Interchangeable Shoe Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel interchangeable shoe device. The device is an improved sandal slide with a foot platform capable of receiving numerous interchangeable, decorative tops. Specifically, the device comprises a foot platform component of varying sizes with a plurality of decorative top components. The plurality of top components are each attached to the foot platform component via hook and loop fastener patches or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Users then slide their feet into the shoe device with any of the plurality of decorative top components they choose. The plurality of decorative top components are available in numerous styles, colors, and designs, or any other suitable customizations.

Claims

1. An interchangeable shoe device that can be customized by a user, the interchangeable shoe device comprising: a foot platform component; and a plurality of top components; and wherein a select one of the plurality of top components is secured to the foot platform component during use; wherein the plurality of top components can be interchanged on the foot platform component; and further wherein the user slides their feet into the foot platform component during use.

2. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 1, wherein the foot platform component is approximately one inch thick.

3. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 2, wherein the foot platform component comprises an upper component for securing one of the plurality of top components to.

4. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 3, wherein the upper component comprises a single strap extending across a width of the foot platform component and secured at each side of the foot platform component.

5. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 4, wherein the select one of the plurality of top components is positioned over the single strap to completely cover the single strap.

6. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of top components comprise at least one of a color, a texture, a pattern, a decoration and a design.

7. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 6, wherein a hook and loop fastener system is used to releasably attach the select one of the plurality of top components to the single strap.

8. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 7, wherein a first portion of the hook and loop fastener system is attached to the select one of the plurality of top components.

9. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 8, wherein a second portion of the hook and loop fastener system is attached to the single strap.

10. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 9, wherein when the first portion and the second portion are placed in contact with each other, they firmly, but releasably, hold the select one of the plurality of top components on the single strap.

11. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

12. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 1, wherein the interchangeable shoe device is packaged as a kit.

13. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 12, wherein the kit comprises a foot platform component and a plurality of top components to mix and match.

14. An interchangeable shoe device that can be customized by a user, the interchangeable shoe device comprising: a foot platform component; and a plurality of top components; and wherein a select one of the plurality of top components extends across a width of the foot platform component and is secured at each side of the foot platform component during use; wherein a first portion of a hook and loop fastener system is attached to inside edges of the select one of the plurality of top components; wherein a second portion of the hook and loop fastener system is attached to outside edges of the foot platform component; wherein when the first portion and the second portion are placed in contact with each other, they firmly, but releasably, hold the select one of the plurality of top components on the foot platform component; and further wherein the plurality of top components can be interchanged on the foot platform component.

15. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

16. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 14, wherein the interchangeable shoe device is packaged as a kit.

17. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 16, wherein the kit comprises a foot platform component and a plurality of top components to mix and match.

18. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of top components comprise at least one of a color, a texture, a pattern, a decoration and a design.

19. The interchangeable shoe device of claim 14, wherein the foot platform component comprises an upper component for securing the select one of the plurality of top components to.

20. A method of utilizing the interchangeable shoe device, the method comprising the steps of: providing an interchangeable shoe device comprising a foot platform component and a plurality of decorative top components; choosing one or more of the plurality of decorative top components for use; securing the chosen decorative top component onto the foot platform component via a plurality of hook and loop fasteners, wherein the chosen decorative top component is secured to the outside edges of the foot platform component; and sliding a user's feet into the foot platform component and walking around with the interchangeable shoe devices on the user's feet, similar to a standard shoe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable shoe device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable shoe device of the present invention showing how the decorative top components are secured to the foot platform component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable shoe device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable shoe device of the present invention packaged as a kit with a foot platform component and a plurality of decorative top components in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of utilizing the interchangeable shoe device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0035] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0036] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable shoe device that provides users with modified sandal slides with interchangeable, decorative tops. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable shoe device that enables users to swap the tops in and out with ease via hook and loop fastener patches. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable shoe device that features several unique colors, styles, and designs for the tops of shoes to personalize and customize the footwear. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers a way to wear different types of footwear without having to purchase several pairs. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable shoe device that allows users to customize their shoes. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an interchangeable shoe device that provides users with a device that saves time and money when customizing outfits.

[0037] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel interchangeable shoe device. The device comprises a foot platform component of varying sizes with a plurality of decorative top components. The plurality of top components are each attached to the foot platform component via hook and loop fastener patches or any other suitable securing means as is known in the art. Users then slide their feet into the shoe device with any of the plurality of decorative top components they choose. The plurality of decorative top components are available in numerous styles, colors, and designs, or any other suitable customizations. The present invention also includes a novel method of utilizing the interchangeable shoe device. The method includes the steps of providing an interchangeable shoe device comprising a foot platform component with a plurality of decorative top components. The method also comprises choosing one of the plurality of decorative top components for use. Further, the method comprises securing the chosen decorative top component onto the foot platform component via a plurality of hook and loop fasteners. Finally, sliding a user's feet into the foot platform components and walking around with the interchangeable shoe devices on a user's feet, similar to a standard shoe.

[0038] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the interchangeable shoe device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the interchangeable shoe device 100 is an improved interchangeable shoe device 100 that can be customized by a user. Specifically, the device 100 is an improved sandal slide. The interchangeable shoe device 100 comprises a foot platform component (or shoe base) 102 with a plurality of decorative top components 104 that can be interchanged. Users slide their feet into the shoe device 100 with any of the plurality of decorative top components 104 they choose.

[0039] Generally, the interchangeable shoe device 100 utilizes a shoe base 102 having a thickness of about one inch. However, the shoe base 102 can be any suitable thickness as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The shoe base 102 is the bottom or sole of a flip-flop, slide style, or sandal type shoe, or any other suitable shoe base 102 as is known in the art. Typically, the shoe base 102 would have a molded foam elastomer, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, or leather sole, etc., or other suitable durable material as is known in the art. Further, the shoe base 102 can also be integrally formed with a leather, polyurethane, EVA, or molded foam elastomer insole, or other suitable durable material as is known in the art. The foot platform component or shoe base 102 can be manufactured in a plurality of sizes and shapes, aligned with the standard men's/women's shoe sizes known in the art, or customized to the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0040] Furthermore, the interchangeable shoe device 100 comprises an upper component 106. The upper component 106 is the top part of the shoe above the sole and insole, if there is an insole. In this embodiment, the upper component (or strap) 106 is generally a single strap of particular width extending across the width of the sole and secured at each side 108, typically at the instep. Each end 110 of the strap 106 is connected to the sides of the sole via gluing, adhesive, sewing, ultrasonic welding, etc. Further, the ends 110 of the single strap 106 may be attached to the sole by being positioned between the sole and the insole, when the insole is attached to the sole. The single strap 106 could be manufactured of polyethylene, polyurethane, EVA, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), leather, or any other suitable material as is known in the art.

[0041] In one embodiment, the width of the single strap 106 may be increased or expanded to cover more or all of the toe region of the shoe. If the entire toe region is covered, the shoe is often referred to as a mule. Matching covers or top components 104 sized for the entire toe region may be provided to provide changeable ornamentation for such shoes.

[0042] In another embodiment, the shoe device 100 does not comprise an upper component or strap 106. Instead, the decorative top component 104 is secured directly to the foot platform component 102 or sole/insole or foot base of the shoe. Typically, the decorative top component 104 would extend across the width of the sole/foot base and be secured at each side 108, generally at the instep.

[0043] Further, the interchangeable shoe device 100 comprises a decorative top component 104. The top component 104 is ornamental and customizable. The top component 104 is positioned over the single strap 106 and completely covers the top 112 or visible surface of the single strap 106. However, in the above embodiment, where the shoe device 100 does not comprises an upper component or strap 106, the decorative top component 104 is positioned over the width of the sole or foot base 102 and secured.

[0044] Generally, the top component 104 comprises various woven materials with any desirable color, pattern, floral decoration, fur, feathers, beads, etc., or suitable ornamental design as is known in the art. For example, the top component 104 may be any available decorative ribbon. The top component 104 may also be made of molded plastic with any desirable decorative or ornamental design. If made of a molded material like plastic, the top components 104 are preferably flexible and/or shaped to fit a user's feet.

[0045] For purposes of the present invention, references to ornamentation or ornamental elements refers to any and all visible characteristics of the upper surfaces 114 of the top component 104 discussed herein. These terms may refer to the color, texture, pattern, decoration, or design of the top component 104 upper surface 114. Also included are physically separate elements, such as beads, stones, buttons, feathers, fur, etc., which may be attached to the top components 104. Ornamentation includes any combination of such characteristics or elements. For example, the top components 104 may have a shiny finish of red color and may have white beads attached, or cloth tops, or sports team logos, animal patterns, etc. The top components 104 may have a fuzzy surface, i.e., imitation fur, with a black and white color pattern, or any other suitable ornamentation as is known in the art.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, typically a hook and loop type fastener system 200 is used to releasably attach the top component 104 to the single strap 106 or to the foot platform component 102. One portion 202 of the fastener system 200 is attached to the top component 104. The other or second portion 204 of the fastener system 200 is attached to the single strap 106. Attachment of the portion 202 to the top component 104 and the portion 204 to the single strap 106 may be by an adhesive or by stitching or by any other suitable means as is known in the art. Thus, when the portions 202 and 204 are placed in contact with each other, they firmly, but releasably hold the top component 104 on the single strap 106.

[0047] While the fastener system 200 is illustrated as the hook and loop type, it is understood that other releasable attachment systems may be used if desired. For example, a series of snaps may be attached to the top component 104 and single strap 106. Further, the hook and loop fastener system 200 can provide continuous fastener function over the entire exposed surface of the single strap 106. While preferred, this is not considered essential. The point type fastener function provided by snaps should provide sufficiently uniform fastener function if snaps are appropriately spaced along the single strap 106. In similar fashion, the hook and loop fastener system 200 need not cover the entire upper surface 114 of the top component 104, so long as a sufficient surface area is covered to uniformly hold the top component 104 on the single strap 106. In the embodiment where there is no single strap or upper component 106, the first portion 202 of the fastener system 200 is secured to the inside edges 206 of the top component 104 and the second portion 204 (or mating portion) is secured to an outside edge or side 108 of the foot base or foot platform component 102.

[0048] Other suitable releasable attachment systems include hook and eye systems, clips, clasps, or any of the numerous separable fasteners which have been used for clothing. Magnetic attachments systems would also be suitable. For example, separate small magnets may be incorporated into the top components 104 and matching magnets, or magnetic metal pieces, may be incorporated into the single strap 106. Flexible magnetic materials may be used, particularly if a continuous strip attachment system is desired.

[0049] While the fastener system is illustrated as comprising separate portions secured to the top component 104 and the single strip 106, in one embodiment, the fastener system 200 may be integral parts of the single strap 106 and top component 104. Typically, the portions 202 and 204 of the hook and loop system 200 are normally available in ribbon or strip form with a fabric backing. A fabric-backed strip may replace the entire single strap 106. Likewise, ornamental beads may be attached directly to another fastener ribbon. Thus, ornamental patterns may be woven into the fastener strips or printed directly on the strips.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the top components 104 preferably have the same shape and dimension as the single strap 106 to which they may be attached. With the proper shape and dimension, the top components 104 will completely cover the single strap 106. In another embodiment, the top components 104 only cover a portion of the single strap 106. If only a portion of the single strap 106 is covered, then multiple top components 104 can be applied to the single strap 106. Further, small portions or strips can be added to the single strap 106. Such small strips may be in the shape of latticework or basket weave over the strap portion 106 to provide a decorative appearance.

[0051] In another embodiment, the top components 104 need not cover the entire shoe upper component 106, but should cover enough so that the visual impression of the shoe is controlled or defined by the ornamentation of the top component 104. The top components 104 of the present invention can be formed of a number of physically separate parts, which need not be connected to each other. Further, the top components 104 could be further subdivided into shorter segments which could then be mixed and matched to form a variety of ornamental patterns or combinations when applied to the shoe upper component 106. For example, each segment could be short enough to carry one or two beads or other decorative elements. With a variety of such segments carrying a variety of decorative elements, the top components 104 may be assembled in a wide variety of combinations, similar to a charm bracelet. Accordingly, some portions of the shoe upper component 106, i.e., the single strap, could be exposed between such segments and such spacing may provide a different ornamental impression.

[0052] In another embodiment, the top components 104 may be two separate pieces secured together on the single strap 106 or may be one long piece secured to the single strap 106. Thus, when the top components 104 are attached to the single strap 106, the primary visible appearance of the shoe is the ornamentation of the upper surface 114 of the top component 104, as the user's foot covers most of the sole 102.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, a shoe system or kit 400 is included. The kit 400 may include a single pair of shoes (foot platform component 102) and a plurality of decorative top components 104 for the shoe upper components 106. The top components 104 cover essentially the entire exposed or visible portion of the shoes, i.e., the shoe upper component 106, when the shoes are in use. That is, the user's foot covers most of the sole 102 of the shoe and essentially only the top component 104 is visible or exposed. As a result, the appearance or ornamental character of the shoes can be changed completely by removing one set of top components 104 and replacing them with another. For example, with a kit 400 having seven top components 104, an apparently different pair of shoes can be worn each day of the week. In order to provide a user with the most flexibility in wardrobe design, it may be desirable to offer the shoes and the decorative top components 104 as separate items. That is, after a user has purchased the shoes or the foot platform component 102 of the present invention, he or she may purchase additional decorative top components 104 to change the appearance of the previously purchased shoes.

[0054] In one embodiment, in order to provide more choices in wardrobe design, it is desirable to provide a variety of sole 102 types and colors for the user. Generally, the sole 102 may be of a neutral color, such as black, gray, or white. Soles 102 of each of these colors may be made available along with a plurality of decorative top components 104 with various ornamentation. Any of the decorative top components 104 may be used on any of the shoes to provide a further variety of visual impressions.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the interchangeable shoe device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 402. The top component 104 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the top component 104, or any other indicia 402 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 402 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be shoe or brand related.

[0056] One skilled in the art will understand that any suitable material possessing an appropriate amount of flexibility and resiliency may be used to manufacture the interchangeable shoe device 100. Additionally, the interchangeable shoe device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of utilizing the interchangeable shoe device. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing an interchangeable shoe device comprising a foot platform component with a plurality of decorative top components. The method also comprises at 502, choosing one or more of the plurality of decorative top components for use. Further, the method comprises at 504, securing the chosen decorative top component onto the foot platform component via a plurality of hook and loop fasteners, wherein the top component is secured to the outside edges of the foot platform component. Finally, at 506, sliding a user's feet into the foot platform components and walking around with the interchangeable shoe devices on a user's feet, similar to a standard shoe.

[0058] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “interchangeable shoe device”, “shoe device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the interchangeable shoe device 100 of the present invention.

[0059] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interchangeable shoe device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the interchangeable shoe device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the interchangeable shoe device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the interchangeable shoe device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the interchangeable shoe device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0060] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0061] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.