Easy entry sandal

Abstract

To provide an easy entry sandal.SOLUTION: There is provided a sandal comprising an upper and a heel strap made of at least five members, the five members including three firm members and two elastic members. The heel strap is allowed to pivot relative to the upper, wherein a rear part of the heel strap is allowed to further pivot relative to anterior heel strap members. The sandal includes elastic members that are stretched while the heel strap pivots downward under a downward force on the heel strap while a foot slides into the sandal. The elastic members force the heel strap to pivot upward when the downward force is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Field The field of the present disclosure and related embodiments relates to the field of sandals, and more particularly to allowing easy entry of the foot into a sandal. [Background technology]

[0002] Many users have difficulty bending down to assist in putting on shoes with closed heel designs. However, when putting on sandals, most sandals require bending down to adjust the straps of the sandals. Therefore, there is a widely recognized need for sandals that allow users to put on and take off sandals without the need to bend down and use the user's hands.

[0003] While various easy-entry shoes are known in the art, the methods described in such prior art do not provide a good solution for putting on and taking off sandals without using the user's hands or describe a hands-free sandal that provides a comfortable fit; therefore, there is a need in the art for a sandal that is easier and cheaper to produce as well as a sandal that overcomes the above deficiencies.

[0004] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the relevant field. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. No particular order of steps or stages of the methods and processes (including the diagrams) in this disclosure is intended or implied, except to the extent necessary or inherent in the process itself. In many cases, the order of process steps can be changed without changing the purpose or effect of the method being described. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) A sandal comprising a sole and an upper having a front member; Heel strap and an inner front elastic member; An outer front elastic member, the upper includes a sandal opening, the sandal opening being defined by the front member of the upper and the heel strap and configured to encircle the heel of the foot; and a gap, the gap being defined by the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole, the gap existing between the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole; Including, the heel strap includes at least five members, the at least five members including a rear strap member, an inner strap member, an inner elastic strap member, an outer elastic strap member, and an outer strap member; the rear strap member, the inner strap member, and the outer strap member are made from a rigid material to prevent the strap members from significantly changing their shape under forces applied to the heel strap when the foot is inserted into the sandal opening; the rear strap member is attached to the inner strap member via an inner elastic strap member, and the rear strap member is attached to the outer strap member via an outer elastic strap member; the heel strap is allowed to pivot downward and upward relative to the upper and the sole; the front inner elastic member is attached at one end to the inner strap member and at the other end to the inner surface of the upper, and the front outer elastic member is attached at one end to the outer strap member and at the other end to the outer surface of the upper; by applying a downward force to the heel strap, both the medial and lateral strap members are permitted to pivot downwardly relative to the upper, and the rear strap member is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial and lateral strap members; When the heel strap is pivoted downward, the front inner elastic member and the front outer elastic member are stretched, and the outer elastic strap member and the inner elastic strap member are flexed and stretched; When the downward force is removed, the stretched front outer elastic members attract the outer strap members to pivot upward, the stretched front inner elastic members attract the inner strap members to pivot upward, and both the stretched outer elastic strap members and the stretched inner elastic strap members attract the rear strap members to pivot upward and forward. Sandals. (Item 2) The sandals described in the above item, wherein the outer strap member is attached to the outer portion of the upper via a hinge, and the inner strap member is attached to the inner portion of the upper via a hinge. (Item 3) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein both the medial and lateral portions of the upper adjacent to the hinge area are made of a rigid material, thus preventing the medial and lateral portions of the upper from bending or changing their shape under the forces applied by the foot during entry into the sandal. (Item 4) The sandals of any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the collar includes a stretching element. (Item 5) The sandal of any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic member. (Item 6) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein the upper portion of the rear strap member extends obliquely upward and backward. (Item 7) The sandals according to any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the sandal opening includes a strap. (Item 8) Sandals, the sandals comprising: Sole and an upper having a front member; Heel strap and an outer torsion spring; an inner torsion spring, the upper includes a sandal opening, the sandal opening being defined by the front member and the heel strap and configured to encircle the heel of the foot; and a gap, the gap being defined by the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole, the gap existing between the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole; Including, the heel strap includes at least five members, the at least five members including a rear strap member, an inner strap member, an inner elastic strap member, an outer elastic strap member, and an outer strap member; the rear strap member, the inner strap member, and the outer strap member are made from a rigid material to prevent the strap members from significantly changing their shape under forces applied to the heel strap when the foot is inserted into the sandal opening; the rear strap member is attached to the inner strap member via an inner elastic strap member, and the rear strap member is attached to the outer strap member via an outer elastic strap member; the heel strap is allowed to pivot downward and upward relative to the upper and the sole; the inner torsion spring is attached at one end to the inner strap member and at the other end to either the inner surface of the upper, the inner surface of the sole, or both the inner surface of the upper and the inner surface of the sole; the outer torsion spring is attached at one end to the outer strap member and at the other end to either the outer surface of the upper, the outer surface of the sole, or both the outer surface of the upper and the outer surface of the sole; by applying a downward force to the heel strap, both the medial and lateral strap members are permitted to pivot downwardly relative to the upper, and the rear strap member is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial and lateral strap members; When the heel strap is pivoted downward, the inner and outer torsion springs store potential energy, causing the outer and inner elastic strap members to flex and stretch; When the downward force is removed, the outer torsion spring attracts the outer strap member to pivot upward, the inner torsion spring attracts the inner strap member to pivot upward, and both the stretched outer elastic strap member and the stretched inner elastic strap member attract the rear strap member to pivot upward and forward. Sandals. (Item 9) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein the outer strap member is attached to the outer portion of the upper via a hinge, and the inner strap member is attached to the inner portion of the upper via a hinge. (Item 10) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein both the medial and lateral portions of the upper adjacent to the hinge area are made of a rigid material, thus preventing the medial and lateral portions of the upper from bending or changing their shape under the forces applied by the foot during entry into the sandal. (Item 11) The sandals of any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the collar includes a stretching element. (Item 12) The sandal of any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic member. (Item 13) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein the upper portion of the rear strap member extends obliquely upward and backward. (Item 14) The sandals according to any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the sandal opening includes a strap. (Item 15) Sandals, the sandals comprising: Sole and an upper having a front member and a heel strap, the upper includes a sandal opening defined by the front member of the upper and the heel strap and configured to generally encircle the heel of the foot; the heel strap includes a rear heel strap member, an outer heel strap member, and an inner heel strap member; the rear heel strap member is attached to the outer heel strap member by an outer elastic strap, and the rear heel strap member is attached to the inner heel strap member by both an inner elastic member and a non-elastic member; an upper, wherein the rear heel strap member, the medial heel strap member, and a forward portion of the lateral heel strap member are made from a rigid material to prevent the heel strap members from significantly changing their shape under forces applied to the heel straps when a foot is inserted into the sandal opening; an inner front elastic member, the inner front elastic member being attached at one end to the inner strap member and at the other end to the inner surface of the upper; an outer front elastic member, the outer front elastic member being attached at one end to the outer strap member and at the other end to the outer surface of the upper; Including, the heel strap is permitted to pivot relative to the upper and the sole along the general direction of a longitudinal plane; the rear heel strap member is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial and lateral heel strap members along a general direction of the longitudinal axis plane; by applying a downward force to the heel straps, both the medial and lateral heel strap members are permitted to pivot downwardly relative to the upper and the sole, and the rear heel strap member is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial and lateral heel strap members; When the heel strap is pivoted downward, the front inner elastic member and the front outer elastic member are stretched, while the outer elastic strap member and the inner elastic strap member are flexed and stretched; When the downward force is removed, the stretched front outer elastic member attracts the outer heel strap member to pivot upward, the stretched front inner elastic member attracts the inner heel strap member to pivot upward, and both the stretched outer elastic strap member and the stretched inner elastic strap member attract the rear heel strap member to pivot upward and forward. Sandals. (Item 16) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein the outer strap member is attached to the outer portion of the upper via a hinge, and the inner strap member is attached to the inner portion of the upper via a hinge. (Item 17) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein both the medial and lateral portions of the upper adjacent to the hinge area are made of a rigid material, thus preventing the medial and lateral portions of the upper from bending or changing their shape under the forces applied by the foot during entry into the sandal. (Item 18) The sandals of any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the collar includes a stretching element. (Item 19) The sandal of any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic member. (Item 20) A sandal according to any of the preceding items, wherein the upper portion of the rear strap member extends obliquely upward and backward. (Item 21) The sandals according to any of the preceding items, wherein the front portion of the sandal opening includes a strap. (Summary) An easy-entry sandal is described. The sandal includes an upper and a heel strap, the heel strap being made of at least five members, including three rigid members and two elastic members. The heel strap is pivotable relative to the upper, and a rear portion of the heel strap is further pivotable relative to a front heel strap member. The sandal includes an elastic member that is stretched while the heel strap pivots downward under a downward force on the heel strap while the foot is sliding into the sandal. The elastic member causes the heel strap to pivot upward when the downward force is released. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] Various embodiments are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now in detail to the drawings, it is emphasized that the matter shown is presented by way of example and for illustrative discussion purposes only, to provide what is believed to be most useful and easily understood explanation of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, it is not intended to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the subject matter, and the description taken in conjunction with the drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms and structures may be embodied in practice.

[0007] In the drawings:

[0008] [Figure 1A]FIG. 1A is a simplified illustration of a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an easy-entry sandal incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention.

[0009] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a simplified diagram of a top view of the sandal of FIG. 1A.

[0010] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a rear view of a heel strap suitable for use in various embodiments of an easy entry sandal.

[0011] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a simplified illustration of a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an easy entry sandal having a curved heel strap.

[0012] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a simplified illustration of a side view of yet another exemplary embodiment of an easy entry sandal.

[0013] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a simplified illustration of a lateral side view of an exemplary easy entry sandal when a downward force is applied to the heel strap during entry of the foot into the sandal.

[0014] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a simplified illustration of a lateral side view of an easy-entry sandal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure when a downward force is applied to the heel strap while the foot is entering the sandal.

[0015] [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a simplified diagram of a side view of a closed-toe easy-entry sandal.

[0016] [Figure 5B]FIG. 5B is a simplified diagram of a side view of a closed-toe easy-entry sandal with a pressed heel strap.

[0017] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram of a rear view of a heel strap that can be utilized in the closed-toe easy-entry sandal of FIG. 5B.

[0018] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram of a side view of another embodiment of a closed-toe sandal.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of a rear view of a heel strap according to another embodiment.

[0020] [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a simplified diagram of a lateral side view of another embodiment of an easy entry sandal.

[0021] [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a simplified diagram of a rear view of the strap of the easy entry sandal of FIG. 9A.

[0022] [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C illustrates movement of the strap member of FIG. 9A to accommodate an inserted foot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The principles and structure according to some embodiments of easy-entry sandals, which provide hands-free entry of a user's foot, may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying description.

[0024] Before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Moreover, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0025] In this document, elements of a drawing not described within the drawing but labeled with a number described in a previous drawing have the same use and description as in the previous drawing. Similarly, elements identified in the text by a number that does not appear in the drawing described by the text have the same use and description as in the previous drawing in which it is described.

[0026] Drawings in this document may not be to scale. Different drawings may use different scales, and different scales may even be used within the same drawing (e.g., different scales for different views of the same object or different scales for two adjacent objects).

[0027] As used herein, the terms "a" or "an" are defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "plurality" is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms "including" and / or "having" are defined as including.

[0028] The phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B, and / or C" means A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. The term "a" or "an entity" refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0029] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and "having" are all inclusive and open-ended and do not exclude additional, unstated elements or method steps. In particular, these terms may indicate the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but cannot imply the exclusion of other integers or steps or groups of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations of the term "comprising" (e.g., "comprise" and "comprises"), etc.

[0030] Throughout this specification, reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, throughout this specification, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "an embodiment," and similar language may (but do not necessarily) all refer to the same embodiment.

[0031] As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected (though not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically). The terms "flexible" or "elastic" may refer to materials in the portions of the sandal that can be stretched and / or compressed by the application of a force and can resume their original shape when the force is removed. The terms "rigid," "hard," or "stiff" may refer to materials in the portions of the sandal that are not "flexible" or "elastic" and therefore can retain their shape under a force that stretches and / or compresses the "flexible" or "elastic" material or portion of the sandal. The term "longitudinal plane" refers to a plane perpendicular to the ground that divides the sandal into left and right sides. The term "forward" refers to the general forward direction from the heel region of the sandal to the front portion of the sandal. The term "rearward" refers to the general rearward direction from the front portion of the sandal to the heel region of the sandal.

[0032] Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a simplified illustration of a lateral side view of a sandal 10 according to one embodiment, and to FIG. 1B, which is a simplified illustration of a top view of a sandal 10 according to one embodiment.

[0033] It is understood that sandal 10 is being fitted to the right foot of a human user. A left sandal fitted to the left foot of a human user may be similar to sandal 10 of Figures 1A and 1B, with the left sandal generally being a symmetrical or mirror image of the right sandal.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, sandal 10 may include upper 11 and sole 15. Figures 1A and 1B show one possible form of upper 11 having two straps (e.g., front strap 12, instep strap 13, etc.) in the front portion of sandal 10 and heel strap 14 in the rear portion of the sandal. Alternative forms of uppers are shown further below.

[0035] 1A and 1B, heel strap 14 is shown in its upper position, forming a gap 16 between the lower end of heel strap 14 and the rear portion of sole 15. Heel strap 14 may be connected to upper 11 with pivots, such as hinge 17 on the lateral side and hinge 18 on the medial side. Other types of pivots are described further below. Hinges 17 and 18, as shown, may be constructed using a variety of techniques, including but not limited to pins, rivets, screws, snaps, buttons, etc. Upper 11 or portions of upper 11 proximate hinges 17 and 18 may be constructed of a hard or highly rigid material that serves to prevent or retard distortion of upper 11 and / or regions of upper 11 surrounding hinges 17 and 18 when force is applied to the top of heel strap 14. Heel strap 14 may additionally be connected to upper 11 with medial front elastic member 19 and lateral front elastic member 20.

[0036] 1B depicts front axis 21, which is a line running from the medial side of the sandal to the lateral side of the sandal through hinge 17 on the lateral side and hinge 18 on the medial side of sandal 10. According to one embodiment, heel strap 14 can pivot downward and upward relative to upper 11 and sole 15 generally about front axis 21, or generally along the longitudinal plane of the sandal.

[0037] The rear strap 14 and the upper 11 may define a sandal opening 22 through which the foot can be inserted while putting on the sandal. According to one embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the sandal opening 22 may be defined by an instep strap 13 and a heel strap 14. The straps 12 and 13 may include adjustment means (such as, but not limited to, buckles, snaps, slides, or hook and loop systems) for securing the foot inside the sandal.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1B, lateral strap member 23 may be attached to the lateral portion of upper 11 via lateral hinge 17, and medial strap member 24 may be attached to the medial portion of upper 11 via medial hinge 18.

[0039] 1A and 1B, the front portion 13 of the sandal upper 11 is allowed to stretch. According to another embodiment, the front portion 13 includes an elastic member 25 that can be stretched when the sandal is worn, thus increasing the size of the sandal opening 22. Examples of the elastic member 25 can include, by way of non-limiting example, a rubber strap, Lycra, or Spandax.

[0040] 1A and 1B, sandal article 10 may include a front inner elastic member 19, which may be attached at one end to inner strap member 24 and at the other end to inner member 26 of strap 13. Sandal 10 may also include a front outer elastic member 20, which may be attached at one end to outer strap member 23 and at the other end to outer member 27 of strap 13. Members 19 and 20 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including, by way of non-limiting example, rubber strap, Lycra, or spandex.

[0041] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lateral side of upper 11 surrounding hinge 17 in general upper region 27 may be made from a hard material to prevent lateral region 27 (surrounding hinge 17) from significantly changing its structure under forces applied by the foot during entry into sandal 10.

[0042] Similarly, the medial side of upper 11 (in general upper region 28) surrounding hinge 18 may be made from a hard material to prevent the medial portion of upper 11 (surrounding hinge 18) from significantly changing its structure under forces applied by the foot during entry into sandal 10.

[0043] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified illustration of a rear view of heel strap 14 according to one embodiment.

[0044] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 2 may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figure. However, of course, the simplified diagram of Figure 2 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may apply equally to the following description.

[0045] The heel strap 14 may include a rear strap member 29, an inner strap member 24, an inner elastic strap member 30, an outer strap member 23, and an outer elastic strap member 31, and the rear strap member 29 may be attached to the inner strap member 24 via the inner elastic strap member 30, and the rear strap member 29 may be attached to the outer strap member 23 via the outer elastic strap member 31.

[0046] The rear strap member 29, the inner strap member 24, and the outer strap member 23 may be made from a rigid material that may prevent significant change in their structural shape under the forces applied to the heel strap when the foot is inserted into the sandal 10.

[0047] Heel strap 14 may include elastic strap 30 and elastic strap 31, which may make heel strap 14 flexible and allow heel strap 14 to conform to the contours of the heel of the foot.

[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, which is a simplified illustration of a side view of another embodiment of a sandal 10 according to one embodiment.

[0049] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 3A may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course, the simplified diagram of Figure 3 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may apply equally to the following description.

[0050] 3A, the rear strap member 29 may be angled upward and rearward to provide a sliding surface 32 on the inside of the rear strap member 29. This sliding surface 32 thus flares outward from the opening 22 to provide a surface across which the heel can more easily slide into the opening 22 of the sandal 10.

[0051] Reference is now made to FIG. 3B, which is a simplified illustration of a side view of another embodiment of a sandal 10 according to one embodiment.

[0052] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 3B may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figure. However, of course, the simplified diagram of Figure 3A may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may apply equally to the following description.

[0053] 3B, sandal 10 includes an outer torsion spring 33 having a lever 35 attached to outer strap member 23, with the other lever 34 of outer torsion spring 33 attached to either the outer surface of upper 27, the outer surface of sole 15, or both the outer surface of upper 11 and the outer surface of sole 15. Similarly, sandal 10 includes an inner torsion spring attached at one end to inner strap member 24 and at the other end to either the inner surface of the upper, the inner surface of sole 15, or both the inner surface of the upper and the inner surface of the sole (not shown).

[0054] According to one embodiment, by applying a downward force 36 to heel strap 14, both medial strap member 24 and lateral strap member 23 are permitted to pivot downward relative to upper 11, and rear strap member 29 is permitted to pivot downward and rearward relative to both medial strap member 24 and lateral strap member 23.

[0055] Reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which is a simplified illustration of a lateral side view of a sandal 10 in accordance with the present disclosure, illustrating a possible downward position of the heel strap 14 when a downward force is applied to the heel strap 14 during entry of the foot into the sandal.

[0056] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 4A may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figure. However, of course, the simplified diagram of Figure 4A may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may apply equally to the following description.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4A , when a downward force 40 is applied to the heel strap 14, it causes both the medial strap member 24 and the lateral strap member 23 to pivot downwardly relative to the upper 11 about the front axis 21 or generally along the longitudinal plane of the sandal during entry of the foot into the sandal. Additionally, the rear strap member 29 may pivot further downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial strap member 24 and the lateral strap member 23, thus increasing the size of the sandal opening 22 compared to the sandal opening 22 illustrated in FIG. 3A with the heel strap 14 in its up position. It will be appreciated that the medial elastic strap member 30 and the lateral elastic strap member 31, which may allow the rear strap member 29 to pivot relative to the medial strap member 30 and the lateral strap member 23, may further increase the size of the sandal opening 22 compared to the sandal opening 22 of FIG. 3A to allow for easy donning of the sandal without the need for the use of hands.

[0058] 4A, when heel strap 14 pivots downward, front inner elastic member 19 and front outer elastic member 20 may be stretched, while outer elastic strap member 31 and inner elastic strap member 30 may bend and stretch, thus storing elastic potential energy within the four elastic members. It will be appreciated that elastic straps 30 and 31 may control the position of rear portion 29 of heel strap 14.

[0059] It is understood that while rear strap member 29 pivots relative to members 23 and 24, it may also rotate outward or rearward. It is understood that slide surface 32 shown in FIG. 3A assists in rotating rear strap member 29 outward or rearward, which may aid in increasing the size of sandal opening 22. If forward rotation of the rear portion of the heel strap occurs, it may cause the rear portion of the heel strap to move toward the center of the sandal, which may decrease the size of the sandal opening.

[0060] When the foot enters the sandal and force 40 is no longer pressing against the heel strap, the stretched front outer elastic member 20 operates to exert a pulling force or bias on outer strap member 23 to pivot outer strap member 23 upward along axis 21, and the stretched front inner elastic member 19 operates to exert a pulling force or bias on inner strap member 24 to pivot inner strap member 24 upward. Additionally, the stretched outer elastic strap member 31 and the stretched inner elastic strap member 30 exert a pulling force or bias on rear strap member 29 to pivot it upward and forward and bias it against the rear aspect of the heel of the foot.

[0061] Reference is now made to FIG. 4B, which is a simplified illustration of a lateral side view of sandal 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a possible downward position of heel strap 14 when a downward force is applied to strap 14 during foot entry into the sandal.

[0062] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 4B may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figure. However, of course, the simplified diagram of Figure 4B may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may apply equally to the following description.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4B, when the heel strap 14 pivots downward due to a downward force 40, both the inner torsion spring (not shown) and the outer torsion spring 33 store potential energy, while the outer elastic strap member 31 and the inner elastic strap member 30 are caused to flex and stretch, also storing potential energy.

[0064] When the downward force 40 is removed, the outer torsion spring 33 attracts the outer strap member 23 to pivot upward, the inner torsion spring attracts the inner strap member 24 to pivot upward, and both the stretched outer elastic strap member 31 and the stretched inner elastic strap member 30 attract the rear strap member to pivot upward and forward.

[0065] Reference is now made to FIG. 5A, which is a simplified illustration of a side view of a closed-toe sandal 96, according to one embodiment, depicting the heel strap 104 in an up position, and to FIG. 5B, which is a simplified illustration of a side view of a closed-toe sandal 96, depicting the heel strap 104 in a down position.

[0066] Optionally, the simplified diagrams of Figures 5A and 5B may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course, the simplified diagrams of Figures 5A and 5B may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may apply equally to the following description.

[0067] 5A and 5B, the sandal 96 may include a sole 120, an upper 98, a medial front elastic member 122, an lateral front member 124, and a sandal opening 100 through which a foot is inserted while wearing the sandal. The sandal opening 100 is defined by a rear region 102 of the upper 98 and a heel strap 104 and is formed to encircle the heel of the foot.

[0068] 5A depicts heel strap 104 in its up position, but heel strap 104 may pivot downward and upward relative to upper 98 about front axis 111, which is a line running from the medial side of sandal 96 to the lateral side of sandal 96 through hinge 112 on the lateral side of sandal 96 and a symmetrical hinge (not shown) on the medial side of sandal 96. Outer strap member 108 may be attached to the lateral portion of upper 98 via hinge 112, and medial side 106 may be attached to the medial side of upper 98 via a medial hinge (not shown).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5A, the rear strap member 110 may be angled upward and rearward to provide a sliding surface 126 on the medial side of the rear strap member 110. This sliding surface 126 thus flares outward from the opening 100 to more easily receive the heel of a foot being inserted into the opening 100 and to provide a surface over which the heel can more easily slide into the opening 100 of the sandal 96. Reference is now made to FIG. 5B, which is a simplified illustration of a side view of the closed-toe sandal 96, depicting the downward position of the heel strap 104 when a downward force 140 is applied to the heel strap during entry of the foot into the sandal. Both the inner strap member 106 and the outer strap member 108 may pivot downward relative to the upper 98, while the rear strap member 110 may pivot further downward and rearward relative to both the inner strap member 106 and the outer strap member 108, thus increasing the size of the sandal opening 100 and providing sufficient space for the foot to enter the sandal 96.

[0070] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified illustration of a rear view of heel strap 104 according to one embodiment.

[0071] Optionally, the simplified diagram of Figure 6 may be viewed in the context of the details of the previous figures. However, of course, the simplified diagram of Figure 6 may be viewed in the context of any desired environment. Furthermore, the foregoing definitions may apply equally to the following description.

[0072] Heel strap 104 may include a rear strap member 110, an inner strap member 106, an inner elastic strap member 116, an outer elastic strap member 118, and an outer strap member 108, where rear strap member 110 may be attached to inner strap member 106 via inner elastic strap member 116 and to outer strap member 108 via outer elastic strap member 118. Using any of the techniques described above, inner elastic strap member 116 may be attached to inner strap member 106 and rear strap member 110, and outer elastic strap member 118 may be attached to outer strap member 108 and rear strap member 110. The inner strap member 116 and outer strap member 118 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including, by way of non-limiting example, rubber strap, Lycra, or spandex.

[0073] The rear strap member 110, the inner strap member 106, and the outer strap member 108 may be made from a rigid material that prevents significant changes to their structural shape under the forces applied when the foot is sliding into the sandal 96.

[0074] Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , which is a simplified illustration of a side view of another embodiment of a sandal 96 according to the present disclosure, in which the outer strap member 108 may be attached to an outer portion of the upper 98 via an elastic member 114, and the inner strap member 106 may be attached to the inner side of the upper 98 via another elastic member (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the elastic member 114 is attached to the upper 98 of the sandal 96 at points or regions 146. The remaining portions of the elastic member 114 are not attached to the upper 98 and are therefore free to stretch, flex, and distort when pressure is applied to the rear strap member 104, thereby allowing the rear strap member to move downwardly under the downward force 148 and thus increasing the size of the opening 100. An elastic member 115 (illustrated in FIG. 8 ) is similarly constructed on the inner side of the sandal 96. The elastic member 114 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including, by way of non-limiting example, rubber strap, Lycra, or spandex.

[0075] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a simplified diagram of a rear view of a heel strap 104 according to one embodiment. The heel strap 104 may include a rear strap member 110, an inner strap member 106, an inner elastic strap member 116, an inner front elastic member 115, an outer elastic strap member 118, an outer strap member 108, and a front outer elastic member 114. The rear strap member 110 may be attached to the inner strap member 106 via the inner elastic strap member 116, and the rear strap member 110 may be attached to the outer strap member 108 via the outer elastic strap member 118. According to this embodiment, the heel strap 104 is allowed to pivot downward and upward relative to the upper 98, stretching and flexing the elastic member 114 on its outer surface and stretching and flexing the elastic member 115 on its inner surface. The attachment of the elastic elements and the structure of the elastic elements in this embodiment may be consistent with those described in previous embodiments herein.

[0076] Reference is now made to Figure 9A, which is a simplified illustration of a top view of sandal 150, and to Figure 9B, which is a simplified illustration of a back view of strap 154 ​​of sandal 150. According to one embodiment, heel strap 154 ​​is defined by a front outer heel strap member 163, a front inner heel strap member 164, and a rear heel strap member 169, with rear heel strap member 169 attached to outer heel strap member 163 by a rear outer elastic strap 171, and rear heel strap member 169 attached to inner heel strap member 164 by both a rear inner elastic member 170 and a rear inner non-elastic member 172. Rear inner heel strap member 172 may be located below rear inner elastic member 170 and may reinforce the medial side of heel strap 154, thus limiting the amount of rotation and pivoting of rear heel strap member 169.

[0077] According to one embodiment, rear heel strap member 169, front outer heel strap member 163, front inner heel strap member 164, and rear inner heel strap member 172 are made from a rigid material to prevent said heel strap members from significantly changing their shape under the forces applied when the foot is inserted into the sandal opening.

[0078] According to another embodiment, the medial front heel strap member 172 is made of a softer material than the front medial heel strap member 164 but is made of a harder material than the elastic material 170 .

[0079] 9A, heel strap 154 ​​may be coupled to upper 151 at pivots such as hinge 157 on the lateral side and hinge 158 on the medial side. Heel strap 154 ​​may additionally be connected to upper 151 at medial front elastic member 159 and lateral front elastic member 160.

[0080] 9C , by applying a downward force 175 to heel strap 154, both medial and lateral strap members 164, 163 may pivot downwardly relative to upper 152 and sole 155 along the general direction of a longitudinal plane, and rear strap member 169 may pivot downwardly and rearwardly toward both medial and lateral heel strap member 164, 163. To take off the sandal, a force (such as force 175) is applied to rear heel strap member 169, pivoting lateral and medial heel strap member 163, 164 downwardly relative to the rear portion of sole 155 and rotating rear heel strap member 169 downwardly and rearwardly relative to both medial and lateral strap members 164, 163, thus increasing the size of sandal opening 162. 9C, excessive pivoting of the rear heel strap member 169 may cause the bottom portion 174 of the rear heel strap member 169 to move forward, which may reduce the size of the sandal opening 162 and compress the rear aspect of the foot's heel, which may also prevent the foot from sliding out of the sandal. According to one embodiment, the rear medial heel strap member 172 shown in FIG. 9B reinforces the medial side of the heel strap 154 ​​and may also limit the downward and rearward pivoting of the rear heel strap member 169, thus eliminating the reduction of the sandal opening 162.

[0081] It is anticipated that various sandal technologies and materials will be developed during the life of this patent, and the scope of the terms herein, particularly the terms "sandal" and "shoe," is intended to a priori include all such new technologies and materials.

[0082] Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the examples provided herein, and the specification is not intended to be limiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects of embodiments described in the foregoing specification and claimed in the claims below finds experimental support in the examples and exemplary embodiments provided.

[0083] It will be understood that certain features of the systems and methods described herein (which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments) may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are (for brevity) described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0084] While the systems and methods have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents, or patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and separately indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art.

Claims

1. A sandal, the sandal comprising a sole and an upper having a front member; Heel strap and an inner front elastic member; An outer front elastic member, the upper includes a sandal opening, the sandal opening being defined by the front member of the upper and the heel strap and configured to encircle the heel of the foot; and a gap defined by the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole, the gap existing between the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole; Including, the heel strap includes at least five members, the at least five members including a rear strap member, an inner strap member, an inner elastic strap member, an outer elastic strap member, and an outer strap member; the rear strap member, the inner strap member, and the outer strap member are made from a rigid material to prevent the strap members from significantly changing their shape under forces applied to the heel strap when a foot is inserted into the sandal opening; the rear strap member is attached to the inner strap member via the inner elastic strap member, and the rear strap member is attached to the outer strap member via the outer elastic strap member; the heel strap is allowed to pivot downwardly and upwardly relative to the upper and the sole; the front inner elastic member is attached at one end to the inner strap member and at the other end to the inner surface of the upper, and the front outer elastic member is attached at one end to the outer strap member and at the other end to the outer surface of the upper; by applying a downward force to the heel strap, both the medial strap member and the lateral strap member are permitted to pivot downwardly relative to the upper, and the rear strap member is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial strap member and the lateral strap member; When the heel strap is pivoted downward, the front inner elastic member and the front outer elastic member are stretched, and the outer elastic strap member and the inner elastic strap member are flexed and stretched; When the downward force is removed, the stretched front outer elastic member attracts the outer strap member to pivot upward, the stretched front inner elastic member attracts the inner strap member to pivot upward, and both the stretched outer elastic strap member and the stretched inner elastic strap member attract the rear strap member to pivot upward and forward. Sandals.

2. The sandal of claim 1 , wherein the outer strap member is attached to the outer portion of the upper via a hinge, and the inner strap member is attached to the inner portion of the upper via a hinge.

3. 10. The sandal of claim 1, wherein both the medial and lateral portions of the upper proximate the hinge area are made of a rigid material, thus preventing the medial and lateral portions of the upper from bending or changing their shape under forces applied by a foot during entry into the sandal.

4. The sandal of claim 1 , wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic element.

5. The sandal of claim 1 , wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic member.

6. The sandal according to claim 1 , wherein an upper portion of the rear strap member extends obliquely upward and rearward.

7. The sandal of claim 1 , wherein the front portion of the sandal opening includes a strap.

8. A sandal, the sandal comprising: Sole and an upper having a front member; Heel strap and an outer torsion spring; an inner torsion spring, the upper includes a sandal opening defined by the front member and the heel strap, and an internal torsion spring configured to encircle the heel of the foot; a gap defined by the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole, the gap existing between the heel strap and the rear surface of the sole; Including, the heel strap includes at least five members, the at least five members including a rear strap member, an inner strap member, an inner elastic strap member, an outer elastic strap member, and an outer strap member; the rear strap member, the inner strap member, and the outer strap member are made from a rigid material to prevent the strap members from significantly changing their shape under forces applied to the heel strap when a foot is inserted into the sandal opening; the rear strap member is attached to the inner strap member via the inner elastic strap member, and the rear strap member is attached to the outer strap member via the outer elastic strap member; the heel strap is allowed to pivot downwardly and upwardly relative to the upper and the sole; the inner torsion spring is attached at one end to the inner strap member and at the other end to either an inner surface of the upper, an inner surface of the sole, or both the inner surface of the upper and the inner surface of the sole; the outer torsion spring is attached at one end to the outer strap member and at the other end to either an outer surface of the upper, an outer surface of the sole, or both the outer surface of the upper and the outer surface of the sole; by applying a downward force to the heel strap, both the medial strap member and the lateral strap member are permitted to pivot downwardly relative to the upper, and the rear strap member is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial strap member and the lateral strap member; when the heel strap is pivoted downward, the inner and outer torsion springs store potential energy, causing the outer and inner elastic strap members to flex and stretch; When the downward force is removed, the outer torsion spring attracts the outer strap member to pivot upward, the inner torsion spring attracts the inner strap member to pivot upward, and both the tensioned outer elastic strap member and the tensioned inner elastic strap member attract the rear strap member to pivot upward and forward. Sandals.

9. 9. The sandal of claim 8, wherein the exterior strap member is attached to the exterior portion of the upper via a hinge, and the interior strap member is attached to the interior portion of the upper via a hinge.

10. 9. The sandal of claim 8, wherein both the medial and lateral portions of the upper proximate the hinge area are made of a rigid material, thus preventing the medial and lateral portions of the upper from bending or changing their shape under forces applied by a foot during entry into the sandal.

11. The sandal of claim 8 , wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic element.

12. The sandal of claim 8 , wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic member.

13. The sandal according to claim 8 , wherein an upper portion of the rear strap member extends obliquely upward and rearward.

14. The sandal of claim 8 , wherein the front portion of the sandal opening includes a strap.

15. A sandal, the sandal comprising: Sole and an upper having a front member and a heel strap, the upper includes a sandal opening defined by a front member of the upper and the heel strap and configured to generally encircle the heel of the foot; the heel strap includes a rear heel strap member, an outer heel strap member, and an inner heel strap member; the rear heel strap member is attached to the outer heel strap member by an outer elastic strap, and the rear heel strap member is attached to the inner heel strap member by both an inner elastic member and a non-elastic member; an upper, wherein the rear heel strap member, the medial heel strap member, and a forward portion of the lateral heel strap member are made from a rigid material to prevent the heel strap members from significantly changing their shape under forces applied to the heel straps when a foot is inserted into the sandal opening; an inner front elastic member, the inner front elastic member being attached at one end to the inner strap member and at the other end to an inner surface of the upper; an outer front elastic member, the outer front elastic member being attached at one end to the outer strap member and at the other end to the outer surface of the upper; Including, the heel strap is permitted to pivot relative to the upper and the sole along a general direction of a longitudinal plane; the rear member of the heel strap is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial and lateral heel strap members along the general direction of the longitudinal axis plane; by applying a downward force to the heel strap, both the medial and lateral heel strap members are permitted to pivot downwardly relative to the upper and the sole, and the rear heel strap member is permitted to pivot downwardly and rearwardly relative to both the medial and lateral heel strap members; when the heel strap is pivoted downward, the front inner elastic member and the front outer elastic member are stretched, while the outer elastic strap member and the inner elastic strap member are flexed and stretched; When the downward force is removed, the stretched front outer elastic member attracts the outer heel strap member to pivot upward, the stretched front inner elastic member attracts the inner heel strap member to pivot upward, and both the stretched outer elastic strap member and the stretched inner elastic strap member attract the rear heel strap member to pivot upward and forward. Sandals.

16. 16. The sandal of claim 15, wherein the exterior strap member is attached to the exterior portion of the upper via a hinge, and the interior strap member is attached to the interior portion of the upper via a hinge.

17. 16. The sandal of claim 15, wherein both the medial and lateral portions of the upper proximate the hinge area are made of a rigid material, thus preventing the medial and lateral portions of the upper from bending or changing their shape under forces applied by a foot during entry into the sandal.

18. The sandal of claim 15, wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic element.

19. The sandal of claim 15, wherein the front portion of the collar includes an elastic member.

20. The sandal of claim 15, wherein an upper portion of the rear strap member extends obliquely upward and rearward.

21. The sandal of claim 15, wherein the front portion of the sandal opening includes a strap.

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