US20160242493A1 - Shoes with interchangeable and inter-zippable tops - Google Patents
Shoes with interchangeable and inter-zippable tops Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160242493A1 US20160242493A1 US15/044,926 US201615044926A US2016242493A1 US 20160242493 A1 US20160242493 A1 US 20160242493A1 US 201615044926 A US201615044926 A US 201615044926A US 2016242493 A1 US2016242493 A1 US 2016242493A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shoe
- leg shaft
- zipper
- sole
- leg
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000011241 protective layer Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 244000309466 calf Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 24
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 86
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 description 8
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 241000114622 Cleorodes lichenaria Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000283070 Equus zebra Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000282373 Panthera pardus Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000386 athletic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 canvas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
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- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
- A43B3/101—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals
- A43B3/102—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare
- A43B3/103—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals leaving the heel of the foot bare characterised by the attachment of the toestrap
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
- A43B3/0078—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design provided with logos, letters, signatures or the like decoration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/12—Sandals; Strap guides thereon
- A43B3/122—Sandals; Strap guides thereon characterised by the attachment of the straps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/12—Sandals; Strap guides thereon
- A43B3/126—Sandals; Strap guides thereon characterised by the shape or layout of the straps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/242—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the upper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
- A43B3/244—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the attachment between upper and sole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/12—Slide or glide fastenings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C5/00—Eyelets
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to footwear, and more specifically, to shoes having interchangeable parts.
- Shoes have evolved over the years from simple moccasins to more elaborate and sophisticated sneakers and athletic shoes. Despite these unprecedented advancements in the footwear industry, there is nevertheless a challenge which exists with all footwear. Specifically, a shoe, once created, is unchangeable and therefore, presents a limitation to the wardrobe because the colors, styles and materials of the shoes as manufactured are fixed.
- the invention is a shoe with reversible and moveable tops. There are snaps all around the base of the shoe in order for the top half of the shoe to be changed. Tops are made of various materials and different styles. There can be full-covered footwear, sandal-type or any type of strapped shoe for women or men.
- the footwear of the present invention provides for a wardrobe solution in that the tops of the shoes may be modified as desired in order to change the appearance and structure of the footwear.
- the upper portion, or top, of the footwear can be removed and interchanged with another top to provide a different appearance.
- Additional embodiments of the present invention include tops with no laces, one or more elastic bands spanning the top to hold the shoe on a wearer's foot, reversible pull zippers, multi-colored zippers, and designs having a high or low top, a high or low heel, and a high or low sole.
- Other embodiments allow multiple tops to be stacked upon one another to create a custom boot.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel and equipped with an array of fasteners attached to the side of the sole, and having an interchangeable top attached to the fasteners to form the top of the shoe;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 with one side of the top detached from the sole illustrating the removable nature of the top;
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a top for use in conjunction with the sole shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and having an array of fasteners for positioning over corresponding fasteners on the sole and showing an image or ornamental feature (in dashed lines), and possibly having a different shape (also shown in dashed lines);
- FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having fasteners positioned around the most of the perimeter of the sole;
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a top of the present invention having a different outer contour and shape
- FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having a front cover and a back portion both attached to the fasteners of the sole;
- FIG. 7-11 each containing images A-D, are all examples of tops of the shoe of the present invention and are intended to show the virtually unlimited number of tops which can be interchanged on the shoe of the present invention;
- FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having a substantially flat sole
- FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention showing a sole equipped with a pair of zippers to receive corresponding zippers on the top;
- FIG. 14 is a view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , with one zipper of the top undone showing the detachable nature of top and shoe;
- FIG. 15 is a plan view of a top of the present invention showing the zippers on the sides of the top and with a portion of the top shown turned over to demonstrate the dual-sided tops which provide for a different aesthetic appearance of the shoe of the present invention by unzipping the top, turning it over, and re-attaching it to the sole of the shoe of the present invention;
- FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a full-cover upper having a perimeter zipper extending around the entire shoe sole to provide for the removal of the upper from the sole, and reversal and reattachment of the same upper, or replacement with another upper;
- FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16 , with dashed lines showing the direction of attachment and the zipper separated into two portions;
- FIG. 18 is perspective view of the upper of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17 , showing the inside surface of the upper having a different appearance than the outside surface of the upper;
- FIG. 19 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a sneaker-type sole having a fully removable and reversible upper attached to the sole with a perimeter zipper;
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a customizable boot having a sole, an upper, and a leg extension;
- FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a customizable boot having a sole, an upper, a middle extension, and a leg extension;
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a customizable boot having a sole, an upper, an middle extension, and a leg extension where the middle extension and the leg extension further comprise laces and vertical zippers; and
- FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing the combination of elements from the several embodiments of the present invention.
- Shoe 100 includes a sole 102 with a heel portion 104 , a toe portion 106 , and a heel 108 .
- An interchangeable top 109 has sides 111 formed with eyelets 110 sized to receive a fastener 112 , such as a snap or stud, or button.
- the sole 102 is equipped with an array of fasteners 112 spaced along the side of the sole 102 .
- the shoe 100 of FIG. 1 is shown with one side 111 of the top 109 detached from the sole 102 illustrating the removable nature of the top.
- the top is formed with a number of eyelets 110 .
- eyelets 110 and fasteners 112 are merely exemplary of a preferred embodiment, and that any fastener known in the art is fully contemplated herein, including but not limited to Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks, etc.
- FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a shoe top 150 of the present invention for use in conjunction with sole 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- Top 150 is formed with an array of fasteners 110 for positioning over corresponding fasteners 112 on the sole 102 .
- Top 150 may include an artistic element, image, or ornamental feature 158 (shown in dashed lines), and possibly the edges 154 and 156 may be formed to have a different shape with contoured edges 154 ′ and 156 ′ (also shown in dashed lines),
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a modified embodiment of the shoe 100 of the present invention having fasteners 114 added to fasteners 112 that are positioned around the most of the perimeter of the sole 102 .
- FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a top of the present invention generally designated 200 having a body 202 having a different outer contour and shape 206 , and formed with a number of eyelets 204 , corresponding to fasteners attached to the sole of a shoe of the present invention.
- Shoe 220 includes a sole 222 having a heel portion 224 and a toe portion 226 with an array of fasteners 228 attached to the sides of the sole 222 .
- a heel 230 extends downward from sole 222 , but it is to be appreciated that shoe 220 may have a taller heel, a shorter heel, or no heel without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- shoe 220 is shown having a front cover 232 over at least a portion of toe portion 226 , and a back cover 234 around at least a portion of heel portion 224 , with covers 232 and 234 both attached to the fasteners of the sole.
- FIG. 7-11 each containing images A-D, are all examples of tops of the shoe of the present invention and are intended to show the virtually unlimited number of tops which can be interchanged on the shoe of the present invention.
- a brief summary of each of the designs is presented below, but is to be understood as merely exemplary and not limiting.
- FIG. Brief Description 7A A shoe having a twin strap in the form of an “X” across the toe portion of the shoe 7B A shoe having a single, wide strap across the toe portion 7C A shoe having a dual strap parallel across the toe portion of the shoe 7D A shoe having a string laced across the front portion of the shoe 8A A shoe having a cover over part of the front portion of the shoe 8B A shoe having a combination of a strap and a tie string over the foot 8C A shoe having a cover formed with cut-out portions over the foot 8D A shoe having a cover over the toe portion of the shoe, and a back support piece to provide heel support at the heel portion of the shoe 9A A shoe having a narrow strap with an ornamental center buckle 9B A shoe having a cover over the front of the foot with cut-out portions 9C A shoe having two straps in an “X” pattern over the front of the shoe and a strap attached to the heel portion and wrapping around the ankle for attachment to fasteners on the sole 9D A shoe having a cover
- FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention that is generally designated 280 .
- Shoe 280 includes a substantially flat sole 282 and a top 284 .
- Fasteners 286 extend from sole 282 , and receive eyelet or button hole 288 .
- eyelet 288 is oriented in an up/down direction, as compared to the side-to-side direction of shoe 100 .
- Materials for use in the present invention are virtually limitless, and include all materials known in the art as applied to shoes. These materials may include, but are not limited to, leather, canvas, rubber, plastic, vinyl, cotton, nylon, or the like. Tops can be made from similar materials, as well as traditional metals such as chrome, brass, and stainless steel, for example.
- FIG. 13 an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel is shown and generally designated 300 .
- Shoe 300 has a sole 302 having a heel portion 304 and a toe portion 306 , and may be formed with a raised heel 308 .
- a detachable and interchangeable top 310 is attached to sole 302 . More specifically, a fixed zipper portion 312 is firmly attached to the sole 302 , and is designed to receive a zipper 314 for attaching a removable zipper portion 316 of top 310 .
- FIG. 13 depicts the shoe 300 of the present invention with a top 310 firmly attached to the sole 302 , and ready for use.
- top 310 may be removed from the sole 302 .
- top 310 is shown partially detached from sole 302 as zipper 314 was moved in direction 317 such that removable zipper portion 316 is detached, or “unzipped” from fixed zipper portion 312 .
- top 310 may be reattached to sole 302 by placing removable zipper portion 316 adjacent fixed zipper portion 314 , and urging zipper 314 in direction 318 ,
- top 310 may be completely detached from sole 302 .
- shoe 300 of the present invention may be equipped with several, interchangeable tops 310 , which can be easily and simply detached, or “unzipped” from sole 302 , and changed in a matter of seconds to provide a shoe having a different fashion and aesthetic appearance.
- a top 310 of the present invention is shown having a left and right removable zipper portion 316 .
- a first panel 320 of top 310 may be of a first material
- a second panel 322 (shown turned over in dashed lines) may be formed of a second material.
- First material and second material may be similar materials, such as with different colors, or different materials altogether, such as cloth and leather.
- the top 310 of the present invention is both interchangeable (changing one top 310 for another top 310 ), as well as reversible so that a single top 310 may provide two different styles, colors, textures, or imprints,
- Upper edge 324 and lower edge 326 can be contoured to provide a distinct visual appearance, and may have shapes consistent with the other embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein. Also, panels 320 and/or 322 may be produced with a design, such as heart-shaped embroidery 328 (shown in dashed lines).
- Shoe 400 includes a sole 402 having a heel 404 and equipped with a full-cover upper 406 having a perimeter zipper 408 extending around the entire shoe sole 402 to provide for the removal of the upper 408 from the sole 402 .
- Upper 408 may be removed from sole 402 by advancing zipper 410 in direction 412 around the entire sole 402 . Once removed, the upper 406 may be reversed and reattached to sole 402 .
- a separate upper (not shown) may be attached to sole 402 to provide an alternative visual effect, or a different style of upper.
- the shoe 400 of FIG. 16 is shown in an exploded view, with dashed lines 416 showing the direction of attachment of the upper 406 from sole 402 , and the zipper 408 separated into two portions 408 A and 408 B.
- upper 406 may be made from any materials known in the art, including but not limited to denim, canvas, leather, and terry cloth.
- FIG. 18 a perspective view of the upper 406 of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17 , shows the inside surface 420 of the upper 406 having a different appearance, color, texture, and/or material than the outside surface 418 of the upper 406 .
- This provides for the detachment of the upper 406 from sole 402 and reversal of the upper 406 such that outside surface 418 becomes inside surface 420 thereby exposing inside surface 418 .
- the upper 406 may be re-attached to sole 402 with zipper 408 by placing zipper portion 408 A adjacent zipper portion 408 B and advancing zipper 410 around the sole 402 .
- Laces 414 may be positioned on the upper 406 such that the shoe 400 may be tied upon the wearers foot simply by reversing the position of the bow. This provides for a fully reversible upper.
- a strap of elastic material known in the art may be used to maintain the upper 406 securely on the wearers foot.
- Shoe 450 is a sneaker-type shoe having a sole 451 with a slight sneaker-type heel 452 integrally molded into the sole 451 .
- Shoe 450 includes a fully removable and reversible upper 454 attached to the sole 451 with a perimeter zipper 456 with a grip 458 . Detaching the upper 454 from sole 451 is achieved by advancing grip 458 in direction 460 around sole 451 .
- upper 454 may be fully reversed, or replaced, to provide a shoe 450 having a varying appearance and look.
- a clog-style shoe for the present invention may be created using a wooden sole.
- Shoe 500 consists of a sole 502 having a first zipper portion 504 a permanently attached to perimeter of the sole 502 , and an upper having the second zipper portion 504 b attached to lower perimeter of the upper and a first zipper portion 508 a attached to the upper perimeter of the upper.
- Shoe 500 further comprises a leg extension 510 having a second zipper portion 508 b attached to the leg extension's 510 lower perimeter.
- sole 502 mates with upper 506 by zipping together zipper portions 504 a and 504 b using zipper slider 505 .
- Zipper 504 is a reversible zipper such that zipper portions 504 a and 504 b may first be mated at either end using zipper slider 505 then joined by sliding zipper slider 505 along the length of zipper 504 .
- Upper 506 is reversible such that a wearer may separate upper 506 from sole 502 , reverse upper 506 such that the upper's interior 507 (not shown, see FIG. 23 ) becomes a new exterior for upper 506 and the original exterior of upper 506 becomes the new interior 507 .
- the reversible nature of zipper 504 and zipper slider 505 allows upper 506 to mate with sole 502 regardless of the surface of upper 506 used for the exterior.
- sole 502 may be of varying thicknesses as well as upper 506 may extend up the wearer's leg to different points on the wearer's leg.
- upper 506 may be designed to fully cover the wearer's ankle where different design may have upper 506 extend up to just below the wearer's ankle.
- leg extension 510 attached to upper 506 using zipper 508 , which consists of zipper portion 508 a located on the top perimeter of upper 506 and zipper portion 508 b located on the bottom perimeter of leg shaft 510 . Similar to zipper 504 , zipper 508 is reversible thereby allowing leg shaft 510 to be turned inside out, such that interior 511 becomes a new exterior for leg shaft 510 , and still capable of being attached to upper 506 by using zipper 508 .
- sole 502 may be of a high platform design, as shown in FIG. 20 , or a low platform design.
- leg shaft 510 may be of various heights to allow a wearer to customize boot 500 for the wearer's specific height or leg length.
- sole 502 , upper 506 , and leg shaft 510 may be constructed from any suitable material known in the industry, such as leather, faux leather, canvas, and flexible plastics, may be any color and texture, and may have a design image or pattern applied to one or more of the shoe's 500 surfaces.
- shoe 520 comprises sole 502 , upper 506 , and leg shaft 510 .
- Boot 520 further comprises leg shaft extension 512 .
- a wearer may use leg shaft extension 512 to add extra height to shoe 520 .
- shoe 520 may come to the middle of a wearer's calf. With leg shaft extension 512 , shoe 520 comes to the wearer's knee, thereby creating a different look and feel for shoe 520 .
- leg shaft extension 512 is connected to upper 506 by mating zipper portion 508 a with zipper portion 514 a, located along the bottom perimeter of leg shaft extension 512 , using slider 509 .
- zipper portions 508 a and 514 a, along with slider 509 are reversible thereby allowing for leg shaft extension 512 to be turned inside out thereby making original interior 515 the new exterior of leg shaft extension 512 .
- Leg shaft 510 connects to the top of leg shaft extension 512 using zipper portion 508 b mated with zipper portion 514 b, located along the top perimeter of leg extension 512 , using slider 516 .
- the zipper combination of zipper portions 508 b and 514 and slider 516 is reversible to allow leg shaft 512 to be turned inside out.
- Shoe 530 consists of sole 502 and upper 506 connected using zipper 504 and a slider (not shown).
- leg shaft extension 532 Connected to upper 506 is leg shaft extension 532 .
- Leg shaft extension 532 comprises zipper portion 534 a attached along the bottom perimeter of leg shaft extension 532 and zipper portion 534 b attached along the top perimeter of leg shaft extension 532 .
- Leg shaft extension 532 further comprises a lace portion 537 , which comprises first lace tab 537 a and second lace tab 537 b, both of which run from the bottom perimeter of leg shaft extension 532 proximate zipper portion 534 a to the top perimeter of leg shaft extension 532 proximate zipper portion 534 b .
- leg shaft extension 532 also comprises a zipper 536 , which also runs from the top to the bottom of leg shaft extension 532 , and zipper slider 539 .
- shoe 530 further comprises leg shaft 540 .
- Leg shaft 540 comprises zipper portion 542 located along the bottom perimeter of leg shaft 540 .
- Leg shaft 540 also comprises lace portion 546 , which consists of a first lace tab 546 a and a second lace tab 546 b. Lace 544 laces together lace tabs 546 a and 546 b. Located adjacent lace tabs 546 a and 546 b is tongue 548 .
- Leg shaft 540 also has a zipper 550 and zipper slider 549 , which run from the top to the bottom of leg shaft 540 .
- a wearer In use, a wearer assembles shoe 530 using sole 502 , upper 506 , leg shaft 540 , and leg shaft extension 532 . It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that a sole of one color and material, an upper of a different color and material, a leg shaft extension of a third color and material, and a leg shaft of a fourth color and material may be combined to form a distinctive shoe 530 . Zippers 536 and 550 are disengaged by moving sliders 539 and 549 from the top to the bottom of leg shaft extension 532 and leg shaft 540 respectively, thereby allowing a wearer to more easily put on and take off shoe 530 .
- sliders 539 and 549 are moved from the bottom to the top of leg shaft extension 532 and leg shaft 540 respectively, thereby engaging zippers 536 and 550 .
- the wearer then pulls on laces 538 and 544 until the wearer achieves the desired fit.
- the wearer only needs to use zippers 536 and 550 to more quickly and easily put on and take off shoe 530 . Since zippers 536 and 550 are reversible, leg shaft 540 and leg shaft extension 532 may be turned inside out while still allowing the use of zippers 536 and 540 .
- FIG. 23 an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 22 is shown.
- the exploded view demonstrates the modular nature of the present invention.
- FIG. 23 shows a sole 502 attached to upper 506 . Also shown is the interior surface 507 of upper 506 . Also shown is leg shaft extension 512 .
- FIG. 23 shows leg shaft 540 complete with lace 544 , lace tabs 546 a and 546 b, as well as zipper 550 with slider 549 .
- a wearer may choose to use leg shaft extension 512 or leg shaft extension 532 , or may choose to not use any leg shaft extension. If a leg shaft extension is not used, then the wearer attaches the leg shaft directly to the upper.
- the wearer may choose to use leg shaft extension 532 and leg shaft 510 , thereby creating another distinctive look from the previous example.
- the wearer may also choose to not use any leg shaft or leg shaft extension, and only wear the sole 502 attached to the upper 506 .
- the wearer also has the option to turn one or both of the leg shaft and the leg shaft extension inside out to expose an alternative feature, such as color, material, or texture.
- FIG. 23 shows the modular nature of this alternative embodiment of the present invention where a wearer may mix and match various components to create a distinctive look.
- leg shaft 540 and leg shaft extension 532 may have zippers 536 and 550 and not lace tabs 546 a and 546 b or may have lace tabs 546 a and 546 b and not zippers 536 and 550 .
- These several designs allow a wearer to mix and match the various components of the present invention to create distinctive looks.
- finishing collar 560 is configured to attach to upper 506 and leg shaft extensions 512 and 532 by attaching zipper portion 562 to zipper portion 508 a of upper 506 , zipper portion 514 b of leg shaft extension 512 , or zipper portion 534 b of leg shaft extension 532 .
- the finishing collar 560 is further configured with an inside flap 564 that provides a protective layer between a users skin and the interior surface of zipper portion 562 .
- pad 566 Located around the top of finishing collar 560 is pad 566 .
- Pad 566 may be made from a covered foam material to enhance user comfort. Finishing collar 560 provides a finished aesthetic appearance as well as prevents any exposed zipper portions and edges from contacting and irritating a user's leg.
- the finishing collar may be made from any material similar to boot 500 , boot 520 , and boot 530 . It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that zipper portions 508 b, 514 a, 534 a, and 542 may have a flap, similar to flap 564 , to also prevent contact between the interior surface of the zipper portion and the users skin.
- leg shaft and the leg shaft extension has the horizontal zippers starting and ending at the vertical zippers.
- This configuration allows the leg shaft or leg shaft extension to be separated and laid flat on a surface by fully unzipping the vertical zippers. This allows for easier storage of boot pieces and enhances the ability of a wearer to more easily put on and take off the boot. It also makes it easier for a user to turn the leg shafts 510 and 540 or the leg shaft extensions 512 and 532 inside out.
- zipper 550 on leg shaft 540 may be located where lace tabs 546 are located.
- leg shaft 540 opens to lay flat.
- zipper 536 may be located where lace tabs 537 a and 537 b are located, Zipper portions 534 a and 534 b would both start on one side of zipper 536 and end on the other side of zipper 536 .
- leg shaft extension 532 opens to lay flat.
- flap 564 may be added to the bottom of leg shafts 510 and 540 and leg shaft extensions 512 and 532 to provide a protective layer between the inside surface of a zipper and a user's skin.
- the present invention as shown herein by preferred and alternative embodiments is merely exemplary of the variety of embodiments contemplated. It is to be appreciated that the features shown herein may be combined in different combinations to provide shoe of the present invention having various appearances and dynamic stylistic features.
- Soles discussed herein may be made from any material known in the art, including but not limited to, wood, rubber, leather, and synthetic materials. Styles of the shoes discussed herein may include, but are not limited to, sneakers, tennis shoes, moccasin, slippers, sandals, boots, and other shoe styles known in the art.
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- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention has been previously disclosed in Disclosure Document Number 536219 dated Aug. 11, 2003, and this application is a Continuation-In-Part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 10/922,366, entitled “Shoes with interchangeable and inter-zippable tops”, filed on Aug. 20, 2004, and currently co-pending, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 60/497,052 filed Aug. 22, 2003, and currently expired, 60/499,647 filed Sep. 3, 2003, and currently expired, and 60/529,952 filed Dec. 16, 2003, and currently expired, with each application fully incorporated herein by this reference.
- The present invention relates generally to footwear, and more specifically, to shoes having interchangeable parts.
- Shoes have evolved over the years from simple moccasins to more elaborate and sophisticated sneakers and athletic shoes. Despite these marvelous advancements in the footwear industry, there is nevertheless a challenge which exists with all footwear. Specifically, a shoe, once created, is unchangeable and therefore, presents a limitation to the wardrobe because the colors, styles and materials of the shoes as manufactured are fixed.
- In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide footwear that can be changed according to the wearer's desired style and wardrobe requirements, such as color and shape.
- The invention is a shoe with reversible and moveable tops. There are snaps all around the base of the shoe in order for the top half of the shoe to be changed. Tops are made of various materials and different styles. There can be full-covered footwear, sandal-type or any type of strapped shoe for women or men.
- The footwear of the present invention provides for a wardrobe solution in that the tops of the shoes may be modified as desired in order to change the appearance and structure of the footwear. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion, or top, of the footwear can be removed and interchanged with another top to provide a different appearance.
- Additional embodiments of the present invention include tops with no laces, one or more elastic bands spanning the top to hold the shoe on a wearer's foot, reversible pull zippers, multi-colored zippers, and designs having a high or low top, a high or low heel, and a high or low sole. Other embodiments allow multiple tops to be stacked upon one another to create a custom boot.
- The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel and equipped with an array of fasteners attached to the side of the sole, and having an interchangeable top attached to the fasteners to form the top of the shoe; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe of the present invention shown inFIG. 1 with one side of the top detached from the sole illustrating the removable nature of the top; -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a top for use in conjunction with the sole shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , and having an array of fasteners for positioning over corresponding fasteners on the sole and showing an image or ornamental feature (in dashed lines), and possibly having a different shape (also shown in dashed lines); -
FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having fasteners positioned around the most of the perimeter of the sole; -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a top of the present invention having a different outer contour and shape; -
FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having a front cover and a back portion both attached to the fasteners of the sole; -
FIG. 7-11 , each containing images A-D, are all examples of tops of the shoe of the present invention and are intended to show the virtually unlimited number of tops which can be interchanged on the shoe of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having a substantially flat sole; -
FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention showing a sole equipped with a pair of zippers to receive corresponding zippers on the top; -
FIG. 14 is a view of the alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 13 , with one zipper of the top undone showing the detachable nature of top and shoe; -
FIG. 15 is a plan view of a top of the present invention showing the zippers on the sides of the top and with a portion of the top shown turned over to demonstrate the dual-sided tops which provide for a different aesthetic appearance of the shoe of the present invention by unzipping the top, turning it over, and re-attaching it to the sole of the shoe of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a full-cover upper having a perimeter zipper extending around the entire shoe sole to provide for the removal of the upper from the sole, and reversal and reattachment of the same upper, or replacement with another upper; -
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 16 , with dashed lines showing the direction of attachment and the zipper separated into two portions; -
FIG. 18 is perspective view of the upper of the alternative embodiment ofFIGS. 16 and 17 , showing the inside surface of the upper having a different appearance than the outside surface of the upper; -
FIG. 19 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a sneaker-type sole having a fully removable and reversible upper attached to the sole with a perimeter zipper; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a customizable boot having a sole, an upper, and a leg extension; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a customizable boot having a sole, an upper, a middle extension, and a leg extension; -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a customizable boot having a sole, an upper, an middle extension, and a leg extension where the middle extension and the leg extension further comprise laces and vertical zippers; and -
FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention showing the combination of elements from the several embodiments of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a side view of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel is shown and generally designated 100.Shoe 100 includes a sole 102 with aheel portion 104, atoe portion 106, and aheel 108. Aninterchangeable top 109 hassides 111 formed witheyelets 110 sized to receive afastener 112, such as a snap or stud, or button. The sole 102 is equipped with an array offasteners 112 spaced along the side of the sole 102. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , theshoe 100 ofFIG. 1 is shown with oneside 111 of thetop 109 detached from the sole 102 illustrating the removable nature of the top. The top is formed with a number ofeyelets 110. It is to be appreciated thateyelets 110 andfasteners 112 are merely exemplary of a preferred embodiment, and that any fastener known in the art is fully contemplated herein, including but not limited to Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks, etc. -
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of ashoe top 150 of the present invention for use in conjunction with sole 102 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . Top 150 is formed with an array offasteners 110 for positioning overcorresponding fasteners 112 on the sole 102. Top 150 may include an artistic element, image, or ornamental feature 158 (shown in dashed lines), and possibly theedges contoured edges 154′ and 156′ (also shown in dashed lines), -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a modified embodiment of theshoe 100 of the presentinvention having fasteners 114 added tofasteners 112 that are positioned around the most of the perimeter of the sole 102. -
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a top of the present invention generally designated 200 having abody 202 having a different outer contour and shape 206, and formed with a number ofeyelets 204, corresponding to fasteners attached to the sole of a shoe of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention is shown and generally designated 220.Shoe 220 includes a sole 222 having aheel portion 224 and atoe portion 226 with an array offasteners 228 attached to the sides of the sole 222. Aheel 230 extends downward from sole 222, but it is to be appreciated thatshoe 220 may have a taller heel, a shorter heel, or no heel without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also,shoe 220 is shown having afront cover 232 over at least a portion oftoe portion 226, and aback cover 234 around at least a portion ofheel portion 224, withcovers -
FIG. 7-11 , each containing images A-D, are all examples of tops of the shoe of the present invention and are intended to show the virtually unlimited number of tops which can be interchanged on the shoe of the present invention. A brief summary of each of the designs is presented below, but is to be understood as merely exemplary and not limiting. -
FIG. Brief Description 7A A shoe having a twin strap in the form of an “X” across the toe portion of the shoe 7B A shoe having a single, wide strap across the toe portion 7C A shoe having a dual strap parallel across the toe portion of the shoe 7D A shoe having a string laced across the front portion of the shoe 8A A shoe having a cover over part of the front portion of the shoe 8B A shoe having a combination of a strap and a tie string over the foot 8C A shoe having a cover formed with cut-out portions over the foot 8D A shoe having a cover over the toe portion of the shoe, and a back support piece to provide heel support at the heel portion of the shoe 9A A shoe having a narrow strap with an ornamental center buckle 9B A shoe having a cover over the front of the foot with cut-out portions 9C A shoe having two straps in an “X” pattern over the front of the shoe and a strap attached to the heel portion and wrapping around the ankle for attachment to fasteners on the sole 9D A shoe having a cover formed with larger cut-out panels on the foot portion of the shoe 10A A shoe having a cover formed put of mesh material 10B A shoe having a cover resembling a traditional sneaker or tennis shoe with an entirely enclosed foot cover having a tongue and laces 10C A shoe having a chain cover 10D A shoe having a cover with a leopard, or other design or pattern 11A A shoe having a cover with a zebra stripe pattern 11B A shoe having a child-oriented pattern, such as balloons 11C A shoe having an abstract pattern consisting of shapes 11D A shoe having thin straps which loop over the fasteners and which may be made of an elastic material -
FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention that is generally designated 280.Shoe 280 includes a substantiallyflat sole 282 and a top 284. Fasteners 286 extend from sole 282, and receive eyelet orbutton hole 288. In this embodiment,eyelet 288 is oriented in an up/down direction, as compared to the side-to-side direction ofshoe 100. - Materials for use in the present invention are virtually limitless, and include all materials known in the art as applied to shoes. These materials may include, but are not limited to, leather, canvas, rubber, plastic, vinyl, cotton, nylon, or the like. Tops can be made from similar materials, as well as traditional metals such as chrome, brass, and stainless steel, for example.
- Referring now to
FIG. 13 , an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel is shown and generally designated 300.Shoe 300 has a sole 302 having aheel portion 304 and atoe portion 306, and may be formed with a raisedheel 308. A detachable and interchangeable top 310 is attached to sole 302. More specifically, a fixedzipper portion 312 is firmly attached to the sole 302, and is designed to receive azipper 314 for attaching aremovable zipper portion 316 oftop 310.FIG. 13 depicts theshoe 300 of the present invention with a top 310 firmly attached to the sole 302, and ready for use. - By moving
zipper 314 indirection 317, the top 310 may be removed from the sole 302. For instance, referring now toFIG. 14 , top 310 is shown partially detached from sole 302 aszipper 314 was moved indirection 317 such thatremovable zipper portion 316 is detached, or “unzipped” from fixedzipper portion 312. Conversely, top 310 may be reattached to sole 302 by placingremovable zipper portion 316 adjacent fixedzipper portion 314, and urgingzipper 314 indirection 318, - It is to be appreciated from
FIGS. 13 and 14 , that top 310 may be completely detached from sole 302. In fact,shoe 300 of the present invention may be equipped with several,interchangeable tops 310, which can be easily and simply detached, or “unzipped” from sole 302, and changed in a matter of seconds to provide a shoe having a different fashion and aesthetic appearance. - Referring to
FIG. 15 , a top 310 of the present invention is shown having a left and rightremovable zipper portion 316. In a preferred embodiment, afirst panel 320 of top 310 may be of a first material, and a second panel 322 (shown turned over in dashed lines) may be formed of a second material. First material and second material may be similar materials, such as with different colors, or different materials altogether, such as cloth and leather. The top 310 of the present invention is both interchangeable (changing onetop 310 for another top 310), as well as reversible so that a single top 310 may provide two different styles, colors, textures, or imprints, -
Upper edge 324 andlower edge 326 can be contoured to provide a distinct visual appearance, and may have shapes consistent with the other embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein. Also,panels 320 and/or 322 may be produced with a design, such as heart-shaped embroidery 328 (shown in dashed lines). - While several different embodiments of the shoe of the present invention have been shown herein, it is to be appreciated that these embodiments are not exclusive. Rather, the present embodiments are exemplary of the preferred embodiments, and that other embodiments of the present invention may be constructed by mixing and combining various aspects of the presently preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- Referring now to
FIG. 16 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 400.Shoe 400 includes a sole 402 having aheel 404 and equipped with a full-cover upper 406 having aperimeter zipper 408 extending around the entire shoe sole 402 to provide for the removal of the upper 408 from the sole 402.Upper 408 may be removed from sole 402 by advancingzipper 410 indirection 412 around the entire sole 402. Once removed, the upper 406 may be reversed and reattached to sole 402. Alternatively, instead of using the same upper 406, a separate upper (not shown) may be attached to sole 402 to provide an alternative visual effect, or a different style of upper. - With reference to
FIG. 17 , theshoe 400 ofFIG. 16 is shown in an exploded view, with dashedlines 416 showing the direction of attachment of the upper 406 from sole 402, and thezipper 408 separated into twoportions 408A and 408B. - In a preferred embodiment, upper 406 may be made from any materials known in the art, including but not limited to denim, canvas, leather, and terry cloth. From
FIG. 18 , a perspective view of the upper 406 of the alternative embodiment ofFIGS. 16 and 17 , shows theinside surface 420 of the upper 406 having a different appearance, color, texture, and/or material than theoutside surface 418 of the upper 406. This provides for the detachment of the upper 406 from sole 402 and reversal of the upper 406 such thatoutside surface 418 becomes insidesurface 420 thereby exposing insidesurface 418. Once reversed, the upper 406 may be re-attached to sole 402 withzipper 408 by placing zipper portion 408Aadjacent zipper portion 408B and advancingzipper 410 around the sole 402. -
Laces 414 may be positioned on the upper 406 such that theshoe 400 may be tied upon the wearers foot simply by reversing the position of the bow. This provides for a fully reversible upper. Alternatively, instead of laces, a strap of elastic material known in the art may be used to maintain the upper 406 securely on the wearers foot. - Referring now to
FIG. 19 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 450.Shoe 450 is a sneaker-type shoe having a sole 451 with a slight sneaker-type heel 452 integrally molded into the sole 451.Shoe 450 includes a fully removable and reversible upper 454 attached to the sole 451 with aperimeter zipper 456 with agrip 458. Detaching the upper 454 from sole 451 is achieved by advancinggrip 458 indirection 460 around sole 451. As withshoe 400, upper 454 may be fully reversed, or replaced, to provide ashoe 450 having a varying appearance and look. A clog-style shoe for the present invention may be created using a wooden sole. - Referring now to
FIG. 20 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 500.Shoe 500 consists of a sole 502 having afirst zipper portion 504 a permanently attached to perimeter of the sole 502, and an upper having thesecond zipper portion 504 b attached to lower perimeter of the upper and afirst zipper portion 508 a attached to the upper perimeter of the upper.Shoe 500 further comprises aleg extension 510 having asecond zipper portion 508 b attached to the leg extension's 510 lower perimeter. In use, sole 502 mates with upper 506 by zipping togetherzipper portions zipper slider 505. Zipper 504 is a reversible zipper such thatzipper portions zipper slider 505 then joined by slidingzipper slider 505 along the length of zipper 504.Upper 506 is reversible such that a wearer may separate upper 506 from sole 502, reverse upper 506 such that the upper's interior 507 (not shown, seeFIG. 23 ) becomes a new exterior for upper 506 and the original exterior of upper 506 becomes thenew interior 507. The reversible nature of zipper 504 andzipper slider 505 allows upper 506 to mate with sole 502 regardless of the surface of upper 506 used for the exterior. It is to be appreciated by one skilled in the art that sole 502 may be of varying thicknesses as well as upper 506 may extend up the wearer's leg to different points on the wearer's leg. For example, upper 506 may be designed to fully cover the wearer's ankle where different design may have upper 506 extend up to just below the wearer's ankle. - Also shown in
FIG. 20 isleg extension 510 attached to upper 506 using zipper 508, which consists ofzipper portion 508 a located on the top perimeter of upper 506 andzipper portion 508 b located on the bottom perimeter ofleg shaft 510. Similar to zipper 504, zipper 508 is reversible thereby allowingleg shaft 510 to be turned inside out, such thatinterior 511 becomes a new exterior forleg shaft 510, and still capable of being attached to upper 506 by using zipper 508. - It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that the various portions of
shoe 500 may have differing physical dimensions without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, sole 502 may be of a high platform design, as shown inFIG. 20 , or a low platform design. Further,leg shaft 510 may be of various heights to allow a wearer to customizeboot 500 for the wearer's specific height or leg length. Further, sole 502, upper 506, andleg shaft 510 may be constructed from any suitable material known in the industry, such as leather, faux leather, canvas, and flexible plastics, may be any color and texture, and may have a design image or pattern applied to one or more of the shoe's 500 surfaces. - Referring now to
FIG. 21 , a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 520,shoe 520 comprises sole 502, upper 506, andleg shaft 510.Boot 520 further comprisesleg shaft extension 512. A wearer may useleg shaft extension 512 to add extra height toshoe 520. For example, withoutleg shaft extension 512,shoe 520 may come to the middle of a wearer's calf. Withleg shaft extension 512,shoe 520 comes to the wearer's knee, thereby creating a different look and feel forshoe 520. - To assemble
shoe 520,leg shaft extension 512 is connected to upper 506 bymating zipper portion 508 a withzipper portion 514 a, located along the bottom perimeter ofleg shaft extension 512, usingslider 509. As discussed above,zipper portions slider 509, are reversible thereby allowing forleg shaft extension 512 to be turned inside out thereby making original interior 515 the new exterior ofleg shaft extension 512.Leg shaft 510 connects to the top ofleg shaft extension 512 usingzipper portion 508 b mated withzipper portion 514 b, located along the top perimeter ofleg extension 512, usingslider 516. The zipper combination ofzipper portions 508 b and 514 andslider 516 is reversible to allowleg shaft 512 to be turned inside out. - Moving on now to
FIG. 22 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 530.Shoe 530 consists of sole 502 and upper 506 connected using zipper 504 and a slider (not shown). Connected to upper 506 isleg shaft extension 532.Leg shaft extension 532 compriseszipper portion 534 a attached along the bottom perimeter ofleg shaft extension 532 andzipper portion 534 b attached along the top perimeter ofleg shaft extension 532.Leg shaft extension 532 further comprises a lace portion 537, which comprisesfirst lace tab 537 a andsecond lace tab 537 b, both of which run from the bottom perimeter ofleg shaft extension 532proximate zipper portion 534 a to the top perimeter ofleg shaft extension 532proximate zipper portion 534 b.Lace 538 laces together lacetabs leg shaft extension 532, and betweenlace tabs tongue 548. Lastly,leg shaft extension 532 also comprises azipper 536, which also runs from the top to the bottom ofleg shaft extension 532, andzipper slider 539. - Lastly,
shoe 530 further comprisesleg shaft 540.Leg shaft 540 compriseszipper portion 542 located along the bottom perimeter ofleg shaft 540.Leg shaft 540 also comprises lace portion 546, which consists of a first lace tab 546 a and asecond lace tab 546 b.Lace 544 laces together lacetabs 546 a and 546 b. Locatedadjacent lace tabs 546 a and 546 b istongue 548.Leg shaft 540 also has azipper 550 andzipper slider 549, which run from the top to the bottom ofleg shaft 540. - In use, a wearer assembles
shoe 530 using sole 502, upper 506,leg shaft 540, andleg shaft extension 532. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that a sole of one color and material, an upper of a different color and material, a leg shaft extension of a third color and material, and a leg shaft of a fourth color and material may be combined to form adistinctive shoe 530.Zippers sliders leg shaft extension 532 andleg shaft 540 respectively, thereby allowing a wearer to more easily put on and take offshoe 530. Once the wearer puts onshoe 530,sliders leg shaft extension 532 andleg shaft 540 respectively, thereby engagingzippers laces laces zippers shoe 530. Sincezippers leg shaft 540 andleg shaft extension 532 may be turned inside out while still allowing the use ofzippers - Moving now to
FIG. 23 , an exploded view of the embodiment of the present invention described inFIG. 22 is shown. The exploded view demonstrates the modular nature of the present invention.FIG. 23 shows a sole 502 attached to upper 506. Also shown is theinterior surface 507 of upper 506. Also shown isleg shaft extension 512. Lastly,FIG. 23 showsleg shaft 540 complete withlace 544,lace tabs 546 a and 546 b, as well aszipper 550 withslider 549. In use, a wearer may choose to useleg shaft extension 512 orleg shaft extension 532, or may choose to not use any leg shaft extension. If a leg shaft extension is not used, then the wearer attaches the leg shaft directly to the upper. Alternatively, the wearer may choose to useleg shaft extension 532 andleg shaft 510, thereby creating another distinctive look from the previous example. The wearer may also choose to not use any leg shaft or leg shaft extension, and only wear the sole 502 attached to the upper 506. The wearer also has the option to turn one or both of the leg shaft and the leg shaft extension inside out to expose an alternative feature, such as color, material, or texture.FIG. 23 shows the modular nature of this alternative embodiment of the present invention where a wearer may mix and match various components to create a distinctive look. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art thatleg shaft 540 andleg shaft extension 532 may havezippers tabs 546 a and 546 b or may havelace tabs 546 a and 546 b and notzippers - Also shown in
FIG. 23 is finishingcollar 560. Finishingcollar 560 is configured to attach to upper 506 andleg shaft extensions zipper portion 562 tozipper portion 508 a of upper 506,zipper portion 514 b ofleg shaft extension 512, orzipper portion 534 b ofleg shaft extension 532. The finishingcollar 560 is further configured with aninside flap 564 that provides a protective layer between a users skin and the interior surface ofzipper portion 562. Located around the top of finishingcollar 560 ispad 566.Pad 566 may be made from a covered foam material to enhance user comfort. Finishingcollar 560 provides a finished aesthetic appearance as well as prevents any exposed zipper portions and edges from contacting and irritating a user's leg. The finishing collar may be made from any material similar toboot 500,boot 520, andboot 530. It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art thatzipper portions flap 564, to also prevent contact between the interior surface of the zipper portion and the users skin. - An additional configuration of the leg shaft and the leg shaft extension has the horizontal zippers starting and ending at the vertical zippers. This configuration allows the leg shaft or leg shaft extension to be separated and laid flat on a surface by fully unzipping the vertical zippers. This allows for easier storage of boot pieces and enhances the ability of a wearer to more easily put on and take off the boot. It also makes it easier for a user to turn the
leg shafts leg shaft extensions FIG. 22 ,zipper 550 onleg shaft 540 may be located where lace tabs 546 are located. Whenzipper 550 is fully disengaged, and due to the fact thatzipper 542 begins on one side ofzipper 550 and ends on the other side ofzipper 550,leg shaft 540 opens to lay flat. Forleg shaft extension 532,zipper 536 may be located wherelace tabs Zipper portions zipper 536 and end on the other side ofzipper 536. As withleg shaft 540, whenzipper 536 is fully disengaged,leg shaft extension 532 opens to lay flat. - It is to be appreciated by someone skilled in the art that
flap 564 may be added to the bottom ofleg shafts leg shaft extensions - Soles discussed herein may be made from any material known in the art, including but not limited to, wood, rubber, leather, and synthetic materials. Styles of the shoes discussed herein may include, but are not limited to, sneakers, tennis shoes, moccasin, slippers, sandals, boots, and other shoe styles known in the art.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (2)
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US15/873,161 US20180184753A1 (en) | 2003-08-22 | 2018-01-17 | Shoes with Interchangeable and Reversible Tops |
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US15/044,926 US20160242493A1 (en) | 2003-08-22 | 2016-02-16 | Shoes with interchangeable and inter-zippable tops |
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US20210298408A1 (en) * | 2020-03-25 | 2021-09-30 | Hype Co. | Footwear adapted for local assembly and customization and for wearer adjustability |
US20210345732A1 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2021-11-11 | Derrick Robinson | Interchangeable Shoe Monk Strap Apparatus |
US11172727B2 (en) | 2017-05-23 | 2021-11-16 | Nike, Inc. | Rear access article of footwear with movable heel portion |
US11185125B2 (en) | 2018-12-28 | 2021-11-30 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with jointed sole structure for ease of access |
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CN113854698A (en) * | 2021-10-19 | 2021-12-31 | 扬州市航宇旅游用品厂 | Combined deodorization slippers |
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USD998944S1 (en) * | 2021-11-16 | 2023-09-19 | Fuzhou Rongzhong Max Supply Chain Management Co., LTD. | Slipper |
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US20170231316A1 (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2017-08-17 | Chandni SETHI | Adaptable shoe |
US10568382B2 (en) | 2016-10-26 | 2020-02-25 | Nike, Inc. | Upper component for an article of footwear |
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US12042015B2 (en) | 2017-04-17 | 2024-07-23 | Nike, Inc. | Increased access footwear |
US10758010B2 (en) | 2017-04-17 | 2020-09-01 | Nike, Inc. | Increased access footwear |
US11553761B2 (en) | 2017-04-17 | 2023-01-17 | Nike, Inc. | Increased access footwear |
US11013296B2 (en) | 2017-05-08 | 2021-05-25 | Nike, Inc. | Modular article of footwear and method of manufacturing customized article of footwear |
WO2018217561A1 (en) * | 2017-05-23 | 2018-11-29 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear upper with lace-engaged zipper system |
US11172727B2 (en) | 2017-05-23 | 2021-11-16 | Nike, Inc. | Rear access article of footwear with movable heel portion |
EP3629808B1 (en) * | 2017-05-23 | 2021-10-13 | Nike Innovate C.V. | Footwear upper with lace-engaged zipper system |
US10512298B2 (en) | 2017-05-23 | 2019-12-24 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear upper with lace-engaged zipper system |
EP3970547A1 (en) * | 2017-05-23 | 2022-03-23 | NIKE Innovate C.V. | Footwear upper with lace-engaged zipper system |
US10159310B2 (en) | 2017-05-25 | 2018-12-25 | Nike, Inc. | Rear closing upper for an article of footwear with front zipper to rear cord connection |
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US11185125B2 (en) | 2018-12-28 | 2021-11-30 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with jointed sole structure for ease of access |
US11707113B2 (en) | 2019-10-18 | 2023-07-25 | Nike, Inc. | Easy-access article of footwear with cord lock |
US11589653B2 (en) | 2019-11-25 | 2023-02-28 | Nike, Inc. | Tension-retaining system for a wearable article |
US10925344B1 (en) * | 2019-12-25 | 2021-02-23 | Paul George Fina | Sandal with detachable foot cover |
US20210298408A1 (en) * | 2020-03-25 | 2021-09-30 | Hype Co. | Footwear adapted for local assembly and customization and for wearer adjustability |
US11484087B2 (en) * | 2020-03-25 | 2022-11-01 | Hype Co. | Footwear adapted for local assembly and customization and for wearer adjustability |
US20210345732A1 (en) * | 2020-05-07 | 2021-11-11 | Derrick Robinson | Interchangeable Shoe Monk Strap Apparatus |
WO2021252226A1 (en) * | 2020-06-09 | 2021-12-16 | Sherman Whitcomb | Slipper with interchangeable decorative top |
CN113854698A (en) * | 2021-10-19 | 2021-12-31 | 扬州市航宇旅游用品厂 | Combined deodorization slippers |
USD998944S1 (en) * | 2021-11-16 | 2023-09-19 | Fuzhou Rongzhong Max Supply Chain Management Co., LTD. | Slipper |
US20230263267A1 (en) * | 2022-02-18 | 2023-08-24 | Michael Horton | Shoe with removable parts |
US11910867B2 (en) | 2022-03-28 | 2024-02-27 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with heel entry device |
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