Instep bracelet

Abstract

The invention discloses an instep bracelet to enhance the beauty of the foot and provide an enchanting addition to footwear and a method of accessorizing one's foot using this instep bracelet. This unique accessory item comprises a flexible member having a predetermined length capable of encircling the instep portion of a one's foot. Joining members are located at the ends of the flexible member for joining the flexible member about the wearer's foot and retaining the flexible member in place. Alternatively, the flexible member can be formed from an elasticized material that can be stretched over the foot. Decorative members can be either attached to and/or integrally formed with the flexible member for providing a decorative accessory for one's foot.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/717,889, filed Sep. 16, 2006

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to an accessory for enhancing one's foot and, more particularly, to a bracelet which is to be positioned about the instep of one's foot for enhancing the beauty of one's foot and providing an accent to a wearer's clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Jewelry for the foot, ankle, and toe(s) has long been a known means for enhancing the appearance of one's foot. Many enjoy the freedom and relaxation of going barefoot, especially during warm weather months. For those, ankle and foot jewelry is a wonderful way to accent any outfit and perhaps show off a lovely pedicure. Consumers have long worn the same look of an ankle bracelet. Other decorative devices have been developed for the foot, ankle, and leg. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,940 shows a toe ring base and ornamental toe ring. U.S. Pat. No. 3,656,244 to Andrade and U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,710 to Moore show foot jewelry, which comprises a loop portion that engages over the toe of the wearer, a loop portion, which encircles the angle of the wearer, and a decorative piece, which extends over the upper portion of the foot. U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,448 to Williamson et al discloses a leg ornamentation device comprising an upper loop portion, which encircles the leg of the wearer, a bottom loop that encircles the ankle of the wearer, and decorative members between the upper and lower loops.

Consumers are constantly searching for new and unique accessories that can decorate portions of their body. For those who often go barefoot and/or wear sandals, new items that enhance a wearer's foot are in high demand. The present invention provides an innovative alternative to standard foot and ankle jewelry, offering a distinctive style to trendsetters everywhere.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a stylish and unique accessory for enhancing the instep portion of one's foot.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a foot accessory which is an innovative alternative to standard foot and ankle jewelry.

It is still yet another object of the invention to provide foot accessory, which can be a cost-effective means to accent a particular outfit while enhancing the beauty of one's foot.

It is another object of the invention to provide a unique method for accessorizing one's foot.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method of accenting a particular outfit by accenting one's foot decorations accordingly.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in accordance with the forgoing objects, the invention comprises an instep bracelet to enhance the beauty of the foot and provide an enchanting addition to footwear. This unique accessory item comprises a flexible member having a predetermined length capable of encircling the instep portion of a one's foot. Joining means are located at the ends of the flexible member for joining the flexible member about the wearer's foot and retaining the flexible member in place. Alternatively, the flexible member can be formed from an elasticized material that can be stretched over the foot. Decorative members can be either attached to and/or integrally formed with the flexible member for providing a decorative accessory for one's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the foot accessory of the invention placed about the instep portion of a wearer's bare foot.

FIG. 1B shows the foot accessory of FIG. 1A positioned across the bottom portion of a wearer's bare foot.

FIG. 2 shows the foot accessory of the invention worn on a foot in cooperation with a shoe.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative design of the foot accessory of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows examples of a variety of charms and encircling members for use with the foot accessory of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the invention in detail, the reader is advised that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components having identical functions have been marked where possible with the same reference numerals in each of the Figures provided in this document.

Now reference is made to the Figures that show a decorative accessory and a method of accessorizing one's foot comprising an accessory, generally indicated as 10, to be worn about the instep of one's foot 12. This accessory comprises a flexible member 14 having a predetermined length capable of encircling the instep portion 16 of a one's foot 12. The flexible member 14 has a first end 18 and a second end 20, as shown in FIG. 4.

A joining means, generally indicated as 22, is located at the first 18 and second ends 20 of the flexible member 14 for joining this flexible member 14 about the foot 12 and retaining the flexible member 14 in place. The joining means 22 can comprise a clasping member having a male portion 24 located at the first end 18 of the flexible member 14 and a female portion 26 located at the second end of the flexible member 14. Alternatively, the flexible member 14 may be formed from an elastic material or, include an elastic portion, which is integrally joined at the first 18 and second end 20 such that the elastic material is capable of stretching to fit about the instep of one's foot.

A decorative means is one of attached to and/or integrally formed with said flexible member 14 for providing a decorative accessory for one's foot. This decorative means can be one or a plurality of charms, precious stones, semi-precious stones, non-precious stones, beads and/or bows 28 or any other well known decorative member that can be threaded onto the flexible member 14. Alternatively, the decorative means can be the flexible member alone wherein this flexible member 14 is formed from a decorative material such as a decorative chain 30 formed from silver, gold, brass, and the like. This decorative chain can have any variety of shapes, styles, and components. This chain also can be imbedded with a variety of stones, beads, and the like. An alternative to a decorative chain can be a decorative elastic or even a non-elastic material 31 having a plurality of decorative colors and/or styles. An even further alternative is to formed the flexible member 14 from a waterproof material such as rubber or plastic, so that is can be worn on the beach or in the swimming pool. The choices and combinations of styles and materials are limitless.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for the comfort of the wearer, the flexible member 14 is provided with a first portion 32 and a second portion 34. The first portion 32 is positioned on the top of one's foot 12. This first portion 32 contains any decorative member 28 so that it is positioned at the top of the wearer's foot. The second portion 34 is positioned on the bottom of one's foot 12 and preferably does not include any decorative material that would cause discomfort to the wearer. This accessory can even be designed such that the second portion 34 is formed from a thinner material than the first portion 32 and/or formed from a cushioned material to enhance the user's comfort. Depending upon the amount of arch in a particular user's foot, the thickness and/or shape of the second portion 34 of the flexible member 14 can vary to achieve a desired comfort level.

The instep bracelet of the invention can come in a variety of sizes, styles, and shapes to accommodate a consumer's need. The bracelet can be sold as a single unit or as a pair of matching bracelets so that one may be worn on each foot. This accessory is acceptable for wear at the beach, matching one's swimsuit, at the office, or even with formal attire. The design choices are limitless and can be customized as needed to coordinate with a particular outfit. Women, men, and children alike can wear this unique accessory. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this bracelet can be worn with shoes or, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, without shoes to enhance one's foot.

Claims

1. A decorative accessory to be worn about the instep of one's foot, said accessory comprising:

(a) a flexible member having a predetermined length capable of encircling the instep portion of one's foot, said flexible member having a first end and a second end;

(b) joining means located at said first and second ends of said flexible member for joining said flexible member about such foot and retaining said flexible member in place;

(c) decorative means one of attached to and integrally formed with said flexible member for providing a decorative accessory for one's foot.

2. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 1 wherein said joining means comprises a clasping member having a male portion located at said first end of said flexible member and a female portion located at said second end of said flexible member.

3. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible member is formed from an elastic material integrally joined at said first and second end, said elastic material capable of stretching to fit about the instep of one's foot.

4. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible member is formed from a decorative material.

5. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 4 wherein said decorative material comprises a decorative chain formed from one of brass, silver, gold, and a combination of metal materials.

6. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 4 wherein said decorative material comprises an elastic material formed from one of a plurality of decorative colors and styles.

7. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 1 wherein said decorative means comprises precious stones, semi-precious stones, non-precious stones and/or a combination of stones.

8. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 1 wherein said decorative means comprises charms, beads, and/or bows.

9. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 1 wherein said flexible member has a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being positioned on the top of one's foot and said second portion being positioned on the bottom of one's foot.

10. A decorative accessory as recited in claim 9 wherein said decorative means is positioned on said first portion of said flexible member.

11. A method of accessorizing one's foot, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a flexible member having a predetermined length capable of encircling the instep portion of a one's foot, said flexible member having a first end and a second end;

(b) joining said first and second end of said flexible member about the instep portion of one's foot such that said flexible member remains in place; and

(c) providing decorative members one of attached to and integrally formed with said flexible member for providing a decorative accessory for one's foot.

12. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 11, wherein said step of joining said first and second ends of said flexible member comprises providing a clasping member having a male portion located at said first end of said flexible member and a female portion located at said second end of said flexible member and joining said male and female portions together.

13. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 11, wherein said flexible member is formed from an elastic material integrally joined at said first and second end and wherein said elastic material is capable of stretching to fit about the instep of one's foot.

14. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 11 wherein said flexible member is formed from a decorative material.

15. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 14 wherein said decorative material comprises a decorative chain formed from one of brass, silver, gold, and a combination of metal materials.

16. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 14 wherein said decorative material comprises an elastic material formed from one of a plurality of decorative colors and styles.

17. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 11, wherein said decorative member comprises precious stones, semi-precious stones, non-precious stones and/or a combination of stones.

18. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 11 wherein said decorative member comprises charms, beads, and/or bows.

19. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 11 wherein said flexible member has a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being positioned on the top of one's foot and said second portion being positioned on the bottom of one's foot.

20. A method of accessorizing one's foot, as recited in claim 11 wherein said decorative member is positioned on said first portion of said flexible member.