Footwear securing device

A footwear securing device is provided. The device includes a front strap, a mid strap, a rear strap, an ankle strap, a connector strap, and a base plate; the base plate configured to attach to a sole of a shoe and comprising a front portion, a mid portion, and a rear portion, the front portion comprising a front slot, the mid portion comprising a mid slot, and the rear portion comprising a rear slot; and the front strap configured to enter the front slot, the mid strap configured to enter the mid slot, and the rear strap configured to enter the rear slot.

INTRODUCTION

Certain types of heeled women's shoes such as pumps, high-heels, mules, backless sandals, etc., have a tendency to slip off the heel of the foot. Differences in the size and shape of women's feet may make it difficult to find shoes that perfectly fit. This problem is further exacerbated at times when feet exude sweat, causing the foot to slip and slide inside the shoe. These problems make it difficult to walk and may cause injury such as sprains from the lack of stability. The free movement of feet in such instances may also cause blisters on the heel and other parts of the foot. Embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism for holding the foot in place within the shoe in situations where an imperfect fit or design of the shoe may cause the foot to become loose during use. Embodiments of the invention enable the wearer to wear shoes that are several sizes larger than the wearer's normal shoe size. This added support can also help prevent injuries to a person's leg or foot. The system is interchangeable with different shoes, and thus allows for wearers to change the appearance of their various shoes for stylistic purposes. Embodiments of the invention are worn in pairs, one for the left foot and one for the right foot.

SUMMARY

A shoe strap assembly for women's shoes according to embodiments of the invention includes a base-plate which is positioned beneath the bottom of the shoe at the shank. Straps attached to the base-plate encircle the counter of a shoe and the upper/dorsal portion of a foot and a shoe, thus securely fastening the foot inside the shoe. The strap attached to the base-plate extends upwards from in between the shank and heel of the shoe forming a loop around the heel and longitudinally across the counter of the shoe. Two distinct ends extend towards the front of the shoe from in between the top of the counter and the seat of the shoe. The first end curves around outside (dorsal side) of the shoe having a buckle attached to it. The second end curves around the inside and across the upper portion of the shoe looping through the base plate and again over the outside portion of the shoe and attaching to the end. The removable strap mechanism will hold the foot against the up/down movement at the heel of the foot by exerting a downward pull on the top side of the foot.

The strap portion of an embodiment of the invention can be made from different materials including, but not limited to, leather, rubber, cloth, and/or plastic. Additionally, the strap portion can include hooks, buttons, snaps, buckles, loops and other mechanisms or attachments, which could be made of rubber, plastic, leather, jewels and/or metals. The base plate that is positioned under the sole of the shoe can be made of any flexible yet sturdy material, including, but no limited to metal (such as aluminum, copper, silver), plastic, rubber, and/or cardboard (such as bondex). Additionally, this base plate can be covered with different materials including, but not limited to, leather, rubber, cloth, and/or plastic, or attachments, which could be made of plastics, jewels, and/or metals.

The base plate, which is positioned under the sole of the shoe, is in the shape of a malleable curve. The base plate can bend to fit the various inclines/arches that result from different heel heights. The base plate can come in various lengths, but will remain short enough so that it does not reach the ball of the foot. One end of the base plate is positioned at the point where the heel meets the sole of the shoe. The other end may extend along the heel toward the tip. The straps that cover the top of the feet are attached to the base plate which is positioned under the sole of the shoe using elastic, which allows for a slip-on application for wearers, or a loop mechanism, which allows for the wearer to self-adjust the fit of the straps. However, the straps can also be attached to the baseplate that is positioned under the sole of the shoe using other mechanisms, including, but not limited to, hooks, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and/or buckles. The loop that is positioned around the heel can be attached directly to the base plate that is positioned under the sole of the shoe, or can attach directly to the straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is related to a detachable shoes strap system designed to secure a loose fitting heeled shoe to a user's foot during normal wear.FIG. 1shows a front perspective view of a right foot configuration of one embodiment as it would appear on a shoe and user's foot during use.FIG. 2shows a rear perspective view of the same embodiment as above. In this embodiment the strap system primarily comprises of a main-strap101which encircles a foot and shoe during use and the base plate201which is positioned against a sole of a shoe. The base plate anchors the main strap at designated positions around a shoe and foot. Thus, in conjunction with the main strap, the base plate holds a foot in place against movement within a shoe.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the base plate201comprises a top member203and a bottom member205, which are permanently attached to one another. In the alternative top member203and bottom member205may be releasably attached. These members can come in various lengths, but will remain short enough so that they do not reach the ball of a shoe. The top and bottom members203and205can be attached to one another with glue or similar adhesive substance or they can be sewn together. The top member203further comprises a front base plate slot207and a rear base plate slot209where the top member203is not attached to the bottom member205as shown inFIG. 2. Instead, the top member203and bottom member205form openings through which the main strap101can pass through. During use, the bottom member205would be positioned against the shank211of a shoe, thus allowing the main strap101to pass through the base plate slots at designated points. A counter loop213extends from the main strap101. The rear slot209may hold a portion of the main strap101from which the counter loop213extends, thereby securing the counter loop213at the rear of a shoe. The front slot207may provide a means for holding a proximal-end103of the main strap101at a position located at the front of a shoe.

The base plate can be made of any flexible yet sturdy material, including, but not limited to metal (such as aluminum, copper, silver), plastic, rubber, and/or cardboard (such as bondex). Additionally, the base plate can be covered with different materials including but not limited to leather, rubber, cloth, and/or plastic or attachments, which could be made of plastics, jewels, and/or metals, for secondary ornamental purposes.

FIG. 3shows a proximal perspective view of an embodiment of the securing device as it stands alone without a user's shoe and foot. As illustrated inFIG. 4the base plate201is curved at the rear approximately where the rear base plate slot is located (approximately being within 1-15 millimeters). This base plate curve401is malleable and during use rests approximately at the intersection of a heel and sole. The malleable feature of the base plate curve401allows it to bend to fit the various inclines and arches that result from different heel heights.

As further illustrated inFIG. 2, the main strap101, when properly positioned on a user's shoe extends upwards from the rear base plate slot209across the distal and proximal sides of a shoe. Approximately one half of the distance across the counter, the main-strap101bifurcates extending upwards to form a loop around the counter205of a shoe, and toward the front of a shoe to form two distinct ends. The two ends formed are the distal-end105on the distal side115and the proximal-end103on the proximal side113of a shoe.

As depicted inFIG. 1, the two distinct ends, the proximal-end103and the distal-end105can be joined at the distal side115of a shoe, approximately where a user's ankle would rest. Attached to the distal-end is a buckle107comprising a frame109and a buckle-prong111that is permanently attached to the frame. The proximal-end103comprises adjuster holes113which provide attachment points for the buckle-prong111thus allowing a user to connect the two ends. During use, the proximal-end103and distal-end105are used to tighten the main strap101around a shoe and a user's foot and to firmly hold a foot within a shoe during use. The main strap101can be tightened around a user's foot by pulling the proximal-end103toward the back of a shoe and securing the buckle-prong111to successive adjuster holes113positioned away from the proximal-end103.FIG. 6shows the distal side view of the above proximal-end103and distal-end105.

Thus, during use, the main-strap101encircles the top of a user's foot as well as the counter205and the shank211of a user's shoe thereby firmly securing a user's foot in place within a user's shoe. As shown inFIG. 3, the proximal-end103extends diagonally from the proximal side of a shoe towards the front and distal end of a shoe wrapping over the superior/dorsal portion of a foot. As it continues to extend, the proximal-end103of the main-strap101travels through the front base plate slot207situated toward the front of a user's shoe. After passing through the front base plate slot207, the proximal-end103extends diagonally in the posterior direction toward the ankle portion and distal side of the shoe. The main strap101can be made from different materials including, but not limited to, leather, rubber, cloth, and/or plastic. The material should be able to stretch while remaining resilient in order to provide the necessary support for a foot during use.

Another embodiment of the device is depicted inFIGS. 9-16. InFIG. 9the securing device in a right foot configuration is shown as it would appear on a user's shoe and foot during use. In this embodiment, additional independent straps further aid in securing the foot firmly to the shoe. The additional straps also aid in use with additional styles of heeled shoes such as open toed shoes.

As depicted inFIG. 9, this embodiment comprises four main straps that encircle a user's shoe and foot, a counter strap901, front-strap903, mid strap905, and an ankle-strap907. An additional strap, the top-strap917, runs vertically across the dorsal side of a user's foot and provides anchoring points for the front-strap903, mid-strap905, and ankle-strap907at three separate points. The ankle-strap further comprises two distinct ends, a proximal-end909comprising adjuster holes911and a distal-end913comprising a buckle915. The ankle-strap907can be tightened around a user's ankle by joining the buckle915and adjuster holes911as previously described.

FIG. 10illustrates the bottom perspective view of the securing device, as it would appear on a user's shoe and foot during use. As seen inFIG. 10the securing device comprises a connector strap1001which provides an anchoring position for the counter strap901and ankle strap907at the counter205of a shoe.FIG. 12shows a proximal side view of the securing device, as it stands alone without a user's shoe and foot. As illustrated inFIG. 12the connector-strap1001comprises a bottom connector loop1201for securing the counter strap901and a top connector loop1203for securing the ankle strap907.FIG. 14shows a distal side view of the same embodiment above.

FIG. 10further illustrates a modified baseplate1003underlying a shoe. As before, the modified baseplate1003is comprised of a top member and bottom member which are permanently attached to one another. However, the modified baseplate1003here comprises a front base plate slot1005, rear base plate slot1009and an additional mid base plate slot1007to accommodate the mid-strap mentioned above. Additionally, in this embodiment, the rear base plate slot1009is positioned on the flat portion of the base plate in front and away from the curved portion1011and the apex1013of a shoe. This modified base plate is particularly beneficial when used with shoes that have a heel with unusual dimensions or in shoes where a heel is placed on a non-traditional part of a sole or in a non-traditional angle. This allows the curved portion1011to adjust to non-traditional angles of the at the apex or heel portion of a shoe while still allowing the counter strap901to encircle the counter205at the desired angle (not pictured here).

FIG. 11shows the front perspective view of the securing device as it stands alone without a user's shoe and foot. Ass seen inFIG. 11, the front strap903is permanently attached in a perpendicularly fashion to the top-strap917at the front region1101while the mid-strap905is similarly attached to the top strap917at mid-region1103. The top-strap further comprises a slot at the loop-region1105allowing the ankle-strap907to pass through the top-strap and anchor the ankle-strap at that position. The loop slot interface1105allows a user to adjust the tightness of the ankle strap without moving the top strap917from its ideal position on dorsal side of a users foot.FIG. 9further illustrates the loop-interface1005.FIG. 13shows the rear perspective view of the securing device as it stands alone without a user's shoe and foot.

FIG. 15shows a top perspective view of the securing device as it stands alone without a user's shoes and foot. The front and mid straps can be attached to the base plate using elastic or a similar material, allowing for a slip-on application for a user. The straps above could also be attached to the base plate with a loop mechanism which would allow a user to self-adjust the tightness of the straps. Furthermore, the straps above can also be attached to the base plate using other mechanisms, including, but not limited to, hooks, buttons, snaps, and/or buckles. The loop that is positioned around the heel can be attached directly to the base plate that is positioned under the sole of the shoe, or can attach directly to the straps.FIG. 16shows the bottom perspective view of the same embodiment above.

A third embodiment of the shoe strap system is depicted inFIGS. 17-24. InFIG. 17, the strap system is shown in the front perspective as it would appear on a user's shoe and foot during use. In this embodiment, the strap system may include a counter strap1701and a foot strap1702. The counter strap1701wraps around the user's ankle but does not enclose the entire ankle. The foot strap1702wraps around the shoe's upper1703and shank1704, enclosing the dorsal side1705and plantar side1706of the foot.

FIG. 18depicts a rear perspective view of the footwear securing device as it would appear on a user's shoe and foot during use. As seen inFIG. 18, the base plate1801may be curved at the top end1802to conform to the shape of the shank1704and the pitch1803. In another embodiment, the base plate1801may be straight and conform to just the shape of the shank1704.

FIG. 21shows the rear perspective view of the footwear securing device as it stands alone without the user's shoe and foot. As seen inFIG. 21, the base plate1801may be located on the centered lower half of the foot strap1702. The base plate1801may comprise a slot2001and the foot strap1702may be insertable through the slot2001. The size of the slot may vary depending on the size of the foot strap1702. In one embodiment, the base plate may have more than one slot. For example, a second slot2002may be useful if the user decides to add another strap to the strap system.

FIG. 19shows the front perspective view of the footwear securing device as it stands alone without the user's foot and shoe. The foot strap1702may vary in width. For example, the foot strap1702may be one to three inches wide, or even longer, thus covering most of the upper1703of the user's shoe. In another embodiment, the foot strap1702may be one inch wide or less. The various widths are advantageous for multiple reasons. First, it can provide a cover for shoes that normally expose the dorsal side1705of the foot. Second, such a cover can provide warmth or protection from the sun. And lastly, securing the entire dorsal side1705may provide comfort or more stability in the shoe.

The width of the foot strap may be uniform throughout the entire foot strap1702. In another embodiment, the width of the foot strap may be different at various points of the foot strap1702. This is advantageous for the user whose shoe may better conform to a foot strap with a certain width better in certain locations.

The counter strap1701may join the foot strap1702at one or more interfaces. As seen in inFIG. 22, the distal end2201of the counter strap1701may join the foot strap1702at a distal region2202. As seen inFIG. 20, the proximal end2003of the counter strap1701may join the foot strap1702at a proximal region2004. In one embodiment, the distal end2201and proximal end2003may join in one interface or region. The variances in the number interface regions may depend on decisions regarding style and comfort.

Different mechanisms may be used to join counter strap1701with the foot strap1702at the interface region. This may include, but is not limited to, sewing, hook and loop, buckles, buttons, and/or snaps. The mechanism joining the counter strap1701and the foot strap1702at the interface may be different for the distal end2201and second slot2002, as seen inFIG. 22andFIG. 20, respectively.

The counter strap1701may be removably attachable to the foot strap1702at the interfaces. This allows the user to use just the foot strap if desired.

FIG. 23shows the front top perspective of the strap system as it stands alone without the user's shoe and foot.

FIG. 24shows the bottom rear perspective of the strap system as it stands alone without the user's shoe and foot.