Abstract:
A footwear comprising a sole adapted to provide a base for the footwear; a plurality of mounts embedded within the sole; a plurality of lace holders, each of the plurality of lace holders being attached to its corresponding mount; and a lace adapted to be connected to the plurality of lace holders, wherein the footwear can be transformed from one design to another by varying the way the lace is connected to the plurality of lace holders.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/627,583 filed on Oct. 15, 2011. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    This application relates to footwear and footwear accessories, and in particular, footwear accessories that are designed to be interchangeably attached to or detached from the footwear to create various footwear designs or styles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A conventional footwear has various parts that can easily break, such as straps and laces. Once a footwear part breaks, a user may just likely discard the entire pair of footwear and purchase a brand new replacement footwear. This can make a conventional footwear very expensive, especially when the purchase price of the footwear is expensive to begin with and the part that broke is minor and mainly cosmetic. Users typically do not try to repair footwear because repairing a footwear may involve sewing, gluing, or attaching together the broken part, which may leave a visible trace of the stitches used to put together the broken pieces or the break where the specific part used to be broken. This visible trace of the stiches or the break may not be attractive for most users. Footwear replacement parts are also not often offered in retail stores or stores frequently visited by consumers. Users may have to make their own footwear replacement parts, which may or may not be durable and may not be fashionable or may not look good. For instance, they may have to make their own replacement strap or sole, which may not necessarily match the color or the texture of the original strap or sole. 
         [0004]    Even if a conventional footwear does not break, users often want to change footwear. Users often want to wear different styles or colors of footwear to match their different outfits, to be fashionably creative, or to simply satisfy their wants or moods. Unfortunately, a typical footwear only offers a single design or style. It typically consists of a fixed color scheme and a fixed orientation or configuration of the parts, such as the straps. It does not offer much opportunity for users to be creative in changing its appearance. Thus, if users want multiple footwear designs, they have to keep on purchasing new pairs of footwear, which can be very expensive. Also, when a user goes on a trip and when the user wants to use various footwear styles, the user has to bring multiple shoes, which may occupy quite a hit of space in the user&#39;s luggage. A footwear that is more versatile than the conventional footwear and that solves many of the problems associated with conventional footwear is desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention includes a footwear comprising a sole adapted to provide a base for the footwear; a plurality of mounts embedded within the sole; a plurality of lace holders, each of the plurality of lace holders being attached to its corresponding mount; and a lace adapted to be connected to the plurality of lace holders, wherein the footwear can be transformed from one design to another by varying the way the lace is connected to the plurality of lace holders. 
         [0006]    The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention that will be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is substantially an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is substantially an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a sole for a footwear embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is substantially an exploded view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a sole for a footwear embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is substantially a perspective view of a footwear embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is substantially a view showing another way of wearing the footwear embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is substantially a perspective view of yet another footwear embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is substantially a view of the footwear embodiment of  FIG. 6  in use. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is substantially a view of the footwear embodiment of  FIG. 6  showing a certain configuration of wearing it. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is substantially a view of the footwear embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 6  but with a different lace. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is substantially a view of the footwear embodiment similar to  FIG. 6  with a different lace and another configuration of wearing it. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is substantially a view of the footwear embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 6  but with a heel and an accessory. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is substantially a front view of the footwear embodiment of  FIG. 11  being worn by a user. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is substantially another footwear design of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is substantially another footwear design of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is substantially another footwear design of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is substantially another footwear design of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is substantially another footwear design of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is substantially another footwear design of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0026]    As used herein, the term “footwear” refers to any wearing apparel for the feet, and may be used interchangeably with or includes the following: shoes, slippers, sandals, flip-flops, pumps, heels, flats, boots, sneakers, tennis shoes, and the like. 
         [0027]    The present invention includes various embodiments of a footwear and methods for converting a footwear from one style to another. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be help minimize the number of footwear an individual may have to purchase thereby allowing the individual to save money. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide a footwear that has readily available spare parts for repair and may save individuals from having to throw away an entire pair of shoes due to a minor part that is broken or worn. Yet certain embodiments of the present invention may promote fun and creativity in allowing individuals to customize their own shoe designs or create various creative shoe designs. Certain embodiments of the present invention may provide fun and innovative footwear that helps minimize the number of footwear an individual may have to store, or minimize the number of footwear an individual pack when travelling. Yet certain embodiments of the present invention may be viewed as opportunities for sellers to sell various footwear parts and accessories. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a footwear  20  of the present invention includes a sole  22  and a plurality of loop mounts  23 - 27 . The plurality of loop mounts  23 - 27  may provide attachment points for various loops  41 - 49 , which, in turn, provide versatile attachment points for a lace  50 . Decorative accessories  28 ,  29 , and  30  may be provided and may be attached at various portions of the lace  50  for ornamental or aesthetic purposes. Each decorative accessory  28 ,  29 , and  30  may include its respective notch  31 - 33  to expose a portion of the lace  50  to add an aesthetic feature. The sole  22  may be made of rubber, wood, vinyl, or other materials known in the art, and may include pre-formed recesses  34 - 38  for inserting or detaching their respective loop mounts  23 - 27 . Some of the loop mounts  23 - 27  may be in a form of a pin, and some may include their respective plates  39 - 42  attached perpendicular to them. The plates  39 - 42  may serve as a decorative element where various artwork or logo may be drawn, painted, or engraved. They may further serve to cosmetically cover the recesses  34 - 38  and the sole edges to where they are attached, at least partially. Additional plates not perpendicularly attached to the loop mount, such as plate  43 , may be provided. Plate  43  is preferably attached to the heel side edge of the sole  22  and may provide a decorative cover to said edge. The loops  41 - 49  may be made of elastic bands, metal rings, or other materials known in the art. The lace  50  may be made of cloth, synthetic clothing material, or other materials known in the art, and may include decorative elements, such as glitter, sequins, decorative covers, and other materials known in the alt. The length of the lace  50  may be varied as desired. It is noted that the number of loop mounts, loops, and laces may be varied to provide various styles and designs of the footwear  20 . 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sole  22  may comprise of a plurality of layers, such as a top layer  51 , middle layer  52 , and bottom layer  53 . The bottom layer  53  may be substantially flat in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , or may include a high heel  76  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The top layer  51  and middle layer  52  may be pre-formed or pre-molded with: recesses  54 - 59  adapted to surround each toe of a user&#39;s foot; recesses  60  and  61  positioned substantially adjacent to each side of a user&#39;s ankle; and recess  63  adapted to be positioned substantially behind the middle of a user&#39;s heel. When the top layer  51  and middle layer  52  are positioned next to each other, recesses  54 - 59 ,  60 - 61 , and  63  preferably extend all the way to the bottom layer  53 . The bottom layer  53  preferably includes: a plurality of indentations  64 - 69 , which are configured to align with recesses  54 - 59 ; indentations  70 - 71 , which are configured to align with recesses  60 - 61 ; and, indentation  73 , which is configured to align with recess  63  when the top layer  51 , middle layer  52 , and bottom layers  53  are assembled to form the sole  22 . The bottom layer  53  preferably further includes a plurality of loop mount indentations  74 ,  75 ,  76 ,  77 ,  78  adapted to accommodate their respective loop mounts  123 ,  124 ,  125 ,  126 ,  127 . Loop mount  123  may be positioned around the area of the sole  22  where the user&#39;s toes will be positioned (hereinafter “Toe Area”); loop mount  126  may be positioned around the area of the sole  22  close to the left and right arches of a user&#39;s foot or where the user&#39;s ankle will be positioned (hereinafter “Ankle Area”); and, loop mount  127  may be positioned around the area of the sole  22  where the user&#39;s heel will be positioned (hereinafter “Heel Area”). It can be noticed that the number of loop mounts in any area may vary in certain embodiments. For instance, as shown in  FIG. 3 , an additional loop mount  125  may be provided in the Toe Area. Loop mount  125  may be positioned at an angle relative to loop mount  124  to account for the varying toe lengths. 
         [0030]    Another exemplary embodiment of a footwear of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 4 , wherein one loop  41  is provided in the Toe Area and specifically in the area adjacent to where the user&#39;s big toe will be positioned on the sole  22 . Loops  47  and  48  are preferably provided in the Ankle Area. A lace  50  is preferably inserted through loop  47  then through loop  41  and then through loop  48 . Decorative lace cover  77  may be attached to the lace  50  in the lace area spanning between loops  41  and  47 , and decorative lace cover  78  may be attached to the lace  50  in the lace area spanning between loops  41  and  48 . The two ends  79  and  80  of the lace  50  may be left loose, and may be tied to a user&#39;s ankle as shown in  FIG. 5 . The ends of the lace  50  may be crossed behind a user&#39;s ankle and then tied again in front of the user&#39;s high ankle into a ribbon  81 . 
         [0031]    Yet another exemplary embodiment of a footwear of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein a plurality of loops  41 - 46  are provided in the Toe Area and are adapted to be positioned in between each toe of a user. Loops  47  and  48  are also preferably provided in the Ankle Area. A lace  50  is preferably inserted in the following sequence: through loop  47 , loop  46 , loop  45 , loop  44 , loop  43 , loop  42 , loop  41 , then through loop  48  thereby crisscrossing itself forming intersection  82 . A ribbon, flower, or a decorative element (not shown) may be attached to intersection  82 . Decorative lace covers  77  and  78  may again be provided in the areas of the lace  50  shown in  FIG. 6 . The two ends  79  and  80  of the lace  50  may be left loose, and may be tied to an optional loop  49  positioned in the Heel Area upon use as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 8  shows a different footwear style created by crisscrossing the two ends  79  and  80  at the user&#39;s ankle and tying both ends behind the user&#39;s ankle. Different footwear styles are shown on  FIGS. 9 and 10  by making simple modifications to the footwear embodiment previously shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . In  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the sequence of insertion of the lace  82  into the loops is also modified such that it is not crisscrossed after going through the loops provided in the Toe Area and the intersection  52  shown in  FIGS. 6-8  is eliminated. The footwear shown in  FIG. 9  utilizes a new lace  82  that replaces lace  50 . Lace  82  may be made of a different and wider material than the material used for lace  50 . The footwear shown in  FIG. 10  utilizes yet another different lace  84  made of a different material and that replaces lace  50 . Referring now to  FIG. 11 , another footwear style is shown, which is a slight modification of the footwear embodiment previously shown in  FIGS. 6-10 . The footwear style shown in  FIG. 11  includes a heel  86  attached to the sole and a decorative element  88  attached to the lace intersection formed approximately in between the Toe Area and the Ankle Area. 
         [0033]      FIG. 12  shows yet another footwear style. Some of the loops on the Toe Area may be removed, or they may simply be left on and not tied to the lace  50 . The lace  50  may be inserted in the following sequence: through loop  47 , loop  46 , loop  42 , loop  41 , then through  48  criscrossing itself and forming intersection  90 . The ends of the laces may be left loose or tied to an optional loop  49  (not shown). Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the lace ends may be crossed behind the user&#39;s ankle and crossed again on the front of the user&#39;s ankle and formed into a ribbon  92 . The lace area that forms intersection  90  may be covered by a decorative lace cover  94 . The decorative lace cover  94  may also be added to the lace that extends across the Toe Area. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 14-18  shows various footwear styles generated mainly from: (1) varying the number of loops through which the lace is inserted, (2) varying the sequence in which the lace is inserted through the various loops, (3) varying the styles or number of laces used, (4) varying the loop locations where the lace is inserted, (5) adding accessories, such as the lace cover shown in  FIG. 17 , or (6) creating lace ribbons at various locations, such as behind the ankle ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ), next to the smallest toe ( FIG. 17 ), or in front of the ankle ( FIG. 18 ). 
         [0035]    It can be realized that the present invention provides a highly versatile footwear that can be transformed into various footwear styles. Such versatility can be very beneficial for users who want a diverse collection of footwear to match their diverse outfits, to fit their ever changing moods, or for users who want to bring multiple styles of footwear to a trip and want to minimize the weight and bulk of their luggages. The present invention further provides various methods of generating various footwear styles, which may include using a single sole and a plurality of accessories. Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a footwear that has readily available parts for replacement or repair. Yet certain embodiments of the present invention provide opportunities for various merchants to make not only a one-time sales transaction from the main footwear but multiple sales transaction from the footwear accessories. 
         [0036]    Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the component shapes, sizes, and materials may vary, such as the lace and the loops. The sole may be heeled or flat and may be made of various materials, such as rubber, wood, or synthetic materials. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. For instance, it is not limited to the home furnishing and interior decorating industry. The invention is further not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the above description or as illustrated in the drawings.