Elastic snap accessory system

Abstract

An accessory-fastening device for securing an ornamental item onto an article of footwear that is resistant to accidental dislodgment including a sole for contacting the ground mounted to an upper that has a snap hole and a sheet of flexible material having a top side and a bottom side affixed to the upper proximate the snap hole, a snap stud affixed to the sheet of flexible material that extends outward from the article of footwear, and a snap socket which is attached to an ornamental item to removably fasten the ornamental article to the snap stud. The sheet of flexible material that covers the snap hole provides a means of energy absorption and the dissipation of energy caused by the normal activity of a foot bend.

1 . An accessory-fastening device for securing an ornamental item onto an article of footwear comprising:
 an article of footwear, having a sole for contacting the ground;   an upper mounted on said sole having a toe region and a heel region wherein said upper has a snap hole;   a sheet of flexible material having a top side and a bottom side affixed to said upper proximate said snap hole;   a snap stud attached to said sheet that extends outward from said article of footwear; and   a snap socket attached to said ornamental item to removably fasten said ornamental article to said snap stud.   
     
     
         2 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said upper comprises an inner layer and an outer layer and wherein said sheet is affixed between said inner layer and said outer layer of said upper. 
     
     
         3 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the area of said sheet is larger than the area of said snap hole and said sheet completely covers said snap hole. 
     
     
         4 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 2 , wherein said inner layer and said outer layer of said upper are made of leather. 
     
     
         5 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said snap hole has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of said snap stud such that said snap stud may pass freely therethrough. 
     
     
         6 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said snap hole is located proximate said toe region of said upper. 
     
     
         7 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said sheet is affixed to said upper by a stitched connection. 
     
     
         8 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said snap stud is attached to said sheet by means of a stud attachment prong. 
     
     
         9 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said ornamental item having said snap socket is attached to a decorative accessory by means of a socket attachment prong. 
     
     
         10 . An accessory-fastening device for securing an ornamental item onto an article of footwear comprising:
 an article of footwear, having an sole for contacting the ground;   an upper mounted on the sole having a toe region and a heel region wherein said upper comprises an inner layer and an outer layer;   a snap hole located on said upper and passing through said inner layer and said outer layer;   a sheet of flexible material having a top side and a bottom side affixed to said upper between said inner layer and said outer layer proximate said snap hole;   a snap stud attached to said sheet that extends outward from said article of footwear; and   a snap socket attached to said ornamental item to removably fasten said ornamental article to said snap stud.   
     
     
         11 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein the area of said sheet is larger than the area of said snap hole and said sheet completely covers said snap hole. 
     
     
         12 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 2 , wherein said inner layer and said outer layer of said upper are made of leather. 
     
     
         13 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said snap hole has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of said snap stud such that said snap stud may pass freely therethrough. 
     
     
         14 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said snap hole is located proximate said toe region of said upper. 
     
     
         15 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said sheet is affixed to said upper by a stitched connection. 
     
     
         16 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said snap stud is attached to said sheet by means of a stud attachment prong. 
     
     
         17 . The accessory fastening device of  claim 1 , wherein said ornamental item having said snap socket is attached to a decorative accessory by means of a socket attachment prong.