Cross-Reference To Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/154,666 filed February 23, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application 61/236,669, filed August 25, 2009, which are incorporated by reference herein, in their entirety.

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to covers and ornaments for shoes in particular polyurethane clogs such as those sold under the trade name CROCS®.

Background of the Invention

Flexible resilient polyurethane clogs are sold under the trade name CROCS®. Other brands of molded clogs are available. The clogs are typically made of molded polyurethane. The clog includes a unibody upper and sole. The upper has a toebox opening at a throat. The upper is open backed. A swivelable heel strap holds the heel of a wearer in the shoe. The clog has a forefoot sole and a heel. Between the forefoot sole and the heel is an inclined surface known as the shank.

Holes are formed in the upper, in particular in the toebox, of the clog to allow ventilation. The shape of the cutout can also be used as a decorative element. The clogs are generally single color. Ornamental shapes can be added in the molding process. Holes in the clog can be included to improve ventilation and to change the ornamental qualities of the clog.

Decorative placards such as those sold under the registered trademark JIBBITZ, of Jibbitz, LLC, Colorado, USA, can be added to the clog by placing the placard in the hole in the uppers of the clog.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a cover assembly for clogs that enables a user to customize the appearance of a clog without replacing the entire clog. The invention additionally adds protection from heavy objects and splashes to a wearer's feet. In accordance with the invention, a cover assembly is provided for covering and decorating a shoe, and more particularly a clog. A popular type of clog is fabricated from polyurethane, foam, or Ethylene -Vinyl Acetate (EVA), such as those sold under the registered trademark CROCS, of Crocs, Inc., Colorado, USA.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cover assembly advantageously includes a cover and a strap. The cover overlies a toe box of the shoe and allows the owner to change the appearance and the qualities of a clog to which it is fastened. The strap encircles a portion of the shoe and aids in holding the cover on the toe box.

In one aspect of the invention, the cover of the cover assembly has one or more barbs disposed on an inner surface of the cover. Barbs are used to engage an outer surface of the toe box of the shoe, to help retain the cover assembly upon the shoe. In molded clogs, the foxing is typically a ridge that is formed in the molding process to simulate a foxing on a traditional shoe. Accordingly, the barb can hold a foxing, the foxing typically disposed between the upper and the sole, by penetrating the foxing, or by clamping a portion of the foxing.

A column of barbs can be disposed vertically, as in a column, on an inner surface of the cover. This allows the cover to be pushed onto the clog. If a given barb does not align with the foxing, an adjacent barb may engage with the foxing.

The strap holds the cover on the shoe by overlying a rear of a heel of the shoe. When the strap and/or cover is made of an elastic material, the total length of the strap and the cover can be slightly shorter than needed so that the strap or cover is stretched when placing the cover assembly on the clog. An inner surface of the strap can include barbs to secure the strap once placed.

In one embodiment of the invention, the strap includes one or more lateral hinges. The hinges allow the cover assembly to be placed over, and advantageously secured upon the clog, after which the rear portion may be positioned or stretched onto the clog. The strap or strap segments may be secured to the cover using D-rings, O-rings, or any suitable hardware connector. To provide an adjustable strap, the strap is formed with sufficient length to thread through and overlap itself through a connector, thereby enabling an adjustment for different length clogs.

The invention thus provides a given cover assembly that can be utilized with a range of clog sizes. As such, cover assemblies can be exchanged with different sized clogs. An additional advantage is that a reduced merchant inventory can serve a wider customer base. In one embodiment, a cuff is disposed or formed on the strap. The cuff holds material at a throat of the shoe, and helps to fasten the cover assembly to the shoe. Outwardly pointed barbs may extend into the interior of the cuff, the barbs operative to improve a connection between the cuff and the shoe throat.

In combination with, or in alternative to other strap configurations described herein, the strap is formed as a stirrup configured to run beneath a shank of the shoe. The stirrup is advantageously sufficiently thin to avoid contact with the ground during normal wear.

To further improve the appearance, and or the secure fastening of the cover assembly to the shoe, an embodiment of the invention provides a cover having a cuff. The cuff can be disposed along any edge of the cover, but is advantageously formed along the top edge of the cover, in order to receive a throat of the shoe. The cuff may be reinforced to be more durable or resilient. Resiliency may improve an ability of the cuff to be retained upon the shoe, particularly as the shoe flexes during use. An example of a reinforcement includes adding a layer against the inner wall of the cuff that is more rigid than the cover.

The cover is advantageously made of a flexible resilient material. Suitable materials include molded plastic, rubber, leather, suede, neoprene, polyurethane, EVA, or a closed-cell foam.

Further in accordance with the invention, the cover is decorated to change the aesthetic presentation of the clog to which it is attached. The cover can be colored, and may have designs, indicia, and or ornamentation printed thereupon. The cover is advantageously manufactured by molding a polymer material, which facilitates forming the cover to lie in close conformity to the underlying shoe.

The cover may be formed with an outer laminate layer or layers, for example to change the appearance of the cover. Laminates might include drawings, cartoon images, and or photographs. Phosphorescent material may be included in the base cover material, or a laminate thereof. Laminates of natural materials such as leather and other animal hides are advantageously added to the outer surface of the cover.

The cover has a rim for surrounding the sole of the shoe. The rim is advantageously more rigid than the cover, and for example, acts to stiffen the corresponding section of the cover. By strengthening the rim, the cover is less likely to be removed accidentally. When the rim is placed on the inside of the toe portion, protuberances and treads can be further provided to engage the underlying clog and further assist in holding the cover in place. A rigid reinforcement can be added to the toe box. To prevent interference between the connection of the cover and the clog, the rigid reinforcement can be placed on the outside of the cover. Alternatively, the reinforcement may be shaped to accommodate a connection element. The rigid reinforcement may have the shape and function of a toe cap. The toe cap can be made of hard polymer such as polycarbonate, or be made of steel or other metal. In this way, the cover provides the benefit of additional safety for the wearer.

The invention advantageously includes a clip for connecting a cover to a shoe, where the shoe has one or more holes formed therein, as Crocs do. The clip advantageously has a shallow profile, thereby avoiding an excessive intrusion into the interior of the shoe, once installed. Accordingly, contact with a wearer's foot, and an associated discomfort, are minimized. The clip of the invention, in one embodiment, holds the cover in close conformity to the shoe surface, thereby closely approximating the original surface profile of the shoe.

The clip fastens the cover securely when inserted but can be pried free of the shoe, when desired, to separate the cover from the shoe. The clip advantageously includes a backing that prevents the clip from being pulled entirely through the hole. The backing is configured to be attached to the cover for the shoe. In one embodiment, the clip includes a vertical tab, a left tab, and a right tab, portions of which are inserted through a hole in the shoe, releaseably holding the clip to the shoe. The backing may have holes formed therein, to facilitate connection to the cover by suitable means such as form-locking via molding or stitching the backing to the cover. The vertical tab releaseably retains the clip within the hole in the shoe. The vertical tab has a stem interconnecting the vertical tab and the backing, and has a length substantially equal to a thickness of the shoe. The vertical tab is deflectable, bending to enter the hole, and resiliency expanding to engage an inner surface of the shoe. The vertical tab can be a top and/or a bottom tab. The right and left lateral tabs additionally operate to releaseably retain the clip within the hole. To engage or release the clip from the shoe, the vertical tab, right lateral tab, and or left lateral tab are squeezed together, deflected, bent, or displaced to form a combined profile that is smaller than the hole into which the tabs are passed. To secure a cover to a shoe, the tabs are passed through a hole in the shoe, and are then permitted to relax or resiliency expand to form a combined profile that is larger than that of the hole. Flanges on the tabs engage an inner surface of the shoe. A rivet cuff can be added to the cover to help seat the cover beneath a rivet on the shoe, in particular a clog, which typically includes a hinged heel strap secured by a rivet. More particularly, a rivet with a head typically acts as a fixed pivot upon which the heel strap rotates. A rivet cuff in accordance with the invention provides a thin U-shaped socket that can seat under the head of the rivet. The rivet cuff provides an additional means for connecting the cover to the shoe. Furthermore, the rivet cuff protects the cover from being damaged by the heel strap as it rotates about the rivet. The rivet cuff is preferably a thin durable polymer such as PVC. The rivet cuff may be sewn, adhered, or otherwise fastened to the cover or strap.

The invention encompasses a laminate by which decorated covers can be manufactured. The laminate includes a cloth base layer having an outer surface that faces away from the shoe to be covered. The outer surface is decorated, for example, by printing or painting. Next an outer transparent polymer layer is laminated over the cloth base layer. The transparent polymer layer can be made from an elastomer. Styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS) is a suitable elastomer.

In accordance with the invention, a stirrup, or gore, is connected to the cover and is configured to run beneath a shank of the shoe. The stirrup may be made of a laminated material. The first inner layer of the laminate may be a fabric. An elastomer such as SEBS may be laminated upon the fabric layer. The resulting laminate is elastic and tends to hold the cover on the shoe. The laminate stirrup can be stretched to release the cover from the shoe.

The invention advantageously includes a resilient material in a section of the strap that overlies the heel of the shoe, enabling the strap to stretch to cover a range of sizes. The elastic property also tends to hold the strap on the shoe during use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The construction and method of operation of the invention, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic top lateral perspective view of a cover assembly according to the invention;

Fig. IA depicts a clog of the Prior Art;

Fig. 2 is a lateral perspective view of a lock according to the invention and shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a lateral perspective view of a toe reinforcement shown in phantom in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 A is a perspective view in section of a single column of barbs within the toe reinforcement of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3B is an alternative embodiment of a toe reinforcement in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 4 is a partial top lateral perspective view of an adjustable strap embodiment according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is top lateral perspective exploded view of the cover assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 A is a perspective view of a lock in accordance with the invention; Fig. 6 is front side view of a grip shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a lateral view of a grip shown in Fig. 5. The phantom lines indicate the grip in a gripped position;

Fig. 8A is top lateral view of a cover assembly in accordance with the invention beginning to be placed on a Prior Art, the clog shown in light dashed lines;

Fig. 8B is the cover assembly and clog of Fig. 8 A, with the cover assembly in a final position; Fig. 9 is a side view of a cover in accordance with the invention, illustrating various embodiments of decorating, marking, and attaching a cover of the invention;

Fig. 10A- 1OC illustrate a manner of attaching a cover in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 11 illustrates a decorated cover in accordance with the invention, as well as an alternative method of attaching a cover of the invention; Fig. 12 illustrates a clog of the Prior Art, showing an approach of an attachment device in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 13 illustrates a clog of the Prior Art, together with a clip for attaching a cover in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 14 illustrates a clog of the Prior Art, together with an alternative securing clip in accordance with the invention;

Fig's. 15 is a clog of the Prior Art, illustrating attachment points for indicia, ventilation, and decorations in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 15A illustrates a means of attaching indicia in accordance with the invention; Fig. 15B illustrates a means of attaching a grommet in accordance with the invention; Fig. 15C illustrates a pouch or pocket, attachable to a clog of the Prior Art in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 15D illustrates a means of attaching a decoration or device to a threaded grommet in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 15E illustrates a means of attaching a threaded indicia in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 16A illustrates an insulating cuff in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 16B illustrates attaching a 3 dimensional object in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 16 is a clog in accordance with the Prior Art, illustrating attachment points for the cuff and object of Figures 16A-B; Fig. 17 illustrates a cover in accordance with the invention, the cover including a stirrup and clip of the invention;

Fig. 17B illustrates the clip of Fig. 17;

Fig. 17C illustrates an underside perspective view of the cover of Fig. 17;

Fig. 18 illustrates a hook means in accordance with the invention for attaching a cover of the invention;

Fig. 19 is a clog of the Prior Art, illustrating a hole through which a clip in accordance with the invention may pass;

Fig. 19A illustrates a clip in accordance with the invention, positioned to be inserted through the hole depicted in Fig. 19; Fig. 19B illustrates the clip of Fig. 19A installed in the hole depicted in Fig. 19, securing a cover of the invention;

Fig. 20A-B illustrate perspective views of the clip of Fig's. 19A-B, according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 21 is a right side view an embodiment of a cover with a band with clips fully encircling a shoe; and

Fig. 22 is a right side view of an embodiment of a cover with a band with clips that overlies a front of a shoe. Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring now to the figures, Fig. 1 depicts a cover assembly 1 for covering a plastic polymer clog 100, such as those sold under the trade name CROCS®. It should be understood that although a left or right shoe may be depicted, the invention applies equally to both left and right shoes. A cover assembly 102, in accordance with the invention, includes a cover 13 sized and dimensioned to overly a toe box 101 of clog 100. The cover itself may be colored, laminated, painted, or ornamented to change the appearance of clog 100. A dashed outline of a prior art clog may be seen in Fig. 1, and a prior art clog in Fig. IA.

A toe reinforcement 2 is advantageously disposed within cover 13. Toe reinforcement 2 overlies the front of toebox 101. Toe reinforcement 2 stiffens cover assembly 1, and enables a front region IA of cover assembly 1 to be more rigid than an unreinforced portion of cover 13.

With reference to Fig. 3B, in one embodiment of the invention, toe reinforcement 2A is provided with a plurality of protrusions 22 formed thereon. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3B, the protrusions 22 are conical pyramids. Other shapes are possible, for example polygonal pyramids, tapers, or protrusions which are tread shaped. Protrusions 22 help to retain cover assembly 1 on upon clog 100, by engaging with or piercing material of clog 100.

A strap 33 is connected to each side of a rear portion of cover 13, and extends around the rear of heel 105 of clog 100. Strap 33 includes left and right forward strap parts 7, which are interconnected by a rear strap part 9. Each forward strap part connects to rear strap part 9 at a hinge 8, although it should be understood that rear strap 9 may be formed continuously with cover portion 13, particularly if rear strap 9 and cover 13 are fabricated from a resilient material. Hinge 8 enables rear strap 9 to swivel with respect to forward strap part 7, on either or both sides of cover assembly 100. Fig. 2 shows a lock 5 that is connected to, connectable to, or integrally formed with rear strap part 9. Lock 5 releaseably fastens cover assembly 1 to the rear of cuff 103 around throat 104 of clog 100. Lock 5 has an inverted (i.e. upside down) U-shaped cross section and is sized to pinch cuff 103 of clog 100, when inserted thereupon. Lock 5 is advantageously fabricated with a resilient material, operative to urge arms 5A inwards, to press upon cuff 103. In an alternative embodiment, barbs 6 may be disposed within lock 5, operative to improve a grip or hold of cuff 103 within lock 5, by engaging or piercing cuff 103. Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a toe reinforcement 2 that includes columns 3 of barbs 4. Fig. 3A illustrates a sectional view of a single column 3, in perspective. To help hold cover assembly 1 on clog 100, toe reinforcement includes barbs 4. Barbs 4 engage a part of the clog, in particular a foxing 120 or other protuberance of clog 100. In order that barbs 4 may engage structures at a variety of heights on the clog, barbs 4 are advantageously aligned in vertical columns 3. Barbs 4 are angled to best prevent the cover 1 from lifting upwards off the clog 100, and to facilitate pushing cover assembly 1 onto clog 100. In the sectional view of Fig. 3A, it can be seen that the surfaces of barb 4 are downwardly angled to form an upwardly pointing edge or ridge. Alternatively, cones or other pointed protrusions, such as are shown in Fig. 3B, may be used, wherein an upwardly pointing point is formed for each projection 22.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of cover assembly 1 where strap 33 is adjustable. Strap 33 has two forward strap parts 7. Each forward strap part 7 is connected to a rear side of cover 13. A respective D-ring 10 interconnects each forward strap part to the rear strap part. An O-ring or an alternative fastening means known in the art may be used in other embodiments, which are not shown. The rear strap part 9 is inserted through each D-ring and a flap 12 of the rear strap is folded onto itself. The rear strap part 9 and flag 12 may advantageously be held together with a releasable fastener such as a hook and loop fastener or a clip. While two D-rings 10 are useful to allow adjustment on both sides, an embodiment is possible that includes only one D-ring. Preferably D-ring 10 is positioned on the lateral (i.e. outside) side of the cover. This embodiment is shown in an exploded view in Fig. 9.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the cover assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1. In this view, the construction of hinge 8 is illustrated. Hinge 8 includes a bolt 23 that is inserted in a hole 25 in forward strap part 7 and a hole 26 in rear strap part 9. Bolt 23 is fastened with a rivet 24. Bolt 23 can be replaced with other fasteners, which are not shown, such as screws and clips. Additionally, bolt 23 may itself be a rivet, or the stem portion 23 A of bolt 23 may be collapsed to form a widened end which cannot pass through holes 25, 26.

In one embodiment, a grip 27 in the form of a flexible resilient oval is connected to lock 5, which is in turn connectable to the rear strap part 9. Grip 27 can be peeled away from an underlying clog 100 to detach lock 5 from clog 100, as may be seen in Figs. 6-7. Grip 27 has a hole 28 formed therein, through which a rivet 29 may be used to connect lock 5 to grip 27, and thence to rear strap part 9 (which is not shown in Fig. 7). While grip 27 is not required in order to carry out other aspects of the invention, grip 27 aids in the disengagement of lock 5. Fig's. 8A-8B illustrates a manner of installing a cover assembly 1 upon a clog 100. In the embodiment shown in these figures, cover assembly 1 is provided with a single hinge 8 connecting forward strap part 7 and rear strap part 9, wherein on one side of cover assembly 1, forward strap part 7 is continuously formed with rear strap part 9. It should be understood, however, that other embodiments of the invention are installable in a similar manner. First, as shown in Fig. 8A, toe reinforcement 2 is placed over toe box 101 of clog 100. If no toe reinforcement 2 is provided, a leading edge of cover 13 is placed over toe box 101. Next, the front strap parts 7 are lowered onto clog 100, in the direction shown by arrow "A". Next, rear strap part 9 is placed behind the heel 105 of clog 100 by pivoting rear strap part 9 about hinge 8. If any portion of front strap part 7, rear strap part 9, or hinge 8 is resilient, then those respective portions may be stretched in order to extend rear strap part 9 over heel 105, as shown by arrow "B". In this event, it may be possible to provide an embodiment of the invention without a hinge 8. Finally, cover assembly is in an installed position, and a lock 5 may be engaged on cuff 103 of throat 104, as shown in Fig. 8B.

Fig's. 9-12 illustrate an embodiment of the invention where a cover 13 is attached to a clog 100, with or without forward strap part 7 and or rear strap part 9. In the embodiment shown, strap parts 7 and 9 are not shown, although they could be included, if deemed advantageous for a particular application. In Fig. 13, a cover is installed using one or more attachment buttons 50, each including a stop button 52, a stem 53, and an attachment panel 54 having an attachment face 51. In the embodiment shown, the stop button 52 and attachment panel 54 are circular, but other shapes are possible. The attachment panel 54 is connected to stop button 52 via a stem 53. Stem 53 is advantageously approximately as long as the thickness of the clog 100, whereby once installed as explained in detail below, stop button 52 and attachment panel 54 are held in close conforming relationship to clog 100, and more particularly, the material forming toe box 101. In one embodiment of the invention, attachment panel 54 may be bent or rolled, for example as shown in Fig. 1OC. In a rolled configuration, the attachment panel 54 achieves a smaller width, and may be inserted into a hole 109 in clog 100. Once the entirety of attachment panel 54 has been inserted, attachment panel 54 is free to regain its former shape, for example by an inherent resiliency, or by being manually flattened. In this manner, attachment button 50 is affixed, through a hole 109, to clog 100.

In one embodiment of the invention, attachment panel 54 is provided with an adhesive on attachment face 51. The adhesive is advantageously used to secure hook and loop fastener material to attachment button 50. Either the hook portion, or the loop portion, of a hook and loop fastener pair, may be connected to attachment panel 54. Other adhesives, besides hook and loop fasteners, may be used, such as glue or two-sided tape. A cover 60 may then be connected with attachment face 51 , for example through adhesion, provided either upon the inside surface 61 of cover 60, or a hook and loop material complementary to that of attachment panel 54, on inside surface 61.

Cover 61 can block all of the holes 109 in the clog 100. In this way, the cover 61 can be used to make the clog useable in environments and situations where spills are frequent or are dangerous: for example, in a kitchen or hospital setting. Alternatively, attachment button 50 may pass through cover 61, to both block a hole 109, and to further secure cover 61 to clog 100.

Cover assembly 1 may be fabricated with a material that itself has aesthetic properties that are different than the underlying clog 100. For example, the cover can have a different color, outer shape, or texture than the underlying clog 100. Laminates and molds can be used to add pictures to the cover 13. In this manner, the cover assembly can include cartoon images, animal prints, or other artwork, as shown in Fig. 11. The animal prints can be molded into the cover 13 itself, as well. The cover 13 can be made of phosphorescent material to make cover 13, or part of cover 13, glow in the dark.

Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of cover assembly 1 with a toe cap 30. In one embodiment, toe cap 30 is made of hard or flexible resilient material and serves to protect the wearer from injury. Toe cap 30 may be made with steel or other metal, or an impact resistant polymer, such as polycarbonate. Toe cap 30 is advantageously large enough to cover the toes, but not so large that it prevents the cover 13 from flexing during normal use. Toe cap 30 may be molded to be integrally formed with cover 13, or may be adhered or attached using methods known in the art. It should be noted that Fig. 9 and other figures illustrate numerous possible embodiments of the invention together, however it should be understood that this is shown for the sake of brevity, and that the elements described may be used alone or in combination, as best suits the needs of a potential wearer.

Figs. 9 further illustrates an embodiment of the cover assembly 1 that is used to attach appliques or other objects using adhesive, including for example, using an adhered hook and loop fastener. Adhesive spot 31 is illustrated, and includes either hooks or loops of a hook and loop fastener. Other adhesives such as glue and double-sided tape are possible. Appliques 32 are then attached to the cover 13 with the adhesive 31. The appliques 32 can include the other portion of the hook and loop fastener, relative to adhesive spot 31. Appliques 32 thus enable customization by the wearer of the cover assembly 1, by enabling the wearer to change an appearance of cover assembly 1 for conveying information, or for aesthetic purposes. Fig. 11 illustrates a cover assembly 1 prior to installation on a clog 100. In this embodiment, cover 60 may be fabricated using one or more laminated layers. The substrate is advantageously made of fabric, cloth, natural fibers or materials, or other materials known in the art. The outer surface, that is a visible surface facing outward with respect to the clog, is in this embodiment decorated by printing, embossing, silk screening, or any other known means. In the embodiment shown, a pattern of stars, a cartoon, spirals and lines are printed on the substrate or an overlying layer. Any printable decoration is similarly possible. A transparent outer layer, for example a polymer, may be laminated over the printed layer to protect and preserve the printing. The outer transparent layer is preferably made of a plastic resin, for example styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS). Fig's. 10A- 12 illustrate two possible means of employing attachment button 50, in accordance with the invention. As shown at arrow "E", attachment panel 54 is folded or rolled to have a reduced width. As shown at arrow "F", attachment panel 54 is passed through hole 109 from an underside surface of toe box 101 of clog 100. After passing through hole 109, attachment panel 54 is now disposed on an outer surface of toe box 101, as can be seen in Fig. 9. Attachment to attachment panel 54 and attachment face 51 may then be carried out as described herein.

In an alternative approach, attachment button 50 is passed through hole 109, approached from an outer surface of toe box 101. Attachment panel 54 is connected with a cover assembly 61 via adhesive, or any other attachment known in the art, either before or after attachment button is connected with clog 100. In Fig's. 11 and 12, attachment of attachment button 50 to cover 60 is illustrated at arrow "C", after which the assembly of attachment button 50 and cover 60 are connected to clog 100, shown at arrow "D". It should be understood, therefore, that alternatively, connection of attachment button 50 may be carried out initially, and attachment of attachment button 50 to cover 60 is carried out subsequently. As can be seen in the figures, stop button 52 is sized smaller than attachment panel 54.

As the material of clog 100 is resilient, stop button may be forced through hole 109 without a requirement of bending stop button 52, resulting in a secure attachment. It should be understood, however, that the relative sizes of stop button 52 and attachment panel 54, may be varied according to the construction of clog 100, and the method of attachment of attachment button 50 to clog 100.

Fig. 9 additionally illustrates an attachment button 50 adhered to inner surface 61 of cover 60, enabling cover 60 to be secured to clog 100, as described further herein. Additionally, indicia, for example three dimensional indicia 40, may be secured to cover 60 using adhesive spots 31, or attachment buttons 50.

Referring now to Fig. 14, an embodiment of a cover assembly 1 is illustrated, having a rivet cuff 242, seated below a head of a rivet 243 on a clog 100. Rivet 243 attaches strap 107 in a swivelable fashion to clog 100. The rivet cuff is made of a thin durable material, for example a molded piece of polymer, rubber, or metal. In one embodiment of the invention, rivet cuff 242 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). While cover 60 may be made of a thick textile in order to achieve a desired appearance, rivet cuff 242 is advantageously sufficently thin to fit under the head of rivet 243, without unduly impairing the function thereof. Rivet cuff 242 is generally U-shaped in order to securtely receive rivet 243. A combination of rivet 243 and, in one embodiment, an upward-opening U-shaped rivet cuff 242, help to prevent the cover 60 from moving upwardly off clog 100. Rivet cuff 242 is illustrated both installed and uninstalled, and may be fastened to cover 60 by any means known in the art, including, for example, gluing, stapling, riveting, sewing, and crimping.

As shown in Fig. 14, forward or rear strap part 7 or 9 may advantageously include a section of elastic or resilient material to help ensure and maintain a snug fit during use.

Figs. 15B and 14D illustrate a grommet 80 inserted into a hole 109 in clog 100. Grommet 80 is formed in a manner similar to attachment button 50, and attaches to clog 100 as described with respect to same. In Fig. 15B, inner flange 84 is shown both flat, and folded or rolled, as described for attachment panel 54. In one embodiment of the invention, grommet 80 is provided with an aperture 80A. When grommet 80 is seated in hole 109, if aperture 80A is unobstructed, air may circulate through aperture 80A and hole 109, to the interior of clog 100. A tube 83 connects the outer flange 81 to the inner flange 84, admitting air flow via aperture 80A. If aperture 80A is not needed or is absent, tube 83 need not be hollow. Grommet 80 may be decorative, provided additionally or alternatively, with or without aperture 80A, to add color and owner customization to cover 13 and or clog 100.

In one embodiment, grommet 80 includes an outer flange 81 and an inner flange 84. Outer flange 81 and inner flange 84 are wider than hole 109, preventing an installed grommet 80 from falling through hole 109. To insert the grommet 80, the material of the clog 100 may be stretched to pass inner flange 84 or outer flange 81. Alternatively, either inner flange 84 or outer flange 81 may be formed to be foldable or bendable to that it may pass through hole 109, with or without stretching of same.

Decorations 85, such as the brilliants shown in Fig. 15B, can be added to outer flange 85. A socket 82 in the outer flange can have an inside thread 86. An ornament 85 A with a head 88 and thread 87 can be screwed into the socket 82 of grommet 80. The ornament provides another opportunity for the owner to decorate and customize the clog 100, and may simultaneously serve to restrict airflow through aperture 80A, if present. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15D, inner flange 84 is shown folded, in preparation for insertion through hole 109. It should be understood, however, that inner flange 84 may be sized to be pushed through hole 109, when the latter is stretched, and thus flange 84 may be rigid and resistant to folding.

Fig. 15C illustrates attaching a pouch, pocket, or other structure to a clog 100, wherein attachment buttons 50 are secured to the structure using glue, including for example a hook and loop material, or other known means, and the attachment buttons 50 are attached to clog 100 as described elsewhere herein.

Fig. 15E illustrates beaded indicia assembly 40, including beads 43, disposed upon a hooked cord 42. Hooks 42 A of cord 42 may be placed within holes 109 of clog 100. Alternatively, cord 42 may be attached to attachment buttons 50, or other attachment point disposed upon clog 100, with or without hooks 42A. Beads 43 may be placed upon hooked cord 42 to spell a desired word or message. Hooked cord 42 is advantageously elastic or resilient, to secure indicia assembly 40 upon clog 100.

Fig's. 16 and 16A-B illustrate a collar assembly 75, which is arranged to be disposed within throat 104 of clog 100. Collar assembly 75 has a collar 76 and a cuff 77, the latter of which abuts or grips cuff 103 of clog 100 adjacent throat 104. Cuff 77 may have a similar construction to that described for lock 5. Collar assembly 75 operates to cause clog 100 to be warmer by restricting warm air flow away from an interior clog 100, or by restricting the entry of cooler air. Alternatively, Collar assembly 75 operates to prevent the admission of unwanted material. Collar assembly 75 may additionally be combined with a sock, to fully enclose a wearer's foot, attaching the sock portion as well as collar 76 to clog 100.

Fig. 16B illustrates a docorative clip assembly 94 including an ornament 92, connected to a clip 91, the latter including an inverted U-shape and barbs 95. Clip 91 functions as desribed for lock 5, with respect to attaching to clog 100. A spacer 93 may be included to space ornament 92 from clip 91. Decorative clip assembly 94 is placed on cuff 103 of throat 104 of clog 100, or any other edge of clog 100, in order to decorate or provide information with respect to clog 100.

Figs. 17A-C illustrate an embodiment of the invention including a cover assembly 1 that utilizes a strap or stirrup 16 is positioned in the manner of a stirrup under shank 106 of clog 100. Cover 13 covers toe box 101 of clog 100. Stirrup 16 runs under clog 100 and seats within shank 106 of clog 100. As shown in Fig. 17C, cover assembly 1 leaves forefoot sole 102 and heel 105 exposed. As shown in Fig. 17A, cuff 15is positionable along a top edge, or cuff 103 of throat 104 of clog 100, further securing cover assembly 1 to clog 100. Ornaments or objects may be added to cover 13 as described elsewhere herein.

Stirrup 16 is advantageously formed of, or includes, a layer made of a resilient elastomer. An advantageious embodiment of the elastomer is styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS). A cloth base (i.e. closest to the sole of the clog) layer may be connected to the layer made of elastomer. Fig. 18 illustrates an alternate embodiment of cover assembly 1. A hook 72 is attached to cover 13 with a cord 71. In one embodiment of the invention, cord 71 is advantageously resilient or elastic. In one embodiment, cord 71 is similar to a bungee cord. Hook 72 connects around hinge 108 of clog 100, for example passing under a portion of hinge 108, thereby becoming less visible. A placard clip assembly 90 is illustrated in Fig. 15 A, including a placard 96 containing indicia 97. Placard clip assembly 90 includes mounting means similar to lock 5, and may be placed upon any edge structure of clog 100, including cuff 103, for example at the locations indicated with arrows extending from placard clip assembly 90.

Fig's. 19-20B illustrate an embodiment of a clip 200 for attaching a cover 60 to a clog 100. clip 200 removably attaches cover 60 (partially shown in section in Fig. 19B) to clog

100 by insertion within a hole 109 in clog 100.

Clip 200 has a backing 202, operative to contact cover 60 and attach thereto, using adhesive, including for example hook and loop fastening, or other means known in the art. Backing 202 is advantageously larger in all dimensions than a hole 109 into which clip 200 is to be inserted. Notwithstanding this, attachment to cover 60 may be sufficient to prevent passage of backing 202 through hole 109, although additional strength is realized by an adequate sizing of backing 202. Backing 202 has holes 202 formed therein to facilitate attachment of backing 202 to cover 60. The corners of the rectangular backing 202 may be rounded (not illustrated) to prevent wear and abrasion upon cover 60.

A flexible resilient stem 204 extends from an inner surface of backing 202. Vertical tab 203 includes stem 204, and is angled to lie against an inside surface of toe box 101 when installed, as described further below. Similar stems 204 form a portion of one or more additional tabs, illustrated in Fig's. 19A-20B as tabs 205 and 207. A flexible resilient left stem 206 extends from the inner surface of the backing 202. The left tab 205 extends leftward from the left stem 206. A flexible resilient right stem 208 extends from the inner surface of the backing 202. The right tab 207 extends rightward from the right stem 208. The height of the stems 204, 206, and 208 is substantially the same as the thickness of the clog 100. The height is "substantially" the same thickness because the height might be slightly less to provide a tight fit with the clog and to take advantage of the flexible nature of the clog. The height might be larger than the thickness of the clog to create easier installation. Clip 200 is advantageously fabricated from a plastic resin, for example by injection molding. While three tabs are illustrated and described, it should be understood that retention of cover 60 may be achieved with one or more tabs.

In a relaxed (i.e. unstressed) position, the vertical tab, left tab, and right tab define a perimeter that is larger than the hole 109 in which the clip 200 is being inserted. The vertical tab 203, left tab 205, and right tab 207 are spaced apart sufficiently so that the vertical tab 203, left tab 205, and right tab 207 can be squeezed together closely enough that a perimeter thereabout may be created that is smaller than the hole 109 in which the clip is to be inserted.

Clip 200 may be joined with cover 60 by inserting clip 200 in a mold for fabrication of cover 60. Alternatively, clip 200 may be glued, cemented, sewn, or attached with a hook and loop fastener to cover 60. Tabs 203, 205, and 207 are then forced through the hole 109 in the clog 100. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that a leading edge of tabs 203,

205, and 207 may be ramped or tapered to slide against edges of hole 109, thereby facilitating deflection and advancement of the tabs through hole 109.

Fig's. 19A-B illustrate a clip 200 installed within clog 100. Clog 100 is shown in section at left, and cover 60 is shown in section at right. To remove cover 60 once fastened by one or more clips 200, the cover is pulled away from the clog 100, advantageously alternately applying a separating force proximate each each clip, and the clips 200 will "pop" as they temporarily bend and return to position, as they release from their respective aperture 252 in clog 100.

A plurality of clips can be configured in a strip by making backing 201 a common backing strip for all clips. For example, three clips with one common backing can be aligned in a row, with all tabs aligned to respective openings 252 corresponding to a given clog 100 size. Backing 201 is advantageously provided with a shape or profile to complement the contour of clog 100. Different strips of clips may be necessary for different sized clogs 100 or different brands or models of clogs 100. Placing the clips in strips provides a benefit of producing a potentially stronger tab unit that is less likely to fail completely, and may also reduce production and assembly costs. Fig. 9 additionally illustrates external clips 270. In one embodiment, a fastener of the invention extends through the fabric of cover 60, attaching to clog 100 beneath, through an aperture in clog 100, for example hole 109 or 252. Where the fastener is clip 200, tabs 203, 205, and 207 of clip 200 extend through cover assembly 1. Backing 201 remains exposed outside cover 1, as illustrated in Fig. 9. For attachment button 50, the exposed backing is attachment panel 54, or if installed in an opposite configuration, stop button 52 is exposed.

The exposed backing 201 can be shaped to provide ornamental qualities. The size of the backing 201 should be large enough to prevent the clip from pulling through clog 100. Embodiments of the backing 201 include a flower-shaped backing, a backing decorated with brilliants such as crystals, or a colored backing. The backing can be made of materials chosen to affect its aesthetic qualities. Battery powered lights can be connected to the backing 201. The backing 201 can include a ferrous magnetic material to allow magnetic attachment of ornaments.

Fig. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a cover assembly 1 with a cover 60. A band 250 encircles the sides of the sole of the clog 100. The band 250 is made of a flexible resilient material such as rubber or plastic. Cover 60 and band 250 can be decorated, molded, or printed. Stitching 251 may be employed to reinforce the connection between band 250 and cover 60. Clip 200 or attachment button 50 is mounted on an inner surface of band 250. The clip 200 or attachment button 50 is configured about the band to overly holes 252 or 109in clogs 100. Clips 200 or attachment button 50 releaseably connects band 250 to clog 100. Fig. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cover assembly 1 with a cover 60. A band 250 runs from a left side, to the front, to a right side of the sole of the clog 100; the heel is not encircled in this embodiment. Band 250 is made of a flexible, resilient materials such as rubber or plastic. Cover 60 and band 250 may be decorated, molded, or printed. Stitching 251 may be used to reinforce the connection between the band 250 and the cover 60. Clip 200 or attachment button 50 is mounted on an inner surface of band 250. The clip 200 or attachment button 50 is configured about the band to overly holes 252 or 109in clogs 100. Clips 200 or attachment button 50 releaseably connects band 250 to clog 100. In one embodiment, a band 250 with clips 200 or attachment button 50 is manufactured separately from cover 60. Various covers 60 are manufactured with different patterns, colors, outer layers or the like. The bands 250 with pre-connected clips 200 or attachment buttons 50, which are generic, can be attached to the various covers as needed. An advantageous way to attach a band 250 to a cover is with stitching 251. Within some of the various drawings, images and trademarks of others are depicted to illustrate possible designs. These images and trademarks may be possible designs but are not necessarily actually manufactured designs.

The embodiments shown in the figures depict examples of the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not necessarily to be determined by those embodiments. Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a cover assembly, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.