Strap length adjuster for sandals

Abstract

A system for adjusting the length of a sandal strap comprising a receiving member attached to a sandal strap at or near the end of the sandal strap, a tightening member that extends up into the hole through the sole of the sandal to engage the receiving member, wherein the length of the sandal strap can be adjusted by actuating the tightening member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for adjusting the length of a sandal strap comprising:
 a receiving member attached to a sandal strap at or near the end of the sandal strap;   a tightening member that extends up into the hole through the sole of the sandal to engage the receiving member;   wherein the length of the sandal strap can be adjusted by actuating the tightening member.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving member is attached to the sandal strap by an adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving member is threaded. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the tightening member is threaded. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the threads of the tightening member engage the threads of the receiving member to shorten or lengthen the strap when the tightening member is rotated. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tightening member has a head that is larger in diameter than the hole through the sole of the sandal. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the head comprises one or more slots that may be engaged to rotate the tightening member. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the back side of the head comprises a locking structure to prevent the tightening member from unintentional rotation. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a plastic or metal washer is molded into the sole of the footwear. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tightening member is recessed into the sole of the sandal. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tightening member is at least partially enclosed in a housing. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein three tightening mechanisms are configured in the sole of a sandal to allow for adjustment between the big and second toe, and on either side of the foot.