Boots – shoes – and leggings – Boots and shoes – Sandals
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-29
2001-07-10
Patterson, M. D. (Department: 3728)
Boots, shoes, and leggings
Boots and shoes
Sandals
C036S050100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256906
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sandal construction and, more particularly, to a sandal strapping system for securing a sandal to a foot.
Sandals that include a sole and a strapping system for retaining the sole against the bottom of a foot are well-known in the prior art. Typical sandals of this type include a front strap for retaining the front portion of the foot against the sole, and ankle and heel straps for retaining the rear portion of the foot against the sole. The front strap extends over the front portion of the foot and includes opposite ends which are affixed to the sole. Additionally, the ankle strap extends over the top surface of the foot and includes opposite ends affixed to inner and out support members or directly to the sole. The heel strap wraps around the rear heel portion of the foot and, like the ankle strap, is affixed to the support members or directly to the sole.
Commonly, sandal straps are adjustable lengthwise for accommodating feet of various heights and widths and to adjust the snugness of the strap to the foot. An adjustable strap system is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,506 to Matis et al, issued Nov. 14, 1995. The '506 patent discloses a buckle with adjustable loop which permits adjustment of the length of the ankle strap. Adjustable length straps improve the performance and comfort of the strap system. However, these straps do not fully accommodate the individual shapes of feet, such as various heel heights and ankle positions. Instead, the ankle and heel straps are manufactured and affixed to the sole in a standard position, for example, at a forty five degree angle which respect to the sole, and are not adjustable by the user. Stationary straps may be positioned incorrectly for a wearer's foot, such as the ankle strap being angled too low or too high so that its edge rubs the skin on the upper surface of the foot. Incorrect strap positioning is not only uncomfortable, but it may also cause irritation and blisters on the skin of the wearer.
Another strapping system can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,278 to Stein, issued Jul. 9, 1996. In this patent, vertical inner and outer posts extend from the sole in the rear portion of the shoe. The heel and ankle straps are loosely attached to the posts by triangular connectors. Although this connection permits some movement the triangular connectors bias the straps in a single position. If the straps are ill-fitting, their edges may rub the top of the wearer's foot or his or her heel. Additionally, this loose-styled connection permits relatively free lateral movement of the straps and may not provide adequate lateral support to the foot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the noted problems by providing a sandal construction with pivotally hinged ankle and heel straps, thus allowing the straps to move to or be placed in a comfortable position while providing lateral support.
The sandal includes a sole and a strapping system for retaining the sole on a foot. The strapping system includes a front strap, which is preferably length adjustable. The ends of the front strap are affixed to the front portion of the sole to retain the front portion of the foot against the sole. The strapping system further includes inner and outer support members which are attached to and extend upwardly from the rear portion of the sole. The ends of the ankle and heel straps are secured directly to and extend between the upper portions of the inner and outer support members.
In the preferred embodiment, the ends of the ankle and heel straps are attached to the support members by individual rivets, which permit the ankle and heel straps to pivot across a wide range of motion. As the wearer slips his foot into the sandal the straps may pivot, or the wearer may rotate the straps manually, so that they accommodate an individual foot, thus lessening irritation and rubbing. The ends of the ankle and heel straps preferably overlap and directly engage the support members. This direct attachment of the straps to the support members restricts independent lateral movement of the straps and enhances the lateral support the sandal provides to the foot.
The present invention provides a simple and effective sandal strapping system that is both comfortable and easy to operate. The pivotally hinged attachment between the support members and the ankle and heel straps allows a broad range of pivotal adjustment of the straps. Further, the position and direct attachment of the straps provides significant lateral support.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2112761 (1938-03-01), Buehner
patent: 2266732 (1941-12-01), Babinchak
patent: 2368514 (1945-01-01), Baehr
patent: 3000116 (1961-09-01), Ally
patent: 3698107 (1972-10-01), Fukuoka
patent: 4107856 (1978-08-01), Bourque
patent: 5465506 (1995-11-01), Matis et al.
patent: 5533278 (1996-07-01), Stein
Fila Sports—Sandals pricing page.
Teva 1997 Catalog.
ACG Fall 1998 Catalog—selected pages.
Merrell 1997 Catalog—selected pages.
Merrell Spring & Summer 1996 Catalog—selected pages.
Technica Outdoors Collection 1999 Catalog—selected pages.
ACG Spring 1999 Catalog—selected pages.
Lavertue Jacques
Matis Clark A.
Rogers Bruce
Patterson M. D.
Warner & Norcross & Judd LLP
Wolverine World Wide Inc.
LandOfFree
Hinged sandal strapping system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hinged sandal strapping system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hinged sandal strapping system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2473702