US20210378350A1

US20210378350A1 - Slipper with interchangeable decorative top

Info

Publication number: US20210378350A1
Application number: US17/102,263
Authority: US
Inventors: Sherman Whitcomb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-06-09
Filing date: 2020-11-23
Publication date: 2021-12-09
Also published as: WO2021252226A1; DE202021000090U1

Abstract

Changeable decorative slippers with decorative top elements that may be changed with other decorative top elements as desired.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/036,843 filed on Jun. 9, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a slipper with exchangeable decorative tops for entertainment.

BACKGROUND

Slippers come in many configurations. Some are plain, while others are in the shape of figures such as, for example, animals or other figures. The slippers in the shape of three-dimensional figures such as, for example, the three-dimensional shape of a bunny or a bear, are enjoyable to wear around the house and provide entertainment value to the wearer. However, after a while, the entertainment value wanes with sameness. New slippers as comfortable as the first pair but made in the shape of other images may be hard to find and hard to find in the size and fit desired. Thus, the entertainment experience can be diminished or lost. There is a need for slippers with multiple image shapes that have the same fit for children and adults alike.

SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to a slipper having an exchangeable, decorative top portion that is provided in a three-dimensional shape of an animate or inanimate object. The decorative top portion is configured to be exchanged with another decorative top portion without worry that the slipper will still fit or that familiar comfort of the slipper will be lost. Changeable decorative slippers fulfill a need for those who enjoy wearing slippers that make a statement or entertain the wearer. It is often hard to find slippers that are comfortable and may take wearing them for a while to fit comfortably. In addition, a user may become bored wearing the same fanciful decorative slippers. The disclosure provides a way for the user to change the decorative top element with another new image without losing the comfortable fit that has been obtained.
According an embodiment, a changeable decorative slipper, comprises two elements, a base element, and a decorative top element. The base element has a sole having a front portion, a back portion, sides, and an edge surrounding the sides of the sole, and a top with a top front surface, and a bottom edge, with the bottom edge adhered to the front portion of the base element and configured to releasably hold a front portion of a foot to the base element. The base element also has a first half of a releasable fastener affixed at least to the edge of the base element. The decorative top has a top, a bottom with a bottom edge, sides, a front, a back, a vertical plane bisecting the decorative top from front to back, a horizontal plane configured to contact the bottom edge. the top configured into a three dimensional shape configured to fit over the entire base element and comprising front half, a mid-point and a back half with a slit from the mid-point toward the pack and from top to bottom through the decorative top element with a size configured to allow a foot to pass through the decorative top element to the base element. The decorative top element also has a second half of a releasable fastener affixed to the edge of the decorative top. It is understood that the slipper has a form configured to fit a left foot and a form configured to fit a right foot of a user.
Another embodiment relates to a method of using a changeable decorative slipper comprises five steps. The first step is providing a base element and a first decorative top element as described above, and a second decorative top element having a different three-dimensional shape. The second step is to releasably affix the first decorative top element to the base element. The third step is to wear until bored. The fourth step is to remove the first decorative top element to the base element. The fifth step is to releasably affix the second decorative top element to the base element.
Also, some embodiments, the slipper or slippers are washable in a washing machine and some by dry cleaning.
The previously mentioned features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various illustrative embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the decorative top element and the base element in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the decorative top element of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of showing the decorative top element and base element of FIG. 1 attached to one another in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It is to be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the embodiment(s) described. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The illustrative embodiments depicted are intended only as exemplary. Selected features of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into an additional embodiment unless clearly stated to the contrary.
The disclosure relates to a changeable, decorative slipper in an overall three-dimensional shape. The changeable, decorative slipper includes a top portion configured to be changed without worrying if the slipper will still fit. The description refers to a single changeable decorative slipper. However, it will be generally understood from the disclosure that the slipper has a form configured to fit a left foot and a form configured to fit a right foot of a user with each form having the features and characteristics described herein such that the slipper may be worn as a member of a pair of slippers.
FIGS. 1-3 show various views a changeable, decorative slipper 2, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, decorative slipper 2 includes base element 4 and decorative top element 6. Decorative top element 6 is configured to be releasably attached to the base element 4 such that decorative top element 6 can be exchanged with a different decorative top element when desired by the wearer.
In some embodiments, base element 4 is made of conventional slipper material and includes a bottom sole and top that at least covers the toes of a foot. As shown in FIG. 1, base element 4 includes a front portion 8, a back portion 10, first and second sides 12, 14, and an outer edge 16 surrounding a periphery of base element 4. Sides 12, 14 define edges that are constructed so as to surround a wearer's foot. In some embodiment, sides 12, 14 may be raised above an upper surface of base element 4.
Base element 4 also includes a top 18 with a top front surface 20, and a bottom edge 22 attached to the front portion 8 of the base element 4 such that top 18 is configured to releasably hold a front portion of a wearer's foot to base element 4. In some embodiments, bottom edge 22 of top 18 is attached to base element 4 on two sides. In other embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, bottom edge 22 of top 18 is attached to base element 4 about a periphery of the front portion 8 of base element such that it is secured to base element 4 on at least three sides.
Base element 4 also includes a bottom sole 24 (FIG. 3). Sole 24 can be made of a variety of conventional materials used to fabricate the sole of slipper include, but not limited to leather, rubber or synthetic variants of leather and rubber.
In some cases, base element 4 can be worn alone as a slipper without any loss of functionality such as when, for example, changeable, decorative top element 6 is being washed.
As can be seen in the figures, decorative top 6 has a three-dimensional shape such that when the decorative top 6 is received on base element 4, the slipper 2 has the overall three-dimensional shape of decorative top 6. The three-dimensional shape may be the shape of any animate or inanimate object that may be of interest to the wearer. By way of example, for illustrative purposes only, depending on whether the wearer is a child or an adult, the three-dimensional shape can include animals, well-known personas or popular objects or symbols. Animal figures can range widely and can include but are not limited to, a dolphin (depicted), whale, tiger, platypus, elephant, sea monster, duck, flamingo, moose, penguin or the like. Animal figures can include mythical animals or creatures. Well-known personas can include politicians, movie characters, cartoon characters, superheroes, popular athletes and/or the like. Inanimate three-dimensional shapes can include sports symbols, insignias, ships, vehicles, etc.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, changeable, decorative top 6 has a top 30, a bottom 32 with a bottom edge 34, sides 36, 38, a front 40, a back 42, a vertical plane 44 defined along line x-x bisecting decorative top 6 from front 40 to back 42, a horizontal plane 46 defined along line y-y configured to contact the bottom edge 34 of decorative top 6. As depicted in the figures, decorative top 6 is configured into a three-dimensional shape and is sized and shaped so as to fit over the entire base element 4, as best viewed in FIG. 3.
Changeable, decorative top element 6 also includes an opening 50. Opening 50 extends from top 30 of decorative top element 6 to bottom 32 and has a length and a width configured to allow a wearer's foot to pass through decorative top element 6 to base element 4 when decorative top element 6 is secured to base element 4. In some embodiments, opening 50 can be a slit or other opening that is capable of being widened to permit a wearer to insert their foot. Once a wearer's foot is received in the base element, opening 50 may provide a comfortably snug fit around the user's foot so as to ensure that slipper 2 will not be inadvertently released from the wearer's foot when in use. In some embodiments, as best viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4, decorative top 6 includes a front half 52, a mid-point 54 and a back half 56. Opening 50 may extend from mid-point 54 toward back 42 of decorative top element 6. In other embodiments, opening 50 can encompass mid-point 54.
As best viewed in FIG. 2, changeable, decorative top element 6 includes bottom cavity 60 is defined by an inner peripheral wall 64. Bottom cavity 60 is sized and shaped so as to be received over base element 4, as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, bottom cavity 60 is sized and shaped such that bottom cavity 60 and thus decorative top element 6 fits over the entire base element 4. In many embodiments, decorative top element 6 is received over base element 4 such that base element 4 is not visible, but for sole 24. In use, a wearer's foot is inserted into opening 50 provided in decorative top element 6 such that it enters cavity 60 where it can be then received in top 18 of base element 4 when decorative top element 6 is secured to base element 4.
According to the various embodiments, described herein, changeable, decorative top element 6 can be releasably attached to base element 4 using a releasable fastener to form slipper 2 in a desired three-dimensional shape. Releasable fasteners typically have two parts and can include buttons, snaps, zippers, hooks and loops, but not limited to these. The term “hooks and loops” are used to generically refer to VELCRO® which is a registered trademark of Velcro Brands. Snaps have depressions and protrusions. Zippers have a first set of teeth one side configured to engage a second set of teeth on an opposite side. Mechanical fasteners can include a first half including plurality of hooks disposed on a backing and a second side including a plurality of loops disposed on backing. The backing can be secured to a surface through the use of an adhesive or can be sewn to the surface. In one embodiment, the releasable fastener includes hooks and loops, as shown in the figures.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, base element 4 includes a plurality of hooks or loops 70 forming the first half of a releasable fastener affixed at least to an outer edge 16 of base element 4. Decorative top element 6 includes a corresponding plurality of hooks or loops 74 forming a second half of a releasable fastener affixed to a bottom edge 36 of decorative top element 6. In some embodiments, additional hooks or loops can be provided on an upper surface of the top 18 of base element 4 and an inner surface of the cavity 60 formed in decorative top element 6.
Hooks or loops 70 forming the first half of a releasable faster may be distributed about at least a portion of an outer periphery defined by outer edge 16 of base element 4. Similarly, hooks or loops 74 forming the second half of the releasable fastener may be distributed about at least a portion of a bottom periphery defined by bottom edge 36 of decorative top element 6. In some embodiments, the hooks and loops 70, 74 may be distributed uniformly about at least a portion of the outer periphery of base element 4 and bottom periphery of decorative top 6, respectively. In other embodiments, the hooks and loops 70, 74 may be distributed at discrete locations about at least a portion of the outer periphery of the of base element 4 and the bottom periphery of decorative top element 6, respectively.
In some embodiment, the hooks and loops 70 forming the first half of the releasable fastener are distributed around at least 50% of an outer periphery of base element 4 as defined by outer edge 16. In another embodiment, the hooks and loops 70 forming the first half of the releasable fastener are distributed around at least 67% of an outer periphery of base element 4 as defined by outer edge 16. In still other embodiments, the hooks and loops 70 forming the first half of the releasable fastener are distributed around substantially an entire outer periphery of base element 4 as defined by outer edge 16.
Correspondingly, the hooks and loops 74 forming the second half of the releasable fastener are distributed around at least 50% of a bottom periphery defined by bottom edge 36 of decorative top element 6. In another embodiment, the hooks and loops 74 forming the second half of the releasable fastener are distributed around at least 67% of a bottom periphery defined bottom edge 36 of decorative top element 6. In still other embodiments, the hooks and loops 74 forming the second half of the releasable fastener are distributed around substantially an entire bottom periphery defined by bottom edge 36 of decorative top element 6.
By distributing the hooks and loops 70, 74 forming the releasable fastener over at least 50% of an outer periphery defined by outer edge 16 of base element 4 and over at least 50 of a bottom periphery defined by bottom edge 36 of decorative top element 6, a more robust attachment can be formed between decorative top element 6 and bottom element 4. A more robust attachment between decorative top element 6 and bottom element 4 helps to prevent an unintentional release of decorative top element 6 from bottom element 4, particularly during wear.
In use, when decorative top 6 is received over base element 4, bottom edge 36 can be pressed against outer edge 16 of base element 4 such that the second half of hooks or loops 74 contact and engage with the first half of hooks or loops 70 to releasably attach decorative top element 6 to base element 4 to form slipper 2 in a desired three-dimensional shape. When it is desired to change decorative top element 6 with another decorative top element having a different three-dimensional shape, the releasable fastener (hooks and loops 70, 74) permits decorative top element 6 to be removed from base element 4 upon application of a light force by the wearer.
In some embodiment, both the changeable, decorative top element 6 and the base element 4 can be fabricated from machine washable material such that both parts of the slippers can be washed in a conventional washing machine. In other embodiments, one or both of changeable decorative top element 6 and base element 4 may be cleaned by known dry cleaning processes.
Slipper 2, as described herein according to the various embodiments, can be provided as a pair of slippers having a right form and a left form to fit a right foot and a left foot of a wearer, respectively. In addition, slipper 2, as described herein, can be provided as a part of a kit. In some embodiments, a kit may include a pair of base elements (a left base element and a right base element) together with at least a first pair of decorative top elements and a second pair of decorative top elements that is different from the first pair so that the decorative top element of the slipper may be changed as desired.
In still yet another embodiment, a pair of decorative top elements can be provided separately from the base element such that a wearer may add additional decorative top elements to their collection.
A method of using a changeable decorative slipper includes five steps. The first step is providing a base element and a first decorative top element as described above, and a second decorative top element having a different three-dimensional shape. The second step is to releasably affix the first decorative top element to the base element. The third step is to wear until bored. The fourth step is to remove the first decorative top element to the base element. The fifth step is to releasably affix the second decorative top element to the base element.
In some embodiments, the method can include two additional two steps. The sixth step is removing the second decorative top element to the base element. The seventh step is releasably affixing the first decorative top element to the base element
In some embodiments, the method involves providing yet another decorative top element. The following steps are like those discussed above.
Having thus described several illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that yet other embodiments may be made and used within the scope of the claims hereto attached. Numerous advantages of the disclosure covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will be understood, however, that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in the details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A changeable decorative slipper comprising:

a base element including an outer edge defining an outer periphery of the base element, a top configured to releasably hold a front portion of a foot to the base element, and a first half of a releasable fastener affixed to the edge of the base element; and

a decorative top element having a three-dimensional shape, the three-dimensional shape having a size and outer dimensions defining a form of any one of an animal, movie character, or cartoon character including at least one of a body, a head, ears, a tail, or facial features and being configured to fit over the base element including the top of the base element, the decorative top element including a top, a bottom with a bottom edge defining a bottom periphery of the decorative top element, an opening extending from the top to the bottom of the decorative top element, the opening having a size configured to allow a foot to pass through the decorative top element to the base element, and a second half of a releasable fastener affixed to the bottom edge of the decorative top element, wherein

when the decorative top element is received on the base element, the base element is fully enclosed by the decorative top element such that the decorative slipper has the overall three-dimensional shape of the decorative top element in the form of any one of an animal, movie character or cartoon character, and wherein

the decorative top element is releasably attached to the base element via the first half and the second half of the releasable fastener.

2. The changeable decorative slipper of claim 1, wherein the decorative top element is configured to fit over the entire base element.

3. The changeable decorative slipper of claim 1, wherein the releasable fastener comprises hooks and loops.

4. The changeable decorative slipper of claim 1, wherein a top front surface of the top of the base element comprises a first plurality of hooks or loops forming a first half of a second releasable fastener and a bottom surface of decorative top element comprises a second plurality of hooks or loops forming a second half of the second releasable fastener.

5. The changeable decorative slipper of claim 1, wherein the first half of the releasable fastener is distributed around at least 50% of the outer periphery defined by the outer edge of the base element and the second half the releasable faster is distributed around at least 50% of the bottom periphery defined by bottom edge of the decorative top element.

6. The changeable decorative slipper of claim 1, wherein the decorative top element further comprises a bottom cavity, the bottom cavity being sized and shaped to fit over the base element.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. The changeable decorative slipper of claim 1, wherein the decorative top portion is machine washable.

10. A decorative top element of a slipper comprising: a three-dimensional shape having a size and outer dimensions defining a form of any one of an animal, movie character, or cartoon character including at least one of a body, a head, ears, a tail, or facial features, a top, a bottom with a bottom edge defining a bottom periphery of the decorative top element, an opening extending from the top to the bottom of the decorative top element, the opening having a size configured to allow a foot to pass through the decorative top element, and a first half of a releasable fastener affixed to at least a portion of the bottom edge of the decorative top element, wherein the decorative top element is configured to fit over a base element of a slipper including the second half of the releasable fastener to form a changeable decorative slipper, wherein when the decorative top element is received on a base element, the base element is fully enclosed by the decorative top element such that the decorative slipper changeable decorative slipper has the overall three-dimensional shape of the decorative top element in the form of any one of an animal, movie character or cartoon character.

11. The decorative top element of claim 10, further comprises a bottom cavity, the bottom cavity being sized and shaped to fit over a base element of a slipper including the second half of the releasable fastener to form a changeable decorative slipper.

12. The decorative top element of claim 10, wherein first half of the releasable fastener comprises hooks or loops.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The decorative top element of claim 10, wherein the decorative top element is one of a pair of decorative top elements.

16. A kit comprising:

a pair of base elements, each of the pair of base elements including an outer edge defining an outer periphery of the base element, a top configured to releasably hold a front portion of a foot to the base element, and a first half of a releasable fastener affixed to the edge of the base element;

a first pair of decorative top elements, each of the first pair of decorative top elements having a first three-dimensional shape the first three-dimensional shape having a size and outer dimensions defining a form of any one of an animal, movie character, or cartoon character including at least one of a body, a head, ears, a tail, or facial features and each of the first pair of decorative top elements being configured to fit over a corresponding base element of the pair base elements including the top of each of the corresponding base element, each of the first pair of decorative top elements including a top, a bottom with a bottom edge defining a bottom periphery of the decorative top element, an opening extending from the top to the bottom of the decorative top element, the opening having a size configured to allow a foot to pass through the decorative top element to the base element, and a second half of a releasable fastener affixed to the bottom edge of the decorative top element, wherein when each of the first pair of decorative top elements is received on the corresponding base element of the pair of base elements, each of the base elements is fully enclosed by the corresponding first decorative top element to form a pair of decorative slippers having the overall first three-dimensional shape of the decorative top element in the form of any one of an animal, movie character or cartoon character; and

a second pair of decorative top elements, each of the second pair of decorative top elements having a second three-dimensional shape , the second three-dimensional shape having a size and outer dimensions defining a form of any one of an animal, movie character, or cartoon character including at least one of a body, a head, ears, a tail, or facial features different from the first three-dimensional shape and each of the second pair of decorative top elements being configured to fit over a corresponding base element of the pair base elements including the top of each of the corresponding base element, each of the second pair of decorative top elements including a top, a bottom with a bottom edge defining a bottom periphery of the decorative top element, an opening extending from the top to the bottom of the decorative top element, the opening having a size configured to allow a foot to pass through the decorative top, and a second half of a releasable fastener affixed to the bottom edge of the decorative top element, wherein when each of the second pair of decorative top elements is received on the corresponding base element of the pair of base elements, each of the base elements is fully enclosed by the corresponding second decorative top element to form a pair of decorative slippers having the overall second three-dimensional shape of the decorative top element in the form of any one of an animal, movie character or cartoon character.

17. The kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first pair of decorative top elements is releasably attached to a corresponding one of the pair of base elements to form a slipper having the first three-dimensional shape.

18. The kit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the second pair of decorative top elements is releasably attached to a corresponding one of the pair of base elements to form a slipper having the second three-dimensional shape.

19. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the releasable fastener comprises hooks and loops.

20. (canceled)

21. The changeable decorative slipper of claim 1, wherein when the decorative top element is received on the base element, the base element is fully enclosed by the decorative top element such that the overall size and outer dimensions of the decorative slipper including a foot receiving portion thereof is changed to have the overall three-dimensional shape of the decorative top element in the form of any one of an animal, movie character or cartoon character.