US20110271418A1 - Customizable wearable garments and accessories - Google Patents

Abstract

Children's footwear, garments, and fashion accessories with an accompanying kit containing interchangeable design pieces which the child may attach and arrange on the footwear, garment, or fashion accessory allowing for artistic creation and self-expression.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/142,309, filed Jan. 2, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Children are naturally creative and busy, and parents are constantly trying to keep their children entertained with the latest toy or gadget. Children also often desire a variety of clothing and footwear choices, which can create a problem for a parent who is trying to stay within his or her household budget.
• By making shoes and clothing something with which the child can actually entertain and express himself or herself creatively, both the child and the parent will benefit.
• Along these lines, it is known to be able change the appearance of an article of clothing by attaching and detaching various removable embellishments. It is also known to secure the removable embellishments with hook and loop fasteners. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,726 (Kellin) which discloses an article of apparel having a surface covered by the loop portion of a hook and loop fastener (in the form of a stretchy fabric) and decorative embellishments having only one side that is removably attachable to other surfaces.
• While the appearance of the articles of clothing of Kellin can be modified through the attachment of the various embellishments, what is not disclosed there is allowing the user the ability to modify the appearance of the attachments themselves. Prior art limits the user to the article of clothing being the sole “background” for the creation of a particular design. The user does not have the opportunity to first create a design in a separate area from the article of clothing, for example, on a removable “background” prior to attachment of the design to the article of clothing. It would be desirable to be able to prepare such a design on a separate background, and then later after the design's completion, attach the completed design or multiple completed designs to the article of clothing. It would also be desirable to have the ability to layer or overlap various removable embellishments on a single article of clothing. The Kellin patent does not appear to disclose a means for a user to “layer” one embellishment on top of another. The embellishments of Kellin appear to be designed to be attachable to only the article of clothing itself. It also would be desirable to use removable attachments to attach other objects previously not intended to be attached to articles of clothing.
• Another example of attaching removable embellishments to articles of clothing is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,501 (Mathews), where snaps are used to attach the removable embellishments to shoes. While snaps would hold the embellishments in place, the user's creativity is limited in that the snaps force placement of the embellishments. The embellishments can only be attached to locations where the “mate” of the snap on the embodiment can be found. It would be desirable to give the user more freedom to chose from an entire area, not only a single location as to where an embellishment may be placed.
• A third example of attaching removable embellishments to shoes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,085 (Ross) which describes an insert assembly and a three dimensional object which is removably mounted on the insert. Ross fails to disclose the end user of the product being able to change the look of the object prior to mounting it on the insert. Ross also does not appear to disclose keeping the insert assembly in place with the use of hook and loop fasteners, thus providing additional choices as to where the object might be placed, such as the side of the footwear instead of on the tongue. Placement on the side of the footwear would present more visible surface area to decorate, and thus additional outlets for creativity.
• There are many additional reasons why it would be desirable for a user to be able to create a design without the article of clothing itself being the required background. For example, if the article of clothing were a shoe, unless the shoe was relatively new or freshly cleaned, the user would be faced with either having to clean the shoe before beginning, or working with a potentially unsanitary surface while creating a new design. If the article of clothing were a shirt, one would need to remove it to have a flat surface to work with when creating a design. It would be desirable to have the ability to create a design, and then place the design, in its entirety, or large portions of the design, on the article of clothing all at once. It would also be desirable to be able to create a design that could be moved from a shoe to a different type of wearable apparel such as a shirt or had without having to recreate the design.
• To offer the most flexibility and also the most opportunity for layering, it would be desirable for at least some of the removable embellishments and backgrounds to individually be very thin. The thinner the embellishment, the more layers and overlaps that would be possible before the thickness of the design mounted on the article of clothing interfered with the function of the article of clothing itself.
• Not all articles of clothing come with a surface ready to receive a background attachable by a hook and loop fastener. It would be desirable to present an adaptive means that would allow articles of clothing not originally designed to be modified with embellishments attachable by hook and loop fasteners, to be able to have their appearances changed as well. For example, it would be desirable if shoes, such as those containing multiple holes in a flexible plastic-like surface, were able to receive a removable background.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The methods and apparatus of the current invention present wearable garments and accessories that can be modified by users such as children to encompass their own creative designs. The apparatus of the invention involves wearable garments and accessories having base layers ready to receive backgrounds, removable embellishments, and removable double-sided embellishments, all of which may be placed and layered to create a design either prior to the background's placement on the wearable garment or accessory, or at a time when the background has already been attached.
• Embodiments of the invention include footwear, other wearable garments, and accessories, having a base layer that enables the attachment of backgrounds containing hook and loop fasteners on both sides, embellishments with one side containing hook and loop fasteners, and double-sided embellishments with hook and loop fasteners on both sides. The backgrounds may be “decorated” with a variety of embellishments prior to being placed on the wearable garments or accessories. A final design may, for example, include two single-sided embellishments layered on top of a double-sided embellishment, layered on top of a background. For example the design may be a picture of a girl (the double-sided embellishment), standing in the forest (the design on the background), wearing a yellow dress (the first single-sided embellishment) and a red hat (the second single-sided embellishment). If the hat were instead double-sided, perhaps a red ribbon printed on a single-sided embellishment could be added as a fourth layer.
• Embodiments of the invention may include kits that contain several backgrounds, single-sided and double-sided embellishments. Each kit may have a particular theme based on the characters or the designs of the backgrounds and embellishments. Kits may be boxed or in binders or use other containment means. Boxes and binders of the kits may also contain base layers to which in process and completed designs may be attached. The designs can then be later moved to the base layers of the wearable garments and accessories. Kits may also include single pieces, sets of embellishments, or backgrounds meant to be distributed as additional design options or “add ons” to existing kits. The “add-on” sets could be in the form of additional pages for binders or additional backgrounds and embellishments to be boxed or added to existing binder pages.
• In the case of a user wanting to utilize the backgrounds and embellishments on articles of clothing and accessories that do not contain a base layer, embodiments of the invention provide adaptive means to provide a removable surface that would allow attachment of the backgrounds and embellishments of the invention.
• Embodiments of the invention also include methods employed for utilizing the apparatus of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a top view of a footwear version of an embodiment of present invention, showing the “base layer” with a symmetrical “background” affixed thereto with a “embellishment” placed on top of that background piece.
• FIG. 2 is a cross section view of a layered attachment method embodiment of the present invention, showing a swatch base layer attached to the surface of the footwear, garment or fashion accessory, with a “background” attached to the “base layer” with an “embellishment” placed on top of the background.
• FIG. 2B is a view of a background showing a middle layer between a hook side of a hook and loop fastener and a loop side of hook and loop fastener.
• FIG. 3 is a side and top view of a shoe embodiment of the present invention, showing small dots used as the “base layer” over the surface of the shoe.
• FIG. 4 is a side and top view of a shoe embodiment of the present invention, showing diagonal stripes used as the “base layer” over the surface of the shoe.
• FIG. 5 is a side and front view of a boot embodiment of the present invention, showing the loop Velcro “base layer” over the shaft of the boot.
• FIG. 6 is a front view of a ball cap embodiment of the present invention, showing the loop Velcro “base layer” over the front of the hat.
• FIG. 7 is a front view of a ski cap embodiment of the present invention, showing the loop Velcro “base layer” over a portion of the front of the hat.
• FIG. 8 is a front view of sweatshirt embodiment of the present invention, showing the loop Velcro “base layer” over a portion of the front of the sweatshirt.
• FIG. 9 is an outside view of an embodiment of a design accessory kit of the present invention, showing a Velcro base layer on the front cover.
• FIG. 10 is an inside view of an embodiment of a design accessory kit of the present invention, showing a sheet attached to the inside of the kit with Velcro base layer dots on which embellishments are temporarily affixed in order to be stored when not in use in a design.
• FIG. 11A is a view of a background in the shape of a doll with a double-sided embellishment in the shape of a hat, a single-sided embellishment in the shape of a pair of shorts, and a single-sided embellishment in the shape of a flower attached.
• FIG. 11B is a view of a single-sided embellishment in the shape of a tie attached to a double-sided embellishment in the shape of a bear attached to a base layer with a heart pattern.
• FIG. 11C is a view of a double-sided embellishment in the shape of a bear attached to a base layer.
• FIG. 11D is a view of a single-sided embellishment attached to a background pre-printed with a scene containing a sun and tree, attached to a base layer.
• FIG. 11E is a view of a double-sided embellishment showing an exemplary first and second side.
• FIG. 11F is a view of a single-sided embellishment shaped like a flower, mounted on a double-sided embellishment shaped like a hat, mounted on a double-sided embellishment shaped like a man mounted on a background.
• FIG. 12A is a view of an exemplary embodiment of a molded shoe of flexible plastic-like material having a plurality of holes.
• FIG. 12B is a view of an embellishment with a hook and loop side and a prong side that can serve as a base layer.
• FIG. 12C is a view of a background with a hook and loop side and a prong side that can serve either as a base layer or background.
• FIG. 12D is a view of a base layer or background with a hook and loop side and a prong side.
• FIG. 13A is a view of a single-sided rope light embellishment.
• FIG. 13B is a view of a single-sided rope light embellishment mounted on footwear.
• FIG. 13C is a view of double-sided embellishments mounting a rope light on footwear.
• FIG. 14 is a view of a fashion accessory in the form of a purse with a base layer and background attached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• One embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 1, isfootwear100, or other article of clothing or accessory, for which a child or other user can create pictures and designs to be attached to a “base layer”area101. At least a portion of thebase layer101 is covered with either the hook side or the loop side of a hook and loop fastener as shown inFIG. 2. Children or other users use interchangeable double-sided hook and loop swatches called “backgrounds”110 to create a specific design area or background stage for their design. The users may affix additional pieces “embellishments”120 or121 on top of thebackground110 or on top of thebase layer101. Embellishments of the invention may be placed on top of the base layer next to or instead of thebackground110. In some instances, theembellishments120 or120 can also be layered on top of each other. Theembellishments120 or121 may come from an accompanyingaccessory kit900 such as the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. Combinations ofbackgrounds110 andembellishments120 and121 allow users to create their own pictures, storyboards or designs for the footwear, garments or fashion accessories. The contents of theaccessory kit900 are reusable and for the most part meant to be interchangeable with any of the footwear, garments, and fashion accessories of the invention. By attaching different backgrounds to thebase layer101, the user can create different scenes into which they can place their characters and objects (in the form of embellishments and backgrounds). In doing so, the user can change the look and color(s) of his or her footwear, garment or accessories. It should be noted that the term “embellishment” when used in this application to describe the invention, specifically identifies the non-background pieces that may be removably attached to various surfaces of the invention. They may be single or double-sided and all contain at least one side comprising a hook and loop fastener. The term embellishment is not meant to more generally describe “anything” that may be removably attached to an article of clothing or accessory.
Hook and Loop Fasteners
• In many embodiments of this invention, hook and loop fasteners are utilized to attach various parts of the invention to other portions of the invention, for example thebase layer101 to the double-sided background layer110.
• Hook and loop fasteners, often referred to by the brand name “Velcro”, comprise of two sides: a “hook”side112, which is a piece of fabric or fabric like material covered with tiny hooks, and a “loop”side111, which is covered with even smaller and “hairier” loops. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and hold the two sides together. For example, see the embodiment of the invention inFIG. 2 showing thebase layer101, which has aside102 comprising the loop side of a hook and loop fastener, is pressed against thebackground110 which has aside112 comprising hooks.
• Hook and loop fasteners can be made of a myriad of different materials including but not limited to cotton, nylon, and polyester. Hook and loop fasteners have also been known to be made of Teflon loops, polyester hooks, and glass backing. A less commonly used variation of a hook and loop fastener is one with hooks on both sides.
• When discussed with respect to this application, a “side” of a hook and loop fastener may refer to either the hook side or a loop side. When an object is described as the “opposite” side of a hook and loop fastener, it may mean any of the following:
• if the first side is the hook side, then the opposite side is the loop side;
  if the first side is the loop side, then the opposite side is the hook side; or
  if the first side can be either a hook or loop side, then the opposite side is the opposite of whichever side was ultimately selected for the first side, i.e. if hook than loop, if loop than hook.
• Generally, embodiments of the invention require hook and loop fasteners, however, other alternative means of attachingbackgrounds110 andembellishments120 or121 tobase layers101,backgrounds110, andother embellishments121 could include, but not be limited to snaps, buttons, zippers, laces, buckles, static cling (as utilized by a vinyl attached to plastic product known by the brand name Colorforms), and other similar means.
• When discussed in this application, the term “double-sided” means that a particular object has two main sides, namely a top and a bottom. At least a portion of the top side comprises a first side of a hook and loop fastener, and at least a portion of the bottom side comprises a second side of a hook and loop fastener. The first and second side of the hook and loop fastener may be the same side (i.e. both hooks or both loops), or they may be opposite sides (i.e. a hook and loop or a loop and hook). In some embodiments an entire side may be covered with a side of a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments only a portion or multiple portions of a side is covered. The same amount of hook and loop fastener material is not necessary for both sides of a double-sided object such as a background or double-sided embellishment. In some cases a double-sided embellishment or background may comprise only a double-sided piece of hook and loop tape. In other cases double-sided embellishment and backgrounds may have an intermediate layer between each layer of hook and loop material.
• In an effort to maintain the most functionality possible, in some embodiments of the invention, the thickness of thebackgrounds110 andembellishments120 or121 can be as thin as 3 mm or approximately 3 mm. In embodiments of the invention where the background has hooks on one side and loops on the other, this measurement is from the top of the loop on the loop side to the bottom of the hook on the hook side.
Base Layer
• Embodiments of thebase layer101 include but are not limed to: swatches (seeFIG. 2) stripes (seeFIG. 4), shapes or dots (seeFIG. 3) of various sizes or arrangements. At least one side of thebase layer101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. It may be either the hook side or the loop side of the hook and loop fastener, depending on which would be appropriate to interact with the particular side of a hook and loop fastener used by theembellishments120 or121 orbackgrounds110 desired to be attached. Ideally, thebase layer101 is permanently stitched or glued to the footwear, garment or accessory. In alternative embodiments of the invention, thebase layer101 could be removable or semi-permanent.
• Thebase layer101 itself is a decorative element of the footwear (seeFIG. 1), garment (seeFIG. 8) or fashion accessory (seeFIG. 14). The size, shape, color, and positioning of the base layer ideally makes the footwear, garment, or fashion accessory attractive, even without the adornment of abackground110 orembellishments120 or121. If so desired, thefootwear100, garment, or accessory maybe be worn without the addition of abackground110 orembellishments120 or121.
• In some embodiments of the invention,footwear options100 to which the base layer may be stitched, glued, or attached by other means may include but are not limited to shoes (seeFIG. 3), boots (seeFIG. 5), and slippers. The garment options to which thebase layer101 may be stitched or glued may include but are not limited to shirts, sweatshirts (seeFIG. 8), sweaters, fleece wear, vests, jackets, hats (seeFIGS. 6 and 7), mittens, gloves, and scarves.
• In some embodiments of the invention, the fashion accessory options to which thebase layer101 may be stitched or glued may include but are not limited to belts, handbags (seeFIG. 14), backpacks, lunch boxes, bracelets, necklaces, headbands, and bags.
• In some embodiments of the invention, thebase layer101 is a single-sided piece of hook and loop fastener tape. With respect to this application, a single-sided piece of hook and loop fastener is one that has a relatively flat surface on one side and either the hook portion of a hoop and loop fastener or the loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on the other. SeeFIG. 2 which shows abase layer101 where afirst side102 is the loop side of a hook and loop fastener.
• In some embodiments of the invention, thebase layer101 has a shape having either a solid color or a pattern or picture (seeFIG. 11B showing an exemplary heart patterned base layer).
Backgrounds
• Double-sidedbackgrounds110 enable the layering of designs and characters (via the embellishments), giving the opportunity for the user to create overlapping shapes and objects. The term “double-sided”, with respect to thebackground110 means that each of the twomain sides112 and111 of thebackground110 comprise one side of a hook and loop fastener. Each side of a background could employ either thehook side112 or theloop side111 of the fastener depending on which would allow attachment to thebase layer101 or anembellishment120 or121. As with thebase layer101, a side of abackground110 may be covered entirely by a hook and loop fastener or only a portion of a side of abackground110 may contain a hook and loop fastener. Similar to the base layers101, the hook and loop fasteners may also be arranged in decorative patterns on thebackgrounds110.
• The prior art discussed above only allows for decorative objects to be placed in a two-dimensional manner onto a hook and loop fastener surface. Through the use of thebackground pieces110 of embodiments of this invention, the invention allows a child or other user to create more realistic 3D style designs, pictures and storyboards. For example, in one embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 11A, abackground piece110 has oneside112 comprising the hook side of a hook and loop fastener and theother side111 comprising a loop fastener. The overall shape of thebackground piece110 depicts the likeness of a doll. The doll-shapedbackground110 may be affixed to the footwear, garment or accessory. Prior to or after placement on the object, the background doll is “dressed” by adding at least oneembellishment120 which bears the design of a pair of shorts. A double-sided embellishment121 in the shape of a hat could also be added which may also contain a single-sided embellishment120 in the shape of a flower. In another embodiment of the invention, thebase layer101 could be modified by adding asecond background110, for example in the shape of a house, and then the “doll” ofFIG. 11A could be placed inside the background house and dressed using embellishments. It should be noted, that the doll-shaped background could instead be considered to be a double-sided embellishment121 in the shape of a doll (as shown inFIG. 11F) and then mounted on aseparate background110 orbase layer101.
• In another embodiment of the invention, the removable,interchangeable backgrounds110 also allow the child or other user to create a final design while thebackground110 is placed on a flat level surface such as a desk, counter, or table instead of directly on the surface orbase layer101 of an article of clothing, footwear or accessory. After the child or other user has finished assembling the design, thebackground110 andembellishments120 and/or121 can be affixed to thefootwear100, garment or fashion accessory. This is a much more convenient and sanitary option to removing thefootwear110,hat600 or700, shirt, etc. itself and placing the article on a table or counter or floor in order to create or modify a design.
• The “backgrounds”110 of some embodiments of the invention may vary in size from large sheets that can cover an entire base layer area, to smaller pieces which allow for design layering (and may lead to them being referred to interchangeably as double-sided embellishments).
• In another embodiment of the invention (illustrated byFIG. 2), thebackground110 is constructed of a piece of double-sided hook and loop fastener tape and thebackground110 attaches temporarily to thebase layer101 which comprises the loop side of a hook and loop fastener. In this particular embodiment, thetopside111 of thebackground110 is the loop side of a hook and loop fastener, and may be a solid color or a pattern or picture (seeFIG. 11D). Thebottom side112 of thebackground110 is the hook side of a hook and loop fastener. Thebottom side112 of thebackground110 is attachable to the loops ofside102 of thebase layer101. It should be appreciated that in additional embodiments of the invention the hoop and loop fasteners may be reversed. For example, thebase layer101 may have exposed hooks instead of loops. Thebottom side112 of thebackground110 may comprise loops. Thetop side111 of thebackground110 may comprise hooks, and the bottom side of anembellishment120 or121 may comprise loops.
• In some embodiments of the invention, thebackground110 comprises only a piece of double-sided hook and loop fastener tape cut into an acceptable shape and having either a solid color or a pattern or picture. In other embodiments of the invention and as shown inFIG. 2B, thebackground110 comprises amiddle layer113 having two sides. Each side of the backgroundmiddle layer113 is attached to one side of a hook and loop fastener.
• Users may chose to utilizebackgrounds110 that, once placed on abase layer101, cover thebase layer101 and create a distinct visual impression of the article of clothing or accessory that was not there prior to its placement. For example, thebase layer101 of an article of clothing or accessory may have a distinct visual impression of being white and thebackground110 that is attached and covers the entire surface of thebase layer101 may be hot pink, and thus creates a second distinct visual impression of the article of clothing or accessory where it has a portion of its surface now being hot pink. It should be appreciated thatembellishments120 or121 also can have their own distinct visual impression that could thus further change the distinct visual impression of the article of clothing or accessory through their utilization. It should also be appreciated that even though a background may not cover the base layer of a shoe in its entirety, it may still change the distinct visual impression of the article of clothing or accessories.
Embellishments
• Some embodiments of theembellishments120 or121 of the invention have a swatch, dot or stripe of hook andloop fastener122 showing the first side of a single-sided embellishment permanently glued to the back of theembellishment120 or121 allowing theembellishment120 or121 to be stored in anaccessory kit900 or attached to abase layer101 orbackground110 as part of the child's or other user's design.
• Embodiments of thedesign surface123 of an embellishment range widely in design. Design surfaces123 may include (but are not limited to) characters, pictures (seeFIG. 11C where the surface of a bear shaped double-sided embellishment121 is entirely covered with a picture of a bear), shapes, objects, words, logos, phrases, or letters. Embodiments ofembellishments120 or121 may be constructed of any material such as fabric, felt, wood, plastic, resin or metal. Embodiments of the embellishments may also contain musical or LED components, as may the backgrounds, base layers, or articles of clothing themselves. Some embodiments of the embellishments may be made of flexible erasable chalkboard or white board material, allowing the child to write or draw on the embellishment which can be temporarily affixed to the footwear, garment or fashion accessory. Embodiments may offer surfaces which allow a child or other user to draw on them leaving a more permanent design as well. Design surfaces123 may be smooth, which occur in some embodiments of single-sided embellishments, or may comprise hook and loop attachments as used in some embodiments of double-sided embellishments.
• Additional embodiments of double-sided embellishments121 may comprise only a strip of double-sided hook and loop tape cut into an acceptable shape and having either a solid color or a pattern or picture. In other embodiments of the invention, the double-sided embellishments121 may comprise a middle layer having two sides. Each side of the double-sided embellishment middle layer is attached to one side of a hook and loop fastener. See for example,FIG. 2B which shows a similar embodiment of a background having a middle layer.
• In some embodiments of the invention, see for exampleFIG. 13C, several double-sided strip embellishments121 (of the hook and loop tape variety, or ones with very thin layers) may be used as stays to attach objects such as thin rope lighting or LED rope lighting1301 or other rope like material (which may or may not comprise lights) tobackgrounds110 or base layers101. It would not be unusual to consider attaching other objects that do not already hook and loop fasteners as well. The rope lighting would be battery powered with a power source either embedded in the article of wearable clothing or accessory or built into the rope lighting itself. The user can position the embellishment hook and loop stays121 anywhere upon abackground layer110 or on abase layer101 to create a design. In another embodiment, a single-sided embellishment120 may comprise a length of rope lighting with at least one hook and a loop fastener permanently attached. In this embodiment, a rope lighting embellishment as shown inFIG. 13A could be positioned on abackground110 orbase layer101 as shown inFIG. 13B, without having to first position hook and loop tape strip embellishments to act as stays to hold the rope lighting in place.
• Embodiments of the invention may include the method of attaching rope lighting1301 tobackgrounds110 orbase layers101 with the double-sided strip embellishment stays.
• Embodiments of the invention may include multiple single-sided rope lighting embellishments or multiple pieces of rope lighting1301 attached tobackgrounds110 orbase layers101 with double-sided strip embellishment stays.
• Embodiments of the invention may also include attaching single-sided rope lighting embellishments or the double-sided embellishment stays to double-sided embellishments.
• Users may chose to utilizeembellishments120 or121 that have distinct visual impressions which are the same as that of theother embellishments120 or121 also being utilized orembellishments120 or121 which have distinct visual impressions different from that ofother embellishments120 or121 being utilized. For example, oneembellishment120 or121 may have a distinct visual impression of a teddy bear and the other may have a distinct visual impression of a tree, or bothembellishments120 or121 may contain graphics of identical or similar teddy bears.
Accessory Kits
• Another embodiment of the invention, shown inFIG. 9, is anaccessory kit900 having abase layer area101 affixed to the kit, allowing the child or other user to create a design directly on the base layer area which serves as a workspace. Thebase layer101 of the kit may serve as an “artists' palette” where the child or other user can assemble selectedbackground pieces110 andembellishments120 or121 which later can be attached to article s clothing or accessories.
• Some embodiments of theaccessory kits900 contain “sheets”1001 which may be manufactured of a rigid plastic-type material. Thesheets1001 are secured to thekit900 with an attachment system.New sheets1001 can easily be added or removed from theaccessory kit900, allowing the child to personally arrange his or herkit900 to suit his or her needs. Hook and loop swatches,dots101 or strips may be glued to the sheets and serve to secure theunused backgrounds110 andembellishments120 or121 in theaccessory kit900.New embellishments120 or121 andbackgrounds110 may also be added to thekit900.
Adaptable Base Layer
• In some cases a user may wish to utilize thebackgrounds110,embellishments120 or121, or entireaccessory kits900 with articles of clothing that were not originally designed to interact with the kit. For example a user might wish to decorate a shoe made of flexible moldedmaterial1200 having a plurality ofholes201 in at least the top portion of the shoe for decoration or ventilation.
• Embodiments of the invention shown inFIGS. 12A-D utilize at least one embellishment adapter. An embodiment of an embellishment adapter is an object having two sides, a first side with aprong231 extending from it and a second side comprising one side of a hook and loop fastener. Theprong231 is of a size small enough to be inserted into ahole201 of the moldedshoe1200 and large enough to hold theprong231 into place once it is inserted. The prong should also be sufficiently long enough to stay within the hole but not so long that it comes into too much contact with the foot, causing discomfort or irritation. In one embodiment of the invention, the second side of the embellishment adapter performs the same function as the side of abase layer101 which comprises a hook and loop fastener. Abackground110 orembellishment120 or121 can then be attached to the embellishment adapter.
• The larger the size of thebackground110 orembellishment120 or121 that is desired to be attached to the shoe, the more embellishment adapters that may be required to support it. At least one adapter will be needed, but it would not be unusual for three, four, or even five adapters to be required for abackground110 that might cover the entire top portion of the front of a shoe.
• An alternate embodiment is aspecial base layer101 that has at least oneprong231 attached to one of its sides. Depending on the size of thebase layer101, the number ofnecessary prongs231 may be greater or less. The larger thebase layer101, the more prongs231. Three, four, or fiveprongs231 would not be unusual to be required for supporting such a large layer. Theside102 of thespecial base layer102 comprising the hook and loop fastener functions the same as that side would function on astandard base layer101.
Additional Embodiments of the Invention
• One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus comprising footwear (seeFIG. 1). Thefootwear100 can be but is not limited to being, boots, shoes, slippers, or sandals. The footwear has asurface105 which has a first distinct visual impression. For example, the surface could be solid green in color or any other particular color, or patterned, or striped, or made of a particular fabric with a particular texture (canvas, corduroy, velvet, leather, etc.). Thefootwear100 has at least afirst base layer101, thebase layer101 has a shape, a thickness, afirst side102, a position, a second distinct visual impression, and a surface area. The distinct visual impression of thebase layer101, like the surface, also may include being a particular color or having a pattern or other pictorial graphic. It should be appreciated that depending on the size and the position of thebase layer101,footwear100 of the invention may comprise multiple base layers, for example base layers101 in the shape of small circles or dots (seeFIG. 3), or single large or small swatches of fabric which make up the base layers (seeFIG. 1). In some embodiments of the invention, the surface area of thebase layer101 may cover the entire footwear, wearable garment or accessory. For example, the surface area of thebase layer101 and the surface area of thesurface105 may be one and the same. In other embodiments of the invention, base layers101 are separately mounted on thesurface105 of thefootwear100. One side of abase layer101 comprises oneside102 of a hook and loop fastener (seeFIG. 2). The hook and loop fastener may take up the entire side of thebase layer101 or it may take up only a portion of thebase layer101. As long as thebase layer101 is able to support the attachment of thebackgrounds110 andembellishments120 or121 of the invention, it does not matter which side of the hook and loop fastener is utilized as long as it the appropriate side for attaching the desired sides of thebackgrounds110 orembellishments120 or121. This embodiment of the invention also comprises a least afirst background110. Thefirst background110 has afirst side112 and asecond side111, a thickness, a shape, a third distinct visual impression, and a surface area. The visual impression of the background may include being a particular color, pattern, pictorial representation, mix of hook and loop and non-hook and loop material, texture, etc. Thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thebackground110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thebase layer101. Thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. It may be the same or different from the side of the hook and loop fastener on thefirst side112. Thefirst background110 mounted on thesurface105 of thefootwear100 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thebase layer101. The surface area of the background may be the same or different than that of the surface area of thebase layer101. If it is different, it may be either larger or smaller. It should be appreciated that while the embodiment of the invention described above specifically comprises “footwear” that embodiments of the invention could instead interchangeably comprise other articles of clothing or accessories instead of footwear.
• Another embodiment of the invention may further comprise at least a first single-sided embellishment120. The single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The distinct visual impression of theembellishment120 may include being a particular color, pattern, pictorial representation, or texture. For example, the distinct visual impression of theembellishment120 may be a cartoon character, or it may be solid blue. Thefirst side122 of the single-sided embellishment120 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. The first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to thefirst side102 of thebase layer101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. The first single-sided embellishment120 also comprises a surface area. That surface are may be the same size or a different size than thebackground110. The surface area of theembellishment120 may be larger or smaller than that of thebackground110.
• Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention the first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110.
• Another embodiment of the invention may further comprise at least a first double-sided embellishment121. The first double-sided embellishment121 has afirst side125 and asecond side124, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The distinct visual impression of the double-sided embellishment121 may include being a particular color, pattern, pictorial representation, or texture. For example, the distinct visual impression of the double-sided embellishment121 may be a cartoon character, or it may be solid blue. It also may be a particular shape, such as that of a hat. For example, the distinct visual impression would change if the double-sided embellishment were a red hat and a single-sided embellishment in the shape of (i.e. having a distinct visual impression) a yellow flower, were attached to the red hat. The visual impression would change from a red hat, to a red hat with a yellow flower. Thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110.
• Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, the first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thefirst side102 of thebase layer101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment121 and at least a first single-sided embellishment120. The first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110. The first single-sided embellishment120 is also connected to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110.
• Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment121 and at least a first single-sided embellishment120. The first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. The first single-sided embellishment120 is also connected to thefirst side102 of thebase layer101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment121 and at least a first single-sided embellishment120. The first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110. The first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to thefirst side102 of thebase layer101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment121 in addition to at least a first single-sided embellishment120. The single-sided embellishment has afirst side122, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. Thefirst side122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side102 of thefirst base layer101. The first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to thefirst side102 of thebase layer101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. The first double-sided embellishment121 has afirst side125 and asecond side124, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. Thefirst side125 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thefirst side102 of the first base layer by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first single-sided embellishment120 and a first double-sided embellishment121. The first double-sided embellishment121 has afirst side125 and asecond side124, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. Thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. Thefirst side122 further comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121. The first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121. The first single-sided embellishment120 and first double-sided embellishment121 could be attached in combination to either abackground110 orbase layer101 or additional double-sided embellishment121 via appropriate hook and loop fasteners. Additional single-sided embellishments120 could also be attached to the first double-sided embellishment121.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of abase layer101 is the loop side.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of abase layer101 is the hook side.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of a single-sided embellishment120 is the hook side.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of a single-sided embellishment is the loop side.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 is the hook side.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 is the loop side.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 is the same side of a hook and loop fastener as the side of the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121. In some embodiments of the invention that is the hook side. In some embodiments of the invention that is the loop side.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 is the opposite side of a hook and loop fastener to that of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the double-sided embellishment121 is the hook side. This may be the opposite side of a hook and loop fastener to that of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121. If so, then the side of the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121 would be the loop side.
• Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for creating a wearable work of art. The apparatus comprisesfootwear100. Thefootwear100 has asurface105, at least afirst base layer101, a position, and a surface area. Thefirst base layer101 is mounted on thesurface105 of the footwear and thefirst base layer101 has a shape, a thickness, a first side, and a first distinct visual impression. Thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The apparatus further comprises akit900 comprising at least afirst background110 adapted to be connected to thefirst base layer101 of thefootwear100, and at least a first single-sided embellishment120 adapted to be connected to thefirst background110 and having afirst side122. Thefirst background110 has afirst side112 and asecond side111, a thickness, a shape, and a surface area. Thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. Thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thefirst side112 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110. The first single-sided embellishment120 has a thickness.
• It should be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention could be identical to the one described above, with the exception that instead of “footwear” it could be any wearable garment including but not limited to shirts and hats, or it could be accessories including but not limited to purses or bags. In addition, thekit900 could include two through ten or more single-sided embellishments120 with the same characteristics. Thekit900 could also include two through ten ormore backgrounds110 with the same characteristics. The kit could also be expanded in size by adding additional sheets of orindividual embellishments120 or121 or backgrounds.
• In some embodiments of the invention, contents of thekit900 of the apparatus further comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment121. The first double-sided embellishment121 is adapted to be connected to at least onefirst background110. The first double-sided embellishment has a thickness, afirst side125, and asecond side124. Thefirst side125 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. There could be two through ten or more double-sided embellishments121 with the same characteristics included in thekit900.
• In some embodiments of the invention, thethickness115 of thefirst background110 is no greater than 3 mm or approximately 3 mm. In embodiments of the invention where the background has hooks on one side and loops on the other, this measurement is from the top of the loop on the loop side to the bottom of the hook on the hook side.
• In some embodiments of the invention, the thickness126 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is no greater than 3 mm or approximately 3 mm.
• In some embodiments of the invention, thethickness127 of the first double-sided embellishment121 is no greater than 3 mm or approximately 3 mm. In embodiments of the invention where the double-sided embellishment has hooks on one side and loops on the other, this measurement is from the top of the loop on the loop side to the bottom of the hook on the hook side.
• In some embodiments of the invention, the combined thickness126 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and thethickness115 of thefirst background110 is no greater than 5 mm or approximately 5 mm.
• In some embodiments of the invention, the combinedthickness127 of at first double-sided embellishment and thethickness115 of thefirst background110 is no greater than 6 mm or approximately 6 mm.
• In some embodiments of the invention, the combinedthickness127 of a double-sided embellishment121 and the thickness126 of a single-sided embellishment120 is no greater than 5 mm or approximately 5 mm.
• In some embodiments of the invention, the combinedthickness127 of a first double-sided embellishment121 and the thickness126 of a second double-sided embellishment120 is no greater than 6 mm or approximately 6 mm.
• In some embodiments of the invention, the combinedthickness127 of a first double-sided embellishment121, the thickness126 of a first single-sided embellishment120, and thethickness115 of afirst background110 is no greater than 11 mm or approximately 11 mm.
• In another embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 12A,12C, and12D, thesurface105 of the footwear (or possibly other article of clothing or accessory) has at least afirst hole201. Thefirst base layer101 is further characterized as having asecond side103. The second side of the first base layer has at least oneprong231 extending from the first base layer. Thefirst base layer101 is mounted on thesurface105 of the footwear by insertion of at least oneprong231 into at least onehole201. Like this embodiment of thebase layer101, abackground110, a double-sided embellishment121, or a single-sided embellishment120 may also have a prong extending from one of their sides. SeeFIGS. 12A-12D. This has been discussed above, and will be further discussed below.
• Another embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 12A and 12 B is also an apparatus comprising footwear. The footwear has asurface105. Thesurface105 has a thickness. Thesurface105 of the footwear has at least onehole201. The apparatus further comprises at least afirst adapter embellishment250 having afirst side251 and asecond side252. Thefirst side251 of thefirst adapter embellishment250 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side252 of thefirst adapter embellishment250 comprises at least afirst prong231 extending from thefirst adapter embellishment250. Thefirst adapter embellishment250 is mounted on thesurface105 of the footwear by insertion of at least oneprong231 into at least onehole201. This embodiment of the invention could also be implemented with other wearable garments or accessories having holes. Additional embodiments would further includebackgrounds110, double-sided embellishments121, and single-sided embellishments120 attached to each other or to the top of theadapter embellishment250 with hook and loop fasteners allowing theadapter embellishment250 to act as a base layer (most similar to the dot type of base layer).
• Another embodiment of the invention further comprises at least a second double-sided embellishment121. The second double-sided embellishment121 has athickness127 and is connected to thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121 by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the second double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment121. SeeFIG. 11F.
• Thefootwear110 of several embodiments of the invention, may be, but is not limited to being a boot, a skate, a slipper or a shoe. Base layers may be mounted in appropriate areas of the various types of footwear dependent on surface area of the base layer and the available space on the footwear. It is possible forbase layers110 to extend beyond surface of the footwear, other wearable garment, or accessory.
• Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus comprising a wearable garment. The wearable garment has asurface105 and afirst base layer101. The surface has a thickness. Thefirst base layer101 has a shape, a thickness, a position, a surface area, and afirst side102. Thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thefirst base layer101 may be mounted on thesurface105 of the wearable garment. The apparatus also comprises at least afirst background110. Thefirst background110 has afirst side112 and asecond side111, athickness115, a shape, and a surface area. Thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. Thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thefirst background110 may be mounted on thesurface105 of the wearable garment by connection of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thebase layer101. SeeFIG. 1.
• In several embodiments of the invention, the wearable garment may be but is not limited to being, footwear, a shirt, a sweatshirt, a hat, a mitten, a scarf, a headband, a jacket, a sweater, fleece wear, a glove, or a scarf. Base layers may be mounted in appropriate areas of the various wearable garments dependent on surface area of the base layer and the available space of the wearable garments.
• Another embodiment of the invention as illustrated byFIG. 14, is an apparatus comprising afashion accessory1400. Thefashion accessory1400 has asurface105 and at least afirst base layer101. Thesurface105 has a thickness. Thefirst base layer101 has a shape, a thickness, a first side, a position, and a surface area. Thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thefirst base layer101 is mounted on thesurface105 of thefashion accessory1400. The apparatus further comprises at least afirst background110 having afirst side112, asecond side111, athickness115, a shape, and a surface area. Thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. Thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thefirst background110 may be mounted on thesurface105 of thefashion accessory1400 by connection of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side of thefirst base layer101.
• In several embodiments of the invention, thefashion accessory1400 may be but is not limited to being a belt, a handbag, a lunch box, a backpack, luggage, or a folio. Base layers may be mounted in appropriate areas of the various fashion accessories dependent on surface area of the base layer and the available space of the fashion accessories. For illustrative purposes an exemplary embodiment of a purse or hand bag is shown inFIG. 14.
• Another embodiment of the invention is a method for creating customized fashion. The method comprises steps including obtaining at least afirst base layer101, attaching thefirst base layer101 to an object from a group comprising a shoe, a garment, or a fashion accessory, and obtaining at least afirst background110. The first base layer has a shape, a thickness, afirst side102, a position, and a surface area. Thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thefirst background110 has afirst side112 and asecond side111, athickness115, a shape, and a surface area. Thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 further comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. Thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. An additional step of this method is mounting thefirst background110 on the object by connecting the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• In one embodiment of the method of the invention thefirst background110 is obtained from anaccessory kit900.
• Another embodiment the method of the invention further comprises the comprises the step of removing abackground110 from a first object the group comprising a shoe, a garment, or a fashion accessory, and placing it on abase layer101 of a second object from the group comprising a shoe, a garment, or a fashion accessory.
• Another embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of removing the background from the object and mounting it on a base layer attached to an accessory kit.
• In another embodiment of the invention, the method may further comprise the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment120. The first single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122 and a thickness126. Thefirst side122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst base layer101. The method of this embodiment of the invention also comprises the additional step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment120 to thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• Another embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment120. The first single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122 and a thickness126. Thefirst side122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst base layer101. This embodiment further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment120 to thesecond side111 of the first background by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110.
• Another embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first double-sided embellishment121. The first double-sided embellishment121 has afirst side125, asecond side124, and athickness127. Thefirst side125 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. This embodiment further comprises the step of connecting the first double-sided embellishment121 to thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• In conjunction with the embodiment of the method of the invention described in the paragraph immediately above, another embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment120. The first single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122. Thefirst side122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of afirst base layer101. The first single-sided embellishment120 has a thickness126. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment120 to thesecond side124 of the double-sided embellishment121 with the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment121. Alternatively the method of the invention could include attaching the first single-sided embellishment120 to thebackground110 orbase layer101.
• Another embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first double-sided embellishment121. The first double-sided embellishment121 has afirst side125, asecond side124, and athickness127. Thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first double-sided embellishment121 to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110.
• In conjunction with the embodiment of the method of the invention described in the paragraph immediately above, another embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment120. The first single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122. Thefirst side122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of afirst base layer101. The first single-sided embellishment120 has a thickness126. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment120 to thesecond side124 of the double-sided embellishment121 with the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment121. Alternatively the method of the invention could include attaching the first single-sided embellishment120 to thebackground110 orbase layer101.
• Embodiments of the invention may also further comprise the steps of obtaining a second single-sided embellishment120, and connecting the second single-sided embellishment120 to thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121 with the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the second single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment121. SeeFIG. 11F. Alternatively the method of the invention could include the step of attaching the second single-sided embellishment120 to thebase layer101 or thebackground110.
• Embodiments of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining the first single-sided embellishment120 from anaccessory kit900.
• Embodiments of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining the first double-sided embellishment121 from anaccessory kit900.
• Another embodiment of the invention is a method for creating customized fashion comprising the step of obtaining an object from a group comprising a shoe, a garment, or a fashion accessory. The object has asurface105 and afirst base layer105 mounted on thesurface105. Thefirst base layer101 has a shape, a thickness, afirst side102, a position, and a surface area. Thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining at least afirst background110. Thefirst background110 has afirst side112 and asecond side111, athickness115, a shape, and a surface area. Thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. The second111 side of thefirst background110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of mounting thefirst background110 on thesurface105 of the object by connecting the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side112 of thefirst background110 and the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101.
• Embodiments of the methods of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining afirst background110 from anaccessories kit900.
• Embodiments of the methods of the invention may further comprise the step of removing the backgrounds or embellishments from the objects and mounting them on a base layer attached to the accessory kit, or simply placing them elsewhere within the accessory kit.
• Another embodiment of the method of the invention for creating customized fashion, further comprises the step of obtaining a first double-sided embellishment121. The first double-sided embellishment121 has afirst side125, asecond side124, and athickness127. Thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the steps of connecting the first double-sided embellishment121 to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110. This embodiment also includes the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment120. The first single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122. Thefirst side122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side102 of thefirst base layer101. The first single-sided embellishment120 has a thickness126. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment120 to thesecond side124 of the double-sided embellishment121 with the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment121.
• Embodiments of the methods of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining thefirst background110, the first double-sided embellishment121, and the first single-sided embellishment120 from anaccessory kit900.
• Some embodiments of the methods of the invention can be further described in that the combined thickness of the first double-sided embellishment, the first single-sided embellishment, and the first background is no greater than 11 mm or approximately 11 mm.
• Another embodiment of the methods of the current invention for creating customized fashion, further comprises the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment120. The first single-sided embellishment120 has afirst side122 and a thickness126. Thefirst side122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of thefirst base layer101. The method further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment120 to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side122 of the first single-sided embellishment120 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side112 of thefirst background110. Alternatively the method of the invention could include the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment120 to thebase layer101 or to a double-sided embellishment121.
• Another embodiment of the method of the invention for creating customized fashion, comprises the step of obtaining a first double-sided embellishment121. The first double-sided embellishment121 has afirst side125, asecond side124, and athickness127. Thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. Thesecond side124 of the first double-sided embellishment121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. This embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first double-sided embellishment121 to thesecond side111 of thefirst background110 by the hook and loop fastener of thefirst side125 of the first double-sided embellishment121 and the hook and loop fastener of thesecond side111 of thefirst background110. Alternatively the method of the invention could include the step of connecting the first double-sided embellishment121 to thebase layer101 or to a second double-sided embellishment121.
• Embodiments of the methods of invention may be further described in that the first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to the first double-sided embellishment121 and the first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thefirst background110 prior to thefirst background110 being connected to the base-layer101.
• In some embodiments of the method of the invention, a first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to thebackground110 prior to thebackground110 being connected to the base-layer101.
• In some embodiments of the method of the invention, a first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thebackground110 prior to thebackground110 being connected the base-layer101.
• In some embodiments of the invention, at least a first double-sided embellishment121 is connected to thebackground110, and at least a first single-sided embellishment120 is connected to the double-sided embellishment121, prior to thebackground110 being connected to the base-layer101.
• In some embodiments of the invention, allembellishments120 and121 are connected to the background prior to thebackground110 being connected to the base-layer101.
• In some embodiments of the invention, allembellishments120 and121 are attached to thebackground110 while thebackground110 is connected to some portion of thekit900, likely attached to a base layer, and later the completedbackground110, “completed” meaning when the user determines a sufficient design has been implemented, all before thebackground110 is attached to the base-layer101 of the footwear, garment, or accessory.
• Those skilled in the art will have no difficulty devising myriad obvious variations and improvements upon the invention without departing from its teachings, all of which variations and improvements are intended to be encompassed by the claims which follow.

Claims (73)

1. An apparatus comprising:

footwear, said footwear comprising:

a surface, said surface having a first distinct visual impression,

at least a first base layer, said base layer having a shape, a thickness, a first side, a position, a second distinct visual impression, and a surface area,

said first base layer mounted on the surface of the footwear,

the first side of the first base layer comprising one side of a hook and loop fastener;

at least a first background, the first background having a first side and a second side, a thickness, a shape, a third distinct visual impression, and a surface area,

said first side of the first background comprising one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the background is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the base layer,

said second side of the first background comprising one side of a hook and loop fastener,

the first background mounted on the surface of the footwear by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first background and the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the base layer.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

at least a first single-sided embellishment, said single-sided embellishment having a first side, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness,

said first side further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, said side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first single-sided embellishment being the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first base layer,

said first single-sided embellishment connected to the first side of the base layer by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first single-sided embellishment and the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first base layer.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

at least a first single-sided embellishment, said first single-sided embellishment having a first side, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness,

said first side further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, said side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first single-sided embellishment being the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the second side of the first background,

said first single-sided embellishment connected to the second side of the first background by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first single-sided embellishment and the hook and loop fastener of the second side of the first background.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

at least a first double-sided embellishment having a first side, a second side, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness,

said first side further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

said second side further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

said first double-sided embellishment connected to the first side of the base layer by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first double-sided embellishment and the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first base layer.

5. (canceled)

6. The apparatus ofclaim 4 further comprising a piece of rope lighting and wherein the first double-sided embellishment is a piece of hook and loop tape which acts a stay for supporting the piece of rope lighting.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

at least a first double-sided embellishment, said first double-sided embellishment having a first side and a second side, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness,

said first side further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

said second side further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

said first double-sided embellishment connected to the second side of the background by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first double-sided embellishment and the hook and loop fastener of the second side of the first background.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the surface of the footwear is further characterized as having at least a first hole,

the first base layer is further characterized as having a second side,

said second side of the first base layer having at least one prong extending from the first base layer, said first base layer being mounted on the surface of the footwear by insertion of at least one prong into at least one hole.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. An apparatus comprising:

a wearable garment, the wearable garment having a surface, a first base layer,

said surface having a thickness,

said first base layer having a shape, a thickness, a position, a surface area, and a first side,

the first side of the first base layer further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

said first base layer mounted on the surface of the wearable garment;

at least a first background having a first side and a second side, a thickness, a shape, and a surface area,

said first side of the first background further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first background is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first base layer,

said second side of the first background further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

the first background mounted on the surface of the wearable garment by connection of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first background and the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the base layer.

37. The apparatus ofclaim 36 wherein the wearable garment is footwear.

38. The apparatus ofclaim 36 wherein the wearable garment is a shirt.

39. The apparatus ofclaim 36 wherein the wearable garment is a sweatshirt.

40. The apparatus ofclaim 36 wherein the wearable garment is a hat.

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. The apparatus ofclaim 36 wherein the wearable garment is a headband.

44. An apparatus comprising:

a fashion accessory having a surface and at least a first base layer,

said surface having a thickness,

said first base layer having a shape, a thickness, a first side, a position, and a surface area,

the first side of the first base layer further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

said first base layer mounted on the surface of the fashion accessory;

at least a first background having a first side, a second side, a thickness, a shape, a surface area,

said first side of the first background further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first background is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first base layer,

said second side of the first background further characterized in that it comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener,

the first background mounted on the surface of the fashion accessory by connection of the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first background and the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first base layer.

45. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is a belt.

46. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is a handbag.

47. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is a lunch box.

48. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is a backpack.

49. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is luggage.

50. The apparatus ofclaim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is a folio.

51. (canceled)

52. (canceled)

53. (canceled)

54. (canceled)

55. (canceled)

56. (canceled)

57. (canceled)

58. (canceled)

59. (canceled)

60. (canceled)

61. (canceled)

62. (canceled)

63. (canceled)

64. (canceled)

65. (canceled)

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67. (canceled)

68. (canceled)

69. (canceled)

70. (canceled)

71. (canceled)

72. (canceled)

73. (canceled)

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