Biodegradable shoe sole with fixed or detachable upper shoe components

Abstract

Although biodegradable resins are used in other industries, to date there is no BPI certified compostable shoe sole with an affixed or detachable upper shoe that provides the following ancillary benefits: 1. Biodegradable resins that decompose under normal environmental conditions in 18 months and thus aid in the long term reduction of landfill space requirements. 2. Hand, machine or dishwasher safe for easy cleansing as well as quick drying via air or towel dry after use. 3. A simplistic lightweight design with, but not limited to, just two parts that can be modular and detachable for repairs, comfort, function and ornamental design which includes the ability to wear socks with the shoe. 4. Assists in preventing the spread of nail and skin disease in public spaces 5. Abandoned shoes can be tossed in compost rather than stored in a facilities lost and found for months.

1 . Independent shoe sole constructed via biodegradable resins which are engineered to handle water and environmental temperatures up to 200 degrees per the product specifications. 
     
     
         2 . The shoe sole in  claim 1  is molded with a flat shelf on the outer rim of the plantar side of the sole wherein oblong holes are present and dissect the sole to correspond to concave groves on the underside of the sole. 
     
     
         3 . The shoe sole in  claim 1  is molded with an arch support on the interior plantar side of the sole. 
     
     
         4 . The shoe sole in  claim 1  is molded with a raised bumpy cross hatch pattern on the underside of the sole which surround the concave grooves and oblong holes and form slip resistant contact patches to the ground surfaces. 
     
     
         5 . Independent upper shoe mesh, material or strap component connected by a hook, broach, interlocking clasp, buckle, tying of two ends, snap, hook and loop, grommets or any other fastener or combination of fastening elements characterized within the proceeding list used to temporarily adhere via the holes and grooves of the independent sole in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         6 . The shoe sole in  claim 1  is molded flat, without the design features in  claim 2 ,  3  and  4  wherein the mesh shoe upper is also constructed from a biodegradable resin and affixed to the shoe sole via stitching, glue or a seamless mold.