Patent ID: 6080033
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: A43B,A63H

Abstract:
A toy for generating a simulated footprint, comprising:a body portion comprising a top side having a foot retaining portion for receiving a wearer's foot, a toe portion, an instep portion, and a heel portion;a sole having a three dimensional pattern and being integrally formed on a bottom side of said body portion;a toe strap assembly located at said toe portion comprising a first toe strap and a second toe strap, said first toe strap having a first end attached to a first side of said body portion, and a second end, said second toe strap having a first end attached to a second side opposite said first side of said body portion, and a second end;a first adjustable fastener for securing together said second end of said first toe strap and said second end of said second toe strap;an instep strap assembly located at said instep portion comprising a first instep strap and a second instep strap, said first instep strap having a first end attached to a first side of said body portion and a second end, said second instep strap having a first end attached to a second side opposite said first side of said body portion, and a second end;a second adjustable fastener for securing together said second end of said first instep strap and said second end of said second instep strap;said body portion, including said top side and said sole having said three dimensional pattern, being integrally formed of a substantially non-deformable absorbent open-cell foam that retains moisture after being soaked in a liquid;said body portion being defined by a configuration which simulates an animal's foot, wherein said top side simulates a top of an animal's foot and said sole having said three dimensional pattern simulates a bottom of an animal's foot; and whereinsaid body portion, including said top side and said sole having said three dimensional pattern, are adapted to generate animal tracks on a hard surface and on a soft surface, the tracks being formed on the hard surface by the absorption and subsequent release of moisture from the three dimensional pattern on the sole of the absorbent open-cell foam on the hard surface, and the tracks being formed on the soft surface by the impression of the three dimensional pattern on the sole of the substantially non-deformable open-cell foam into the soft surface.