TOPLESS SHOES

Abstract

The topless footwear may, for example, includes a strap behind the ankle, side straps, ankles straps, a converging section, internal struts, and tensions straps. The side straps are in longitudinal tension with anchor portions and a converging section. The converging section includes the internal struts anchored to the sole. The side straps extend rearwardly from the anchor portions to the converging section. The tension straps are in longitudinal tension with connection points and the converging section. The tensions straps extend in a forward direction from the connection points to the converging section. A topless shoe including two adjustable side straps in longitudinal tension with anchor points on a base, the anchor points being arranged proximate to a metatarsal portion of the shoe, the adjustable side straps extending longitudinally from the anchor points rearwardly along a heel strap that wraps around the back of an ankle portion.

Claims

1. A topless shoe comprising: a sole extending along a longitudinal direction from a heel portion to a toe portion and defining a lateral side and a medial side; opposing heel tension side straps secured to the sole with heel anchor points proximate to the heel portion extending in longitudinal tension to opposing ends of rear parts of converging sections; the converging sections positioned along opposing sides between the heel and toe portion extending from midsection sole anchors; a releasable strap behind the ankle extending rearwardly to couple the opposing ends of the rear parts of the converging sections; opposing adjustable side straps extending parallel from toe anchor points proximate to the toe portion to the converging sections; and, a releasable ankle strap extending to couple the opposing converging sections; wherein the opposing adjustable side straps loop around looping means proximate to the toe anchor points to fastener portions of the adjustable side straps such that the opposing adjustable side straps tighten by pulling on the adjustable side straps after looping through the looping means and remain in tension by coupling the adjustable side straps to the fastener portions of the adjustable side straps.

2. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the ankle strap loops from the converging section to define a receiving portion and a coupling portion, wherein the ankle strap is configured such that the ankle strap tightens by pulling on the ankle strap after looping through the converging section and remain in tension by coupling the coupling portion to the receiving portion.

3. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the strap behind the ankle loop from the converging sections to fastener portions of the strap behind the ankle are configured such that the strap behind the ankle tightens by pulling on the strap behind the ankle after looping through the converging section and remain in tension by coupling the strap behind the ankle to the fastener portions of the adjustable side straps.

4. The topless shoe of claim 3, wherein the strap behind the ankle is configured to be adjustably tightened.

5. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the side straps are configured to be adjustably tightened.

6. The topless shoe of claim 2, wherein the receiving portion and the coupling portion couple together via fasteners.

7. The topless shoe of claim 6, wherein the fasteners are Velcro.

8. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel tension straps are configured to be adjustably tightened.

9. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the heel anchor points extend from an internal heel portion of the sole.

10. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the toe anchor points extend from an internal toe portion of the sole.

11. A topless shoe comprising: a sole extending along a longitudinal direction from a heel portion to a toe portion and defining a lateral side and a medial side; opposing heel straps extending along the lateral and medial side secured to the sole forming opposing converging sections; a releasable strap behind the ankle extending rearwardly to couple the opposing ends of the rear parts of the converging sections; a front releasable ankle strap extending forward to the toe portion to couple the opposing converging sections; opposing adjustable side straps extending frontward parallel to the sole coupled to the converging sections to toe anchor points proximate to the toe portion; wherein the opposing adjustable side straps loop around looping means to fastener portions of the adjustable side straps such that the opposing adjustable side straps tighten by pulling on the adjustable side straps after looping through the looping means and remain in tension by coupling the adjustable side straps to the fastener portions of the adjustable side straps.

12. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the ankle strap loops from the converging section to define a receiving portion and a coupling portion, wherein the ankle strap is configured such that the ankle strap tightens by pulling on the ankle strap after looping through the converging section and remain in tension by coupling the coupling portion to the receiving portion.

13. The topless shoe of claim 1, wherein the strap behind the ankle loop from the converging sections to fastener portions of the strap behind the ankle are configured such that the strap behind the ankle tightens by pulling on the strap behind the ankle after looping through the converging section and remain in tension by coupling the strap behind the ankle to the fastener portions of the adjustable side straps.

14. The topless shoe of claim 11, wherein an internal post anchors the converging section into an internal middle portion of the sole.

15. The topless shoe of claim 11, wherein the strap behind the ankle is configured to be adjustably tightened.

16. The topless shoe of claim 12, wherein the receiving portion and the coupling portion couple together via fasteners.

17. The topless shoe of claim 16, wherein the fasteners are Velcro.

18. The topless shoe of claim 11, wherein the heel tension straps are configured to be adjustably tightened.

19. The topless shoe of claim 11, wherein the heel anchor points extend from an internal heel portion of the sole.

20. The topless shoe of claim 11, wherein the toe anchor points extend from an internal toe portion of the sole.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 according to an embodiment illustrates a drawing of the Topless Footwear foot ware.

[0011] FIG. 2 according to an embodiment illustrates a side photograph of a person wearing the Topless Footwear, with the entire top of the person's foot exposed.

[0012] FIG. 3 according to an embodiment, illustrates a top-down photograph of person wearing the Topless Footwear, with the entire top of the person's foot exposed.

[0013] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary topless footwear.

[0014] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary topless footwear.

[0015] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary topless footwear.

[0016] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

[0018] Topless Footwear are footwear that has no traditional coverings or attachments on the front part of the foot. Topless Footwear are the only footwear designed and made which is attached to the feet only at the back of the foot, where the achilles' is located, and the top part of the foot closest to the ankle. Present are innovative, proprietary and revolutionary Side Straps 2 which are adjustable to maintain upward pressure on the sole of the foot ware to the sole of your foot, so that the sole of the foot ware hugs the bottom of your feet without the traditional annoying and uncomfortable straps or webbing over the front part of the foot.

[0019] By creating footwear without coverings on the front part of the foot, the toes and front portions of the feet are free of the confinement, squishing, abrasion and discomfort associated with sandals or traditional footwear. The toes and front portion of the foot are free from the disfiguring compression and unhealthy sweatiness of traditional sandals or traditional sneakers. No more annoying, irritation and blisters caused by connections between the big toe and the index toe like flip flops have. No more constricting and compressing coverings of your toes like in sandals, or regular shoes for that matter. The front of your foot and your toes can finally breathe, get a tan and promote healthy circulation. Hammer toes are frequently caused or aggravated by the traditional coverings on the front part of the foot, thus wearing Topless Footwear, the wearer can finally straighten out their hammer toes.

[0020] The strap on the upper part of the foot, the Ankle Strap 3, and the straps between the

[0021] Ankle Strap 3 and the sole of the footwear 5 (on the sole in the area of the ball of the foot, on both sides), the Side Straps 2 are all infinitely adjustable with Velcro straps or slide buckles or other adjustment method. There is a strap behind the ankle 1, that is connected to Side Straps 2 that is connected to the sole below the ankle and at the point the strap behind the ankle 1 turns into Sides Straps 2. The innovative adjustable side straps 2 are also connected to the sole 5 in the area of the ball of the foot. All the straps are adjustable such as by Velcro, snaps, buckles, and other adjusting and fastening means.

[0022] The uppers of the Topless Footwear 1/2/3 are made of leather, synthetic leather and/or other desirable materials. The soles 6 of the Topless Footwear, are made of synthetic or natural material with possible antimicrobial properties contacting the foot. The sole bottoms 5 contacting the ground are made of synthetic rubber or other materials for light-weight comfort and extended wear.

[0023] The uppers of the Topless Footwear, that are separately designed for beach goers, are made of nylon & polyester blend woven materials, still with the same general overall design, including Velcro and/or or slide buckles or other adjustment method, but dry quickly without retaining moisture.

[0024] The uppers of the Topless Footwear, that are designed for more fashionable occasions, are made with leather or other high quality materials, with snaps, or belt buckles or other adjusting materials/mechanisms replacing the Velcro or other adjustment method.

[0025] FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary topless footwear. Topless footwear 400 includes a strap behind the ankle 1. The strap behind the ankle 1 may, for example advantageously couple the hindfoot to the shoe. This may, for example, advantageously prevent the foot from slipping out from the shoe. In some examples, the strap behind the ankle 1 may be adjustable. This may, for example, advantageously provide the user with a tightening means enabling different types of fits. For example, the user may want a tighter fit if they are going on a hike. In some examples, the user may want a looser fit if they are going to the beach. The strap behind the ankle 1 may, for example, extend upwardly and rearwardly from a converging section 10. The converging sections 10 may, for example, couple the straps of the topless footwear 400 together. The converging sections 10 may, for example, advantageously adjustably couple the straps. This may, in some examples, advantageously enable couple the shoe to the foot of a user.

[0026] In some examples, each of the converging sections 10 includes an internal post 15. The internal post 15 may, for example, increase the structural integrity of the converging sections 10. For example, the internal post 15 may be anchored in the sole 6. This extension of the internal post 15 may, for example, increase the rigidity of the converging sections 10. For example, this extension may anchor the internal post 15 into the sole 6. By anchoring the internal post 15, the converging sections 10 may remain rigid. This may, for example, advantageously support the coupling of the footwear 400 to the foot. For example, the rigidity of the internal post 15 may maintain the connections between the strap behind the ankle 1, the ankle strap 3, and the tensions straps 10. In some examples, the internal post 15 anchors the converging sections 10 into an internal middle portion of the sole 6.

[0027] In various examples, the converging sections 10 may be anchored to the sole 6 with midsection sole anchors. This may, for example, advantageously couple the converging sections 10 to the sole 6.

[0028] In some embodiments, the topless footwear includes side straps 2. The side straps 2 may, for example, be configured to advantageously provide a coupling pressure between the insole 4 and the user's foot. This force may, for example, advantageously prevent the footwear 400 from sliding off the user. The side straps 2 may, in some examples, extend in longitudinal tension from the strap anchor 7. The strap anchor 7 may, for example, be anchored to the sole 6. The strap anchor 7 may, for example, advantageously create tension between the user's hindfoot and the insole 4. For example, this tension provides a coupling force between the insole 4 and the user's hindfoot to keep the user's foot from slipping out of the topless footwear. The side straps 2 may, for example, extend rearwardly at angle towards a portion of the converging sections 10 above the sole 6. The side straps 2 may, in some examples, extend from the strap anchors 6 such that the side straps 2 and the strap behind the ankle form a U shape.

[0029] In various embodiments, the topless footwear includes an ankle strap 3. The ankle strap 3 extends from one of the converging sections 10 to the other converging section 10 on the opposing side of the topless footwear 400. The ankle strap 3 may, for example, be adjustable. The adjustability of the ankle strap 3 may, for example, advantageously enable the ankle strap 3 to be loosened or tightened. The ankle strap 3 includes a receiving portion and a coupling portion. The receiving portion and the coupling portion may, for example, be coupled together via fasteners. The fasteners may, for example, be Velcro.

[0030] In some embodiments, the topless footwear includes tension straps 20. The tension straps 20 may, for example, be anchored to the sole 6 at heel anchor points 22. The tension straps 22 may, for example, advantageously create tension between the user's hindfoot and the insole 4. For example, this tension provides a coupling force between the insole 4 and the user's hindfoot to keep the user's foot from slipping out of the topless footwear. The tension straps 22 may, for example, be in longitudinal tension with the heel anchor points 22 and the converging sections 10. The tension straps 22 extend longitudinally forward from the heel anchor points 22 to the converging sections 10.

[0031] In some embodiments, the tension straps 20 may provide coupling pressure between the insole 4 and the user's foot. The tension straps 20 may, for example, be configured to provide coupling pressure on the user's hindfoot. For example, the tension straps 15 may force the insole 6 against the user's hindfoot. This may, for example, advantageously increase the amount of upward force applied to the user's foot. In some embodiments, the tension straps 20 may be adjustable. Adjusting the tension straps 15 may, for example, change the upward force applied to the user's foot.

[0032] In various embodiments, the topless footwear 400 may include a heel portion 24, a middle portion 26, and a toe portion 28. The strap anchors 7 may be arranged at the toe portion 28 of the shoe. The strap anchors 7 may, for example, be arranged on opposing sides proximate to the toe portion 28 of the shoe. The heel anchor points 22 may, for example, be arranged on opposing sides proximate to the heel portion 24 of the shoe. The converging sections 10 may, for example, extend from opposing sides of the sole on a middle portion 26 of the shoe.

[0033] In some implementations, the sole 5 defines a lateral side and a medial side. The converging sections 10 include side strap adjustment buckles 30. The side straps 2 may, in some examples, loop through the side strap adjustment buckles 30. The side straps 2 may, for example, be configured to be adjustably tightened. For example, the side straps 2 may be looped through the side strap adjustment buckles 30 and pulled to the user's desired tightness. The portion of the side strap 2 arranged through the sides strap adjustment buckles 30 may, in some examples, couple to the portion of the side strap 2 that was not arranged through the side strap adjustment buckles 30. This may, for example, advantageously prevent the side strap 2 from loosening by itself.

[0034] In various implementations, the converging sections 10 includes an ankle strap adjustment buckle 32. The ankle strap 3 may, in some examples, loop through the ankle strap adjustment buckle 32. The ankle strap 3 may, for example, be configured to be adjustably tightened. For example, the ankle strap 3 may be looped through the ankle strap adjustment buckle 32 and pulled to the user's desired tightness. The portion of the ankle strap 3 arranged through the sides strap adjustment buckles 30 may, in some examples, couple to the portion of the ankle strap 3 that was not arranged through the ankle strap adjustment buckle 32. This may, for example, advantageously prevent the ankle strap 3 from loosening by itself.

[0035] In some embodiments, the converging sections 10 include a strap behind the ankle adjustment buckle 34. The strap behind the ankle 1 may, in some examples, loop through the strap behind the ankle adjustment buckle 34. The strap behind the ankle 1 may, for example, be configured to be adjustably tightened. For example, the strap behind the ankle 1 may be looped through the strap behind the ankle adjustment buckle 34 and pulled to the user's desired tightness. The portion of the strap behind the ankle 1 arranged through the strap behind the ankle adjustment buckle 34 may, in some examples, couple to the portion of the strap behind the ankle 1 that was not arranged through the strap behind the ankle adjustment buckle 34. This may, for example, advantageously prevent the strap behind the ankle 1 from loosening by itself.

[0036] In various embodiments, the converging sections 10 may include tension strap adjustment buckles. The tension straps 20 may, in some examples, loop through the tension strap adjustment buckles. The tension straps 20 may, for example, be configured to be adjustably tightened. For example, the tension straps 20 may be looped through the tension strap adjustment buckles and pulled to the user's desired tightness. The portion of the tension straps 20 arranged through the tension strap adjustment buckles may, in some examples, couple to the portion of the tension straps 20 that was not arranged through the tension strap adjustment buckles. This may, for example, advantageously prevent the tension straps 20 from loosening by itself.

[0037] In some implementations, the topless footwear 400 include toe anchor points 36. The toe anchor points 36 may, for example, advantageously anchor the adjustable side straps 2 to the sole 6. This may, in some examples, advantageously create longitudinal tension between the converging sections 10 and the toe anchor points 36 when the adjustable side straps 2 are coupled with the converging sections 10.

[0038] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary topless footwear. Arrangement 500 include parallel straps 505. The parallel straps 505 extend from the strap anchor 7 to a bottom portion of the converging section 10 such that the parallel straps 505 are parallel. This may, for example, advantageously provide a force that drives the arrangement 500 into the strap behind the ankle 1. This may, for example, advantageously secure the foot to the strap behind the ankle 1. For example, this may advantageously couple the user's foot to the arrangement. This arrangement may, for example, be a topless shoe.

[0039] FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary topless footwear. As depicted in FIG. 6, device 600 may include the converging section 10 positioned at the longitudinal halfway point in the device 600. The positioning of the converging section 10 at this point may, for example, advantageously provide a central coupling point between the footwear 600 and the user's foot. This may, for example, advantageously couple the user's foot to the device 600

[0040] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms connected, coupled, and mounted, and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms connected and coupled and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0041] Although various embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, other embodiments are possible.

[0042] Although an exemplary system has been described with reference to FIGS. 1-6, other implementations may be deployed in other industrial, scientific, medical, commercial, and/or residential applications.

[0043] In various examples, a topless shoe including only a base with adjustable side straps and tensions straps, both the adjustable side straps and the tensions straps being configured to maintain a coupling pressure for the base on the user's foot.

[0044] In various embodiments, the strap behind the ankle may be releasably tightened from the side strap adjustment buckle. The ankle strap may, in some examples, be releasably tightened from the ankle strap adjustment buckle.

[0045] In some implementations, the heel anchor points 22 may be anchored into an internal heel portion of the sole 6. The toe anchor points 36 may be anchored into an internal toe portion of the sole 6.

[0046] In various implementations, the converging sections 10 include a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion may, for example, couple with the tension straps 20. The front portion may, for example, couple with the side straps 2.

[0047] In some embodiments, the strap anchors may be arranged at a metatarsal portion of the shoe. This may, for example, advantageously position the strap anchors to provide a coupling force between the user's foot and the sole of the shoe. This coupling force may, for example, be applied from the sole of the shoe onto the entire length of the user's foot. The strap anchors may, for example, be arranged proximate to the metatarsal portion of the sole. The strap anchors may, for example, be arranged on opposing sides of the sole. The heel anchor points may, for example, be arranged proximate to a heel portion of the sole. The heel anchor points may, for example, be arranged on opposing sides of the sole. This may, for example, advantageously provide a coupling force from the back portion of the topless shoe to the user's foot. This may, for example, advantageously couple the user's foot to the sole of the shoe. This may, in some examples, prevent the shoe from slipping out from the user's foot. In some implementations, the converging sections extend from opposing side of the sole on a tarsal portion.

[0048] In various embodiments, the converging sections 10 may couple to each of the straps in the topless footwear. This may, for example, provide a coupling between the topless footwear and the user's foot. For example, the strap system coupled to the converging sections 10 may provide force between the topless footwear and the user's foot. This may, for example, prevent the topless footwear from slipping out from the user's foot.

[0049] In some embodiments, each of the straps of the topless footwear may be adjustably tightened. For example, the straps may be tightened when the wearer wants to hike with the topless footwear. The straps may, for example, be loosened when the wearer wants to go to the beach with the topless footwear.

[0050] In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods relate to a footwear that has adjustable side straps between the sole or bottom of the footwear. In addition, the footwear has a back strap 1 elevated above the heel level and a top strap 3 crossing over near the wearer's ankle. All the straps are adjustable such as by Velcro, snaps, buckles, and other adjusting and fastening means.

[0051] The details of various embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0052] The bad thing about flip-flops, is they blow out! Now there's Topless Footwear. Topless Footwear never blow out. Toes will love them. It's the closest thing that anyone can get to walking barefoot. It's like wearing an ankle bracelet, and not having shoes on at all. Topless Footwear are also quite sexy. This whole new category of innovative foot ware provides a way to finally show off toes and beautiful feet.

[0053] Topless Footwear is known to alleviate hammer toe, and assist those who experience toe pain in all shoes. Topless Footwear is also known to alleviate neuropathy in the foot and toes. Now with Topless Footwear wearers can look cool and their feet and toes will feel great.

[0054] Ever try jogging in flip-flops? Orthopedists (Chiropractor) say that Flip Flops hurt your

[0055] back. People can jog on the beach wearing their Topless Footwears! Topless Footwear are so incredibly lightweight, your feet feel like they're flying naked. Topless Footwear come on and off so easily, and can adjust to fit ankles exactly, and are very popular too. Wearing Topless Footwear to pedicure appointments keeps toes free to dry without smudging. Topless Footwear allow users to move their toes and finally straighten out that hammer toe. Topless Footwear also alleviate sweaty feet.

[0056] Topless Footwear minimizes tan lines on feet, boosts healthy circulation and is an aid in caring for injured toes.

[0057] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, advantageous results may be achieved if the steps of the disclosed techniques were performed in a different sequence, or if components of the disclosed systems were combined in a different manner, or if the components were supplemented with other components. Accordingly, other implementations are contemplated within the scope of the following claims.