U.S. patent application number 11/540624 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-05 for device for preventing loss of a foot covering.
Invention is credited to Teena McKay.
Application Number | 20070074429 11/540624 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37900592 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070074429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKay; Teena |
April 5, 2007 |
Device for preventing loss of a foot covering
Abstract
A device for preventing loss of a foot covering includes a first
strap wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer of such
foot covering and a hook and loop fastener for securing the first
strap around the leg. A second strap extends generally downwardly
from the first strap and has a loop formed in a first end thereof
for receiving therethrough the first strap and for slidably
attaching the second strap to the first strap. A second hook and
loop fastener or a clip is attached to a second end of the second
strap for releaseably connecting the second strap to such foot
covering.
Inventors: |
McKay; Teena; (Elk Grove,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES RAY & ASSOCIATES
2640 PITCAIRN ROAD
MONROEVILLE
PA
15146
US
|
Family ID: |
37900592 |
Appl. No.: |
11/540624 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60722119 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 ;
36/2R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/30 20130101; A43C
11/00 20130101; A41F 11/00 20130101; A43C 11/1493 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/136 ;
036/002.00R |
International
Class: |
A41D 17/00 20060101
A41D017/00; A43B 23/00 20060101 A43B023/00 |
Claims
1. A device for preventing loss of a foot covering, said device
comprising: (a) a first strap wrapped around a leg adjacent an
ankle of a wearer of such foot covering; (b) a first fastening
means for securing said first strap around such leg of such wearer;
(c) a second strap which extends generally downwardly from said
first strap; (d) a loop means formed in a first end of said second
strap for receiving therethrough said first strap and for slidably
attaching said second strap to said first strap; and (e) a second
fastening means which is engageable with an opposed second end of
said second strap for releaseably connecting said second strap to
such foot covering.
2. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first strap is an
elongated member having a predetermined length and wherein said
first fastening means includes a releasable hook and loop fastener
attached to said first strap.
3. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first strap is
manufactured form an elastic material.
4. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said first strap is
formed as a continuous loop.
5. The device, according to claim 4, wherein said first fastening
means includes a material of said first strap having a
predetermined modulus of elasticity enabling said first strap to be
stretched between a first shape wherein said first strap is
positioned onto and removed from such leg and a second shape
wherein said first strap is secured onto such leg of such
wearer.
6. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said loop means is
formed by positioning an edge portion of said first end of said
second strap over said second strap toward said opposed second end
and sewing said edge portion to said second strap.
7. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said second fastening
means includes a releasable hook and loop fastener which is
attached to said second end of said second strap for forming a
second loop means at said second end.
8. The device, according to claim 7, wherein said second fastening
means further includes means attached to said second strap for
releaseably attaching a clip having a pair of gripping jaws.
9. The device, according to claim 1, wherein said second fastening
means includes a clip having a pair of gripping jaws which is
manually operable for attaching said clip to such foot
covering.
10. The device, according to claim 9, wherein said device further
includes means for releaseably attaching said clip to said second
strap.
11. The device, according to claim 10, wherein said attachment
means is a snap button fastener.
12. The device, according to claim 9, wherein said device further
includes an ornamental member for shielding said clip from direct
view.
13. A kit for use in preventing loss of foot coverings, said kit
comprising in combination: (a) a first strap which is wrapped
around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer; (b) a first fastening
means for securing said first strap around such leg of such wearer;
(c) a pair of second straps each having a loop formed at a first
end thereof for receiving therethrough said first strap and for
slidably attaching said each second strap to said first strap; (d)
a releasable hook and loop fastener which is attached to an opposed
second end of one of said pair of second straps; and (e) a clip
means having a pair of grip jaws biased for contact therebetween
which is attached to an opposed second end of an opposed one of
said pair of second straps.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/722,119 filed on Sep.
30, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to fastening
devices and, more particularly, this invention relates to a device
for preventing loss of a foot covering.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One problem that is continuously experienced by parents of
an infant or a toddler is in assuring that the foot covering such
as a shoe or a sock stays on a foot of the child as it is common
for such young child to remove such foot covering. The problem is
particularly felt when the foot covering is removed and lost in a
public place requiring the parent to spent unnecessary effort to
locate the foot covering or it is removed and lost during harsh
weather conditions.
[0004] Efforts have been made to prevent loss of a foot covering
worn by a young child. U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,619 issued on May 28,
2002 to Bardes discloses an anklet that includes a strap encircling
an ankle of a child, a quick disconnect buckle that is affixed to,
and selectively maintains, the strap around the ankle, and a leash
that depends from the strap and engages a foot covering worn by the
child so as to prevent loss of the foot covering if unintentionally
removed. The strap includes an ankle-facing layer that is made of
an elastomer with a modulus of elasticity, and an ambient-facing
layer that directly overlies the ankle-facing layer and is made of
a fabric that has a limited modulus of elasticity so as to prevent
the ankle-facing layer from passing the modulus of elasticity
thereof and failing. The leash is an endless loop that is sewn to
the strap and that extends through the foot covering and then
extends back through itself, and in so doing, becomes self-fastened
to the foot covering.
[0005] One disadvantage of this prior art is in fixed attachment of
the leash to the strap. Another disadvantage of this prior art is
that the leash, which is formed by a continuous loop, is not
suitable for securing the sock which is commonly worn by a
child.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved device for
preventing loss of a foot covering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a device
for preventing loss of a foot covering. The device includes a first
strap which is wrapped around a leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer
of such foot covering. A first fastening means is provided for
securing the first strap around such leg of such wearer. A second
strap extends generally downwardly from the first strap. A loop is
formed in a first end of the second strap for receiving
therethrough the first strap and for slidably attaching the second
strap to the first strap. There is a second fastening means which
is engageable with an opposed second end of the second strap for
releaseably connecting the second strap to such foot covering.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is
provided a kit for use in preventing loss of foot coverings. The
kit includes in combination a first strap which is wrapped around a
leg adjacent an ankle of a wearer. A first fastening means is
provided for securing the first strap around such leg of such
wearer. The kit further includes a pair of second straps each
having a loop formed at a first end thereof for receiving
therethrough the first strap and for slidably attaching each second
strap to the first strap. A releasable hook and loop fastener is
attached to an opposed second end of one of the pair of second
straps. A clip having a pair of grip jaws biased for contact
therebetween is attached to an opposed second end of an opposed one
of the pair of second straps.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present
invention to provide a device for preventing loss of a foot
covering worn by a child.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for preventing loss of a foot covering such as a shoe or a
sock.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which
is usable with wide variety of shoe types.
[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child which
is easily adjustable.
[0013] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
a device for preventing loss of a foot covering worn by a child
which is inexpensive to manufacture.
[0014] In addition to the several objects and advantages of the
present invention which have been described with some degree of
specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who
are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such
description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing
Figures and with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for preventing loss
of a foot covering, particularly illustrating a leg encircling
strap which is constructed according to the presently preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly
illustrating an arrangement for attaching such device to such foot
covering constructed according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, particularly
illustrating an arrangement for attaching such device to such foot
covering constructed according to another embodiment of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a magnified view of the device of FIG. 3; and
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a leg encircling strap which
is constructed according to an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the
present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity
and understanding, identical components which have identical
functions have been identified with identical reference numerals
throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing
figures.
[0021] Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-5, wherein there is shown
a device, generally designated 10, for preventing loss of a foot
covering 2. Such foot covering 2 is generally of the shoe or sock
type worn by an infant and/or toddler that are prone to removing
and losing such foot covering 2.
[0022] The device 10 includes a first strap 12 which is wrapped
around a leg 4 adjacent and above an ankle 6 of such child. In such
position, the ankle 6 will provide support for and prevent the
downward sliding movement of the first strap 12.
[0023] A first fastening means, generally designated as 20, is
provided for securing the first strap 12 around such leg 4. Now in
further reference to FIG. 1, and according to the presently
preferred embodiment of the invention, the first strap 12 is formed
as a flat elongated member 14 having each of a predetermined length
and essentially identical thickness and the first fastening means
20 includes a releasable hook and loop fastener 22 which is
attached to the first strap 12. As it is well known in the art, the
releasable hook and loop fastener 20 includes a hook portion 24
which is attached to one end of the first strap 12 and a mating
loop portion 26 which is attached to an opposed end of the first
strap 12. In order to fasten the first strap 12 in a circular
fashion, the hook portion 24 and the loop portion 26 are attached
to opposed surfaces of the first strap 12.
[0024] Now in reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an
alternative embodiment of the first strap 12 which is formed as a
continuous flat loop 16 and the first fastening means 20 is
provided by a material of the first strap 12 having a predetermined
modulus of elasticity enabling the first strap 12 to be stretched
between a first shape wherein the first strap 12 is positioned onto
and removed from such leg 4 and a second shape wherein the first
strap is secured onto such leg 4 of such child.
[0025] To provide desired stretchability and recovery of the
continuous loop 16, the presently preferred material of the
continuous loop 16 is of a nylon spandex fiber type and an example
of such spandex fiber is that available from DuPont Company and
distributed under the trademark Lycra.RTM. It is further preferred,
for sake of comfort and convenience, to combine Lycra.RTM with
fabric, such as cotton, for absorbing the perspiration and allowing
the skin to breathe naturally. Cotton fabric containing spandex may
be washed with soap and water and drip dried or tumble dried which
is advantageous for use with small children.
[0026] Other flexible materials suitable for use with the present
invention include rubber, including sponge rubber, foam rubber,
neoprene, and fabric-covered rubber, or fabric-covered neoprene,
and the like. Natural and synthetic fabrics such as wool, cotton,
linen, synthetic rubber, synthetic leather, nylon, rayon, and the
like may also be suitable in the present invention.
[0027] It would be understood that cotton/Lycra.RTM combination is
also advantageous for inexpensively manufacturing the first strap
12.
[0028] The device 10 further includes a second strap 30 which
extends generally downwardly from the first strap 12. The second
strap 30 is formed as a flat elongated member having essentially
identical thickness throughout.
[0029] A loop means 40 is formed at a first end 32 of the second
strap 30 for receiving therethrough the first strap 12 and for
slidably attaching such second strap 30 to the first strap 12.
Preferably, the loop means 40 is formed by positioning the edge of
the first end 32 toward the opposed second end 34 and sewing it to
the second strap 30. Preferably, the second strap 30 is
manufactured from the same cotton/Lycra.RTM combination as the
first strap 12.
[0030] A second fastening means, generally designated as 50, which
is engageable with the opposed second end 34 of the second strap 30
is provided for releaseably connecting the second strap 30 to such
foot covering 2. According to one embodiment of the invention, the
second fastening means 50 includes a releasable hook and loop
fastener 52 which is attached to the second strap 30 for forming a
second loop 42 means at the second end 34 and which is constructed
essentially similar to the releasable hook and loop fastener 22
described supra. Such second loop 42 is advantageous for attaching
the second strap 30 to the shoe 2a of a slipper, sandal or
flip-flop type which is characterized by a partially formed side
wall and by a gap formed at least between a portion of such side
wall and a base of such shoe 2a. Accordingly, the second end 34 is
passed through the gap and the second loop 42 is formed to encase
the portion of the side wall and to secure the foot covering 2 to
the first strap 12.
[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second
fastening means 50 includes a clip 54 having a pair of gripping
jaws 56 biased for contact therebetween by a spring means 57 and
further includes means 58 for releaseably attaching the clip 54 to
a predetermined portion of the second strap 30. Such attachment
means 58 is preferably a well known snap button fastener 58. The
clip 54 is advantageous for use with the sock (not shown) or the
shoe 2b having a continuous side wall as best shown in FIGS. 3-4.
Examples of such shoe 2b include athletic shoe, boot and the
like.
[0032] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the
second strap 30 includes a combination of the releasable hook and
loop fastener 52 and at least the attachment means 58 for attaching
the clip 54 to provide the parent with the flexibility of using
such device 10 with either type of the foot covering 2. As best
shown in FIG. 1, such attachment means 58 may be attached to the
second strap 30 adjacent the second end 34 and in a position which
enables ease of attaching the clip 54 when the second loop means 42
is formed shorten the free length of the second strap 30.
[0033] The device 10 may further include an ornamental member 66
which is attached, preferably by way of an adhesive, to the clip 54
opposite the surface of the second strap 30 for shielding such clip
54 from direct view.
[0034] Since the child wears a pair of foot coverings 2, the
invention further contemplates a kit, generally designated as 60
for use in preventing loss of a pair of foot coverings 2 and best
shown in FIG. 1. Such kit 60 includes in combination a first strap
12 and a pair of second straps 30 each having a loop 40 formed at
one end thereof for receiving therethrough the first strap 12 and
for slidably attaching such end to the first strap 12. A releasable
hook and loop fastener 52 is attached to an opposed second end of
one of the pair of second straps 30 and a clip 54 is attached to an
opposed second end of an opposed one of the pair of second straps
30. It would be appreciated that the kit 60 may include a second
first strap 12 and a second pair of second straps 30.
[0035] Although the present invention has been shown in terms of
securing the foot covering worn by a child, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be applied
to foot covering worn by older children and adults.
[0036] Thus, the present invention has been described in such full,
clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in
the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be
understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and
substitutions for components of the specifically described
embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *