System and method for removably attaching an inner bootie to a sandal

Abstract

A sandal and bootie combination is provided, where the bootie is adapted to be received within the sandal. The combination further includes a mechanism to secure the bootie to the sandal in the region of the toe, and more specifically a toe gripper. The toe gripper fastens the bootie to the sandal, and prevents relative movement between the bootie and the sandal.

1 . A sandal and bootie combination, said bootie being adapted to be received within said sandal, characterized in that said combination further includes means for removably securing said bootie to said sandal, said means being located at a front of said combination.  
     
     
         2 . A combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said means include a toe gripper portion on said bootie and a sandal portion on said sandal, said male and female portions being adapted to lock when said toe gripper portion is inserted into said sandal portion.  
     
     
         3 . A combination according to  claim 2 , wherein said toe gripper portion consists of a forward extending flange provided with an upstanding ridge and wherein said sandal portion consists of a cavity shaped and sized to receive said toe gripper portion, said cavity further including a ledge.  
     
     
         4 . A combination according to  claim 3 , wherein said ridge has an outside surface that is angled.  
     
     
         5 . A combination according to  claim 4 , wherein said outside surface is angled at 45°.  
     
     
         6 . A combination according to  claim 4 , wherein said ledge has a length substantially equal to a height of said ridge.  
     
     
         7 . A combination according to  claim 3 , wherein said toe gripper portion is integral with a sole of said bootie.  
     
     
         8 . A combination according to  claim 1 , wherein said sandal further includes a sandal ridge along a periphery of a top portion of said sandal, said sandal ridge being adapted to substantially seal a space located between said sandal and said bootie when said bootie is inserted into said sandal.