Abstract:
A device for removable securing decorative objects to a thong type sandal and a sandal system incorporating such a device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to decorative items for footwear. A need exists for a simple device that is readily adaptable for a variety of decorative objects, is low cost, and easy to use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention provides a device that is attached to the straps of a thong-type sandal at the point where the straps join to the thong. The invention present is a flexible, durable device that is repeatedly removable and re-attachable which may incorporate a decorative element or allow attachment of a decorative element. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of the invention. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is a view of the invention being attached to a sandal. 
           [0006]      FIGS. 4   a  through  4   d  are drawings of the invention showing the attachment process. 
           [0007]      FIG. 5  is a drawing showing how a decoration is attached to the invention using a clip, the decorating shown in dotted lines. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the device  10  and it&#39;s components can be seen. The device  10  comprises a longitudinally extending strap  11  and a centrally located button,  12 . The strap  11  has at least one opening  13  along it&#39;s length located to either side of the button  12 . The strap  11  is made form a flexible material such as elastic banding, cloth or leather. The strap  11  may be provided with plurality of openings  13  along it&#39;s length to provide for adjustment and accommodate sandal straps of different sizes. The strap  11  may also be constructed to include decoration on the strap itself such as sequins, embroidery or printing. The device  10  is removable and re-attachable so that it may be taken off and transferred between shoes or to facilitate washing. In the preferred embodiment the device  10  is constructed of materials that are washable and may be immersed in water without damage. 
         [0009]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the device  10  can be seen in a side view. The button  12  is centrally located on strap  11 . The button  12  may be attached by any means to the strap  11  as long as there is sufficient clearance between the attachment point and the circumference of the button  12  so that the opening  13  in the ends of the strap  11  may be placed over the button  12  and secure against its underside. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the strap  11  is made from a stretchy elastic material. The button  12  may be a utilitarian device such as a plain button, or it may incorporate a design itself. 
         [0010]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4   a  through  4   d,  the device  10  can be seen as installed on a sandal  14 . Each side of the strap  11  is wound around a side strap of the sandal  15 , the straps  15  attaching to the sandal at the front and back in the normal fashion, and secured by inserting the button  12  through the opening  13 . The device  10  then serves to provide a structure to secure a decoration to the sandal  14 . 
         [0011]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a clip  16  is shown which is used to secure a decorative object to the device  10 . The clip  16  has an upper arm and a lower arm that are joined with a hinge at one end and are open at the other end, allowing the upper arm of the clip to be placed through a loop on the decorative object. The open end of the clip  16  is provided with means for securing the upper and lower arms together such as a snap. The clip  16  as shown is a barrette such as the type used to hold women&#39;s hair in place. Barrettes come in many decorative designs and the use of a barrette will accentuate the attractiveness of the device  10 . Although a barrette is shown in the preferred embodiment of the device  10 , any number of devices can be used to secure the decorative object to the device  10  such as a safety pin, a length of ribbon which could be tied in a decorative bow, or a length of elastic material having the mating parts of a snap at either end. The device  10 , as previously recited, is made from a flexible or elastic material that allows sufficient room for a may be secured to the device  10  by sliding a pin or clip between the strap  11  of the device  10 , and the side straps of the sandal.