Versatile Footwear Device

Abstract

A versatile footwear device is disclosed, which is a set of footwear that allows travelers to have three different types of footwear in the same item. The versatile footwear device comprises a thong sandal base component with a built-in snap or hook and loop fasteners that allow the users to convert the sandal base component to a shoe by attaching a covering. The shoe covering may be attached or detached as desired to provide the user with a versatile covering that transforms the sandals into open-backed or closed-back footwear. The coverings can be available in virtually any type of color, style, and design.

Claims

1. A versatile footwear device that provides a user with footwear that can be transformed, the versatile footwear device comprising: a thong sandal base component; and a shoe covering; wherein the shoe covering is secured to the thong sandal base component via a plurality of built-in fasteners; and further wherein the shoe covering is attached or detached as desired to provide a user with versatile footwear.

2. The versatile footwear device of claim 1, wherein the shoe covering can be formed from a single panel or a number of discrete panels which can be folded, secured together, or otherwise manipulated to form a shoe.

3. The versatile footwear device of claim 2, wherein the thong sandal base component includes an outer sole and a set of straps.

4. The versatile footwear device of claim 3, wherein the outer sole includes a lower surface having a textured surface to provide traction for the user.

5. The versatile footwear device of claim 4, wherein extending upward from the outer sole is a perimeter wall.

6. The versatile footwear device of claim 5, wherein a plurality of built-in fasteners are positioned around the entire perimeter wall.

7. The versatile footwear device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of built-in fasteners include snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers and adhesives.

8. The versatile footwear device of claim 7, wherein a midsole is disposed within the outer sole.

9. The versatile footwear device of claim 8, wherein the midsole provides cushioning for a user's foot.

10. The versatile footwear device of claim 9, wherein the set of straps is then secured to the midsole in a V configuration, to be positioned over top a user's foot.

11. The versatile footwear device of claim 10, wherein the shoe covering is applied over the set of straps to create the versatile footwear.

12. The versatile footwear device of claim 11, wherein the shoe covering comprises a plurality of fasteners that mate with the plurality of built-in fasteners of the perimeter wall, to secure the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component.

13. The versatile footwear device of claim 12, wherein the shoe covering includes a toe box vamp and a middle portion, with an open heel area.

14. The versatile footwear device of claim 12, wherein the shoe covering includes a toe box vamp, a middle portion, and a heel portion.

15. A versatile footwear device that provides a user with footwear that can be transformed, the versatile footwear device comprising: a thong sandal base component comprising an outer sole, a midsole, and a set of straps; and a shoe covering formed from a single panel or a number of discrete panels which can be folded, secured together, or otherwise manipulated to form a shoe; wherein extending upward from the outer sole is a perimeter wall having a plurality of built-in fasteners; wherein the shoe covering is secured to the thong sandal base component over the set of straps via the plurality of built-in fasteners; wherein the shoe covering comprises a plurality of fasteners that mate with the plurality of built-in fasteners of the perimeter wall, to secure the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component; wherein the shoe covering includes a toe box vamp and a middle portion, with an optional heel portion; and further wherein the shoe covering is attached or detached as desired to provide a user with versatile footwear.

16. The versatile footwear device of claim 15, wherein the heel portion comprises a collar that can have any desired height.

17. The versatile footwear device of claim 15, wherein the toe box vamp, middle portion, and the heel portion can be one or two, or more, distinct panels of material that are manufactured of same material or certain portions can be manufactured of different materials.

18. The versatile footwear device of claim 15, wherein the shoe covering is available in a variety of different colors, styles, and designs.

19. The versatile footwear device of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of converting sandals to full footwear, the method comprising the following steps: providing a versatile footwear device comprising a thong sandal base component with built-in fasteners; wearing the thong sandal base component as a conventional pair of sandals; fastening the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component and to the heel area via the built-in fasteners; fastening the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component and allowing an open heel area; and wearing the thong sandal base component and the attached shoe covering as a conventional pair of shoes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the versatile footwear device of the present invention showing the shoe covering added over the footwear and heel area in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the versatile footwear device of the present invention showing the shoe covering added over just the footwear, with the heel open in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the versatile footwear device of the present invention showing the thong sandal base component in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the versatile footwear device of the present invention showing the device in different designs and colors in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the versatile footwear device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of converting sandals to full footwear in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] 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.

[0032] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a versatile footwear device that provides users with a unique and versatile footwear that can transform from thong-style sandals to full footwear. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a versatile footwear device that features built-in snaps, zippers, or hook and loop fasteners that firmly secure the chosen covering to the sandal. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a versatile footwear device that allows users to attach the covering over the top of the sandal and on the back to convert it into two different types of footwear. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that enables people to wear sandals to keep their feet cool or warm up their feet with the coverings when desired. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a versatile footwear device that includes several different colors, styles, and designs for the coverings to customize the look of the footwear. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a versatile footwear device that allows travelers to have three different types of footwear in the same item.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel versatile footwear device. The versatile footwear device comprises a thong sandal base component with a built-in snap or hook and loop fasteners that allow the users to convert the sandal base component to a shoe by attaching a shoe covering. The shoe covering may be attached or detached as desired to provide the user with a versatile covering that transforms the sandals into open-backed or closed-back footwear. The sides, front, and back of the sandals can be manufactured with built-in snaps, zippers, or hook and loop fasteners around the perimeter. The tops and back of the shoes are made with snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or zippers and can be easily attached to the sandals as the fasteners secure seamlessly. The present invention also includes a novel method of converting sandals to full footwear. The method includes the steps of providing a versatile footwear device comprising a thong sandal base component with built-in fasteners. The method also comprises wearing the thong sandal base component as a conventional pair of sandals. Further, the method comprises fastening the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component and to the heel area via the built-in fasteners. The method also comprises fastening the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component and allowing an open heel area. Finally, the method comprises wearing the thong sandal base component and the attached shoe covering as a conventional pair of shoes.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the versatile footwear device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the versatile footwear device 100 is an improved versatile footwear device 100 that provides a user with footwear that can be transformed. Specifically, the versatile footwear device 100 comprises a thong sandal base component 102 with built-in fasteners 106 that allow the users 108 to convert the sandal base component 102 to a shoe configuration 110 by attaching a shoe covering 104. The shoe covering 104 may be attached or detached as desired to provide the user 108 with a versatile covering 104 that transforms the sandals 102 into open-backed or closed-back footwear.

[0035] Generally, the versatile footwear device 100 provides users 108 with unique and versatile footwear that can transform from thong-style sandals to full footwear. The device 100 enables people to wear sandals to keep their feet cool or warm up their feet with the coverings when desired. Thus, the versatile footwear device 100 allows users 108 to have three different types of footwear in the same item.

[0036] Furthermore, the versatile footwear device 100 provides footwear having an outer sole 112 which makes contact with the ground or other surfaces, an inner midsole 114, and an upper textile portion (i.e., shoe covering 104). The shoe covering 104 can be formed from a single panel or a number of discrete panels which can be folded, secured together, or otherwise manipulated, to permit the shoe 110 to be reconfigured into a variety of discrete configurations. Advantageously, the various flexible materials used, in conjunction with a removable outer sole 112, allow for a single shoe to be modified into various configurations.

[0037] Additionally, the versatile footwear device 100 comprises a thong sandal base component 102. While reference is made to one of the left and right shoes of the pair of thong sandal base components 102, the following disclosure is relevant to both the left and right shoe. In general, the thong sandal base component 102 can include an outer sole 112 and a set of straps 116. As shown, the outer sole 112 includes a lower surface 118 having a textured surface, not shown, which can provide added traction for the user 108 of the device 100 on a variety of floor types. The outer sole 112 can have a generally foot shape which can be manufactured in a variety of standard shoe sizes. The outer sole 112 can be manufactured from any material, including rubber, foam, rigid or flexible plastics, other polymers, or any suitable material. Extending upward from the outer sole 112 is a perimeter wall 120. A plurality of built-in fasteners 106 are positioned around the entire perimeter wall 120 (i.e., the sides, front, and back of the sandal). The fasteners 106 can include snaps, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, adhesives, etc., or any other suitable fasteners as is known in the art.

[0038] Further, a midsole 114 is disposed within the outer sole 112. The midsole 114 can be made of foam or other materials which can provide cushioning. The midsole 114 can generally be foot shaped to match the outer sole 112. The midsole 114 can provide the user 108 with added cushioning when received within the outer sole 112. Further, the set of straps 116 is then secured to the midsole 114 via glue, adhesives, etc. The set of straps 116 are secured in a V configuration, to be positioned over top a user's foot, as a conventional thong-style sandal.

[0039] Additionally, a shoe covering 104 is applied over the set of straps 116 to create the upper of the shoe 110. The shoe covering 104 comprises a plurality of fasteners 106 that mate with the fasteners 106 of the perimeter 120, to secure the shoe covering 104 to the thong sandal base component 102. The fasteners 106 can include snaps, hook and loop fasteners zippers, adhesives, etc., or any other suitable fasteners as is known in the art. The shoe covering 104 is a single panel of textiles or a plurality of panels of textiles secured together to create the upper of the shoe 110 which can, in various configurations, retain the shoe 110 on the foot of a wearer. The panel or plurality of panels can all be made of a single material or a plurality of materials. For example, the panel or panels can be made of mesh, textile, cotton, synthetic materials, foam, leather, or other similar materials. The upper that is formed from the shoe covering 104 can include a toe box vamp 122 and a middle portion 124, with an open heel area. This allows the user 108 to slide their foot easily into and out of the shoe covering 104, to create a slide on clogor sandal configuration.

[0040] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the shoe covering 104 includes a toe box vamp 122, a middle portion 124, and a heel portion 126. The toe box vamp 122 can have a generally dome shape when in the shoe configuration 110. The heel portion 126 provides structure and strength to the back part of the shoe to help the footwear maintain its shape. In this embodiment, this configuration of the shoe 110 can be similar to the above shoe configuration, except for the heel portion 126. For example, the heel portion 126 can be a distinct portion of material from the shoe upper. The heel portion 126 can be attached to the outer sole 112. Further, the heel portion 126 comprises a collar 128 that can have any desired height. For example, the collar 128 can extend upward from the heel portion 126 to create a shoe like configuration 110. Alternatively, the collar 128 can be a relatively short ankleheight size.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the toe box vamp 122, middle portion 124, and the heel portion 126 can be one or two, or more, distinct panels of material. These panels of material can be manufactured of the same material or certain portions can be manufactured of different materials. For example, the middle portion 124 can be manufactured from a foam and the heel portion 126 can be manufactured from a flexible material. In a further alternative, the middle portion 124 and the heel portion 126 can be manufactured from a more rigid material such as foam, or a flexible textile.

[0042] Furthermore, the versatile footwear device 100 is available in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the versatile footwear device 100 is available in a variety of different colors, styles, and designs. Generally, the shoe covering 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 purposes of the present invention, references to ornamentation or ornamental elements refers to any and all visible characteristics of the shoe covering 104 discussed herein. These terms may refer to the color, texture, pattern, decoration, or design of the shoe covering 104. Also included are physically separate elements, such as beads, stones, buttons, feathers, fur, etc., which may be attached to the shoe covering 104. Ornamentation includes any combination of such characteristics or elements.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, In operation, for conversion to the shoe configuration 110, the user 108 fastens a shoe covering 104 to the thong sandal base component 102. Then, for conversion to a sandal configuration, the user 108 undoes the fasteners 106 and removes the shoe covering 104, exposing the thong sandal base component 102. Thus, the shoe covering 104 may be attached or detached as desired to provide the wearer with a versatile covering that transforms the thong sandal base component 102 into open-backed or closed-back footwear.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, the versatile footwear device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 500. The thong sandal base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the thong sandal base component 102, or any other indicia 500 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 500 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 sandal, shoe, or brand related.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of converting sandals to full footwear. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a versatile footwear device comprising a thong sandal base component with built-in fasteners. The method also comprises at 602, wearing the thong sandal base component as a conventional pair of sandals. Further, the method comprises at 604, fastening the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component and to the heel area via the built-in fasteners. The method also comprises at 606, fastening the shoe covering to the thong sandal base component and allowing an open heel area. Finally, the method comprises at 608, wearing the thong sandal base component and the attached shoe covering as a conventional pair of shoes.

[0046] 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 versatile footwear device, footwear device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the versatile footwear device 100 of the present invention.

[0047] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the versatile footwear 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 versatile footwear device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the versatile footwear device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the versatile footwear device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the versatile footwear device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.