Shoe Ornament with Interchangeable Clasp for Slit Pocket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe ornaments are not designed for shoes with slit pocket openings and often require cumbersome attachments, are not securely fastened, and can damage the shoe when attached.

Innovation Solution

A disc-shaped plate member with an extendable clasp that fits into the slit pocket opening, allowing for interchangeable charms and pendants without glue, bolts, or screws, providing a snug and damage-free fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior shoe ornaments are attached using glue, bolts, screws, or sewing, then the ornament is securely fastened to the footwear, but the attachment process becomes messy, bulky, and can damage the shoe or article

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoiddamage to shoe
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a disc-shaped plate member as an intermediary component that fits into the slit pocket opening of the shoe. This plate serves as a mediator between the shoe and the ornament, allowing the ornament to be attached without directly contacting or damaging the shoe material. The plate receives the clasp mechanism and provides a protected interface for attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ornament system is divided into separate functional components: a disc-shaped plate member that fits into the shoe's slit pocket, an extendable clasp mechanism for attachment, and the decorative charm itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without causing damage to the shoe, as none of the components require direct contact with or attachment to the shoe material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If prior shoe ornaments use cumbersome holders or protrude outward, then the ornament can be attached to footwear, but the ornament becomes bulky and obtrusive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidbulkiness of ornament
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The disc-shaped plate member is designed to nest within the existing slit pocket opening of the shoe, utilizing the available space rather than adding external bulk. The plate fits flush against the interior surface of the shoe, and the clasp mechanism operates within the confines of the slit pocket, keeping the overall profile sleek and non-obtrusive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If prior shoe ornaments are designed for specific footwear types, then the ornament can be securely attached, but the ornament lacks versatility for different shoes and accessories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidcompatibility with different footwear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disc-shaped plate member with extendable clasp is designed as a universal attachment system that can be used with any footwear or accessory that has a slit pocket opening. The plate's circular shape and the clasp's extendable mechanism allow it to fit various sizes and configurations of slit pockets, making it compatible with different types of shoes, belts, wallets, and other accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If prior shoe ornaments require attachment mechanisms, then the ornament can be secured to footwear, but the attachment process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidease of attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clasp mechanism incorporates an extendable crosspiece that can dynamically adjust its length. When attaching the ornament, the crosspiece extends to allow easy engagement with the disc-shaped plate member. Once attached, the crosspiece can be retracted or adjusted, making the attachment process quick and simple without requiring complex tools or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9439476B2Decorative ornament
Publication Date: 2016.09.13 RICCARDI JUDITH ANN
  • US9439476B2 patent drawing
  • US9439476B2 patent drawing
  • US9439476B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A decorative ornament has a disc shaped plate member which is configured to fit into the top slit pocket opening of a “penny loafer” type shoe or an accessory with a similar opening. An extendable clasp is secured to the plate member. One or more decorative charms, each having a ring shaped section, are positioned around the crosspiece and extension member of the clasp. The decorative section of the charm hangs down from the clasp and extends over the upper surface of the shoe or accessory.