SECURING SHOE STRAP AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

A securing strap for a shoe is provided that may comprise a band comprising an elastic material, the band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe; an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising, an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a securing shoe strap and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a securing strap adapted to secure the foot of a user within the interior of the shoe and to prevent the heel portion of a user's foot from slipping away from the insole of the shoe.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many individuals wear footwear with raised heels for aesthetic purposes. Footwear with raised heels generally raises the wearer's heel higher than the wearer's toes, and places the foot at an increased angle relative the surface below the footwear. This modified angle of the foot changes the distribution of weight on the bottom of the foot, and may distribute an increased portion of the wearer's weight in a forward position nearer the toes. Walking in footwear with raised heels can be difficult, because the forward distribution of weight may change the center of balance for the wearer. In addition to a modified weight distribution, footwear with raised heels also often includes open tops. When a wearer places more weight on the front of the foot to take a step forward and lift the footwear, the footwear often slips away from the wearer's heel and part of the foot may exit the interior of the footwear. When the wearer's foot slips away from the interior of the footwear, a tripping hazard is created. In addition to the tripping hazard, the wearer's footwear may completely fall off of the wearer's foot, thereby creating an unpleasant and often embarrassing moment for the user.

Thus, there is a need for an aesthetically pleasing securing shoe strap for securing the foot of a user within the interior of a shoe.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a shoe strap that may comprise a band comprising an elastic material, the band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe; an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising, an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a shoe strap may comprise a band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe, the band comprising an outer layer comprising a fabric; a center layer comprising an elastic material; and an inner layer comprising a fabric; an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for using a securing strap for a shoe may comprise providing a securing strap, the securing strap comprising a band comprising an elastic material, the band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe; an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap; securing the securing strap around the portion of the outer surface of the foot and the portion of the shoe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the present invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of embodiments encompassed within the scope of the present invention, and, therefore, are not to be considered limiting, for the present invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of securing strap disposed around a portion of a shoe in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a securing strap in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts cross-sectional side view of a securing strap in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method of using a securing strap in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a securing shoe strap and methods thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a securing strap adapted to secure the foot of a user within the interior of the shoe and to prevent the heel portion of a user's foot from slipping away from the insole of the shoe.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of securing strap 102 disposed around a portion of a shoe 106 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In exemplary embodiments, a securing strap 102 may be adapted to secure a foot 104 of a user within the interior of the shoe 106 and/or substantially reduce separation of the user's heel from the insole of the shoe 106. The securing strap 102 may generally comprise an attachment portion 112, a band 130, and one or more decorative members 108. In some embodiments, the shoe 106 may comprise a heel 110, an outer sole 114, and a platform 116. As used herein, the term “platform” may generally be used to refer to the portion of a shoe adapted to support the ball of a user's foot and/or the toes of the user. Although a high heel shoe is depicted in FIG. 1, other types of shoes are contemplated. For example, the securing strap 102 may be adapted to fit around shoes with open tops and varying heights of heels. Some examples of shoes that may be used with the securing strap 102 of the present disclosure include pumps, boots, flats, mid heels, low heels, stiletto heels, mules, clogs, platforms, sandals, wedges, dance shoes, boat shoes, athletic shoes, or the like.

The securing strap 102 may generally be adapted to fit around a portion of the foot 104 of the user and a portion of the shoe 106. The securing strap 106 may be attached to itself at an attachment portion 112 disposed at a separation point of the band 130. For aesthetic reasons, the separation point of the band 130 may generally be disposed under the shoe 106 around the outer sole 114 of the shoe 106 between the heel 110 and the platform 116. The attachment portion 112 may comprise an attachment point between two ends of the band 130, and may be secured with one or more attachment members. The attachment portion 112 may comprise snaps, buttons, clips, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, eyelets, hooks, and/or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, the band 130 may generally comprise an elastic material adapted to expand and/or contract to securely fit around shoes and feet of various sizes. The band 130 may be adapted to secure the foot of the user within the shoe 106 and/or substantially prevent the user's heel from slipping away from the insole of the shoe 106 and losing contact with the insole. For example, the band 130 may comprise webbing, spun elastic, rubber, polymer film, cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, latex, elastic textiles, silk, wool, high stretch yarn, dyed yarn, expandable fabric, woven material, nonwoven material, knitted material, crocheted material, jacquard fabric, microfiber, an elastic band, and/or the like. The securing strap 102 may also be adjustable with a strap slide (not shown), a buckle, and/or the like. The securing strap 102 may be completely separate from the shoe, or may be partially secured to the shoe 106. The securing strap 102 may also be disposed within a guide, such as a loop (not shown) attached to the shoe 106. In some embodiments, the securing strap 102 may be attached at both ends to the shoe 106, and the shoe 106 may comprise an attachment member (not shown). To enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap 102, the band 130 may comprise a printed color, a dyed color, a mixture of colors and/or patterns, or the like. In some embodiments, the band 130 may be printed or dyed with text, an image, a design, and/or the like.

To further enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap 102, decorative members 108 may be included and attached to the securing strap 102. A decorative member 108 may comprise an article that attaches to a portion of the band 130 and enhances the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap 102. For example, the decorative members may comprise jewels, studs, spikes, mirrors, metal objects, plastic objects, rubber objects, cloth objects, glass objects, objects having images imprinted thereon, objects comprising different colors/shapes/sizes, or the like. By way of example, the decorative members 108 may comprise metal studs in a square or prism shape. In another example, the decorative members 108 may comprise a plastic object formed in the shape of a jewel. In some embodiments, a decorative member may comprise one or more cloth members or pieces of fabric. In some embodiments, two or more decorative members 108 may comprise the same materials, shape, and/or size. In alternative embodiments, two or more decorative members may comprise different materials, shapes, and/or sizes. For example, each decorative member 108 may comprise a different material and/or a different shape 108.

Although three decorative members 108 are depicted in FIG. 1, different numbers of decorative members 108 may be attached to the band 130. For example, a single decorative member 108 or a strand of continuous decorative members 108 may be included and attached to the band 130. The decorative members 108 may generally be attached directly to the surface to the band 130. An adhesive, stitching, or other attachment means may be used to secure the decorative members 108 to the band 130. In some embodiments, the decorative members 108 may be detachably attached to the securing band 102. For example, the decorative members 108 may be attached to the securing band 102 with snaps, buttons, clips, a low-tack adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, and/or the like. Decorative members 108 that are detachably attached may be interchangeable, allowing the user to change the look of the securing strap 102 and coordinate the decorative members 108 with various outfits the user wears.

The decorative members 108 may be positioned proportionally at equal intervals around the entire length of the securing band 102 or may be positioned in unequal intervals. In some embodiments, a single decorative member 108 may be positioned at the center of the band 130 between two ends of the band 130. In another example, two decorative members 108 may be disposed on opposing sides of the band 130 on opposite sides of the user's foot 104. In some embodiments, the band 130 may comprise an interior attachment means extending from one portion of the band 130 to another portion of the band 130, so that the decorative members 108 may be attached at any point on the band 130. For example, the band may comprise an interior magnet adapted to allow magnetic decorative members 108 to attach to the band 130 at any point along the surface of the band 130. The decorative members 108 may generally be disposed in an arrangement that is aesthetically pleasing to the user when the strap 102 is secured around the shoe 106 and foot 104 of the user and the attachment portion 112 is secured with attachment members. FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the securing strap 102 with exemplary attachment members.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a securing strap 102 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. In exemplary embodiments, the securing strap 102 may comprise a first end 122, a second end 124, an outer portion 126, an inner portion 128, an outer attachment member 118, an inner attachment member 120, a band 130, and decorative members 108. The decorative members 108 and band 130 may be similar to those described with respect to FIG. 1. The band 130 may generally extend between the first end 122 and the second end 124. Although the band 130 is depicted in FIG. 2 as having straight edges, edges having different shapes are contemplated. For example, curved, jagged, wave-like, or other shapes of edges that are aesthetically pleasing to the user may be utilized.

In use, the band 130 may be secured around the shoe and foot of the user by wrapping the band 130 around the foot and shoe, and securing the first end 122 to the second end 124 with the attachment members 118, 120. The outer attachment member 118 may be disposed on the outer portion 126 of the band 130 substantially adjacent the first end 122. The inner attachment member 120 may be disposed on the inner portion 128 of the band 130 substantially adjacent the second end 124. The outer attachment member 118 and the inner attachment member 120 may be adapted to attach and/or couple with each other and secure the band 130 in place around the shoe and foot of the user. The outer attachment member 118 and the inner attachment member 120 may comprise snaps, buttons, clips, adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, eyelets, hooks, and/or the like. In alternative embodiments, the band 130 may comprise a single piece that slips over the shoe and foot of the user, wherein attachment members 118 are not necessary.

In some embodiments, the outer portion 126 and the inner portion 128 of the band 120 may comprise the same material or may comprise different material. In some embodiments the outer portion 126 may comprise an aesthetically pleasing material, comprising colors, patterns, shapes, images, text, or the like. In some embodiments, the inner portion 128 may comprise a material adapted to be comfortable to the user when the inner portion 128 is resting on the foot of the user. For example, the inner portion 128 may comprise silk, satin, fur, a padded portion, or the like to provide comfort for the user when the securing straps 102 is in use. In some embodiments, the outer portion 126 may comprise a durable material adapted to withstand weathering from atmospheric and weather conditions. For example, the outer portion 128 may comprise denim, cotton, polyester, microfiber, leather, plastic, or the like. In some embodiments, the outer portion 126 and the inner portion 128 may comprise opposite sides of the same material. In some embodiments, the band 130 may comprise two or more layers, as depicted in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional side view of a securing strap 102 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. In exemplary embodiments, the securing strap 102 may comprise an inner attachment member 118, an outer attachment member 120, a band 130, a first decorative member 108 and a second decorative member 140. The first decorative member 108, outer attachment member 118, and inner attachment member 120, may generally be similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In exemplary embodiments the first decorative member 108 and the second decorative member 140 may comprise different materials, shapes, and/or sizes. The second decorative member 140 may be positioned on the band 130 on a side opposite the inner attachment member 120 to substantially cover the attachment portion and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the strap 102.

In some embodiments, the band 130 may comprise one or more layers. For example, the band 130 may comprise an outer layer 150, a center layer 152, and/or an inner layer 154. Although three layers are depicted in FIG. 3, alternative numbers of layers may be included. For example, a single outer layer surrounding an inner layer, or two inner layers and two outer layers may be included. The outer layer 150 and the inner layer 154 may comprise the same material and/or may comprise different materials. The outer layer 150 and the inner layer 154 may generally comprise materials described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. In some embodiments, the outer layer 150 and the inner layer 154 may comprise a webbed material and the center layer 152 may comprise an elastic material, such as rubber, spandex, a polymer film, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the center layer may comprise magnetic material allow the decorative members 108, 140 to attach to the band 130, if the decorative members 108, 140 comprise a material adapted to couple with a magnetic material.

In some alternative embodiments, the center layer 152 may comprise an electronic component attached to a power source (not shown). The power source may comprise an interior battery and/or an exterior plug. In some embodiments, the center layer 152 may comprise an electronic circuitry adapted to provide power to one or more decorative members 108, 140. The decorative members 108, 140 may be adapted to receive power and output at least one of a visible display, an audio signal, a vibratory output, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the decorative members 108 may comprise lights, such as LEDs for lighting up and/or displaying an image on the band 130. The decorative members 108 may be adapted to light up in the same color and/or different colors when activated, and may also be adapted to light at different time intervals according to instructions received from computing device. In some embodiments, the decorative members 108 may be adapted to light up at timed intervals corresponding to music or a song.

The some embodiments, the center layer 152 may comprise a chip adapted to communicate wirelessly with an external source. For example, the center layer 152 may comprise a Radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag for communication with an external device. In one embodiment, the center layer 152 may be adapted to communicate personal information, such as the address of the user, a payment method of the user, a telephone number of the user, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the center layer 152 may be adapted to make or confirm a purchase. For example, an RFID reader at a commercial business may receive the financial information stored in the RFID chip of the center layer 152 to complete a purchase. In another example, a concert or sporting venue may grant access to a user by scanning the RFID chip of the center layer 152 of the user with an RFID reader and confirming a previously made purchase of tickets.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 of using a securing strap in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The method begins at step 410. For ease, the method 400 is described herein with reference to the securing strap 102 examples illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. At step 420, a securing strap 102 is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the securing strap 102 may comprise a decorative member 108, an attachment portion 112, attachment members 118, 120, a first end 122, a second end 124, an outer portion 126, an inner portion 128, a band 130, a second decorative member 140, an outer layer 150, a center layer 152, and/or an inner layer 154.

In exemplary embodiments, at step 430 the securing strap 102 may be placed around the shoe and foot of a user and may be secured at an attachment portion 112. The inner portion 128 of the strap 102 may be placed on the portion of the user's foot that protrudes from the top of the shoe. The attachment portion 112 may then be secured by attaching the outer attachment member 118 to the inner attachment member 120. In some embodiments, if the strap 102 comprises a single band formed in a completed circle, the entire strap 102 may be slid over the shoe and the portion of the foot of the user protruding from the shoe.

The attachment portion 112 may be disposed under the outer sole of the shoe between the heel of a shoe and the platform of a shoe, or the like. If the strap 102 is adjustable, the strap 102 may be adjusted to a tightness comfortable to the user and/or effective in keeping the user's foot substantially within in the interior of the shoe. In some embodiments, the decorative members 108 may be detachable, and may be secured to the band either before or after the strap 102 is secured around the shoe and foot of the user. In some embodiments, the user may change the positioning of the decorative members 108 while the strap 102 is in use. After the strap 102 has been secured to the shoe and the foot of the user, the method ends at step 440.

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. For example, although numerous embodiments having various features have been described herein, combinations of such various features in other combinations not discussed herein are contemplated within the scope of embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A securing strap for a shoe, the strap comprising:

a band comprising an elastic material, the band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe;

an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising: an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and

a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap.

2. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the band comprises at least one of webbing, spun elastic, rubber, cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, latex, elastic textiles, silk, wool, high stretch yarn, dyed yarn, expandable fabric, woven material, nonwoven material, knitted material, crocheted material, jacquard fabric, microfiber, and an elastic band.

3. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable via at least one of a strap slide and a buckle.

4. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the band is attached to the shoe.

5. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the band comprises at least one of a printed text, an image, and a design.

6. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the decorative member is attached to the band.

7. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the decorative member is detachably attached to the band with at least one of a stitching and an adhesive.

8. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the band comprises a magnet; and

wherein the decorative member comprises a material attracted to a magnet.

9. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the decorative member and the band are attached with at least one of a low-tack adhesive, a snap, a button, a clips, and a hook/loop fastener.

10. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the decorative member comprises at least one of a jewel, a plastic object having the shape of a jewel, a stud, a spike, a mirror, a metal object, a plastic object, a rubber object, a glass object, and an object having an image imprinted thereon.

11. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the outer attachment member and the inner attachment member comprise at least one of a snap, a button, a clip, an adhesive, a hook/loop fastener, a magnet, an eyelet, and a hook.

12. The securing strap of claim 1, further comprising a padded portion disposed on the inner portion of the band.

13. The securing strap of claim 1, wherein the shoe comprises at least one of a pump, boot, flat, mid heel, low heel, stiletto heel, mule, clog, platform, sandal, wedge, dance shoe, boat shoe, and an athletic shoe.

14. A securing strap for a shoe, the strap comprising:

a band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe, the band comprising: an outer layer comprising a fabric; a center layer comprising an elastic material; and an inner layer comprising a fabric;

an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising: an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and

a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap.

15. The securing strap of claim 14, wherein the fabric comprises at least one of webbing, cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, latex, silk, wool, yarn, woven material, nonwoven material, knitted material, crocheted material, jacquard fabric, and microfiber.

16. The securing strap of claim 14, wherein the elastic material comprises at least one of rubber and a polymer film.

17. A method for using a securing strap for a shoe, the method comprising:

providing a securing strap, the securing strap comprising: a band comprising an elastic material, the band adapted to secure a foot of a user substantially within an interior of a shoe, the band adapted to fit around a portion of an outer surface of the foot and a portion of the shoe; an attachment portion disposed on the band, the attachment portion adapted to attach the band between a heel of the shoe and a platform of the shoe, the attachment portion comprising: an outer attachment member disposed on an outer portion of the band; and an inner attachment member disposed on an inner portion of the band, the inner attachment member adapted to attach to the outer attachment member; and a decorative member disposed on the outer portion of the band, the decorative member adapted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the securing strap;

securing the securing strap around the portion of the outer surface of the foot and the portion of the shoe.

18. The securing strap of claim 17, wherein the decorative member comprises at least one of a jewel, a plastic object having the shape of a jewel, a stud, a spike, a mirror, a metal object, a plastic object, a rubber object, a glass object, and an object having an image imprinted thereon.

19. The securing strap of claim 17, wherein the outer attachment member and the inner attachment member comprise at least one of a snap, a button, a clip, an adhesive, a hook/loop fastener, a magnet, an eyelet, and a hook.

20. The securing strap of claim 17, wherein the shoe comprises at least one of a pump, boot, flat, mid heel, low heel, stiletto heel, mule, clog, platform, sandal, wedge, dance shoe, boat shoe, and an athletic shoe.