Abstract:
A convertible shoe may include a lightly padded and flexible sole to facilitate a comfortable fit and steady footing and a removable heel. A new shoe having removable heels for permitting a user to wear a single pair of shoes which can be used in high heel form and in a flat form is disclosed. The new shoe device includes a sole having opposite heel and toe ends. The device further includes a disjoined heel removable from the heel of the sole. The heel includes a slot that extends linearly the length of the heel. The heel of the sole includes a recessed portions that extends the length of the sole that is removable engaged therewith.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field  
       [0001]    This patent claims the benefit of provisional patent 
         [0002]    This invention relates to shoes and, more particularly, to a convertible shoe for providing users with an easy and convenient means of instantly converting a pair of stilettos into a pair of flats and vice versa. 
         [0003]    Countless fashion conscious consumers depend on stylish high heel shoes as a means of accentuating their wardrobe. From strappy sandals and spiked stilettos to the extremely popular pump, many women prefer fashion over function, wearing shoes that may look attractive, yet nonetheless play havoc on their feet. As can be imagined, putting one&#39;s feet through endless hours of abuse and then complaining when they are tired, swollen and sore is not the most comfortable way to spend a day. Simply stated, wearing high heel shoes can be completely taxing on the foot. Most high heel shoes are manufactured to be sleek and sexy and therefore completely lack the padding and shock absorption needed to properly cushion the foot. 
         [0004]    Providing little support, wearing a pair of high heels for even a few hours can result in extreme discomfort and pain. Why do women so willingly put themselves through such torture? Perhaps it is because wearing high heel shoes is a simple way in which to extend the calve muscles, making the leg look shapely and lean. Additionally, high heel shoes also serve to add a few inches to the wearer&#39;s height. Allowing even those shorter individuals to appear statuesque, a pair of high heel shoes can simultaneously be a woman&#39;s best friend and worst enemy. Not surprisingly, because high heels can be so painful, many women remove their shoes, walking barefoot to their car or home after the end of a long day on heels. Unfortunately, walking barefoot across a parking lot, or even a crowded dance floor not only results in the feet becoming filthy dirty, but can also render one exposed to gravel, broken glass and even the careless feet of others, all of which can cause pain and injury to already aching feet. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a need remains for an apparatus in order to overcome the above-noted shortcomings. The present invention satisfies such a need by providing a convertible shoe that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for instantly converting a pair of stilettos into a pair of flats and vice versa. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0006]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a new shoe with the heel removed heel according to the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a new shoe with the removable heel attached according to the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a schematic exploded heel end side view of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3   a  is a schematic exploded heel end side view of the present invention with the heel detached. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3   b  is a schematic exploded heel end side view of the present invention with heel initially engaged. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3   c  is a schematic exploded heel end side view of the present invention with the heel inserted. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a schematic bottom side view of the sole of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a cut away view of the fastener mechanism extended. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5   a  is a cut away view of the fastener retracted. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5   b  is a schematic top view of the heel of the present invention with the fasteners. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
         [0018]    The apparatus of this invention is referred to generally in the figures and is intended to provide a convertible shoe. It should be understood that the present invention may be used in converting a pair of stilettos into a pair of flats instantly and vice versa, and should not be limited to the uses described herein. 
         [0019]    Referring to the  FIGS. 1-4  in general, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the convertible shoe  10  may include a lightly padded and flexible sole  20  to facilitate a comfortable fit and steady footing and a removable heel  30 . Produced in a variety of heights, the heel  30  may include a sliding and interlocking fitting  32  positioned on the top of the heel  30  and designed to accommodate a recessed female threaded fitting  37  located at the sole  15  of the shoe  10 . Other interlocking mechanisms can be utilized to interlock the disjoined heel  30  to sole of shoe  10 . As such, the heel  30  may easily slid into place on the underside of the shoe  37 , locking in place and then easily released and removed after use. The heel  30  may be manufactured from a variety of materials included heavy duty acrylic, polished wood and leather. The apparatus  10  may further be produced in a wide variety of styles from canvas mules, to open toe and strappy sandals, to stylish pumps. As with traditional shoes, the apparatus  10  may be produced in a variety of sizes and colors. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 1-5  illustrates, the convertible shoe ( 10 ) of the present invention. The convertible shoe ( 10 ) of the present invention comprises a sole ( 12 ) having a lower surface with an opposite heel ( 15 ) and toe ends ( 20 ), and a pair of sides ( 25 ) extending between the heel ( 15 ) and toe ends ( 20 ) of the sole ( 15 ). The heel ( 15 ) of the sole ( 12 ) of the have a recessed portion ( 37 ) extending a pre-determined length thereon forming a channel ( 37 ) thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the channel ( 37 ) extends the length of the heel ( 15 ) of the sole ( 12 ). 
         [0021]    The convertible shoe ( 10 ) of the present invention further comprises the disjoined heel ( 30 ) having an upper surface with spline ( 32 ) raised above the upper surface extending the length of the channel ( 37 ). The spline ( 32 ) configured to securely engaged into the channel ( 37 ) wherein the heel ( ) is securely attached to the heel ( 15 ) lower surface of the sole ( 12 ). 
         [0022]    The shoe ( 10 ) of the present invention further comprises a first track of attaching elements ( 33 ) disposed adjacent and parallel to the spline ( 32 ) and a first track of mating elements ( 43 ) disposed adjacent and parallel to the channel ( 37 ) configured to securely engage with the first track of attaching elements ( 33 ) wherein the heel ( 15 ) of the sole ( 12 ) is securely attached to the disjoined heel ( 30 ). 
         [0023]    The shoe of the present invention further comprises a second track of attaching elements ( 34 ) disposed adjacent and parallel to the spline ( 32 ) opposite the first track of attaching elements ( 33 ) and on the opposite side of the spline ( 32 ). 
         [0024]    A second track of mating elements ( 44 ) is disposed adjacent and parallel to the channel ( 37 ) opposite the first track of mating elements ( 43 ) wherein the second track of mating elements ( 44 ) is configured to securely engage with the first track of attaching elements ( 33 ) wherein the heel ( 15 ) of the sole ( 12 ) is securely attached to the disjoined heel ( 30 ). In the illustrated embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5 ,  5   a,  and  5   b,  the first and second track of attaching elements ( 33 ,  34 ) are spring loaded ball bearings and the first and second track mating elements ( 43 ,  44 ) are apertures. 
         [0025]    In use ad depicted in  FIGS. 3   a, b,  and  c,  as the spline of the disjoined heel ( 30 ) is slid into recessed portion ( 37 ), the spring loaded ball bearings is depressed and then released into the apertures ( 43 ,  44 ) securing the attaching elements ( 33 ,  34 ) in place. Other fastening mechanisms can be utilized. Additionally, the attaching elements and the mating elements can be reversed wherein attaching elements are adjacent to the channel and the mating elements are adjacent to the spline. In use the connection between the attaching elements and the mating elements provides an equal distribution of the weight of the user alleviating the stress upon the spline ( 32 ) interlocking connection. 
         [0026]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a handy storage pouch may be included for use in easily storing the heels  30  in a purse or tote. Lightweight and portable, the heel  30  may be easily stored in the handy carrying pouch when not in use. The handy pouch may easily fit in any clutch, purse or attaché, providing effortless access whenever needed. 
         [0027]    There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with the convertible shoe  10 . As a non-limiting example, the apparatus  10  in  FIG. 1-4  may provide female users customizable footwear which may enable them to enjoy the striking fashion of high heel shoes, while also providing an instant reprieve for sore feet at the end of a long day or evening&#39;s festivities. Stylish stilettos boasting detachable heels, such footwear may provide females cushiony relief after long hours spent on their feet. A practical alternative to traversing a crowded dance floor or gravel parking lot with bare feet, the apparatus  10  may offer females a remarkably effective barrier between the foot and the hard ground surface area. Eliminating the sore, achy feet associated with wearing high heels, the apparatus  10  may provide soothing relief after a day&#39;s festivities. Attractive in design, such comfortable footwear may add a striking touch to any ensemble. 
         [0028]    In use, the convertible shoe  10  would be simple and straightforward to use. First the user would purchase a pair of apparatus  10  in accordance to size and style. Sliding the heel attachment to the bottom of each sole  15  as shown in  FIGS. 3   a, b,  and  c  allowing the user to transform the flats illustrated in  FIG. 1  into a pair of heeled shoes illustrated in  FIG. 2  for a night on the town with friends. At the end of the evening, the user would once again remove the heels from the bottom of her shoes, tossing the heels into their carrying pouch and dropping them into a purse or glove compartment for use when again needed. 
         [0029]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
         [0030]    It is noted the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0031]    While the invention has been described with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the description hereinabove to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation.