Florence Zacks Melton, the Columbus, Ohio, housewife who is said to have invented the world's first foam cushioned slipper and co-founded R.G. Barry Corporation, has died aged 95.

Having successfully developed and marketed Shoulda-Shams, removable shoulder pads for the military-style fashion look of the era during the mid-1940s, Mrs Melton, her husband, Aaron Zacks, and businessman Harry Streim founded R.G. Barry Corporation—named after their children Richard Streim, Gordon and Barry Zacks.

In 1947 while exploring the possible use of foam rubber in the company's shoulder pads, Mrs Melton developed the first foam-soled, soft washable slipper, that went on to become the Dearfoams brand of today which, since the company's establishment, has sold more than one billion pairs of slippers worldwide.

A prolific inventor and the holder of 19 patents, Mrs Melton also developed other products in addition to shoulder pads and footwear including devices for use in exercise, dietary preparation and physical therapy.

She continued to maintain an office and work as a consultant at the company until 2005.

Survivors include her son, Gordon, who is chairman of the board of R.G.Barry Corporation, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.