Abstract:
An interchangeable fashion accessory that is capable of attaching to the rim of a boot, giving the appearance of a customized look to the exterior of a boot without making permanent alterations. A support member will fasten the accessory to the boot, while a decorative member will provide ornamental and aesthetic improvements to the boot.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/460,619, filed on Jan. 06, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates generally to fashion accessories, and more particularly, to a decorative boot clip that can be used to customize footwear with interchangeable accessories, and without making permanent cosmetic changes to the object. 
       BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0004]    A boot is a type of footwear for men, women, and children. A boot typically covers at least the foot and ankle, sometimes extending up to the knee or above. A boot tends to have a heel that is distinguishable from the sole, even if they are both made from the same piece. The most common materials used to make early incarnations of boots were leather and rubber. Now, materials such as suede, fur, vinyl, and other fabrics are also used in the manufacture of boots. 
         [0005]    A boot was first designed for utilitarian purposes of protection and stabilization of the foot and leg. A boot&#39;s construction shields the foot and leg from elements including water, snow, fire, mud, and other hazardous materials. A boot&#39;s length and composition of sturdy materials restricts the ankle just enough to keep it from twisting, while still allowing it to be functional. This practical combination of protection and stabilization makes boots the preferred footwear choice for soldiers, farmers, firefighters, and outdoorsmen. 
         [0006]    Aside from utilitarian purposes, a boot has come to represent a significant portion of footwear for fashion and style. A fashion boot has garnered a feminine connotation, although this footwear is also manufactured and sold for men. A fashion boot is offered in a variety of styles, with most rising to at least the ankle, and sometimes as high as the knee or above. A fashion boot is versatile, in that it can be used for both informal and formal dress, as well as business attire. Boots were popular with women in the nineteenth century, but they didn&#39;t become accepted as an item of style until the 1960s. Since then, boots have become a staple of winter wardrobes. 
         [0007]    In addition to varied lengths, a fashion boot also has three standard fits: fitted, straight-legged, or loose-fitted. A fashion boot that fits snugly still allows for flexibility by use of gussets, which can either be a slit in the top of the shaft, or panels on the sides of a shaft backed by elastic fabric. Movement of the ankle is made possible by compression folds in the material. In knee-length boots, a vent in the back of the boot starting at the top of the shaft going down to the knee allows for adequate knee flexion. This vent may be closed with laces, elasticized, or left open. Alternatives to the vent include the use of a shaft that flares out above the knee, or using a stretchable material for the entire boot shaft. 
         [0008]    A fashion boot can be fastened to the foot in a variety of ways. For shorter styles like ankle boots, laces are common. Zippers are utilized for all varieties of fashion boots, with some running the entire length of the shaft, and others just partially. The latter type facilitates being able to slide one&#39;s foot into the boot by relaxing the ankle portion. Looser fit, pull-on boots employ a loop of leather sewn into the top of the shaft, known as a boot-strap, which facilitates pulling the boot onto the foot. Buttons used as fasteners are all but obsolete in modern fashion boots. Instead, buttons can be used to accessorize boots, along with buckles, studs, straps, and stitching. 
         [0009]    A fashion boot is a very desirable addition to a fashionable wardrobe. However, typical fashion boots are manufactured with a preset style that cannot easily be customized without permanent alteration. Therefore, a need exists for a fashion boot that can be customized and accessorized without permanent alteration. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The object of this invention is to provide individuals a simple way to customize and accessorize their boots. This is accomplished by manufacturing an interchangeable decorative boot clip that can attach to a boot in a unique way. The aim of this invention is to make an aesthetic improvement, not a performance-based improvement, to a boot. 
         [0011]    The present invention is comprised of an internal boning, or support member, that is intended to retain the device to the boot. The support member would comprise a circular piece of metal, plastic, rubber, or boning, leather, vinyl, foam, or fabric. The shape of the support member is intended to allow the device to wrap partially or completely around the rim of a boot. The support member comprises an inner portion which extends inside the shaft of a boot, and an outer portion which extends down the outside shaft of a boot. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the support member will be surrounded by a tight-fitting lining, or slip. This slip will be positioned between the support member and the boot, and also between the inner portion and the leg of the user. The slip is made of a non-stretchable, sturdy lining. The slip will be flush against the inside wall of the boot&#39;s shaft and the inner portion of the support member, and aids in retaining the clip to the boot and further aids in general comfort and positioning of the device. 
         [0013]    The present invention is also comprised of a decorative portion, or gown, which attaches to the outer portion of the support member. This is the area where most of the decorating is done. A shoe-making material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other non-stretchable fabric can be used as well. Common designs include zebra or leopard print, fur, or any color combination complementing or contrasting the color of the boot. 
         [0014]    The outer portion of the support member can also be used as a decorative portion by itself. Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached directly to the outer portion. Fabric can also be attached as well. The support member will be placed onto the rim of the boot and may or may not include the lining. 
         [0015]    In an alternative embodiment, a third part, or crown, is included in the design of the support member for use with wide or thick rimmed boots. The crown would be positioned between the inside and outside portions of the support member and have a flat shape. The crown is made from the same material as the support member. 
         [0016]    In an alternative embodiment, the gown will extend upward above the knee instead of down the boot shaft. The gown will attach to the thigh of the user and will give the appearance of an over the knee or thigh high boot. Special designs can be placed onto the area where the support member attaches to the boot to further distinguish it from the decorative portion. This embodiment is intended to be used with knee-high boots, but any boot can be used. 
         [0017]    These and other objectives of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Embodiments of this invention may best be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings that are used to illustrate the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the decorative boot clip according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the decorative boot clip according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip in a plain state according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip in an ornamented state according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member with a crown in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating front and rear isometric views of the decorative boot clip according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip in an ornamented state with a thigh attachment according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    The object of this invention is to provide a simple method of customizing and accessorizing boots. In one embodiment, the invention is comprised of a support member that would fit over the rim of any boot. In a second embodiment, the support member includes a lining, or slip, which is positioned between the support member and the boot, and a decorative portion, or gown, which attaches to the outer portion of the support member and extends down the shaft of the boot. In a third embodiment, the gown will instead extend upward, attaching to the user&#39;s thigh. The aim of this invention is to make an aesthetic improvement for footwear, not a performance-based improvement. 
         [0030]    The present invention is comprised of an internal boning, or support member, that is intended to retain the device to the boot. The support member would comprise a firm, but flexible, circular piece of metal, plastic, rubber, or boning or a combination of these materials. The shape of the support member is intended to allow the device to wrap partially or completely around the rim of a boot. The support member comprises an inner portion which extends inside the shaft of a boot up to 4 inches, and an outer portion which extends down the outside shaft of a boot up to 2 inches or further for decorative purposes. 
         [0031]    The support member attaches to the boot by having the inner portion and outer portion exert forces against each other, thereby pinching the rim of the boot. Securing devices such as clips, snaps, elastic, magnets, zippers, buttons, or other means can be used to better secure the device to the boot. The securing devices should never be placed on the shin area, as any unwanted force upon them would result in severe pain for the user. The circumference of the support member can vary in size depending on the design. Furthermore, the support member may have a gap, enabling it to be resized for boots of different circumference, but may also be made as a continuous circle. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the support member will be surrounded by a tight-fitting lining, or slip. This slip will be positioned between the support member and the boot, and also between the inner portion and the leg of the user. The slip can extend from the boot&#39;s rim down the inside up to 5 inches in depth. The slip is made of a non-stretchable, sturdy material such as polyester, cotton, satin, silk, or any other suitable material. The slip will be flush against the inside wall of the boot&#39;s shaft and the inner portion of the support member, and aids in retaining the clip to the boot and further aids in general comfort and positioning of the device. 
         [0033]    The present invention is also comprised of a decorative portion, or gown, which attaches to the outer portion of the support member and extends down the length of the boot shaft. This is the area where most of the decorating is done with the use of jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories. A shoe-making material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other non-stretchable fabric can be attached to the outer portion directly and extend down the entire shaft of the boot. The material can be glued to the support member, or sewn to the lining. Furthermore, the lining can be replaced by the shoe-making material if it can serve the same purpose. Common designs include zebra or leopard print, fur, or any color combination complementing or contrasting the color of the boot. 
         [0034]    In an alternative embodiment, the outer portion of the support member will be used as a decorative portion by itself. Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached directly to the outer portion. The support member will be placed onto the rim of the boot and may or may not include the lining. 
         [0035]    In an alternative embodiment, a third part, or crown, is included in the design of the support member. The crown is intended to be used for boots with a wide or thick rim and/or shaft. The crown would be positioned between the inside and outside portions of the support member and have a flat or rounded shape. The crown can also be covered in decorative fabric, as it is a visible part of the device. While the device may attach to a thick rimmed boot without the crown, it would not sit securely without the crown, and would have a higher chance of detaching itself from the boot. The crown gives the extra space necessary for the boot clip to retain itself properly on these larger boots. The crown is made from the same material as the support member. 
         [0036]    In an alternative embodiment, the gown will extend upward above the knee instead of down the boot shaft. The gown will attach to the thigh of the user with an elastic band, zipper, strap, button, or other means, and will give the appearance of a thigh high or above the knee boot. Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories will be attached to the decorative portion, or any material can be used which complements the design of the boot. Special designs can be placed onto the area where the support member attaches to the boot to further distinguish it from the decorative portion. Clips, snaps, or other means of attaching are especially important here because the clip does not benefit from being pulled downward during usage. Fusing, facing, or any suitable firm material, can be used to retain this embodiment in its upright position. This embodiment is intended to be used with knee-high boots, but any boot can be used. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the decorative boot clip  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The decorative boot clip  100  is circular in shape, and comprises an inner portion  120  and an outer portion  130  which rest on the rim of a boot  110 . This embodiment does not comprise of a slip  420  or gown  430 . Rather, the decorative materials  450  are attached directly to the outer portion  130 . 
         [0038]    The decorative boot clip  100  attaches to the boot  110  by pinching the rim of the boot  110 . The inner portion  120  goes around the inside wall of the boot  110  and applies pressure against the inside wall, while the outer portion  130  goes around the outside wall of the boot  110  and applies pressure against the outside wall. A gap  140  is placed on the decorative boot clip  110  to allow it to fit on boots  110  with different circumferences. The boot  110  is not part of the present invention. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gap  140  is used to accommodate the boot zipper  210  on the boot clip  100 . Again, the inner portion  120  and outer portion  130  apply opposite forces toward each other to keep their position on the boot  110 . The inner portion  120  can vary in depth inside of the boot  110 , up to 4 inches, depending on its need to add support for the particular design of the outer portion  130 . The outer portion  130  can extend completely down the shaft  440  of the boot  110  or further depending on the design. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member  300  in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the inner portion  120  and outer portion  130  contain several clips  310 . This embodiment is meant to rest on the top of the boot rim  410  while the clips  310  hold the support member  300  in place. It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations that can include designs from the rim  410  of the boot  110  extending partially and/or completely down the boot shaft  440  or slightly beyond the shaft  440 , and also extend either partially or completely around the outside of the boot shaft  440  in various shapes depending on the design. The support member  300  is made using a firm, yet flexible material such as rubber, metal, plastic, or foam, but any suitable material can be used. The clips  310  can be substituted with other securing devices such as snaps, magnets, buttons, zippers, elastic bands, or any other means that can secure the device to the boot  110 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the decorative boot clip  100  according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the outer portion  130  and inner portion  120  would normally be angled to apply pressure against each other to attach the boot clip  100  to the boot rim  410 , or have clips  310  or other securing means to do the same, but these elements were omitted for the sake of clarity. Here, a slip  420  surrounds the inner portion  120  and half of the outer portion  130 . The slip  420  will be flush against the inside and outside wall of the boot shaft  440  and will aid in positioning and comfort of the decorative boot clip  100 . The slip  420  may be one piece of material, or several pieces sewn together to aide in stretching around the inner portion  120  and outer portion  130 . Common materials include satin, silk, polyester, cotton, or any other non-stretchable material commonly used as lining. The slip  420  can extend up to 5 inches inside of the boot  110 , and even attach to the leg of the user for added comfort. 
         [0042]    The gown  430  comprises a shoe-making material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other non-stretchable fabric. The gown  430  can hang short, as is shown here, or can extend down the entire boot shaft  460  or beyond. The gown  430  can be glued to the outer portion  130 , and/or it can be sewn onto the slip  420 . Common gown  430  designs include zebra or leopard print, fur, or any fabric color combination complementing or contrasting the color of the boot. Decorative materials  450  such as jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached directly to the gown  430  for added ornamental design. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a front and back view of the decorative boot clip  100  in a plain state according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown  430  covers the entire boot shaft  440  from rim to ankle and completely around the shaft  440 . This can be decorated with any of the materials  450  mentioned above, or made with a color that complements the color of the boot  110 . The slip  420  will go inside the boot  110  and can extend deeper to provide more stability for this longer design. A zipper  510  may be utilized for ease in attaching and removing it from the boot  110 . An elastic strip  520  is placed on both sides of the zipper  510  to give it flexibility in fitting over the boot  110 . A boot zipper  210  may also be present on the boot  110 . The support member  300  is hidden in this view, but is inside of the slip  420  and gown  430  and is used to secure the decorative boot clip  100  to the boot  110 . In an alternative embodiment, no support member  300  is used, and the slip  420  and gown  430  attach to the boot  110  directly. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip  100  in an ornamented state according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a unique zebra design is used to illustrate how the boot clip  100  will contrast the style of the boot  110 . Here, a zipper  510  and elastic strips  520  are used to give the boot clip  100  flexibility in fitting over the boot  110 . A sturdy fabric can be used to provide the ornamental design, or a fusing/facing can be used inside of the material to provide a desired sturdiness. 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip  100  according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown  430  extends down past the ankle area of the boot shaft  440  and rests on top the shoe portion of the boot  110 . The slip  420  extends deep into the boot  110  due to the complexity and length of the design. A belt  710  with a plastic flower  720  adds ornamental value to this embodiment, but any design can be attached to the belt  710 . The support member  300 , hidden in this view, will secure the boot clip  100  in place, while the belt  710  retains the boot clip  100  at the bottom. In an alternative embodiment, no support member  300  is used, and the slip  420  and gown  430  attach to the boot  110  directly. 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a top and bottom isometric view of the support member  300  with a crown  810  in a plain state according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the inner portion  120  and outer portion  130  are separated by a crown  810 . This embodiment is meant to rest on the top of a boot shaft  440  with a wide or thick rim  410  and to hold the support member  300  in place by having the inner portion  120  and outer portion  130  push against each other. It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations that can include designs from the rim  410  of the boot  110  extending partially and/or completely down the boot shaft  440  or slightly beyond the shaft  440 , and also extend either partially or completely around the outside of the boot shaft  440  in various shapes depending on the design. The support member  300  is made using a firm, yet flexible material such as rubber, metal, plastic, or foam, but any suitable material can be used. Clips  310  can be used in this embodiment, or can be substituted with other securing devices such as snaps, magnets, buttons, zippers, elastic bands, or any other means that can secure the device to the boot. 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating front and rear isometric views of the decorative boot clip  100  according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown  430  and slip  420  are separated by a crown  810 , which is used to widen the space between gown  430  and the slip  420 . The crown  810  is added to a design of boots  110  with a wide or thick rim  410  and/or boot shaft  440 , and allows the decorative boot clip  100  to rest on the rim  410  of the boot shaft  440 . Flowers  720  or other ornamental objects are added to the gown  430  for ornamental purposes, however any other design can be used. Clips  310 , hidden in this view, are spaced accordingly around the support member  300  to secure the decorative boot clip  100  to the boot  110 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating front, back, and side views of the decorative boot clip  100  in an ornamented state with a thigh attachment according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the gown  430  still attaches to the rim of the boot  110 , but instead extends upward above the knee and attaches to the user&#39;s thigh with an elastic band  1010 . The slip  420 , which is hidden in this view, extends deep into the boot  110  due to the complexity and length of the design. The support member  300 , also hidden in this view, secures the decorative boot clip  100  on the boot  110  using clips  310  or any suitable securing means. The gown  430  can attach to the thigh using an elastic band  1010 , but a zipper, strap, button, or other means can also be used. 
         [0049]    Jewelry, rhinestones, studs, bows, ribbons, feathers, beads, chains, fabrics, and other accessories can be attached to the gown  430 , or any material can be used which complements the design of the boot  110 . Special designs can be placed onto the area where the support member  300  attaches to the boot  110  to further distinguish it from the gown  430  and show discontinuity from the boot  110  to the gown  430 . Fusing, facing, or any suitable firm material can be used to further retain this embodiment in its upright position. This embodiment is intended to be used with knee-high boots, but any suitable tall boot  110  can be used. 
         [0050]    While the above description contains specific details regarding certain elements, sizes, and other teachings, it is understood that embodiments of the invention or any combination of them may be practiced without these specific details. These details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but merely as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments. In other instances, well known structures, elements, and techniques have not been shown to clearly explain the details of the invention.