Abstract:
The present invention relates to an ornamental shoelace accessory for decorating shoes and sneakers Ornaments and charms can be securely and removably attached to the shoelace tip while has been adapted to receive the removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. The accessory device of the present invention enables the removable and interchangeable charms to be also added to a standard shoelace.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a shoelace with tips adapted for the attachment of removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. The present invention also relates to a shoelace accessory device, independent from a shoelace, having removable and interchangeable charms and ornaments. The accessory device is added to a shoelace, at various locations other than the tips, for decorative purposes by the user. 
         [0002]    Various devices for attaching decorative articles to shoelaces are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,961,727 discloses a shoelace with hollow ornamental balls removably mounted on the tips of the shoelace. This patent, however, does not provide for interchangeability of the ornamental balls with other decorative items. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,132 discloses an adapter device having a decorative article, such as a light stick which attaches to a shoelace tip. While the adaptor can be changed, they are only held in place by friction and can easily fall off the shoelace. Both previous devices are attached to the shoelace tip by friction, which is not extremely secure and increases the chance that the entire device will disengage from the shoelace tip. Furthermore, the user must install these devices to the shoelace tip, thereby raising issues of user operability. 
         [0003]    Therefore, the present invention proceeds upon the desirability of providing ornamental shoelace tips and accessories that are secure and easy to use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The object of the present invention is to provide decoration and adornment of shoes and sneakers which provides the most flexibility for the user (i.e., a new interchangeable/removable mechanism that is easy to operate), while securely attaching decorative charms and the like to prevent loss and/or damage. The present invention also provides a system of interchangeability which minimizes the aesthetic impact of the interchangeable mechanism (i.e., hidden from ordinary view) and is easy for an average person to use. All charms and ornaments are removable and interchangeable. 
         [0005]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoelace comprises at least one connector tip, which permits charms and other ornaments to be securely and removably attached to the ends of the shoelace. 
         [0006]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoelace accessory device permits such charms and ornaments to be securely and removably attached to a shoelace at various locations other than the tips. 
         [0007]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoelace comprises at least one connector tip, the connector tip is preferably a rigid cylindrical structure having first and second members. The first member of the connector tip is securely held in place on the shoelace by a suitable fastening means. The diameter of the connector tip is small enough to pass through the eyelets of shoes and sneakers. Preferably, the diameter of the connector tip is from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first member of the connector tip is attached to the second member of the connector tip by a fitting mechanism. Preferably the fitting mechanism of the connector tip is an interlocking clasp, with the first member and the second member having compatible male and female parts. Preferably, the first and second members are constructed of the same material and have the same diameter, so that when the fitting mechanisms are engaged, the unit appears as one complete cylinder. In an embodiment of the present invention, the second member is a cap. The cap provides for ease of lacing shoes and sneakers and can be easily removed and replaced with an ornament or charm. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second member is a charm or ornament (having a fitting mechanism compatible with the first member) and is attached to the first member in place of the cap, the charms and ornaments being releasable and interchangeable. Preferably, the fitting mechanism is an interlocking clasp, with the first and second members having compatible male and female parts. When a user wishes to decorate her shoe or sneaker, the user takes a charm or ornament of her choice and places the fitting mechanisms of the first member and the charm or ornament together (second member), and engages the fitting mechanisms to form a secure fit. For removal or changing of the charm or ornament, the user simply disengages the fitting mechanisms. 
         [0009]    It is possible that, at some point, a user may not want to attach a charm or decorative ornament to the tips of the shoelace. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cap described herein can be easily re-attached to the first member of the connector tip. 
         [0010]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a removable shoelace accessory device is provided to attach charms and ornaments to a shoelace at various locations other than the tips. The shoelace accessory device is a small, hollow cylindrical structure that is open at both ends and has a diameter large enough for a shoelace to pass through. At the center of the shoelace accessory device is a fitting mechanism to which a charm or ornament (having a compatible fitting mechanism) can be securely and removably attached, said charms and ornaments being releasable and interchangeable. Preferably, the fitting mechanism is an interlocking clasp, with the shoelace accessory device and the charm or ornament having compatible male and female parts. Preferably, the shoelace accessory device has a length from about 0.25 inches to about 1 inch, and has a diameter from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. A user threads a shoelace through the cylinder of the shoelace accessory device when lacing a shoe or sneaker. Hence, the shoelace accessory device of the present invention remains secure on the shoelace. Then, the user selects a charm or ornament of his/her choice, places the fitting mechanisms of the shoelace accessory device and the charm or ornament together, and engages the fitting mechanisms to form a secure fit. For removal or changing of the charm or ornament, the user simply disengages the fitting mechanisms. 
         [0011]    If a user does not want the shoe or sneaker decorated, she can simply unlace the shoe or sneaker, slide the shoelace accessory device of the present invention off of the shoelace, and re-lace the shoe or sneaker. In the alternative, the shoelace accessory device of the present invention can remain in place, and the user can attach a small cap (as previously described herein) to the fitting mechanism of the shoelace accessory device of the present invention. 
         [0012]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoelace comprises at least one connector tip for attaching charms or ornaments and a shoelace accessory device for attaching charms or ornaments at various locations on the shoelace, other than the tips. 
         [0013]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector tips, shoelace accessory device and the fitting mechanisms thereof can be constructed of any durable material such as plastic, metal, etc. Various charms and ornaments are contemplated, including, but not limited to, shapes (flowers, footballs, baseballs, etc.), characters, and rhinestones. Such charms and ornaments are removable and interchangeable, and preferably but not necessarily constructed of the same material as the connector tips and/or accessory device. Preferably, the charms and ornaments are interchangeable between the connector tip of the shoelace and the shoelace accessory device, thereby allowing a user to maximize decorative possibilities in a cost effective manner. 
         [0014]    Various other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The following detailed description, given by way of example, and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0016]      FIGS. 1A-1D  depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory device comprising a coupler that fits into a plug to connect a decorative article in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2A-B  depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory device comprising a clip-type fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3A-E  depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory device comprising a channel/notch/peg fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4A-B  depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory device comprising a clasp ring fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 5A-D  depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory device comprising a magnetic coupler and plug in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6A-D  depict a shoelace tip and a shoelace accessory device comprising a spring-type fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  depicts a shoelace accessory device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]      FIGS. 1A-D  depict an exemplary embodiment of the shoelace tip and removable shoelace accessory device of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  shows a first member  100  of the interlocking clasp fitting mechanism. First member  100  comprises a housing  101  having an open end  102 , which receives the end of a shoelace, and a closed end  103 . Attached to closed end  103  is coupler  104  having a rounded bulb end  105 . Second member  200 , shown in  FIG. 1B , comprises a housing  201  having a plug  202 . Plug  202  has a channel  203  for removably receiving coupler  104  of first member  100 . Plug  202  is preferably made of silicone, but can be any similar flexible material, and is smaller than the length of housing  201  such that there is an open space  204  in housing  201 . Housing  201  also has means  205  for removably attaching a charm or ornament to second member  200 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 1C  shows first member  100  and second member  200  joined together by the interlocking clasp fitting mechanism of the present invention. Rounded bulb end  105  prevents first member  100  from being easily separated from second member  200 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 1D  depicts the removable shoelace accessory device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first member  300  is a hollow cylinder  301  having open ends  302  and  303  and a diameter large enough for a shoelace to pass through. Coupler  304  having a rounded bulb end  305  is attached at the center of cylinder  301 . Second member  200  is the same as described herein with respect to  FIG. 1B . 
         [0026]      FIGS. 2A-B  depict the removable shoelace tip and accessory device comprising a clip-type interlocking clasp fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  shows the removable shoelace accessory device and  FIG. 2B  shows the shoelace tip. First members  100  or  300  have clip  106  which removably fastens to clip receiver  206  of second member  200 . Preferably, the terminal end of the clip  106  is inserted into the clip receiver  206  and folded back onto the clip  106 , thereby securely fastening the second member to the first members  100  or  300 . That is, the clip receiver  206  is preferably rectangular in shape with a rectangular hole in the middle. 
         [0027]    The removable shoelace tip and accessory device comprising an interlocking clasp fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 3A-E .  FIG. 3A  shows a first member  100  of the interlocking clasp fitting mechanism. First member  100  comprises housing  101  having an open end  102 , which receives the end of a shoelace, and a second open end  113 . At second open end  113 , housing  101  has channel  110  and notch  120  cut into the side of housing  101 . Second member  200 , shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , comprises a housing  201  having peg  210  on one side. Peg  210  removably slides into channel  110  of housing  101 , and second member  200  fits into second open end  103  of housing  101  of first member  100 . Once peg  210  meets notch  120 , first member  100  is turned so that peg  210  slides into notch  120 , thereby locking first member  100  and second member  200  together. Housing  201  also has means  205  for removably attaching a charm or ornament to second member  200 .  FIG. 3D  shows first member  100  and second member  200  joined together by the interlocking clasp fitting mechanism. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3E  depicts the removable shoelace accessory device comprising an interlocking clasp fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. First member  300  is a hollow cylinder  301  having open ends  302  and  303  and a diameter large enough for a shoelace to pass through. At the center of cylinder  301  is coupler  304  having channel  110  and notch  120  cut into one side. Second member  200  is the same as described herein with respect to  FIGS. 3A-D . First member  300  and second member  200  fit together in the same manner as discussed above. 
         [0029]    The removable shoelace tip and accessory device comprising a clasp ring fitting mechanism in accordance an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIGS. 4A-B . The removable shoelace accessory device shown in  FIG. 4A  comprises a single integrated device  400  comprising a hollow cylinder  401  with open ends  402  and  403 , and nodule  404 . Nodule  404  has clasp ring  405  which opens and removably attaches to a charm or ornament (not shown).  FIG. 4B  depicts the shoelace tip comprising the clasp ring fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where housing  500  has an open end  501  and a closed end  502 . A shoelace is received by open end  501 , and closed end  502  has a clasp ring  405  attached thereto, which opens and removably attaches to a charm or ornament (not shown). 
         [0030]      FIGS. 5A-D  depict the removable shoelace tip and accessory device comprising a magnetic fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  shows a first member  600  of a magnetic fitting mechanism. First member  600  comprises a housing  601  having an open end  602 , which receives the end of a shoelace, and a closed end  603 . Attached to closed end  603  is coupler  604 . Closed end  603  and coupler  604  are magnetic. Second member  700 , shown in  FIG. 5B , comprises a housing  701  having a plug  702 . Plug  702  has a channel  703  for receiving coupler  604  of first member  600 . Plug  702  is smaller than the length of housing  701  such that there is an open space  704  in housing  701 . Plug  702  is also magnetic, such that when coupler  604  is received into channel  703 , the magnets engage and the first member  600  and second member  700  are magnetically joined together. That is, the magnetic plug  702  of the second member has opposite polarity from the magnetic closed end  603  and magnetic coupler  605  of the first member. Housing  701  also has means  705  for removably attaching a charm or ornament to second member  700 .  FIG. 5C  shows first member  600  and second member  700  being magnetically joined together. 
         [0031]    The removable shoelace accessory device comprising the magnetic fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in  FIG. 5D . First member  800  is a hollow cylinder  801  having open ends  802  and  803  and a diameter large enough for a shoelace to pass through. Coupler  804  is magnetic and is attached at the center of cylinder  801 . Second member  700  is the same as described herein. When coupler  804  is received into channel  703 , the magnets engage and the first member  800  and second member  700  are magnetically joined together. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6A-D  illustrate the removable shoelace tip and accessory device comprising a sprint-type fitting mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows first member  900 , comprising housing  901  with open end  902  and closed end  903 . Closed end  903  has locking member  904  attached thereto. Locking member  904  comprises two end pieces  905  with spring  906  therebetween, and parallel pins  907  on the outside portion of end pieces  905 . Second member  1000 , shown in  FIG. 6B , comprises a hollow housing  1001  having an open end  1002  and a closed end  1003  and parallel notches  1004  on the inner surface of housing  1001 , which receive pins  907  when first member  900  is inserted into second member  1000 . Spring  906  allows end pieces  905  to be squeezed, thereby allowing first member  900  to be easily inserted and removed from second member  1000 . Second member  1000  also has means  1005  for attaching a charm or ornament to second member  1000  at closed end  1003 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 6D  depicts the removable shoelace accessory device employing the fitting mechanism of  FIGS. 6A-6C . First member  1100  is a hollow cylinder  1101  having open ends  1102  and  1103  and a diameter large enough for a shoelace to pass through. Locking member  1104  is attached at the center of cylinder  1101  and comprises two end pieces  1105  with spring  1106  therebetween, and parallel pins  1107  on the outside portion of end pieces  1105 . Second member  1000  is the same as described herein with respect to  FIG. 6A-6C . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the shoelace accessory device comprises a shoe lace holder  2000  for positioning the shoelace tips of the present invention with the removable charms attached therein. The two shoelace tips of a shoelace can be inserted into the two tubes  2010  of the shoelace holder  2006  which is secured to the shoe by a clip  2020 . Preferably, the shoelace tip with only first member  100  is inserted into the two tubes  2010  and then the second member  200  with the charms or ornament attached thereto is fasten to the first member  100 . 
         [0035]    While the present invention has been particularly described with respect to the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that various alterations, modifications and adaptations may be made based on the present disclosure, and are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the embodiments discussed above, the various alternatives that have been described, and all equivalents thereto.