CONVERTIBLE SHOE DEVICE

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to embodiments disclosing a flip-flop shoe having a toe thong that can be converted into a sandal with no toe thong, allowing the user the comfort of either having a flip-flop with a toe thong or a sandal without a toe thong.

Claims

1. A pair of shoes comprising: a left sole; at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole; a left foot fastener; at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said left foot fastener; a right sole; at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole; a right foot fastener; and at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said right foot fastener, wherein said left foot fastener is configured to connect to said left sole in a sandal mode and said right foot fastener is configured to connect to said right sole in a sandal mode, and wherein said left foot fastener is further configured to connect to said left sole in a flip-flop mode forming a toe thong, and said right foot fastener is further configured to connect to said right sole in said flip-flop mode forming a toe thong.

2. The pair of shoes according to claim 1, wherein said at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole, said at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole, said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said left foot fastener, and said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said right foot fastener comprise Velcro?.

3. The pair of shoes according to claim 2, wherein said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said left foot fastener and said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said right foot fastener are Velcro? hooks, and wherein said at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole and said at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole are Velcro? loops.

4. The pair of shoes according to claim 1, wherein said at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole, said at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole, said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said left foot fastener, and said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said right foot fastener comprise magnets.

5. The pair of shoes according to claim 1, wherein said at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole comprise 7 sole connectors, said at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole comprise 7 sole connectors, said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said left foot fastener comprise 4 foot fasteners connectors, and said at least 3 foot fasteners connectors on said right foot fastener comprise 4 foot fasteners connectors.

6. The pair of shoes according to claim 1, further comprising: a left cover; and a right cover, wherein said left cover covers the left sole and said right cover covers the right sole.

7. The pair of shoes according to claim 6, wherein the left cover comprises at least one slit that covers at least one sole connector of said at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole, and the right cover comprises at least one slit that covers at least one sole connector of said at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole.

8. The pair of shoes according to claim 7 wherein said at least one slit that covers at least one sole connector of said at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole, and/or said at least one slit that covers at least one sole connector of said at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole is in the shape of an X.

9. The pair of shoes according to claim 6, wherein the left cover comprises one slit that covers one sole connector of each of said at least 6 sole connectors on said left sole, and the right cover comprises one slit that covers one sole connector of each of said at least 6 sole connectors on said right sole.

10. The pair of shoes according to claim 1 wherein said left foot fastener and/or said right foot fastener comprises a shaping area configured to shape said left foot fastener and/or said a right foot fastener into said toe thong in said flip-flop mode.

11. The pair of shoes according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one slide connector, said at least one slide connector configured to change said left foot fastener and/or said right foot fastener from said flip-flop mode to said sandal mode.

12. A method for using a shoe comprising: providing a shoe comprising a sole, wherein at least 6 sole connectors are on the sole; connecting at least 3 foot fastener connectors on a foot fastener to at least 3 sole connectors, wherein said connecting causes the foot fastener to form a toe thong such that said shoe is in a flip-flop mode; and connecting said at least 3 foot fastener connectors on a foot fastener to another at least 3 sole connectors, wherein said connecting causes the foot fastener to place the shoe in a sandal mode.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said at least 3 foot fastener connectors comprise magnets.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein said at least 3 foot fastener connectors comprise Velcro?.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein connecting said at least 3 foot fastener connectors on said foot fastener comprises connecting said at least 3 foot fastener connectors on said foot fastener through a slit in a cover that covers said at least 3 sole connectors and/or said another at least 3 sole connectors.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the foot fastener has a length, and the method further comprises: adjusting the length of the foot fastener.

17. A shoe comprising: a sole, 6 sole connectors positioned on said sole, a cover positioned over said sole and said 6 sole connectors, said cover including 6 slits, each slit of the 6 slits disposed over each sole connector of said 6 sole connectors, a foot fastener, said foot fastener comprising a shaping area configured to shape said foot fastener into a toe thong when the shoe is in a flip-flop mode. 3 foot fasteners connectors on said foot fastener; wherein said foot fastener is configured to connect to said sole in a sandal mode, and wherein said foot fastener is further configured to connect to said sole in said flip-flop mode forming the toe thong.

18. The shoe according to claim 17, wherein the 6 sole connectors comprise Velcro? loops and the 3 foot fasteners connectors comprise Velcro? hooks.

19. The shoe according to claim 17, wherein the foot fastener is made from an elastic material, and the positioning of said 6 sole connectors on said sole is such that the foot fastener stretches to accommodate a difference in lengths between when said shoe is in said sandal mode and when said shoe is in said flip-flop mode.

20. The shoe according to claim 17, wherein the foot fastener is made from an inelastic material, and the positioning of said 6 sole connectors on said sole is such that the foot fastener does not stretch between when said shoe is in said sandal mode and when said shoe is in said flip-flop mode.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is top view of a left sole disclosing an embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2 is top view of a right sole disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3A is top view of afoot fastener disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3B is top view of a foot fastener disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3C is top view of a foot fastener disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 4 is top view disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a top view disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6 is atop view of a foot fastener disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7A is top view of a cover disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7B is a partial view of a cover according to an embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a top view disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure in flip-flop mode.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a top view disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure in sandal mode.

[0031] FIG. 10A is atop view disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure using a slide feature.

[0032] FIG. 10B is a top view disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure using a slide feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description and the drawings illustrate specific embodiments sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method described. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, process and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions are generally optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others.

[0034] As shown in the attached figures, embodiments comprising a flip-flip shoe with a toe thong convert to a sandal shoe without a toe thong, and vice versa, are disclosed. An embodiment according to the present disclosure connects a foot fastener to a sole to allow a shoe to convert to flip-flop mode to allow the shoe to be used as a flip-flip. An embodiment according to the present disclosure connects a foot fastener to a sole to allow a shoe to convert to a sandal mode to allow shoe to be used as a sandal. The foot fastener can be connected to the sole using a variety of connection devices, including Velcro, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buckles, slides, zippers, buttons, clasps, eyelets, frog closures, pins, laces, loop fasteners, grommets, hook and eyes, and the like.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a left shoe of an embodiment disclosing sole 107. Sole 107 contains a plurality of sole connectors, such as circular Velcro? connectors. For example, sole 107 can have a plurality of Velcro? loop connectors including first sole connector 101, second sole connector 102, third sole connector 103, fourth sole connector 104, fifth sole connector 105, and sixth sole connector 106. Loop connectors are used for the sole connectors 101-106 in one embodiment, as the loop material is the soft side of hook-and-loop fasteners, and as the sole connectors are on the sole where a user places their foot and provide for user comfort.

[0036] Sole connectors 101-106 can be any number of connectors that enable a foot fastener to be connected to the sole, including between 3 and 12, between 5 and 8, between 6 and 8, more than 3, more than 6, and more than 8. As disclosed in the embodiment according to FIG. 1, six connectors are shown. The sole connectors placed in this embodiment structurally support the foot fastener connection to the sole. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, sole connectors 101 and 106 are on the fifth toe (pinky toe) side (left side); sole connectors 103, 104 and 105 are on the first toe (big toe) side (right side), and sole connector 102 is capable of allowing the foot fastener 311 (shown in FIG. 3A) to act as a toe thong 840 (shown in FIG. 8) between two adjacent toes, such as the first toe (big toe) and the second toe. Sole connectors 102, 105, and 106 are used when the shoe comprising sole 107 is in a flip-flop mode. Sole connectors 101, 103, and 104 are used when the shoe comprising sole 107 is in a sandal mode.

[0037] In embodiments, a distance between sole connectors 102 and 105 can be equal to a distance between sole connectors 102 and 106. In embodiments, a distance between sole connectors 101 and 103 can be equal to a distance between sole connectors 101 and 104. In embodiments, a distance between sole connectors 102 and 105, a distance between sole connectors 102 and 106, a distance between sole connectors 101 and 103, and a distance between sole connectors 101 and 104 can all be equal. In embodiments, a first distance between sole connectors 102 and 105 equals a first distance between sole connectors 102 and 106, and a second distance between sole connectors 101 and 103 equals a second distance between sole connectors 101 and 104, but the first distance does not equal the second distance.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a right shoe of an embodiment disclosing sole 207. Sole 207 contains a plurality of sole connection devices, such as circular Velcro? connectors. For example, sole 207 can have a plurality of Velcro? loop connectors including first sole connector 201, second sole connector 202, third sole connector 203, fourth sole connector 204, fifth sole connector 205, and sixth sole connector 206. Sole connectors 201-206 can be any number of sole connectors that enable a foot fastener to be connected to the sole, including between 3 and 12, between 5 and 8, between 6 and 8, more than 3, more than 6, and more than 8. As disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 2, six connectors are shown (although less sole connectors could be used if some of the sole connectors were used for both the flip-flop and sandal mode). The sole connectors placed in this embodiment structurally support the foot fastener connection to the sole.

[0039] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, sole connectors 201 and 206 are on the fifth toe (pinky toe) side (right side); sole connectors 203, 204 and 205 are on the first toe (big toe) side (left side), and sole connector 202 is capable of allowing the foot fastener 321 (shown in FIG. 3B) to act as a toe thong 840 (shown in FIG. 8) between two adjacent toes, such as the first toe (big toe) and the second toe. Sole connectors 202, 205, and 206 are used when the shoe comprising sole 207 is in a flip-flop mode. Sole connectors 201, 203, and 204 are used when the shoe comprising sole 207 is in a sandal mode.

[0040] In embodiments, a distance between sole connectors 202 and 205 can be equal to a distance between sole connectors 202 and 206. In embodiments, a distance between sole connectors 201 and 203 can be equal to a distance between sole connectors 201 and 204. In embodiments, a distance between sole connectors 202 and 205, a distance between sole connectors 202 and 206, a distance between sole connectors 201 and 203, and a distance between sole connectors 201 and 204 can all be equal. In embodiments, a first distance between sole connectors 202 and 205 equals a first distance between sole connectors 202 and 206, and a second distance between sole connectors 201 and 203 equals a second distance between sole connectors 201 and 204, but the first distance does not equal the second distance.

[0041] Shoes will generally be a pair of shoes that comprise a left shoe and a right shoe, with left and right shoes each having a sole and the sole connectors as described herein.

[0042] FIG. 3A is top view of a foot fastener. For a left shoe, foot fastener 311 can include a plurality of Velcro? hook connectors including first foot fastener connector 308, second foot fastener connector 309, and third foot fastener connector 310. The Velcro? hook connector side is, in one embodiment, on the foot fastener 311 as it is less in contact with a user's foot than the sole of the shoe. Foot fastener connectors 308-310 can be any number of foot fastener connectors that enable the (left) foot fastener 311 to be connected to the (left) sole 107, including 3 or more, between 3 and 4, between 3 and 5, between 4 and 6, more than 4, more than 5, and more than 6. As disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, 3 foot fastener connectors are shown. The ends of foot fastener 311 can be flat, rounded, curved, or the like. In embodiments, the foot fastener connectors 308 and 309 can be spaced equally as foot fastener connectors 309 and 310.

[0043] FIG. 3B is top view of a foot fastener. For a right shoe, foot fastener 321 can include a plurality of Velcro? hook connectors including first foot fastener connector 328, second foot fastener connector 329, and third foot fastener connector 330. Foot fastener connectors 328-330 can be any number of foot fastener connectors that enable the (right) foot fastener 321 to be connected to the (right) sole 207, including 3 or more, between 3 and 4, between 3 and 5, between 4 and 6, more than 4, more than 5, and more than 6. As disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, 3 foot fastener connectors are shown. The ends of foot fastener 321 can be flat, rounded, curved, or the like. In embodiments, the foot fastener connectors 328 and 329 can be spaced equally as foot fastener connectors 329 and 330.

[0044] FIG. 3C is top view of a foot fastener disclosing another embodiment according to the present disclosure. Shaping areas 350 and 351 are portions that have been incorporated into foot fastener 321 that help shape the foot fastener 321 into a toe thong. In one embodiment, shaping areas 350 and 351 are areas where portions of foot fastener 321 material have been removed. In another embodiment, shaping areas 350 and 351 can be a thinner material or different material that helps shape that portion of foot fastener 321 into the toe thong. The shaping areas 350 and 351 are shown to the same size and shape, however, it is not required that they be so. While the shaping areas, foot fastener connectors, and sole connectors are depicted in the aforementioned figures as being circular, embodiments according to the present disclosure can be of any geometry.

[0045] When it is desired to switch the shoe between a flip-flop mode and a sandal mode, foot fasteners 311, 321 can be removed from the respective soles 107, 207 and then placed into the desired configuration. For example, when desired to use the shoe in the flip-flop mode, (left) foot fastener 311 is connected to (left) sole 107 using a foot fastener connector 308 to sole connector 106; foot fastener connector 309 is connected to sole connector 102; and foot fastener connector 310 is connected to sole connector 105. The (right) foot fastener 321 is connected to (right) sole 207 using foot fastener connector 328 to sole connector 206; foot fastener connector 329 is connected to sole connector 202; and foot fastener connector 330 is connected to sole connector 205.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment using magnets instead of Velcro?. The magnets that maybe used may be neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, and/or ceramic/ferrite magnets. For example, a strontium ferrite (SrO.sub.6Fe.sub.2O.sub.3) magnet may be used. As shown in FIG. 4, a (left) shoe sole 407 comprising sole connectors 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, and 406 may be magnets. In one embodiment, these magnets are each north poles of the magnets. However, in another embodiment they may be each be south poles of the magnets. However, the polarity of the magnets for the sole connector is to be the opposite polarity of the magnets on the foot fasteners. These sole connectors also correspond to the locations shown in FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 5 also shows an embodiment using magnets instead of Velcro?. The magnets that maybe used may be neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, and ceramic/ferrite magnets. For example, a strontium ferrite (SrO.sub.6Fe.sub.2O.sub.3) magnet may be used. As shown in FIG. 5, a (right) shoe sole 507 comprising sole connectors 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 506 may be magnets. In one embodiment, these magnets are each north poles of the magnets. However, in another embodiment they may be each be south poles of the magnets. However, the polarity of the magnets for the sole connector is to be the opposite polarity of the magnets on the foot fasteners. These sole connectors also correspond to the locations shown in FIG. 2.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a foot fastener 612 using magnets. If north poles of the magnets are used on the sole, then foot fastener 612 uses south poles of the magnets. If south poles of the magnets are used on the sole, then foot fastener 612 uses the north poles of the magnets. In one preferred embodiment, the soles 402, 502 uses north poles of the magnets and the foot fastener 612 uses south poles of the magnets. Foot fastener 612 uses foot fastener connects 608, 609, and 610. These foot fasteners also correspond to the locations as shown in FIG. 3. Foot fastener 612 may be used in conjunction with the (left) shoe sole 407 or the (right) shoe sole 507 as long as the complementary poles of the magnets are properly selected.

[0049] Foot fasteners can be constructed from an elastic material or inelastic material. In embodiments where the sole connectors are positioned such that the first distance between sole connectors 202 and 205 equals the first distance between sole connectors 202 and 206, and the second distance between sole connectors 201 and 203 equals the second distance between sole connectors 201 and 204, but the first distance does not equal the second distance, foot fasteners constructed from an elastic material are preferred. In this manner, the foot fastener can stretch to accommodate the differences in length between when a shoe is in the sandal mode and when the shoe is in the flip-flop mode. In embodiments where the sole connectors are positioned such that the distance between sole connectors 202 and 205, the distance between sole connectors 202 and 206, the distance between sole connectors 201 and 203, and the distance between sole connectors 201 and 204 are all equal, foot fasteners constructed from an inelastic material can be used. In this manner, the foot fastener does not need to stretch to accommodate the same lengths between when a shoe is in the sandal mode and when the shoe is in the flip-flop mode.

[0050] In general, foot fasteners can be constructed of elastic bands, textile material, plastic, nylon, polyester, leather, woven material, non-woven material, and the like. While the aforementioned distances are described in terms of the right shoe and right sole, the foot fasteners embodiments apply similarly to the left shoe and the left sole. While the aforementioned sole connectors are described with regards to FIG. 2, the sole connectors positioning on the sole applies similarly to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 8, and 9.

[0051] FIG. 7A shows a cover 712. Cover 712 covers sole 707 such as to hide the sole connectors 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706. Cover 712 can be configured to be either a left cover for the left sole or right cover for the right sole. When it is desired to connect a foot fastener to sole 707, slits 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, and 746 in the cover 712 allows access to sole connectors 701, 702, 703, 705, 705, and 706. The slits can be a hole or cut that allows access to the sole connectors, but also covers the sole connectors when not in use. Thus, when desired to connect foot fasteners to sole connectors, the slits are opened and provide access to the sole connectors. Slits 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, and 746 can be selected to be the same number as there are sole connectors. Slits 741, 742, 743, 744, 745, and 746 can be in the shape of an X, a single cut, a star, two crossing cuts, a circle, a triangle, a hexagon, a square, an oval, and the like.

[0052] FIG. 7B shows a partial view of the cover 712. For example, slit 741 in cover 712 allows access to sole connector 701, while keeping a user's foot from rubbing against the sole connector 701. This would apply similarly for slits 702-706, which cover sole connectors 742-746.

[0053] FIG. 8 is an embodiment showing shoe 807 in a flip-flop mode. Foot fastener 812, with foot fastener connectors 808, 809, and 810, are connected to sole connectors 805, 802, and 806, respectively. When in the flip-flop mode, a toe thong 840 is formed from foot fastener 812, which is capable of being between two adjacent toes, preferably the big toe and the second toe. To help facilitate toe thong 840, foot fastener 812 can include shaping areas 350 and 351 (as shown in FIG. 3C) to shape foot fastener 812 to better fit between the two adjacent toes and provide a wearer with more comfort. Sole connectors 801, 803, and 804 are not used when in the flip-flop mode. While a left shoe is shown, the right shoe would be the same, but reversed.

[0054] FIG. 9 is an embodiment showing shoe 907 in a sandal mode. Foot fastener 912, with foot fastener connectors 908, 909, and 910, are connected to sole connectors 903, 901, and 904, respectively. Sole connectors 902, 905, and 906 are not used when in a sandal mode. While a right shoe is shown in FIG. 9, the left shoe would be the same, but reversed. While in a sandal mode, foot fastener 912 does not form a toe thong.

[0055] For example, when desired to use the shoe in sandal mode, left foot fastener 311 is connected to sole 107 using foot fastener connector 308 to sole connector 101; foot fastener connector 309 to sole connector 103; and foot fastener connector 310 to sole connector 104. Right foot fastener 321 is connected to sole 207 using foot fastener connector 328 to sole connector 201; foot fastener connector 329 to sole connector 203; and foot fastener connector 330 to sole connector 204.

[0056] When desiring to switch to sandal mode, the foot fasteners 311, 321 can be removed and then connected to soles 107, 207 as shown in FIG. 9. When desiring to switch to flip-flop mode, the foot fasteners 311, 321 can be removed and then connected to soles 107, 207 as shown in FIG. 8.

[0057] FIG. 10A shows an embodiment according to the present disclosure using a slide feature showing a shoe 1007 in a flip-flop mode. Here, the slide connectors are in the position shown for the flip-flop mode. Toe slide path 1070 is where foot fastener 1021, which comprises a slide connector 1002, slides across the sole of shoe 1007. Once the slide connector is in a desired place, it can lock in such that it will not move without excessive force. Slide connector 1002 can be made of any suitable material such as plastic, rubber, metal, or the like. Slide connector 1005 slides along a right slide path 1072. Slide connector 1006 slides along a diagonal slide path 1071. By using the slide connectors, the shoe can be converted between a sandal mode and a flip-flip mode without having to remove foot fastener 1021. When desired to switch modes, the slide connectors can be moved to the alternative position, locking in place at their respective positions. For example, when switching from a flip-flop mode to a sandal mode, the slide connectors move from positions show in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B.

[0058] FIG. 10B shows an embodiment according to the present disclosure using the slide feature showing the shoe 1007 in a sandal mode. Here, the slide connectors are in the position shown for the sandal mode. Toe slide path 1070 is where foot fastener 1021, which comprises a slide connector 1002, slides across the sole of shoe 1007. Slide connector 1005 slides along right slide path 1072. Slide connector 1006 slide along diagonal slide path 1071.

[0059] Foot fastener 1021 can also be adjustable in length, using for example a buckle, Velcro?, cam buckle, D-rings, or the like. Foot fastener 1021 could also be made of an elastic material that allows it to stretch to different sizes. This can allow for different feet sizes to fit within the shoe. In one embodiment, foot fastener 1021 when used in flip-flop mode is half the size of foot fastener 1021 when used in sandal mode, and thus when used in flip-flop mode, the foot fastener 1021 is double backed.

[0060] Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. Similarly, elements located on the front, back, side, top, or bottom of an embodiment or implementation are to be understood as relatively positioned, unless otherwise specified. Other embodiments can be within the scope of the claims.

[0061] This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains. The foregoing description of specific embodiments reveals the general nature of the disclosure sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt the system and method for various applications without departing from the general concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. The phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.