SHOE AND SHOE ORNAMENTING DEVICES

Abstract

A shoe and shoe ornamenting device is shown. The shoe is shown in an exemplary embodiment, depicted as a preferred loafer having attachment points for attachment of a shoe ornamenting device thereto. The attachment points preferably comprise a loop of material that serves as a point of connection for the shoe ornamenting device. A replaceable band is secured to a first shackle and a second shackle, the shackles being removably secured, respectively, to loops of material at each bridge end of the shoe, using a fastener, such as a pin, which secures the shackle to a loop.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/539,746 filed on Nov. 12, 2014, issued on Jul. 27, 2021 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,071,352, which claims the benefit U.S. Provisional application No. 61/903,208 filed Nov. 12, 2013, the complete contents of which applications are herein incorporated by reference. The benefits under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119(e) and 120 of the foregoing applications are hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of footwear, and more particularly to a device, method and system for ornamenting a shoe.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A shoe and shoe ornamenting device is shown. The shoe is shown in an exemplary embodiment, depicted as a preferred loafer having attachment points for attachment of a shoe ornamenting device thereto. The attachment points preferably comprise a band of material that serves as a point of connection for the shoe ornamenting device.

The shoe ornamenting device preferably spans across the last of the shoe, and, as shown is connected at the first attachment point and the second attachment point.

According to a preferred embodiment, the ornamenting device includes a connector having a body portion and a connecting potion that connects to the attachment point of the shoe. One preferred embodiment configures the attachment elements on the ends of the body portion (shown at each arm end thereof) and is secured with a securing element to the shoe attachment point. For example, the body is shown having a first arm and a second arm. Each arm has a threaded aperture there through. The securing element is shown according to one embodiment comprising a pin having a first end and a second end. The pin has threads which secure the pin to the threaded apertures for rapid attachment and removal of the securing element and ornamenting device body.

The body is connected to a feature element or connecting element, which is shown as a band spanning between the body of the first connector, and connecting with the body of a second connector. The second connector is shown attached to the second attachment point of the shoe, and is disposed on the opposite side of the shoe, as shown.

The connecting element may be configured having a preferred configuration where a curved body portion extends toward the center of the shoe, from a point of connection at one of the shoe attachment points. The connecting element preferably is secured by a matingly threaded pin, although other mechanisms may be used to secure the connecting element to the shoe attachment point.

The connecting element is removably secured to the shoe, so alternate or differently shaped connecting elements may be used. The connecting band also may be provided having different colors, or with different configurations.

The system permits a user to select from a different band and attach the band to the shoe, preferably to coordinate with the clothing of the wearer.

According to one embodiment, a shoe is provided having interchangeable decorative elements, including connecting bands from which to select, and connectors that connect the band to the shoe.

According to some embodiments, the shoe may be provided as a kit, with one or more bands, securing elements or pins, to provide a number of options for configuring the shoe.

FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe and shoe ornamenting device according to my present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the of the shoe and shoe ornamenting device of FIG. 1, with the ornamenting feature shown separately from the shoe, and with one of the pins of the ornamenting feature shown uninstalled;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the of the shoe and shoe ornamenting device of FIG. 1, with the ornamenting feature shown separately from the shoe, and with both pins shown installed;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the shoe and shoe ornamenting device of FIG. 1, with the ornamenting feature shown separately from the shoe;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the shoe and shoe ornamenting device of FIG. 1, with the ornamenting feature shown separately from the shoe;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view thereof, with the ornamenting feature shown separately from the shoe;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view thereof with the ornamenting feature shown separately from the shoe;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view thereof with the ornamenting feature shown separately from the shoe, the left side elevation view being a mirror image thereof;

FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of the shoe and shoe ornamenting device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, where a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown, two shackles are linked by various methods of design to form an interchangeable shoe ornament. The ornament then attaches to the bridge of the shoe to provide both, an aesthetic appeal as well as utilitarian, structural shoe support.

Referring to FIG. 1, a shoe embodiment of the invention is shown, with a shoe 11 that preferably has an upper 11a and a sole 11b. The shoe upper 11a preferably is made from leather, but also could be made from synthetic material. The sole 11b may be made from rubber, cork, leather, wood or other materials generally known and used for shoe soles.

As an example, two loops 12, 13, preferably made from shoe upper material (such as, preferably, leather), are sewn into the shoe pattern of the shoe 11, one loop 12 on the right and the other loop 13 on the left side.

The shoe 11 is provided having a shoe ornamenting device 20. The shoe ornamenting device 20 comprises a component that spans across the shoe bridge or vamp 14. The shoe ornamenting device 20 preferably spans across the shoe 11, and, as shown is connected at one side thereof at the first attachment point, which is the first loop 12 and, at the other side thereof, at the second attachment point, which is the second loop 13. The shoe ornamenting device 20 is removably connectable on the shoe, and, as illustrated in the embodiment, connects to the loops 12,13.

The shoe ornamenting device 20, as illustrated according to a preferred embodiment, preferably includes a connector 22 having a body portion 23 and a connecting potion comprising attachment elements 24, 25 that connect to the attachment point of the shoe (such as the loops 12, 13). One preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, configures the attachment elements 24, 25 at each end of the body portion 23 (shown at each arm end thereof) and is secured with a securing element to the shoe attachment point. For example, the body 23 is shown having a first arm 23a and a second arm 23b. Each arm 23a,23b has a threaded aperture 28 there through. The securing element is shown according to one embodiment comprising a pin 30 having a first end and a second end. The pin 30 has threads 31 which secure the pin 30 to the threaded apertures 28 for easy attachment and removal of the securing element or pin 30 to and from the connector 22, and ornamenting the device 20 with one or more of the bands 40.

The connector body 23 is shown connected to a feature element or connecting element, which is illustrated comprising a band 40 spanning between the body 23 of the first connector 22, and connecting with the body 123 of a second connector 122. The second connector 122 is shown attached to the second attachment point of the shoe, the loop 12 and is disposed on the opposite side of the shoe, as shown.

The pin 30 is removably secured to the shoe 11. The connecting band 40 also may be provided having different colors, or with different configurations. According to preferred embodiments, the connecting band 40 may be elastic or stretchable to accommodate different sizes (particularly widths) of shoes. According to a preferred embodiment, the band 40 preferably includes a first connecting end 40a and a second connecting end 40b, the connecting ends 40a,40b being provides to connect the band with the respective connectors 22,122. According to preferred embodiments, the connecting ends 40a,40b are configured as loops through which the band may pass to secure to the shackle or connector 22,122.

The system, device and method involve installing and removing the ornamenting device 20 on and from the shoe 11. Installing the ornamenting device 20 onto the shoe may be done by connecting the ornamenting device connectors 22,122 with the band 40 already attached to each connector 22,122, or alternately, by installing one connector 22,122 at a time, where the band 40 may be installed by slipping it over one of the attachment elements 24,25 or 124,125 of a respective connector 22,122. According to a preferred installation method, the ornamenting device may be installed by inserting the threaded shackle pin 30 through the initial shackle pin fitting 28 (see FIG. 2) on the attachment element 25, then through the leather loop 13, and screwed into the final threaded shackle pin fitting bore of the attachment element 24. The same is repeated for the shackle connector 122 on the other side, into the open leather loop 12. The band 40 may be installed on the connector 22,122 during the installation process, either over an end of a connector 22,122 or looping the band onto the connector body.

As a design advantage, the functional aspect of the two shackles 22, 122 (as part of the ornament) allows the shoe wearer to easily change, swap or replace the (ornament) as they see fit. This allows the wearer to accessorize or customize a single pair of shoes as often as they please.

Two shackles 22, 122 held together by any method of design attached to a shoe's bridge 14 by a threaded shackle pin 30 or any other method of attachment to shoe 11.

According to preferred embodiments, the shackles 22, 122 and (ornament as a whole 20) are meant to convey a “Nautical” feel and the impression given is part of the overall design concept.

The connector, such as, for example, the pin 30 may be removed from the shackle attachment element 24, 25 to release the shackle 22 from its connection with the shoe 11, such as from the loop 13. The band 40 may be removed from the shackle 22 and replaced with an alternate band (e.g., band color, etc.).

In one exemplary embodiment, the shoe ornamenting device comprises a connector 22 having a body portion 23 with attachment means 24, 25 for attachment to an attachment portion 13 of a shoe 11, a securing element 30 for releasably securing the connector 22 with the attachment portion 13 of the shoe 11; and an element 40 spanning between the connector body 23 of the first connector 22 and a connector body 123 of a second connector 122, with a first arm 123a and a second arm 123b. The connectors 22,122 and pins 30 securing each connector 22,122 on the shoe attachment portion 13,12, respectively, and each connector 22,122 to the band or spanning element 40, are releasable and allow for changing of the band 40.

The invention may include a system where a plurality of bands 40 are provided in a kit with a plurality of connectors or shackles and pins.

Although the preferred shoe embodiment is depicted as a loafer, the shoe ornamenting feature may be applied to other shoes, in particular, shoes provided with an attachment portion to which the connector may be secured. These and other advantages of my invention are shown and described in the drawing figures and in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for shoe ornamentation of a shoe having two attachment portions comprising:

a) attaching a first threaded pin shackle to one of the said two attachment portions of the shoe, the first threaded pin shackle having a pair of arms, each arm having an opening therein at least one of which said openings is threaded, the first threaded pin shackle having a removable pin with a threaded end having threads;

b) attaching a second threaded pin shackle to the other of the said two attachment portions of the shoe; the second threaded pin shackle having a pair of arms, each arm having an opening therein at least one of which said openings is threaded, the second threaded pin shackle having a removable pin with a threaded end having threads;

c) placing a band having a first end and a second end on the first threaded pin shackle and on the second threaded pin shackle, wherein the band first end is connected on the first threaded pin shackle and wherein the band second end is connected on the second threaded pin shackle;

d) wherein the first threaded pin shackle is attached by aligning the arm openings on opposite sides of the said one of the two shoe attachment portions and passing the pin through one of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings, and

e) wherein the second threaded pin shackle is attached by aligning the arm openings on opposite sides of the said other one of the two shoe attachment portions, and passing the pin through one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings.

2. The method of claim 1,

wherein rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings is done in a first rotation direction, and wherein rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the second threaded pin shackle is done in a first rotation direction;

wherein arm openings each said pin is rotated in a first rotation direction to secure the threads to a respective one of the pin shackle arm openings of a respective one of the threaded pin shackles;

removing the pins from each of the respective said first threaded pin shackle and said second threaded pin shackle by rotating each pin in a direction opposite of the first rotation direction;

removing the band from the first threaded pin shackle and from the second threaded pin shackle;

repeating steps c), d), and e) to connect a band on the first threaded pin shackle and on the second threaded pin shackle.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least two bands are made available, and wherein removing the band from the first threaded pin shackle and from the second threaded pin shackle comprises removing a first one of the at least two bands made available; and wherein repeating steps c), d), and e) to connect a band on the first threaded pin shackle and on the second threaded pin shackle comprises connecting at least a second one of the at least two bands made available.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein at least one of said bands includes a logo.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said band first end and said band second end has a loop, and wherein the band first end is connected on the first threaded pin shackle by securing the band first end loop to the first threaded pin shackle, and wherein said band second end is connected on the second threaded pin shackle by securing the band second end loop to the second threaded pin shackle.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein for each said band, each of said band first end and said band second end has a loop, and wherein the band first end is connected on the first threaded pin shackle by securing the band first end loop to the first threaded pin shackle, and wherein said band second end is connected on the second threaded pin shackle by securing the band second end loop to the second threaded pin shackle.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said first threaded pin shackle arms connect to form a generally u-shaped body, and wherein placing the band on the first threaded pin shackle comprises connecting the band first end on the first threaded pin shackle body; and wherein said second threaded pin shackle arms connect to form a generally u-shaped body, and wherein placing the band on the second threaded pin shackle comprises connecting the band second end on the second threaded pin shackle body.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said band is placed on said first threaded pin shackle prior to aligning said first arm openings of the first threaded pin shackle with the first one of the said two attachment portions, and wherein said band is placed on said second threaded pin shackle prior to aligning said second threaded pin shackle arm openings with the second one of the said two attachment portions.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein passing the pin through one of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the first shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings, is carried out after the band first end is connected to the first threaded pin shackle body.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein passing the pin through one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the second shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, is carried out after the band second end is connected to the second threaded pin shackle body.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein passing the pin through one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the second shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, is carried out after the band second end is connected to the second threaded pin shackle body.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein passing the pin through one of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the first shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the first threaded pin shackle arm openings, is carried out after the band first end is connected to the first threaded pin shackle.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein passing the pin through one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the second shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, is carried out after the band second end is connected to the second threaded pin shackle.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein passing the pin through one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings and through the second shoe attachment portion and into the other one of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, and rotating the pin to secure the threads to the at least one threaded opening of the second threaded pin shackle arm openings, is carried out after the band second end is connected to the second threaded pin shackle.