Article and Method for Decorating Footwear and Other Articles

Abstract

An accessorizing article for accessorizing footwear is provided wherein the footwear includes a footwear base and a footwear containment strap having a strap first end, a strap second end and a strap middle portion. The accessorizing article includes a first article band, wherein the first article band includes a first article band first end and a first article band second end, a second article band, wherein the second article band includes a second article band first end and a second article band second end and a band connection device, wherein the band connection device is securely associated with the footwear containment strap and configured to associate with the first article band and second article band such that the first article band and second article band is located proximate the strap middle portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/886,190 (Atty. Docket No. NAC-P-0001), filed Oct. 3, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article for decorating an article of clothing and more particularly to an article and method for decorating footwear, such as a flip-flop or sandal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear comes in many different styles, designs and colors that allow a wearer to express their individuality and sense of style. Some footwear is obtained in a decorative state and does not allow for the design of the shoe to be adjusted, while other footwear allows for certain structures of the shoe to be ‘replaced’ or changed with similar elements having a different design. However, footwear that allows for the design to be changed also include limitations that only allow the wearer to change the design using only the design elements that are available to the wearer by the manufacturer. This is undesirable because it limits the wearer to only those designs that the manufacturer sees fit to produce.

One such example is shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/477,833 which discloses a thong style sandal that includes straps that form a “Y” on the top of the sandal where the single leg of the “Y” is located between the toes of the wearer and the arms of the “Y” wrap around the foot of the wearer. The invention allows for ornaments to be secured to the strap at the intersection of the leg and arms of the “Y” via a snap. Unfortunately however, this type of design has multiple disadvantages. First, the ornament must be sized and configured to securely ‘snap’ into the attachment system of the shoe without contacting the foot of the wearer during use. If the ornament is not sized correctly, as the wearer walks and her foot bends, the foot of the wearer can contact the ornament and either damage the ornament, press on the ornament such that the ornament disconnects from the strap ‘snap’ and/or, if the ornament is rigid or includes sharp edges, cut the wearers foot. And second, the wearer is limited to the designs available by the manufacturer of the ornament. Thus, the wearer is not completely able to express their individuality or design their shoe as they desire.

Another such example is shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/480,675 which discloses a sandal where the straps of the sandal have a hook and loop top surface that allows the design on the top surface of the strap to be interchangeable to have different designs. Unfortunately however, this type of design has several disadvantages. First, the longevity of the hook and loop design is decreased because typically shoes experience a variety of environmental conditions that can and do damage the hook and loop surface. Second, even though the straps of the shoe are interchangeable, the straps replacements must be configured (sized and shaped) for that particular shoe. And third, the wearer is limited to the designs available by the manufacturer of the strap replacement. Thus, as above the wearer is not completely able to express their individuality or design their shoe as they desire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An accessorizing article for accessorizing footwear is provided wherein the footwear includes a footwear base and a footwear containment strap having a strap first end, a strap second end and a strap middle portion. The accessorizing article includes a first article band, wherein the first article band includes a first article band first end and a first article band second end, a second article band, wherein the second article band includes a second article band first end and a second article band second end and a band connection device, wherein the band connection device is securely associated with the footwear containment strap and configured to associate with the first article band and second article band such that the first article band and second article band is located proximate the strap middle portion.

A decorating article for decorating apparel/accessories is provided, wherein the apparel/accessories include a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure. The decorating article includes at least one article band having an article band first end and an article band second end, wherein the article band first end is configured to removably associate with the first connecting structure, wherein the article band second end is configured to removably associate with the second connecting structure. The at least one article band is at least one of, configured to associate with a decorative element via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle, and configured to associate with a decorative element that defines a hollow portion, wherein the at least one article band is configured to pass through the hollow portion.

Additionally, an accessorizing article for accessorizing footwear is provided, wherein the footwear includes a footwear base and a footwear containment strap having a strap first end, a strap second end and a strap middle portion. The accessorizing article includes at least one article band and a band connection device, wherein the band connection device is securely associated with the footwear containment strap and configured to associate with the at least one article band such that the first article band and second article band is located proximate the strap middle portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top down view of designable footwear, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is right front side isometric view of the designable footwear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is right front side isometric view of the designable footwear of FIG. 1 showing the second article band end of the second article band disconnected from the band connection device.

FIG. 3B is a top down view of a first article band and a second article band being connected to and disconnected from a band connection device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C is a right front side isometric view of the designable footwear of FIG. 1 showing strap anchors, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a top down view of a quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a tri-glide buckle, in accordance with additional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a collage illustrating various types of connectors that may be used with the invention, in accordance with additional embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a top down view of a decorative article on footwear, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a front top down view of a decorative article on footwear, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front top down view of a decorative article on footwear, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an article band, in accordance with an additional embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a top down view of the article band of FIG. 8 on footwear, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a decorative article on footwear, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a decorative article on footwear, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a decorative article on footwear, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a decorative article on headwear, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a decorative article on headwear, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a decorative article on headwear, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a decorative article on a handbag, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, designable footwear 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown and is configured as a sandal. The footwear 100 includes a footwear base 102 and a footwear containment strap 104, wherein the footwear base 102 includes a footwear base top 106, a footwear front portion 108 and a footwear rear portion 110 and wherein the footwear containment strap 104 includes a strap first end 112, a strap second end 114 and a strap middle portion 116. As shown, the strap first end 112 is anchored to the footwear base 102 on one side of the footwear 100, the strap second end 114 is anchored to the footwear base 102 on the other side of the footwear 100 and the strap middle portion 116 is anchored to the footwear base 102 in the middle portion of the footwear base 102 proximate the footwear front portion 108 of the footwear base 102. When the footwear 100 is worn the bottom of the foot of a wearer is incident with the footwear base top 106 and the footwear containment strap 104 is incident with the top of the foot of a wearer such that the strap first end 112 is located on one side of the wearers foot and the strap second end 114 is located on the other side of the wearers foot. Additionally, the strap middle portion 116 is proximate the toes of the wearer, where either a portion of the strap middle portion 116 is located between the toes of the wearer or the anchor (that anchors the strap middle portion 116 to the footwear base 102 in the middle portion of the footwear base 102) is located between the toes of the wearer.

The footwear 100 further includes a first article band 118 and a second article band 120, wherein each of the first article band 118 and second article band 120 include a first article band end 122 and a second article band end 124. The first article band end 122 of the first article band 118 is securely connected to the footwear containment strap 104 proximate the strap first end 112 and the first article band end 122 of the second article band 120 is securely connected to the footwear containment strap 104 proximate the strap second end 114. The footwear 100 also includes a band connection device 126 securely connected to the strap middle portion 116, wherein the band connection device 126 and the second article band end 124 (of the first and second article bands 118, 120) are configured to securely and releaseably connect together. It should be appreciated that when the first article band 118 and second article band 120 are connected to footwear containment strap 104, the first article band 118 and second article band 120 are proximate the footwear containment strap 104 to be located above the footwear containment strap 104. It is contemplated that the first article band 118 and/or second article band 120 may be constructed from any material suitable to the desired end purpose, such as metal, leather, rubber, fabric, etc. For example, the first article band 118 and/or second article band 120 may be constructed from a chain link type construction which would allow charms (such as lobster claw type charms) to be attached to the first article band 118 and/or second article band 120. Additionally, the first article band 118 and/or second article band 120 may be constructed from a cylindrical (tube like) construction to allow charms (such as Pandora® type charms) to be associated with the first article band 118 and/or second article band 120.

Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the first article band 118 and second article band 120 are configured such that when the second article band end 124 (of the first and second article bands 118, 120) are disconnected from the band connection device 126, the first and second article bands 118, 120 can lift away from the footwear containment strap 104. It should be appreciated that the first and second article band 118, 120 are configured to receive charms that may open/close to clasp around the first and second article band 118, 120 and/or charms that have an open cavity to receive the first and second article band 118, 120, such as that used with Pandora® charm bracelets. Thus, when the second article band end 124 (of the first and second article bands 118, 120) is disconnected from the band connection device 126, the second article band end 124 can be inserted into and through the open cavity of the charm such that the first and second article bands 118, 120 may be located within the open cavity of the charm. If the charm is configured to open/close, the charm may simply be opened and wrapped around the first or second article band 118, 120 and closed such that the charm is associated with the first or second article band 118, 120. Moreover, referring to FIG. 3C the footwear containment strap 104 may include a strap anchor 400 that is configured to associate with the first article band 118 and the second article band 120 such that the first article band 118 and the second article band 120 remain located proximate to the footwear containment strap 104 along the length of the footwear containment strap 104 and the first article band 118 and the second article band 120.

It should be appreciated that the first article band end 122 and/or the second article band end 124 may be configured to releaseably connect to the footwear so that the first article band 118 and second article band 120 may be removed if desired. Additionally, this allows the charms to be associated with the first article band 118 and second article band 120 via the first article band end 122 and/or the second article band end 124, as desired. It should be further appreciated that the first article band end 122 and/or the second article band end 124 connect to the footwear via any method or device suitable to the desired end purpose, such as a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop type connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle, a strap w/tri-glide buckle, etc. FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of a quick-disconnect plastic buckle 130 and a tri-glide buckle 132 that may be used in accordance with an embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4B illustrates various other embodiments of connectors that may be used with the invention, such as a “hook and eye” type connector 140, a magnetic type connector 142, an “S-hook” type connector 144, a “barrel clasp” type connector 146, a “toggle clasp” type connector 148, a “spring ring” type connector 150, a “lobster claw” type connector 152, a “bayonet” type connector 154 and a “Hook & Loop” type connector (Velcro®) 156. It should be appreciated that the aforementioned list of connector types are only some of the types connectors that may be used and that other connector types suitable to the desired end purpose may be used. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the aforementioned list of connector types are not intended to be limiting as to the type of connectors that may be used.

Referring to FIG. 5, it is contemplated that in another embodiment of the invention the decoration article 200 may include only one article band 201 where the article band 201 includes a first article band end 202 and a second article band end 204 and where the band connection device 226 (which may be fashioned as a decorative element) includes a connection device cavity 206 through which the article band 201 traverses. As such the article band 201 is located within the connection device cavity 206 and the first article band end 202 is connected to the footwear proximate the strap first end 112 and the second article band end 204 is connected to the footwear proximate the strap second end 114. Decorative elements may be associated with the article band 201 by disconnecting the first and/or second article band end 202, 204, associating the decorative elements with the article band 201 and reconnecting the first and/or second article band end 202, 204 with the article band 201.

In still yet additional embodiments, it is contemplated that the method and article of the invention is not limited to sandal footwear having the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1-5, or sandal like footwear in general. Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the invention is shown and includes footwear 300 having a third article band 302 in addition to the first article band 118 and the second article band 120. It should be appreciated that the third article band 302 may be configured similarly to the first and second article bands 118, 120 such that each include a first article band end 122 and a second article band end 124. It is contemplated that the first article band 118, the second article band 120 and the third article band 302 are associated via a band connection device 126 and are configured and implemented as discussed hereinbefore and may be releaseably connected to the footwear containment strap 104 as above using any method or device suitable to the desired end purpose, such as a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop type connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle, a strap w/tri-glide buckle, etc. FIG. 7 illustrates another sandal type of footwear the article of the invention may be used with in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. It should be appreciated that the band connection device 126 may be permanently or removably associated with the footwear and/or the article bands 118, 120, 302. For example, the band connection device 126 may be affixed to the footwear containment strap 104 or the band connection device 126 may be affixed to the end of one of the article bands 118, 120, 302 or the band connection device 126 may not be affixed to any structure and may be configured to releasably connect to the article bands 118, 120, 302.

Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, it is contemplated that in still yet another embodiment the first, second and/or third article bands 118, 120, 302 may be of a chain link type of construction and may be removably (or permanently) attached. This advantageously allows decorative elements having a clip type of connector to be attached to the link of an article band 118, 120, 302. It should be appreciated that the third article bands 118, 120, 302 may be constructed from any material suitable to the desired end purpose, such as metal, plastic, rubber, leather, cloth, etc.

It should be appreciated that the invention includes a method for decorating clothing and other articles (shoes, hats, purses, bags, etc) is provided and includes attaching a decorative element (charm, etc.) to at least one of the article bands 118, 120, 302 as discussed hereinabove. For example, if the embodiment of the invention includes article bands 118, 120, 302 that connect/disconnect at both the first article band end 122 and the second article band end 124, then the method includes disconnecting at least one of the article band ends 122, 124, associating the decorative element (by slipping the decorative element over the article band 118, 120, 302) and then reconnecting the at least one article band ends 122, 124. As another example, if the embodiment includes an article band where the decorative element is connectable to the article band 118, 120, 302 via an open-close connector (see FIG. 4B), then the method includes associating the decorative element (by operating the open-close connector) to associate/connect the decorative element with the at least one article band 118, 120, 302. Moreover, as still yet another example, if the embodiment is configured as a retrofit embodiment, then the at least one article band 118, 120, 302 is associated with the article to be decorated (via a clip, clasp, snap, hook and loop (Velcro®), etc. . . . ) and the decorative element is associated with the at least one article band 118, 120, 302 as discussed hereinabove.

Additionally, the attached appendices are not intended and should not be viewed as limiting the invention. Rather, the information contained within the appendices should be viewed as augmenting the scope of the invention and any information that appears to be inconsistent should be viewed as an additional embodiment and/or as an addition to an existing embodiment.

Moreover, as briefly mentioned above, the decoration article 100, 200, 300 of the invention, may be used with footwear other than sandal type footwear. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrates the decoration article 100, 200, 300 being used (in two different fashions) with a high heel type footwear, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 illustrates the decoration article 100, 200, 300 being used with boot type footwear, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. Additionally, it is contemplated that the decoration article of the invention may be used with other clothing articles other than footwear. For example, FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 illustrate the decoration article 100, 200, 300 being used with hats, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the decoration article of the invention may also be used with non-clothing articles as well. For example, FIG. 16 illustrates the decoration article 100, 200, 300 being used with a purse, satchel or a handbag, in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the invention.

It should be appreciated that the articles with which the decoration article 100, 200, 300 will be used with, may be manufactured to be configured to interact with the decoration article 100, 200, 300 or the decoration article 100, 200, 300 may be associated with the articles in a retrofit manner. For example, in one embodiment, the connectors configured to securingly and releasably interact with the first and second article band ends 122, 124 may be retro-fittingly secured to the article via a hook and loop attachment or via an adhesive. This would advantageously allow the user to configure the article as they desire and locate and arrange the decoration article 100, 200, 300 as desired.

It should be appreciated that while the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims and/or information. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

Claims

1. An accessorizing article for accessorizing footwear, wherein the footwear includes a footwear base and a footwear containment strap having a strap first end, a strap second end and a strap middle portion, the accessorizing article comprising:

a first article band, wherein the first article band includes a first article band first end and a first article band second end;

a second article band, wherein the second article band includes a second article band first end and a second article band second end; and

a band connection device, wherein the band connection device is securely associated with the footwear containment strap and configured to associate with the first article band and second article band such that the first article band and second article band is located proximate the strap middle portion.

2. The accessorizing article of claim 1, wherein the first article band first end is associated with the strap first end and the first article band second end is associated with the band connection device.

3. The accessorizing article of claim 1, wherein the second article band first end is associated with the strap second end and the second article band second end is associated with the band connection device.

4. The accessorizing article of claim 1, wherein the first article band first end is securely and removably associated with the strap first end via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle.

5. The accessorizing article of claim 1, wherein the second article band first end is securely and removably associated with the strap second end via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle.

6. The accessorizing article of claim 1, wherein the first article band second end and second article band second end is securely and removably associated with the band connection device via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle.

7. The accessorizing article of claim 1, wherein first article band and the second article band are configured to associate with one or more decorative elements.

8. The accessorizing article of claim 7, wherein the decorative elements are configured with a securing means to connect to at least one of the first article band and the second article band.

9. The accessorizing article of claim 7,

wherein the decorative elements define a hollow portion for containing at least one of the first article band and the second article band, and

wherein the first article band and second article band are configured such that the first article band and second article band can pass through the hollow portion of the decorative elements.

10. The accessorizing article of claim 1, wherein the footwear containment strap includes a strap anchor configured to associate with at least one of the first article band and the second article band such that the first article band and the second article band are located proximate the footwear containment strap along the length of the first article band and the second article band.

11. An accessorizing article for accessorizing footwear, wherein the footwear includes a footwear base and a footwear containment strap having a strap first end, a strap second end and a strap middle portion, the accessorizing article comprising:

at least one article band; and

a band connection device, wherein the band connection device is securely associated with the footwear containment strap and configured to associate with the at least one article band such that the first article band and second article band is located proximate the strap middle portion.

12. The accessorizing article of claim 11, wherein the at least one article band includes,

a first article band, wherein the first article band includes a first article band first end and a first article band second end;

a second article band, wherein the second article band includes a second article band first end and a second article band second end; and

a band connection device, wherein the band connection device is securely associated with the footwear containment strap and configured to associate with the first article band and second article band such that the first article band and second article band is located proximate the strap middle portion.

13. The accessorizing article of claim 12, wherein,

the first article band first end is associated with the strap first end and the first article band second end is associated with the band connection device, and

the second article band first end is associated with the strap second end and the second article band second end is associated with the band connection device.

14. The accessorizing article of claim 12, wherein,

the first article band first end is securely and removably associated with the strap first end via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle,

the second article band first end is securely and removably associated with the strap second end via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle, and

the first article band second end and second article band second end is securely and removably associated with the band connection device via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle.

15. The accessorizing article of claim 11,

wherein the at least one article band includes one article band having an article band first end and an article band second end, and

wherein the band connection device defines a connection device cavity configured to contain a portion of the one article band.

16. The accessorizing article of claim 11,

wherein the article band first end is securely and removably associated with the strap first end via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle, and

wherein the article band second end is securely and removably associated with the strap second end via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle.

17. The accessorizing article of claim 11, wherein the band connection device defines a connection device cavity configured to contain a portion of the one article band, wherein the article band first end is associated with the strap first end, the article band second end is associated with the strap second end.

18. The accessorizing article of claim 11,

wherein the decorative elements define a hollow portion for containing at least one of the first article band and the second article band, and

wherein the first article band and second article band are cylindrical in shape such that the first article band and second article band can pass through the hollow portion of the decorative elements.

19. The accessorizing article of claim 11, wherein the band connection device is configured to securely and removably associate with a decorative element.

20. A decorating article for decorating apparel/accessories, wherein the apparel/accessories include a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure, the decorating article comprising:

at least one article band having an article band first end and an article band second end, wherein the article band first end is configured to removably associate with the first connecting structure; and wherein the article band second end is configured to removably associate with the second connecting structure, and wherein the at least one article band is at least one of, configured to associate with a decorative element via at least one of a clip, clasp, a post/pin fastener, a threaded connector, a hook and loop connector, quick-disconnect plastic buckle and a strap w/tri-glide buckle, and configured to associate with a decorative element that defines a hollow portion, wherein the at least one article band is configured to pass through the hollow portion.