Abstract: A clasp for securing an upper to the outsole of an article of footwear is disclosed. The clasp includes first and second releasably interengaging parts, one of which is attached to the upper and the other to the outsole. The part attached to the outsole includes a body defining a recess adapted to slideably receive the part attached to the upper. The recess has an opening through which the part attached to the upper is adapted to extend. The body has a centerline extending through the axis of the recess and the midpoint of the opening. That part also includes a base with a bottom surface adapted to be situated adjacent the outsole. The body is attached to the base such that the centerline of the body forms an obtuse angle with plane of the bottom surface of the base. The base has a top surface that is inclined relative to the bottom base surface. The clasp also has a spring-loaded detent mounted on one of the clasp parts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment mechanism and system used to accessorize, ustomize and/or personalize footwear with interchangeable uppers or straps, especially open shoes and sandals. More particularly, this invention presents a safe, secure and easy system for the attachment and detachment of shoe uppers and straps to shoes and sandals. This invention allows both the manufacturer and wearer to promote and display fashion and theme material of their own choosing, with the freedom to change the material or message without having to change footwear. The invention comprises a releasable fastener that connects a retainer, secured with the sole of the footwear, to an upper or strap. The releasable fastener is comprised of an upper and lower bar or metal loop, each loop carried on a barrel, the barrels interlocking with each other in a sliding engagement and held in the closed or engaged position by a magnet or by a biasing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment mechanism and system used to accessorize, customize and/or personalize footwear with interchangeable uppers or straps, especially open shoes and sandals. More particularly, this invention presents a safe, secure and easy system for the attachment and detachment of shoe uppers and straps to shoes and sandals. This invention allows both the manufacturer and wearer to promote and display fashion and theme material of their own choosing, with the freedom to change the material or message without having to change footwear. The invention comprises a releasable fastener that connects a retainer, secured with the sole of the footwear, to an upper or strap. The releasable fastener is comprised of an upper and lower bar or metal loop, each loop carried on a barrel, the barrels interlocking with each other in a sliding engagement and held in the closed or engaged position by a magnet or by a biasing member.

Abstract: A clasp for securing an upper to the outsole of an article of footwear is disclosed. The clasp includes first and second releasably interengaging parts, one of which is attached to the upper and the other to the outsole. The part attached to the outsole includes a body defining a recess adapted to slideably receive the part attached to the upper. The recess has an opening through which the part attached to the upper is adapted to extend. The body has a centerline extending through the axis of the recess and the midpoint of the opening. That part also includes a base with a bottom surface adapted to be situated adjacent the outsole. The body is attached to the base such that the centerline of the body forms an obtuse angle with plane of the bottom surface of the base. The base has a top surface that is inclined relative to the bottom base surface. The clasp also has a spring-loaded detent mounted on one of the clasp parts.