Abstract:
A shoe system incorporates an open toe design having a receptacle in a heel that receives various heel designs and a toe spring for attaching various toes to give the shoe different appearances. The attachable toe configures the shoe to a closed-toe style.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are no current co-pending applications. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to shoes. More particularly, the present invention relates to customizable shoes having interchangeable features. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Modern fashion dictates an ever-evolving and changing set of shoes, clothing, hats, and accessories. What is cutting edge popular today may well be considered unacceptably passé tomorrow. When attempting to be at the forefront of the fashion industry one must be in constant search for new and innovative styles. However, the rewards for identifying and defining the next big fashion trend can be great. 
     Footwear in particular is susceptible to rapidly changing fashion treads. A slightly different heel or toe can make one shoe highly distinctive and far more desirable than another. Additionally, a shoe that is very acceptable in one (1) situation might be unacceptable in another. For example, the particular flashiness of one (1) shoe may be unacceptable at work but very desirable at a party. A skinny, “stiletto-style” metal heel may not be suitable for casual use but a flat heel could be. Unfortunately, the cost of having multiple styles of shoes can be prohibitive. 
     In view of the foregoing, shoes having interchangeable features would be beneficial. In particular, a shoe system having interchangeable toes and/or heels would be desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for a shoe system having interchangeable heels and toes. Such a system incorporates an open toe design and a heel receptacle. The open toe and heel receptacle are configured to receive various toe and heels that enable the shoe system to have different appearances. Different attachable toes can configure the shoe with a multitude of closed-toe styles while different heels can provide dramatically different looks. All this can be accomplished at low cost and with minimal effort. 
     A shoe assembly that is in accord with the present invention includes an upper heel having a threaded insert, a mid-sole that extends from the upper heel, a toe spring that extends from the mid-sole; and a first heel having a first threaded stud which is threaded into the threaded insert. The shoe assembly further includes a second heel having a second threaded stud that is configured to thread into the upper heal such that the second heel is interchangeable with the first heel. The shoe assembly may include a heel cup behind the upper heel and a strap, vamp or other means for attaching the shoe assembly to a user. Beneficially the shoe assembly includes a high-friction bottom while the first heel includes a mating surface subjacent the first threaded stud such that the mating surface provides a stop that enables tightening the first heel against the upper heel. The shoe assembly may also include a first toe having an interconnecting plate and a toe slot. The toe spring then includes a lip which forms a spring slot, and the interconnecting plate fits into the spring slot. 
     Another shoe assembly that is in accord with the present invention includes an upper heel, a mid-sole that extends from the upper heel, and a toe spring that extends from the mid-sole. The toe spring includes an upper lip that defines a spring slot. The shoe assembly further includes a first toe having a first flat plate that is disposed around its perimeter to define a first toe slot. The first flat plate inserts into the spring slot to attach the first toe to the toe spring. The shoe assembly further includes a second toe having a second flat plate that is disposed around its perimeter to define a second toe slot. The second toe is interchangeable with the first toe. Beneficially the shoe assembly also includes a heel cup behind the upper heel and a strap, vamp, or other means for attaching the shoe assembly to a user. 
     Yet another shoe assembly that is in accord with the present invention includes an upper heel having a receiver, a mid-sole that extends from the upper heel, and a toe spring that extends from the mid-sole. The toe spring includes an upper lip that defines a spring slot. A first heel is attached to the receiver and a first toe having a first flat plate disposed around its perimeter to define a first toe slot is attached to the toe spring In practice the receiver includes a threaded insert while the first heel includes a first stud that is threaded into the threaded insert. The shoe assembly can further include second heel having a second stud configured to thread into the threaded insert such that the second heel is interchangeable with the first heel. There may be a heel cup behind the upper heel, the first heel may include both a high-friction bottom and a mating surface subjacent the first stud to provide a stop that enables tightening the first heel against the upper heel. In addition there may be a second toe having an interconnecting plate and a toe slot that is interchangeable with the first toe. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a shoe  10  having interchangeable features that is in accord with the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2 a    is a close-up view of an upper heel  102  and a first heel  20   a  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2 b    is a close-up view of a second heel  20   b  suitable for use in the upper heel  102  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2 c    is a close-up view of a third heel  20   c  suitable for use in the upper heel  102  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2 d    is a close-up view of a fourth heel  20   d  suitable for use in the upper heel  102  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a top view of a first toe insert  40   a  for a shoe assembly  100  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3 b    is a side close-up view of the first toe insert  40   a  shown in  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 3 c    is a side close-up view of a second toe insert  40   b  for the shoe assembly  100  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3 d    is a side close-up view of a third toe insert  40   c  for the shoe assembly  100  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ; and, 
         FIG. 3 e    is a side close-up view of a fourth toe insert  40   d  for the shoe assembly  100  of the shoe  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  shoe with interchangeable features 
               20   a  first heel 
               20   b  second heel 
               20   c  third heel 
               20   d  fourth heel 
               22  threaded stud 
               23  mating surface 
               24  tip 
               40   a  first toe 
               40   b  second toe 
               40   c  third toe 
               40   d  fourth toe 
               42  plate 
               46  finish 
               100  shoe assembly 
               102  upper heel 
               103  threaded insert 
               104  toe spring 
               105  slot 
               106  mid-sole 
               107  lip 
               108  heel cup 
               110  vamp 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3   e . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
       FIG. 1  presents an exploded view of a shoe  10  having a shoe assembly  100  which supports a number of interchangeable features. The shoe  10  is shown as an open-toed, high heeled shoe. However, that is simply for purposes of illustration and not limitation. In particular, the shoe assembly  100  supports interchangeable heels (shown in  FIG. 1  with a first heal  20   a ) and toes (shown in  FIG. 1  with a first toe  40   a ). Those interchangeable sections enable multiple shoe assembly  100  configurations which provide multiple appearance configurations. 
     The shoe assembly  100  includes many of the expected conventional shoe sections including an upper heel  102 , a toe spring  104 , a mid-sole  106 , a heel cup  108 , and a vamp  110  (or some way to secure the shoe  10  to a user&#39;s foot). The shoe assembly  100  further supports the first heel  20   a , which is beneficially threaded into the upper heel  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 b -2 d    the first heel  20   a  may be interchanged with other heels  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d , which for convenience are shown as being the same height. The interchange is described in more detail below. Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3   a , the first toe  40   a  includes an interconnecting plate  42  having a toe slot  44 . The interconnecting plate  42  and toe slot  44  enable the first toe  40   a  to removably mate with the shoe assembly  100  in a manner that is described in more detail below. The configuration of the first toe  40   a  enables interchanging it with other toes  40   b ,  40   c , and  40   d  that also have interconnecting plates  42  and slots  44 , see  FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , 3 c   , and  3   d.    
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 a  through 2 d   , respectively close-up views of the upper heel  102  and various heels specifically including the first heel  20   a , a second heel  20   b , a third heel  20   c  and a fourth heel  20   d . The upper heel  102  includes a female threaded insert  103 . The insert  103  enables threaded mating with a threaded stud  22  located at the top of each heel  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d . The threaded insert  103  and threaded studs  22  enable a user to interchange heels. 
     The various heels  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  are envisioned as being made from sturdy materials such as, but not limited to: metal, plastic, wood, or the like. In addition, the illustrated threaded stud  22  and the female threaded insert  103  provide a strong, easily made connection. However, other methods of attachment such as a friction fit, an interference-fit, or the like, may be utilized with similar benefit. 
     The heels  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  are envisioned as being purchased singularly or as a set along with a desired shoe assembly  100 . The heels  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  may take different designs and shapes such as, but not limited to: a stiletto-style heel, a cone heel, a prism heel, and the like. The heels  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  are envisioned as being introduced in various colors and finishes  46 . Beneficially the heels  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  have integral high-friction bottom tips  24  made from rubber, leather, or another anti-skid material. 
     The heels  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  preferably include an integrally-formed mating surface  23  that is located subjacent to the threaded stud  22 . During installation, as the threaded stud  22  is threaded into the insert  103  the mating surface  23  acts as a stop that enables tightening a heel  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  against the bottom of the upper heel  102  using a common hand tool such as a wrench. This firmly attaches a heel to the upper heel  102 . 
     Although the shoe assembly  100  is illustrated as a high-heel shoe, it is envisioned that the teachings of the invention may be incorporated into various formal or dress shoe styles made using different designs, materials, and colors, and as such the foregoing descriptions of a high-heel shoe should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the system  10 . 
     Refer now to  FIGS. 3 a , 3 b , 3 c , 3 d , 3 e   , respectively top and side views of toes  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  of the system  10 , and to  FIG. 1 . The shoe assembly  100  includes a generally horizontal toe spring  104 . Disposed around the perimeter of the toe spring  104  and slightly above and parallel with the toe spring  104  is a lip  107 . The space between the top of the toe spring  104  is the bottom of the lip  107  defines a spring slot  105 . Each toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  includes an integral flat plate  42  that is disposed around and below the perimeter of the toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  so as to form the toe slot  44 . 
     The flat plate  42  is suitably sized so as to insert into the spring slot  105 . Each toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  includes a flat plate  42  for insertion into the spring slot  105  of the shoe assembly  100  to enable interchangeable toes  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  to enable changing the appearance of the shoe assembly  100 . The toe plate  42  and the spring slot  105  provide a relative interference fit to retain the toe plate  42  within the spring slot  105  until such time as the user desires to reconfigure the shoe assembly  100  using another toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d.    
     The toes  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d , are envisioned as providing a variety of toe shapes and designs such as, but not limited to: a plain round toe  40   a , round toe with print  40   d , a square toe  40   b , a pointed toe  40   c , and the like, which are introduced in various colors and decorative finishes  46 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be incorporated into the teachings of the present invention. While only one particular configuration is shown and described that is for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10  it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 3   e.    
     The method of installing and using the system  10  may be achieved by: procuring the system  10  along with at least one (1) heel  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  and one (1) toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  for each shoe assembly  100  based upon a user&#39;s preference; selecting and installing a heel  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  onto each shoe assembly  100  by threading the stud  22  of the heel  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  into the insert  103  of the upper heel  102 ; tightening the threaded stud  22  using a hand tool such as a wrench; installing a toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  onto the toe spring  104  by inserting a respective plate  42  of the toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  into the spring slot  105  of the toe spring  104  until obtaining a fully engaged and secure friction fit; wearing the specifically configured shoe assembly  100  in a normal manner as desired; and, benefiting from an easily reconfigured footwear system  10  afforded a user of the system  10 . 
     The method of reconfiguring and changing the appearance of the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: removing the previously installed heel  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  using a tool; reinstalling a different desired heel  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d  as described above; removing the previously installed toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d ; and reinstalling a different desired toe  40   a ,  40   b ,  40   c ,  40   d  as described above. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.