Pocket slipper

Abstract

A foot covering in the form of a pocket or lodge slipper that allows outer footwear, e.g., shoes or boots to be removed and, with the covering in place, the conventional sock and/or foot will be protected from dirt, moisture, and other elements of nature such as thorns, rocks, splinters, etc. The slipper may be formed at least in part from elastic material which is stretchable to fit over a conventional sock. The slipper may also be formed at least in part from a rubberized material. The slipper may be flexible and foldable into a small package to be carried in a pant or coat pocket, for example. Alternatively, the slipper may be tightly rolled and carried in a small package such as a pouch or nylon bag.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/645,265, entitled Pocket Slipper, filed Jan. 19, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. This application also hereby expressly incorporates by reference herein the entire disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,883, entitled Oversock, issued Dec. 23, 2003.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pocket or lodge slipper. More particularly, the present invention relates to a waterproof slipper with sufficient durability to allow the wearer to walk, without shoes, in a damp or wet environment, without exposing the underlying sock or foot to moisture or other elements of nature.

2. Description of the Related Art

Often, a person may wish to remove their outer footwear, e.g., shoes or boots and wear only socks or go barefoot. In some cases, the environment is not conducive to wearing only socks or going barefoot, as the floor may be wet or dirty. One such environment is a ski lodge.

The sport of skiing requires specialized clothing and equipment designed to protect a skier in the harsh, winter environment. Such equipment includes ski boots designed to protect the skier's foot and ankle. Ski boots generally include a shell formed from rigid plastic and an inner liner. The ski boot provides several buckles to secure the skier's foot within the boot. The boot includes a foot portion and a leg portion, the leg portion angled slightly toward the toe end of the foot portion making walking in the boots difficult.

During a day of skiing, it is common to go into the ski lodge to eat, warm up, or simply relax. At this time, skiers may prefer to remove their ski boots; however, in most ski lodges removing a skier's boots is not practical. The floor of the lodge is usually wet and dirty as other skiers walk into the lodge wearing snow-covered boots and outer clothing.

Typically, it is impractical to remove ski boots in a ski lodge and put on a different pair of shoes or boots, as ski lodges are not typically equipped with lockers of sufficient size to accommodate ski boots, and, moreover, changing into shoes once inside the ski lodge is time consuming and cumbersome. To allow for such a change into shoes, a skier must initially bring outer footwear, e.g., shoes or conventional boots into the lodge and store the footwear in a locker. When changing, the skier must retrieve the footwear from the locker, change, and either carry their ski boots or leave them outside of the unaccommodating locker. When the skier returns to the locker to change back into ski boots and replace the alternative footwear, e.g., shoes or boots in the locker, he typically must again pay to lock the locker. Not only is the process of changing from ski boots into, e.g., shoes or boots cumbersome and time consuming, but also shoes or boots may not provide the desired level of comfort. Moreover, bringing shoes to a ski lodge can prove to be problematic, as ski lodges are typically located on the summit of the mountain or hill being skied and, therefore, shoes brought to the lodge must, undesirably, be carried on the ski lift.

What is needed in the art is a foot covering that is waterproof, lightweight, breathable and comfortable.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a foot covering in the form of a pocket or lodge slipper that allows outer footwear, e.g., shoes or boots to be removed and, with the covering of the present invention in place, the conventional sock and/or foot will be protected from dirt, moisture, and other elements of nature such as thorns, rocks, splinters, etc. The slipper may be formed at least in part from elastic material which is stretchable to fit over a conventional sock. The slipper may also be formed at least in part from a rubberized material. The slipper may be flexible and foldable or rollable into a small volume to be carried in a pant or coat pocket, for example. Alternatively, the slipper may be tightly rolled or folded and carried in a small package such as a pouch or nylon bag.

The slipper may include a body with a waterproof sole attached thereto. In one embodiment, a mesh portion is connected to the body and advantageously allows breathability and comfort to the wearer's foot. Alternatively, the mesh portion can be replaced with a non-porous material to retain warmth within the slipper. In yet another alternative embodiment, the slipper may have a flap which may be selectively placed to cover the mesh material with a warmth-retaining material. The material of the waterproof sole is durable to prevent tearing and enhance reusability. In one exemplary embodiment, the slipper includes a non-slip, texturized surface on the sole thereof. The waterproof sole may extend a distance up the side of the body to facilitate protection of a wearer's foot and/or sock from various elements, such as deep water puddles. The waterproof sole may be formed of rubber with a thickness greater on the bottom surface thereof than the thickness of the waterproof material on the sides of the body.

The slipper may include an elastic band portion defining an opening for entry of the wearer's foot. The insole portion of the slipper may be made of a similar material as the body of the slipper, i.e., knit, synthetic, or cotton material. The insole portion may be separately applied to the slipper by gluing or stitching the insole portion to the body. Alternatively, the insole portion may be integrally formed with the body. The insole portion may include a composite structure constructed of a tough material, such as Kevlar, thin plastic, stainless steel, etc. The composite structure may be glued to the body underneath the insole portion or may be held in place after the insole portion is attached to the body. Alternatively, the composite portion could be slid into the slipper on top of the insole portion and held in place by the weight of the wearer.

The slipper advantageously allows for removal of outer footwear, without fear that a wet and/or dirty floor, e.g., a ski lodge floor, will foul the underlying socks or feet, while simultaneously providing a comfortable slipper which is easily transported.

The slipper also advantageously allows for removal of outer footwear without fear that a dangerous environment, for example, an environment containing stones and thorns, will harm the feet, while simultaneously providing a comfortable slipper which is easily transported.

In one form thereof, the present invention provides a slipper for use in shielding an individual's foot from moisture and other elements when the individual is not wearing outer footwear, the slipper including a body having a lower portion, a side portion, and an upper portion; and a flexible sole, the sole attached to the body proximate the lower portion, the sole attached to and covering at least a portion of the side portion, the sole extending at least partially up the side portion towards the upper portion, the sole including a varying thickness.

In another form thereof, the present invention provides a method of shielding an individual's foot from moisture and other elements when the individual is not wearing outer footwear, including providing a slipper having a body having a lower portion, a side portion, and an upper portion; and a flexible sole, the sole attached to the body proximate the lower portion, the sole attached to and covering at least a portion of the side portion, the sole extending at least partially up the side portion towards the upper portion, the sole including a varying thickness; placing the foot into the slipper; and placing an exterior surface of the sole on a moisture contaminated or debris-encumbered surface.

In yet another form thereof, the present invention provides a method of protecting a skier's foot from moisture and other elements in a ski lodge, the method including the steps of providing a slipper including a body having a lower portion, a side portion, and an upper portion; and a flexible sole separate from the body, the sole attached to the body proximate the lower portion; providing a receptacle for holding the slipper; inserting the slipper into the receptacle; storing the slipper in the receptacle while skiing; removing the slipper from the receptacle; placing the individual's foot into the slipper; and moving about the ski lodge with the slipper positioned on the skier's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slipper in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the slipper of FIG. 1, further illustrating an alternative embodiment cover for the mesh portion;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the slipper of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the sole of the slipper of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the sole of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the sole of FIG. 4, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the sole of FIG. 4, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment slipper;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the slipper of FIG. 1, showing the slipper rolled up;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the rolled up slipper of FIG. 9, further illustrating the rolled up slipper inserted into a receptacle; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the slipper of FIG. 1, showing the slipper in a folded position.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, in various forms, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, pocket or lodge slipper 10 is shown in perspective view. Slipper 10 includes body 12 including upper portion 34, side portion 35, and bottom portion 36 (FIG. 3, hidden from view by sole 14 in FIG. 1) as well as interior 38. In one embodiment, bottom portion 36 forms insole 20, described below. Upper portion 34 may be used to facilitate capture and holding of a wearer's foot within slipper 10. Body 12 is formed of a knit sock or any other suitable material providing one or both of the advantages of elasticity and comfort. For example, body 12 may be formed of a synthetic material or a natural material, such as cotton. In one embodiment, body 12 is formed of a conventional sock. Body 12 may be formed as a breathable fabric which is highly elastic to conform to a wearer's foot. Bottom portion 36 of body 12 may be substantially covered with and in continuous contact with sole 14, or, alternatively, bottom portion 36 of body 12 is integrally formed with sole 14. Sole 14 is a waterproof covering which, in one exemplary embodiment, is made of rubber, latex, soft plastic, or other suitable equivalent material which provides durability to slipper 10 and protection to a wearer's foot and/or sock while simultaneously providing adequate traction on wet surfaces. In one embodiment, sole 14 is located over the bottom of the wearer's foot when slipper 10 is worn and, generally, is the portion of slipper 10 in contact with the floor. In one alternative embodiment, sole 14 is texturized. Sole 14 may extend upwardly on side portions of body 12, upward from a bottom portion thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 4-7, in one embodiment, sole 14 may be constructed as a separate piece from body 12 (FIG. 1) and formed of rubber or equivalent material. Rubber sole 14 is attached to body 12 (FIG. 1) by, for example, gluing, stitching, or any other suitable fastener, or any combination thereof. For example, sole 14 may be attached to body 12 along side portions thereof with fasteners 25, shown in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, fasteners 25 comprise stitching. Sole 14 may extend from toe portion 21 to heel portion 23 to substantially and completely cover the bottom portion of body 12 of slipper 10.

Referring again to FIGS. 4-7, sole 14 may include two general portions defined by bottom portion 30 and side portion 32. In an exemplary embodiment, bottom portion 30 may have a thickness between approximately 1.5 millimeters (mm) (˜59 mils) and 2 mm (˜79 mils), or, alternatively, between approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. The durability of slipper 10 not only relates to the material from which sole 14 is constructed but also to the thickness of the material from which sole 14 is constructed. The durability and thickness of sole 14 of slipper 10 are directly related, as increased thickness yields increased durability of slipper 10. However, a thicker sole 14 of slipper 10 may be more difficult to fold or roll and keep compact when stored. Therefore, the thickness may be limited to allow the slipper to be stored in a conventional pocket, as described below. An exemplary thickness of the material of bottom portion 30 of sole 14 of slipper 10 to maintain durability and flexibility is in the range of 10-30 mils. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, sole 14 is covered with or constructed from a stretchable and durable material having a lamellar thickness in a range of 2-60 mils. In another exemplary embodiment, sole 14 is covered with or formed of a material having a lamellar thickness in the range of 2-40 mils. In a further exemplary embodiment, sole 14 is covered with or formed of a material having a lamellar thickness in the range of 10-20 mils. In a still further exemplary embodiment, the thickness of material is in the range of 20-60 mils.

The thickness of sole 14 may taper from bottom portion 30 to side portion 32. Side portion 32 may have a thickness between approximately 0.5 mm and 1 mm. Bottom portion 30 and side portion 32 provide a large degree of flexibility to slipper 10 because of the material and thickness of that material. For the purposes of this document, the term “flexible” means that slipper 10 may be flexible enough to permit slipper 10 to be rolled or folded into a compact structure, as described further hereinbelow and shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. Side portion 32 may extend upwards away from bottom portion 30 by a distance of approximately 0 centimeters (cm) to 2.5 cm. In one embodiment, the distance is approximately 0 cm to 1.5 cm. In another embodiment, the distance is approximately 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. In an alternative embodiment, side portion 32 may extend further up and cover at least a portion of side portion 35 of body 12 to facilitate use in an environment with deep water puddles or other standing water. Additionally, sole 14 may include a plurality of creases, grooves, and/or thinner portions (not shown) in bottom portion 30 to facilitate folding slipper 10, as described below.

In an alternative embodiment, sole 14 may be formed by dipping a foot form into uncured liquid latex. The liquid latex may extend up the side portions of the foot form a desired distance, as described above. Once the latex is cured, sole 14 is removed from the foot form and attached to body 12 via any suitable method, as described above.

In another embodiment, sole 14 may be constructed using a technique wherein body 12 is first placed on a foot form, such as a last. Body 12 includes a bottom portion as well as upwardly extending side portions as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The bottom portion of body 12 refers to the portion of body 12 that would, in use, if no sole 14 was secured to body 12, contact the floor. Body 12 and the foot form are dipped into a material, such as uncured liquid latex, to a depth such that the bottom portion of body 12 is fully submerged. Latex flows around body 12, thereby embedding the material of body 12 in liquid latex. In one embodiment, the liquid latex covers the bottom portion and a portion of the upwardly extending side portions of body 12 approximately 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm upward from the bottom portion. In another embodiment, the liquid latex may only extend just above the bottom portion of body 12, i.e., approximately 0 cm to 1.5 cm. In an alternative embodiment, the liquid latex may extend further up the side portions of body 12 to facilitate use in an environment with deep water puddles or other standing water. Finally, the liquid latex coating will cure to form sole 14 and body 12 is removed from the foot form.

In another alternative embodiment, sole 14 may be constructed from a single piece of material cut out to the desired shape and attached to body 12. For example, sole 14 may be constructed of a single piece of latex rubber prefabricated into large sheets and cut out to the desired shape to attach to body 12.

Treads 22 (FIGS. 4, 5, 7) may be imparted to sole 14 by pressing sole 14 and the foot form against a mold, if sole 14 is formed of dipped latex rubber. Sole 14 may be imprinted with the tread pattern before the latex is completely cured, or, alternatively, treads 22 may be formed after the latex is completely cured, e.g., by removing or roughening a portion of sole 14 via a cutting instrument other suitable process, as is well-known in the art. Also, treads 22 may be formed after the latex is cured by adding texturized pieces of latex or rubber and gluing or otherwise affixing the pieces to sole 14. In a further alternative embodiment, treads 22 may be formed by texturizing the surface of sole 14 as part of the dipping and curing process by, for example, pressing a pattern mold against the uncured latex which imparts a texturized surface thereto. Treads 22 may be formed in the rubber material of sole 14 and be configured in any number of configurations to enhance traction of slipper 10, as is well-known.

Slipper 10 may have the shape of a conventional sock, including body 12 and a leg portion (not shown) extending upwardly therefrom and terminating at a point along a wearers leg. Slipper 10 may be formed as a tube sock, or may include a shaped heel defined by heel portion 23 of sole 14. The length of the leg portion may be any suitable length including, e.g., relatively short, stopping just short of the ankle, i.e., extending approximately 2.5 cm (1 in.) from body 12, or relatively long, extending approximately 15 cm (6 in.) from body 12 to mid-calf. As illustrated in FIG. 1, slipper 10 is sized to fit over a conventional sock or a bare foot. Slipper 10 may be individually sized or provided in several sizes, each encompassing a range of three or four shoe sizes, similar to the sizing of a conventional sock.

Slipper 10 is at least partly constructed from a waterproof material to protect a sock or foot from being dampened by wet floors. Further, slipper 10 may be elastic and stretchable to fit securely about a sock and/or fit the contour of the wearer's foot. In one exemplary embodiment, slipper 10 is sufficiently durable to allow for repeated use and cleaning if necessary. Slipper 10 may be washable to facilitate multiple uses thereof. In further embodiments of the present invention, slipper 10 is designed as a single use item.

Slipper 10 is conveniently portable, being flexible so that it may be folded and stored in a small package. This allows the user to carry slipper 10 in a package or a conventional pocket of an article of clothing such as a pair of pants or a coat, eliminating the need to retrieve slipper 10 from a locker, for example. For the purposes of this document, “conventional pocket” means a pocket found in an article of clothing as originally manufactured, e.g., a front pocket of a conventional pair of pants.

In use, slipper 10 may be tightly rolled, as shown in FIG. 9, or folded, as shown in FIG. 11, and put in a package, for example, a small pouch or nylon bag, shown in FIG. 10. The rolled up slipper 10 may be secured in that manner with any suitable fastener, such as a hook and loop fastener with an extra wide tab at one end of the fastener to facilitate fastening the fastener, a clasp with a clip structure, a snap mechanism, a pull string with stopper attached thereto, or a buckle or belt structure. Referring to FIG. 10, once secured in a rolled up position, slipper 10 may be inserted into carrying structure or package or receptacle 40, with the longitudinal length of rolled up slipper 10 perpendicular to the bottom of the package, as shown by solid lines in FIG. 10, and then rotated 90° to ensure that the rolled up slipper 10 lays flat with the bottom of the package, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 10. Package 40 may be closed with a hook and loop fastener foldover structure (not shown) or a pull string with stopper (not shown).

Alternatively, slipper 10 may be folded either once or twice and then inserted into the package. Creases or grooves (not shown) in bottom portion 30 of sole 14 facilitate folding of slipper 10 in this manner. To enhance sliding slipper 10 into the package, a small, semi-firm piece of plastic may be bent around slipper 10 and then the entire assembly is inserted into the package. The plastic facilitates sliding of slipper 10 within the package.

Sole 14 of slipper 10 may be constructed from any suitable material possessing the above described characteristics. Such materials include latex, rubber, vinyl, synthetic nitrile, or a waterproof, breathable material such as polytetrafluoroethylene commonly known by the trade name GORE-TEX. All of the above materials are flexible so that slipper 10 is easily foldable or rollable to be stored in a small, portable package.

Slipper 10 may be conveniently sold in vending machines or in gift shops located in, e.g., a ski lodge or campground. Materials of construction such as, e.g., latex, rubber, vinyl, or synthetic nitrile are relatively inexpensive, but nevertheless are sufficiently durable and abrasion resistant so that slipper 10 may be used throughout an entire day or more of skiing or other activity. These materials have varying degrees of elasticity and stretchability with latex and rubber being more elastic than synthetic nitrile and vinyl. When formed of materials such as latex, rubber, vinyl, or synthetic nitrile, slipper 10 may be sold at a sufficiently low price to facilitate marketing slipper 10 as a single use, i.e., disposable item.

When sole 14 of slipper 10 is constructed from GORE-TEX or other similar material, slipper 10 is slightly more expensive and more durable. These more expensive versions of slipper 10 are meant for more long-term use relative to the aforementioned materials of construction and may be sold in, e.g., gift shops and sports stores, in addition to various on-site facilities.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, slipper 10 can include band 18 attached to body 12 around a top portion thereof. Band 18 includes, in one exemplary embodiment, an elastic material, thereby further enhancing the elasticity and comfort of slipper 10. Band 18 may be stitched to body 12. Band 18 encompasses a portion of slipper opening 24 through which a wearer inserts his or her foot. The elasticity of band 18 facilitates maintaining slipper 10 on the wearer's foot during use.

Slipper 10 includes mesh portion 16 disposed near toe portion 21 of slipper 10. Mesh portion 16 is made of a lightweight and thin, e.g., nylon, material which allows a wearer's foot to breath, thereby adding enhanced comfort and wearability. Mesh portion 16 extends laterally across slipper 10 to provide enhanced stability and comfort and may be stitched to body 12. Mesh portion 16 advantageously provides circular openings having a diameter of approximately 3 mm to 5 mm to promote efficient evaporation of moisture and release of heat from a wearer's foot during use. Alternatively, mesh portion 16 advantageously provides polygonal openings having at least one dimension of approximately 1 mm to 5 mm to promote efficient evaporation of moisture and release of heat from a wearer's foot during use.

Alternatively, mesh portion 16 may be replaced or covered with a material which facilitates keeping warmth within slipper 10 or with a material similar to the remainder of body 12. For example as shown in FIG. 2, slipper 10 may include flap portion 28 which is substantially thicker than mesh portion 16 and is non-porous to keep heat within slipper 10. Flap portion 28 may be selectively moved from a stowed position, e.g., a rolled-up position as shown in FIG. 2, to cover mesh portion 16 to keep heat within slipper 10. Flap portion 28 may be maintained in the stowed position via a hook and loop fastener arrangement, snaps, or a buckle arrangement. Flap portion 28 may be removably or permanently attached to upper portion 34 via stitching, gluing, or other attachment. Flap portion 28 may be selectively attached around mesh portion 16 via a hook and loop fastener, snaps, or other attachment. Flap portion 28 may unroll in two directions, i.e., towards mesh portion 16 and towards band 18, which allows flap portion 28 to extend up the wearer's ankle to keep the wearer's ankle warm. Alternatively, flap portion 28 may replace mesh portion 16 and be permanently attached to slipper 10 to keep heat within slipper 10.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, slipper 10 may include strap 17 extending laterally across a wearer's foot in place of or in combination with mesh portion 16. Strap 17 may be positioned proximate to a user's ankle to enhance stability of slipper 10 while maintaining the efficient evaporation of moisture and release of heat because of the lack of fabric 13 in upper portion 34 beyond strap 17 towards the toes of the user. The strap may be formed of nylon, elastic, a knit material or any other suitable material which enhances stability, comfort, and ease of use. Strap 17 may be used to facilitate capture and holding of a wearer's foot within slipper 10. Strap 17 may be permanently affixed on both ends 17a and 17b thereof to body 12 by, e.g., gluing or stitching. Alternatively, strap 17 is permanently affixed on one end 17a or 17b and removably attached at the other end 17b or 17a via a hook and loop fastener, a snap fastener, or any other suitable fastener. Strap 17 may be removably attached at both ends 17a and 17b to facilitate complete removal of strap 17 when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 3, slipper 10 may include insole 20. Insole 20 may include thicker, but otherwise identical or similar, material as body 12. In one exemplary embodiment, insole 20 is sewn into slipper 10. In another embodiment, insole 20 is glued into slipper 10 by either applying glue around the bottom circumference of insole 20 or the entire bottom surface of insole 20 and then affixing insole 20 to body 12. Alternatively, insole 20 may be a later added structure to facilitate removal of insole 20 after insole 20 has become worn and needs to be replaced. In addition, insole 20 may be integral or formed with body 12.

In one embodiment, insole 20 may include a composite insole which is constructed of a tough material that advantageously is less penetrable to such objects as thorns, rocks, splinters, or other objects encountered in a particular environment in which slipper 10 is worn, for example, in a camping environment. The composite insole may be constructed of Kevlar, a tough and thin plastic material, a stainless steel plate or lining, or any other durable and tough material which prohibits penetration therethrough. The composite insole may be placed underneath insole 20 and held in place by insole 20 attached to body 12. Alternatively, the composite insole may be glued directly to body 12 or to insole 20 or the composite insole may be a later added structure to facilitate removal of the composite insole if the composite insole is no longer needed or becomes worn and needs replaced. The composite insole may be a single piece, separate pieces, or a creased single piece of material, the latter two of which facilitate folding or rolling of slipper 10 when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 4, sole 14 may include a plurality of treads 22. Treads 22 advantageously provide enhanced traction while slipper 10 is in use.

In operation, a user inserts their foot through slipper opening 24 into slipper 10. Sole 14 provides a waterproof and durable covering to prevent any liquid on a floor surface from soiling the user's sock or foot and to prevent any debris from harming the user's foot. Body 12, sole 14, mesh portion 16, and band 18 cooperate to provide enhanced stability, comfort and wearability while simultaneously allowing efficient evaporation of moisture and escape of heat. Treads 22 on sole 14 facilitate prevention of slipping and falling during use.

Although primarily described throughout with reference to a ski lodge environment, slipper 10 may be used during other activities such as camping, driving, plane riding, or biking, wherein such activities involve some interaction with elements such as mud, water, or other wet or debris-filled areas.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A slipper for use in shielding an individual's foot from moisture and other elements when the individual is not wearing outer footwear, the slipper comprising:

a body having a lower portion, a side portion, and an upper portion; and

a flexible sole, said sole attached to said body proximate said lower portion, said sole attached to and covering at least a portion of said side portion, said sole extending at least partially up said side portion towards said upper portion, said sole including a varying thickness.

2. The slipper of claim 1, further comprising a mesh portion, said mesh portion connected to said body in said upper portion.

3. The slipper of claim 2, further comprising a cover, said cover attached to said body in said upper portion proximate said mesh portion, said cover selectively covering said mesh portion.

4. The slipper of claim 1, wherein said sole is waterproof.

5. The slipper of claim 1, wherein said sole is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.

6. The slipper of claim 1, wherein said thickness tapers as said sole extends up said side portion.

7. The slipper of claim 1, wherein said sole substantially, continuously contacts said lower portion of said body.

8. A method of shielding an individual's foot from moisture and other elements when the individual is not wearing outer footwear, comprising:

providing a slipper comprising: a body having a lower portion, a side portion, and an upper portion; and a flexible sole, the sole attached to the body proximate the lower portion, the sole attached to and covering at least a portion of the side portion, the sole extending at least partially up the side portion towards the upper portion, the sole including a varying thickness;

placing the foot into the slipper; and

placing an exterior surface of the sole on a moisture contaminated or debris-encumbered surface.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the slipper further comprises a mesh portion, the mesh portion connected to the body in the upper portion.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the slipper further comprises a cover, the cover attached to the body in the upper portion proximate the mesh portion, the cover selectively covering the mesh portion.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the sole is waterproof.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the sole is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the thickness tapers as the sole extends up the side portion.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the sole substantially, continuously contacts the lower portion of the body.

15. A method of protecting a skier's foot from moisture and other elements in a ski lodge, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a slipper comprising: a body having a lower portion, a side portion, and an upper portion; and a flexible sole separate from the body, the sole attached to the body proximate the lower portion;

providing a receptacle for holding the slipper;

inserting the slipper into the receptacle;

storing the slipper in the receptacle while skiing;

removing the slipper from the receptacle;

placing the individual's foot into the slipper; and

moving about the ski lodge with the slipper positioned on the skier's foot.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said storing step comprises one of rolling or folding the slipper into a relatively small volume; and inserting the rolled or folded slipper into the receptacle.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the slipper further comprises a mesh portion, the mesh portion connected to the body in the upper portion.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the slipper further comprises a cover, the cover attached to the body in the upper portion proximate the mesh portion, the cover selectively covering the mesh portion.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the sole is waterproof.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the sole is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, latex, and plastic.