Customizable wearable garments and accessories

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 in FIG. 1, is footwear 100, 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” area 101. At least a portion of the base layer 101 is covered with either the hook side or the loop side of a hook and loop fastener as shown in FIG. 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 or 121 on top of the background 110 or on top of the base layer 101. Embellishments of the invention may be placed on top of the base layer next to or instead of the background 110. In some instances, the embellishments 120 or 120 can also be layered on top of each other. The embellishments 120 or 121 may come from an accompanying accessory kit 900 such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Combinations of backgrounds 110 and embellishments 120 and 121 allow users to create their own pictures, storyboards or designs for the footwear, garments or fashion accessories. The contents of the accessory kit 900 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 the base layer 101, 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 the base layer 101 to the double-sided background layer 110.

Hook and loop fasteners, often referred to by the brand name “Velcro”, comprise of two sides: a “hook” side 112, which is a piece of fabric or fabric like material covered with tiny hooks, and a “loop” side 111, 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 in FIG. 2 showing the base layer 101, which has a side 102 comprising the loop side of a hook and loop fastener, is pressed against the background 110 which has a side 112 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 attaching backgrounds 110 and embellishments 120 or 121 to base layers 101, backgrounds 110, and other embellishments 121 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 the backgrounds 110 and embellishments 120 or 121 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 the base layer 101 include but are not limed to: swatches (see FIG. 2) stripes (see FIG. 4), shapes or dots (see FIG. 3) of various sizes or arrangements. At least one side of the base layer 101 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 the embellishments 120 or 121 or backgrounds 110 desired to be attached. Ideally, the base layer 101 is permanently stitched or glued to the footwear, garment or accessory. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the base layer 101 could be removable or semi-permanent.

The base layer 101 itself is a decorative element of the footwear (see FIG. 1), garment (see FIG. 8) or fashion accessory (see FIG. 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 a background 110 or embellishments 120 or 121. If so desired, the footwear 100, garment, or accessory maybe be worn without the addition of a background 110 or embellishments 120 or 121.

In some embodiments of the invention, footwear options 100 to which the base layer may be stitched, glued, or attached by other means may include but are not limited to shoes (see FIG. 3), boots (see FIG. 5), and slippers. The garment options to which the base layer 101 may be stitched or glued may include but are not limited to shirts, sweatshirts (see FIG. 8), sweaters, fleece wear, vests, jackets, hats (see FIGS. 6 and 7), mittens, gloves, and scarves.

In some embodiments of the invention, the fashion accessory options to which the base layer 101 may be stitched or glued may include but are not limited to belts, handbags (see FIG. 14), backpacks, lunch boxes, bracelets, necklaces, headbands, and bags.

In some embodiments of the invention, the base layer 101 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. See FIG. 2 which shows a base layer 101 where a first side 102 is the loop side of a hook and loop fastener.

In some embodiments of the invention, the base layer 101 has a shape having either a solid color or a pattern or picture (see FIG. 11B showing an exemplary heart patterned base layer).

Backgrounds

Double-sided backgrounds 110 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 the background 110 means that each of the two main sides 112 and 111 of the background 110 comprise one side of a hook and loop fastener. Each side of a background could employ either the hook side 112 or the loop side 111 of the fastener depending on which would allow attachment to the base layer 101 or an embellishment 120 or 121. As with the base layer 101, a side of a background 110 may be covered entirely by a hook and loop fastener or only a portion of a side of a background 110 may contain a hook and loop fastener. Similar to the base layers 101, the hook and loop fasteners may also be arranged in decorative patterns on the backgrounds 110.

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 the background pieces 110 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 in FIG. 11A, a background piece 110 has one side 112 comprising the hook side of a hook and loop fastener and the other side 111 comprising a loop fastener. The overall shape of the background piece 110 depicts the likeness of a doll. The doll-shaped background 110 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 one embellishment 120 which bears the design of a pair of shorts. A double-sided embellishment 121 in the shape of a hat could also be added which may also contain a single-sided embellishment 120 in the shape of a flower. In another embodiment of the invention, the base layer 101 could be modified by adding a second background 110, for example in the shape of a house, and then the “doll” of FIG. 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 embellishment 121 in the shape of a doll (as shown in FIG. 11F) and then mounted on a separate background 110 or base layer 101.

In another embodiment of the invention, the removable, interchangeable backgrounds 110 also allow the child or other user to create a final design while the background 110 is placed on a flat level surface such as a desk, counter, or table instead of directly on the surface or base layer 101 of an article of clothing, footwear or accessory. After the child or other user has finished assembling the design, the background 110 and embellishments 120 and/or 121 can be affixed to the footwear 100, garment or fashion accessory. This is a much more convenient and sanitary option to removing the footwear 110, hat 600 or 700, 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 by FIG. 2), the background 110 is constructed of a piece of double-sided hook and loop fastener tape and the background 110 attaches temporarily to the base layer 101 which comprises the loop side of a hook and loop fastener. In this particular embodiment, the topside 111 of the background 110 is the loop side of a hook and loop fastener, and may be a solid color or a pattern or picture (see FIG. 11D). The bottom side 112 of the background 110 is the hook side of a hook and loop fastener. The bottom side 112 of the background 110 is attachable to the loops of side 102 of the base layer 101. It should be appreciated that in additional embodiments of the invention the hoop and loop fasteners may be reversed. For example, the base layer 101 may have exposed hooks instead of loops. The bottom side 112 of the background 110 may comprise loops. The top side 111 of the background 110 may comprise hooks, and the bottom side of an embellishment 120 or 121 may comprise loops.

In some embodiments of the invention, the background 110 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 in FIG. 2B, the background 110 comprises a middle layer 113 having two sides. Each side of the background middle layer 113 is attached to one side of a hook and loop fastener.

Users may chose to utilize backgrounds 110 that, once placed on a base layer 101, cover the base layer 101 and create a distinct visual impression of the article of clothing or accessory that was not there prior to its placement. For example, the base layer 101 of an article of clothing or accessory may have a distinct visual impression of being white and the background 110 that is attached and covers the entire surface of the base layer 101 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 that embellishments 120 or 121 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 the embellishments 120 or 121 of the invention have a swatch, dot or stripe of hook and loop fastener 122 showing the first side of a single-sided embellishment permanently glued to the back of the embellishment 120 or 121 allowing the embellishment 120 or 121 to be stored in an accessory kit 900 or attached to a base layer 101 or background 110 as part of the child's or other user's design.

Embodiments of the design surface 123 of an embellishment range widely in design. Design surfaces 123 may include (but are not limited to) characters, pictures (see FIG. 11C where the surface of a bear shaped double-sided embellishment 121 is entirely covered with a picture of a bear), shapes, objects, words, logos, phrases, or letters. Embodiments of embellishments 120 or 121 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 surfaces 123 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 embellishments 121 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 embellishments 121 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 example FIG. 13C, several double-sided strip embellishments 121 (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 lighting 1301 or other rope like material (which may or may not comprise lights) to backgrounds 110 or base layers 101. 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 stays 121 anywhere upon a background layer 110 or on a base layer 101 to create a design. In another embodiment, a single-sided embellishment 120 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 in FIG. 13A could be positioned on a background 110 or base layer 101 as shown in FIG. 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 lighting 1301 to backgrounds 110 or base layers 101 with the double-sided strip embellishment stays.

Embodiments of the invention may include multiple single-sided rope lighting embellishments or multiple pieces of rope lighting 1301 attached to backgrounds 110 or base layers 101 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 utilize embellishments 120 or 121 that have distinct visual impressions which are the same as that of the other embellishments 120 or 121 also being utilized or embellishments 120 or 121 which have distinct visual impressions different from that of other embellishments 120 or 121 being utilized. For example, one embellishment 120 or 121 may have a distinct visual impression of a teddy bear and the other may have a distinct visual impression of a tree, or both embellishments 120 or 121 may contain graphics of identical or similar teddy bears.

Accessory Kits

Another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 9, is an accessory kit 900 having a base layer area 101 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. The base layer 101 of the kit may serve as an “artists' palette” where the child or other user can assemble selected background pieces 110 and embellishments 120 or 121 which later can be attached to article s clothing or accessories.

Some embodiments of the accessory kits 900 contain “sheets” 1001 which may be manufactured of a rigid plastic-type material. The sheets 1001 are secured to the kit 900 with an attachment system. New sheets 1001 can easily be added or removed from the accessory kit 900, allowing the child to personally arrange his or her kit 900 to suit his or her needs. Hook and loop swatches, dots 101 or strips may be glued to the sheets and serve to secure the unused backgrounds 110 and embellishments 120 or 121 in the accessory kit 900. New embellishments 120 or 121 and backgrounds 110 may also be added to the kit 900.

Adaptable Base Layer

In some cases a user may wish to utilize the backgrounds 110, embellishments 120 or 121, or entire accessory kits 900 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 molded material 1200 having a plurality of holes 201 in at least the top portion of the shoe for decoration or ventilation.

Embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 12A-D utilize at least one embellishment adapter. An embodiment of an embellishment adapter is an object having two sides, a first side with a prong 231 extending from it and a second side comprising one side of a hook and loop fastener. The prong 231 is of a size small enough to be inserted into a hole 201 of the molded shoe 1200 and large enough to hold the prong 231 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 a base layer 101 which comprises a hook and loop fastener. A background 110 or embellishment 120 or 121 can then be attached to the embellishment adapter.

The larger the size of the background 110 or embellishment 120 or 121 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 a background 110 that might cover the entire top portion of the front of a shoe.

An alternate embodiment is a special base layer 101 that has at least one prong 231 attached to one of its sides. Depending on the size of the base layer 101, the number of necessary prongs 231 may be greater or less. The larger the base layer 101, the more prongs 231. Three, four, or five prongs 231 would not be unusual to be required for supporting such a large layer. The side 102 of the special base layer 102 comprising the hook and loop fastener functions the same as that side would function on a standard base layer 101.

Additional Embodiments of the Invention

One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus comprising footwear (see FIG. 1). The footwear 100 can be but is not limited to being, boots, shoes, slippers, or sandals. The footwear has a surface 105 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.). The footwear 100 has at least a first base layer 101, the base layer 101 has a shape, a thickness, a first side 102, a position, a second distinct visual impression, and a surface area. The distinct visual impression of the base layer 101, 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 the base layer 101, footwear 100 of the invention may comprise multiple base layers, for example base layers 101 in the shape of small circles or dots (see FIG. 3), or single large or small swatches of fabric which make up the base layers (see FIG. 1). In some embodiments of the invention, the surface area of the base layer 101 may cover the entire footwear, wearable garment or accessory. For example, the surface area of the base layer 101 and the surface area of the surface 105 may be one and the same. In other embodiments of the invention, base layers 101 are separately mounted on the surface 105 of the footwear 100. One side of a base layer 101 comprises one side 102 of a hook and loop fastener (see FIG. 2). The hook and loop fastener may take up the entire side of the base layer 101 or it may take up only a portion of the base layer 101. As long as the base layer 101 is able to support the attachment of the backgrounds 110 and embellishments 120 or 121 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 the backgrounds 110 or embellishments 120 or 121. This embodiment of the invention also comprises a least a first background 110. The first background 110 has a first side 112 and a second side 111, 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. The first side 112 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the background 110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the base layer 101. The second side 111 of the first background 110 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 the first side 112. The first background 110 mounted on the surface 105 of the footwear 100 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the base layer 101. The surface area of the background may be the same or different than that of the surface area of the base layer 101. 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 embellishment 120. The single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The distinct visual impression of the embellishment 120 may include being a particular color, pattern, pictorial representation, or texture. For example, the distinct visual impression of the embellishment 120 may be a cartoon character, or it may be solid blue. The first side 122 of the single-sided embellishment 120 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the first side 102 of the base layer 101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The first single-sided embellishment 120 also comprises a surface area. That surface are may be the same size or a different size than the background 110. The surface area of the embellishment 120 may be larger or smaller than that of the background 110.

Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention the first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110.

Another embodiment of the invention may further comprise at least a first double-sided embellishment 121. The first double-sided embellishment 121 has a first side 125 and a second side 124, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The distinct visual impression of the double-sided embellishment 121 may include being a particular color, pattern, pictorial representation, or texture. For example, the distinct visual impression of the double-sided embellishment 121 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. The first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110.

Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, the first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the first side 102 of the base layer 101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment 121 and at least a first single-sided embellishment 120. The first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110. The first single-sided embellishment 120 is also connected to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment 121 and at least a first single-sided embellishment 120. The first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the first side 102 of the first base layer 101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The first single-sided embellishment 120 is also connected to the first side 102 of the base layer 101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment 121 and at least a first single-sided embellishment 120. The first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110. The first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the first side 102 of the base layer 101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment 121 in addition to at least a first single-sided embellishment 120. The single-sided embellishment has a first side 122, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The first side 122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side102 of the first base layer 101. The first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the first side 102 of the base layer 101 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The first double-sided embellishment 121 has a first side 125 and a second side 124, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The first side 125 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the first side 102 of the first base layer by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises at least a first single-sided embellishment 120 and a first double-sided embellishment 121. The first double-sided embellishment 121 has a first side 125 and a second side 124, a fifth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122, a fourth distinct visual impression, and a thickness. The first side 122 further comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121. The first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 by the engagement of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121. The first single-sided embellishment 120 and first double-sided embellishment 121 could be attached in combination to either a background 110 or base layer 101 or additional double-sided embellishment 121 via appropriate hook and loop fasteners. Additional single-sided embellishments 120 could also be attached to the first double-sided embellishment 121.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of a base layer 101 is the loop side.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of a base layer 101 is the hook side.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of a single-sided embellishment 120 is the hook side.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of a single-sided embellishment is the loop side.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 is the hook side.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 is the loop side.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 is the same side of a hook and loop fastener as the side of the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121. 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 the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 is the opposite side of a hook and loop fastener to that of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121.

In several embodiments of the invention, the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the double-sided embellishment 121 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 the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121. If so, then the side of the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 would be the loop side.

Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for creating a wearable work of art. The apparatus comprises footwear 100. The footwear 100 has a surface 105, at least a first base layer 101, a position, and a surface area. The first base layer 101 is mounted on the surface 105 of the footwear and the first base layer 101 has a shape, a thickness, a first side, and a first distinct visual impression. The first side 102 of the first base layer 101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The apparatus further comprises a kit 900 comprising at least a first background 110 adapted to be connected to the first base layer 101 of the footwear 100, and at least a first single-sided embellishment 120 adapted to be connected to the first background 110 and having a first side 122. The first background 110 has a first side 112 and a second side 111, a thickness, a shape, and a surface area. The first side 112 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The second side 111 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first side 112 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110. The first single-sided embellishment 120 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, the kit 900 could include two through ten or more single-sided embellishments 120 with the same characteristics. The kit 900 could also include two through ten or more backgrounds 110 with the same characteristics. The kit could also be expanded in size by adding additional sheets of or individual embellishments 120 or 121 or backgrounds.

In some embodiments of the invention, contents of the kit 900 of the apparatus further comprises at least a first double-sided embellishment 121. The first double-sided embellishment 121 is adapted to be connected to at least one first background 110. The first double-sided embellishment has a thickness, a first side 125, and a second side 124. The first side 125 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. There could be two through ten or more double-sided embellishments 121 with the same characteristics included in the kit 900.

In some embodiments of the invention, the thickness 115 of the first background 110 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 thickness 126 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is no greater than 3 mm or approximately 3 mm.

In some embodiments of the invention, the thickness 127 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 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 thickness 126 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the thickness 115 of the first background 110 is no greater than 5 mm or approximately 5 mm.

In some embodiments of the invention, the combined thickness 127 of at first double-sided embellishment and the thickness 115 of the first background 110 is no greater than 6 mm or approximately 6 mm.

In some embodiments of the invention, the combined thickness 127 of a double-sided embellishment 121 and the thickness 126 of a single-sided embellishment 120 is no greater than 5 mm or approximately 5 mm.

In some embodiments of the invention, the combined thickness 127 of a first double-sided embellishment 121 and the thickness 126 of a second double-sided embellishment 120 is no greater than 6 mm or approximately 6 mm.

In some embodiments of the invention, the combined thickness 127 of a first double-sided embellishment 121, the thickness 126 of a first single-sided embellishment 120, and the thickness 115 of a first background 110 is no greater than 11 mm or approximately 11 mm.

In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12C, and 12D, the surface 105 of the footwear (or possibly other article of clothing or accessory) has at least a first hole 201. The first base layer 101 is further characterized as having a second side 103. The second side of the first base layer has at least one prong 231 extending from the first base layer. The first base layer 101 is mounted on the surface 105 of the footwear by insertion of at least one prong 231 into at least one hole 201. Like this embodiment of the base layer 101, a background 110, a double-sided embellishment 121, or a single-sided embellishment 120 may also have a prong extending from one of their sides. See FIGS. 12A-12D. This has been discussed above, and will be further discussed below.

Another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 12A and 12 B is also an apparatus comprising footwear. The footwear has a surface 105. The surface 105 has a thickness. The surface 105 of the footwear has at least one hole 201. The apparatus further comprises at least a first adapter embellishment 250 having a first side 251 and a second side 252. The first side 251 of the first adapter embellishment 250 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 252 of the first adapter embellishment 250 comprises at least a first prong 231 extending from the first adapter embellishment 250. The first adapter embellishment 250 is mounted on the surface 105 of the footwear by insertion of at least one prong 231 into at least one hole 201. This embodiment of the invention could also be implemented with other wearable garments or accessories having holes. Additional embodiments would further include backgrounds 110, double-sided embellishments 121, and single-sided embellishments 120 attached to each other or to the top of the adapter embellishment 250 with hook and loop fasteners allowing the adapter embellishment 250 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 embellishment 121. The second double-sided embellishment 121 has a thickness 127 and is connected to the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the second double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment 121. See FIG. 11F.

The footwear 110 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 for base layers 110 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 a surface 105 and a first base layer 101. The surface has a thickness. The first base layer 101 has a shape, a thickness, a position, a surface area, and a first side 102. The first side 102 of the first base layer 101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first base layer 101 may be mounted on the surface 105 of the wearable garment. The apparatus also comprises at least a first background 110. The first background 110 has a first side 112 and a second side 111, a thickness 115, a shape, and a surface area. The first side 112 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The second side 111 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first background 110 may be mounted on the surface 105 of the wearable garment by connection of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the base layer 101. See FIG. 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 by FIG. 14, is an apparatus comprising a fashion accessory 1400. The fashion accessory 1400 has a surface 105 and at least a first base layer 101. The surface 105 has a thickness. The first base layer 101 has a shape, a thickness, a first side, a position, and a surface area. The first side 102 of the first base layer 101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first base layer 101 is mounted on the surface 105 of the fashion accessory 1400. The apparatus further comprises at least a first background 110 having a first side 112, a second side 111, a thickness 115, a shape, and a surface area. The first side 112 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The second side 111 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first background 110 may be mounted on the surface 105 of the fashion accessory 1400 by connection of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side of the first base layer 101.

In several embodiments of the invention, the fashion accessory 1400 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 in FIG. 14.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method for creating customized fashion. The method comprises steps including obtaining at least a first base layer 101, attaching the first base layer 101 to an object from a group comprising a shoe, a garment, or a fashion accessory, and obtaining at least a first background 110. The first base layer has a shape, a thickness, a first side 102, a position, and a surface area. The first side 102 of the first base layer 101 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The first background 110 has a first side 112 and a second side 111, a thickness 115, a shape, and a surface area. The first side 112 of the first background 110 further comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The second side 111 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. An additional step of this method is mounting the first background 110 on the object by connecting the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

In one embodiment of the method of the invention the first background 110 is obtained from an accessory kit 900.

Another embodiment the method of the invention further comprises the comprises the step of removing a background 110 from a first object the group comprising a shoe, a garment, or a fashion accessory, and placing it on a base layer 101 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 embellishment 120. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122 and a thickness 126. The first side 122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first base layer 101. The method of this embodiment of the invention also comprises the additional step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the first side 102 of the first base layer 101 by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

Another embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment 120. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122 and a thickness 126. The first side 122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first base layer 101. This embodiment further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the second side 111 of the first background by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110.

Another embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first double-sided embellishment 121. The first double-sided embellishment 121 has a first side 125, a second side 124, and a thickness 127. The first side 125 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. This embodiment further comprises the step of connecting the first double-sided embellishment 121 to the first side 102 of the first base layer 101 by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

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 embellishment 120. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122. The first side 122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of a first base layer 101. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a thickness 126. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the second side 124 of the double-sided embellishment 121 with the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment 121. Alternatively the method of the invention could include attaching the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the background 110 or base layer 101.

Another embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises the step of obtaining a first double-sided embellishment 121. The first double-sided embellishment 121 has a first side 125, a second side 124, and a thickness 127. The first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 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 embellishment 121 to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110.

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 embellishment 120. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122. The first side 122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of a first base layer 101. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a thickness 126. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the second side 124 of the double-sided embellishment 121 with the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment 121. Alternatively the method of the invention could include attaching the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the background 110 or base layer 101.

Embodiments of the invention may also further comprise the steps of obtaining a second single-sided embellishment 120, and connecting the second single-sided embellishment 120 to the second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 with the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the second single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment 121. See FIG. 11F. Alternatively the method of the invention could include the step of attaching the second single-sided embellishment 120 to the base layer 101 or the background 110.

Embodiments of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining the first single-sided embellishment 120 from an accessory kit 900.

Embodiments of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining the first double-sided embellishment 121 from an accessory kit 900.

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 a surface 105 and a first base layer 105 mounted on the surface 105. The first base layer 101 has a shape, a thickness, a first side 102, a position, and a surface area. The first side 102 of the first base layer 101 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 a first background 110. The first background 110 has a first side 112 and a second side 111, a thickness 115, a shape, and a surface area. The first side 112 of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener, wherein the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 is the opposite of the side of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The second 111 side of the first background 110 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of mounting the first background 110 on the surface 105 of the object by connecting the hook and loop fastener of the first side 112 of the first background 110 and the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101.

Embodiments of the methods of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining a first background 110 from an accessories kit 900.

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 embellishment 121. The first double-sided embellishment 121 has a first side 125, a second side 124, and a thickness 127. The first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 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 embellishment 121 to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110. This embodiment also includes the step of obtaining a first single-sided embellishment 120. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122. The first side 122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 102 of the first base layer 101. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a thickness 126. The method of this embodiment of the invention further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the second side 124 of the double-sided embellishment 121 with the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 124 of the of the first double-sided embellishment 121.

Embodiments of the methods of the invention may further comprise the step of obtaining the first background 110, the first double-sided embellishment 121, and the first single-sided embellishment 120 from an accessory kit 900.

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 embellishment 120. The first single-sided embellishment 120 has a first side 122 and a thickness 126. The first side 122 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The side of the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 is the opposite of the side of the hook and loop fastener of the first base layer 101. The method further comprises the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 122 of the first single-sided embellishment 120 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 112 of the first background 110. Alternatively the method of the invention could include the step of connecting the first single-sided embellishment 120 to the base layer 101 or to a double-sided embellishment 121.

Another embodiment of the method of the invention for creating customized fashion, comprises the step of obtaining a first double-sided embellishment 121. The first double-sided embellishment 121 has a first side 125, a second side 124, and a thickness 127. The first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 comprises one side of a hook and loop fastener. The second side 124 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 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 embellishment 121 to the second side 111 of the first background 110 by the hook and loop fastener of the first side 125 of the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the hook and loop fastener of the second side 111 of the first background 110. Alternatively the method of the invention could include the step of connecting the first double-sided embellishment 121 to the base layer 101 or to a second double-sided embellishment 121.

Embodiments of the methods of invention may be further described in that the first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the first double-sided embellishment 121 and the first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the first background 110 prior to the first background 110 being connected to the base-layer 101.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, a first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the background 110 prior to the background 110 being connected to the base-layer 101.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, a first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the background 110 prior to the background 110 being connected the base-layer 101.

In some embodiments of the invention, at least a first double-sided embellishment 121 is connected to the background 110, and at least a first single-sided embellishment 120 is connected to the double-sided embellishment 121, prior to the background 110 being connected to the base-layer 101.

In some embodiments of the invention, all embellishments 120 and 121 are connected to the background prior to the background 110 being connected to the base-layer 101.

In some embodiments of the invention, all embellishments 120 and 121 are attached to the background 110 while the background 110 is connected to some portion of the kit 900, likely attached to a base layer, and later the completed background 110, “completed” meaning when the user determines a sufficient design has been implemented, all before the background 110 is attached to the base-layer 101 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

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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 36 wherein the wearable garment is footwear.

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

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

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

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. The apparatus of claim 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 of claim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is a belt.

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

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

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

49. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the fashion accessory is luggage.

50. The apparatus of claim 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)

66. (canceled)

67. (canceled)

68. (canceled)

69. (canceled)

70. (canceled)

71. (canceled)

72. (canceled)

73. (canceled)