IMPROVED SHOE LACE ACCESSORY

Abstract

The invention relates to an accessory for shoe laces including an accessory body, lid that can be closed together between a substantially open and substantially closed state with the body having a substantially flattened shape or low profile in the closed state. A holding portion, associated with the accessory body and or lid, acts on the shoe lace to substantially cover and hold in place. A replaceable cap may be secured to the lid is some forms of the invention. The invention also relates to a method of use and a method of replacement of the caps accordingly.

Claims

1-38. (canceled)

39. A shoe lace accessory comprising: an accessory body having a generally circular profile, the accessory body including a locking projection; a lid having a generally circular profile and including a generally circular receiving portion on an outer portion of the lid, the lid attached to the accessory body by a hinge such that the lid and the accessory body can be closed together by moving the lid between an open state and a closed state and configured in a locked configuration by locking the lid to the body via the locking projection with a push fit; an exchangeable decorative cap being smaller than the generally circular receiving portion and having one or more pins extending therefrom, and a securing part located on or adjacent to an inner surface of the lid, the securing part having one or more recesses configured to receive the one or more pins; the exchangeable decorative cap being securable to the lid by configuring the lid in an open state and positioning the exchangeable decorative cap within the generally circular receiving portion such that the one or more pins fit through one or more corresponding holes in the lid and engage the one or more recesses with a push fit to maintain the cap in place, the exchangeable decorative cap further secured to prevent accidental removal by configuring the lid in the closed state with the lid and the accessory body in the locked configuration; and a lace holding portion formed within the accessory body when the lid and body are closed together, the lace holding portion comprising a first portion extending from an inner surface of the accessory body toward the inner surface of the lid and a second portion extending from the inner surface of the lid toward the inner surface of the accessory body, wherein a shoe lace is knotted to form a knot within the first portion while the lid and the accessory body are in the open state and the shoe lace is secured by the second portion when the lid and the accessory body are in the closed state, the second portion substantially covering the knot in a manner that firmly holds the shoe lace without causing damage to the shoe lace, wherein in the closed state the lace holding portion firmly holds the shoe lace without causing damage to the shoe lace, the lid substantially covers the knot, and the exchangeable decorative cap is secured to prevent accidental removal, and wherein the lid, the exchangeable decorative cap, and the accessory body together form a profile of less than 20 millimetres in the closed state.

40. The shoe lace accessory of claim 39, comprising at least two materials, a first material for the accessory body being a plastics material chosen from the group consisting of: polyethylene; poly vinyl chloride (PVC); and polypropylene, and a second material for the lid or the exchangeable decorative cap being a different plastic material or a rubber material, the second material being softer than the first material.

41. The shoe lace accessory of claim 39, further comprising a pair of lace holes in the accessory body, the pair of lace holes located on opposite sides of the lace holding portion and adapted for receipt of the shoe lace, wherein, before the shoe lace is tied, a first end of the shoe lace is fed through a first of the pair of lace holes toward the inner surface of the accessory body and a second end of the shoe lace is fed through a second of the pair of lace holes toward the inner surface of the accessory body such that once the knot is tied, the knot is substantially contained within the lace holding portion and the shoe lace is held firmly by the second portion in the closed state.

42. The shoe lace accessory of claim 39, wherein, the first portion and the second portion of the lace holding portion are each substantially circular.

43. The shoe lace accessory of claim 42, wherein the first portion is configured to be smaller in diameter than the second portion, such that in the closed state the first portion and the second portion form concentric circular parts, with the knot in the center and the lace held by the second portion to prevent movement of the lace.

44. The shoe lace accessory of claim 39, wherein the lid, the exchangeable decorative cap, and the accessory body together form a profile of less than 10 millimetres in the closed state.

45. The shoe lace accessory of claim 39, wherein the locking projection engages a mating part of the lid to secure in lid place in the closed position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a shoe lace accessory according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, with the shoe and shoe lace omitted for ease of illustration;

[0061] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of the shoe lace accessory of FIG. 1, with the decorative cap removed;

[0062] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of the shoe lace accessory of FIGS. 1 and 2, in a full open state illustrating the holding parts;

[0063] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the shoe lace accessory of FIGS. 1 to 3 installed on a shoe, and with the shoe lace in the early stages of being tied;

[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shoe lace accessory and shoe of FIG. 4, with the knot formed;

[0065] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the shoe lace accessory and shoe of FIGS. 4 and 5 with the knot in place and the lid closing to hold the shoe lace on either side of the knot, in the closed position;

[0066] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a shoe lace accessory according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention the same as the first excepting the refined cap attachment, with the shoe and shoe lace omitted for ease of illustration;

[0067] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the shoe lace accessory of FIG. 7 with the cap shown slightly raised as if ready for exchange;

[0068] FIGS. 9a and 9b a rear view in two parts showing the cap and securing part and then the cap and securing part attached with a push fit through the lid; and

[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the shoe accessory of FIGS. 7 to 9.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where shoe lace accessory 1, is used with shoe 2 having lace 5 which can be threaded through the accessory and tied to form knot 8, which will be held in place in use. Shoe 2 and lace 5 are only shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, so the internal configuration of shoe lace accessory 1 can be seen more readily in FIGS. 1 to 3. A pair of shoe lace accessories will generally be used, one on each shoe.

[0071] Shoe lace accessory 1, has body 10, with lid 12. Shoe lace accessory 1 will be used to help to hold a tied shoe lace 5 in place, on shoe 2, to act against knot 8 coming undone. The prevention of the knot coming undone is two fold, the knot is covered and protected but also the lace or loops of lace formed on either side of knot 8 are tightly held. The tight holding prevents the loops being pulled and knot 8 coming untied. But also, the covering of the knot, and pressing to hold in place the loops of the lace, means that these are not tightened excessively and there is no tightening pressure on the knot. Tightening pressure on the knot is most undesirable as it makes the shoe laces difficult to untie at the end of the day, which is clearly undesirable.

[0072] The carefully designed invention has a flat profile of only 11 millimetres with the decorative cap only projecting 1 millimeter beyond this height, when viewed from the side. The low profile does not interfere with the usual use of the shoe and acts against accidental opening or damage. Any suitable low profile may be used, but around 10 millimetres has been found to be particular suitable. Prior art items, are easily kicked off during play, which allows the knot to come undone as the shoe lace can come undone as usual if the accessory is not in place. Further the artistic design of the product, with different decorative caps available, means it is an attractive addition to the footwear as well as being functionally useful.

[0073] The accessory can be used for any footwear with laces, and can be used, for adults or children and any form of shoe lace.

[0074] Shoe lace accessory 1 is formed of a PVC plastics material, such as suitable for ready production, and to produce a strong body to resist breakage. The plastics material can be made in a range of colours and textures, to add a further decorative element to the decorative cap 14 as described further below.

[0075] The cross-sectional shape of shoe accessory 1, as show is circular, when viewed from above, a somewhat coin shaped article, as particular useful. The design has been made with smooth, curved edges to resist catching on things or to be accidently caught on things. Smooth edges are also useful to make sure that should the shoe be involved in an accident there is not chance of injury or damage due to the shoe accessory. The profile of the accessory can be other shapes in cross-section, such a square, triangular or hexagonal, or may be irregular, in other forms of the accessory.

[0076] Importantly, the profile of shoe accessory 1 is a shallow, low, flattened shape with a very low profile rising only very slightly above shoe lace 5. The low profile is useful so as not to interfere with the wearing of the shoe as normal and to prevent catching of accessory 1 on things. The accessory can be varied in dimensions somewhat but as shown is 11 millimetres of body height with the decoration projecting 1 millimeter beyond the body.

[0077] The shape is most advantageous as the low, flat shape makes it very difficult to accidentally kick or knock off the accessory from the lace. The knot is well protected, and the very low profile means the accessory is worn as part of the lace and shoe together and does not interfere with normal wear. Further, should the lace be damaged in an accident in some way and does become a projectile, the flat profile and rounded shape will minimise the risk of injury. This compares with the domed shape of the prior art which has been known to become a projectile as they are easily kicked off causing injury to legs and feet.

[0078] Decorative cap 14 may take any suitable form to provide an attractive accessory. As shown decorative cap 14 is made of a soft plastic material and has a low profile and soft touch to assist to prevent damage or injury on contact and resist against catching on things during wear. The designs can be propriety designs, or the designs of others, but all will be highly desirable. Use of highly coloured plastic designs with the artistic designs mean the accessory adds to the look of the shoes. The accessory has been designed to be both a functional and decorative item that works efficiently and looks great at the same time. Clearly the functional nature of the item is foremost but in order that children can be encouraged to wear the item (or adults in other forms) the look of the accessory is important. A wide range of colour combinations and decorative looks can be offered, individually, in sets or in collectable collections to be collected over time.

[0079] Body 10 is hinged to lid 12 by hinge 16 to move from a closed to an open state. In other forms of the invention a full detachable lid may be included instead. FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show the open state and FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 show an in between state to an almost closed state. In the closed state, the accessory will be fully closed together to form a low profile disc as would be readily understood by the person skilled in the art, a little bit more closed than is shown in FIG. 6. In the closed state, the person can go about wearing the lace as usual, as the closed accessory is sealed and closed over the knot, held in the fastened state. It is also envisaged that additional accessories can be used on other parts of the laces for decorative purposes. Multiple accessories may be used in this way. In the open state, the laces an be placed in the body at a suitable position for maximum hold.

[0080] Hinge 16 may take any suitable form but as shown is a simple plastic hinge formed between body 10 and lid 12. Hinge 16 could be a metal or separate hinge in other forms of the invention.

[0081] When body 10 and lid 12 are pressed together in a closed state, the part can be fastened and clipped very strongly together as is important to maintain the fastened lace closed. Closure part 18 and 20 close together to fasten the accessory, with clip 22 which fits into recess 18 as corresponding projection 20 and 22 fit therewithin. The form of clip 22 is useful as it can readily be closed with a press together and pushing in and up can open in the usual manner on the ridged parts. The form and nature of the closure can be varied, to other easy to open and closed closures, that are lightweight and streamlined.

[0082] Shaped parts 24 and 26 on either side of body 10 are useful to assist to fit body 10 together. Further the separation when it wanted to remove accessory 1, can be assisted by use of the fingers and nails in the shaped parts. The shaped parts and carefully designed body 10, also help to keep accessory 1 fastened together until it is desired to open and remove. It may be that it is useful to hold the shaped parts with a hand and press on clip 22 to release accessory 1.

[0083] Essential to the invention is the clever hold or holding parts 28 and 30, hold 30 being in two parts. It is through application together of the hold 28 and 30, over the tied lace, that accessory 1 is very strongly held together and strongly holds the lace in place. As the knot is formed inside arced, circular hold parts 30 the knot is guided to prevent movement. Circular hold parts 28 in lid 12 press down firmly on either side to hold loops or parts of lace 5 on either side, to strongly hold the tied lace. The pressing or hold is gentle so as not to damage the lace or shoe, and readily installed and released but strong enough to be functional and hold the shoe lace in place. Hold 28 is shown as a circular hold that is pressed down on lace 5 but other shapes could be used. However, the reciprocating parts 28 and 30 work well together to hold and keep the lace tied. The lace is placed through the centre of body 10, through two part hold 30 so the tied laces are correctly positioned before hold 28 is brought together. Hold 28 in a circle with entrap the parts of the lace on either side of hold 30 trapping the lace parts on either side. In this way the lace is very strongly held when in the closed state.

[0084] Holes 32 are included and it is through these that lace 5 is first threaded before being tied during installation. At the time of first installation of accessory 1, or first use, ends of lace 5 are drawn up through holes 32 on either side of holding parts 30. The gaps are to allow lace 5 to sit between and knot 8 be tied in the usual manner. Sitting knot 8 neatly inside holding parts 30 assists the process as then lid 12 with gripping or holding parts 28, an arc or circle presses strongly down to trap the tied lace 5 and knot 8 in place by holding on either side of knot 8. Pressing together of lid 12 and body 10 and closing clip 22 fastens the accessory in the closed state and so it cannot be reopened until the clip is unfastened. The very low profile in the closed state can be seen in the drawings.

[0085] The child or person can then wear the shoes as usual, typically all day without the need to retie the laces as these are held in place. Once it is desired to remove shoe 2, clip 22 can be pressed and shaped parts 26 can be used to help prise apart lid 12 from body 10. Once access to knot 8 has been gained, a simple pull on either end of lace 5 or loops will untie knot 8. Knot 8 has been prevented from being pulled tight during the day due to the protection of the accessory and so the process is quick, easy, neat, and shoe 2 carrying accessary 1 can be put aside until the next time.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a second preferred embodiment of the shoe lace accessory is illustrated, very similar to the first and with similar reference numerals used. In this way shoe lace accessory 101, has body 110, with lid 112, cap 114 securing part 115. Usefully cap 114 and securing part 115 together are firmly held in place and enable easy exchange of the look of 101 accessory. In all other ways shoe lace accessory 101 is as described for shoe lace accessory 1 above.

[0087] Again the flat profile of only 11 millimetres with the decorative cap only projecting 1 millimeter beyond this height, when viewed from the side is a significant advantage over the art with the added ease and security of the method of cap exchange.

[0088] Body 110 is hinged to lid 112 by hinge 116 and it is through lid 112 that securing part 115 has securing closure 117a pins on cap 114 to be received in securing recesses 117b of securing part 115. Pins 117a pass through suitable holes (not shown) in lid 112 fitted in recesses 117b with a push fit. The strong hold maintains the cap in place and can be readily performed in situ to change the look while wearing the accessory. Once cap 114 is secured through lid 112 by the push fit to securing part 115, further securing is advantageously achieved by closing hinge 116 to move accessory body 110 into the closed state. In order to remove or replace cap 114, both the opening of the accessory and the pull release of cap 114 itself will need to be achieved.

[0089] When body 110 and lid 112 are pressed together in a closed state, closure part 118 and 120 close together to fasten the accessory, with clip 122 which fits into recess 118 as corresponding projection 120 and 122 fit therewithin. To open and close accessory 101, shaped parts 124 and 126 ease finger access. The shoe lace knot is held in place by accessory 101, and hold or holding parts 128 and 130, hold 130 being in two parts.

[0090] Use of the low profile shoe lace accessory is highly useful to keep a knot tied all day long, and replaceable cap allows a secure replacement of the look of the accessory.

[0091] The invention is a clever new form of shoe accessory to maintain the laces in a tied state, prevent contact with the knot or over tightening, and to avoid being removed accidentally, and providing a strongly attractive decorative appearance.

[0092] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0093] The improved shoe lace accessory can be manufactured industrially for supply to wholesalers, retailers or direct to customers.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

TABLE-US-00001 Embodiment 1 Embodiment 2 1 Shoe Lace Accessory 101 Shoe Lace Accessory 2 Shoe 5 Lace 8 Knot 10 Body 110 Body 12 Lid 112 Lid 14 Decorative Cap 114 Decorative Cap 115 Securing part of cap 16 Hinge 116 Hinge 117, Securing pins 117a that fit in (117a securing recesses 117b &117b) 18 Closure part 118 Closure part 20 Closure part 120 Closure part 22 Clip 122 Clip 24 Shaped part 124 Shaped part 26 Shaped part 126 Shaped part 28 hold 128 hold 30 Hold in two parts 130 Hold in two parts 32 Holes