Patent Publication Number: US-2015082667-A1

Title: Accessory for shoe laces, hat brims, and the like

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This non-provisional patent application claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/630,891 filed on Nov. 24, 2004, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pair of shoes each having a decorative and/or promotional accessory according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 1  according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an end elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front side elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 2 to 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 2 to 5  taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 2 to 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is perspective view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 1  according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front side elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 8 and 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is perspective view of a variation of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 8 to 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front side elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 10 and 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 1  according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a front side elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 14 and 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a view of a first variation of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 14 to 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front side elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 17 and 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a second variation of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 14 to 16 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front side elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 20 and 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a billed cap having a decorative and/or promotional accessory according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 23  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is an end elevational view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a bottom plan view of the decorative and/or promotional accessory of  FIGS. 24 and 25 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 6  but showing a variation of the central passage; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIGS. 6 and 27  but showing another variation of the central passage; 
         FIG. 29  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIGS. 6 ,  27 , and  28  but showing yet another variation of the central passage; and 
         FIG. 30  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIGS. 6 , and  27  to  29  but showing even yet another variation of the central passage. 
     
    
    
     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. 1  illustrates a pair of decorative and/or promotional articles or accessories  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated accessories  10  are secured to laces  12  of a pair of shoes  14 . The illustrated laces  12  each include an elongate, flexible main portion  16  and hard, rigid end portions  18  having a smaller cross-sectional size than the main portion. The illustrated laces  12  extend through eyelets  20  of the shoes  14  in a standard manner so that free ends of the laces  12  can be tied to secure the shoes  14  onto a wearer&#39;s feet. One of the accessories  10  is secured near the end portion  18  of one of the laces  12 . The other one of the accessories  10  is secured near the center of one of the laces  12  and between the lowest pair of the shoe eyelets  20 . However, the accessories  10  can alternatively be secured at any desired location along the length of the laces  12 . 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 accessories  10  can 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 accessories  10  are identical so only one will be described hereinafter in detail. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 2 to 7 , the illustrated accessory  10  includes a body  22  which is generally elongate and cylindrically shaped. The body  22  has 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 body  22  has a length which is shorter than the upper side of the body  22 . The lower side of the body  22  preferably has a length of about 0.5 inches. The body  22  has 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 body  22  has 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 body  22  has 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, indicia  24  provided on the curved upper side is easier to see without distortion, particularly when large alphanumeric characters are utilized. The illustrated body  22  has an upper surface radius of about 0.250 inches and a lower radius of about 0.226 inches. The illustrated upper side of the body  22  is provided with groove  26  to define a generally-oval shaped exterior indicia surface  28  on the upper exterior side of the body. 
     The indicia surface  28  is provided with the desired indicia or message  24  to be promoted such as, for example, the illustrated phrase “within reach”. The indicia  24  can 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 indicia  24  can 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 indicia  24  also can simply be provided for decorative purposes. The illustrated indicia  24  is molded into the exterior surface of the body  22  in debossed form, that is, recessed into the indicia surface  28 . It is noted that the indicia  24  can alternatively be molded in an embossed manner, that is, raised above the indicia surface  28 . It is also noted that the indicia or message  24  can alternatively be provided by any other suitable method such as, for example, pad printing or other printing. The illustrated lower side of the body  22  is also provided with a lower or second indicia or message  30  molded in an embossed manner. It is noted that the second indicia  30  can alternatively be omitted or formed in a different manner. 
     A longitudinally extending channel or passage  32  extends through the entire length of the body  22  for receiving the lace  12  therethrough. The passage  32  is sized and shaped to removably secure the body  22  in a desired position along the length of the lace  12  by providing a tight fit therebetween so that the body  22  is held in place by friction. The illustrated passage  32  has a first opening or inlet  34  at one end of the body  22  so that a first portion  36  of the passage  32  has a first diameter and a second opening or outlet  38  at the other end so that a second portion  40  of the passage  32  has a second diameter where the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The illustrated passage  32  has an angled or tapered portion  42  which is frusto-conically shaped to smoothly connect the first and second portions  36 ,  40  to eliminate abutments upon which the end of the lace  12  could “catch” when inserted into the passage  32 . The diameter of the first portion  36  is preferably sized so that the lace  12  can be easily passed therethrough while the diameter of the second portion  40  is preferably sized so that there is a tight fit with the lace  12  so that some force must be exerted to move the lace  12  therethrough. The illustrated first portion  36  has a diameter of about 0.216 inches and the illustrated second portion  40  has a diameter of about 0.138 inches. It is noted that while the illustrated passage  32  has a circular cross-sectional shape, the passage can alternatively have any other suitable cross-sectional shape. The second portion  40  of the passage preferably has a length which permits the lace end portion  18  to extend therethrough so that the lace end portion  18  can be grasped to pull the main portion  16  of the lace  12  through the second portion  40  of the passage. The second portion  40  preferably 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 portion  40  has 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 body  22  effectively reduce the length of the illustrated second portion  40  and the overall length of the passage  32 . It should be appreciated that the indicia surface  28  can have an increased length, while still being able to insert the lace  12  through the body passage  32 , by having only the second portion  40  of the passage  32  gripping the lace  12 . 
       FIGS. 27 to 30 , illustrate that the passage  32  can alternatively have other suitable geometries which frictionally secure the body  22  onto a desired position along the length of the lace  12 .  FIG. 27 , illustrates that there can alternatively be a step  44  located at the interface between the first and second portions  36 ,  40  of the passage  32 .  FIG. 28  illustrates that the passage  32  can have a frusto-conically shaped surface  46  wherein the size of the passage  32  gradually increases from the inlet to the outlet to form a wedge to secure the lace  12 .  FIG. 29  illustrates that the passage  32  can be provided with a screw thread  48  so that it is rotated to move along the lace  12 .  FIG. 30  illustrates that the passage  32  can be provided with ridges or other surface textures  50  to frictionally engage the lace  12 . 
     The illustrated body  22  is formed by injection molding but any other suitable method of molding and/or manufacturing can be alternatively utilized. The illustrated body  22  comprises thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material. It is noted, however, that the body  22  can 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 accessory  10  onto a standard sized athletic shoe lace  12 , the end portion  18  of the lace  12  is inserted into the inlet  34  of the passage  34 . With a few twists, the end portion  18  of the lace  12  emerges through the outlet  38  so that the end portion  18  can be grasped and pulled entirely out of the body  22 . The accessory  10  can then be pushed or pulled along the length of the lace  12  until it is in a desired position. The accessory  10  stays securely in place at the desired location along the length of the lace  12  due to friction because of the tight fit between the lace  12  and the second portion  40  of the passage  32 . For thinner laces  12 , like those found on golf shoes, a knot may be required on the end of the lace  12  to keep the accessory in place. 
       FIGS. 8 to 10  illustrate a decorative and/or promotional article or accessory  60  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The accessory  60  according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the accessory  10  according to the first embodiment except that the molded plastic body  22  includes a plate or insert  62  forming the upper indicia surface  28 . The illustrated insert  62  is 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 body  22  which 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 insert  62  provides a smooth hard indicia surface  28  upon which the indicia or message  24  can be printed by any suitable method such as, for example, pad printing. It is noted that the indicia or message  24  can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner. It should be appreciated that the inserts  62  can be easily customized with different indicia or messages  24  so that the same mold can be used to produce accessories with different indicia or messages  24 . 
       FIGS. 11 to 13  illustrate a variation of the accessory  60  according to the second embodiment wherein the indicia or message  24  is formed by openings  64  extending entirely through the thickness of the insert  62 . With the insert  62  formed in this manner, the softer material of the lower portion of the body  22  seeps or passes through the openings  64  forming the indicia or message  24  during over molding to create a clean flush appearance. 
       FIGS. 14 to 16  illustrate a decorative and/or promotional article or accessory  70  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The accessory  70  according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the accessory  60  according to the second embodiment except that the body  22  and the insert  62  comprise the same material. The illustrated body and insert  22 ,  62  each comprise TPE but any other suitable material can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated indicia or message  24  is molded into the insert  62  in a debossed manner, that is, recessed from the indicia surface  28 : It is noted that the indicia or message  24  can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner. 
       FIGS. 17 to 19  illustrate a first variation of the accessory  70  according to the third embodiment wherein the indicia or message  24  is molded into the insert  62  in a embossed manner, that is, raised above the indicia surface  28 . It is noted That the indicia or message  24  can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner. 
       FIGS. 20 to 22  illustrate a second variation of the accessory  70  according to the third embodiment wherein the insert  62  provides a smooth indicia surface  28  upon which the indicia or message  24  can be printed by any suitable method such as, for example, pad printing. It is noted that the indicia or message  24  can alternatively be provided in any other suitable manner. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a decorative and/or promotional article or accessory  80  according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated accessory  80  is removably secured to the brim or bill  82  of a hat or cap  84 . It is noted that the illustrated accessory  80  can alternatively be secured to any item having a relatively thin edge of material such as but not limited to the bill  82  of a hat or cap  84 . 
       FIGS. 24 to 26  illustrate the accessory  80  according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The accessory  80  is substantially the same as the accessory  60  according to the second embodiment described hereinabove except that a slot  86  is provided on the bottom of the body  22 . It is noted that any of the accessories according to the other illustrated embodiments can also be provided with the slot  86 . The illustrated slot  86  extends the entire length of the body  22  from the inlet  34  to the outlet  38  and extends entirely through the bottom wall from the exterior surface to the passage  32 . The illustrated slot  86  is sized and shaped to receive an edge of the brim or bill  82  so that the accessory  80  can be removably secured to a cap  84  or other suitable item. The slot  86  is preferably provided with a width that is slightly smaller than the thickness of a typical cap bill  82  so that the accessory  80  resiliently grips the bill  82  when the bill  82  inserted therein. 
     To install the accessory  80  onto a standard sized athletic cap  84 , the opposed edges forming the slot  86  are manually pulled apart to increase the width of the slot  86  and the bill  82  of the cap  84  is inserted into the slot  86 . The accessory  80  is then released and the edges resiliently snap back to grip the cap bill  82 . The accessory  80  stays securely in place at a desired location along the edge  88  of the bill  82  due to friction because of the gripping action at the slot  86 . 
     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.