SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZABLE, EMBELLISHMENTS

Abstract

A fastening device according to various aspects of the present technology is configured to provide a mounting system for allowing various articles to be selectively customized with an embellishment. The fastening device may comprise a frame and top portion having through holes to attach a removable decorative accessory to a backing element. A bottom surface of the frame may comprise a recessed receiving area specially designed to allow the head of a backing element to fit into the recessed area to minimize rotation of the decorative accessory and to allow the head portion to sit flush with the edge of the bottom surface of the frame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/469,449, fled May 11, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/485,462, filed on May 12, 2011 and incorporates the disclosure of each application in its entirety by reference. To the extent that the present disclosure conflicts with any referenced application, however, the present disclosure is to be given priority.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers are ever searching for footwear and other wearable articles, such as belts and jewelry, that is comfortable, that matches outfit color schemes, that is of an appropriate dressiness (casual, fancy, etc.), that supports and organization or event, that is suitable for various types of weather, that is in keeping with the latest fashions and trends, etc. Meeting all of these demands requires consumers spend an inordinate amount of money on footwear and wearable articles that may only be used occasionally.

Thus, others have developed customizable footwear and articles of jewelry that can be used for multiple occasions, with only the attachment or detachment of embellishments. These customizable articles may suffer from many defects, such as: the embellishments may rotate out of the proper orientation, the footwear may not be worn without the embellishments, the embellishments may cause discomfort, embellishments may not be interchangeable between articles, and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fastening device according to various aspects of the present technology is configured to provide a mounting system for allowing various articles to be selectively customized with an embellishment. The fastening device may comprise a frame and top portion having through holes to attach a removable decorative accessory to a backing element. A bottom surface of the frame may comprise a recessed receiving area specially designed to allow the head of a backing element to fit into the recessed area to allow the head portion to sit flush with the edge of the bottom surface of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments of the present technology will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals denote like elements and:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a sandal/flip flop showing an attached eyelet;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a decorative top;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a backing element;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the sandal/flip flop engaging the decorative top and the backing element:

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a flower with the eyelet;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a bow with the eyelet;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the sandal/flip flop engaging the decorative top and the backing element with an embellishment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of an embellishment with the eyelet;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top perspective view of a device;

FIG. 9B illustrates an exploded view of a device;

FIG. 9C illustrates a bottom perspective view of a device;

FIG. 9D illustrates a bottom perspective view of a device engaging a backing element;

FIG. 9E illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device;

FIG. 10A illustrates an exploded view of an embellishment with the eyelet engaging an outer perimeter of an upper facing surface the device;

FIG. 10B illustrates a top view of the removable decorative accessory engaging the device;

FIG. 10C illustrates an exploded view of a removable decorative accessory engaging the device and the backing element;

FIG. 10D illustrates a top view of layered removable decorative accessories;

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a customizable device for facilitating fastening of a removable decorative accessory to a wearable article in the form of a necklace; and

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a customizable device for facilitating fastening of a removable decorative accessory to a wearable article in the form of a sandal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present technology may be realized by any number of methods and apparatuses configured to perform the intended functions. Stated differently, other methods and apparatuses may be incorporated herein to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not all drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present invention, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting. Finally, although the present invention may be described in connection with various principles and beliefs, the present invention should not be bound by theory.

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 1, a sandal/flip flop 105 may comprise a sole 101, a strap 102, a thong 103 and an eyelet 104 comprising a stationary eyelet frame 106. The sandal/flip flop 105 may be designed in various ways. For example, the sole 101 may be a wedge bottom, a heel bottom or a flat bottom. The sandal/flip flop 105 may fasten to a foot by the strap 102 and/or the thong 103. In various embodiments, the sandal/flip flop 105 may comprise one thin strap 102. However, in various embodiments, the sandal/flip flop 105 may comprise any number of straps 102. The strap 102 may vary in size. The eyelet 104 may comprise a stationary eyelet frame 106. In various embodiments, the eyelet 104 may be substantially square shaped. However, the eyelet 104 and the stationary eyelet frame 106 may be any shape, including, for example a triangle, a rectangle, a diamond, a heart, or any other suitable shape. The stationary eyelet frame 106 may vary in material and size. In various embodiments, the stationary eyelet frame 106 may comprise a metal material. However, the stationary eyelet frame 106 may comprise any material, including, for example plastic, rubber, aluminum, brass, copper, a metal or any combination of these or other suitable durable material, to form the stationary eyelet frame 106. The eyelet 104 may be located at an attachment point anywhere on the sandal/flip flop 105. In various embodiments, the sandal/flip flop 105 includes one eyelet 104 in the center of the strap 102. However, the sandal/flip flop 105 may comprise any number of eyelets 104. The eyelet 104 may be designed in various ways. For example, the eyelet 104 may be a prong eyelet, an eyelet, a screw eyelet, a grommet, a screw grommet, a snap, a screw rivet, a hollow rivet, a rivet, a button hole, a button, a cut out shape, a threaded hole, a hollow opening, or any combination of these or other suitable embellishments, or any other mechanisms. In various embodiments, the stationary eyelet frame 106 is two pieces. However, the stationary eyelet frame 106 may comprise any number of pieces.

In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIG. 2, the sandal/flip flop 105 may be configured to removably couple to a decorative accessory, such as a decorative top 113. In one embodiment, the decorative top 113 may comprise an ornament 110, a mounting plate 111, and a post 112. In an alternative embodiment, the decorative top 113 may comprise an ornament 110 coupled directly to the post 112. The decorative top 113 is used to customize and enhance an entire fashionable look. The ornament 110 may vary in size, shape and/or material. In various embodiments, the ornament 110 may comprise a jewel or semi-precious stone. However, the ornament 110 may comprise an acrylic stone, a bead, a butterfly, a button, a locket, a gemstone, an opal, a charm, a letter, a number, a phrase, a symbol, a shape, a rhinestone, a feather, ribbon, or any combination of these or other embellishments, to accessorize the sandal/flip flop 105.

The mounting plate 111 may be used to connect the ornament 110 and the post 112 as one piece. In various embodiments, the mounting plate 111 may be square shaped. However, the mounting plate 111 may vary in size and shape as noted above. In various embodiments, the mounting plate 111 may comprise a metal material. However, the mounting plate 111 may be any material, including, for example plastic, rubber, aluminum, brass, copper, metal or any combination of these or other suitable durable material, to form the mounting plate 111.

In various embodiments, the post 112 is a square shape used to stabilize rotation. However, the post 112 may vary in shape, size and/or material. In an embodiment, the post 112 may comprise a metal material. However, the post 112 may be any suitable material, including, for example plastic, rubber, brass, copper, aluminum, other suitable metals or any combination of these or other durable materials. In various embodiments, the fastener system of the post 112 is threaded. However, in various embodiments, the fastener system of the post 112 may be a button, a push button, a hook, a loop, a magnetic, a twist, a clip, a dowel, a tie, a spring, a pin, a prong, a screw, a lock, a key, or any combination of these or other mechanisms, or any other suitable releasable mechanism, to connect the decorative top 113. In various embodiments, the ornament 110 may connect to the post 112 as one piece. However, the decorative top 113 may use glue, a weld, a mold or any combination of these or any other adhesive used to connect the ornament 110 to the post 112.

With reference to FIG. 3, the ornament 110 comprises a backing element 118. In an exemplary embodiment, the backing element 118 may comprise a magnetic metal material (e.g., copper). However, the backing element 118 may be any suitable material, including, for example plastic, rubber, aluminum, brass, copper, or other suitable metal or any combination of these or other suitable durable material. The backing element 118 may include a threaded screw 115 at a first end, a head 116 at a second end, and a penny slot/notch 117 disposed within the head 116. The threaded screw 115 may vary in size, shape and material. In various embodiments, the threaded screw 115 twists and connects to the post 112. However, in various embodiment, the fastener system of the backing element 118 may be a button, a push button, a hook, a loop, a magnetic, a twist, a clip, a dowel, a tie, a spring, a pin, a prong, a screw, a lock, a key, or any combination of these or other mechanisms, or any other releasable mechanism, to connect the decorative top 113 to the backing element 118. In an embodiment, the head 116 may comprise a rounded dome shape. However, the head 116 may vary in shape, size and material. A surface of the head 116 may be finished according to any desired texture such as smooth, etched, beveled, polished, or the like. The penny slot/notch 117 may be used to tighten and fasten the ornament 110 to the sandal/flip flop 105. Further, the penny slot/notch 117 may vary in shape and size.

With reference to FIG. 4, the sandal/flip flop 105 may be configured to receive and removably couple to the decorative top 113 and the backing element 118 through the eyelet 104 located on the strap 102 of the sandal/flip flop 105. The eyelet 104 and the stationary eyelet frame 106 may have one or more internal polygonal features configured to engage one or more external geometric features (e.g. a polygonal feature) of one or both of the backing element 118 and the decorative top 113 (for example the post 112 of the decorative top 113) to prevent unwanted rotation of the decorative top 113. The eyelet 104 may be a prong eyelet, an eyelet, a screw eyelet, a grommet, a screw grommet, a snap, a screw rivet, a hollow rivet, a rivet, a button hole, a button, a cut out shape, a threaded hole, a hollow opening, or any combination of these or other suitable embellishments, or any other embellishment mechanisms, used at least in part to fix rotation of the decorative top 113. In various embodiments, the stationary eyelet frame 106 is two pieces. However, the stationary eyelet frame 106 may comprise any number of pieces.

In various embodiments a penny may be used to tighten and secure the decorative top 113 (e.g. apply a torque to the decorative top) to minimize rotation of the decorative top 113 with respect to the sandal/flip flop 105. However, any suitable device such as a dime, a screw driver, or the like may be used to tighten the decorative element to the sandal/flip flop 105. When connected, the decorative top 113 may be fixed, such that the decorative top 113 does not rotate. Similarly, the decorative top 113 may be removed by using a penny and twist the backing element 118 such that the decorative top 113 is uncoupled from the sandal/flip flop 105.

With reference to FIG. 5, the sandal/flip flop 105 may comprise a decorative accessory in the form of an embellishment such as a flower 120. The flower 120 may include the eyelet 107 that comprises a sliding eyelet frame 108. In various embodiments, the flower 120 is a cotton material. However, the flower 120 may comprise polyester, satin, spandex, lace, elastic, ribbon, metal, or any combination of these or any other suitable materials. For example, in one embodiment, the flower 120 may comprise three black and three white layers of material. However, the flower 120 may vary in layers and colors. In various embodiments, the flower 120 may have a circular shape. However, the flower 120 may comprise any suitable shape and size. The flower 120 may include the eyelet 107 at the center of the flower 120. The eyelet 107 may vary in shape, size and material. The sliding eyelet frame 108 may have one or more internal polygonal features configured to engage one or more external geometric features (e.g. a polygonal feature) of one or both of the backing element 118 and the decorative top 113 (for example the post 112 of the decorative top 113) to prevent unwanted rotation of the flower 120. The eyelet 107 may be a prong eyelet, an eyelet, a screw eyelet, a grommet, a screw grommet, a snap, a screw rivet, a hollow rivet, a rivet, a button hole, a button, a cut out shape, a threaded hole, a hollow opening, or any combination of these or other suitable embellishments, or any other embellishment mechanisms, used at least in part to fix rotation of the flower 120. However, the sliding eyelet frame 108 may comprise any number of pieces.

In operation the decorative accessory, for example the flower 120, may removably attach to the sandal/flip flop 105 in various ways. For example, the flower 120 may attach by sliding the eyelet 107 comprising the sliding eyelet frame 108 of the flower 120 along the post 112 located on the decorative top 113 and by sliding the post 112 of the decorative top 113 through the eyelet 104 comprising the stationary eyelet frame 106 located on the strap 102 of the sandal/flip flop 105. The flower 120 may be retained by connecting and tightening the backing element 118. However, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the flower 120 may attach by sliding the eyelet 107 comprising the sliding eyelet frame 108 of the flower 120 around eyelet the 104 comprising the stationary eyelet frame 106 located on the strap 102 of the sandal/flip flop 105 such that the sliding eyelet frame 108 is seated around an outer perimeter 130 of the stationary eyelet frame 106. The decorative top 113 is configured to slide the post 112 through the eyelet 104 comprising the stationary eyelet frame 106 located on the strap 102 of the sandal/flip flop 105. The flower 120 may be retained by connecting and tightening the backing element 118.

In an embodiment and with reference to FIG. 6, the sandal/flip flop 105 may be configured to removably couple to a decorative accessory in the form of an embellishment such as a bow 121. The bow 121 comprises the eyelet 107, which comprises a sliding eyelet frame 108. In various embodiments, the bow 121 is made of a ribbon material. However, bow 121 may comprise polyester, satin, spandex, lace, elastic, cotton, metal, or any combination of these or any other suitable material. In one example, the bow 121 is shown with two black and white layers of material. However, the bow 121 may be configured with any number of layers and in any color(s), In various embodiments, the bow 121 is shown in a cross shape. However, the bow 121 may be of any suitable shape and size. The bow 121 may include the eyelet 107 at a center portion of the bow 121. The eyelet 107 may vary in shape, size and material. The sliding eyelet frame 108 may have one or more internal polygonal features configured to engage one or more external geometric features (e.g. a polygonal feature) of one or both of the backing element 118 and the decorative top 113 (for example the post 112 of the decorative top 113) to prevent unwanted rotation of the bow 121. The eyelet 107 may be a prong eyelet, an eyelet, a screw eyelet, a grommet, a screw grommet, a snap, a screw rivet, a hollow rivet, a rivet, a button hole, a button, a cut out shape, a threaded hole, a hollow opening, or any combination of these or other suitable embellishments, or any other embellishment mechanisms, used at least in part to fix rotation of the bow 121. In various embodiments, the sliding eyelet frame 108 is two pieces. However, the eyelet 104 may comprise any number of pieces.

In operation, the bow 121 may removably attach to the sandal/flip flop 105 in various ways. For example the decorative accessory, such as the bow 121, may attach by the sliding eyelet 107 comprising the sliding eyelet frame 108 of the bow 121 along the post 112 located on the decorative top 113 and by the sliding post 112 of the decorative top 113 through the eyelet 104 comprising the stationary eyelet frame 106 located on the strap 102 of the sandal/flip flop 105. The bow 121 may be retained by connecting and tightening the backing element 118. However, in another embodiment the bow 121 may attach by the sliding eyelet 107 comprising the sliding eyelet frame 108 of the bow 121 around the eyelet 104 located on the strap 102 of the sandal/flip flop 105 such that the sliding eyelet frame 108 is seated around an outer perimeter 130 of the stationary eyelet frame 106. The decorative top 113 is configured to slide the post 112 through the eyelet 104 comprising the stationary eyelet frame 106 located on the strap 102 of the sandal/flip flop 105. The bow 121 may be retained by connecting and tightening the backing element 118.

While FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 illustrate embodiments of decorative accessories in the form of a flower, a bow, and a heart respectively, any other embellishments comprising the eyelet 107 may be used, for example, an acrylic stone, a bead, a butterfly, a button, a charm, a letter, a number, a phrase, a symbol, a shape, a rhinestone, a feather, ribbon, a strap, a wrap or any combination of these or other embellishments, to accessorize the sandal/flip flop 105. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of additional embellishments comprising the eyelet 107 are used.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, an embellishment 132 may be configured to removably couple to a device 1300 (FIGS. 9A-E). The embellishment 132 may comprise the eyelet 107 with an eyelet edge 133. The eyelet 107 and the eyelet edge 133 are generally square shaped but may comprise any suitable quadrilateral shape. In alternative embodiments, the eyelet 107 and the eyelet edge 133 may comprise in any suitable shape and/or size. In various embodiments, as described above, the embellishment 132 may comprise the eyelet 107 and the sliding eyelet frame 108. In alternative embodiments, the eyelet 107 may be defined by the opening and related edges without the sliding eyelet frame 108. The use of the sliding eyelet frame 108 may depend on the rigidity of the material used to construct the embellishment 132. For example, an embellishment constructed of metal, hard plastics, or other materials which resist deformation may not need the additional structural support provided by the sliding eyelet frame 108. The eyelet 107 may be defined by the hole created by either the eyelet edges 133 or the sliding eyelet frame 108

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-E, in an exemplary embodiment, the device 1300 for facilitating fastening of removable decorative accessories may comprise a frame 1302, and a top portion 1304. The device 1300 may be used to facilitate fastening of various embodiments of removable decorative accessories, such as embellishments in the form of a bow 121, a flower 120, a heart 1202, or a decorative top 113 comprising an ornament 110.

The frame 1302 may comprise a top surface 1306, a bottom surface 1308, and outer sidewalls 1310 which extend between the top 1306 and bottom 1308 surfaces. The frame 1302 may comprise any shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable material, for example plastic, rubber, aluminum, brass, copper, metal alloy, or any combination of these or other suitable durable material, to form the frame 1302. The bottom surface 1308 of the frame 1302 may comprise a recessed receiving area 1316. The frame 1302 may further comprise a first through hole 1312 passing from a central portion of the top surface 1306 through to the bottom surface 1308 and the recessed receiving area 1316.

The recessed receiving area 1316 is configured to receive the head portion 116 when the backing element 118 is coupled to the embellishment. The recessed receiving area 1316 may comprise any suitable shape or size and may be configured to accept all or a portion of the backing element 118. In one embodiment, the shape of the recessed receiving area 1316 may comprise a non-spherical shape configured to receive the head portion 116 of the backing element 118. For example, the recessed receiving area 1316 may form the shape of a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, or any other suitable shape. In various embodiments, an uppermost portion 1404 (FIG. 14A) of the head portion 116, once inserted into the recessed receiving area 1316, may be flush with a bottom edge 1322 of the outer sidewall 1310 and be substantially locked in position between the recessed receiving area 1316 and the head portion 116. For example, the recessed receiving area 1316 may form a square shape and the head portion 116 may form a smaller circle shape. As described above, the backing element 118 may be configured to provide a slot for tightening where, for example, a penny may be used to insert into the slot and used to tighten the backing element 118.

The frame 1302 may comprise an appendage 1318 configured to couple the device 1300 to a wearable article, such as a necklace, a bracelet, an earring, a belt, and a sandal. The appendage 1318 may comprise any shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable material, for example plastic, rubber, aluminum, brass, copper, metal alloy, or any combination of these or other suitable durable material. The appendage 1318 may be configured as a hook, a ring, a clasp, a loop, any suitable jewelry finding, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. In one embodiment, the device 1300 may comprise one appendage 1318, and in an alternative embodiments, the device 1300 may contain any number of appendages 1318.

The top portion 1304 may comprise any shape or size, and may be constructed of any suitable material, for example plastic, rubber, aluminum, brass, copper, metal or any combination of these or other suitable durable material, to form top portion 1304. The top portion 1304 may comprise a second through hole 1314 that is suitably configured to align with the first through hole 1312 when the top portion 1304 is positioned above the top surface 1306 of the frame 1302. The frame 1302 and the top portion 1304 may be permanently affixed to one another, may be separable, or may be constructed as one unit. An upper facing surface 1324 of the top portion 1304 may be decorated with an acrylic stone, a bead, a rhinestone, a logo, a phrase, or any other suitable decorative material.

In various embodiments, the head portion 116 of the backing element 118 may be formed of a similar shape to that of the recessed receiving area 1316 such that the head portion 116 may be seated within the recessed receiving area 1316. For example, the shape of the recessed receiving area 1316 and the head portion 116 may be configured such that when the head portion 116 is engaged into the recessed receiving area 1316, the head portion 116 is in a fixed orientation relative to the frame 1302.

In various embodiments, the post 112 of the decorative top 105 may be configured to have a length 1402 (FIG. 10) which is at least the height 1326 of the top portion 1304, but less than the total height 1328 of both the top portion 1304 and the frame 1302 together. In other embodiments, the post 112 may have a length 1402 that is equal to the total height 1328 of the top portion 1304 and the frame 1302 together.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-C, the decorative accessory, for example the embellishment 132, may have lettering 128. In operation, the embellishment 132 may removably attach to the device 1300 (FIGS. 9A-D) in various ways. For example, the embellishment 132 may attach by sliding the post 112, located on the decorative top 113, into the eyelet 107 of the embellishment 132, through the first and second through holes 1312, 1314 of the top portion 1304 and the frame 1302, respectively. The embellishment 132 may sit directly on the upper facing surface 1324. The embellishment 132 may be retained by connecting and tightening the backing element 118 to the post 112. However, in another embodiment, the embellishment 132 may attach by sliding the eyelet 107 of embellishment 132 around an outer sidewall 1320 of the top portion 1304 of the device 1300 such that the eyelet 107 is seated around the outer sidewall 1320 of the top portion 1304. In various embodiments where a sliding eyelet frame 108 is provided, the height of the sliding eyelet frame 108 may be less than or equal to the height 1326 of the top portion 1304. The decorative top 113 is configured to slide the post 112 through the eyelet 107, through the second through hole 1314 and the first through hole 1312 of the device 1300. The embellishment 132 may be retained by connecting and tightening the backing element 118 to the post 112.

Referring now to FIG. 10D, the removable decorative accessories, for example, ornament 110 and embellishment 132 may be layered on the device 1300. For example, the embellishment 132 may be positioned on the device 1300 and then the decorative top 113 comprising the ornament 110 and post 112 may then be applied to the top of the embellishment 132. As described above, the ornament 110 may be secured to the device 1300 by fastening the backing element 118 to the post 112.

Referring now to FIG. 11, in an alternative embodiment, the device 1300 may be formed as part of a necklace 1502. The device 1300 may comprise a plurality of appendages 1318 configured to integrate the device 1300 into the jewelry. The device 1300, as illustrated, is provided with the top portion 1304, however it should be understood that the top portion 1304 may be removed in various embodiments related to jewelry or any other wearable article. As described above, the top portion 1304 may be permanently affixed to the frame 1302 to provide one unit, or may be removable. In various embodiments, the necklace 1502 may comprise any number of devices 1300. In operation, the necklace 1502 may be worn with or without any removable decorative accessory, such as an embellishment, for example, a heart 1202 or bow 121, or a decorative top 113 comprising an ornament 110. For example, the necklace 1502, comprising at least the frame 1302, may be worn with the decorative top 113 such that the post 112 slides through the first through hole 1312 of at least the frame 1302 and couples to the backing element 118. In one embodiment, the necklace 1502 may comprise the device 1300 where the top portion 1304 and the frame 1302 are configured as one unit. In operation, the post 112 slides through the second through hole 1314 and the first through hole 1312. In an alternative embodiment, the necklace may comprise the frame 1302 without the top portion 1304. In operation, the post 112 slides through the first through hole 1312 of the frame 1302. Other decorative accessories, such as an embellishment, for example the heart 1202, the bow 121, or the flower 120, may be secured to the device 1300 by positioning eyelet 107 to be seated around the outer sidewall 1320 of the top portion 1304 of the device 1300.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in another alternative embodiment, the device 1300 may be configured to couple to a wearable article having a leather or fabric strap 1602 such as sandal/flip flop, a bracelet, a belt, or a watch band. Again, the device 1300 may comprise multiple appendages 1318 to integrate the device into the wearable item. The appendages 1318 may comprise a clasping mechanism configured to grip the strap. In one embodiment, the appendages 1318 may comprise a bar or a buckle suitably configured to be coupled to the strap 1602. In a second embodiment, the appendages 1318 may comprise two opposing sidewall elements each having a receptacle configured to receive a compressible spring element (not shown) that may slide through an end portion of the strap 1602 and fit into the receptacles to secure the strap 1602 to the appendages 1318.

The device 1300, as illustrated, comprises the top portion 1304 and frame the 1302 and is configured as one unit. In operation, the sandal/flip flop 105 comprising the device 1300 may be worn with or without any removable decorative accessory, such as an embellishment, for example, the heart 1202, the bow 121, the embellishment 132, or a decorative top 105 comprising the ornament 110. For example, the sandal/flip flop 105 may be worn with the decorative top 113 such that the post 112 slides through the second through hole 1314 and the first through hole 1312 of the device 1300 and couples to the backing element 118. In various embodiments, other decorative accessories, such as an embellishment, for example, the embellishment 132, the bow 121, or the flower 120, may be secured to the device 1300 by positioning the eyelet 107 to fit around and be seated around the outer sidewall 1320 of the top portion 1304 and then engaging the decorative accessory, for example post 112 of the decorative top 113 through the second through hole 1314 and first through hole 1312, to the attachment mechanism of the backing element 118.

In an alternative embodiment, the sandal/flip flop 105 may comprise the frame 1302 without the top portion 1304. In operation, the sandal/flip flop 105 may be worn with the decorative top 113 such that the post 112 slides through the first through hole 1312 of the frame 1302 and couples to the backing element 118.

The foregoing disclosure is merely illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to be construed as limiting the invention. Although one or more embodiments of the present technology have been described, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. For example, the present technology may be used in connection with other footwear, other articles of clothing and accessories, for instance, hats, bags, belts, watchbands, jewelry, etc. As such, it should be understood that all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

These and other embodiments for selectively customizing wearable items may incorporate concepts, embodiments, and configurations as described with respect to embodiments as described above. The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the technology and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present technology in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

The technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes, however, may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any order, unless otherwise expressly specified, and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus embodiment may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.

Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required or essential feature or component.

As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition, system, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, system, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

The present technology has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology, as expressed in the following claims.

Claims

1. A customizable fastening device for a removable decorative accessory comprising:

a frame comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface forming a recessed receiving area; an outer sidewall extending between the top and bottom surfaces; and a first through hole passing from a central portion of the top surface through to the recessed receiving area of the bottom surface;

a top portion positioned above the top surface of the frame, wherein the top portion comprises a second through hole configured to align with the first through hole; and

a backing element comprising: an attachment mechanism configured to be inserted into the first and second through holes to couple the backing element to the removable decorative accessory; and a head portion connected to an end of the attachment mechanism, wherein the head portion is configured to fit into the recessed receiving area of the bottom surface when the attachment mechanism is coupled to the removable decorative accessory.

2. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein the recessed receiving area is configured to prevent the head portion from rotating when the attachment mechanism is coupled to the removable decorative accessory.

3. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein:

the recessed receiving area is defined by a wall section; and

the head portion comprises a substantially circular shape to the recessed receiving area, wherein the head portion comprises a smaller dimension than the recessed receiving area to allow the head portion to fit into the recessed receiving area.

4. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein the first and second through holes form a non-circular shape.

5. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein the head portion, once inserted into the recessed receiving area, is flush with a bottom edge of the outer sidewall.

6. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein the frame is permanently affixed to the top portion.

7. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a threaded screw configured to threadably engage a threaded receiving section on a bottom surface of the removable decorative accessory.

8. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises an appendage coupled to the outer sidewall and configured to couple the frame to a wearable article.

9. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, further comprising a removable decorative accessory having a post, wherein the post is configured to insert into the first and second through holes to couple to the attachment mechanism.

10. The customizable fastening device of claim 1, wherein the post comprises a length corresponding to a height of the top portion and the first through hole of the frame.

11. A system for interchangeable decorative accessories comprising:

a frame comprising a top surface; a bottom surface forming a recessed receiving area; an outer sidewall extending between the top and bottom surfaces; a first through hole passing from a central portion of the top surface through to the recessed receiving area of the bottom surface; and

a top portion positioned above the top surface of the frame, wherein the top portion comprises a second through hole configured to align with the first through hole;

a first decorative accessory coupled to a post, wherein the post is configured to be inserted into the first and second through holes; and

a backing element comprising: an attachment mechanism configured to couple the backing element to the post; and a head portion connected to an end of the attachment mechanism, wherein the head portion is configured to fit into the recessed receiving area of the bottom surface when the attachment mechanism is coupled to the post.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first and second through holes form a non-circular shape.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the recessed receiving area is configured to prevent the head portion from rotating when the attachment mechanism is coupled to the post.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the head portion and recessed receiving area are shaped to allow the head portion to fit into the recessed receiving area.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the frame is permanently affixed to the top portion.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a threaded screw configured to threadably engage a threaded receiving section on a bottom surface of the post.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the frame further comprises an appendage coupled to the outer sidewall configured to couple the frame to a wearable article.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein the head portion, once inserted into the recessed receiving area, is flush with a bottom edge of the outer sidewall.

19. The system of claim 11, further comprising a second decorative accessory having an eyelet configured to slide over and seat around the outer sidewall of the top portion.