SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURING ACCESSORIES TO CLOTHING

Abstract

A device for attachment to the strap of a shoe to provide personalization and ornamental features to the shoe. The device includes a band or cover that includes the ornamental features or to which an ornamental device can be attached. The band or cover is attached to the strap of the shoe in a variety of manners including expandable loops attached to each end of the strap, being constructed in a tubular manner and slid over the strap, or being attached to the strap with loops and being expandable to create tension.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional application being filed under 35 U.S.C. 111 and claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application for Patent filed on Oct. 30, 2007 and assigned Ser. No. 60/983,920—which application is hereby incorporated by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objections to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for securing accessories to clothes. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for securing an accessory band, a system for securing an accessory strap item to shoes, and a system for an accessory shoe strap cover.

Clothing manufacturers are manufacturing shoes that are made of an open backed molded body with a separate molded pivoting strap that is secured to the main body of the shoe with a plastic shaft. One example of a manufacturer of this shoe type is CROCS, located in Boulder, Colo. Examples of this type of shoe are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Accessorizing these molded shoes has presented a significant challenge because of the difficulty in developing an expandable, secure, durable, child safe, and weatherproof system that is compatible with the shoes many sizes and age groups, as well as their intended active outdoor use.

It is thus apparent that there is a need for an improved system and method for securing accessories to shoes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments of the various features, aspects and embodiments of the present invention that are shown in the drawings are summarized below. It is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to one particular system or shoe type and that the embodiments presented herein are presented as non-limiting examples. One skilled in the art can recognize that there are numerous modifications, equivalents, and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the claims.

The present invention can provide a system and method for securing accessories to clothing. One embodiment includes a first system for attaching an accessory band to a shoe. The system includes an accessory band terminated on each end with a closure strip that secures the accessory band to tensioned expandable accessory band connectors. The accessory band connectors on each side are secured to the shoe by placing both in tension against the pivoting connection point between the shoe body and shoe strap where these are connected with a plastic shaft. As a result, the accessory band is secured against and on top of the shoe's strap.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a second system for attaching an accessory band to a shoe. The system includes an accessory band with an interchangeable face terminated on each end with a closure strip that secures the accessory band to tensioned expandable accessory band connectors. The accessory band connectors on each side are secured to the shoe by placing both in tension against the pivoting connection point between the shoe body and shoe strap where these are connected with a plastic shaft. As a result, the accessory band is secured against and on top of the shoe's strap.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a third system for attaching an accessory band to a shoe. The system includes an accessory band that is directly secured to the accessory band and to the tensioned expandable accessory band connector. The accessory band connector on each side is secured to the shoe by placing both in tension against and between the shoes pivoting connection points where the shoe body and shoe strap are connected with a plastic shaft. As a result, the accessory band is secured against and on top of the shoe's strap.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a fourth system for attaching an accessory band to a shoe. The system comprises of an adjustable VELCRO backed accessory band which, when folded back upon itself on both accessory band ends creates a VELCRO bond of the back flap to the front face, thusly wrapping and securing the band connectors which are held in tension against and between the shoes' pivoting connection at the point where the shoe body and shoe strap are connected with a plastic shaft. As a result, the accessory band is secured against and on top of the shoe's strap.

The various embodiments, features and/or aspects of the present invention can provide a system and method for securing accessories to clothing. One embodiment of the present invention is a system for securing an accessory item to a shoe. The system includes an accessory item, secured to a tensioned expandable accessory item connector. The accessory item connector is secured on each side of the shoe by placing both in tension against and between the shoes pivoting connection at the point where the shoe body and shoe strap are connected with a plastic shaft. As a result, the accessory item is secured against and on top of the shoe's strap.

The various embodiments, features and/or aspects of the present invention can provide another system and method for securing accessories to clothing. Another embodiment of the present invention is a system for securing an accessory item to a shoe. The system includes a shoe strap tubular cover, covering the shoe strap by removing one side of the strap at the point where the shoe body and shoe strap are secured with a pivoting connector. Further, the shoe strap is fed inside of the tubular shoe strap cover and the shoe strap is reattached to the shoe body with the shoe connector. As a result, the shoe strap is covered by an accessory shoe strap cover. These and other embodiments are described in more detail herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a molded shoe body with a molded strap and pivoting connector.

FIG. 2 illustrated the pivot connection between the molded shoe body and the molded shoe strap.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for attaching an accessory shoe band to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the FIG. 3 detailed connection system of the accessory shoe band to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates another FIG. 3 detailed connection system of the accessory shoe band to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a system for attaching an accessory shoe band with an interchangeable face to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a system for attaching an accessory shoe strap item to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the FIG. 5 detailed connection of the accessory shoe strap item to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates another system for attaching an accessory shoe band to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the FIG. 7 detailed connection of the accessory shoe band to a shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A illustrates another FIG. 7 detailed connection of the accessory shoe band to the shoe, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a system for attaching an accessory shoe strap cover, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a detailed illustration the FIG. 9 system for attaching an accessory shoe strap cover, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as well as features and aspects thereof, is directed towards providing an accessory for shoes. In general, an embodiment of the present invention includes a strap, attachment, accessory, strap cover or strap ornament that can be attached to or supplant an existing strap of an item of clothing, such as a shoe. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards accessorizing plastic molded shoes such as those manufactured and sold under the name of CROCS and other similar types of shoes.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like labels and references refer to like parts through the various figures, various aspects, features and embodiments of the present invention will be described to provide an understanding of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a shoe type with a molded shoe body 100, molded shoe strap 200, and plastic or other type of connectors 300L and 300R, which secure the shoe strap 200 to the shoe body 100. Throughout this description and the drawings, the numeric references or labels XXX may include a designator such as “L” or “R”, or “A” or “B” to distinguish like elements that appear in two or more locations on a drawing. However, the items may be referred to simply by the numeric representation XXX, in which case the description is to apply to each of the items appearing in the drawing. In the description, the above-identified designations will only be used if a particular distinguishing feature of one particular item is being high-lighted. FIG. 2 illustrates the location of connector 300L which includes an exterior stop or button 310L, an interior stop 320L and a connector shaft 350L that is adjoined to an underside surface of the exterior stop 310L and an upper surface of the interior stop 320L. When the connector shaft 350L extends through a void in the shoe strap 200 to the shoe body 100 as illustrated, the connector 300L operates to secure an end of the strap 200 to the shoe 100. It will be understood that the molded shoe presented in FIGS. 1 and 2 are presented for the purpose of providing an environment in which various embodiments, features and aspects of the present invention can be deployed and as such, the environment is a tool to help understand the various embodiments, features and aspects of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the environment can be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, in FIGS. 3 to 9A, and as described herein, the molded shoe body 100, molded strap 200, the plastic connectors 300 and connector shaft 350, are shown for illustrative purposes only. In other embodiments, the shoe may be of a type other than a molded shoe.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 illustrate a system including elements 500 and 600 for attaching an accessory band 400 to clothing in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the expandable system 600 is secured in tension on both sides between the molded shoe body 100 and the molded shoe strap 200 at the point where these connect at the shoes' connector 300. System 600 is coupled, connected or looped through system 500 which in turn is coupled to the accessory band 400 and these together are held in tension against and on top of the molded shoe strap 200. A portion of the expandable system 600 (namely 600La and 600Ra) is shown as a dotted line to illustrate the flexible connector location between the molded strap 200 and the molded shoe body 100. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, an accessory is illustrated that includes a cover 400 that covers all or a portion of the shoe strap 200 and provides a surface facing out from the shoe strap 200 which can be decorated, receive ornaments or includes a design. The cover or band 400 is shown as having a bracket, clasp or loop 500 which is mounted on both sides of the cover or band 400 leaving a slight gap defined by the interior of the bracket, clasp or loop 500 and one end of the band 400. The bracket, clasp or loop 500 can take on a variety of forms in various embodiments. For instance, the bracket clasp or loop 500 may be a metallic plate or strip that is folded over and then secured to the band 400 by a variety of means including snaps, pins, staples, or flanges depending from the inside surface of the clasp and penetrating into the band 400, stitching, etc. In addition, the clasp of loop may be a flexible material such as cloth, plastic, rubber, silicon, etc, that can be folded over and attached to the band similarly as described above. The expandable system 600, which can take on a variety of forms such as a rubber band, elastic loop, cloth-covered elastic loop, spring, hybrid of any of these materials or others with a non-elastic piece, etc., is shown as a creating a loop. The expandable system or loop 600 is fed through the gap formed by clasp or loop 500 and the band 400. The loop 600 can then be slid between the shoe strap 200 and the shoe 100 where it rests against connector 300 or the pin 350. By including this structure on both sides of the accessory, the accessory can be held in place over the shoe strap 200 by tension applied at least by the loops 600R and 600L.

FIG. 4B illustrates a system including elements 500 and 600 for attaching accessory band with interchangeable face 425 to clothing in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4B, the expandable system 600 is secured in tension on both sides between the molded shoe body 100 and the molded shoe strap 200 at the point where these connect at the shoes' connector 300. System 600 is coupled, connected or looped through system 500 which is coupled to accessory band 400. Accessory band 400 receives the interchangeable face 425. These together are held in tension against and on top of the molded shoe strap 200. The expandable system 600 is shown as a dotted line at 600La to illustrate the flexible connector location between the molded strap 200 and the molded shoe body 100. The interchangeable face 425 can be held in place to an underlying strap by a variety of means, including hooks and loops, snaps, stitches, magnets, buttons, tie strings, etc. In addition the system 500 may include a clamp that can be opened and closed over the interchangeable face 425, similar to a clamp used for suspenders, and as such, the interchangeable faces can be secured to the system 500. Similarly, the interchangeable faces may otherwise fasten to the system 500 by means such as, but not limited to, hooks and loops, snaps, buttons, tie strings, magnets, etc.

FIG. 4A illustrates a system including element 600 for attaching accessory band 450 to clothing in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4A, the expandable system 600 is secured in tension on both sides between the molded shoe body 100 and the molded shoe strap 200 at the point where these connect by way of the shoes' connector 300. The accessory band 450 is illustrated as including or defining a bore 452L that extends through the accessory band 450 near the end of the accessory band. The bore 452L is shown as extending laterally through the band 450, substantially parallel to and near the end 454L of the band 450. This is similarly structured on the other end of accessory band 450. System 600 is connected directly to the accessory band 450 by extending through the bore 452L over portion 600Lb and these together are held in tension against and on top of the molded shoe strap 200. The expandable system 600 is shown as a dotted line at 600La to illustrate the flexible accessory connector location between the molded shoe strap 200 and the molded shoe body 100.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate a system including elements 850 and 900 for attaching a VELCRO or other similar hooks and loops backed or otherwise connectable adjustable accessory shoe band 850 whereby this band is fed thru the accessory connector system 900 and is folded back onto itself and attached or secured to the back or underside. For instance, a VELCRO bond can thus secure the shoe band 850 to accessory connector system 900 which is held in tension on both sides between the molded shoe body 100 and the molded shoe strap 200 at the point where these connect by way of the shoes' connector shaft 300. Other similar mechanism can also be used such as snaps, buttons, cuff-link type connectors, JIBBITZ type devices, straps, buckles, hook with holes, stitching, staples, rivets, etc. System 850 and 900 are together are held in tension against and on top of the molded shoe strap 200. A portion of connector system 900 is shown as a dotted line 900a to illustrate the connector location between the molded shoe strap 200 and the molded shoe body 100.

FIG. 8A illustrate a system 860 and 950 for attaching a VELCRO or similar material backed or otherwise connectable expandable accessory shoe band 860. In such an embodiment, the expandable accessory shoe band 860 can be made from elastic or a similarly expandable material including rubber, silicon, or a hybrid of fiber and expandable material. The expandable accessory band 860 is fed thru the accessory connector system 950 and is folded back onto itself and attached or secured to the back or underside. As such, the expandable band 860 is secured to the accessory connector system 950. Accessory connector system 950 is held and secured in tension on both sides against and between the shoes' connector button 300 and connector shaft 350. System 860 and 950 together are held in tension against and on top of the molded shoe strap 200. A portion of connector system 950 is shown as a dotted line to illustrate the connector location between the molded shoe strap 200 and the shoe connector face 300 and/or shoe connector shaft 350.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a system including elements 650 and 700 for attaching accessory shoe strap item 800 to clothing in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the accessory expandable connector system 650 is secured on two sides in tension between and against the molded shoe body 100 and the molded shoe strap 200 at the point where these items are connected with the shoes' connector 300. Expandable system 650 with a system 700 control device is connected to accessory item 800, whereby these together are secured in tension against and on top of the molded shoe strap 200. More specifically, element 700 operates as a sleeve that holds the elastic bands 650 together to prevent them from separating. If they separate, the elastic bands 650 may end to slide or fall to either side of the strap and become loose. A portion 650a and 650b of the expandable system 650 is shown as a dotted line to illustrate the expandable system beneath or embedded within the strap item 800 and the location between the molded shoe strap 200 and the molded shoe body 100 respectively.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 9A illustrate a system including cover 1000 for attaching as an accessory item over a shoe strap or other clothing in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 9 and FIG. 9A, the shoe strap tubular cover 1000, covers the shoe strap 200. The shoe strap tubular cover 1000 is placed over the shoe strap 200 by removing or disconnecting one side of the strap 200, at the point where the shoe body 100 and shoe strap 200 are secured with a pivoting connector 300. Once one side of the shoe strap 200 is disconnected, it can be fed inside of the tubular shoe strap cover 1000 and the shoe strap 200 can be reattached to the shoe body 100 with the shoe connector 300. Thus, the shoe strap 200 is covered by an accessory shoe strap cover 1000. In the figures, the shoe strap 200 is shown with dotted lines 200a over the portion in which it is inside the tubular cover 1000. Similarly, rather than a tubular shoe strap cover, another embodiment of the present invention may include a flat piece of material that can be wrapped around the strap 200 and secured in place by a variety of means, including but not limited to, hooks and loops, snaps, friction, stitches, ties, rubber bands, pins, etc. In addition, the tubular cover does not have to run the full length. For instance, the cover may include tubular loops at either end of the cover and may include one or more additional loops along the length of the cover.

In conclusion, the present invention provides, among other things, a system and method for securing accessories to shoes. Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made to the invention, its use and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as expressed in the claims.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise”, “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of the present invention that are described and embodiments of the present invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An accessory that is attachable to a shoe strap, wherein the shoe strap is pivotally coupled to opposing sides of a shoe with connectors, the accessory comprising:

a cover including an ornamental surface that can cover at least a portion of the shoe strap; and

a means for securing the cover to the shoe strap.

2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cover includes:

a band;

a first clasp attached to a first end of the band and a second clasp attached to a second end of the band, the first clasp and the first end of the band defining a first gap and the second clasp and second end of the band defining a second gap;

a first expandable loop extending through the first gap and a second expandable loop extending through the second gap.

3. The accessory of claim 2, wherein the accessory can be attached to the shoe by placing the first expandable loop under a first side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the first side of the shoe and between the shoe strap and the shoe, and by placing the second expandable loop under a second side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the second side of the shoe and between the shoe strap and the shoe.

4. The accessory of claim 2, wherein the band further comprises:

a first portion that is attached to the first clasp and the second clasp, and

an ornamental portion that is attachable over the first portion.

5. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the ornamental portion includes a front side and a back side and the band includes an exterior surface, and wherein the exterior surface of the band and the back side of the ornamental portion are attachable using a hook and loop structure.

6. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cover includes:

a band with a first bore extending laterally through a first end of the band substantially parallel to and near the first end and a second bore extending laterally through a second end of the band substantially parallel to and near the second end;

a first expandable loop extending through the first bore and a second expandable loop extending through the second bore.

7. The accessory of claim 6, wherein the band further comprises:

a first portion that receives the first expandable loop and the second expandable loop, and

an ornamental portion that is attachable over the first portion.

8. The accessory of claim 4, wherein the ornamental portion includes a front side and a back side and the band includes an exterior surface, and wherein the exterior surface of the band and the back side of the ornamental portion are attachable using a hooks and loops structure.

9. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cover includes:

a band; and

a first expandable loop and a second expandable loop;

and wherein a first end of the band is extended through the first expandable loop and folded back underneath the band and the second end of the band is extended through the second expandable loop and folded back underneath the band.

10. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the first end and the second end are secured underneath the band by a hooks and loops structure.

11. The accessory of claim 10, wherein the band further comprises:

a first portion that is attached to the first expandable loop and the second expandable loop, and

an ornamental portion that is removeably attachable over the first portion to allow for interchangeable ornaments.

12. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cover includes:

an expandable band; and

a first loop and a second loop;

and wherein a first end of the expandable band is extended through the first loop and folded back underneath the expandable band and the second end of the expandable band is extended through the second loop and folded back underneath the band.

13. The accessory of claim 12, wherein the accessory can be attached to the shoe by placing the first loop under the button of the connector on a first side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the first side of the shoe and between the connector button and the shoe strap, and by placing the second loop under the button of the connector on a second side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the second side of the shoe and between the connector button and the shoe strap.

14. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a tubular shape and the means for securing the cover to the shoe strap further comprises disconnecting one end of the shoe strap from the shoe, sliding the cover over the shoe strap and securing the shoe strap back to the shoe.

15. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a loop on each end and the means for securing the cover to the shoe strap further comprises disconnecting one end of the shoe strap from the shoe, shoe strap through the loops on each end of the cover and securing the shoe strap back to the shoe.

16. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises a flat material that can be folded into a tubular shape and secured together and the means for securing the cover to the shoe strap further comprises folding the flat material into a tubular shape around the shoe strap and securing the flat material together.

17. The accessory of claim 16, wherein the flat material is secured together using a hooks and loops structure.

18. A device that is attachable to a shoe strap, wherein the shoe strap is pivotally coupled to opposing sides of a shoe with connectors, the device comprising:

a cover including an ornamental surface that can cover at least a portion of the shoe strap;

a first expandable loop and a second expandable loop coupled respectively to a first end and a second end of the cover, wherein the first expandable loop and the second expandable look can be attached to the shoe by placing the first expandable loop under a first side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the first side of the shoe and between the shoe strap and the shoe, and by placing the second expandable loop under a second side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the second side of the shoe and between the shoe strap and the shoe.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the first expandable loop and the second expandable loop are coupled to the cover by being directly attached to the cover.

20. A decorative device that is attachable to a shoe strap, wherein the shoe strap is pivotally coupled to opposing sides of a shoe with connectors, the device comprising:

a cover including an ornamental surface that can cover at least a portion of the shoe strap;

a first expandable loop and a second expandable loop coupled respectively to a first end and a second end of the cover by extending a portion of the cover through the loop can securing it back to the cover, wherein the first expandable loop and the second expandable look can be attached to the shoe by placing the first expandable loop under a first side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the first side of the shoe and between the shoe strap and the shoe, and by placing the second expandable loop under a second side of the shoe strap so that it rests against the connector on the second side of the shoe and between the shoe strap and the shoe and creates tension to hold the cover against the shoe strap.