Decorative Boot Clip
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.
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 DEVELOPMENTNot applicable.
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis 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 ARTA 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.
A boot was first designed for utilitarian purposes of protection and stabilization of the foot and leg. A boot's construction shields the foot and leg from elements including water, snow, fire, mud, and other hazardous materials. A boot'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.
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't become accepted as an item of style until the 1960s. Since then, boots have become a staple of winter wardrobes.
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.
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'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.
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 INVENTIONThe 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.
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.
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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's thigh. The aim of this invention is to make an aesthetic improvement for footwear, not a performance-based improvement.
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.
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.
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'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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Claims
1. A decorative boot clip comprising:
- a support member formed from a first material selected to secure itself to the rim of a boot;
- said support member having a circular concave shape adapted to fit onto said rim of said boot;
- said support member having a flat inner portion adapted to attach on the inside of said rim of said boot, and a flat outer portion adapted to attach to the outside of said rim of said boot;
- a gap enabling said support member to resize itself for boot rims of different circumferences;
- said inner and outer portions having a small clearance, wherein said support member will fasten onto the rim of said boot due to the displacement of said clearance when placed onto said rim of said boot and is further secured by the pressure of the leg against said inner portion and inside wall of said boot.
2. The decorative boot clip of claim 1, wherein said first material is a firm, flexible material comprising metal, rubber, foam, plastic, or other suitable material.
3. The decorative boot clip of claim 2, wherein said support member comprises inset clips for attaching said support member to said boot.
4. The decorative boot clip of claim 3, wherein said outer portion of said support member further comprises jewelry, studs, bows, ribbons, beads, chains, fabrics, materials or other accessories attached for ornamental and decorative purposes.
5. The decorative boot clip of claim 3, wherein said support member is enclosed in a tight-fitting second material such as satin, silk, cotton, polyester, or other lining to aid in securing it to the boot rim while also aiding in comfort and positioning.
6. The decorative boot clip of claim 5, wherein a third material is attached to said outer portion of said support member, said third material comprising a durable material such as leather, suede, vinyl, or fabric.
7. The decorative boot clip of claim 6, wherein said third material extends down the entire exterior of the boot shaft.
8. The decorative boot clip of claim 7, wherein said third material comprises a vertically positioned zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, and a stretchable fabric on either side of said zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device for easy attachment and removal from said boot.
9. The decorative boot clip of claim 7, wherein a belt is attached to the ankle portion of said boot to secure it, said belt having an ornamental object for decorative purposes.
10. The decorative boot clip of claim 1, further comprising a crown positioned between said inner and outer portions of said support member, said crown having a flat or rounded shape intended to widen the space between said inner and outer portions.
11. A decorative boot clip comprising:
- a support member, formed from a first material selected to secure itself to the rim of a boot;
- said support member having a circular concave shape adapted to fit onto said rim of said boot;
- said support member having a flat inner portion adapted to attach on the inside rim of said boot, and a flat outer portion adapted to attach to the outside rim of said boot;
- said inner and outer portions having a small clearance, wherein said support member will fasten onto said rim of said boot due to the displacement of said clearance when placed onto said rim of said boot;
- said first material comprising a firm, flexible material such as metal, rubber, foam, plastic, or any suitable material;
- said support member comprising inset clips for attaching said support member to said boot;
- said support member comprising a gap enabling said support member to resize itself for boot rims of different circumferences;
- said support member enclosed in a tight-fitting second material such as satin, silk, cotton, polyester, or other lining to aid in securing it to said boot rim while also aiding in comfort and positioning;
- said support member having a third material attached to said outer portion of said support member, said third material comprising a durable material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other fabric;
- fusing enclosed within said third material;
- wherein said third material attaches vertically above said boot rim and extends upward above the knee and held upright by said fusing.
12. The decorative boot clip of claim 11, wherein said third material further comprises jewelry, studs, bows, ribbons, beads, chains, fabrics, materials or other accessories attached for ornamental and decorative purposes.
13. The decorative boot clip of claim 11, wherein said third material further comprises a vertically oriented zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, and a stretchable fabric on either side of said zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, for easy attachment and removal from said boot.
14. A decorative boot clip comprising:
- a first material formed of a material such as satin, silk, cotton, polyester, or other lining;
- a second material connected to said first material formed of a durable material such as leather, suede, vinyl, denim, or other fabric;
- said second material having jewelry, studs, bows, ribbons, beads, chains, fabrics, materials or other accessories attached for ornamental and decorative purposes;
- Wherein said first and second materials attach directly to the rim of a boot.
15. The decorative boot clip of claim 14, where said attachment to said rim of said boot further comprises inset clips.
16. The decorative boot clip of claim 14, where said second material extends down the entire exterior of the boot shaft of said boot.
17. The decorative boot clip of claim 16, where said second material further comprises a vertically positioned zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, and a stretchable fabric on either side of said zipper, buttons, snaps, ties, or other methods of securing the device, for easy attachment and removal from said boot.
18. The decorative boot clip of claim 17, where a belt is attached to the ankle portion of said boot to secure said second material to said boot, said belt having an ornamental object for decorative purposes.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 16, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 12, 2012
Inventor: Wanda Marie Castle (Gardenia, CA)
Application Number: 13/049,865
International Classification: A43B 23/00 (20060101);