U.S. patent application number 12/075156 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for shoe.
Invention is credited to Jen-Lung David Tai.
Application Number | 20080155860 12/075156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39581950 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080155860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tai; Jen-Lung David |
July 3, 2008 |
Shoe
Abstract
A convertible shoe includes a sole assembly having a forward end
and a rearward end and including an outer sole receivable upon a
walking surface, an inner sole to receive a foot of a wearer
thereon, a toe section proximate the forward end, and a heel
section proximate the rearward end. A convertible section is
attached to the sole assembly, which moves between a retracted
position revealing one of the toe and heel sections, and a deployed
position opposing the one of the toe and heel sections. A recess
formed into the sole assembly is provided to receive the
convertible section in the deployed position.
Inventors: |
Tai; Jen-Lung David;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL WINFIELD GOLTRY
4000 N. CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 1220
PHOENIX
AZ
85012
US
|
Family ID: |
39581950 |
Appl. No.: |
12/075156 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10916656 |
Aug 12, 2004 |
7340852 |
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12075156 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/101 ; 36/100;
36/11.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/105 20130101;
A43B 1/0018 20130101; A43B 3/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/101 ; 36/100;
36/11.5 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24; A43B 3/12 20060101 A43B003/12 |
Claims
1. A convertible shoe, comprising: a sole assembly having a forward
end and a rearward end and including an outer sole receivable upon
a walking surface, an inner sole to receive a foot of a wearer
thereon, a toe section proximate the forward end, and a heel
section proximate the rearward end; a convertible section attached
to the sole assembly and having a forward edge, the convertible
section movable between a retracted position revealing the toe
section and a deployed position extending over toe section; a
recess formed into the sole assembly to receive the forward edge of
the convertible section in the deployed position; and means for
detachably retaining the forward edge of the convertible section
within the recess including an element of an engagement pair
carried proximate the recess, and a complemental element of the
engagement pair carried by the convertible section.
2. The convertible shoe of claim 1, further comprising: a vamp
carried by the sole assembly to receive the instep of the foot
there under; and the convertible section further includes a
rearward edge affixed to the vamp and the forward edge of the
convertible section being in contact with the sole assembly in the
deployed position.
3. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein the element of the
engagement pair includes one of a hook and loop fastener and the
complemental element of the engagement pair includes the other of
the hook and loop fastener.
4. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein the element of the
engagement pair includes a detent carried proximate the recess to
snapedly receive the forward edge of the convertible section, the
forward edge of the convertible section snappedly received by the
detent comprising the complemental element of the engagement
pair.
5. A convertible shoe, comprising: a sole assembly having opposed
first and second ends, an outer sole receivable upon a walking
surface, an inner sole to receive a foot of a wearer thereon, a toe
section proximate one of the first and second ends, and a heel
section proximate the other of the first and second ends; a
convertible section attached to the sole assembly and having an
edge, the convertible section movable between a first position
disposing the edge over one of the toe and heel sections and a
second position disposing the edge toward one of the first and
second ends of the sole assembly; a recess formed into the sole
assembly to receive the edge of the convertible section in the
second position; and means for detachably retaining the edge of the
convertible section within the recess including an element of an
engagement pair carried by one of the convertible section and
proximate the recess, and a complemental element of the engagement
pair carried by the other of the convertible section and proximate
the recess.
6. The convertible shoe of claim 5, wherein the element of the
engagement pair includes a detent to snapedly receive a notch
comprising the complemental element of the engagement pair.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/916,656, filed Aug. 12, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to footwear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The prior art is replete with footwear of various types and
styles. Of immediate interest are shoes, generally the type
commonly referred to as low-quarter, and sandals.
[0004] Common to shoes and to sandals is a sole assembly which
includes an outer sole and an inner sole. The outer sole, which is
receivable upon a walking surface such as pavement, is generally
fabricated of a durable material such as rubber or leather. The
inner sole, usually fabricated of a resilient material such as foam
rubber, receives the foot of a wearer thereon. The toes of the foot
bear upon a toe section of the inner sole proximate the forward end
of the sole assembly. The heel of the foot bears upon a heel
section of the inner sole proximate the rearward end of the sole
assembly. It is within the scope of the art that the outer sole and
the inner sole may be of unitary construction of a singular
material.
[0005] The conventional sandal has a vamp traversing the sole
assembly and secured thereto at opposite ends. The insole of the
foot is received within the vamp. The heel and the toes of the foot
are exposed. A shoe also has a vamp for receiving the insole of the
foot. Indifference to the sandal, however, the shoe also includes
panels which embrace the toes and the heel.
[0006] Shoes and sandals are usually worn for different purposes.
Sandals are commonly preferred for casual or informal wear. Sandals
are also footwear of choice when the ambient temperature, indoors
or outdoors, is warm. Shoes are generally preferred for more formal
wear. Due to the greater coverage of the foot, shoes are more
desired in cooler temperatures.
[0007] It is not common practice to wear one type of footwear and
carry another in reserve. Changing from one type to another
generally requires that the wearer make a return to home for the
exchange.
[0008] Therein lies a problem. For example, many establishments,
especially restaurants, demand that the foot be covered as a
requirement for admission. The would-be diner, then, having been on
a casual outing and wearing sandals must either forsake the
restaurant or make a time wasting trip to another location to
change into shoes. A reverse situation, in which the wearer has
shoes, is also plausible.
[0009] There are other occasions when having either shoes or
sandals gives rise to the other. For example, the wearer may have
ventured forth in the heat of the day wearing sandals. As evening
draws nigh and the temperature falls, shoes would be more
desirable. Conversely, the wearer may have ventured out in the cool
of the morning wearing shoes. As the sun rises and the temperature
increase, sandal would be more desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The above problems and others are at least partially solved
and the above objects and others realized in a convertible shoe
including a sole assembly having a forward end and a rearward end,
an outer sole receivable upon a walking surface and an inner sole
for receiving the foot of a wearer thereon. The assembly further
includes a toe section proximate the forward end and a heel section
proximate the rearward end.
[0011] The foot of the wearer includes a heel borne by the heel
section of the sole assembly, a plurality of toes borne by the toe
section of the sole assembly and an inner step intermediate the
heel and the toes. A vamp carried by the sole assembly receives the
instep of the foot.
[0012] The convertible shoe includes a convertible section movable
between a retracted position wherein the convertible section is
compressed to reveal the toes of the foot and a deployed position
in which the convertible section extends over the toes of the
foot.
[0013] In accordance with the principles of the instant invention,
the convertible section includes a rearward edge affixed to the
forward edge of the vamp and a forward edge in contact with the
sole assembly when the section is in the deployed position. Also
provided are retention means for detachably securing the forward
edge of the convertible section to the sole assembly when the
convertible section is in the deployed position.
[0014] It is within the principles of the present invention that a
recess is formed into the sole assembly for receiving the forward
edge of the convertible section when in the deployed position.
Retention means are provided to detachably retain the forward edge
of the convertible section within the recess. In accordance with
one embodiment, the retention means includes an element of an
engagement pair carried with the recess and a complemental element
of the engagement pair carried by the convertible section. More
specifically, the engagement pair includes an element of a hook and
loop fastener and a complemental element of the hook and loop
fastener. Alternately, the retention means includes a detent
residing within the recess for snapedly receiving the forward edge
of the convertible section.
[0015] The principles of the present invention contemplate that the
inner sole terminates at the forward end with an upright surface
and the outer sole terminates with a terminal section extending
forward of the forward end of the inner sole and having an upper
surface. The upright surface of the inner sole and the upper
surface of the outer sole cooperate to form a recess for receiving
the forward edge of the convertible section when in the deployed
position. Retention means within the recess detachably secure the
forward edge of the convertible section when in the deployed
position.
[0016] It is within the purview of this invention that an arcuate
rib be integral with the forward edge of the convertible section
and be pivotally movable relative the sole assemble. The rib is
detachably retained within a recess within the sole assembly when
the convertible section is in the deployed position. It is also
contemplated that a second rib may be integral with the convertible
section intermediate the forward edge and the rearward edge.
[0017] In a further embodiment, in accordance with the principles
of the present invention, the convertible section includes a
plurality of down turned ribs pivotally movable relative the sole
assembly. A flexible panel is supported by the several ribs. The
several ribs are circumferentially spaced when the convertible
section is in the deployed position and are mutually adjacent when
the convertible section is in the retracted position.
[0018] In an alternate embodiment, consistent with the principles
of the invention, the vamp includes a forward edge and the
convertible section includes a forward edge affixed to the sole
assembly and a rearward edge in contact with the forward edge of
the vamp when in the deployed position. Retention means are
provided for detachably securing the rearward edge of the
convertible section to the forward edge of the vamp.
[0019] Yet another embodiment is contemplated within the principles
of the instant invention. The immediate embodiment includes a sole
assembly as previously described. Further provided is a convertible
section having a first end residing in juxtaposition with the sole
assembly and a second end residing in a lowered position when the
convertible section is in the retracted position and an elevated
position when the convertible section is in the deployed position
and extends over at least a portion of the heel of the foot.
Retention means for releasably retaining the second of the
convertible section in the elevated position includes a strut
secured to the convertible section and having a free end detachably
engagable with the vamp.
[0020] A preferred retention means includes a protrusion projecting
from the vamp and an eyelet carried at the free end of the strut
for receiving the protrusion. A recess formed into the sole
assembly proximate the rearward edge thereof receives the first
edge of the convertible section. It is within the teaching of this
invention that the present convertible section may includes a
plurality of down turned ribs as described in connection with the
previously described convertible section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Referring to the drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible shoe
constructed in accordance with the principles of the instant
invention, said shoe having a toe section being shown in the
retracted position;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view corresponding to the view of
FIG. 1, said toe section being shown in the deployed position;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the convertible shoe seen
in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the toe section
seen in FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective of an alternate convertible shoe
embodying the principles of the instant invention, said shoe having
a convertible toe section being shown in the retracted
position;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view corresponding to the view of
FIG. 5, said convertible toe section being shown in the deployed
position;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary, elevational view of the
forward section of the shoe seen in FIG. 6;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the convertible shoe as
seen in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the convertible shoe as
seen in FIG. 6;
[0031] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken
along the line 10-10 in FIG. 6;
[0032] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the toe
section of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line
12-12 in FIG. 11;
[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another convertible shoe
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, said shoe having a convertible heel section being shown
in a retracted position;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective corresponding to the view of FIG.
13 and illustrating the heel section in a deployed position;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view taken from the
illustration of FIG. 14;
[0037] FIG. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a
portion of the shoe seen in FIG. 15;
[0038] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of yet another alternate
embodiment of a convertible shoe constructed in accordance with the
principles of the instant invention, the convertible shoe having a
convertible section shown in a deployed position;
[0039] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the convertible shoe
of FIG. 17; and
[0040] FIG. 19 is a fragmented, side sectional view of the
convertible shoe of FIG. 17 illustrating the convertible section
shown in a retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0041] Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference
characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several
views, attention is first directed to FIG. 1, in which is
illustrated a convertible shoe embodying the principles of the
instant invention and generally designated by the reference
character 20. Convertible shoe 20, in general similarity to
conventional footwear, includes sole assembly 22, including forward
end 23, rearward end 24, outer sole 25 and inner sole 27. Vamp 28
extends laterally and arcuately across the instep region of sole
assembly 22 and is secured at opposite ends thereof to the sole
assembly 22.
[0042] In accordance with conventional practice, outer sole 25,
which is received upon a walking surface such as a floor or
concrete, is fabricated of a durable material such as leather or
dense rubber. Inner sole 27 is fabricated of a resilient material
such as foam rubber. Alternately, outer sole 25 and inner sole 27
may be integral and fabricated of such materials as rubber or
leather. The foot of a wearer is received upon inner sole 27. The
instep of the foot is received within vamp 28. The toes of the foot
are borne by toe section 29 while the heel of the foot is borne by
heel section 30. Further and more specific details of the foregoing
not specifically illustrated nor described will be readily
appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0043] Convertible shoe 20 includes convertible toe section 32
fabricated in accordance with the principles of the instant
invention. Convertible toe section 32, as further illustrated in
FIG. 2, includes forward edge 33, rearward edge 34 and a plurality
of down turned, arcuate ribs. Rib 35 is integral with forward end
33 of convertible section 32. Rib 37 is integral with the rearward
edge of convertible section 32. A plurality of ribs 38 resides
intermediate ribs 35 and 37'. Panel 39, such as may be fabricated
of selected flexible material, overlays the several ribs. Further
description of the relationship between the several ribs and the
panel will be made presently.
[0044] Convertible section 32 is movable in the direction indicated
by the arcuate arrowed line A in FIG. 3 to a retracted position as
illustrated in FIG. 1, and in the direction of the arcuate arrowed
line B to a deployed position as illustrated in FIG. 2. During
movement from one position to the other, the several ribs, 35 and
38 pivot about pin 40 for relative circumferential movement. In the
deployed position, the several ribs are circumferentially spaced.
In the retracted position the several ribs are mutually adjacent.
It is noted that in the retracted position, the toe section 29 of
insole 27 is exposed as are the toes of the foot. Conversely, in
the deployed position, convertible section 32 extends over toe
section 29 and, hence, the toes of the wearer.
[0045] Rearward edge 34 of convertible section 32 is permanently
affixed to forward edge 42 of vamp 28. In the deployed position,
forward edge 33 of Convertible section 32 is received within recess
43 formed into sole assembly 22. In accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention recess 43 is defined by upright surface
44 at the forward end of inner sole 27 and the upper surface 45 of
terminal section 47 of outer sole 25 extending forward of upright
surface 44.
[0046] It is within the purview of the instant invention to provide
retention means for detachably securing the forward edge 33 of
convertible section 32 within recess 43. In accordance with a
preferred embodiment, the retention means includes an element 48 of
a hook and loop fastener within recess 43. A complemental element
49 of the hook and loop fastener is carried by the forward edge 33
of convertible section 32.
[0047] Other means are also envisioned for detachably securing the
forward edge 33 of convertible section 32 to sole assembly 22. With
reference to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a detent 50 projecting
from the upright surface 44 defining the forward edge of inner sole
27. Detent 50 snapedly receives rib 35 carried at the forward edge
33 of convertible toe section 32.
[0048] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, wherein there is
illustrated an alternate convertible shoe embodying the principles
of the instant invention and generally designated by the reference
60. In common with the previously described embodiment 20,
convertible shoe 60 includes sole assembly 22 having forward end
23, rearward end 24, outer sole 25 and inner sole 27. Toe section
29 and heel section 30 are integral with inner sole 27.
[0049] Vamp 62 having forward edge 63 and rearward edge 64
arcuately spans sole assembly 22 intermediate toe section 29 and
heel section 30. The ends of vamp 62 are secured to sole assembly
22 as by pins, glue or by other conventional means known to those
skilled in the art. Tab 65 projects forwardly from the forward edge
63 of vamp 62. Two elements 66 of a snap engagement pair are
secured to tab 65. Vamp 62, in accordance with common practice, is
fabricated of a durable material such as leather. Preferably, tab
65 is integral with vamp 62.
[0050] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 6 and 7 which illustrate
a convertible toe section 68 comprising a part of the embodiment of
the convertible shoe generally designated 60. Convertible toe
section 68 includes forward edge 69 and a rearward edge 70. In
similarity to previously described convertible toe section 32, the
immediate convertible toe section 69 includes forward rib 72
integral with forward edge 69 of convertible toe section 68, a
rearward rib 73 integral with rearward edge 70 of convertible toe
section 68 and a plurality of intermediate ribs 74.
[0051] The several ribs are arcuate and down turned. Forward rib 72
is permanently affixed within recess 43, as by glue or other known
means. Intermediate ribs 74 and rearward rib 73 are pivotally
movable about pin 75.
[0052] The several ribs 72, 73 and 74 support panel 77 which may be
fabricated of flexible leather, cloth or any other suitable
material. A complemental elemental 78 of the previously noted snap
engagement pair is carried by panel 77 intermediate rearward rib 73
and the immediate adjacent rib 74.
[0053] As noted in FIG. 8, rearward edge 70 of convertible toe
section 60 is moved in the direction of arcuate arrowed line C to
expand convertible toe section into a deployed position as
illustrated in FIG. 9. Conversely, rearward edge 70 of convertible
toe section 60 is moved in the direction of arcuate arrowed line D
to a retracted position as illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the
several ribs are mutually adjacent.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 10, convertible toe section 68 is
illustrated in the deployed position with rearward edge 70 of
convertible toe section 68 in close proximity to forward edge 63 of
vamp 62. Complemental element 78 of the snap engagement pair is
aligned with element 67 of the snap engagement pair. Element 67 and
complemental element 78 are readily snapedly engaged to retain
convertible toe section in the deployed position. In a reverse
procedure, element 67 and complemental element 78 are disengaged
whereby convertible toe section 68 can be moved to the retracted
position.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a rib 74 and
panel 77. Panel 77, as seen in greater detail in FIG. 12, includes
outer layer 78 and inner layer 79. Rib 74 is positionally
captivated between the layers 78 and 79 by lines of stitching 80
and 82 sewn along opposite sides of rib 74. It is within the
principles of the instant invention that rib 74 may be positionally
captivated by other means such as glue. It is also with the purview
of the invention that panel 77 be fabricated of a single layer to
which rib 77 is bonded or otherwise affixed.
[0056] Attention is now directed to FIG. 13, in which is
illustrated another alternate embodiment of a convertible shoe
incorporating the principles of the instant invention and generally
designated by the reference character 90. Convertible shoe 90, in
general similarity to the previously described embodiments includes
sole assembly 92 having outer sole 93, inner sole 94, forward end
95 and rearward end 97. The foot of a wearer is received upon inner
sole 94 with the toes of the foot bearing upon toe section 98 and
the heel of the foot bearing upon heel section 99. Convertible shoe
90 further includes vamp 100 having forward edge 102 and rearward
edge 103. Vamp 100 extends arcuately over sole assembly 92 and is
secured at opposite ends thereof to sole assembly for receiving the
instep of the foot.
[0057] With additional reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, it is seen
that the immediate embodiment of the convertible shoe 90 includes a
convertible heel section 104 having upper edge 105 and lower edge
107. In general similarity to the previously described convertible
sections, convertible heel section includes a plurality of arcuate
ribs. Upper rib 108 is affixed to upper edge 105 and lower rib 109
is affixed to lower edge 107. Intermediate ribs 110 reside
intermediate upper rib 108 and lower rib 109. The several ribs
support panel 112. Pull tab 113 extends from upper edge 105.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 15, convertible heel section 104 is movable
in the direction of arcuate arrowed line E to a retracted position
as specifically illustrated in FIG. 13. Alternately, convertible
heel section is movable in the direction designated by arcuate
arrowed line F to a deployed position as specifically illustrated
in FIG. 14. During movement, the several ribs pivot about pin 114
to which the ends of the ribs are attached. Although not
specifically illustrated, it is to be understood that the other
ends of the several ribs are pivotally attached to another pin
opposing pin 114 on the opposite side of sole assembly 92. In the
retracted position, convertible heel section 104 is received within
recess 115 formed into the rearward end of sole assembly 92.
[0059] Next provided by the immediate embodiment of the invention
are a pair of struts 117 and 118. Strut 117 terminates with an end
119 which is affixed to convertible heel section 104 proximate the
upper edge 108. Similarly, strut 118 terminates with an end 120
which is affixed to convertible heel section 104 proximate the
upper edge 108 at a location spaced from end 119 of strut 117. The
struts may be fabricated of leather or any flexible cordage
material.
[0060] A protrusion 122, as illustrated in FIG. 16, having stem 123
and ball end 124 projects from vamp 100. Although not specifically
illustrated it is understood that a complementary protrusion
projects from the other side of vamp 100. Strut 117 terminates at
the free end with eyelet 125. Similarly, strut 118 terminates at
the free end with eyelet 127. Eyelet 127 is snapedly engagable with
protrusion 122 to retain convertible heel section 104 in the
deployed position. Concurrently, eyelet 124 is engaged with the
respective protrusion. When the eyelets 125 and 127 are disengaged
from the respective protrusions and convertible heel section 104 is
in the retracted position, strut resides within recess 128 and
strut 118 resides within recess 129.
[0061] Reference is now made to FIG. 17, in which there is seen yet
another alternate embodiment of a convertible shoe 200, which
includes a sole assembly 201 having a forward end 202, a rearward
end 203, an outer sole 204, and an inner sole 205. A vamp 206
extends laterally and arcuately across the instep region of sole
assembly 201 and is secured at opposite ends thereof to the sole
assembly 201. In the present embodiment, vamp 20 also extends over
and substantially encloses toe section 209.
[0062] In accordance with conventional practice, outer sole 204,
which is received upon a walking surface such as a floor or
concrete, is fabricated of a durable material such as leather or
dense rubber. Inner sole 205 is fabricated of a resilient material
such as foam rubber. Alternately, outer sole 204 and inner sole 205
may be integral and fabricated of such materials as rubber or
leather. The foot of a wearer is received upon inner sole 205. The
instep and, in this instance, toes of the foot are received within
vamp 206. The toes of the foot are borne by toe section 209 formed
adjacent forward end 202, while the heel of the foot is borne by a
heel section 210 formed adjacent rearward end 203. Further and more
specific details of the foregoing not specifically illustrated nor
described will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0063] Convertible shoe 200 includes a convertible section 215
fabricated in accordance with the principles of the instant
invention. Convertible section 215 consists of an elongate band 220
including opposed forward and rearward edges 221 and 222, and
opposed first and second ends 223 and 224. Convertible section 215
extends laterally and arcuately across the heel section 210 of sole
assembly 201, and opposing first and second ends 223 and 224
thereof are secured to sole assembly 201 for pivotal movement of
convertible section 215 along arcuate arrowed line G between a
deployed or raised position illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, and a
retracted or lowered position illustrated in FIG. 19. In this
embodiment, and with additional reference to FIG. 19, a pin 225
coupled between sole assembly 201 at either side thereof and each
of first and second ends 223 and 224, respectively, of convertible
section 215 pivotally couples first and second ends 223 and 224 of
convertible section 215 to sole assembly 201, in which first and
second ends 223 and 224 each pivot about one of the respective pins
225.
[0064] In the deployed or raised position illustrated in FIG. 17,
convertible section 215 extends over, or is otherwise disposed
over, heel section 210 away from sole assembly 201 so as to be
received against the heel of the foot of a wearer received upon
inner sole 205. It is to be noted that in the deployed or raised
position of convertible section 215, forward and rearward edges 221
and 222 of convertible section extend over, or are otherwise
disposed over, heel section 210 away from sole assembly 201. In the
retracted or lowered position illustrated in FIG. 19, convertible
section 215 is positioned toward, and is received by, sole assembly
201 away the position of convertible section 215 in the deployed
position extending over heel section 210. It is to be noted that in
the retracted position of convertible section 215, forward and
rearward edges 221 and 222 of convertible section 215 are
positioned toward sole assembly 201 away the position of forward
and rearward edges 221 and 22 of convertible section 215 in the
deployed position of convertible section 215 extending over heel
section 210.
[0065] Still further, in the retracted position of convertible
section 215 as illustrated in FIG. 19, rearward edge 222 of
convertible section 215 is received by and within a recess 230,
also referenced in FIGS. 17 and 18, formed in sole assembly 201. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, recess 230
is defined by upright surface 231 of inner sole 205 of sole
assembly 201 extending between the sides of sole assembly 201 along
rearward end 203 thereof, and an upper surface 232 of a terminal
section 233 of outer sole 204 extending forward of upright surface
231 extending between the sides of sole assembly 201 along rearward
end 203 thereof.
[0066] It is within the purview of the instant invention to provide
retention means for detachably securing rearward edge 222 of
convertible section 215 within recess 230 to thereby secure
convertible section 215 in the retracted or lowered position as
illustrated in FIG. 19. In accordance with a preferred embodiment,
the retention means, as illustrated in FIG. 19, includes an element
240 of an engagement pair at or otherwise within recess 230 and a
complemental engagement element 241 of the engagement pair carried
by convertible section 215. In the present embodiment, element 240
consists of a detent formed in band 220 of convertible section 215,
which is received and caught by a corresponding recess or notch
formed in upright surface 231 at recess 230, and this arrangement
can be reversed, if desired. More than one engagement pair, which
in this instance consists of engagement and complemental engagement
elements 240 and 241, can be implemented and used between
convertible section 215 and sole assembly 201, if desired. Other
means are also envisioned for detachably securing the rearward edge
222 of convertible section 215 to sole assembly 201, such as the
corresponding hook and loop elements of a hook-and-loop fastener.
Other forms of engagement pairs of assemblies can be used to
detachably secure rearward edge 222 of convertible section 215 in
the retracted or lowered position of convertible section 215.
[0067] Regarding convertible shoe 200, in the deployed or raised
position illustrated in FIG. 17 convertible section 215 extends
over, or is otherwise disposed over, heel section 210 away from
sole assembly 201 so as to be received against the heel of the foot
of a wearer received upon inner sole 205, and that in the retracted
or lowered position convertible section 215 is positioned toward,
and is received by, sole assembly 201 away the position of
convertible section 215 in the deployed position extending over
heel section 210. If desired, a convertible shoe can be formed with
convertible section 215 in conjunction with the forward end thereof
along the toe section. In such an embodiment, a convertible shoe
can, if desired, have a vamp that does not enclose the toe section,
such as vamp 28 discussed on conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, whereby in
the deployed or raised position convertible section 215 extends
over, or is otherwise disposed over, the toe section away from the
sole assembly so as to be received over the foot of a wearer
received upon the inner sole, and in the retracted or lowered
position convertible section 215 is positioned toward, and is
received by, sole assembly 201 away the position of convertible
section 215 in the deployed position extending over the toe
section. Recess 230 can be formed in the forward end of such a
convertible shoe to receive convertible section 215 in the
retracted or lowered position thereof as discussed in conjunction
with convertible shoe 200. Also, retention means for detachably
securing convertible section 215 within recess 230 at the forward
end of the sole assembly, as discussed on conjunction with the
embodiment designated 200, to thereby secure convertible section
215 in the retracted or lowered position may also be utilized.
[0068] The present invention is described above with reference to a
preferred embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes and modifications may be made in the
described embodiment without departing from the nature and scope of
the present invention.
[0069] Various further changes and modifications to the embodiment
herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and
variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are
intended to be included within the scope thereof.
[0070] Having fully described the invention in such clear and
concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand
and practice the same, the invention claimed is:
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