Accessory for shoe laces, hat brims, and the like

A decorative and/or promotional accessory to be secured to a lace such as a shoe lace includes a molded plastic body having a passage longitudinally extending therethrough from a first opening to a second opening. The passage is sized and shaped to receive the lace therethrough and to frictionally secure the body in a desired position along the lace. The accessory also includes indicia provided on an exterior surface of the accessory which can be in the form of any desired message, name, number, logo, graphic, or the like. An alternative embodiment of the accessory is disclosed which is to be secured to a cap bill. This embodiment includes a slot radially extending to the passage which is sized and shaped to receive the cap brim therein and to resiliently grip the bill and removably secure the accessory in a desired position along the bill.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a decorative and/or promotional accessory and, more particularly, to a decorative and/or promotional accessory to be secured to shoe laces, cap brims, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A growing trend among teenagers, young adults, and even older adults is to wear affordable accessories reflecting socially conscious messages. For example, the “Live Strong” bracelets which promote cancer awareness and are in demand over the entire world. These low-cost promotional accessories can be leveraged by charities, businesses, schools, athletic programs, teams, celebrities, or other organizations and individuals to build awareness for their cause and/or products or services by providing a desirable, fashionable incentive for lower-bracket donations. Additionally, these low-cost promotional items can also be sold as low-cost fund raising products or given away as promotional items. Furthermore, these low cost items can simply be decorative accessories having a desired name, number, logo or graphic.

Bracelets have limited usage in that they can only be worn in one place and in one way. Additionally, bracelets cannot be worn at all in some circumstances such as, for example, schools or athletic events which do not permit “jewelry” to be worn. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved decorative and/or promotional accessory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a decorative and/or promotional accessory which solves at least some of the above-noted problems. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an accessory to be secured to a lace comprises, in combination, a molded plastic body having a passage longitudinally extending therethrough from a first opening to a second opening. The passage is sized and shaped to receive the lace therethrough and to frictionally secure the body in a desired position along the lace. The accessory further comprises indicia provided on an exterior surface of the accessory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a shoe comprises, in combination, a lace and an accessory including a molded plastic body having a passage. longitudinally extending therethrough from a first opening to a second opening. The passage receives the lace therethrough to frictionally secure the body in a desired position along the lace. The accessory further comprises indicia provided on an exterior surface of the accessory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an accessory to be secured to a cap bill comprises, in combination, a molded plastic body having a passage longitudinally extending therethrough and a slot radially extending to the passage. The slot is sized and shaped to receive the cap brim therein to resiliently grip the bill and removably secure the body in a desired position along the cap bill. The accessory further comprises indicia provided on an exterior surface of the accessory.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a cap comprises, in combination, a bill with an edge and an accessory including a molded plastic body having a passage longitudinally extending therethrough and a slot radially extending to the passage. The slot receives the edge of the cap bill therein to removably secure the accessory in a desired position along the cap bill. The accessory further comprises indicia provided on an exterior surface of the accessory.

From the foregoing disclosure and the following more detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of decorative and/or promotional accessories. Particularly significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords for providing a high quality, durable, aesthetically pleasing, versatile, and relatively inexpensive accessory. Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments will be better understood in view of the detailed description provided below.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of a decorative and/or promotional accessory as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific messages, dimensions, orientations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the decorative and/or promotional accessory illustrated in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology, that many uses and design variations are possible for the decorative and/or promotional accessory disclosed herein. The following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention with reference to an accessory for attachment to a shoe lace for promoting awareness of juvenile diabetes by providing the inspirational message “within reach.” Other embodiments suitable for other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure such as, for example, the accessory can be for attachment to any item which employs a lace, string, cord or tie such as, but not limited to shoes, boots, backpacks, zipper pulls, draw strings and the like or to any item which has a relatively thin edge of material such as but not limited to the brim of a hat or cap.

FIG. 1illustrates a pair of decorative and/or promotional articles or accessories10according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated accessories10are secured to laces12of a pair of shoes14. The illustrated laces12each include an elongate, flexible main portion16and hard, rigid end portions18having a smaller cross-sectional size than the main portion. The illustrated laces12extend through eyelets20of the shoes14in a standard manner so that free ends of the laces12can be tied to secure the shoes14onto a wearer's feet. One of the accessories10is secured near the end portion18of one of the laces12. The other one of the accessories10is secured near the center of one of the laces12and between the lowest pair of the shoe eyelets20. However, the accessories10can alternatively be secured at any desired location along the length of the laces12. The term “lace” as used within this specification and claims means a long, thin, flexible member such as a lace, cord, string, or tie typically used for fastening, tying or lacing. It is noted that the illustrated accessories10can alternatively be secured any suitable type of laces other than shoe laces such as, for example, zipper pulls, hair bands, backpack cords, bracelets, necklaces, ankle bracelets, pins, swimsuit ties, bookmarks, outdoor equipment (camping, tents, draw strings, etc.), and athletic bag ties. The illustrated accessories10are identical so only one will be described hereinafter in detail.

As best shown inFIGS. 2 to 7, the illustrated accessory10includes a body22which is generally elongate and cylindrically shaped. The body22has a maximum length preferably in the range of about 1.0 to about 1.8 inches, more preferably in the range of about 1.2 to about 1.6 inches, and most preferably about 1.4 inches. Ends of the illustrated body are angled or chamfered so that a lower side of the body22has a length which is shorter than the upper side of the body22. The lower side of the body22preferably has a length of about 0.5 inches. The body22has a maximum height preferably in the range of about 0.3 to 0.5 inches, more preferably in the range of about 0.35 to 0.45 inches and most preferably about 0.4 inches. The body22has a maximum width preferably in the range of about 0.35 to about 0.55 inches, more preferably about 0.4 to 0.5 inches, and most preferably about 0.45 inches. The upper or top side of the illustrated body22has a radius which is larger then the radius of the lower or bottom side so that a top side is broader and/or flatter than the bottom side. Formed in this manner, indicia24provided on the curved upper side is easier to see without distortion, particularly when large alphanumeric characters are utilized. The illustrated body22has an upper surface radius of about 0.250 inches and a lower radius of about 0.226 inches. The illustrated upper side of the body22is provided with groove26to define a generally-oval shaped exterior indicia surface28on the upper exterior side of the body.

The indicia surface28is provided with the desired indicia or message24to be promoted such as, for example, the illustrated phrase “within reach”. The indicia24can be any desired alphanumeric indicia such as, for example, names, numbers, words, phrases, messages, or the like and/or graphic indicia such as, for example, logos, graphics, designs, or the like. The indicia24can be related to, but not limited to, any inspirational, charity, brand, school, team, athletic, or other message which suits the needs of any charity, business, school, athletic program, team, celebrity, or other organization or individual. The indicia24also can simply be provided for decorative purposes. The illustrated indicia24is molded into the exterior surface of the body22in debossed form, that is, recessed into the indicia surface28. It is noted that the indicia24can alternatively be molded in an embossed manner, that is, raised above the indicia surface28. It is also noted that the indicia or message24can alternatively be provided by any other suitable method such as, for example, pad printing or other printing. The illustrated lower side of the body22is also provided with a lower or second indicia or message30molded in an embossed manner. It is noted that the second indicia30can alternatively be omitted or formed in a different manner.

A longitudinally extending channel or passage32extends through the entire length of the body22for receiving the lace12therethrough. The passage32is sized and shaped to removably secure the body22in a desired position along the length of the lace12by providing a tight fit therebetween so that the body22is held in place by friction. The illustrated passage32has a first opening or inlet34at one end of the body22so that a first portion36of the passage32has a first diameter and a second opening or outlet38at the other end so that a second portion40of the passage32has a second diameter where the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The illustrated passage32has an angled or tapered portion42which is frusto-conically shaped to smoothly connect the first and second portions36,40to eliminate abutments upon which the end of the lace12could “catch” when inserted into the passage32. The diameter of the first portion36is preferably sized so that the lace12can be easily passed therethrough while the diameter of the second portion40is preferably sized so that there is a tight fit with the lace12so that some force must be exerted to move the lace12therethrough. The illustrated first portion36has a diameter of about 0.216 inches and the illustrated second portion40has a diameter of about 0.138 inches. It is noted that while the illustrated passage32has a circular cross-sectional shape, the passage can alternatively have any other suitable cross-sectional shape. The second portion40of the passage preferably has a length which permits the lace end portion18to extend therethrough so that the lace end portion18can be grasped to pull the main portion16of the lace12through the second portion40of the passage. The second portion40preferably has an effective length of about 0.50 inches or less and more preferably has an effective length of about 0.25 inches or less. The illustrated second portion40has an upper side length of about 0.50 inches and a lower side length of about 0.25 inches. It is noted that the angled ends of the body22effectively reduce the length of the illustrated second portion40and the overall length of the passage32. It should be appreciated that the indicia surface28can have an increased length, while still being able to insert the lace12through the body passage32, by having only the second portion40of the passage32gripping the lace12.

FIGS. 27 to 30, illustrate that the passage32can alternatively have other suitable geometries which frictionally secure the body22onto a desired position along the length of the lace12.FIG. 27, illustrates that there can alternatively be a step44located at the interface between the first and second portions36,40of the passage32.FIG. 28illustrates that the passage32can have a frusto-conically shaped surface46wherein the size of the passage32gradually increases from the inlet to the outlet to form a wedge to secure the lace12.FIG. 29illustrates that the passage32can be provided with a screw thread48so that it is rotated to move along the lace12.FIG. 30illustrates that the passage32can be provided with ridges or other surface textures50to frictionally engage the lace12.

The illustrated body22is formed by injection molding but any other suitable method of molding and/or manufacturing can be alternatively utilized. The illustrated body22comprises thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. It is noted however, that the body22can comprise any other suitable plastic material or other suitable type of material. The material can be of any desirable pantone-specific color, combination of colors, clear, or glow-in-the-dark.

To install the accessory10onto a standard sized athletic shoe lace12, the end portion18of the lace12is inserted into the inlet34of the passage34. With a few twists, the end portion18of the lace12emerges through the outlet38so that the end portion18can be grasped and pulled entirely out of the body22. The accessory10can then be pushed or pulled along the length of the lace12until it is in a desired position. The accessory10stays securely in place at the desired location along the length of the lace12due to friction because of the tight fit between the lace12and the second portion40of the passage32. For thinner laces12, like those found on golf shoes, a knot may be required on the end of the lace12to keep the accessory in place.

FIGS. 8 to 10illustrate a decorative and/or promotional article or accessory60according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The accessory60according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the accessory10according to the first embodiment except that the molded plastic body22includes a plate or insert62forming the upper indicia surface28. The illustrated insert62is a relatively thin sheet which comprises a relatively hard material such as, for example, a hard plastic like acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS) and over molded onto the remainder of the body22which preferably comprises a softer material such as, for example, an elastomer like TPE. The illustrated materials are of different colors but alternatively can be of the same color. The illustrated insert62provides a smooth hard indicia surface28upon which the indicia or message24can be printed by any suitable method such as, for example, pad printing. It is noted that the indicia or message24can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner. It should be appreciated that the inserts62can be easily customized with different indicia or messages24so that the same mold can be used to produce accessories with different indicia or messages24.

FIGS. 11 to 13illustrate a variation of the accessory60according to the second embodiment wherein the indicia or message24is formed by openings64extending entirely through the thickness of the insert62. With the insert62formed in this manner, the softer material of the lower portion of the body22seeps or passes through the openings64forming the indicia or message24during over molding to create a clean flush appearance.

FIGS. 14 to 16illustrate a decorative and/or promotional article or accessory70according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The accessory70according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the accessory60according to the second embodiment except that the body22and the insert62comprise the same material. The illustrated body and insert22,62each comprise TPE but any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated indicia or message24is molded into the insert62in a debossed manner, that is, recessed from the indicia surface28. It is noted that the indicia or message24can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner.

FIGS. 17 to 19illustrate a first variation of the accessory70according to the third embodiment wherein the indicia or message24is molded into the insert62in a embossed manner, that is, raised above the indicia surface28. It is noted that the indicia or message24can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner.

FIGS. 20 to 22illustrate a second variation of the accessory70according to the third embodiment wherein the insert62provides a smooth indicia surface28upon which the indicia or message24can be printed by any suitable method such as, for example, pad printing. It is noted that the indicia or message24can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner.

FIG. 23illustrates a decorative and/or promotional article or accessory80according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated accessory80is removably secured to the brim or bill82of a hat or cap84. It is noted that the illustrated accessory80can alternatively be secured to any item having a relatively thin edge of material such as but not limited to the bill82of a hat or cap84.

FIGS. 24 to 26illustrate the accessory80according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The accessory80is substantially the same as the accessory60according to the second embodiment described hereinabove except that a slot86is provided on the bottom of the body22. It is noted that any of the accessories according to the other illustrated embodiments can also be provided with the slot86. The illustrated slot86extends the entire length of the body22from the inlet34to the outlet38and extends entirely through the bottom wall from the exterior surface to the passage32. The illustrated slot86is sized and shaped to receive an edge of the brim or bill82so that the accessory80can be removably secured to a cap84or other suitable item. The slot86is preferably provided with a width that is slightly smaller than the thickness of a typical cap bill82so that the accessory80resiliently grips the bill82when the bill82inserted therein.

To install the accessory80onto a standard sized athletic cap84, the opposed edges forming the slot86are manually pulled apart to increase the width of the slot86and the bill82of the cap84is inserted into the slot86. The accessory80is then released and the edges resiliently snap back to grip the cap bill82. The accessory80stays securely in place at a desired location along the edge88of the bill82due to friction because of the gripping action at the slot86.

From the foregoing detailed description, it can be appreciated that the illustrated accessories have many decorative and/or promotional uses due to their low production cost. The accessories are an ideal giveaway to participants who pay a fee to enter athletic or other events such as walks/runs/swims for charity. Awareness is generated on the spot because the accessories can be immediately displayed on shoes, hats, or otherwise. The accessories are well suited for selling at on-site promotions such as live radio remotes, state and county fairs, concerts, amusement parks, festivals and other special events. Businesses can use the accessories as an attention grabbing method to display their corporate image or motto via tradeshows or internal events. The accessories also can be an inexpensive giveaway for employees, customers, and prospects. The accessories are an affordable fundraising incentive for schools, charities and other worthwhile causes. The accessories can be purchased at a relatively low price leaving a desirable profit for the fundraiser. A glow-in-the-dark accessory is an optimal giveaway for running, biking, walking, or other night time outdoor activities. The accessories can be used to promote the cause of our troops overseas, commemorate events like 9/11, honor local heroes like police and fire fighters, and more.

From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that various modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.