RELATED FILINGS This invention has been previously disclosed in Disclosure Document Number 536219 dated Aug. 11, 2003, and this application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 60/497,052 filed Aug. 22, 2003, 60/499,647 filed Sep. 3, 2003, and 60/529,952 filed Dec. 16, 2003, with each application fully incorporated herein by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to footwear, and more specifically, to shoes having interchangeable parts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Shoes have evolved over the years from simple moccasins to more elaborate and sophisticated sneakers and athletic shoes. Despite these marvelous advancements in the footwear industry, there is nevertheless a challenge which exists with all footwear. Specifically, a shoe, once created, is unchangeable and therefore, presents a limitation to the wardrobe of the because the colors, styles and materials of the shoes as manufactured are fixed.
In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide footwear that can be changed according to the wearer's desired style and wardrobe requirements, such as color and shape.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is a shoe with reversible and moveable tops. There are snaps all around the base of the shoe in order for the top half of the shoe to be changed. Tops are made of various materials and different styles. There can be full-covered footwear, sandal-type or any type of strapped shoe for women or men.
The footwear of the present invention provides for a wardrobe solution in that the tops of the shoes may be modified as desired in order to change the appearance and structure of the footwear. In a preferred embodiment, the upper portion, or top, of the footwear can be removed and interchanged with another top to provide a different appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel and equipped with an array of fasteners attached to the side of the sole, and having an interchangeable top attached to the fasteners to form the top of the shoe;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoe of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 with one side of the top detached from the sole illustrating the removable nature of the top;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a top for use in conjunction with the sole shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and having an array of fasteners for positioning over corresponding fasteners on the sole and showing an image or ornamental feature (in dashed lines), and possibly having a different shape (also shown in dashed lines);
FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having fasteners positioned around the most of the perimeter of the sole;
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a top of the present invention having a different outer contour and shape;
FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having a front cover and a back portion both attached to the fasteners of the sole;
FIG. 7-11, each containing images A-D, are all examples of tops of the shoe of the present invention and are intended to show the virtually unlimited number of tops which can be interchanged on the shoe of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention having a substantially flat sole;
FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention showing a sole equipped with a pair of zippers to receive corresponding zippers on the top;
FIG. 14 is a view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13, with one zipper of the top undone showing the detachable nature of top and shoe;
FIG. 15 is a plan view of a top of the present invention showing the zippers on the sides of the top and with a portion of the top shown turned over to demonstrate the dual-sided tops which provide for a different aesthetic appearance of the shoe of the present invention by unzipping the top, turning it over, and re-attaching it to the sole of the shoe of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a full-cover upper having a perimeter zipper extending around the entire shoe sole to provide for the removal of the upper from the sole, and reversal and reattachment of the same upper, or replacement with another upper;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 16, with dashed lines showing the direction of attachment and the zipper separated into two portions;
FIG. 18 is perspective view of the upper of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17, showing the inside surface of the upper having a different appearance than the outside surface of the upper; and
FIG. 19 is another alternative embodiment of the present invention showing a sneaker-type sole having a fully removable and reversible upper attached to the sole with a perimeter zipper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel is shown and generally designated 100. Shoe 100 includes a sole 102 with a heel portion 104, a toe portion 106, and a heel 108. An interchangeable top 109 has sides 111 formed with eyelets 110 sized to receive a fastener 112, such as a snap or stud, or button. The sole 102 is equipped with an array of fasteners 112 spaced along the side of the sole 102.
Referring to FIG. 2, the shoe 100 of FIG. 1 is shown with one side 111 of the top 109 detached from the sole 102 illustrating the removable nature of the top. The top is formed with a number of eyelets 110. It is to be appreciated that eyelets 110 and fasteners 112 are merely exemplary of a preferred embodiment, and that any fastener known in the art is fully contemplated herein, including but not limited to Velcro, snaps, buttons, hooks, etc.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a shoe top 150 of the present invention for use in conjunction with sole 102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Top 150 is formed with an array of fasteners 110 for positioning over corresponding fasteners 112 on the sole 102. Top 150 may include an artistic element, image, or ornamental feature 158 (shown in dashed lines), and possibly the edges 154 and 156 may be formed to have a different shape with contoured edges 154′ and 156′ (also shown in dashed lines).
FIG. 4 is a side view of an modified embodiment of the shoe 100 of the present invention having fasteners 114 added to fasteners 112 that are positioned around the most of the perimeter of the sole 102.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a top of the present invention generally designated 200 having a body 202 having a different outer contour and shape 206, and formed with a number of eyelets 204, corresponding to fasteners attached to the sole of a shoe of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention is shown and generally designated 220. Shoe 220 includes a sole 222 having a heel portion 224 and a toe portion 226 with an array of fasteners 228 attached to the sides of the sole 222. A heel 230 extends downward from sole 222, but it is to be appreciated that shoe 220 may have a taller heel, a shorter heel, or not heel without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, shoe 220 is shown having a front cover 232 over at least a portion of toe portion 226, and a back cover 234 around at least a portion of heel portion 224, with covers 232 and 234 both attached to the fasteners of the sole.
FIG. 7-11, each containing images A-D, are all examples of tops of the shoe of the present invention and are intended to show the virtually unlimited number of tops which can be interchanged on the shoe of the present invention. A brief summary of each of the designs is presented below, but is to be understood as merely exemplary and not limiting.
FIG. Brief Description
7A A shoe having a twin strap in the form of an “X” across the toe
portion of the shoe
7B A shoe having a single, wide strap across the toe portion
7C A shoe having a dual strap parallel across the toe portion of the
shoe
7D A shoe having a string laced across the front portion of the shoe
8A A shoe having a cover over part of the front portion of the shoe
8B A shoe having a combination of a strap and a tie string over the
foot
8C A shoe having a cover formed with cut-out portions over the foot
8D A shoe having a cover over the toe portion of the shoe, and a back
support piece to provide heel support at the heel portion of the
shoe
9A A shoe having a narrow strap with an ornamental center buckle
9B A shoe having a cover over the front of the foot with cut-out
portions
9C A shoe having two straps in an “X” pattern over the front of the
shoe, and a strap attached to the heel portion and wrapping
around the ankle for attachment to fasteners on the sole
9D A shoe having a cover formed with larger cut-out panels on the
foot portion of the shoe
10A A shoe having a cover formed out of mesh material
10B A shoe having a cover resembling a traditional sneaker or tennis
shoe with an entirely enclosed foot cover having a tongue and
laces
10C A shoe having a chain cover
10D A shoe having a cover with a leopard, or other design or pattern
11A A shoe having a cover with a zebra stripe pattern
11B A shoe having a child-oriented pattern, such as balloons
11C A shoe having an abstract pattern consisting of shapes
11D A shoe having thin straps which loop over the fasteners and which
may be made of an elastic material
FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention that is generally designated 280. Shoe 280 includes a substantially flat sole 282 and a top 284. Fasteners 286 extend from sole 282, and receive eyelet or button hole 288. In this embodiment, eyelet 288 is oriented in an up/down direction, as compared to the side-to-side direction of shoe 100.
Materials for use in the present invention are virtually limitless, and include all materials known in the art as applied to shoes. These materials may include, but are not limited to, leather, canvas, rubber, plastic, vinyl, cotton, nylon, or the like. Tops can be made from similar materials, as well as traditional metals such as chrome, brass, and stainless steel, for example.
Alternative Embodiments Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative embodiment of the shoe of the present invention showing a shoe sole having a heel is shown and generally designated 300. Shoe 300 has a sole 302 having a heel portion 304 and a toe portion 306, and may be formed with a raised heel 308. A detachable and interchangeable top 310 is attached to sole 302. More specifically, a fixed zipper portion 312 is firmly attached to the sole 302, and is designed to receive a zipper 314 for attaching a removable zipper portion 316 of top 310. FIG. 13 depicts the shoe 300 of the present invention with a top 310 firmly attached to the sole 302, and ready for use.
By moving zipper 314 in direction 317, the top 310 may be removed from the sole 302. For instance, referring now to FIG. 14, top 310 is shown partially detached from sole 302 as zipper 314 was moved in direction 317 such that removable zipper portion 316 is detached, or “unzipped” from fixed zipper portion 312. Conversely, top 310 may be re-attached to sole 302 by placing removable zipper portion 316 adjacent fixed zipper portion 314, and urging zipper 314 in direction 318.
It is to be appreciated from FIGS. 13 and 14, that top 310 may be completely detached from sole 302. In fact, shoe 300 of the present invention may be equipped with several, interchangeable tops 310 which can be easily and simply detached, or “unzipped” from sole 302, and changed in a matter of seconds to provide a shoe having a different fashion and aesthetic appearance.
Referring to FIG. 15, a top 310 of the present invention is shown having a left and right removable zipper portion 316. In a preferred embodiment, a first panel 320 of top 310 may be of a first material, and a second panel 322 (shown turned over in dashed lines) may be formed of a second material. First material and second material may be similar materials, such as with different colors, or different materials altogether, such as cloth and leather. The top 310 of the present invention is both interchangeable (changing one top 310 for another top 310), as well as reversible so that a single top 310 may provide two different styles, colors, textures, or imprints.
Upper edge 324 and lower edge 326 can be contoured to provide a distinct visual appearance, and may have shapes consistent with the other embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein. Also, panels 320 and/or 322 may be produced with a design, such as heart-shaped embroidery 328 (shown in dashed lines).
While several different embodiments of the shoe of the present invention have been shown herein, it is to be appreciated that these embodiments are not exclusive. Rather, the present embodiments are exemplary of the preferred embodiments, and that other embodiments of the present invention may be constructed by mixing and combining various aspects of the presently preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 16, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 400. Shoe 400 includes a sole 402 having a heel 404 and equipped with a full-cover upper 406 having a perimeter zipper 408 extending around the entire shoe sole 402 to provide for the removal of the upper 408 from the sole 402. Upper 408 may be removed from sole 402 by advancing zipper 410 in direction 412 around the entire sole 402. Once removed, the upper 406 may be reversed and reattached to sole 402. Alternatively, instead of using the same upper 406, a separate upper (not shown) may be attached to sole 402 to provide an alternative visual effect, or a different style of upper.
With reference to FIG. 17, the shoe 400 of FIG. 16 is shown in an exploded view, with dashed lines 416 showing the direction of attachment of the upper 406 from sole 402, and the zipper 408 separated into two portions 408A and 408B.
In a preferred embodiment, upper 406 may be made from any materials known in the art, including but not limited to denim, canvas, leather, and terry cloth. From FIG. 18, a perspective view of the upper 406 of the alternative embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17, shows the inside surface 420 of the upper 406 having a different appearance, color, texture, and/or material than the outside surface 418 of the upper 406. This provides for the detachment of the upper 406 from sole 402 and reversal of the upper 406 such that outside surface 418 becomes inside surface 420 thereby exposing inside surface 418. Once reversed, the upper 406 may be re-attached to sole 402 with zipper 408 by placing zipper portion 408A adjacent zipper portion 408B and advancing zipper 410 around the sole 402.
Laces 414 may be positioned on the upper 406 such that the shoe 400 may be tied upon the wearer's foot simply by reversing the position of the bow. This provides for a fully reversible upper. Alternatively, instead of laces, a strap of elastic material known in the art may be used to maintain the upper 406 securely on the wearer's foot.
Referring now to FIG. 19, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated 450. Shoe 450 is a sneaker-type shoe having a sole 451 with a slight sneaker-type heel 452 integrally molded into the sole. Shoe 450 includes a fully removable and reversible upper 454 attached to the sole 451 with a permeter zipper 456 with a grip 458. Detaching the upper 454 from sole 451 is achieved by advancing grip 458 in direction 460 around sole 451. As with shoe 400, upper 454 may be fully reversed, or replaced, to provide a shoe 450 having a varying appearance and look. A clog-style shoe for the present invention may be created using a wooden sole.
The present invention as shown herein by preferred embodiments is merely exemplary of the variety of embodiments contemplated. It is to be appreciated that the features shown herein may be combined in different combinations to provide shoe of the present invention having various appearances and dynamic stylistic features.
Soles discussed herein may be made from any material known in the art, including but not limited to, wood, rubber, leather, and synthetic materials. Styles of the shoes discussed herein may include, but are not limited to, sneakers, tennis shoes, moccasin, slippers, sandals, and other shoe styles known in the art.
