Modular design for a utility shoe component system for women's classical and casual shoes
A woman's modular utility shoe is disclosed. In one embodiment, a convertible base mule-style shoe may be made of an insole, an outsole, a sash, a vamp or upper, and a heel attached to the outsole or to a heel mount. Various attachment mounts fastened to the base mule may allow structural embellishments to be attached to the base mule. These structural embellishments may include a sling strap, a heel strap, an ankle strap, ankle lace-up straps, a T-strap, a heel cup, a demi heel cup, or a booting. The structural embellishments may be attached to the mule-style base through many combinations of fastenings such as but not limited to a hook and eye, a double hook and eye, a clasp, a buckle, a stud, a loop a decorative snap, or like system.
The present invention relates to components used in the construction of women's dress and casual shoes. More specifically, the present invention relates to women's modular dress and casual shoes that may be fitted with structural embellishments depending on the occasion.
Throughout history, women and men have attached functional or stylish embellishments to their footwear. For example, spats are a stylish embellishment worn by men and women to add a ‘black-tie’ effect to the standard black boot. Gaiters are an example of a functional embellishment to change an oxford or low boot to a knee high or thigh high boot for special events or protection in foul weather. Spats and gaiters can continue be used with any type of enclosed shoe, as they do not attach to the shoe itself.
In modern times, a woman's shoe wardrobe has become a stylish as well as functional collection. In some case the shoe wardrobe can grow to 50 or more pair of shoes, which leads to closet clutter. More women are traveling for business as well as pleasure, and may need multiple pairs of shoes to ensure proper dress for each event or outing. These women need a pair of shoes that can transition easily to meet their multiple fashion needs, while honoring their budgets, their closets, and their carry-on bags.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA woman's modular utility shoe is disclosed. In one embodiment, a convertible base mule-style shoe may be made of an insole, an outsole, a sash, a vamp or upper, and a heel attached to the outsole or to a heel mount. Various attachment mounts fastened to the base mule may allow structural embellishments to be attached to the base mule. These structural embellishments may include a sling strap, a heel strap, an ankle strap, ankle lace-up straps, a T-strap, a heel cup, a demi heel cup, or a booting. The structural embellishments may be attached to the mule-style base through many combinations of fastenings such as but not limited to a hook and eye, a double hook and eye, a clasp, a buckle, a stud, a loop a decorative snap, or like system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A woman's modular utility shoe is disclosed. In one embodiment, a convertible base mule-style shoe may be made of an insole, an outsole, a sash, a vamp or upper, and a heel attached to the outsole or to a heel mount. Various attachment mounts fastened to the base mule may allow structural embellishments to be attached to the base mule. These structural embellishments may include a sling strap, a heel strap, an ankle strap, ankle lace-up straps, a T-strap, a heel cup, a demi heel cup, or a booting. The structural embellishments may be attached to the mule-style base through many combinations of fastenings such as but not limited to a hook and eye, a double hook and eye, a clasp, a buckle, a stud, a loop a decorative snap, or like system.
The modular shoe design may accommodate a variety of male/female connecting fasteners. Female connectors may be embedded into the insole 110, outsole 120, sash 130, the heel mount 140 or vamp 150 of the mule. The connectors may be inexpensive studs, more costly decorative clasps or key-notched fasteners for greater security. The designer and manufacturer of the final shoe can determine which embodiment of structural embellishment, its fastening device and the fabrications for each particular shoe design. Further, the designers and manufacturers may protect and secure their particular shoe design based on the number of connectors used to mount the heel cups, straps, and bootings. The structural embellishments may be attached to the base mule 100 in multiple ways, such as forming or wrapping.
Although several embodiments are specifically illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the present invention are covered by the above teachings and within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A base mule-style shoe, comprising:
- an insole to support the sole of a woman's foot;
- an outsole to provide a ground contact surface;
- a sash to join the insole to the outsole;
- a vamp to bear a forward weight of the woman's foot; and
- an attachment mount fastener to allow a structural embellishment to be coupled to the base mule.
2. The base mule-style shoe of claim 1, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the sash.
3. The base mule-style shoe of claim 1, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the outsole.
4. The base mule-style shoe of claim 1, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to a heel mount on the outsole.
5. The base mule-style shoe of claim 1, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the insole.
6. The base mule-style shoe of claim 1, wherein the attachment mount fastener is one of a group consisting of a hook and eye, a clasp, a buckle, a stud, a loop, or a snap.
7. The base mule-style shoe of claim 1, wherein the structural embellishment is one of a group consisting of a sling strap, a heel strap, an ankle strap, ankle lace up straps, a T-strap, a heel cup, a demi heel cup, or a booting.
8. A woman's modular utility shoe, comprising:
- a base mule including: an insole to support the sole of a woman's foot; an outsole to provide a ground contact surface; a sash to join the insole to the outsole; and a vamp to bear a forward weight of the woman's foot; and
- a structural embellishment coupled to an attachment mount fastener coupled to the base mule.
9. The woman's modular utility shoe of claim 8, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the sash.
10. The woman's modular utility shoe of claim 8, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the outsole.
11. The woman's modular utility shoe of claim 8, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to a heel mount on the outsole.
12. The woman's modular utility shoe of claim 8, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the insole.
13. The woman's modular utility shoe of claim 8, wherein the attachment mount fastener is one of a group consisting of a hook and eye, a clasp, a buckle, a stud, a loop, or a snap.
14. The woman's modular utility shoe of claim 8, wherein the structural embellishment is one of a group consisting of a sling strap, a heel strap, an ankle strap, ankle lace up straps, a T-strap, a heel cup, a demi heel cup, or a booting.
15. A method, comprising:
- coupling an attachment mount fastener to a base mule, the base mule having an insole, an outsole, a sash, and a vamp; and
- coupling a structural embellishment to the attachment mount fastener.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the sash.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to the outsole.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the attachment mount fastener is coupled to a heel mount on the outsole.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the attachment mount fastener is one of a group consisting of a hook and eye, a clasp, a buckle, a stud, a loop, or a snap.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the structural embellishment is one of a group consisting of a sling strap, a heel strap, an ankle strap, ankle lace up straps, a T-strap, a heel cup, a demi heel cup, or a booting.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 16, 2004
Publication Date: Mar 16, 2006
Inventor: Arthine van Duyne (Los Gatos, CA)
Application Number: 10/942,271
International Classification: A43B 3/24 (20060101);