Slipper with Adjustable Heel Strap

Abstract

A slipper includes a sole, a vamp, and a strap that extends from one side of the vamp to the other. The strap has a generally curved shape with an upper arc, lower arc, and rounded first and second ends. The ends of the strap are connected with the vamp such that the strap is positionable in either a rearward position or a forward position. In the rearward position, the strap supports the heel or ankle of a user. In the forward position, the strap is a vamp cuff. In some versions the strap may be detachable from the vamp altogether. Thus users can choose which strap configuration they desire. In some versions the strap is rotatably positionable and in some other versions the strap is detachable and re-attachable for positioning.

1 . A slipper comprising:
 (a) a sole, wherein the sole defines a perimeter;   (b) a vamp attached to the sole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole,   wherein the vamp covers an instep of a user when the slipper is worn by the user,   wherein the vamp is comprised of a soft material; and   (c) a strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends attach to the vamp, wherein the strap is positionable from a rearward position extending around a heel of the user to a forward position extending around the vamp, wherein the strap is comprised of a soft material.   
     
     
         2 . The slipper of  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of rivets connecting the first and second ends of the strap to the vamp. 
     
     
         3 . The slipper of  claim 2 , wherein the strap is rotatable about the pair of rivets from the rearward position to the forward position. 
     
     
         4 . The slipper of  claim 2 , wherein the vamp comprises a closed-toe. 
     
     
         5 . The slipper of  claim 1 , wherein the vamp comprises one or more vents. 
     
     
         6 . The slipper of  claim 1 , wherein the strap has a generally rectangular shape. 
     
     
         7 . The slipper of  claim 1 , wherein the strap has a generally arcuate shape. 
     
     
         8 . The slipper of  claim 7 , wherein the strap comprises an upper arc and a lower arc, wherein the upper arc and lower arc converge at the first and second ends of the strap, wherein the lower arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the rearward position and the upper arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the forward position. 
     
     
         9 . The slipper of  claim 8 , wherein the upper arc is greater in length than the lower arc. 
     
     
         10 . The slipper of  claim 8 , wherein the upper arc and the lower arc are generally parallel. 
     
     
         11 . The slipper of  claim 1 , wherein the strap is adjustable in length. 
     
     
         12 . The slipper of  claim 1 , wherein the vamp and the strap are constructed from fleece material. 
     
     
         13 . A slipper comprising:
 (a) a sole comprising an insole and an outsole, wherein the sole defines a perimeter;   (b) a vamp constructed of a soft material, wherein the vamp comprises an inward facing side and an outward facing side, wherein the inward and outward facing sides are sewn to the insole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole, wherein the vamp extends from the inward facing side to the outward facing side to cover an instep of a user when the slipper is worn by the user; and   (c) a strap constructed of a soft material, wherein the strap comprises a first end, a second end, an upper arc extending from the first end to the second end, and a lower arc extending from the first end to the second end, wherein each of the first and second ends attach to the vamp, wherein the strap is rotatable from a reward position extending around a heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user to a forward position extending around the vamp.   
     
     
         14 . The slipper of  claim 13 , wherein the upper arc and the lower arc are generally parallel. 
     
     
         15 . The slipper of  claim 13 , wherein the upper arc is greater in length than the lower arc. 
     
     
         16 . The slipper of  claim 13 , wherein the lower arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the rearward position and the upper arc is nearest the sole when the strap is in the forward position. 
     
     
         17 . The slipper of  claim 13 , wherein the strap is adjustable in length. 
     
     
         18 . The slipper of  claim 13 , wherein the strap is configured to be in substantially constant contact with the heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user. 
     
     
         19 . The slipper of  claim 13 , wherein the strap is configured to rotate up and down with movement of the user's heel as the user walks when the slipper is worn by the user. 
     
     
         20 . A slipper comprising:
 (a) a sole comprising an insole and an outsole, wherein the sole defines a perimeter;   (b) a vamp constructed of a soft material, wherein the vamp comprises an inward facing side and an outward facing side, wherein the inward and outward facing sides are sewn to the insole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole, wherein the vamp extends from the inward facing side to the outward facing side to cover an instep of a user when the slipper is worn by the user;   (c) a strap constructed of a soft material, wherein the strap comprises a first end, a second end, an upper arc extending from the first end to the second end, and a lower arc extending from the first end to the second end, wherein each of the first and second ends attach to the vamp, wherein the strap is rotatable from a reward position extending around a heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user to a forward position extending around the vamp; and   (d) a hooded-back constructed of a soft material, wherein the hooded-back is sewn to the insole along a portion of the perimeter defined by the sole, wherein the hooded-back extends upward form the sole to support the heel of the user when the slipper is worn by the user.