Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
  • A43B3/24—Collapsible or convertible
  • A43B3/244—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the attachment between upper and sole
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B21/00—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts
  • A43B21/36—Heels; Top-pieces or top-lifts characterised by their attachment; Securing devices for the attaching means
  • A43B21/42—Heels with replaceable or adjustable parts, e.g. top lift
• • 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
  • A43B3/246—Collapsible or convertible characterised by the sole
• • 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
  • A43B3/248—Collapsible, e.g. foldable for travelling

Definitions

• the present invention relates in general to shoes and methods for using and making same and more particularly to a collapsible shoe and a shoe having interchangeable straps and methods for using and making same.
• Shoes have been in existence for thousands of years. Their utility is beyond question. There are numerous varieties of shoes. Various types and styles of shoes may be used for different occasions such as formal occasions or informal occasions.
• shoes are often singular in styling and aesthetics and can be limited in their ability to match various types of attire or styling.
• a collapsible shoe comprising a sole, a heel, and a connector, wherein the connector is configured to removably attach the heel to the sole.
• the connector is a threaded rod.
• the connector is a threaded rod extending through the heel and further comprises a threaded cap nut.
• the threaded cap nut in some embodiments is part of the sole of the shoe and in other embodiments it is separate from the sole and attaches the sole to the heel.
• a collapsible shoe having a base that includes a heel portion where the heel portion includes a base cavity, a heel insert configured to be accepted by the base cavity, a vertical lock disposed at the heel portion of the base where the vertical lock engages the heel insert within the base cavity to secure the removable heel to the base, and a horizontal lock disposed at the heel portion of the base adjacent to the vertical lock where the horizontal lock engages the vertical lock in order to secure the vertical lock and to prevent the vertical lock from disengaging from the heel insert.
• a collapsible shoe comprising a first sole portion, a second portion and a hinge wherein the hinge connects the first sole portion to the second portion.
• a collapsible shoe comprising a removable strap portion. Some such embodiments further comprise a removable heel portion.
• the removable heel portion further comprises slots adapted to connect removable heel portion to the sole portion.
• a modular decorative element comprising a first decorative portion and a second base portion, wherein the decorative portion removably attaches to the base portion.
• the decorative portion further comprises a jewel, ornamentation or any other aesthetic item.
• Some embodiments of the modular decorative element further comprise a connection.
• the connection further comprises slots or channels.
• Other embodiments comprise at least one connection, which further comprises at least one magnet.
• the base portion further comprises an earring, a pendant, a broach, a ring, a shoe portion, or further connective portion adapted to connect the decorative element to other clothing, body part or device.
• the present application also includes elaboration of the interchangeable strap mechanism, which may include a quick release mechanism used in attaching and detaching the upper straps to the base of the shoe.
• the same quick lease mechanism for the straps can be used on any range of base heights.
• a shoe base comprising of a removable strap portion with a quick release locking mechanism.
• Figure 27 shows a side profile drawing of a flat shoe base 1801, with a removable strap 2626 attached.
• the quick release button 2207 is shown at rest, the strap material can be sewn to the roll bar 2415 of the quick release strap mechanism, and the mechanism can be securely fastened to the base.
• the strap When the strap is attached to the shoe it secures the foot to the base enabling a person to walk in the shoe.
• Figure 27, illustrates that when the button is at rest, it can be flush with the back of the shoe base.
• the button is pressed into the shoe base, thus unhooking the quick release strap mechanism and allowing the strap material to be removed from the base.
• the strap locking mechanism can be activated using a lever instead of a button that can be moved from one side of the base to another, thus allowing the quick release mechanism to be disengaged and the strap to be released.
• buttons or pins that are pressed into the shoe base and release the strap mechanism.
• the button or like mechanism could be situated in another location on the shoe base, the location is not limited to the back of the shoe base.
• the button can be located under the arch of the shoe base or on the side of the base.
• the button or pin can range in size depending on the design appeal for the shoe style.
• Some embodiments include a removable upper section that may be attached to an associated base using a fastening element.
• the removable upper may include various catches or rails that are associated with various cavities or slots, respectively, that are included in the base.
• Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a collapsible shoe
• Figure 2 illustrates a partial side view of Figure 1 taken substantially on line 2-2 thereof;
• Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment
• Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of Figure 1 taken substantially on line 4-4;
• Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a collapsible shoe
• Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the collapsible shoe embodiment
• Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a collapsible shoe
• 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 a collapsible shoe
• 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 straps mechanism
• Figure 14 illustrates a side view of Figure 7 illustrating the use of
• 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 one embodiment of a collapsible shoe
• Figure 18B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
• Figure 18C illustrates one embodiment of a removable heel including one embodiment of a reinforcement cylinder and a heel insert
• Figure 18D illustrates a side view, top view, and perspective view of a
• Figure 18E illustrates a side view, top view, and perspective view of a vertical lock lever
• Figure 18F illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the collapsible shoe
• Figure 18G illustrates an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a removable strap and a device that secures the removable strap to the base of the collapsible shoe;
• Figure 18H illustrates the use of a removable strap button lever to disengage a removable strap from the base of the collapsible shoe
• Figure 19 illustrates a bottom plan view of one embodiment of a shoe base showing the empty cavity of wherein, the strap release lever would be attached;
• Figure 20 illustrates a side view of Fig 1 , illustrating the profile of the strap release cavity and the button release cavity before the strap lease lever is attached;
• Figure 21 illustrates a posterior view of the button release cavity illustrating the profile before the release button is secured to the shoe
• Figure 22 illustrates a posterior view of the shoe base once the release button is assembled to the shoe base. It illustrates the button in the "rest" position;
• Figure 23 illustrates a perspective view of the shoe base cover prior to
• Figure 24 illustrates a posterior view of the strap attachment mechanisms.
• the strap attachment mechanism can have one hook locking device.
• the strap attachment mechanism can have two hooks, in other embodiments there can be more hooks for locking;
• Figure 25 illustrates a top view of the release lever of the quick strap release mechanism
• Figure 26 illustrates a posterior view of a removable strap.
• the strap can be one piece of material attached via the roll bar to both strap attachment mechanisms.
• the material may be multiple 175 pieces attached to different sections of the roll bar and the material may be any suitable material for the purpose, such as leather, fabric, vinyl, but not limited to these listed;
• Figure 27 illustrates a side view of the shoe base with the interchangeable strap attached to the base
• Figure 28 illustrates a posterior view of the strap attachment cavity with the strap release lever inserted into the cavity
• Figure 29 illustrates a posterior view of the strap attachment cavity with the strap release lever inserted into the cavity and the strap attachment pieces fitted into the strap attachment cavity;
• Figure 30 illustrates a posterior view of the strap attachment cavity showing the male and female hooks locked in place
• Figure 31 illustrates a perspective posterior view of a removable upper and associated fastening element of some embodiments
• Figure 32 illustrates a perspective view of a base that may be used with
• Figure 33 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a modular shoe that includes the upper of Figure 31 and the base of Figure 32.
• a collapsible shoe having a removable heel.
• the removable heel being removably attached to the base, or sole of the shoe.
• the removable attachment is via a threaded
• the shoe may further include one or more removable straps releasably attached to the base of the shoe.
• the releasable attachment can be via hooks and loops, via tabs and slots, via balls, via latch and slots or any other engaging/disengaging mechanism.
• the connector is part of the heel.
• the connector is a modification to the heel head designed so to fit securely into the sole.
• the sole has a release button that is depressed so the heel head may slide past it and fit into an empty cavity. The heel enters the cavity and locks into place by wedging against the button head and the back of the sole.
• a method of manufacturing a collapsible shoe having a removable heel including the steps of forming a base having a fastening device such as a cap nut formed therein or an empty cavity with a release mechanism such as a button. The method further includes providing a removable heel and sole with a release button or the like for releasably
• the method of some embodiments further includes providing removable straps for removable attachment to the base.
• a method of using a collapsible shoe having a removable heel including the steps of attaching a removable heel to the base of a collapsible shoe to prepare the collapsible shoe for
• the method of use may further include attaching one or more straps to the base.
• a decorative element that can be part of the collapsible shoe in order to provide modular 230 decorative elements to the shoe.
• the decorative element provides easy quick fastening of jewels or other aesthetic elements to clothes, jewelry, shoes or other items.
• a collapsible shoe 10 having a removable heel 15.
• the removable heel 15 of the illustrated embodiment is attached to the collapsible shoe 10 235 near its rear end in a manner in which it may be removed and replaced.
• Some embodiments of the collapsible shoe include a base 30 for supporting the wearer's foot (not shown).
• the base 30 in some embodiments is formed of a suitable material, such as plastic, cardstock material, wood or other suitable material or combination thereof.
• the bottom surface of the base 30 of some embodiments forms the sole (not limited to the base 30).
• the sole is formed of any material, such as rubber, cork, leather, wood or other suitable material or combination thereof.
• Some embodiments of the collapsible shoe 10 further include a heel plate 20 interposed between the base 30 and the removable heel 15.
• the heel plate 20 may serve to support the removable heel 15 and to rigidly and releasably mount the
• the heel plate 20 is formed of a rigid material such as plastic, wood or metal and may either be permanently or releasably attached to the base 30.
• Some embodiments of the collapsible shoe 10 further include an empty cavity 173 for the heel head 167 to slide past a button 163 and lock into place.
• a fastening device such as a cap nut 25 is counter sunk within the base
• the cap nut 25 is used to mate with a threaded rod 70 (Figure 2) which is inserted through a central axial bore 80 in the removable heel 15 and the heel plate
• some embodiments include one or more removable straps 35 that are releasably attached to the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 in order to provide support and to contain the user's foot (not
• the removable straps 35 of some embodiments also serve to add decorative content to the collapsible shoe 10.
• the removable straps 35 may be formed of different colors or materials to match the outfit of the user (not shown).
• different thicknesses of the straps may be employed to achieve a variety of styles and appearances.
• the removable straps 35 of some embodiments are releasably attached to the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 via a set of loops and hooks, such as loop 40 and hook 45.
• one or more loops in the form of screw eyes, such as loop 40 are attached to the outside edge of the base 30.
• three loops 40, 50 and 60 are attached to the outside base 30.
• the releasable straps shown generally at 35 each contain a hook, such as hooks 45, 55, and 65, which are adapted to releasably attach to their corresponding loops 40, 50, and 60, respectively.
• the releasable straps may be releasably attached to the base 30. It should be understood that any number of loops can be attached to the 275 outside edge of the base in multiple positions to receive any number of releasable straps. Furthermore, the hooks and loops may be replaced with Velcro® or any other attachment devices. It is contemplated that the straps may be attached to the base 30 in a variety of different configurations to achieve a variety of different appearances for the shoe 10.
• a retainer clasp 152 is used to attach and detach a strap from the base of the shoe.
• a series of strap retainers 140 are molded into the base.
• one end of the clasp attaches to the fabric via a jump ring or like material and the other end of the clasp fits into the lower strap retainer 143, moves up thru the retainer 142 and into the third chamber of the
• the clasp When the clasp is in the unlocked position, it is in the lower strap retainer 143 and is demonstrated in 145.
• the size, shape, material make-up, and texture of the clasp will vary depending upon style and designer.
• the clasp and strap retainer mechanism is not limited to any hole size or shape as well. It should be understood that there can be any number of strap retainers on the sides of the sole and retainers may also be
• the strap retainers may appear in different shapes such as squares, ovals, rectangles.
• the clasp will enter one hole and lock into place via the tension caused by material or size of the retainer.
• the clasp moves past the small retainers (regardless of size and shape) into the shoe it will lock into place 300 due to the side tension placed on the clasp. It doesn't have to move into a second chamber or third chamber to lock.
• the user of the collapsible shoe 10 may first assemble the collapsible shoe 10 by attaching the removable heel 15 to the heel plate 20 which is removably attached to the base 30 as illustrated in the embodiment illustrated in
• the removable straps 35 or any embodiment illustrated in Exhibit B may be releasably attached to the outer edge of the base 30 by inserting the hooks of each releasable strap onto the loops attached to the outer edge of the base 30 or as illustrated in Exhibit B.
• hook 45 would be releasably attached to the
• the user may place their foot (not shown) onto the base 30.
• the foot (not shown) of the user may then be held by the releasable straps 35 and may thereby walk with the collapsible shoe 10.
• Figure 10 illustrates the removable heel 15
• the removable heel 15 is locked into place, see
• the removable heel 15 of such embodiments has an axial bore 80 ( Figure 3) formed within its longitudinal axis that extends from the bottom to the top of the removable heel 15 and further extends through the bottom and top of the removable heel 15.
• the axial bore 80 serves to receive and support the
• a boss 100 is provided in some embodiments at the top of the removable heel 15 and disposed in communicating relationship with the axial bore 80.
• the threaded rod 70 can be formed of a rigid metallic or plastic material
• the threaded rod 70 further includes a heel cap 75 which can serve a number of different functions.
• the heel cap 75 can facilitate insertion of the threaded rod 70 within the axial bore 80 of the removable heel 15.
• the heel cap 75 further facilitates rotation of the threaded rod within the axial bore 80 by the user (not shown).
• the heel cap 75 in some embodiments
• the heel cap 350 provides support for the removable heel 15 when the collapsible shoe 10 (Figure 1) is being worn by the user (not shown) as the heel cap 75 will be in direct contact with the ground. Since the heel cap may be in direct contact with the ground, the heel cap may be formed of a durable material, such as rubber or plastic.
• the heel plate 20 can be interposed between the removable heel 15 in the base 30 ( Figure 2).
• the heel plate 20 of some embodiments includes an axial bore 85 along the short axis of the heel plate 20 as best shown in Figure 3.
• the axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 serves to receive both a boss 100 of the removable heel 15 and the threaded rod 70 passing from the axial bore 80 of the 360 removable heel 80. In this way, the threaded rod 70 may pass completely through the axial bore 85 from the axial bore 80 to be received by a cap nut shown generally at 25 ( Figure 2).
• the cap nut shown 25 of the illustrated embodiment includes a cap portion 90 and a nut portion 95.
• the nut portion 95 can be 365 formed of a metallic or plastic threaded material for threadably receiving the threaded rod 70.
• the cap nut 25 of some embodiments is disposed within the base 30 where the cap portion 90 may be flush with or disposed slightly below the top surface of the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 so that the user's heel (not shown) may not touch or be bothered by the cap nut 25.
• the nut 370 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 may be accessible from the bottom of the base 30 and may threadably receive the threaded rod 70.
• the user may first place 375 the heel plate 20 onto the bottom surface of the base 30. This may be best accomplished by turning the base 30 upside down so that the heel plate 20 may rest onto the bottom surface of the base 30 by gravity.
• the axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 may then be axially aligned with the nut portion 95 of the cap nut 25.
• the removable heel 15 may then be placed onto the heel plate 20 and the boss 100 placed 380 within the axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 so that the axial bore 80 of the removable heel 15 is placed in axial alignment with both the axial bore 85 of the heel plate 20 and the nut portion 95 of the cap nut 25.
• the threaded rod 70 may then be inserted into the axial bore 80 of the removable heel 15
• the removable heel 15 further includes a pair of integral extensions or projections, such as integral projections 105 and 110 extending from the top surface of the removable heel 15.
• the projections 105 and 110 help to prevent rotation of the removable heel 15 when attached to the heel
• the integral projections 105 and 110 are adapted to be received by two corresponding bores 115 and 120 formed within the heel plate 20 at the bottom surface thereof.
• the bores 115 and 110 are generally shown at 115 and 120, having the integral projections 105 and 110 inserted therein.
• the integral projections 105 and 110 are then inserted and received by the bores 115 and 120.
• the removable heel 15 is secured flat against the heel plate 20 and the projections 105 and 110 and held tightly within the bores 115 and 120.
• the removable heel 15 may not be inadvertently 410 loosened or removed from the heel plate 20 of the shoe 10.
• the removable heel 15 may not rotate since the integral projections 105 and 110 may not permit this to occur since they inhibit rotation of the heel 15 relative to the heel plate 20.
• the collapsible shoe 10 can be further reduced in size for storage or travel purposes by including a slit 130 formed within the base 30.
• the slit 130 permits the base 30 of the collapsible shoe 10 to fold back upon itself as best shown in Figure 6.
• a hinge 135 can be affixed to the bottom surface of the base 30 as best shown in Figure 5. The center of the hinge 135 of the illustrated
• 420 embodiment is disposed over the slit 130 so that the hinge may permit the base 30 to fold back upon itself.
• the hinge 135 then serves to permit folding and collapsing of the base 30 while preventing the two sections of the base 30 separated by the slit 130 from separating by an extensive distance where they could then be misplaced.
• the heel is made of the plastic, metal, wood, or like material.
• the head of the heel consists of a fillet raised edge that will be identical in all heels.
• the head is attached to a larger flatter area 170 known as the attachment site to the base.
• the heel attachment site 170 will lay against the base attachment site 188 with a seamless edge.
• the upper portion of the heel will be the same in each heel; however the lower portion of the heel 15 will change aesthetically in shape, color, size, fabric covering, material, thickness, etc.
• heel cap 75 will be attach to the end of the heel, covering the steel rod from the bottom. Changing the heels in the sole, allows the consumer to interchange a thin heel, for a wedge heel or a pump heel.
• the shapes and styles of the heels that will be created to interchange with the removable heel 15 will be determined by fashion trends and should not be limited to any said configuration in this patent.
• the heel head 167 may vary in shape or design, depending on the shape and design of the base attachment sight. The two pieces, the heel 15 and the shoe 10 will be designed in unison so that they fit into each other.
• the heel head 167 may be more circular, rectangular, or square in each model depending on the particular design of the shoe. This will depend on fashion trend.
• the heel head 167 will be extended to fit on a wedge heel (not pictured).
• the surface area of the heel cap 75 is much larger as is the shape of the entire heel 15.
• the attachment sight for the sole 188 will be larger in dimensions, as will the entire cavity 173 and the heel head 167.
• the heel enters the bottom of the sole. In this particular drawing, the heel is shown entering the sole from
• the heel may slide in from the back of the sole to the front of the sole.
• the spring loaded retaining button 163 would be moved to the back of the cavity 173 to enable it to be depressed by the heel
• Figure 9 will be decorated or ornamented according to fashion trends. It will also vary in size, color, material, and shape. The size of the spring will also vary in size, material, color, and strength.
• the spring loaded heel-retaining button 163 is shown in Figure 8, is a separate piece made to fit into the sole. The button 163 is connected to the sole via 162 a clip attaching the button to the sole via small screws 161 but not limited to screws, pins, or like structures. In one embodiment the button is molded into the construction of the sole (not pictured), and 162 is not needed. The
• the construction of the sole's heel cavity is designed to mirror the exact dimensions of the heel head 167.
• the clasp 152 has two sides. One end of the clasp 151 can be inserted into the holes 140 of the sole. The other end of the
• 490 clasp 154 can have a hole in it, where a jumpring 153, or like configuration, is inserted through the hole to attach the strap 35.
• the strap is fed thru the jumpring and sew on itself to secure the latch to the strap.
• the size of the hole 153 in the clasp may vary in size, shape, or location depending on design style.
• the shape of 151 and 154 of the clasp is altered in some embodiments.
• the ends are square or rectangular.
• the design of this clasp is not limited to the shape, circular design, measurements, or material.
• the strap retainer 140 are on the sides of the shoe.
• One strap retainer is divided into three parts; the bottom portion of the strap retainer 143, the middle portion of the strap retainer 142, and the upper portion
• the bottom retainer 143 is where the clasp end 151 is inserted into the shoe.
• the clasp can be inserted into the side of the shoe 10 so that only the 154 end of the clasp is exposed.
• the depth of the strap retainer is molded into the side of the shoe, and is determined by the clasp length.
• the clasp end 151 enters the bottom strap
• the smaller dimensions can create tension on the clasp as it moves past the strap retainers. Then the clasp is forced by direct upward pressure into the smallest of the strap retainers 141, where it snaps into place, in some embodiments. Strap retainer 141 is just big enough for the 151 clasp end to fit into the retainer, this creates
• FIG 14 illustrates the clasp in the upward, locked position in one embodiment.
• the fabric is attached to the clasp and can be secured to the sole of the shoe.
• the consumer can push downward on the clasp in position 141 and move the latch past 142 into 143 in some embodiments.
• 140 can consists of just one chamber instead of three spaces like 141,142,143.
• the dimension of the strap retainer is slightly larger than the clasp end 151. The consumer can push the clasp end 151 into the strap retainer comprising of one compartment, and the side tension can make it difficult to slide the clasp past the hole. This side tension is what will secure the clasp to the shoe
• the size, shape, design, and material of the strap retainer can be altered for design style.
• the dimensions of the strap retainer are dependent upon the size and shape of the clasp.
• the shape of the clasp is determined by fashion trend and designer interpretations. It is also determined by the material
• 525 used to create the clasp which can range from plastic, metal, wood, nylon, or other synthetic material.
• the purpose of creating an interchangeable shoe is to enable the consumer to own one pair of shoes (soles) and purchase heels and straps separately to change the style of your shoes.
• the soles shoes
• the heels and straps separately to change the style of your shoes.
• the platform is removable from the base via a spring loaded button 195. Once the button 195, is depressed the platform is twisted to one side and released. In Fig 15, 192 demonstrates one such removable platform. Note 196, are the guides that are used for the interchangeable platform to get and stay in
• the platform is reattached by lining up the cog 194 on the inside of the platform with the hole in the bottom on the base. The platform is in place once the guide is lined up on each side of the lever (spring loaded button, 195).
• the same cog design is seen in both mates: the base and platform. The cog is lined up and the platform is twisted into place. The button is depressed upon twisting. Fig 15, In this
• the removable wedge heel is attached after the platform in attached and adds security to the removable platform.
• the platform is removable to increase or decrease the height of the shoe.
• the platforms may be constructed in several heights. Fig 17 shows a small platform, but several heights exist. Once the desired platform height is attached, the removable heel that corresponds to that height
• the interchangeable platforms also feature a strap attachment site, 193 in Fig 16. There is a strap cut-out on the inside of the removable platform. The cut-out dictates where the straps will be positioned.
• Figure 18 A Another embodiment of a collapsible shoe having a removable heel is illustrated in Figure 18 A.
• Figure 18 A specifically illustrates an exploded perspective view of a several components of one embodiment of a collapsible shoe.
• 565 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 attachment piece 1835, a reinforcement cylinder 1840, a horizontal lock lever 1845, a vertical lock lever 1850, a removable wedge 1855, and a wedge support insert 1860.
• FIG. 18B 570 embodiment shown in Figure 18A is illustrated in Figure 18B.
• one of either the removable heel blank 1830 or the removable ankle strap attachment piece 1835 may be interposed between the removable heel 1820 or removable wedge 1855 and the base 1805.
• the removable heel blank 1830 is similar to the heel plate 20 shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 in that it may serve to 575 support the removable heel 1820 and to rigidly and releasably mount the removable heel 1820 to the base 1805.
• the removable heel 1820 may include a first and second cavity 1865 and 1866.
• the first cavity 1866 may accommodate a heel insert 1825.
• the heel insert 1825 fits into a base cavity on the bottom of the heel and
• the heel insert 1825 facilitates the locking and unlocking of the removable heel 1820 to the base 1805.
• the heel insert 1825 may be permanently secured to the first cavity 1866 with a bonding agent such as glue.
• the second cavity 1865 may be an axial bore at the bottom of the removable heel 1820. This second cavity 1865 may accommodate a reinforcement cylinder 1840 for added stability in the heel similar to the steel rod
• the reinforcement cylinder 1840 may be permanently secured to the second cavity 1865 with a bonding agent such as glue.
• the removable heel 1820 may also be interchanged with a removable wedge 1855 in order to provide a different look and style.
• the removable wedge 1855 may also include a cavity that can accommodate the same heel insert 1825 as the
• a wedge support insert 1860 may slide into a front recessed cavity in the removable wedge 1855 in order to provide support and stability when the removable wedge is attached to the base 1805.
• the wedge support insert 1860 may be permanently affixed to the front recessed cavity of the
• the wedge support insert 1860 may couple to a wedge support slot 1890 shown in Figure 18F when the removable wedge 1855 is secured to the base 1805.
• one embodiment of the collapsible shoe may use a 600 double lock mechanism in conjunction with the heel insert 1825 in order to ensure the removable heel 1820 or wedge 1855 does not inadvertently become insecure while a user is wearing the collapsible shoe.
• the double lock mechanism may incorporate a horizontal lock lever 1845 that locks and unlocks a vertical lock lever 1850 that interact with the heel insert 1825.
• the horizontal lock lever 1845 may be aligned with 605 a horizontal lock slot 1846 and the vertical lock lever 1850 may be aligned with a vertical lock slot 1851 in the base 1805.
• Figure 18D illustrates a side 1870, a front 1871 and a perspective view 1872 view of the horizontal lock lever 1845.
• Figure 18E illustrates a side 1875, a front 1876 and a perspective view 1877 of the vertical lock lever 1850.
• the horizontal lock lever 1850 may be moved in a position that engages the vertical lock lever 1850 so that the vertical lock lever 1850 is not able to move down to an unlocked position.
• the horizontal lock lever 1845 must first be moved to the left, for example, to its unlock position which allows the vertical lock lever
• a collapsible shoe 630 base having removable upper straps, the removable straps being attached to the base or sole of the shoe.
• Figure 18G illustrates an exploded perspective view of the base 1805 of one embodiment of the collapsible shoe with removable straps 1895, a removable strap device 1896, and a removable strap button lever 1897.
• the removable strap 635 device 1896 may be housed within the base 1805 and may include a push button 1894 at an interior center of the removable strap device 1896.
• the 645 removable strap button lever 1897 may be inserted into hole 1899 as illustrated in Figure 18H.
• the hole 1899 is an access point to the removable strap device 1896, which may be pushed forward with the removable strap button lever
• Similar devices such as a pen cap or pencil may also be used to disengage the removable straps 1895 through the hole 1899 in the base.
• the user may make use of the removable ankle strap attachment piece 1835 shown in 655 Figure 18B.
• the removable ankle strap attachment piece 1835 is shown in place in Figure 18F where two metal rings 1888 are exposed. Straps may be threaded through the metal rings 1888 as desired by the user.
• Figure 19 shows a cross section of another embodiment of the shoe base, exposing the cavities that house the quick release mechanism.
• FIG. 19 A base cover 2312, shown in Figure 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 attaching means, such as using screws, pins,
• the base cover is glued or hard pressed to the shoe base.
• the base cover is attached once the quick strap attachment pieces are placed into the cavity to ensure their security and function in the shoe base.
• the shoe base is then covered, as shown in Figure 27, with a suitable covering material 2730, 670 such as a piece of rubber, leather, plastic, fabric, or sole-like material to protect all working mechanisms in the shoe base.
• a suitable covering material 2730, 670 such as a piece of rubber, leather, plastic, fabric, or sole-like material to protect all working mechanisms in the shoe base.
• Figure 25 can be one solid piece or several pieces.
• the quick release mechanism can be made of wood, plastic, pvc, abs, steel, or like-metal, and is not limited or to 675 mentioned materials.
• the button is attached to the quick release lever.
• the button is a separate piece than the quick release lever.
• Figure 25 shows one such quick strap release lever, with the button attached and one set of strap attachment hooks.
• the strap release lever could have multiple strap attachment hooks.
• the strap release lever is placed in the empty cavity of the shoe base.
• the upper part of the release lever comprises of, but is not limited to: a spring attachment post 2523, a spring 2524, a female strap attachment
• FIG 29 the illustration shows the strap attachment pieces 2425, being slid into the strap attachment cavity.
• the base cover When the base cover is attached to the base of the shoe, it exposes an open slot on the side of the shoe for the strap attachment 705 pieces 2425 to enter the shoe.
• the button As the strap attachment pieces enter the shoe, the button is depressed by the user and held down.
• the strap release lever When the button is held down, the strap release lever is moved forward, the spring is shortened, thus causing tension.
• the male hook head 2414 moves forward into the cavity unobstructed. The male hook head moves forward until it rests against the side of the strap.
• the button is then
• the female hook head is lowered, thus trapping the male hook head inside the female hook locking cavity. This acts to secure the strap attachment device inside the shoe base until the button is re-pressed.
• the male and female hooks engage and block each other from leaving the shoe base. They create a barrier and the spring holds the
• the spring is located in the button cavity 1903, 725 instead of attached to the release lever.
• the spring attachment posts are attached to the back of the button cavity.
• the springs are attached to 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 touch the back of the button head and when the button is pressed the springs shorten in length, thus moving 730 the strap release lever forward toward the mating surface 1906 on the shoe base, thus activating the quick release mechanism.
• the lever is moved forward toward the front of the shoe and the female hook heads are also moved forward allowing the male hook heads to slide into place.
• the button is then released and the male hook heads trap the female hook heads in place and secure the straps to the base.
• the strap attachment mechanism shown in Figure 24 has one set of male hook heads or multiple male hook heads.
• the strap attachment mechanisms can be made of, but not limited to, plastic, abs, pvc, nylon, metal or wood.
• the strap attachment pieces have a roll bar 2415, and an open slot for material 2011, which can be one continuous slot or multiple slots for the strap 740 material to slide through. Once the strap material is slid thru the material slots, the material is sewn to itself as shown in Figure 27. In some embodiments the material is glued to itself or other material. In other embodiments the strap material comprises of several pieces of material fed thru the material slot and then attached to the itself.
• the material used for the straps can be leather,
• the strap material is not limited to the materials listed.
• the button used to trigger the quick strap release mechanism is covered by the interchangeable wedge. The wedge needs to be removed first, and then the button can be exposed.
• the button is not visible, it is recessed into the shoe. In other embodiments, the button is protruded on the outside of the shoe base.
• the configuration of the quick strap release mechanism can vary. It includes, but is not limited to having a roll bar, that enters the shoe base completely or slightly protrudes the shoe base.
• the 755 roll bar is a solid piece of plastic of other suitable material with holes along the edges.
• the solid piece of plastic is fixed to the edge of the quick strap release mechanism and rests against the side of the shoe base once the mechanism is locked into place.
• the material is attached to the bar with rivets or other similar or suitable fixtures.
• the bar may be made of metal, pvc, plastic, wood, or other like material.
• Figure 31 illustrates a perspective posterior view of a removable 795 upper 3100 and associated fastening element 3110 of some embodiments.
• the underside of the upper may include a receptacle 3120 for the fastening element 3110, various catches 3130, and/or various rails 3140.
• the removable upper 3100 may be adapted to attach to an associated base. Such a base will be described below in reference to Figure 32.
• the fastening element 3110 may be adapted to fasten the upper to the base.
• the receptacle 3120 may be adapted to receive and secure the fastening element.
• the catches 3130 may be adapted to align with lips, receptacles, etc. that may be included in the base.
• the rails 3140 may be adapted to align with cavities in the base.
• the upper 3100 and fastening element 3110 may be made from various materials
• top portion of the upper may include various materials that may be the same as or different than the materials used in the base (e.g., leather, vinyl, plastic, etc.) and/or various ornamental and/or functional features (e.g., buckles, buttons, zippers, straps, graphics, patterns, etc.).
• materials used in the base e.g., leather, vinyl, plastic, etc.
• ornamental and/or functional features e.g., buckles, buttons, zippers, straps, graphics, patterns, etc.
• the fastening element 3110 may be inserted into the receptacle 3120 and turned to secure the fastening element 3110 to the upper 3100.
• the fastening element 3110 may have various ridges or guides that align the element within the receptacle 3120.
• the fastening element 3110 and receptacle 3120 may be configured such that the fastening element may be turned a
• the fastening element 3110 may include a slot (or other appropriate feature) that is adapted to accept a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) or other appropriate item (e.g., a coin, a
• a user of the shoe may be able to easily attach or detach the fastening element to the upper 3100 without requiring any special tools.
• Figure 32 illustrates a perspective view of an example base 3200 that may be used with the removable upper 3100 in some embodiments.
• the base 3200 may include an opening and/or cavity 3210 adapted to receive the fastening
• the base 3200 may include various lips and/or cavities 3220 adapted to receive the catches 3130, and/or various slots 3230 adapted to receive the rails 3140.
• the base may also include other elements, as appropriate (e.g., a sole, a heel, various inserts, etc.).
• the base may be similar to base 1805 described above, and may be adapted to couple to various
• the base may be adapted to couple to a base plate cover (e.g., base plate cover 1810).
• Figure 33 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a modular shoe 3300 that includes the upper 3100, fastening element 3110, and the base 3200. As shown, the upper 3100 may be adapted to attach to the base 3200 using the fastening
• the various catches 3130 and rails 3140 may be aligned with the associated cavities or lips 3220 and slots 3230 such that the upper 3100 is properly aligned with the base 3200.
• the fastening element 3110 may be inserted
• 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.
• the fastening element 3110 may be threaded or otherwise adapted to be
• the fastening element 3110 may be passed at least partway through the base cavity 3210 such that the flange passes only partway through the cavity (e.g., the cavity may include an opening at one surface of the base that is a larger diameter than the rest of the cavity, such that the flange is flush with the bottom of the base).
• the fastening element 3110 (and receptacle 3120 and cavity 3210) may be adapted such that a surface of the fastening element (e.g., the end of the shaft) is flush with a surface of the upper (e.g., the top surface of the upper) and another surface of the fastening element (e.g., the other end of the shaft, at the flange) is flush with a surface of the base 3200 when the fastening element 3110 is locked in place
• the components of the shoe may not be apparently visible such that the shoe is comfortable for the wearer and does not appear to have any components that would not be found in a non- modular shoe.
• the fastening element 3110 may be
• the shoe 3300 of some embodiments may provide flexibility to a wearer of the shoe. For instance, in some cases a wearer may wish to use a single base with multiple different uppers (e.g., uppers of different materials, different
• a wearer may wish to use multiple bases with a single upper (e.g., bases having different heel heights, different sole materials, etc.).
• a wearer may wish to maintain a set of uppers and a set of bases such that the user may mix and match to form various combinations.
• some embodiments may include shoes with multiple uppers (e.g., a front upper and a rear upper), where each of the uppers may be secured to the base using a different fastening element.
• multiple uppers may be secured using a single fastening element (e.g., a front and rear upper may overlap at a particular section that is secured by the fastening element).

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• 2013
  • 2013-03-27 IN IN2285KON2014 patent/IN2014KN02285A/en unknown
  • 2013-03-27 WO PCT/US2013/034119 patent/WO2013151845A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2013-03-27 JP JP2015504629A patent/JP2015512324A/ja active Pending
  • 2013-03-27 KR KR1020147030938A patent/KR20150005581A/ko not_active Withdrawn

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