INTERCHANGEABLE SHOES AND DECORATIONS

A shoe and a shoe system for providing a plethora of distinct looks. The shoe and shoe system include features that accommodate a plurality of interchangeable components and a plurality of accessories. Each interchangeable component and each accessory are compatible with each shoe in the shoe system.

BACKGROUND

A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot when making contact with the ground. Shoes are also used as a fashion article. Fashion has often dictated many shoe design elements, such as types of materials, colors, heel heights, and flexibility.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes a concept where one shoe can provide endless possibilities and limitless styles to accommodate varying fashion trends and preferences. The disclosure provides consumers with many style choices without purchasing multiple pairs of shoes. The present disclosure seeks to help eliminate fashion waste and be the leading source for sustainable and interchangeable shoes. In addition, the shoe concepts described herein provide a versatile, affordable, personalized with multiple looks making it easier to travel and satisfy every occasion without compromising style.

The interchangeable shoe designs described herein satisfy the market needs and contribute positively to the global fashion waste crisis that is the second largest waste pollution contributor in the world. Fast fashion was all the rage in years past, but now the regret and waste has taken a toll. In today's fashion world, shoes need to serve a variety of personalized looks. Consumers still want multiple fashion looks yet many cannot afford to buy higher quality shoes for each desired look. These eco-friendly consumers are searching for a multi-use shoe.

It is evident that consumers want fashionable designs that reflect individualism, convenience when traveling, eco-friendly and comfortable materials, and an array of accessories that provide an endless number of options and fashion looks, easily changeable looks with the accessories, and multi-use styles. To achieve these desires, personalized, made-to-order shoes with interchangeable components for multiple looks are disclosed herein. One pair, endless possibilities providing imaginative solutions to celebrate personal brands and raise women up.

The present disclosure presents interchangeable built-in shoe components across multiple styles of shoes. The styles of shoes include, but are not limited to boots, pumps, sandals, ballet flats, sneakers, and the like. Each pair of shoes includes a base style and an interchangeable top or upper portion that has the ability to be varied to achieve many different looks. Each pair of shoes is offered in a variety of sizes, heel heights, heel styles, colors and patterns, and each has a removable, interchangeable top or upper portion or decorative straps with built-in accessories that can be easily changed between the different shoe bases and across styles.

Other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in the figures, a particular shoe style is shown. For example,FIGS.1-6and37-39illustrate a boot style shoe,FIGS.7-15illustrate a sneaker style shoe,FIGS.16-20and34-36illustrate a sandal style shoe,FIGS.21-26and31-33illustrate a pump style shoe, andFIGS.27-29illustrate a ballet lift style shoe. Although not specifically illustrated, additional shoe styles are also contemplated.

In general, a shoe includes a sole, an upper, and a heel. The sole typically includes an insole and an outsole. The sole may include a midsole. The insole of the shoe is the first layer of the sole. It is directly beneath the foot and is attached to the upper of the shoe. The insole is usually contoured and structured to cradle the foot. The insole may include a shock-absorbing material like ethylene vinyl acetate. The insole may include an anti-microbial additive to reduce the possibility of bacterial growth and shoe smell. The insole positions and cradles the foot in the shoe. Shoe soles may be of a simple, one-layer type or may be constructed using multiple layers. They are made from various materials like natural rubber, leather, polyurethane and PVC compounds.

A midsole is an optional layer positioned between the insole and the outsole of the shoe. It is utilized for better shock absorption and cushioning of the shoe. The midsole is typically padded with extra support under the heel portion of the shoe where the applied pressure is at a maximum.

The outsole of the shoe is the outermost layer of the sole and comes in contact directly with the ground. The outsole can be one continuous piece or made from an assembly of various parts. An outsole may comprise a waterproof, tough, and appealing material, and provides enough friction between the shoe and the ground. The outsole may include grooves or other patterns to enhance the friction with the ground for better traction.

The shoe upper is connected to the sole and is the part of the shoe covering the foot. The upper may comprise leather, fabric, synthetic materials, recycled, eco-friendly materials including knit, recycled rubber, vegan leathers, etc., or a combination thereof. The upper includes the vamp, tongue and eyelets, throat, puff, quarters and linings.

The heel is at the rear of the shoe, at the bottom, and positioned below the heel of the foot when in the shoe. The heel functions to support and/or raise the rear part of the shoe. The height of the heel may vary from a few millimeters to several inches (e.g., 0.25″-6″) and vary in width and shape. The heel may comprise leather, plastic, rubber, metal, or synthetic materials as described above.

FIGS.1-6illustrate a boot10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The boot10includes a sole14, an upper18, and a heel22. The boot10further includes a shaft26extending from the upper18and the heel22. The shaft26is generally the portion that rises over the ankle of the foot and can vary in height. In one example, the shaft can rise to extend over the knee.

As shown in the figures, the boot10can include a loop30positioned at a top portion34of the shaft26and at the rear or heel22. In other embodiments, the loop30can be positioned at a front portion of the shaft26or at a left side or right side of the shaft26. In alternative embodiments, the boot10can include more than one loop30that may be positioned circumferentially around the top portion34of the shaft26. A circumference of the one or more loops30can vary or they may all be the same circumference. The loop30can be stitched with the fabric of the shaft26. The loop30may comprise a material that matches a material of the shaft26or may comprise an entirely different material.

With continued reference toFIGS.1-6, the boot10includes an interchangeable component38at an upper portion42of the shaft26. The interchangeable component38can range in height between 0.25″-48″. The shaft26and the interchangeable component38include a coupling mechanism46that allows the interchangeable component38to be removed from the shaft26. The interchangeable component38can be added to another shoe having a different style, such as the sneaker illustrated inFIGS.7-15or the sandal illustrated inFIGS.16-20, or the pump illustrated inFIGS.21-26. In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism46, as illustrated, is a zipper that extends circumferentially around the shaft26. Alternative coupling mechanisms46include hook and loop, magnets, buttons, snaps, and the like. At least a portion of the coupling mechanism46is sewn or otherwise securely attached to the boot10.

With reference toFIGS.1and4, the boot10can include different fashionable looks by exchanging the interchangeable component38. By way of example, the interchangeable component38illustrated inFIG.1can be unzipped from the coupling mechanism46and swapped for a different interchangeable component38with a fur-like appearance that is zipped onto the coupling mechanism46to give the boot10a different fashionable look. Other interchangeable components38may include feathers, ribbons, flowers, bows, rhinestones, metal links, studs, pom poms, stripes, metallics, fruit, and the like.

FIGS.37-39illustrate a boot10′ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The boot10′ includes a sole14′, an upper18′, and a heel22′. The boot10′ further includes a shaft26′ extending from the upper18′ and the heel22′. The shaft26′ is generally the portion that rises over the ankle of the foot and can vary in height. In one example, the shaft26′ can rise to extend over the knee.

As shown, the boot10′ can include a loop30′ positioned at a top portion34′ of the shaft26′ and at the rear or heel22′. In other embodiments, the loop30′ can be positioned at a front portion of the shaft26′ or at a left side or right side of the shaft26′. In alternative embodiments, the boot10′ can include more than one loop30′ that may be positioned circumferentially around the top portion34′ of the shaft26′. A circumference of the one or more loops30′ can vary or they may all be the same circumference. The loop30′ can be stitched with the fabric of the shaft26′. The loop30′ may comprise a material that matches a material of the shaft26′ or may comprise an entirely different material.

With continued reference toFIGS.37-39, the boot10′ includes a removable strap54. The strap54extends circumferentially around the upper portion42′ of the shaft26′ and loops through the loop30′ and a first aperture58and a second aperture62. The first aperture58and the second aperture62are adjacent to each other and positioned in the front of the shaft26′. The first aperture58and the second aperture62may be positioned anywhere (e.g., on the sides of the boot10′) along the upper portion42′ of the shaft26′. Additionally, the boot10′ may include a plurality of first apertures58and second apertures62. These apertures58and62may also be included in the sneaker (described below), or other shoe style that includes a higher upper. The strap54includes a buckle that enables the strap to be removed from the boot10′. The strap54includes a height between about 0.25″ to 1.0″. In other constructions, the strap54may include a height that is greater than 1.0″.

The strap54can receive various accessories66to provide different fashionable looks. For example, some of the accessories66are shown inFIGS.30A-D. Additional accessories66are unlimited to keep up with fashion trends. Each of the accessories66includes a three-part attachment system so that each accessory can attach to each part of every style of shoe. The three-part attachment system includes a loop70in the middle of each accessory66configured to receive a strap, ribbon, laces, and the like, that is able to be pulled through the loop70and attach to the shoe where the user desires. In addition, the accessory66has an additional two loops/two additional open/close securing mechanisms (e.g., magnets (or snaps, hook and loop, zippers, clips, and the like) that open and close around other straps and areas of the variety of styled shoes. By way of example,FIGS.30B and30Cillustrate an accessory66in the form of a bow that can removably couple to a strap54and be moved along the strap54and positioned as desired. The accessory66inFIG.30Bincludes a loop70and two additional loops, one to the left and one to the right of the loop70to receive the strap54. The accessory66inFIG.30Cincludes a loop70and two additional open/close loops that couple together with magnets72to receive the strap54.FIG.30Dillustrates an accessory66in the form of a flower that can removably couple to a strap54and be moved along the strap54and positioned as desired. The accessory66inFIG.30Dincludes a loop70and two clips76, one to the left and one to the right of the loop70to clip onto the strap54. The clips76may be oriented in any direction to secure the accessory66to the strap54.

Like the boot10illustrated inFIGS.1-6, the boot10′ can include different fashionable looks by exchanging the accessories66coupled to the strap54. Additionally, the strap54can be interchangeable to include different looks (e.g., different fabrics, colors, textures, and the like). The strap54can also accommodate charms that are removably coupled to the strap54or the loop30′.

FIGS.7-15illustrate a sneaker70according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sneaker70includes a sole74, an upper78, and a heel82. The sole74includes a thickness that can range between 0.25″-3″. In one construction, the thickness of the sole74ranges between 0.5″-2″. In another construction, the thickness of the sole74ranges between 1″-1.5″. As is apparent inFIGS.11-12, the thickness of the sole74can vary along its length or width to accommodate contouring and attachment to the upper78. For example, the thickness (e.g., vertical height) at the outer portion of the sole74is greater than the thickness in the middle of the sole74. In one construction, as illustrated inFIGS.7-9and13-15, the sole74includes a heel portion106, a toe portion110, and a middle portion114that is contoured. The middle portion114includes a smaller width than the heel portion106and the toe portion110and connects the heel portion106and the toe portion110by a small strip118of sole material.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.10, the sole74includes a split-sole having a heel portion106and a toe portion110. The heel portion106and the toe portion110are completely separate from one another and only coupled with the fabric upper78.

The sneaker70can include a primary loop94positioned at a top portion98of the upper78and at the rear or heel82. In other embodiments, the primary loop94can be positioned at a front portion of the upper78or at a left side or right side of the upper78. In alternative embodiments, the sneaker70can include more than one primary loop94that may be positioned circumferentially around the top portion98of the upper78. A circumference of the one or more primary loops94can vary or they may all be the same circumference. The primary loop94can be stitched with the fabric of the upper78. The primary loop94may comprise a material that matches a material of the upper78or may comprise an entirely different material.

The sneaker70can include one or more secondary loops102on an exterior surface of the shoe. One or more secondary loops102can be coupled (e.g., stitched) to the sole74and/or the upper78. The secondary loop(s)102can comprise ribbon or other suitable fabric of relevant width dimensions (e.g., 0.25″-2″). The secondary loop(s)102can include a height from a connection point on the shoe to its peak of about 0.10″-3″. In another construction, the secondary loop(s)102can have a height of about 0.25″-1″.

With reference toFIGS.7-8and14-15, the sneaker70includes an interchangeable component122at the top portion98of the upper78. The interchangeable component122can range in height between 0.25″-48″. The top portion98of the upper78and the interchangeable component122include a coupling mechanism126that allows the interchangeable component122to be removed from the upper78. The interchangeable component122can be added to another shoe having a different style, such as the boot10illustrated inFIGS.1-6, or the sandal illustrated inFIGS.16-20, or the pump illustrated inFIGS.21-26. In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism126, as illustrated, is a zipper that extends circumferentially around the top portion98of the upper78. Alternative coupling mechanisms126include hook and loop, buttons, snaps, and the like. At least a portion of the coupling mechanism126is sewn or otherwise securely attached to the upper78of the sneaker70.

With continued reference toFIGS.7-8and14-15, the sneaker70can include different fashionable looks by exchanging the interchangeable component122. By way of example, the interchangeable component122illustrated inFIG.15can be unzipped from the coupling mechanism126and swapped for a different interchangeable component122with a fur-like appearance that is coupled to the coupling mechanism126to give the sneaker70a different fashionable look. Other interchangeable components122may include feathers, ribbons, flowers, bows, rhinestones, metal links, studs, pom poms, stripes, metallics, fruit, and the like. The sneaker70can also include a zipper130positioned on the upper78and oriented vertically at the side or rear of the upper78to allow for ease of access into the shoe.

FIGS.16-19illustrate a sandal150according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sandal150includes a sole154, an upper158, and a heel162. As shown, the sandal150can include a loop166positioned at a top portion170of the upper158at the rear of the shoe. The loop166can be stitched with the fabric of the upper158. The loop166may comprise a material that matches a material of the upper158or may comprise an entirely different material.

With continued reference toFIGS.16-19, the sandal150includes a removable strap174. The strap174extends through the loop166. The strap174may include a buckle that enables the strap to be removed from the sandal150. The strap174includes a height between about 0.25″ to 1.0″. In other constructions, the strap174may include a height that is greater than 1.0″.

The strap174can receive various accessories66as described above and shown inFIGS.30A-30Dto provide different fashionable looks. The sandal150can include different fashionable looks by exchanging the accessories66coupled to the strap174. Additionally, the strap174can be interchangeable to include different looks (e.g., different fabrics, colors, textures, and the like). The strap174can also accommodate charms that are removably coupled to the strap174or the loop166. The strap174can be replaced with a ribbon182as illustrated inFIG.19. The ribbon182can wrap around a user's ankle and beneath the sandal and tied in a bow to be secured in position.

FIG.20illustrates a sandal150′ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sandal150′ includes a sole154′, an upper158′, and a heel162′. As shown, the sandal150′ can include a loop166′ positioned at a top portion170′ of the upper158′ at the rear of the shoe. The loop166′ can be stitched with the fabric of the upper158′. The loop166′ may comprise a material that matches a material of the upper158′ or may comprise an entirely different material.

The sandal150′ includes a removable strap174′. The strap174′ extends through the loop166′. The strap174′ may include a buckle that enables the strap to be removed from the sandal150′. The strap174′ includes a height between about 0.25″ to 1.0″. In other constructions, the strap174′ may include a height that is greater than 1.0″.

The strap174′ can include a coupling mechanism186to couple to an interchangeable component190(see122inFIG.15). The interchangeable component190can range in height between 0.25″-48″. The interchangeable component190can be added to another shoe having a different style, such as the boot10illustrated inFIGS.1-6, or the sneaker illustrated inFIGS.7-15, or the pump illustrated inFIGS.21-26. In one embodiment, the coupling mechanism186, as illustrated, is a zipper that extends circumferentially around the strap174′. Alternative coupling mechanisms186include hook and loop, buttons, snaps, and the like.

With continued reference toFIG.20, the sandal150′ may also include a zipper194at a toe strap198that extends across the user's toe area. As illustrated, the zipper194is located at a pinky toe side of the toe strap198. The zipper location can vary and may be positioned in the middle or on the big toe side of the toe strap198. The zipper194can accommodate an interchangeable component and many variable attachments.

FIGS.34-36illustrate a sandal150″ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sandal150″ includes a sole154″, an upper158″, and a heel162″. As shown, the sandal150″ can include a loop166″ positioned at a top portion170″ of the upper158″ at the rear of the shoe. The loop166″ can be stitched with the fabric of the upper158″. The loop166″ may comprise a material that matches a material of the upper158″ or may comprise an entirely different material.

The sandal150″ includes a removable strap174″. The strap174″ extends through the loop166″. The strap174″ may include a buckle that enables the strap to be removed from the sandal150″. The strap174″ includes a height between about 0.25″ to 1.0″. In other constructions, the strap174″ may include a height that is greater than 1.0″.

The strap174″ can receive various accessories66as described above and shown inFIGS.30A-30Dto provide different fashionable looks. The sandal150″ can include different fashionable looks by exchanging the accessories66coupled to the strap174″. Additionally, the strap174″ can be interchangeable to include different looks (e.g., different fabrics, colors, textures, and the like). The strap174″ can also accommodate charms that are removably coupled to the strap174″ or the loop166″.

With continued reference toFIGS.34-36, the sandal150″ may also include a secondary strap202at a toe strap198′ that extends across the user's toe area. As illustrated, the secondary strap202extends across the toe strap198′. The secondary strap202is secured between the sole154″ and the toe strap198′ at each side of the shoe but is otherwise unsecured between the two side edges. The secondary strap202may be oriented as shown in the FIGS. or may be oriented at a diagonal across the toe strap198′. In other constructions, more than one secondary strap202may be utilized. As such, the secondary strap202can accommodate an interchangeable component and many variable attachments or accessories as described above.

FIGS.21-26illustrate a pump300according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The pump300includes a sole304, an upper308, and a heel312. As shown in the figures, the pump300can include a primary loop316positioned at a top portion318of the upper308and at the rear or heel312. The primary loop316can be stitched with the fabric of the upper308. The primary loop316may comprise a material that matches a material of the upper308or may comprise an entirely different material.

With continued reference toFIGS.21-26, the pump300can include one or more secondary loops320on an interior surface of the shoe. One or more secondary loops320can be coupled (e.g., stitched) to the sole304and/or the upper308. The secondary loop(s)320can comprise ribbon or other suitable fabric of relevant width dimensions (e.g., 0.25″-2″). The secondary loop(s)320can include a height from a connection point on the shoe to its peak of about 0.10″-3″. In another construction, the secondary loop(s)320can have a height of about 0.25″-1″.

With specific reference toFIG.26, the pump300includes a removable strap324(hidden under the fur). The strap324extends through the primary loop316. The strap324may include a buckle that enables the strap to be removed from the pump300. The strap324includes a height between about 0.25″ to 1.0″. In other constructions, the strap324may include a height that is greater than 1.0″. The strap324can receive various accessories66as described above and shown inFIGS.30A-30Dto provide different fashionable looks. The pump300can include different fashionable looks by exchanging the accessories66coupled to the strap324. Additionally, the strap324can be interchangeable to include different looks (e.g., different fabrics, colors, textures, and the like). The strap324can also accommodate charms that are removably coupled to the strap324or the primary loop316. The strap324can be replaced with a ribbon328as illustrated inFIG.21. The ribbon328can wrap around a user's ankle and through the secondary loops320and tied in a bow to be secured in position.

FIGS.31-33illustrate a pump300′ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Like the sandal150″ described above, the pump300′ may include a secondary strap332at a toe area of the upper308′. As illustrated, the secondary strap332extends across the toe area and is secured between the sole304′ and the upper308′ at each side of the shoe but is otherwise unsecured between the two side edges. The secondary strap332may be oriented as shown in the FIGS. or may be oriented at a diagonal across the toe area of the upper308′. As illustrated, two secondary straps332are shown, however, in other constructions, one secondary strap332may be utilized. As such, the secondary strap(s)332can accommodate an interchangeable component and many variable attachments or accessories as described above.

FIGS.27-29illustrate a ballet lift400according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ballet lift400includes a sole404, an upper408, and a heel412. As shown in the figures, the ballet lift400can include a primary loop416positioned at the rear or heel412. The primary loop416can be stitched with the fabric of the upper408. The primary loop416may comprise a material that matches a material of the upper408or may comprise an entirely different material.

With continued reference toFIGS.27-29, the ballet lift400can include one or more secondary loops420on an interior surface of the shoe. One or more secondary loops420can be coupled (e.g., stitched) to the sole404and/or the upper408. The secondary loop(s)420can comprise ribbon or other suitable fabric of relevant width dimensions (e.g., 0.25″-2″). The secondary loop(s)420can include a height from a connection point on the shoe to its peak of about 0.10″-3″. In another construction, the secondary loop(s)420can have a height of about 0.25″-1″.

With specific reference toFIG.29, the ballet lift400includes a ribbon424that can wrap around a user's ankle and through the secondary loops420and tied in a bow to be secured in position. Alternatively, the ballet lift400can include a removable strap as described above to accommodate various accessories66as described above and shown inFIGS.30A-30Dto provide different fashionable looks. The accessory66shown inFIG.29clips onto the upper408and secured in the desired position. In other constructions, the accessory66may include a magnet to attach to the upper408.

A shoe and a shoe system for providing a plethora of distinct looks is disclosed herein. The shoe and shoe system include features that accommodate a plurality of interchangeable components and a plurality of accessories. Each interchangeable component and each accessory is compatible with each shoe in the shoe system.

The interchangeable components as described herein are modular elements. The interchangeable component may be built as a top portion of the shoe and can interchange with top portions of other shoes. Tops of shoes include features and trims that accessorize and personalize each shoe to the individual's styles and desires for a variety of looks for different occasions and complementing outfits. Examples of interchangeable components include, but are not limited to: fur, feathers, ribbons, flowers, bows, rhinestones, metal links, studs, pom poms, stripes, metallics, fruit, and the like. Similarly, the sizes and styles of the interchangeable components shown in the drawings are not so limited, but may vary to accommodate alternative sizes and styles.

Each interchangeable component includes secured attachments, wherein each portion of the upper has inherent features built into the upper, or entire portions of the upper becomes a removable top that substantially constructed into the uppers primarily through horizontal zippers and loops (built in the back, sides inner and outer sole loops built into each design) that integrate the topping into the body of the shoe upper (zipped, hook and looped, snapped, magnetic or any attachment to top of shoe that goes around the ankle and is incorporated into the shoes design with removable interchangeable elements). Attachments are part of each shoe design and only fit on a particular line of shoes and interchange with each base style offered. The interchangeable component is a portion of the shoe that creates a modular component with secure fastening, not a loose accessory nor decorative elements that are permanent like most options on the market today.

As described herein, various styles of shoes can be mixed and matched with an endless variety of interchangeable components. This disclosure saves consumers money by providing multiple, interchangeable looks for each pair of shoes and helps to eliminate waste from over consumption by purchasing less pairs of shoes and inspires a slow fashion movement while still receiving all the quality and desired looks.