a belt having a first end and second end, said belt locateable around at least a part of an upper portion of the item of footwear;
anchoring means for anchoring the first end and the second end to opposite sides of a sole of the item of footwear; and
clasping means for releasably fastening the belt.
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[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to fastening systems for footwear and, in particular, adjustable fastening systems for shoes.
[0002] Footwear and, in particular, boots and shoes are traditionally fastened by tightening and tying laces. A more recent variation on footwear fastening systems involves the use of clips which are releasably engageable so as to fasten a shoe and provide a quick release mechanism.
[0003] These types of connection mechanisms have undergone some development. Australian Patent No 677925 disclosed a fastener comprising a two-part clip with a first part and a second part for fastening a shoe by inter-engagement of the parts. The clip was connected to the shoe by elongate connecting strips passed through opposed eyelets in the shoe. The connecting strip was preferably elastic so that a consistent tension was kept across the opening of a shoe during use. This device, however, relied on application to pre-existing eyelets as support structures in the shoe. In addition, any adjustment of the tension required the relatively time consuming task of adjusting the connection between the elastic strip and a second part of the connection clip to shorten the operative elastic length.
[0004] It would be advantageous to provide a fastening system which provided support more extensively around the foot of a wearer. In addition, it would be of advantage to provide a clip fastening system which was easily adjustable.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate some of the above identified problems or to provide a useful alternative to a user.
[0006] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a footwear fastening system for fastening an item of footwear, said footwear fastening system comprising:
[0007] a belt having a first end and a second end, said belt locateable around at least a part of an upper portion of the item of footwear;
[0008] anchoring means for anchoring the first end and the second end to opposite sides of a sole of the item of footwear; and
[0009] clasping means for releasably fastening the belt.
[0010] The belt is preferably resiliently deformable. The belt may be elastomeric. The belt may comprise a single strap. Alternatively, the belt may comprise a plurality of straps. The straps may be substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, at least one of the straps may be inclined in relation to at least one other of the straps.
[0011] The anchoring means may be at least one plate locateable in contact with one of the opposite sides. The anchoring means may include at least one tongue insertable between the sole and a foot supporting surface of the item of footwear. The anchoring means may comprise two plates, each locateable in operative engagement with respective opposite sides of the item of footwear. The two plates may be connected by an intermediate flap. Alternatively, each plate may be continuous with at least one flap locateable in connection with the sole. Preferably, the anchoring means anchors the first and second ends to opposite sides of a sole of the item of footwear. The at least one plate is preferably formed of a firm material such as TPU or nylon or other suitable material.
[0012] Alternatively, the anchoring means may include a portion of the side of a conventional item of footwear.
[0013] The clasping means is preferably a clip. The clip may suitably comprise two inter-engageable components. Preferably, the clip is formed of rigid material. The rigid material may be nylon.
[0014] The inter-engageable portions may be at least one hook and at least one slot.
[0015] The at least one hook or, alternatively, the at least one slot is preferably located on the at least one plate.
[0016] The clasping means may further comprise a plurality of hooks.
[0017] Most preferably, the clasping means includes adjustment means for adjusting the tension of the belt. The adjustment means may be at least two spaced alternative slots for receiving the hook. Alternatively, the adjustment means may be at least two spaced hooks for engaging the slot.
[0018] In a further aspect, the invention resides in an adjustable clasping means for fastening footwear, said adjustable clasping means comprising at least one clip formed by at least two inter-engageable components, wherein one of the inter-engageable parts is duplicated and spaced from a first one of those components, thereby providing an alternative fastening position. The adjustable clasping means may comprise a plurality of such duplicated components.
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
[0024] Referring to
[0025] A portion of the anchoring means of the invention is visible in the form of a latch plate
[0026]
[0027]
[0028] In
[0029] The adjustable clasping means may be used with a conventional pair of shoes and attached to the webbing of those shoes. In such a case, tongue
[0030] The inter-engageable portion of the location means may be dispersed to engage in or near the mid line of the shoe.
[0031]
[0032] Distinct advantages are provided by the above invention in that a circumferential support and tensioning effect is provided around the whole of the upper foot and, in the preferred embodiment, around the lower foot as well. The tensioning is even throughout and is easily adjustable. Further, the clip engagement is positive and is highly unlikely to release or loosen during operation. The system also allows differential adjustment between opposite feet.
[0033] Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.