Interchangeable Strap Closure System For Footwear

• US 20130318827A1
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Published: 12/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Plae, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Ryan Ringholz
• Inventors: RINGHOLZ, Ryan
• Granted Patent: US 10,021,935 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 36/100
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/24 Collapsible or convertible
• CPC Class Codes: A43C 11/008 Combined fastenings, e.g. to accelerate undoing or fastening
• CPC Class Codes: A43C 11/1493 Strap fastenings having hook and loop-type fastening elements
• CPC Class Codes: A43C 11/22 Fastening devices with elastic tightening parts between pairs of eyelets, e.g. clamps, springs, bands
• CPC Class Codes: A43C 11/24 Ornamental buckles or other ornaments for shoes, with fastening function buckles in general A44B11/00

Abstract

Footwear is provided with a closure system that is easily replaceable by the user. The closure system includes a strap that is preferably secured to the shoe through a hook and loop fastener. The strap is interchangeable and can include a variety of colors, designs, logos. The footwear can include multiple straps.

Claims

1. An item of footwear comprising:

an outsole;

an upper mounted on the outsole, said upper having at least one ring mounted to a surface of said upper, and

a removable strap insertable in said ring, one end of said strap being securable against said ring and another end of said strap being securable to said upper.

2. The item of footwear of claim 1 wherein said strap is constructed of a static material

3. The item of footwear of claim 1 wherein said strap is constructed of a dynamic material.

4. The item of footwear of claim 1 further comprising a strap anchor positioned between two layers of the material of said strap, the dimensions of said anchor being sufficient to prevent it from passing completely through said ring.

5. An item of footwear of claim 1 further comprising at least two removable straps and two rings.

10. An footwear closure system of claim 1 further comprising at least two removable straps and two rings.

6. A footwear closure system comprising:

At least one ring mounted to a surface of an upper of an item of footwear;

a removable strap insertable in each of said at least one ring, one end of said strap being securable against said ring and another end of said strap being securable to said upper.

7. The footwear closure system of claim 6 wherein said strap is constructed of a static material

8. The footwear closure system of claim 6 wherein said strap is constructed of a dynamic material.

9. The footwear closure system of claim 6 further comprising a strap anchor positioned between two layers of the material of said strap, the dimensions of said anchor being sufficient to prevent it from passing completely through said ring.