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Title:
SHOE WITH REMOVABLE UPPER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2015/195121
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The shoe with interchangeable upper includes a sole portion and an instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is removably attached at first and second side edges adjacent the inner and outer edges of the sole portion, respectively. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section. The instep enclosing section is attached to the sole portion using at least one pair of side hooks. These side hooks are sized and shaped to removably engage a pair of hook engagers located in the sole portion. The hook engagers are moved from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position by at least one engager actuator. The side hooks and hook engagers may be vertically or horizontally oriented. An alternative instep enclosing has a toe-separating portion secured to the sides and front of the sole portion.

Inventors:
SMITH RUDOLPH (US)
ALFINO ANTHONY (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2014/043001
Publication Date:
December 23, 2015
Filing Date:
June 18, 2014
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
SMITH RUDOLPH (US)
ALFINO ANTHONY (US)
International Classes:
A43B3/24; A43B3/10; A43B23/00
Foreign References:
US20050016019A12005-01-27
US20050126045A12005-06-16
KR101327215B12013-11-11
US20080072453A12008-03-27
US20100251570A12010-10-07
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BELASCO, David, A. (LLP6701 Center Drive West, 14th Floo, Los Angeles CA, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS shoe with a removable upper comprising:

a sole portion, said sole portion having a forward end, an after end, an inner edge, an outer edge, an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer perimeter;

an instep enclosing section, said instep enclosing section having a first side edge and a second side edge;

said instep enclosing section being removably attached at said first and second side edges adjacent said inner and outer edges of said sole portion, respectively;

at least one first side hook, said first side hook being attached adjacent said first side edge of said instep enclosing section;

at least one second side hook, said second side hook being attached adjacent said second side edge of said instep enclosing section;

at least one first hook engager, said first hook engager attached adjacent said inner edge of said sole portion and being sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage said at least one first side hook;

at least one second hook engager, said second hook engager attached adjacent said outer edge of said sole portion and being sized, shaped and disposed to removably engage said at least one second side hook; at least one engager actuator, said engager actuator being attached to at least one of said first and second hook engagers, moving said engagers from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position and being operable from at least one point on said outer perimeter of said sole portion; and

at least one return mechanism, said return mechanism urging said first and second hook engagers from said second position to said first position; said return mechanism being formed as an integral portion of at least one of said first and second hook engagers;

whereby, when said instep enclosing section is removed from said sole

portion, a second instep enclosing section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section.

2. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein at least one of said first and second hook engagers further comprises:

an enclosing chamber, said chamber comprising a lower planar surface, at least one "L" shaped spacing barrier, said barrier disposed

orthogonally to said planar surface and providing a sliding space for said hook engager, and a stop for said return mechanism, said chamber having an opening for said side hook; and

a cover, said cover extending over said enclosing chamber and controlling upward movement of said hook engager and alignment for said side hook with said hook engager. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said sole portion further comprises:

first and second side pockets, said side pockets being sized, shaped and

disposed to receive said first and second hook engagers, respectively; at least one engager actuator channel, said channel being sized, shaped and disposed to receive said engager actuator;

a foot pad, said foot pad attaching to said upper surface of said sole portion, being sized and shaped to fit substantially within said outer perimeter of said sole portion and to cover said first and second side pockets and said engager actuator channel; and

whereby, when said foot pad is attached to said sole portion, said first and second hook engagers and said engager actuator will be protected from dirt and debris.

The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said at least one first side hook and said at least one second side hook are oriented parallel to a plane of said sole portion.

5. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said at least one first side hook and said at least one second side hook are oriented orthogonally to a plane of said sole portion.

6. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein one engager actuator is connected to each of said first and second hook engagers.

7. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein one engager actuator is connected to said first hook engager and said second hook engager.

8. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said engager actuator terminates in either of a loop and a handle for pulling said engager actuator.

9. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said return

mechanism is formed of material selected from the group comprising:

polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene & styrene), acetal, Delrin®, Celcon®, and steel.

10. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said return

mechanism is formed in the shape of a curved flat spring.

11. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said instep

enclosing section further comprises:

a first side section, said first side section comprising said first side edge, a first connecting portion extending outwardly from said first side edge to a first end and a first connector spaced inwardly from said first end; a second side section, said second side section comprising said second side edge, a second connecting portion extending outwardly from said second side edge to a second end and a mating second connector spaced inwardly from said second end; and

whereby, when said first connector is attached to said second, mating

connector, said shoe is adjusted to a foot of a wearer.

The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 1, wherein said instep enclosing section further comprises:

a toe separating portion, said toe separating portion extending forwardly from said instep enclosing section, extending downwardly toward said sole portion and terminating in a retaining post mounted orthogonally to a distal end of said toe separating portion;

a keyway, said keyway disposed in an upper region of said sole portion at said forward end of said sole portion and being sized and shaped to fit slidably about said retaining post in a first orientation; a lower region of said sole portion beneath said keyway being relieved on either side of said keyway to fit slidably about said retaining post in either of said first orientation and a second orientation; and whereby, when said retaining post is inserted into said keyway and said lower region of said sole portion in said first orientation and rotated to said second orientation, said retaining post will secure said toe separating portion to said sole portion. The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 12, further comprising: a tread pad, said tread pad having substantially a same outer perimeter of said sole portion, being attached to said lower surface of said sole portion and providing a lower closure for said keyway; and

whereby, when said retaining post of said toe separating portion is inserted into said keyway, said retaining post will be protected from a ground surface.

The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 12, wherein said upper region of said sole portion further comprises:

a foot pad, said foot pad attaching to said upper surface of said sole portion, being sized and shaped to fit substantially within said outer perimeter of said sole portion, having a first opening at a forward end, said first opening being sized and shaped to fit slidably about said retaining post of said toe separating portion and being substantially aligned with said keyway; and

whereby, when said retaining post is inserted into said keyway, said foot pad will secure said toe separating portion to said sole portion.

The shoe with a removable upper, as described in Claim 14, wherein said upper region of said sole portion further comprises: a reinforcing sleeve, said reinforcing sleeve being formed of rigid material, being sized and shaped to fit within said keyway and being disposed in said upper region of said sole portion, having a second opening substantially similar to said first opening in said foot pad and having material surrounding said second opening of a first predetermined width;

said reinforcing sleeve being attached between said sole portion and said foot pad beneath said keyway; and

whereby, when upward pressure is applied to said toe separating portion, said reinforcing sleeve will prevent said retaining post from passing through said first opening.

Description:
SHOE WITH REMOVABLE UPPER

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to the field of shoes and foot coverings; more particularly, to shoes providing a unique system for interchanging the uppers for models of diverse styles. Background of the Invention

As fashion trends change, versatility in wardrobe becomes more important. At the same time, many fashion-conscious individuals have relatively limited budgets. To address such contrasting needs, accessories that can be used for a variety of different "looks" or fashion statements become more desirable. A shoe or sandal that can accommodate a variety of uppers of different designs will appeal to the cost conscious buyer with an eye toward fashion. Toward this end, various designs for sandals and athletic shoes, and more particularly designs for shoe and sandal fastening and closure systems have been developed.

U.S. Patent No. 7,222,441, issued to Smith et ah, is directed to a sandal with interchangeable upper in order to make possible various models of diverse styles utilizing a single sole portion. A sole portion includes an instep section which is removably attached at the first and second edges. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second instep enclosing section may be substituted for the first thus giving a different appearance to the shoe or sandal. The latching mechanism utilized includes a first side hood which is attached to the first side edge of the instep enclosing portion. A second side hook is also provided which interlocks with the side edge. A hook engager is also provided adjacent the inner edge of sole portion and is sized and shaped to be removably engaged from at least one second side hook.

Patent Application No. 2005/0126045, published for Guidry, is directed to changeable shoes which allow the user to remove, replace or change various portions of the system in order to provide shoes of various appearances. The locking and unlocking system allows a top portion of the upper or bottom to be removed and replaced.

U.S. Patent No. 7,797,857, issued to Mattia, Patent is directed to transformational shoes which specifically addresses the upper-lower attachment means. The intent is to make possible to convert shoes from a one functional type to another with different appearances. The attachment of the upper portion of the shoe to the sole portion is accomplished utilizing a zipper type latching device.

U.S. Patent Application No. 3,306,492, published for Shih, is directed to a composite shoe and U.S. Patent 8,028,441 directed to an interchangeable component shoe system provide additional examples of zipper type latching mechanisms that allow different upper shoe portions to be attached to sole portions to make possible different styles and

appearances.

U.S. Patent No. 8,353,1 16, issued to Berrins, is directed to a sandal with adjustable straps and interchangeable mix and match straps and insoles. The latching device is a hooklike arrangement.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0088927, published for Spinelli, is directed to a shoe with separable sole and upper. The sole features an upper surface with a plurality of tubular elements that are applied so as to be distanced from one another in a predetermined manner. The upper features a lower surface with a plurality of tubular elements also applied at predetermined distances to interact with the tubular elements of the sole portion thus providing the interlock between the upper and the lower.

U.S. Patent No. 2,444,640, issued to Epstein on July 6, 1948, describes a zipper-type closure for attaching different toe enclosing portions of the upper to the sole. A similar system is used in U.S. Patent No. 2,200,080, issued to Fein on May 7, 1940, to attach the entire upper to the sole of the shoe. U.S. patent No. 3,204,346, issued to Lockard et al. on September 7, 1965, illustrates a groove and matching, sliding projection system for attaching the upper to the sole portion.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a shoe or sandal that is easily adjustable to the wearer's toes and instep. It is a further objective of the invention to provide a means for the wearer to quickly change the shoe or sandal upper as desired. It is still a further objective to provide a secure locking mechanism securing the upper to the base of the shoe or sandal that is easily operated with a concealed release. It is yet a further objective of the invention to provide a sandal with a unique and attractive appearance. While the prior art shoes and sandals examined provide a variety of useful features, none answer the requirements of the present invention.

Summary of the Invention

(1) The shoe with removable upper of the present invention incorporates a number of novel features which, taken together, address all of the objectives stated above. The shoe may be constructed from the following components. A sole portion is provided. The sole portion has a forward end, an after end, an inner edge, an outer edge, an upper surface, a lower surface and an outer perimeter. An instep enclosing section is provided. The instep enclosing section has a first side edge and a second side edge. The instep enclosing section is removably attached at the first and second side edges adjacent the inner and outer edges of the sole portion, respectively.

At least one first side hook is provided. The first side hook is attached adjacent the first side edge of the instep enclosing section. At least one second side hook is provided. The second side hook is attached adjacent the second side edge of the instep enclosing section. At least one first hook engager is provided. The first hook engager is attached adjacent the inner edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one first side hook. At least one second hook engager is provided. The second hook engager is attached adjacent the outer edge of the sole portion and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one second side hook. At least one engager actuator is provided. The engager actuator is attached to at least one of the first and second hook engagers. The engager actuator moves the engagers from a first, engaging position to a second disengaging position and is operable from at least one point on the outer perimeter of the sole portion. At least one return mechanism is provided. The return mechanism urges the first and second hook engagers from the second position to the first position. The return mechanism is formed as an integral portion of at least one of the first and second hook engagers. When the instep enclosing section is removed from the sole portion, a second instep enclosing section can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section.

(2) In a variant of the invention, at least one of the first and second hook engagers further includes an enclosing chamber. The chamber includes a lower planar surface and at least one "L" shaped spacing barrier. The barrier is located orthogonally to the planar surface and provides a sliding space for the hook engager, and a stop for the return mechanism. The chamber has an opening for the side hook. A cover is provided. The cover extends over the enclosing chamber and controls upward movement of the hook engager and alignment for the side hook with the hook engager.

(3) In another variant, the sole portion further includes first and second side pockets.

The side pockets are sized, shaped and located to receive the first and second hook engagers, respectively. At least one engager actuator channel is provided. The channel is sized, shaped and located to receive the engager actuator. A foot pad is provided. The foot pad attaches to the upper surface of the sole portion, is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter of the sole portion and to cover the first and second side pockets and the engager actuator channel. When the foot pad is attached to the sole portion, the first and second hook engagers and the engager actuator will be protected from dirt and debris.

(4) In still another variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented parallel to a plane of the sole portion.

(5) In yet another variant, the at least one first side hook and the at least one second side hook are oriented orthogonally to a plane of the sole portion.

(6) In a further variant, one engager actuator is connected to each of the first and second hook engagers.

(7) In still a further variant, one engager actuator is connected to the first hook engager and the second hook engager.

(8) In yet a further variant, the engager actuator terminates in either of a loop and a handle for pulling the engager actuator. (9) In another variant of the invention, the return mechanism is formed of material selected from the group that includes polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene & styrene), acetal, Delrin ® , Celcon ® , and steel.

(10) In still another variant, the return mechanism is formed in the shape of a curved flat spring.

(11) In yet another variant, the instep enclosing section further includes a first side section. The first side section includes the first side edge, a first connecting portion extending outwardly from the first side edge to a first end and a first connector spaced inwardly from the first end. A second side section is provided. The second side section includes the second side edge, a second connecting portion extending outwardly from the second side edge to a second end and a mating second connector spaced inwardly from the second end. When the first connector is attached to the second, mating connector, the shoe is adjusted to a foot of a wearer.

(12) In a further variant, the instep enclosing section further includes a toe separating portion. The toe separating portion extends forwardly from the instep enclosing section, extending downwardly toward the sole portion and terminating in a retaining post mounted orthogonally to a distal end of the toe separating portion. A keyway is provided. The keyway is located in an upper region of the sole portion at the forward end of the sole portion and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the retaining post in a first orientation. A lower region of the sole portion beneath the keyway is relieved on either side of the keyway to fit slidably about the retaining post in either of the first orientation and a second orientation. When the retaining post is inserted into the keyway and the lower region of the sole portion in the first orientation and rotated to the second orientation, the retaining post will secure the toe separating portion to the sole portion.

(13) In still a further variant, a tread pad is provided. The tread pad has substantially a same outer perimeter as the sole portion, is attached to the lower surface of the sole portion and provides a lower closure for the keyway. When the retaining post of the toe separating portion is inserted into the keyway, the retaining post will be protected from a ground surface.

(14) In yet a further variant, the upper region of the sole portion further includes a foot pad. The foot pad attaches to the upper surface of the sole portion, is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter of the sole portion, has a first opening at a forward end. The first opening is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the retaining post of the toe separating portion and is substantially aligned with the keyway. When the retaining post is inserted into the keyway, the foot pad will secure the toe separating portion to the sole portion.

(15) In a final variant of the invention, the upper region of the sole portion further includes a reinforcing sleeve. The reinforcing sleeve is formed of rigid material. The sleeve is sized and shaped to fit within the keyway and is located in the upper region of the sole portion. The sleeve has a second opening substantially similar to the first opening in the foot pad and has material surrounding the second opening of a first predetermined width. The reinforcing sleeve is attached between the sole portion and the foot pad beneath the keyway. When upward pressure is applied to the toe separating portion, the reinforcing sleeve will prevent the retaining post from passing through the first opening. An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a forward portion of a first embodiment of the shoe of the present invention;

Figure 1A a cutaway perspective view of the sole portion of the Figure 1

embodiment illustrating the a cover for the hook engager and a foot pad;

Figure 2 is a cutaway plan view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the attachment of the removable upper to the sole portion of the sandal using the side hooks and hook engagers;

Figure 3 is a cutaway plan view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the removal of the upper from the sole portion of the sandal and illustrating the hook engagers in a disengaging position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the shoe illustrating a toe enclosing portion having a toe separating portion and foot pad;

Figure 5 is a cutaway plan view of the second embodiment of the shoe of the present invention, illustrating rear-mounted hook engagers;

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the front portion of the sole portion of the Figure 4 embodiment, illustrating the foot pad, the tread pad and attachment of the instep enclosing portion by the toe separating portion; Figure 7 is a partial plan view of a Figure 4 embodiment the retaining post in a first orientation;

Figure 8 is a partial plan view of a Figure 4 embodiment the retaining post in a second orientation;

Figure 9 is a cutaway plan view of a sole portion of a third embodiment illustrating a shoe with front and rear hook engagers;

Figure 10 is perspective view of the upper and sole portion of the Figure 9

embodiment;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment illustrating an adjustment mechanism for the instep enclosing portion;

Figure 12 is a cutaway plan view of the Figure 1 embodiment, illustrating a sole portion with two hook engagement activators;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the Figure 4 embodiment illustrating vertically oriented side hooks and hook.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

(1) The shoe with removable upper of the present invention 10, as illustrated in

Figures 1-6, 9 and 10, incorporates a number of novel features which, taken together, address all of the objectives stated above. The shoe 10 may be constructed from the following components. A sole portion 14 is provided. The sole portion 14 has a forward end 18, an after end 22, an inner edge 26, an outer edge 30, an upper surface 34, a lower surface 38 and an outer perimeter 42. An instep enclosing section 46 is provided. The instep enclosing section 46 has a first side edge 50 and a second side edge 54. The instep enclosing section 46 is removably attached at the first 50 and second 54 side edges adjacent the inner 26 and outer 30 edges of the sole portion 14, respectively.

At least one first side hook 58 is provided. The first side hook 58 is attached adjacent the first side edge 50 of the instep enclosing section 46. At least one second side hook 62 is provided. The second side hook 62 is attached adjacent the second side edge 54 of the instep enclosing section 46. At least one first hook engager 66 is provided. The first hook engager 66 is attached adjacent the inner edge 26 of the sole portion 14 and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one first side hook 58. At least one second hook engager 70 is provided. The second hook engager 70 is attached adjacent the outer edge 30 of the sole portion 14 and is sized, shaped and located to removably engage the at least one second side hook 62. At least one engager actuator 74 is provided. The engager actuator 74 is attached to at least one of the first 66 and second 70 hook engagers. The engager actuator 74 moves the engagers 66, 70 from a first, engaging position 78 to a second disengaging position 82 and is operable from at least one point 86 on the outer perimeter 42 of the sole portion 14. At least one return mechanism 90 is provided. The return mechanism 90 urges the first 66 and 70 second hook engagers from the second position 82 to the first position 78. The return mechanism 90 is formed as an integral portion of at least one of the first 66 and second 70 hook engagers. When the instep enclosing section 46 is removed from the sole portion 14, a second instep enclosing section 46 can be substituted for the first instep enclosing section 46.

(2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 1A, at least one of the first 66 and second 70 hook engagers further includes an enclosing chamber 94. The chamber 94 includes a lower planar surface 98 and at least one "L" shaped spacing barrier 102. The barrier 102 is located orthogonally to the planar surface 98 and provides a sliding space 106 for the hook engager 66, 70, and a stop 110 for the return mechanism 90. The chamber 94 has an opening 114 for the side hook 58, 62. A cover 118 is provided. The cover 118 extends over the enclosing chamber 94 and controls upward movement of the hook engager 66, 70 and alignment for the side hook 58, 62 with the hook engager 66, 70.

(3) In another variant, as illustrated in Figures 1A, 3 and 4, the sole portion 14 further includes first 126 and second 130 side pockets. The side pockets 126, 130 are sized, shaped and located to receive the first 66 and second 70 hook engagers, respectively. At least one engager actuator channel 134 is provided. The channel 134 is sized, shaped and located to receive the engager actuator 74. A foot pad 138 is provided. The foot pad 138 attaches to the upper surface 34 of the sole portion 14, is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter 42 of the sole portion 14 and to cover the first 126 and second 130 side pockets and the engager actuator channel 134. When the foot pad 138 is attached to the sole portion 14, the first 66 and second 70 hook engagers and the engager actuator 74 will be protected from dirt and debris.

(4) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figures 1-6, 9 and 10, the at least one first side hook 58 and the at least one second side hook 62 are oriented parallel to a plane of the sole portion 14.

(5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure 13, the at least one first side hook 58 and the at least one second side hook 62 are oriented orthogonally to a plane of the sole portion 14.

(6) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 12, one engager actuator 74 is connected to each of the first 66 and second 70 hook engagers. (7) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, one engager actuator 74 is connected to the first hook engager 66 and the second hook engager 70.

(8) In yet a further variant, the engager actuator 74 terminates in either of a loop 142 and a handle 146 for pulling the engager actuator 74.

(9) In another variant of the invention, the return mechanism 90 is formed of material selected from the group that includes polypropylene, ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene & styrene), acetal, Delrin ® , Celcon ® , and steel.

(10) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 1A, the return mechanism 90 is formed in the shape of a curved flat spring 150.

(11) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure 11, the instep enclosing section 46 further includes a first side section 154. The first side section 154 includes the first side edge 50, a first connecting portion 162 extending outwardly from the first side edge 50 to a first end 166 and a first connector 170 spaced inwardly from the first end 166. A second side section 174 is provided. The second side section 174 includes the second side edge 54, a second connecting portion 182 extending outwardly from the second side edge 54 to a second end 186 and a mating second connector 190 spaced inwardly from the second end 186. When the first connector 170 is attached to the second, mating connector 190, the shoe 10 is adjusted to a foot of a wearer (not shown).

(12) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 4-8 and 13, the instep enclosing section 46 further includes a toe separating portion 194. The toe separating portion 194 extends forwardly from the instep enclosing section 46, extending downwardly toward the sole portion 14 and terminating in a retaining post 198 mounted orthogonally to a distal end 202 of the toe separating portion 194. A keyway 206 is provided. The keyway 206 is located in an upper region 210 of the sole portion 14 at the forward end 18 of the sole portion 14 and is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the retaining post 198 in a first orientation 214. A lower region 218 of the sole portion 14 beneath the keyway 206 is relieved on either side of the keyway 206 to fit slidably about the retaining post 198 in either of the first orientation 214 and a second orientation 222. When the retaining post 198 is inserted into the keyway 206 and the lower region 218 of the sole portion 14 in the first orientation 214 and rotated to the second orientation 222, the retaining post 198 will secure the toe separating portion 194 to the sole portion 14.

(13) In still a further variant, a tread pad 226 is provided. The tread pad 226 has substantially a same outer perimeter 230 as the sole portion 14, is attached to the lower surface 38 of the sole portion 14 and provides a lower closure for the keyway 206. When the retaining post 198 of the toe separating portion 194 is inserted into the keyway 206, the retaining post 198 will be protected from a ground surface not shown).

(14) In yet a further variant, the upper region 210 of the sole portion 14 further includes a foot pad 234. The foot pad 234 attaches to the upper surface 34 of the sole portion 14, is sized and shaped to fit substantially within the outer perimeter 42 of the sole portion 14, has a first opening 238 at a forward end 242. The first opening 238 is sized and shaped to fit slidably about the retaining post 198 of the toe separating portion 194 and is substantially aligned with the keyway 206. When the retaining post 198 is inserted into the keyway 206, the foot pad 234 will secure the toe separating portion 194 to the sole portion 14.

(15) In a final variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 6, the upper region 210 of the sole portion 14 further includes a reinforcing sleeve 246. The reinforcing sleeve 246 is formed of rigid material 250. The sleeve 246 is sized and shaped to fit within the keyway 206 and is located in the upper region 210 of the sole portion 14. The sleeve 246 has a second opening 254 substantially similar to the first opening 238 in the foot pad 234 and has material surrounding the second opening 254 of a first predetermined width 258. The reinforcing sleeve 246 is attached between the sole portion 14 and the foot pad 234 beneath the keyway 206. When upward pressure is applied to the toe separating portion 194, the reinforcing sleeve 246 will prevent the retaining post 198 from passing through the first opening 238.

An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.