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Footwear retainer

Inactive Publication Date: 2018-08-09
MANFREDI MICHAEL
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a loop filament that attaches to a Y-stroke and comfortably wraps around the user's heel. The filament is made of skin-friendly material and has elastic properties to prevent slipping without discomfort and allow for flexing while walking. It can also have a coupler for attaching an ornament or adjustment mechanism. The filament can be permanently attached to the Y-stroke near the stem.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0015]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 fo...

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PUM

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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[0001]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[0002]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.[0003]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 ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A43C11/14A43B3/12
CPCA43C11/14A43B3/126A43B3/122A43B3/12A43B3/105A43B23/24
Inventor MANFREDI, MICHAEL
Owner MANFREDI MICHAEL