CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/264,542, filed on November 25, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to ornaments, and more specifically to ornaments for insertion through expandable holes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Ornaments capable of being inserted through expandable holes can often be inserted through holes in materials having varying thicknesses. For example, foam molded shoes often have holes capable of accepting shoe ornaments therethrough. Often, the foam layer through which the holes are formed is thicker for adult sizes than for children's sizes. Sometimes, the foam layer fits snugly between inner and outer shoulders of the ornament when the ornament is installed. However, the inner shoulder of ornaments that have a shank of uniform diameter may sometimes protrude beyond an inside of a hole, causing potential discomfort or irritation for a user's toe or foot.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention include an ornament having inner and outer shoulders, and a shank connecting the two shoulders which increases in diameter from the inner shoulder toward the outer shoulder.

[0005] A system for decorative accessory attachment according to embodiments of the present invention includes a first shoulder configured for insertion through an expandable hole formed on an item, such that the expandable hole expands when the first shoulder is inserted through the expandable hole, a second shoulder configured to remain on an outside of the item after the first shoulder has been inserted through the expandable hole, and a shank connecting the first and second shoulders, the shank having an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter decreases in an axial direction from the second shoulder toward the first shoulder over at least a portion of the shank.

[0006] The system of paragraph [0005], wherein the outer diameter decreases in an axial direction from the second shoulder toward the first shoulder over an entire length of the shank.

[0007] The system of paragraphs [0005] or [0006], wherein the first shoulder has a larger diameter than the second shoulder.

[0008] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0007], wherein the second shoulder comprises a decorative accessory.

[0009] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0008], wherein a ratio of change in the axial direction to change in a radial direction of the outer diameter over at least a portion of the shank is 1 .908.

[0010] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0009], wherein a ratio of change in the axial direction to change in a radial direction of the outer diameter over at least a portion of the shank is 1 .9.

[0011] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0010], wherein a ratio of change in the axial direction to change in a radial direction of the outer diameter over at least a portion of the shank is between 1 .8 and 2.0.

[0012] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [001 1 ], wherein a ratio of change in the axial direction to change in a radial direction of the outer diameter over at least a portion of the shank is between 1 .7 and 2.1 .

[0013] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0012], wherein a ratio of change in the axial direction to change in a radial direction of the outer diameter over at least a portion of the shank is between 1 .5 and 2.5.

[0014] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0013], wherein a ratio of change in the axial direction to change in a radial direction of the outer diameter over at least a portion of the shank is between 1 and 3.

[0015] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0014], wherein a ratio of change in the axial direction to change in a radial direction of the outer diameter over at least a portion of the shank is between 0 and 100.

[0016] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0015], wherein the item is a shoe. [0017] The system of any of paragraphs [0005] to [0016], wherein the item is a garment.

[0018] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an accessory mount according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the accessory mount of FIG. 1 , according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the accessory mount of FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along an axial centerline of the accessory mount, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom elevation view of the accessory mount of FIGS. 1 -3, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a side partial cross sectional view of a shoe, a toe, and an accessory mount having a straight shank.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a side partial cross sectional view of the accessory mount of FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a side partial cross sectional view of a shoe, a toe, and an accessory mount having a tapered shank, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a side partial cross sectional view of the accessory mount of FIG. 7, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a side elevation view of an accessory mount, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates another side elevation view of the accessory mount of FIG. 9, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 1 1 illustrates the side elevation view of the accessory mount of FIG. 9, according to embodiments of the present invention. [0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of the accessory mount of FIGS. 9- 1 1 , according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevation view of an accessory mount, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention and of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an accessory mount 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. Accessory mount 100 includes a first shoulder 102, a second shoulder 104, and a shank portion 106 joining the first and second shoulders, according to embodiments of the present invention. The first shoulder 102 of accessory mount 100 may be inserted through an expandable or stretchable hole in an article, for example in a foam molded shoe, to retain the mount 100 on the article. For example, the first shoulder 102 may be inserted through an expandable hole in a foam molded shoe, such as, for example, the Cayman or Classic Crocs® shoe made by Crocs, Inc. of Niwot, Colorado. In this manner, the mount 100 is held securely on the shoe by the first shoulder 102 at the lower end and by the second shoulder 104 at the upper end. According to embodiments of the present invention, a third shoulder 130 (see FIG. 5) may be joined or formed integrally with the second shoulder 104; the third shoulder may be a decorative accessory for display on the article. Alternatively, the second shoulder 104 itself may be a decorative accessory. Accessory mount 100 may share some characteristics with the devices described in U .S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0006502, published on January 1 1 , 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of accessory mount 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a central axis 108 of the mount 100, and illustrates a side profile shape of the tapered shank 106, according to embodiments of the present invention. The shank 106 joins the first shoulder 102 at first edge 1 10, and joins the second shoulder 104 at the second edge 1 12, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the distance 120 corresponds to a thickness of the second shoulder 104. The ratio of distance 1 18 to distance 120 may be 3.126, and the ratio of distance 1 14 to distance 120 may be 4.7, according to embodiments of the present invention. The difference between distance 1 18 and distance 120 may be referred to as the shank length.

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the accessory mount 100, taken along an axial centerline 108 of the accessory mount 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The shank 106 extends between an inner surface 122 of the first shoulder 102 and an inner surface 124 of the second shoulder 104, according to embodiments of the present invention. The shank 106 diameter at edge 1 10 is Di and the shank 106 diameter at edge 1 12 is Do; the ratio of Do to Di is approximately 1 .587, according to embodiments of the present invention. Di is smaller than Do, such that the narrowest part of shank 106 is connected to the first shoulder 102, which is the shoulder configured for insertion through an expandable hole (and first shoulder 102 has a larger diameter than shoulder 104), according to embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the slope of the outer surface 123 of shank 106 (change in axial direction over change in radial direction between edges 1 10 and 1 12) may be approximately 1 .908, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 123 is between 1 .8 and 2.0. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 123 is between 1 .7 to 2.1 . According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 123 is between 1 .5 and 2.5. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 123 is between 1 and 3. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 123 is between 0 and 100.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom elevation view of accessory mount 100, according to embodiments of the present invention. The outer diameter 128 of the second shoulder 104 is smaller than the outer diameter 126 of the first shoulder 102, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the outer diameter 128 is larger than the outer diameter 126. According to yet other embodiments of the present invention, the outer diameter 128 is equal to or substantially the same as outer diameter 126.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a side partial cross sectional view of an item 132, which may be a shoe 132, a toe 138, and an accessory mount 200 having a straight shank 206. Shoe 132 includes an inner surface 134 and an outer surface 140, and accessory mount 200 includes a first shoulder 202, a second shoulder 204, and a shank 206 connecting the first and second shoulders. The second shoulder 204 includes an ornament or accessory 130 that is displayed on the outside of the shoe 132 when accessory mount 200 is placed within a hole in the shoe. FIG. 6 illustrates a side partial cross sectional view of the accessory mount 200 in a hole in the shoe 132. When the thickness 142 of the shoe 132 (e.g. the distance between inner surface 134 and outer surface 140) is shorter than the length of the shank 206 (e.g. the distance between the first shoulder 202 and second shoulder 204), the first shoulder 202 may protrude from the inner surface 134 of the shoe 132. The force of gravity, indicated by arrows 136, pulls the mount 200 toward the inside of the top of the shoe 132, until the second shoulder abuts the outer surface 140. This protrusion can sometimes permit potential discomfort or irritation for a user's toe, toenail 136, or foot. Because the shank 206 is straight, and non-sloped, the smaller the thickness 142, the further the second shoulder 202 extends below inner surface 134.

[0038] Although item 132 is described as a shoe 132, item 132 may be any other item that includes an expandable hole formed therethrough, including a shoe, a bag, a garment, a hat, a holder, wearable item, or any other object which can include or be adapted to include an expandable hole.

[0039] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a side partial cross sectional view of a shoe 132, a toe 138, and an accessory mount 100 having a tapered shank 106, according to embodiments of the present invention. An ornament or accessory is affixed to, connected to, or otherwise included on the second shoulder 104, according to embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the tapered nature of the shank 106 causes the shank 106 itself to limit the downward protrusion of shoulder 102 below surface 134. The tapered shank 106 essentially pushes or nudges the entire mount 100 upward in the direction indicated by arrows 144, particularly for an elastic or substantially elastic hole, according to embodiments of the present invention. Even if the thickness 142 of the shoe 132 is less than the shank 106 length, the first shoulder 102 protrudes less past the lower surface 134 than for a similar mount 200 having a shank 206 of substantially uniform diameter similar to the diameter Di, according to embodiments of the present invention. If the thickness 142 is substantially similar to or slightly larger than the shank 206 length, the diameter of the expandable hole will change to accept the shank 206, and the mount 100 will be retained at least in part by compression of shoe 132 between inner surface 122 and inner surface 124 and/or the ornament 130, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] According to embodiments of the present invention, the mount 100 may be combined with shoes or other articles whose elastic or expandable holes, and whose thicknesses, are selected for minimal protrusion of first shoulder 202 beyond inner surface 134. For example, due to the tapered nature of shank 106, the protrusion of first shoulder 202 beyond inner surface 134 will be comparable for a relatively thin material having a hole size closer to diameter Di to that observed for a relatively thicker material having a hole size closer to Do, according to embodiments of the present invention. As such, the same sizing for mount 100 having the tapered shank 106 may be ideally suited for use with both an adult version (slightly thicker, larger holes) and a children's version (slightly thinner, smaller holes) of the same molded shoe model, according to embodiments of the present invention .

[0041] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate an accessory mount 300, according to embodiments of the present invention. Accessory mount 300 includes a first shoulder 302, a second shoulder 304, and a shank portion 306 joining the first and second shoulders, according to embodiments of the present invention. The first shoulder 302 of accessory mount 300 may be inserted through an expandable or stretchable hole in an article, for example in a foam molded shoe, to retain the mount 300 on the article. FIG. 9 illustrates a central axis 308 of the mount 300, and illustrates a side profile shape of the tapered shank 306, according to embodiments of the present invention. The shank 306 includes a non-tapered portion 305 and a tapered portion 307. The non-tapered portion 305 extends from first shoulder 302 along the axis 308, and the tapered portion 307 extends along the axis 308 from the non-tapered portion to the second shoulder 308. According to embodiments of the present invention, the second shoulder 308 itself is tapered, and the diameter of the second shoulder 308 increases with distance away from the tapered portion 307. The non-tapered portion 305 of shank 306 joins the first shoulder 302 at edge 310. The non- tapered portion 305 of shank 306 joins the tapered portion 307 at edge 312, and the tapered portion 307 joins the second shoulder 304 at edge 314, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the distance 328 corresponds to a thickness of the second shoulder 104. According to one embodiment of the present invention, distance 328 is the same as distance 334, and a ratio of distance 328 to distance 330 is 0.75, and a ratio of distance 328 to distance 332 is 1 .5. The addition of distances 330 and 332 may be referred to as the shank length of accessory mount 300.

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of the accessory mount 300, according to embodiments of the present invention. The shank 306 extends between an inner surface 322 of the first shoulder 302 and edge 314 of the second shoulder 304, according to embodiments of the present invention. The shank 306 diameter of the non-tapered portion 305, along the axis 308 from edge 310 to edge 312, is distance 322. The shank 306 diameter of the tapered portion 307 increases along axis 308 from distance 322 at edge 312 to distance 320 at edge 314. The outer diameter of the first shoulder 302 is distance 326, and the outer diameter of the second shoulder 304 is distance 324.

[0043] According to one embodiment, distance 322 is smaller than distance 320, such that the narrowest part of tapered portion 307 is connected to the non-tapered portion 305. The distance 326 may be larger than distance 324. Accordingly, the slope of the outer surface 323 of tapered portion 307 (change in axial direction over change in radial direction along axis 308 between edges 312 and 314) may be approximately 1 .37, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 323 is between 1 .3 and 1 .4. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 323 is between 1 .2 and 1 .5. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 323 is between 1 .1 and 1 .6. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 323 is between 1 and 2. According to embodiments of the present invention, the slope of the outer surface 323 is between 0 and 100.

[0044] The outer diameter of non-tapered portion 305 remains substantially the same along axis 308 between edges 310 and 312, according to embodiments of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a ratio of distance 326 to distance 324 is 1 .2, a ratio of distance 326 to 322 is 2.67, a ratio of distance 326 to 320 is 1 .62, and a ratio of distance 326 to distance 328 is 8. According to one embodiment of the present invention, accessory mount 300, including the shank 306, is radially symmetrical about axis 308.

[0045] According to another embodiment, an outer diameter of the second shoulder 304 is larger than an outer diameter of the first shoulder 302. According to yet other embodiments of the present invention, the outer diameter of the second shoulder 304 is equal to or substantially the same as the outer diameter of the shoulder 302.

[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative accessory mount 400, according to embodiments of the present invention. Accessory mount 400 includes a first shoulder 402, a tapered shank 406, and a second shoulder 404 which is tapered, with the outer diameter of the second shoulder 404 increasing along axis 408 in a direction away from shank 406. Accessory mount 400 may be radially symmetrical about axis 408, and may have a top view similar to that of FIG. 12, according to embodiments of the present invention. Features described with respect to any of accessory mounts 100, 300, and 400 may be included, in various combinations of one or more such features, on other accessory mounts 100, 300, 400 described herein. [0047] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular steps, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of steps and embodiments that do not include all of the described steps. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.