TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to footwear.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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
[0020] Referring to the drawings:
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;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view corresponding to the view of FIG. 1, said toe section
being shown in the deployed position;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the convertible shoe seen in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the toe section seen in FIG. 2;
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;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view corresponding to the view of FIG. 5, said convertible
toe section being shown in the deployed position;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary, elevational view of the forward section of the
shoe seen in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the convertible shoe as seen in FIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the convertible shoe as seen in FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 10 - 10 in
FIG. 6;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary top plan view of the toe section of the shoe illustrated
in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 12 - 12 in FIG. 11;
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;
FIG. 14 is a perspective corresponding to the view of FIG. 13 and illustrating the
heel section in a deployed position;
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view taken from the illustration of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the shoe seen
in FIG. 15;
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;
FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the convertible shoe of FIG. 17; and
FIG. 19 is a fragmented, side sectional view of the convertible shoe of FIG. 17 illustrating
the convertible section shown in a retracted position.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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:
1. 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.
2. The convertible shoe of claim 1, wherein the element of the engagement pair includes
a detent to snapedly receive a notch comprising the complemental engagement element
of the engagement pair.
3. 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.
4. The convertible shoe of claim 3, 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.
5. The convertible shoe of claim 3, 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.
6. The convertible shoe of claim 3, 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 engagement element of the engagement pair.
7. 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, including first and second ends, movable between a retracted
position relative to the heel section and a deployed position relative to the heel
section;
the first end of the convertible section residing in juxtaposition with the sole assembly,
and the second end of the convertible section residing in a lowered position relative
to the heel section when the convertible section is in the retracted position and
in an elevated position relative to the heel section when the convertible section
is in the deployed position;
a vamp carried by the sole assembly intermediate the toe section and the heel section
to receive an instep of the foot; and
retention means for releasably retaining the second end of the convertible section
in the elevated position including a strut secured to the convertible section and
having a free end detachably engagable with the vamp.
8. The convertible shoe of claim 7, further including a recess formed into the sole assembly
to receive the first end of the convertible section.
9. 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 having a forward edge and movable between a retracted position
wherein the convertible section is compressed to reveal the toe section and a deployed
position in which the convertible section extends over the toe section;
the inner sole terminates with an upright forward surface;
the outer sole terminates with a terminal section extending forward of the forward
surface of the inner sole and having an upper surface projecting forwardly from the
forward surface of the inner sole; and
the forward surface of the inner sole and the upper surface of the outer sole cooperating
to form a recess to receive the forward edge of the convertible section when in the
deployed position.
10. The convertible shoe of claim 9, further including retention means for detachably
securing the forward edge of the convertible section within the recess when the convertible
section is in the deployed position.
11. The convertible shoe of claim 10, wherein the retention means includes:
an element of an engagement pair carried proximate the recess; and
a complemental element of the engagement pair carried proximate the forward edge of
the convertible section.
12. The convertible shoe of claim 11, wherein the engagement pair includes an element
of a hook and loop fastener and a complemental element of the hook and loop fastener.
13. The convertible shoe of claim 11, wherein the retention means includes a detent carried
proximate the recess to snapedly engage the forward end of the convertible section.
14. 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 having a first end and movable between a retracted position
wherein the convertible section is retracted to reveal the heel section and a deployed
position in which the convertible section extends upwardly relative to the heel section;
the inner sole terminates at the rearward end with an upright surface;
the outer sole terminates at the rearward end with a terminal section extending rearward
of the upright surface of the inner sole and having an upper surface projecting rearwardly
from the upright surface of the inner sole; and
the rearward surface of the inner sole and the upper surface of the outer sole cooperating
to form a recess to receive the first end of the convertible section.
15. The convertible shoe of claim 14, further including retention means for releasably
retaining the second end of the convertible section in the elevated position.
16. The convertible shoe of claim 15, further including:
a vamp carried by the sole assembly intermediate the toe section and the heel section
to receive an instep of the foot; and
wherein the retention means includes a strut secured to the convertible section proximate
the second end thereof and having a free detachably engagable with the vamp.