Shoe and boot construction with attachable components

Abstract

The embodiment of the present invention generally relates to shoe and boot systems. More particularly the invention relates to a shoe or boot system and method for using the shoe or boot system that has one or more interchangeable components. The system includes a shoe that has utility alone. In addition, each of the components may be optionally reversible. The inside of the shoe or boot may also have an optional lining which may be removable. These components may also have hidden or exposed pockets for securing some articles.

Description

PRIOR ART

A number of prior art patents disclose shoe constructions teaching interchangeable components such as upper and heels. Some of the more pertinent prior art relating to shoe wear of these types are briefly described hereinafter.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,649 ('649 Patent), which issued to Smith. discloses an Interchangeable Shoe. The '649 Patent describes an article of footwear of an interchangeable nature permitting alteration by the wearer of the shoe appearance and configuration. There is provided an outbase member of unitary construction having toe, central, and heel portions, there being a heel unit carried upon the heel portion of wedge defining character. A top base member sits upon the heel, having a forward portion attached to the central portion of the outbase member. The latter, heel unit and top base member are secured by a selectively removable cooperative fabric securement and/or arrangement. The inbase member overlies the toe of the outbase member, being detachably secured thereto, and preferably interengages portions of the top base member to provide a hinge-defining construction in the central portion of the shoe. A sock liner overlies the inbase member and top base member, being selectively and easily removed fro access to the other elements of the shoe for interchangeability purposes. Various uppers providing front and rear quarters are detachably secured to the shoe at the toe and heel portions thereof. A heel unit is covered with a detachable cover which is reversible for providing different exterior colors.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,324 ('324 Patent), which issued to Tsuji, discloses Bowling Shoes having Customizable Ground Engagement. The '324 Patent describes a bowling shoe construction having various options for adjustment with removable and replaceable slide parts to attach to the thread surface of a slide shoe. The slide parts can attach interchangeably using hook and pile loop fasteners. A kick shoe includes an interchangeable kick part covering the toe area. The kick part can be attached using adhesives or hook and pile loop fasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,171,768 ('768 Patent), which issued to Klein, discloses a Modular Shoe System. The '768 Patent describes a modular shoe system having interchangeable uppers and outbase members, comprising an internal support structure, a plurality of interchangeable first removable covers and the plurality of interchangeable second removable covers. The internal support structure includes a midbase member, a heel counter and a toe box. The internal support structure has a front portion including the toe box and a rear portion including the heel counter. Each of the first removable covers includes a front upper and a front outbase member. Each of the first removable covers is configured for being alternately removably attached to the front portion. Each of the second removable covers includes a rear upper and a rear outbase member. Each of the second removable covers is configured for being alternatively removably attached to the rear portion.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,910,251 ('251 Patent), which is issued to Rolle, discloses a Shoe with Interchangeable Covers. The '251 Patent describes a modified pair of woman's shoes consisting of a base, a base member with a removable heel, and a cover which is attached to the base and the base member with two sets of straps joining under the base member and fastened together with hook and loop fasteners. The base of the show features a layer of padding for extra comfort and low rising vertical sides for supporting the interchangeable cover. The base member of the shoe is formed with a pair of notches on the bottom, one in the toe area and one in the arch area. These notches serve as guides into which the straps are placed and secured to one another. The cover can be made in various styles from dressy and elegant to casual and sporty by adding decorative items, such a zippers, buttons, bows, and the like and by varying the heel height and width. The interchangeable covers and heels allow the owners to have numerous pairs of shoes for the price of one. Thus any woman could save money through purchase of one pair of shoes as opposed to purchasing shoes to coordinate with every outfit in her wardrobe. Additionally, the female traveler could pack a single pair of shoes to complete a number of ensembles, thereby reducing the load with which she travels.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0192205, which was authored by Linens, describes a shoe cover system for Clog and Loafer type shoes that allow you to change the appearance of the shoes as desired. The shoe covers allow the wearer to partially change the top and side appearance of a pair of shoes to different colors, shapes, prints, designs, textures or styles. The covers provide a fast and inexpensive way to match the shoes to a varied wardrobe in just a few seconds.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2003/0233772, which was authored by Mucial, describes a shoe having a plurality of interchangeable top covering for altering the appearance of a shoe. The shoe includes a shoe base and at least one top covering for the shoe. The top covering is removably affixed to the shoe base. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top covering is positioned over a top portion of the wearer's foot, in front of the wearer's ankle. The top covering may be attached by any fastening means, such as hook and pile strips, snaps, laces or hooks. When the wearer desires, the top covering is exchanged for another top covering to alter the exterior appearance of the shoe.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0016026, which was authored by Long, describes athletic shoes which have evolved into a very desirable and trendy piece of clothing. They are available in many shapes, sizes, and colors. However, to date all shoe pieces and designs are fixed to the shoe. My technology will allow shoe colors and or designs to be changed daily and as easily as the rest of one's clothes while utilizing only one pair of shoes. Interchangeable pieces will be made useful just as different colored shoe strings are now available.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0066550, which was authored by Liu, describes a woman's shoe which includes a base member, a heel and a base strap secured to opposite sides of the shoe and positioned to extend across of the wearer's foot. Strap covers are provided in various colors, materials, shapes and decorative surface patterns. The strap covers are each removably attachable to the base straps, in covering relation thereto, and are selectively interchangeable to provide a variety of different styles and appearances, thereby allowing the same shoe to be worn with many different outfits. The shoes are provided in different sizes, heel shapes and heights to further enhance the versatility of style and appearance, ranging from formal to casual.

United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0098622, which was authored by Berrins, describes a sandal comprising layered footwear components includes a lower base, a middle member replaceable platform which secures the straps, and an upper member replaceable inbase member. A hollowed out center area creates a perimeter side wall on the top of the base into which the platform is stored. A frontal (toe area) and rear (heel area) ledge crosses the toe and heel areas of the superior base horizontally. The straps are attached to a platform and secured by a present choice of a hook and loop fastener. A midpoint lock on the platform is eased under the front and rear ledges on the base. A midpoint lock on the platform further secures the platform and under the overlapped straps and placed into the remaining hollow area of the base hiding the shoes components. The straps and inbase member cooperate to form a shoe upper for receiving the foot. Platforms and inbase members are interchangeable to heel, flat or wedge style bases. Exchangeably connected straps to platforms are repeatedly adjustable in horizontal and vertical directions for comfort and mix and match to create many shoe styles.

In view of the fact that the prior art is silent on a shoe or boot construction that breaks up into different size and style shoes or boots. To achieve this and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention essentially discloses a shoe construction for enabling a user or wearer to selectively attach shoe components for improving function and or appearance of the shoe construction. The shoe construction according to the present invention comprises a shoe base member and at least one attachable component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a thigh high boot that consists of an ankle boot foundation with three upper components and one lower component. One of the upper components worn with the ankle boot foundation creates a knee high boot. Another upper component worn with the first upper component and the foundation ankle boot creates a thigh high boot. Furthermore, there is a third upper component that may be worn to create a different look (one with a flap) A fourth component is a lower component that goes over the heel member and attaches to the bottom region of the shoe by the heel area. It is noted that the upper and lower components will be constructed in a manner where the invention will be discreet. The upper components will be made in such a way where the stitching will appear as a seam or a decorative embellishment. It will not be apparent that the sections are removable.

FIG. 2 is a boot that reaches mid calf. This boot is comprised of a foundation ankle boot, a fur attachment at the ankle section, and an upper component that is attached above the fur attachment at the top of the boot.

FIG. 3 this embodiment is a boot that reaches below the knee. This embodiment is comprised of two sections. One of the sections is a shoe foundation that attaches to an upper component, thus creating a boot that reaches below the knee.

FIG. 4 this embodiment is a thigh boot. It is comprised of four sections. The foundation is a shoe that may be worn alone. The other three sections create different height boots.

FIG. 5 is comprised of three sections. The foundation is an ankle boot. The first upper component creates a mid calf boot. The second upper component creates a flap at the top of the boot creating a different look.

FIG. 8 this embodiment is a biker style boot that reaches below the knee. This boot is comprised of five components. The boot foundation is a clog style shoe. This shoe base may be worn alone. If it is worn with the first attachable component, it creates an ankle boot. If it is worn with the first and second component it creates a mid-calf boot. If this boot is worn with the first, second, and third upper components it creates a boot that reaches just below the knee. This boot also has a belt attachment that may be worn around the ankle section or the upper component that has a belt loop on it.

FIG. 9 is another winter boot embodiment. This boot is comprised of two sections. One of the sections is a shoe foundation. The second section is an upper component that reaches mid calf.

FIG. 10 is a winter boot embodiment. This embodiment is comprised of three sections and a lace up cord. This boot has a shoe foundation and a first upper component creating an ankle boot and a second upper component creating a mid calf or a calf boot.

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment. This is a winter boot embodiment. This boot has a boot foundation and an upper component that covers the boot foundation.

FIG. 12 is a snow boot embodiment. This boot is comprised of three components; boot foundation, a mid-calf region upper component and a lace up cord.

FIG. 13 is a sport shoe embodiment. This embodiment is comprised of two sections, a slip on foundation and an upper component that creates a high top gym shoe or an ankle shoe.

FIG. 14 is another embodiment like FIG. 12 but instead of a slip on foundation it has a lace up foundation.

FIG. 15 is a snow boot embodiment. This embodiment is comprised of two components. One component is the boot foundation and the other is a mid calf region upper component.

FIG. 16: is a thigh high boot with a vertical component attached to it.

FIG. 16A is a vertical zipper attachment.

FIG. 16B is a slanted zipper attachment.

FIG. 16C is a cut out view of an embellished zipper component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, wherever possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.

• 1—ankle boot foundation
• 2—upper component
• 3—circumferencial zipper
• 4—hook fastening means
• 5—loop fastening means
• 6—biker boot foundation
• 7—flap
• 8—straight zipper component
• 9—heel region
• 10—vertical zipper component
• 11—depression
• 12—back region of the shoe base
• 13—cover member
• 14—cord
• 15—loops
• 16—D rings
• 17—eyelets
• 18—tongue member
• 19—perimeter
• 20—clog style foundation
• 21—winter boot foundation
• 75—elastic

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

Depending on different configurations, the upper components may vary in shape and size. The zipper portions will have an inner skirt that allows for a smooth operation of the zipper slide and pull half portion attached to the lower peripheral edge of the inner skirt, as it engages with a reciprocating zipper post half portion, attached to a top edge or bottom edge or top region of an attachable upper or shoe base.

Attachable uppers may employ other fastening means, such as snaps, mechanical traditional snaps, buttons, Velcro® Hook and Loop, buckles, grommets, linear zippers, linear dual post zippers, curved zippers toggles clips, spring clips or swivel clips.

The fastening devices may not be concealed. Further, it is noted that such non-concealed fasteners can be attached be being sewn in, glued and punch pressed and be any other means conventionally known to those skilled in the art.

If the demarcation between the foundation shoe or upper component is of a curved nature with no sharp corners, a curved zipper such as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,484 of Fanrell, can optionally be used for attachment. These can be single post on the upper component if it is not reversible. Notably, the upper components may be reversible if the design lends itself to the invention. In this case, it can use a dual post zipper for the reversible component. The curved zipper can be outwardly visible, or it can be covered by an outer flap of any geometric configuration or attached inner skirt.

In a further embodiment, the outer upper component that serves as a trim on the boot or shoe is attached to an inner surface of another component upper or shoe base located inside the foundation shoe or upper component adjacent to its top edge. This is facilitated by flaps attached to the open edge of the outer slip cover in which the flaps are folded over the foundation shoe edge engaging its inner surface.

A zipper or other fastening means may be sewed into or around the exterior of a foundation shoe or boot allowing for an attachable component serving as an embellishment.

Another component used to trim or embellish a foundation may be made as short as ⅓ inch in height attaching at the peripheral edge of a top and bottom component.

Specifically, FIG. 1 depicts an interchangeable shoe system. This is the preferred embodiment for this invention. This shoe system is comprised of a foundation (a shoe or an ankle boot 1). It has a circumferential zipper at the top perimeter that attaches to the bottom zipper of calf region upper. The upper zipper of the calf region upper attaches to the bottom zipper of the thigh region upper that is attached to a flap that hangs over the thigh region upper. The boot base also displays a flap around the bottom region of the boot base by the heel area being turned upward allowing for an attachable heel cover. This feature is optional. It is noted that this boot or shoe ma)y be worn with any number of the components thus, creating different styles.

FIG. 1A is a cut out view of what the zipper looks like beneath the flaps.

FIG. 1B is a cut out view of what one side of the zipper looks like alone beneath the flap.

FIG. 1C is an exploded version of the flap.

FIG. 1D is an exploded version of the thigh region upper.

FIG. 1E is an exploded version of the calf upper.

FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the ankle boot foundation 1.

FIG. 1G is an exploded view of a heel cover member that slips over the existing heel member. This heel cover does not change the size but it changes the face of the heel member. The said cover member axially encompasses the permanent heel. It attaches around the back lower region of the shoe base. This member attaches via zipper. The matable zipper will be beneath a flap on the shoe base so that it is inconspicuous. The zipper will go around the heel region. Notably, this heel cover may also have fastening means around the bottom exterior of the heel member and it may be constructed with other fastening means such as hook or loop, snaps or any other fastening means known to those skilled in the art. (not shown) The heel cover will have the fastening means on the upper perimeter of the cover member which will be matable with the fastening means on the corresponding shoe member.

FIG. 1H is an alternative boot foundation that has fastening means for an attachable heel cover. This boot or shoe foundation has a zipper fastener that extends over the heel region not beneath it like on FIG. 1.

FIG. 1I is a different shape heel cover member. This cover member has the flap turned downward exposing the zipper fastening means.

FIG. 1J is an alternative shoe base construction that may be made with a fastener within a depression around the back region of the shoe base. The shoe is displaying the cover member being pulled away. This depression will have Hook fastening means attached to it. Notably other fastening means may be used such as snaps or any other fastening means known to those skilled in the art. The cover member will have the reciprocating fastening means. This shoe base in particular will come with an attachable cover member that will complete the shoe. The allotted area with fastening means will be for a cover construction or for an alternative heel cover construction which encompasses the heel construction of the shoe. If one would elect to change the back region of the shoe, they may do so by taking off the back region cover and reapplying a different one. This feature will be good for embellishing the shoe. By changing this feature you create a different shoe base. Another cover construction will be made with rubber on the exterior. Notably, the depression on the back region of the shoe base may be constructed with rubber in the center and hook fastening means around it that would still serve as a fastening means for a compatible cover member.

FIG. 1JJ is a cutout perspective view of the back region of the shoe displaying the area that has rubber attached to it and that has hook fastening means around it. This feature is ideal for flat shoes. The rubber protects the back region of the shoe.

FIG. 1K is a perspective view of an alternative cover member. This cover member covers the heel region on the shoe base. The illustration is for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as limiting. This cover member has rubber attached to it. Because this cover member is made with rubber, it is ideal for someone who drives a lot. This cover will protect the back region of the shoe member. When not in a car one could remove the rubber cover 1003 members and attach a different cover member. Notably, the cover members will all be fashionable.

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a boot that goes up to the mid calf region. This boot is comprised of an ankle foundation 1, a fur upper component, a mid calf region upper and another fur component that is attachable at the top of the mid calf region.

FIG. 2A is what the back of the fur component looks like with the bottom zipper half and top zipper half attachments.

FIG. 2B is an exploded version of the fur component.

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a calf boot that has two components.

FIG. 3A is shoe base with a circumferential zipper at the top perimeter that attaches to the calf region upper. It also has a circumferential zipper at the top although it is noted that the top zipper is not needed but if one prefers it can be manufactured this way. Thus, allowing for a flap or an embellishment.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the calf region upper.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a thigh high boot with slanted asymmetrical upper components. It is comprised of four parts. The foundation is an ankle boot. This boot is attached to an ankle region upper. The ankle region upper is attached to a mid calf upper. The mid calf upper is attached to a thigh region upper.

FIG. 4A is an exploded version of the thigh region upper.

FIG. 4B is an exploded version of the mid calf region upper.

FIG. 4C is an exploded version of the ankle region upper.

FIG. 5 is an embodiment with 3 components. The foundation is an ankle boot 1. The ankle boot 1 is attached to a calf region upper. The calf region upper is attached to a fringe upper component.

FIG. 5A is an exploded version of a fringe upper component.

FIG. 5B is the calf boot without the fringe upper component.

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of a biker style boot. The foundation of the boot is a clog style shoe. It is comprised of five components, all of which create different styles. The foundation is attached to an ankle region upper. The ankle region upper is attached to a mid calf region upper. The mid calf region upper is attached to a calf region upper. This boot has a loop that allows for the belt attachment to be attached on that calf region upper. For the purpose of brevity the function and description of how they attach will not be repeated. It is noted that as you can see upper and both have an asymmetrical perimeter. The upper attachments may be made of any configuration so long as they lend themselves to the invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are deleted

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the belt attachment in an extended manner.

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the belt attachment in a buckled form.

FIG. 8C is an exploded view of the calf region upper.

FIG. 8D is an exploded view of the mid calf region upper.

FIG. 8E is an exploded view of the ankle region upper.

FIG. 8F is an exploded view of the clog foundation shoe.

FIG. 8G is a cut out portion of how the zipper looks on the side of an), attachable upper. NOT SHOWN.

FIG. 8H is a perspective view of the foundation clog with an attachable zipper upper component that gives the foundation clog a finished look. This attachable zipper upper may be made in any size to fit any upper component.

FIG. 8I is an exploded view of the zipper upper component.

FIG. 8J is an optional upper component that attaches like any other upper and it has a purse attached to it.

FIG. 8K is a cut out view of a decorative pendant suspended from the zipper handle clasp. It is noted that the pendant may be permanent or removable and ma)y attach to any zipper piece of this invention.

FIG. 9 is another embodiment that is considered a snow boot. This boot is comprised of two parts. The foundation is a shoe base. The upper component is a mid calf region upper component. The mid-calf region upper has hook or loop fastening means (so long as it is matable with the foundation shoe on the reciprocating component (the part that attaches to the flap).

FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the mid calf region upper component. It may be made with Velcro® Hook at the front edge. This edge attaches to the foundation shoe. It is noted that the front edge may have Hook or Loop fastener attached to it so long as it is matable with the reciprocating component. The mid calf region upper component has a zipper around the bottom perimeter that attaches to the shoe base.

FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the shoe foundation with the flap turned downward exposing the Hook or Loop fastener. Further the shoe has a zipper that attaches to the bottom of the upper component.

FIG. 10 is another embodiment that is considered a snow boot. It is comprised of two parts. The foundation is a shoe base and the upper is a mid calf region upper component that extends over part of the foot. For the purpose of brevity, the function and description will not be repeated.

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the shoe foundation. It shows the zipper members.

FIG. 10B is an exploded view of an alternate mid calf region upper. This upper component has a sock base that provides more warmth. It is noted that this upper may be made without a zipper member. When it is made with the zipper member it becomes more robust. Further, it is noted that Velcro® Hook and Loop fastener is ideal for this embodiment. This component may serve as an in house slipper and be sold as a slipper by itself.

FIG. 10C is an exploded view of a mid calf upper without a sock base. It is made with elastic at the top and has the zipper member at the bottom perimeter. It is noted that both of the tipper components may be used with the foundation shoe.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the snow boot type. It is comprised of a snow shoe foundation a calf region upper component and a cord member.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the snow shoe foundation. It is noted that it may be made with a zipper or without a zipper member.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the snow shoe foundation from FIG. 11A with a zipper.

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the calf region upper component. This upper component has loops that help channel the cord.

FIG. 11D is an exploded view of a mid calf region upper that may become an ankle boot by unzipping the upper portion and attaching the elastic component.

FIG. 11E is the elastic attachment that may be attached to the bottom portion of the component, thus creating an ankle boot. It is noted that FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 may be manufactured with a rubber foundation shoe that is made with insulation.

FIG. 12 is another embodiment of the snow boot type. This boot is comprised of a boot foundation and a mid calf region upper component.

FIG. 12A is an exploded view of the upper component. This upper component has apertures that allow for the attached D rings from the boot base to pass through. This upper component has a tongue portion that either attaches to the base tongue or allows for the base tongue to be inserted into it. This upper component has a zipper member at the bottom that attaches to the boot base.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the boot base. It has hardware that may be made of different types. This boot has a zipper that allows for the upper components, a tongue member that may be attached or inserted to a tongue of an Lipper component and may have a zipper fastener around the top perimeter that allows for an additional attachment or for the upper component to fasten to it.

FIG. 12C as is another embodiment of FIG. 12. This embodiment has a wedge sole. It is noted that this boot may be made with any type sole base—(wedge, platform, flat or a heel of any type).

FIG. 12D is an exploded view of an alternate mid calf region upper. This upper component cinches at the top. This embodiment displays a zipper around the bottom region perimeter.

FIG. 13 is another embodiment of the athletic shoe type. This shoe is comprised of two parts. The shoe foundation is a slip on foundation. The upper component is an ankle region component.

FIG. 13A is an exploded view of the ankle region upper with the zipper exposed and with eyelets that allow for a lace to go through.

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the slip on shoe foundation.

FIG. 14 is another embodiment of the gym shoe type. For the purpose of brevity the function and description of these elements is not repeated. Notably, this embodiment may be made in a winter boot.

FIG. 14A is an exploded view of the calf region upper.

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the shoe foundation.

FIG. 15 is a snow boot embodiment. This embodiment has a thick sole and a snow boot foundation made of weather proof materials. It has a zipper attachment at the bottom perimeter and at the upper region. The zipper fasteners and are located beneath flaps. It is noted that the boot foundation may be worn without an upper component. It has utility itself.

FIG. 15A is a mid calf region upper that attached over a boot foundation. The zipper fasteners connect to reciprocating zippers on the boot foundation. It is noted that the zipper fasteners are the preferred fastener but Velcro® Hook and Loop will work just as well as the zippers.

FIG. 16 is a thigh high boot with a vertical component attached to it. The zipper component has flaps. They are opened up exposing the zipper.

FIG. 16A: is an exploded view of the zipper component turned over. It has zipper half on each side of the main zipper. These zippers mate with corresponding zippers on the upper boot components. It is noted that sizes may vary, depending on the construction of the boot.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a slanted attachable zipper component.

FIG. 16C is a cut out view of an embellished zipper component (not shown).

Further, it is noted that all of the embodiments may be made of any material that lends itself to the invention such as leather suede, nylon, spandex, denim, synthetic fibers, knit, waterproof materials, embroidered materials, embossed, materials, stretchy fabrics, satin, patent leather, velvet, PVC, wool, polyester, snake skin, alligator skin, ostrich skin, crocodile skin, pony hair, all furs, goatskin, lambskin, flannel, vinyl, beaded fabric, corduroy, faux leather, pebbled leather, faux skins, mono-rammed suede embossed, canvas, plastic coated canvas, silk, quilted materials, shearing, goose down insulations, woven materials, studded fabrics, sequence fabrics. It is also noted that the foundation may be of any height or style heel such as stiletto, platform, wedge, flat, heel of any height or girth. The foundation may be made of any material that lends itself to the invention, such as gum, rubber, leather, cork, wood, waterproof materials, recycled and organic materials. It is noted that detachable liners for the shoe or boot foundations may be incorporated into the design. The liners may be made of silk, satin, fur, faux fur or any other material that lends itself to the invention.

It is appreciated that many different types (i.e. sizes and styles) and the amount of zippers placed on the outside of the shoe, boot foundations to the upper components will vary and can also be used in accordance with the invention. It is also noted that the zipper slide and pull portions located on the foundations or the upper components may be in full view or hidden via a flap of material on the foundation shoe or upper components themselves or may be in full view and its function is also an aspect of the design.

It is also noted that the foundation shoe or boot components are fully functional by themselves. It is also not necessary that the attachments be circumferentially attachable. The upper components may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Dual post curved zippers are optional for reversible components.

While the drawings do not illustrate various examples of flaps, it is noted that trapezoidal curved or straight flaps covering the connection between the uppers which may or may not be reversible, which cover a portion of the foundation are the uppers which without any attachable component is fully functional by itself.

Where a permanently affixed outer flap is provided over a zipper, such as a dual post zipper for reversible and or interchangeable upper such as a regular zipper for non-reversible interchangeable upper then in such case, the flap itself may be further pulled down to expose an inner skirt having a connection interface at an outer distal end region or edge, to allow better manual access therein and allow for the use of horizontal zippers in instances where the demarcation edge of flaps is other than a horizontal shape (i.e. trapezoid, curve, zigzag, wavy, angular, etc.).

It is believed that the advantages of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It will also be apparent that a number of variations and modifications may be made therein without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly the foregoing description is to be construed as illustrative only, rather than limiting. This invention is limited only by the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Wherein, as part of claim 2, attachable uppers may serve as increasing or changing the heights of the shoe or boot body or to embellish the shoe.

2. A shoe system where part of claim 2 at least one zipper component may have an exposed or hidden pocket.

3. As part of claim 1 or 2, an attachable component that attaches vertically or on an angle that serves the purpose of facilitating the removal or attachment of a boot system when two or more components are attached. This component will be comprised of several fastening means one of which starts and finishes at each opposing end. This is the main piece that facilitates the removal of the boot. A zipper is ideal for this component although it may be made of any type of fastening means such as snaps mechanical traditional snaps, buttons, hook and loop, buckles, grommets, linear zippers, toggles, clips, spring clips eyelets and lace-up structures and swivel clips. The main fastening means will be flanked by other fastening means that correspond or are matable with each of the fasteners on each of the attachable components.

4. A shoe system as in claim 1 having at least one upper component or lower component with an engageable portion for said fastener.

5. A shoe system as in claim 1 where user friendly fasteners are selected from the group compromising snaps, buttons, studs, buckles, catches, grommets D rings and O rings connected grommets, linear zippers, linear dual post zippers and toggles.

6. A shoe system where upper components or liners may be fur or faux fur.

7. A shoe system as in claim 1 that has a decorative pendant attached to the zipper clasp. The pendant is either permanently affixed or removable.

8. A shoe system as in claim 1 wherein a said array comprises an extended arranged

plurality of fasteners, said array preferably being comprised of at lease 2 such groups of apertures in combination with apertures and related connections engaging a foundation shoe and an upper component.

9. Wherein said connection interface is a zipper or a dual post zipper in reference to claim 1 and 2.

10. A shoe system where attachable upper components and lower components may be made of studs, rhinestones, jewels, sequence, leather, suede, canvas, beads or any other materials that lend themselves to the invention.

11. Wherein as claim 2, we claim that an attachable member wherein is used in a shoe system of claim 1 and serves as an attachment or embellishment.

12. We claim that the attachable members from claim 2 such as upper components, lower components, and embellishments may be sold separately and may constitute as an invention by itself.

13. We claim that the attachable members of one shoe foundation may fit another shoe foundation creating more versatility so long as the sizes are compatible.

14. We claim that all of the shoes or boots may be manufactured for men, women, children and toddler and have utility alone.

15. We claim that the attachable components may be of any height and may be open ended or may not have any open ends (joined circumferentially).

16. We claim that the shoe base of claim 1 may vary from a flat to a base of any thickness and height or heel of any height and girth.

17. We claim that a shoe system may be sold with at least one upper or lower component up to an unlimited number, thus creating a shoe or boot of any height.

18. We claim that any of the fastening means may be constructed in a vertical pattern on each component to facilitate the application and the removal of the created boot and they all may be placed on any side of the component. Such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop, buckles, grommets, linear zippers, toggles clips, spring clips, eyelets and lace-up structures and swivel clips. The main fastening means will be flanked by other fastening means that correspond or are matable with each of the fasteners on each of the attachable components.