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[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61 / 657,092, filed Jun. 8, 2012.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]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.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a device that attaches heeled footwear, especially backless heeled footwear, to a user's ankle. It contains a heel loop that wraps around the user's heel and an ankle loop that goes around the user's ankle and fastens with a buckle. This makes the footwear fit snugly around the ankle and keeps it upright. The use of an elasticized heel loop or segment of elastomeric material provides tension. Overall, this device helps to keep the shoes in place and makes them more comfortable to wear.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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