US20180295929A1

US20180295929A1 - Shoe with detachable upper

Info

Publication number: US20180295929A1
Application number: US15/956,570
Authority: US
Inventors: Jamie S. McLellan; Jad Finck; Timothy O. Brown; Lisa Halbower-Fenton
Original assignee: Allbirds, Inc.
Current assignee: Allbirds Inc
Priority date: 2017-04-18
Filing date: 2018-04-18
Publication date: 2018-10-18
Also published as: WO2018195208A2; WO2018195208A3

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with a sandal with detachable upper are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a method of securing a strap assembly to a sole of a shoe may include threading a first anchor of the strap assembly through an aperture of the sole and threading a second anchor of the strap assembly through the aperture. The method may further include positioning a post of the strap assembly adjacent to the aperture at the first side of the sole, wherein a shape of the post prevents the post from passing through the aperture, securing the first anchor within a first recess located within the sole; and securing the second anchor within a second recess located within the sole. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/486,925, filed Apr. 18, 2017, which is hereby specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of footwear. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a sandal with detachable upper.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
As footwear styles change, different designs of sandals go in and out of style. For legacy sandals with straps or strap assemblies permanently affixed to the soles of the sandals, the only way to keep up with the changing styles of sandals was to buy a new pair of sandals. This often resulted in the old pair of sandals that went out of style being discarded. Further, if either of the strap/strap assemblies or the sole of the sandal became damaged, the entire sandal would need to be discarded. These issues often resulted in functional sandals or portions of sandals ending up in landfills and contributing to growing pollution issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. To facilitate this description, like reference numerals designate like structural elements. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an example shoe, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the example shoe of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the example shoe of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an example sole, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the example sole of FIG. 4, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of an example sole, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of another example sole, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example strap assembly, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of an example shoe, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example procedure for securing a strap assembly to a sole, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example sole and strap assembly according to stage 1002 of the procedure of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the example sole and strap assembly of FIG. 11 according to stage 1004 of the procedure of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the example sole and strap assembly of FIG. 11 according to stage 1006 of the procedure of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the example sole and strap assembly of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of the example sole and strap assembly of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of the example sole and strap assembly of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of the example sole and strap assembly of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example post of a strap assembly, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of another example shoe, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of another example post, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of another example shoe, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of the example shoe of FIG. 21, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of another shoe, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates example retention members, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example post retention member, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example integrated retention member, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates another example shoe, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example integrated post and strap retention member, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 29 illustrates an example self-assembly configuration, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates the example self-assembly configuration of FIG. 29, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example anchor arrangement, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 32 illustrates an example post arrangement, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with a sandal with detachable upper are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a method of securing a strap assembly to a sole of a shoe may include threading a first anchor of the strap assembly through an aperture of the sole and threading a second anchor of the strap assembly through the aperture. The method may further include positioning a post of the strap assembly adjacent to the aperture at the first side of the sole, wherein a shape of the post prevents the post from passing through the aperture, securing the first anchor within a first recess located within the sole; and securing the second anchor within a second recess located within the sole.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the accompanying description. Alternate embodiments of the present disclosure and their equivalents may be devised without parting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. It should be noted that like elements disclosed below are indicated by like reference numbers in the drawings.
Various operations may be described as multiple discrete actions or operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the claimed subject matter. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations may not be performed in the order of presentation. Operations described may be performed in a different order than the described embodiment. Various additional operations may be performed and/or described operations may be omitted in additional embodiments.
For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).
The description may use the phrases “in an embodiment,” or “in embodiments,” which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous.
FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an example shoe 100, according to various embodiments. The shoe 100 may be a sandal, wherein the sandal may comprise an openwork upper, straps, and/or strap assemblies. The openwork upper, straps, and/or strap assemblies may be utilized for securing the shoe 100 to a foot of a wearer. The shoe 100 may have a toe 112 located at one end of the shoe 100 and a heel 114 located at an opposite end of the shoe 100. When worn, toes of the wearer may be located toward the toe 112 of the shoe 100 and a heel of the wearer may be located toward the heel 114 of the shoe.
The shoe 100 may include a sole 102. A foot of the wearer may be located on a top side 106 of the sole 102 when the shoe is worn. The sole 102 may be shaped to extend under an entirety of the foot of the wearer. Accordingly, the sole 102 may be located between the foot of the wearer and a surface on which the wearer is standing when the shoe 100 is being worn. The sole 102 may extend from the toe 112 of the shoe 100 to the heel 114 of the shoe 100.
The sole 102 may include a midsole 104 and an outer sole (see outer sole 204 of FIG. 2). The midsole 104 may extend along the top side 106 of the sole 102 and may be directed toward the foot of the wearer when the shoe 100 is worn. In particular, the foot of the wearer may contact the midsole 104 when the shoe 100 is worn and the wearer is standing on a surface.
The midsole 104 may be formed of a material that provides cushioning for the foot of the wearer. In some embodiments, the midsole 104 may be formed of a foam, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, or some combination thereof. Further, in some embodiments, the midsole 104 may be contoured based on the shape of the foot of the wearer and/or may be ergonomically designed to absorb shock, provide arch support, and/or maintain the foot of the wearer in a proper anatomical position.
The midsole 104 may have a first recess 108 and a second recess 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 extend into the midsole 104 from a top surface 133 of the midsole 104. In other embodiments, the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 may extend into the midsole 104 from any exposed surface of the midsole 104, including the top surface 133 of the midsole, a first side surface 116 of the midsole 104, a second side surface 118 of the midsole 104, a bottom surface of the midsole 104 (the bottom surface opposite to the top surface 133), or some combination thereof.
The first recess 108 and the second recess 110 may extend into the midsole 104 in locations that are closer to the heel 114 of the shoe 100 than to the toe 112 of the shoe 100. Further, the first recess 108 may extend into the midsole 104 at a location toward the first side surface 116 of the midsole 104 and the second recess 110 may extend into the midsole 104 at a location toward the second side surface 118 of the midsole 104. In particular, the location where first recess 108 extends into the midsole 104 may be closer to the first side surface 116 than to the second side surface 118, and the location where the second recess 110 extends into the midsole 104 may be closer to the second side surface 118 than to the first side surface 116.
The first recess 108 and the second recess 110 may be elongated. For example, the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 may be elongated in directions substantially (within 10 degrees) parallel to a length of the shoe 100, the length of the shoe 100 extending between the toe 112 of the shoe 100 and the heel 114 of the shoe, thereby bisecting the sole 102. In particular, a length 122 of the first recess 108 may be greater than a width 124 of the first recess 108 and a length 126 of the second recess 110 may be greater than a width 128 of the second recess 110. Further, the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 may be elongated in a same direction or in directions within 20 degrees of each other. While the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 are shown having a straight elongation in the illustrated embodiment, it is to be understood that either or both of the first recess 108 and the second recess 110 may have a curved elongation in other embodiments.
The sole 102 may further have an aperture 130 that extends through the midsole 104. In particular, a first end of the aperture 130 may be located at the top surface 133 of the midsole 104 and may extend past the bottom surface of the midsole 104 (the bottom surface opposite to the top surface 133). The aperture 130 may extend through an entirety of the sole 102, which may include both the midsole 104 and the outer sole.
The aperture 130 may extend into the midsole 104 in a location that is closer to the toe 112 of the shoe 100 than to the heel 114 of the shoe 100. Further, the location that the aperture extends into the midsole 104 may be located toward a midpoint between the first side surface 116 of the midsole 104 and the second side surface 118 of the midsole 104, or closer to the first side surface 116 of the midsole 104 than to the second side surface 118 of the midsole 104. In particular, the aperture 130 may be positioned such that the aperture 130 is to be located between a big toe and other toes of the wearer when the foot of the wearer is positioned on the sole 102 as intended. Further, a distance between the aperture 130 and the first side surface 116 of the midsole 104 may be greater than a distance between the first recess 108 and the first side surface 116 of the midsole 104, and a distance between the aperture 130 and the second side surface 118 of the midsole 104 may be greater than a distance between the second recess 110 and the second side surface 118 of the midsole.
The aperture 130 may be elongated. For example, the aperture 130 may be elongated in a direction substantially (within 10 degrees) parallel to the length 120 of the shoe 100, the length 120 of the shoe 100 extending between the toe 112 of the shoe 100 and the heel 114 of the shoe, thereby bisecting the sole 102. In particular, a length of the aperture 130 may be greater than a width of the aperture 130. While the aperture 130 is shown having a straight elongation in the illustrated embodiment, it is to be understood that the aperture 130 may have a curved elongation in other embodiments.
The shoe 100 may further include a strap assembly 132. The strap assembly 132 may be removably secured to the sole 102. In particular, the strap assembly 132 is illustrated in a secured configuration in the illustrated embodiment. For example, portions of the strap assembly 132 may extend and be secured within the first recess 108, the second recess 110, and/or the aperture 130 as is described further throughout this disclosure. Further, the strap assembly 132 may be removed from the sole 102, as is described further throughout this disclosure.
In the illustrated embodiment, the strap assembly 132 may include a first strap 134 and a second strap 136. The first strap 134 may extend between the aperture 130 and the first recess 108. A first portion of the first strap 134 may be secured within the aperture 130 via a post of the strap assembly 132 and a second portion of the first strap 134 may be secured within the first recess 108 via a first anchor of the strap assembly 132 as described further throughout this disclosure. The second strap 136 may extend between the aperture 130 and the second recess 110. A first portion of the second strap 136 may be secured within the aperture 130 via the post of the strap assembly 132 and a second portion of the second strap 136 may be secured within the second recess 110 via a second anchor of the strap assembly 132 as described further throughout this disclosure. While the strap assembly 132 is illustrated including two straps in the illustrated embodiment, it is to be understood that the strap assembly 132 may include additional straps (such as straps that extend between the first strap 134 and the second strap 136, and/or straps to secure to an ankle of the wearer when the shoe 100 is worn), additional material (such as flexible material including cloth, cotton, leather, flexible rubber, flexible plastic, other similar flexible materials, or some combination thereof) that are coupled to the first strap 134 and/or the second strap 136, material in lieu of the straps that is secured within the aperture 130, the first recess 108, and the second recess 110, or some combination thereof.
The illustrated embodiment illustrates a single shoe 100 of a pair of shoes. In particular, the shoe 100 illustrated may be configured to be worn on a left foot of a wearer. The pair of shoes may further include a second shoe that is configured to be worn on a right foot of the wearer. The second shoe that is configured to be worn on a right foot may be a mirror reflection of the shoe 100 about the first side surface 116 of midsole 104. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the second shoe may include the same features of the shoe 100, but mirrored.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the example shoe 100 of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 2 may illustrate a bottom side 202 of the sole 102, wherein the bottom side 202 is located opposite to the top side 106 (FIG. 1) of the sole 102.
The outer sole 204 may extend along the bottom side 202 of the sole 102. The outer sole 204 may contact a surface when the shoe 100 is worn. In particular, a bottom surface 208 of the outer sole 204 may contact a surface when the shoe 100 is worn. For example, the bottom surface 208 of the outer sole 204 may contact a surface when a wearer of the shoe 100 is standing on the surface.
The outer sole 204 may be affixed to the midsole 104 (FIG. 1). In particular, midsole 104 may be affixed at the bottom surface of the midsole 104 (the bottom surface of the midsole 104 being opposite to the top surface 133 of the midsole 104) to a top surface of the outer sole 204 (the top surface of the outer sole 204 being opposite to the bottom surface 208 of the outer sole 204). In some embodiments, the midsole 104 may encircle a portion of the outer sole 204. In other embodiments, the midsole 104 may be entirely located above the top surface of the outer sole 204.
The outer sole 204 may be formed of a material that is to resist wear to the outer sole 204 and/or to provide traction to a surface when the shoe 100 is worn. The outer sole 204 may be formed of a different material than the midsole 104. In other embodiments, the outer sole 204 and the midsole 104 may be formed of the same material. In some embodiments, the outer sole 204 may be formed of rubber, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or some combination thereof. The outer sole 204 may be formed of a different material than the midsole 104. In other embodiments, the outer sole 204 and the midsole 104 may be formed of the same materials. Further, in some embodiments, the outer sole 204 may be contoured to provide traction to a surface when the shoe 100 is worn.
The strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1) may include a post 206. The post 206 may be located adjacent to the bottom surface 208 of the outer sole 204. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 208 of the outer sole 204 may have an indentation to receive the post 206, such that the bottom surface 208 is aligned with a bottom of the post 206 and/or extends past the bottom of the post 206.
The post 206 may further be located adjacent to the aperture 130 (FIG. 1). The post 206 may be coupled to the first strap 134 (FIG. 1) and the second strap 136 (FIG. 1), and may secure a portion of the first strap 134 and a portion of the second strap 136 within the aperture 130. For example, the post 206 may be shaped and/or sized such that the shape and/or size of the post 206 may prevent the post 206 from passing through the aperture 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the post 206 is circular, although it is to be understood that the post 206 may be any other shape and/or size that prevents the post 206 from passing through the aperture 130.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the example shoe 100 of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the midsole 104 may be affixed on top of the outer sole 204. In particular, the midsole 104 may be located at a top side 106 of the sole 102 and the outer sole 204 may be located at a bottom side 202 of the sole 102.
The sole 102 may be relatively flat with the top surface 133 of the midsole 104 being substantially (within 10 degrees) parallel to the bottom surface 208 of the outer sole 204. Further, a thickness 302 of the sole 102 at a toe 112 of the shoe 100 may be substantially (within 5 centimeters) the same as a thickness 304 of the sole 102 at the heel 114 of the shoe 100. In other embodiments, the sole 102 may be shaped differently than the illustrated embodiment. For example, the sole 102 may be wedge-shaped in some embodiments, where the thickness 304 at the heel 114 is greater than the thickness 302 at the toe 112. In other embodiments, the sole 102 may be shaped similar to legacy high heel shoes, where the thickness 302 at the toe 112 is a first thickness, with a majority of the sole 102 having the first thickness, and the thickness 304 at the heel 114 being greater than the first thickness, resulting in a portion of the bottom surface 208 of the outer sole 204 being located above a surface when the shoe 100 is positioned on the surface.
The strap assembly 132 may extend above the top surface 133 of the midsole 104. In particular, a portion of the strap assembly 132 may be located off of the top surface 133 of the midsole 104 absent external forces (other than gravity) being applied to the strap assembly 132. The strap assembly 132 may be pre-formed to retain the illustrated shape when the strap assembly 132 is secured to the sole 102 and absent the external forces.
FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an example sole 400, according to various embodiments. In particular, the sole 400 is illustrated separate from a strap assembly that may be secured to the sole 400. The sole 400 may be implemented in the shoe 100 (FIG. 1) and may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1). For example, the sole 400 may include a midsole 402 that includes one or more of the features of the midsole 104 (FIG. 1). Further, the midsole 402 may have a first recess 404, a second recess 406, and an aperture 408 that include one or more of the features of the first recess 108 (FIG. 1), the second recess 110 (FIG. 1), and the aperture 130 (FIG. 1), respectively.
The first recess 404 may be of a length 410 and a width 412. The length 410 may be greater than the width 412, resulting in the first recess 404 being elongated. The second recess 406 may be of a length 414 and a width 416. The length 414 may be greater than the width 416, resulting in the second recess 406 being elongated. The length 410 of the first recess 404 may be equal to the length 414 of the second recess 406 and the width 412 of the first recess 404 may be equal to the width 416 of the second recess 406. In other embodiments, the length 410 and/or the width 412 of the first recess 404 may be different than the length 414 and/or the width 416 of the second recess 406, respectively.
The length 410 of the first recess 404 and the length 414 of the second recess 406 may vary as the first recess 404 and the second recess 406 extend into the midsole 402. For example, the length 410 of the first recess 404 and the length 414 of the second recess 406 may increase as the first recess 404 and the second recess 406 extend into the midsole 402. The length 410 of the first recess 404 may abruptly increase as the first recess 404 extends into midsole 402, resulting in a first portion of the first recess 404 toward a top surface 422 of the midsole 402 being a first length and a second portion of the first recess 404 farther away from the top surface 422 of the midsole 402 being a second length that is greater than the first length. The length 414 of the second recess 406 may abruptly increase as the second recess 406 extends into midsole 402, resulting in a first portion of the second recess 406 toward a top surface 422 of the midsole 402 being a first length and a second portion of the second recess 406 farther away from the top surface 422 of the midsole 402 being a second length that is greater than the first length.
The width 412 of the first recess 404 and the width 416 of the second recess 406 may be substantially (within 1 centimeter) uniform as the first recess 404 and the second recess 406 extend into the midsole 402. In other embodiments, the width 412 of the first recess 404 and the width 416 of the second recess 406 may increase or decrease as the first recess 404 and the second recess 406 extend into the midsole 402. For example, the width 412 of the first recess 404 may abruptly increase as the first recess 404 extends into midsole 402, resulting in a first portion of the first recess 404 toward a top surface 422 of the midsole 402 being a first width and a second portion of the first recess 404 farther away from the top surface 422 of the midsole being a second width that is greater than the first width. The width 416 of the second recess 406 may abruptly increase as the second recess 406 extends into midsole 402, resulting in a first portion of the second recess 406 toward a top surface 422 of the midsole 402 being a first width and a second portion of the second recess 406 farther away from the top surface 422 of the midsole being a second width that is greater than the first width.
The aperture 408 may have a length 418 and a width 420. The length 418 of the aperture 408 may be less than the length 410 of the first recess 404 and may be less than the length 414 of the second recess 406. In other embodiments, the length 418 of the aperture 408 may be equal to or greater than the length 410 of the first recess 404 and may be equal to or greater than the length of the second recess 406.
The width 420 of the aperture 408 may be greater than the width 412 of the first recess 404 and may be greater than the width 416 of the second recess 406. For example, the width 420 of the aperture 408 may be twice the width 412 of the first recess 404 and may be twice the width 416 of the second recess 406. In other embodiments, the width 420 of the aperture 408 may be more than twice the width 412 of the first recess 404 and may be more than twice the width 416 of the second recess 406. In other embodiments, the width 420 of the aperture 408 may be equal to or less than the width 412 of the first recess 404 and may be equal to or less than the width 416 of the second recess 406.
FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the example sole 400 of FIG. 4, according to various embodiments. The sole 400 may include an outer sole 502. The outer sole 502 may include one or more of the features of the outer sole 204 (FIG. 2). For example, the outer sole 502 may include the aperture 408 and an indentation 504 that include one or more of the features of the aperture 130 (FIG. 1) and the indentation described in relation to FIG. 2, respectively.
The aperture 408 may have a length 506 and a width 508. The length 506 of the aperture 408 toward the bottom surface 510 of the outer sole 502 may be the same length as the length 418 of the aperture 408 toward the top surface 422 (FIG. 4) of the midsole 402 (FIG. 4). In other embodiments, the length 506 toward the bottom surface 510 may be greater than or less than the length 418 at the top surface 422. Further, the width 508 of the aperture 408 toward the bottom surface 510 of the outer sole 502 may be the same width as the width 420 of the aperture 408 toward the top surface 422 of the midsole 402. In other embodiments, the width 508 toward the bottom surface 510 may be greater than or less than the width 420 toward the top surface 422.
The indentation 504 may extend into the outer sole 502 from the bottom surface 510 of the outer sole 502. In some embodiments, the indentation 504 may further extend into the midsole 402. The indentation 504 may encircle the aperture 408. The indentation 504 may have a perimeter that is the same shape as a perimeter of a post of a strap assembly (such as the post 206 (FIG. 2)). When a strap assembly (such as the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1)) is secured to sole 400, the post of the strap assembly may be located within the indentation 504. In other embodiments, the indentation 504 may be omitted and the post of the strap assembly may abut the bottom surface 510 when the strap assembly is secured to the sole 400.
FIG. 6 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of an example sole 600, according to various embodiments. The sole 600 may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1) and/or the sole 400 (FIG. 4). For example, the sole 600 may include a midsole 602, which may include one or more of the features of the midsole 104 (FIG. 1) and/or the midsole 402 (FIG. 4). Further, the sole 600 may include an outer sole 604, which may include one or more of the features of the outer sole 204 (FIG. 2) and/or the outer sole 502 (FIG. 5).
The sole 600 may have an aperture 606. The aperture 606 may include one or more of the features of the aperture 130 (FIG. 1) and/or the aperture 408 (FIG. 4). Further, the aperture 606 may be representative of the aperture 130 and/or the aperture 408 in some embodiments. In particular, the shape of the aperture 606 may be representative of the shape of the aperture 130 and/or the aperture 408 as may be represented from a side perspective.
The aperture 606 may extend through both the midsole 602 and the outer sole 604. For example, the aperture 606 may extend through the midsole 602 and the outer sole 604 in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 620 of the midsole 602. The aperture 606 may have a first portion 608 with a length 610 and a second portion 612 with a length 614. The length 614 of the second portion 612 may be greater than length 610 of the first portion 608. In other embodiments, the length 610 of the first portion 608 may be greater than or equal to the length 614 of the second portion 612. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 612 may extend into the outer sole 604 and the midsole 602. In other embodiments, the second portion 612 may extend only into the outer sole 604 and/or the first portion 608 may extend into the midsole 602 or into both the midsole 602 and the outer sole 604. Further, in some embodiments, the second portion 612 of the aperture 606 may be an indentation in the outer sole 604, such as the indentation 504 (FIG. 5).
The sole 600 may further have a recess 616. The recess 616 may include one or more of the features of the first recess 108 (FIG. 1), the second recess 110 (FIG. 1), the first recess 404 (FIG. 4), and/or the second recess 406 (FIG. 4). Further, the recess 616 may be representative of the first recess 108, the second recess 110, the first recess 404, and/or the second recess 406 in some embodiments. In particular, the shape of the recess 616 may be representative of the shape of the first recess 108, the second recess 110, the first recess 404, and/or the second recess 406 as may be represented from a side perspective.
The recess 616 may extend into the midsole 602. For example, the recess 616 may extend into the midsole 602 with a lower wall 618 of the recess 616, or some portion thereof, abutting the top surface 620 of the outer sole 604. In other embodiments, the lower wall 618 of the recess 616 may be separated from the outer sole 604 by a portion of the midsole 602. Further, in other embodiments, the recess 616 may extend partially into the outer sole 604, wherein the lower wall 618 of the recess 616 is located within the outer sole 604 and is separated from a bottom surface 622 of the outer sole 604 by a portion of the outer sole 604.
The recess 616 may include an entryway 624 and a receptacle 626. The entryway 624 may be used for insertion and removal of an anchor of a strap assembly as described further throughout this disclosure. The receptacle 626 may retain the anchor when the anchor is positioned in a retention configuration, thereby securing the anchor within the receptacle 626.
The entryway 624 may extend into the midsole 602 from a top surface 628 of the midsole 602. The entryway 624 may extend into the midsole 602 at an angle to the top surface 628 of the midsole 602. In particular, an angle 630 of the entryway 624 to the top surface 628 may be less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 630 may be substantially (within 5 degrees) 45 degrees. In other embodiments, the entryway 624 may extend into the midsole 602 perpendicular to the top surface 628.
The receptacle 626 may be located at an opposite end of the entryway 624 from the top surface 628 of the midsole 602. A point where the entryway 624 meets the receptacle 626 may be located within the midsole 602.
The receptacle 626 may be elongated. For example, the receptacle 626 may be elongated in a direction that forms an angle 632 to a direction at which the entryway 624 extends into the midsole 602. The angle 632 may be substantially (within 5 degrees) equal to the angle 630. In other embodiments, the angle 632 may be greater than or equal to the angle 630.
The receptacle 626 may have a length 634 greater than a length 636 of the entryway 624. Further, a first portion 638 of the receptacle 626 may extend away from the entryway 624 in a first direction and a second portion 640 of the receptacle 626 may extend away from the entryway 624 in a second direction, the second direction being substantially (within 5 degrees) opposite to the first direction. A distance that the first portion 638 extends away from the entryway 624 may be less than a distance that the second portion 640 extends away from the entryway 624. In other embodiments, the distance that the first portion 638 extends away from the entryway 624 may be greater than or equal to the distance that the second portion 640 extends away from the entryway 624.
The receptacle 626 may form a first upper wall 642 and a second upper wall 644 with the material of the midsole 602. The first upper wall 642 may abut the first portion 638 of the receptacle 626 and the second upper wall 644 may abut the second portion 640 of the receptacle 626. The first upper wall 642 and the second upper wall 644 may be substantially (within 5 degrees) parallel to the top surface 628 of the midsole 602. When the anchor is in the retention configuration within the receptacle 626, the anchor may contact the first upper wall 642 and/or the second upper wall 644 when a force attempting to remove the anchor is applied to the strap assembly, wherein the contact with the first upper wall 642 and/or the second upper wall 644 prevents the anchor from being removed from the receptacle.
FIG. 7 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of another example sole 700, according to various embodiments. The sole 700 may include one or more of the features of the sole 600 (FIG. 6). For example, the sole 700 may include a midsole 702 and/or an outer sole 704, which may include one or more of the features of the midsole 602 (FIG. 6) and/or the outer sole 604 (FIG. 6). Further, the sole 700 may have a recess 706, which may include one or more of the features of the recess 616 (FIG. 6).
The sole 700 may further have an aperture 708. The aperture 708 may include one or more of the features of the aperture 606 (FIG. 6). Further, the aperture 708 may be representative of the aperture 130 (FIG. 1) and/or the aperture 408 (FIG. 4) in some embodiments. In particular, the shape of the aperture 606 may be representative of the shape of the aperture 130 and/or the aperture 408 as may be represented from a side perspective.
The aperture 708 may have a first portion 710 and a second portion 712. The first portion 710 may extend into the midsole 702 and/or the outer sole 704 at an angle 714 to a top surface 716 of the midsole 702. The angle 714 may be less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 714 may be substantially (within 5 degrees) 75 degrees. The second portion 712 may extend into the midsole 702 and/or the outer sole 704 substantially (within 5 degrees) perpendicular to the top surface 716 of the midsole 702.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an example strap assembly 800, according to various embodiments. The strap assembly 800 may include one or more of the features of the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1). Further, the strap assembly 800 may be implemented in a shoe, such as the shoe 100 (FIG. 1).
The strap assembly 800 may include a post 802. The post 802 may include one or more of the features of the post 206 (FIG. 2). The post 802 may be formed of rigid material. For example the post 802 may be formed of hard plastic, hard rubber, metal, other rigid materials, or some combination thereof. The post 802 may have a circular profile. Further, a diameter of the circular profile of the post 802 may be larger than a width of an aperture of a sole (such as the aperture 130 (FIG. 1), the aperture 408 (FIG. 4), the aperture 606 (FIG. 6), and/or the aperture 708 (FIG. 7)), such that the circular profile of the post 802 prevents the post 802 from passing through the aperture. In other embodiments, the post 802 may have a profile of any shape and/or size that prevents the post 802 from passing through the aperture.
The strap assembly 800 may further include a first strap 804, a first anchor 806, a second strap 808, a second anchor 810, or some combination thereof. The first strap 804 may be affixed to the post 802 and the first anchor 806, and may extend between the post 802 and the first anchor 806. The second strap 808 may be affixed to the post 802 and the second anchor 810, and may extend between the post 802 and the second anchor 810. The second strap 808 and the second anchor 810 may include one or more of the features of the first strap 804 and the first anchor 806, respectively. For brevity, the first strap 804 and the first anchor 806 are described herein.
The first strap 804 may be formed of a flexible material. For example, the first strap 804 may be formed of cloth, cotton, leather, flexible rubber, flexible plastic, other similar flexible materials, or some combination thereof. Further, a first side 818 of the first strap 804 may be formed of a first flexible material and a second side 820 of the first strap 804 may be formed of a second flexible material. For example, the first side 818 may be configured to be directed away from a foot of a wearer when the strap assembly 800 is secured as part of a shoe (such as the shoe 100 (FIG. 1)) and the shoe is being worn. The first flexible material may be a material that provides a design or pattern to be displayed by the shoe when worn. The second side 820 may be configured to contact the foot of the wearer when the strap assembly 800 is secured as part of the shoe and the shoe is being worn. The second flexible material may be a material that provides comfort and/or padding for the foot of the wearer when the shoe is being worn. The first strap 804 may be pre-formed to maintain a certain shape absent external forces (other than gravity) being applied to the first strap 804.
The first strap 804 may be affixed to the post 802 at a top surface 812 of the post 802 and/or may extend into the top surface 812 of the post 802. The first strap 804 may extend from the post 802 at an angle 814 to the top surface 812 of the post 802. The angle 814 may be less than 90 degrees. For example, the angle 814 may be substantially (within 5 degrees) 80 degrees. In other embodiments, the first strap 804 may extend substantially (within 5 degrees) perpendicular to the top surface 812 of the post 802.
The first anchor 806 may be formed of a rigid material. For example, the first anchor 806 may be formed of hard plastic, hard rubber, metal, other rigid materials, or some combination thereof.
The first anchor 806 may be an elongated member. In particular, the first anchor 806 may be elongated in a direction. The length 822 of the first anchor 806 may be shorter than a length of a receptacle of a recess for a sole (such as the receptacle 626 (FIG. 6)) to which the strap assembly 800 is to be secured. For example, the length 822 of the first anchor 806 may be shorter than the length of the receptacle by substantially (within 1 centimeter) a length that a first portion of the receptacle (such as the first portion 638 (FIG. 6)) or a length that a second portion of the receptacle (such as the second portion 640 (FIG. 6)) extends away from an entryway of the recess (such as the entryway 624 (FIG. 6)).
Further, the first anchor 806 may have a circular profile that extends along the length 822 of the first anchor 806. The diameter of the circular profile may be less than the width of an aperture for a sole (such as the aperture 130 (FIG. 1), the aperture 408 (FIG. 4), the aperture 606 (FIG. 6) and/or the aperture 708 (FIG. 7)) to which the strap assembly 800 is to be secured. Based on the circular profile having the diameter less than the width of the aperture, the first anchor 806 may be passed through the aperture. In other embodiments, the first anchor 806 may be any shape and/or size of profile that allows the first anchor 806 to be passed through the aperture.
The first anchor 806 may be affixed to an end of the first strap 804 opposite to the end of the first strap 804 affixed to the post 802. The first strap 804 may be affixed to the first anchor 806 at a side of the elongated member. The first strap 804 may be affixed to the side of the first anchor 806 off-centered in terms of the length 822 of the first anchor 806. In particular, a first portion 824 of the first anchor 806 may extend away from the first strap 804 in a first direction and a second portion 826 of the first anchor 806 may extend away from the first strap 804 is a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, wherein the distance that the first portion 824 extends away is shorter than the distance the second portion 826 extends away.
The first strap 804 may extend from the first anchor 806 at an angle 816 to the side of the first anchor 806. The angle 816 may be less than 90 degrees. For example, the angle 816 may be substantially (within 5 degrees) 35 degrees. In other embodiments, the first strap 804 may be extend from the first anchor 806 substantially (within 5 degrees) perpendicular to the side of the first anchor 806.
FIG. 9 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of an example shoe 900, according to various embodiments. In particular, the shoe 900 illustrates a strap assembly 902 secured to a sole 904.
The sole 904 may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1), the sole 400 (FIG. 4), the sole 600 (FIG. 6), and/or the sole 700 (FIG. 7). For example, the sole 904 may have an aperture 906, an indentation 908, and/or a recess 916. The aperture 906 may include one or more of the features of the aperture 130 (FIG. 1), the aperture 408 (FIG. 4), the aperture 606 (FIG. 6), and/or the aperture 708 (FIG. 7). The indentation 908 may include one or more of the features of the indentation 504 (FIG. 5). The recess 916 may include one or more of the features of the first recess 108 (FIG. 1), the second recess 110 (FIG. 1), the first recess 404 (FIG. 4), the second recess 406 (FIG. 4), the recess 616 (FIG. 6), and/or the recess 706 (FIG. 7).
The strap assembly 902 may include one or more of the features of the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1) and/or the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8). For example, the strap assembly 902 may include a post 910, a first strap 912, a first anchor 914, a second strap (obscured due to the view), and/or a second anchor (obscured due to the angle). The post 910 may include one or more of the features of the post 206 (FIG. 2), and/or the post 802 (FIG. 8). The first strap 912 and the second strap may have one or more of the features of the first strap 134 (FIG. 1), the second strap 136 (FIG. 1), the first strap 804 (FIG. 8), and/or the second strap 808 (FIG. 8). The first anchor 914 and the second anchor may include one or more of the features of the first anchor 806 (FIG. 8) and/or the second anchor 810 (FIG. 8). While only the first strap 912 and the first anchor 914 are described herein, it is to be understood that the second strap and the second anchor may include one or more features of the first strap 912 and the first anchor 914, respectively. For example, while the first anchor 914 is described as being secured within the recess 916 herein, it is to be understood that the second anchor is secured in a second recess in the same manner as the first anchor 914 is secured within the recess 916, wherein the second recess is located toward an opposite side of the sole 904 from the first recess 916 and is obscured due to the view.
The post 910 of the strap assembly 902 may be located within the indentation 908. The post 910 may make contact with sidewalls formed by the indentation 908 and/or sidewalls formed by the aperture. The contact of the post 910 with the sidewalls may generate friction between the post 910 and the sidewalls, which may maintain the post 910 within the indentation 908 absent external forces (other than gravity) being applied to the post 910. In other embodiments, the post 910 may be maintained within the indentation 908 via other features, such as an adhesive, an epoxy, or some combination thereof. In other embodiments, the indentation 908 may be omitted, wherein the post 910 may be located adjacent to a bottom surface 940 of the sole 904 rather than within the indentation 908.
A first portion 918 of the first strap 912 may extend from the post 910 through the aperture 906. The first portion 918 of the first strap 912 may be secured within the aperture 906 via the post 910. For example, the post 910 being unable to pass through the aperture 906 may prevent the first portion 918 from being pulled upwards out of the aperture 906 by any force that may be generated by a foot of a wearer when the shoe 900 is worn.
The first anchor 914 may be located within a receptacle 920 of the recess 916. In particular, the first anchor 914 may be located in a retention configuration within the receptacle 920. When in the retention configuration, a first portion 922 of the first anchor 914, which may be located toward a first end of the first anchor 914, may be located within a first portion 926 of the receptacle 920. Further, a second portion 924 of the first anchor 914, which may be located toward a second end of the first anchor 914, may be located within a second portion 928 of the receptacle 920. The first portion 926 of the receptacle 920 may extend away from an entryway 930 of the receptacle 920 in a first direction and the second portion 928 of the receptacle 920 may extend away from the entryway 930 of the receptacle 920 in a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially (within 5 degrees) opposite to the first direction. The first anchor 914 may be secured within the receptacle 920 when the first anchor 914 is in the retention configuration. In particular, the first portion 922 of the first anchor 914 and/or the second portion 924 of the first anchor 914 may contact a first upper wall 932 and/or a second upper wall 934 formed by the receptacle 920, wherein the contact prevents the first anchor 914 from being removed from the receptacle 920.
The first strap 912 may extend between the post 910 and the first anchor 914. The first strap 912 may have a pre-formed shape that causes a center portion of the strap (the center portion located between the first portion 918 and a second portion 938 located within the entryway 930) to maintain a certain shape absent external forces (other than gravity). The pre-formed shape of the first strap 912 may maintain a distance between the center portion of the strap and a top surface 936 of the sole 904. The pre-formed shape may help maintain the first anchor 914 in the retention configuration and/or provide ease putting on the shoe 900 by the wearer. In other embodiments, the pre-formed shape may be omitted from the first strap 912.
FIG. 10 illustrates an example procedure 1000 for securing a strap assembly to a sole, according to various embodiments. In stage 1002, a first anchor of the strap assembly may be threaded from a first side of the sole through an aperture to a second side of the sole. Threading the first anchor through the aperture may include orienting a first end of the first anchor toward an opening of the aperture and applying a force to the first anchor.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example sole 1102 and strap assembly 1104 according to stage 1002 of the procedure 1000, according to various embodiments. The sole 1102 may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1), the sole 400 (FIG. 4), the sole 600 (FIG. 6), the sole 700 (FIG. 7), and/or the sole 904 (FIG. 9). The strap assembly 1104 may include one or more of the features of the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1), the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8), and/or the strap assembly 902 (FIG. 9).
A first anchor 1106 of the strap assembly 1104 may be located on bottom side 1109 of the sole 1102. The first anchor 1106 may be orientated with the length of the first anchor 1106 being substantially (within 10 degrees) perpendicular to an aperture 1108 of the sole 1102. The orientation of the first anchor 1106 may cause a first end 1110 of the first anchor 1106 to be directed toward the aperture 1108. A force (indicated by arrow 1112) may be applied to the first anchor 1106 that causes the first anchor 1106 to enter the aperture 1108 and pass through the aperture 1108.
In stage 1004, a second anchor of the strap assembly may be threaded from the first side of the sole through the aperture to the second side of the sole. Threading the anchor through the aperture may include orienting a first end of the second anchor toward an opening of the aperture and applying a force to the second anchor. In some embodiments, stage 1002 and stage 1004 may be performed concurrently.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the example sole 1102 and strap assembly 1104 of FIG. 11 according to stage 1004 of the procedure 1000, according to various embodiments. A second anchor 1202 of the strap assembly 1104 may be located on the bottom side 1109 of the sole 1102. The second anchor 1202 may be orientated with the length of the second anchor 1202 being substantially (within 10 degrees) perpendicular to the aperture 1108 of the sole 1102. The orientation of the second anchor 1202 may cause a first end 1204 of the second anchor 1202 to be directed toward the aperture 1108. A force (indicated by arrow 1206) may be applied to the second anchor 1202 that causes the second anchor 1202 to enter the aperture 1108 and pass through the aperture 1108.
In stage 1006, a post of the strap assembly may be positioned adjacent to the aperture. Positioning the post adjacent to the aperture may include positioning the post within an indentation of the sole with a first strap and a second strap of the strap assembly extending through the aperture to a second side of the sole, the second side of the sole being opposite to the first side of the sole. In embodiments where the indentation is omitted, the post may be positioned against a bottom surface of the sole adjacent to the aperture. Further, in some embodiments, positioning the post adjacent to the aperture may further include applying adhesive, epoxy, or some combination thereof between the post and a portion of the sole.
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the example sole 1102 and strap assembly 1104 of FIG. 11 according to stage 1006 of the procedure 1000, according to various embodiments. A post 1302 may be positioned adjacent to the aperture 1108 (FIG. 11) of the sole 1102. Further, the post 1302 may be positioned within an indentation 1304 that extends into the bottom surface 1306 of the sole 1102. The post 1302 may be positioned adjacent to the aperture 1108 by pulling on the first anchor 1106, the second anchor 1202, a first strap of the strap assembly 1104, and/or a second strap of the strap assembly 1104 that are located on a top side of the sole 1102, the top side of the sole 1102 being opposite to the bottom side 1109 of the sole 1102.
In stage 1008, the first anchor may be secured within a first recess of the sole. Securing the first anchor within the first recess may include orienting the first end of the first anchor toward an opening of the first recess and applying a force to the first anchor. Securing the first anchor within the first recess may further include positioning the first anchor in a retention configuration within the first recess.
FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the example sole 1102 and strap assembly 1104 of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure 1000, according to various embodiments. A first strap 1402 and a second strap 1404 of the strap assembly 1104 may be located on a top side 1406 of the sole 1102, the top side 1406 being opposite to the bottom side 1109 (FIG. 11). Further, the sole 1102 may have a first recess 1408 and a second recess 1412.
The first anchor 1106 may be orientated with the length of the first anchor 1106 being substantially (within 10 degrees) perpendicular to a first recess 1408 of the sole 1102. The orientation of the first anchor 1106 may cause a first end 1110 of the first anchor 1106 to be directed toward the first recess 1408. A force (indicated by arrow 1410) may be applied to the first anchor 1106 that causes the first anchor 1106 to enter the first recess 1408.
FIG. 15 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of the example sole 1102 and strap assembly 1104 of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure 1000, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 15 may illustrate a result of the force (indicated by arrow 1410 (FIG. 14)) being applied to the first anchor 1106.
In response to the force being applied to the first anchor 1106, the first anchor 1106 may have entered an entryway 1502 of the first recess 1408. Further, a portion of the first anchor 1106 may have passed through the entryway 1502 into a receptacle 1504. In particular, the first end 1110 may have passed through the entryway 1502 into a first portion 1506 of the receptacle 1504, wherein the first portion 1506 of the receptacle 1504 may extend away from the entryway 1502 in a first direction. A second end 1508 of the first anchor 1106 may remain within the entryway 1502.
Securing the first anchor 1106 within the first recess 1408 may further include affecting a rotational force (indicated by arrow 1510) to move the second end 1508 of the first anchor 1106 into the receptacle 1504. For example, a force may be applied to the first strap 1402 that causes the first anchor 1106 to rotate about the first end 1110 to move the second end 1508 into the receptacle 1504.
FIG. 16 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of the example sole 1102 and strap assembly 1104 of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure 1000, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 16 may illustrate a result of the rotation force (indicated by arrow 1510 (FIG. 15)).
In response to the rotational force being effected, the second end 1508 of the first anchor 1106 may be located within the receptacle 1504. Securing the first anchor 1106 within the first recess 1408 may further include affecting a force (indicated by arrow 1602) to move the second end 1508 of the first anchor 1106 into a second portion 1604 of the receptacle 1504. The second portion 1604 of the receptacle may extend away from the entryway 1502 in a second direction, where the second direction may be opposite to the first direction in which the first portion 1506 of the receptacle 1504 extends. Affecting the force may include applying a force to the first strap 1402 that causes the second end 1508 to move into the second portion 1604 of the receptacle 1504. In some of the embodiments where the strap assembly 1104 has a pre-formed shape, effecting the force may include removing all external forces (other than gravity) from being applied to the first strap 1402, wherein the first strap 1402 returning to the pre-formed shape may affect the force on the first anchor 1106 that causes the second end 1508 to move into the second portion 1604 of the receptacle 1504.
FIG. 17 illustrates a semi-transparent perspective view of the example sole 1102 and strap assembly 1104 of FIG. 11 according to a portion of stage 1008 of the procedure 1000, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 17 may illustrate a result of the force (indicated by arrow 1602 (FIG. 16)).
In response to the force being effected, the first anchor 1106 may have moved into the retention configuration within the receptacle 1504. In particular, a first portion of the first anchor 1106 that includes the first end 1110 may be located within the first portion 1506 of the receptacle 1504 and a second portion of the first anchor 1106 that includes second end 1508 may be located within the second portion 1604 of the receptacle 1504. For example, the first end 1110 may be located directly between a first upper wall 1702 formed by the receptacle 1504 and a lower wall 1706 formed by the receptacle 1504. Further, the second end 1508 may be located directly between a second upper wall 1704 formed by the receptacle 1504 and the lower wall 1706. When an upward force is effected on the first anchor 1106, the first anchor 1106 may contact the first upper wall 1702 and/or the second upper wall 1704, which may prevent the first anchor 1106 from being removed from the receptacle.
In stage 1010, the second anchor of the strap assembly may be secured within a second recess of the sole. Securing the second anchor within the second recess may include the same features described in stage 1008 and FIG. 14 through FIG. 17 with the first anchor, the first recess, and the first strap of the description replaced by the second anchor, the second recess, and the second strap, respectively. For example, securing the second anchor within the second recess may include orienting the first end of the first anchor toward an opening of the second recess and applying a force to the second anchor. Further, securing the second anchor within the first recess may include positioning the second anchor in a retention configuration within the second recess. Further, one having ordinary skill in the art would understand that removing the strap assembly from the sole may be achieved by reversing the procedure 1000.
FIG. 18 illustrates an example post 1800 of a strap assembly, according to various embodiments. In particular, the post 1800 may be implemented in place of the posts of the strap assembly previously described. For example, the post 1800 may be implemented in place of the post 802 (FIG. 8) within the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8). Further, the post 1800 may include one or more of the features of the post 206 (FIG. 2), the post 802, the post 910 (FIG. 9), and/or the post 1302 (FIG. 13).
The post 1800 may include a base 1802 and an extension 1804. The base 1802 may have a circular profile that prevents the base 1802 from being passed through an aperture (such as the aperture 130 (FIG. 1), the aperture 408 (FIG. 4), the aperture 606 (FIG. 6), the aperture 708 (FIG. 7), the aperture 906 (FIG. 9), and/or the aperture 1108 (FIG. 11)). In other embodiments, the base 1802 may have any other profile and/or size that prevents the base 1802 from being passed through the aperture.
The extension 1804 may be affixed to the base 1802 and may extend substantially (within 10 degrees) perpendicular to the base 1802. A strap assembly (such as the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1), the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8), the strap assembly 902 (FIG. 9), and/or the strap assembly 1104 (FIG. 11)) may be affixed to and/or extend from the extension 1804 at an opposite end of the extension 1804 to the base 1802. When secured to a sole, the extension 1804 may extend into the aperture and/or extend through the aperture
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of another example shoe 1900, according to various embodiments. The shoe 1900 may include one or more of the features of the shoe 100 (FIG. 1) and/or the shoe 900 (FIG. 9). For example, the shoe 1900 may include a sole 1902, which may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1), the sole 400 (FIG. 4), the sole 600 (FIG. 6), the sole 700 (FIG. 7), the sole 904 (FIG. 9), and/or the sole 1102 (FIG. 11). Further, the shoe 1900 may include a strap assembly 1904, which may include one or more of the features of the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1), the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8), the strap assembly 902 (FIG. 9), and/or the strap assembly 1104 (FIG. 11).
The sole 1902 may have a first recess 1906 that extends into a first side surface 1908 of the sole 1902. The sole 1902 may further have a second recess (obscured by view) that extends into a second side surface (obscured by view) of the sole 1902, wherein the second side surface is opposite to the first side surface 1908. The first recess 1906 and the second recess may both include one or more of the features of the first recess 108 (FIG. 1), the second recess 110 (FIG. 1), the first recess 404 (FIG. 4), the second recess 406 (FIG. 4), the recess 616 (FIG. 6), the recess 706 (FIG. 7), the recess 916 (FIG. 9), the first recess 1408 (FIG. 14), and/or the second recess 1412 (FIG. 14).
A first anchor of the strap assembly 1904 may be secured within the first recess 1906 and a second anchor of the strap assembly 1904 may be secured within the second recess. A first strap 1910 may extend between a post 1914 of the strap assembly 1904 and the first anchor. Further, a second strap 1912 may extend between the post 1914 and the second anchor.
FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of another example post 2000, according to various embodiments. The post 2000 may include one or more of the features of the post 206 (FIG. 2), the post 802 (FIG. 8), the post 910 (FIG. 9), the post 1302 (FIG. 13), and/or the post 1800 (FIG. 18). For example, the post 2000 may be formed of a rigid material, such as hard plastic, hard rubber, metal, other rigid materials, or some combination thereof.
The post 2000 may include a base 2002. The base 2002 may be inserted into a receptacle of a recess of a sole, as is described further in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22. The base 2002 may have a circular profile. A diameter of the circular profile may be selected such that the base 2002 may be passed through an entryway of the recess and into the receptacle when a force is applied to the post 2000, and may be retained within the receptacle until a threshold extraction force is applied to the post 2000. For example, the threshold extraction force may be substantially (within 30 Newtons) 177 Newtons.
The post 2000 may include an extension 2004. The extension 2004 may be affixed to the base 2002. The extension 2004 may be located within an entryway of the recess when the base 2002 is located within the receptacle. The extension 2004 may have a circular profile. The circular profile may have a diameter substantially (within 1 centimeter) equal to a diameter of the entryway.
The post 2000 may further include a retention piece 2006. The retention piece 2006 may be affixed to an opposite end of the extension 2004 to the base 2002. The retention piece 2006 may extend from a top surface of a sole (such as the top surface 133 (FIG. 1) the top surface 422 (FIG. 4), the top surface 628 (FIG. 6), and/or the top surface 716 (FIG. 7)) when the base 2002 is located within the receptacle. The retention piece 2006 may have an aperture 2008 through which a strap of a strap assembly may pass.
FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of another example shoe 2100, according to various embodiments. The shoe 2100 may include one or more of the features of the shoe 100 (FIG. 1), the shoe 900 (FIG. 9), and/or the shoe 1900 (FIG. 19). The shoe 2100 may include a sole 2102, which may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1), the sole 400 (FIG. 4), the sole 600 (FIG. 6), the sole 700 (FIG. 7), the sole 904 (FIG. 9), the sole 1102 (FIG. 11), and/or the sole 1902 (FIG. 9). The shoe 2100 may further include a strap assembly 2104, which may include one or more of the features of the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1), the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8), the strap assembly 902 (FIG. 9), the strap assembly 1104 (FIG. 11), and/or the strap assembly 1904 (FIG. 19).
The strap assembly 2104 may include a single strap 2106. The strap 2106 may have a first anchor located at one end of the strap 2106 and a second anchor located at an opposite end of the strap 2106. The first anchor may be secured within a first recess 2108 of the sole 2102. The second anchor may be secured within a second recess 2110 of the sole 2102.
The strap assembly 2104 may further include a post 2112. The post 2112 may include one or more of the features of the post 2000 (FIG. 2). The post 2112 may extend from a top surface 2114 of the sole 2102. A portion of the strap 2106 may pass through an aperture 2116 of the post 2112.
FIG. 22 illustrates a semi-transparent side view of the example shoe 2100 of FIG. 21, according to various embodiments. The post 2112 may extend into a recess 2202 of the sole 2102. In particular, an extension 2204 of the post 2112 may be located within an entryway 2206 of the recess 2202. Further, a base 2208 of the post 2112 may be located within a receptacle 2210 of the recess 2202. The base 2208 may be retained within the receptacle 2210 based on the diameter of the base 2208 being larger than the diameter of the entryway 2206.
FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of another shoe 2300, according to various embodiments. The shoe 2300 may include one or more of the features of the shoe 100 (FIG. 1), the shoe 900 (FIG. 9), the shoe 1900 (FIG. 19), and/or the shoe 2100 (FIG. 21). For example, the shoe 2300 may include a sole 2302, which may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1), the sole 400 (FIG. 4), the sole 600 (FIG. 6), the sole 700 (FIG. 7), the sole 904 (FIG. 9), the sole 1102 (FIG. 11), the sole 1902 (FIG. 9), and/or the sole 2102 (FIG. 21). The shoe 2300 may further include a strap assembly 2304, which may include one or more of the features of the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1), the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8), the strap assembly 902 (FIG. 9), the strap assembly 1104 (FIG. 11), the strap assembly 1904 (FIG. 19), and/or the strap assembly 2104 (FIG. 21).
The shoe may include a post 2306. The post 2306 may extend through a first aperture 2308 of the sole 2302. The post 2306 may have an aperture 2310. A portion of a strap 2312 may pass through the aperture 2310.
The shoe 2300 may further include a retention member 2314. The retention member 2314 may include a first hook portion 2316 that extends through a second aperture 2318 of the sole 2302 and a second hook portion 2320 that extends through a third aperture 2322 of the sole 2302. The strap 2312 may have a first loop at a first end of the strap 2312 and a second loop at a second end of the strap 2312. The first loop may be secured to the first hook portion 2316 and the second loop may be secured to the second hook portion 2320.
FIG. 24 illustrates example retention members, according to various embodiments. A first retention member 2400 and a second retention member 2450 may be implemented in the shoe 2300 (FIG. 23) in some embodiments. Further, the first retention member 2400 and the second retention member 2450 may be formed of a rigid material, such as hard plastic, hard rubber, metal, other rigid materials, or some combination thereof.
The first retention member 2400 may include a base 2402. The base 2402 may abut a bottom surface of a sole (such as the sole 2302) when the first retention member 2400 is implemented in a shoe.
The first retention member 2400 may further include a first hook portion 2404 and a second hook portion 2406. The first hook portion 2404 may be located at a first end of the base 2402 and the second hook portion 2406 may be located at a second end of the base 2402, where the second end is opposite to the first end. The first hook portion 2404 and the second hook portion 2406 may extend substantially (within 10 degrees) perpendicular to the base 2402. The first hook portion 2404 may extend through a first aperture (such as the second aperture 2318 (FIG. 23)) of the sole and the second hook portion 2406 may extend through a second aperture (such as the third aperture 2322 (FIG. 23)) of the sole when the first retention member 2400 is implemented in the shoe.
The first retention member 2400 may further include a support piece 2408. The support piece 2408 may extend between the first hook portion 2404 and the second hook portion 2406. The support piece 2408 may extend into a recess that extends into a bottom surface of the sole when the first retention member 2400 is implemented in the shoe.
The second retention member 2450 may be a pre-formed, elongated member. The second retention member 2450 may include a base 2452. The base 2452 may abut a bottom surface of a sole when the second retention member 2450 is implemented in a shoe.
The second retention member 2450 may further include a first hook portion 2454 and a second hook portion 2456. The first hook portion 2454 may be located at a first end of the base 2452 and the second hook portion 2456 may be located at a second end of the base 2452, where the second end is opposite to the first end. The first hook portion 2454 and the second hook portion 2456 may extend substantially (within 10 degrees) perpendicular to the base 2452. The first hook portion 2454 may extend through a first aperture (such as the second aperture 2318 (FIG. 23)) of the sole and the second hook portion 2456 may extend through a second aperture (such as the third aperture 2322 (FIG. 23)) of the sole when the second retention member 2450 is implemented in the shoe.
FIG. 25 illustrates an example post retention member 2502, according to various embodiments. The post retention member 2502 may be implemented in the shoe 2300 (FIG. 23). The post 2306 may have an aperture 2504 located toward a bottom end of the post 2306. The aperture 2504 may be located on a bottom side of a sole (such as the sole 2302 (FIG. 23)) and the post 2306 may extend through a first aperture (such as the first aperture 2308 (FIG. 23)) to a top side of the sole. The post retention member 2502 may be positioned through the aperture 2504, where the post retention member 2502 may prevent the post 2306 from being pulled out of the aperture of the sole.
FIG. 26 illustrates an example integrated retention member 2600, according to various embodiments. The integrated retention member 2600 may be formed of a single, pre-formed elongated member. Further, the integrated retention member 2600 may be semi-flexible to allow the integrated retention member 2600 to be flexed and return to the original shape absent external forces (other than gravity).
The integrated retention member 2600 may have an opening 2602. The opening 2602 may allow for the integrated retention member 2600 to be threaded through one or more features. For example, the integrated retention member 2600 may be threaded through an aperture of a post (such as the aperture 2504 (FIG. 25), a first loop at a first end of a strap (such as the strap 2312 (FIG. 23)), and/or a second loop at a second end of the strap. The integrated retention member 2600 may return to the original shape after being threaded through the features and may maintain the positions of the features.
The integrated retention member 2600 may further include a first hook portion 2604 and a second hook portion 2606. The first hook portion 2604 may receive the first loop at the first end of the strap and the second hook portion 2606 may receive the second loop at the second end of the strap when the integrated retention member 2600 is implemented in the shoe. Further, the first hook portion 2604 may extend through a second aperture (such as the second aperture 2318 (FIG. 23)) and the second hook portion 2606 may extend through a third aperture (such as the third aperture 2322 (FIG. 23)) when the integrated retention member 2600 is implemented in the shoe.
FIG. 27 illustrates another example shoe 2700, according to various embodiments. The shoe 2700 may include one or more of the features of the shoe 100 (FIG. 1), the shoe 900 (FIG. 9), the shoe 1900 (FIG. 19), the shoe 2100 (FIG. 21), and/or the shoe 2300 (FIG. 23). For example, the shoe 2700 may include a sole 2702, which may include one or more of the features of the sole 102 (FIG. 1), the sole 400 (FIG. 4), the sole 600 (FIG. 6), the sole 700 (FIG. 7), the sole 904 (FIG. 9), the sole 1102 (FIG. 11), the sole 1902 (FIG. 9), the sole 2102 (FIG. 21), and/or the sole 2302 (FIG. 23).
The sole 2702 may include a first aperture 2704 through which a post 2706 of an integrated post and strap retention member (such as the integrated post and strap retention member 2800 (FIG. 28)) may extend through.
The sole 2702 may further include a second aperture 2708 and a third aperture 2710. A first hook portion 2712 may extend through the second aperture 2708. A second hook portion 2714 may extend through the third aperture 2710.
The shoe 2700 may include a first strap 2716 and a second strap 2718. The first strap 2716 and the second strap 2718 may be formed of flexible material, such as cloth, cotton, leather, flexible rubber, flexible plastic, other similar flexible materials, or some combination thereof. The first strap 2716 may wrap around the first hook portion 2712 and both ends of the first strap 2716 may be affixed to the post 2706. The second strap 2718 may wrap around the second hook portion 2714 and both ends of the second strap 2718 may be affixed to the post 2706.
FIG. 28 illustrates an example integrated post and strap retention member 2800, according to various embodiments. The integrated post and strap retention member 2800 may be implemented within a shoe (such as the shoe 2700 (FIG. 27)). The integrated post and strap retention member 2800 may be a single, pre-formed elongated member. The integrated post and strap retention member 2800 may be formed of a semi-flexible material that allows the integrated post and strap retention member 2800 to be flexed and return to an original shape.
The integrated post and strap retention member 2800 may include a body 2802. The body 2802 may extend along a bottom surface of the shoe when the integrated post and strap retention member 2800 is implemented in the shoe.
The integrated post and strap retention member 2800 may further include a post 2804. The post 2804 may be affixed to the body 2802 and may extend substantially (within 10 degrees) perpendicular to the body 2802. The post 2804 may extend through a first aperture of a sole (such as the first aperture 2704 (FIG. 27)) when the integrated post and strap retention member 2800 is implemented in the shoe.
The integrated post and strap retention member 2800 may further include a first hook portion 2806 and a second hook portion 2808. The first hook portion 2806 may extend through a second aperture of a sole (such as the second aperture 2708 (FIG. 27)) and the second hook portion 2808 may extend through a third aperture of a sole (such as the third aperture 2710 (FIG. 27)) when the integrated post and strap retention member 2800 is implemented in the shoe.
FIG. 29 illustrates an example self-assembly configuration 2900, according to various embodiments. The self-assembly configuration 2900 may include a first fixture 2902 and a second fixture 2904. A recess 2906 may be formed in the first fixture 2902 and/or the second fixture 2904, where the recess 2906 is to be located between the first fixture 2902 and the second fixture 2904 when the first fixture 2902 and the second fixture 2904 are positioned together. The recess 2906 may receive a sole, such as the sole 2102 (FIG. 21).
The first fixture 2902 may include an aperture 2912. The self-assembly configuration 2900 may further include a plug 2908, where the plug 2908 is shaped to fit in the aperture 2912. The plug 2908 may be attached to a post 2910, which may include one or more features of the post 2000 (FIG. 20). The plug 2908 may align the post 2910 with a recess of the sole when the first fixture 2902 is positioned on the second fixture 2904 and the plug 2908 is inserted into the aperture.
FIG. 30 illustrates the example self-assembly configuration 2900 of FIG. 29, according to various embodiments. In particular, FIG. 30 illustrates the first fixture 2902 positioned on the second fixture 2904 with a sole 3002 located within the recess 2906. Further, the plug 2908 may be positioned within the aperture 2912, with the post 2910 installed within a recess 3004 of the sole 3002.
FIG. 31 illustrates an example anchor arrangement 3100, according to various embodiments. The anchor arrangement 3100 may include an anchor 3104. The anchor 3100 may include one or more of the features of the first anchor 806 (FIG. 8), the second anchor 810 (FIG. 8), the first anchor 914 (FIG. 9), the first anchor 1106 (FIG. 11), and/or the second anchor 1202 (FIG. 12). For example, the anchor 3104 may comprise an elongated member.
The anchor 3104 may have a channel 3106 that extends around a circumference of the anchor 3104. The channel 3106 may be extend into the anchor 3104, wherein a circumference of the portion of the anchor 3104 corresponding to the channel 3106 is smaller than a circumference of the other portion of the anchor 3104. The channel 3106 may extend around the anchor 3104 at an angle to the length of the anchor 3104. The angle may be less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may be substantially (within 5 degrees of) 35 degrees. In other embodiments, the channel 3106 may extend around the anchor 3104 perpendicular to the length of the anchor 3104.
The anchor arrangement 3100 may further include a strap 3102. The strap 3102 may include one or more of the features of the first strap 134 (FIG. 1), the second strap 136 (FIG. 1), the first strap 804 (FIG. 8), the second strap 808 (FIG. 8), the first strap 912 (FIG. 9), the first strap 1402 (FIG. 14), the second strap 1404 (FIG. 14), the first strap 1910 (FIG. 19), the second strap 1912 (FIG. 19), and/or the strap 2106 (FIG. 21). The strap 3102 may be affixed to the anchor 3104. For example, a portion of the strap 3102 may form a loop that loops around the anchor 3104 at the channel 3106, wherein the portion of the strap 3102 is located within the channel 3106. A circumference of the loop formed by the portion of the strap 3102 may be less than or equal to a largest circumference of the anchor 3104. While the width of the channel 3106 is shown being larger than the width of the strap 3102 in the illustrated embodiment for clarity, it is to be understood that the width of the channel 3106 may be substantially (within 1 centimeter of) the same width as the width of the strap 3102.
The strap 3102 may extend from the anchor 3104 at an angle 3108 to the length of the anchor 3108. The angle 3108 may be less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 3108 may be substantially (within 5 degrees of) 35 degrees. In other embodiments, the strap 3102 may extend from the anchor 3104 perpendicular to the length of the anchor 3108.
The anchor arrangement 3100 may be implemented in one or more of the strap assemblies described throughout this disclosure, including the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1), the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8), the strap assembly 902 (FIG. 9), the strap assembly 1104 (FIG. 11), the strap assembly 1904 (FIG. 19), and/or the strap assembly 2104 (FIG. 21). In particular, the anchor 3104 may be implemented in place of the first anchor 806 (FIG. 8), the second anchor 810 (FIG. 8), the first anchor 912 (FIG. 9), the first anchor 1106 (FIG. 11), the second anchor 1202 (FIG. 12), and/or any other anchor described herein, wherein the straps affixed to the anchors may be affixed to the anchors as the strap 3102 is affixed to the anchor 3104.
FIG. 32 illustrates an example post arrangement 3200, according to various embodiments. The post arrangement 3200 may include a post 3204. The post 3204 may be formed of rigid material. For example, the post 3204 may be formed of hard plastic, hard rubber, metal, other rigid materials, or some combination thereof. The post 3204 may have a circular profile. Further, a diameter of the circular profile of the post 3204 may be larger than a width of an aperture of a sole (such as the aperture 130 (FIG. 1), the aperture 408 (FIG. 4), the aperture 606 (FIG. 6), and/or the aperture 708 (FIG. 7)), such that the circular profile of the post 3204 prevents the post 802 from passing through the aperture. In other embodiments, the post 3204 may have a profile of any shape and/or size that prevents the post 3204 from passing through the aperture.
The post 3204 may have a bar 3206 and a recess 3208 that extends into post 3204 adjacent to the bar 3206. The bar 3206 may be formed at a top surface of the post 3204 and may extend at an angle to the top surface of the post 3204. In some embodiments, the bar 3206 may extend at an angle of substantially (within 5 degrees of) 10 degrees to the top surface of the post 3204.
The recess 3208 may be located adjacent to the bar 3206 and may extend into the top surface of the post 3204. The recess 3208 may have two openings, one on each side of the bar 3206, within the top surface of the post 3204. In some embodiments, the recess 3208 may further include one or more openings located within the side surface of the post 3204.
The post arrangement 3200 may further include a strap 3202. The strap 3202 may include one or more of the features of the strap 3102 (FIG. 31). A portion of the strap 3202 may form a loop that loops around the bar 3206 and affixes the strap 3202 to the bar 3206. The strap 3202 may extend from the post 3204 at an angle 3210 to the top surface of the post 3204. The angle 3210 may be equal to the angle that the bar 3206 extends to the top surface of the post 3204, and the angle 3210 may be maintained based on the angle of the bar 3206. The angle 3210 may be less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 3210 may be substantially (within 5 degrees of) 80 degrees. In other embodiments, the strap 3202 may extend from the post 3204 perpendicular to the top surface of the post 3204.
The post arrangement 3200 may be implemented in any of the strap assemblies described herein, including the strap assembly 132 (FIG. 1), the strap assembly 800 (FIG. 8), the strap assembly 902 (FIG. 9), the strap assembly 1104 (FIG. 11), the strap assembly 1904 (FIG. 19), the strap assembly 2104 (FIG. 21), the strap assembly 2304 (FIG. 23), and/or any other strap assembly described herein. For example, the post 3204 may be implemented in place of the post 206 (FIG. 2), the post 802 (FIG. 8), the post 910 (FIG. 9), the post 1302 (FIG. 13), the post 1914 (FIG. 19), the post 2112 (FIG. 21), and/or the post 2306 (FIG. 23), wherein the strap affixed to the post as the strap 3202 is affixed to the post 3204.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed embodiments of the disclosed device and associated methods without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the modifications and variations of the embodiments disclosed above provided that the modifications and variations come within the scope of any claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of securing a strap assembly to a sole of a shoe, comprising:

threading a first anchor of the strap assembly from a first side of the sole through an aperture of the sole to a second side of the sole;

threading a second anchor of the strap assembly from the first side of the sole through the aperture to the second side of the sole;

positioning a post of the strap assembly adjacent to the aperture at the first side of the sole, wherein a shape of the post prevents the post from passing through the aperture, and wherein a first strap of the strap assembly extends between the first anchor and the post, and a second strap of the strap assembly extends between the second anchor and the post;

securing the first anchor within a first recess located within the sole; and

securing the second anchor within a second recess located within the sole.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

securing the first anchor within the first recess includes positioning the first anchor in a first retention configuration within a receptacle of the first recess, wherein the receptacle of the first recess is to retain the first anchor within the receptacle of the first recess when the first anchor is in the first retention configuration; and

securing the second anchor within the second recess includes positioning the second anchor in a second retention configuration within a receptacle of the second recess, wherein the receptacle of the second recess is to retain the second anchor within the receptacle of the second recess when the second anchor is in the second retention configuration.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

positioning the first anchor in the first retention configuration includes:

threading the first anchor through an entryway of the first recess into the receptacle of the first recess;

positioning a first end of the first anchor within a first portion of the receptacle of the first recess, wherein the first portion of the receptacle of the first recess extends away from the entryway of the first recess in substantially a first direction; and

positioning a second end of the first anchor within a second portion of the receptacle of the first recess, wherein the second portion of the receptacle of the first recess extends away from the entryway of the first recess in substantially a second direction, the second direction being substantially opposite from the first direction; and

positioning the second anchor in the second retention configuration includes:

threading the second anchor through an entryway of the second recess into the receptacle of the second recess;

positioning a first end of the second anchor in a first portion of the receptacle of the second recess, wherein the first portion of the receptacle of the second recess extends away from the entryway of the second recess in substantially the first direction; and

positioning a second end of the second anchor in a second portion of the receptacle of the second recess, wherein the second portion of the receptacle of the second recess extends away from the entryway of the second recess in substantially the second direction.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein:

the first anchor is a first elongated member;

the second anchor is a second elongated member;

threading the first anchor through the entryway of the first recess includes:

orienting the first anchor to have a length of the first anchor extend substantially perpendicular to an opening of the first recess with the first end of the first anchor directed toward the opening of the first recess; and

applying a first force to the first anchor while the length of the first anchor is orientated substantially perpendicular to the opening of the first recess, wherein the first force causes the first end of the first anchor to enter the receptacle of the first recess; and

threading the second anchor through the entryway of the second recess includes:

orienting the second anchor to have a length of the second anchor extend substantially perpendicular to an opening of the second recess with the first end of the second anchor directed toward the opening of the second recess; and

applying a second force to the second anchor while the length of the second anchor is orientated substantially perpendicular to the opening of the second recess, wherein the second force causes the first end of the second anchor to enter the receptacle of the second recess.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the first anchor is a first elongated member;

the second anchor is a second elongated member;

threading the first anchor through the aperture includes:

orienting the first anchor to have a length of the first anchor extend substantially perpendicular to an opening of the aperture located at the first side of the sole; and

applying a first force to the first anchor while the length of the first anchor is orientated substantially perpendicular to the opening of the aperture, wherein the first force causes the first anchor to pass through the aperture; and

threading the second anchor through the aperture includes:

orienting the second anchor to have a length of the second anchor extend substantially perpendicular to the opening of the aperture located at the first side of the sole; and

applying a second force to the second anchor while the length of the second anchor is orientated substantially perpendicular to the opening of the aperture, wherein the second force causes the second anchor to pass through the aperture.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion of the first strap and a portion of the second strap are located within the aperture when the post is positioned adjacent to the aperture.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first recess and the second recess extend into the sole from the second side of the sole.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first recess and the second recess are located within a midsole of the sole.

9. A sole of a shoe to receive a strap assembly, the sole comprising:

an outer sole, wherein a first side of the outer sole is configured to contact a surface when the shoe is worn; and

a midsole affixed at a side of the midsole to a second side of the outer sole, the second side of the outer sole being opposite to the first side of the outer sole, wherein the sole has a first recess and a second recess located in the midsole, the first recess to receive a first anchor of the strap assembly and the second recess to receive a second anchor of the strap assembly, and wherein:

the first recess includes:

a first entryway for insertion and removal of the first anchor, wherein the first entryway extends inward from a first exposed surface of the midsole; and

a first receptacle to retain the first anchor when the first anchor is positioned in a first retention configuration within the first receptacle, wherein the first receptacle is located at an opposite end of the first entryway from the first exposed surface of the midsole, wherein a first portion of the first receptacle extends away from the first entryway in substantially a first direction and a second portion of the first receptacle extends away from the first entryway in substantially a second direction, the second direction substantially opposite to the first direction, and wherein a first portion of the first anchor is to be located within the first portion of the first receptacle and a second portion of the first anchor is to be located within the second portion of the first receptacle when the first anchor is positioned in the first retention configuration; and

the second recess includes:

a second entryway for insertion and removal of the second anchor, wherein the second entryway extends inward from a second exposed surface of the midsole; and

a second receptacle to retain the second anchor when the second anchor is positioned in a second retention configuration within the second receptacle, wherein the second receptacle is located at an opposite end of the second entryway from the second exposed surface of the midsole, wherein a first portion of the second receptacle extends away from the second entryway in substantially the first direction and a second portion of the second receptacle extends away from the second entryway in substantially the second direction, and wherein a first portion of the second anchor is to be located within the first portion of the second receptacle and a second portion of the second anchor is to be located within the second portion of the second receptacle when the second anchor is positioned in the second retention configuration.

10. The sole of claim 9, wherein:

a distance that the first portion of the first receptacle extends away from the first entryway in substantially the first direction is greater than a distance that the second portion of the first receptacle extends away from the first entryway in substantially the second direction; and

a distance that the first portion of the second receptacle extends away from the second entryway in substantially the first direction is greater than a distance that the second portion of the second receptacle extends away from the second entryway in substantially the second direction.

11. The sole of claim 9, wherein:

the first entryway extends inwards from the first exposed surface at a non-perpendicular angle to the first exposed surface; and

the second entryway extends inwards from the second exposed surface at a non-perpendicular angle to the second exposed surface.

12. The sole of claim 9, wherein:

the first entryway extends inwards from the first exposed surface at a non-perpendicular angle to a top surface of the first receptacle; and

the second entryway extends inwards from the second exposed surface at a non-perpendicular angle to a top surface of the second receptacle.

13. The sole of claim 9, wherein a portion of the first recess and a portion of the second recess abut the outer sole.

14. The sole of claim 9, wherein:

a length of the sole extends away from a toe of the sole to a heel of the sole; and

the first direction and the second direction are substantially parallel to a length of the sole.

15. The sole of claim 9, wherein:

the first recess and the second recess are closer to a heel of the sole than to a toe of the sole;

the sole further has an aperture that extends through the midsole and the outer sole, the aperture located closer to the toe of the sole than the heel of the sole; and

a portion of the strap assembly is to extend through the aperture when the strap assembly is received by the sole.

16. The sole of claim 9, wherein the first exposed surface and the second exposed surface are a same surface of the midsole.

17. A shoe, comprising:

a sole that includes:

a midsole affixed at a side of the midsole to a second side of the outer sole, the second side of the outer sole being opposite to the first side of the outer sole, wherein the sole has a first recess and a second recess located in the midsole and an aperture that extends through the midsole and the outer sole; and

a strap assembly removably coupled to the sole, the strap assembly, comprising:

a post located adjacent to the aperture at the first side of the outer sole;

a first anchor removably secured within the first recess;

a second anchor removably secured with the second recess;

a first strap affixed between the post and the first anchor, wherein a portion of the first strap extends through aperture; and

a second strap affixed between the post and the second anchor, wherein a portion of the second strap extends through the aperture.

18. The shoe of claim 17, wherein:

the side of the midsole is a first side of the midsole;

the first recess extends into the midsole from a second side of the midsole and abuts the outer sole at the first side of the midsole, the second side of the midsole being opposite to the first side of the midsole; and

the second recess extends into the midsole from the second side of the midsole and abuts the outer sole at the first side of the midsole.

19. The shoe of claim 17, wherein:

the first anchor is secured within the first recess when the first anchor is located in a first retention configuration within the first recess and removable from the first recess when located in a configuration other than the first retention configuration;

the second anchor is secured within the second recess when the second anchor is located in a second retention configuration within the second recess and removable from the second recess when located in a configuration other than the second retention configuration;

a circumference of the first anchor is smaller than a circumference of the aperture to allow the first anchor to be threaded through the aperture to decouple the strap assembly from the sole; and

a circumference of the second anchor is smaller than the circumference of the aperture to allow the second anchor to be threaded through the aperture to decouple the strap assembly from the sole.

20. The shoe of claim 19, wherein:

the side of the midsole is a first side of the midsole;

the first recess includes a first entryway and a first receptacle;

the first entryway extends inwards from a second side of the midsole to the first receptacle, the second side of the midsole being opposite to the first side of the midsole;

a first portion of the first receptacle extends away from the first entryway in substantially a first direction;

a second portion of the first receptacle extends away from the first entryway in substantially a second direction, the second direction substantially opposite to the first direction;

a first end of the first anchor is located within the first portion of the first receptacle and a second end of the first anchor is located within the second portion of the first receptacle when the first anchor is located in the first retention configuration;

the second recess includes a second entryway and a second receptacle;

the second entryway extends inwards from the second side of the midsole to the second receptacle;

a first portion of the second receptacle extends away from the second entryway in substantially the first direction;

a second portion of the second receptacle extends away from the second entryway in substantially the second direction; and

a first end of the second anchor is located within the first portion of the second receptacle and a second end of the second anchor is located within the second portion of the second receptacle when the second anchor is located in the second retention configuration.