Interchangeable shoe components

Abstract

A multipurpose shoe comprising a base member and a plurality of interchangeable heels engageable with the base member. There is a first means which has a first portion engageable with the plurality of interchangeable heels and a second portion engageable with a portion of the base member for securing the plurality of interchangeable heels to the base member. Further, there is at least one strap like member and a second means which has a first portion engageable with the at least one strap like member and a second portion engageable with at least one portion of the base member for securing the at least one strap like member to the base member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/643,537 filed Jan. 13, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a shoe, and, more specifically the present invention relates to a women's shoe in which various parts of the shoe, such as heels and straps, are interchangeable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's market a woman must purchase variety of shoes to meet a variety of needs. A shoe that is suited for dancing or a night out is not necessarily suited for a day at the office. Similarly many shoes may be purchased for a particular or one-time event. In many cases the shoes may be put in the closet and never worn again.

Thus, the need for a variety of shoes can drain not only the pocketbook but available closet space as well. There is a need for shoes that can be quickly and easily converted into an array of different styles so that one or several pairs of shoes can be used for different occasions or uses and thereby reduce the number of shoes that a woman must necessarily own and still be able to be stylish for different occasions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the present invention provides a multipurpose shoe. The multipurpose shoe comprises a base portion and a plurality of interchangeable heels engageable with the base member. There is a first means which has a first portion engageable with the plurality of interchangeable heels and a second portion engageable with a portion of the base member for securing the plurality of interchangeable heels to the base member. Further, there is at least one strap like member and a second means which has a first portion engageable with the at least one strap like member and a second portion engageable with at least one portion of the base member for securing the at least one strap like member to the base member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a pair of shoes which allows the consumer to alter the appearance of such shoes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a pair of shoes which has interchangeable heels and straps.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pair of shoes in which various heels may be interchanged by connecting the heels by means of a threaded attachment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pair of shoes in which such straps can be attached with snaps and/or Velcro.

These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded partial perspective view of the interchangeable heel showing the attachment for the heel.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a shoe with interchangeable straps attached.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a shoe with different interchangeable straps attached.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a shoe with different interchangeable straps attached according to a different embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a shoe with different interchangeable straps attached.

FIG. 6 is an exploded partial perspective view of a multipurpose shoe according to an embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

Illustrated in the drawing Figures, the present invention provides a multipurpose shoe, generally designated 10. The multipurpose shoe 10 comprises a base member 4 and a plurality of interchangeable heels 6 which are engageable with the base member 4. There is a first means, generally designated 20, which has a first portion engageable with the plurality of interchangeable heels 6 and a second portion engageable with a portion of the base member 4 for securing the plurality of interchangeable heels 6 to the base member 4.

Further, there is at least one strap like member 12 and a second means, generally designated 30, which has a first portion engageable with the at least one strap like member 12 and a second portion engageable with at least one portion of the base member 4 for securing the at least one strap like member 12 to the base member 4. Such at least one strap like member 12 is a plurality of strap like members 12. Thus, the appearance of the shoe can be altered drastically by simply changing the strap like member 12.

It is also presently preferred that the upper portion of such sole member 14 of the base member 4 has a gel-like cushion 16 to provide extra comfort to the wearer.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an exploded partial perspective view of the interchangeable heel. Such first means 20 includes a pronged T-nut 22 that is located in the heel portion of the base member 4. A stud rod 24 is formed as part of the heel member 6. The stud rod 24 attaches to the T-nut 22. Each heel member 6 will have a stud rod 24 formed therein. Thus, the consumer may change the heels 6 easily by merely unscrewing the stud rod 24 attached to the heel member 6 and replacing it with a different heel 6. Although the drawing shows the T-nut 22 and stud rod 24 disposed in the heel portion of the base member 4 and the interchangeable heel member 6, respectively, it is within the scope of the invention that these two items could be reversed and still serve the same function.

It is also presently preferred that each of such plurality interchangeable heels 6 have at least one of a different color and a different design so that by changing the heel 6 the shoe 10 takes on a completely different appearance.

It is also presently preferred that such second means 30 for engagement with the at least one strap like member 12 and with such base member 41 includes snaps 32 which make it easy to replace one strap 12 with another strap 12. Such second means 30 can also include a hook and loop 34 (Velcro) attachment for attaching such at least one strap member 12 with such base member.

Illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 are such multi purpose shoe 10 having such base member 4. On top of such base member 4 is a sheet of material having Velcro 34 (hook and loop) disposed thereon. On top of this layer is a thin fabric layer 36. This fabric layer 36 is lifted up when the strap members 12 are attached to the Velcro 34 and then placed back on top of the Velcro 34.

Each of such plurality of strap like members 12 have at least one of a different color and a different design so by changing the strap like member 12, such multipurpose shoe 10 can be changed from a dress shoe to a sport shoe very quickly and easily. Such foot straps 12 are made of various materials and various colors and styles which provides a mix and match blend along with such variety of heels 6.

Thus, the consumer has many different options for altering the appearance of the multipurpose shoe 10 for the consumer can n quickly easily change the shoe 10 into an array of different styles with different reinforced heels 6 and different straps 12 to meet the consumer's needs.

The present invention consists of a shoe base with a multitude of interchangeable shoe components. The sole offers a gel-like cushion that provides extra comfort. Velcro is strategically placed throughout the shoe which is used to attach straps in various locations. Velcro is not the only method of attaching the straps as snaps are also used. Reinforced heels are interchangeable to allow the user to choose the proper heel for any occasion. A stud rod housed in the heel is attached to a pronged T-nut that is located in the base of the shoe. This feature allows the user to adapt the base unit to suit her current shoe needs. Foot straps are attached to the outer sole of the footwear if straps are desired. The foot straps and the heels are available in various colors, sizes and styles.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multipurpose shoe, said multipurpose shoe comprising:

(a) a base member;

(b) a plurality of interchangeable heels engageable with said base member;

(c) a first means having a first portion engageable with said plurality of interchangeable heels and a second portion engageable with a portion of said base member for securing said plurality of interchangeable heels to said base member;

(d) at least one strap like member; and

(e) a second means having a first portion engageable with said at least one strap like member and a second portion engageable with at least one portion of said base member for securing said at least one strap like member to said base member.

2. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 1, wherein said first means is a threadable means.

3. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 2, wherein said threadable means includes a pronged T-nut disposed in one of said plurality of interchangeable heels and a heel portion of said base member.

4. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 3, wherein said threadable means further includes a stud rod disposed in an opposite one of said plurality of interchangeable heels and said heel portion of said base member for engagement with said pronged T-nut for securing said plurality of interchangeable heels to said base member.

5. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 1, wherein said second means for engagement with said at least one strap like member and with said base member includes at least one of snaps and hook and loop fasteners.

6. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one strap like member is a plurality of strap like members.

7. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 6, wherein each of said plurality of strap like members have at least one of a different color and a different design.

8. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 1, wherein said plurality interchangeable heels have at least one of a different color and a different design.

9. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 4, wherein said stud rod is formed within each of said plurality of heels.

10. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 5, wherein said second means is a hook and loop fastener.

11. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 10, wherein said hook and loop fasteners are disposed on top said base member.

12. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 11, wherein each of said plurality of strap like members have hook and loop fasteners disposed on ends of said strap like members for engagement with said hook and loop fasteners disposed on top of said base member.

13. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 1, wherein said base member further includes a sole member.

14. The multipurpose shoe, according to claim 13, wherein an inner part of said sole member further includes a gel like cushion.