Patent Publication Number: US-10772383-B1

Title: Shoe ornament

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of personal and domestic articles including footwear, more specifically, an ornament without a fastening function for footwear that further comprises a ribbon. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The shoe ornament is configured for use with footwear. The shoe ornament attaches to the upper of the footwear. The shoe ornament comprises one or more straps, a plurality of fasteners, and a plurality of cufflinks. The plurality of cufflinks and the plurality of fasteners attach the one or more straps to the footwear. Each cufflink selected from the plurality of cufflinks attaches a subset of straps selected from the one or more straps to a fastener selected from the plurality of fasteners. Each of the plurality of fasteners attaches to the upper of the footwear. 
     These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the shoe ornament will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the shoe ornament in detail, it is to be understood that the shoe ornament is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the shoe ornament. 
     It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the shoe ornament. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preffered or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
     The shoe ornament  100  (hereinafter invention) is configured for use with footwear  141 . The footwear  141  is further defined with an upper  142 . The invention  100  attaches to the upper  142  of the footwear  141 . The invention  100  comprises one or more straps  101 , a plurality of fasteners  102 , and a plurality of cufflinks  103 . The plurality of cufflinks  103  and the plurality of fasteners  102  attach the one or more straps  101  to the footwear  141 . Each individual cufflink  131  selected from the plurality of cufflinks  103  attaches a subset of straps selected from the one or more straps  101  to a fastener selected from the plurality of fasteners  102 . Each of the plurality of fasteners  102  attaches to the upper  142  of the footwear  141 . 
     Each of the one or more straps  101  is a decorative element of the invention  100 . Each of the one or more straps  101  is an individual webbing  110  that is displayed on the exterior surface of the upper  142  of the footwear  141 . The one or more straps  101  comprises a collection of individual webbings  110 . Each individual webbing  110  further comprises a first buttonhole  111 , a second buttonhole  112  and decorative findings  113 . 
     The individual webbing  110  is a commercially available textile webbing. The manufacture and use of textile webbings are well known and documented in the textile arts. 
     The first buttonhole  111  is a buttonhole formed in a first end of the individual webbing  110 . The first buttonhole  111  is sized to receive an individual cufflink  131  selected from the plurality of cufflinks  103 . A first individual cufflink  131  attaches the individual webbing  110  to a first fastener selected from the plurality of fasteners  102  through the first buttonhole  111 . 
     The second buttonhole  112  is a buttonhole formed in the end of the individual webbing  110  that is distal from the first buttonhole  111 . The second buttonhole  112  is sized to receive an individual cufflink  131  selected from the plurality of cufflinks  103 . The second buttonhole  112  attaches the individual webbing  110  to a second fastener selected from the plurality of fasteners  102  through the second buttonhole  112 . A second individual cufflink  131  attaches the individual webbing  110  to a second fastener selected from the plurality of fasteners  102  through the second buttonhole  112 . 
     Each individual webbing  110  attaches to the upper  142  of the footwear  141  using both the first buttonhole  111  and the second buttonhole  112 . 
     The decorative findings  113  comprises a collection of decorative elements that are attached to the individual webbing  110 . Suitable decorative findings  113  include, but are not limited to, printed images, sequins, and costume jewelry. 
     Each of the plurality of fasteners  102  is a structure that attaches directly to the upper  142  of the footwear  141 . Each of the plurality of fasteners  102  forms an anchor point to which a subset of individual webbings  110  selected from the one or more straps  101  attach. The plurality of fasteners  102  comprises a collection of individual containment structures  121 . 
     Each individual containment structure  121  is a hollow disk structure. Each individual containment structure  121  is a prism-shaped structure. Each individual cufflink  131  selected from the plurality of cufflinks  103  attaches a subset of individual webbings  110  selected from the one or more straps  101  to the individual containment structure  121 . Each individual containment structure  121  further comprises a keyhole surface  122 , and an adhesive surface  123 . 
     The keyhole surface  122  is an end of the individual containment structure  121  that has a keyhole formed in it. The keyhole formed in the keyhole surface  122  is an aperture into which the individual cufflink  131  is inserted to attach the selected subset of individual webbings  110  to the individual containment structure  121 . 
     The adhesive surface  123  is the end of the individual containment structure  121  that is distal from the keyhole surface  122 . The adhesive surface  123  is coated with a removable adhesive. The adhesive surface  123  removably attaches the individual containment structure  121  directly to the upper  142  of the footwear  141 . 
     Each of the plurality of cufflinks  103  is a fastening device. Each of the plurality of cufflinks  103  attaches a subset of individual webbings  110  selected from the one or more straps  101  to a fastener selected from the plurality of fasteners  102 . Each of the plurality of cufflinks  103  further has a decorative function. The plurality of cufflinks  103  comprises a collection of individual cufflinks  131 . 
     The individual cufflink  131  is a fastening device used to attach a first surface to a second surface. The individual cufflink  131  inserts through a buttonhole selected from the group consisting of the first buttonhole  111  and the second buttonhole  112  before being inserted through the keyhole surface  122  of the individual containment structure  121 . Each individual cufflink  131  further comprises a decorative disk  132 , a fastening disk  133 , and an extension structure  134 . 
     The decorative disk  132  is a disk-shaped structure that is visible from the exterior of the footwear  141  when the invention  100  is in use. 
     The fastening disk  133  is a disk-shaped structure. The fastening disk  133  attaches the individual cufflink  131  to the selected individual containment structure  121 . The diameter of the fastening disk  133  is sized such that: 1) the fastening disk  133  can insert through the circular opening of the keyhole surface  122 ; and, 2) slide underneath the rectangular aperture of the keyhole surface  122 ; to, 3) attach the individual cufflink  131  to the selected individual containment structure  121 . The diameter of the fastening disk  133  is greater than the span of the narrow end of the rectangular portion of the keyhole formed in the keyhole surface  122 . 
     The extension structure  134  is a prism-shaped post that attaches the decorative disk  132  to the fastening disk  133 . The decorative disk  132  and the fastening disk  133  attach to the opposite ends of the extension structure  134 . The diameter of the extension structure  134  is sized such that the extension structure  134  fits through the rectangular opening of the keyhole surface  122 . 
     This paragraph describes the use of the invention  100 . Each adhesive surface  123  of the plurality of fasteners  102  is placed against the upper  142  of the footwear  141 . The fastening disk  133  of each of the plurality of cufflinks  103  inserts through a buttonhole of a subset of individual webbings  110  selected from the one or more straps  101 . The buttonhole is selected from the group consisting of the first buttonhole  111  and the second buttonhole  112 . The fastening disk  133  attaches the selected subset of individual webbing  110  by being inserted through the circular aperture and slid under the rectangular aperture of the keyhole surface  122  of the individual containment structure  121 . This process repeats until: 1) each buttonhole of each individual webbing  110  is attached to an individual containment structure  121 ; 2) each individual cufflink  131  is attached to an individual containment structure  121 ; and, 3) each individual containment structure  121  has an individual cufflink  131  attached to it. 
     The following definitions were used in this disclosure: 
     Adhesive: As used in this disclosure, an adhesive is a chemical substance that can be used to adhere two or more objects to each other. Types of adhesives include, but are not limited to, epoxies, polyurethanes, polyimides, or cyanoacrylates, silicone, or latex based adhesives. 
     Anchor: As used in this disclosure, anchor means to hold an object firmly or securely. 
     Anchor Point: As used in this disclosure, an anchor point is a location to which a first object can be securely attached to a second object. 
     Buttonhole: As used in this disclosure, a buttonhole refers to a slit formed in a textile. The buttonholes are used to secure two or more textiles together using a cufflink or a button. 
     Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification. 
     Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset. 
     Coating: As used in this disclosure, a coating refers to a substance applied to the exterior surface of an object such that the coating forms a new exterior surface of the object. A coating is commonly said to be formed as a layer. Paint is an example of a common coating material. 
     Cufflink: As used in this disclosure, a cufflink refers to a finding made of two disk-like objects separated by an extension structure. 
     Decorative: As used in this disclosure, decorative is an adjective that refers to a first object or item used with a second object or item to make the second object or item more attractive. Decorative will generally, but not necessarily, implies making the second object or item more attractive visually. 
     Diameter: As used in this disclosure, a diameter of an object is a straight line segment (or a radial line) that passes through the center (or center axis) of an object. The line segment of the diameter terminates at the perimeter or boundary of the object through which the line segment of the diameter runs. A radius refers to the line segment that overlays a diameter with one termination at the center of the object. A span of a radius is always one half the span of the diameter. 
     Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. 
     Extension Structure: As used in this disclosure, an extension structure is an inert physical structure that is used to extend the span of the distance between any two objects. 
     Findings: As used in this disclosure, findings are small decorative elements, fasteners, or tools for fit, function, or adjustment that are used with apparel or footwear. 
     Footwear: As used in this disclosure, footwear refers to a protective structure worn on a foot. Footwear is often referred to as a shoe. 
     Image: As used in this disclosure, an image is an optical representation or reproduction of an indicia or of the appearance of something or someone. 
     Keyhole: As used in this disclosure, a keyhole refers to an aperture formed through a surface. The keyhole has a characteristic shape of a rectangle with a circle located at the narrow end of the rectangle. The diameter of the circle is greater than the span of the narrow end of the rectangle. The keyhole is used to secure an object to the surface. Specifically, the object has a disk shape mounted on an extension structure. The diameter of the disk is less than the diameter of the circle such that the disk will insert through the circle. The diameter of the disk is greater than the span of the narrow end of the rectangle such when the disk is slid underneath the rectangle the disk will not pass through the rectangle thereby securing the object to the surface. The size of the extension structure is selected such that the extension will slide into the rectangle. Use diameter, extension structure, disk, and cylinder. 
     One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction. 
     Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder. 
     Radial: As used in this disclosure, the term radial refers to a direction that: 1) is perpendicular to an identified central axis; or, 2) projects away from a center point. 
     Removable Adhesive: As used in this disclosure, a removable adhesive is a commercially available adhesive that is designed with a lower tack, or stickiness, such that a first object is attached to a second object with a removable adhesive the first object can be readily removed in a manner that ideally, though not necessarily practically, leaves behind no adhesive residue on the second object. A repositionable adhesive is a subset of removable adhesives that are intended to allow the first object to be reattached to a third object or the second object in the initial or a different position. Within this disclosure, a removable adhesive is assumed to include repositionable adhesives. 
     Slit: As used in this disclosure, a slit is a long narrow cut or opening formed in or through an object. 
     Sole: As used in this disclosure, the sole component of footwear that forms the undersurface of the footwear and comes in contact with the ground. 
     Strap: As used in this disclosure a strap is a strip of leather, cloth, or other flexible material, often with a buckle, that is used to fasten, secure, carry, or hold onto something. 
     Strip: As used in this disclosure, the term describes a long and narrow object of uniform thickness that appears thin relative to the length of the object. Strips are often rectangular in shape. 
     Subset: As used in this disclosure, a subset refers to one or more objects selected from a previously specified set of objects. 
     Textile: As used in this disclosure, a textile is a material that is woven, knitted, braided or felted. Synonyms in common usage for this definition include fabric and cloth. 
     Upper: As used in this disclosure, the upper is the portion of footwear that is above the sole. 
     Webbing: As used in this disclosure, a webbing is strong, close woven or knitted fabric that is used for straps or belting. As used in this disclosure, webbing is a fully formed material that is only cut to length for use. Webbing is not formed by cutting broader materials into strips. 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in  FIGS. 1 through 4  include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention. 
     It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.