TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an improved shoe lace accessory, and in particular for an improved shoe lace accessory to keep a shoe lace knot tied.

BACKGROUND ART

Shoe lace accessories, often used for children, are known in a simple form of clips, used to help to hold laces together. These accessories fasten over the tied shoe laces with a domed body and clip the laces together. The fastening of prior art shoe lace accessories is somewhat weak, and easily can come apart and stop functioning. Use of a brittle plastic in existing accessories makes breaking, or breaking open a common problem, and a frustration as in this case the tied shoe lace is no longer covered or protected against untying. As the function of the accessory is to hold the lace together, it is a complete failure in function if the accessory breaks or comes apart and falls off during use. Once the prior art accessory has fallen off, the tied shoe lace is vulnerable to coming untied again. Where a parent has tied the shoe lace, it is possible that the child wearer may have difficulty in retying the shoe lace properly if the lace were to come undone.

There has been a long felt want for an improved shoe lace accessory to keep the shoe lace tied from once installed, until the accessory is opened and the knot untied. The time saving and convenience of not needing to repeated tie the shoe lace through the day is a significant issue.

A further problem of the prior art is that the shape of the shoe lace accessory is domed, projecting high out from the knotted shoe lace. When being worn by a child, the child is likely to be running about, and playing. As the shoe and attached lace and accessory moves through the air to walk, run, jump and climb the domed part of the prior accessory makes it vulnerable to damage. The domed part projects out and away from the shoe exposing the lace clip to contact with items as the wearer moves around. When taking part in activities it is easy to catch the projecting dome of the prior art shoe lace accessory with the other foot, other feet or any bit of the ground or structures. As the plastic used in conventional shoe clips is of a rigid and brittle kind, impact to the plastic dome is likely to break open or even break apart the clip. When the dome is caught on an object, the clip is readily opened up, causing the clip to come apart and open up, exposing the shoe lace knot. Again when the fastening comes apart this is a complete failure in function allowing the knot and shoe lace to come undone. When the domed part opens up this can scratch the wearers leg, or if broken be projected into the wearers leg or foot leading to injury. Any article used for children must not be likely to cause or contribute to accidents and should be able to function as intended in usual use. The problems with the prior art domed form, have been a problem for many years, with no suitable solution found, for a better accessory to protect the shoe lace knot for the useful action of keeping shoe laces tied.

The inventor has over many years of careful research and development designed a new and improved shoe lace accessory that solves the problem of the domed prior art form. The improved form of the subject invention has been found to stay fastened in place during usual use and activities and prevents the shoe lace coming undone, and does not lead to injury to the wearer. The invention has a strong fastening arrangement to hold the knotted shoe lace tightly in place, which also strongly resists opening once closed. Further and importantly the inventive accessory has a flat profile, to improve usability and risk accidental opening or catching on items. With hindsight it may appear that the new invention is somewhat similar to the prior art, but there are a number of significant functional differences, which dramatically improve the safety and usability of the item. The very low and flat profile, only just above 10 millimetres, is most advantageous as the shoe lace accessory cannot be kicked off in normal use as the contact will slide off the flat top, rather than catching on the domed shape as in the prior art. The improved flat shape improves usability, function and safety of the item, all in an easy to use form. The two part closure of the invention presses on the lace, to hold the lace in place, but does not lock together in the same way as prior art accessories. The new invention, is gentler on the lace and shoe but more strongly holds the lace, and acts to protect the knot and prevent the knot being pulled tight, improving the usability of the accessory. Further use of a softer plastic or rubber for the top part prevents contact damage. Should there be an accident, such as on a bike where the shoe may be damaged with the lace accessory, or other dramatic circumstance, the shoe accessory is carefully designed so as not to add to the accident, as the flat smooth profile will likely remain in place or harmlessly roll away.

With the additional benefit of exchangeable decorative features, the product can be designed for particular marketing campaigns, or for particular customers. The product is not limited to children, but is likely to be very well received by children, with the strong attraction of use of colours and decoration. Parents and carers will enjoy the stronger, more reliable fastening features, in an attractive and easy to use product. It is envisaged that versions of the product for older children and adults will also be developed.

The inventor has been working on the improved shoe lace accessory product for some time and has developed a surprisingly effective novel product which overcomes many of the problems of the prior art that have previously prevented universal adoption of the item. The new invention is a clear advance over the art and likely to be universally adopted once known about.

The following describes a non-limiting examples of the invention being used with reference to a shoe lace for a shoe, as a particularly useful application of the invention. The invention may be used for any linear item to be fastened and the knot held in place. It is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way other than as defined in the claims.

For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved shoe lace accessory that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further and separate object of the present invention to provide a method of use of an improved shoe lace accessory that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides an accessory for shoe laces including: an accessory body; a lid and the lid and the body can be closed together between a substantially open and substantially closed state, the lid and body together having a substantially flattened shape or low profile in the closed state; and a holding portion, associated with the accessory body and or lid, which can act on the shoe lace to substantially cover and hold in place, wherein the holding portion strongly holds the shoe lace to assist to maintain the laces in a tied state, and the lid substantially covers the knot, and the substantially flat shape and profile of the accessory resists accidental damage or removal .

Preferably, the accessory is a functional accessory. Preferably, the accessory is a decorative accessory. Most preferably, the accessory is both a functional and decorative accessory.

Preferably, the shoe lace is a shoe lace of footwear chosen from the group: adult shoes; boots; children’s shoes; school shoes; and sports shoes. The shoe lace may be replaced with any linear item. The shoe lace may be a linear item of shoe lace of any suitable footwear.

Preferably, the accessory is used with shoe laces. The shoe laces accessory may be made of any suitable material. The shoe lace accessory may be made of a plastics material. The shoe lace accessory may be made of a plastics material chosen from the following group: polyethylene; poly vinyl chloride (“PVC”); and polypropylene. The decorative cap may be made of a different material. The lid or decorative cap may be made of a softer plastic, or rubber material so as to be softer on contact than the rest of the article. The body and lid may be made of PVC with a rubber decorative cap to the lid. The shoes laces may include elastic, or some stretch. The shoe lace may be replaced with any linear material that it is desired to be fastened. The accessory body may take any suitable shape. Preferably, the body is substantially hollow. The cross-sectional shape eg as viewed from above, of the accessory body may be chosen from the group: circular; hexagonal; pentagon; rectangular; square; triangular or irregular. The shape may be any suitable shape. Most preferably, the shape of the accessory body when viewed from above is an attractive shape, and the profile when viewed from the side is a low, flattened profile. Preferably, the profile when viewed from the side is a low, flattened profile to minimise the chance of accidental removal or damage.

The lid may take any suitable shape. Preferably, the lid and body together when viewed from above is an attractive shape, and the profile when viewed from the side is a low, flattened profile. Preferably, the profile when viewed from the side of the lid and body together is a low, flattened profile to minimise the chance of accidental removal or damage. The lid and body may share a cross-sectional shape, as when viewed from above. Preferably, the lid and body for a substantially hollow body together. Preferably, the substantially hollow body formed by the lid and body together has a circular profile from above, and a substantially flat profile when viewed from the side. The cross-sectional shape of the lid may substantially correspond to the shape of the body. The cross- sectional shape of the lid, when viewed from above, may be chosen from the group: circular; hexagonal; pentagon; rectangular; square; triangular or irregular. The shape may be any suitable shape.

The lid may include a cap. Preferably, the cap is substantially flat. Preferably, the cap is flat to resist catching on items. The cap may be a plain, coloured or include words or images. The lid may include decoration. The lid may be attachable to a decorative cap. The decorative cap may take any suitable form. Preferably, exchangeable decorative caps are be included. Preferably, the decorative cap may fit with a push fit to the lid (or body). A range of decorative caps may be available. The decorative cap may be formed and supplied with the shoe lace accessory or may be provided separately and retrofitted. Preferably, the decorative cap can be provided in different designs and selected for wear according to taste. The colours of the body may be coordinated or contrasted with the colours of the decoration. Preferably, the decoration is suitable for children. The decoration may include the colour of the body or lid. Preferably, the decoration is a separate decoration applied to the lid.

In some forms of the invention the cap is adapted to be readily exchanged, including while the lace accessory is in position on a lace. Preferably, the cap is provided in two parts, a first part visible once installed and a securing part, to secure the cap to the accessory. Preferably, the securing part is maintained within the accessory once installed and in use. Preferably, a flat decorative cap is included and the decorative cap is interchangeable to change the overall look of the accessory. Preferably a range of decorative cap designs will be available. Preferably, the user can interchange the decorative cap while the accessory is in use on a lace.

Preferably, the decorative cap is a flat cap that can be secured to the lid of the accessory and a further securing is provided by closing the lid. Preferably, the securing of the decorative lid is a two stage securing including attaching the decorative cap to the lid through use of a securing part and closing and locking in place the lid to further secure the decorative cap in place. Preferably, the securing part for the decorative cap is completely contained once the lid is closed. In this way the decorative cap is securely attached to the lid. Most preferably, a cap is included and the cap is secured through a multi-stage closure to be strongly maintained on the accessory in use. Preferably, the cap is attached to the lid through a securing part and the securing part enclosed within the accessory to prevent accidental loss of the cap. Where decorative or collectible caps are provided, these may be valuable in terms of both money and sentiment and so it is highly undesirable to risk loss of the cap when wearing the accessory. The risk of loss is dramatically reduced by the two stage closure system used in the invention of securing the cap to the lid, and then enclosing the securing part for the cap to the lid within the closed accessory. Preferably, the cap is secured to the lid before the securing part being completely enclosed within the body of the accessory once the lid is closed. Preferably, the cap is attached to the lid at a plurality of points, to strengthen the connection. Preferably, a plurality of corresponding securing points are included between the cap and the securing part. Preferably, the securing of the cap to the lid is through the lid between corresponding securing parts of the cap and a securing part. Preferably, projections are included through the lid to secure the cap to the securing part. Most preferably the cap and securing part together have corresponding parts, one including projects to pass from one to the other through the lid, to be received in receiving portions of the other part to fit and secure together. Preferably, the two parts fit together with a push fit, to push the projections to be held in the securing part receiving portions. In other forms of the invention alternative clips or fastenings may be used instead. Preferably, a decorative cap is secured through the lid to corresponding parts of a securing part before being further secured by closing the lid.

Preferably, the decorative cap and securing part fit together with a push fit and can be released by pulling apart. Preferably, the decorative part and the securing part include corresponding securing means to secure together. Preferably, the decorative cap includes one or more projections adapted to fit with a press fit into receiving apertures of the securing part. The location of the securing parts may be reversed.

Preferably, the decorative cap is a generally circular cap to fit in the top of the accessory and the securing part is also a generally circular cap with a smaller diameter and together the decorative cap and securing are fitted together and then a further securing is provided by closing and locking the lid. Any suitable securing may be included. Most preferably, the decorative cap is part of a low profile flat lid that is configured to substantially minimise the risk of the accessory catching on items and opening unintentionally. Most preferably, the decorative cap and securing part together are configured to strongly attach. Preferably, the strong attachment of the cap and the securing part are configured so the securing is completely secure.

Preferably, the body and lid are openable between an open and closed state. Preferably, a moveable means is included to attach the lid and body together. Preferably, the moveable means is a hinge. The hinge may have a limited range of motion. The hinge may be a join between the lid and body. The hinge, lid and body may be manufactured integrally, or assembled during manufacture. Preferably, the hinge or moveable means enables the lid and body to be opened to an open position suitable to install the lace, and tie the knot of the lace. Preferably, the hinge or moveable means enables the lid and body to be closed to a closed position suitable to hold or keep the tied lace in place. In other forms of the invention there may be no knot in the lace and use of the hold can be suitable to hold the lace separate from any knot. The moveable means may be replaced with any suitable means to open the body and lid.

In one form of the invention the lid could be separate to the body and fit on with a push fit. The closure and hold will work the same way as for the described form but without the hinged or swinging open form. It is not intend to limit the invention to including a hinge other than as defined in the claims.

Preferably, a clip is included to firmly fasten the body and lid together. The clip or fastener is pushed together and clips or fastens closed to strongly maintain the top and bottom parts, the lid and body in the closed position. Any suitable fastening may be used. Preferably, a clip arrangement is formed between the lid and body (as shown in the preferred embodiment) so as to easily open and close.

The invention uses a hold whereby the lace is firmly held when the body and lid are closed together to prevent the knot coming undone. In this way the knot is both protected and not contacted, so the knot is maintained in the same state as when the knot was tied. The knot may be held on either side of the knot. Preferably, there is no contact with the knot itself. Preferably, the accessory substantially covers the knot of a tied lace. Preferably, a holding portion is included. Preferably, the hold is a two part hold. Preferably, the hold includes a substantially circular first part to press on the lace in the closed state. The pressing or gripping is of the lace on either side of the knot to hold the lace in place, without pulling or pressing on the knot. Preferably, a second hold part is included and part of the shoe lace is held between the first and second hold parts in the closed state. Preferably the hold is a strong or firm hold. Preferably, the hold substantially prevents movement of the shoe lace, once hold. Preferably, the second hold part is designed to substantially form a circle within the circle of the first hold to firmly grasp parts of the lace in the closed state. Most preferably, the knot is positioned within a first holding part of the body, and a second holding part of the lid presses down on the shoe lace on either side to hold in position.

Preferably, holes are included adapted for receipt of the laces. Preferably, either end of the lace is fed through the holes before being tied. Preferably, the holes are on either side of the holding portion for receipt of each end of the laces before they are tied in a knot, so that the knot, once tied is substantially contained within the holding portion. The loops of the tied shoe lace may project out on either side of the accessory once closed. Preferably, the knot is maintained in the holding portion and the holding portion of the lid presses down on the loops and laces on either side to hold in place. Preferably, the accessory covers the tied shoe lace. Preferably, the loops of the tied shoe lace are pressed upon by the holding portion, on either side of the knot to strongly hold the tied shoe lace in the tied condition.

Preferably, the holding portion includes circular parts. Preferably, the circular part in the lid presses and holds the shoe lace on either side of the knotted shoe lace in use. In some forms of the invention, there are circular parts on the lid and the body reciprocating and together holding the shoe lace knot in use. Preferably, one or more holes are included for receipt of the shoe laces. Preferably, a pair of holes are formed in the body. Preferably, each end of the shoe lace is threaded through the holes, before the shoe lace is tied. The shoe lace ends may be tied to place the knot within the body of the accessory, and be held between the holding portions on either side of the knot. The holding may only occur when the lid and body are closed tightly together. In this way the knot is maintained in place but is not under stress, which would tighten the knot and make it difficult to undo, but is strongly held by the holding portion on either side of the knot, to maintain in place. Preferably, at least one part of the shoe lace is held by the holding portion in the closed state. Preferably, two parts of the shoe lace, one on either side of the knot are held between the holding portion parts on the lid and on the body, in the closed state. The holding portions may be a single hold. The holding portion may be a plurality of holding portions. Most preferably, there are holding portion parts on the lid and body which together press tightly on parts of the lace to hold in place in use. The holding portion may be adapted, as required for particular applications of the invention, for example, for different kinds of footwear.

Most preferably, the lid includes a substantially circular ring, part of the holding portion, and the body includes a substantially circular ring, part of the holding portion, configured to be a smaller size so that when pressed together concentric circular parts are created, with the knot in the centre and the lace holded by the lid ring to prevent movement of the lace. The holding part on the body may not hold the lace but rather define the area for the tied shoe lace knot. These parts may be reversed in other forms of the invention. Preferably, the holding substantially prevents movement of the lace. Preferably, the holding substantially prevents the lace untying. Preferably, the holding substantially holds the tied lace in place when the lid and body are closed together. In other forms of the invention the holding may be achieved by any completion of the holding portions. Preferably, the holding portion in use prevents slipping of the lace in any direction. Most preferably, the holding portion of the lid, is in the form of a circular or arced piece that presses on the loops or sections of the shoe lace on either side of the knot, to hold in place in the closed state. It is most advantageous that once the accessory is closed over the tied shoe lace the loops are trapped between the lid and body, with the circular lid part pressing down, and the knot of the tied shoe lace is positioned and protected in the centre of the body holding portion. Most preferably, use of the invention protects the knot. Most preferably, the invention substantially prevents the tightening of the knot. Preferably, the invention substantially prevents movement of the lace and maintains the knot in place. Preferably, the knot of the tied shoe lace is positioned within substantially the centre of the body of the accessory. Preferably, the shoe lace is tied so that the lace tightens at the substantial centre, and this may be within a substantially circular or arced part to assist to keep the shoe lace in place during use.

Shaping may be included in the body and or lid to assist opening and closing. The shaping may include cut-outs. The shaping may be to assist a person to lift the lid by allowing access between the body and lid. The shaping may be decorative. The shaping may be functional to assist the opening and closing of the accessory in use.

The materials used throughout the accessory may be any suitable materials including plastic, metal and composites. Preferably, the accessory is mostly made of a suitable plastics material. Preferably, the plastics material is used of PVC. Other suitable plastics may be used, including a combination or suitable plastics materials. Preferably, the body is made of a strong plastic, that is resistant to damage but also resistant to cracking or accidental damage on impact. Most preferably, the lid and or decorative cap are made of a softer material. The softer material may be a softer plastic. The softer plastic may be a rubber like material or rubber feel plastics. Use of the softer cap assist to resist injury to the child if they impact the cap, and to help bounce off on contact. As the flat cap is strongly attached through the lid and then secured within the closed accessory there is a strong resistance to accidental loss or damage of the cap. The decorative cap can include a raised decorative design, or characters formed in a 3D format. Preferably, the decorative cap has a very low profile, extending perhaps only substantially a few or 1 millimetre beyond the lid profile.

Preferably, the shoe accessory strongly holds to the lace to protect the knot and substantially prevent the shoe lace coming undone. Preferably, the knot is protected, the tied shoe lace held, and the flat profile prevents the accessory from accidently being removed.

Preferably, the accessory has a low, flat profile. Preferably, the accessory has very low profile and only projects slightly above the lace in use. Preferably, the accessory has a very low profile of less than 20 millimetres. Preferably, the accessory has a very low profile of less than 10 millimetres. Most preferably, the profile is around 10 millimetres including the body and lid. Preferably, the accessory in use has a substantially flat profile and protects the knot, and holds the shoe lace on either side of the knot. The holding may be on straight pieces or loops of the tied knot, to hold the tied shoe lace in place, without tightening the knot.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a variant, an accessory for shoe laces for including: an accessory body with a substantially circular body, with a hollow interior; a lid, and the lid and the body can be closed together between a substantially open and substantially closed state through use of a hinge, the lid and body together having a substantially flattened shape in the closed state; a decorative cap, attachable to the lid; and a holding portion formed of two substantially arced parts that fit within one another, associated with the accessory body and or lid, which can act on the tied shoe lace to hold in place, and surround the knot, wherein the holding portion strongly holds the shoe lace in use to assist to maintain the laces in a tied state, and the substantially flat shape resists accidentally damage or removal during use.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a further variant an accessory for shoe laces including: an accessory body; a lid and the lid and the body can be closed together between a substantially open and substantially closed state, the lid and body together having a substantially flattened shape and very low profile in the closed state; an exchangeable cap attachable to the lid by use of a securing part when the lid is in the open state, and further secured by the securing part being kept within the closed accessory in the closed state; and a holding portion, associated with the accessory body which acts on the shoe lace to substantially cover and hold in place, wherein the holding portion strongly holds the shoe lace to assist to maintain the laces in a tied state, and the lid substantially covers the knot, and the substantially flat shape and profile of the accessory resists accidental damage or removal .

Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of use a shoe lace accessory, the shoe lace accessory including, a body with holes for the shoe lace ends, accessible in an open state, and a lid configured to fit onto the body in a closed state, and holding portions to hold the lace when the body and lid are closed together, the method including the following steps: a) tying the ends of the shoe lace through the holes in a knot in the usual manner; b) closing the lid and body together whereby the holding portions hold either side of the lace.

The method may include a prior step of lacing the ends of the shoe lace through the holes during installation of the accessory.

Preferably, the shoe lace accessory of the methods is the shoe lace accessory of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of exchanging the cap of a shoe lace accessory, the shoe lace accessory including, a body with holes for the shoe lace ends, accessible in an open state, and a lid configured to fit onto the body in a closed state, a cap securable to the lid by a securing part, and holding portions to hold the lace when the body and lid are closed together, the method including the following steps: a) opening the accessory (if not already open; b) attaching the cap to the lid by use of the securing part; c) closing the lid to contain and further secure the cap by containing the securing part.

Preferably, a range of exchangeable caps are provided to enable the look of the accessory to be changed as desired by changing the cap. The system to replace is secure and low profile and so does not detract from the funcationality but does add to the desirability of the item. Preferably, the cap is secured through the lid. Preferably, the securing part of the method is closed within the accessory in the closed state. The shoe lace accessory of the method of exchanging the cap is the shoe lace accessory of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the shoe lace accessory of Figure 1 , with the decorative cap removed;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of the shoe lace accessory of Figures 1 and 2, in a full open state illustrating the holding parts;

Figure 4 is perspective view of the shoe lace accessory of Figures 1 to 3 installed on a shoe, and with the shoe lace in the early stages of being tied;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the shoe lace accessory and shoe of Figure 4, with the knot formed;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the shoe lace accessory and shoe of Figures 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;

Figure 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;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the shoe lace accessory of Figure 7 with the cap shown slightly raised as if ready for exchange;

Figure 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

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the shoe accessory of Figures 7 to 9.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to Figures 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 Figures 4 to 6, so the internal configuration of shoe lace accessory 1 can be seen more readily in Figures 1 to 3. A pair of shoe lace accessories will generally be used, one on each shoe.

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.

The carefully designed invention has a flat profile of only 11 millimetres with the decorative cap only projecting 1 millimetre 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.

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

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.

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.

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 millimetre beyond the body.

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.

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.

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. Figures 3, 4 and 5 show the open state and Figure 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 Figure 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Referring to Figures 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.

Again the flat profile of only 11 millimetres with the decorative cap only projecting 1 millimetre 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 APPLICABLITY

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

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: