Abstract:
An adornment for application to an article of footwear includes a decorative element sized and shaped for conforming application about the quarter of a shoe and two or more fasteners operably affixed to the decorative element and adapted to removably affix the decorative element directly to the quarter of the shoe. The decorative element may be formed as a decorative panel, a decorative construct, a decorative strip or the like. In the case of a panel or construct, clips or clasps are used for engaging the cuff about the throat of the shoe. In the case of a decorative strip, a novel use of magnetic fasteners is disclosed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims any and all available priority to and benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/189,617 filed on Jul. 25, 2011. By this reference, the full disclosure, including the claims and drawings, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/189,617 is incorporated herein as though now set forth in their respective entireties. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to footwear. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and articles for selective adornment of a shoe whereby a single shoe may take on virtually unlimited outward appearances. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    As particularly shown in  FIG. 1 , a typical shoe  20  as well known in the art generally comprises an upper  21  attached through a welt  27  to the outsole of the shoe  20 , which may have affixed thereto any manner of heel arrangements. The upper  21 , which may be constructed of any of a variety of materials such as, for example, leather, satin, suede or canvas, generally includes the vamp  24  for covering the top part of the wearer&#39;s toes between the toe box  30  and the forward portion of the throat  28  of the shoe  20 , the quarter  22  for covering the sides and back  31  of the wearer&#39;s foot and the lining  25  interior to the shoe  20  extending generally about the area defined by the quarter  22  and running from the footbed  29  to the cuff  26  about the throat  28  of the shoe  20 . While any number of decorative elements may be incorporated into any particular design for a shoe  20 , including variations in material, color, decorative pattern or appliqué, ornamental stitching and the like, it is noted that in generally any selected design element is permanent and not subject to change. 
         [0004]    Because a shoe of any reasonable quality represents a substantial financial investment, the selection of any one shoe appropriate for multiple uses or occasions is often a frustrating task that more often than not ends in the purchase of multiple styles. In addition to being costly, however, this course of action also presents a storage problem, shoes being generally bulky and cumbersome to organize. As a result of these shortcomings, the use of spats has gained some popularity with those looking to add some variety to their wardrobe or attempting to economically follow a trend. Unfortunately, the manner of application of spats—in particular the use of ankle straps and/or straps extending under the outsole—generally presents an undesirable appearance counteracting any styling added by the spats. 
         [0005]    It is therefore an overriding object of the present invention to improve over the prior art by the presentation of a method and articles for selective adornment of a shoe whereby a single shoe may take on virtually unlimited outward appearances, the method and articles being usable without indication that the shoe is not of unitary construction. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to present such a method and articles that are comfortable to the wearer, simple to use and inexpensive to employ. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention—an adornment for application to an article of footwear—generally comprises a decorative element sized and shaped for conforming application about the quarter of a shoe and a plurality of fasteners operably affixed to the decorative element and adapted to removably affix the decorative element directly to the quarter of the shoe. The decorative element may comprise a decorative panel, a decorative construct, a decorative strip or the like. In the case of a panel or construct, the present invention generally contemplates the use of clips or clasps for engaging the cuff about the throat of the shoe. In the case of a decorative strip, however, it is found that a novel use of magnetic fasteners is simple, efficient and effective. 
         [0007]    Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  shows, in a left side elevational view, a typical shoe as known the prior art and generally suitable for application thereto of the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows, in a front side elevational view, a first preferred embodiment of an adornment constructed according to various teachings of the present invention showing, in particular, the outward decorative appearance presented thereby; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows, in a rear side elevational view, the adornment of  FIG. 2  showing, in particular, a first fastener arrangement suitable for use in the depicted and other embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows, in a left side elevational view, a shoe generally of the character of that of  FIG. 1  having applied thereto the adornment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows, in a top plan view, a second preferred embodiment of an adornment constructed according to various teachings of the present invention showing, in particular, outward decorative appearance presented thereby; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows, in a bottom plan view, the adornment of  FIG. 5  showing, in particular, a second fastener arrangement suitable for use in the depicted and other embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  shows, in a left side elevational view, a shoe generally of the character of that of  FIG. 1  having applied thereto the adornment of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  shows, in a left side elevational view, a shoe generally of the character of that of  FIG. 1  having applied thereto a third preferred embodiment of an adornment constructed according to various teachings of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  shows, in a front side elevational view, a fourth preferred embodiment of an adornment constructed according to various teachings of the present invention showing, in particular, outward decorative appearance presented thereby; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  shows, in a rear side elevational view, the adornment of  FIG. 9  showing, in particular, a portions of a third fastener arrangement suitable for use in the depicted embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  shows, in a front side elevational view, an alternatively preferred embodiment of the adornment of  FIG. 9  showing, in particular, a variation of the third disclosed fastener arrangement; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  shows, in a rear side elevational view, the adornment of  FIG. 11  showing, in particular, the reversible nature of the depicted embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  shows, in a top plan view, a shoe having incorporated therein portions of the fastener arrangement of the adornments of  FIGS. 9 and 11 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  shows, in a left side elevational view, additional details of the portions of the fastener arrangement shown in  FIG. 13 ; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  shows, in a left side elevational view, a shoe as generally shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  and having applied thereto an adornment as generally shown in either  FIG. 9  or  11 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0024]    Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 through 15 , each preferred embodiment of the adornment  32  of the present invention is shown to generally comprises a decorative element  33  sized and shaped for conforming application on or about at least a portion of the nose  23  of the quarter  22  of a shoe and having associated therewith a plurality of fasteners  59 . In each embodiment, the fasteners  59  are adapted affix the implemented decorative element  33  directly to the quarter  22  of the shoe  20  without use of straps or the like such as generally present an undesirable outward appearance. 
         [0026]    In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, as particular shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the decorative element  33  generally comprises a panel  34 , which may be of unitary construction or may be formed as a laminate comprising, for example, a rigid core covered on at least the front face  35  thereof with fabric  36  or the like, which may be of a solid color or any desired decorative design or pattern, and which may be affixed with stitching  37 , glue and any substantially equivalent means. The rear face  78  of the panel  34  has affixed thereto a plurality of fasteners  59 . As particularly shown in  FIG. 3 , a suitable fastener  59  may comprise a clasp  65 . As is generally conventional, such a clasp  65  preferably comprises a base  66  having mounting means such as, for example, mounting holes  67  that may be accept stitching  68 , rivets, glue or the like for affixing the clasp  65  to the rear face  78  of the panel  34 . Additionally, such a clasp  65  also preferably comprises a keeper  71  affixed thereto with a pivot  69  and spring arrangement  70  such that the keeper  71  is adapted to securely engage the cuff  26  of the shoe  20  to which the panel is to be attached. To this end, the keeper  71  may include one or more spurs  72  or prongs. In any case, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the panel  34  is readily attached to the nose  23  of the quarter  22  of the shoe  20  giving great variety to the appearance otherwise presented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0027]    In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  8 , the decorative element  33  generally comprises a decorative construct  38 . In one such embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , such a decorative construct  38  may comprise a first panel  39 , which may be of unitary construction or may be formed as a laminate comprising, for example, a rigid core covered on at least the top side  46  thereof with fabric  40  or the like, which may be of a solid color or any desired decorative design or pattern, and which may be affixed with stitching  42 , glue and any substantially equivalent means; a second panel  42  adjoined at an intersection  45  with the first panel  39  and which like the first panel  39  may be of unitary construction or may be formed as a laminate comprising, for example, a rigid core covered on at least the top side  46  thereof with fabric  43  or the like, which may be of a solid color or any desired decorative design or pattern, and which may be affixed with stitching  44 , glue and any substantially equivalent means; and, if desired one or more ornaments  47  such as, for example, the depicted bow  48 . In any case, the bottom side  49  of this construct has affixed thereto a plurality of fasteners  59 . Although the fasteners  59  may comprise clasps  65  as previously described, Applicant has found that for such a construct as described simple flat clips  60  are simple and sufficient in use. As particular shown in  FIG. 6 , such clips  65  (which may also be used in connection with the embodiment of  FIGS. 2 through 4 ) may simply comprise a metal element having a base  61  bent back over a fold  62  to form a keeper  63 . In any case, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the described construct  38  is readily attached to the nose  23  of the quarter  22  of the shoe  20 , as well as to the vamp  24  of the shoe  20 , giving great variety to the appearance otherwise presented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    In a variation of the previously described decorative construct  38 , a decorative construct  38  may be formed as shown in  FIG. 8  by the provision of a plurality of ornaments  50  or the like, each having affixed to the underside thereof a suitable fastener  59  and being interconnected one to another with one or more flexible elements  51  such as, for example, the depicted chains  52 . As clearly shown in  FIG. 8 , this adornment  32 , like those previously discussed, also gives great variety to the appearance of the shoe  20  as otherwise presented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0029]    Turning now then to  FIGS. 9 through 15 , there is shown further preferred embodiments of the decorative element  33  of an adornment  32  implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, which embodiments also make use of a novel fastener  59 . In these embodiments, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 9 through 12 , the decorative element  33  comprises a flexible strip  53 , which is sized and shaped to substantially overlay the full quarter  22  of a shoe  20 . In a first specific embodiment, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the flexible strip  53  is formed as a unitary element having a front face  54 , which is made to be decorative, and a rear face  55 . In a second specific embodiment, however, particularly shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the flexible strip  53  is formed as a laminate  56  having a first layer  57  and a second layer  58 , whereby the first layer  57  presents a decorative front face  54  and the second layer  58  presents an also decorative rear face  55 . 
         [0030]    In a departure from the previously described embodiments, the fasteners  59  for the now described embodiments each comprise a magnetic fastener  73 . To this end, each embodiment of the flexible strip  53  is provided with a plurality of ferromagnetic elements  76  such as, for example, plates  77  or like structures comprising ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, an alloy of neodymium or other a earth (lanthanide) metal or the like. In the first described specific embodiment, as particularly shown in  FIG. 10 , the ferromagnetic elements  76  are affixed (with glue or other suitable means) to the rear face  55  of the flexible strip  53  at generally regular intervals. In the second described specific embodiment, as particularly shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , however, the ferromagnetic elements  76  are affixed to the flexible strip  53  (again at generally regular intervals) by interposing the ferromagnetic elements  76  between the first layer  57  and the second layer  58  of the laminate  56 . Forming the remainder of the magnetic fasteners  73 , a second set of ferromagnetic elements  74 , which may also comprise plates  75  or the like as previously described, are provided in connection with the shoe  20  on which the flexible strips  53  are to be employed. In particular, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the additional ferromagnetic elements  74  are disposed between the quarter  22  and the lining  25  of the upper  21  of the shoe  20  and spaced and otherwise arranged for pair rise mating alignment with the ferromagnetic elements  76  provided in connection with the flexible strips  53 . 
         [0031]    Finally, in implementing the first specific embodiment of the flexible strip  53  ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ), for each pair of aligned ferromagnetic elements forming one magnetic fastener  73 , one or both of the ferromagnetic elements  74 ,  76  must be magnetized. Additionally, if both are magnetized, care must be taken to ensure that the dipoles of the resultant magnets are oriented such that the pairs of ferromagnetic elements  74 ,  76  will attract one another with the front face  54  of the flexible strip facing outwardly away from the quarter  22  of the shoe  20 . In implementing the second specific embodiment of the flexible strips  53  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ), however, only one of each pair of aligned ferromagnetic elements forming one magnetic fastener  73  should be magnetized, thereby enabling the flexible strip  53  to be reversed such that either the front face  54  or the rear face  55  may be outwardly displayed with the flexible strip  53  in position for use as shown in  FIG. 15 . In either case, as is clearly shown in  FIG. 15 , this implementation like those previously described also gives great variety to the appearance of the shoe  20  as otherwise presented in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0032]    While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and claims drawn thereto. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in implementing the second specific embodiment of the flexible strips  53  ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ) it is desirable that the ferromagnetic elements  74  associated with and affixed to the shoe  20  be chosen for magnetization, thereby requiring only one set of magnets as opposed to a set of magnets for every flexible strip  53 . In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.