DECORATIVE CHARM

Abstract

A decorative charm includes a base element having a decorative top and a bottom; first and second rigid hook elements having respective extensions having first ends attached to the bottom of the base element and second extension ends angled inwardly to form hook portions; and a planar attachment element having a tapered portion and being disposed to simultaneously abut each extension to frictionally fix the extensions between the base element and the hook portions.

Description

RELATED DOCUMENTS

This is a Continuation in Part of, claims the priority benefit of, and incorporates by reference in its entirety, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/506,024, entitled “Decorative Charm,” and filed on Mar. 21, 2012 by Kathleen Kyser Van Dyne, which is related to, claims the priority benefit of, and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/465,554, entitled “Shoe Charm,” and filed on Mar. 21, 2011 by Kathleen Kyser Van Dyne.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wearable accessories, and more particularly, to decorative charms that can be worn on a person's body, shoes, garments, and other accessories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wearable accessories can be decorative items worn on a person's body or clothes, and provide decorative utility. Clothes and shoe charms can be attached to a person's clothes or shoes in myriad ways. One way includes passing a shoe string through a continuous portion of a charm, thereby securing the shoe charm to a shoe. Another way includes passing a rigid portion of a charm through an aperture of a shoe, also resulting in the securing of the shoe charm to a shoe. Yet another way includes a pin and a back, in which the pin is used to puncture a shoe or material with the catch being used to secure the material between the charm and the catch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a decorative charm.

It is another object of the invention to provide a decorative charm that can be a worn on a person's body, shoes, garments, and/or accessory.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention can be embodied in a decorative charm having a base element, first and second hook elements, and a planar attachment element.

In an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a base element can have a decorative top and a bottom.

In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, first and second hook elements can include respective extensions having first and second extension ends, with each of the first extension ends being attached to the bottom of a base element and each of the second extension ends being inwardly rounded to form loops.

In a further exemplary aspect of the present invention, a planar attachment element can include a first planar end having a first width and a second planar end having a second width.

In yet another exemplary aspect of the present invention, the extensions can be spaced apart to define an extension width that is wider than the first width and narrower than the second width, and the attachment element tapers from the second width to the first width.

In still another exemplary aspect of the present invention, the first and second hook elements can be formed one or more pieces of material, such as individual pieces of material for each hook element, or a unitary piece of material from which both hook elements are formed, for example and not in limitation.

In one exemplary application, an attachment element can simultaneously abut each of the extensions so as to be frictionally fixed between the extensions at a position between the base element and the loops.

In another exemplary application, an attachment element can be simultaneously disposed between each of the loops to frictionally hold the attachment element against the first and second hook elements.

One or more of the following optional exemplary aspect can apply to any embodiment and/or application of the present invention:

• • the planar attachment element can be a first planar portion of a clip, with the clip further including a second planar portion connected to the first planar portion via a hinge element, which can further optionally be a spring hinge that biases the first and second planar portions against each other;
  • the planar attachment element can further include a post attached to the planar element and a back removably engaged with a terminal end of the post;
  • the planar attachment element can be a portion of a clip, with the clip further including one or more hook members; and
  • the attachment element can be a bobby-pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not in limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top-view perspective of an exemplary charm showing the top of a base element and an engagement element .

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary charm in which a bottom side is shown having first and second hook elements with an engagement element attached to one of the hook elements.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary charm in which a bottom side is shown having, inter alia, a hook element with a rounded terminal portion.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary charm with an engagement element secured to a continuous portion of a target via an engagement element engaged with first and second hook elements.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary charm with an engagement element simultaneously abutting each extension to frictionally fix the engagement element between the extensions and between the base element and hook portions.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary charm having an optional post and back.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary charm having a plurality of hook members.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary charm having an attachment element exemplified in a single planar portion configuration and having an optional post.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary charm having an attachment element as a bobby pin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures. It should be kept in mind that the following described embodiments are only presented by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the inventive concept to any particular physical configuration, material, or order not expressly stated as “necessary.”

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention can be embodied in a decorative charm that can be attached to one of a shoe, a garment, and a clothes accessory, and can include the following: a base element, a hook mechanism, and an attachment element formed of an elastic material.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention from a top-view perspective. As visible from this top-view, an exemplary charm can include a base element 110 and an attachment element 120. More specifically, the top 112 of base element 110 and a portion 122 of attachment element 120 can be seen from this perspective, while another portion 124 of attachment element 120 can be behind the base element.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention from a raised, side perspective. As illustrated here, an exemplary base portion 210 can include a bottom 214 having attached thereto a hook mechanism including a first hook element 232 and a second hook element 234. Accordingly, an attachment element 220 can engage first 232 and second 234 hook element to secure the charm to a shoe, garment, or clothing accessory, which is more specifically illustrated in FIG. 4 (infra). As also illustrated, first 232 and second 234 hook elements can optionally be angled inwardly (i.e., towards each other) to reduce the risk of an engaged attachment element inadvertently detaching therefrom.

FIG. 3 illustrates a further exemplary aspect of the present invention also from a raised, side perspective, in which at least one of first 332 and second 334 hook elements can be rounded.

FIG. 4 provides another raised, side perspective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which an exemplary charm can be secured to a shoe, garment, or clothing accessory having a continuous portion 440. In operation, attachment element 420 can first be engaged with one of the first 432 and second 434 hook elements. Next, attachment element 420 can be stretched and extended around continuous portion 440. Lastly, attachment element 420 can be engaged with the other of the first 432 and second 434 hook elements. As illustrated, this can result in attachment element 420 securing the charm to a shoe, a garment, or a clothes accessory by firmly holding continuous portion 440 between the attachment element and base element 410.

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a continuous portion 440 can include any portion that is continuous, and around which attachment element 420 would extend and contact, such as, for example and not in limitation, a strap, an eyelet defining portion, or a main body portion.

Referring back to FIG. 1, top 112 of base element 110 can be provided to be inherently decorative. As illustrated in FIG. 1, base element 110 can be provided with a rounded (or disk) shape. However, in an exemplary aspect of the present invention, base element 110 can be provided in any size and/or shape desired, such as rounded, square, rectangular, oblong, or any other symmetrical or asymmetrical shape. For example, base element 110 can be circular with a one-half or three-quarter inch diameter, or a square with one-half or three-quarter inch sides. Further, base element 110 can be provided with a flat, or substantially flat, top and/or bottom, or slightly concave or convex shape.

In another exemplary aspect, base element 110 (and hook elements 232, 234) can be formed from any desired material, such as any type of plastic, metal, wood, or glass. In still yet another exemplary aspect, a base element 110 can be provided with one or more decorative elements, such as gems, crystals, icons, emblems, etc. on its top 112 to provide decorative utility.

Referring back to FIG. 2, it should be noted that, as illustrated, first and second hook elements 232, 234 can be affixed to the bottom 214 of base element 210. However, one or both elements 232, 234 can also be formed, and therefore be integral, with base element 210. Further, like base element 210, hook elements 232, 234 can be formed of any type of material desired, such as any type of plastic, metal, wood, or glass. Further, hook elements 232, 234 can be provided in any size, shape and/or configuration desired insofar as such provisioning functionally allows the secure engagement of attachment element 220 in a manner that fixes the charm as intended. Thus, in addition to an actual hook, any other form of structure capable of securely engaging attachment element 220 can be utilized, such as a clamp, VELCRO, a snap, a button, etc., for example and not in limitation.

In still yet a further exemplary aspect of the present invention, attachment element 220 can be elastic or inelastic. In one exemplary embodiment, attachment element 220 can be an elastic band, such as for example and not in limitation, rubber bands utilized in conjunction with braces for teeth.

In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a charm as described herein may be utilized in conjunction with various types of garments, such as shirts, pants, dresses, etc. Further, a charm may be utilized with clothes accessories in a supplemental manner, such as with a purse, bag, belt, watch, bracelet, necklace, ear ring, etc. To make clear, the present invention may provide decorative utility when utilized with other items in addition to a shoe or shoes. In another exemplary aspect, the present may also be attached to a person's body, such as to a user's wrist, ankle, hair, ear, etc.

The following are additional exemplary embodiments and/or aspects of the present invention, which can optionally be combined, in whole or in part, with the above exemplary embodiments and/or aspects, in whole or in part:

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a decorative charm can be attached a person's body, shoe, garment, and/or personal accessory, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, can include the following: a base element 510, a planar attachment element 520, and first and second hook elements 532, 534.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, first and second rigid hook elements 532, 534 can each include respective extensions 532a, 534a that are respectively attached at respective first ends to bottom 514 of base element 510, and respectively angled inwardly at respective second ends to form hook portions 532b, 534b. As illustrated, extensions 532a, 534a can be spaced apart to define an extension width. Notably, hook portions 532b, 534b can be provided in any desired shape and/or angle, including but not limited to a partial, complete, or multi-loop configuration, for example and not in limitation, and can include one or more straight or angled sections. Further, in one exemplary embodiment, exemplary angles relative to a respective extension 532a, 534a can be between 0° and 180°.

As also illustrated in FIG. 5, planar attachment element 520 can include a first planar end 521 having a first width and a second planar end 522 having a second width. Notably, in one embodiment, the extension width can be wider than the first width and narrower than the second width, and attachment element 520 can taper from the second width to the first width. Accordingly, attachment element 520 can simultaneously abut each of extensions 532a, 534a so as to be frictionally fixed between the extensions at a position between base element 510 and hook portions 532b, 534b. Accordingly, attachment of a charm can be effectuated by so frictionally fixing attachment element 520 between extensions 532a, 534a, so as to hold a piece of material or a person's body between the attachment element and base element 510. Notably, however, attachment element 520 can include one or more planar portions, with at least one of the portions simultaneously abutting extensions 532a, 534a as described above. As also illustratively shown in FIG. 5, attachment element 520 can be provided with first and second planar portions 522, 523, which can be connected via any known or apparent hinge 524. Notably, hinge 524 can be a spring hinge formed via material selection, such as any functionally compatible metal, alloy, plastic, or other material, or can include a separate spring structure, to provide a biasing of at least two planar portions together.

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which attachment element 520 can include a planar portion that optionally includes a post-catch combination and/or one or more hook members. As illustrated, a post 525a can be attached to the planar portion, and a back 525b can be removably engagable with a terminal end 526 of the post. Accordingly, post 525a can be passed through a material or a person's body with back 525b securing the planar portion to the material or person's body. As also illustrated, a planar portion of attachment element 520 can include one or more hook members 527 from which one or more decorative or functional structures can be engaged, such as a hoop, string, chain, or any other shaped structure that can functionally engage with the one or more hook members.

FIG. 7 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which planar portion of attachment element 520 can optionally include a plurality of hook members 527. In an exemplary aspect of the invention, hook members 527 can be provided in functionally compatible shape and configuration that provides a hooking function. Further, by providing at least one hook member 527, broader flexibility is provided in terms of how a charm can be attached, and what additional structural aspects can be attached to the charm, such as rope, chain, hoop, a structure having an aperture for engagement, etc. According to the present invention, a hook member 527 can be a separate structure connected to a planar portion by welding, glue, screw, rivet, or any other manner or structural manner desired; or can be integral with the planar portion. Also, it should be noted that a hook member 527 can be connected to any portion of the planar member, and therefore can be attached to any portion of a planar member or any portion of attachment element 520.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which planar portion of attachment element 520 is exemplified in a single planar portion configuration and having an optional post 525a. As described above with FIG. 6, post 525a can pass through a material or a person's body with a back (not shown) securing the planar portion to the material or person's body.

Referring now to FIG. 9, which illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, hook portions 532b, 534b can be angled inwardly so as to be at least partially enclosed loops. As illustrated, in this embodiment, an attachment element 520 can be simultaneously disposed between each of hook portions 532b, 534b to frictionally fix the attachment element against the hook portions. Accordingly, attachment of a charm can be effectuated by so disposing attachment element 520 with a material or part of a person's body disposed between attachment element 520 and base element 510. Notably, attachment element 520 is illustratively shown as a hair pin, but can be any functionally compatible structure that can be simultaneously disposed between each hook portion 532b, 534b.

It should be noted that while hook portions 532b, 534b in FIGS. 5-8 are exemplarily illustrated as being angled at a generally 90° angle, the hook portions can be alternatively or conjunctively angled in a curled or irregular manner to form partial, complete, or multiple loops, or any other functionally compatible shape, whether regular or irregular. It should be further noted that any one or more attachment techniques disclosed herein can be incorporated in a single embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, for example and not in limitation, a single embodiment of the present invention can attach to a person's body, shoe, garment, and/or personal accessory in one or more ways, independently or in combination.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the manner of making and using the claimed invention has been adequately disclosed in the above-written description of the exemplary embodiments and aspects. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments, aspects, arrangement, and components shown and described above, but may be susceptible to numerous variations within the scope of the invention. Moreover, particular exemplary features described herein in conjunction with specific embodiments and/or aspects of the present invention are to be construed as applicable to any embodiment described within, enabled hereby, or apparent herefrom. Thus, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in a broad, illustrative, and enabling, rather than a restrictive, sense.

Further, it will be understood that the above description of the embodiments of the present invention are susceptible to various modifications, changes, and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A decorative charm, comprising:

a base element having a decorative top and a bottom;

first and second rigid hook elements including respective extensions having first and second extension ends, with each of the first extension ends being attached to the bottom of said base element and each of the second extension ends being angled inwardly to form hook portions; and

a planar attachment element including a first planar end having a first width and a second planar end having a second width;

wherein the extensions are spaced apart to define an extension width that is wider than the first width and narrower than the second width, said attachment element tapers from the second width to the first width, and said attachment element simultaneously abuts each of the extensions and is frictionally fixed between the extensions at a position between said base element and the hook portions.

2. The decorative charm of claim 1, wherein said planar attachment element is a first planar portion of a clip, the clip further including a second planar portion connected to the first planar portion via a hinge element.

3. The decorative charm of claim 2, wherein the hinge element is a spring hinge that biases the first and second planar portions against each other.

4. The decorative charm of claim 1, wherein said planar attachment element further includes, a post connected to said planar element, and a back removably engaged with a terminal end of the post.

5. The decorative charm of claim 1, wherein said planar attachment element is a portion of a clip, the clip further including at least one hook member.

6. The decorative charm of claim 5, wherein said planar attachment element further includes, a post connected to said planar element, and a back removably engaged with a terminal end of the post.

7. The decorative charm of claim 1, wherein said first and second hook elements are formed from a unitary piece of material.

8. The decorative charm of claim 7, wherein said planar attachment element is a first planar portion of a clip, the clip further including a second planar portion connected to the first planar portion via a hinge element.

9. The decorative charm of claim 8, wherein the hinge element is a spring hinge that biases the first and second planar portions against each other.

10. The decorative charm of claim 7, wherein said planar attachment element further includes, a post connected to said planar element, and a back removably engaged with a terminal end of the post.

11. The decorative charm of claim 7, wherein said planar attachment element is a portion of a clip, the clip further including at least one hook member.

12. The decorative charm of claim 11, wherein said planar attachment element further includes, a post connected to said planar element, and a back removably engaged with a terminal end of the post.

13. A decorative charm, comprising:

a base element having a decorative top and a bottom;

first and second rigid hook elements including respective extensions having first and second extension ends, with each of the first extension ends being attached to the bottom of said base element and each of the second extension ends being angled inwardly to form respective hook portions; and

an attachment element including a first end having a first width and a second end having a second width;

wherein the extensions are spaced apart to define an extension width that is wider than the first width and narrower than the second width, said attachment element tapers from the second width to the first width, and said attachment element is simultaneously disposed between each of the hook portions to frictionally fix said attachment element against said first and second hook portions.

14. The decorative charm of claim 13, wherein said attachment element is a hair pin.