U.S. patent application number 12/504229 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for replaceable ornament for flip-flop sandal.
Invention is credited to Kathe K. Chase, Tracy Kramer Seckler.
Application Number | 20100011623 12/504229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41528994 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100011623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seckler; Tracy Kramer ; et
al. |
January 21, 2010 |
REPLACEABLE ORNAMENT FOR FLIP-FLOP SANDAL
Abstract
A flip-flop or other article of apparel includes a fastening
member at least a substantial portion of which is embedded into
article of apparel and releaseably receives mating fastening member
that is attached to an ornament.
Inventors: |
Seckler; Tracy Kramer;
(North Egremont, MA) ; Chase; Kathe K.; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHIFF HARDIN, LLP;PATENT DEPARTMENT
233 S. Wacker Drive-Suite 6600
CHICAGO
IL
60606-6473
US
|
Family ID: |
41528994 |
Appl. No.: |
12/504229 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61081105 |
Jul 16, 2008 |
|
|
|
61147622 |
Jan 27, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 ; 2/244;
206/278; 36/11.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/001 20130101;
A43B 3/105 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101; A43B 1/0054 20130101;
Y10T 24/45984 20150115; A43B 3/0078 20130101; A43B 3/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/136 ; 2/244;
36/11.5; 206/278 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/00 20060101
A43B023/00; A41D 27/08 20060101 A41D027/08; A43B 3/12 20060101
A43B003/12; B65D 85/18 20060101 B65D085/18 |
Claims
1. A flip-flop comprising: a sole; a thong having first and second
ends, the first end of the thong being attached to the sole at a
position so as to fit between a pair of toes of a wearer when the
flip-flop is worn by the wearer; and, a flip-flop fastening member,
a substantial portion of the flip-flop fastening member being
embedded into the second end of the thong, the flip-flop fastening
member being arranged to releaseably receive an ornamental
fastening member.
2. The flip-flop of claim 1 wherein the flip-flop fastening member
comprises a snap.
3. The flip-flop of claim 1 wherein the flip-flop fastening member
comprises a loop.
4. The flip-flop of claim 1 wherein the flip-flop fastening member
comprises a prong receiving hole.
5. The flip-flop of claim 1 wherein the flip-flop fastening member
comprises a magnet.
6. The flip-flop of claim 1 wherein the flip-flop fastening member
comprises a hole having a notch extending into a side thereof.
7. The flip-flop of claim 1 wherein the flip-flop fastening member
comprises a hole having an insert therein, and wherein the insert
comprises a notch extending into the insert.
8. The flip-flop of claim 1 wherein the flip-flop fastening member
is one of a male fastening member and a female fastening
member.
9. A marketable package including a pair of flip-flops and at least
one pair of ornaments, the pair of ornaments being arranged to
interchangeably and releaseably attach to the pair of flip-flops,
each flip-flop in the marketable package comprising: a sole; a
thong having first and second ends, the first end of the thong
being attached to the sole so that the thong, when the flip-flop is
worn be a wearer, is between a pair of toes of the wearer; and, a
flip-flop fastening member, a substantial portion of the flip-flop
fastening member being embedded into the second end of the thong,
the flip-flop fastening member being arranged to releaseably
receive an ornamental fastening member; and, each ornament in the
marketable package comprising: an ornamental design; and, an
ornamental fastening member being attached to the ornamental
design, the ornamental fastening member having dimensions so as to
interact with the flip-flop fastening member to thereby fasten the
ornamental design to the thong.
10. The marketable package of claim 9 wherein the flip-flop
fastening member comprises a first snap member, and wherein the
ornamental fastening member comprises a second snap member mateable
with the first snap member.
11. The marketable package of claim 9 wherein the flip-flop
fastening member comprises a loop, and wherein the ornamental
fastening member comprises a hook.
12. The marketable package of claim 9 wherein the flip-flop
fastening member comprises a prong receiving hole, and wherein the
ornamental fastening member comprises a prong.
13. The marketable package of claim 9 wherein the flip-flop
fastening member comprises a first magnet, wherein the ornamental
fastening member comprises a second magnet, and wherein the first
and second magnets have opposite polarities.
14. The marketable package of claim 9 wherein the flip-flop
fastening member comprises a notch, and wherein the ornamental
fastening member comprises a prong.
15. The marketable package of claim 9 wherein the flip-flop
fastening member comprises a hole having an insert therein, wherein
the insert comprises a notch extending into the insert, and wherein
the ornamental fastening member comprises a post having a prong
cooperating with the notch.
16. The marketable package of claim 9 wherein the flip-flop
fastening member is one of a male fastening member and a female
fastening member, and wherein the ornamental fastening member is
the other of the male fastening member and the female fastening
member.
17. The marketable package of claim 9 further comprising multiple
pairs of ornaments contained in the package.
18. An ornament attachable to a flip-flip comprising: an ornamental
design; and, an ornamental fastening member being attached to the
ornamental design, the ornamental fastening member, the ornamental
fastening member having dimensions so as to specifically interact
with a flip-flop fastening member a substantial portion of which is
embedded into a thong of a flip-flop.
19. The ornament of claim 18 wherein the ornamental fastening
member comprises a snap.
20. The ornament of claim 18 wherein the ornamental fastening
member comprises a hook.
21. The ornament of claim 18 wherein the ornamental fastening
member comprises a prong.
22. The ornament of claim 18 wherein the ornamental fastening
member comprises a magnet.
23. The ornament of claim 18 wherein the ornamental fastening
member comprises a prong.
24. The ornament of claim 18 wherein the ornamental fastening
member comprises a female fastening member.
25. The ornament of claim 18 wherein the ornamental fastening
member comprises a male fastening member.
26. An article of apparel comprising: a material; and, an article
fastening member, at least a substantial portion of the article
fastening member being embedded into the material, the article
fastening member being arranged to releaseably receive a mating
ornamental fastening member attached to an ornament.
27. The article of apparel of claim 26 wherein the article
fastening member comprises a snap.
28. The article of apparel of claim 26 wherein the article
fastening member comprises a loop.
29. The article of apparel of claim 26 wherein the article
fastening member comprises a prong receiving hole.
30. The article of apparel of claim 26 wherein the article
fastening member comprises a magnet.
31. The article of apparel of claim 26 wherein the article
fastening member comprises a hole having a notch extending into a
side thereof.
32. The article of apparel of claim 26 wherein the article
fastening member comprises a hole having an insert therein, and
wherein the insert comprises a notch extending into the insert.
33. The article of apparel of claim 26 wherein the article
fastening member is one of a male fastening member and a female
fastening member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/081,105, filed Jul. 16, 2008, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application also
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/147,622,
filed Jan. 27, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application discloses footwear such as a sandal
or flip-flop having an embedded attachment mechanism that is useful
in attaching replaceable and interchangeable ornaments such as
charms or other decorative ornament or attachment to the
footwear.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Flip-flop type sandals are becoming increasingly popular. A
variety of styles of these sandals are being worn and ornaments are
occasionally attached to the sandals as permanent decorations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate a clip and loop that are
usable to fasten an ornament to a flip flop sandal;
[0005] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate a snap that is usable to
fasten an ornament to a flip flop sandal;
[0006] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate a prong that is usable to
fasten an ornament to a flip flop sandal;
[0007] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate another snap that is usable
to fasten an ornament to a flip flop sandal;
[0008] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a magnet based arrangement that
is usable to fasten an ornament to a flip flop sandal;
[0009] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a shaft and notch arrangement
that is usable to fasten an ornament to a flip flop sandal;
and,
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a package that is ready for marketing and
that contains a plurality of replaceable and interchangeable
ornaments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] According to the detailed description below, a fastening
system is employed to fasten an ornament to a flip-flop. The
fastening system includes first and second fastening members. At
least a substantial portion of the first fastening member is
embedded in the thong of the flip-flop. The second fastening member
is suitably attached to an ornament. The first fastening member may
be a male member, and the second fastening member may be a female
member. Alternatively, the first fastening member may be a female
member, and the second fastening member may be a male member. As a
further alternative, the first and second fastening members may be
neutral members. Other alternatives are possible. The first
fastening member may be referred to as a receiver fastening member
because it receives the second fastening member whether the second
fastening member is a male member, a female member, a neutral
member, or otherwise. The fastening system permits the ornament to
be removably fastened to the flip-flop.
[0012] However, even though flip-flops are presented as specific
implementations of the fastening system described herein, the
fastening system can be used in connection with other articles of
apparel such as pocket books, shoes, clothing, and other articles
of apparel that are worn by people.
[0013] At least a substantial portion of the first fastening member
(the receiver fastening member) is embedded in the apparel in order
to receive the second fastening member that is attached to the
ornament. Because the receiver fastening member is integrated into
the apparel such as the flip-flop, the receiver fastening member is
more secure, more stable, and more permanent than known fastening
mechanisms which are currently in use to attach an ornament to a
shoe. The receiver fastening member is hidden and protected by the
shoe, sheltering the receiver fastening member from surface
tension, surface contacts, and other outside elements that could
weaken the receiver fastening member, or diminish the longevity of
adherence of the receiver fastening member. Furthermore, the risk
that the foot's normal rocking motion will eventually destabilize a
fastening member that is affixed to the top of a shoe and not at
least substantially embedded in the shoe is substantially reduced.
The receiver fastening member described herein is specifically
designed for frequent ornament switching, making it simple to both
push in and pull out the ornament, while keeping the ornament
securely fastened when it is in place. Fastening members are known
which make it easy either to attach an ornament or to remove an
ornament, but no known fastening member does both, and no known
fastening member is integrated into the shoe, making it completely
durable and sturdy.
[0014] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show a flip-flop sandal 10 that has a
sole 12 and straps 14 formed as is common in flip-flop sandals.
First ends of the straps 14 are suitably attached to the sole 12. A
thong 16 extends from the sole 12 to second ends of the straps 14
and is positioned so that it fits between the first and second toes
of the wearer. The thong 16 has a post base 18 embedded in the sole
12 and a top portion 20 that engages the straps 14. The straps 14
and the thong 16 may be integrally formed or the straps 14 may be
suitably attached and fixed to the thong 16.
[0015] A fastening system 22 is provided to fasten a replaceable
and interchangeable ornament 24 to the flip-flop sandal 10. The
fastening system 22 includes a loop 26 (a female fastening member)
and a clip 28 (a male fastening member). The loop 26 has both of
its ends embedded such as by molding into the thong 16 of the
flip-flop sandal 10 so that at least a substantial portion of the
loop 26 is embedded into the thong 16. The clip 28 includes a clip
base 30 that is in the form of a disk or any other shape and that
is suitable for receiving and retaining the replaceable and
interchangeable ornament 24. The replaceable and interchangeable
ornament 24 may be fixedly fastened to the clip base 30 in any
desired manner such as by soldering, gluing, or welding.
Alternatively, the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 24 may
be fastened to the clip base 30 in any suitable releasable manner.
The clip 28 further includes a hook 32 attached to the clip base 30
by a hinge 33. The clip base 30 includes a tine 34 and the hook 32
includes a tine receiver 36. The tine receiver 36 may include a
recess just large enough to receive the tine 34 in a friction
fit.
[0016] The second ends of the straps 14 joined to the top portion
20 may be separate ends suitably attached to one another and they
may be integrally formed together. Similarly, the top portion 20
may be suitably attached to the second ends of the straps 14 or may
be integrally formed with the second ends of the straps 14.
[0017] During fastening of the replaceable and interchangeable
ornament 24 to the flip-flop sandal 10, the hook 32 is inserted
through the loop 26 and the clip is secured to the flip-flop sandal
10 by pressing the tine 34 in the tine receiver 36. According, the
tine receiver 36 holds fast to the tine 34 by a friction fit and
the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 24 is thereby
replaceably and interchangeably fastened to the flip-flop sandal
10.
[0018] If the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 24 is to
then be replaced by another replaceable and interchangeable
ornament, the tine 34 is unfastened from the tine receiver 36, and
the hook 32 is pulled back through the loop 26 to remove the
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 24 from the flip-flop
sandal 10. The other ornament can then be replaceably and
interchangeably secured to the flip-flop sandal 10 in the same
manner as the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 24 was
replaceably and interchangeably secured to the flip-flop sandal 10
(i.e., in the manner described in the immediately preceding
paragraph).
[0019] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show a flip-flop sandal 100 that has a
sole 102 and straps 104 formed as is common in flip-flop sandals. A
thong 106 extends from the sole 102 to the straps 104 and is
positioned so that it fits between the first and second toes of the
wearer. The thong 106 has a post base 108 embedded in the sole 102
and a top portion 110 that suitably engages the straps 104.
[0020] A fastening system 112 is provided to fasten a replaceable
and interchangeable ornament 114 to the flip-flop sandal 100. The
fastening system 112 has a male fastening member that includes a
rod 116 extending through and embedded into the thong 106, a first
rod disk 118 at one end anchored in the post base 108, and a second
rod disk 120 at the other end attached to a snap post 122 (a male
fastening member). Thus, at least a substantial portion of this
male fastening member is embedded into the thong 106. The second
rod disk 120 sits on top of the thong 106. The fastening system 112
further includes a snap base 124 (a female fastening member) that
has a disk shape and that is suitable for receiving and retaining
the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 114. The replaceable
and interchangeable ornament 114 may be suitably fastened to the
snap base 124. For example, the replaceable ornament 124 may be
fixedly or releaseably fastened to the snap base 124 in any desired
manner. The snap base 124 further includes a snap post receiver
126. The snap post receiver 126 may include a recess just large
enough to receive the snap post 122.
[0021] The second ends of the straps 104 joined to the top portion
110 may be separate ends suitably attached to one another and they
may be integrally formed together. Similarly, the top portion 110
may be suitably attached to the second ends of the straps 104 or
may be integrally formed with the second ends of the straps
104.
[0022] During fastening of the replaceable and interchangeable
ornament 114 to the flip-flop sandal 100, the snap post 122 is
pressed into the snap post receiver 126. According, the snap post
receiver 126 holds fast to the snap post 122 by a friction fit as
is typical for snaps, and the replaceable and interchangeable
ornament 114 is thereby fastened to the flip-flop sandal 100.
[0023] If the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 114 is to
then be replaced by another replaceable and interchangeable
ornament, the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 114 is
pulled so that the friction fit between the snap post 122 and the
snap post receiver 126 is overcome and the replaceable and
interchangeable ornament 114 is withdrawn from the flip-flop sandal
100. The other ornament can then be replaceably and interchangeably
secured to the flip-flop sandal 100 in the same manner as the
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 114 was replaceably and
interchangeably secured to the flip-flop sandal 100 (i.e., in the
manner described in the immediately preceding paragraph).
[0024] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C show a flip-flop sandal 200 that has a
sole 202 and straps 204 formed as is common in flip-flop sandals. A
thong 206 extends from the sole 202 to the straps 204 and is
positioned so that it fits between the first and second toes of the
wearer. The thong 206 has a post base 208 embedded in the sole 202
and a top portion 210 that suitably engages the straps 204.
[0025] A fastening system 212 is provided to fasten a replaceable
and interchangeable ornament 214 to the flip-flop sandal 200. The
fastening system 212 includes prong receiving holes 216 (female
fastening members) molded into and embedded within the thong 206.
Thus, at least a substantial portion of this female fastening
member is embedded into the thong 206. The fastening system 212
further includes a prong base 218 that has a disk shape and that is
suitable for fixedly or releaseably receiving and retaining the
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 214. The replaceable and
interchangeable ornament 214 may be fastened to the prong base 218
in any desired manner. The prong base 218 further includes prongs
220 (male fastening members).
[0026] The second ends of the straps 204 joined to the top portion
210 may be separate ends suitably attached to one another and they
may be integrally formed together. Similarly, the top portion 210
may be suitably attached to the second ends of the straps 204 or
may be integrally formed with the second ends of the straps
204.
[0027] During fastening of the replaceable and interchangeable
ornament 214 to the flip-flop sandal 200, the prongs 220 are
pressed into and through the prong receiving holes 216. According,
the prongs 220 hold fast to the straps 204 by a friction fit.
Alternatively, the ends of the prongs 220 may have tabs that lock
to the underside of the straps 204 when the prongs 220 are pressed
into and through the prong receiving holes 216.
[0028] If the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 214 is to
then be replaced by another replaceable and interchangeable
ornament, the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 214 is
pulled so that the friction fit between the prongs 220 and the
prong receiving holes 216 is overcome and the replaceable and
interchangeable ornament 214 can be withdrawn from the flip-flop
sandal 200. Alternatively, the prongs 220 are pinched toward each
other until the tabs clear the underside of the straps 204, and the
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 214 is withdrawn from the
flip-flop sandal 200. The other ornament can then be replaceably
and interchangeably secured to the flip-flop sandal 200 in the same
manner as the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 214 was
replaceably and interchangeably secured to the flip-flop sandal 200
(i.e., in the manner described in the immediately preceding
paragraph).
[0029] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show a flip-flop sandal 300 that has a
sole 302 and straps 304 formed as is common in flip-flop sandals. A
thong 306 extends from the sole 302 to the straps 304 and is
positioned so that it fits between the first and second toes of the
wearer. The thong 306 has a post base 308 embedded in the sole 302
and a top portion 310 that suitably engages the straps 304.
[0030] A fastening system 312 is provided to fasten a replaceable
and interchangeable ornament 314 to the flip-flop sandal 300. The
fastening system 312 includes an elastic member 316 (which may
instead be a rod or another mechanism that functions in a similar
manner to the elastic member). The elastic member 316 extends
through and is embedded in the thong 106 and has an anchor 318 at
one end anchored in the post base 308 and a snap button support 320
(a male fastening member) at the other end. The elastic anchor 318
could be a rod or some other mechanism. Thus, at least a
substantial portion of this male fastening member is embedded into
the thong 306. The fastening system 312 includes a snap base 324
that has a disk shape and that is suitable for receiving and
retaining the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 314. The
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 314 may be fixedly or
releaseably fastened to the snap base 324 in any desired manner.
The snap base 324 includes a snap button receiver 326 (a female
fastening member). The snap button receiver 326 may include a
recess just large enough to receive a snap button 328 (a male
fastening member) securely supported by the snap button support
320. The snap button 328 is embedded in the thong 306. The
fastening system 312 could instead be a snap-like assembly.
[0031] The fastening system 312 includes, but need not include, an
elastic to give the assembly flexibility and/or give when the
wearer is detaching the ornament from the fastener. The elastic may
be replaced with some other mechanism that functions in the same
manner as the elastic.
[0032] The second ends of the straps 304 joined to the top portion
310 may be separate ends suitably attached to one another and they
may be integrally formed together. Similarly, the top portion 310
may be suitably attached to the second ends of the straps 304 or
may be integrally formed with the second ends of the straps
304.
[0033] During fastening of the replaceable ornament 314 to the
flip-flop sandal 300, the snap button 328 is pressed into the snap
button receiver 326. According, the snap button receiver 326 holds
fast to the snap button 328 by a friction fit as is typical for
snaps, and the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 314 is
thereby fastened to the flip-flop sandal 300.
[0034] If the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 314 is to
then be replaced by another replaceable and interchangeable
ornament, the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 314 is
pulled so that the friction fit between the snap button receiver
326 and the snap button 328 is overcome and the replaceable and
interchangeable ornament 314 can be withdrawn from the flip-flop
sandal 300. The other ornament can then be replaceably and
interchangeably secured to the flip-flop sandal 300 in the same
manner as the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 314 was
replaceably and interchangeably secured to the flip-flop sandal 300
(i.e., in the manner described in the immediately preceding
paragraph).
[0035] The replaceable and interchangeable ornament is attached by
a two part fastener, one of the fastening parts being embedded in
the thong. The fastener may be any of the fastening system 22, the
fastening system 112, the fastening system 212, the fastening
system 312, the fastening system 412, and/or any other fastening
system that has one piece embedded in the thong and the other piece
attached to the ornament. Additionally, the fastener may be a
magnet assembly.
[0036] Accordingly, FIGS. 5A and 5B show a flip-flop sandal 400
that has a sole 402 and straps 404 formed as is common in flip-flop
sandals. A thong 406 extends from the sole 402 to the straps 404
and is positioned so that it fits between the first and second toes
of the wearer. The thong 406 has a base 408 embedded in the sole
402 and a top portion 410 that suitably engages the straps 404.
[0037] A fastening system 412 is provided to fasten a replaceable
and interchangeable ornament 414 to the flip-flop sandal 400. The
fastening system 412 includes first and second magnets 416 and 418.
The first magnet 416 is suitably fastened to the replaceable and
interchangeable ornament 414, and the second magnet 418 is embedded
such as by molding into the thong 406 of the flip-flop sandal 400.
Thus, at least a substantial portion of the second magnet 418 is
embedded into the thong 406. The first and second magnets 416 and
418 (one of which may be considered to be a male fastening member
and the other of which may be considered to be a female fastening
member) have opposite magnetic polarities. Accordingly, the
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 414 may be magnetically,
releaseably, and interchangeably fastened to the thong 406.
[0038] The second ends of the straps 404 joined to the top portion
410 may be separate ends suitably attached to one another and they
may be integrally formed together. Similarly, the top portion 410
may be suitably attached to the second ends of the straps 404 or
may be integrally formed with the second ends of the straps
404.
[0039] Alternatively, the fastener may use a shaft and notch.
[0040] Accordingly, FIGS. 6A and 6B show an ornament attachment
arrangement 500 for attaching a replaceable and interchangeable
ornament 502 to a flip-flop sandal. A thong 506 extends from a sole
504 to straps 508 of a flip-flop sandal and is positioned so that
it fits between the first and second toes of the wearer. The thong
506 has a base 510 embedded in the sole 504 and a top portion 512
that suitably engages the straps 508.
[0041] A fastening assembly 514 is provided to fasten the
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 502 to the flip-flop
sandal. The fastening assembly 514 includes an insert 516 (a male
fastening member) and a receiver 518 (a female fastening member). A
substantial portion of this female fastening member is embedded
into the thong 506. The insert 516 includes a post 520 that has a
prong 522 at an end thereof. The prong 522, for example, has a
tooth like edge. The receiver 518 includes a hole 524 and a
receiver insert 525 that is within the hole 524 and that has a
shape matching the shape of the insert 516. Thus, the receiver
insert 525 has a notch 526 that accommodates the prong 522. The
receiver insert 525 may have barbs around its exterior arranged to
dig into the thong 506 so as to securely retain the receiver insert
525 in the hole 524. The post 520 and the receiver insert 525 may
be plastic or any other suitable material.
[0042] The post 520 and/or the top portion 512 of the thong 506 is
flexible enough to permit the post 520 to slide through the hole
524 so that the prong 522 passes through the top portion 512 until
the prong 522 becomes nested in the notch 526 and rigid enough so
that, once the prong 522 is nested in the notch 526, the friction
between the post 520 and the top portion 512 resists accidental
dislodgement of the replaceable ornament 502 from the thong 506.
Accordingly, the replaceable and interchangeable ornament 502 is
releaseably and interchangeably fastened to the thong 506.
[0043] The second ends of the straps 508 joined to the top portion
512 may be separate ends suitably attached to one another and they
may be integrally formed together. Similarly, the top portion 512
may be suitably attached to the second ends of the straps 508 or
may be integrally formed with the second ends of the straps
508.
[0044] The prong 522 and the notch 526 may have other shapes, and
the prong 522 and the notch 526 may have any desired length or
numbers. For example, the post 520 may have the prong 522 as a
first prong on one side and a second prong on another side, such as
the opposite side, of the post 520. In this example, the hole 524
has the notch 526 as a first notch on one side and a second notch
on another side, such as the opposite side) of the hole 524.
Accordingly, when the releasable and interchangeable ornament is to
be releaseably attached to the sandal, the post 520 is inserted
into the hole 524 so that the first prong passes through the top
portion 512 until it becomes nested in the first notch and so that
the second prong passes through the top portion 512 until it
becomes nested in the second notch.
[0045] As another example, the post 520 may have four prongs 522
distributed therearound, and the hole 524 may have four
corresponding notches 526.
[0046] As still another example, the one or more prongs 522 may be
replaced by a single ring shaped catch extending around the post
520, and the one or more notches 526 may be replaced by a single
continuous notch extending around the hole 524.
[0047] Also, the ornament attachment arrangement 500 may be
combined with the magnet arrangement shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In
such a case, the post 520 and the hole 524 may be provided with
magnets of opposite polarity to assist in releaseably fastening the
replaceable and interchangeable ornament 502 to the thong 506. For
example, a first magnet may be provided at the end of post 520
farthest from the replaceable ornament 502 and a second magnet may
be placed at the bottom of the hole 524.
[0048] As still further alternatives, the fastener may use a screw,
a hook and loop, a clip, or any combination of these or other
mechanisms, or any other releasable mechanism, to attach the
ornament to the sandal.
[0049] Accordingly, if the wearer wants to replace an ornament
attached to a sandal with a different ornament, the fasteners
described herein may simply be unfastened and a replacement
ornament may then be fastened to the sandal.
[0050] The part of the fastener that is embedded into the sole or
the strap post of the shoe or flip-flop may be embedded in a
variety of ways including through molding, gluing, sewing, and any
other means available to securely attach the fastener to the thong
or sole of the shoe or flip-flip.
[0051] The flip-flop sandals described herein provide an apparatus
for decorating the sandal with a replaceable and interchangeable
ornament on the part of the thong that is between the big toe and
the second toe.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the sandals can be sold as a package 600
containing a pair of sandals 602 and sets 604.sub.1, 604.sub.2, . .
. , 604.sub.n of replaceable and interchangeable ornaments (e.g.,
each set contains two ornaments, one for each sandal) so that the
wearer can change out ornaments on the sandals from time to
time.
[0053] Alternatively, the sandals can be sold in a package with
only a single set of replaceable and interchangeable ornaments
(i.e., only one ornament per sandal). In this case, if the wearer
wishes a different look to the sandals, the wearer can separately
purchase replacement ornaments to replace to original ornaments
that came with the sandals.
[0054] The sandals can be sold with the replaceable and
interchangeable ornaments pre-fastened to the sandal. However,
because the ornaments are replaceable and interchangeable
ornaments, the replaceable and interchangeable ornaments need not
be pre-fastened to the sandal.
[0055] Specific fasteners have been described herein. However,
other fasteners could be used as well as long as at least a
substantial portion of the fastener associated with the thong is
embedded into the thong.
[0056] Also, any materials, such as plastic, can be used for the
fasteners. Preferably, a material should be chosen so that the
fastener securely yet removably fastens the ornament to the
flip-flop. Also preferably, the material should be chosen so that
the fastener is non-corrosive and can withstand water, sand, and
other waste though which the wearer of the flip-flop may walk.
[0057] The flip-flops described herein may be molded using any
suitable molding technique, such as over-mold. The molding
technique, with respect to a rubber flip-flop, or a rubber-like
flip-flop, may be, for example, an over-molding technique. The
receiver fastening member and it's mating fastening member attached
to the ornament may be composed of a compound with a higher
durometer than the shoe. This higher durometer material could be
plastic, or a thermoplastic rubber compound, or any other material.
The manufacturing technique, with respect to a leather, or
leather-like flip-flop, will be different from the molding process
used to manufacture the rubber-like flip-flop. However, the
receiver fastening member that is embedded into the leather, or
leather-like flip-flop, will be similar to, or identical to, the
piece that is embedded into the rubber, or rubber-like flip-flop,
in order to accommodate the same mating fastening member as the
rubber, or rubber-like shoe. The manufacturing technique with
respect to the manner in which the receiver piece gets embedded
into any other type of shoe or other apparel may vary from shoe to
shoe or from apparel to apparel in order to ensure that the portion
of the fastening member that is embedded into the shoe or other
apparel is done so in the most secure, sturdy, and permanent
manner.
[0058] Alternatively, the flip-flops can be other materials such as
leather. The manufacturing technique, with respect to a leather, or
a leather-like flip-flop, may be different from the molding process
used to manufacture a rubber-like flip-flop. However, a fastening
portion embedded into a leather thong, or a leather-like thong, can
be similar to, or identical to, or different from, a fastening
portion embedded into a rubber thong, or a rubber-like thong.
[0059] Certain modifications of the present invention have been
discussed above. Other modifications will occur to those practicing
in the art of the present invention. Accordingly, the description
of the present invention is to be construed as illustrative only
and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the
best mode of carrying out the invention. The details may be varied
substantially without departing from the spirit of the invention,
and the exclusive use of all modifications which are within the
scope of the appended claims is reserved.
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