Collapsible shoe and replaceable straps and methods for making and using same

摘要

A shoe is described having a removable heel, removable platform, and in some embodiments one or more removable straps. The shoes of the present invention provide for flexibility in design with the same sole by allowing for replacement of one type of heel with another and in some shoes replacement of the strap or straps by alternate styles or colors of straps. The replaceability or modularity of the heel and straps allows for compact storage as well, which is desirable during travel. The removeability of the platform enables the shoe to adjust to different heights. Additionally, some embodiments have one or more hinges formed in the sole to allow the shoe to collapse to an even smaller size for storage or travel.

主权项

1. A collapsible shoe comprising:
a base having a heel portion, wherein the heel portion comprises a base cavity; a heel insert configured to be accepted by the base cavity; a vertical lock disposed at the heel portion of the base, wherein the vertical lock engages the heel insert within the base cavity to secure the removable heel to the base; a horizontal lock disposed at the heel portion of the base adjacent to the vertical lock, wherein the horizontal lock engages the vertical lock in order to secure the vertical lock and to prevent the vertical lock from disengaging from the heel insert; a removable heel, wherein the removable heel includes a first cavity at a top portion of the removable heel and is configured to accept the heel insert, wherein the heel insert protrudes from the removable heel when secured to the removable heel so the heel insert can be inserted within the base cavity; and a removable heel blank that is interposed between the removable heel and the base when the removable heel is secured to the base.