Replaceable-Skin Shoe System

Abstract

A replaceable-skin shoe system is disclosed. The replaceable-skin shoe system includes a base shoe and one or more replaceable-skins, wherein the replaceable-skins can include skins for the top of the shoe and/or skins for the bottom of the shoe. The replaceable-skin shoe system also provides replaceable accessories. The top skins and bottom skins can be attached to the base shoe via, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener system or a rail system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to designs of women's, men's, and children's shoes and more particularly to a replaceable-skin shoe system and methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

Individuals may own many pairs of shoes for matching many different outfits or for wearing at different occasions. Unfortunately, purchasing and owning many pairs of shoes can be expensive. Further, owning many pairs of shoes requires sizable space for storage and/or displaying. Additionally, when traveling, individuals are faced with the choice of packing a limited selection of shoes or carrying additional luggage for holding a larger selection of shoes.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a replaceable-skin shoe system comprising: a base shoe comprising one or more shoe parts, wherein the base shoe or one or more shoe parts thereof have an outer surface substantially covered with or comprising one or more strips of at least one component of a hook-and-loop fastening system; and one or more replaceable skins, wherein the one or more replaceable skins has an inner surface substantially covered with or comprising one or more strips of an opposite component of the hook-and-loop fastening system or comprises a fabric having a nap comprising loops in which one or more hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener can reversibly bind or fasten thereto; wherein the hook and the loop components of the hook-and-loop fastener system project outwardly from the outer surface of shoe parts of the base shoe or the inner surface of the one or more replaceable skins such that each component is configured to reversibly bind or fasten to an opposing component of the fastener system.

In other aspects, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a replaceable-skin shoe system comprising: a base shoe comprising one or more shoe parts, wherein the base shoe or one or more shoe parts thereof comprise one or more female rails comprising a first base plate and a pair of side rails, wherein a first side rail is orthogonal to and connected to one side of the first base plate and the second side rail is orthogonal to and connected to an opposite side of the first base plate; and one or more replaceable skins, wherein the one or more replaceable skins comprise one or more male rails comprising a second base plate and a fin plate adapted to slidably couple with the female rail, wherein the fin plate is substantially orthogonal to the second base plate.

Certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter having been stated hereinabove, which are addressed in whole or in part by the presently disclosed subject matter, other aspects will become evident as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying Examples and Drawings as best described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the presently disclosed subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying Drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate an exploded view and an assembled view of an example of the base shoe of the replaceable-skin shoe system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom skins and top skins attached to the base shoe of the replaceable-skin shoe system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate perspective views of two examples, respectively, of the base shoes of yet another example of the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system;

FIG. 6 shows the base shoe of FIG. 5A and an example of replaceable accessories;

FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of an example of a pattern for forming the top skin to be used with the base shoe of FIG. 5A and/or the base shoe of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 8A through FIG. 16B show various views of top skins that can be used with the base shoe of FIG. 5A and/or the base shoe of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 17A through FIG. 20B show various views of still another example of the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system;

FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B illustrate perspective views of a rail system for attaching the top skins to the base shoe;

FIG. 22A and FIG. 23C show various views of using the rail system of FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B for attaching the top skins to the base shoe; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method of using the presently disclosed presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying Drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides a replaceable-skin shoe system and methods of use thereof. The replaceable-skin shoe system includes a base shoe and one or more replaceable-skins, wherein the replaceable-skins can include skins for the top of the shoe and/or skins for the bottom of the shoe. The replaceable-skin shoe system can support designs for women's shoes, men's shoes, and/or children's shoes. Namely, the replaceable-skins can be designed in any shoe style, design, and/or color, and allow a user to create a variety of shoe coverings with a single base shoe.

The base shoe can comprise components of a standard shoe including, but not limited to, one or more of the following components, some of which may apply to certain types or styles of shoe only:

As used herein, the term “upper” refers collectively to the entire part of the shoe that covers the foot and is mated to the sole of the shoe.

As used herein, the term “top line” refers to the top edge of the upper and defines the opening in the upper through which the foot enters the shoe.

As used herein, the term “vamp” refers to the front section of the upper that extends to the quarter panel.

As used herein, the terms “quarter” and “quarter panel” are used interchangeably and refer to the sides of the upper that extend from the vamp to the back of the shoe. In some shoe designs, the vamp and quarter comprise a continuous piece of fabric or material.

As used herein, the term “throat” refers to the front of the vamp near the lace opening.

As used herein, the term “toe cap” refers to the front upper of the shoe. Toe caps can be present or absent, and when present can take various forms including, but not limited to, stitched over toe caps, which add an extra layer to the upper and which also can be decorative. In some shoe designs, for example, an open-toed woman's pump, the toe cap is absent.

As used herein, the term “eyelet” refers to a rigid structure covering an edge of a hole made in the upper, e.g., in the vamp, through which one or more laces can be threaded. The eyelet can be made of metal, plastic, or any suitable material and prevents the fabric or material comprising the upper from fraying in the area where the hole was made.

As used herein, the term “back seam” refers to a vertical seam of stitching at the center of the back of a shoe. The back of the shoe can further comprise a “backstay,” which, in some shoe designs, includes a strip of material, such as leather, for reinforcing the back of the shoe and which can cover the back seam. The back of the shoe can further comprise a “heel cap,” which, similar to the toe cap, can add an extra layer of material to the upper and also can be decorative.

As used herein, the term “sole” refers generally to the entire part of the shoe making up the bottom of the shoe directly below and opposite the upper.

As used herein, the term “outsole” refers to the exposed part of the sole that is contact with the surface upon which the wearer of the shoe stands or walks, e.g., the ground, a floor, and the like.

As used herein, the term “insole” is a layer of material on an inner surface of the shoe that creates a layer between the sole and the wearer's foot. The insole adds comfort for the wearer, while hiding the join between the upper and the sole.

As used herein, the term “heel” refers to the part of the sole that raises or elevates the rear of the shoe in relation to the front. The “heel seat” is the top of the heel that contacts the upper and is adapted to conform to the shape of the upper.

As used herein, the term “feather” refers to the part of the shoe where the bottom edge of the upper meets the top edge of the sole.

As used herein, the term “welt” refers to a strip of material that joins the upper to the sole.

Referring now to FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a replaceable-skin shoe system 100 for providing a variety of shoe styles, designs, and/or colors using a single base shoe. For example, the replaceable-skin shoe system 100 includes a base shoe 110, a bottom skin (not shown) and a top skin 150. The base shoe 110 can include an upper 112 and a sole 140. The upper 112, in some embodiments, can include one or more of the following components of a standard shoe, including, but not limited to, a top line 114 along the top edge of the upper 112, a vamp 116, one or more quarter panels 118, a throat 120, a toe cap 122, one or more eyelets 124, a heel cap 126, an insole 128, and a feather 130.

The sole 140, in some embodiments, can include one or more of the following components of a standard shoe, including, but not limited to, an outsole 142, a heel 144, and a welt 146.

A representative bottom skin is shown herein below in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, while representative top skins are shown now in FIG. 1, as well as herein below in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 through FIG. 20B.

In the replaceable-skin shoe system 100 of FIG. 1, the top skin 150 can be, for example, a continuous piece of material 152, such as leather, that is joined at the back seam thereof. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the top skin 150 includes a top line 154 and a feather 156. The top skin 150 also includes a set of eyelets 158. When the top skin 150 is attached to the base shoe 110, top line 154, the feather 156, and the eyelets 158 of the top skin 150 substantially align with the top line 114, the feather 130, and the eyelets 124, respectively, of the upper 112 of the base shoe 110.

The replaceable-skin shoe system 100 may include multiple bottom skins and multiple top skins 150 for use with the one base shoe 110. Namely, each of the multiple bottom skins and/or top skins 150 may be different styles, designs, fabrics, materials, colors, and the like. In one example, one top skin 150 may be provided in black leather while another top skin 150 may be provided in brown leather. Further, each of the multiple bottom skins and/or top skins 150 may be accessorized differently. Additionally, the accessories are customizable by the user. Representative accessories are shown herein below in FIG. 6 and FIG. 11A through FIG. 16B.

In the replaceable-skin shoe system 100, the bottom skin and the top skin 150 can be attached to the base shoe 110, e.g., to the sole 140 and the upper 112, or components thereof, respectively, through a hook-and-loop fastener system. The hook-and-loop fastener system can comprise a first strip comprising hooks and a second strip comprising loops. The first strip and the second strip are adhered, e.g., glued, sewn, or otherwise attached, to opposing surfaces to be fastened. In such embodiments, the “hook” or the “loop” side of the fastener system projects outwardly from an outer surface of base shoe 110 such that each strip is configured to reversibly bind or fasten to an opposing strip of the fastener system.

For example, in some embodiments, the first strip comprising hooks is attached to the base shoe 110 and the second strip comprising loops is attached to the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150. In other embodiments, the first strip comprising hooks is attached to the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150 and the second strip comprising loops is attached to the base shoe 110. When the first strip and the second strip are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and the two strips reversibly bind or fasten. The two strips can be separated by pulling apart.

In some embodiments, only one strip, e.g., a strip comprising hooks, is attached to the base shoe 110 and the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150 is attached directly to the base shoe 110, i.e., the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150 do not include a strip comprising loops. A strip comprising hooks generally will attach to any fabric having a nap including, but not limited to, wool, felt, fleece, velvet, and velour, in which the hooks can attach to natural loops in the weave of the fabric.

The hook-and-loop fastener system can be made of any appropriate material known in the art including, but not limited to nylon, polyester, Teflon®, and the like. Velcro® is an example of a hook-and-loop fabric fastener system.

In some embodiments of the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system, base shoe 110, or components thereof (e.g., the top line 114, the vamp 116, the quarter panel 118, the throat 120, the toe cap 122, the eyelets 124, the heel cap 126, the insole 128, and the feather 130 of the upper 112; the outsole 142, the heel 144, and the welt 146 of the sole 140; and any combinations thereof) can have an outer surface substantially covered with one component of a hook-and-loop fastener system, e.g., a component comprising hooks. Again, in such embodiments, the “hook” or the “loop” side of the fastener system projects outwardly from an outer surface of base shoe 110 such that each component is configured to reversibly bind or fasten to an opposing component of the fastener system.

In such embodiments, the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150 can be attached directly to the base shoe 110, or components thereof. In other embodiments, the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150 can have an inner surface substantially covered with one component of a hook-and-loop fastener system, e.g., a component comprising loops, wherein the “hook” or the “loop” side of the fastener system projects outwardly from an outer surface of base shoe 110 such that each component is configured to reversibly bind or fasten to an opposing component of the fastener system. In yet other embodiments, the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150 can have one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system, e.g., a strip comprising loops, attached to an inner surface thereof and oriented opposite to the hooks covering the base shoe 110.

In other embodiments, base shoe 110, or components thereof, can have one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system, e.g., a strip comprising hooks, attached to one or more components of the base shoe 110. For example, in some embodiments, top line 114 can have a thin strip comprising hooks attached on an outer surface thereof. In other embodiments, each eyelet 124 can have a thin strip comprising hooks attached thereto. In such examples, the strip can encompass the outer perimeter of each eyelet 124. In further embodiments, the upper 112 can have a thin strip comprising hooks attached along a lower edge thereof, e.g., an edge proximate sole 140, and, in some embodiments, along feather 130.

In such embodiments, the bottom skin and/or the top skin 150 can be attached directly to the one or more thin strips comprising hooks of the upper 112 or components thereof, or have one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system, e.g., a strip comprising loops, attached to an inner surface thereof and oriented opposite to the strips comprising hooks attached to the base shoe 110 such that the one or more strips comprising loops can be mated with the one or more strips comprising hooks.

By way of example; FIG. 1 shows various hook strips 160 arranged on the outside of the base shoe 110. The hook strips 160 are, for example, the hook portion of the Velcro® hook-and-loop fastener system. In this example, one hook strip 160 is provided along the lower edge of the upper 112, e.g., an edge proximate sole 140, and, in some embodiments, along feather 130. Another hook strip 160 is provided along the top line 114 of the upper 112. Additionally, various loop strips 162 arranged on the inside of the top skin 150. The loop strips 162 are, for example, the loop portion of the Velcro® hook-and-loop fastener system. In this example, one loop strip 162 is provided along the lower edge of the top skin 150, e.g., along the feather 156. Another loop strip 162 is provided along the top line 154 of the top skin 150. Additionally, hook strips 160 and loop strips 162 can be provided for joining the material 152 of the top skin 150 at the back seam of the base shoe 110.

The hook strips 160 of the base shoe 110 are oriented opposite to the loop strips 162 of the top skin 150 such that they can be mated together. Namely, the hook strips 160 and the loop strips 162 are adhered, e.g., glued, sewn, or otherwise attached, to opposing surfaces to be fastened. In some embodiments, however, the top skin 150 does not include the loop strips 162 depending on the type of material 152. This is because the hook strips 160 of the base shoe 110 will generally attach to any fabric having a nap including, but not limited to, wool, felt, fleece, velvet, and velour, in which the hooks can attach to natural loops in the weave of the fabric.

Referring now to FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another example of a shoe system 200, wherein the base shoe 210 is a woman's high-heel stiletto shoe. This example, however, is exemplary only. The base shoe 210 can be any style of woman's shoe, man's shoe, or child's shoe. For example, other examples of women's base shoes 210 are shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, while an example of a man's base shoe 210 is shown in FIG. 17A.

The base shoe 210 includes the upper 112 and the sole 144. The upper 112 includes any standard shoe components for holding a person's foot in a shoe, such as straps and/or panels of fabric or material. The components of the upper 112 are customized depending on the type and style of the base shoe 210. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the upper 112 comprises three narrow straps that are arranged near the ball-portion of the base shoe 210.

The sole 144 includes standard shoe components, such as the outsole and the heel. The components of the sole 144 are customized depending on the type and style of the base shoe 210. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the outsole, the insole, and the heel of the sole 144 are designed for a woman's high-heel stiletto shoe.

For example, FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show more details of the base shoe 210, wherein a plurality of hook strips 160 can be adapted to conform to the shape of base shoe 210 and can be adhered to the base shoe 210. In one example, a pair of hook strips 160 is provided on the insole of the base shoe 210; namely, one hook strip 160 is on the right side of the insole and another hook strip 160 is on the left side of the insole. In another example, one continuous hook strip 160 is provided around substantially the entire perimeter of the insole of the base shoe 210. Further, in one example, a pair of hook strips 160 is provided on the top line along the top edge of the outsole of the base shoe 210; namely one hook strip 160 is on the right side of the outsole and another hook strip 160 is on the left side of the outsole. In another example, one continuous hook strip 160 is provided around substantially the entire perimeter of the outsole of the base shoe 210.

Referring now again to FIG. 2, the bottom skin 220 is, for example, a shell of shiny, reflective material (e.g., shiny, reflective plastic) that is designed to be fitted over and around the heel and against the sole 144. The bottom skin 220 includes, for example, a pair of loop strips 162 along the inside edge of the bottom skin 220; namely one loop strip 162 on the right side of the bottom skin 220 and another loop strip 162 on the left side of the bottom skin 220. In another example, one continuous loop strip 162 is provided around substantially the entire inside perimeter of the bottom skin 220.

In the replaceable-skin shoe system 200 shown in FIG. 2, the top skin 230 comprises two wide bands of material (wide as compared to the three narrow bands of the upper 112 of the base shoe 210). In this example, the two bands of the top skin 230 are formed of shiny, clear material, such as clear plastic. Each of the two bands of the top skin 230 includes, for example, a pair of loop strips 162 along the inside edges thereof; namely one loop strip 162 is on the right inside edge of each of the two bands and another loop strip 162 is on the left inside edge of each of the two bands.

In operation, the bottom skin 220 is fitted over and around the heel and against the sole 144 such that the loop strips 162 of the bottom skin 220 come into contact with and attach to the hook strips 160 on the outsole of the base shoe 210, which is shown in FIG. 4. Further, two bands of the top skin 230 are positioned over or near the upper 112 of the base shoe 210 such that the loop strips 162 of the top skin 230 come into contact with and attach to the hook strips 160 on the insole of the base shoe 210, which is also shown in FIG. 4. By adding the bottom skin 220 and the top skin 230 to the base shoe 210, the original design, style, and appearance of the base shoe 210 is changed. In another example, only the bottom skin 220 is attached to the base shoe 210, without using the top skin 230. In yet another example, only the top skin 230 is attached to the base shoe 210, without using the bottom skin 220. Further, because the hook strips 160 are substantially transparent, the hook strips 160 are not visible when wearing the replaceable-skin shoe system 200.

FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 show one example design and style of bottom skin 220 and top skin 230. Other bottom skins 220 and top skins 230, however, can be provided for use with the base shoe 210. As such, the bottom skins 220 and top skins 230 are “replaceable” with respect to the base shoe 210.

Further, in FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, the replaceable-skin shoe system 200 provides a woman's high-heel stiletto shoe. Other examples of the replaceable-skin shoe system 200 that support other styles of shoes are shown and described below with respect to FIG. 5A through FIG. 23C. For example, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show a base shoe 510 and a base shoe 515, respectively, for use in another example of the presently disclosed the replaceable-skin shoe system, which is a replaceable-skin shoe system 500. In FIG. 5A, the base shoe 510 is a woman's high-heel, open-toe pump shoe. In FIG. 5B, the base shoe 515 is a woman's high-heel, closed-toe pump shoe.

Like the base shoe 210 of FIG. 2 through FIG. 4, the base shoe 510 of FIG. 5A and the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B include a plurality of hook strips 160 adapted to conform to the shape of base shoes 510 and 515 and adhered to the base shoes 510 and 515, respectively. Namely, a substantially continuous hook strip 160 is provided around the lower portion of the upper 112 of both the base shoe 510 and the base shoe 515. Further, a hook strip 160 is provided at the toe of the base shoe 510. In the base shoe 510 and the base shoe 515, there may or may not be hook strips 160 around the sole 144.

Optionally, another substantially continuous hook strip 160 is provided around the top line along the top edge of the upper 112 of both the base shoe 510 and the base shoe 515. That is, any base shoe of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 is not limited to only hook strips 160 for receiving bottom skins 220 and top skins 230. Any base shoe of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 can also include hook strips 160 that can be used for accessorizing the base shoe. For example and referring now to FIG. 6, the base shoe 510 is shown without any top skin attached, but rather certain accessories 520 installed around the top line along the top edge of the upper 112 and at the toe of upper 112. In this example, the accessories 520 are decorative trim. The underside of the accessories 520 has loop strips 162 (not shown) for attaching to hook strips 160 of the base shoe 510.

Referring now to FIG. 7 is a plan view of an example of a pattern 700 for forming the top skin of the base shoe 510 of FIG. 5A and the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B, which are, in this example, women's pump shoes. Example dimensions of the pattern 700 are shown in FIG. 7. The top skin can be formed of any type of fabric or material, such as, but not limited to, lace, suede, leather, cotton, polyester, khaki, and the like. Additionally, the top skin can be any color or have any patterns.

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show perspective views of an example of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 that uses the base shoe 510 of FIG. 5A and a top skin 830 that may be formed using, for example, the pattern 700 of FIG. 7. The lower edge of the top skin 830 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 8A shows the top skin 830 separated from the base shoe 510, while FIG. 8B shows the top skin 830 attached to the base shoe 510. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 830 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 510, as shown. When the top skin 830 is attached to the base shoe 510, all the strips are substantially hidden from view. Further, any decorative stripes, patterns, or features of the top skin 830 can be either integrated into the material forming the top skin 830 or provided separately as accessories 520 that are added and held using loop strips 162 (not shown).

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show perspective views of an example of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 that uses the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B and a top skin 930 that may be formed using, for example, the pattern 700 of FIG. 7. The lower edge of the top skin 930 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 9A shows the top skin 930 separated from the base shoe 515, while FIG. 9B shows views of the top skin 930 attached to the base shoe 515. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 930 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 515, as shown. When the top skin 930 is attached to the base shoe 515, all the strips are substantially hidden from view. In one example, the top skin 930 is formed by wrapping the pattern of material around the base shoe 515 and then securing the ends of the material using another loop strip 162, as shown in FIG. 9B. In another example, however, the top skin 930 is provided in its fully formed state and with its ends substantially permanently connected, wherein the top skin 930 can be slipped onto the base shoe 515 in its fully formed state. Further, any decorative stripes, patterns, or features of the top skin 930 can be either integrated into the material forming the top skin 930 or provided separately as accessories 520 that are added and held using loop strips 162 (not shown).

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B show perspective views of yet another example of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 that uses the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B and a top skin 1030 that may be formed using, for example, the pattern 700 of FIG. 7. The lower edge of the top skin 1030 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 10A shows the top skin 1030 separated from the base shoe 515, while FIG. 10B shows the top skin 1030 attached to the base shoe 515. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 1030 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 515, as shown. When the top skin 1030 is attached to the base shoe 515, all the strips are substantially hidden from view. Further, any decorative stripes, patterns, or features of the top skin 1030 can be either integrated into the material forming the top skin 1030 or provided separately as accessories 520 that are added and held using loop strips 162 (not shown). By way of example, FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B show examples of two different accessories 520 that can be used on the back portion of the top skin 1030.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show perspective views of yet another example of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 that uses the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B and a top skin 1230 that may be formed using, for example, the pattern 700 of FIG. 7. The lower edge of the top skin 1230 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 12A shows the top skin 1230 separated from the base shoe 515, while FIG. 12B shows views of the top skin 1230 attached to the base shoe 515. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 1230 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 515, as shown. When the top skin 1230 is attached to the base shoe 515, all the strips are substantially hidden from view. Further, any decorative stripes, patterns, or features of the top skin 1230 can be either integrated into the material forming the top skin 1230 or provided separately as accessories 520 that are added and held using loop strips 162 (not shown).

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B show perspective views of yet another example of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 that uses the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B and a top skin 1330 that may be formed using, for example, the pattern 700 of FIG. 7. The lower edge of the top skin 1330 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 13A shows the top skin 1330 separated from the base shoe 515, while FIG. 13B shows the top skin 1330 attached to the base shoe 515. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 1330 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 515, as shown. When the top skin 1330 is attached to the base shoe 515, all the strips are substantially hidden from view. Further, any decorative stripes, patterns, or features of the top skin 1330 can be either integrated into the material forming the top skin 1330 or provided separately as accessories 520 that are added and held using loop strips 162 (not shown). By way of example, FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B show examples of two different accessories 520 that can be used on the back portion of the top skin 1330.

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B show perspective views of yet another example of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 that uses the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B and a top skin 1530 that may be formed using, for example, the pattern 700 of FIG. 7. The lower edge of the top skin 1530 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 15A shows the top skin 1530 alone, while FIG. 15B shows the top skin 1530 attached to the base shoe 515. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 1530 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 515, as shown. When the top skin 1530 is attached to the base shoe 515, all the strips are substantially hidden from view. Further, any decorative stripes, patterns, or features of the top skin 1530 can be either integrated into the material forming the top skin 1530 or provided separately as accessories 520 that are added and held using loop strips 162 (not shown).

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B show perspective views of still another example of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500 that uses the base shoe 515 of FIG. 5B and a top skin 1630 that may be formed using, for example, the pattern 700 of FIG. 7. The lower edge of the top skin 1630 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 16A shows the top skin 1630 alone, while FIG. 16B shows the top skin 1630 attached to the base shoe 515. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 1630 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 515, as shown. When the top skin 1630 is attached to the base shoe 515, all the strips are hidden from view. Further, any decorative stripes, patterns, or features of the top skin 1630 can be either integrated into the material forming the top skin 1630 or provided separately as accessories 520 that are added and held using loop strips 162 (not shown).

While FIG. 8A through FIG. 16B show different replaceable top skins (e.g., top skins 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, and 1630) that provide the different designs, patterns, features, and colors, in another example, fewer top skins are provided and instead the different patterns and features are created using various different accessories 520. For example, top skin 1530 of FIG. 15A and top skin 1630 of FIG. 16A may in fact be the same top skin that is simply accessorized differently using different accessories 520.

Additionally, in FIG. 8A through FIG. 16B, each of the different replaceable top skins (e.g., top skins 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, and 1630) may optionally include a loop strip 162 at the top line for attaching to the hook strip 160 at the top line of the base shoe 510 or the base shoe 515. Optionally, the hook strip 160 at the upper edge of the base shoe 510 and the base shoe 515 is omitted.

Further, in FIG. 8A through FIG. 16B, each of the different replaceable top skins (e.g., top skins 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, and 1630) may be installed on the base shoe 510 or the base shoe 515 by wrapping the pattern of material around the base shoe 510 or the base shoe 515 and then securing the ends of the material at the back of the base shoe 510 or the base shoe 515 using a loop strip 162 (see FIG. 9B). In another example, however, the different replaceable top skins (e.g., top skins 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, and 1630) are provided in their fully formed state and ready to be slipped onto the base shoe 510 or the base shoe 515.

In yet another example, the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system can support men's shoe styles; examples of which are shown below with reference to FIG. 17A through FIG. 20B. Namely, FIG. 17A through FIG. 20B show a replaceable-skin shoe system 1700, which is yet another example of presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system.

Referring now to FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are side views of a base shoe 1710 and a top skin 1730, which is, for example, the top skin of a men's loafer shoe design. In this example, the base shoe 1710 includes the sole 144 and the upper 112, wherein the design and features of the sole 144 and the upper 112 support men's shoe designs. The lower and upper edges of the base shoe 1710 have hook strips 160, respectively. The lower edge of the top skin 1730 has a loop strip 162. FIG. 17A shows the top skin 1730 separated from the base shoe 1710, while FIG. 17B shows the top skin 1730 attached to the base shoe 1710. Namely, the loop strip 162 of the top skin 1730 is secured to the hook strip 160 of the base shoe 1710, as shown. When the top skin 1730 is attached to the base shoe 1710, all the strips are substantially hidden from view.

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B show another example of a top skin for use with the base shoe 1710 of FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B. In this example, a top skin 1830 is provided, which is, for example, the top skin of a men's deck or boat shoe design.

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B show another example of a top skin for use with the base shoe 1710 of FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B. In this example, a top skin 1930 is provided, which is, for example, the top skin of a men's Oxford shoe design.

FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B show another example of a top skin for use with the base shoe 1710 of FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B. In this example, a top skin 2030 is provided, which is, for example, the top skin of a men's casual shoe design.

Additionally, in FIG. 17A through FIG. 20B, each of the different replaceable top skins (e.g., top skins 1730, 1830, 1930, and 2030) may optionally include a loop strip 162 at or near the top line for attaching to the hook strip 160 at the top line of the base shoe 1710. Optionally, the hook strip 160 at the upper edge of the base shoe 1710 is omitted.

Further, in FIG. 17A through FIG. 20B, each of the different replaceable top skins (e.g., top skins 1730, 1830, 1930, and 2030) may be installed on the base shoe 1710 by wrapping the pattern of material around the base shoe 1710 and then securing the ends of the material at the back of the base shoe 1710 using a loop strip 162 (similar to FIG. 9B). In another example, however, the different replaceable top skins (e.g., top skins 1730, 1830, 1930, and 2030) are provided in their fully formed state and ready to be slipped onto the base shoe 1710.

Referring now again to FIG. 1 through FIG. 20B, in some embodiments, the top skins (e.g., the top skin 150 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 100; the top skins 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, and 1630 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500; and the top skins 1730, 1830, 1930, or 2030 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 1700) do not include the loop strips 162 depending on the type of material forming the top skins. This is because the hook strips 160 of the base shoes will generally attach to any fabric having a nap including, but not limited to, wool, felt, fleece, velvet, and velour, in which the hooks can attach to loops in the weave of the fabric.

The presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system is not limited to using a hook-and-loop fastener system, such as Velcro®, as the attachment means of the top skins and/or bottom skins to the base shoes. Other attachment mechanisms are possible. Referring now to FIG. 21A and FIG. 3B are perspective views of another example method of attaching top skins to base shoes of the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system.

Namely, FIG. 21A and FIG. 3B show a rail system 2100 that includes a male rail 2110 that can be slidably fitted into a female rail 2120. For example, the male rail 2110 includes a base plate 2112 and a fin plate 2114. The fin plate 2114 is arranged substantially orthogonal to the base plate 2112, as shown. The female rail 2120 includes a base plate 2122 and a pair of side rails 2124, wherein one side rail 2124 is on one side of the base plate 2122 and the other side rail 2124 is on the other side of the base plate 2122, as shown. The base plate 2112 of male rail 2110 is designed to be slidably fitted onto the base plate 2122 of the female rail 2120, wherein the edges base plate 2112 of the male rail 2110 are held by the side rails 2124. For example, FIG. 21A shows the male rail 2110 and the female rail 2120 when separated, while FIG. 21B shows the male rail 2110 when slidably coupled to the female rail 2120. The male rail 2110 and the female rail 2120 can be, for example, strips of metal, flexible plastic or nylon.

In the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system, the male rail 2110 is provided on, for example, the inside edges of the top skins, wherein the fin plate 2114 of the male rail 2110 is attached (e.g., adhered) to the inside edges of the material. Further, the female rail 2120 is provided on the outside edges of the base shoe, wherein the base plate 2112 of the female rail 2120 is attached (e.g., adhered) to a lip along the outside edges of the base shoe. The rail system 2100 is sized to be small and visually inconspicuous when used in the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system. More details of using the rail system 2100 in the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system are shown and described below in FIG. 22A through FIG. 23C.

Referring now to FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B are perspective views of a replaceable-skin shoe system 2200, which is an example of the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system that uses the rail system 2100 shown in FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B. For example, FIG. 22A shows an example of a base shoe 2210 and FIG. 22B shows an example of a top skin 2230 to be used with the base shoe 2210. The base shoe 2210 includes the sole 144 and the upper 112. In this example, the base shoe 2210 is substantially the same as the base shoe 515 shown in FIG. 5B, except that the female rail 2120 of the rail system 2100 replaces the hook strips 160. In this example, the top skin 2230 is substantially the same as the top skin 930 shown in FIG. 9A, except that the male rail 2110 of the rail system 2100 replaces the loop strips 162. Note that the back portion of the top skin 2230 is provided in an open fashion to facilitate the top skin 2230 sliding onto the base shoe 2210 via the rail system 2100.

Referring now to FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view of the base shoe 2210 taken along line A-A of FIG. 22A. This view shows that a lip or shelf is provided along the top and bottom edges of the material forming the base shoe 2210. A strip of the female rail 2120 is attached (e.g., adhered) to this lip or shelf along the top and bottom edges of the base shoe 2210. Namely, the base plate 2122 of the female rail 2120 is attached to the lip or shelf along the base shoe 2210.

Referring now to FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view of the top skin 2230 taken along line B-B of FIG. 22B. This view shows that a strip of the male rail 2110 is attached (e.g., adhered) to the inside edges of the top skin 2230. Namely, the fin plate 2114 of the male rail 2110 is attached to the inside edges of the top skin 2230. Referring now to FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the male rail 2110 of the top skin 2230 installed in the female rail 2120 of the base shoe 2210. When the top skin 2230 is attached to the base shoe 2210, the male rail 2110 and the female rail 2120 of the rail system 2100 are substantially hidden from view.

Referring again to FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B, the top skin 2230 can be attached onto the base shoe 2210 as follows. The open flaps at the back of the top skin 2230 are positioned at the ends of the female rails 2120 that are facing the toe of the base shoe 2210. The two male rails 2110 at the lower back of the top skin 2230 are aligned and engaged with the two respective female rails 2120 at the lower portion of the base shoe 2210. The upper rails are not yet engaged. Then, using the lower rails, the top skin 2230 is slid toward the back of the base shoe 2210 a certain distance until the two male rails 2110 at the upper back of the top skin 2230 are aligned and engaged with the two respective female rails 2120 at the upper portion of the base shoe 2210. Now all rails are engaged. Then, using the lower and upper rails, the top skin 2230 is slid toward the back of the base shoe 2210 until the two sides of the back of the top skin 2230 meet at the back of the base shoe 2210. The top skin 2230 is now fully engaged with the base shoe 2210 and the shoe is ready to be worn.

FIG. 24 shows a flow diagram of an example of a method 2400 of using the presently disclosed replaceable-skin shoe system, such as the replaceable-skin shoe systems 100, 200, 500, 1700, and 2200. The method 2400 may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

At a step 2410, the base shoe of the replaceable-skin shoe system is provided. In one example, for a woman, the base shoe 210 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 200, the base shoe 510 or the base shoe 515 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 500, or the base shoe 2210 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 2200 is provided. For a man, the base shoe 110 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 100 or the base shoe 1710 of the replaceable-skin shoe system 1700 is provided.

At a step 2415, the user selects one of multiple shoe bottom skins and/or top skins of replaceable-skin shoe system. For the base shoe 110, the user may select one of the top skins 150. For example, for the base shoe 515, the user may select one of the top skins 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, or 1630. For the base shoe 1710, the user may select one of the top skins 1730, 1830, 1930, or 2030.

At a step 2420, the user attaches the selected shoe bottom skin and/or the shoe top skin to the base shoe. For example, using hook strips 160, the user attaches the top skin 150 to the base shoe 110, the user attaches the bottom skin 220 and/or the top skin 230 to the base shoe 210, the user attaches the top skin 830 to the base shoe 510, the user attaches the top skin 930 to the base shoe 515, or the user attaches the top skin 1730 to the base shoe 1710. In another example, using the rail system 2200, the user attaches the top skin 2230 to the base shoe 2210.

At a step 2425, the user selects one or more accessories to be added to the shoe top skin. For example, the user selects one or more accessories 520 to be added to the top skin 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, or 1630.

At a step 2430, the user attaches the selected accessories to the shoe top skin. For example, the user attaches the selected accessories 520 to the top skin 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, or 1630.

At a step 2435, to create a different shoe style, design, or color, the user removes the accessories and removes the shoe bottom skin and/or the shoe top skin from the base shoe. For example, the user removes the accessories 520 from the top skin 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, or 1630 and then removes the top skin 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, or 1630 from the base shoe 510 or base shoe 515.

At a step 2440, the user selects a different shoe bottom skin and/or shoe top skin of replaceable-skin shoe system. For example, the user selects a different one of the top skins 830, 930, 1030, 1230, 1330, 1530, or 1630. The method 2400 returns to the step 2420.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, parameters, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments, ±100% in some embodiments ±50%, in some embodiments ±20%, in some embodiments ±10%, in some embodiments ±5%, in some embodiments ±1%, in some embodiments ±0.5%, and in some embodiments ±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.

Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A replaceable-skin shoe system comprising:

a base shoe comprising one or more shoe parts, wherein the base shoe or one or more shoe parts thereof have an outer surface substantially covered with or comprising one or more strips of at least one component of a hook-and-loop fastening system; and

one or more replaceable skins, wherein the one or more replaceable skins has an inner surface substantially covered with or comprising one or more strips of an opposite component of the hook-and-loop fastening system or comprises a fabric having a nap comprising loops in which one or more hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener can reversibly bind or fasten thereto;

wherein the hook and the loop components of the hook-and-loop fastener system project outwardly from the outer surface of shoe parts of the base shoe or the inner surface of the one or more replaceable skins such that each component is configured to reversibly bind or fasten to an opposing component of the fastener system.

2. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 1, wherein the base shoe comprises a shoe part selected from the group consisting of an upper, a top line, a vamp, one or more quarter panels, a throat, a top cap, one or more eyelets, a back seam, a backstay, a heel cap, a sole, and outsole, an insole, a heel, a heel seat, a feather, a welt, and combinations thereof.

3. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 1, comprising:

one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system comprising a hook component attached along a lower edge of an upper of the base shoe proximate a sole of the base shoe;

one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system comprising a hook component along a top line of the upper of the shoe;

one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system comprising a loop component attached along a lower edge of an inner surface of the one or more replaceable skins; and

one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system comprising a loop component attached along a top line of an inner surface of the one or more replaceable skins;

wherein the one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system comprising a hook component of the base shoe are oriented opposite to the one or more strips of a hook-and-loop fastener system comprising a loop component of the replaceable skin such that the strips can be reversibly bound or fastened thereto.

4. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 1, wherein the one or more replaceable skins comprise a fabric having a nap comprising loops in which one or more hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener can reversibly bind or fasten thereto.

5. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 4, wherein the fabric is selected from the group consisting of wool, felt, fleece, velvet, and velour.

6. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 1, further comprising one or more accessories.

7. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 6, wherein the one or more accessories are integrated into the replaceable skin.

8. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 6, wherein the one or more accessories are attached to an outer surface of the replaceable skin or an outer surface of the base shoe or shoe parts thereof by a hook-and-loop fastener system.

9. A replaceable-skin shoe system comprising:

a base shoe comprising one or more shoe parts, wherein the base shoe or one or more shoe parts thereof comprise one or more female rails comprising a first base plate and a pair of side rails, wherein a first side rail is orthogonal to and connected to one side of the first base plate and the second side rail is orthogonal to and connected to an opposite side of the first base plate; and

one or more replaceable skins, wherein the one or more replaceable skins comprise one or more male rails comprising a second base plate and a fin plate adapted to slidably couple with the female rail, wherein the fin plate is substantially orthogonal to the second base plate.

10. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 9, wherein the male rail and the female rail comprise a material independently selected from the group consisting of a metal, plastic, or nylon.

11. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 9, wherein the fin plate of the male rail is attached to one or more inside edges of the one or more replaceable skins

12. The replaceable-skin shoe system of claim 9, wherein the first base plate of the female rail is attached to one or more outside edges of the base shoe.