Replaceable sleeve system for shoe

Abstract

A replaceable cap sleeve system is described herein which remedies the cost of acquiring multiple pairs of footwear by providing flexibility to match apparel. The system includes a base shoe structure having only a projecting heel, an insole, an outsole, and an instep area between a toe area and heel area, a removable toe sleeve adapted to extend over at least a portion of the toe area and insole of the base shoe structure, but which is attached to the underside of the base shoe structure at a location on the outsole, and a separate, removable heel sleeve adapted to be fastened over the projecting heel of the base shoe structure. A completed shoe for wear is realized that covers toes of a wearer and supports the wearer's heel with the toe and heel sleeves installed on the base shoe structure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 440,159 to Karen E. Theisen, filed Dec. 29, 2016, pending. The entire contents of this provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUNDField[0002]The example embodiments in general are directed to a replaceable sleeve system for a shoe comprising at least a toe sleeve, with or without a heel sleeve, each adapted for connection to a base shoe structure to create a complete shoe.Related Art[0003]According to the National Shoe Retailers Association and the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2014 the global footwear industry had annual revenues exceeding $52 billion dollars. Women's casual and dress shoes accounted for about 30% of that market share, or over $15.6 billion dollars.[0004]A 2010 survey conducted of 3000 women by gocompare.com and later reported in Glamour magazine indicated that the average w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system for replacing a shoe's toe and heel sleeves when they become worn out. The system includes a special base shoe structure with only a projecting heel, insole, outsole, and instep area. There are also a removable toe sleeve that goes over the toe area and insole, and a separate, removable heel sleeve that goes over the projecting heel. To complete the shoe, the toe and heel sleeves are securely attached to the base shoe structure using connectors. This system allows for easy replacement of the shoe's core without having to discard the entire shoe.

Problems solved by technology

The top excuse for neglecting their shoes was that the shoes were too uncomfortable (64% said that the shoes were either too tight on their feet or heels too high).

However, the next largest excuse (at 55%) or reason that the women were not wearing many of their shoes, was because it was too hard to match the shoes to their outfit.

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