Traction Adjustment Band with Retaining Strap

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application is a Continuation-in-Part of Patent Application entitled “Traction adjustment band for shoe” filed 31 Dec. 2010 and assigned filing Ser. No. 12/983,052 and is related to Provisional Patent Application entitled “Traction adjustment strap with retaining band,” filed 1 Jul. 2012 and assigned filing 61/666,909, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates broadly to footwear accessories, and more specifically to a traction adjustment band for use on a shoe, the traction adjustment band secured by means of a retaining strap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ability of a dancer or a participant in an exercise routine to control the amount of traction in his or her shoes has with the floor is important for safety considerations. It may be desirable to increase traction under some circumstances to prevent falls, for example, but under other circumstances, it may be desirable to allow less traction to prevent the occurrence of twisting knee and ankle injuries. Dance moves often involve pivoting on the ball of the foot.

When a dancer or exerciser attempts to dance while wearing standard shoes with rubber soles and treads, commonly known as aerobics, running shoes or cross-trainers, she may find that certain dance moves are difficult to execute due to the rubber sole of the shoe gripping the floor surface. As a consequence, the dancer may incur knee injuries because the rubberized surface or treads on her shoes, which are designed to minimize slipping between the shoe and the floor surface, are not suitable for performing the dance moves.

Thus, when the dancer or exercise participant twists her hips, the tread on her shoes may resist the pivoting motion, her knee may be inadvertently torqued, and an injury may result. There has been a rise in these types of injuries as dance/aerobics programs gain popularity in mainstream gyms and in video games. Often, a casual participant in the dance/aerobic program owns a pair of shoes designed for aerobic movements but does not wish to incur the additional cost of purchasing a second pair of shoes designed for dance movements. For some activities, “everyday” shoes may be adequate for the activity contemplated, but often the surface of the activity floor has a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as, for example, carpeted floors or rubber mats.

The present invention addresses the above problems by providing to the user a traction adjustment band for adjusting the aggregate coefficient of friction between the user's shoes and a surface used for physical movements and activities. The traction band includes a retaining strap that prevents the traction adjustment band from changing position on the user's shoes during physical activity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of adapting a shoe configured for a first physical activity into a modified shoe suitable for a second physical activity on a floor comprises: providing a traction adjustment band, the traction adjustment band including an upper band and a sole band; placing the traction adjustment band around the shoe such that the upper band is disposed on an upper portion of the shoe and the sole band is disposed across a sole of the shoe; and removably securing the traction adjustment band to one of the shoe or to a wearer's foot using a retaining strap.

In another aspect of the present invention, a traction adjustment band suitable for emplacement on a shoe comprises: an upper band including a first upper segment, a second upper segment, and a fastener pair, the fastener pair removably securing the first upper segment to the second upper segment; a sole band having one end connected to the first upper segment and a second end connected to the second upper segment; and a retaining strap removable securing the upper band to one of the shoe or a wearer's foot.

The additional features and advantage of the disclosed invention is set forth in the detailed description which follows, and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the invention as described, together with the claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a retaining strap with a traction adjustment band positioned on a shoe, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the retaining strap of FIG. 1 engaging the laces of the shoe to prevent movement of the traction adjustment band along the shoe surface;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a retaining strap configured to engage a traction adjustment band;

FIG. 4 shows a removable retaining strap comprising the traction adjustment band of FIG. 1 with a looped retaining strap; and

FIG. 5 shows a removable retaining strap comprising the traction adjustment band of FIG. 1 and a tab-like strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

The present invention relates generally to a traction adjustment band functioning to selectively reduce the traction, or coefficient of friction, between a wearer's shoe as used on a particular damp or dry floor or surface, with a retaining strap functioning to keep the traction adjustment band in place on the wearer's shoe.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention comprises a retaining strap 10 positioned under a composite traction adjustment band 12 and secured to a shoe 14, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The composite traction adjustment band 12 may comprise an upper band portion 16 secured to a sole band portion 18 to form a unitary traction adjustment band 12 assembly.

The total circumference of the composite traction adjustment band 12, that is, the individual lengths of the upper band portion 16 and the sole band portion 18, may be varied according to the particular shoe size for which the traction adjustment band 12 is fabricated. The width of the upper band portion 16 and the width of the sole band portion 18 may range from about 0.25 inches to about four inches. It should be understood that the width of the upper band portion 16 need not be the same as the width of the sole band portion 18.

In an alternative embodiment, the upper band portion 16 and the sole band portion 18 may comprise a single band portion with a slot or opening in the single band portion sized and positioned to accommodate insertion of the retaining strap 10. In yet another alternative embodiment, a one-piece traction adjustment band 30, such as shown in FIG. 3 below, may be used in place of the composite traction adjustment band 12 shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, as no slot or opening need be provided in the one-piece traction adjustment band 30, the retaining strap 10 may encircle the width of the upper part of the single-piece adjustment band 30, so as to pass around and secure the single-piece adjustment band 30 to shoe laces 22.

The retaining strap 10 may be secured to the composite traction adjustment band 12 by an adhesive, or by stitching. Alternatively, the retaining strap 10 may be a separate piece free to move between the traction adjustment band 12 and the shoe 14, as shown in the illustration. The retaining strap 10 may be fabricated from a flexible material, such as cloth, vinyl, or plastic, or may comprise a decorative chain, for example.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining strap 10 may comprise a continuous loop of elastic silicone material (not shown) such that the user could: (i) slip the retaining strap 10 (i.e., configured as a continuous loop of elastic silicone material) over the shoe 14 and (ii) weave the shoe laces 22 through the retaining strap 10 to secure the traction adjustment band 12. In embodiment shown, the retaining strap 10 may be approximately two to eight inches in length, and approximately one eighth to one inch in width.

This configuration allows the retaining strap 10 to engage the traction adjustment band 12, substantially as shown, and may then pass under laces 22 of the shoe 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The retaining strap 10 preferably comprises a hook-and-pile attachment pair to secure the retaining strap 10 into a loop configuration when secured to the laces 22. The forward portion of the retaining strap 10 includes the hook 24 part of the hook-and-pile attachment pair, and the rearward portion of the retaining strap 10 includes the pile 26 part of the hook-and-pile attachment pair. The hook-and-pile attachment pair also serves to secure the ends of the retaining strap 10 to one another, for storage, or for securing to the user's gym bag or purse.

It can be appreciated that, while the use of hook and pile fasteners on the retaining strap 10 is advantageous, it is not required for use of the traction adjustment band 12. In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the retaining strap 10 may be attached to the shoe 14 by routing around the upper band portion 16, through the wearer's laces 22, and secured by tying a knot (not shown) in the retaining strap 10. It should be understood that, as used herein, “shoe laces” include conventional shoe laces, shoe straps, or hook-and-loop closures.

Although the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 may not be visually appealing, routing the retaining strap 10 through the upper band portion 16 may afford the wearer the advantage of traction adjustment, and the retaining strap 10 thus functions to keep in place the traction adjustment band 12 (i.e., encircling the ball of the foot). In addition, the retaining strap 10 can be used to secure the traction adjustment band 12 to the user's gym bag or purse to prevent the loss of the bands, whether the traction adjustment band 12 has hook and pile fasteners, or is tied in a knot. Alternatively, a loop of fabric, plastic, or elastic material may be provided through which the laces 22 may be drawn and tied.

In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment (not shown), a retaining strap of an approximate length of twelve to sixteen inches may be used to pass through the laces 22 of the shoe 14, and around the ankle of the wearer of the shoe. The hook-and-pile fastener pair may be used to form a loop that encompasses the ankle of the wearer. The retaining strap 10 may, alternatively, be positioned against the back of the wearer's foot, if desired.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, a traction adjustment band 30 may encircle the shoe heel 32, such that the traction adjustment band 30 is retained in place by means of a strap 20 that is routed around the shoe heel 32, substantially parallel with the shoe sole 34. Alternatively, the traction adjustment band 12 (shown in FIG. 1) may be used on the shoe 14 in place of the traction adjustment band 30.

As shown in the example, the strap 20 comprises a first lateral strap section 28, a strap heel portion 23, a second lateral strap section 29, a first strap loop 26, and a second strap loop 27. The strap 20 may encircle the heel of the shoe 14 so as to prevent the traction adjustment band 30 from moving along the surface of the shoe 14. The strap 20 may be attached to the traction adjustment band 30 either by being sewn to the traction adjustment band 30 (not shown), or by encircling the traction adjustment band 30, using the strap loops 26 and 27. The strap 20 may, alternatively, encircle the back of the wearer's foot, instead of the back of the shoe 14, if desired.

The strap loops 26, 27 can be sewn to the traction adjustment band 30 (or 12), held in place by means of a hook and loop fastener, snaps, sewing or bonding at strap terminations 24 and 25. Lateral strap section 28 (shown as a dashed line) and lateral strap section 29 are routed along opposite sides of the shoe 14, in directions substantially parallel to the sole of the shoe 14, and continue to the back of the shoe 14, forming the strap heel portion 23. The lateral strap sections 29 and 28 may comprise a single length of material with the strap heel portion 23, and the strap loops 26, 27 to form the strap 20. The strap 20 may be fabricated using a plastic strap, cloth material, decorative chain, or elastic material. It should be understood that strap loops 27, 26 can extend around the traction adjustment band 30 such that the strap loops 27, 26 may be disposed on opposite sides of the shoe 14, or may be disposed such that the strap loop 26 may be in contact with the strap loop 27.

In an alternative embodiment, the strap 20 may pass through the traction adjustment band 30 so as to encircle the traction adjustment band 30. With the traction adjustment band on the shoe, the strap 20 can thus be placed around the shoe heel 32, around the tongue 36 of the shoe 14, or pass through the shoe laces 22. This configuration results from connecting the first strap loop 26 and to the second strap loop 27.

In an alternative embodiment, the lateral strap sections 29 and 28 may comprise two separate pieces attaching to the traction adjustment band 30, similar to the arrangement described above, but with an adjustment point in place of the strap heel portion 23 at the back of the shoe 14. At the adjustment point, the two lateral strap sections 29 and 28 can be physically attached to one another, and the user can control the length of the overall strap 20 by means of, for example: a tied knot, snaps, a sliding fastener, a cord lock fastener, a clasp, a clip, or a hook and loop attachment, where the user can adjust the overlap between the two lateral strap sections 29 and 28 as desired.

On dry surfaces, use of the disclosed traction adjustment band may reduce the shoe-to-floor traction so that a wearer of standard walking or running shoes may be able to execute dance moves with a reduced risk of injury to the knees, as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/983,052. Moreover, the amount of traction is adjustable such that the proper amount of traction required for standard workouts movements, such as squats and lunges, can be provided. The position of the traction adjustment band 12, 30 leaves the sole of the shoe in the toe and the heel exposed and uncovered by the traction adjustment band 12, 30.

The traction adjustment band 12, 30 may be worn comfortably without shifting during vigorous physical activity by means of the retaining strap 10, 20. During use, the retaining strap 10, 20 is adjusted to prevent the traction adjustment band from moving in response to the wearer engaging in a dance routine, for example, or performing similar physical activities. If the wearer's shoes are narrow or have little or no tread, the traction adjustment band 12, 30 may move around unless the retaining strap 10, 20 is in place. Use of the retaining strap 10, 20 is recommended if the sole of the narrow, or treadles, shoe is constructed to be flexible.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a removable retaining strap 40 comprising the traction adjustment band 12, 30 and a looped retaining strap 42. The looped retaining band 42 may comprise an elastic material, a silicone strip, a ribbon, or a decorative chain. FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a removable retaining strap 44 comprising the traction adjustment band 12, 30 and a tab-like strap 46. One end of the tab-like strap 46 may be passed under the shoe laces 22, or may form a looped portion 48 around the shoe laces 22. The second end of the tab-like strap 46 may be secured around the ankle of a wearer.

It can be appreciated that the combination of the traction adjustment band 12, 30 and the retaining strap 10, 20, 42, 46 may function to selectively increase the traction between a wearer's dance or exercise shoes on a surface such that the wearer may be able to perform aerobic and similar exercise movements without danger of slippage. Advantageously, the traction adjustment band 12, 30 allows the wearer to control the amount of traction, or the coefficient of friction, provided between the shoe and the floor surface. The amount of “grip” obtainable is thus a function of the traction adjustment band properties and the surface attributes of the particular floor.

Under some circumstances, the user may need to execute energetic physical movements on relatively damp or wet surfaces, such as in a commercial establishment (e.g., a restaurant kitchen). The traction band 12, 30 may function to increase the coefficient of friction between the traction band 12, 30 (on the shoe 14) and the floor surface. The bottom of the traction band 12, 30 may absorb some of the floor moisture to prevent slippage. The traction band 12, 30 might thus offer an additional advantage, for example, in humid environments where moisture in a room condenses in a traffic area of the floor.

It is to be understood that the description herein is only exemplary of the invention, and is intended to provide an overview for the understanding of the nature and character of the disclosed band and retaining strap combination. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of various features and embodiments of the method and components of the invention which, together with their description and claims serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.