KR20150005581A - Collapsible shoe and replaceable straps and methods for making and using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular shoe having a removable top is described. The top can be adapted to attach to the associated base. The upper portion may be secured to the base using a fastening element. This fastening element can be inserted through the base into the upper receptacle before being locked in place to secure the upper portion to the base. Similarly, the top can be removed from the base by unlocking the fastening element from the receptacle. Such a modular shoe allows the upper (and / or base) to be easily changed to create various combinations as desired by the wearer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to collapsible shoes and replaceable straps, and more particularly to a collapsible shoe and replaceable strap,

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT application Serial No. 13 / 438,256, filed on April 3, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 151,576 filed on June 2, It is an international application and claims its priority. Serial No. 13 / 151,576 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Utility Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 107,760, filed on April 22, 2008, now published as U.S. Patent No. 7,975,405. Application Serial No. 12 / 107,760 is filed on September 8, 2006, now US Patent No. 7,578,075, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 715,745 filed on September 10, U.S. Serial No. 11 / 530,377, filed concurrently herewith. The above-cited applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to the use and manufacturing methods of shoes and shoes, and more particularly to shoes with collapsible shoes and replaceable straps and methods of making and using such shoes.

Shoes have existed for thousands of years. There is no doubt about their usefulness. There are many different kinds of shoes. Different types and styles of shoes can be used in different situations, such as informal situations or informal situations.

During travel, multiple pairs of shoes are often required to match a variety of items of clothing that are available to the traveler and taken by the traveler, for any particular social situation, with the appropriate pair of shoes. Wrapping multiple pairs of shoes in a traveler's suitcase can often occupy an excessive amount of space and may not be practical.

In addition, shoes are often styling and esthetically conspicuous and their ability to match various types of attire or styling can be limited.

In one embodiment, a collapsible shoe is disclosed, the shoe including a sole, a heel, and a connector, wherein the connector is configured to removably attach the heel to the sole.

In some embodiments, the connector is a threaded rod. In some embodiments, the connector further includes a threaded rod and threaded cap nut extending through the heel. The threaded cap nut is part of the sole of the shoe in some embodiments and is separated from the sole in other embodiments and attaches the sole to the heel.

In another embodiment, a collapsible shoe is disclosed, the shoe including a base including a heel portion including a base cavity, a heel insert configured to be received by the base cavity, a heel portion disposed on the heel portion of the base, A vertical locking portion for locking the vertical locking portion and engaging the vertical locking portion to prevent disengagement of the vertical locking portion from the heel insert and a heel portion of the base adjacent the vertical locking portion, As shown in Fig.

In another embodiment, a collapsible shoe is disclosed, wherein the shoe includes a first sole portion, a second sole portion and a hinge, and the hinge connects the first sole portion and the second portion.

In another embodiment, a collapsible shoe is disclosed, the shoe including a removable strap portion. Some such embodiments further include a removable heel portion.

In some of the embodiments, the removable heel portion further includes slots adapted to connect the removable heel portion to the sole portion.

In another aspect, a modular decorative element is disclosed, the modular decorative element comprising a first decorative portion and a second decorative portion, wherein the decorative portion is removably attached to the base portion. In some such embodiments, the ornamental portion further comprises jewelry, ornamentation, or any other aesthetic article. Some embodiments of the modular decorative element further include a connection. In some such embodiments, the connection further comprises slots or channels. Other embodiments include one or more connections that further include one or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the base portion further includes earing, a pendant, a broach, a ring, a shoe portion or other garment, or other connecting portion adapted to connect a decorative element to a body part or device.

The present application also includes the sophistication of an interchangeable strap mechanism, which may include a quick release mechanism used for attaching and detaching upper straps to the base of the shoe. The same quick release mechanism for straps can be used in any range of base heights.

In one embodiment, a shoe base is disclosed that includes a removable strap portion with a quick release locking mechanism. Figure 27 shows a side profile view of a flat shoe base 1801 with a removable strap 2626 attached thereto. The quick release button 2207 is shown fixed, and the strap material can be sewn into the roll bar 2415 of the quick release strap mechanism and the mechanism can be tightly fastened to the base. When the strap is attached to the shoe, the strap holds the foot on the base and allows the person to walk with the shoe. Fig. 27 shows that when the button is fixed, it can be flush with the back of the shoe base. To release the strap attaching device, the button is pressed into the shoe base, thus allowing the quick release strap mechanism to hook and remove the strap material from the base.

In another embodiment, the strap locking mechanism can be operated using a lever that can be moved from one side of the base to the other side instead of the button, thus allowing the quick release mechanism to be disengaged and the strap to be released.

In another embodiment, the button may be replaced by a plurality of buttons or pins that are pressed into the shoe base to release the strap mechanism.

In other embodiments, a mechanism such as a button may be located at another location on the shoe base, and this location is not limited to the back of the shoe base. The button may be located below the arch base of the shoe base or on the side of the base. The button or pin can be sized according to the design appeal to the shoe style.

Some embodiments include a removable top section that can be attached to an associated base using a fastening element. The removable top may include various catches or rails associated with the various cavities or slots, respectively, included in the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features disclosed herein and how to accomplish them will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following description of specific embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a collapsible footwear;
Figure 2 illustrates a partial side view of Figure 1 taken substantially along line 2-2;
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3;
Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of Figure 1 taken substantially in line 4-4;
5 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of collapsible shoes;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view of a collapsible footwear embodiment;
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of collapsible shoes;
Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the base and removable heel;
Figure 9 illustrates a bottom plan view of one embodiment of collapsible shoes;
Figure 10 illustrates an exploded view of a heel sliding into the base;
Figure 11 illustrates a side elevational view of one embodiment of a removable heel;
Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of Figure 11 illustrating one embodiment of a removable heel;
Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable strapping mechanism;
Figure 14 illustrates a side view of Figure 7 illustrating the use of Figure 13 when involved in the removal of a strap;
Figure 15 illustrates a bottom view of a removable platform;
Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of an interchangeable platform with a strap attachment;
Figure 17 illustrates a view of a small platform;
Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a shoe base;
Figure 18A illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of collapsible shoes;
Figure 18b illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable heel and a removable heel blank and a removable ankle strap attachment piece;
Figure 18c illustrates one embodiment of a removable heel including one embodiment of a heel insert and a reinforcement cylinder;
18d illustrates a side view, a plan view, and a perspective view of the horizontal lock lever;
18E illustrates a side view, a top view, and a perspective view of the vertical lock lever;
Figure 18f illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of collapsible shoes;
18g illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a removable strap and apparatus for securing a removable strap to the base of the collapsible shoe;
18h illustrates the use of a removable strap button lever to disengage the removable strap from the base of the collapsible shoe;
Figure 19 illustrates a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a shoe base illustrating a void cavity to which a strap release lever will be attached;
Figure 20 illustrates a side view of Figure 1 illustrating the profile of a button release cavity and a strap release cavity prior to attachment of the strap release lever;
Figure 21 illustrates a posterior view of the button release cavity illustrating the profile before the release button is secured to the shoe;
22 illustrates a rear view of a shoe base once the release button is assembled to the shoe base. This illustrates a button in the "fixed"position;
Figure 23 illustrates a perspective view of a shoe base cover prior to attachment to a base;
24 illustrates a rear view of the strap attachment mechanisms. In one embodiment, the strap attachment mechanism may have one hook locking device. In another embodiment, the strap attachment mechanism may have two hooks, in other embodiments there may be more hooks for locking;
Figure 25 illustrates a top view of the release lever of the quick release mechanism;
26 illustrates a rear view of a removable strap. In one embodiment, the strap may be a piece of material attached to both strap attachment mechanisms through a roll bar. In other embodiments, the material may be a plurality of pieces attached to different sections of the roll bar and the material may be any suitable material for this purpose, such as but not limited to leather, textile, vinyl, Have;
Figure 27 illustrates a side view of a shoe base to which a replaceable strap is attached to the base;
28 illustrates a rear view of the strap mounting cavity into which the strap release lever is inserted into the cavity;
Figure 29 illustrates a back view of a strap mounting cavity into which a strap release lever is inserted into the cavity and into which the strap mounting pieces fit into the strap mounting cavity;
Figure 30 illustrates a back view of a strap mounting cavity showing the male and female hooks locked in place;
Figure 31 illustrates a perspective rear view of a removable top and associated fastening elements of some embodiments;
Figure 32 illustrates a perspective view of a removable top of Figure 31 and a base that may be used in some embodiments; And
Figure 33 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a modular shoe including the top of Figure 31 and the base of Figure 32;

It will be readily appreciated that the elements of the embodiments, as generally described herein and illustrated in the figures, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the systems, components and methods of the embodiments as shown in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of any invention, but merely representative of the various embodiments.

Ⅰ. Collapsible shoes with removable heel

According to certain embodiments, a collapsible shoe having a removable heel is provided. The removable heel is removably attached to the base of the shoe, or to the sole of the shoe. In some embodiments, the removable attachment is through a threaded rod or the like, and a fastening device such as a cap nut, but in other embodiments it is through slots or dovetail or other locking mechanisms. The shoe may further include one or more removable straps releasably attached to the base of the shoe. The releasable attachment may be through hooks and loops, through taps and slots, through balls, through latches and slots or any other engagement / disengagement mechanism.

In some embodiments, the connector is part of a heel. The connector is a modification to the heel head which is designed to fit tightly in the sole. The sole has a release button, which can be depressed to allow the heel head to slide past it and fit into the empty cavity. The heel enters the cavity and is locked in place by wedging against the back of the button head and sole.

According to other embodiments, there is provided a method of making a collapsible shoe having a removable heel, the method comprising the steps of providing a fastening device, such as a cap nut, formed therein, or a base having a hollow cavity with a release mechanism, . The method further includes providing a removable heel and a sole provided with a release button or the like for releasably attaching a removable heel to the base. The method of some embodiments further comprises providing removable straps for removable attachment to the base.

According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a method of using collapsible shoes having a removable heel, the method comprising: providing a removable heel to the base of the collapsible shoe to prepare collapsible shoes for subsequent use And then removing the removable heel to fold the collapsible shoes for storage thereafter. The method of use may further comprise attaching one or more straps to the base.

According to yet another embodiment, a decorative element is disclosed that can be part of a collapsible shoe for providing modular decorative elements to the shoe. The ornamental elements provide easy quick fastening of jewelry or other aesthetic elements to garments, jewelries, shoes or other items.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to the drawings of Fig. 1, a collapsible shoe 10 having a removable heel 15 is shown. The removable heel 15 of the illustrated embodiment is attached to the collapsible shoe 10 near the rear end of the collapsible shoe in such a manner that the removable heel can be removed and replaced. Some embodiments of collapsible shoes include a base 30 for supporting a wearer's foot (not shown). The base 30 is formed of a suitable material, such as plastic, cardstock material, wood or other suitable material, or combinations thereof, in some embodiments. The bottom surface of the base 30 of some embodiments forms the sole (not shown) of the collapsible shoe 10. The sole is formed of any material, such as rubber, cork, leather, wood or other suitable material, or combinations thereof.

Some embodiments of the collapsible shoe 10 further include a heel plate 20 that fits between the base 30 and the removable heel 15. [ The heel plate 20 may serve to support the removable heel 15 and to durablely and releasably mount the removable heel 15 relative to the base 30. In some embodiments, the heel plate 20 is formed of a rigid material such as plastic, wood, or metal and may be permanently or releasably attached to the base 30.

Some embodiments of the collapsible shoe 10 further include hollow cavities 173 for the heel head 167 to slide past the button 163 and be locked in place. The empty cavity is molded into a pre-designed base to fit into the head of the heel.

A fastening device, such as a cap nut 25, is countersinked in the base 30 of some embodiments and is permanently attached thereto in some such embodiments. The cap nut 25 is inserted through the heel plate 20 and the central axial bore 80 of the removable heel 15 and in some embodiments the removable heel 15 and the heel plate 20 to the base (Fig. 2) removably attaching to a threaded rod 30 (Fig. 2).

1, some embodiments provide for the support of a user's foot (not shown) onto the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 and the base (not shown) of the collapsible shoe 10 30 removably attached to one or more removable straps (35). The removable straps 35 of some embodiments also serve to add ornaments to the collapsible shoes 10. For example, the removable straps 35 may be formed of different colors or materials to match an outfit (not shown) of the user. In some embodiments, different thicknesses of the straps may be used to achieve various styles and appearances.

Referring again to Figure 1, the removable strap 35 of some embodiments is attached to the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 through a set of loops and hooks, such as the loop 40 and the hook 45 Releasably. One or more loops in the form of screw eyes, such as the loop 40, may be provided to the base 30 to releasably attach the removable straps 35 to the base 30, As shown in Fig. In one embodiment, three loops 40, 50 and 60 are attached to the outer base 30. The releasable straps, generally shown at 35, each have a hook, such as hooks 45, 55 and 65, which are adapted to releasably attach to their respective loops 40, 50 and 60 do. On the other hand, the releasable straps can be releasably attached to the base 30. It should be appreciated that any number of loops may be attached to the outer edge of the base at multiple locations to accommodate any number of releasable straps. Also, hooks and loops can be replaced with Velcro (R) or any other attachment device. It is contemplated that the straps can be attached to the base 30 in a variety of different configurations to achieve a variety of different appearances for the shoe 10.

In some embodiments, a retainer clasp 152 is used to attach and detach the strap from the base of the shoe. In this way, a series of strap retainers 140 are molded into the base. In some embodiments, one end of the clasp is attached to the fabric through a material such as a jumping ring and the other end of the clasp fits in the lower strap retainer 143 and moves up through the retainer 142, And moves into the third chamber of the retainer 141 to be locked. The three retainers are slightly different in size. In some embodiments, the lower retainer 143 is slightly larger than the other two retainers, thus creating tension on the jaws 152 as the jaws move into the third retainer 141. In some embodiments, this tension holds the strap in place, thus securing the strap to the base of the shoe. In Fig. 14, reference numeral 144 denotes a clasp at the locking position of the strap retainer 141. Fig. When the clasp is in the unlocked position, this clasp is in the lower strap retainer 143 and is labeled 145. The size, shape, construction material, and texture of the class will vary depending on the style and designer. The clasp and strap retainer mechanisms are likewise not limited to any hole size or shape. It should be understood that there may be any number of strap retainers on the sides of the sole, and the retainers may also be located below the sole or on the normal surface. Strap retainers may appear in different shapes, such as rectangles, ellipses, and rectangles.

In some embodiments, the clasp may be locked in place through a hole and through a tension caused by the size or material of the retainer. As the clasp moves past the small retainer (regardless of size and shape) into the shoe, it will be locked in place due to the side tension present on the clasp. The class need not necessarily move to the second or third chamber for locking.

In operation, the user of the collapsible shoe 10 can be removably attached to the base 30, as illustrated in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 or illustrated in any of the embodiments illustrated and / The collapsible shoes 10 can be assembled first by attaching a removable heel 15 to the heel plate 20 as shown in Fig. In addition, removable straps 35 or any of the embodiments illustrated in Exemplary B may be provided by inserting the hooks of each releasable strap on the loops attached to the outer edge of the base 30, And may be releasably attached to the outer edge of the base 30 as shown. For example, the hook 45 may be releasably attached to the loop 40. After the collapsible shoes 10 are assembled as described so far, the user may place their feet (not shown) on the base 30. The foot (not shown) of the user (not shown) can then be held by the releasable straps 35 and thereby be able to walk with the collapsible shoes 10.

In another embodiment, Figure 10 illustrates a removable heel 15 that slides into the base from the toe of the heel into the back of the shoe. The heel slides up to the spring loaded release button 163. When the heel slides past the button, the weight of the heel with the user's pressure pushes the heel and creates a space for the heel to move into the empty cavity. The head of the heel 167 slides along the bottom of the heel cavity and the heel attachment area 170 is flush with the base of the shoe. When the heel fully moves into the cavity, the button is no longer blocked and the spring is forwardly lifted to be flush with the heel front 171.

In some embodiments, the removable heel 15 is held in place by a lock 171 in the front position of the heel head which is locked in place and is flush with the back 166 of the spring loaded retaining button with reference to FIG. When the heel is in the locked position, the two surfaces are in contact with each other. Once the heel is in the hollow cavity, the button is released and keeps the heel in place. In some embodiments, when 163 is pushed down, the spring recoil 171 slides out and past the spring loaded retainer button 163, thus releasing the heel from the sole.

In a similar manner, when a user of collapsible shoes 10 desires to fold collapsible shoes 10 for storage or traveling, a user (not shown) Will be removed. The removable heel 15 is then removed, thereby reducing the space required for storage or travel. The heel plate 20 can also be removed from the base 30 in embodiments having these separate parts to reduce the space required for the further collapsible shoe 10.

2 and 3, the removable heel 15 of these embodiments may be removed from the bottom of the removable heel 15 to the top of the removable heel 15, And an axial bore 80 (see FIG. 3) formed in the longitudinal axis thereof extending further through the bottom of the removable heel 15 and the top. The axial bore 80 serves to receive and support the internally threaded rod 70 (FIG. 2). A boss 100 is provided at the top of the removable heel 15 in some embodiments and is disposed in communication with the axial bore 80.

Now, considering the threaded rod 70 in more detail and with reference to FIG. 3, the threaded rod 70 may be formed of a rigid metal or plastic material having threads formed thereon. The threaded rod 70 further includes a heel cap 75 that can serve as many different functions. First, the heel cap 75 facilitates the insertion of the threaded rod 70 into the axial bore 80 of the removable heel 15. As shown in FIG. Second, the heel cap 75 facilitates rotation of the threaded rod within the axial bore 80 by the user (not shown). Third, the heel cap 75 may, in some embodiments, be such that when the collapsible shoe 10 (Fig. 1) is worn by a user (not shown), the heel cap 75 will come into direct contact with the ground So as to provide support for the removable heel 15. Because the heel cap can be in direct contact with the ground, the heel cap can be formed of a durable material such as rubber or plastic.

2 and 3, the heel plate 20 can be inserted between the removable heels 15 of the base 30 (Fig. 2) have. The heel plate 20 of these embodiments includes an axial bore 85 along the short axis of the heel plate 20, as best seen in FIG. The axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 receives both the boss 100 of the removable heel 15 and the threaded rod 70 passing from the axial bore 80 of the removable heel 15. [ . In this manner, the threaded rod 70 is received by the cap nut (FIG. 2), generally shown at 25, which is able to completely pass the axial bore 85 from the axial bore 80.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cap nut shown at 25 in the illustrated embodiments includes a cap portion 90 and a nut portion 95. The nut portion 95 may be formed of a metal or plastic threaded material to receive the threaded rod 70 in a threaded manner. 2, the cap nut 25 of these embodiments is disposed in the base 30 and the cap portion 90 is disposed on the top surface of the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10, Or may be located slightly below the normal surface so that the user's heel (not shown) will not touch or be disturbed by the cap nut 25. The nut portion 95 of the cap nut 25 extends downwardly from the cap portion 90 through the base 30 so that the threaded portion of the nut portion 95 can be accessible from the bottom of the base 30 The threaded rod 70 can be threadably received.

Considering the assembly of the collapsible shoe 10 in more detail and with reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a user may first place the heel plate 20 on the bottom surface of the base 30 have. This can best be achieved by inverting the base 30 so that the heel plate 20 will be placed on the bottom surface of the base 30 by gravity. The axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 can then be axially aligned with the nut portion 95 of the cap nut 25. The removable heel 15 may then be placed on the heel plate 20 and the boss 100 may be placed within the axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 to define an axial bore 80 Is axially aligned with both the axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 and the nut portion 95 of the cap nut 25.

1 to 3, the threaded rod 70 is then inserted into the axial bore 80 of the removable heel 15 through the bottom of the removable heel 15, And completely through the axial bore 80 and then into the axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 through the bosses 100. The threaded rod is then continuously inserted into the nut portion 95 of the cap nut 25. When the threaded rod 70 engages the nut portion 95 of the cap nut 25 the user then rotates until the threaded rod 70 is screwed into the cap nut 25 The heel cap 75 may be used to rotate the threaded rod 70 to facilitate the threaded operation. After the threaded rod 70 is screwed into the cap nut 25, the heel cap 75 will then be placed against the bottom surface of the removable heel 15. [ In addition, the heel plate 20 and the removable heel 15 will be securely fixed between the heel cap 75 and the base 30.

Considering the structure of the removable heel and heel plate 20 in more detail and with reference to Figure 4, the removable heel 15 includes integral projections 105 and 110 extending from the top surface of the removable heel 15. [ Such as < RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > The protrusions 105 and 110 help prevent rotation of the removable heel 15 when attached to the heel plate 20. The integral protrusions 105 and 110 are adapted such that their bottom surfaces are received by the two corresponding bores 115 and 120 formed in the heel plate 20. The bores 115 and 110 are shown generally at 115 and 120 and have integral protrusions 105 and 110 inserted therein.

In operation, when the removable heel 15 is placed against the bottom surface of the heel plate 20, the integral protrusions 105 and 110 are then inserted and received by the bores 115 and 120. Thus, when the threaded rod 70 is inserted and tightened into the cap nut 25, the removable heel 15 is held flat against the heel plate 20 and the protrusions 105 and 110, 115 and 120, respectively. In this way, the removable heel 15 may inadvertently loosen or not be removed from the heel plate 20 of the sole 10. In addition, the removable heel 15 may not rotate, but the integral protrusions 105 and 110 allow the rotation of the removable heel to occur because they inhibit rotation of the heel 15 relative to the heel plate 20 I can not do it.

In another embodiment of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 5, the collapsible shoe 10 includes a slit 130 formed in the base 30, which can be further reduced in size for storage or travel purposes. As best seen in Figure 6, the slit 130 allows the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 to fold back on itself. To facilitate this operation, a hinge 135 may be attached to the bottom surface of the base 30, as best seen in Fig. The center of the hinge 135 of the illustrated embodiment is disposed over the slit 130 so that the hinge can allow the base 30 to fold back on itself. The hinge 135 then allows folding and folding of the base 30 while preventing the two sections of the base 30 separated by the slit 130 from being separated by a wide range of distances they may be misplaced It plays a role.

5 and 6, after the user (not shown) has finished using the collapsible shoes 10, the user may use the shoe 10 and / The removable heel 15 is removed and then the base 30 of the collapsible shoe is folded back on itself. When the user wishes to use the collapsible shoes 10 again, the collapsible shoes 10 as best seen in Figure 5 are unfolded through the hinges 135, 30 are generally flat. At this time, the removable heel 15 will then be attached to the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 as previously described.

Considering the structure of the removable heel of Figures 11 and 12, the heel is made of a material such as plastic, metal, wood, and the like. The head of the heel is made of the same fillet raised edge on all heels. The head is attached to a larger flat zone 170 known as an attachment zone for the base. Once the heel is inserted into the cavity 173, the heel attachment area 170 will be placed in the base attachment area 188 by a seamless edge. The top portion of the heel will be the same at each heel, but the bottom portion of the heel 15 will be aesthetically altered in shape, color, size, fabric covering, material, thickness, There is a steel rod 190 within the heel for stability and construction. You can not see this load from the outside. A heel cap 75 will attach to the end of the heel and cover the steel rod from the bottom. Changing the heels of the outsole allows the consumer to swap the thin heel for a wedge heel or pump heel. The shapes and styles of the heels to be created for replacement with the removable heel 15 will be determined by fashion trends and should not be limited to any of the above constructions in this patent.

In some embodiments, the heel head 167 may vary in shape or design depending on the shape and design of the base attachment region. The two pieces, the heel 15 and the shoe 10 will be designed in harmony, and they fit together. The heel head 167 may also be circular, rectangular or square in each model depending on the particular design of the shoe. This will follow fashion trends.

In some embodiments, the heel head 167 will extend to fit over the wedge heel (not shown). The surface area of the heel cap 75 is larger when the entire heel 15 is shaped. The attachment area of the sole 188 will be larger in dimension than the entire cavity 173 and the heel head 167 when the sole of the shoe is made to accommodate the wedge. In some embodiments, the same locking mechanism will be used and the same design concept will be used. In some embodiments, the components will only be larger than shown and will be slightly different in shape.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the heel enters the bottom of the sole. In this particular illustration, the heel entering the sole from the front of the shoe 10 to the back of the shoe is shown. Therefore, the consumer adds more stability when walking on the heel. This approaches the minimization of the possibility of the heel 15 coming off the sole from the back. In some embodiments, the heel may slide from the back of the sole to the front of the sole. The spring loaded retaining button 163 is moved to the back of the cavity 173 to enable the button to be depressed by the heel when the heel enters the cavity.

In some embodiments, the spring loaded heel retaining button 163 of FIG. 9 will be decorated or embroidered according to fashion trends. Buttons will also vary in size, color, material and shape. The size of the spring will also vary in size, material color and strength.

In one embodiment, a spring loaded heel retaining button 163 is shown in Fig. 8, which is a separate piece made to fit in the sole. Button 163 is connected to the sole through clip 162 which attaches the button to the sole through small screws 161 (but not limited to structures such as screws, pins, etc.). In one embodiment, the button is molded into the structure of the sole (not shown), and 162 is not required. The spring 165 is then attached to the sole under the heel release button. A spring loaded retaining button is used to release and attach the heel 15.

Consider in FIG. 8 how the forward helixing plate 171 is placed against the front 166 of the button when the heel is fully within the cavity. In some embodiments, the heel will be fully inwardly in the cavity to lift the spring loaded retaining button to release the heel front 171 and to be flush with it.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the structure of the heel cavity of the sole is designed to reflect the exact dimensions of the heel head 167. There may be small ridges on the inside of the cavity 173 that allow the fillet-shaped edges of the heel neck to descend further down into the cavity. This can create an added locking mechanism, once the heel falls down into the cavity, the neck of the heel may not be pulled out because it is trapped beneath the ridge in some embodiments.

In some embodiments of FIG. 13, the clasp 152 has two sides. One end 151 of the strap can be inserted into the holes 140 in the sole. The other end 154 of the clasp may have a hole therein and a shape such as a jump ring 153 is inserted through the hole to attach the strap 35 to the hole. In some embodiments, the strap is pushed through the jumping ring and seated on itself to secure the latch to the strap. The size of the hole 153 in the tufts may vary in size, shape or position depending on the design style. The shapes of the clips 151 and 154 vary in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the ends are rectangular or rectangular. The design of such clasps is not limited to shapes, circular designs, means, or materials.

In one embodiment of Fig. 14, the strap retainer 140 is on the sides of the shoe. One strap retainer comprises three parts; The bottom portion 143 of the strap retainer, the middle portion 142 of the strap retainer, and the upper portion 141 of the strap retainer. The three parts are slightly different in dimensions. In the bottom retainer 143, the class leading end 151 is inserted into the shoe. The clasp can be inserted into the side of the shoe 10 so that only the end 154 of the clasp is exposed. In some embodiments, the depth of the strap retainer is molded into the side of the shoe and is determined by the creped length. The class leading end 151 enters the bottom strap retainer and is moved past the smaller sized strap retainer 142. [ In some embodiments, smaller dimensions may create tension on the tufts as the tuft moves past the strap retainers. The clasp is then forced directly into the smallest strap retainers 141 by upward pressure, where in some embodiments the clasp is snapped in place. The strap retainer 141 is only large enough for the class leading end 151 to fit in the retainer, which creates lateral tension on the strap and holds the strap within the strap retainer. In FIG. 14, reference numeral 144 illustrates a class in an upwardly locked position in one embodiment. The fabric may be attached to the clasp and secured to the sole of the shoe. In some embodiments, when the consumer desires to remove the strap, the consumer may push down the clasp at position 141 and move the latch through 142 and into position 143.

In some embodiments, 140 may consist of only one chamber instead of three spaces, such as 141, 142, The dimensions of the strap retainer are slightly larger than the class leading end 151. The consumer can push the class leading end 151 into the strap retainer consisting of one compartment and the side tension can make it difficult for the clasp to slide past the opening. This side tension will, in some embodiments, secure the clasp to the shoe.

In some embodiments, the size, shape, design, and material of the strap retainer may vary for a design style. The dimensions of the strap retainer depend on the size and shape of the clasp. The shape of the class is determined by fashion trends and designer directives. It is also determined by the material used to create the clasps, which may be plastic, metal, wood, nylon or other synthetic materials.

Upon review, the purpose of creating an interchangeable shoe is to allow the consumer to purchase a pair of heels and straps separately to change the style of the shoe with a pair of shoes (sole). In some embodiments of interchangeable shoes, the consumer may change the thin stiletto heel for thicker / wedge heels. In some embodiments, the consumer can replace a strap of three or four decorative straps with a single thick strap. In some embodiments, the hinges in the sole will allow the consumer to fold the sole in half and wrap the shoe more easily for travel. In some embodiments, the heels and straps will have various colors, shapes, material types and styles. Consumers will be able to exchange straps and heels according to fashion trends or depending on functionality.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments of the invention will undergo various modifications without departing from the invention, and that such modifications are intended to be within the skill of the art to include in these disclosures.

In some embodiments, the platform is removable from the base through the spring loaded button 195. Once the button 195 is pressed, the platform is twisted and released to one side. In Fig. 15, 192 represents one such removable platform. 196 illustrate the guides that are used to locate and maintain an exchangeable platform. The platform is reattached by lining up the cogs 194 on the inside of the platform by holes in the bottom of the base. Once the platform is in position, the guide is line up on each side of the lever (spring loaded button 195). The same cog design appears to match the quantum: base and platform. The nose is line up and the platform is twisted into position. The button is pressed when it is twisted. In Figure 15, in this particular embodiment, the removable wedge heel attaches to the platform after the platform is attached and adds stability to the removable platform. The platform is removable to increase or decrease the height of the shoe. The platforms may be constructed with several heights. Figure 17 shows a small platform, but there are several heights. Once the desired platform height is attached, a removable heel corresponding to this height will be inserted into the shoe. In some embodiments, this illustrates how interchangeable platforms and interchangeable heels can add or subtract heights to the shoe.

In some embodiments, the exchangeable platforms also feature the strap attachment region 193 of FIG. There is a strap cutout on the inside of the removable platform. The cutout shows where the straps will be placed. Once the platform is attached to the base, the straps will fit between the platform and the base. This will ensure that the strap does not fall off the foot or base.

Another embodiment of a collapsible shoe with a removable heel is illustrated in Figure 18A. 18A specifically illustrates an exploded perspective view of some components of an embodiment of a collapsible footwear. These components include a base 1805, a base plate cover 1810, a sole 1815, a removable heel 1820, a heel insert 1825, a removable heel blank 1830, a removable ankle strap attaching piece 1835 A reinforcing cylinder 1840, a horizontal lock lever 1845, a vertical lock lever 1850, a removable wedge 1855 and a wedge support insert 1860.

A detailed perspective view of the removable heel 1820 of the embodiment shown in Figure 18A is illustrated in Figure 18B. One of the removable heel blank 1830 or the removable ankle strap attaching piece 1835 is disposed between the removable heel 1820 or the removable wedge 1855 and the base 1805 As shown in Fig. A removable heel blank 1830 is shown in Figures 2 and 3 in that it can serve to support a removable heel 1820 and to mount a removable heel 1820 on the base 1805 in a durable and releasable manner. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 20 < / RTI >

18C, the removable heel 1820 may include first and second cavities 1865 and 1866. In one embodiment, The first cavity 1866 can receive the heel insert 1825. The heel insert 1825 fits into the base cavity of the bottom of the heel and the heel insert 1825 facilitates locking and unlocking of the removable heel 1820 relative to the base 1805. The heel insert 1825 may be permanently secured to the first cavity 1866 by an adhesive, such as glue. The second cavity 1865 may be an axial bore at the bottom of the removable heel 1820. This second cavity 1865 can receive the reinforcing cylinder 1840 for added stability of the heel similar to the steel rod 190 shown in Fig. The reinforcing cylinder 1840 may be permanently secured to the second cavity 1865 by an adhesive, such as glue.

Removable heel 1820 may also be replaced with removable wedge 1855 to provide a different appearance and style. The removable wedge 1855 can receive the same heel insert 1825 as the removable heel 1820 in the same manner to assist in locking and unlocking the removable wedge 1855 relative to the base 1805 It also includes a cavity. Wedge support insert 1860 may slide into the front recessed cavity of removable wedge 1855 to provide support and stability when a removable wedge is attached to base 1805. The wedge support insert 1860 may be permanently attached to the front recessed cavity of the wedge 1855 removable by the adhesive. The wedge support insert 1860 may be coupled to the wedge support slot 1890 shown in Figure 18f when a removable wedge 1855 is secured to the base 1805. [

To secure the removable heel 1820 or the removable wedge 1855 to the base 1805 of the collapsible shoe, one embodiment of the collapsible shoe includes a removable heel 1820, A double locking mechanism may be used in conjunction with the heel insert 1825 to ensure that the wedge 1820 or wedge 1855 does not inadvertently become unstable. The double locking mechanism may include a horizontal locking lever 1845 for locking and unlocking the vertical locking lever 1850 which interacts with the heel insert 1825. The horizontal lock lever 1845 can be aligned with the horizontal lock slot 1846 and the vertical lock lever 1850 can be aligned with the vertical lock slot 1851 within the base 1805. [ 18D illustrates a side view 1870, a front view 1871 and a perspective view 1872 of the horizontal lock lever 1845. 18E illustrates a side view 1875, a front view 1876, and a perspective view 1877 of the vertical lock lever 1850. FIG.

As illustrated in Figure 18F, when the heel is inserted into the base cavity and into the locked position, the vertical lock lever 1850 is pushed up towards the removable heel 1820 and the horizontal lock lever 1845 is pushed to the right . Vertical lock lever 1850 engages heel insert 1825 to maintain removable heel 1820 in place. The horizontal lock lever 1845 can be moved to a position to engage with the vertical lock lever 1850 so that the vertical lock lever 1850 can be moved to a position where the vertical lock lever 1850 is engaged with the vertical lock lever 1850. As the vertical lock lever 1850 is in the locked position and engages the heel insert 1825, It is not possible to move down to the unlocked position. When the user desires to remove the removable heel 1820, the horizontal lock lever 1845 must first be moved to the left, e.g., to lock its vertical lock lever 1850 in its unlocked position, It must be moved to the release position. The user can then move the vertical locking lever 1850 down and away from the removable heel 1820 thus freeing the removable heel 1820 and allowing the user to remove the removable heel from the base 1805 .

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments of the invention will undergo various modifications without departing from the invention, and that such modifications are intended to be within the skill of the art to include in these disclosures.

Ⅱ. Shoe base with removable and replaceable upper straps

According to certain embodiments, there is provided a collapsible shoe base having removable top straps, wherein the removable straps are attached to the base or soles of the shoe.

18g shows an exploded perspective view of the base 1805 of one embodiment of collapsible shoes having a removable strap 1895, a removable strap device 1896, and a removable strap button lever 1897. As shown in Fig. Removable strap device 1896 may be contained within base 1805 and may include push button 1894 in the inner center of removable strap device 1896. The removable strap device 1896 will be urged forward in the base 1805 when the removable straps 1895 are manually pushed into the sides of the base 1805, Causing it to touch the wall. When the teeth 1898 engage the removable straps 1895, the push button 1894 moves the removable strap device 1896 back to its original position to lock the removable straps 1895 in place . When in place, the user weaves the straps through the slots of the removable straps 1895 for use.

To remove the removable straps 1895 from the base 1805, a removable strap button lever 1897, for example, may be inserted into the hole 1899 as illustrated in Fig. 18h. The hole 1899 is the access point to the removable strap device 1896 which can be pushed forward by a removable strap button lever 1897 that disengages the teeth 1989 so that the removable straps 1895 can be pushed forward, As shown in FIG. Once the removable straps 1895 are disengaged, the push button 1894 will cause the removable strap device 1896 to move back to its original locked position. Similar devices such as pen caps or pencils may also be used to disengage removable straps 1895 through apertures 1899 in the base.

If the user wishes to add high ankle straps to the collapsible shoes, the user may use the removable ankle strap attachment piece 1835 shown in Fig. 18B. A removable ankle strap attaching piece 1835 is shown in place in Figure 18f, wherein two metal rings 1888 are exposed. The straps can be interwoven through the metal rings 1888 as desired by the user.

19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a shoe base exposing cavities housing a quick release mechanism. In some embodiments there may be more cavities, shape / size may vary and may be differently partitioned. The cavities shown in Fig. 19 receive the strap releasing mechanism. The base cover 2312 shown in Fig. 23 can then be attached to the shoe base to cover and protect the strap release mechanism. The base cover is attached to the shoe base by any suitable attachment means such as the use of screws, pins, plugs or nails. In some embodiments, the base cover is glued or strongly pressed to the shoe base.

The base cover is attached after the quick strap attachment pieces are placed in the cavity to ensure their stability and function within the shoe base. The shoe base is then covered by a suitable covering material 2730, such as rubber, leather, plastic, fabric or a piece of material similar to sole, to protect all of the processing mechanisms of the shoe base as shown in Fig.

In some embodiments, the quick release mechanism shown in Fig. 25 may be one solid piece or several pieces. The quick release mechanism can be made of materials such as wood, plastic, pvc, abs, steel, and the like, and is not limited to the materials mentioned.

In some embodiments, the button is attached to the quick release lever. In some embodiments, the button is a separate piece from the quick release lever. Figure 25 shows one such quick strap release lever with one button and one set of strap attachment hooks.

In another embodiment, the strap release lever may have a plurality of strap attachment hooks.

In the embodiment of Fig. 25, the strap release lever is placed within the empty cavity of the shoe base. The upper portion of the release lever includes, but is not limited to, a spring attachment post 2523, a spring 2524, a female strap attachment hook 2519 and a hollow cavity 2520 known as a female hook lock cavity.

In other embodiments, there are a plurality of springs and spring attachment posts, and some female attachment hooks and some female hook lock cavities. The strap release lever is placed in the empty shoe body cavity so that the top of the spring 2524 abuts the mating surface of the head of the base cavity 1906 shown in Fig. When the springs 2524 are secured, the spring is elongated and there is an empty space 2829 created in the strap mounting cavity. In Fig. 28, the button and spring are fixed, creating a leverage space 2829 in the strap mounting cavity. When the button is pressed, the entire strap release lever moves forward, the spring is shortened, and the top of the strap release lever moves closer to the mating surface 1906 of the shoe base. The female hook heads 2518 also move forward and coplanar with the sides of the strap mounting cavity. When the button is released, the strap release lever moves back to its original position, the spring returns to its normal state and the female hook heads return to their normal position. When the button is released, the stops at the end of the strap release lever are brought into contact with the body of the shoe, thus ensuring that the button does not protrude past the body of the shoe base.

In Fig. 29, an illustration shows strap attachment pieces 2425 slid into a strap mounting cavity. When the base cover is attached to the base of the shoe, the strap attaching pieces 2425 expose the open slots on the side of the shoe to enter the shoe. When the strap attaching pieces enter the shoe, the button is held down by the user and held down. When the button is held down, the strap release lever is moved forward and the spring is shortened, thus causing tension. The male hook head 2414 moves forward into the unobstructed cavity. The male hook head moves forward until it is in contact with the side of the strap. The button is then released and the strap release lever moves back to its original rest position. The female hook head is lowered, thus locking the male hook head inside the female hook locking cavity. This serves to fix the strap attaching device inside the shoe base until the button is pressed again. The male and female hooks engage and block each other from leaving the shoe base. They produce a barrier and the spring retains tension on such a barrier to keep the strap attachment pieces tightly fastened.

In some embodiments, there are two or more male and female locking hooks attached together to create a strap stability of the plurality of sections.

In other embodiments, there is no button that needs to be pressed to allow the male hook head to pass through the female hook head. In some embodiments, the strap mounting piece is pushed into the strap cavity and a force is applied, causing tension to the spring. The spring is shorter in length, thus allowing the male hook head to pass through the female hook head and locking the strap attachment mechanism inside the shoe base.

In some embodiments, the spring is located in the button cavity 1903, instead of being attached to the release lever. The spring attachment posts are attached to the back of the button cavity. In some embodiments, the springs are attached to the spring attachment post at the back of the button cavity and the tension used to move the strap release lever is applied by pressing the button. The springs contact the back of the button head and when the button is pressed, the springs are short in length, thus moving the strap release lever forward toward the mating surface 1906 of the shoe base, thus actuating a quick release mechanism. The lever is moved forward toward the front of the shoe and the female hook heads are also moved forward to allow the male hook heads to slide into place. The button is then released and the male hook heads lock the female hook heads in place and secure the straps to the base.

In some embodiments, the strap attachment mechanism shown in Fig. 24 has one set of male hook heads or a plurality of male hook heads. The strap attachment mechanisms may be made of plastic, abs, pvc, nylon, metal or wood, but are not limited thereto. The strap attaching pieces have an open slot for roll bar 2415 and material 2011, which may be one continuous slot or multiple slots for sliding through the strap material. Once the strap material is slid through the material slots, the material is threaded on itself, as shown in Fig. In some embodiments, the material is glue-bonded to itself or to other materials. In other embodiments, the strap material is comprised of several pieces of material that are inserted through a material slot and then attached to itself.

In some embodiments, the materials used for the straps can be leather, fabric, vinyl, rubber, composites, satin and / or a variety of other materials. The strap material is not limited to the materials listed.

In some embodiments, the buttons used to trigger the quick release mechanism are covered by an exchangeable wedge. The wedge needs to be removed first, and then the button can be exposed.

In some embodiments, the button is not visible and is recessed into the shoe. In other embodiments, the button projects outside the shoe base.

In some embodiments, the configuration of the quick release mechanism may vary. This includes, but is not limited to, having a roll bar that completely fits into the shoe base or slightly protrudes from the shoe base. In other embodiments, the roll bar is a solid piece of plastic or other suitable material having holes along the edges. The solid piece of plastic is fastened to the edge of the strap release mechanism and once the mechanism is locked in place it rests against the side of the shoe base. The material is attached to the bar by rivets or other similar or suitable fixtures. The bars may be made of metal, pvc, plastic, wood or other similar materials.

Is a list of numbered portions for Figs. 18 to 30 showing specific embodiments.

1801: Body of shoe base

1902: Strap attaching joint

1903: Button joint

1904: Release lever joint

1905: Screw hole

1906: mating surface for head of base cover

2207: Release button

2208: rear end of cover plate

2309: Matching surface of head of cover plate

2310: Side surface of cover plate

2011: Side surface of body of shoe base

2312: Base cover

2413: Material Slot

2414: Male hook head

2415: Roll Bar

2416: Male hook-and-loop joint

2417: Hook with strap - male

2518: Female hook head

2519: Hook with strap - female

2520: Female Hook Locking Joint

2521: Release lever

2522: Button

2523: Spring attachment post

2524: spring

2425: Rapid release device with strap

2626: Strap material

2627: swing joint - used to attach material to roll bar

2828: Stoppers

2829: Lever space, and

2730: Shoe soles

Ⅲ. Removable top and associated fasteners and bases

Figure 31 illustrates a perspective rear view of a removable top portion 3100 and associated fastening elements 3110 of some embodiments. As shown, the upper, lower, side may include a fastening element 3110, various catches 3130, and / or receptacles 3120 for various rails 3140.

Removable top 3100 may be adapted to attach to an associated base. Such a base will be described below with reference to Fig. Returning to Figure 31, the fastening element 3110 can be adapted to fasten the top to the base. Receptacle 3120 can be adapted to receive and secure the fastening element. The catches 3130 can be adapted to be aligned with the lips, receptacles, etc. included in the base. The rails 3140 can be adapted to be aligned with the cavities in the base.

The top 3100 and fastening elements 3110 can be made from a variety of suitable materials (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, etc.). In addition, the top portion of the upper portion may include various materials and / or various decorations and / or functional features (e.g., buckles, ribbons, etc.) that may be the same or different from the materials used in the base Buttons, zippers, straps, graphics, patterns, etc.).

In some embodiments, the fastening element 3110 can be inserted into the receptacle 3120 and rotated to secure the fastening element 3110 to the upper portion 3100. The fastening element 3110 may have various ridges or guides that align with the elements in the receptacle 3120. In addition, fastening element 3110 and receptacle 3120 can be configured such that the fastening element can be rotated in a particular amount (e.g., half a clockwise rotation) prior to "locking" 3110 will remain fixed until the element is released (e.g., by rotating the element by half a turn in the counterclockwise direction). Fastening element 3110 may include a slot (or other suitable feature) that is adapted to receive a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) or a suitable item (e.g., coin, key, etc.). In this manner, the user of the shoe may be able to easily attach or detach the fastening element to the upper portion 3100 without requiring any special tools.

32 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary base 3200 that may be used with removable top 3100 in some embodiments. As shown, the base 3200 may include an opening and / or cavity 3210 adapted to receive the fastening element 3110 and / or the receptacle 3120. In addition, base 3200 can include various lips and / or cavities 3220 adapted to receive catches 3130, and / or various slots 3230 adapted to receive rails 3140. The base may also include other elements as appropriate (e.g., sole, heel, various inserts, etc.). The base may be similar to the base 1805 described above and may be adapted to couple to various components other than the top 3100. For example, the base may be adapted to be coupled to a base plate cover (e.g., base plate cover 1810).

33 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a modular shoe 3300 that includes an upper portion 3100, a fastening element 3110, and a base 3200. FIG. The upper portion 3100 may be adapted to attach to the base 3200 using a fastening element 3110 to secure the upper portion to the base to form the shoe 3300. As shown in Fig.

The various catches 3130 and rails 3140 can be moved relative to the associated cavities or ribs 3220 and slots 3230 with the top 3100 being properly aligned with the base 3200 when the shoe 3300 is assembled. . Once the upper portion is properly positioned with respect to the base, the fastening element 3110 may be inserted through the bottom of the base 3200 (e.g., by rotating the fastening element clockwise) and secured to the upper portion 3100.

The fastening element 3110 may include a flange or lip such that only a portion (e.g., a shaft) of the fastening element passes through the base 3200. [ In addition, the fastening elements 3110 may be threaded or otherwise adapted to be secured to the upper portion 3100. [ In this way, the fastening element 3110 can pass through the base cavity 3210 at least to some extent so that the flange only passes through the cavity (e.g., the cavity is in the same plane as the bottom of the base, The surface may include an opening having a diameter greater than the rest of the cavity).

The fastening elements 3110 (and receptacle 3120 and cavity 3210) are configured to securely engage the surfaces of the fastening elements when the fastening elements 3110 are locked in place and the upper portion 3100 is attached to the base 3200, (E.g., the end of the shaft) is coplanar with the upper surface (e.g., the top surface at the top) and the other surface of the fastening element (e.g., the other end of the shaft in the flange) . In this way, the components of the shoe may not appear self-evident so that the shoe does not appear to have any components that are comfortable for the user and will not be found in the non-modular shoe.

When releasing the shoe 3300, the fastening element 3110 may be released from the upper portion 3100 (e.g., by rotating the fastening element in a counterclockwise direction) and the upper portion may then be removed from the base 3200.

The shoe 3300 of some embodiments may provide flexibility to the wearer of the shoe. For example, in some instances, the wearer may wish to use a single base with a plurality of different tops (e.g., tops of different materials, different colors, different design elements, different structures, etc.). Alternatively, the wearer may wish to use multiple bases (e.g., different heights, bases with different sole materials, etc.) with a single top. As in other examples, the wearer may wish to maintain a set of tops and a set of bases so that the user can mix and match to form various combinations.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modular shoes described above with reference to Figures 31-33 for example can be implemented in a variety of different ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although a shoe is described as having a single fastening element, some embodiments may include multiple fastening elements. In addition, although the shoe is described as having a single upper portion, some embodiments may include shoes having a plurality of upper portions (e.g., a front upper portion and a rear upper portion) As shown in FIG. Alternatively, the plurality of upper portions may be secured using a single fastening element (e.g., the front and rear upper portions may overlap in a special section secured by a fastening element).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments of the invention will undergo various modifications without departing from the invention and that such modifications are intended to be within the skill of the art so that they are included in this disclosure.

Claims (20)

Base;
A removable top adapted to be attached to the base; And
And a fastening element adapted to be secured to the top for coupling the top to the base.
Modular shoes.
The method according to claim 1,
Said upper portion comprising:
A receptacle adapted to receive at least a portion of the fastening element;
A set of catches adapted to secure an upper portion to the base; And
And a set of rails adapted to align the upper portion of the base.
Modular shoes.
3. The method of claim 2,
Said base comprising:
An opening adapted to allow at least a portion of the fastening element to pass through the base;
A set of cavities each adapted to receive a catch from the set of catches;
And a set of slots each adapted to receive a rail from the set of rails,
Modular shoes.
The method of claim 3,
The opening having a first radius and a second radius, the first radius being greater than the second radius,
Modular shoes.
5. The method of claim 4,
The fastening element comprising a flange having a radius greater than the second radius and less than the first radius,
Modular shoes.
6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the fastening element comprises a shaft having a radius less than the second radius,
Modular shoes.
The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the shaft of the fastening element includes a locking feature adapted to secure the fastening element to the receptacle.
Modular shoes.
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to a base of a shoe,
Providing a set of cavities and slots to the base, wherein the cavities and the set of slots are adapted to align the base on top;
Providing a set of catches and rails on top, the set of catches and rails being adapted to be aligned with a set of cavities and slots; And
And providing a fastening element adapted to couple an upper portion to the base.
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to the base of a shoe.
9. The method of claim 8,
Providing an opening to the base, the opening being adapted to allow a portion of the fastening element to pass through the base; And
Providing a receptacle on top, the receptacle being adapted to lock the fastening element in place;
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to the base of a shoe.
10. The method of claim 9,
The opening comprising a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter,
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to the base of a shoe.
11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the fastening element comprises a shaft portion having a diameter less than the second diameter and a flange portion having a diameter greater than the second diameter and less than the first diameter,
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to the base of a shoe.
12. The method of claim 11,
The fastening element being adapted to be inserted into the receptacle through the opening and to lock into position when rotated clockwise,
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to the base of a shoe.
13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the fastening element is adapted to be unlocked when rotated in a counterclockwise direction,
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to the base of a shoe.
9. The method of claim 8,
Said base including a removable heel,
A method for securing a removable top portion of a shoe to the base of a shoe.
A removable top for shoes,
Said upper portion comprising:
A receptacle adapted to receive at least a portion of a fastening element;
A set of catches adapted to secure the upper portion to the base of the shoe; And
And a set of rails adapted to align the upper portion of the base.
Removable top for shoes.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the receptacle includes a locking feature adapted to secure the fastening element in place.
Removable top for shoes.
16. The method of claim 15,
The set of catches comprising a set of curved protrusions emerging from an upper surface adapted to be coupled to a base,
Removable top for shoes.
17. The method of claim 16,
The set of rails including two or more ridges extending along a surface,
Removable top for shoes.
16. The method of claim 15,
The top comprising a set of stencil water features,
Removable top for shoes.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the receptacle is adapted to be coplanar with a top surface of a surface of the fastening element,
Removable top for shoes.

Images