Abstract:
The sandal with interchangeable upper includes a sole portion and an instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is removably attached at first and second side edges adjacent the inner and outer edges of the sole portion, respectively. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is attached to the sole portion using at least one pair of side hooks. These side hooks are sized and shaped to removably engage a pair of hook engagers located in the sole portion. The hook engagers are moved from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position by at least one engager actuator. The side hooks and hook engagers may be vertically or horizontally oriented. An alternative instep enclosing has a toe-separating portion secured to the sides and front of the sole portion.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/000,979, filed Oct. 30, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of non-provisional application Ser. No. 09/605,418, filed Jun. 27, 2000. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to the field of shoes and foot coverings; more particularly, to sandals providing a unique system for interchanging the sandal uppers for models of diverse styles.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     As fashion trends change, versatility in wardrobe becomes more important. At the same time, many fashion-conscious individuals have relatively limited budgets. To address such contrasting needs, accessories that can be used for a variety of different “looks” or fashion statements become more desirable. A shoe or sandal that can accommodate a variety of uppers of different designs will appeal to the cost conscious buyer with an eye toward fashion. Toward this end, various designs for sandals and athletic shoes, and more particularly designs for shoe and sandal fastening and closure systems have been developed.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,866, issued to Prengler on Sep. 24, 1996, illustrates athletic footwear having a hinged rear entry and associated fastening system. U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,432 issued to Bunch et al. on Oct. 14, 1986 shows an athletic shoe with a lace closure disposed along the side of the shoe rather than in a central location. U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,497, issued to Ciudad on Mar. 14, 1989, describes a sport shoe incorporating a series of flexible strips on the vamp of the shoe connected together with elastic material, providing a lace-less entry system. U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,882, issued to Berger on Jan. 12, 1993 illustrates a shoe with a central fastener used to secure a rigid instep cover that is drawn to the shoe upper with a series of cables.  
         [0005]     In addition to these various closure mechanisms, a number of patents address methods for attaching the shoe upper to the sole. U.S. Pat. No. 2,444,640, issued to Epstein on Jul. 6, 1948, describes a zipper-type closure for attaching different toe enclosing portions of the upper to the sole. A similar system is used in U.S. Pat. No. 2,200,080, issued to Fein on May 7, 1940, to attach the entire upper to the sole of the shoe. U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,346, issued to Lockard et al. on Sep. 7, 1965, illustrates a groove and matching, sliding projection system for attaching the upper to the sole portion.  
         [0006]     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a sandal that is easily adjustable to the wearer&#39;s toes and instep. It is a further objective of the invention to provide a means for the wearer to quickly change the sandal upper as desired. It is yet a further objective of the invention to provide a sandal with a unique and attractive appearance. While the prior art shoes and sandals examined provide a variety of useful features, none answer the requirements of the present invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     (1) The sandal with interchangeable upper of the present invention incorporates a number of novel features which, taken together, address all of the objectives stated above. The sandal may be constructed from the following components. A sole portion is provided. The sole portion has a forward end, an after end, an inner edge, an outer edge, an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer perimeter. An instep enclosing section is provided. The instep enclosing section has a first side edge and a second side edge. The instep enclosing section is removably attached at the first and second side edges adjacent the inner and outer edges of the sole portion, respectively. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second instep enclosing section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section.  
         [0008]     (2) In a variant of the invention, at least one first side hook is provided. The first side hook is attached adjacent the first side edge of the instep enclosing section. At least one second side hook is provided. The second side hook is attached adjacent the second side edge of the instep enclosing section. A first hook engager is provided. The first hook engager is attached adjacent the inner edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one first side hook. A second hook engager is provided. The second hook engager is attached adjacent the outer edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one second side hook. At least one engager actuator is provided. The engager actuator is attached to at least one of the first and second hook engagers. The actuator moves the engagers from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position and is operable from at least one point on the outer perimeter of the sole portion. A return mechanism is provided. The return mechanism urges the first and second hook engagers from the second position to the first position.  
         [0009]     (3) In another variant, the instep enclosing section further includes a first side section. The first side section includes the first side edge, a first connecting portion extending outwardly from the first side edge to a first end and a first connector spaced inwardly from the first end. A second side section is provided. The second side section includes the second side edge, a second connecting portion extending outwardly from the second side edge to a second end and a mating second connector spaced inwardly from the second end. When the first connector is attached to the second, mating connector, the sandal is adjusted to a foot of a wearer.  
         [0010]     (4) In still another variant, the sole portion further includes first and second side pockets. The side pockets are sized, shaped and disposed to receive the first and second hook engagers, respectively. At least one engager actuator channel is provided. The channel is sized, shaped and disposed to receive the engager actuator. A foot pad is provided. The foot pad attaches to the upper surface of the sole portion, is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter of the sole portion and to enclose the first and second side pockets and the engager actuator channel. When the foot pad is attached to the sole portion, the first and second hook engagers and the engager actuator will be protected from dirt and debris.  
         [0011]     (5) In yet another variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented parallel to a plane of the sole portion.  
         [0012]     (6) In a further variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented orthogonally to a plane of the sole portion.  
         [0013]     (7) In still a further variant, one engager actuator is connected to each of the first and second hook engagers.  
         [0014]     (8) In another variant of the invention, one engager actuator is connected to the first hook engager and the second hook engager.  
         [0015]     (9) In still another variant, the engager actuator terminates in either of a loop and a handle for pulling the engager actuator.  
         [0016]     (10) In yet another variant, the return mechanism further includes at least one compression spring.  
         [0017]     (11) In a further variant, the return mechanism further includes at least one tension spring.  
         [0018]     (12) In still a further variant, the instep enclosing section further includes a toe-separating portion. The toe-separating portion extends forwardly from a central point of the instep enclosing section and downwardly toward the sole portion and terminates in a retaining post mounted orthogonally to a distal end of the toe-separating portion. A keyway is provided. The keyway is located at the forward end of the sole portion and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the distal end of the toe-separating portion. The lower surface of the sole portion is relieved on either side of the keyway to fit slidably about the retaining post. When the distal end of the toe-separating portion is inserted into the keyway, the retaining post will secure the toe-separating portion to the sole portion.  
         [0019]     (13) In yet a further variant, a tread pad is provided. The tread pad has substantially the outer perimeter of the sole portion, is attached to the lower surface of the sole portion and provides a lower closure for the keyway. When the distal end of the toe-separating portion is inserted into the keyway, the retaining post will be protected from a ground surface.  
         [0020]     (14) In another variant of the invention, at least one first side hook is provided. The first side hook is attached adjacent the first side edge of the instep enclosing section. At least one second side hook is provided. The second side hook is attached adjacent the second side edge of the instep enclosing section. A first hook engager is provided. The first hook engager is attached adjacent the inner edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one first side hook. A second hook engager is provided. The second hook engager is attached adjacent the outer edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one second side hook. At least one engager actuator is provided. The engager actuator is attached to at least one of the first and second hook engagers. The actuator moves the engagers from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position and is operable from at least one point on the outer perimeter of the sole portion. A return mechanism is provided. The return mechanism urges the first and second hook engagers from the second position to the first position.  
         [0021]     (15) In still another variant, the sole portion further includes first and second side pockets. The side pockets are sized, shaped and located to receive the first and second hook engagers, respectively. At least one engager actuator channel is provided. The channel is sized, shaped and located to receive the engager actuator. A foot pad is provided. The foot pad is attached to the upper surface of the sole portion, is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter of the sole portion and to enclose the first and second side pockets and the engager actuator channel. When the foot pad is attached to the sole portion, the first and second hook engagers and the engager actuator will be protected from dirt and debris.  
         [0022]     (16) In yet another variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented parallel to a plane of the sole portion.  
         [0023]     (17) In a further variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented orthogonally to a plane of the sole portion.  
         [0024]     (18) In still a further variant, one engager actuator is connected to each of the first and second hook engagers.  
         [0025]     (19) In yet a further variant, one engager actuator is connected to the first hook engager and the second hook engager.  
         [0026]     (20) In another variant of the invention, the engager actuator terminates in either a loop or a handle for pulling the engager actuator.  
         [0027]     (21) In still another variant, the return mechanism further includes at least one compression spring.  
         [0028]     (22) In yet another variant, the return mechanism further includes at least one tension spring.  
         [0029]     (23) In a further variant, the instep enclosing section further includes a toe separating portion. The toe separating portion extends forwardly from a central point of the instep enclosing section, extends downwardly toward the sole portion and terminates in a retaining post mounted orthogonally to a distal end of the toe separating portion. A keyway is provided. The keyway is located at the forward end of the sole portion and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the retaining post. A tread pad is provided. The tread pad has substantially the outer perimeter of the sole portion, is attached to the lower surface of the sole portion and provides a lower closure for the keyway. A foot pad is provided. The foot pad attaches to the upper surface of the sole portion, is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter of the sole portion and has a first opening at a forward end. The first opening is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the distal end of the toe separating portion and is substantially aligned with the keyway. When the retaining post is inserted into the keyway, the foot pad will secure the toe separating portion to the sole portion.  
         [0030]     (24) In still a further variant, a reinforcing tab is provided. The reinforcing tab is formed of rigid, planar material, has a second opening substantially similar to the first opening in the foot pad and has material surrounding the opening of a first predetermined width. The reinforcing tab is attached between the sole portion and the foot pad over the keyway. When upward pressure is applied to the toe separating portion, the reinforcing tab will prevent the retaining post from passing through the first opening.  
         [0031]     (25) In yet a further variant, at least one first side hook is provided. The first side hook is attached adjacent the first side edge of the instep enclosing section. At least one second side hook is provided. The second side hook is attached adjacent the second side edge of the instep enclosing section. A first hook engager is provided. The first hook engager is attached adjacent the inner edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one first side hook. A second hook engager is provided. The second hook engager is attached adjacent the outer edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one second side hook. At least one engager actuator is provided. The engager actuator is attached to at least one of the first and second hook engagers, moves the engagers from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position and is operable from at least one point on the outer perimeter of the sole portion. A return mechanism is provided. The return mechanism urges the first and second hook engagers from the second position to the first position.  
         [0032]     (26) In another variant of the invention, the sole portion further includes first and second side pockets. The side pockets are sized, shaped and located to receive the first and second hook engagers. At least one engager actuator channel is provided. The channel is sized, shaped and located to receive the engager actuator. The foot pad encloses the first and second side pockets and the engager actuator channel. When the foot pad is attached to the sole portion, the first and second hook engagers and the engager actuator are protected from dirt and debris.  
         [0033]     (27) In still another variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented parallel to a plane of the sole portion.  
         [0034]     (28) In yet another variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented orthogonally to a plane of the sole portion.  
         [0035]     (29) In a further variant, one engager actuator is connected to each of the first and second hook engagers.  
         [0036]     (30) In still a further variant, one engager actuator is connected to the first hook engager and the second hook engager.  
         [0037]     (31) In yet a further variant the engager actuator terminates in either of a loop and a handle for pulling the engager actuator.  
         [0038]     (32) In another variant of the invention, the return mechanism further includes at least one compression spring.  
         [0039]     (33) In a final variant, the return mechanism further includes at least one tension spring.  
         [0040]     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0041]      FIG. 1  is a disassembled perspective view of a first embodiment of the sandal of the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating the removable upper attached to the sandal;  
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional top view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating the attachment of the removable upper to the sole portion of the sandal using the side hooks and hook engagers;  
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional top view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating the removal of the upper from the sole portion of the sandal and illustrating the hook engagers in a disengaging position;  
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a disassembled perspective view of a second embodiment of the sandal of the present invention, illustrating alternative sandal uppers;  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a disassembled perspective view of the sole portion of the  FIG. 5  embodiment, illustrating the foot pad, the tread pad and the reinforcing tab;  
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the sandal of the present invention illustrating the retaining post set into the sole portion;  
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the sandal illustrating the retaining post retained by a tread pad;  
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional top view of the  FIG. 8  embodiment illustrating the hook engagers in an engaging position;  
         [0050]      FIG. 10  is a partial side view cutaway of the  FIG. 5  embodiment, illustrating vertically oriented hook engagers in the engaging position; and  
         [0051]      FIG. 11  is a partial side view cutaway of the  FIG. 5  embodiment, illustrating vertically oriented hook engagers in the disengaging position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0052]     (1) The sandal with interchangeable upper  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  may be constructed from the following components. A sole portion  15  is provided. The sole portion  15  has a forward end  20 , an after end  25 , an inner edge  30 , an outer edge  35 , an upper surface  40 , a lower surface  45  and an outer perimeter  50 . An instep enclosing section  55  is provided. The instep enclosing section  55  has a first side edge  60  and a second side edge  65 . The instep enclosing section  55  is removably attached at the first  60  and second  65  side edges adjacent the inner  30  and outer  35  edges of the sole portion  15 , respectively. When the instep enclosing section  55  is removed from the sole portion  15 , a second instep enclosing section  55  can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section  55 .  
         [0053]     (2) In a variant of the invention, at least one first side hook  70  is provided. The first side hook  70  is attached adjacent the first side edge  60  of the instep enclosing section  55 . At least one second side hook  75  is provided. The second side hook  75  is attached adjacent the second side edge  65  of the instep enclosing section  55 . A first hook engager  80  is provided. The first hook engager  80  is attached adjacent the inner edge  30  of the sole portion  15  and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one first side hook  70 . A second hook engager  85  is provided. The second hook engager  85  is attached adjacent the outer edge  35  of the sole portion  15  and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one second side hook  75 . At least one engager actuator  90  is provided. The engager actuator  90  is attached to at least one of the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers. The actuator  90  moves the engagers  80 ,  85  from a first, engaging position  95  to a second disengaging position  100  and is operable from at least one point  105  on the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15 . A return mechanism  110  is provided. The return mechanism  110  urges the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers from the second position  100  to the first position  95 .  
         [0054]     (3) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the instep enclosing section  55  further includes a first side section  115 . The first side section  115  includes the first side edge  60 , a first connecting portion  120  extending outwardly from the first side edge  60  to a first end  125  and a first connector  130  spaced inwardly from the first end  125 . A second side section  135  is provided. The second side section  135  includes the second side edge  65 , a second connecting portion  140  extending outwardly from the second side edge  65  to a second end  145  and a mating second connector  150  spaced inwardly from the second end  145 . When the first connector  130  is attached to the second, mating connector  150 , the sandal  10  is adjusted to a foot (not shown) of a wearer (not shown).  
         [0055]     (4) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the sole portion  15  further includes first  165  and second  170  side pockets. The side pockets  165 ,  170  are sized, shaped and disposed to receive the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers, respectively. At least one engager actuator channel  175  is provided. The channel  175  is sized, shaped and disposed to receive the engager actuator  90 . A foot pad  180  is provided. The foot pad  180  attaches to the upper surface  40  of the sole portion  15 , is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15  and to enclose the first  165  and second  170  side pockets and the engager actuator channel  175 . When the foot pad  180  is attached to the sole portion  15 , the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers and the engager actuator  90  will be protected from dirt and debris (not shown).  
         [0056]     (5) In yet another variant, the at least one first side hook  70  and the at least one second side hook  75  are oriented parallel to a plane  185  of the sole portion  15 .  
         [0057]     (6) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the at least one first side hook  70  and the at least one second side hook  75  are oriented orthogonally to a plane  185  of the sole portion  15 .  
         [0058]     (7) In still a further variant, one engager actuator  90  is connected to each of the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers.  
         [0059]     (8) In another variant of the invention, one engager actuator  90  is connected to the first hook engager  80  and the second hook engager  85 .  
         [0060]     (9) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the engager actuator  90  terminates in either of a loop  190  and a handle (not shown) for pulling the engager actuator  90 .  
         [0061]     (10) In yet another variant, the return mechanism  110  further includes at least one compression spring  195 .  
         [0062]     (11) In a further variant, the return mechanism  110  further includes at least one tension spring (not shown).  
         [0063]     (12) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-9 , the instep enclosing section  55  further includes a toe-separating portion  200 . The toe-separating portion  200  extends forwardly from a central point  205  of the instep enclosing section  55  and downwardly toward the sole portion  15  and terminates in a retaining post  210  mounted orthogonally to a distal end  215  of the toe-separating portion  200 . A keyway  220  is provided. The keyway  220  is located at the forward end  20  of the sole portion  15  and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the distal end  215  of the toe-separating portion  200 . The lower surface  45  of the sole portion  15  is relieved on either side of the keyway  220  to fit slidably about the retaining post  210 . When the distal end  215  of the toe-separating portion  200  is inserted into the keyway  220 , the retaining post  210  will secure the toe-separating portion  200  to the sole portion  15 .  
         [0064]     (13) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a tread pad  225  is provided. The tread pad  225  has substantially the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15 , is attached to the lower surface  45  of the sole portion  15  and provides a lower closure  230  for the keyway  220 . When the distal end  215  of the toe-separating portion  200  is inserted into the keyway  220 , the retaining post  210  will be protected from a ground surface (not shown).  
         [0065]     (14) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 , at least one first side hook  70  is provided. The first side hook  70  is attached adjacent the first side edge  60  of the instep enclosing section  55 . At least one second side hook  75  is provided. The second side hook  75  is attached adjacent the second side edge  65  of the instep enclosing section  55 . A first hook engager  80  is provided. The first hook engager  80  is attached adjacent the inner edge  30  of the sole portion  15  and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one first side hook  70 . A second hook engager  85  is provided. The second hook engager  85  is attached adjacent the outer edge  35  of the sole portion  15  and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one second side hook  75 . At least one engager actuator  90  is provided. The engager actuator  90  is attached to at least one of the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers. The actuator  90  moves the engagers  80 ,  85  from a first, engaging position  95  to a second disengaging position  100  and is operable from at least one point  105  on the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15 . A return mechanism  110  is provided. The return mechanism  110  urges the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers from the second position  100  to the first position  95 .  
         [0066]     (15) In still another variant, the sole portion  15  further includes first  165  and second  170  side pockets. The side pockets  165 ,  170  are sized, shaped and located to receive the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers, respectively. At least one engager actuator channel  175  is provided. The channel  175  is sized, shaped and located to receive the engager actuator  90 . A foot pad  180  is provided. The foot pad  180  is attached to the upper surface  40  of the sole portion  15 , is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15  and to enclose the first  165  and second  170  side pockets and the engager actuator channel  175 . When the foot pad  180  is attached to the sole portion  15 , the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers and the engager actuator  90  will be protected from dirt and debris.  
         [0067]     (16) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the at least one first side hook  70  and the at least one second side hook  75  are oriented parallel to a plane of the sole portion.  
         [0068]     (17) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented orthogonally to a plane  185  of the sole portion  15 .  
         [0069]     (18) In still a further variant, one engager actuator  90  is connected to each of the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers.  
         [0070]     (19) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , one engager actuator  90  is connected to the first hook  80  engager and the second hook engager  85 .  
         [0071]     ( 20 ) In another variant of the invention, the engager actuator  90  terminates in either a loop  190  or a handle not shown) for pulling the engager actuator  90 .  
         [0072]     (21) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 , the return mechanism  110  further includes at least one compression spring  195 .  
         [0073]     (22) In yet another variant, the return mechanism  110  further includes at least one tension spring (not shown).  
         [0074]     (23) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the instep enclosing section  55  further includes a toe separating portion  200 . The toe separating portion  200  extends forwardly from a central point  205  of the instep enclosing section  55 , extends downwardly toward the sole portion  15  and terminates in a retaining post  210  mounted orthogonally to a distal end  215  of the toe separating portion  200 . A keyway  220  is provided. The keyway  220  is located at the forward end  20  of the sole portion  15  and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the retaining post  210 . A tread pad  225  is provided. The tread pad  225  has substantially the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15 , is attached to the lower surface  45  of the sole portion  15  and provides a lower closure  230  for the keyway  220 . A notched foot pad  235  is provided. The foot pad  235  attaches to the upper surface  40  of the sole portion  15 , is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15  and has a first opening  240  at a forward end  245 . The first opening  240  is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the distal end  215  of the toe separating portion  200  and is substantially aligned with the keyway  220 . When the retaining post  210  is inserted into the keyway  220 , the foot pad  235  will secure the toe separating portion  200  to the sole portion  15 .  
         [0075]     (24) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a reinforcing tab  250  is provided. The reinforcing tab  250  is formed of rigid, planar material, has a second opening  255  substantially similar to the first opening  240  in the foot pad  235  and has material  260  surrounding the opening  255  of a first predetermined width  265 . The reinforcing tab  250  is attached between the sole portion  15  and the foot pad  235  over the keyway  220 . When upward pressure is applied to the toe separating portion  200 , the reinforcing tab  250  will prevent the retaining post  210  from passing through the first opening  240 .  
         [0076]     (25) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 , at least one first side hook  70  is provided. The first side hook  70  is attached adjacent the first side edge  60  of the instep enclosing section  55 . At least one second side hook  75  is provided. The second side hook  75  is attached adjacent the second side edge  65  of the instep enclosing section  55 . A first hook engager  80  is provided. The first hook engager  80  is attached adjacent the inner edge  30  of the sole portion  15  and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one first side hook  70 . A second hook engager  85  is provided. The second hook engager  85  is attached adjacent the outer edge  35  of the sole portion  15  and is sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage the at least one second side hook  75 . At least one engager actuator  90  is provided. The engager actuator  90  is attached to at least one of the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers, moves the engagers  80 ,  85  from a first, engaging position  95  to a second disengaging position  100  and is operable from at least one point  105  on the outer perimeter  50  of the sole portion  15 . A return mechanism  110  is provided. The return mechanism  110  urges the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers from the second position  100  to the first position  95 .  
         [0077]     (26) In another variant of the invention, the sole portion  15  further includes first  165  and second  170  side pockets. The side pockets  165 ,  170  are sized, shaped and located to receive the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers. At least one engager actuator channel  175  is provided. The channel  175  is sized, shaped and located to receive the engager actuator  90 . The foot pad  235  encloses the first  165  and second  170  side pockets and the engager actuator channel  175 . When the foot pad  235  is attached to the sole portion  15 , the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers and the engager actuator  90  are protected from dirt and debris.  
         [0078]     (27) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the at least one first side hook  70  and the at least one second side hook  75  are oriented parallel to a plane  185  of the sole portion  15 .  
         [0079]     (28) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the at least one first side hook  70  and the at least one second side hook  75  are oriented orthogonally to a plane  185  of the sole portion  15 .  
         [0080]     (29) In a further variant, one engager actuator  90  is connected to each of the first  80  and second  85  hook engagers.  
         [0081]     (30) In still a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , one engager actuator  90  is connected to the first hook engager  80  and the second hook engager  85 .  
         [0082]     (31) In yet a further variant the engager actuator  90  terminates in either of a loop  190  and a handle (not shown) for pulling the engager actuator  90 .  
         [0083]     (32) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 , the return mechanism  110  further includes at least one compression spring  195 .  
         [0084]     (33) In a final variant, the return mechanism  110  further includes at least one tension spring (not shown).  
         [0085]     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.