LOOP CHARM AND A METHOD OF REMOVABLY SECURING SAID LOOP CHARM TO ANOTHER OBJECT

Abstract

A loop charm is disclosed along with a method of removably securing the loop charm to another object.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a loop charm and a method of removably securing the loop charm to another object, such as a bracelet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of charms are currently available which serve as small ornaments, such as ones worn on a bracelet. A bracelet is a band or chain encircling the wrist or arm. Today, bracelets are worn by both sexes, although they are more prevalent among females. Young girls, especially preteens and teenagers tend to wear inexpensive bracelets decorated with one or more charms. Young people like to construct such bracelets and to interchange the charms that are attached to them. The charms themselves can vary in size, shape, design, color, weight and the material from which they are formed. The charms can contain various designs, pictures, drawings, illustrations, graphics, emblems, pictorials, colors, icons, figures, numbers, letters, words, insignias, etc., or combinations thereof. Charms can be produced having an infinite variety of such decorations. Such decorations can be formed on a charm in various ways known to those skilled in the art. For example, but not as a limitation, a decoration can be drawn, sketched, engraved, be printed, be painted, be attached, be embedded, be assembled, be screen printed, be mechanically affixed, or be chemically affixed, etc. to the material from which the charm is constructed. Likewise, the decoration can be an independent object, such as a piece of a rock, a stone, a piece of wood, a piece of metal, a sticker, etc. that is adhered, attached, joined or somehow secured to the material forming the charm.

A bracelet can have one or more charms removably or permanently secured to it. Usually, a plurality of colorful and unique charms is attached to the bracelet so as to embellish, decorate and/or beautify the wrist of the wearer. The charms can be designed and/or be colored to represent a particular institution, such as an elementary school, a high school, a college or a university. Likewise, the charms can represent a sport team, a club, a social event, etc. In addition, the charms can show visual support for a particular cause, such as supporting our armed forces or finding a cure for breast cancer. Furthermore, the charms can be worn to show support for a particular activity, such as showing school spirit at a football game or pep rally.

Some charms are affixed to a bracelet so that they cannot be removed. Other charms use mechanical fasteners which allow them to be affixed and later be removed from a bracelet. However, many of these mechanical fasteners are expensive and may be difficult to attach and/or remove from a bracelet. Some mechanical fasteners require a person to have good dexterity and adroitness to fasten them to and later remove them from a bracelet. In addition, many of the fasteners used with inexpensive charms allow the charms to slide or rotate such that the exposed outer surface of the charm becomes partially hidden relative to the wrist of the wearer. This defeats the purpose of having attached the charm onto the bracelet because, in many cases, the wearer wants the charms to be conspicuous and noticeable, so as to attract attention. Furthermore, as a charm slides or rotates away from the outer exposed surface of the bracelet, it can contact the skin adjacent to the wearer's wrist and cause irritation and/or discomfort.

Now, a loop charm has been invented along with a method of removably securing the loop charm to another object which solves some of the above-identified issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to a loop charm and a method of removably securing a loop charm onto another object, such as a bracelet, The loop charm includes a first member having a circumference, a first surface and an oppositely aligned second surface. Each of the first and second surfaces has a surface area with the surface area of the first surface being greater or larger than the surface area of the second surface. The loop charm also has an attachment member secured to the first member. The loop charm further has a closed loop of elastic material secured to the attachment member. The closed loop of elastic material has an initial inner periphery which can be expanded to at least about 5 times the size of its initial inner periphery and fit over the circumference of the first member. The closed loop of elastic material is capable of immediately contracting, after having been expanded, back toward its initial inner periphery, whereby the loop charm can be removably secured to another object.

The method of removably securing the loop charm onto another object, such as a bracelet, includes stretching the closed loop of elastic material and tucking or wrapping the stretched, closed loop of elastic material around an exposed surface of an object. The stretched, closed loop of elastic material is then fitted over the circumference of the first member. The stretched, closed loop of elastic material is then allowed to contract back toward the size of its initial inner periphery whereby the loop charm is removably secured to the object.

The general object of this invention is to provide a loop charm. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a method of removably securing the loop charm to another object.

Another object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive loop charm that can be removably secured to another object and later removed from the other object.

A further object of this invention is to provide a colorful and unique loop charm that can be secured to a shoe string, an eyelet, a button, a button hole or even to a lump of hair on a person's head.

A further object of this invention is to provide an easy and quick method of removably securing the loop charm onto a bracelet, even by a young child.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a method of securing to and later removing a loop charm from a bracelet while requiring very little dexterity.

Still further, an object of this invention is to provide a loop charm with an attachment member which limits rotation of the exposed surface of the charm after having been secured to a bracelet.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a loop charm showing the closed loop of elastic material slightly expanded.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the loop charm shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view showing the closed loop of elastic material wrapped around a bracelet and looped upon itself.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-section of a second embodiment of a loop charm where a concave indentation is formed in the second surface of the first member and a horizontal bar provides an attachment point whereby one end of the closed loop of elastic material can be removable secured to the first member.

FIG. 5 is a third embodiment of a loop charm showing an attachment member extending outward from the second surface of the first member and one end of the closed loop of elastic material is removable secured to the first member and a second end of the closed loop of elastic material is removably secured to a bracelet.

FIG. 6 is a fourth embodiment of a loop charm showing a second member secured to the first member and having an attachment member secured to the second member.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the loop charm shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the loop charm shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of a loop charm having a pair of apertures formed therethrough.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the loop charm shown in FIG. 9 having a closed loop of elastic material connected to it.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bracelet encircling a person's wrist and the bracelet has several loop charms secured thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a loop charm 10 is shown. By “loop charm” it is meant a small ornament, such as one worn on a bracelet. By “bracelet” it is meant an ornamental band or chain encircling the wrist or arm of a person. The loop charm 10 can vary in size, shape, design, color, weight and the material from which it is formed. The loop charm 10 can contain various designs, pictures, drawings, illustrations, graphics, emblems, pictorials, colors, icons, figures, numbers, letters, words, insignias, etc., or combinations thereof. By “graphics” it is meant the making of drawings; the pictorial representation and/or manipulation of data, as used in computer-aided design, typesetting, and graphic arts. By “pictorial” it is meant relating to, characterized by, or composed of pictures; represented as if in a picture; illustrated by pictures. By “insignia” it is meant a distinguishing sign; an emblem.

The loop charm 10 can be made to resemble a ring. Alternatively, the loop charm 10 could be worn as a ring.

The loop charm 10 can be removably secured to almost any object which contains a hook or extends outward from another article. For example, the loop charm 10 could be removably secured to a button on a piece of clothing, to a button hole, to an eyelet, to a fastener, to a chain, to a band, etc. The loop charm 10 could further be removably secured to a lump of hair on a person's head. By “lump” it is meant an irregular shaped mass or piece; a collection or totality; an aggregate.

The loop charm 10 includes a first member 12. The first member 12 can be constructed of various materials. The first member 12 could include a precious stone or gem. Alternatively, the first member 12 could be formed from plastic, thermoplastic, a composite material, glass, epoxy, latex, silicone, etc. In short, the first member 12 could be constructed from any material, natural or synthetic, known to man. The first member 12 can also be constructed using gold, silver, copper, zinc, aluminum, steel, metal, a metal alloy or a combination of two or more different metals or alloys. Furthermore, the first member 12 could include a sticker or some other paper, film, plastic or composite material that contains an image, graphics, pictures, figures, numbers, letters, words, etc. For example, the first member 12 could include a sticker that was printed, painted, drawn upon or contains some kind of image or graphics before it was secured to the first member 12. Alternatively, the sticker could be blank allowing an image, picture or graphics to be created after it is attached to the first member 12. The first member 12 can be produced having an infinite variety of such decorations. By “infinite” it is meant having no boundaries or limits; immeasurably great or large; boundless; existing beyond or being greater than any arbitrarily large value. By “decoration” it is meant to furnish or adorn with something ornamental; embellish; to beautify.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first member 12 has a circumference 14. By “circumference” it is meant the boundary line of the first member 12. The first member 12 can vary in shape, size and configuration. The first member 12 also has a first surface 16 and an oppositely aligned second surface 18, see FIG. 1. The first surface 16 can vary in shape and configuration. The first surface 16 can be convex or concave. By “convex” it is meant having a surface or boundary that curves or bulges outward, as the exterior of a sphere. By “concave” it is meant curved like the inner surface of a sphere. Desirably, the first surface 16 is convex. Alternatively, the first surface 16 can be planar or flat, or contain one or more indentations or protrusions. Desirably, the first surface is relatively smooth.

The second surface 18 can vary in configuration. Desirably, the second surface 18 is flat or planar. The second surface 18 can also be smooth. Alternatively, the second surface 18 can be slightly roughened to allow an adhesive, glue, epoxy or silicone to better adhere to it.

The first and second surfaces, 16 and 18 respectively, each have a surface area with the surface area of the first surface 16 being greater or larger than the surface area of the second surface 18. Desirably, the surface area of the first surface 16 is at least 5% larger than the surface area of the second surface 18. More desirably, the surface area of the first surface 16 is at least 10% larger than the surface area of the second surface 18. Even more desirably, the surface area of the first surface 16 is at least 15% larger than the surface area of the second surface 18. Most desirably, the surface area of the first surface 16 is at least 20% larger than the surface area of the second surface 18.

The surface area of the first surface 16 should be at least about 0.05 square inches. Desirably; the surface area of the first surface 16 should be at least about 0.1 square inches. More desirably, the surface area of the first surface 16 should be at least about 0.15 square inches. Even more desirably, the surface area of the first surface 16 should be at least about 0.2 square inches. Most desirably, the surface area of the first surface 16 should be at least about 0.3 square inches.

By constructing the first surface 16 to have a larger surface area than the surface area of the second surface 18, a larger exposed surface is visually available to showcase the image, picture, graphics, etc. In addition, when the first surface 16 has a larger surface area than the surface area of the second surface 18, an outward bulge or convex appearance, or an inward depression or concave indentation, is created which can catch the light and cause the loop charm 10 to accentuate the image, graphic or design appearing thereon. It is also possible to coat the first surface 16 with a sealant that will enhance the appearance of the image created or formed thereon.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the loop charm 10 also includes an attachment member 20 secured to, affixed to or formed in the second surface 18 of the first member 12. The attachment member 20 can be any kind of mechanical or chemical fastener known to those skilled in the art. In FIG. 1, the attachment member 20 is depicted as a small amount of an adhesive, co-adhesive, glue, epoxy, paste, cement, etc. that provides adhesion. Desirably, the attachment member 20 is an epoxy. By “epoxy” it is meant any of various usually thermo-setting resins capable of forming tight cross-linked polymer structures characterized by toughness, strong adhesion, and low shrinkage, used especially in surface coatings and adhesives, By “epoxide” it is meant a ring-shaped chemical structure consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to two other atoms, usually of carbon, that are already bonded to each other; a compound containing such a structure.

Some of the remaining figures depict various forms of mechanical fasteners. These mechanical fasteners will be explained below.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the loop charm 10 further includes a closed loop of elastic material 22. The closed loop of elastic material 22 is secured to the attachment member 20. The closed loop of elastic material 22 can be formed from various materials that have a stretchy characteristic. For example, the closed loop of elastic material can be formed from, but is not limited to: elastic, rubber, latex, silicone, or a combination thereof. By “elastic” it is meant a material that can easily resume its original shape after being stretched or expanded; flexible. By “rubber” it is meant a yellowish, amorphous elastic material obtained from the milky sap or latex of various tropical plants, especially the rubber tree, and vulcanized and modified into products. By “latex” it is meant an emulsion of rubber or plastic globules in water, used especially in synthetic rubber. By “silicone” it is meant any of a group of semi-inorganic polymers of siloxane, characterized by high lubricity and thermal stability, extremely water repellence, and physiological inertness and used in adhesives.

The closed loop of elastic material 22 is desirably a stretchy elastic. The closed loop of elastic material 22 should be constructed such that it experiences essentially no hysteresis when stretched and then allowed to contract less than one hundred (100) times. By “hysteresis” it is meant the lagging of an effect behind its cause. Desirably, the closed loop of elastic material 22 will not experience an appreciable amount of hysteresis over its life time of use.

The closed loop of elastic material 22 has an initial inner periphery 24 which can vary in size. The initial inner periphery 24 can be 0.001 inches or greater. The initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to at least about 5 times the size of the initial inner periphery 24. Desirably, the initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to at least about 10 times the size of the initial inner periphery 24. More desirably, the initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to at least about 20 times the size of the initial inner periphery 24. Even more desirably, the initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to at least about 30 times the size of the initial inner periphery 24.

The maximum expanded diameter of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can vary. For relatively small loop charms 10, the maximum expanded diameter of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be about 2 inches or less. Desirably, the maximum expanded diameter of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be about 1 inch or less.

Referring to FIG. 3, the loop charm 10 is shown being removably secured to a cross-sectional dimension of a portion of a bracelet 26. The bracelet 26 can be formed from any material known to those skilled in the art. The bracelet 26 can vary in size to fit over a person's wrist or arm. Alternatively, the bracelet 26 could also be an ankle bracelet or a neck bracelet.

It should be understood that the loop charm 10 could be secured to almost any object that has an outwardly exposed surface, a hook, an aperture formed adjacent to an edge, etc.

In order to arrive at this configuration, the initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 has to be able to be stretched, enlarged or expanded to an oversize state where it could easily pass or fit around an object, such as a bracelet. The closed loop of elastic material 22 can be wrapped or tucked around the object. By “tuck” it is meant to make one fold or several folds in; to gather up and fold, thrust or turn in so as to secure or confine. The closed loop of elastic material 22 is then positioned over the circumference 14 of the first member 12. The closed loop of elastic material 22 is capable of immediately contracting, after the force used to stretch it has been removed. The closed loop of elastic material 22 will contract back toward its initial inner periphery 24 whereby the loop charm 10 is removably secured to another object, such as a bracelet. This tuck and loop action causes the closed loop of elastic material 22 to be positioned underneath the loop charm 10 and out of sight. The securement action is rather simple in that the closed loop of elastic material 22 is stretched or elongated so as to be wrapped around an object, such as a bracelet, and then stretched some more to loop around the first member 12. Once the force to stretch the closed loop of elastic material 22 is removed, the closed loop of elastic material 22 will contract back to its initial size and provide a snug, dangle free connection. After contraction, the closed loop of elastic material 22 becomes inconspicuous.

The initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to a surface area greater than 1 square inch. More desirably, the initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to a surface area greater than 2 square inches. Even more desirably, the initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to a surface area greater than 3 square inches. Most desirably, the initial inner periphery 24 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be stretched or expanded to a surface area greater than 4 square inches.

Once the closed loop of elastic material 22 has contracted upon itself, it becomes inconspicuous and can hardly be noticed by the wearer of the loop charm 10 as well as by a person who may look at the loop charm 10. The loop charm 10 can be removed at any time from the object, i.e. a bracelet, by simply reversing the process.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of a loop charm 10′ is shown. The loop charm 10′ is similar to the loop charm 10 except that it has an indentation 28 formed in the second surface 18 of the first member 12. The size and shape of the indentation 28 can vary. In FIG. 4, the indentation 28 is shown as having a semi-spherical or concave appearance. An attachment member 30, depicted as an elongated, narrow bar bridges across the indentation 28 and creates an opening that provides an attachment point. A first end 32 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be removable secured to the first member 12 via the attachment member 30. The first end 32 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be looped upon itself to form a removably secure attachment. The second or opposite end 34 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be wrapped around an exposed surface on a bracelet 26 or some other object and form a removably secure attachment, as was shown in FIG. 3.

It should be recognized that in FIG. 1, the closed loop of elastic material 22 is permanently attached to the first member 12 by the attachment member 20, i.e. epoxy. While in FIG. 4, the closed loop of elastic material 22 is removably attached to the first member 12 by looping it around the attachment member 30.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of a loop charm 10″ is shown. The loop charm 10″ is similar to the loop charm 10′ except that in place of the indentation 28 and attachment member 30, an outwardly extending attachment member 36 is utilized. The attachment member 36 can be formed from a variety of different materials. Desirably, the attachment member 36 is metal. Alternatively, the attachment member 36 can be formed from the same material from which the first member 12 is constructed.

The attachment member 36 can vary in size, shape and configuration. As depicted, the attachment member 36 has an arcuate or U-shape appearance. The attachment member 36 is secured to the second or bottom surface 18 of the first member 12. The attachment member 36 can be integral with the first member 12 or be a separate and distinct member. The attachment member 36 creates an opening 38 adjacent to the second surface 18 of the first member 12. The opening 38 is sufficiently large to accommodate the first end 32 of the closed loop of elastic material 22. This first end 32 can pass through the opening 38 and then be looped upon itself to form a removably secure attachment with the first member 12. The second or opposite end 34 of the closed loop of elastic material 22 can be wrapped or tucked around an exposed surface on a bracelet 26 or some other object and then loop around the first member 12 to form a removably secure attachment therewith.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the loop charm 10″ also differs from the two previously described loop charms 10 and 10′ in that a sticker 40 is secured to the first surface 16 of the first member 12. An adhesive 42 can be used to adhere the sticker 40 to the first surface 16. The adhesive 42 can be applied to the backing of the sticker 40 or be applied directly onto the first surface 16. The type of adhesive 42 can vary. The adhesive 42 can be constructed such that a sticker 40 can be easily removed from the first surface 16 and be replaced with another sticker 40, if desired.

The sticker 40 can contain an image, picture, graphic, letter(s), word(s), number(s), figure(s), icons, etc. which will be visually exposed when the loop charm 10″ is worn.

The sticker 40 can be formed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to: paper, film, plastic, a composite material, etc. The sticker 40 can be printed, painted, drawn upon, etc. to include an image, a picture, a graphic, one or more letters, one or more words, one or more numbers, one or more figures, icons, etc. Alternatively, the sticker 40 could be blank yet capable of being drawn on, painted, etc. by a person wearing the loop charm 10″ or by some other person. The sticker 40 can be black, white, opaque, be colored, contain two or more colors, etc. The thickness of the sticker 40 can vary.

The use of various stickers 40, each having a different image, picture or graphic, makes for an exciting bracelet 26 having a plurality of loop charms 10″ removably secured thereto. Young girls and boys, such as preteens and teenagers enjoy the opportunity to mix and match different images to form unique patterns. The patterns can vary. The patterns can be images, pictures or graphics of various items, such as: flowers, animals, pictures of friends, pictures of geographical sites, buildings, dolls, cars, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, a fourth embodiment of a loop charm 11 is shown. The loop charm 11 differs from the three previously embodiments in that it includes a second member 44. The second member 44 can vary in size, shape and configuration. As depicted, the second member 44 is a disk. By “disk” it is meant a thin, flat, circular object or plate. The second member 44 is secured to the first member 12. The second member 44 can be secured to the first member 12 in a variety of ways. For example, the second member 44 can be chemically bonded to the second surface 18 of the first member 12 using an adhesive, a co adhesive, glue, paste, cement, etc. that provides adhesion. Alternatively, the second member 44 can be mechanically attached to the first member 12. For example, the second member 44 can have an outwardly extending flange 46, in the shape of a rim or fingers, which is sized to engage the circumference 14, or at least a portion of the circumference 14, of the first member 12, and secure the first member 12 to the second member 44. Desirably, the entire circumference 14 of the first member 12 is contacted by the flange 46.

It should be understood and an adhesive, co-adhesive, glue, paste or cement could be used along with the mechanical attachment, if desired.

As best seen in FIG. 7, the second member 44 is a thin, circular disk having an upwardly extending circular flange 46. The flange 46 is sized to surround and engage with at least a portion, if not the entirety, of the circumference 14 of the first member, and secure the first member 12 to the second member 44.

Referring back to FIG. 6 and to FIG. 8, the loop charm 11 has an attachment member 48 secured to the second member 44. The attachment member 48 can be separate and distinct from the second member 44. Alternatively, the attachment member 48 can be an integral part of the second member 44. The attachment member 48 extends outward from the second member 44 and includes an aperture 50. By “aperture” it is meant an opening, such as a hole, gap or slit. The size of the aperture 50 can vary. The aperture 50 should be sized to allow one end, such as the first end 32, of the closed loop of elastic material 22, to easily pass through it and be looped upon itself to form a removable securement with the second member 44.

As best depicted in FIG. 8, the attachment member 48 is relatively narrow and only spans a portion of the diameter of the circular second member 44. However, various designs and construction for the attachment member 48 are possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, an alternative embodiment of a loop charm 11′ is shown. The loop charm 11′ has a pair of apertures 52, 52 formed completely through the first member 12. The pair of apertures 52, 52 can vary in geometrical configuration. Circular apertures 52, 52 are the easiest and cheapest to form. The size or diameter of the apertures 52, 52 can vary. The size or diameter of each aperture 52 can range from between about 0.01 inches to about 01 inches.

The pair of apertures 52, 52 is spaced apart from one another. The distance that the pair of apertures 52, 52 is spaced apart from one another can vary. For example, the distance between the pair of apertures 52, 52 can range from between about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches. Desirably, the distance between the pair of apertures 52, 52 can range from between about 0.15 inches to about 0.4 inches. More desirably, the distance between the pair of apertures 52, 52 can range from between about 0.2 inches to about 0.3 inches.

A closed loop of elastic material 22 passes through both of the pair of apertures 52, 52 and extends below the first member 12. The benefit of the pair of apertures 52, 52 is that they create a very simple and easy way of attaching the closed loop of elastic material 22 to the first member 12.

Referring to FIG. 11, a bracelet 26 is shown being worn around the wrist of a person. The bracelet 26 has a plurality of loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 removably secured thereto. Five (5) loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 are shown. The loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 can be evenly spaced or be randomly spaced apart. The size or outside diameter of the various loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 can vary. One will notice that some of the loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 are constructed as shown in FIGS. 1-5, while others are constructed as shown in FIGS. 6-8.

Although the loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 1 have been shown as circular, it should be understood that the geometrical shape of the loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 can vary. For example, some loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 could have a square, rectangular, triangular, pentagon, or irregular configuration.

Method

A method of removably securing a loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 onto another object, such as a bracelet 26, is also part of this invention. The loop charm 10, 10′ or 10″ includes a first member 12 having a circumference 14. The first member 12 also has a first surface 16 and an oppositely aligned second surface 18. Each of the first and second surfaces, 16 and 18 respectively, has a surface area, with the surface area of the first surface 16 being greater or larger than the surface area of the second surface 18. The loop charm 10 also includes an attachment member 20, 30, 36 secured to the first member 12. The loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 further includes a closed loop of elastic material 22 which is permanently or removably secured to one of the attachment members 20, 30, 36 or 48. The closed loop of elastic material 22 has an initial inner periphery 24 which can be expanded to at least about 5 times the size of the initial inner periphery 24 and fit over or loop about the circumference 14 of the first member 12. The closed loop of elastic material 22 is capable of immediately contracting, after the force used to stretch it has been removed, back toward the size of its initial inner periphery 24. By wrapping, tucking and looping the closed loop of elastic material 22 around the bracelet 26 and the first member 12, a secure attachment is obtained.

The method includes the steps of stretching the closed loop of elastic material 22. This stretched closed loop of elastic material 22 is then wrapped or tucked around an exposed surface of an object. The exposed surface can be a portion of the periphery of a bracelet 26. By “periphery” it is meant a line that forms the boundary of an area; a perimeter. The method further includes fitting or looping the stretched closed loop of elastic material 22 over the circumference 14 of the first member 12. The stretched closed loop of elastic material 22 is allowed to contract back toward the size of its initial inner periphery 24 whereby the loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 is removably secured to the bracelet 26 or some other object. Upon contracting, the closed loop of elastic material becomes almost inconspicuous.

The method further includes removing the loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 from the bracelet 26 or some other object by again stretching the closed loop of elastic material 22. The stretched, closed loop of elastic material 22 is again pulled or looped over the circumference 14 of the first member 12, in a reverse direction. The stretched, closed loop of elastic material 22 is also freed from the other object, i.e. a bracelet 26. The closed loop of elastic material 22 is allowed to contract back toward the, size of its initial inner periphery 24, whereby the loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 is separated from the exposed surface of the bracelet 26 or some other object that it was wrapped on.

It should be understood that the bracelet 26 or some other object has a cross-sectional dimension and the closed loop of elastic material 22 is wrapped or tucked around this cross-sectional dimension.

The loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 will be retained on the bracelet 26 or some other object in a desired location. The loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 will resist moving, sliding or rotating due to the contractual force of the material from which the closed loop of elastic material 22 is constructed. This is an important feature, for it ensures that the loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 will remain in place and conspicuous. By “conspicuous” it is meant easy to notice; obvious; attracting attention, as by being unusual. By preventing the loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 from moving, sliding or rotating on the bracelet 26 or some other object, one can be assured that the loop charms 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 will not cause irritation or discomfort to the skin of the wearer of the bracelet 26.

Lastly, the loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 are designed to be easily and quickly secured and later be removed from the bracelet 26 or some other object without requiring a great amount of dexterity. By “dexterity” it is meant skill and grace in physical movement, especially in the use of the hands; adroitness.

Because of this, the loop charm 10, 10′, 10″ or 11 can be exchanged on a regular or frequent basis by young people, such as preteens, as well as by older adults, such as grandparents.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A loop charm comprising:

a) a first member having a circumference, a first surface and an oppositely aligned second surface, each of said first and second surfaces has a surface area, and said surface area of said first surface being greater than said surface area of said second surface;

b) an attachment member secured to said first member; and

c) a closed loop of elastic material secured to said attachment member, said closed loop of elastic material having an initial inner periphery which can be expanded to at least about 5 times the size of said initial inner periphery and fit over said circumference of said first member, and said closed loop of elastic material capable of immediately contracting, after having been expanded, back toward said initial inner periphery, whereby said loop charm can be removably secured to another object.

2. The loop charm of claim 1 wherein said first surface is convex and has a surface area of at least about 0.05 square inches.

3. The loop charm of claim 1 wherein said second surface is planar and said attachment member is an epoxy.

4. The loop charm of claim 1 further comprising a sticker secured to said first surface, and said sticker contains an image which is visually exposed.

5. The loop charm of claim 1 wherein one end of said closed loop of elastic material is removably secured to said attachment member and a second end of said closed loop of elastic material is removably secured to said object.

6. The loop charm of claim 1 wherein said attachment member includes an aperture, and one end of said closed loop of elastic material passes through said aperture and is looped upon itself to removably secure said closed loop of elastic material to said attachment member.

7. The loop charm of claim 1 wherein said initial inner periphery of said closed loop of elastic material can be expanded to a surface area greater than 1.0 square inches.

8. The loop charm of claim 1 wherein said initial inner periphery of said closed loop of elastic material is about 0.001 inches.

9. The loop charm of claim 1 wherein said attachment member is secured to said second surface of said first member.

10. A loop charm comprising:

a) a first member having a circumference, a first surface and an oppositely aligned second surface, each of said first and second surfaces has a surface area, and said surface area of said first surface being greater than said surface area of said second surface;

b) a second member secured to said first member;

c) an attachment member secured to said second member; and

c) a closed loop of elastic material secured to said attachment member, said closed loop of elastic material having an initial inner periphery which can be expanded to at least about 5 times the size of said initial inner periphery and fit over said circumference of said first member, and said closed loop of elastic material capable of immediately contracting, after having been expanded, back toward said initial inner periphery, whereby said loop charm can be removably secured to another object.

11. The loop charm of claim 10 wherein said second member is chemically bonded to said second surface of said first member.

12. The loop charm of claim 10 wherein said second member has an upwardly extending flange sized to engage said circumference of said first member and secure said first and second members together.

13. The loop charm of claim 12 wherein said second member is a disk having an outwardly extending circular flange sized to engage said circumference of said first member and secure said first and second members together.

14. The loop charm of claim 10 wherein said attachment ember extends outward from said second member and includes an aperture.

15. The loop charm of claim 14 wherein said closed loop of elastic material passes through said aperture and is looped upon itself.

16. A method of removably securing a loop charm onto another object, said loop charm comprising a first member having a circumference, a first surface and an oppositely aligned second surface, each of said first and second surfaces has a surface area, and said surface area of said first surface being greater than said surface area of said second surface, an attachment member secured to said first member, and a closed loop of elastic material secured to said attachment member, said closed loop of elastic material having an initial inner periphery which can be expanded to at least about 5 times the size of said initial inner periphery and fit over said circumference of said first member, and said closed loop of elastic material capable of immediately contracting, after having been expanded, back toward said initial inner periphery, said method comprising the steps of:

a) stretching said closed loop of elastic material;

b) wrapping said stretched closed loop of elastic material around an exposed surface of an object;

c) fitting said stretched closed loop of elastic material over said circumference of said first member; and

d) allowing said stretched closed loop of elastic material to contract back toward the size of said initial inner periphery whereby said loop charm is removably secured to said object.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising removing said loop charm from said object by stretching said closed loop of elastic material, pulling said closed loop of elastic material over said circumference of said first member, and allowing said stretched closed loop of elastic material to contract back toward the size of said initial inner periphery whereby said loop charm is separated from said exposed surface of said object and is no longer secured to said object.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein said object is a bracelet having a cross-sectional dimension and said closed loop of elastic material is wrapped around said cross-sectional dimension.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein said closed loop of elastic material experiences essentially no hysteresis when stretched and contracted less than 100 times.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein said object is a lump of hair on a person's head and said closed loop of elastic material is wrapped around said lump of hair.