Patent Description:
Shoes can not only protect the foot while walking but can also enhance a fashion ensemble or provide an avenue for personal expression. Shoes vary in style from sporty to casual to formal. Not only are the shoe uppers provided in a variety of styles and with a variety of embellishments, but it is also known in the prior art to incorporate interesting or enhancing designs in the shoe outsole. For example, an outsole may have treads that will print out an appealing design, a figure, a print, a symbol, or a message on a soft walking surface.

Yet outsoles are limited in their decorative aspects because the outsole provides a flat surface that touches the ground or floor and that bears the weight of the wearer. Any decoration on the bottom of the sole will become soiled. Boggs, et al. attempted to overcome this problem in <CIT> that discloses an outsole having a clear outer layer through which an underlying decorative surface layer can be viewed. However, the clear outer layer will become dirty during the wearing of the shoes, which will obscure the decorative underlayer and make it unattractive for viewing.

Accordingly, there is a need for a footwear construction unit to create decorative footwear with an underside carrying a decorative element, which adds interest and appeal to the overall look of the shoe, but which is not soiled by touching the walking surface and which is not obscured by the soiling of a clear overlayer. Additionally, there is a need for shoe incorporating the inventive footwear construction unit.

The invention is a shoe as defined in claim <NUM> and a shoe construction unit as defined in claim <NUM>.

The present invention is directed to a footwear construction unit that accommodates a decorative component, is directed to a structural assembly that includes both the construction unit and decorative component and is also directed to an embellished shoe incorporating the structural assembly. The decorative component, when installed, is at least partially disposed within a raised lower portion of the construction unit, which supports the decorative component suspended or elevated above the ground. Due to the decorative component's placement in the upraised area, it does not touch the ground, thereby preventing damage or abrasion to the decorative component.

In some aspects of the invention, the decorative component extends beyond the upraised portion of the construction unit to cover all or part of the bottom surface of the arch and/or to cover all or part of the bottom surface of the remainder of the shoe, such as the inner, forward-facing surface of the heel (heel breast) or a portion of the heel seat surrounding the heel of the shoe.

The embellished shoe includes at least a heel section, a toe section, an arch section disposed between the heel and toe sections, a shoe upper, the decorative component, and at least one construction unit configured with an upraised area to receive at least a portion of the decorative component. In the first embodiment, the construction unit is a toe construction unit that, when integrated into the finished shoe, is positioned in the toe section of the shoe, and is sized, shaped, and configured to fit below the toe portion of a shoe. In a second embodiment of the invention, the construction unit may be a heel construction unit positioned in the heel section of the shoe. The heel construction unit is sized, shaped, and configured to fit below the heel portion of a shoe. In an aspect of the invention, one (toe or heel) construction unit may be used to form the embellished shoe. In another aspect of the invention, two (toe and heel) construction units may be used to form the embellished shoe. To prevent redundancy, the detailed description is provided herein in application to the toe construction unit without repeating the elements and details for the heel construction unit (spatially reversed compared to the toe construction unit). Though not repeated, one skilled in the art could apply the relevant elements and descriptions to the differing spatial arrangement of the heel construction unit. (To apply the description of the toe construction unit to the heel construction unit, the directions front or forward and back or rearward are reversed.

The footwear construction unit includes an upper body and a vertically extending, weight-bearing wall extending downwardly below, and providing support and underpinning to, the upper body portion of the construction unit (and to the shoe itself). The weight-bearing wall extends vertically from the bottom of the upper body of the construction unit to the ground upon which the user walks.

The weight-bearing wall of the construction unit terminates rearwardly at a right back wall margin and a left back wall margin with a rearward gap defined between the right and left wall margins. The rearward gap allows viewing of the decorative component that is disposed within the interior upraised area. The left and right back wall margins may be of consistent width or may taper vertically.

The bottom of the upper body (forming the upper body roof) and the inner surface of the weight-bearing wall (forming the sides) together define the interior upraised area that accommodates the decorative component. The upraised area may be shallow or deep. Based on considerations such as artistic design, materials used, and structural stability, the weight-bearing wall may be thin or relatively thick, may be a single wall, may be a double wall, may be a segmented wall, may be a partial wall or full wall, or may be perforated with cavities or hollows. The weight-bearing wall may be solid or may have cutouts, slits, or other wall openings that enhance ornamentation but still provide support for the user to allow walking. A thicker weight-bearing wall provides a larger surface area to contact the walking surface for stability, but a thinner weight-bearing wall allows for a larger area available for application of, and viewing of, the decorative component.

The weight-bearing wall may have a height that is greater than, equal to, or less than the height of the upper body of the construction unit.

The disposition of a decorative element within the protected, upraised area near the bottom of the shoe allows viewing of the decorative element (for example, from behind, at a side angle, or when the wearer is seated) while protecting it from the dirt and grime of a walking surface. The decorative element may be flat or may have a three-dimensional appearance or characteristics. The decorative element is elevated so that it does not touch or encounter the ground.

In an aspect of the invention (when the construction unit is incorporated into a shoe), the top of the construction unit lies generally in a first, upper plane (near or adjacent to the bottom of the shoe upper). The bottom of the construction unit upper body and the top of the weight-bearing wall lie generally in a second (middle) plane. And the weight-bearing wall comprises a framework that runs along at least a portion of the sides and front of the upper body and extends downwardly to terminate in a bottom boundary lying in a third (lower) plane. The weight-bearing wall may be a peripheral wall or may be inset from the periphery of the shoe.

In another aspect of the invention, the weight-bearing wall comprises multiple wall sections that extend downwardly from at least one of the sides and/or the front of the upper body of the construction unit and that extend downwardly to terminate in a multi-segment bottom boundary lying in the third, lower plane, as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the weight-bearing wall flares at or near the bottom boundary, which increases the surface area for engagement with the walking surface, as compared to a weight-bearing wall that does not have the flared portion and does not become thicker at the bottom.

In a further aspect of the invention, the decorative component is disposed only in the upraised area of the construction unit.

In another aspect of the invention, the decorative component is disposed in the upraised area of the construction unit and extends across the sole of the arch of the shoe.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the decorative component is disposed in the upraised area of the construction unit, extends across the arch of the shoe, and extends down the inner surface of the heel of the shoe.

In a further aspect of the invention, the decorative component is disposed on a portion of a heel seat surrounding the heel of the shoe.

In a further aspect of the invention, a single construction unit is incorporated into the toe of an embellished shoe of the present invention.

In another aspect of the invention, both a toe construction unit and a heel construction unit are incorporated into the embellished shoe of the present invention.

In another aspect of the invention, the construction unit includes a tread portion disposed at the bottom boundary of the weight-bearing wall.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the construction unit comprises an upper shoe-unit interface, a mid-base, and a foundational base.

In an additional aspect of the invention, an encasement is provided for attachment over at least the body inner roof surface.

In a further aspect of the invention an inlay is fixedly attached to at least a portion of the outside surface of the encasement.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the construction unit is formed unitarily as a single piece.

In another aspect of the invention, the construction unit is formed of multiple, fixedly connected pieces.

The object of the invention is to provide a construction unit and a shoe incorporating the construction unit along with a decorative component which gives an improved performance over the above-described prior art.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follow.

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a footwear construction unit for receiving a decorative component and toward an embellished shoe utilizing the footwear construction unit and the decorative component. The decorative component is disposed in at least an upraised portion of the construction unit, which protects the decorative component from dirt and abrasion because it is elevated above the walking surface. In one aspect of the invention, the decorative component extends from the roof of the upraised portion of the construction unit across the arch portion of the shoe sole and further to the breast portion of the shoe heel. In another aspect, the decorative component also extends vertically down the inner surface of the weight-bearing wall of the construction unit. In a further aspect, the decorative component may be additionally disposed on a portion of a heel seat exterior of an attached heel.

Referring now to the drawings, a conventional shoe <NUM> of the prior art is shown in <FIG>. The prior art shoe <NUM> includes a heel <NUM>, a toe <NUM>, an arch <NUM>, an outsole <NUM>, and an upper <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> defines a volume for partially enclosing a wearer's foot and typically includes an upper outer covering <NUM> (such as leather, imitation leather, fabric, or the like) and may optionally include an insole disposed to cover the footbed of the upper <NUM> for comfort of the wearer. The upper <NUM> may be a portion of a shoe of any type, such as a dress shoe, loafer, mule, boot, bootie, sandal, thong, or the like. The upper <NUM> may be joined to the heel <NUM> at heel-upper joint <NUM>. The heel <NUM> provides support for the heel portion of the upper, and in most aspects of the invention it also elevates it.

The heel <NUM> may be a high heel, as illustrated in <FIG>, or a medium, low, or flat heel. The outsole <NUM> forms the finished bottom of the shoe <NUM> including the walking surface and may also comprise one or more midsole layers (not shown). The outsole <NUM> may include any, or all, of a toe outsole <NUM> below the toe section <NUM>, an arch outsole <NUM> below the arch section <NUM>, a heel breast <NUM> covering, and a heel cap <NUM> disposed at the bottom surface of the heel <NUM>. In some aspects of the invention, a platform <NUM> may be disposed at the lower part of the toe section <NUM>, as in the exemplary high-heeled shoe illustrated, and may serve to elevate the toe portion of the upper for aesthetic reasons. In this case, toe platform covering material <NUM> may be disposed on the outer surface of the platform <NUM> to coordinate with or contrast with the rest of the shoe <NUM> or to otherwise enhance the look of the shoe <NUM>.

In <FIG>, an embellished shoe, shown generally as reference number <NUM>, is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the embellished shoe <NUM> comprises the heel <NUM>, toe <NUM>, arch <NUM>, and an upper <NUM> of the prior art shoe <NUM>, and it also comprises a shoe structural assembly that includes both a decorative component <NUM> and a construction unit <NUM>. The construction unit <NUM> is configured with an upraised area <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) for receiving at least a portion of the decorative component <NUM>. The decorative component <NUM> may be disposed directly or indirectly on part or all of the undersurfaces of the shoe toe <NUM>, arch <NUM>, and/or heel breast <NUM> and may comprise a toe decorative element <NUM> (<FIG>), arch decorative element <NUM>, and/or heel decorative element <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the invention, a single construction unit <NUM> (a toe construction unit) is utilized to form the embellished shoe <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. In other embodiments of the invention (<FIG>), both a toe construction unit <NUM> and a heel construction unit <NUM> are utilized to form the embellished shoe <NUM>.

The construction unit <NUM> comprises an upper body <NUM> and a lower weight-bearing wall <NUM>, which, in a preferred aspect, are formed unitarily, as in <FIG>. In another aspect, they may be formed separately and fixedly attached, as in <FIG>.

In the finished shoe, the construction unit <NUM> is fixedly joined to the shoe. Specifically, a construction body top surface <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>), which is the top surface of the upper body <NUM> portion of the construction unit, is fixedly attached, directly or indirectly, to the bottom of the shoe upper portion at an upper first level. Various standard shoe elements may be incorporated into the upper <NUM> or disposed between the upper <NUM> and the body top surface <NUM>, such as midsoles, outsoles, portions of the upper, and other elements as known in the art. The body top surface <NUM> may be configured to enhance the adherence of the top body surface <NUM> to the toe upper portion. A bonding agent may be used with or without additional mechanical devices. For example, the body top surface <NUM> may be irregular. The top body surface <NUM> may be textured or scored or otherwise treated to increase the surface area to enhance bonding, as shown in <FIG>. The body top surface <NUM> may be configured with concave dimples to be received by corresponding convex hollows within the toe upper portion. Or the body top surface <NUM> and the toe upper portion may be configured with channels <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) for receiving monofilament <NUM> (which may be concealed by a covering) to mechanically tie the parts together.

The upper body <NUM> of the construction unit extends vertically downward from the body top surface <NUM> to an intersectional area <NUM> (<FIG>) that is generally at the level of the body inner roof surface <NUM>. The weight-bearing wall <NUM> extends downwardly from the intersectional area <NUM> to the ground.

The upper body <NUM> of the construction unit extends horizontally from front to back from a body front surface <NUM> (<FIG>) to a body back surface <NUM> (<FIG>) and extends horizontally from side to side between right and left lateral body lateral outer surfaces <NUM> (<FIG>). The weight-bearing wall <NUM> extends downwardly from at least a portion of the periphery of the sides and front of the upper body <NUM> to the ground in the first embodiment but extends downwardly from an area inset from the periphery in <FIG>. The thickness of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> is the distance between the weight-bearing wall exterior surface <NUM> (<FIG>) and the weight-bearing wall interior surface <NUM> (<FIG>). This thickness may vary in portions of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> (as seen in <FIG>) or remain constant throughout the entirety of the weight-bearing wall <NUM>. In one aspect, the weight-bearing wall <NUM> is thin but expands outwardly slightly at the out the bottom to form a flare <NUM> (<FIG>). If the thickness of the wall <NUM> is thin, more space is allowed in the interior upraised area <NUM>, which can accommodate the decorative component <NUM>, while maintaining the functionality of bearing the weight of the wearer. In another aspect of the invention shown in <FIG>, the wall <NUM> is thick, which reduces the space for the decorative component <NUM> but increases the area of the bottom boundary <NUM>. The wall <NUM> surrounds the body inner roof surface <NUM> that is at the second (middle) level, which is lower than the upper first level at the body top surface <NUM>.

The weight-bearing wall <NUM> ends at the back on the right and on the left at the right and left peripheral back margins <NUM> (<FIG>). An open space is defined between the right and left peripheral back margins <NUM>, and there is no weight-bearing wall <NUM> extending downwardly from the center of the back of the upper body <NUM>. This creates the open space between the right and left peripheral back margins <NUM> (<FIG>), which allows viewing of the decorative component <NUM> (which will be disposed within the interior upraised area <NUM>). In the first embodiment, the right, front, and left exterior surface <NUM> of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> substantially aligns with the body right outer surface <NUM>, the body front surface <NUM>, and the body left outer surface <NUM>, thereby giving a smooth, finished look.

The weight-bearing wall <NUM> extends downwardly from the intersectional area <NUM> (<FIG>) to terminate in a bottom boundary <NUM>. The bottom boundary <NUM> extends from a bottom boundary outer edge <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) to a bottom boundary inner edge <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>). The bottom boundary <NUM> meets the inner wall <NUM> at inner junction <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>), which in some aspects of the invention, such as in <FIG>, corresponds to the bottom boundary inner edge <NUM>. In <FIG>, wall-boundary inner junction <NUM> is a substantially right-angle corner. In other aspects of the invention, the wall-boundary inner junction <NUM> may not form a right angle but may be curved, less than ninety-degrees, more than ninety-degrees, or curved less than ninety-degrees, more than ninety-degrees, or curved, as seen in <FIG>. The bottom boundary <NUM> is disposed at a third level that is lower than a second level, and which is generally at least partially planar. Bottom boundary <NUM> may be the walking surface or may be covered entirely or partially with a tread, outsole, protective sole cover <NUM>, or encasement <NUM> (<FIG>) based on considerations of style and functionality. Bottom boundary <NUM> may optionally be configured with texturing or grooves <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) to increase traction.

The upraised area <NUM> is an open space that serves as a decoration-receiving recess. The upraised area <NUM> has a top (as oriented as in <FIG> and as oriented when incorporated into a shoe) defined by the body inner roof surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the upper body <NUM> and has sides defined by the inner wall surface <NUM> of the weight-bearing wall <NUM>. There is a gap between the right and left peripheral back margins <NUM> of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> with nothing bridging the gap, so that the back portion of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> is open.

The body inner roof surface <NUM> is disposed at the second level. The second level is above the third level, which thus elevates the top of the upraised area <NUM> above the walking surface and thus minimizes or eliminates damage to and sullying of the decorative component <NUM> carried within the upraised area <NUM>. The height of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> is generally the distance between the second and third levels, while the height of the upper body <NUM> is generally the distance between the first and second levels. The height of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> may vary based on the height of the decorative component <NUM> and on stylistic and functional requirements. For example, the height of the wall <NUM> is significantly less in the man's shoe of <FIG> than the woman's platform shoe of <FIG>. The height of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> is greater than the height of the decorative component <NUM>, so that the decorative component <NUM> is elevated above the ground.

Because the back (between the peripheral back margins <NUM>) of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> is open, the decorative component <NUM> can be directly or indirectly fixedly attached to the body inner roof surface <NUM> and can run continuously out the back of the upraised area <NUM> between the right and left peripheral back margins <NUM> (<FIG>). In one aspect, the decorative component <NUM> is further disposed on, and directly or indirectly fixedly attached to, the inner surface of the weight-bearing wall <NUM>. In another aspect, the decorative component is also disposed on, and directly or indirectly fixedly attached to, the bottom surface of the arch section <NUM> of the shoe and/or the heel breast <NUM>. The decorative component <NUM> comprises one or more of a toe decorative element <NUM> (<FIG>) attached to a toe decoration-receiving surface (body inner roof surface <NUM>), an arch decorative element <NUM> (<FIG>) attached to an arch decoration-receiving surface (arch surface <NUM>, <FIG>), a heel decorative element <NUM> (<FIG>) attached to a heel decoration-receiving surface, and a body inner floor (grotto) decorative element attached to a body inner floor surface (grotto floor) <NUM> (<FIG>). In some aspects of the invention, the decorative component <NUM> also is disposed on, and directly or indirectly fixedly attached to, all or at least a portion of the inner wall surface <NUM> of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> that partially defines the upraised area <NUM>.

The decorative component <NUM> has a height less than the height that the inner wall surface <NUM> extends below the body inner roof surface <NUM>, which prevents scratching or soiling of the decorative component <NUM>. The decorative component <NUM> may be substantially flat (such as a brightly colored sheet, dye, or film of iridescent material), may be thin (such as ostrich skin or alligator skin), may have a medium thickness (such as the half pearls of <FIG>), or may have a taller height up to a height just less than the height of the recess (such as multi-jeweled chains extending from the body inner roof surface <NUM> and having a height just less than the height of the inner wall surface <NUM>). For example, the decorative components may comprise crystals, rhinestones, ceramic beads or particles, glass beads or particles, porcelain, textiles, sequins, mirrors or pliable mirror foiling or plastic mirror film, links of chains, metal electroplating (gold, silver, copper, and the like), fur, dye, precious stones (diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and the like, semiprecious stones, exotic skins, leathers including quilted or printed leathers, and other two-dimensional and three-dimensional synthetic or natural materials. The decorative component <NUM> may be individual, linked, or composite elements fixedly attached to the decoration-receiving surface, may be a sheet of material (substrate <NUM> of <FIG>) with individual, linked, or composite elements fixedly attached to the substrate <NUM> that is then fixedly attached to the decoration-receiving surface, may be a sheet of material with an attractive pattern, color, or texture, or may be a combination of individual, linked, or composite elements and a sheet of material with an attractive pattern, color, or texture. Individual elements of the decorative component <NUM> may be set in individual settings or may be set in channels. The elements of the decorative component <NUM> may be of a consistent size or may vary in size. In an exemplary aspect, shown in <FIG>, the decorative component <NUM> comprises a substrate <NUM> embedded with or otherwise carrying rhinestones. In an exemplary aspect shown in <FIG>, the decorative component <NUM> comprises multiple half spheres, such as half pearls. In the exemplary aspect of <FIG>, the decorative component <NUM> comprises individual medallions, nail heads, or studs fixedly adhered to the decoration-receiving surface.

In one aspect of the invention, the height of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> (around upraised area <NUM>) of the construction unit <NUM> has a height that is greater than the height of the upper unit body <NUM>. This aspect can be seen in <FIG> in which the inner wall surface <NUM> of wall <NUM> has a height that is greater than the height of the back surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In this aspect, the distance between the first plane and second plane is smaller than the distance between the second and third planes.

In another aspect of the invention, the height of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> has a height that is less than the height of the unit body <NUM>. This aspect can be seen in <FIG> in which the inner wall surface <NUM> has a height that is much less than the height of the body back surface <NUM>. In this aspect, the distance between the first plane and second plane is larger than the distance between the second and third planes.

In an additional aspect of the invention, the height of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> has a height that is approximately equal to the height of the body <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>.

The body top surface <NUM> is shaped, sized, and configured to be fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the toe section <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Thus, the body top surface <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> will, in general, correspond to the general shape of the toe section <NUM> (such as generally V-shaped for pointed-toed shoes or generally U-shaped for rounded-toed shoes). And in some aspects of the invention, the outer body surface and weight-bearing wall <NUM> will follow the V- or U-shape of the toe, but in other aspects, such as in <FIG>, may be varied based on design and functional considerations.

The direct or indirect (such as with intermediary layers) attachment of the construction unit <NUM> to the bottom of the toe section may be by means of a glue, adhesive, or other bonding agent; may be by mechanical means such as screws, monofilament <NUM> (<FIG>) tying the two together, or other mechanical devices; or may be by a combination, such as the use of both a bonding agent and one or more mechanical devices. The monofilament <NUM> may be disposed within a channel <NUM>, <NUM> in either, or both of, the construction unit <NUM> and the shoe upper portion and may be used to sew or bind them together.

In one aspect, as seen in <FIG>, the rear portion of the upper body <NUM> is configured with a wedge <NUM>. The wedge <NUM> extends upwardly at the back of the body top surface <NUM>, which follows the line of the shoe upper between the toe section and the arch section to form an incline or ramp. The wedge <NUM> tapers rearwardly to an edge <NUM>. For some styles of shoes, the inclusion of the wedge <NUM> enhances the attachment of the body <NUM> to the upper <NUM> (or to a midsole disposed between the upper <NUM> and the wedge <NUM>) and increases the robustness of the upper body <NUM>.

Also seen in <FIG>, the body outer surface <NUM> extends vertically downwardly from the periphery of the body top surface <NUM>. The weight-bearing wall outer surface <NUM> also extends vertically downwardly and is generally aligned with the body outer surface <NUM>. This alignment creates a smooth façade, which may be covered with a covering <NUM> (<FIG>) or may be left exposed based substantially on aesthetic considerations. Similarly, as seen in <FIG>, the body back surface <NUM> extends downwardly from the back edge <NUM> (<FIG>) of the body top surface <NUM> and/or the back wedge <NUM>. And the weight-bearing wall back surface <NUM> extends downwardly in general alignment with the body back surface <NUM> to create a smooth façade, which may be covered by a footwear material or may remain uncovered.

<FIG> illustrates a partially assembled embellished shoe <NUM>, which shows a step in an exemplary assembly. In manufacturing the embellished shoe <NUM>, the body top surface <NUM> is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of the toe section <NUM> of the shoe upper. Therefore, preferably, the outer perimeter of the upper body <NUM> and the outer perimeter of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> conform to the shape of the outer perimeter of the upper toe section <NUM> to produce a smooth façade. However, based on design decisions or aesthetic considerations, the creation of a smooth façade is not necessary to the invention.

In an aspect of the invention, as seen in <FIG>, the perimeter of the body <NUM> and of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> are covered with a covering <NUM>, which may match, coordinate with, or contrast with the material forming the shoe upper <NUM> based on aesthetic considerations. The covering <NUM> may be selected by the manufacturer to veneer the body outer surface <NUM> and wall outer surface <NUM> with ornamental material that may match with, coordinate with, or contrast with the decorative component <NUM> and/or the material forming the shoe upper <NUM>.

In another aspect of the invention, the perimeter of the body <NUM> and of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> remain uncovered with the material forming the construction unit exposed.

In a further aspect of the invention, the bottom boundary <NUM> may be textured, smooth, or grooved <NUM> to provide additional traction.

In an aspect of the invention shown in <FIG>, an additional outsole portion, protective sole cover <NUM>, is fixedly attached to the bottom surface of an encasement or of bottom boundary <NUM>. The bottom of the protective sole cover <NUM> may be textured, smooth, or grooved to form a tread <NUM>. The protective sole cover <NUM> may be formed of a rubber or rubber-like material, may be formed of a slip-resistant material to add grip strength, or may be formed of other conventional outsole materials. The protective sole cover <NUM> may cover all or a portion of the bottom boundary <NUM>. If only a portion of the bottom boundary <NUM> is covered, a concavity (within the bottom boundary <NUM>) may form a concave channel <NUM> sized and shaped to receive the protective sole cover <NUM> with a rim <NUM> of the bottom boundary <NUM> remaining at the edge of the protective sole cover <NUM>. Though <FIG> shows the rim <NUM> on the interior of the protective sole cover <NUM>, in another aspect the rim <NUM> is disposed on the exterior of the protective sole cover <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the second embodiment in which an open-back toe construction unit <NUM> is disposed on the toe of a flat shoe and in which a second construction unit, a heel construction unit <NUM>, is disposed on the heel of a flat shoe. The heel construction unit <NUM> may be closed (as seen in <FIG>) or may correspond to the toe construction unit <NUM> and be open, as in <FIG>. (The heel construction unit <NUM> is not discussed separately, as it corresponds to the described toe construction unit, though in a different spatial orientation. ) In <FIG>, the closed construction unit <NUM> is disposed on the heel section of the shoe and the open-back construction unit <NUM> is disposed on the toe section of the shoe. In <FIG> two open-back construction units <NUM> are used (one disposed on the toe and one on the heel). In another aspect, two closed construction units <NUM> may be used (one disposed on the toe and one on the heel). In a further aspect, the open-back construction unit <NUM> may be disposed on the heel section and the closed construction unit <NUM> may be disposed on the toe section.

The closed heel construction unit <NUM> comprises at least a full or partial arcuate wall <NUM> and a full or partial transverse wall <NUM>. In an aspect of the invention, the arcuate wall <NUM> and the transverse wall <NUM> are fixedly attached to the body <NUM> that is then attached to the upper <NUM> or to the midsole disposed below the upper <NUM>. In this aspect, an upraised region <NUM> is an open space defined by the inner curved sides of the arcuate wall <NUM>, the inner side of the transverse wall <NUM>, and an upraised region top surface. The closed upraised region <NUM> is configured to receive the decorative element.

Though the heel construction unit <NUM> is illustrated as a short heel <NUM>,<NUM> (around three-fourth inches in height), the closed construction unit may be implemented with much taller walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the second embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, both the body <NUM> and the weight-bearing wall <NUM> of the toe construction unit <NUM> are segmented to enhance the flexibility. Though in the first embodiment the weight-bearing wall <NUM> and the body <NUM> are preferably formed unitarily by molding, in this embodiment the weight-bearing wall <NUM> and the body <NUM> are formed in segmented members <NUM>. Each segmented member <NUM> includes a segment of the wall <NUM> and a segment of the body <NUM>. Adjacent segmented members <NUM> are separated by a horizontal gap <NUM> between the wall bottom surfaces of adjacent segmented members <NUM>, a vertical gap <NUM> along the inner wall surface <NUM> (<FIG>) between adjacent segmented members <NUM>, and a horizontal gap <NUM> between the upper body <NUM> of adjacent segmented members <NUM>. Having two or more segmented members <NUM> may provide an advantage to some shoes in that the segments increase the flex or bend of the portion of the sole to which they are applied. However, the segmented members <NUM> may be utilized by shoe designers for aesthetic reasons on other shoes that do not need the flexing functionality.

<FIG> illustrate an aspect in which a sloped or inclined back wedge <NUM> at the rear of the construction unit <NUM> tapers to a very thin back edge <NUM>. This allows a very smooth transition between the construction unit <NUM> and the arch, which may have both functional and aesthetic advantages.

<FIG> illustrate an aspect in which the center of the bottom boundary <NUM> has a greater thickness than the front or the rear of the bottom boundary <NUM>, which may be advantageous in providing traction and walking stability. The right and left peripheral back margins <NUM> may be somewhat thinner in thickness than the middle of the bottom boundary <NUM> and may be generally uniform in thickness, as in <FIG>, or may taper to a narrow V-shape, as illustrated in <FIG>. The narrow V-shape may allow easier viewing of the interior decorative component <NUM>.

<FIG> also illustrate a weight-bearing wall <NUM> that has a narrow width at the front, from wall outer edge <NUM> to wall inner edge <NUM>. The inner wall is substantially vertical. This is in contrast to the aspect show in <FIG> in which the front of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> has a wide width from wall outer edge <NUM> to wall inner edge <NUM>. And, additionally, in <FIG> the inner wall is not substantially vertical, but it is instead inset (such as to form a smooth concavity or grotto). Thus, the inner and outer surfaces of the wall <NUM> may be generally parallel (as in <FIG>) or may not be parallel (as in <FIG>). And the width of the wall may be thin or thick. When the wall width is thin, a larger surface area of the body inner roof surface <NUM> is available for receiving decorative elements. When the wall is thicker, it may provide more traction, but reduces the area of the body inner roof surface <NUM> available for receiving decorative elements.

<FIG> illustrates the very smooth transition between the construction unit <NUM> and the arch area <NUM> that can be achieved when the back of the construction unit <NUM> is tapered into the wedge <NUM> ending at edge <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The shoe under construction in <FIG> is shown before an outer covering (such as leather, imitation leather, or cloth) is disposed along the outer side and front surfaces of the construction unit <NUM> and the toe portion of the midsole to provide a consistent, elegant look. Additionally, to finish the manufacture of the shoe in <FIG>, an encasement <NUM> (<FIG>) may be applied to any or all of the upraised area <NUM>, the wedge portion <NUM>, and the arch portion <NUM>; and then a decorative component <NUM> may be applied to the outside of the encasement <NUM> or may be integrated into the encasement <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a third embodiment of the invention that further discloses an encasement <NUM>, where the encasement <NUM> conforms to the bottom portion of the shoe to give a polished, refined look. The use of the encasement <NUM> enables the multiple portions of the construction unit and shoe bottom portions to be smoothly covered and enhanced, which is comparable to the finished look achieved by using material to cover the parts of the upper to give a smooth, finished look. The encasement <NUM> may coordinate or contrast with the upper, based substantially on fashion and aesthetic concerns.

The encasement <NUM> comprises at least a recess roof encasing portion <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>), and preferably also comprises one or more of a recess wall encasing portion <NUM>, an arch encasing portion <NUM>, a heel breast encasing portion <NUM>, and an underside encasing portion <NUM>. The recess roof encasing portion <NUM> is sized and configured to fit over and, in the finished shoe, to be fixedly attached to the body inner roof surface <NUM>. The recess wall encasing portion <NUM> is sized and configured to fit over and, in the finished shoe, configured to have its inward-facing surface fixedly attached to the outer surface of the peripheral inner wall <NUM>. The inner heel encasing portion <NUM> is sized and configured to fit over and, in the finished shoe, configured to have its inward-facing surface fixedly attached to the outer surface of the inner heel breast <NUM>. The arch encasing portion <NUM> is sized and configured to fit over and, in the finished shoe, configured to have its inward-facing surface fixedly attached to the outer surface of the bottom or arch <NUM>. The underside encasing portion <NUM> is sized and configured to fit over and, in the finished shoe, configured to have its inward-facing surface fixedly attached to the surface of the bottom boundary <NUM>. Specifically, the inner side <NUM> (<FIG>) of underside encasing portion <NUM> is fixedly attached to the outside of the bottom boundary <NUM>. As shown, the underside encasing portion <NUM> may be configured with irregularities <NUM> (<FIG>), such as grooves or texturing, to increase traction and facilitate walking stability. In an aspect, the underside encasing portion <NUM> may be configured with an inset that covers a portion of the bottom boundary <NUM>. For example, if the encasement <NUM> is formed of a precious metal, a thermoplastic insert within the underside encasing portion <NUM> may be included to slightly elevate the precious metal to avoid wear. The insert may be replaceable. In an aspect the underside encasing portion <NUM> may comprise multiple layers with an inner decorative layer and an outer wearable layer, such as a thin transparent synthetic stratum.

The encasement <NUM> may be formed in parts and fixedly joined together or may be formed unitarily, such as by molding. The encasement <NUM> may be a thin skin to enhance the finished look or may be thicker to provide cushioning and/or to facilitate attachment of the decorative component <NUM>. In one aspect the encasement <NUM> is formed of thermoplastic. In another aspect the encasement <NUM> is formed of metal.

In the finished shoe, the decorative component <NUM> is received by, and disposed within, the upraised area <NUM> and is directly or indirectly attached to at least one of the inner surface of the inner wall <NUM> or the body inner roof surface <NUM>. One method of indirect attachment is through the use of an encasement <NUM>. Another method of indirect attachment is shown in <FIG> where the decorative component <NUM> is carried by a substrate <NUM>, which may be formed by an inlay <NUM> that is fixedly attached to the encasement <NUM>. In another method of direct or indirect attachment of the decorative component to the surface of the inner wall <NUM> or the body inner roof surface <NUM>, the decorative component is formed integrally with the surface of the inner wall <NUM>, the body inner roof surface <NUM> or an encasement or inlay covering the wall or roof surface.

In one aspect, an inlay <NUM> may be large to substantially cover the entire area of the upraised area <NUM>, arch bottom surface, and heel inner surface, as seen in <FIG>. In a further aspect, the inlay <NUM> may be larger to substantially cover the entire area of the upraised area <NUM>, arch bottom surface, heel inner surface, and the toe platform <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. In another aspect, the inlay <NUM> may only cover a portion of the upraised area <NUM>. In another aspect, the inlay may cover only the body inner roof surface <NUM> or the inlay may cover only the recess roof encasing portion <NUM> that covers the body inner roof surface <NUM>. In another aspect, as seen in <FIG>, the inlay <NUM> may cover the body inner roof surface <NUM> (or the recess roof encasing portion <NUM> that covers the body inner roof surface <NUM>), the arch bottom surface, and heel inner surface. The inlay <NUM> corresponds generally in shape to the portions to be covered. In one aspect inlay <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material that has a degree of elasticity or adjustability to enable to inlay <NUM> to be applied smoothly.

Though <FIG> shows a single type of decorative component for fixedly attaching to the recess roof encasing portion <NUM>, the recess wall encasing portion <NUM>, the arch encasing portion <NUM>, and the inner heel encasing portion <NUM>, there is no requirement that a single type of decorative component be used. As dictated by fashion, aesthetics, and functionality, multiple types of decorative components may be used. For example, if sharp spikes are attached to the recess roof encasing portion <NUM>, metal studs may be attached to the other portions of the outer portion of the encasement <NUM>. Or in a second example, rhinestones may be attached to the recess roof encasing portion <NUM>, the arch encasing portion <NUM>, and the inner heel encasing portion <NUM> with sequins attached to the recess wall encasing portion <NUM>. The thickness of the encasement <NUM> may be based on the type of decorative component <NUM> that will be attached, as well as aesthetic and functional concerns.

<FIG> illustrate the aspect of the invention having a weight-bearing wall <NUM> with a front portion that is thicker than the front portion of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> in earlier embodiments. This thickened front portion creates an expanded front portion of the bottom boundary <NUM>. The expanded front portion of the bottom boundary <NUM> provides a variation in the design and a larger surface area for walking. The expanded bottom boundary <NUM> allows the inner surface <NUM> of the weight-bearing wall <NUM> to be vertical (<FIG>) or inset (<FIG>). The inset inner surface <NUM> allows for an undercut to form a cavern-like upraised area <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> illustrate that the weight-bearing wall <NUM> need not be solid, but can be configured with one or more cut-throughs, holes, latticework, slits, or the like with the limitation that the weight-bearing wall <NUM> retains sufficient robustness to bear the weight of the wearer.

<FIG> illustrates an aspect of the invention in which there are one or multiple openings <NUM> within the weight-bearing wall <NUM>. Each opening is defined by a top frame <NUM>, a bottom frame <NUM>, and opposing side frames <NUM>. The opening or openings <NUM> may serve as a type of window allowing a viewer to catch glimpses of the decorative component <NUM>. The opening or openings <NUM> may also reduce the weight of the construction unit <NUM> but can be designed in such a manner as to minimize the reduction in strength.

<FIG> illustrates a slot-type opening <NUM> in the weight-bearing wall <NUM> that provides another means for a viewer to view the interior decorative component <NUM>. The slot-type opening <NUM> is defined by side frames <NUM> and a top frame <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a fourth embodiment in which the upraised are <NUM> is aa grotto-like cavity with a grotto floor <NUM> spanning the area between the opposing side walls <NUM>.

This embodiment adds another area that can receive a decorative component <NUM>. In the first embodiment, there is a possibility of applying a decorative material or embellishment <NUM> to any or all of the body inner roof surface <NUM>, the inner surface <NUM> of wall <NUM>, the wedge <NUM>, the back rearward surface of the unit body <NUM>, the arch <NUM>, and the heel breast <NUM>. This fourth embodiment adds another area to which a decorative component <NUM> may be applied, and this is the grotto floor surface <NUM>. When the grotto-type construction unit <NUM> and decorative component <NUM> are installed into an embellished shoe <NUM>, a viewer may glimpse the decorative component disposed on the body inner roof surface when the wearer's legs are crossed, but then, when the wearer changes the angle of the foot, the viewer may glimpse the decorative component disposed on the grotto floor <NUM>. At various angles, any decorative component disposed on the inner wall <NUM>, the wedge <NUM>, the back rearward surface of the unit body <NUM>, the arch <NUM>, and the breast <NUM> of the heel <NUM> may be viewable.

The interior of the grotto is viewable from the back (<FIG>, <FIG>) or through either of the two openings <NUM> disposed on opposing sides of the outer wall <NUM> in <FIG>. Each of the openings are defined by a top frame <NUM> at the level of the unit body inner roof surface <NUM>, a bottom frame <NUM> at the level of the horizontally extending grotto floor <NUM>, and a set of side frames <NUM>. The open space within the grotto is defined by the side opening <NUM> frames, a front and two back portions of the wall <NUM>, grotto floor <NUM>, and body inner roof surface <NUM>.

The top frame <NUM> is disposed at the top of the side opening <NUM>. It may be aligned with the unit body inner roof surface <NUM> to form a smooth transition.

The bottom frame <NUM> is disposed at the bottom portion of the side opening. The front portion of the bottom frame <NUM> is at the level of and contiguous with a floor <NUM>, which extends horizontally between the two opposing sides of a portion of the weight-bearing outer wall <NUM>.

More specifically, in the aspect of the invention that is illustrated, the floor <NUM> extends horizontally side-to-side between the bottom frame <NUM> of one side opening <NUM> to the bottom frame <NUM> of the opposite side opening <NUM>. The floor <NUM> extends horizontally front-to-back from the inner surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the front portion of wall <NUM> to the rearmost grotto floor edge, which is also the bottom boundary inner edge <NUM>. In another aspect of the invention, the floor <NUM> extends horizontally side-to-side between the opposing sides of the inner surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the wall <NUM> and extends horizontally front-to-back from the inner surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the front portion of wall <NUM> to the rearmost grotto floor edge at bottom boundary inner edge <NUM>, but it is not disposed at the level of the bottom frame <NUM>.

In the first embodiment, the body top portion surface <NUM> is at an upper first level, the body inner roof surface is at a second level below the first level, and the bottom boundary is at a third level adjacent to the ground and below the second level. This fourth embodiment adds a fourth level, which is the level of the grotto floor <NUM>. The fourth level is above the third level, but below the second level. Though one or more of the levels may be planar, there is no requirement for this, and, in most cases, the levels will not be planar.

In the first embodiment the decorative component <NUM> attached to the body inner roof surface <NUM> has a height less than the height of the inner wall surface <NUM>, which elevates the decorative component <NUM> above the ground. In the fourth embodiment, the decorative component <NUM> attached to the body inner roof surface <NUM> (the roof of the grotto) will typically have a vertical height less than the vertical distance between the body inner roof surface <NUM> and the grotto floor <NUM>.

The fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in <FIG>. The fifth embodiment provides a construction unit <NUM> that is lengthened or extended to include not only the toe construction unit portion already described, but to also include an arch extension <NUM> and a heel extension <NUM>. Thus, the construction unit <NUM> is not limited to ending at the back area of the shoe toe, such as at the wedge back edge <NUM> (as seen in <FIG>, <FIG>), but it may extend as an elongated ramp to cover the entire shoe base. In this embodiment, the unit body <NUM> begins at the shoe toe area (which carries the weight-bearing wall <NUM>), extends past the toe area to the arch area (as arch extension <NUM>), and further extends past the arch area to end at the distal heel area (as heel extension <NUM>). In an aspect, the elongated construction unit is formed unitarily for strength.

Also shown in <FIG> is an added area at the bottom of a shoe that can be utilized to display a portion of the decorative component <NUM>. In this aspect, a shoe heel <NUM> with a small base <NUM> is fixedly attached to the shoe. The use of a smaller base <NUM> than is typical for the heel permits the area around the heel, the perimetric margin <NUM>, to additionally be available for receiving the decorative component <NUM>. The perimetric margin <NUM> is a flat or gently curved area of the elongated construction unit around the base of the heel <NUM>. Though the small-base heel <NUM> is illustrated with a tall vertical support portion <NUM>, a medium or short vertical support portion <NUM> is within the scope of the claimed invention.

The small-base heel <NUM> is fixedly attached to the shoe in any of the various ways known in the art of shoemaking. Two exemplary attachment means are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> shows a peg <NUM> that corresponds to a receiving aperture <NUM> disposed within the heel portion of the elongated construction unit. The peg <NUM> is inserted into the receiving aperture <NUM> (and may additionally extend into an aperture <NUM> of the upper) and may secured by adhesive and/or by mechanical devices <NUM>, such as screws or monofilament, either of which may make use of the holes <NUM>. <FIG> shows a second exemplary attachment means in which the heel <NUM> includes a concavity <NUM> aligned with an aperture <NUM> in the extended construction unit <NUM> and an aperture in a portion of the bottom of the upper <NUM>. The heel <NUM> is attached mechanically and/or adhesively. For example, a bolt <NUM> (with a large head or base <NUM>) may be installed to join the upper <NUM>, the extended construction unit <NUM>, and the heel <NUM>. An insole <NUM> (and/or other inner shoe layers) may function to cover the base <NUM> of the mechanical attachment.

When the heel <NUM> is installed onto the finished shoe, the perimetric heel margin <NUM> exterior to the outer portion of the heel base <NUM> provides a foundation upon which the decorative component <NUM> may be directly or indirectly disposed. The decorative component <NUM> may be adhered directly to the perimetric heel margin <NUM>, or the perimetric heel margin <NUM> may be covered by a suitable covering with the decorative component <NUM> fixedly attached to or adhered to the suitable heel covering. Thus, this aspect provides an additional area to which a decorative component <NUM> may be displayed.

In all the embodiments, the decorative component <NUM> is attached securely to the underlying surface. In some aspects, the decorative component <NUM> may be attached via glue, adhesive, or other bonding agent. In an aspect, the decorative component <NUM> may be further secured with threading extending from the underlying portion of the shoe and engaged with the decorative component <NUM>. In an example show in <FIG>, the decorative component is rhinestones or rhinestone-like stones <NUM> disposed within cone-shaped receiving holes <NUM> that may be held within the receiving holes <NUM> with glue, adhesive, or mechanical settings. In an aspect, a pavé-type setting may be used, in which multiple small stones, beads, or the like are closely set with minimal visibility of the metal prongs holding them in place to provide the look of a sparkly pavement.

In the aspect in which the decorative component <NUM> is disposed on or integrated into the inlay <NUM>, the edges of the decoration-receiving areas may include a border ridge <NUM> that is sufficiently deep to hide the inlay <NUM>. The border ridge <NUM> is located to obscure viewing of the inlay edge, so it is disposed in a location that allows it to cover the inlay's raw edge when the inlay is installed. For example, without a border ridge <NUM>, if the inlay <NUM> is disposed on the peripheral inner wall <NUM> or on the recess wall encasing portion <NUM> covering the peripheral inner wall <NUM>, the edge of the inlay <NUM> could be seen at the bottom of the shoe. In one aspect, the inlay <NUM> is to be disposed on the recess roof encasing portion <NUM> and the recess wall encasing portion <NUM> of the encasement <NUM>, so a border ridge 115B is disposed at the intersection of the underside encasing portion <NUM> and the recess wall encasing portion <NUM> to hide the edge of the inlay <NUM>, as can be seen in <FIG>. In an additional aspect shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, when the inlay <NUM> is installed, it covers the recess roof encasing portion <NUM>, which positions the edge of the inlay <NUM> adjacent to and/or abutting the recess wall <NUM>; therefore, no border ridge <NUM> is needed or included at the junction of recess wall <NUM> and recess roof encasing portion <NUM>. But as the inlay <NUM> extends across the arch and down the inner heel, a border ridge 115B is disposed along the outer edge of the arch encasing portion <NUM> and inner heel encasing portion <NUM> to hide the edge of the inlay <NUM>. In one aspect as seen in <FIG>, the border ridge 115B may run down both sides of the inner heel encasing portion <NUM> but may have an opening <NUM> at the end of the inner heel encasing portion <NUM>, which may provide advantages in assembly.

In a further aspect in which no encasement is included, the arch and heel may include a border ridge 115A to obscure viewing of the edge of the substrate <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate an aspect of the construction unit <NUM> with a border ridge 115A, while <FIG> illustrates an aspect of the construction unit <NUM> without a border ridge 115A.

<FIG> illustrates a sixth embodiment which provides another example of a partial wall <NUM>, provides a construction unit <NUM> with a two-part unit body 111A, 111B, and provides a weight-bearing wall <NUM> that is slightly to somewhat inset from the periphery of the shoe.

Partial weight-bearing walls <NUM> may be used to meet design or aesthetic considerations with the limitation that they can support the weight of the user. Examples of partial walls <NUM> have been shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. In the partial wall <NUM> of <FIG>, the opposing side walls support the weight of the user while the toe area of the wall has been mostly eliminated.

The portion of the unit body that is proximal to the shoe upper, the proximal unit body portion 111A, will be fixedly attached to the shoe upper below the shoe toe box. The proximal unit body portion 111A carries the weight-bearing wall <NUM>, which may be full (not shown) or partial (as shown). The distal unit body portion 111B is configured with slits <NUM> that are sized and shaped to accommodate the weight-bearing wall <NUM>. The slits <NUM> are fitted over the wall <NUM> with the distal unit body portion 111B then fixedly attached over the proximal unit body portion 111A with the wall <NUM> extending through the distal unit body portion 111B. Thus, the height of the wall <NUM> must be a greater height than the height of the distal unit body portion 111B. Optionally, a finishing outsole <NUM>, encasement, inlay, or the like may be attached to provide functional and aesthetic enhancements. In another option, the unit body portion 111B comprises a standard sole configured with slits <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may be solid or configured with openings.

The portion of the unit body that is proximal to the shoe upper, the distal unit body portion 111B, may be formed of a rigid material or may be flexible or somewhat flexible. In most shoe designs, the toe front <NUM> of distal unit body portion 111B will substantially align with the toe front of the shoe upper to provide a smooth, integrated look.

<FIG> also illustrates that the weight-bearing wall <NUM> need not be disposed at the outer edge of the shoe, but all or part of it can be inset from the periphery. Though the toe of a shoe is not wide, the wall <NUM> may still be inset a small distance based on structural and aesthetic considerations.

<FIG> illustrates a seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the construction unit <NUM> is not formed unitarily, but comprises multiple portions. In one aspect the multi-portion construction unit <NUM> comprises a mid-base <NUM>, an upper shoe-unit interface <NUM>, and a lower foundational base <NUM>. In another aspect the construction unit <NUM> comprises a mid-base <NUM> and an upper shoe-unit interface <NUM> without the lower foundational base <NUM>. The unit-to-shoe interface <NUM> is a thin structure that includes an interface foundation <NUM> and one or more downwardly protruding projections <NUM> that extend downwardly from the interface foundation <NUM>. The interface foundation <NUM> has a bottom surface that conforms substantially to the top of the mid-base <NUM> and has a top surface that conforms substantially to the portion of the shoe to which it will be attached. The lower foundational base <NUM> is a thin structure having a top surface that conforms substantially to the mid-base's bottom surface, having upwardly protruding projections <NUM>, and having a bottom surface for walking that is generally smooth and flat.

The mid-base <NUM> includes the upraised area <NUM> of the construction unit <NUM> of the first embodiment and additionally includes upper receiving holes <NUM> and lower receiving holes (not shown). The upper receiving holes <NUM> are sized and configured to receive the downwardly protruding projections <NUM>, which are to be fixedly attached within the upper receiving holes <NUM>. The lower receiving holes are sized and configured to receive the upwardly protruding projections <NUM>, which are to be fixedly attached within the lower receiving holes. The upper receiving holes <NUM> may be offset from the downward receiving holes, particularly if the offsetting improves structural robustness.

The construction unit <NUM> of the seventh embodiment of <FIG> is utilized similarly to the construction unit <NUM> of the other embodiments, but it may provide advantages in weight reduction and/or in providing versatility in the use of different materials for different portions of the construction unit. The three elements of the construction unit <NUM> may be formed from the same or different materials. In one aspect, the construction unit <NUM> is formed of a plastic resin or composite material, while the shoe-unit interface <NUM> and the foundational base <NUM> may be formed of a metal or metal alloy (for example, nickel alloy or titanium). This provides a plastic and metal unit <NUM> of lighter weight than a construction unit <NUM> that is formed unitarily of metal or metal alloy.

The eighth embodiment of <FIG> discloses a construction unit <NUM> that at least has a weight-bearing wall <NUM> that is inset from the periphery of the shoe and may optionally, as illustrated, also have a unit body inset from the shoe periphery.

In <FIG> the unit body <NUM> and the upper portion of the wall are inset a small distance from the periphery of the shoe upper, in contrast with the fully inset wall <NUM> of <FIG> in which the entire wall was inset and the unit body was not inset.

<FIG> also disclose a bottom boundary flange <NUM>. In this aspect, the lower portion of the wall <NUM> extends outwardly beyond the inset unit body <NUM> and the inset upper portion of the wall to form the bottom boundary flange <NUM>. Preferably, the vertical height of the flange <NUM> is less than the vertical height of the upper portion of the wall <NUM>. The bottom boundary flange <NUM> extends outwardly beyond the outer surface of the top portion of the inset wall <NUM>, may extends outwardly beyond the inset unit body <NUM> and the inset upper portion of the wall, may extend outwardly to the periphery of the shoe, or may extend beyond the shoe periphery. The outward facing surface of the top portion of the inset wall <NUM> (and in the aspect shown, the outward facing surface of the unit body <NUM>) along with the top surface of the flange <NUM> together define two sides (bottom and side) of an open decor-receiving channel <NUM>. Decor-receiving channel <NUM> accommodates the decorative element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the construction unit <NUM> of this eighth embodiment in position for attaching to the bottom of the shoe. When the construction unit <NUM> of the eighth embodiment is incorporated into the shoe, the shoe forms a third side (the top side) of the decor-receiving channel <NUM>. As can be seen in the bottom view of <FIG>, the back view of <FIG>, the side view of <FIG>, and the front view of <FIG>, a decorative element <NUM> (shown as a row of pearls or spheres) can be disposed within the disclosed decor-receiving channel <NUM> to achieve a unique, distinctive look. The row of decorative elements <NUM> may continue across the arch and down the heel, as illustrated, or may stop at the end of the toe or at other locations, as dictated by design considerations.

In the aspect in which the unit body <NUM> is not inset, but only the top portion of the inset wall <NUM> is inset, the outward facing surface of the top portion of the inset wall <NUM> and the top surface of the flange <NUM> together define two sides (bottom and side) of the open decor-receiving channel <NUM>. In this aspect, when the construction unit <NUM> is incorporated into the shoe, the bottom of the unit body <NUM> forms the top third side (top) of the decor-receiving channel <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses a ninth embodiment in which the upraised area <NUM> within the construction unit is bowl-shaped. In this embodiment, the inner surface of wall <NUM> is not vertical, but is instead curved inwardly to form a gradually deepening upraised area <NUM>. The inner surface of wall <NUM> curves from wall-boundary inner junction <NUM> to the body inner roof surface <NUM> to define the bowl-shape. This figure illustrates that the body inner roof surface <NUM> may be curved, the surface of wall <NUM> may be curved, the wall-boundary inner junction <NUM> may be curved or form a greater than ninety-degree angle, and the roof-wall interface <NUM> (the location at which the body inner roof surface <NUM> meets the surface of the inner wall <NUM>) may be curved.

The construction unit <NUM> of the embodiments may be formed of natural or manmade materials, such as plastic resins, metals, natural or synthetic wood, or a combination of materials. It may be formed unitarily, or it may be formed in parts that are permanently and non-removably joined together.

Claim 1:
A shoe (<NUM>), comprising:
a toe section (<NUM>);
an arch section (<NUM>) disposed rearwardly of said toe section (<NUM>);
a heel section (<NUM>) disposed rearwardly of said arch section (<NUM>);
a construction unit (no) comprising:
an upper body (<NUM>) comprising a body front portion (<NUM>) and an opposing body back portion (<NUM>), opposing body side portions, a body top portion(<NUM>), and a body inner roof surface (<NUM>); wherein said upper body (<NUM>) extends rearwardly from said body front portion (<NUM>) and extends between opposing body side portions; wherein said body top portion surface (<NUM>) is disposed generally at an upper first level; and wherein said body inner roof surface (<NUM>) is disposed generally at a second level that is below said first level;
a weight-bearing wall (<NUM>) extending downwardly from at least a portion of said opposing body side portions and said body front portion (<NUM>); characterised in that said weight-bearing wall (<NUM>) terminating rearwardly at right and left back wall margins (<NUM>) and terminating downwardly in a wall bottom boundary (<NUM>) lying substantially in a third level disposed below said second level; wherein said weight-bearing wall (<NUM>) having a wall interior surface (<NUM>) and a wall exterior surface (<NUM>); and
an upraised area (<NUM>) defined at least partially by said wall interior surface (<NUM>) and said body inner roof surface (<NUM>);
wherein said weight-bearing wall (<NUM>) does not extend downwardly from a center of said body back portion (<NUM>); and wherein a rearward gap open space is defined below said center of said body back portion (<NUM>) and between said right and left back wall margins (<NUM>) to allow viewing of said upraised area (<NUM>).