Device for preventing loss of a foot covering

Abstract

A device for preventing loss of a foot covering includes a first strap wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer of such foot covering and a hook and loop fastener for securing the first strap around the leg. A second strap extends generally downwardly from the first strap and has a loop formed in a first end thereof for receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidably attaching the second strap to the first strap. A second hook and loop fastener or a clip is attached to a second end of the second strap for releaseably connecting the second strap to such foot covering.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/722,119 filed on Sep. 30, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to fastening devices and, more particularly, this invention relates to a device for preventing loss of a foot covering.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One problem that is continuously experienced by parents of an infant or a toddler is in assuring that the foot covering such as a shoe or a sock stays on a foot of the child as it is common for such young child to remove such foot covering. The problem is particularly felt when the foot covering is removed and lost in a public place requiring the parent to spent unnecessary effort to locate the foot covering or it is removed and lost during harsh weather conditions.

Efforts have been made to prevent loss of a foot covering worn by a young child. U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,619 issued on May 28, 2002 to Bardes discloses an anklet that includes a strap encircling an ankle of a child, a quick disconnect buckle that is affixed to, and selectively maintains, the strap around the ankle, and a leash that depends from the strap and engages a foot covering worn by the child so as to prevent loss of the foot covering if unintentionally removed. The strap includes an ankle-facing layer that is made of an elastomer with a modulus of elasticity, and an ambient-facing layer that directly overlies the ankle-facing layer and is made of a fabric that has a limited modulus of elasticity so as to prevent the ankle-facing layer from passing the modulus of elasticity thereof and failing. The leash is an endless loop that is sewn to the strap and that extends through the foot covering and then extends back through itself, and in so doing, becomes self-fastened to the foot covering.

One disadvantage of this prior art is in fixed attachment of the leash to the strap. Another disadvantage of this prior art is that the leash, which is formed by a continuous loop, is not suitable for securing the sock which is commonly worn by a child.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for preventing loss of a foot covering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a device for preventing loss of a foot covering. The device includes a first strap which is wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer of such foot covering. A first fastening means is provided for securing the first strap around such leg of such wearer. A second strap extends generally downwardly from the first strap. A loop is formed in a first end of the second strap for receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidably attaching the second strap to the first strap. There is a second fastening means which is engageable with an opposed second end of the second strap for releaseably connecting the second strap to such foot covering.

According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit for use in preventing loss of foot coverings. The kit includes in combination a first strap which is wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer. A first fastening means is provided for securing the first strap around such leg of such wearer. The kit further includes a pair of second straps each having a loop formed at a first end thereof for receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidably attaching each second strap to the first strap. A releasable hook and loop fastener is attached to an opposed second end of one of the pair of second straps. A clip having a pair of grip jaws biased for contact therebetween is attached to an opposed second end of an opposed one of the pair of second straps.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for preventing loss of a foot covering such as a shoe or a sock.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which is usable with wide variety of shoe types.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which is easily adjustable.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which is inexpensive to manufacture.

In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for preventing loss of a foot covering, particularly illustrating a leg encircling strap which is constructed according to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating an arrangement for attaching such device to such foot covering constructed according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating an arrangement for attaching such device to such foot covering constructed according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a magnified view of the device of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a leg encircling strap which is constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-5, wherein there is shown a device, generally designated 10, for preventing loss of a foot covering 2. Such foot covering 2 is generally of the shoe or sock type worn by an infant and/or toddler that are prone to removing and losing such foot covering 2.

The device 10 includes a first strap 12 which is wrapped around a leg 4 adjacent and above an ankle 6 of such child. In such position, the ankle 6 will provide support for and prevent the downward sliding movement of the first strap 12.

A first fastening means, generally designated as 20, is provided for securing the first strap 12 around such leg 4. Now in further reference to FIG. 1, and according to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the first strap 12 is formed as a flat elongated member 14 having each of a predetermined length and essentially identical thickness and the first fastening means 20 includes a releasable hook and loop fastener 22 which is attached to the first strap 12. As it is well known in the art, the releasable hook and loop fastener 20 includes a hook portion 24 which is attached to one end of the first strap 12 and a mating loop portion 26 which is attached to an opposed end of the first strap 12. In order to fasten the first strap 12 in a circular fashion, the hook portion 24 and the loop portion 26 are attached to opposed surfaces of the first strap 12.

Now in reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the first strap 12 which is formed as a continuous flat loop 16 and the first fastening means 20 is provided by a material of the first strap 12 having a predetermined modulus of elasticity enabling the first strap 12 to be stretched between a first shape wherein the first strap 12 is positioned onto and removed from such leg 4 and a second shape wherein the first strap is secured onto such leg 4 of such child.

To provide desired stretchability and recovery of the continuous loop 16, the presently preferred material of the continuous loop 16 is of a nylon spandex fiber type and an example of such spandex fiber is that available from DuPont Company and distributed under the trademark Lycra.RTM. It is further preferred, for sake of comfort and convenience, to combine Lycra.RTM with fabric, such as cotton, for absorbing the perspiration and allowing the skin to breathe naturally. Cotton fabric containing spandex may be washed with soap and water and drip dried or tumble dried which is advantageous for use with small children.

Other flexible materials suitable for use with the present invention include rubber, including sponge rubber, foam rubber, neoprene, and fabric-covered rubber, or fabric-covered neoprene, and the like. Natural and synthetic fabrics such as wool, cotton, linen, synthetic rubber, synthetic leather, nylon, rayon, and the like may also be suitable in the present invention.

It would be understood that cotton/Lycra.RTM combination is also advantageous for inexpensively manufacturing the first strap 12.

The device 10 further includes a second strap 30 which extends generally downwardly from the first strap 12. The second strap 30 is formed as a flat elongated member having essentially identical thickness throughout.

A loop means 40 is formed at a first end 32 of the second strap 30 for receiving therethrough the first strap 12 and for slidably attaching such second strap 30 to the first strap 12. Preferably, the loop means 40 is formed by positioning the edge of the first end 32 toward the opposed second end 34 and sewing it to the second strap 30. Preferably, the second strap 30 is manufactured from the same cotton/Lycra.RTM combination as the first strap 12.

A second fastening means, generally designated as 50, which is engageable with the opposed second end 34 of the second strap 30 is provided for releaseably connecting the second strap 30 to such foot covering 2. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second fastening means 50 includes a releasable hook and loop fastener 52 which is attached to the second strap 30 for forming a second loop 42 means at the second end 34 and which is constructed essentially similar to the releasable hook and loop fastener 22 described supra. Such second loop 42 is advantageous for attaching the second strap 30 to the shoe 2a of a slipper, sandal or flip-flop type which is characterized by a partially formed side wall and by a gap formed at least between a portion of such side wall and a base of such shoe 2a. Accordingly, the second end 34 is passed through the gap and the second loop 42 is formed to encase the portion of the side wall and to secure the foot covering 2 to the first strap 12.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the second fastening means 50 includes a clip 54 having a pair of gripping jaws 56 biased for contact therebetween by a spring means 57 and further includes means 58 for releaseably attaching the clip 54 to a predetermined portion of the second strap 30. Such attachment means 58 is preferably a well known snap button fastener 58. The clip 54 is advantageous for use with the sock (not shown) or the shoe 2b having a continuous side wall as best shown in FIGS. 3-4. Examples of such shoe 2b include athletic shoe, boot and the like.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the second strap 30 includes a combination of the releasable hook and loop fastener 52 and at least the attachment means 58 for attaching the clip 54 to provide the parent with the flexibility of using such device 10 with either type of the foot covering 2. As best shown in FIG. 1, such attachment means 58 may be attached to the second strap 30 adjacent the second end 34 and in a position which enables ease of attaching the clip 54 when the second loop means 42 is formed shorten the free length of the second strap 30.

The device 10 may further include an ornamental member 66 which is attached, preferably by way of an adhesive, to the clip 54 opposite the surface of the second strap 30 for shielding such clip 54 from direct view.

Since the child wears a pair of foot coverings 2, the invention further contemplates a kit, generally designated as 60 for use in preventing loss of a pair of foot coverings 2 and best shown in FIG. 1. Such kit 60 includes in combination a first strap 12 and a pair of second straps 30 each having a loop 40 formed at one end thereof for receiving therethrough the first strap 12 and for slidably attaching such end to the first strap 12. A releasable hook and loop fastener 52 is attached to an opposed second end of one of the pair of second straps 30 and a clip 54 is attached to an opposed second end of an opposed one of the pair of second straps 30. It would be appreciated that the kit 60 may include a second first strap 12 and a second pair of second straps 30.

Although the present invention has been shown in terms of securing the foot covering worn by a child, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be applied to foot covering worn by older children and adults.

Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for preventing loss of a foot covering, said device comprising:

(a) a first strap wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer of such foot covering;

(b) a first fastening means for securing said first strap around such leg of such wearer;

(c) a second strap which extends generally downwardly from said first strap;

(d) a loop means formed in a first end of said second strap for receiving therethrough said first strap and for slidably attaching said second strap to said first strap; and

(e) a second fastening means which is engageable with an opposed second end of said second strap for releaseably connecting said second strap to such foot covering.

2. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first strap is an elongated member having a predetermined length and wherein said first fastening means includes a releasable hook and loop fastener attached to said first strap.

3. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first strap is manufactured form an elastic material.

4. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first strap is formed as a continuous loop.

5. The device, according to claim 4, wherein said first fastening means includes a material of said first strap having a predetermined modulus of elasticity enabling said first strap to be stretched between a first shape wherein said first strap is positioned onto and removed from such leg and a second shape wherein said first strap is secured onto such leg of such wearer.

6. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said loop means is formed by positioning an edge portion of said first end of said second strap over said second strap toward said opposed second end and sewing said edge portion to said second strap.

7. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said second fastening means includes a releasable hook and loop fastener which is attached to said second end of said second strap for forming a second loop means at said second end.

8. The device, according to claim 7, wherein said second fastening means further includes means attached to said second strap for releaseably attaching a clip having a pair of gripping jaws.

9. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said second fastening means includes a clip having a pair of gripping jaws which is manually operable for attaching said clip to such foot covering.

10. The device, according to claim 9, wherein said device further includes means for releaseably attaching said clip to said second strap.

11. The device, according to claim 10, wherein said attachment means is a snap button fastener.

12. The device, according to claim 9, wherein said device further includes an ornamental member for shielding said clip from direct view.

13. A kit for use in preventing loss of foot coverings, said kit comprising in combination:

(a) a first strap which is wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer;

(b) a first fastening means for securing said first strap around such leg of such wearer;

(c) a pair of second straps each having a loop formed at a first end thereof for receiving therethrough said first strap and for slidably attaching said each second strap to said first strap;

(d) a releasable hook and loop fastener which is attached to an opposed second end of one of said pair of second straps; and

(e) a clip means having a pair of grip jaws biased for contact therebetween which is attached to an opposed second end of an opposed one of said pair of second straps.