and does not always achieve the desired look, in addition to possibly damaging their high heel shoe. Alternatively, a woman might end up buying more shoes, but this is both expensive and time consuming. Also, storing multiple pairs of shoes requires space that could be used for other purposes in most households.

As can be seen, there is a need for a system that allows a woman to change the fit by securing the shoe to the foot, and offers the versatility to change the aesthetics, thereby effectively increasing a shoe collection. It is desirable that this system does not damage the underlying shoe, and can be added or removed from heeled shoes for subsequent use with her other heeled shoes. It is also desirable that this system is safe, easy to use and manufacture, one size fits all, and renders high heeled shoes safer and easier to walk in, while providing the wearer the versatility to embellish and “dress up” shoes adding a variety of “looks” to the footwear collection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for securing heeled footwear, and backless heeled footwear in particular, to a user's ankle includes a heel loop connected to an ankle loop. The heel loop engages the recessed portion of the shoe sole, between the heel and the toe, and wraps around the user's heel upwardly to engage with the ankle loop. The ankle loop encircles the wearer's ankle, and preferably includes a fastening means such as a buckle. In this manner the otherwise backless footwear is secured to the wearer, with the ankle being the anchor. An elasticized heel loop, or a heel loop including a segment of elastomeric material, provides tautness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a heeled sandal;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention securing a shoe to a wearer;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an embodiment of a securing device;

FIG. 4 is a back view of an embodiment of the present invention securing a shoe to a wearer;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention securing a shoe to a wearer;

FIG. 6 depicts a disengaged alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an engaged alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a back view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention securing a shoe to a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following structure numbers shall refer to the stated structures among the various FIGS:

10—Securing device;

11—Shoe;

12—Heel;

14—Recess;

15—Wearer;

16—Achilles;

20—Ankle loop;

22—Distal end;

25—Fastener;

27—Interface;

30—Heel loop;

32—Engagement site; and

35—Elastic.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, conventional shoe 11 generally includes heel 12 and recess 14. As used herein, “heel” shall refer to a distinct heel that creates the aforementioned recess, versus a wedge heel, or the like, which gradually tapers toward the front of the shoe. This invention is particularly well suited for backless shoes, such as slides or mules, but can also be used with other styles including full back shoes, stilettos and boots. Wearer 15 of shoe 11 has achilles 16 in ankle region. As used herein, “shoe” and “footwear” are used interchangeable, and include open- and closed-toe designs.

FIG. 2 depicts shoe 11 stabilized on wearer 15 by securing device 10 generally including ankle loop 20 and heel loop 30, which are joined to each other at interface 27 (not shown). Interface 27 can established by sewing, adhering, welding, hook/loop fasteners and other attachment methods known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, ankle loop 20 has a greater diameter than heel loop 30, and preferably includes fastener 25. As shown, fastener 25 could be a buckle, but other known fastening devices such as hook/loop, ties, buttons, snaps, zippers and the like could also be used. Heel loop 30 preferably includes elastic 35, which is positioned in recess 14 of heel 12 (FIG. 4). As used herein, “elastic” includes a variety of elastomeric materials, including fabrics, rubbers, non-wovens, composites, and the like, which resume their original shape after a deforming force is removed. It is desirable that elastic 35 is attached to remainder of heel loop 30 by conventional methods such as sewing or welding.

As shown in FIG. 3, securing device 10 is generally constructed with heel loop 30 offset from center of length of ankle loop 20. Moreover, ankle loop 20 is actually a segment which assumes a looped orientation when distal end 22 is engaged with fastener 25. While an elastic segment, as depicted, is preferred, it is also possible to use an elasticized heel loop.

Referring to FIG. 4, a wearer positions securing device 10 by inserting heel 12 through heel loop 30, such that elastic 35 abuts recess 14 (best shown in FIG. 2), and ankle loop 20 is wrapped around ankle of wearer. Although not labeled, it is desirable that interface 27 is positioned at achilles 16.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of securing device positioned on a wearer. It generally has a similar orientation and appearance as the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, except, as seen in FIG. 6, ankle loop 20 is detachable from heel loop 30. In use, unfastened ankle loop 20 is inserted into heel loop 30. This is depicted in FIG. 7. Assembled device is then used as previously described.

The alternative embodiment provides multiple advantages including the ability to customize the fit by adjusting either ankle loop 20 or heel loop 30 on the Achilles for the perfect fit. In addition, the alternative embodiment provides the ability to interchange different ankle loops 20 and heel loops 30 in order to achieve a variety of aesthetic effects. Additionally, if either an ankle loop 20 or heel loop 30 wears out or is damaged, a user can replace only the desired part, but retain the other for further use.

As shown in FIG. 8, the upper portion of heel loop 30 preferably includes engagement site 32, such as a loop (shown), for receiving, and preferably releaseably receiving, ankle loop 20.

A variety of materials can be used to construct the ankle loop 20 and heel loop 30, such as textiles, elastomeric textiles, plastics, leather, ribbon, lacing, rubber, metals, beads and combinations thereof. Ankle loop 20 can wrap around the wearer's ankle once, or multiple times, and thus the length (or diameter) may vary. It is desirable that heel loop 30 has a diameter of approximately 9″-10″.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. By way of example, a wide variety of materials can be used to construct the invention. In addition, ankle loop 20 can be a variety of lengths, such that it encircles ankle one time, or travels up the leg in accordance with the “Gladiator” style. Other modifications include adding chains, clips, and various attachments to the ankle strap, and a variety of other embellishments. It should also be understood that ranges of values set forth inherently include those values, as well as all increments between. Also, the term “semi-permanently connected” shall mean capable of separation, but connected with sufficient strength such that the parts would remain attached with regular use.

Claims

1. A securing device for heeled shoes, said device including:

a. An ankle loop including a fastener at one end and a distal end at another end, said fastener and distal end connectable; and

b. A heel loop including a segment of elastic, said heel loop engaged with said ankle loop.

2. The securing device of claim 1 wherein said fastener is a buckle.

3. The securing device of claim 1 wherein said heel loop is engaged with said ankle loop at a location on said heel loop that is between said fastener and a location equidistant between said fastener and said distal end.

4. The securing device of claim 1 wherein the length of said segment of elastic is less than half the circumference of said heel loop.

5. The securing device of claim 1 wherein the length of said segment of elastic is less than half the circumference of said heel loop.

6. The securing device of claim 1 wherein said ankle loop and said heel loop are semi-permanently connected at an interface.

7. The securing device of claim 6 wherein said segment of elastic is positioned the furthest possible distance from said interface.

8. A heeled shoe system including:

a. A heeled shoe that defines a recess inwardly adjacent to said heel;

b. A heel loop removably engaged with said recess; and

c. An ankle loop engaged with said heel loop.

9. The heeled shoe system of claim 8 wherein said heel loop includes a segment of elastic.

10. The heeled shoe system of claim 8 wherein said ankle loop includes a fastener.

11. The heeled shoe system of claim 10 wherein said fastener is selected from a buckle, a snap, a button, a zipper, a latch, a hook/loop fastener, and combinations thereof.

12. The heeled shoe system of claim 8 wherein the circumference of said ankle loop is greater than the circumference of said heel loop.

13. The heeled shoe system of claim 8 wherein said ankle loop is wider than said heel loop.

14. A method of securing a heeled shoe to an ankle including the steps of:

a. Positioning a heeled shoe on a foot;

b. Inserting the heel of said shoe through a heel loop of a securing device; and

c. Securing an ankle strap of said securing device around a wearer's ankle.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said step of positioning a heeled shoe on a foot includes the step of positioning a backless shoe on said foot.

16. The method of claim 14 further including the step of stretching a segment of elastic incorporated with said heel loop prior to said step of securing said ankle strap.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein said step of securing an ankle strap includes the step of engaging a buckle with a distal end of said ankle strap.