Ornament strap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a strap system, which is configured to be mounted to an accessory, the strap system comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end arranged opposite to the first end; an attachment point, which is configured to attach the first end of the strap body to the accessory; a lock, which is configured to attach the second end of the strap body to the accessory; and one or more ornaments, which are configured to be fitted onto the strap.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 336,403, filed on April 29, 2023, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Consumer clothing and accessories, including wallets, backpacks, hats, and the like, are commonly used. Since many of these accessories are mass-produced, users typically desire to add personality to their accessories. These users will customize their accessories with a personal style, such as their initials, the logo of their favorite sports team, and the like.

[0004] Currently available options for customizing accessories include permanently embroidering or engraving selected features onto the accessory, as well as more temporary customization, including pins, keychains, and temporary badges attached with, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners (such as Velcro TM ).

[0005] These customization methods have several drawbacks. If a user changes their preferences or if the accessory changes ownership, then permanent customization is difficult to remove or change. Temporary customization can damage the accessory, such as pins that puncture holes in the accessory. Temporary customization can also fail unexpectedly, for example, if the back of a pin becomes loose, causing the pin, badge, or other feature to fall off and be lost.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an accessory that addresses some or all of these drawbacks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide an ornamentation strap that can be attached to an accessory, one or more ornaments configured to slide onto the strap, and methods of using the same.

[0008] The foregoing and / or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept can be achieved by providing a strap system configured to be mounted to an accessory, the system including: a strap having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end; an attachment point configured to attach the first end of the strap to the accessory; a lock configured to attach the second end of the strap to the accessory; and one or more ornaments configured to fit onto the strap.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment point can be configured to detachably attach the first end of the strap to the accessory.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more ornaments may include: a body including a slot configured to fit onto the strap; and a front portion configured to face away from the accessory when the ornament is fitted onto the strap.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more ornaments may further include a rear portion configured to face the accessory when the ornament is fitted onto the strap.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the one or more ornaments may further include a cord extending away from the body of the ornament. The front and rear portions of each of the one or more ornaments may be connected to the body of the ornament via the cord.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the front and rear portions of at least one of the one or more ornaments may include separate pieces attached to the body of the ornament.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the front portion of at least one of the one or more ornaments may be integrated into the body of the ornament.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the lock may include a stud mounted to the accessory and configured to be inserted through a hole in the strap.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the lock may attach the second end of the strap to the accessory by friction between the stud and the hole.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the size and shape of the strap may be set based on the accessory.

[0018] The foregoing and / or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a strap configured to mount one or more ornaments to an accessory, the strap including: a strap body configured to fit into a slot of each of the one or more ornaments; an attachment point configured to attach a first end of the strap body to the accessory; and a lock configured to attach a second end of the strap body to the accessory, the second end of the strap body being disposed at an end of the strap body opposite the first end.

[0019] The foregoing and / or other features and advantages of the general inventive concept may be realized by providing a method of attaching one or more ornaments to an accessory, the method comprising: providing a strap attached to the accessory at an attachment point disposed at a first end of the strap; bending the strap away from the accessory; sliding the strap into slots disposed in each of the one or more ornaments; and attaching a second end of the strap to the accessory with a lock disposed at the second end of the strap, the second end of the strap being disposed at an end of the strap opposite the first end.

[0020] Additional features and advantages of the general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and / or other features and advantages of the general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A view illustrating a strap and ornaments attached to an accessory in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept;

[0023] Figure 2A A view illustrating a strap and ornaments in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept;

[0024] Figure 2B A view illustrating a strap without ornaments in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept;

[0025] Figure 2C A view illustrating a strap in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept;

[0026] Figure 2D A view illustrating a strap in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept;

[0027] Figure 2E A view illustrating a strap with ornaments in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept;

[0028] Figure 3 A top view illustrating a strap and ornaments attached to a wall of an accessory in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept;

[0029] Figure 4A A side view illustrating an ornament in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept; and

[0030] Figure 4B A side view illustrating an ornament in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the general inventive concept. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below to illustrate the present general inventive concept while referring to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in describing the present general inventive concept, detailed descriptions of related well-known functions or configurations that may reduce the clarity of the key points of the present general inventive concept are omitted.

[0032] When preceding an element list, an expression such as "at least one" modifies the entire element list and not individual elements in the list.

[0033] All terms used herein (including descriptive or technical terms) should be construed as having a meaning obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. However, depending on the intention of those of ordinary skill in the art, case precedent, or the emergence of new technologies, the terms may have different meanings. In addition, some terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, the meanings of the selected terms will be described in detail in the detailed description of the present invention. Therefore, the terms used herein must be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the description throughout the specification.

[0034] In addition, when a component "comprises" or "includes" an element, unless there is a specific description to the contrary, the component may further comprise other elements without excluding other elements.

[0035] Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 A belt system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept is described, which includes a belt 100 that can interact with one or more ornaments 200. As Figure 1 illustrated, the belt 100 can be attached to a fitting 1000. The fitting 1000 can be, for example, a bag, clothing, etc. It should be understood that the fitting 1000 illustrated in the drawings is provided only as an example. Different sizes and shapes of fittings 1000 can be used without departing from the present general inventive concept.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the belt 100 can have a design similar to that of the fitting 1000. For example, if the fitting 1000 includes a shoulder strap, then the belt 100 can have a color and appearance similar to that of the shoulder strap, such that the belt 100 looks consistent with the fitting 1000.

[0038] Figure 2A and 2BThe strap 100 with and without the ornament 200 will be described separately. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the strap 100 may include a flexible material such as silicone, leather, artificial leather, or rubber. The material of the strap 100 may be a material with a high coefficient of friction such that an object placed thereon does not easily slip off. The strap 100 may be attached to the fitting 1000 at an attachment point 110 disposed at the first end of the strap 100. This attachment point 110 may include, for example, stitching, gluing, or another similar method of attaching the strap 100 to the fitting 1000. The attachment point 110 is illustrated by a dashed line to indicate stitching as a possible attachment method. Similarly, the dashed line around the perimeter of the strap 100 indicates stitching around the strap 100. Such perimeter stitching may be decorative and / or structural, such as strengthening the edge of the strap 100, holding multiple material layers together to form the strap 100, etc.

[0039] The attachment point 110 may anchor the first end of the strap 100 to the fitting 1000 such that the strap 100 may be bent away from the fitting 1000 to fit one or more ornaments 200 onto the strap 100. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the attachment point 110 may be permanent, such as including stitching or other permanent attachment, such that the strap 100 will not be removed from or accidentally fall off the fitting 1000. According to other exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept, the attachment point 110 may be removable, such as including rivets, studs, snaps, buttons, or similar structures, allowing the strap 100 to be completely removed from the fitting 1000 as needed. Such exemplary embodiments are illustrated in Figure 2C which.

[0040] Figure 3 is a top view of the strap 100 and the ornament 200 attached to the wall of the fitting 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated therein, the strap 100 may be detachably attached to the fitting 1000 at a lock 120 disposed at the second end of the strap 100 opposite the first end. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the lock 120 may include an anchor point 121 and a hole 122 (illustrated in Figure 2B which). The anchor point 121 may include, for example, a tab, pin, stud, rivet, or similar feature attached to the fitting 1000 and made of a rigid material such as metal or plastic. The hole 122 may be formed in the strap 100 and may be stretchable to allow the anchor point 121 to pass therethrough. The anchor point 121 may be sized such that it may be pushed through the hole 122 by a user, but will not pass through the hole 122 without an external force. In operation, the user may insert the anchor point 121 through the hole 122 in the strap 100 to hold the strap 100 against the fitting 1000, and may pull the anchor point 121 back through the hole 122 as needed to disengage the lock 120 and allow the strap 100 to be removed from the fitting 1000.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the lock 120 can fix the strap 100 in place only by friction. For example, the anchor 121 includes a flared head of a stud, and the flared head cannot pass through the hole 122 without an external force from the user. This exemplary embodiment is described in Figure 3 In. According to other exemplary embodiments, the anchor 121 can include additional safety measures, such as a pin 123 inserted through the stud, to prevent the strap 100 from inadvertently slipping off the anchor 121. This pin 123 is shown as a dashed line in Figure 3 to indicate that it can be removed from the anchor 121 and, moreover, may not be included in every exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the hole 122 can be formed so as to be flush with the body of the strap 100, such that if the ornament 200 is fitted onto the strap 100 as described below, the hole 122 will not interfere with the ornament 200.

[0042] It should be understood that different exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept can use different mechanisms as the lock 120. For example, the lock 120 can include a button, a snap, or a similar structure for attaching the second end of the strap 100 to the fitting 1000. According to other exemplary embodiments of the present general inventive concept, the lock 120 can include, for example, gluing or stitching, which attaches the strap 100 to the fitting 1000 until the lock 120 can be removed by the user, for example, by separating the stitching or removing the glue. This exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept is described in Figure 2D In. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the lock 120 can hold the strap 100 firmly enough in place to support a plurality of ornaments 200 and / or external objects, such as the user's sunglasses, without the weight of the ornaments 200 and / or external objects causing the lock 120 to become detached.

[0043] Each ornament 200 can include any physical item that can be fitted onto the strap 100. Figure 4A And 4B shows a side view of the ornament 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As shown therein, the ornament 200 can include a body 201 that includes a slot 210. Each ornament 200 can further include a front portion 220 that is configured to face away from the fitting 1000 when the ornament 200 is placed on the strap 100. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the ornament 200 can also include a rear portion 230 that is configured to face the fitting 1000 when the ornament 200 is placed on the strap 100. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, each ornament 200 can be made of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. Each ornament 200 can also have any size suitable for fitting onto the strap 100.

[0044] The slot 210 may be a cavity formed in the body 201 of the ornament 200, and this cavity has a size and shape suitable for receiving the strap 100. In operation, the strap 100 may be inserted through the slot 210 so as to fit the ornament 200 onto the strap 100. The front portion 220 may be a part of the ornament 200 intended to be displayed, and may be shaped into any desired feature, including numbers, letters, logos, images, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the front portion 220 may include one or more desired colors to provide the ornament 200 with an intended appearance.

[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the rear portion 230 of the ornament 200 may have the same shape or a different shape from the front portion 220. The rear portion 230 may have a different color, texture or thickness from the front portion 220, or alternatively may be made an exact copy of the front portion 220, including shape, color, texture and thickness, such that the ornament 200 presents the same features on both the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230 of the ornament may be integrated into the body 201 of the ornament 200 such that the ornament 200 is a block with a slot 210 formed generally in the middle, as Figure 4A illustrated. For example, Figure 2A illustrates a front view of such an ornament according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept. Alternatively, the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230 may be separate pieces attached to the body 201 of the ornament 200 including the slot 210, as Figure 4B illustrated. According to other exemplary embodiments, the body 201 of the ornament 200 including the slot 210 may be disposed away from the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230. For example, the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230 may be configured to be connected to the body 201 of the ornament 200 via a string 215 such that the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230 hang from the ornament body 201, and the slot 210 may slide onto the strap 100 as described above. Figure 2E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of such an ornament 200 including the string 215. The string 215 may include, for example, a chain, a thread or a similar device, and the slot 210 may slide onto the strap 100 as described above.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the slot 210 may have a size and shape suitable for fitting onto the strap 100. If the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230 are separate pieces, as in the exemplary embodiment Figure 4B illustrated, then the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230 may have a different size from the ornament body 201, that is, the front portion 220 and the rear portion 230 may be substantially smaller or larger than the ornament body 201.

[0048] The ornament 200 can be held on the strap 100 by friction. For example, the slot 210 can be sized to create an interference fit. For example, the slot 210 can be slightly smaller than the strap 100, such that friction is created to hold the ornament 200 on the strap 100. As Figure 3 illustrated, when the lock 120 engages and the strap 100 is secured against the fitting 1000, the strap 100 can be held under tension such that the rear portion 230 of the ornament 200 also presses against the fitting 1000. This pressure can create friction between the rear portion 230 and the fitting 1000 to thereby hold the ornament 200 on the strap 100. Since friction and pressure hold one or more ornaments 200 in place without the need for a more permanent attachment method, each ornament 200 can be removed at will by pulling it off the strap 100. Thus, the ornaments 200 can be replaced according to the user's preference.

[0049] The size of the strap 100 can be set according to the fitting 1000. For example, in one exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, the strap 100 can be attached to a hat. Such a strap 100 can be wider or longer than a strap 100 attached to, for example, a purse. Additionally, the strap 100 can have any desired shape or cross-section, such as flat, round, rectangular, etc. The slots 210 of one or more ornaments 200 can be formed with a shape that matches the shape of the strap 100.

[0050] The strap 100 can have a length suitable for accommodating multiple ornaments 200. In operation, one or more ornaments 200 can be fitted onto the strap 100 by inserting the strap 100 through the slot 210 of each ornament 200. After being fitted onto the strap 100, each ornament 200 can be slid along the length of the strap 100 to a desired position. Thereafter, the strap 100 can be attached in place with the lock 120. To remove an ornament 200, the strap 100 can be detached from the fitting 1000 by disengaging the lock 120, after which any number of ornaments 200 can be slid off the strap 100. According to an exemplary embodiment in which the lock 120 includes stitching, gluing, or other long-term attachment, one or more ornaments 200 can be slid onto the strap 100 and then the lock 120 applied such that the ornaments 200 on the strap 100 are firmly held in place on the strap 100.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept, one or more ornaments 200 can have a uniform size, i.e., similar width, height, and depth. In such an exemplary embodiment, the ornaments 200 can be, for example, numbers or letters, allowing the user to spell a desired word or phrase. According to other exemplary embodiments, the ornaments 200 can have different sizes. In such an exemplary embodiment, the ornaments 200 can be, for example, logos or pictures that can have different sizes.

[0052] The strap 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept allows for customization of the accessory 1000, allowing the user to quickly change which ornaments 200 are mounted to the accessory 1000. The strap 100 can be mounted to the accessory 1000 via an attachment point 110, thereby minimizing the risk of the strap 100 coming off. In addition, the ornaments 200 can be quickly replaced or changed according to the user's preference. The user can mount different ornaments 200 of different styles, provided that the slots 210 of each ornament fit onto the strap 100.

[0053] Although several embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A strap system configured to be mounted to an accessory, the system comprising: A strap having a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, the strap being permanently attached to the accessory at an attachment point disposed at the first end; A lock configured to attach the second end of the strap to the accessory; And One or more ornaments configured to fit onto the strap, wherein the one or more ornaments are held in place on the strap by friction between each ornament and the accessory.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the one or more ornaments comprises: A body containing a slot configured to fit onto the strap; And a front portion configured to face away from the accessory when the ornament is fitted onto the strap.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the front portion of at least one of the one or more ornaments is integrated into the body of the ornament.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein each of the one or more ornaments further comprises a rear portion configured to face the accessory when the ornament is fitted onto the strap.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more ornaments further comprises a cord extending away from the body of the ornament, and wherein the front and rear portions of each of the one or more ornaments are connected to the body of the ornament via the cord.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the front and rear portions of at least one of the one or more ornaments comprise separate pieces attached to the body of the ornament.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a stud mounted to the accessory, the stud being configured to be inserted through a hole in the strap.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the lock attaches the second end of the strap to the accessory by friction between the stud and the hole.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the size and shape of the strap is set based on the accessory.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more ornaments are configured to have an interference fit between the strap and the ornament.

11. A method of attaching one or more ornaments to an accessory, the method comprising: Providing a strap permanently attached to the accessory at an attachment point disposed at a first end of the strap; Bending the strap away from the accessory; Sliding the strap into slots disposed in each of the one or more ornaments; And Attaching the second end of the strap to the accessory with a lock disposed at the second end of the strap, the second end of the strap being disposed at an end of the strap opposite the first end; And Holding the one or more ornaments in place on the strap by friction between each ornament and the accessory.

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