South Cone, Inc.

Santiago J Aguerre

A convertible slide and method for slide-type sandals typically used in the out-of-doors includes rubber and synthetic materials and exhibits a lightweight robust, high-strength, flexible construction including a midsole for supporting a foot. A vamp is securely attached to the midsole for covering the foot and includes a pair of outwardly extending studs for providing a pair of pivot points. A rear heel strap is provided for securing the convertible slide to the foot. The heel strap is rotatively connected to the pair of outwardly extending studs for rotating between a first lowered position about the heel of the foot and a second raised position above the vamp. Finally, an outsole is bonded to the midsole for contacting the ground surface. In a first alternative embodiment, the pair of outwardly extending studs is replaced by a pair of rivets while in a second alternative embodiment, the pair of outwardly extending studs is replaced by a pair of threaded screws.

Convertible slide and method

A sandal having an active, self-adjusting harness and method therefore typically used in the out-of-doors for rigorous activities includes rubber and synthetic materials and exhibits a lightweight robust, high-strength, flexible construction including an elongated sole for supporting a foot where the sole has a toe end and a heel end. A center toe strap is anchored in the toe end and includes a distal end fixedly connected to a front buckle. A rear strap is anchored in the heel end and has a first end and a second end extending above the sole. The first end and the second end of the rear strap are respectively connected to an inside rear buckle and an outside rear buckle. A self-adjusting harness comprised of a single strap is anchored in the toe end. The single strap includes an inside end and an outside end each extending above the sole. The inside end of the single strap is circuited through the front buckle and the inside rear buckle while the outside end of the single strap is circuited through the front buckle and the outside rear buckle. The inside end and the outside end are engaged to form a closure over-the-instep of the foot. Finally, an independent adjustable heel strap is attached to the outside rear buckle and the inside rear buckle. Subsequent movements of the foot result in continuous adjustments in the tension of the single strap for regulating and equalizing the tension in the harness.

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La Jolla, CA, United States of America

Santiago J Aguerre