Device for promoting goods and/or services of a particular entity

Abstract

A device for promoting the goods and/or services of a particular entity. The device is a hat in the form of an item of footwear having an appearance that is distinctive of the particular entity. The footwear may have indicia thereon or a shape that identifies the particular entity. The footwear may have an open bottom so that it can be positioned on the head of a user for promotional purposes.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/282626, filed on Mar. 9, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a new and improved device for promoting the goods and/or services of a particular entity and, more particularly, to such a device in a form of a hat having the appearance of an item of footwear.

2. Description of the Background Art

Many different devices have been used to promote the goods and/or services of a particular entity such as a manufacturer of wearing apparel (e.g., sports apparel) or other consumer goods, a professional or other sports team, a professional or other well-known athlete or person, or the goods and services of any other entity. Although these devices have generally served the purpose, they have been subject to one or more of the following disadvantages:

• • 1. They are poor in quality and thus do not enhance the image of the entity;
  • 2. They are not very distinctive;
  • 3. They are difficult and/or expensive to manufacture;
  • 4. They are not portable;
  • 5. They include a two-dimensional representation of a logo or indicia of the entity which does not stand out when viewed from a distance and may not be easily distinguishable from other similar devices having two-dimensional representations of a logo or indicia of a different entity.
  • 6. They do not create a unique impression for the reason that they are similar in structure and appearance to other devices for promoting the goods and/or services of an entity.

The new and improved promotional device of the present invention is not subject to the above-identified disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the new and improved device for promoting the goods and/or services of a particular entity is a hat having the appearance of an item of footwear of any type associated with the particular entity and having thereon indicia used by or associated with the entity. The indicia may be a trademark, service mark, logo, footwear shape, color scheme or any other device that identifies the goods and/or services of the entity and distinguishes them from the goods and/or services of other parties.

The hat may be of any suitable construction and/or appearance. As an illustrative example, the hat may be in the form of a sneaker or sports shoe having thereon in any suitable or desired location indicia such as a logo that is associated with the manufacturer of the sneaker or sports shoe, or a well-known athlete that wears the same or a similar sneaker or sports shoe. Also, the hat may have the same appearance as a well known sneaker or sports shoe with or without any indicia such a logo or the like.

In one embodiment, the hat is in the form of an item of footwear, such as a shoe, having an open bottom or sole area that is flexible or adjustable so that it can be positioned on the head of an individual for promotional purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, the promotional device 10 of the present invention is in the form of an item of footwear of any type such as a shoe 11, of any suitable or desired appearance and/or construction having a hollow or recessed bottom area 12 that can be placed on the head of an individual (not shown) for promotional purposes. In one embodiment, the bottom rim 13 of the shoe 11 is flexible and resilient so that it can be positioned on the head of an individual (not shown) and retained thereon for promotional purposes.

In an alternate embodiment, the bottom rim 13 may be flexible and provided with a strap or belt (not shown) or other device for tightening it and securing it on the head of an individual for promotional purposes.

Within the scope of the present invention, the promotional device 10 may be of any other desired construction so as to be mounted on the head or other body portion of a user in any other suitable manner.

The shoe 11 has a shape and/or indicia 14 in any suitable location thereon that are associated with the entity or cause to be promoted or displayed, e.g., a distinctive sports shoe or sneaker by a well known manufacturer or worn by a well known athlete. As an illustrative example, the indicia may be a trademark, service mark, logo, footwear shape, color scheme or any other suitable device that identifies the goods and/or services of the entity and distinguishes them from the goods and/or services of other parties.

From the foregoing description, it will be readily seen that the promotional device of the present invention is a new and improved three-dimensional device that is distinctive of the goods and/or services of a particular entity and thus would be readily recognized by the public or trade and associated with the particular entity when worn by an individual for promotional purposes. In view of the popularity of distinctive sports shoes, a promotional device in the form of a hat having the appearance of a popular sports shoe would provide an excellent vehicle for promoting the goods and/or services of an entity associated with the sports shoe.

The entity may be a manufacturer of wearing apparel or other consumer goods, a professional or other sports team, a professional or other well-known athlete or person, or any other well known entity.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for promoting the goods and/or services of a particular entity, comprising:

a hat in the form of an item of footwear having an appearance that is distinctive of the particular entity.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the footwear has indicia thereon that identifies the particular entity.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the footwear has a shape that identifies the particular entity.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the footwear has an open bottom so that it can be positioned on the head of a user for promotional purposes.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the open bottom is formed of a flexible material.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein the open bottom is formed of a flexible and resilient material.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein the indicia is a logo.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein the indicia is a color scheme.

9. The device of claim 2 wherein the indicia is a mark.

10. The device of claim 2 wherein the indicia is a construction feature of the footwear.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the footwear is a sports shoe or sneaker.