Abstract:
A decorative eyelet ring for customizing an existing eyelet in an article of clothing is described. The decorative eyelet ring comprises a ring element formed to be positionable around an existing eyelet of an article of clothing. A clasp portion extends from the ring element and comprises a set of support elements that extend distally from the ring element. The set of support elements is formed to be insertable into the existing eyelet. Each support element has a first end and a second end. The first end of each support element is connected with the ring element, and a tab extends perpendicularly from the second end of each support element for securing the decorative eyelet ring to the existing eyelet.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    (1) Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a decorative eyelet ring and, more particularly, to a decorative eyelet ring for altering the appearance of an article of clothing containing an eyelet. 
         [0003]    (2) Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Decorative items that attach to articles of clothing allow a wearer to customize an article of clothing to their liking. For instance, shoe charms, such as Crocs™ Jibbitz™ are formed to allow for customization of shoes containing eyelets. Existing shoe charms block the eyelet holes of the shoes. In shoes containing eyelets that are used for shoelaces, existing shoe charms would prevent the shoelace from being able to be used since the eyelet is blocked by the shoe charm. Thus, a continuing need exists for a decorative item that can be easily attached and detached from an eyelet in an article of clothing which does not block the eyelet opening to allow for full functionality of the eyelet. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates to a decorative eyelet ring for altering the appearance of any article of clothing containing an eyelet. The decorative eyelet ring comprises a ring element formed to be positionable around an existing eyelet of an article of clothing. A clasp portion extends from the ring element and comprises a set of support elements that extend distally from the ring element. The set of support elements is formed to be insertable into the existing eyelet. Each support element has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each support element is connected with the ring element. A tab extends from the second end of each support element for securing the decorative eyelet ring within the existing eyelet. 
         [0006]    In another aspect, the first end of each support element is curved to provide a secure fit around the existing eyelet. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, the decorative eyelet ring is composed of a malleable, polymer composite. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the ring element is concave. 
         [0009]    Un another aspect, the tabs extend perpendicularly from the second end of each support element. 
         [0010]    Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises a method for forming the decorative eyelet ring described herein. The method for forming the device includes a plurality of acts of forming, molding, attaching, connecting, etc., each of the described components to arrive at the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0011]    The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top, perspective-view illustration of the decorative eyelet ring according to principles of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a bottom, perspective-view illustration of the decorative eyelet ring according to principles of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a front-view illustration of the decorative eyelet ring according to the principles of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top-view illustration of the decorative eyelet ring according to principles of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  illustrates the decorative eyelet ring attached with a shoe according to principles of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    The present invention relates to a decorative eyelet ring and, more particularly, to a decorative eyelet ring for altering the appearance of an article of clothing containing an eyelet. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
         [0018]    In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
         [0019]    The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. 
         [0021]    Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0022]    The present invention relates to a decorative eyelet ring and, more particularly, to a decorative eyelet ring for altering the appearance of an article of clothing containing an eyelet. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses, in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded with the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
         [0023]    In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
         [0024]    The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
         [0025]    Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6. 
         [0026]    Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter-clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object. As such, as the present invention is changed, the above labels may change their orientation. 
         [0027]    (1) Description 
         [0028]    The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the decorative eyelet ring, is a device consisting of, in a desired aspect, a single piece of a malleable, polymer composite (non-limiting examples of which include polyethylene or other corn based plastics) which is used to alter the appearance of any article of clothing that contains a generic eyelet. Alternatively, the decorative eyelet ring may be composed of a metal or rigid plastic, provided it is able to perform its intended function. Non-limiting examples of articles of clothing that the decorative eyelet ring may be used with are shoes, hats, bracelets, shorts, and pants. Any article of clothing containing an eyelet could be adorned with the decorative eyelet ring. The design of the decorative eyelet ring provides for effortless interchangeability through a clasp system, which ensures full stability of the decorative eyelet ring within the article of clothing containing the eyelet. Importantly, the decorative eyelet ring fits within the existing eyelet while still allowing full access to the eyelet, such as for use with a shoelace or drawstring. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a top and bottom, perspective view of the decorative eyelet ring  100 , respectively. The decorative eyelet ring  100  comprises a ring element  102  having a concave shape. In one aspect, each element of the eyelet ring  100  is made from the same material, and is one continuous piece without removable parts. However, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the decorative eyelet ring  100  may also be comprised of separate components that together form the decorative eyelet ring  100 . The concave shape of the ring element  102  allows the decorative eyelet ring  100  to sit on top of an existing eyelet, thereby allowing the decorative eyelet ring  100  to seamlessly slip on and off of the eyelet without ever compromising the structural integrity of the article of clothing. In a desired aspect, and as shown in the present application, the ring element  102  is circular in shape. However, as can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the ring, element  102  could be any suitable size and shape (e.g., heart, square, star) provided that the opening of the existing eyelet remains unblocked. Additionally, the entire decorative eyelet ring, or any portion thereof, can be formed in any desirable color and/or with a pattern design. 
         [0030]    The decorative eyelet ring  100  also comprises a clasp portion  104 . The clasp portion  104  consists of a set of support elements  106  that are specifically molded to align with the shape of the eyelet that the decorative eyelet ring  100  is being used with. The set of support elements  106  extend distally from the ring element  102  and are substantially parallel to one another. Furthermore, the set of support elements  106  extend from a perimeter of the ring element  102  such that the opening of the existing eyelet is not blocked when the clasp portion  104  (including the set of support elements  106 ) is inserted into the existing eyelet. At a first end of each support element  106  is the ring element  102 . At a second end of each support element  106  is a tab  108 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The tabs  108  are substantially aligned with one another. 
         [0031]    In a desired aspect, the tabs  108  are substantially perpendicular to the support elements  106 . One non-limiting example of an arrangement of the set of support elements  106  and tabs  108  is depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , which illustrate two support elements  106  and a tab  108  on each support element  106 . However, other arrangements are also possible. For instance, there may be three evenly spaced support elements, each with a tab extending therefrom, forming a triangular shape. Additionally, there may be four evenly spaced support elements, each with a tab extending therefrom, forming a square shape. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any arrangement of support elements and tabs is possible, provided the existing eyelet remains unblocked when the decorative eyelet ring  100  is inserted. Additionally, the size of an aperture  110  within the ring element  102  as well as the length of the support elements  106  can be altered as needed to fit the specification of any article of clothing to be used with the decorative eyelet ring  100 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front-view of the decorative eyelet ring  100 , showing the support elements  106  and the tabs  108  extending from the support elements  106 . The dashed lines in  FIG. 3  illustrate the three-dimensional aspect of the design. In a desired aspect, the decorative eyelet ring  100  is designed with curved supports  300  at the ends of the support elements  106  which are attached with the ring element  102  to provide a better fit around the ring of the existing eyelet on an article of clothing. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top-view of the decorative eyelet ring  100 , depicting the ring element  102  and the aperture  110  which provides access to the opening of the existing eyelet in the article of clothing. The dashed lines represent the clasp portion  104  below the ring element  102 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  illustrates a decorative eyelet ring  100  inserted into an eyelet  500  of a shoe  502 . In order to attach the decorative eyelet ring  100  to the eyelet  500  of a shoe  502 , a wearer first unlaces the shoes completely to remove the shoelaces from the eyelets  500 . Then, the bottom decorative eyelet ring  100 , namely the set of support elements and tabs (i.e., clasp portion), are inserted into the eyelet  500 , Light pressure is applied until the decorative eyelet ring  100  is secured to the eyelet  500  such that the ring element  102  fits around the ring of the eyelet  500  on the shoe  502 . The above is repeated for all desired vacant eyelets  500 . The shoe  502  is then re-laced with the shoestrings.