U.S. patent application number 11/545227 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for dual adjustable strap designs for swim fins.
Invention is credited to Peter T. McCarthy.
Application Number | 20070032148 11/545227 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37718210 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070032148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCarthy; Peter T. |
February 8, 2007 |
Dual adjustable strap designs for swim fins
Abstract
An improved adjustable heel strap having an adjustable instep
strap connected to the heel strap adjacent the heel portion of a
swimmer' foot. Methods are provided for providing a highly
adjustable strap system for preventing loss of swim fins in rough
water conditions such as large surf and large open ocean waves.
Methods are also provided for providing multi-dimensional heel
strap adjustability around the ankle and instep to reduce ankle
strain, increase ankle support, distribute load and stress points,
reduce chaffing and blisters, increase leverage and power to the
swim fin, reduce looseness and play between the foot and the swim
fin, to increase comfort, to increase control, to improve
positioning control, to improve sizing adjustment and to provide
increased conformity to greater variations in foot and ankle sizes,
shapes and contours. Methods are also provided for providing dual
adjustable heel straps and instep straps having sufficient quick
release capabilities for permitting the swim fin to be put on and
taken off quickly and easily while in the water, including while in
rough water conditions.
Inventors: |
McCarthy; Peter T.;
(Valencia, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEWIS, BRISBOIS, BISGAARD & SMITH LLP
221 NORTH FIGUEROA STREET
SUITE 1200
LOS ANGELES
CA
90012
US
|
Family ID: |
37718210 |
Appl. No.: |
11/545227 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11045521 |
Jan 28, 2005 |
|
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11545227 |
Oct 10, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
441/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 31/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/064 |
International
Class: |
A63B 31/08 20060101
A63B031/08 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A method for providing an improved strap assembly for a swim
fin, comprising providing an adjustable heel strap having two
distal ends arranged to be secured to two lateral sides of a foot
pocket of said swim fin for applying a predetermined tension
against the heel of a swimmer, said adjustable heel strap having an
adjustment member for adjusting said predetermined tension,
providing a heel pad connected to said adjustable heel strap, and
providing an instep strap secured to said heel pad and being
arranged to engage the ankle of said swimmer with a predetermined
ankle tension, said instep strap having at least one adjustable
member for adjusting said predetermined ankle tension.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said instep strap has a quick
release member for disengagement with said ankle.
24. An improved strap assembly for a swim fin, comprising: (a) a
heel strap secured to two lateral sides of a swim fin foot pocket,
said heel strap having a predetermined heel strap tension between
said two lateral sides; (b) an instep strap secured to said heel
strap with an instep strap connection, said instep strap connection
having an adjustable location on said heel strap between said two
lateral sides.
25. The strap assembly of claim 24, wherein said heel strap has at
least one heel strap buckle arranged to adjust said predetermined
heel strap tension.
26. The strap assembly of claim 25 wherein said instep strap
connection is a heel pad with an opening for receiving said
adjustable heel strap.
27. The strap assembly of claim 25 wherein said instep strap is
secured to said heel strap at an instep strap base, said instep
strap having a free end portion spaced from said instep strap base
and said adjustable heel strap, said free end portion being secured
to an adjustable instep buckle, said instep strap buckle being
arranged to permit a predetermined instep strap tension to be
adjustable.
28. The strap assembly of claim 26 wherein said instep strap is
secured to said heel pad at an instep strap base, said instep strap
having a free end portion spaced from said instep strap base and
said heel pad, said free end portion being secured to an adjustable
instep buckle, said instep strap buckle being arranged to permit a
predetermined instep strap tension to be adjustable.
29. The strap assembly of claim 24 wherein said instep strap is
secured to said heel strap with a quick release connector.
30. The strap assembly of claim 26 wherein said instep strap is
secured to said heel pad with a quick release connector.
31. The strap assembly of claim 28 wherein said free end portion is
secured to said heel pad with a quick release connector.
32. The strap assembly of claim 31 wherein said instep strap base
is secured to said heel pad with a quick release connector.
33. An improved strap assembly for a swim fin, comprising: (a) a
heel strap secured to two lateral sides of a swim fin foot pocket,
said heel strap having a predetermined heel strap tension between
said two lateral sides; (b) an instep strap secured to said heel
strap with an instep strap connection located between said two
lateral sides, said instep strap having two free end portions, said
free end portions each being secured to said instep strap
connection with a quick release connector.
34. The strap assembly of claim 33 wherein said instep strap
connection is a heel pad with an opening for receiving said
adjustable heel strap.
35. A method for providing an improved strap assembly for a swim
fin, comprising: (a) providing a heel strap to be secured to two
lateral sides of a swim fin foot pocket, said heel strap having a
predetermined heel strap tension between said two lateral sides;
(b) connecting an instep strap to said heel strap with a heel pad,
said heel pad having an adjustable location on said heel strap
between said two lateral sides.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein said heel strap has at least
one heel strap buckle arranged to adjust said predetermined heel
strap tension.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein said heel pad has a closed
sleeve arranged to secure said heel pad to said heel strap.
38. The method of claim 36 wherein said instep strap has a
predetermined instep strap tension, and said instep strap has at
least one instep buckle arranged to adjust said predetermined
instep strap tension.
39. The method of claim 36 wherein said instep strap is secured to
said heel pad with a quick release connector arranged to permit
efficient connection and disconnection while in water.
40. A method for providing an improved strap assembly for a swim
fin, comprising: (a) providing a heel strap secured to two lateral
sides of a swim fin foot pocket, said heel strap having a
predetermined heel strap tension between said two lateral sides;
(b) connecting an adjustable instep strap to said heel strap with a
heel pad located between said two lateral sides, said adjustable
instep strap having two free end portions, said free end portions
each being secured to said heel pad with a quick release connector
to permit efficient connection and disconnection while in water.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] This invention relates to foot strap structures, and more
specifically to foot strap structures for swim fins.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Prior art swim fin strap structures do not offer adequate
sizing adjustability and adjustable security harness structures to
prevent loss of the swim fin during rough water conditions such as
heavy surf. Prior art tethers used as security devices for
prevention of loss of surf fins are designed for surf fins having
non-adjustable heel straps that are permanently molded to one size.
Non-adjustable heel straps prevent compensation for slight
variations in size and also do not allow for preferences in the
degree of tightness of such heel straps. Such prior art tethers are
also difficult to take off in the water and the user often must
walk up onto dry land while still wearing the fins before being
able to disconnect the tether and then remove the fin. For the same
reasons, many such devices must be put one and engaged while on dry
land. Both of these situations are undesirable since wading in
water is more difficult while wearing fins. The play between the
user's foot and the foot pocket due to the lack of sufficient
adjustability with non-adjustable surf fin heel straps cause
significantly reduced propulsion during kicking strokes as well as
chaffing of the skin, bruises and blisters, especially in rough
water conditions. The occurrence of chaffing, bruises and blisters
can greatly reduced endurance and enjoyment. Prior art straps also
do not properly address the need for multi-dimensional adjustable
support of the ankle region during strenuous kicking strokes.
[0005] Prior art adjustable heel straps are highly susceptible to
loss in high surf conditions as the flexible strap material is
easily pulled down the heel and off the foot by large waves. This
is particularly a problem with bare feet or fin socks that lack a
thick and rigid rubber sole.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
[0006] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present
invention are:
[0007] (a) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that are
easy to put on and take off in the water;
[0008] (b) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures having
increased security for prevention of loss of fins in rough water
conditions such as large surf and large open ocean waves;
[0009] (c) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that are
adjustable in multiple ways and dimensions relative to the user's
ankle, including sizing, tightness, security, comfort and
positioning;
[0010] (d) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that
reduce play between the foot and the swim fin with improved
adjustability and support, thus increasing propulsion efficiency by
reducing lost motion, chaffing and blisters;
[0011] (e) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that can
be adjusted in the water to provide fine-tuned fit around the heel
and ankle for maximum security, efficiency, and comfort;
[0012] (f) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that
provide a more solid grip around the ankle so that increased
leverage can be applied to the swim fin blade for increased power,
speed, torque and control; (g) to provide swim fin adjustable strap
structures that permit surf fins to be made with injection molded
thermoplastics for increased manufacturing efficiency and style
while also providing improved security from losing such surf fins
in large surf or large wave conditions;
[0013] (h) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that
have sufficient adjustability to permit a lower quantity of foot
pocket cavity sizes to fit a larger array of foot sizes and
shapes;
[0014] (i) to provide improved ankle support with adjustability on
both the heel and the instep of the ankle;
[0015] (j) to provide swim fin adjustable strap structures having
adjustability in numerous dimensions for improved comfort,
adaptability, and support;
[0016] (k) to provide improved leverage on the swim fin blade
during kicking from the instep portion of the ankle through
adjustable strap structures that can be adjusted on both sides of
the ankle to significantly reduce loose play between the blade and
the ankle; and
[0017] (l) to provide dual adjustable heel strap and instep strap
foot attachment assemblies that permit each portion to be easily
adjusted without impeding the function or adjustment of the other
portion.
[0018] Still further objects and objectives will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a swim fin having a
dual adjustable heel strap and instep strap.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the same dual adjustable heel
strap and instep strap shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of alternate embodiment dual
adjustable heel strap and instep strap.
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
FIGS. 1-3
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective side view of a swim fin having a
dual adjustable heel strap and instep strap. An adjustable swim fin
100 is seen to have a foot pocket 102, a stiffer region 103, a
blade 104, a post connector 106 shown by a dotted line to be behind
a buckle connector 108, and an adjustable buckle assembly 109. Foot
pocket 102 is preferably made with a thermoplastic material that is
injection molded; however, it may be made with any material or
processes. These include compression molded rubber or fabric
materials secured with chemical or mechanical bonds. Foot pocket
102 may also be made to be adjustable. Stiffer portion 103 is
preferably made with a more rigid material than used for foot
pocket 102 in order to provide support to the foot pocket for
energy transference to blade 104 as well as structural support for
post connector. 106, which is also preferably made with a
relatively stiff material. However portion 103 may also be made
with the same material as foot pocket 102 or more flexible
materials as well. Post 106 is seen to be behind connector 108;
however, post 106 may be positioned and secured to connector 108 in
any desirable manner. Post 106 is seen to have a round shape;
however, post 106 may have any desired shape. Buckle connector 108
is used to secure a strap 110 to swim fin 100. Buckle connector 108
may also take any desired form and may provide any desired method
of connecting strap 110 to swim fin 100. This includes; rivets,
snaps, locks, hooks, chemical bonds, mechanical bonds or any other
desired method.
[0023] An adjustable buckle 112 is secured to connector 108 in any
desired manner. Buckle 112 and 108 may alternatively be made as the
same part. Buckle 112 is preferably connected to connector 108 with
a quick release connector 114, part of which is shown extending
from an opening in connector 108. Buckle 112 preferably permits
two-way adjustment of the length and tension of strap 110. A heel
strap end 116 preferably has a blocking device, such as a bump,
fold, or other suitable blocking feature that prevents strap 110
from unintentionally slipping through buckle 112 and becoming
unintentionally disengaged. Preferably, strap 110 is tightened by
pulling on strap end 116 and loosened by manipulating the release
of tension via buckle 112 in any desired; however, it is preferred
that release of tension is accomplished by depressing or lifting a
release button or lever. Buckle 112 is preferably made with a
thermoplastic material but may be made with any desired material
including metals. Strap 110 may be secured to swim fin 110 with any
adjustable mechanism desired, including the use of D-rings, cam
connectors, loops, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties or
any other suitable adjustment mechanisms. Strap 110 is preferably
made with a fabric, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic
rubber, a compression-molded rubber, a plastic, or a woven
material; however, any desired material may be used.
[0024] Strap 110 is seen to pass through a heel pad assembly 118.
Heel pad assembly 118 preferably has a sleeve opening 120 for
receiving strap 110; however any method of attaching strap 110 to
pad 118 may be used. Sleeve 120 is preferably made of fabric or
woven material sewn together; however, any material and method of
connection or fabrication may be used. This may include fasteners,
clasps, ties, loops, folds, hook and loop fasteners or any other
suitable devices. While it is preferred that sleeve 120 permits
strap 110 to move within pad 118 for maximum adjustability, pad 118
may be secured to strap 110 in any desired manner that is either
movable, non-movable or permanent. If pad 118 is not sufficiently
movable relative to strap 110, then if the user tightens heel strap
end 116 only on one side of swim fin 100, or pulls more on one side
of swim fin 100 than on the other side, then pad 118 will to shift
over toward that side of swim fin 100 that has been pulled further
pad 118 will shift off center of the user's heel. By permitting pad
118 to be movable along strap 118, the positioning of pad 118 along
the center of the user's heel can be adjusted and, or maintained if
heel strap end 116 is pulled on only one side of the fin, or more
on one side than the other.
[0025] The side edge of pad 118 is seen to be separated from buckle
112 by a significant distance to allow easy adjustment of tension
within strap 110 while significantly preventing pad 118 from
pushing against or jamming within buckle 112 during such
adjustments in tension. When tension is increased, pad 118 is
spaced from buckle 112 and does not impede the function of buckle
112 during adjustment. While it is preferred that pad 118 be
located at the rear heel portion of the user's foot, alternate
embodiments could place pad 118 to at least one side of the user's
heel, both sides of the user's heel, or both sides and the back of
the user's heel, preferably at a sufficient distance from buckle
112 to prevent jamming. Pad 118 is seen to have an outside surface
122 and a cushion 124 between strap 110 and the user's heel.
Cushion 124 is preferably made with fabric covered neoprene foam, a
padded fabric, rubberized fabric, fabric covered rubber, foam
rubber, foam elastomer, or any other suitable padded material.
Preferably, cushion 124 has sufficient padding to increase comfort
and reduce chaffing or pressure points from strap 110. Cushion 124
may be secured to pad 118 in any desirable manner such as
stitching, snaps, hook and loop fasteners,
[0026] An instep strap 126 is connected to pad 118 with an
adjustable buckle 128 for adjusting the sizing and tension of
instep strap 126. Strap 126 is preferably made with a woven
material, but other materials may be used as well, including
thermoplastic materials, rubber, rubber-like materials, or any
desired material. In alternate embodiments, buckle 128 may employ
any adjustable mechanism desired, including the use of D-rings, cam
connectors, loops, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, ties or
any other suitable adjustment mechanisms. Buckle 128 is preferably
secured to pad 118 with a quick release connector 132 to provide
quick and easy release of instep strap 118 while in the water if
desired. This permits the fins to be easily secured and taken off
while in the water and prevents the user from having to wade long
distances in and out of the water with fins on. In alternate
embodiments, both ends of instep strap 126 may have quick
disconnect devices to permit instep strap 126 to be completely
removed when water conditions are not rough or when additional
ankle support is not desired. Other alternate embodiments can be
used without any quick release devices whatsoever if desired. An
instep cushion 134 is secured to instep strap 126 adjacent the
instep region of the user's ankle or foot. Pad 134 may be made with
fabric covered neoprene foam and sewn to instep strap 126; however,
any material or method of connection may be used. An instep strap
end 136 preferably has a bump, fold, knob, or other suitable
stopping device that prevents instep strap end 136 from slipping
through buckle 130 unintentionally.
[0027] The user may easily pull on heel strap end 116 to create
desired fit and tension around the back of the heel and then pull
on instep strap end 136 to create desired tension and fit around
the front of the user's ankle and instep region. Together, this
provides a dramatic improvement in security, fit, comfort, and
feel. In addition, by loosening heel strap 110 slightly with buckle
112 and then tightening instep strap end 136, the position of heel
pad 118 is elevated higher on the user's heel for changes in
comfort, leverage, feel, and for adapting to variations in foot
shape and contour. By slightly loosening instep strap 126 with an
adjustment to buckle 130, heel pad 118 may be lowered on the user's
ankle for further positioning adjustment. Because instep strap 126
is able to prevent the highly flexible heel strap 110 from falling
down the heel and off the foot during use, the swim fin cannot be
lost even in the roughest surf conditions. By creating similar
tension between instep strap 126 and heel strap 110 so that both
are optimally snug and fit for a particular user's foot, increased
support of the ankle region is achieved.
[0028] As the user kicks swim fin 100 forward (instep leading the
direction of kick), tension exerted on heel pad 118 is immediately
transferred to instep strap 126 and from instep strap 126 to the
front of the user's ankle and instep region. This allows
significantly more leverage to be exerted on blade 104 for
increased propulsive power and efficiency. By having adjusted
support and fit around both the instep and the heel, loads are
distributed over both regions and reduced upon the Achilles tendon.
Because instep strap 126 connects to heel pad 118 at the rear
portion of the user's heel, instep strap 126 wraps around the
entire ankle region and provides even support to the sides of the
user's ankle as well for increased support, comfort and security.
This redistributes the load around the entire ankle for increased
support and reduced pressure points. When both heel strap 110 and
instep strap 126 are adjusted for optimum contouring, fit, tension,
comfort, and support, loose play between the user's foot and swim
fin 100 is greatly reduced or even eliminated entirely. This
greatly reduces chaffing and blisters on the user's foot within
foot pocket 102. This can significantly increase the swimmer's
ability to kick hard and fast for long durations in high surf
conditions with reduced discomfort and pain. The fully adjustable
circum ankle support and distributed tension reduces ankle fatigue
and strain to tendons and ligaments, especially during the demands
of swimming in high surf conditions. In addition to use on surf
fins, the methods of the present invention may also be used on any
desired swim fin. This includes snorkel fins, triathlon fins,
fitness fins, free diving fins, monofins, beach rescue fins, ocean
rescue fins, and scuba fins.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the same dual adjustable heel
strap and instep strap shown in FIG. 1, except that the strap
assemblies have been removed from swim fin 100 in FIG. 1. In FIG.
2, quick release connectors 114 are disconnected from buckle
connectors 108 in order to show that connectors 114 are preferably
three pronged connectors. However, any type of quick release
connection may be used. Connectors 114 are male fittings and
connectors 108 are female fittings. Although it is preferable that
the entire strap assembly be removable from a swim fin, alternate
embodiments can have at least one portion of the assembly either
have a permanent connection, semi-permanent connection, or
non-quick release connection to the swim fin. Dotted lines within
buckle connector 108 show that the opposite side of connector 108
has a post-receiving cavity 138 that is designed to receive and
interlock with a post structure secured to a swim fin.
Post-receiving cavity 138 and its corresponding post structure
located on the swim fin may have any desired shape, configuration
or method of connection. Buckle 130 is seen to have a quick release
male connector 140 that has been disconnected from connector 132,
which is a female connector. Connector 132 is connected to pad 118
with a strap base 142 that is preferably made with a fabric
material and sewn to pad 118; however, connector 132 may be
connected to pad 118 in any desired manner. Strap 126 is seen to
have an instep strap base 144, which is preferably sewn to pad 118;
however, any method of connection-may be used.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a rear view of alternate embodiment of an
adjustable buckle assembly 145. A non-quick release buckle
connector 146 is connected to Buckle 112. An instep strap 143 is
used. A post receiving cavity 148 is located on the opposite side
of connector 146. Cavity 148 is displayed by a dotted line and may
have any desired shape. Instead of using a post connection, buckle
112 may be connected directly to the swim fin, connected to a
section of strap material that is riveted or bolted to the swim
fin, pinned to the swim fin, or is molded to the swim fin. A quick
release male connector 150 is connected to instep strap 143. A
quick release female connector 152 is connected to pad 118 with a
connector base 154. An adjustable buckle 156 is connected to pad
118 with a connector base 158. Connector bases 154 and 158 are
preferably made with fabric sewn to pad 118; however any method of
connection may be used, including any chemical or mechanical bond.
An instep strap end 160 is located adjacent buckle 156. In
alternate embodiments, an additional quick release connector may be
attached to buckle 156 in order to permit instep strap 143. An
inside surface 162 is preferably padded with a soft material.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0031] Accordingly, the reader will see that the methods of the
present invention provide a highly adjustable strap connection
harness network that offer numerous advantages in that they:
[0032] (a) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that are
easy to put on and take off in the water;
[0033] (b) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures having
increased security for prevention of loss of fins in rough water
conditions;
[0034] (c) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that are
adjustable in multiple ways and dimensions relative to the user's
ankle, including sizing, tightness, security, comfort and
positioning;
[0035] (d) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that reduce
play between the foot and the swim fin with improved adjustability
and support, thus increasing propulsion efficiency by reducing lost
motion, chaffing and blisters;
[0036] (e) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that can be
adjusted in the water to provide fine-tuned fit around the heel and
ankle for maximum security, efficiency, and comfort;
[0037] (f) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that
provide a more solid grip around the ankle so that increased
leverage can be applied to the swim fin blade for increased power,
speed, torque and control;
[0038] (g) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that permit
surf fins to be made with injection molded thermoplastics for
increased manufacturing efficiency and style while also providing
improved security from losing such surf fins in large surf
conditions;
[0039] (h) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures that have
sufficient adjustability to permit a lower quantity of foot pocket
cavity sizes to fit a larger array of foot sizes and shapes;
[0040] (i) provide improved ankle support with adjustability on
both the heel and the instep of the ankle;
[0041] (j) provide swim fin adjustable strap structures having
adjustability in numerous dimensions for improved comfort,
adaptability, and support;
[0042] (k) provide improved leverage on the swim fin blade during
kicking from the instep portion of the ankle through adjustable
strap structures that can be adjusted on both sides of the ankle to
significantly reduce loose play between the blade and the ankle;
and
[0043] (l) provide dual adjustable heel strap and instep strap foot
attachment assemblies that permit each portion to be easily
adjusted without impeding the function or adjustment of the other
portion.
[0044] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention.
[0045] In addition, any of the embodiments and individual
variations discussed in the above description may be interchanged
and combined with one another in any desirable order, amount,
arrangement, and configuration. For example, the heel pad and
instep strap assemblies can be made to be completely removable from
the heel strap without disconnecting the ends of the heel strap or
without having to slide the heel strap through the heel pad. An
access slot or opening with a locking device can be used to connect
the instep strap to the heel slide the heel strap through any
structure. Also, the instep strap and adjustment buckles can be
secured directly to the heel strap without using a heel pad. These
can be removable, adjustable or permanent connections. In other
alternate embodiments, the buckles, quick disconnect structures, or
locking features can be located at any position along the heel
strap and instep strap. The instep strap can also be molded
together with the heel strap with one piece of thermoplastic
elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, compression molded rubber, or cut
out of one piece of woven material, plastic sheeting, rubber
sheeting, laminate sheeting, or other suitable materials. In such
situations, the instep strap could be made with a highly elastic
material capable of stretching and therefore not need an adjustment
end and could just be a closed loop of material created at the same
time as the heel strap.
[0046] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be
determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended
claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *