Abstract:
The footwear preferably comprises a sandal or a flip flop and the eyelet may be located anywhere on the footwear, preferably on a strap. In some exemplary embodiments, an embellishment extends over one or more straps of the footwear without being coupled at the eyelet.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/485,462 filed on May 12, 2011 and entitled “Systems and Methods for Improved Customizable, Embellished Footwear,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for improved customizable, embellished footwear. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Consumers are ever searching for footwear that is comfortable, that matches outfit color schemes, that is of an appropriate dressiness (casual, fancy, etc.), 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 that may only be used occasionally. 
         [0004]    Thus, others have developed customizable footwear that can be used for multiple occasions, with only the attachment or detachment of embellishments. However, others&#39; footwear suffers from many defects. For example the embellishments may rotate out of the proper orientation, the footwear may not be worn without the embellishments, the embellishments may cause discomfort, and others. 
         [0005]    There is thus a need in the art for improved customizable, embellished footwear. The present invention addresses this need. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure comprises footwear having one or more eyelets through which a backing element and a decorative top engage each other. 
         [0007]    The footwear preferably comprises a sandal or a flip flop and the eyelet may be located anywhere on the footwear, preferably on a strap, The eyelet may be configured to receive a decorative element. The eyelet 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 and the decorative top (for example a post of the decorative element) to prevent unwanted rotation of the decorative top. A notch and groove type configuration between the eyelet and one or both of the backing element and the decorative element and/or weight distribution of the decorative element may also be used to prevent unwanted rotation and thereby maintain the decorative top&#39;s desired orientation. Similarly, the decorative top may be configured with an indexing feature. The indexing feature may be integral with the post protruding from the bottom of the decorative element, The indexing feature may also be coupled to or integrally formed in the decorative top. The indexing feature may be configured to engage a plurality of indexing holes, such that the decorative element may be positioned in various orientations. In exemplary embodiments, the eyelet may itself have decorative characteristics such that the footwear may be worn without the backing element and the decorative top. 
         [0008]    The backing element and the decorative top may engage each other threadably or with one or more snaps, clips or the like. Magnetism may also be used, The backing element may also have a smooth, rounded and/or soft external surface to provide added comfort to the wearer. 
         [0009]    In exemplary embodiments, the decorative top itself is an embellishment or is coupled to an embellishment. Exemplary embellishments may comprise crosses, stars, flowers, logos, and the like. 
         [0010]    In yet other exemplary embodiments, an embellishment is layered between the eyelet and the decorative top and may have an eyelet substantially similar to the footwear&#39;s eyelet. 
         [0011]    In still other exemplary embodiments, an embellishment layered between the eyelet and the decorative top extends over one or more straps of the footwear. The embellishment may be connected around the strap with any suitable fastener, including for example, Velcro®, one or more snaps, clips or the like. In some exemplary embodiments, an embellishment extends over one or more straps of the footwear without being coupled at the eyelet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals denote like elements and: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates top view of sandal/flip flop showing attached eyelet; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates side view of decorative top; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates side view of backing element; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates top view of sandal/flip flop engaging decorative top and backing element: 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates top view of flower with eyelet; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates top view of bow with eyelet; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates top view of strap wrap with eyelet engaging decorative top; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates bottom view of strap wrap with fastening system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates top view of strap wrap with attached charm; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates yet another top view of strap wrap with attached charm. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present invention 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. 
         [0024]    In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 1 , sandal/flip flop  105  comprises a sole  101 , a strap  102 , a thong  103  and an eyelet  104 : Sandal/flip flop  105  may be designed in various ways. For example, sole  101  may be a wedge bottom, a heel bottom or a flat bottom. Sandal/flip flop  105  may fasten to a foot by strap  102  and/or thong  103 . In various embodiments, sandal/flip flop  105  comprises one thin strap  102 . However, in various embodiments, sandal/flip flop  105  may comprise any number of strap  102 . Strap  102  may vary in size. Eyelet  104  may be a stationary frame. In various embodiments, eyelet  104  is substantially square shaped. However, eyelet  104  may be any shape, including, for example a triangle, a rectangle, a diamond or any other suitable shape. Eyelet  104  may vary in material and size. In various embodiments, eyelet  104  is a metal material, However, eyelet  104  may be any material, including, for example a plastic, a rubber, aluminum, a brass, a copper, a metal or any combination of these or other suitable durable material, to form eyelet  104 . Eyelet  104  may be located anywhere on sandal/flip flop  105 . In various embodiments, sandal/flip flop  105  includes one eyelet  104  in the center of strap  102 . However, sandal/flip flop  105  may comprise any number of eyelet  104 . Eyelet  104  may be designed in various ways. For example, 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, eyelet  104  is two pieces. However, eyelet  104  may comprise any number of pieces. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 2 , sandal/flip flop  105  may be configured to removably couple to a decorative top  113 . Decorative top  113  includes an ornament  110 , a mounting plate  111 , and a post  112 . Decorative top  113  is used to customize and enhance an entire fashionable look. Ornament  110  may vary in size, shape and/or material. In various embodiments, ornament  110  is a jewel. However, ornament  110  may be 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, or any combination of these or other embellishments, to accessorize sandal/flip flop  105 . Mounting plate  111  may be used to connect ornament  110  and post  112  as one piece. In various embodiments, mounting plate  111  is a square shape. However, mounting plate  111  may vary in size and shape as noted above. In various embodiments, mounting plate  111  is a metal material. However, 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 mounting plate  111 . In various embodiments, post  112  is a square shape used to stabilize rotation. However, post  112  may vary in shape, size and/or material. In an embodiment, post  112  is a metal material. However, 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 post  112  is threaded. However, in various embodiments, the fastener system of 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 decorative top  113 . In various embodiments, ornament  110  may connect to post  112  as one piece. However, decorative top  113  may use glue, a weld, a mold or any combination of these or any other adhesive used to connect ornament  110  to post  112 . 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , ornament  110  comprises a backing element  118 . In an embodiment, backing element  118  is a magnetic metal material (e.g., copper). However, 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. Backing element  118  may include a threaded screw  115 , a head  116 , and a penny slot/notch  117 . Threaded screw  115  may vary in size, shape and material. In various embodiments, threaded screw  115  twists and connects to post  112 . However, in various embodiment, the fastener system of 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 decorative top  113  to backing element  118 . In an embodiment, head  116  is a round dome shape. However, head  116  may vary in shape, size and material. Head  116  may be smooth. Head  116  may comprise a penny slot/notch  117 . Penny slot/notch  117  may be used to tighten and fasten ornament  110  to sandal/flip flop  105 . Further, penny slot/notch  117  may vary in shape and size. 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , sandal/flip flop  105  may be configured to receive and removably couple to decorative top  113  and backing element  118  through eyelet  104  located on strap  102  of sandal/flip flop  105 . Eyelet  104  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 backing element  118  and decorative top  113  (for example post  112  of decorative top  113 ) to prevent unwanted rotation of decorative top  113 . 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 decorative top  113 . In various embodiments, eyelet  104  is two pieces. However, eyelet  104  may comprise any number of pieces. 
         [0028]    In various embodiments a penny is used to tighten and secure decorative top  113  (e.g. apply a torque to the decorative top) to minimize rotation of decorative top  113  with respect to sandal/flip flop  105 . However, one may use a dime, a screw driver, or other suitable tools to tighten the decorative element to sandal/flip flop  105 . When connected, decorative top  113  may be fixed, such that decorative top  113  does not rotate. Similarly, decorative top  113  may be removed by using a penny and twist backing element  118  such that decorative top  113  is uncoupled from sandal/flip flop  105 . 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , sandal/flip flop  105  may comprise a flower  120 . Flower  120  may include eyelet  104 . In various embodiments, flower  120  is a cotton material. However, flower  120  may be a polyester, a satin, a spandex, a lace, an elastic, a ribbon or any combination of these or any other suitable materials. In an embodiment, flower  120  may comprise three black and three white layers of material. However, flower  120  may vary in layers and colors. In various embodiments, flower  120  may have a circular shape. However, flower  120  may be any suitable shape and size. Flower  120  may include eyelet  104  at the center of flower  120 . Eyelet  104  may vary in shape, size and material. Eyelet  104  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 backing element  118  and decorative top  113  (for example post  112  of decorative top  113 ) to prevent unwanted rotation of flower  120 . 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 flower  120 . In various embodiments, eyelet  104  is two pieces. However, eyelet  104  may comprise any number of pieces. 
         [0030]    In operation, flower  120  may removably attach to sandal/flip flop  105  in various ways. For example, flower  120  may attach by sliding eyelet  104  of flower  120  through post  112  located on decorative top  113  and by sliding post  112  of decorative top  113  through eyelet  104  located on strap  102  of sandal/flip flop  105 . Flower  120  may be retained by connecting and tightening backing element  118 . However, in another embodiment flower  120  may attach by sliding eyelet  104  of flower  120  around eyelet  104  located on strap  102  of sandal/flip flop  105 . Decorative top  113  configured to slide post  112  through eyelet  104  located on strap  102  of sandal/flip flop  105 . Flower  120  may be retained by connecting and tightening backing element  118 . 
         [0031]    In an embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 6 , sandal/flip flop  105  may be configured to removably couple to a bow  121 . Bow  121  comprises eyelet  104 . In various embodiments, bow  121  is made of a ribbon material. However, bow  121  may be a polyester, a satin, a spandex, a lace, an elastic, a cotton or any combination of these or any other suitable material. In one example, bow  121  is shown with two black and white layers of material. However, bow  121  may be configured with any number of layers and in any color(s), In various embodiments, bow  121  is shown in a cross shape. However, bow  121  may be of any suitable shape and size. Bow  121  may include eyelet  104  at center of bow  121 . Eyelet  104  may vary in shape, size and material. Eyelet  104  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 backing element  118  and decorative top  113  (for example post  112  of decorative top  113 ) to prevent unwanted rotation of bow  121 . 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 bow  121 . In various embodiments, eyelet  104  is two pieces. However, eyelet  104  may comprise any number of pieces. 
         [0032]    In operation, bow  121  may removably attach to sandal/flip flop  105  in various ways. For example, bow  121  may attach by sliding eyelet  104  of bow  121  through post  112  located on decorative top  113  and by sliding post  112  of decorative top  113  through eyelet  104  located on strap  102  of sandal/flip flop  105 . Bow  121  may be retained by connecting and tightening backing element  118 . However, in another embodiment bow  121  may attach by sliding eyelet  104  of bow  121  around eyelet  104  located on strap  102  of sandal/flip flop  105 . Decorative top  113  configured to slide post  112  through eyelet  104  located on strap  102  of sandal/flip flop  105 . Bow  121  may be retained by connecting and tightening backing element  118 . 
         [0033]    While  FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate embodiments of a flower and a bow respectively, any other embellishments comprising eyelet  104  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 sandal/flip flop  105 . In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of additional embellishments comprising eyelet  104  are used. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 7 , sandal/flip flop  105  may comprise a strap wrap  127  as an exemplary additional embellishment. Strap wrap  127  may include a decorative top strap cover  122 , a bottom strap cover  123 , an inner strap cover  124 , an attachment system  125  and the eyelet  104 . In various embodiments, strap wrap  127  is wrapped around existing strap  102  to change the appearance of strap  102 . Strap wrap  127  may vary in size, shape, material and/or embellishments. In the illustrated embodiment, attachment system  125  comprises Velcro® used to secure strap wrap  127  around strap  102 . However, attachment system  125  may comprise any fastener, including, for example 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, a zipper, or any combination of these or other mechanisms, or any other suitable releasable mechanism. In various of these embodiments, inner strap cover  124  may not be necessary. 
         [0035]    Attachment system  125  may be configured to secure strap wrap  127  to itself around strap  102 . Additionally, or in the alternative, attachment system  125  may be configured to secure strap wrap  127  at least in part to strap  102 . Attachment system  125  may be positioned anywhere with reference to strap  102 , for instance, in the middle, on the front, on the back, diagonal, on the bottom, and/or on the top. 
         [0036]    In various embodiments, strap wrap  127  comprises eyelet  104 . Eyelet  104  may be configured to receive interchangeable decorative top  113  and backing element  118  secured to sandal/flip flop  105  as described above. Eyelet  104  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 backing element  118  and decorative top  113  (for example post  112  of decorative top  113 ) to prevent unwanted movement of strap wrap  127 . Eyelet  104  may be a prong eyelet, a grommet, a hollow rivet, a button hole, a cut out shape or any other hollow opening used at least in part to fix movement of strap wrap  127 . 
         [0037]    In this manner, strap wrap  127  may also be secured to sandal/flip flop  105  to further embellish it. In a similar manner, strap wrap  127  and may be layered with other embellishments comprising eyelet  104 , for example, flower  120 , bow  121  and the like. 
         [0038]    In an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 9 , strap wrap  127  comprises a decorative top strap cover  122 , a bottom strap cover  123 , an inner strap cover  124 , attachment system  125  and an attached charm  126 . Charm  126  may be fixed in any suitable manner, such that when charm  126  is not allowed to move. 
         [0039]    Finally, and with reference to  FIG. 10 , illustrated is strap wrap  127  with decorative top strap cover  122  located in the middle position. Decorative top strap cover  122  may vary in position, for instance, in the middle, on the bottom, and/or on the top. Both bottom strap cover  123  and inner strap cover  124  may similarly vary in position. As noted above, in various embodiments, inner strap cover  124  may not be necessary. 
         [0040]    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 invention 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 invention. For example, the present invention may be used in connection with other footwear, other articles of clothing and accessories, for instance, hats, bags, belts, jewelry, etc. As such, it should be understood that all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.