Parachute Cord Accessories

Abstract

A customizable accessory assembly having a first section of paracord, a second section of paracord, and at least one insignia. The first section of the paracord is mounted to an end member and the second section of paracord may be wrapped around the first section of paracord to produce a visually appealing, sturdy accessory. The insignia produces an image or various components including sports, logos, characters, or alpha or numeric symbol indicias and the accessory can be provided in many forms such as a bracelet, a pull, a keychain, or a lanyard for example.

Claims

1. A paracord accessory assembly comprising: an end member; a first section of paracord secured to the end member and extending in a longitudinal direction therefrom; a second section of paracord that is woven about the first section of paracord such that a weave formed by the second section of paracord extends about the first section of paracord in the longitudinal direction; and at least one insignia having a channel that cooperates with a portion of the first section of paracord and a portion of the second section of paracord to secure the at least one insignia relative to the accessory assembly.

2. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 1 wherein the end member is further defined as at least one of a keyring, a clasp, or a buckle.

3. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 2 further comprising another at least one of a keyring, clasp, or buckle secured to a second longitudinal end of the accessory assembly by at least one of the first section of paracord or the second section of paracord.

4. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 1 further comprising another insignia having a post with a channel that cooperates with the first section and the second section of paracord and is secured to the accessory assembly at a location offset in the longitudinal direction from the at least one insignia.

5. The paracord accessory, assembly of claim 1 wherein the insignia is selected from a group consisting of a sport logo, a sport mascot, an institution logo, an institution mascot, an animated character, a symbol, a peace sign, and a dollar sign.

6. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 5 wherein at least one of the first section of paracord and the second section of paracord are provided in colors that correlate to the least one insignia.

7. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 1 wherein the insignia is an image indicative of an object selected from a group consisting of a vehicle, a dump truck, a fire truck, a police vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a cheese wedge, and a flag.

8. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 1 wherein the first section of paracord is secured to the end member with a knot and the second section of paracord is woven about the first section of paracord in weave.

9. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 8 wherein the knot is a cow's hitch knot and the weave is a cobra weave.

10. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 1 further comprising an indicia that cooperates with the second section of paracord to secure the indicia to the accessory assembly.

11. The paracord accessory assembly of claim 10 wherein the indicia is selected from a group consisting of a charm, at least one alphanumeric character, and a bead character.

12. A method of forming a paracord accessory assembly, the method comprising: securing a base cord to an end member such that the base cord extends in a longitudinal direction from the end member; weaving an exterior cord about the base cord such that a weave of the exterior cord extends in the longitudinal direction along the base cord; and disposing a first insignia between opposing members of the base cord such that the base cord limits translation of the first insignia in a lateral direction and adjacent loops defined by the weave of the exterior cord such that the exterior cord limits longitudinal translation of the first insignia relative to the base cord and such that the base of the first insignia extends in a lateral direction through the base cord and the exterior cord.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising securing the base cord to the end member with a knot.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising forming the knot as a cow hitch knot.

15. The method of claim 12 further comprising selecting end member from a group consisting of a keyring, a bracelet clasp, a buckle, and a selectively operable closure.

16. The method of claim 12 further comprising securing at least one alphanumeric character to the exterior cord.

17. The method of claim 12 further comprising securing a second insignia that is different than the first insignia at a location that is longitudinally offset from the first insignia.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising selecting each of the first insignia and the second insignia from a group consisting of a sport symbol, an institution mascot, an institution symbol, an athletic symbol, and an academic symbol.

19. The method of claim 12 further comprising selecting a color of the base cord and a color of the exterior cord to form a color pattern of at least one of the base cord or the exterior cord to coordinate with a school color, an entertainment character color, or an institution color.

20. A paracord accessory comprising: an end member; a first section of paracord secured to the end member and extending in a longitudinal direction therefrom; a second section of paracord that is woven about the first section of paracord such that a weave formed by the second section of paracord extends about the first section of paracord in the longitudinal direction; and at least one insignia comprising: a presentation face portion; a post rearwardly offset from the presentation face portion; and a channel located between the presentation face portion and the post; wherein a portion of the first section of paracord is secured within the channel and a portion of the second section of paracord is secured around the insignia.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings show various paracord accessories that are constructed according to the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of multiple embodiments of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a first step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view showing a second step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing a third step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing a fourth step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view showing a fifth step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view showing a sixth step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view showing a seventh step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view showing an eighth step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing a ninth step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view showing a tenth step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view showing an eleventh step of the assembly of the inventive paracord accessory.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the accessory that is a pull or lanyard form;

[0027] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the accessory in a bracelet form;

[0028] FIG. 15 is a cross section view of one embodiment of the indicia associated with the inventive paracord accessory;

[0029] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the inventive paracord accessory in a pull or a lanyard form;

[0030] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the inventive paracord accessory of FIG. 16;

[0031] FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the inventive paracord accessory of FIGS. 16 and 17;

[0032] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the inventive paracord accessory of FIGS. 16-18;

[0033] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the inventive paracord accessory of FIGS. 16-19;

[0034] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the inventive paracord accessory that is a pull or lanyard form;

[0035] FIG. 22 is a rear elevation view of the inventive paracord accessory of FIG. 22;

[0036] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the inventive paracord accessory that is a pull or lanyard;

[0037] FIG. 24 is a rear elevation view of the inventive paracord accessory of FIG. 23;

[0038] FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of the inventive paracord accessory in a bracelet form; and

[0039] FIG. 26 is a rear elevation view of the inventive paracord accessory of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] FIG. 1 shows various paracord accessories 20, 22, 24, 26 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. While the word paracord is used hereafter, it should be noted that the accessory could similarly be made using other elongate strips of material. Paracord accessory 20 is provided in a bracelet form or configuration and includes a generally elongated body 28 formed by one or more sections of paracord material 30, 32 having respective end connectors 34, 36 that are connected to one another via elongated body 28. End connectors 34, 36, define a buckle or clasp arrangement 38 that removably cooperate with one another so as to secure opposite longitudinal ends 40, 42 of accessory 20 to one another such that accessories 20 can form a closed loop about a support structure, such as a wrist or an ankle. It is further appreciated that bracelet 20 can be selectively removably secured to other supporting structures; such as a backpack shoulder strap or handle, slings, loops, and the like via the removable interaction between end connectors 34, 36.

[0041] Bracelet 20 includes an indicia or insignia 44 that cooperates with paracord material sections 30, 32, such that insignia 44 is securely attached to bracelet 20 and is not removable therefrom without separation of the respective bracelet assembly 20 as is disclosed further below. FIGS. 25 and 26 provide additional views of an exemplary assembled accessory 22.

[0042] Accessory 22 is formed as a lanyard, a keychain, or a pull, such as a zipper pull, and includes an end connector 50 that is constructed to removably cooperate with an underlying structuresuch as a backpack, duffle bag, luggage, a key, or the like. Lanyard 22 includes a first paracord material section 52 that is secured to connector 50 and which extends in a longitudinal direction relative to a longitudinal body 54 of lanyard 22. As disclosed further below, first paracord section 52 is secured to a clasp 56 defined by connector 50 via a cow hitch knot such that the opposite longitudinal free end portions 60, 62 of first paracord section 52 can be oriented at an opposite longitudinal end 64 of lanyard 22. One or more optional charms or beads 66, are associated with each of the opposite longitudinal ends 60, 62 associated with first paracord section 52 and located inboard relative to a respective knot, such as an overhand knot 68, to prevent removal of beads 66 from the supporting accessory. A second paracord material section 70 is woven, preferably in a cobra weave, along the longitudinal length defined by the first paracord section 52 so as to extend along a majority of the longitudinal length 54 of lanyard 22. FIGS. 16-20 provide additional views of accessory 22.

[0043] One or more indicia, such as beads or alphanumeric characters 72, are disposed along second paracord material section 70 and oriented along the longitudinal length of the longitudinal body 54 of lanyard 22. As disclosed further below, an indicia 74 such as a caricature or mascot is secured to lanyard 22 via cooperation of a post that extends in a rearward facing direction and extends through the first and second material paracord sections 52, 70 so as to prevent the removal of mascot 74 therefrom, as described further below. Additionally, a charm 75 may be mounted to the first paracord section 52.

[0044] Accessory 24 has a construction generally similar to accessory 22 albeit clasp 56 associated with end connector 50 of assembly 22 has been replaced by an end connector 76 in the form of a split or key ring. Unlike accessories 20, 22, accessory 24 includes a first insignia, indicia or caricature 80 and a second indicia, insignia, or caricature 82 that each cooperate with a first paracord material section 84 and a second paracord material section 86 to effectuate securing of respective caricatures or indicia 80, 82 relative to accessory 24. The first paracord material section 84 and the second paracord material section 86 are secured to one another like those for accessories 20, 22. Additionally, the first paracord material section 84 may have opposite longitudinal free end portions 83, 85 oriented at an opposite longitudinal end of lanyard 24. FIGS. 21 and 22 provide additional views of accessory 24.

[0045] Accessory 26 includes a construction generally similar to accessories 22 and 24 and includes a keyring shaped end connector 88, a first paracord material section 90 that is secured thereto via a knot, such as a cow's hitch knot, and a second paracord material section 92 that is woven, preferably in a cobra weave, about a portion, and more preferably about a majority, of a longitudinal length associated with first paracord material section 90. Opposite longitudinal free end portions 94, 96 of first paracord material section 90 include a knot that is formed thereat and one or more indicia, charms or decorations, such as beads 100, positioned proximate thereto. A terminal end portion 102 of accessory 26 has been unwoven such that an indicia, caricature, or insignia 104, has been removed therefrom. As explained further below, the terminal ends, 106, 108 associated with second paracord material section 92 have been unwoven to allow separation between the opposite longitudinal free end portions 94, 96 associated with first paracord material section 90 and the unweaving of the second paracord material section to a position proximate the insignia 104 to effectuate the removal of insignia 104 therefrom. Additionally, accessory 26 may have alphanumeric characters 110 secured thereon. FIGS. 23 and 24 provide additional views of the accessory 24, where the accessory is not unwoven.

[0046] As should be appreciated from FIG. 1 the accessories, 20, 22, 24, 26 are merely exemplary embodiments, and accessories can be provided in various configurations with alternate end connectors and various indicia, alphanumeric characters, caricatures, or insignias specific to any of various activities, as indicated by the basketball associated with indicia 80 or the football as referred to below, mascots, as indicated by the cardinal caricature associated with indicias 74, 82, or general caricatures, as indicated by the unicorn shape of indicia 104, associated with the interests and desires of a particular user or class of users. It is further appreciated that one or more of end connectors associated with each of accessories 20, 22, 24, 26 can be provided in various desired configurations, such as buckle or clasp portions 38, end connectors 50, and/or split metal or keyrings 76, 88, for example, depending on a user preference associated with the use or presentation of accessories 20, 22, 24, 26. It is further appreciated that the respective paracord material sections associated with accessories 20, 22, 24, 26 can be provided in various colors indicative of cooperation with the indicia associated therewith and/or institutions having an association with the respective indicia when provided in a mascot form.

[0047] FIGS. 2-12 disclose various steps associated with the construction of an accessory 200 that can be individually configured to form any one of accessories 20, 22, 24, 26. Referring to FIG. 2, formation of accessory 200 includes initially securing a first paracord material section 202 to an end connector 204 via a knot, such as a cows hitch knot 206, such that the opposite longitudinal sections 208, 210 of first paracord material section 202 extend between a first support 212 and a second support 214 a longitudinal distance sufficient to form the desired accessory 200. Opposite longitudinal ends 216, 218 of first paracord material 202 are temporarily secured to second support 214 to maintain longitudinal sections 208, 210 of first paracord material section 202 in a generally taught configuration.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, a second paracord material section 220 is secured about longitudinal sections 208, 210 proximate connector 204 so as to be woven thereabout. Preferably, second paracord material section 220 is woven in a cobra weave pattern about longitudinal sections 208, 210 of first paracord material section 202 such that, during the weaving process, longitudinal sections 208, 210 of first paracord material section 202 are maintained in an adjacent and/or in close proximity to one another. At a desired location along the longitudinal length associated with accessory 200, a caricature, charm, insignia, or other such indicia 224 is associated with accessory 200 and secured thereto.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, each indicia 224 includes a presentation face portion 230 that is associated with defining the shape and appearance of the respective indicia and a second portion 232 or a post that extends therefrom. The post 232 is constructed to extend in a generally rearward direction relative to the presentation face portion 230. Post 232 defines a channel 236 and an end face 248 that is offset from presentation face portion 230 by channel 236 and that extends in an outward radial direction relative to a cross-section associated with channel 236. It is appreciated that post 232, and the channel 236 and the end face 248 associated therewith, can be provided in various sizes and shapes. For instance, the size and the shape of the post 232 associated with any discrete indicia 224 can vary such that the respective indicia 224 will have dimensions compatible with the paracord materials 202, 220 associated with forming a discrete accessory 200 as disclosed herein. Preferably, post 232 is constructed to cooperate with an intended presentation face portion 230 and to provide a robust connection methodology associated with the secured interaction of the post 232 and the presentation face portion 230 of the discrete indicia 224 as disclosed in the present application. Alternatively, it is further appreciated that post 232 could be constructed to define a circumferentially bounded through-passage 270, as seen in FIG. 15, shaped to slideably cooperate with longitudinal sections 208, 210 associated with first paracord material portion 202 during assembly of the respective accessory 200.

[0050] Channel 236 is constructed to slideably cooperate with first longitudinal section 208 and second longitudinal section 210 of first paracord material section 202. Presentation face portion 230 and end face 248 preferably have a cross-sectional footprint that is sufficient to accommodate interfering engagement with the first paracord material section 202 and the second paracord material section 220 when the second paracord material section 220 is woven about the first paracord material section 202 relative to opposite longitudinal sides 241, 243 of indicia 224 associated with the longitudinal direction of first paracord material section 202.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, upon placement of the post 232 associated with indicia 224 between respective longitudinal sections 208, 210 of first paracord material section 202, indicia 224 is biased in a generally upward direction, indicated by arrow 240. A first side 241 of the indicia 224 is preferably pushed into close physical proximity and preferably an overlapping orientation relative to the nearest respective weave loop associated with second paracord material section 220, as seen in FIG. 6. Upon such placement, the subsequent weave associated with second paracord material section 220 is continued on the second opposite longitudinal side 243 associated with indicia 224 and about first paracord material section 202 as seen in FIG. 7. Thereafter, the post 232 associated with indicia 224 is captured between the opposite longitudinal sections 208, 210 associated with first paracord material section 202 and captured between adjacent weave loops associated with the second paracord material section 220. Said in another way, first paracord material portion 202 restricts lateral translation of indicia 224 relative to assembly 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 240. Additionally, second paracord material portion 220, and the respective weave loops associated therewith, restrict both longitudinal and lateral translation of indicia 224 relative to assembly 200, in the direction indicated by arrow 242, as well as rotation of the respective indicia 224 relative thereto.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 8, upon securement of indicia 224 relative to assembly 200 at a desired location, additional indicia such as alphanumeric characters 244, can be slideably associated with respective free ends 252, 254 of second paracord material portion 220 as the weave associated therewith continues along the longitudinal direction about first paracord material portion 202. It should be appreciated that characters 244 can be arranged to provide any number of words, phrases, slogans, names, dates, event place finishes, symbols, etc. associated with the desired use of accessory 200.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, numerous alphanumeric characters 246, 247, 250 can be disposed along the weave associated with second paracord material portion 220 so as to be oriented along the outward oriented display surface of assembly 200 so as to be visible and provide the desired alphanumeric indicia associated with the desired utilization of accessory 200. Still referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, accessory 200 can be constructed to include additional indicia 260 having constructions similar to indicia 224. That is, indicia 260 is constructed to cooperate with first paracord material section 202 and second paracord material section 220 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to indicia 224. It is appreciated that indicia 224, 260 can be selected such that an association can be derived from accessory 200. Indicia 224, 260 could be identical, or indicia could be related to result in accessory 200 having a common theme. By way of example, and not limitation, the indicia 224, 260 may include various images that reflect various sports, such as a football, a basketball, a baseball, a hockey puck, a volleyball, a tennis ball, a baseball bat, a football helmet, a basketball rim, a hockey stick, a tennis racket, wrestling headgear, or any other piece of sports equipment or indicia. Indicia 224, 260 could similarly be any logo or mascot associated with a specific sports team. Indicia could also be in the shape of a facility or institution associated with a specific sports team. In this way, one of the indicia 224, 260 could represent a specific sport, whereas the other of the indicia 224, 260 could be related to a specific sports team that plays the specific sport represented by the indicia, or a facility or institution associated with the sports team. Further still, the indicia 224, 260 could be in the shape of popular characters from television, movies, or other pieces of popular culture. Indicia 224, 260 could also take the form of a charm. It is appreciated that any number of indicia could be included with accessory, and that multiple indicia designs could be used relative to a given accessory 200 or group of accessories. Such considerations allow accessory 200 to be fully customizable to a given users preferences and/or interests.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, regardless of the specific number, design, and/or affiliation, when indicia 224, 260 are associated with accessory 200, each indicia 224, 260 includes a support structure that extends through the first paracord material section 202 and/or the second paracord material section 220 such that the end face 248 is visible from a non-presentation side or a rearward facing side associated with accessory 200. Channel 236, end face 248, and forward directed or presentation face portion 230 of each indicia 224, 260 cooperate with first paracord material section 202 and second paracord material section 220 such that the respective indicia 224, 260 associated with any discrete accessory 200 is not removable therefrom without at least partial destruction of the respective accessory 200. It is further appreciated that end face 248 could be provided in a decorated or indicia form such that opposing sides of accessory 200 have some degree of decoration associated with discrete indicias. It is further appreciated that, when such is not desired, end face 248 may by colored so as to generally match the color associated with second paracord material section 220 such that end face 248 is less noticeable or obtrusive when desired.

[0055] While the indicia 224, 260 are described as being secured to both the first paracord material section 202 and the second paracord material section 220, it should similarly be noted that the indicia 224, 260 could also be secured to only the second paracord material 220 during the weave process. Similarly, while the alphanumeric characters 246, 247, 250 are described to be secured by the free ends 252, 254 of the second paracord material portion 220, they could similarly be slid onto the first paracord material section 202, and then secured into place by subsequent weaves of the second paracord material section 220 about the first paracord material section 202.

[0056] Once all of the desired alphanumeric characters 246, 247, 250, indicia 224, 260, and/or ancillary decorations such as charms or the like are installed onto accessory 200, the weave associated with opposite longitudinal ends 252, 254 of second paracord material section 220 progresses along the longitudinal length defined by first and second portions 208, 210 associated with first paracord second material section 202 until the weave associated with accessory 200 is completed. Oftentimes, the accessory 200 is complete once the weave reaches the second support 214. However, depending on a user's desired configuration, the weave need not reach the second support 214, but instead only extend part of the way between the end connector 204 and the second support 214.

[0057] Upon completion, the opposite longitudinal terminal ends 252, 254 associated with second paracord material section 222 are cut at a desired length and the weave associated therewith is completed such that the opposite terminal ends 252, 254 of second paracord material section 220 are secured to accessory 200 by cooperation of the discrete terminal ends 252, 254 with the weave. Preferably, the distal terminal ends 252, 254 associated with second paracord material section 220 are heat-treated to form longitudinal free end portions and to mitigate separation of the paracord material and to provide a robust and secure termination associated with the opposite longitudinal ends 252, 254 of second paracord material section 200. Alternatively, adhesive, such as hot glue or the like, could be used to secure the alternate longitudinal terminal ends associated with the second paracord material section 220.

[0058] Upon completion of the weave portion associated with each discrete accessory 200, opposite longitudinal terminal ends associated with first and second longitudinal sections 208, 210 associated with the first paracord material section 202 can be removed from support post 214 shown in FIG. 2. Thereafter supplemental accessories, such as beads, and/or additional alphanumeric characters can be associated therewith, and a terminus, such as an overhand knot, can be formed at the opposite terminal ends associated with the longitudinal sections 208, 210 of first paracord material section 202. It is envisioned that the terminal ends associated with opposite longitudinal sections 208, 210 associated with first paracord material section 202 can also be heat-treated or the like to mitigate fraying of the respective paracord section materials and/or to mitigate separation and/or undesired separation or loosening of the overhand knots formed thereat.

[0059] It should be appreciated that the description and the methodology described above provides a system and method for forming various paracord accessories, having various indicia, signage, caricatures, and the like associated therewith and configured and constructed for use in various environments. For instance, it is appreciated that any of the insignia and/or charms associated with the various accessories disclosed above could be provided as animated characters, for instance as seen in FIG. 14, symbols such as a peace sign or a dollar sign, objects such as a dump truck, a race car, a cheese wedge, a flag, an ice-cream cone, for instance as seen in FIG. 13, and other insignia, such as an animal shaped bead as also seen in FIG. 13 or other elements such as illumination sources or the like. Of course, the insignia described and shown herein should not be construed as being the only types of possible insignia, and any other customizable insignia could similarly be provided without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0060] Further, although it is envisioned that the discrete paracord sections associated with the discrete accessories can be selected in colors that coordinate or correlate with a discrete intended use or insignia, it is further appreciated that such a correlation can include intentional clashing color paracord material sections. Additionally, although the first paracord material section 30, 52, 84, 90, 202 is disclosed as being secured to a respective end connector with a knot such as cows hitch knot 206 and the respective terminal ends of the first paracord material section 30, 52, 84, 90, 202 as terminating in an overhand knot configuration, other knots and methods of securing the discrete paracord material sections are envisioned and within the scope of the present invention. Also, although the second paracord material 32, 70, 86, 92, 220 is described as being weaved relative to the first paracord material 30, 52, 84, 90, 202 and more specifically weaved using a cobra weave, the second paracord material 32, 70, 86, 92, 220 could be weaved using other weaves. Similarly, the second paracord material 32, 70, 86, 92, 220 could also be associated with the first paracord material 30, 52, 84, 90, 202 in any way known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, additional paracord materials could be included with the accessory in addition to the first paracord material 30, 52, 84, 90, 202 and the second paracord material 32, 70, 86, 92, 220.

[0061] The present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment directed to an assembly as generally shown in the drawings. It is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, the summarized embodiments, or the embodiments shown in the drawings, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. The appending claims cover all such alternatives and equivalents.