Patent Publication Number: US-2012030862-A1

Title: System for Custom Styling a Stocking

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Federally Sponsored Research or Development 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to home décor. More particularly, the invention relates to a modular system for home décor stockings. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. 
     Holiday stockings are typically manufactured in a limited number of traditional shapes and styles. These stockings are usually pre-assembled and have fixed styles with little or no variation or customization options. A user typically cannot mix and match colors, styles, or fabrics. Without sewing knowledge, it is difficult for one to customize holiday stockings. To stock a significant variety, a store needs many stocking designs, and some designs may be unpopular and difficult to sell. Most stocking variation comes in the form of preselected fabric, color or embroidery designs on similarly, traditionally shaped stockings in which those elements cannot be changed without an entire new stocking being purchased. 
     By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that known solutions for stocking customization include, without limitation, names embroidered on stockings, names written in paint or glitter glue on standard stockings, custom names made with letters on blocks hung from string, etc. In addition to standard stocking shapes, traditional stockings are also available in various different designs such, as, but not limited to, stockings that look like tennis shoes, ice skates, boots and other types of footwear. 
     In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an exemplary modular holiday stocking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of the assembled stocking, and  FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the unassembled modular stocking elements; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a multiplicity of exemplary components of a modular stocking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A through 3I  illustrate a multiplicity of exemplary style variations of foot components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A through 4E  are side views of several exemplary style variations of calf components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A through 5J  are side views of exemplary styles of cuff components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A through 6G  are side views of exemplary assembled stockings using a variety of modular foot, cuff and calf components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a sheer slipcover component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  is a side view of the sheer slipcover component, and  FIG. 7B  is a side perspective view of the sheer slipcover over the foot of a stocking. 
     
    
    
     Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
     Although Claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
     Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived there from. 
     References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
     As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
     It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
     An embodiment of the present invention provides a system for creating holiday stockings that can easily be personalized, customized and reconfigured with modular construction and the connection of various stocking design elements and trims. Many practical embodiments enable a user to easily customize a decorative stocking to their desired style. Style variations in some practical embodiments can include but are not limited to a user&#39;s choice of stocking style, fabric, color, and trims. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an exemplary modular holiday stocking, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a side perspective view of the assembled stocking, and  FIG. 1B  is a side perspective view of the unassembled modular stocking components. In the present embodiment, the stocking comprises a foot  101 , a calf  102  and a cuff  103 . Foot  101  illustrates an exemplary means for styling a foot portion of the stocking. Calf  102  illustrates an exemplary means for styling a calf portion of the stocking. A string or ribbon  109  on foot  101  allows the attachment of a decoration such as, but not limited to a bell or tassel  110  as desired by the customer. String  109  illustrates an exemplary means for joining a decorative item. String  109  may also assist in the manufacturing process with turning foot assembly  101  right side out after it is sewn or otherwise assembled. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented with attachment strings in various different locations on the stocking or without such attachment strings. In the present embodiment, foot  101 , calf  102  and cuff  103  are pre-assembled components that can easily be interchanged and assembled to provide a variety of custom styles. Foot  101  is the section of the stocking from the toe to the ankle. Calf  102  extends from the ankle up along the lower leg area. Cuff  103  is the decorative area that is attached to the top of calf  102  and forms a decorative cuff on the top of the stocking. Some stocking styles may be implemented without a cuff. Optionally, some embodiments may also include, without limitation, add-on trims and accessories such as, but not limited to, rhinestones, beads, balls, pins, “iron-ons”, embroidery, sequins, bells, tassels, hooks, and other decorative items that can be applied in manufacturing or by the end user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , in the present embodiment, each modular component comprises a bonding mechanism to enable the modular components to be easily joined together. For example, without limitation, foot  101  can slip over calf  102  and a bonding area  104  on the ankle portion of foot  101  attaches to or bonds with calf  102  at a corresponding bonding area  105  on the bottom of calf  102 . In some alternate embodiments, the calf may be made to slip over the foot. Some configurations and styles of stockings have cuff  103  attached to calf  102 ; however, not all stocking designs or configurations require a cuff. Cuff  103  illustrates an exemplary means for styling a cuff portion of the stocking. In the present embodiment, the bottom of cuff  103  fits inside the top of calf  102  so that a bonding area  106  on the outside of cuff  103  aligns with a bonding area  107  on the top inside of calf  102 . Cuff  103  can then be folded down along a fold line  108  around the top of calf  102 . This gives cuff  103  a rolled over from the top appearance and covers the transition from cuff  103  to calf  102 . In an alternate embodiment the cuff may be attached directly to the outside of the calf. Referring to  FIG. 1A , when the present embodiment is assembled, bonding areas  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  are hidden from view for aesthetics. However, the boding areas in some alternate embodiments may be visible. The modular elements of the stocking may take various styles and forms, as shown by way of example in FIGS.  3 , 4 , and  5 . In the present embodiment, bonding areas  104 ,  105 ,  106 , and  107  are uniform across styles to facilitate easy attachment and allow uncomplicated fitting to the adjoining modular components. It is contemplated that some alternate embodiments may comprise bonding areas of various different shapes and sizes to accommodate modular components of different styles. 
     In the present embodiment, the assembly of the stocking is simple to enable a layperson, without sophisticated equipment or training, to assemble the various stocking elements easily and accurately. The choice of attachment means may allow for the reassembly of the components to reconfigure the stocking into a different color combination or style or may more permanently attach the components together. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that a multiplicity of suitable methods of attachment may be used in many practical embodiments including, without limitation, hook and loop material, heat-set adhesive, glue, tape or a similar bonding strip, snaps, buttons, ties, zippers, hooks, etc. For example, without limitation, one exemplary method of assembly uses a product such as hook and loop material to allow for the continued changeability of the stocking. Another exemplary method of assembly uses an iron-on or heat-set adhesive to provide a more permanent assembly with ease and relative control, precision and cleanliness. 
     In typical use of the present embodiment, the modular stocking design enables users to select different modular components of the stocking from a variety of styles, colors, fabrics, and trims. A user can easily assemble the unique selection into a finished stocking that has a personal look and feel with a custom style, colors, fabric and trims. The present embodiment also allows for the manufacture of a limited variety of stocking style elements to produce a huge array of possible combinations for the formation of a finished stocking and allows flexibility in production to accommodate a wide variety wholesale, retail, and website needs. A buyer can select from the pre-assembled elements and make a custom stocking that matches their personal style that meets their decorative needs. The buyer selects a foot section, a calf section, a top cuff and any additional trims or ornaments desired. Once the user selects the components, the user assembles the stocking by attaching the components at their corresponding bonding areas. For example, without limitation, a person may select colors and fabrics that match their home décor. The fabrics and colors are only limited by what colors and fabrics are available at the time of manufacture. Some examples of fabric combinations using a limited number of components include, without limitation, a silky red foot with a green velvet calf and a white fur cuff, a silky red foot with a red velvet calf and a leopard fur cuff, a woven gold foot with a red velvet calf and a white fur cuff, a woven gold foot with a green velvet calf and a leopard fur cuff, etc. A NY Yankee fan might select a silver foot with a blue calf with white trim to make a personal NY Yankee Stocking. Another person may select a purple foot and a yellow calf with a gold cuff and a pin that says “World&#39;s Greatest Grandma!” because their grandma loves purple and yellow. The personalization options are virtually endless and they empower the buyer to make decisions that can fulfill their unique style, quirky sense of self or a whimsical nature. Retailers can re-order only the components and colors that are selling and can better tailor their inventory to fit the buying trends. A wide variety of components may also be made available on an online website. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a multiplicity of exemplary components of a modular stocking system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This illustrates how the boding areas of various different components correspond so that the components are interchangeable. In the present embodiment, bonding areas  303  and  308  on feet  301  and  305  correspond to bonding areas  304  and  309  on calves  302  and  306 , and a bonding area  310  on calf  306  corresponds to a bonding area  311  on cuff  307 . Bonding areas  303  and  308  of feet  301  and  305  are located on the inside of the ankle portions of feet  301  and  305 . However, in some alternate embodiments the bonding areas on the feet may be in various different locations, for example, without limitation, the outside of the ankle. In the present embodiment, bonding areas  304  and  309  on calves  302  and  306  are located on the outside of the lower ankle area. However, in some alternate embodiments, the calf bonding areas may be located in various different locations such as, but not limited to, the inside of the ankle. In the present embodiment, a bonding area  311  of cuff  307  tucks inside the top of calf  306  and attaches to bonding area  310 . The remaining portion of cuff  307  is folded down along a fold line  312  to form the finished cuff. In some alternate embodiments, the cuff may be constructed to attach to the outside of the upper calf or to the top edge of the calf; the placement of the interface of the bonding areas of the cuff and calf is not limited to the inside or the outside of the calf. In the present embodiment, calf  302  does not comprise a bonding area on the top portion since this design does not require a cuff. 
     Bonding areas in the same location of a similar component, for example, without limitation, bonding areas  303  and  308  on feet  301  and  305  and bonding areas  304  and  309  on calves  302  and  306 , are of similar and suitable corresponding size and shape to facilitate the interchangeability of the various styled components in manufacture or at the point of sale. Furthermore, corresponding bonding areas on different elements, for example bonding area  303  on foot  301  and bonding area  304  on calf  302 , are also similar in shape and size to facilitate the assembly of the various components. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that the bonding areas in some alternate embodiments may be implemented in a multiplicity of suitable shapes and sizes. For example, without limitation, the bonding area at the top of the foot may be straight across the ankle in a horizontal or diagonal line or on a larger portion on the side of the ankle. In addition, if the bonding mechanism or adhesive is of sufficient bonding strength, the bonding areas in some alternate embodiments can be reduced to smaller areas of intersection. Depending on the adhesive or bonding mechanism chosen, bonding areas may completely encircle the interfacing areas of the components, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 1B , or segments or short strips of the bonding mechanism or adhesive may be utilized. Furthermore it may also be possible in some alternate embodiments to limit the bonding mechanism or adhesive to only one component with the adjoining component attached with sufficient strength rather than having a bonding area on both components. 
       FIG. 2C  represents an alternate method to achieve the modular aspect of the toe design. This is achieved whereby only the toe portion  314  or  315  is removed and changed. The toes would have a similar and corresponding bonding area on the foot  316  and toe  317 . This intersection allows the bonding of the various toe designs. This bonding intersection area may be located somewhere between the ankle and toe and may be on the interior or exterior of the foot. 
       FIGS. 3A through 6G  illustrate a multiplicity of examples of various components for a modular stocking system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that these components are for illustrative purposes and that some alternate embodiments may comprise components with various different styles, shapes, sizes, trims, ornaments, etc. 
       FIGS. 3A through 3I  illustrate a multiplicity of exemplary style variations of foot components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  is a side view of an exemplary foot  401  with a straight toe.  FIG. 3B  is a side view of an exemplary foot  402  with a long toe.  FIG. 3C  is a side view of an exemplary foot  403  with a hook toe.  FIG. 3D  is a side view of an exemplary foot  404  with a loop toe.  FIG. 3E  is a side view of an exemplary foot  405  with a curly toe.  FIG. 3F  is a side view of an exemplary foot  406  with a heel  417 .  FIG. 3G  is a side view of an exemplary foot  401  with a skate  419 .  FIG. 3H  is a side view of an exemplary foot  408  with a men&#39;s boot type heel  420 . The heels  417 ,  420  and skate  419  are only a few embodiments of the many other types of heel and foot embellishments that could be added to the stocking design by the user at the point of sale or at time of manufacture. Many other examples have been contemplated including cowboy boot heels with or without spurs, roller blade or roller skates, hockey skates, figure skates and a wide variety of women stilettos, heels and platforms. The heel can be made of plastic, wood, thick leather or similar material that gives the look and feel of the desired heel material. A method to attach the heel or and skate embodiments is using two or more long thumbtacks  418  that are pushed thru the fabric at the bottom seam of the foot into the corresponding heel or skate. Alternately a metal pin can be driven half way into the top portion of the heel during manufacture. The exposed top portion of the metal pin could be pushed through the bottom seam or fabric of the foot and attached to the foot using a earring back type fastening mechanism. One drawback of the second method of attachment is the protrusion of the metal rod thru the seam and above the earring back could poke and be felt by someone putting their hand down in the stocking. It has also been considered that the ankle portion may also have some variation of style and configuration but still work within the modular concept.  FIG. 3I  is a side view of an exemplary foot  409  with variation of the ankle area  423 .  FIG. 3I  also illustrates another variation of the modular high heel embellishment  422 . In these embodiments the toes of the foot components have variations in size, shape and style; however, the construction and dimensions of the ankle portions where the foot components join the calf components are uniform. This design consistency facilitates the modular assembly nature of the stockings. The bonding areas are located on the inside of the ankle areas and are not visible, nor illustrated in these examples. It is also contemplated that the foot components may also utilize a variety of fabrics, colors and trims in addition to the many style variations. Several examples of variations to the style of the foot components are shown in the  FIGS. 3A through 3I ; however, styles in some alternate embodiments are not limited to the ones illustrated. Some other variations of foot components in some alternate embodiments may include, but are not limited to, versions inspired by other types of footwear including, but not limited to, tennis shoes, cowboy boots, snow boots, work boots, sandals, etc. Yet other variations may be styled to be suggestive of animal feet, for example, without limitation, dog, cat or bear paws, or other creatures&#39; feet, for example, without limitation, monster feet or dinosaur feet. Foot components may also include, without limitation, the addition of various beads, trims and ornaments that may be added at the time of manufacture or by the end user. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , foot  401  comprises a string or ribbon  410  stitched to the end of the toe section that can be used to tie on additional decorations. These decorations may include but are not limited to beads, balls, crystals, tassels, bells, bows, etc. Tie on or pin on decorations such as these are usually added by the end user yet may also be added during manufacture. Strings or ribbons are shown on many of the exemplary variations in the drawings; however, some embodiments may be implemented without these strings or ribbons. Straight foot  401  also comprises a rhinestone trim  411  around the ankle. Referring to  FIG. 3B , long foot  402  comprises a bead trim  412  along the front and a tassel  413  tied to the end of the toe. Referring to  FIGS. 3C and 3D , hook foot  403  and loop toe foot  404  comprise bead trims  414  around the ankles. Referring to  FIG. 3E , curly foot  405  comprises a braided rope trim  415  around the ankle. Referring to  FIG. 3F , foot  406  comprises beads or faux pearls  416  on the front and faux heel  417  on the bottom. Referring to  FIG. 3G , skate foot  407  comprises faux laces  421  along the front and faux skate blade  419  on the bottom. 
       FIGS. 4A through 4E  are side views of several exemplary style variations of calf components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  illustrates a bootie calf  501 .  FIG. 4B  illustrates a flared calf  502 .  FIG. 4C  illustrates a regular calf  503 .  FIG. 4D  illustrates a tall calf  504 , and  FIG. 4E  illustrates a wide calf  505 . In the embodiments shown, the calf components have consistent ankle construction and dimensions that correspond to the corresponding foot components; however, some alternate embodiments may have ankles of various different sizes and shapes. Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , bootie calf  501  and flared calf  502  are designed for use without a cuff component. Hang loops  507  are attached at the top portion in these styles. Hang loops  507  illustrate an exemplary means for hanging the stocking. Referring to  FIGS. 4C and 4D , regular calf  503  and tall calf  504  enable a multiplicity of suitable modular cuff components to be added to further customize the top of the stocking design. Referring to  FIG. 4E , wide calf  505  may be constructed without a cuff component or with a cuff component that accommodates the wide top of calf  505 . Some other style variations of calf components may include, without limitation, to styles relating to types of footwear, for example, without limitation, a lace-up calf, a cowboy boot calf, a hiking boot calf, a snow boot calf, etc. Yet other style variations may use representations of anatomical calves, such as, but not limited to, human calves or animals&#39; calves. Furthermore, calf components may include, without limitation, the addition of various beads, trims and ornaments. Referring to  FIG. 4B , calf  502  comprises a bead trim  509  on the front and a pin or decorative ornament  508  that can be added in manufacture or by the end user.  FIG. 4B  also show an alternate ruffle or ribbon  510  on top of the cuff  502  that is usually added at time of manufacture but could be designed to be added by the user at point of sale or later. 
     It can be noted that the bonding areas of the calf components are shaded in these examples. Referring to  FIGS. 4C ,  4 D and  4 E, the upper bonding areas of the calf components with which a cuff may be used are typically located on the top inside of the calf components. Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the calf components have no top bonding areas since the calf components have finished tops and do not require a cuff component. Referring to  FIGS. 4A through 4E , the lower bonding areas of the calf components are typically located on the outside of the ankle area. However, both upper and lower bonding areas can be located either on the inside or the outside of the calf component depending on the stocking design. 
       FIGS. 5A through 5J  are side views of exemplary styles of cuff components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  illustrates a square cuff  601 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates a rounded cuff  602 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates a bump cuff  603 .  FIG. 5D  illustrates a slope cuff  604  with a rope trim  611 .  FIG. 5E  illustrates a cliff cuff  605 .  FIG. 5F  illustrates a valley cuff  606  with a hanging bead trim  612 .  FIG. 5G  illustrates a 4-point cuff  607  with decorative star decorations  613  tied on.  FIG. 5H  illustrates a 6-point cuff  608  with decorative balls  614  attached.  FIG. 5I  illustrates a wide slope cuff  609 .  FIG. 5J  illustrates a jester cuff  610  with decorative balls  615  tied to the ends. Referring to  FIGS. 5D and 5F , sewn on trims  611  and  612  are examples of trims that are typically added at the time of manufacture. Referring to  FIGS. 5G ,  5 H and  5 J, tied or pinned on ornaments  613 ,  614  and  615  are examples that can be added at the time of manufacture or by the customer at the point of sale or later. Additional beads, trims, ruffles and ornaments may also be applied to cuff components in some alternate embodiments. Cuff components are not used in some styles of stockings that have finished top portions of the calf components. In these embodiments, the modular cuff components have bonding areas of consistent size and shape to match the corresponding calf components to enable the modular assembly of the stocking design. Referring to  FIG. 5I , cuff  609  is designed to fit with a wide calf component, as shown by way of example in  FIG. 4E . Those skilled in the art, in light of the teachings of the present invention, will readily recognize that the style variations of cuff components are not limited to the styles illustrated here and that a multiplicity of suitable styles may be implemented in some alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, furry cuffs, ruffled cuffs, fringed cuffs, pleated cuffs, etc. Referring to  FIG. 5A , many cuff components comprise an elongated portion  616  at the top, indicated by a dotted line, to accommodate the attachment and roll-over from the inside of a calf component to the outside of the calf component. Elongated portion  616  is designed to fit inside the corresponding top of a calf component. Referring to  FIG. 5B , a hang loop  617  is also attached near the back of many cuff components. 
       FIGS. 6A through 6G  are side views of exemplary assembled stockings using a variety of modular foot, cuff and calf components, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows a straight foot component with a bootie calf component and no cuff component.  FIG. 6B  shows a long foot component with a flare calf component and no cuff component.  FIG. 6C  shows a hook foot component with a boot calf component and a 6-point cuff component.  FIG. 6D  shows a loop foot component with a boot calf component and a 4-point cuff component.  FIG. 6E  shows a curl foot component with a boot calf component and a valley cuff component.  FIG. 6F  shows a curly foot component with a wide calf component and a wide slope cuff component, and  FIG. 6G  illustrates an assembled jester stocking using a long foot component, a regular calf component and a jester cuff. The exemplary stockings shown comprise various different trims and ornaments. For example, without limitation, the stocking shown in  FIG. 6G  comprises beads along the front of the foot and calf components and a tassel tied to the end of the toe. These examples show a small portion of the great variety of stocking styles that can be manufactured from a few modular elements. Further customization variations are available when different colors and various types of fabrics are used on each of the various components. Trims are another element that can be added to further customize the stockings. This additional customization may happen at the time of manufacture, or by the end user, depending on the trim and customization desired. Trims can include, but are not limited to, decorative pins, tie-on hanging decorations, tassels, ruffles, iron-on bead trims, ribbons, bells, ropes, letters, etc. Stockings according to many practical embodiments of the present invention have almost infinite custom design possibilities to fit the consumer&#39;s distinct color preferences and unique decorative style and taste. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a sheer slipcover component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  is a side view of the sheer slipcover component, and  FIG. 7B  is a side perspective view of the sheer slipcover over the foot of a stocking. Slipcover element  701  is made to slip over and tie or be attached over a corresponding foot component  703  or calf component and is typically the same shape yet slightly larger than the corresponding component. In some embodiments tie element  702  may be used to attach slipcover element  701  over foot component  703 . Slipcover element  701  illustrates an exemplary means for covering foot component  703 . Slipcover element  701  is typically a decorative semi-transparent fabric such as, but not limited to, organza or lace that an end user can add to give additional texture, depth, color hue, iridescence, sparkle or embroidery as an accent to the associated stocking elements. 
     Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that some alternate embodiments may comprise a multiplicity of suitable additional features such as, but not limited to, pockets, blinking or non-blinking lights, music players, etc. Some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in non-traditional shapes such as, but not limited to, trees, flowers, gingerbread men, candy canes, etc. Furthermore, stockings may be made for a variety of different occasions such as, but not limited to, Halloween, birthdays, Easter, Tooth Fairy visits, etc. or may be purely decorative for any time of year. Yet other alternate embodiments may be implemented to incorporate a modular assembly system into various different items such as, but not limited to, curtains, flags, wall hangings, etc. 
     All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing modular stockings according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the stocking may vary depending upon the particular type of modular assembly used. The assemblies described in the foregoing were directed to two or three piece implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide stockings that comprise more than three pieces. Implementations of the present invention with more than three components are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
     Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.