JP7248786B2 - Device for preventing young children from removing articles of clothing - Google Patents

Description

The field of embodiments of the present invention relates to devices for preventing the removal of coverings from the body, ie, devices for preventing the removal of clothing and/or coverings from hands and feet. In particular, the present embodiments relate to a strap fastening connection mechanism for preventing clothing and/or articles of footwear from being removed or lost by infants.

It is very important for young children, especially infants and babies, to wear various coverings such as gloves, mittens, socks, shoes, caps, etc. on their hands and feet. Such coverings help protect the child from the external environment and maintain a normal body temperature. However, these coverings can be lost by children twisting, kicking, or moving around.

As babies get older, they start to become aware of their surroundings. As a result, babies play with their hands and feet, pulling and grabbing their own hands and toes. As babies become more athletic, they become better at uncovering through their own intentional actions. However, it is rudimentary to replace or prevent loss of the covering. In many cases, for example, shoes are lost too late without the parent or caregiver noticing the loss. Not only is this undesirable for children, but it also creates financial problems for young parents, such as the cost of replacing the covering.

Furthermore, it is important that such implementations be safe to use. As mentioned above, young children are particularly curious about their surroundings. As they "discover" new senses, abilities, etc., the likelihood of injury increases. Infants, especially babies, are very good at chewing and tearing apart toys and pieces of clothing. In fact, federal law dictates that a choking hazard warning must be placed on such products. Therefore, it is very important for any system designed for children that there are no small objects that can fall apart from the larger product and cause suffocation or serious injury to the child.

Attempts have been made to remedy the potential for clothing loss, but they have been unsuccessful because they are difficult to implement and uncomfortable for the baby. These solutions include using cords, wraps, straps, etc. to secure the covering to another article of clothing or to the baby itself. A better solution, to a greater extent, takes advantage of what babies normally cannot do to engage with their surroundings. Children under the age of three usually have many individual skills, but lack the ability to combine them to solve problems. Thus, children have excellent manual dexterity, finger strength, and problem-solving skills, but these are often disjointed.

The present invention and its embodiments provide a device that is used to bond coverings, such as a shoe and sock combination, together to prevent both coverings from coming off. The simple yet novel device can be easily operated by an adult, but not by an infant. The device, in one embodiment, prevents shoe slippage by preventing the shoe from slipping off the heel. It is clear that the sock cannot be removed without removing the shoes first. Further, the unitary construction of the device prevents suffocation or other harm to children.

U.S. Patent No. 5,300,009 relates to an anklet that is unintentionally released with a strap that encircles a child's ankle and a quick-disconnect buckle that attaches to and selectively retains the strap around the ankle. It also includes a leash that engages the foot covering worn by the child and which is attached to the slap to prevent loss of the foot covering at times. The strap includes an ankle-facing layer and a circumference-facing layer. The ankle-facing layer is made of an elastomer with a modulus of elasticity. The perimeter-facing layer directly covers the ankle-facing layer and is made of fabric with a limited modulus of elasticity. This prevents the layer facing the ankle from exceeding its modulus of elasticity and failing. A leash is an endless loop that extends through the covering of the foot and then back through itself. In doing so, it is self-fixating to the foot covering.

US Pat. No. 6,200,400 relates to a connector, the connector having one end removably secured to the back of the sock over the heel area and the other end removably secured to the back of the shoe or outside the heel area. This connector, when secured, completely prevents the sock from riding or sliding on the shoe.

US Pat. No. 5,300,009 relates to a sock with flaps projecting from the rear or heel area. The flap is secured to the rear or outside of the heel area of the shoe to prevent the sock from riding, slipping or otherwise acting on the heel cavity of the shoe as the person moves around wearing the sock and shoe. be done.

Patent Document 4 discloses a baby sling with a foot support shoe that can support the baby's legs so that the baby's knees do not bend or the baby's legs do not hang when the baby is held on the chest of the holder. It relates to a baby sling that prevents the baby's thighs from being squeezed and rubbed between the holder and the baby sling, while promoting blood circulation to improve the health and stability of the baby.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,619 U.S. Pat. No. 4,187,619 U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,324 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0011902

As such, various devices are known in the art. However, their structure and means of operation differ substantially from the present disclosure. Other inventions fail to solve all the problems taught by this disclosure. The present invention provides a device for use with various articles of clothing to prevent separation of the articles of clothing. While the device can be easily operated by an adult, the same operation cannot be fully performed by a child. At least one embodiment of the invention is presented in the following drawings and is described in more detail herein.

The present invention and its embodiments generally describe an apparatus used to join one or more articles of clothing and/or footwear to another article. This is accomplished through a multi-layered system that works using various combinations of motor skills. Such skills are found in teenagers and adults, but are not easily manipulated by young children. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a sock that can interact with the article of footwear, where the footwear is bonded to the sock to prevent the article of footwear from coming off. In another example, if the article of footwear does not use socks, the present invention further prevents the socks themselves from coming off. However, the principles described herein are equally applicable to mittens, hats, gloves, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, a device for preventing detachment of at least one covering. The apparatus includes a first connector coupled to the first covering, the first connector having a connector operable to form a connection with the second covering; the first connector and the first covering; and a second connector coupled to the object, the second covering being positioned about the first covering.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a device for preventing detachment of at least one covering. The device has a first connector coupled to the first covering, the connector being operable to form a connection with the second covering, the passageway covering being provided on a surface of the first covering. and a second connector coupled to the first connector and the first covering, the second connector having a first portion and a second portion, the second covering Disposed to at least partially cover the first covering, the connector has a first coupling passageway and a second coupling passageway, the first coupling passageway removably coupled to the second covering. and a second connector.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a device for preventing at least one covering from coming off. The device includes a first strap connector coupled to the first covering and having a first end and a second end, with a hinged connector provided at the first end to the second strap connector. A connection can be formed with two coverings, a passage covering provided on the surface of the first covering, a hinged connector having a first connecting passage and a second connecting passage, and a first connecting a first strap connector, the passageway being hingedly connectable to the second covering, and a second strap connector coupled to the second end of the first strap connector and the first covering, , a first strap portion, a second strap portion, at least one coupling mechanism, and at least one complementary coupling mechanism, wherein the second strap connector is passed through the passageway covering such that the at least one coupling mechanism a second strap connector coupled to at least one complementary coupling mechanism.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of retaining at least one covering to prevent dislodgement and/or loss of the at least one covering. The method comprises providing a first covering with a first connector provided on the first covering, the first connector having a connector coupled to itself; coupling a first end of two connectors to a second end of a second connector, the second connector being disposed about the first covering and the first covering; providing a second covering proximate the first covering; connecting the first covering to the second covering by coupling a connector of the first covering to the second covering; and securing to 2 coverings.

At least one embodiment is a sock and article of footwear that can be bonded together to prevent both coverings from coming off. In a preferred embodiment, there is a channel covering disposed on the surface of the sock. The passageway covering provides openings at each end of the passageway formed between the passageway covering and the sock. A strap or securing strap is passed through this passage. A connection mechanism is provided at both ends of the strap. Opposite the sock, the strap is threaded through the second passage member of the first connector and secured by a second strap. The socks are then secured to the infant's feet by joining the ends of the straps together.

A connector connected to the sock is passed through an opening in the cuff of the sock. By passing this connector through the opening, the cuff is folded downward and fixed. This causes the cuff of the sock to fold down and lock in place so that the passageway formed by the connector is inaccessible. A connector is then used to join the heel loop or other equivalent structure of the article of footwear to the sock. This completes the setup and reassures the parent or caregiver that the socks and footwear will not separate from each other.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is a device for preventing the release of an article of footwear. The device is a sock having a first strap coupled thereto, the first strap having a first end and a second end, and a first connector provided on the first end. a first strap provided with a second connector on a second end; and a second strap coupled to the first strap configured to define at least one passageway. and a third strap configured to be threaded through the at least one passageway, the third strap having a third connector provided thereon. Prepare.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, there is a device for preventing the release of an article of footwear. A first strap is a bound sock, the first strap having a first end and a second end, with a male connector provided on the first end and the second end a first strap having a female connector provided thereon and a second strap directly coupled to the first strap, the second strap being configured to form at least one passageway; and a third strap configured to be threaded through the at least one passageway, the female connector on the first end of the third strap. and a third strap wherein the length of the third strap is adjustable.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of securing an article of footwear. The method includes providing a sock, the sock being a first strap coupled to the sock and having a first end and a second end, a second strap on the first end. a first strap having one connector and a second connector on a second end; and a second strap coupled to the first strap and configured to form at least one passageway. and a third strap configured to be threaded through the at least one passageway, the third strap having a third connector on the third strap. wrapping a third strap around the sock, the third strap being threaded through the passageway of the article of footwear; and connecting the third connector to a fourth strap provided on the second strap. Coupling the connector and coupling the second connector of the first strap to the first connector of the first strap.

Furthermore, the system is designed and intended for safe use by children, especially infants. All products are attached to each other in a manner that prevents separation of one product from another. Not only does this create an effective provision to prevent the product from coming off, but it also prevents any product or invention as a whole from being a choking risk to the infant.

In general, the invention provides other advantages and objects not mentioned below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for bonding one coating to another coating.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that is safe for use by infants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus composed of various interconnected products that produce a single structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that prevents removal and/or loss of an article of footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be easily operated by an adult but not by an infant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device having multiple stages of locking to prevent any of the products from becoming dislodged.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that is lightweight and comfortable to wear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that imposes less burden on the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which contributes to the financial savings of the purchaser by preventing and/or limiting the loss of certain products.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can accommodate children of various shapes and sizes.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used with multiple forms and types of coverings including socks, footwear, mittens, gloves, hats and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a discreet and unobtrusive device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that saves time putting on footwear for a child.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that protects the feet and associated skin surfaces from product exposure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first covering with passages exposed; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first covering with the top folded over the passageway; FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first covering with the top folded. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the first covering with the top extended with the first connector coupled thereto; FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the first covering with the top folded, with the first connector coupled thereto; FIG. 4 is a front view of the first covering with the second connector threaded through the passage; FIG. 4 is a front view of the first covering with the second connector coupled to the first covering; FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the first covering with the second connector threaded over the first connector; A first embodiment of a connector. A second embodiment of the connector. FIG. 4 is a side view of a first covering coupled to a second covering; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the second embodiment with the strap system of the second embodiment of the present invention exposed; Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment with a sock at least partially covering the strap system of the second embodiment; Fig. 10 is a rear view of the second embodiment with a sock at least partially covering the strap system of the second embodiment; Fig. 10 is an enlarged front perspective view of the strap system of the second embodiment in an open state; Fig. 10 is an enlarged front perspective view of the strap system of the second embodiment with a sock at least partially covering and fully securing the strap system; FIG. 11 is a side view of the second embodiment with the third strap threaded through the at least one passageway; Fig. 10 is a side perspective view of the second embodiment with a third strap threaded through at least two passages; Fig. 3 is a side view of the second embodiment with the sock and article of footwear coupled;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are designated with the same reference numerals.
Reference will now be made in detail to each embodiment of the invention. The embodiments are provided as illustrations of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments. Indeed, those skilled in the art will appreciate, upon reading this specification and viewing the drawings, that various modifications and variations are possible.

Figure 1 shows a first covering 100 as a sock. However, the first covering 100 may be any kind of covering, including but not limited to hats, gloves, mittens, stockings, etc., or non-garments, or any combination thereof.

The first covering 100 generally has a first or upper region 134 and a second or lower region 136 . These may or may not be physical tops or bottoms, and may simply be the relationship of one part to the other. A passageway covering 108 is provided at the end of the upper region 134 and the beginning of the lower region 136 . However, other embodiments may utilize other locations for the passageway covering 108 . The passageway covering 108 is made of the same or different material as the first covering 100 and is strip-shaped. The passageway covering 108 is preferably adhered to the first covering 100 along at least one point along the passageway covering 108 . The passageway covering 108 preferably forms passageways having passageway openings 140 . The passageway allows material to be passed between the passageway coating 108 and the first coating 100 and secured or otherwise retained therein. At least one opening 138 is provided in the first covering 100 such that the first covering 100 is positioned over an object.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first covering 100 has an upper region 134 that is folded over a portion of the first covering 100 . The uncovered portion is either the bottom region 136 alone or a combination of the top region 134 and the bottom region 136 . The passageway covering 108 is preferably covered by an upper region 134 which is folded and arranged as shown. In other embodiments, passageway covering 108 may remain exposed.

As shown in FIG. 3, an opening 132 is provided in the upper region 134 when viewed from the back side of the first covering 100 . The position of opening 132 coincides with the position of a second opening (not shown) in another portion of first covering 100 . The openings 132 are oriented vertically, horizontally, obliquely, or the like. Also, apertures 132 can be located at other locations than the back side of the covering, including but not limited to the front, sides, bottom, top, or combinations thereof. Also shown in FIG. 3 is lower region 136 and opening 138 .

As shown in FIG. 4A, first connector 102 is coupled to first covering 100 . A connector 104 is provided at the end of the first connector 102 . First connector 102 is preferably passed through opening 132 and terminates at connector 104 . Connector 104 preferably has at least first coupling passage 124 and second coupling passage 126 . The connector 104 further includes a locking mechanism 142 for locking the position of at least one of the coupling passages and for permitting movement of at least one of the coupling passages and possibly movement of at least one of the coupling passages relative to each other. hinge 128 or other equivalent mechanism to enable it.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the upper region 134 of the first covering 100 is folded downward, as previously described. The first connector 102 is arranged to pass through the opening 132 . Also, the connector 104 is arranged so as to hang down from the opening 132 .

As shown in FIG. 5A, the first covering 100 has a second connector 106 that passes between the passageway covering 108 and the first covering 100 . The second connector 106 is threaded through the passageway covering 108 through the passageway opening 140 . The second connector 106 has a first end and a second end with at least one coupling mechanism 112 located at one end and at least one complementary coupling mechanism 120 located at the other end. Complementary binding mechanism 120 can be coupled to binding mechanism 112 . Coupling mechanism 112 and complementary coupling mechanism 120 may be any number of mechanisms including, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, fasteners, snaps, buttons, clips, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the ends of second connector 106 are coupled via coupling mechanism 112 and complementary coupling mechanism 120 . The second connector 106 is then positioned so that the two fixed ends of the second connector 106 are below the passageway covering 108 . This allows the upper region to be folded downwards to cover the passageway covering 108 and the second connector 106 as shown in FIG. 4B.

The second connector 106 generally comprises a first portion 114 and a second portion 116, as shown in more detail from the rear with reference to FIG. The first portion 114 is coupled to the second portion 116 such that a gap of some length remains between the second portion 116 and the second portion 116 . This allows the second connector 106 to be rotatably adjustable around the first covering 100 . First portion 114 is coupled to second portion 116 along at least two points. Bonding at these points may be permanent or removable. If the coupling is detachable, the first portion 114 or the second portion 116 are passed through the second passageway 118 of the first connector 102 to join the two components (products). A second passageway 118 is formed between the two connection points on the first covering 100 (see FIG. 4A). However, the second connector 106 partially obscures one of the connection points in the figure. Alternatively, first portion 114 and second portion 116 are preferably permanently combined and sold together with first covering 100 as a single "unit." Such permanent configurations are handled in the same manner as described above for removable configurations. Such a single unit (permanent) configuration not only ensures that the product cannot be lost, but also promotes child safety by eliminating the risk of suffocation. Connector 104 is threaded through opening 132, as shown in FIG.

7A and 7B, two alternative embodiments of connector 104 are shown. Although these two embodiments are shown, any number of embodiments of the connector 104 exist and the two shown are merely exemplary.

Each connector 104 is shown connected to the first connector 102 . As noted above, the first connector 102 is preferably coupled to the first covering 100 as shown at least in FIG. Connector 104 comprises a circular or polygonal or non-polygonal member, includes first and second portions, and has hinge 128 and locking mechanism 142 . Hinge 128 is any mechanism that allows one of the first portion or the second portion to move relative to the other portion. In some cases, hinge 128 allows movement of both parts.

A locking mechanism 142 preferably allows the two portions of connector 104 to be brought together and secured to them. The securing mechanism 142 can provide a locking element or use a friction fit to removably secure the two parts together. First coupling passage 124 and second coupling passage 126 are embodied by connector 104 .

7A, both the first coupling passage 124 and the second coupling passage 126 are provided in the interior region of the connector 104. In FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 7B, the second coupling passage 126 includes the interior of the connector 104 and the first coupling passage 124 is inside one of the first portion or the second portion of the connector 104. exists in In either case, the position, orientation, etc. may differ with respect to the actual configuration.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the arrangement between the first covering 100 and the second covering 200. FIG. First covering 100 is positioned such that upper region 134 is folded downward to cover second connector 106 and first passageway 108 . First connector 104 is passed through opening 132 and is coupled to second covering 200 via second coupling passageway 126 . The second covering 200 has a coupling passageway 130 or other suitable connecting mechanism. For example, coupling passage 130 is a loop. However, other mechanisms including cuffs, snaps, buttons, openings, etc. may be used.

The invention and its embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8 are preferably used to prevent the removal of products such as footwear and coverings for hands and feet from infants. In use, the first covering is worn and attached over the child's hands, head, feet, or other body appendages. The first covering preferably has a first connector and a connector coupled thereto.

The first covering is secured to the body's hand or foot via a second connector. The second connector has a coupling mechanism and a complementary coupling mechanism that allow selective adjustment of the "tightness" or "looseness" of the first covering around the body hand or foot. This helps prevent the first covering from coming off the body's hand or foot. The second connector is then covered by a portion of the first covering with the first connector pulled through the opening in the first covering. This limits access to the second connector and adds an extra layer of dexterity to remove the device and system as a whole.

A first connector pulled from an opening in the first covering is utilized for interaction with the second covering. A second coating is then placed near or near the first coating. Optionally, the second covering is placed over the body before the first covering. In other examples, the second covering remains coupled to the first covering and is not positioned over the body or is positioned so as not to completely cover the body.

The second covering is then bonded to the first covering via connecting passages or similarly arranged structures. In at least one embodiment, the connector is coupled to a loop provided on the second covering. In some cases, it is a loop on the underside of a shoe or other footwear. The connector should be releasably mated in such a way that the connector cannot be unintentionally disengaged from the mating passageway of the second covering.

Further, the first covering and the second covering should be arranged such that the second covering does not come off when bonded to the first covering. In one embodiment, there is an article of footwear coupled to a sock. Additionally, the sock is connected to the foot by a second connector with the natural shape fit of the sock. The first connector is prevented from being pulled beyond the second connector when the shoe is removed (taken off) while coupled to the sock. The length of the first connector prevents the shoe from going over the bottom of the heel. Therefore, the shoe cannot be removed (taken off) while it is attached to the sock.

9-16 show a second embodiment of the invention. Generally, the second embodiment has first strap 201 , second strap 207 and third strap 209 . First strap 201 has a first end 203 and a second end 205 . A first connector 213 is provided at the first end 203 and a second connector 215 is provided at the second end 205 . First strap 201 is coupled to sock 202 forming a passageway 223 between sock 202 and first strap 201 . A second strap 207 is coupled to the first strap 201 to form a passageway 211 . The outer surface of second strap 207 is attached directly to the outer surface of first strap 201 . Second strap 207 is coupled or secured to first strap 201 via screws, fasteners, snaps, etc., or a combination thereof. A second strap 207 has a first end and a second end attached to each other forming a loop structure. A passage 211 is formed by this loop structure. The connector 219 is arranged on the outer surface of the second strap 207 on the opposite side of the joint with the first strap 201 .

Third strap 209 preferably has a loop end and a tail end. The loop ends are partially formed by length adjustment mechanism 217 . The length adjustment mechanism 217 allows the third strap 209 to pass through the length adjustment mechanism 217 twice. As a result, a loop is formed on one side of the length adjustment mechanism 217 and a tail is formed on the other side of the length adjustment mechanism 217 . A loop is formed by passing third strap 209 through passageway 211 and passageway 223 , thereby securing the loop to first strap 201 and second strap 207 . This pulls the tail end of the third strap 209 around the user's ankle and secures it to the connector 219 located on the second strap 207 .

First strap 201, second strap 207, and third strap 209 are formed of the same material or different materials. Exemplary materials include woven or non-woven fabrics, fabrics, terry, woven or non-woven fibers, wool, flax, cotton, and/or yarn, denim fabrics, elastomeric fibers and fabrics, nylon, polyester, and or synthetic fibers such as acrylics, any combination thereof, but are not limited to these.

Connectors 213, 215, 219, and 220 are constructed from various combinations of male-female connectors with special interferences that allow for secure mating of the connectors while allowing for opening of the connectors as needed. Preferably, the first strap 201 is provided with one male connector and one female connector, the second strap 207 is provided with a male or female connector, and the third strap 209 is provided with a male or female connector. The aforementioned connector placement is made by supplementing that the connector selected for the second strap 207 and the third strap 209 are on opposite sides of each other allowing them to be joined as described below. .

In use, the second embodiment is worn by a child or other user by providing a sock 202 with a first strap 201 attached. The looped end of third strap 209 passes through both passageway 211 formed by second strap 207 and passageway 223 formed by sock 202 and first strap 201 . The length of third strap 209 can be adjusted via length adjustment mechanism 217 . A length adjustment mechanism 217 modifies the loops and tails of the third strap 209 to provide the desired fit as needed.

The third strap 209 is threaded through the loop portion 310 of the article of footwear 300 once the size is adjusted. A third strap 209 is steered to the front of the user and connector 220 on third strap 209 is coupled to connector 219 on second strap 207 . This creates a gentle and secure wrap around the ankle of a child or other user. The connector 215 on the second end 205 of the first strap 201 is folded upwards to mate with the connector 213 on the first end of the first strap 201 . This means that the first strap 201 is positioned near the first end 203 and approximately at the midpoint of the first strap 201 so that the sock is positioned at the first point and the second point. 202 is achieved. In this process, being covered by the first strap 201 ensures the positioning of the third strap 209 and prevents the third strap 209 from unraveling.

Additionally, the user can fold the sock 202 downward over at least a portion of the first strap 201 , the second strap 207 , and the third strap 209 . The sock 202 can be folded down once to cover the strap system of embodiments of the present invention. In other embodiments, the sock 202 is folded at least once and then folded over the strap system of embodiments of the present invention. The folding of the sock 202 not only provides comfort to the wearer, but also provides an additional layer to prevent accidental unraveling. Additionally, the folding of the sock 202 hides the snaps and prevents injury to the wearer or others.

A similar mechanism can be used, for example, to bind a coat to a pair of mittens so that the child cannot remove (take off) the mittens while they are bound to the coat. Also, the child may not have the motor skills to remove the mittens. The general invention is intended to include a plurality of interconnected products that provide an infant safe product. There is no risk of suffocation from each product as the products cannot be separated from each other. Other embodiments exist and are within the scope of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail, the present disclosure has been made by way of illustration only and many changes in the details of construction and arrangement of the product may be claimed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. should be understood.

Claims (11)

A device for preventing disengagement of an article of footwear, comprising:
A sock coupled with a first strap having a first end and a second end, a first connector being provided on the first end and a first connector on the second end a sock provided with a second connector;
a second strap coupled to the first strap and configured to define at least one first passageway;
a third strap configured to be threaded through said at least one first passageway, said third strap having a third connector provided thereon ;
the first strap is coupled to the sock to form a second passageway therebetween;
A fourth connector is provided on the outer surface of the second strap,
said third strap having a loop at one end thereof and a tail with said third connector at its other end;
The loop is formed by threading the third strap through the at least one first passageway and the second passageway such that one end of the third strap extends through the first strap and the second passageway. secured to the second strap;
the second connector configured to mate with the first connector;
the third connector configured to mate with the fourth connector;
The apparatus , wherein the third strap is configured to wrap around the sock . 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein
The apparatus, wherein the length of said third strap is adjustable. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
An apparatus comprising a length adjustment mechanism coupled to said third strap. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein
The apparatus, wherein the third strap is threaded through the length adjustment mechanism to form the loop and the tail . 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein
The device, wherein the second strap is directly attached to the first strap. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first strap is coupled to the sock at a first connection point and a second connection point. 7. A device according to claim 6 , wherein
the first connection point is provided near the first end of the first strap;
The device, wherein the second connection point is provided near the midpoint of the first strap. A device for preventing disengagement of an article of footwear, comprising:
A sock coupled with a first strap having a first end and a second end, with a first male connector provided on said first end and on said second end a sock provided with a first female connector in the
a second strap directly attached to the first strap configured to form at least one first passageway and a second male connector provided on the second strap; a second strap with a
a third strap configured to be threaded through the at least one first passageway;
the first strap is coupled to the sock to form a second passageway therebetween;
said third strap having a loop and a tail at each end thereof;
The loop is formed by threading the third strap through the at least one first passageway and the second passageway such that one end of the third strap extends through the first strap and the second passageway. secured to the second strap;
said third strap having a second female connector disposed on said tail ;
the first female connector configured to mate with the first male connector;
the second female connector configured to mate with the second male connector;
the third strap is configured to wrap around the sock;
The apparatus, wherein the length of said third strap is adjustable. A method of securing an article of footwear, comprising:
To provide a sock, the sock comprising:
a first strap coupled to the sock and having a first end and a second end, a first connector being provided on the first end and a first connector on the second end; a first strap having a second connector at the
a second strap coupled to the first strap and configured to define at least one first passageway;
a third strap configured to be threaded through said at least one first passageway, said third strap having a third connector provided thereon;
The first strap is coupled to the sock to form a second passageway therebetween, the method comprising:
A loop is formed in one end of the third strap by threading the third strap through the at least one first passageway and the second passageway, thereby looping one end of the third strap through the at least one first passageway and the second passageway. securing to the first strap and the second strap;
wrapping the third strap around the sock, the third strap passing through the passageway of the article of footwear;
coupling the third connector to a fourth connector provided on the second strap;
coupling said second connector of said first strap to said first connector of said first strap. 10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising
A method comprising adjusting the length of the third strap. 10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising
folding the sock to cover at least a portion of the first strap, the second strap and the third strap.

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