Sandal, thong or the like with reversible tongue, vamp, or strap
Thong abstract
Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a
thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one
side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be
adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross
strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed
during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface
for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp,
or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel,
that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected
surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn
sandal.
Thong claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sandal comprising: a thong having a sole, a thong stem, and
a thong strap, all capable of securement together, the stem incorporating
a swivel means within its structure, said swivel means having a
ball and socket attachment further comprising a ball portion rotatably
secured within a socket portion such that the thong strap may be
rotated about a first axis without deformation while still attached
to the thong stem so that the thong strap can be rotated to expose
its opposite surfaces for varying the aesthetics of the sandal when
worn.
2. The thong of claim 1 further comprising: the swivel means being
provided at the midpoint of the thong stem, said ball portion attaching
to the thong strap and the socket portion attaching to the thong
stem.
3. The thong of claim 1 further comprising: the swivel means being
provided at the upper end of thong stem and, the ball portion attaching
to the thong strap and the socket portion attaching to the thong
stem.
4. The thong of claim 1 further comprising: the swivel means being
provided at the bottom of the thong stem, and the ball portion attaching
to the thong stem and the socket portion attaching to the sole thus
adhering the stem to the sole of the thong.
Thong description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to footwear, and more specifically
pertains to footwear in the category of a sandal, thong, slip-on,
clog, or the like, or even a beach shoe, wherein the tongue, gusset,
upper part of the vamp, or strap, may be reversed, in order to change
the aesthetics, coloration, indicia, or other appearance of the
overall footwear, when worn.
Obviously, numerous styles of footwear, constructed of various
components, for achieving a multitude of purposes, have long been
considered in the prior art. Most of these types of innovations
have been in the area of running or athletic shoes, which have been
substantially in vogue for the past three decades, and wherein various
styles or modifications to the shoes, as in their sole configuration,
to make them more resilient, or add efficiency to the runner, have
been considered in the prior art. In addition, various accessories
have been added to footwear, such as adding pockets to the side
or quarter portions of the shoe, putting a pocket within the tongue
or gusset for the shoe, and these have all been considered in the
prior art. For example, see the patent to Adamik, U.S. Pat. No.
4,372,060, relating to this type of technology, and their modifications.
This has even considered reversing various components to footwear,
in order to add to their aesthetics, and change their style and
appearance, as when worn. For example, the United States patent
to Benjamin, U.S. Pat. No. 2,049,347, shows a shoe wherein a strap,
held by one or more of D-Rings, can be turned to reverse the positioning
of the strap within the shoe structure, as can be noted therein.
In addition, the patent to Tonkel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,321, shows
the use of a separable tongue held by Velcro to its vamp, but which
must be removed to provide for its turning and vary the appearance
of the shown shoe.
The current invention seeks further modifications to the structure
of the identified type of footwear, in order to add further variations
in the usage of the shoe, enhance its styling, and further enhance
the attractiveness of the sandal, by providing alternative uses
and applications to various of its components, when structured into
the footwear itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the formation of footwear in general,
but more specifically, pertains to the fabrication of what will
be generically described as a sandal type of shoe, which may include
a sandal, a thong, a slip-on, a clog, and related types of footwear,
but having the concept of this invention embodied within its structure,
as will be readily determined upon reviewing this invention. In
this particular development, a select segment of these types of
sandals will be reversible, in its structure, as embodied within
the manufactured sandal, so as to provide for a change in the coloration,
indicia, design, or to vary other appearance aspects of the sandal,
when the structure of this invention is assembled. In the preferred
embodiment, there will be a sandal strap, an upper part of a vamp
for a sandal, or the upper strap portion of a thong, that will be
reversible, in its manipulation, where these types of components
can be turned to expose one surface, which may have a stylized and
attractive surface provided thereon, or it may be reversed, to furnish
an entirely different appearance to the sandal, when worn. This
can be done without removal of the reversible structure of the shoe.
This invention primarily relates to the modification to structure
in a sandal type of footwear, in general, as fabricated and worn.
Means are provided for accommodating the reversing of these types
of components in a sandal, and to hold it to the sole of the shoe,
or the front vamp portion, but which components, such as part of
a tongue, strap, upper vamp, or the like, can be readily turned,
simply upon opening of its fastening feature, which normally holds
the components in position, and which incorporate a swivel, that
allows for the component to be turned, to achieve these results,
as previously reviewed.
The concept of this invention is to provide a link between the
shoe component, of that type as previously explained, as being reversible
in this concept, such as the upper vamp, strap, tongue, or the like,
that lets the wearer reverse these components, as desired, for revealing
other coloration, indicia, or design as sought by the wearer. It
provides versatility to the usage of the sandal. Such a linkage
could be or comprise a short length of cord, it may be an elastic
or twistable cord, a resilient cord, or perhaps could comprise a
swivel clasp, or any other type or form of clasp, having some degree
of flexibility, and which may be twisted or turned, as required.
In addition, it may include a clasp, formed of a two-part swivel,
that may be interconnected between the lower vamp, and the upper
vamp, or it may connect between the sandal strap, and any upper
covering portion, such as the upper vamp, or it may comprise a swivel
mechanism that connects with the thong stem, the component that
normally fits between at least a pair of toes of the wearer, so
as to allow for reversing or swiveling of the upper vamp or strap,
as may be desired. Furthermore, the swivel may be separable, through
the exertion of some amount of force, so that the upper vamp or
strap may be removed, and another one relocated, to add further
dexterity and versatility to the usage of this invention. In order
to prevent the unauthorized removal, or the displacement of the
turnable components, for such sandals, as for example, when displayed
for sale, the pulling force required to separate the clasp, that
forms the swivel, may be excessive, up to seventy to eighty pounds
(70 to 80 lbs.) or more of force, or it may only require a slight
amount of force, to separate the clasp, at the desire of the manufacturer,
the retailer, or even the user, once the shoes are placed in usage.
It is also likely that the strap or vamp may be of a compound structure,
and have swivel means between each of their sections, which will
allow for turning, of just segments, of the gusset or vamp, along
its length or height.
It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide
a reversible upper vamp, strap, or the like, for sandals, thongs,
clogs, beach shoes, and slip-ons.
Another object of this invention is to provide a reversible component
for a sandal, that may have difference styles of appearance upon
either of its surfaces, so that the upper vamp, strap, or the like,
can be reversed, and completely change in appearance and attractiveness
for the sandal, at the interest of the footwear user. For example,
the consumer can coordinate with team colors, fashion trends, and
the like.
Still another object of this invention is to provide footwear,
in the category of sandals that incorporates reversible components,
of this invention, which adds to the versatility of the appearance
and usage of the subject footwear.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel swivel
that can be used for applying the reversible tongue, gusset, upper
vamp, or strap, at the upper central portion of the sandal, to stably
hold these components in position and in place, while the shoe is
worn, but when opened, can be turned, so as to display different
aesthetics.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a usage of
a swivel means, in conjunction with the stem of a thong, or with
the bottom cap that holds the thong stem in permanent position,
so as to allow the turning and reversing of components that secure
with the swivel, as integrated into the structure of such a style
of footwear.
These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled
in the art upon reviewing the summary of this invention, and upon
undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment,
in view of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In referring to the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a side view of an open-toed sandal implementing a reversible
tongue or upper vamp portion according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of a closed-toed sandal implementing a reversible
tongue or upper vamp in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side view of an open-toed sandal implementing a reversible
tongue or upper vamp according to the present invention, wherein
the vamp portion basically only surrounds the toes of the wearer;
FIG. 4 is a side view of a sandal implementing a reversible tongue
or upper vamp according to the present invention wherein the tongue
is made from a stretchable material to eliminate the need for lacings;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a slip-on implementing a reversible tongue
or upper vamp according to the present invention wherein the tongue
is made from a stretchable material to eliminate the need for shoe
strings or lacings, and having a lower cut clog-type back portion;
FIG. 6 is a side view of a sandal implementing a reversible double
tongue according to the present invention wherein such that four
possible color combinations can be shown upon a single sandal;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the ball and socket attachment, for
the swivel, according to the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a side partially sectional view of the ball and socket
attachment according to the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a front view of a ball portion according the preferred
embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a ball portion according to the preferred
embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a right side view of the socket ball portion according
to the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a top view of the partial sandal, showing the upper
vamp, lower vamp, its reversible upper vamp and tongue, and a link
holding the tongue or upper vamp to the sandal, for providing the
reversible features of this invention;
FIG. 13 shows a thong wherein the stem has a swivel provided at
its upper end, for attachment with a strap that is capable of being
reversed through the functioning of its disclosed swivel;
FIG. 14 shows a thong having a stem, with a swivel integrated within
its structure, for holding the strap of the thong in place, but
allowing for its pivotal reversing, as required;
FIG. 15 shows the swivel of this invention interconnected within
the thong cap that holds the lower end of its stem to and through
the thong sole, during its usage;
FIG. 16 is a plan view of a modification to a sandal showing its
strap being swively connected to its sole vamp, or strap;
FIG. 17 shows a modification to a sandal wherein its sandal strap
is swively connected to a back end of the sandal sole;
FIG. 18 is a side view of a modification to a sandal disclosing
its sandal strap being pivotally connected to each lateral extensions
of the sandal sole; and
FIG. 19 shows how a related strap, to that as shown in FIG. 18,
can be pivotally connected upon the upward lateral extensions of
the sole of the shown shoe, athletic shoe, and the like.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, therein
is shown the concept of the present invention for incorporating
swivel or pivotal components into the structure of a sandal. The
sandal as described herein, is used more generically, and generally
is intended to describe a slab of leather, polymer, rubber, or the
like, for forming a sole and which is attached to the foot by thongs,
or the like. Contemporarily, any open shoe whose upper consist of
any decorative or functional arrangement, such as straps, are generally
identified as a sandal herein, and this may include generically
what is defined as a sandal, a thong, clog, or a slip-on, beach
shoe, or the like.
In any event, sandal 1 as shown therein comprises a sole portion
2, a sole strap or lower vamp portion 3, and an upper vamp or tongue
portion 4 as can be noted. The tongue portion 4 is attached to the
strap portion by a retaining means 5, of the type as forming a swivel,
or other linking means, as will be subsequently described. The tongue
portion 4 is further removably attached to the midsole portion of
the shoe sole, by means of a snap 6, as can be noted. One of these
will be provided to either side of the shown sandal. However, the
present invention is not limited to the usage of a snap, since other
types of known attachments devices such as Velcro, or the like,
as embodied in a hook and pile type of attachment, can be used for
holding the tongue in place, to either side of the shown sandal.
The reason for this is that when the fastener is released, on both
sides, the tongue or upper vamp 4 may be reversed, through the operations
of the swivel or linking means 5, to allow for turning of it to
display different coloration or design, for the shown sandal, as
desired.
The sandal of FIG. 2 is similar in most respects to the sandal
of FIG. 1, except that the vamp portion or toe cap 7 is enlarged
to cover the toes of the wearer to resemble a clog-type shoe. In
the configuration of FIG. 2, the vamp portion 8 is preferably sized
to allow for a larger amount of the tongue portion to be visible,
as can be noted. Then, this component 8 may be pivoted, about its
swivel 9, as desired, to change the aesthetics of the shown sandal.
In addition, a clasp or other fastener of the types as previously
reviewed, as noted at 10, may be opened, to allow for reversing
of the tongue 8, and once performed, can be refastened in place,
through the use of such types of clasps, so that the sandal may
be immediately worn, but exhibiting an entirely different style
of design, or coloration, as explained.
The sandal of FIG. 3, as noted at 11, is of a somewhat different
style, in design. For example, it includes a lower vamp or sole
strap portion 12 that permanently connects with the sandal sole
13, and then further integrates a pair of shallow quarter portions
14 integrally formed to either side of the sole, and provided for
accommodating the removable or reversible connection of the tongue
or upper vamp portion 15 thereto. Any type of clasping mechanism,
as at 16, may be utilized, to either side, for holding the tongue
15 in place. But, when the fasteners 16 are opened, as can be understood,
the tongue 15 may be swiveled about the swivel connection 17 to
allow the entire upper vamp to be reversed, in its positioning,
and to display different aesthetics, as previously summarized.
Obviously, the style of sandal as shown herein could just as easily
be modified, and constructed, for use for domestic services, such
as for use as a slipper, or the like, for application around the
household. Or, it may be made more into the style of a thong, as
previously explained, to be used for casual purposes, or for wearing
at the beach, as can also be understood.
In FIG. 4, therein is shown a slip-on type of shoe, or sandal,
18, incorporating a sole portion 19, a vamp 20, a tongue 21, and
a retaining means 22, provided to either side of the tongue, to
fasten the tongue in place, when the slip-on is utilized. In addition,
a swivel 23 is provided, in order to allow the tongue 21 to be turned,
as desired. The tongue 21 may be made from any known stretchable
or resilient type of material, and may be attached by a hook and
loop type of fastening means, as at 22, to the quarter portions
as at 24, as can be understood. Obviously, there can be an overlap
at the region 22, where the fastening means is provided, in order
to allow for interconnection for these type components. Or, any
type of a hook or loop can be utilized, to simply attach the tongue
21 to the upper quarter portion 24, at these locations, in order
to structure the shoe in manner that allows it to be worn, as a
sandal. When the wearer wears the sandal of FIG. 4, the stretchable
tongue will stretch to provide a tight fit of the sandal, to maintain
it on the foot of the wearer, during usage.
In FIG. 5, therein it is shown a slip-on type shoe 25, similar
to that as previously explained with respect to FIG. 4, in that
its rear portion, as at 26, is low cut, to allow for the foot to
be slid onto the sandal, during usage. But, the structured shoe
still incorporates a sole 27 having a integrated forward vamp 28,
an upper vamp, tongue, or gusset, as at 29, and which is secured
by means of the swivel or fastening means 30 to the upper edge of
shoe vamp 28. The sides of the tongue 29 may fasten, in the region
at 31, to the upper quarter portions 32 of the shown sandal, on
each side thereof. When the tongue 29 is freed, from its fastening
in the region 31, it may be turned about the swivel 30, to expose
its opposite side, as may be desired.
FIG. 6 shows another sandal 39, which incorporates its sole portion
34 and a vamp portion 33. What is referred to as the tongue portion
35, and while it does not fulfill the traditional purposes of a
shoe tongue or gusset, it attaches to the vamp 33 with hook and
pile fastening means, or other fasteners, in the region of any overlap,
as at 36. The sandal 39 is made of a front tongue section 37, a
rear tongue portion 38, attaching by the retaining means 36, as
described above. Thus, the entire tongue segment, including its
frontal portion 37 and its rear tongue portion 38, will be held
in position upon the side portions 40 provided to either side of
the shown sandal, and which side portions 40 are integrated into
the structure of the sandal sole, as can be noted. In addition,
there is a swivel means 41 inserted between the two tongue portions,
so that the tongue portion 38 can be rotated, to display different
designs, and at the same time, the frontal tongue portion 37 can
likewise be removed from its retention means, 36, and also be reversed,
to provide for a compound reversing of the entire tongue portions
35, to display four different variations of coloration, design,
or other aesthetics. This will be at the preference of the sandal
wearer.
In the preferred embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 7, there is
a swivel type mechanism 42 utilized in the structured swivel means
provided for allowing turning of the various components for the
shown sandals. For example, as can be seen in both FIGS. 7 and 8,
ball and socket attachment 42 comprises a ball portion 43, and a
socket portion 44, which may be attached to the upper edge of the
vamp, or strap, of the type as previously preferred to in the various
sandals, as explained at 3 and 7, in FIGS. 1 and 2. This provides
a swivel connection for the preferred embodiment, wherein the ball
portion 43 is preferably both movable and offset between a position
shown by the said ball portion, and a position shown by the ball
portion at 43', as disclosed in phantom line, in FIG. 8. Thus, not
only is the ball portion rotatable within its socket portion 44,
as can be understood, but it is also capable of being inclined,
so as to raise the tongue or upper vamp, as it is being turned,
and to allow clearance, both for turning of the tongue, but likewise
to aid in the insertion of the foot, where required. As a result,
the tongue of any sandal is fully rotatable about an axis, generally
focused at the center of the ball 45, which allows for a slight
incline to the ball portion, as can be noted. The ball portion 45
preferably is made from a resilient polymeric material. In addition,
and as previously explained, it may be desired to provide a basis
for separation of the ball portion, from within the socket, when
the user desired to change gussets or tongues, and that force can
be either minimal, or perhaps even at a high strength, as previously
explained, so that during shipment, storage, or display upon the
market, the tongue can not be too easily removed, by unauthorized
persons, until such time as the pair of sandals are sold. In addition,
the ball 45 sits within a socket portion 46, that provides a cavity
47 therein, for accommodating the ball 45, in the manner as can
be understood. In addition, the socket portion 46 may be formed
of two parts, having first side 48 and a second side 49 that may
be secured together, to form the cavity 47, as previously explained.
The ball portion may include a flange 50, which allows for this
part of the swivel to be connected to its sandal component, such
as the front of the tongue, upper vamp, or the like, while the bottom
portion of the socket 46, formed as the extension tabs 51, and 52,
are provided for securing to or stitching with the upper edge of
the lower vamp, sole strap, or the like, forming the structured
sandals, as previously explained. It can be understood, the swivel
may connect along the extension 50 to the lower part of the tongue
or gusset, and likewise, the portions or extensions 51 and 52 will
be secured to upper edge of the vamp, either by locating it intermediate
thereof, or simply being stitched or otherwise secured in place,
as can be understood. The portions 51 and 52 may be attached to
the vamp of the shoe, in a similar manner as the ball portion 43
may attach to the tongue, gusset, upper vamp, or the like, in the
manner as previously explained.
In addition, the diameter of the bore 47 may be selected such that
the ball 45 may be forcibly removed from its socket 47 by resiliently
deflecting the top part, as noted at 43', with respect to its socket
as can be noted. Furthermore, this allows sufficient deflection
to provide clearance between the upper vamp or tongue, or strap,
as the foot is being inserted into the sandal, or to aid in this
removal, as noted. Alternatively, it can be provided that the ball
45 is not removable from the bore 47. In this instance, it can be
seen that the socket 47 may be formed of the two halves 45 and 46,
as previously explained. These two parts may be adhesively or otherwise
secured together, to form the permanent socket 47, as noted. Thus,
to provide for a permanent mount of the ball 45 within the socket
bore 47, the ball 45 must be placed within the socket before the
top and bottom parts 45 and 46 are attached to one another. Or,
as previously explained, there may be some slight resiliency in
the upper part 43, to allow the ball 45 to be forcibly removed from
the socket when it is desired to separate the tongue, upper vamp,
or strap, from the shown shoe, as noted. In either instance, it
is preferred that the ball 45 and hence the tongue or strap, have
sufficient clearance to allow for the tongue to be rotatable by
means of its ball 45 within the socket bore 47, in order to expose
a second side of the tongue or strap, as can understood. In this
manner, the tongue of the shoe may have first and second sides,
as may be configured into the structure of any strap that a swivel
applies to the lower vamp or sole strap, of differing color, material,
designs, and/or displaying indicia, and may be alternatively displayed
by the user by mere rotation of the tongue or strap, to achieve
the spirit of this invention.
It is further just as likely that the ball and socket connection
could be replaced with a bayonet style of locking device, for example,
with a bayonet style of swivel locking device, the tongue may be
pivoted in one direction, to expose its upper surface from the shoe
sole, or it may be pivoted in a 180.degree. (180 degrees) direction,
to expose the bottom portion of the shoe tongue or strap. But, at
the midpoint or 90.degree. (90 degrees) turn, the stem extending
off the ball portion may obtain clearance from the socket for removal
of the top part of the bayonet lock, and the tongue, from the vamp
or socket. Or, one of that bead style of ball and socket connectors,
such as currently available for use in the construction of a necklace,
bracelet, or the like, could be adapted for use for swively connecting
the tongue or gusset to the vamp portion of the footwear.
The concept of this invention may be generally paraphrased by reviewing
FIG. 12. Essentially, the essence of the invention is to provide
some linking means, as at 53, that holds the tongue, strap, or other
member to be reversed, as at 54, to the upper portion of the sandal
vamp, strap, or the like, as at 55, and which may be permanently
affixed to the sandal sole, during its construction. Hence, the
linking means may be any one of the swivels, an elastic cord, a
flexible rubber or polymer, or an elastic means, that allows the
tongue to be twisted and reversed, in its setting, during usage.
And, as previously explained, the concept of the invention is to
also provide that when a swivel is used, one that may possibly be
separated, to allow the tongue to actually be removed, and replaced
with a substitute tongue, gusset, or strap, for adding further to
the design and coloration of the sandal, when worn. Obviously, the
reversible tongue or strap can be formed from a variety of materials,
whether it be a fabric, polymer, leather, transparent acrylic or
polyethylene, and any of such materials which add to the attractiveness
to the shoe, but at the same time, provide reasonable strength and
sturdiness to withstand constant and repeat usage.
FIG. 13 shows how the concept of this invention can be applied
to a sandal structured in the category of a thong. The thong 56,
as shown, is provided with a sole portion 57 as known in the art.
Then, a stem 58 stands upwardly from the sole, and normally, in
a thong, this becomes a toe strap or stem that extends between various
of the toes of the foot, when the thong sandal is worn. At the upper
end of the stem there is provided a swivel 59 similar to those as
previously described with respect to FIGS. 7 through 11. The upper
part 60 of the swivel connects with a strap 61, and the strap then
extends rearwardly for connection to the sole fasteners 62, one
being provided to either side of the shown thong, secured in place
by means of any type of a fastening means, such as a supplemental
strap held by Velcro, as at 63, or a buckle, or any other type of
fastening means. Similar types of fastening means will be provided
wherein the strap, as at 64, extends to the opposite side of the
thong sole, so that it likewise can be loosened. When both of the
fastening means 63 are opened, the strap 61 can be turned about
its swivel 59, so as to expose its other surface, which may include
a differing coloration, indicia, design, or the like, within the
concept of this invention.
A similar type of structure is shown in FIG. 14, where the sole
65 of the shown sandal thong includes a shallow stem 66, having
its swivel 67 arranged intermediate thereof, and which extends upward,
as at its upper swivel portion 68 in connection with the reversible
strap 69, in the manner as previously explained. Once again, various
types of fasteners, one as shown at 70, can be provided to either
side of the thong, to allow for loosening, and turning of the strap
69, to change its appearance.
A further method of connecting the swivel to the upper part of
the sole as shown at 71, in FIG. 15, and discloses how that upper
part of the swivel may connect into the cap portion as at 72, that
connects with the sole of the thong, to hold its stem, as at 73,
in place. Thus, with a strap, similar to those as previously explained
with respect to the straps 61 and 69, provided at the upper end
of the stem 73, such a strap can be reversed and turned in position,
through the agency of its swivel component 71, that embeds within
the cap portion of the stem, and affixes it to the thong sole, as
can be seen.
Other variations upon the structure of this type of sandal or thong
can be seen in FIG. 16, where the sandal sole 74 includes a sole
strap 75, affixed thereto, and includes a foot strap 76 held by
the swivel 77, so that when the foot strap 76 is opened, it can
be swiveled and turned in position so as to expose its opposite
side.
In addition, FIG. 17 shows how the sandal strap 78 may be affixed
by a swivel, as at 79, to the back end of the sandal sole, as at
80, so that when the fastening means, such as Velcro, arranged at
the frontal edge of the strap 78, as at 81, is opened, the strap
may be pivoted in place, to expose its reverse side, and to change
the appearance and aesthetics of the sandal, upon which the structure
attaches.
FIG. 18 shows how the securing straps for the shown sandal 82 may
connect to either side of the sandal sole 83, as along the short
length of the foot strap 84 one of which connects to either lateral
edge of the shown sole, and has the strap 85 connected by the swivels
86, at each sole, so the strap may be turned in place, to reveal
its reverse side, whether the strap is used to embrace the forward
portion of the foot, as noted at 85A, or shifted approximately 120.degree.
(120 degrees), for embracing the back edge of the heel or ankle,
as at 85B, to locate the sandal in that manner.
FIG. 19 discloses how a similar type of strap, as at 87 can be
used with an athletic, work, or walking shoe, and extend forwardly,
in the manner as shown, or be reversed and turned, by way of its
swivels 88 and extend rearwardly, in the manner as shown and described
for the strap 85B, of FIG. 18.
Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention
may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the disclosure
as provided herein. Such variations, if within the spirit of this
development, are intended to be encompassed with in scope of any
claims to invention provided within this patent. The description
of the preferred embodiment, as also depicted in the drawings, is
set forth herein for illustrative purposes only. |