Hybrid shoe

Abstract

A shoe that includes a slide sandal having a sole, a zipper track, and a bridge extending from a first side of the sole to an opposing second side of the sole. The shoe further includes a shoe upper attachable to the slide sandal. The shoe upper further includes a body defining an opening at an ankle portion of the shoe upper, where the opening is for receiving a foot of a user of the shoe, and a zipper at a sole portion of the body opposite the ankle portion, where the zipper is for engaging the zipper track of the slide sandal thereby attaching the shoe upper to the slide sandal. The shoe has a first configuration where the shoe upper is not attached to the slide sandal and a second configuration where the shoe upper is attached to the slide sandal.

Description

TITLEHYBRID SHOECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 638,379, filed April 24, 2024, and titled “Hybrid Shoe,” the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to footwear, particularly to a hybrid shoe design that combines the functionality of a slider bottom portion with the comfort and style of a sneaker or loafer top portion. The hybrid shoe offers versatility for various activities, providing traction, support, and style.BACKGROUND

[0003] There are many types and forms of shoes on the market presently. For example, there are sandals and open-toed shoes, which typically leave a user’s toes exposed when wealing the shoes. There are also sandals that leave the user’s heel exposed during wear, such as flip-flops or slide sandals. Alternatively, there are closed-toed shoes, such as sneakers and dress shoes, that completely encase a user’s foot - toes and heel included.

[0004] Often, open-toed shoes arc undesirable for certain weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or cold weather. Due to the comfort and breathability offered by open-toed shoes, users may generally prefer to wear open-toed shoes even if the weather is not ideal for such shoes. Additionally, open-toed shoes may be the preferred type of shoe during traveling, such as at an airport. While open-toed shoes may be preferred during traveling or when wearing shoes inside, carrying multiple pairs of shoes to address different weather conditions is cumbersome and undesirable.

[0005] Further, current shoes available on the market do not provide a slide sandal shoe and a loafer or sneaker shoe in one convenient design. Rather, consumers are presented with a one-or-the-other approach and generally must choose between an open-toed slide sandal or a closed-toe loafer or sneaker type shoe. Some shoes may provide a replaceable shoe upper orcover, however, such shoes still do not provide a two-in-one solution of having both a slide sandal and a loafer or sneaker shoe.SUMMARY

[0006] The hybrid shoe comprises two main components: a slider bottom portion and a sneaker or loafer shoe upper portion. The bottom portion features a slider sandal. A slider sandal, also known simply as sliders or slides, is a type of open-toed sandal that features a single strap or band that spans across the foot, typically at the instep. This strap is often made of flexible materials such as rubber, plastic, or synthetic leather. The term “slider” comes from the ease with which the foot can slide into and out of the sandal. Slider sandals are known for their simple and minimalist design, providing casual and comfortable footwear suitable for a variety of occasions. They are often worn casually, especially in warm weather, but can also be used as indoor or outdoor footwear. The sole of a slider sandal may vary in thickness and material, ranging from thin, flat soles to thicker, cushioned ones. Some slider sandals feature contoured footbeds or textured outsoles for added comfort and traction. Slider sandals have become popular in fashion and streetwear, with various designs, colors, and embellishments available to suit different tastes and styles. They are often favored for their convenience, versatility, and easygoing aesthetic.

[0007] The shoe upper portion may resemble a traditional athletic shoe or sneaker. The shoe upper may be made of breathable materials such as mesh or synthetic leather. It may include cushioning and support elements such as padding around the ankle and arch support. The slider sandal and the shoe upper may be releasably joined together by a peripheral releasable joining device. Advantageously, the releasable joining device comprises a zipper closure or another closure releasable along a linear locus. (Hereinafter, the described closure will be referred to generally as the "zipper".) The zipper has an upper zipper track which is connected to the shoe upper, a lower or bottom zipper track which is connected to the slider sandal, and a pulling member which may be pivotally mounted in a slide member of the zipper and attached as part of the upper zipper track prior to the closing of the zipper.

[0008] Conventional zippers are sufficiently strong and stable to provide a releasable form-interlocking joint between the slider sandal and the shoe upper. The zipper provides for closure of the shoe upper with the slider portion, providing a customizable fit. Additional features such as reinforced toe caps or reflective elements for visibility may be incorporated in the shoe upper for safety and durability.

[0009] The hybrid shoe described herein offers a unique combination of functionality, comfort, and style, making it suitable for a wide range of activities and environments. The detachable design allows for customization and adaptability, catering to the diverse needs of users. Users can switch between the slider bottom portion and the combination of the slider bottom and shoe upper based on their activity. The shoe upper provides cushioning and support for extended wear. The slider bottom portion offers smooth sliding motion on various surfaces, enhancing agility and speed.

[0010] The disclosure is directed to a hybrid shoe design and method that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0011] To achieve these advantages, the hybrid shoe may include a slide sandal having a sole, a zipper track, and a bridge extending from a first side of the sole to an opposing second side of the sole. The hybrid shoe may also include shoe upper attachable to the slide sandal. The shoe upper may include a body defining an opening at an ankle portion of the shoe upper, where the opening is for receiving a foot of a user of the hybrid shoe, and a zipper at a sole portion of the body opposite the ankle portion, where the zipper is for engaging the zipper track of the slide sandal thereby attaching the shoe upper to the slide sandal. The hybrid shoe may have a first configuration where the shoe upper is not attached to the slide sandal and a second configuration where the shoe upper is attached to the slide sandal. In the second configuration, the shoe upper covers the bridge of the slide sandal but does not cover the sole.

[0012] In various aspects, a convertible slide sandal includes a sole having a top surface defining a top hollow and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a footbed receivable within the top hollow of the sole. The convertible slide sandal may also include a bridge anchored between the footbed and the sole, where the bridge extends from a first side of thesole to a second opposing side of the sole. The convertible slide sandal may further include a bottom zipper track having a body anchored between the footbed and the sole, where the bottom zipper track is arranged about a perimeter of the sole and extends beyond the footbed to be accessible by a shoe upper, thereby forming a slide sandal. The zipper is for engaging with a replaceable shoe upper, such that the slide sandal is convertible from a first unzippered configuration where the shoe upper is not zipped to the slide sandal and a second zippered configuration where the shoe upper is attached to the slide sandal through engagement with the zipper. A perimeter of the shoe upper is zipped about the perimeter of the sole such that the shoe upper does not cover or extend over the sole.

[0013] In various aspects, a shoe upper for forming a hybrid shoe includes an ankle portion defining an opening and a bottom portion opposite the ankle portion, wherein the bottom portion is attachable to a slide sandal. The bottom portion includes an upper zipper track arranged at an exterior perimeter of the bottom portion; a slider attached to the upper zipper track and moveable across the upper zipper track; and a pulling member attached to the slider and configured to pull the slider across the upper zipper track to zip and unzip the bottom portion to and from the slide sandal, wherein, when the bottom portion is zipped to the slide sandal, a perimeter of the shoe upper is zipped about a perimeter of a sole of the slide sandal with the shoe upper not covering or extending over the sole. In some embodiments, the shoe upper comprises a translucent material such that at least a portion of the slide sandal is visible through the shoe upper when the bottom portion is attached to the slide sandal.

[0014] In various aspects, a method of customizing a shoe includes selecting a slide sandal comprising a sole, a bridge, and a bottom zipper track. The method includes selecting a shoe upper and pulling a pulling member of an upper zipper track of the shoe upper to secure the upper zipper track to the bottom zipper track of the slide sandal. When secured (e.g., fully zipped), an entire perimeter of the shoe upper is attached to an entire perimeter of the slide sandal. When secured, if the shoe upper comprises a substantially translucent material, then any graphics carried by or printed on the bridge may be visible through the substantially translucent upper.

[0015] In various aspects, a method of manufacturing a hybrid shoe includes forming a slide sandal having a sole and a footbed. The method also includes positioning a zipper between the sole and the footbed, such that a body of the zipper is securable between the sole and the footbed and a track of the zipper extends beyond a top surface of the footed. The method additionally includes attaching a bridge near a toe end of the sole, where the bridge extends from a first side of the sole to an opposing second side of the sole. The zipper may encircle a perimeter of the sole and the footbed, such that the bridge is internally positioned relative to the zipper track (e.g., the zipper track is disposed about an exterior of the bridge). The method further includes forming a shoe upper from a substantially translucent resin material with a pulling member of a zipper at a sole portion of the upper, the pulling member engageable by the zipper positioned between the sole and the footbed.

[0016] Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In the drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a hybrid shoe;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the hybrid shoe of FIG 1;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a back perspective view of the hybrid shoe of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a partially exploded side view of the hybrid shoe of FIG. 1 ;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a slide sandal portion of the hybrid shoe of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the slide sandal of FIG. 5;

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a footbed from the hybrid shoe of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of the hybrid shoe and FIG. 8B illustrates a bottom view of the hybrid shoe of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts of example methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0027] FIGS. 11 A and 1 IB illustrate another example of the hybrid shoes of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0029] Disclosed are systems, devices, and / or methods of use thereof regarding hybrid shoes, such as a slide sandal that is convertible to a sneaker or other closed-toe shoe. In various aspects, a hybrid shoe includes a slide sandal having a sole, a bottom zipper track, and a bridge extending from a first side of the sole to an opposing second side of the sole. The hybrid shoe may also include a shoe upper attachable to the slide sandal. The shoe upper may include a body defining an opening at an ankle portion of the shoe upper, where the opening is for receiving a foot of a user of the hybrid shoe, and a pulling member at a bottom portion of the body, where the pulling member is for engaging the bottom zipper track of the slide sandal thereby attaching the shoe upper to the slide sandal. The hybrid shoe has a first configuration where the shoe upper is not attached to the slide sandal and a second configuration where the shoe upper is attached to the slide sandal.

[0030] In various aspects, a convertible slide sandal includes a sole having a top surface defining a top hollow and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a footbed receivable within the top hollow of the sole. The convertible slide sandal may also include a bridge anchored between the footbed and the sole, where the bridge extends from a first end of the sole to a second opposing end of the sole. The convertible slide sandal may further include a zipper having a body anchored between the footbed and the sole, with a bottom zipper track extending beyond the footbed, thereby forming a slide sandal. The bottom zipper track is disposed about a perimeter of the sole and is for engaging with a replaceable shoe upper. Thebottom zipper track is engageable with an upper zipper track of the replaceable shoe upper such that the slide sandal is convertible from a first unzippered configuration where the shoe upper is not zipped to the slide sandal and a second zippered configuration where the shoe upper is attached to the slide sandal through engagement with the zipper.

[0031] In various aspects, a method of customizing a shoe includes selecting a slide sandal comprising a sole, a bridge, and a bottom zipper track. The method may include selecting a substantially translucent shoe upper (not limited thereto) and securing a pulling of the shoe upper to the bottom zipper track of the slide sandal. When secured, an entire perimeter of the shoe upper is attached to an entire perimeter of the slide sandal and any graphics carried by or printed on the bridge are visible through the substantially translucent upper.

[0032] In various aspects, a method of manufacturing a hybrid shoe includes forming a slide sandal having a sole and a footbed. The method also includes positioning a zipper between the sole and the footbed, such that a body of the zipper is securable between the sole and the footbed and a track of the zipper extends beyond a top surface of the footed. The method additionally includes attaching a bridge near a toe end of the sole, where the bridge extends from a first side of the sole to an opposing second side of the sole. The zipper may encircle a perimeter of the sole and the footbed, such that the bridge is internally positioned relative to the bottom zipper track (e.g., the zipper track is disposed about an exterior of the bridge). The method may further include forming a shoe upper (e.g., from a substantially translucent resin material) with a pulling member provided at a bottom portion of the shoe upper, the pulling member engageable by the zipper positioned between the sole and the footbed.

[0033] FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate various views of a hybrid shoe 200. While aspects of the hybrid shoe 200 may be illustrated and described with respect to one shoe (e.g., a left or right shoe), it is to be understood that the aspects applicable to one shoe are applicable to two shoes, such as a pair of hybrid shoes 200. As illustrated, the hybrid shoe 200 includes a slide sandal 100 with a removably attachable shoe upper 30 and a footbed 19 disposed on a top surface 11 of the slide sandal 100. The slide sandal 100 may be formed from any appropriate material. For example, the slide sandal 100 may be formed from a foam, such as an energyrebound or pliant foam like PHYLON™, other ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) foams, any appropriate foam, and / or combinations thereof. The slide sandal 100 may be constructed through a cold cement construction method or any appropriate construction method.

[0034] The slide sandal 100 may further include a separable connecting mechanism including a bottom zipper track 23 for a zipper 21 (zipper and zipper assembly terms used interchangeably) that is connectable to a corresponding upper zipper track 38 arranged at a bottom portion 35 of the shoe upper 30 (described in more detail below). The zipper 21 incudes catch elements comprised of metal or plastic material. The zipper 21 has a pulling member 39 for zipping and unzipping the shoe upper 30 from the slide sandal 100. The pulling member 39 may be pivotally mounted in a slide member of the zipper 21 and attached to the upper zipper track 38 prior to the closing of the zipper. In other words, when the shoe upper 30 is removed from the slide sandal 100, the pulling member 39 is not attached to the bottom zipper track 23. The pulling member 39 may be a locking zipper pull configured to remain in position after use, such that the pulling member 39 docs not dangle from the side of the hybrid shoe 200. The pulling member 39 may include a snap or other connector to reversible connect the pulling member 39 to the side of the shoe upper 30 or slide sandal 100 when these components are zipped together. Such features may make the pulling member 39 and the overall hybrid shoe 200 more durable and less prone to damage due to the pulling member 39 catching an object when the hybrid shoe 200 is in use.

[0035] In some embodiments, the zipper 21 is visible when the shoe upper 30 is zipped to the slide sandal 100. For example, the zipper 21 may be a neon or other bright color and be incorporated into the shoe 200 as an additional aesthetic element. Alternatively, the zipper 21 may be hidden from view when the shoe upper 30 is zipped to the slide sandal 100. For example, a portion of the shoe upper 30 and / or the slide sandal 100 may extend or overlap with the zipper 21 , thereby hiding the zipper 21 when the shoe upper 30 is zipped to the slide sandal 100. In such embodiments, the pulling member 39 of the zipper 21 may be visible. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the pulling member 39 of the zipper 21 may be tucked into a portion of the slide sandal 100 to be hidden from view.

[0036] When the slide sandal 100 is worn without the shoe upper 30, the zipper 21 may be exposed to moisture (e.g., rain, puddles, spilled liquid, etc.) that might impair the functionality of the zipper 21. Accordingly, the zipper 21 may be formed from a plastic, acrylic, or polymer material that resists rust or degradation from exposure to moisture. Thus, the shoe upper 30 may be attached and zipped to the slide sandal 100 even when the slide sandal 100 is wet or slightly moist from exposure to moisture.

[0037] The shoe upper 30 may be formed from any appropriate material, such as a polymer, leather, synthetic leather, fabric, or the like. For example, the shoe upper may be formed from a substantially translucent material, such as a closed-cell resin material, CROSLITE™, silicon, acrylics, thermoplastics, any appropriate waterproof material, and / or combinations thereof (not limited thereto). In some embodiments, the shoe upper is formed of a closed-cell resin material that is not plastic or rubber. The shoe upper 30 may be formed through an injection molding or another appropriate process. While not limited thereto, the shoe upper 30 may be substantially translucent such that a bridge 20 or other portions of the slide sandal 100 are visible through the shoe upper 30, as well as any designs, graphics, logos, etc. printed on or otherwise carried by the bridge 20.

[0038] Alternatively, the shoe upper 30 may be formed from a woven or non-woven fabric, for example, cotton, canvas, muslin, suede, etc. Further, the shoe upper 30 may be formed from breathable materials, such as mesh or synthetic leather.

[0039] Attachment of the shoe upper 30 to the slide sandal 100 may facilitate conversion of the slide sandal 100 to a waterproof and outdoor-ready shoe. For example, the hybrid shoe 200 may form a sneaker 150 (see FIG. 11 A) when the shoe upper 30 is attached to the slide sandal 100. The sneaker 150 may be a slide-on sneaker 150 that does not include laces or other fastening mechanisms. However, such mechanisms may be incorporated as desired. Alternatively, the hybrid shoe 200 may form a dress or formal shoe, a loafer, or any other type of closed-toed and flat-soled shoe when the shoe upper 30 is attached to the slide sandal 100. In this respect, the slide sandal 100 may be combined with multiple different shoe uppers 30 with different shoe styles, designs, logos, etc., such that a single slide sandal 100can be transformed for different occasions and uses by attaching a shoe upper 30 with a desired style, design, logo, etc.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, when the shoe upper 30 is attached and zipped to the slide sandal 100, the shoe upper 30 may be zipped to a perimeter of the slide sandal 100 without covering a sole 10 of the slide sandal 100. In some embodiments, the shoe upper 30 may cover a portion of the sole 10 of the slide sandal 100.

[0041] The shoe upper 30 includes a body 31 having a toe end 32 and a heel end 33 opposite the toe end 32. The body 31 also has an ankle portion 34 for receiving a foot and ankle of a user, and a bottom portion 35 for engaging with the slide sandal 100 to form the hybrid shoe 200 (e.g., the sneaker 150). Defined in the ankle portion 34 is an opening 36 for allowing a user to position their foot within the hybrid shoe 200. The opening 36 may be any size and shape that allows a user to easily slip the hybrid shoe 200 on and off. One or more vents 37 may be provided, for example, on opposing side walls of the body of the shoe upper 30, such as at or near the ankle portion 34, and / or between the ankle portion 34 and the bottom portion 35. The vents 37 allow increased breathability of the hybrid shoe 200, particularly while a user is wearing the hybrid shoes 200. Inclusion of the vents 37 also prevents odor or bacteria buildup in the hybrid shoe 200. The shoe upper 30 may include a pull tab 40 and / or logo 55 at the heel end 33.

[0042] The bottom portion 35 carries an upper zipper track 38 for mating and engaging with a bottom zipper track 23 of the slide sandal 100. Specifically, the zipper 21 may include a pulling member 39 carried by the upper zipper track 38, which engages a bottom zipper track 23 of the zipper 21 on the slide sandal 100. Because the pulling member 39 is carried by the shoe upper 30, when a user is wearing only the slide sandal 100 portion of the hybrid shoe 200, the bottom zipper track 23 appears to blend entirely with the slide sandal 100 and not impair any aesthetic look of the slide sandal 100.

[0043] The upper zipper track 38 of the shoe upper 30 may be integral with the body 31, such that the body 31 is continuous with the upper zipper track 38. That is, the shoe upper 30 and the upper zipper track 38 may visually appear to be one continuous structure. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the upper zipper track 38 may include stitching to secure theupper zipper track 38 to the shoe upper 30 or to provide an additional aesthetic dimension to the hybrid shoe 200.

[0044] As described, in some embodiments, the body 31 of the shoe upper 30 may overlap with the upper zipper track 38 such that, upon attachment of the shoe upper 30 to the slide sandal 100, the zipper 21 is substantially hidden from view. The pulling member 39 may still be visible. The pulling member 39 may, alternatively, be tucked or snapped into a portion of the slide sandal 100 (e.g., a portion of the slide sandal 100 that interfaces with the zipper 21). The shoe upper 30 may cover the bridge 20 of the slide sandal 100 but does not cover the sole 10.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, the upper zipper track 38 may extend about or encircle an entire perimeter 24b of the shoe upper 30, such that the entire perimeter 24b of the shoe upper 30 can be secured to the slide sandal 100 (e.g., about an entire perimeter 24 of the sole 10). When the shoe upper 30 is zipped to the slide sandal 100, the shoe upper 30 may entirely encase the bridge 20 of the slide sandal 100.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates a back perspective view and FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the slide sandal 100 of the hybrid shoe 200 of FIG. 1, with the bridge 20 removed for clarity. The slide sandal 100 may include a sole 10 having a toe end 17 and a heel end 18 opposite the toe end 17. The slide sandal 100 may include the bottom zipper track 23 of the zipper 21, a bridge 20, and a footbed 19. Referring to FIG. 6, the footbed 19 may be received by a hollow 13 defined in a top surface 11 of the sole 10. The footbed 19 may be formed integrally with the sole 10 or may be adhered or otherwise anchored and secured to the hollow 13. The zipper 21 may be positioned and secured between the sole 10 and the footbed 19 and extend or encircle an entire perimeter 24 of the sole 10. The perimeter 24 of the sole 10 may correspond to the perimeter 24a of the footbed 19 (see FIG. 7). In this way, the bottom zipper track 23 of the zipper 21 may extend past the footbed 19 and be accessible to the pulling member 39 of the shoe upper 30, such as shown in FIG. 5.

[0047] In some embodiments, the sole 10 may define a pocket for hiding the pulling member 39 when the shoe upper 30 is attached to the slide sandal 100. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the sole 10 may include a snap or other fastening member for securing the pullingmember 39 to the sole 10 when the shoe upper 30 is zipped to the slide sandal 100. Hiding or securing the pulling member 39 both prevents the pulling member 39 from moving or bouncing around the shoe 200 and preserves an overall aesthetic look of the shoe 200 when the shoe upper 30 is zipped to the slide sandal 100.

[0048] The bridge 20 may be anchored at a first end 20a to a first side 15 of the sole 10, extend across and over the footbed 19, and be anchored at a second end 20b to a second side 16 of the sole 10, opposite the first side 15. The bottom zipper track 23 may pass around an exterior of the bridge 20, such that the entirety of the bottom zipper track 23 is accessible by the pulling member 39. The bridge 20 may be permanently anchored to the first and second sides 15, 16 of the sole 10. Thus, when the slide sandal 100 is attached to the shoe upper 30 to form the hybrid shoe 200, the bridge 20 prevents separation of the shoe upper 30 from the slide sandal 100. Specifically, during use of (e.g., walking) the hybrid shoe 200, the heel end 33 of the shoe upper 30 is pulled away from the heel end 18 of the slide sandal 100. By permanently incorporating the bridge 20, the force exerted at the heel ends 18, 33 may be reduced and the hybrid shoe 200 stays securely fastened together. Without the bridge 20, the heel ends 18, 33 may be pulled apart. That is, the zipper 21 may be pulled from the slide sandal 100 or the upper zipper track 38 may be pulled from the shoe upper 30, causing the hybrid shoe 200 to separate.

[0049] The bridge 20 and / or the sole 10 may have indicia or graphics (e.g., printed graphics, logos, or patterns, etc.). For example, the bridge 20 and the sole 10 may carry branding or logos of a company, a sports teams, a band, a particular brand, etc. Additionally, and / or alternatively, the bridge 20 and the sole 10 may have abstract or other designs. Still further, the bridge 20 and the sole 10 may have autographs of athletes, celebrities, etc. The slide sandal 100 may also include a card 50 that is received within a recess 14 defined in a bottom surface 12 of the sole 10. The card 50 may provide additional surfaces or opportunities for including graphics, patterns, or branding on the slide sandal 100. In some embodiments, the card 50 is removable and may act as a tool for the user (e.g., a bottle opener, etc.).

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the footbed 19 from the hybrid shoe 200 of FIG.1. The toe end 17 of the sole 10 corresponds to the toe end of the footbed 19; similarly, the heel end 18 of the sole 10 corresponds to the heel end of the footbed 19 - accordingly, thesame reference number will be used to refer to the toe end 17 and the heel end 18 of the footbed19. The footbed 19 may include one or more comfort patterns on a top surface 19t of the footbed. For example, the footbed 19 may include a first comfort pattern 19a near the toe end 17 of the footbed 19. Additionally, the footbed 19 may include a second comfort pattern 19b near the heel end 18 of the footbed 19. The comfort patterns may include distributions of cushioned portions or raised portions of the top surface 19t to increase the comfort of the slide sandal 100 or the hybrid shoe 200 during wear of either the slide sandal 100 or the hybrid shoe 200.

[0051] The footbed 19 may be formed of a foam, such as an energy rebounding foam, and have a thickness ranging from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, such as 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 mm, or a thickness within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

[0052] FIG. 8A illustrates a top view and FIG. 8B illustrates a bottom view of the hybrid shoe 200 of FIG. 1. As shown in the top view of FIG. 8A, the bridge 20 may be encased within the shoe upper 30 when the shoe upper 30 is zipped to the slide sandal 100. The bridge20, and any graphics printed on the bridge 20, may be visible through a shoe upper 30 and contribute to an overall aesthetic look and feel of the hybrid shoe 200. For example, a portion of the shoe upper 30 may be formed from a substantially translucent material, a mesh material, or another material that allows visualization of the bridge 20 through the shoe upper 30. The perimeter 24b of the shoe upper 30 is shown zipped and attached around the perimeter 24a of the footbed 19 (and, thus, perimeter 24 of the sole 10). The card 50 is shown as received within the recess 14 defined in the bottom surface 12 of the sole 10.

[0053] FIGS. 9 and 10 are flowcharts of example methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 300 of customizing a shoe. The method 300 may include selecting a slide sandal comprising a sole, a bridge, and a bottom zipper track, at step 305, and selecting a shoe upper, at step 310. The slide sandal may be the slide sandal 100 of FIGS. 1 through 6 and the shoe upper may be the shoe upper 30 of FIGS. 1 through 4. The method 300 may also include securing a pulling member of an upper zipper track of the shoe upper to the bottom zipper track of the slide sandal, such that an entire perimeter of the shoe upper is attached to an entire perimeter of the slide sandal. The shoeupper 30, or a portion thereof, may be formed from a substantially translucent material such that the bridge and, thus, graphics carried by the bridge are visible through the shoe upper, at step 315.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method 400 of manufacturing a hybrid shoe. The method 400 may include forming a slide sandal having a sole, a footbed, and a bridge extending over the sole and the footbed, at step 405. The method 400 may also include positioning a zipper between the sole and the footbed, such that the zipper is securable between the sole and the footbed and a bottom zipper track of the zipper extends beyond a top surface of the footed, at step 410. For example, the zipper may be attached along the outer edge of a top surface of the sole using an adhesive, and the footbed may then be attached to the sole using the same or a different adhesive (e.g., depending on materials of the components), such that a portion of the zipper is secured between the sole and the footbed. A sole-pressing machine may be used to bond the footbed to the sole with the zipper secured, as described above. The method 400 may further include forming a shoe upper with a pulling member of an upper zipper track at a bottom portion of the shoe upper, at step 415. The pulling member may be used for engaging the zipper positioned between the sole and the footbed. Specifically, the pulling member is for engaging the bottom zipper track of the zipper that extends beyond the top surface of the footbed. A portion of the shoe upper may be transparent such that the bridge of the slide sandal is visible through the portion of the shoe upper that is transparent.

[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0056] The terms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0057] The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but donot preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0058] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0059] As used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item, such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

[0060] The above Detailed Description of examples of the technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology. For example, while processes are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps in a different order, and some processes may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented inparallel or may be performed at different times. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

[0061] The teachings of the technology provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the technology. Some alternative implementations of the technology may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements.

[0062] The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in this application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this application are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed disclosure. The claimed disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any aspect, example, or detail provided in this application. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features are intended to be selectively rearranged, included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present application, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate aspects falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this application that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A shoe comprising: a slide sandal having a sole, a footbed, and a bridge extending across the sole and the footbed, a first end of the bridge positioned between the sole and the footbed at a first side of the sole, and a second end of the bridge positioned between the sole and the footbed at an opposing second side of the sole; a shoe upper having a bottom portion that is attachable to the slide sandal; and a zipper assembly comprising: an upper zipper track arranged at an exterior perimeter of the bottom portion of the shoe upper, a bottom zipper track arranged at a perimeter of the sole of the slide sandal, a slider attached to the upper zipper track and moveable across the upper zipper track and the bottom zipper track, and a pulling member attached to the slider and configured to pull the slider across the upper zipper track and the bottom zipper track to zip and unzip the zipper assembly, wherein the shoe has a first configuration in which the shoe upper is unzipped from the slide sandal and a second configuration in which the shoe upper is zipped to the slide sandal.

2. The shoe of claim 1, the slide sandal further comprising: the sole having a top surface defining a hollow and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the bottom surface defining a recess; the footbed received within the hollow; the bridge anchored to the first side of the sole and to the second side of the sole; and a body of the bottom zipper track disposed between the footbed and the sole, such that the bottom zipper track extends beyond a perimeter of the footbed and is accessible by the pulling member.

3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the bridge is anchored to the first and second sides of the sole at a toe end of the shoe, the bottom zipper track arranged on an exterior of the bridge, such that the slider is continuously moveable across the bottom zipper track.

4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein the footbed comprises a foam and a comfort pattern arranged on a top surface of the foam, the comfort pattern comprising a distribution of cushioned or raised portions near the toe end of the shoe and another distribution of cushioned or raised portions near a heel end of the shoe.

5. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the footbed has a thickness ranging from about 2 mm to about 6 mm.

6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein a body of the shoe upper defines a plurality of vents in opposing side walls of the body.

7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe upper comprises a waterproof material.

8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the shoe upper comprises a closed-cell resin material that is not plastic or rubber.

9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole and the bridge of the slide sandal comprise an ethyl vinyl acetate foam.

10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper comprises a translucent material such that, in the second configuration, indicia carried by the bridge of the slide sandal is visible through the shoe upper.

11. The shoe of claim 10, further comprising a pull tab attached to a heel end of the shoe upper.

12. A slide sandal comprising: a sole having a top surface defining a top hollow and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a footbed receivable within the top hollow of the sole; a bridge anchored between the footbed and the sole, the bridge extending from a first side of the sole to a second opposing side of the sole; and a bottom zipper track having a body anchored between the footbed and the sole, wherein the bottom zipper track is arranged about a perimeter of the sole and extends beyond the footbed to be accessible by a shoe upper, the bottom zipper track for engaging with the shoe upper, wherein the slide sandal is convertible from: a first unzippered configuration where the shoe upper is unzipped and detached from the slide sandal, and a second zippered configuration where the shoe upper is zipped and attached to the slide sandal through engagement with the bottom zipper track, a perimeter of the shoe upper being zipped about the perimeter of the sole such that the shoe upper does not cover or extend over the sole.

13. The slide sandal of claim 12, wherein the shoe upper comprises a body having an ankle portion defining an opening and a bottom portion opposite the ankle portion, the bottom portion carrying a slider and a pulling member for engaging the bottom zipper track of the slide sandal.

14. The slide sandal of claim 12, wherein the shoe upper comprises a translucent material such that the bridge of the slide sandal is visible through the shoe upper when the slide sandal is in the second zippered configuration.

15. The slide sandal of claim 12, wherein the slide sandal forms a sneaker in the second zippered configuration.

16. The slide sandal of claim 12, wherein the bridge is anchored near a toe end of the slide sandal and prevents the shoe upper separating from the bottom zipper track when the slide sandal is in the second zippered configuration.

17. A shoe upper for forming a shoe, the shoe upper comprising: an ankle portion defining an opening; and a bottom portion opposite the ankle portion, wherein the bottom portion is attachable to a slide sandal, the bottom portion comprising: an upper zipper track arranged at an exterior perimeter of the bottom portion; a slider attached to the upper zipper track and moveable across the upper zipper track; and a pulling member attached to the slider and configured to pull the slider across the upper zipper track to zip and unzip the bottom portion to and from the slide sandal, wherein, when the bottom portion is zipped to the slide sandal, a perimeter of the shoe upper is zipped about a perimeter of a sole of the slide sandal with the shoe upper not covering or extending over the sole.

18. The shoe upper of claim 17, wherein the shoe upper comprises a translucent material such that at least a portion of the slide sandal is visible through the shoe upper when the bottom portion is attached to the slide sandal.

19. A method of customizing a shoe, the method comprising: selecting a slide sandal comprising a sole, a bridge, and a zipper track; selecting a shoe upper; andsecuring a pulling member of the shoe upper to the zipper track of the slide sandal, such that an entire perimeter of the shoe upper is attached to an entire perimeter of the slide sandal, wherein at least a portion of the shoe upper is translucent such that the bridge is visible through the shoe upper.

20. A method of manufacturing a shoe, the method comprising: forming a slide sandal having a sole, a footbed, and a bridge extending over the sole and the footbed; positioning a zipper between the sole and the footbed, such that the zipper is securable between the sole and the footbed and a bottom zipper track of the zipper extends beyond a top surface of the footbed and about an exterior of the bridge; and forming a shoe upper with a pulling member attached to an upper zipper track at a bottom portion of the shoe upper, the pulling member for engaging the bottom zipper track, a portion of the shoe upper being transparent such that the bridge of the slide sandal is visible through the portion of the shoe upper.

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