Fastening device and kit, especially for interchangeable fashion footwear

Abstract

The inventive subject matter pertains to a shoe comprising of a firmly embedded fastening device between multiple layers for attachable and detachable upper components and sole components such that the face of the socket may be flush with the side of the sole, allowing for an economical manufacturing process to produce truly fashionable shoes in many different styles. The fastening device comprises a locking, stabilizing, and actuating mechanism comprising of a socket and plug. A socket comprises a stabilizing lever, pawl, flexible joint, aperture, and aligning tabs. A plug comprises overhangs and at least one prong further comprising teeth complementary to teeth on a pawl. Utilizing advancement in materials with a layering design to implant a fastening device, manufacturing may be consistent and more economical and also reduce cost and inconveniences for fashion consumers in several ways.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

• This application claims priority to provisional Application No. 62/200,597 filed Aug. 3, 2015 and U.S. Design Pat. Application No. 29/535,091 filed Aug. 3, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

• Not Applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

• Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present inventive subject matter relates generally to a fashionable fastener and more specifically it relates to a sandal-type footwear structure comprising of an implanted fastener that allows for attachable, detachable and switchable components.

Description of the Related Art

In the apparel and fashion industry that overlaps each other, consumers continuously buy more styles of footwear, closely resembling fashion trends. This has led to inconveniences and inefficiencies in several ways since the differences between footwear styles may be categorized by their soles and within each category it is common that soles appear the same in comparison to the style variety of the upper, leading to individual consumers forced to buy multiple pairs of permanently attached soles that are basically identical, purely to obtain a wardrobe with multiple styles of uppers. Alternatively, modern consumers starving for more options may also want a certain style upper but on a different style sole. In addition to a greater variety of style options, consumers may want a seemingly tailored fit not offered with mass produced footwear with permanently attached uppers and soles, such as a smaller size upper than what would normally come with a sole. Footwear with fixed uppers and soles also establishes inefficiencies of manufacturing and distributing, as well as inconveniences of transporting luggage due to their redundancies and inflexibilities that constrict their ability to reduce material-cost, labor-cost, empty space, and product weight while also at least maintaining demanded capabilities.

A footwear structure comprising of a fastening device for switchable and attachable components could solve the problem of needing an entirely new shoe merely for a new upper or new sole. However, a structure must comprise of the essential features that mainstream consumers demand in order to be practical and useful within the fashion and apparel industry. There are opposing forces though that occurs when enhancing certain characteristics, increasing the difficulty to achieve the desired characteristics that have not been overcome prior to the present inventive subject matter. For example, when modifying a design to increase tensile strength, convenience and an attractive appearance could be unintentionally and unknowingly decreased.

There have been attempts made to offer a footwear structure that enables consumers to interchange uppers. Some use a crude hook and loop structure, such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,368,314, U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,643, U.S. Pat. No. 8,250,780, U.S. Pat. No. 8,661,715. However, these structures are incapable of being convenient and secure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,643, requires the user to remove the upper to switch an upper.

Many attempts use a fiddly tee shaped hook and socket structure, such as, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/433,495, U.S. Pat. No. 7,650,704, U.S. Pat. No. 7,950,704, U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,260, U.S. Pat. No. 8,819,964 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,938,891. However, these structures are not intuitive and the concept of having to screw a pair of shoes together is not appealing to female consumers. The attributes of this type of mechanism limit it to cheap flip-flop-type sandals.

Others even utilize a common snap button structure, such as, U.S. Pat. No. 3,925,915, U.S. Pat. No. 4,887,369, U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,058, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,661,206. However, these mechanisms are intended for footwear with a thick platform and appear tasteless on the side of a sandal. These structures are also incapable of firmly and comfortably securing the users foot within a shoe.

Attempts have even been made to create a clip-like structure, but these structures also lack crucial features desired by modern consumers. Two of the structures, U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,684 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,870 requires tools or several steps that make them complicated to use. Another two structures, U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,486 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,897, resemble a buckle for a car seat that lack visual appeal on fashion footwear. A few more structures, U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,846, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,373, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/707,995, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/793,260, and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/541,963, comprises a structure that requires the fasteners to be placed within a mold prior to an injection forming process that involves injecting foaming raw material into the mold to form the sole component and encasing the fasteners. However, during the injection forming process the foaming raw material leaks into the moving components of the socket and causes the fasteners to become inoperable regardless of the preventative measures stated. Moreover, these designs do not comprise of a socket base that enables a secure implantation sandwiched between sturdy layers. In other words, they do not state a method to securely implant a fastening device that can be manufactured economically without a large percentage of defects. Moreover, these mechanisms lack a decorative design and an actuator that enables a low-profile face to make the fastener attractive, user-friendly, and reliable. Therefore, they are encased and hidden within the side wall of the footwear, making the fasteners harder to intentionally disengage and manufacture. Moreover, a shoe made with flowable resin that cures soft enough to press a button covered by said soft cured resin is only really used for non-fashion sandals such as hiking-type sandals. They also lack several other features that permit a thin mechanism efficiently and reliably implanted between the insole and outsole of a shoe, such as proper tensile strength regardless of the direction an attached upper component is pulled. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,490,846, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,373 comprises a tight shaft that restricts a pushbutton from traversing in any direction besides directly horizontally and therefore requires that the pushbutton to be a separate component that slides at the point where the inner tip of pushbutton and pawl touch. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,373, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/707,995, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/793,260, and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/541,963 comprise of a hinge that is only flexible at a concentrated point where the thick pawl abruptly tapers off and meets the innermost socket wall, decreasing flexibility, usability, durability, and reliability. This design also requires a substantially deep socket shaft and protruding pushbutton to compensate for how hard the pushbutton is to push and for how easy the plug can unintentionally slip out when an upper is pulled at an angle when the user moderately twist their ankle and when the user stops running suddenly. This design also limits their use in high wedge sandals and especially for flat-type sandals that often have midsoles that are less than 8 mm thick from top to bottom. The unintended release of the plug and upper is most caused be the thick pawl that is pushed into the disengaged position by the plug during use, resulting in an especially hazardous situation when the unexpected release occurs when the user is stepping down a staircase. Another reason why these structures fail is that even with a deep socket shaft these structures allow the plug to twist when the user is wearing the footwear structure and performs a quick stopping action because the width of the structure from the side closest the toe of the shoe to the side closest the back of the heel of the shoe. This twisting action allow for the plug to unintentionally slip out because a higher tooth on the plug is able to ply a lower tooth of the pawl backwards, which pries back the pawl into the disengaged position. Additionally, these last few structures comprise of a pushbutton that travels horizontally through an outmost socket wall and protrude outwards from the outermost socket wall, which is undesirable on the side of fashion footwear, especially when it involves increasing the width of a shoe to conceal a protruding pushbutton because fashion footwear is preferably as narrow as practicably.

With many unsuccessful interchangeable shoes in the apparel industry, it has become obvious that the only consumers that are going to want a shoe that can be interchanged between styles are those who are devoted to fashion. In other words, who would want and buy a shoe to switch styles, if they are not concerned with style? Another factor that is important is most consumers would are concerned with fashion also demand convenience. Additionally, nobody really wants a shoe that is unreliable or wears out quickly. These key circumstance has been a barrier to a useful interchangeable shoe because nobody has been able to invent a shoe that comprising of the most important features. In order for an interchangeable shoe to be successful in the apparel industry, it has to be practical for a variety of uses, with a variety of fashionable, switchable, and firmly attachable upper components and sole components that are economically manufactured, easy-to-use, strong enough to resist unintended detachment under extreme use, and actually consistent with the modern fashion industry. Therefore, there is still a need for a footwear structure that is capable of the important features found in popular footwear, such as usability, attractability, reliability, durability, variability, comfortability, packability, producibility, and conveyability

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the onset of rapid influences on the apparel industry by the fashion industry there is a substantial demand for an increased variety of quality footwear that is accessible with increased efficiency. Consequently, the present inventive subject matter provides genuine fashion footwear with switchable upper components and sole components that enable consumers to have an increased variety of styles without sacrificing other crucial features of successful footwear on the market and therefore, provides an improved apparatus with unprecedented features.

The fastening device has socket securely implanted between one or more prefabricated layers forming the sole component and a plug attached to the upper component. Therefore, an upper component of the footwear is securely attached to a sole component and upper component and sole components may be conveniently switched out for a variety of styles, colors, and sizes and be securely attached for extreme usage.

The fastening device comprises of a locking, stabilizing, and actuating mechanism that locks and stabilizes the plug within a socket shaft of a socket. By using several features, a fastening device may be disengaged by lightly pulling down on a stabilizing lever, yet have sufficient tensile strength to hold up during extreme usage. The features of the socket include a pawl, socket shaft, stabilizing lever, flexible joint, aperture, aligning tabs, anchor, and flanges. The features of the plug include at least one prong with complementary teeth to the pawl and overhangs.

The locking, stabilizing, and actuating mechanism implements (a) a pawl capable of pinching a plug tighter against a socket shaft when tension is applied and immobilized once the plug is sufficiently pinched, (b) a recessed stabilizing lever that is pushed downwards within an aperture to intentionally disengage the fastening device and also stabilizes a flexible joint when immobilized at an aperture roof, (c) a flexible joint that is stabilized so that it can be sufficiently flexible and also prevents a pawl from being pushed into a disengaged position, (d) overhangs to prevent the plug from twisting out, which are immobilized by aligning tabs, (e) aligning tabs that insure the socket shaft is aligned with slits in a sturdy insole, (f) a sturdy insole to properly hold down sockets, (g) a rectangular shaped anchor that increases the surface area of the socket underneath the insole, (h) flanges held down by a midsole that also allow the insole, midsole, and outsole to be bonded firmly at each side of the socket face to reinforce a sturdy attachment of a socket, and (i) a concave face with a flat perimeter so that the socket face may be fashionable exposed for unobstructed access to actuate the stabilizing lever.

Certain aspects of the inventive subject matter provide a stabilizing lever that conveniently disengages the fastening device by allowing the flexible joint to be extremely flexible. Another feature of the actuating mechanism is how the lever pivots mostly in a downwards motion so that the lever may be recessed as opposed to protruding out in an unsightly fashion. The lever also has a slanted face so that it indicated and assist in a downwards motion. Also, with a stabilizing lever that extends into an aperture (large enough for a fingertip) in the socket without needing to protrude out past a socket face, a concave shaped socket face may be exposed for unobstructed access to the stabilizing lever that is used to intentionally disengage the fastening device

Certain aspects of the inventive subject matter provide a socket face that may be flush with the side of the shoe at the perimeter by comprising of a slightly concave section toward the center to avoid being scratched during manufacturing,

Certain aspects of the inventive subject matter provide a flexible hinge jutting out horizontally that prevents a pawl from being pushed back because a horizontal flexible lever is not flexible directly backwards within the geometric plane that it is located in. This feature is important because if the pawl was able to be pushed back, the upper could pop out during a slight rolling of the user's ankle and result in a broken ankle if the shoe is a wedge-type sandal.

Certain aspects of the inventive subject matter provide overhangs on each side of the plug that prevent the plug from being twisted within a short and wide socket shaft.

Certain aspects of the inventive subject matter provide a method for manufacturing footwear, the method comprising: (a) providing an improved socket; (b) providing two or more sole component layers, an outsole, midsole, and insole, wherein the insole and outsole may be a single piece or the midsole and insole may be a single piece; (c) providing a midsole or top layer midsole with a cavity tightly shaped for the socket; (d) inserting and attaching the socket into the cavity of the midsole, wherein aligning tabs align the socket shaft to the slits in the insole; (e) bonding the layers of the sole component together; and (f) sanding the vertical sides of the shoe and socket face to make the socket flush or covering the socket face with a thin flexible wrap with a rubber buffer to intentionally disengage the system easily.

It is therefore an object of the present inventive subject matter to provide an apparatus that may be manufactured using methods that significantly reduces the possibility of unsustainable amounts of defective products being produced. Especially by eliminating the chance of flowable resin seeping into the mechanical interworking of the apparatus.

It is a further object of the present inventive subject matter to provide an apparatus that overcomes the problems associated with the apparatus being complicated or requiring physical strength to intentionally disengage.

It is another object of the present inventive subject matter to provide a structure that is consistent with current fashion trends of mid to high-end footwear. Specifically, to present a footwear structure that is thin between the ground and foot, so that the apparatus immediately “clicks-in” when attaching and so that the accessible socket face has a streamlined appearance.

It is an additional object of the present inventive subject matter to provide an apparatus that is user-friendly with a sleek appearance that also has a sufficient tensile strength pulled straight apart or at any angle possible when a person is wearing a shoe and capable to be used in footwear such as high wedges and high platforms wherein the possibility of a sprained ankle is greater.

It is yet another object of the present inventive subject matter to provide a structure and kit that vastly increases the ability to economically obtain different fashionable styles with different combinations of upper components as well as with a variety of sole components that vary in color, angle of insole from toe to heel section, and overall height from the ground.

It is still one more object of the present inventive subject matter to provide a structure and kit that gives the ability to affordably create a tailored fit by offering different combinations of sizes between the upper component and sole component.

Certain aspects of the inventive subject matter also provide a structure and kit for mixing and matching upper components to a sole component to quickly acquire a large wardrobe of shoes.

Additionally, and on the other hand, certain aspects of the inventive subject matter also provide a kit for by mixing and matching a collection of sole components to a complementary upper component to multiple the number of styles they can wear an upper component.

Certain aspects of the inventive subject matter also provide a structure and kit for consumers of fashion products to wear an equivalent amount or more styles while reducing: environmental impact, material-cost and labor-cost during manufacturing, empty space and weight during shipping and storing, money spent shopping on multiple styles of footwear, frustration dressing up for an occasion, and exhaustion when traveling with luggage.

In view of the foregoing, an object of the present inventive subject matter is to provide a footwear apparatus comprising of a modern, uncomplicated, effortless, and reliable fastening device that may be used for convenient and secure attachment of component parts, such as switchable upper component, as well as switchable sole components of various fashion designs and combinations of sizes.

Therefore, the present inventive subject matter improves efficiency and possibilities in the apparel/fashion industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the sole. From top to bottom: insole, midsole, outer socket, inner socket, and outsole with heel.

FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A illustrates how the layers come together in FIG. 1 to form a finished sole. FIG. 2B, the sole component from above, depicts the thin slots that the plug goes through to engage with the socket.

FIG. 3, the midsole from above, depicts how the midsole over laps the flanges when comparing the lower view point in FIG. 1

FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A is a plane of the socket from above. FIG. 4B is a plane of the socket from below.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D. FIG. 5A is the plug and the socket from the side. FIG. 6B is a frontal view of the plug and socket. FIG. 5C is a rear view of the plug and socket. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the plug and socket in FIG. 5B through line 5D-5D shown in the uncoupled position.

FIG. 6 is a view of the plug and plug teeth.

FIG. 7 is a view of the plug and socket engaged.

FIG. 8 is a view of the plug inserted in the socket in the disengaged position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sole component and a detached upper component that may be assembled into a shoe by means of two or more coupling devices of the present inventive subject matter comprising of sockets and plugs.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slide-type sole component and an attached low ankle strap upper component.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a slide-type sole component and an attached cuff upper component.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slide-type sole component and an attached single wraparound gladiator-type upper component.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a thong-type sole component designed for a thong-type upper component and an attached thong upper component.

A wedge-type sole component is not shown.

A shoe comprising of a flexible wrap covering a socket face is not shown

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

Let it be noted that the disclosure of the inventive subject matter in this specification includes all possible combinations of such features.

An, “upper component” 40 refers to an upper of a shoe or footwear, and can include a toecap part (not shown), a toecap patch (not shown), a toe box 42 strap that covers the forward part of a person's foot, ankle-type upper 43, cuff upper 44, wraparound gladiator upper 45, thong-type upper 46, and heel straps (not shown), and can include unitary and integral combinations as well.

A, “sole component” 1 refers to the component attached to the upper component 40 to form an interchangeable shoe 41. A sole component 1 is not to be confused with an outsole 4 layer. Additionally, sole components 1 may comprise of an outsole 4 that is a flat-type outsole (seen in FIG. 1), wedge-type outsole (not shown), or high platform-type outsole (not shown).

A, “horizontal” refers to a normal positioned interchangeable shoe 41. For example with the sole component 1 resting on a horizontal surface. An, “outer” and “inner” refer to elements of the fastening device 38 positioned nearer and further away, respectively, from the nearest lateral side of the sole component 1.

A fastening device 38, according to an embodiment of the inventive subject matter comprises two parts: a socket 5 and a plug 26. The socket 5 is typically embedded into a sole component 1, while the plug 26 is typically affixed to the upper component 40.

The socket 5 includes a socket shaft 15 that is adapted to receive the plug 26, a pawl 17 for engaging and locking the plug 26 with the socket 5, and stabilizing lever 18 for releasing the pawl 17 from the plug 26, whereby the upper component 40 may be detached from the sole component 1. The pawl 17 is connected to a flexible joint 16 at the top side of the socket shaft 15 and preferably forms a right angle where the pawl 17 and flexible joint 16 integrally meet as one piece. The flexible joint 16 is preferably connected at the top side of the center socket wall 22. The pawl 17 comprises an upper component 40 portion and a lower portion having a surface facing the outer wall, the surface preferably having two toothed surfaces, each comprising at least one tooth, astride a middle portion where the stabilizer lever 18 is attached. The socket 5 may be manufactured in one piece. The plug 26 may be manufactured in one piece.

In a preferred embodiment, the plug 26 has two spaced-apart toothed prongs 30. The plug teeth 33 are complimentary to the teeth on the pawl 17. The release means, preferably a stabilizing lever 18, extends through an aperture in the outermost socket wall 20 with an exterior socket face 27. The stabilizing lever 18 communicates with the pawl 17 by being directly attached as one molded piece. The stabilizing lever 18 traverses the aperture 19 in mostly an up and down motion. Within the socket 5, the stabilizing lever 18 preferably passes between the pair of toothed prongs 30, and preferably between the highest teeth, to communicate the downward force of a person's finger pressing mostly downwards. The applied pressure on the stabilizing lever 18 displaces the pawl 17 away from the plug 26 sufficiently to separate the complementary engaged teeth of the pawl 17 and the prongs 30, thereby disengaging and releasing the plug 26. The aperture 19 is sized so that a person's finger can access the stabilizing lever 18. The stabilizing lever 18 is preferably recessed within the socket face perimeter 28 and the sole component 1 to avoid scratching the stabilizing lever face 21 when a sole component side 12 is sanded and smoothed during manufacturing. An interchangeable shoe 41 with a recessed stabilizing lever 18 may generally go unnoticed by a casual observer, yet it may be easier to manipulate by simply pressing downwards by a person's finger. If the socket face 27 was covered by a less flexible layer that also holds the socket 5 in place, the fastening device 38 could be hard to operate. The socket 5 is rectangular in shape comprising of a front rectangular socket shaft 15 sharing a center socket wall 22 with an anchor 7. The anchor 7 has a thin layer across the bottom to increase the surface area for adhesive and has protruding thin solid rectangles flanges 8 along the bottom of the side socket walls 24 to restrain the coupling device underneath the midsole 3, reinforcing the attachment of the socket 5. Nylon is preferably used to mold a fastening device 38 with sufficient tensile strength, which is determined to be greater than 250 Newton for each fastening device 38 implanted within a interchangeable shoe 41 such that the fastening device 38 does not pull out of a sole component 1 and a plug 26 does not pull out of a socket 5 at any angle possible when a interchangeable shoe 41 is in use.

The sole component 1 (outsole 4, midsole 3, and insole 2) is generally created using traditional techniques, such as cutting out and molding or modern techniques, such as additive manufacturing (AM), subtractive manufacturing, and automated overmolding (to reduce labor and shipping cost and increase markets) with materials including but not limited to leathers, Ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethanes, thermoplastic rubber, Poly-Vinyl Chloride, and metals; methods for this technique are well known in their fields of art. The sole component 1 preferably has at least three layers, unless only two layers are needed when the midsole 3 and insole 2 are formed as one-piece because the socket 5 has to be installed between the outsole 4 and the midsole 3 or unless only one hard layer is needed when a socket 5 is snapped in from above and a soft footbed is installed for aesthetics and cushion. When the style permits, the insole 2 could be molded as one-piece with the midsole 3 to hold down the flanges 8, strengthening the fastening of the socket 5 and reducing manufacturing steps. Layers are attached using adhesive or snaps when applicable. AM would consist of numerous layers and the insertion of the socket 5 by a robotic arm after layer is formed that the socket 5 rest on is preferred. Utilizing a coupling device described above with AM would allow for various types of upper components 40 to be implemented on seamless three-dimensional midsole 3 designs not easily created by other means, thus increasing comfort and design possibilities of interchangeable shoes 41 manufactured using AM.

In a preferred embodiment, there are three layers for the sole component 1 (the outsole 4, midsole 3, and insole) plus at least one layers for a heal. The outsole 4 layer underneath the socket 5 is preferred to be a three millimeters thick continuous layer of leather, or rubber, all the way across from front to back and side to side to increase strength. The midsole 3 layer begins at a forward point in the sole component 1 and gradually become as thick as the height of the socket 5 and is preferably made of EVA or similar material. The midsole 3 has two cavities on each side with the inverse geometry of the socket 5 so that when the socket 5 is inserted tightly into the cavities of the midsole 3, the socket face 27 is flush with the side of the midsole 3. Cavities in the midsole 3 for the flanges 8 would allow for the midsole 3 to be over the flanges 8 and hold them down to secure the attachment of the socket 5. Leather and rubber interchangeable shoes 41 may be buffed and consist of a socket 5 with a perimeter that is flush with sole component side 12, but the face would start to become slightly concave inside of the perimeter so that the face would not get scratched when the side of the sole component 1 is smoothed and buffed during manufacturing. The socket face 27 and sole component side 12 slant inwards from top to bottom for a more feminine appearance. The insole 2 has a continuous and sturdy layer across the tops of the socket 5 to increase the immovability of the socket 5. There are slits 11 in the insole 2 for the plug 26 to attach to the socket 5. Permanent front uppers or the figure in the thong-style is attached using adhesive. The switchable upper components 40 are preferably attached to the plug 26 by traditional techniques, such as sewing and using adhesive, or overmolding may be used with certain materials by implementing a ring design to the upper component 40 since the plug 26 does not have orifices where flowable resin would seep into. For the front attachment of thong-type upper components 40, a conventional buckle 48 or button is preferred attached to the interchangeable shoe 41 finger 47 that runs between to a person's toes.

Construction and Operation:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the inventive subject matter of a sole component 1 of the interchangeable shoe 41, such as a woman's flat sandal, comprising the layers that are bonded together using adhesive. The sole component 1 has an insole 2, midsole 3, outsole 4 and two sockets 5 that are implanted between the layers of the sole component 1. A view of the midsole bottom side 6 depicts how the socket 5, comprising of an anchor 7 and flange 8, is implanted within the midsole 3 flange cavities 9. A view of the insole bottom side 10 depicts the insole slits 11 that are lined up with the two sockets 5.

FIG. 2A illustrates the layers together that were exploded in FIG. 1 to form a finished sole component 1.

FIG. 2B, the sole component 1 from above and from the perspective of looking down, depicts the continuous insole top surface 13 and the thin slits 11 that the plug 26 goes through to engage with the socket 5. Both these figures most importantly show how the preferably three millimeter thick insole 2 securely hold down the socket 5 and how a socket 5 exposed from the side for easy operation can have a low profile look by being flush with the sole component side 12.

FIG. 3, the midsole 3 from above, depicts how the midsole 3 overlaps the flanges 8 of the socket 5.

FIG. 4A is a plane view of the socket 5 seen from the top and depicts the socket top surface 14. The socket 5 has a socket shaft 15 and a flexible joint 16 level with the top surface 14 that is stabilized by the sturdy insole 2 that is secure across and above the flexible joint 16. The socket shaft 15 is generally oriented parallel to the nearest lateral sole component side 12. The pawl 17 communicates with the stabilizing lever 18 through an aperture 19 (see FIG. 5B) in the outermost socket wall 20 of the socket 5. The stabilizing lever face 21 is positioned proximate inside of the outermost socket wall 20, as shown by the cut-away portion of the socket 5 of FIG. 6. This view also depicts the center socket wall 22, innermost socket wall 23 forming the anchor 7, and the two side socket walls 24.

FIG. 4B is a plane of the socket 5 seen from below that shows the opening of the socket shaft 15 at the bottom so that the socket 5 may be molded as one piece. The thin layer across the anchor bottom 25 for adhesive is also seen.

FIG. 5A, the plug 26 and the socket 5 from the side. The plug 26 is molded as one continuous piece and has generally a flat shape. The socket 5 is molded as one continuous piece and has a generally rectangular shape. The material may be selected from materials including but not limited to plastics, metal, and rubber. This view also shows how the socket face 27 is flat at the socket face perimeter 28 and concave towards its center.

FIG. 5B, is a frontal view of the plug 26 and socket 5 that shows the Aperture 19 through the outermost socket wall 20 and the stabilizing lever face 21. The narrow gap between the stabilizer lever 18 and aperture roof 29 enables the locking mechanism to lock and also prevents the flexible joint 16 from overextending and failing once the stabilizing lever 18 is pulled against the aperture roof 29. This view also depicts the two prongs 30 and two overhangs 31 on the plug 26. On the socket 5, the two aligning tabs 32 are seen. The dash line between the overhang 31 and aligning tab 32 show how the Plug 26 is inserted into the socket 5. This figure clearly shows the overhangs 31 on each side of the plug 26 that prevent the plug 26 from tilting further into the socket 5 such that one prong 30 would be further in the socket 5 than the other prong 30, which could force the teeth 33 apart.

FIG. 5C is a rear view of the plug 26 and socket 5 that depicts the plug teeth 33.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the plug 26 and socket 5 in FIG. 5B through line 5D-5D shown. This figure depicts the dimensions of an upper component 40 pawl tooth 34 and lower pawl tooth 35, as well as a complementary upper component 40 plug tooth 36 and lower plug tooth 37. This figure also shows how the stabilizing lever 21 is within the perimeter of the socket face 27. In this view, the length and thinness of the horizontal flexible joint 16 flush with the top of the socket 5 is seen, as well as the pawl 17 connected to the both the flexible joint 16 and stabilizer lever 18. Furthermore, this view depicts the kink 38 of the plug 26 that positions the upper component 40 to attach closer to the sole component side 12, which allows the sole component 1 to have a thin fashionable appearance.

FIG. 6 is a view of the plug 26 from the left side at a slight angle clearly showing the teeth 33.

FIG. 7 depicts the fastening device 38 wherein the plug 26 inserted and engaged with the socket 5. In this view, the prong 30 is straddling the stabilizing lever 18. This view also depicts how the flexible joint 16 cannot flex between the prong 30 and center socket wall 22 and therefore prevents the pawl 17 from being forced open by the prongs 30. This figure further shows how there is space between the top of the prong 30 and top of the pawl 17, so that when engaged, the plug 26 is further prevented from pushing the pawl 17 into a disengaged position when the plug 26 is pulled towards the center of the sole, which occurs when a user moderately and naturally twist their ankle.

FIG. 8 shows the fastening device 38 wherein the plug 26 is inserted and in the disengaged position that occurs when a person's finger pulls down on the stabilizer lever 18. This view depicts how the stabilizing lever face 21 moves downwards and stays within reach of a person's finger when disengaging the fastening device 38.

FIG. 9 is a view of a sole component 1 and a detached upper component 40 that may be assembled into a interchangeable shoe 41 by means of two coupling devices of the present inventive subject matter. This view also depicts how a plug 26 goes through slits 11 in the insole 2 and engages with the sockets 5. A like number of plugs 26 are attached to the upper component 40 bottom edge 39. Each socket 5 comprises a pawl 17 to engage with its corresponding plug 26.

FIG. 10 is a view of a sole component 1 and an attached upper component 40. Specifically, this view depicts an assembled interchangeable shoe 41 wherein the interchangeable shoe 41 is compatible with an upper component 40 that is a low ankle-type upper component 40 43 securely attached to a slide-type sole component 49 comprising a toe box 42. In this view the fastening device 38 is seen flush and fashionable with the sole component side 12.

FIG. 11 is a view of an assembled interchangeable shoe 41 wherein the attached upper component 40 is cuff upper component 44.

FIG. 12 is a view of an assembled interchangeable shoe 41 wherein the attached upper component 40 is a wraparound gladiator upper component 45.

FIG. 13 is a view of a sole component 1 and an attached upper component 40. Specifically, this view depicts an assembled interchangeable shoe 41 wherein the interchangeable shoe 41 is compatible with an upper component 40 that is a thong-type upper component 46 securely attached to a thong-type sole component 50 comprising a finger 47 comprising a conventional buckle 48.

Manufacture:

Molding Plastic and metal fasteners is well known in the industry. Preferably, the fastening device 38 is molded using a class one production mold for the intricate features.

The midsole 3 may be molded to insure proper dimensions; however other additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques may also be utilized. The insole 2 and outsole 4 may be cutout using a die, techniques are well known in the art. When the insole 2 is cutout, the slits 11 that the plugs 26 will go through to attach an upper component 40 may be cutout at the same time with a die that cuts out the insole 2. The midsole 3 is approximately the same height as the socket 5 and it is preferred that the midsole 3 and socket 5 be less than eight millimeters from bottom to top excluding the aligning tabs 32. It is preferred that the aligning tabs 32 protrude two to three millimeters up from the socket 5. The socket 5 is preferably implanted in the midsole 3 and then the midsole 3 comprising at least one socket 5 lined up to the slits 11 within the insole 4 using the aligning tabs 32 to insure the socket shaft 15 is unobstructed such that the plug 26 slides into the socket shaft 15 smoothly. Once the adhesive is heated and dried the sole component sides 12 are smoothed with a sander and buffer with wax preferably so that the socket face 27 and midsole 3 is flush with the outsole 4 and insole 2. The buffering gives the leather a more high-end look. The socket face perimeter 28 may be extended out (not shown) from the socket face 27 approximately one millimeter to avoid grinding down the concave portion of the socket face 27. By extending the socket face perimeter 28, a rubber buffer with a bulge (not shown), to squeeze between the top of the stabilizer lever 18 and aperture 19, may be placed between the socket face 27 and a thin flexible wrap (not shown) to conceal the socket face 27 without decreasing the easy user-ability experienced with an exposed socket face 27. It is preferred that the material to mold the midsole 3 is a light firm material such as Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane. Multiple additional layers of leather or leather-like material may also be used for the midsole 3, but the advanced EVA materials reduce weight and give the interchangeable shoe 41 more cushion and flexibility without compromising how the socket 5 is impeded securely. The toe box 42 and finger 47 may be attached to the sole component 1 using conventional methods. The plug 26 may be attached to an upper component 40 by sewing and applying adhesive. Other methods include overmolding rubber upper components 40 to modified plugs (not shown).

Claims

1. In a shoe comprising attachable and detachable components wherein an upper component and a sole component is attached and detached from one another with a fastening device in which said fastening device comprises a socket associated with said sole component and said socket comprising a vertical outermost socket wall, center socket wall, and two side socket walls forming a socket shaft and a pawl within said socket shaft and may receive a plug associated with said upper component comprising an interlocking tooth that engages with a complementary pawl such that the fastening device may be intentionally engaged and disengaged, the improvement comprising a locking, stabilizing, and actuating mechanism comprising:

a stabilizing lever jutting out horizontally in its resting position from a pawl into an aperture within said outermost socket wall, said stabilizing lever comprising a generally rectangular shape and sufficient thickness and length, wherein said stabilizing lever deters a flexible joint from overextending such that said flexible joint may be sufficiently flexible and stabilizing lever may be actuable;

said pawl extending vertically down in its resting position into said socket shaft from said flexible joint, said pawl comprising a consistent flat shape and forming a right angle where it joins said flexible joint;

said flexible joint sufficiently jutting out outwards horizontally in its resting position from a socket vertical wall within socket shaft, said flexible joint comprising a sufficient length and dispersed flexibility such that said stabilizing lever may be actuable by an intentional lightly pulling force downwards by a human finger;

said outermost socket wall comprising a exposable socket face adjoining said socket shaft;

said outermost socket wall and said socket face comprising a aperture, wherein the size and position of said aperture allows said stabilizing lever to traverse said outermost socket wall in a downwards motion to intentionally disengage the fastening device, allows said stabilizing lever to traverse said outermost socket wall in a upwards motion to pinch and lock said plug in a engaged position between said pawl and said socket shaft, and inhibits said stabilizing lever from moving further upwards when said plug is sufficiently pinched, wherein integrated said aperture and said stabilizing lever prevents the integrated said flexible joint from being over extended and failing, wherein stabilizing mechanism allows for a sufficiently flexible joint for said actuating mechanism;

a configuration of said pawl and said flexible joint pivoting said stabilizing lever in a downwards and inwards motion, wherein the motion downwards is substantially greater than the motion inwards, substantially accelerating the intentional disengaging action such that said stabilizing lever may be recessed within said socket face and conveniently accessible; and

wherein said stabilizing lever, said pawl, said flexible joint, and said socket are molded simultaneously as one continuous piece.

2. In the shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 1, said stabilizing lever further comprising a stabilizing lever face slanted inwards going from bottom to top such that the bottom edge of said stabilizing lever face is the outermost point said stabilizing lever, indicating and facilitating the downwards motion of said stabilizing lever.

3. The shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 2, wherein said stabilizing lever face is recessed within said aperture such that said stabilizing lever does not protrude out past said socket face.

4. In the shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 1, said pawl further comprising two sets of interlocking teeth complementary with teeth on the plug, wherein said stabilizer lever attaches to the pawl between each set and each set of teeth comprises two rows of teeth.

5. In the shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 1, said pawl further comprising two interlocking teeth complementary with teeth on the plug, wherein said stabilizer lever attaches to the pawl between each tooth.

6. In the shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 1, said stabilizing mechanism further comprising at least two overhangs molded simultaneously as one continuous piece with said plug, wherein said overhang is above each said side socket wall and prevents said plug from twisting inwards such that said socket shaft depth and socket thickness between an insole and an outsole may be sufficiently reduced.

7. In the shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 1, said shoe further comprising:

an outsole layer, midsole layer, and sufficiently stable insole layer bonded together around said socket to properly secure said socket such that said socket face may be exposed between visible portions of said midsole and said insole above said flexible joint may also prevent said flexible joint from overextending and failing;

said stabilizing lever further comprising a stabilizing lever face slanted inwards going from bottom to top such that the bottom edge of said stabilizing lever face is the outermost point said stabilizing lever, indicating and facilitating the downwards motion of said stabilizing lever, wherein said stabilizing lever is recessed within said aperture such that it does not protrude out past said socket face;

said pawl further comprising two sets of interlocking teeth complementary with teeth on said plug, wherein said stabilizer lever attaches to the pawl between each set and each set of teeth comprises two rows of teeth;

said stabilizing mechanism further comprising at least two overhangs molded simultaneously as one continuous piece with said plug, wherein said overhangs rest above each said side socket shaft wall and prevents said plug from twisting inwards in which said socket shaft depth and socket thickness may be sufficiently reduced such that the distance between said insole layer and said outsole layer may also be reduced; and

wherein said socket comprises of a rectangular shaped socket anchor adjoining and sharing said center socket wall to further immobilize said socket between said insole and said outsole by increasing the surface area of said socket against bottom side of said insole such that the point of contact is further distributed.

8. The shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 7, wherein said socket comprises an aligning tab molded simultaneously as one continuous piece with said socket above each side socket shaft wall such that said aligning tab fit snug into said insole comprising slits and said aligning tab prevents said socket shaft and said slit from being unaligned, expedites alignment during manufacturing, and restrains said socket between said layers of said shoe and said aligning tab also meets with said overhang to prevent twisting of said plug.

9. The shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 8, wherein said socket comprises of a flange protruding out horizontally along the bottom of said socket such that a complementary midsole cavity may also pin down and secure said socket between said insole layer and said outsole layer and said sole component may be manufactured by installing said socket in prefabricated said midsole, aligning said aligning tab with said slit to accurately position and bond said insole to said midsole, and bonding said sole component to said midsole.

10. The shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 7, wherein said socket shaft depth is less than 8 millimeters and said socket fits within said shoe further comprising of a midsole less than 8 millimeters thick from said insole to said outsole adjacent to each side of the socket face.

11. The shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 7, wherein said socket face comprised of a concave shape towards the center of said socket face and a flat shape within a geometrical plane at the perimeter such that said perimeter of said socket face may be sanded and smoothed flush with a vertical side of said shoe resting in a flat upright position.

12. The shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 11, wherein said perimeter of said socket face is sanded and smoothed flush with a vertical side of said shoe resting in a flat upright position.

13. The shoe comprising attachable and detachable components of claim 7, wherein said plug comprises of a thin flat shape that kinks outwards and up going from bottom to top such that when said plug is engaged with said socket implanted within said shoe the portion of said plug protruding up from said shoe is closer to the outer perimeter of said insole and more flush with the side of said shoe such that said shoe may be narrow and fit the user properly.

14. In an shoe comprising a fastening device having means for attaching and detaching footwear uppers and soles in which a socket associated with a sole comprising a socket outermost wall, socket back wall, and two socket side walls forming a socket shaft and a pawl within said socket shaft may receive a plug associated with an upper comprising an interlocking tooth that engages with a complementary pawl such that the fastening device may be intentionally engaged and disengaged, a locking, stabilizing, and actuating mechanism comprising:

an aperture within a socket wall and a stabilizing lever, pawl, and flexible joint comprising a flat shape and consistent thickness;

wherein said plug is locked into place when said pawl is wedged forward and pins said plug against said socket shaft;

wherein said stabilizing lever integrally attached to said flexible joint via said pawl counteracts said flexible joint form being forced upwards and failing by said stabilizing lever being pinned against the aperture roof as a pulling force is applied to engaged said plug;

wherein the flexible joint jutting out horizontally from said center socket wall within said socket shaft prevents engaged said plug from forcing pawl back into a unintentional disengaged position; and

said flexible joint comprising sufficient length and thinness to pivot stabilizing lever in a downwards motion within said aperture such that the lever be recessed and still accessible by a human finger.

15. The locking, stabilizing, and actuating mechanism of claim 14, wherein said locking and stabilizing mechanism further comprises:

an outsole layer, midsole layer, and sufficiently stable insole layer bonded together around said socket to properly secure said socket such that said socket face may be exposed between visible portions of said midsole;

said stabilizing mechanism further comprising at least two overhangs molded simultaneously as one continuous piece with said plug, wherein said overhangs rest above each said side socket wall and prevents said plug from twisting inwards in which said socket shaft depth and socket thickness may be sufficiently reduced such that the distance between said insole layer and said outsole layer may also be reduced;

wherein said socket comprises of a rectangular shaped socket anchor adjoining and sharing said center socket wall to further immobilize said socket between said insole and said outsole by increasing the surface area of said socket against bottom side of said insole such that the point of contact is further distributed; and

an outsole layer, midsole layer, and sufficiently stable insole layer bonded together around said socket to properly secure said socket such that said socket face may be exposed between visible portions of said midsole.

16. An footwear kit for switching compatible upper components and sole components, comprising:

a sole component comprising a socket of a fastening device wherein said socket comprises of a stabilizing lever, pawl, flexible joint within a socket shaft and said socket shaft comprises of an aperture;

said upper component comprising an attached plug wherein said plug comprises a flat shape and two prongs, wherein each prong comprises of a tooth complementary to a tooth on said pawl such that said stabilizing lever attaches to said pawl between two rows of teeth;

said stabilizing lever extends from said pawl and into an aperture to disengage said plug attached;

said flexible joint connects said pawl to said socket shaft and guilds said pawl such that said pawl pins said plug against said socket shaft such that said plug is locked into place by said complementary teeth;

wherein said sole component may be sold separately and said upper component may be sold separately such that a consumer may purchase said upper components in a size that is different from said sole component purchased for a comfortable fit; and

wherein said sole component and said upper component may be sold together as a package comprising a plurality of said upper components tightly packaged as disengaged components such that empty space and excess weight is minimalized during shipping and storing inventory.

17. The footwear kit for switching compatible upper components and sole components of claim 16, wherein said sole component comprises of a finger positioned to run between two human toes for a thong-type sandal comprising a conventional fastener in which said sole component is compatible with a plurality of thong-type uppers such that said upper components attach to the said sole component in at least three locations;

18. The footwear kit for switching compatible upper components and sole components of claim 16, wherein said sole component comprises of a conventional toe box for a slide-type sandal and said sole component is compatible with a plurality of upper components that secure a person's foot by the ankle.

19. The footwear kit for switching compatible upper components and sole components of claim 16, wherein said sole component comprise of flat-type outsole, wedge-type outsole, and high platform-type outsole such that a plurality of upper components are compatible.

20. The footwear kit for switching compatible upper components and sole components of claim 16, wherein said upper component is compatible with a plurality of sole components.