US20080022558A1

US20080022558A1 - Shoe Device

Info

Publication number: US20080022558A1
Application number: US11/495,681
Authority: US
Inventors: Daphne Kaufer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-31
Filing date: 2006-07-31
Publication date: 2008-01-31

Abstract

A modular shoe system comprises a basic shoe with first snap-on devices mounted on its outer surface, and add-on parts with second snap-on devices mounted thereon. The second snap-on devices have a shape complementary to that of the first snap-on devices so that, when pressed against each other, the first and second snap-on devices attach to each other. A modular shoe system comprising a basic shoe with first snap-on devices mounted on its outer surface, functional add-on parts with first and second snap-on devices mounted thereon for attaching the add-on parts to the basic shoe or to other add-on parts, and decorative add-on parts with second snap-on devices for attaching to the basic shoe or to functional add-on parts.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for a modular shoe, using snap-on means for attaching functional shoe parts and/or decorative accessories.

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

There was no Federal sponsoring for the present invention, therefore there are no rights deriving therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, shoes have a fixed shape and functionality, for example a sneaker, sandal, boot, bootie, etc.
The weather may change during the day, and the shoe chosen in the morning for the day may not be adequate later on.
For children, but not only for them, a shoe having a fixed shape may become boring. Rather, it may be desirable to change a shoe's appearance, to accommodate to a child's mood or to external events, for example.
It is an objective of the present invention to overcome the above and other disadvantages of prior art shoes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a modular shoe system. The basic shoe has snap-on means on its outer surface, for easy addition of functional parts.
The shoe's function may thus be changed, to be adapted to varying circumstances, i.e. hot/cold weather, wind, rain, snow, etc.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term “shoe” is meant to also include sandals, sneakers, boots, booties, etc.
Furthermore, the snap-on means may be used to add decorative items to the shoe.
The novel means used—a plurality of snap-on devices on the shoe's surface facilitate the implementation of the above changes. To add a part to the shoe, the user only has to press it to the shoe, and it will snap on it.
It is also easy to remove such parts from the shoe—just pull the part away from the shoe, and it will come off.
Furthermore, the add-ons themselves may include snap-on means to attach another layer of add-ons, which may be either functional items, decorative items or a combination thereof.
Optionally, the shoe parts may further include sealing means between the base shoe and the adds-on, to achieve better protection from wind, rain, snow, etc.
The snap-on means are preferably made of metal and coated with plastic, to achieve a reliable embodiment.
Further objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate boots with optional attachable components

FIGS. 6-11 illustrate a Mary Jane style collection

FIGS. 12-18 illustrate a sneaker-style collection

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a two strap sandal with attachable back strap and ballerina strap

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a toe ring sandal with attachments

FIG. 25 details thongs (flip flops) with attachable back strap

FIGS. 26-34 illustrate a snap-to-sole toe ring sandal with optional uppers

FIGS. 35-44 illustrate accessory snap-ons

FIGS. 45-49 illustrate various shoes with decorative attachments thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A main idea behind the Snappy shoe™ line is the use of a special kind of uniquely developed stainless steel snap coated with nylon color to allow several functions, including for example:
a. Snap on and off various decorative accessories, to allow the change of the shoe's appearance—which are the “snap on” decorative snaps with characters.
b. Snap on and off various shoe components to change the purpose and functionality of a shoe—for example turning a sneaker into a boot by attaching a legging, adding a strap to a slide turning it into a sandal, adding a back cover to a clog turning it into a shoe, adding an extension to a bootie turning it into a boot and most of all a sole that can have multiple uppers attached to it—the “snapon sole”.
In a preferred embodiment, all the attachments are done by using this special kind of snaps that are used for the first time by DAPH DAPH on shoes (the original purpose was mainly for children's clothing).
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate boots with optional attachable components.
Thus, FIG. 1 details a style A-basic high boot style 11 with a plurality of snap-on means 21 mounted on its outer surface. The snap-on means preferably include two complementary parts, such as a male and female part, with the boot 11 including one of these parts, i.e. the snap-on (M) 21.
FIG. 2 details the style A-basic high boot style 11 with attachments mounted thereon, in this example there is an attachable fur trim 31 and an attachable pocket 32. Each of these attachments has snap-on (F) means 22 which attach to their complementary snap-on means 21 on the boot 11.
A modular shoe system is thus achieved, comprising a basic shoe 11 with first snap-on means 21 mounted on its outer surface, and add-on parts 31, 32, etc. with second snap-on means 22 mounted thereon.
The second snap-on means 22 have a shape complementary to that of the first snap-on means 21 so that, when pressed against each other, the first and second snap-on means attach to each other.
When pulled apart with enough force, the snap-on means 22 will disengage from snap-on means 21, to easily remove the add-on parts 31, 32, etc., whenever the user may desire to do so.
All the items may be made of leather. Other materials may be used.
FIG. 3 details a style A-basic high boot style 11 with attachable straps 33 mounted thereon. Again, the straps include snap-on(F) 22 for attaching to the boot 11.
FIG. 4 details a basic bootie style 12 with snap-on means 21 distributed on its surface. Various attachments may be mounted on the bootie 12 using the snap-on means 21, for example attachable boot extension and other components such as straps, front logo cover, pockets, etc.
FIG. 5 details the basic bootie style 12 with an attachable boot extension 34 mounted on it.
Optionally, the shoe parts (boot extension 34) may further include sealing means between the base shoe 12 and the add-on 34, to achieve true boot functionality with better protection from wind, rain, snow, etc.
Thus, in the modular shoe system, the add-on parts 34 are functional additions to the shoe 12 and further include sealing means on their surfaces which come into contact with the shoe 12.
FIGS. 6-11 illustrate a Mary Jane style collection with attachments.
FIG. 6 details a Mary Jane shoe 13 with a plurality of snap-on means 21 mounted thereon, and with an attachable strap 35 mounted thereon. Other attachments may be mounted on it, for example an attachable bootie extension and/or ballerina strap options.
FIG. 7 details a Mary Jane style shoe 13 with snap-on means 21. An attachable bootie extension 36 is attached to shoe 13 by means of a plurality of snap-on (F) means 22.
FIG. 8 details a Mary Jane sandal 132, to which attachable bootie legging or ballerina strap options may be added, for example.
As illustrated, the sandal 132 has a center T strap 38 mounted thereon—also attachable as a separate part.
FIG. 9 details a Mary Jane sandal 132 with a plurality of snap-on means 21, a center T strap 38 and an attachable ballerina strap 37.
The ballerina strap 37 preferably include snap-on means thereon, to attach to each other, to the shoe and/or to other accessories.
FIG. 10 details a Mary Jane clog 14 with possibly attachable strap or ballerina strap options. In this embodiment, the Mary Jane clog 14 further includes a center T strap 38.
FIG. 11 details a Mary Jane clog 14 with an attachable back strap 39 and a center T strap 38.
FIGS. 12-18 illustrate a sneaker-style collection. FIG. 12 details a sneaker clog 15 with a sneaker-style slide with attachable back strap and back cover options.
FIG. 13 details a sneaker clog 15 with snap-on means 21 thereon, and an attachable back cover 40 attached to the sneaker by means of snap-on (F) 22.
FIG. 14 details a sneaker clog 15 with snap-on means 21 and an attachable back strap 39 mounted using snap-on (F) 22 thereon.
FIG. 15 details a sneaker-style sandal 16 with attachable bootie extension and ballerina strap options.
The sneaker-style sandal 16 has snap-on means 21 thereon, to which accessories are attached with snap-on(F) means 22.
FIG. 16 details a sneaker-style sandal 16 with an attachable bootie extension 36, mounted using complementary snap-on 21 and snap-on (F) 22 means mounted on the first and second part, respectively.
FIG. 17 details a sneaker 17 with optionally attachable bootie extension or ballerina strap. The sneaker 17 has a plurality of snap-on means 21 mounted thereon, to which snap-on (F) means 22 may attach.
FIG. 18 details the sneaker 17 with attachable ballerina strap 37 mounted thereon using snap-on means 21 and corresponding snap-on (F) means 22 attached to the sneaker 17 and strap 37, respectively.
FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a two strap sandal with attachable back strap and ballerina strap options. FIG. 19 details a two strap slide 18, with an attachable back strap to turn to a sandal 39 mounted thereon using snap-on (F) means 22.
FIG. 20 details the two strap slide 18 with attachable ballerina strap 37 mounted on it.
FIGS. 21-24 illustrate a toe ring sandal with attachments. FIG. 21 details toe ring sandal with attachable back strap or ballerina strap, in this example including a toe ring slide 19 on which attachable back strap 39 is mounted using snap-on(F) means 22, to turn into a sandal.
FIGS. 22-24 details a toe ring slide 19 with attachable center ornaments.
FIG. 25 details thongs (flip flops) with attachable back strap, in this example the thongs (flip flops) 23 with attachable back strap 39 attached thereon using snap-on (F) means 22.
FIGS. 26-34 illustrate a snap-to-sole toe ring sandal with optional uppers.
FIG. 26 details one basic snap-on-sole 24 with up folding insole to which snap-on means 21 are attached on both sides, to allow putting on different uppers.
FIG. 27 details a top view of the snap-on-sole 24.
FIG. 28 details the snap-on-sole 24 with an attachable upper, second option 42, and an attachable ballerina strap 37.
Various different optional uppers may attach to one basic snap-on-sole 25, which may include an arch strap. FIG. 29 details the basic snap-on-sole 25 with an attachable upper, first option 41.
FIG. 30 details a thongs strap including the snap-on-sole 25 with attachable upper second option 42.
FIG. 31 details flip flops including the snap-on-sole 25 with attachable upper third option 43.
FIG. 32 details an embodiment with arch strap with additional ballerina strap, including the snap-on-sole 25, attachable upper first option 41 and attachable ballerina strap 37.
FIG. 33 details thongs with additional back strap, including snap-on-sole 25 with attachable upper second option 42 and attachable back strap 39.
FIG. 34 details a one basic snap-on-sole 25 upper means 43 and a back strap 39. To this, as well as other embodiments, various ornamental accessories may be attached.
FIGS. 35-44 illustrate various embodiments of accessory snap-ons 44-53 which include decorative accessories 56 thereon, and which may be mounted on the various shoes of the present invention using one or more snap-on means 21 and 22:
FIG. 35—Egyptian riddle
FIG. 36—Doggie tale
FIG. 37—British tea party
FIG. 38—Puzzle land
FIG. 39—Scandinavian myth
FIG. 40—French rave
FIG. 41—Russian flare
FIG. 42—Various shapes
FIG. 43—the basic accessory band
FIG. 44—the basic accessory band with one embodiment of dimensions thereof, for example:


	Dimension No.

	521	522	523	524	525	526	527	529

Value	45	60.4	93.7	93.7	93.7	93.7	45	36

The accessory snap-ons may include both types of snap-on means 21 and 22, to allow them to attach to shoes and to other accessories.
The ornamental accessory snap-ons 44-53, as well as the decorative items 56 (see below) can be attached either to the basic shoe or to functional add-on accessories attached to the shoe.
FIGS. 45-49 illustrate various shoes with decorative attachments thereon.
Thus, FIG. 45 details a Mary Jane style shoe 13 with attachable bootie extension 36 (functional accessory) and one or more decorative items 56.
FIG. 46 details a basic snap-on-sole 24 with attachable ballerina strap 37 and one or more decorative items 56.
FIG. 47 details a basic snap-on-sole 25 with functional items and decorative items 56.
FIG. 48 details a sneaker-style sandal 16 with an attachable bootie extension 36 and a plurality (in this embodiment) of decorative items 56.
FIG. 49 details a two strap slide 18 with attachable ballerina strap 37 and decorative items 56.
Various means may be used to achieve a modular shoe structure, for example other mechanical means such as Velcro or zipper bands, magnetic means, etc.
It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of a system and method within the scope of the present invention and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore.

Claims

1. A modular shoe system comprising a basic shoe with first snap-on means mounted on its outer surface, and add-on parts with second snap-on means mounted thereon, and wherein the second snap-on means have a shape complementary to that of the first snap-on means so that, when pressed against each other, the first and second snap-on means attach to each other.

2. The modular shoe system according to claim 1, wherein the basic shoe comprises a shoe, sandals, sneakers, boots, booties, sneaker-style slide, sneaker clog, sneaker-style sandal, toe ring slide, thongs (flip flops), snap-to-sole toe ring sandal, or similar means.

3. The modular shoe system according to claim 1, wherein the add-on parts further include snap-on means for attaching additional snap-on means to the snap-on means.

4. The modular shoe system according to claim 1, wherein the add-on parts include functional items relating to the function of the shoe.

5. The modular shoe system according to claim 4, wherein the functional add-on parts include a fur trim, straps, pockets, attachable bootie extension, ballerina strap, center T strap, attachable back strap, back cover or attachable uppers.

6. The modular shoe system according to claim 1, wherein the add-on parts include ornamental or decorative items relating to the function of the basic shoe.

7. The modular shoe system according to claim 1, wherein the add-on parts further include sealing means.

8. The modular shoe system according to claim 1, wherein the add-on parts comprise functional additions to the shoe and further include sealing means on their surfaces which come into contact with the basic shoe.

9. The modular shoe system according to claim 1, wherein the snap-on means are made of metal and are coated with plastic.

10. A modular shoe system comprising a basic shoe with first snap-on means mounted on its outer surface, functional add-on parts with first and second snap-on means mounted thereon for attaching the add-on parts to the basic shoe or to other add-on parts, and decorative add-on parts with second snap-on means for attaching to the basic shoe or to functional add-on parts.

11. The modular shoe system according to claim 10, wherein the basic shoe comprises a shoe, sandals, sneakers, boots, booties, sneaker-style slide, sneaker clog, sneaker-style sandal, toe ring slide, thongs (flip flops), snap-to-sole toe ring sandal, or similar means.

12. The modular shoe system according to claim 10, wherein the functional add-on parts include a fur trim, straps, pockets, attachable bootie extension, ballerina strap, center T strap, attachable back strap, back cover or attachable uppers.

13. The modular shoe system according to claim 10, wherein the add-on parts include functional additions to the shoe and further include sealing means on their surfaces which come into contact with the basic shoe.

14. The modular shoe system according to claim 10, wherein the snap-on means are made of metal and are coated with plastic.