U.S. patent application number 10/295154 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for shoe with interchangeable upper.
Invention is credited to Baldwin, Sam L..
Application Number | 20040093765 10/295154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32297119 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040093765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baldwin, Sam L. |
May 20, 2004 |
Shoe with interchangeable upper
Abstract
A shoe including a releasable attachment system on the exposed
surfaces of the shoe upper. A ornamental cover is shaped to fit the
shoe upper and has a mating attachment system on its lower surface.
A kit may contain a number of covers of various colors and/or
carrying various ornamental designs or patterns or elements such as
colored beads. By changing the covers, the appearance of the shoe
can be completely changed. Shoes may be of the flip-flop or sandal
type in which the uppers are formed primarily of strap or ribbon
shaped members.
Inventors: |
Baldwin, Sam L.; (Plano,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CONLEY ROSE, P.C.
5700 GRANITE PARKWAY, SUITE 330
PLANO
TX
75024
US
|
Family ID: |
32297119 |
Appl. No.: |
10/295154 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/101 ;
36/11.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/103 20130101;
A43B 3/24 20130101; A43B 3/0078 20130101; A43D 999/00 20130101;
A43B 3/242 20130101; A43B 1/0081 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/101 ;
036/011.5 |
International
Class: |
A43B 003/24 |
Claims
What I claim as my invention is:
1. A shoe system comprising: a shoe upper having an upper surface
comprising, at least partially, one part of a releasable attachment
system, and a cover having substantially the same dimensions of
said shoe upper, said cover having a lower surface comprising, at
least partially, a second part of a releasable attachment
system.
2. A shoe system according to claim 1, further comprising: an
ornamental element carried on an upper surface of said cover.
3. A shoe system according to claim 2, wherein: said ornamental
element comprises a design printed onto said cover.
4. A shoe system according to claim 2, wherein: said cover
comprises a woven material; and said ornamental element comprises a
design woven into said cover.
5. A shoe system according to claim 2, wherein: said ornamental
element comprises a molded element attached to said cover.
6. A shoe system according to claim 1, wherein: said releasable
attachment system comprises a hook and loop type attachment
system.
7. A shoe system according to claim 1, wherein: the upper surface
of said shoe upper is substantially covered by said attachment
system.
8. A shoe system according to claim 1, wherein: said attachment
system is a two part hook and loop system, with a first part
attached to the upper surface of said shoe upper and a second part
attached to the lower surface of said cover.
9. A shoe system according to claim 1, wherein: said shoe system
comprises a flip-flop type shoe having a sole and two straps, said
two straps each having a first end joined together and attached to
the sole at a toe end of the sole, and each having a second end
attached to the sides of said sole between said toe end and a heel
end of said sole.
10. A shoe system according to claim 1, wherein: said shoe system
comprises a sandal type shoe having a sole and one strap, said
strap having two ends attached to the sides of said sole at an
instep portion of said sole.
11. A kit comprising: a pair of shoes, each shoe having an upper
having an upper surface comprising, at least partially, one part of
a releasable attachment system, and a plurality of covers each
having substantially the same dimensions of said shoe uppers, said
covers having lower surfaces comprising, at least partially, a
second part of a releasable attachment system.
12. A kit according to claim 11, further comprising: ornamental
elements carried on upper surfaces of said covers.
13. A kit according to claim 12, wherein: said ornamental elements
comprise designs printed onto said covers.
14. A kit according to claim 12, wherein: said covers comprise a
woven material and said ornamental elements comprise a design woven
into said covers.
15. A kit according to claim 12, wherein: said ornamental elements
comprise molded elements attached to said covers.
16. A kit according to claim 11, wherein: said releasable
attachment system comprises a hook and loop type attachment
system.
17. A shoe system according to claim 11, wherein: the upper
surfaces of said shoe uppers are substantially covered by said
attachment system.
18. A kit according to claim 11, wherein: said attachment system is
a two part hook and loop system, with a first part attached to the
upper surfaces of said shoe uppers and a second part attached to
the lower surfaces of said covers.
19. A kit according to claim 11, wherein: said shoes comprise
flip-flop type shoes each having a sole and two straps, said two
straps each having a first end joined together and attached to the
sole at a toe end of the sole, and each strap having a second end
attached to the sides of said sole between said toe end and a heel
end of said sole.
20. A kit according to claim 11, wherein: said shoes comprise
sandal type shoes each having a sole and one strap, said strap
having two ends attached to the sides of said sole at an instep
portion of said sole.
21. A shoe system comprising: a shoe upper having an upper surface
comprising, at least partially, one part of a releasable attachment
system, and a upper cover comprising a plurality of decorative
segments which, when assembled, have about the same dimensions of
said shoe upper, said cover segments each having a lower surface
comprising, at least partially, a second part of a releasable
attachment system.
22. A shoe system comprising: a shoe upper having an upper surface
comprising, at least partially, one part of a releasable attachment
system, and a upper cover comprising a plurality of decorative
segments each having a lower surface comprising a second part of a
releasable attachment system, said upper cover segments sized and
shaped so that, when attached to said shoe upper, said segments
define the visual appearance of said shoe upper.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to shoes with ornamental or
decorative uppers and more particularly to a shoe system in which
the ornamentation is interchangeable or replaceable.
[0005] Shoes have served the obvious useful purpose of protecting
feet for thousands of years. This is still the primary function of
the sole of a shoe. However, essentially all shoes also serve a
decorative purpose. Shoe uppers are available in numerous colors
and finishes to match or accent clothing. Various decorative or
ornamental items, e.g. bows, buckles, monograms, etc. have been
attached to shoe uppers to add to the ornamental purpose of shoe
uppers.
[0006] In many cases, the cost of shoes is determined more by the
ornamental character of the shoe than its ability to protect feet.
The ornamental appearance of a shoe desirably matches or accents
clothing worn by the user. Many people have numerous sets of
clothes so that they may wear different outfits each day of the
week. In addition, people normally have different sets of clothes
for work, recreation and formal events. They may want different
shoes for each of the outfits. However, purchasing separate shoes
for each set of clothing obviously increases the cost of the
various outfits.
[0007] It would be desirable to provide a shoe system which allows
the user to change the overall decorative or ornamental appearance
of shoes instead having to purchase separate shoes to obtain a
different ornamental appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A shoe system according to the present invention includes an
upper having an exposed surface including one part of a releasable
attachment system. The shoe system also includes an ornamental
upper cover which includes a second part of a releasable attachment
system. The cover is sized and shaped to substantially cover the
visible or exposed surfaces of the shoe upper when attached to the
upper.
[0009] In one embodiment, the shoe system is a sandal type of shoe
having an upper comprising one or more straps. Each strap includes
one part of a releasable attachment system. The shoe system
includes one or more ornamental upper covers, each including a
second part of a releasable attachment system adapted for attaching
to the strap attachment surface.
[0010] The shoe system of the present invention may be in the form
of a kit including a pair of shoes having uppers including one part
of a releasable attachment system and a plurality of ornamental
upper covers adapted for releasable attachment to the shoe
uppers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe of the flip-flop
type, according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the upper portion of the
shoe of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shoe of the sandal type,
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] In describing the present invention, the word "upper" is
used in its ordinary meanings as both a noun and an adjective. As a
noun, the word upper means the top part of a shoe above the sole
and insole, if there is one. As an adjective, the word upper means
the top or higher part or surface of an element when that element
is in its normal position.
[0015] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a shoe 10
according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
shoe 10 is of the flip-flop or thong type having a molded foam
elastomer sole 12. The upper 14 of this type of shoe generally
comprises a pair of straps 16 and 18. Each strap 16, 18 has one end
connected at the toe end of the shoe to a connecting strap 20 which
is connected to the sole 12 at a position to fit between toes of
the user. The other end of each strap 16 and 18 is connected to the
sides of the sole 12 at 22 and 24 respectively.
[0016] Ornamental covers 26 and 28 are provided for each of the
straps 16 and 18 respectively. Cover 28 is illustrated completely
installed onto and covering the top or visible surface of strap 18.
The cover 26 is shown partially attached to the strap 16. In this
illustration, each cover 26, 28 carries a plurality of ornamental
beads 30. Alternatively, the covers may comprise various woven
materials with any desirable color, pattern, floral decoration or
ornamental design. For example, the covers may be any available
decorative ribbon. They may also be made of molded plastic with any
desirable decorative or ornamental design. If made of a molded
material like plastic, the covers are preferably flexible and/or
shaped to fit feet.
[0017] For purposes of the present invention, references to
ornamentation or ornamental elements refers to any and all visible
characteristics of the upper surfaces of upper covers discussed
herein. These terms may refer to the color, texture, pattern,
decoration or design of the cover upper surface. Also included are
physically separate elements such as the beads discussed above
which may be attached to the covers. Ornamentation includes any
combination of such characteristics or elements. For example, the
covers may have a shiny finish, of red color and may have white
beads attached. The covers may have a fuzzy surface, e.g. imitation
fur, with a black and white color pattern.
[0018] The covers 26, 28 preferably have the same shape and
dimensions as the straps 16, and 18 to which they may be attached.
With the proper shape and dimensions, the covers 26, 28 will
completely cover the straps 16, 18. The covers 26, 28 may be two
separate pieces or may be attached to each other at the toe end 14.
It is expected that by attaching the covers 26, 28 with the proper
angle to match the straps 16, 18, a better fit of the covers 26, 28
to the straps 16, 18 can be achieved. Thus, when the covers 26, and
28 are attached to the shoe uppers 16, 18, the primary visible
appearance of the shoe 10 is the ornamentation of the upper surface
of the covers 26, 28. The user's foot covers most of the sole 12.
While the connecting strap 20 may be considered part of the shoe 10
upper, it is not covered by covers 26, 28. Nevertheless, the upper
of this embodiment is considered to be substantially covered.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional illustration of strap 18 and
cover 28 showing one attachment system for attaching the cover 28
to the strap 18. In this embodiment, a hook and loop type fastener
system 32 is used to releasably attach the cover 28 to the strap
18. One portion 34 of the attachment system 32 is attached to the
cover 28. The other portion 36 of the attachment system 32 is
attached to the strap 18. Attachment of the portion 34 to the cover
28 and the portion 32 to the strap 18 may be by an adhesive or by
stitching or by any other suitable means. When the portions 34 and
36 are placed in contact, they firmly, but releasably hold the
cover 28 on the strap 18.
[0020] While the attachment system 32 is illustrated as the hook
and loop type, it is understood that other releasable attachment
systems may be used if desired. For example, a series of snaps may
be attached to the cover 28 and strap 26. The hook and loop strip
fastener system can provide continuous fastener function over the
entire exposed surface of the shoe upper. While preferred, this is
not considered essential. The point type fastener function provided
by snaps should provide sufficiently uniform fastener function if
snaps are appropriately spaced along the straps 16, 18. In similar
fashion, the hook and loop system need not cover the entire upper
surface of the shoe upper, so long a sufficient surface area is
covered to uniformly hold the cover 28 on the strap 18.
[0021] Other suitable releasable attachment systems include hook
and eye systems, clips, clasps or any of the numerous separable
fasteners which have been used for clothing. Magnetic attachments
systems would also be suitable. For example, separate small magnets
may be incorporated into the covers 26 and 28 and matching magnets
or magnetic metal pieces may be incorporated into the straps 16 and
18. Flexible magnetic materials may be used, particularly if a
continuous strip attachment system is desired.
[0022] While the attachment system 32 is illustrated as comprising
separate portions 34 and 36, it is apparent that the portions 34
and 36 may be integral parts of the strap 18 and cover 28. The
portions 34 and 36 of a hook and loop system are normally available
in ribbon or strip form with a fabric backing. A fabric-backed
strip 36 may replace the entire strap 18. Likewise, ornamental
beads 30 may be attached directly to another fastener ribbon 34.
Ornamental patterns may be woven into the fastener strips or
printed directly on the strips.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a sandal type
shoe 40 according to the present invention. Sandal 40 may include a
leather sole 42 and a leather or man made insole 44. The upper of
sandal 40 comprises a single strap 46 extending across the sole 42
at the instep. The ends of strap 46 may typically be attached to
the sole 42 by being positioned between the sole 42 and insole 44
when the insole 44 is attached to the sole 42. A cover 48 is shown
attached to and covering the upper or exposed surface of strap 46.
In this embodiment, the cover 48 is shown as carrying an ornamental
pattern.
[0024] The cover 48 may carry decorative or ornamental elements
such as any of those illustrated or described with reference to the
covers 26 and 28 of FIG. 1. The cover 48 may be attached to the
strap 46 in the same manner as illustrated or described with
reference to FIG. 2.
[0025] With reference to both FIGS. 1 and 2, it can be seen that a
shoe system or kit according to the present invention may include a
single pair of shoes and a plurality of covers for the shoe uppers.
The upper covers cover essentially the entire exposed or visible
portion of the shoes 10, 40, i.e. the shoe upper, when the shoes
are in use. That is, the wearer's foot covers most of the sole of
the shoe and essentially only the upper cover is visible or
exposed. As a result, the appearance or ornamental character of the
shoes 10, 40 can be changed completely by removing one set of
covers and replacing them with another. For example, with a kit
having seven upper covers, an apparently different pair of shoes
can be worn each day of the week. In order to provide a customer
with the most flexibility in wardrobe design, it may be desirable
to offer the shoes and the upper covers as separate items. That is,
after a customer has purchased the shoes of the present invention,
he or she may purchase additional upper covers to change the
appearance of the previously purchased shoes.
[0026] It is apparent that the present invention is applicable to
shoe types other than the flip-flop type of FIG. 1 or the sandal
type of FIG. 3. For example, the width of the strap 46 of FIG. 3
may be increased or expanded to cover more or all of the toe region
of the shoe. If the entire toe region is covered, the shoe is often
referred to as a mule. Matching covers according to the present
invention may be provided to provide changeable ornamentation for
such shoes.
[0027] In other types of sandals, small strips may be added to the
main structural strap such as the strap 46 shown in FIG. 3. Such
small strips may be in the shape of latticework or basket weave
over the toe portion to provide a decorative appearance or may be
positioned around the heel of the shoe. In such sandals it may be
desirable to provide interchangeable decorative covers for only the
main straps. Such covers would substantially cover the shoe upper
and would change the primary visual appearance of the shoes.
[0028] In order to provide more choices in wardrobe design, it is
desirable to provide a variety of sole types and colors for the
customer. Generally, the sole 12 of FIG. 1 may be of a neutral
color such as black, gray or white. Soles of each of these colors
may be made available along with a plurality of upper covers with
various ornamentation. Any of the covers may be used on any of the
shoes to provide a further variety of visual impressions.
[0029] In the preferred embodiments, the upper covers are shaped
and sized to substantially cover the shoe upper. The covers of the
present invention need not cover the entire shoe upper, but should
cover enough so that the visual impression of the shoe is
controlled or defined by the ornamentation of the cover. The covers
of the present invention can be formed of a number of physically
separate parts. For example, in FIG. 1, the two covers 26, 28 need
not be connected to each other. The covers 26, 28 could be further
subdivided into shorter segments which could then be mixed and
matched to form a variety of ornamental patterns or combinations
when applied to the shoe uppers. For example, each segment could be
short enough to carry one or two of the beads 30 shown in FIG. 1 or
other decorative elements. With a variety of such segments carrying
a variety of decorative elements, the covers may be assembled in a
wide variety of combinations, similar to a charm bracelet. Some
portions of the shoe upper, e.g. straps 16, 18, could be exposed
between such segments and such spacing may provide a different
ornamental impression.
[0030] While the present invention has been illustrated and
described in terms of particular apparatus and methods of use, it
is apparent that equivalent parts may be substituted of those shown
and other changes can be made within the scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *