Crystal Hook

Abstract

A system and method for a crystal mount. The system includes a coupler which has a mount and a base. The mount couples to a decorative item, and the base couples to an object. The system allows decorative items, such as a crystal, to be mounted onto a hook. This allows a crystal, for example, to be mounted within skates or other shoes.

Description

PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/334,329 entitled “Crystal Hook” filed May 10, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The present invention also claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/344,910 entitled “Crystal Hook” filed on Jun. 2, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for a crystal hook.

Description of Related Art

Laces, strings, and buttons are used to secure clothing, shoes, etc. They are utilitarian and often boring. Consequently, there is a need for a system and method which allows crystals and other decoration to be secured and adhered to buttons, hooks, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crystal on a skate in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a crystal being prong mounted in one embodiment

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a crystal being mounted in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side profile of a hook on one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of snaps in one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view of interchangeable snap caps in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crystal on a skate in one embodiment. While a skate 105 is depicted, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. Any shoe, such as a boot, work boot, hiking boots, cleats, tennis shoes, etc. which feature a coupler 101 can be used. As used herein, a shoe refers to any object placed on a human foot to aid with gripping, traction, walking, or maneuvering. Thus, a shoe includes traditional shoes such as tennis shoes and hiking shoes, as well as skates, rolling blades, roller skates, etc.

A coupler 101, as used herein, is a hook, loop, hole, etc. which is used to secure a button, lace, or string, to an object of clothing such as a shoe. A coupler 101 can be used to couple, for example, shoe laces to a shoe. In such a scenario coupler 101 would comprise a closed eye-rings or loops through which the laces are inserted.

In another embodiment the coupler 101 comprises a partially open hook. A hook has an opening on the side through which a lace or string is wrapped. FIG. 1 shows a lace 107 which is wrapped around the coupler 101. The skate 105 can be tightened around the skater's foot by wrapping the lace 107 around the coupler 101, pulling the lace 107 to provide tension, and then wrapping the lace 107 around successive couplers 101.

As depicted the coupler 101 houses a decorative item 102. A decorative item 102, as used herein, refers to a stone, crystal, or other object which serves primarily to decorate a coupler 101. The decorate item 102, in one embodiment, comprises a Swarovski crystal.

A decorate item 102 serves several purposes. First, it allows the owner to express themselves in a creative fashion. Using the skates as depicted, the skater could be wearing a specific outfit. The decorative item 102 allows the outfit to match the skates.

Second, adding decorative items allows the user to customize their clothing. Perhaps they want more “splash” than a standard hook with no decoration.

Third, the decorative item provides an opportunity for branding. Clothing companies, for example, could put their name or logo on the decorative item 102. The decorative item 102 can comprise images, logos, letting, numbers, etc. Sticking with the skates example, the decorative item 102 can comprise a hockey team, a player's number, etc.

As noted, in one embodiment the decorative item 102 comprises a crystal. The crystal can comprise a clear transparent crystal, a crystal with color, a semi-transparent crystal, or an opaque crystal. Further, in one embodiment the crystal further comprises an image, a logo, a letter, a number, etc. Thus, the crystal can comprise a clothing manufacturer logo. The image, logo, etc. logo can be adhered or attached to the crystal via any method known in the art. The image, for example, can be etched into the crystal, or can otherwise be adhered via glue, adhesive, soldering, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a perspective of a crystal being prong mounted in one embodiment. The coupler 101, as depicted, comprises a mount 103 which couples to the decorative item 102, and a base 104. The mount 103 couples the coupler 101 to the decorative item 102.

The decorative item 102 can be coupled to the mount 103 via any method known in the art. These methods, include, but are not limited to, various methods of stonesetting whereby stones are set in jewelry. There are many different types of stonesetting which can be utilized in the system and method discussed below herein. These include bezel setting whereby the stone, or the decorative item 102, is adhered to metal which is soldered to the coupler. Other techniques such as channel setting, prong setting, bead setting, and burnish setting can also be used. One skilled in the art would understand the advantages and disadvantages of the various stonesetting methods as well as the necessary adaptations to utilize decorative items 102 of varying sizes, shapes, and weights.

As noted, FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment utilizing prong mounting. As depicted, the mounts 103 comprise prongs which are used to grasp and secure the decorative item 102. The prongs can be independently adjustable prongs as depicted, or there can be a single prong along the perimeter of the decorative item 102.

In one embodiment the prongs are in an open position. Thereafter, the decorative item 102, such as a crystal, is inserted. Then the prongs are moved into a closed position to secure the decorative item 102. In one embodiment the prongs are bent to secure the decorative item 102.

The coupler 101 also comprises a base 104. The base 104 is the portion of the coupler 101 which adheres to an object, such as clothing, shoes, or the like. The base 104 can be coupled to the object using any method known in the art including soldering, sewing, adhesives, etc.

The base 104 can be adjacent to the decorative item 102 or it can be separated a distance, such as depicted in FIG. 2. In one embodiment the base 104 comprises a flat, planar surface which fits adjacent to the object, such as a skate.

As can be seen, in one embodiment the coupler 101 comprises an open side 106 and a closed side. As depicted the closed side is on the left whereas the open side 106 is on the right. A lace or string can be received by the open side 106 whereas the closed side engages the lace and prevents the lace from passing. This is what allows the skate, for example, to be tightly tied.

The coupler 101 can comprise a variety of shapes. The height can vary, depending upon the desired application. In one embodiment the spacing of the open side 106, the separation distance between the bottom of the mount 103 and the base 104 is at least as great as the diameter of the lace or string used to couple to the coupler 101.

In one embodiment the coupler 101 comprises a single integrally made piece. In such embodiments the mount 103 and the base 104 comprise a single piece. Such embodiments have an advantage of fewer parts, and accordingly, fewer parts to manufacture, break, etc.

In other embodiments, however, the coupler 101 comprises distinct and separate pieces which are coupled together to form the coupler 101. Thus, for example, the mount 103 can be welded, soldered, or otherwise attached to the base 104. In one such embodiment the mount 103 is releasably coupled to the base 104. This allows the mount 103 to be changed and customized when desired. Thus, if a first mount 103 comprises a red crystal, for example, and a second mount comprises a blue crystal, the user can remove the first mount 103 and replace it with the second mount. Such an ability increases customization and versatility.

The mount 103 can be coupled to the base 104 via any method or device known in the art. In one embodiment, as described above, the mount 103 is releasably coupled. In one such embodiment, for example, the mount 103 is coupled to the base 104 via a screw or threading, or the like. In other embodiments the mount 103 is permanently adhered to the base 104.

While one embodiment is discussed wherein the coupler 101 comprises an open side 106, in other embodiments the coupler 101 does not comprise an open side. Instead, the coupler 101 is completely closed. In such embodiments the coupler 101 comprises a closed loop rather than an open hook. In such embodiments rather than a lace, for example, being wrapped around a coupler 101, the lace is threaded through the closed loop of the coupler 101. The coupler 101 can still function as discussed above.

The coupler 101, mount 103, and base 104 can comprise virtually any material. In one embodiment the material comprises metal, plastic, a polymer, rubber, wood, and combinations thereof. The size and shape of the coupler 101, mount, and base 104 can be adjusted as necessary depending upon the application.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a crystal being mounted in one embodiment. As noted, those skilled in the art will understand the various methods and devices which can be used to couple the decorative item 102 with the coupler 101. In the figure a bit is first used to create a void into which the decorative item 102 will be housed. Thereafter, the surrounding material in the coupler 101 is adjusted, pushed, melted, and otherwise modified to grip and secure the decorative item 102.

FIG. 4 is a side profile of a hook on one embodiment. As can be seen, in this embodiment the decorative item 102 is a flatback crystal. Unlike the figure in FIG. 2, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 does not comprise visible prongs. Instead, the decorative item sits flat and flush against the coupler.

While one embodiment has been discussed in reference to shoes, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. The system and method can be used to adhere or couple a decorative item 102 to virtually any button, prong, zipper, etc. Consider, for example, a button down shirt. A typical button has threads which are coupled to a lower level of cloth and the button couples to the upper level of cloth via slots. In one embodiment the button is modified to comprise a decorative item 102 as discussed above.

As noted, the system and method discussed can be used in apparel (such as lingerie, corsets, leather goods), shoes, wedding dresses, boots, tennis shoes, skates. The system can also be used in purses and in equestrian and automotive categories. In one embodiment the system can be used on anything which laces up and which the user desires to give a high-end embellished look.

In one embodiment an old hook on a pair of skates, for example, can be replaced with the coupler 101 discussed herein. In such embodiments, the entire hook is removed. Thereafter, a coupler 101 disclosed herein is attached to the skate via the base 104. As noted, the base 104 can be coupled with adhesive, sewing, stitching, etc. Thereafter, the decorative item 102 can be inserted and coupled to the coupler 101 using any method discussed herein.

In still other embodiments, rather than the coupler 101 being installed without the decorative item 102, the coupler 101 is installed already coupled to a decorative item 102. In still other embodiments, as discussed herein, once the base 104 is installed, the mount 103 can be detached from the base 104 to allow separate decorative items 102 and/or mounts 103 to be installed.

As noted, in one embodiment the coupler 101 and decorate item 102 are separately made and then coupled. In other embodiments, the decorative item 102 and the coupler 101 are made simultaneously.

In one embodiment, as discussed, the decorative item 102 is interchangeable. In one embodiment the decorative item 102 snaps onto the coupler 101. In one embodiment the decorative item 102 slides to couple with the coupler 101. In one embodiment, the coupler 101 comprises a cover into which the decorative item 102 is placed.

In one embodiment the systems uses flatback stones as the decorative item 102 because of the depth at the top of the coupler 101. As noted, these stones can comprise resin, crystal, and combinations thereof, as well as other materials, depending on the category of the coupler 101. The system can include enamel as well as a stamped embossed design.

In one embodiment a decorative item is carved, embossed, etched, molded, etc. onto the coupler. As an example, a logo or design can be molded or etched into the coupler.

Now turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a snap in one embodiment. Snaps usually have 4 parts. The first piece is the Post that is flat with a narrow tube sticking up. This will be the back on the wrong side of the fabric or garment. The Stud attaches to the Post. The Cap is the decorative visible portion of the snap and it attaches to the Socket. The decorative item discussed herein can be attached to the cap, or virtually any other portion of a snap. This allows the user to customize and decorate a utilitarian item such as snaps.

FIG. 6 is a view of interchangeable snap caps in one embodiment. Interchangeable lace hooks would include a lace hook top formed into the post/stud combo and the decorative item would be in the socket/cap combo. This would allow the consumer to change out the decorative item socket/cap to match their outfits, maintaining the style of the shoe/boot/corset etc. while giving multiple color and decoration accessory options.

As noted, the decorative item can comprise virtually any decorative item including crystals, rhinestones, etc. The decorative snap cap offers many different possible combinations which the user can change on a day-to-day basis. The user can have rhinestones one day, skull heads the next, and decorative stamped metal designs the next day. Thus, in some embodiments the decorative item is interchangeable.

In one embodiment the interchangeable options could be a snap cap, screw post, rivet post (permanent option), a silicone sleeve, or a combination of the above.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for coupling a decorative item to a shoe, said system comprising:

a coupler comprising a mount and a base, wherein said mount couples to a decorative item, and wherein said base couples to said object.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said coupler comprises at least one open side.