FOOTWEAR RETAINER

Abstract

A device to retain Y-strapped footwear, such as flip flop sandals, that is effective to resist the tendency for the footwear to slip off, and that obviates the need for foot-gripping, is simple to add to legacy footwear, relieves ambulatory stress and discomfort, is comfortable to the user, and provides an aesthetically pleasing addition to the footwear. The footwear retainer is preferably an attachable and releasable heel strap or cord having some elasticity and, optionally, adjustability. The heel strap may support attachments, such as, without limitation, ornaments and adjustment mechanisms.

Description

FIELD OF ART

The present invention relates to a retainer, such as an ankle harness, for footwear having a “Y” strap. The present invention more particularly relates to an ankle harness for flip flop sandals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is a large market for sandals and similar footwear featuring a Y-strap that has a stem extending upward from the sole of the footwear and conventionally positioned between the user's toes. Two opposed flexible members extend from near the top of the stem to engage the top of the user's foot and are secured near opposed side edges of the sole.

Flip-flops and other “Y” strap-attached sandals require the foot to grip the sandal while walking and cannot be safely worn without risk of slipping off during a variety of activities from walking to running, climbing stairs and escalators, playing sports, riding bikes and any other activity requiring normal to accelerated ambulatory movement. “Y” straps leave the foot free to escape the flip flop sandal by slipping out, or the footwear slipping off “Y” straps also create a considerable amount of stress on all ambulatory muscles, joints, tendons, nerves and bones by forcing the user to foot-grip the footwear while walking or standing. It is nearly impossible to run or perform a variety of other movements while in a “Y” strap attached sandal, including fleeing to safety.

What is needed is a way to retain Y-strapped footwear that is effective to resist the tendency for the footwear from slipping off, and that obviates the need for foot-gripping, is simple to add to legacy footwear, relieves ambulatory stress and discomfort, is comfortable to the user, and provides an aesthetically pleasing addition to the footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, the invention includes an at least partially elastic flexible loop filament attachable to or proximate to a stem of a Y-strap and configured to engage the heel of the user. The loop filament is made of material that is comfortable to the skin and the elastic is selected to provide resistance to the footwear slipping without creating discomfort to the user, as well as enabling comfortable flexing of the user's foot while walking in the footwear. The loop filament may be a strand with a coupler. The filament may include an attachment, such as an ornament or an adjustment mechanism. In a particular embodiment, the filament may be permanently attached to the Y-strap near the stem.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the footwear retainer, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the footwear retainer of FIG. 1 installed on footwear, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating the fourth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer of FIG. 4 installed on footwear that is being worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear that is being worn, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a package of footwear retainers of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a rear side perspective view illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer installed on footwear that is being worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first exemplary embodiment of the footwear retainer 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Footwear retainer 100 includes filament 102 and coupler 112, illustrated here as a generally annular split ring. Filament 102 has first and second ends 104 and 106 having openings 110 and 108, respectively that are configured to receive coupler 112. The diameter 114 of the annular split ring is large enough to loosely accommodate a stem 206 of a Y-strap 202 (see FIG. 2) as well as first and second eyelet ends 104 and 106. Coupling of the first and second eyelet ends 104 and 106 with the coupler 112 creates a filament loop. The filament 102 includes elastic along at least a portion of its length and an exterior surface that is comfortable to the skin. In a preferred embodiment, filament 102 is adjustable in length. In some embodiments, filament 102 is sold in a variety of sizes corresponding to respective footwear sizes. Coupler 112 is intended to be worn above the toes 504 and 506 (see FIG. 5) and preferably has a surface that is comfortable to the user's skin and a pleasing appearance. Filament 102 and coupler 112 may support various aesthetically attractive designs and colors, and have various textures within the constraint of being comfortable to wear. For non-limiting example, the surface of filament 102 may have areas of high specular reflectivity. While coupler 112 is illustrated as a split ring, various other types of filament connectors may be used within the scope of the present invention. Filaments 102 are preferably sold at least in pairs. Filament 102 may have any cross sectional shape. For non-limiting example, filament 102 may be a cord or a strap. Filament 102 may be a polymer, woven material, or a flexible composite.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating the first exemplary embodiment of the footwear retainer 100 of FIG. 1 installed on footwear 216, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Footwear 216 includes a sole 204 and a Y-strap 202 that includes a stem 206 attached to the sole 204 at junction 218. Y-strap 202 also includes first and second strap members 208 and 210 which extend divergently from the top of the stem to strap member junctions 214 and 212, respectively. Coupler 112 is shown engaging the stem 206 and first and second eyelet ends 104 and 106 of filament 102. In use, the user inserts the user's foot 502 (see FIG. 5) through the filament loop and lifts the filament onto the user's heel. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will understand the various types and designs of connectors 112 that may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer 300 installed on footwear 216, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Filament 302 includes elastic along at least a portion of its length and has an exterior surface that is comfortable to the skin. In a preferred embodiment, filament 302 is adjustable in length. In some embodiments, filament 302 is sold in a variety of sizes corresponding to respective footwear 216 sizes. First and second ends 304 and 306 of filament 302 attach to Y-strap 202 on first and second strap members 208 and 210, respectively, making a portion of the Y-strap 202 part of a filament loop. Attachment is preferably permanent as by sewing, adhesion, or mechanical connection. In some embodiments, the attachment may be temporary using, for non-limiting example, clamps on first and second ends 304 and 306. In a preferred embodiment, filament 302 is adjustable in length. In other embodiments, filament 302 is sold in a variety of sizes corresponding to respective footwear 216 sizes. Filament 302 may support various aesthetically attractive designs and colors, and have various textures within the constraint of being comfortable to wear.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating a fourth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer 400 installed on footwear 216, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Footwear retainer 400 is one continuous filament loop 402 connected to stem 206 using a simple knot 404. To make the knot 404, a small bite 406 of filament loop 402 is extended past one side of the stem 206, and the remainder of the filament loop 402 is wrapped around the stem 206 and passed through the bite 406. Preferably, filament loop 402 is made of a soft material with a comfortable surface, as the knot 404 will typically be worn between the toes 504 and 506 (see FIG. 5). The filament loop 402 includes elastic along at least a portion of its length and has an exterior surface that is comfortable to the skin. In a preferred embodiment, filament loop 402 may be adjusted in size by additional wrapping around and passes through the bite 406 when making knot 404, or by other means described below. In other embodiments, filament loop 402 is sold in a variety of sizes corresponding to respective footwear sizes. Filament 402 may support various aesthetically attractive designs and colors, and have various textures within the constraint of being comfortable to wear.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating the fourth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer 400 of FIG. 4 installed on footwear 216 that is being worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Knot 404 is shown on stem 206 between the user's toes 505 and 506. Filament loop 402 extends around the user's heel 508 to elastically bias the user's foot 502 into the footwear 216 and to resist rearward movement of the user's foot 502 relative to the footwear 216.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a fifth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer 600 installed on footwear 216 that is being worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Filament loop 602, which may be any embodiment of the present invention, supports an attachment 604, exemplified here, without limitation, as an ornament 604. In a particular embodiment, attachment 604 may be attached to coupler 112. In another embodiment, attachment 604 may be connected between filament ends 304 and 306 and receive additional support from Y-strap 202.

FIG. 7 is a front diagrammatic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a package 702 of footwear retainers of FIG. 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Filaments 102 are preferably sold at least in pairs, and more preferably in multiple sets of pairs having various exterior designs in packages 702. Likewise, filaments 302, 402, and 602, and other filaments and footwear retainers described herein, are preferably sold at least in pairs, and more preferably in multiple sets of pairs having various exterior aesthetic designs in packages 702. In the case of embodiment 600, various attachments may be included in package 702. Those of skill in the art, enlightened by the present disclosure, will comprehend the wide variety of packages that will suffice as package 702. Package 702 may optionally contain attachments 604 and/or 806 (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 8 is a rear side perspective view illustrating a sixth exemplary embodiment of a footwear retainer 800 installed on footwear 816 that is being worn by a user, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Footwear 816 includes sole 804 and Y-strap 812, which includes a stem (not visible in this view) supporting a knot in filament 802 between toes 504 and 506. Y-strap 812 also includes first and second strap members 808 and 810 which extend divergently from the top of the stem to respective strap member junctions, 818 and a second junction not visible in this view, with the sole 804. Filament 802 may be any of the illustrated filaments 102, 302, 402, or 602 or filaments described above. For purposes of illustration, filament 802 will be treated as similar to filament loop 402. Filament loop 802 is made adjustable by an attachment, namely, an exemplary releasable spring-loaded cord lock 806. Cord lock 806 may be any of the commercially available types or a custom cord lock. A bite 814 of filament loop 802 is inserted through the cord lock 806 when button 820 is manually depressed against the bias of an internal spring, and the cord lock is slid along the filament 802 until the fit is suitable to the user. Then the button 820 is released, locking the cord lock 806 in place and maintaining the fit. In a particular embodiment, cord lock 806 may support an attachment such as, without limitation, an ornament.

The cord lock 806 is merely exemplary of the wide variety of devices and means for adjusting the used length of a filament 802. In a particular embodiment, filament 802 may be a single stand with two finished ends instead of the bite 814. In another embodiment, filament 802 may be a single stand with two finished ends that are connected together by means, such as sewing, stapling, fusing, or adhering, that allow the connected ends to pass through the cord lock 806. In yet another embodiment, filament 802 may be a single strand made adjustable using a tautline hitch or similarly functional knot.

The advantages of the present invention are that it provides a way to retain Y-strapped footwear that is effective to resist the tendency for the footwear to slip off, and that obviates the need for foot-gripping, is simple to add to legacy footwear, relieves ambulatory stress and discomfort, is comfortable to the user, and provides an aesthetically pleasing addition to the footwear.

Claims

1. A footwear retainer for footwear having a Y-strap connected to a sole in at least three places, the footwear retainer comprising:

a. a flexible filament further comprising: i. elasticity along at least a portion of its length; ii. said length being one of: 1. proportional to a shoe size of said footwear; and 2. adjustable; iii. a surface that is comfortable to a user's skin; and

b. a configuration adapted to couple said flexible filament to said Y-strap.

2. The footwear retainer of claim 1, further comprising said footwear retainer coupled to said footwear.

3. The footwear retainer of claim 1, further comprising a package containing at least one pair of said footwear retainers.

4. The footwear retainer of claim 1, wherein said flexible filament comprises a loop adapted to be coupled to a stem of said Y-strap via at least one knot.

5. The footwear retainer of claim 1, wherein said flexible filament comprises one of:

a. a strap;

b. a cord;

c. a polymer;

d. a fabric; and

e. a flexible composite.

6. The footwear retainer of claim 1, wherein said filament comprises first and second eyelet ends, said footwear retainer further comprising a coupler adapted to couple both said first and second eyelet ends of said filament to a stem of said Y-strap.

7. The footwear retainer of claim 1, further comprising first and second couplers adapted to couple respective first and second ends of said filament to first and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap.

8. The footwear retainer of claim 7, wherein said first and second couplers comprise permanent attachments between respective said first and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap and respective said first and second ends of said filament.

9. The footwear retainer of claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment attached to said filament.

10. A footwear retainer for footwear having a Y-strap connected to a sole in at least three places, the footwear retainer comprising:

a. a flexible filament further comprising: i. elasticity along at least a portion of its length; ii. said length being one of: 1. proportional to a shoe size of said footwear; and 2. adjustable; iii. a surface that is comfortable to a user's skin;

b. a configuration adapted to couple said flexible filament to said Y-strap; and

c. wherein said flexible filament comprises one of a polymer, fabric, and a flexible composite.

11. The footwear retainer of claim 10, further comprising said footwear retainer coupled to said footwear.

12. The footwear retainer of claim 10, wherein said flexible filament comprises an adaptation to be coupled to a stem of said Y-strap via at least one knot.

13. The footwear retainer of claim 10, wherein said filament comprises first and second eyelet ends, said footwear retainer further comprising a coupler adapted to couple both said first and second eyelet ends of said filament to a stem of said Y-strap.

14. The footwear retainer of claim 10, further comprising first and second couplers adapted to couple respective first and second ends of said filament to first and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap.

15. The footwear retainer of claim 14, wherein said first and second couplers comprise permanent attachments between respective said first and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap and respective said first and second ends of said filament.

16. The footwear retainer of claim 10, further comprising at least one of:

a. an attachment attached to said filament; and

b. a package containing at least one pair of said footwear retainers.

17. A footwear retainer for footwear having a Y-strap connected to a sole in at least three places, the footwear retainer comprising:

a. a flexible filament further comprising: i. elasticity along at least a portion of its length; ii. said length being one of: 1. proportional to a shoe size of said footwear; and 2. adjustable; iii. a surface that is comfortable to a user's skin;

b. a configuration adapted to couple to said Y-strap;

c. wherein said flexible filament comprises one of a polymer, fabric, and flexible composite; and

d. wherein said flexible filament comprises one of a strap and a cord.

18. The footwear retainer of claim 17, further comprising said footwear retainer coupled to said footwear.

19. The footwear retainer of claim 17, comprising at least one of:

a. an adaptation to said flexible filament enabling said flexible filament to be coupled to a stem of said Y-strap via at least one knot;

b. first and second eyelet ends of said filament, said footwear retainer further comprising a coupler adapted to couple both said first and second eyelet ends of said filament to said stem of said Y-strap;

c. first and second couplers adapted to couple respective first and second ends of said filament to first and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap;

d. permanent attachments between respective said first and second opposed flexible members of said Y-strap and respective said first and second ends of said filament; and

e. a package containing at least one pair of said footwear retainers.

20. The footwear retainer of claim 17, further comprising at least one attachment attached to said filament.