Abstract:
A personal accessory system in which a user can selectively attach at least one interchangeable embellishment with at least one base accessory member via complementary fastening components, thereby allowing the user to change the appearance of the base accessory as desired and allowing the user to create multiple aesthetically pleasing looks without the need to purchase several different accessories.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of personal adornments, specifically an accessory system utilizing interchangeable embellishments. 
         [0003]    2. Background 
         [0004]    Personal adornments can allow for individual expression and self-confidence for a wearer. However, it can be burdensome and costly to purchase multiple personal adornment pieces in order to accommodate changes in a user&#39;s mood or clothing. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a system whereby multiple embellishments can be used interchangeably or in conjunction with one another to create several different looks while using one base accessory, such as a headband, bracelet, purse, lunch bag, backpack, article(s) of clothing, shoes or other personal item or accessory. 
         [0005]    What is needed is a personal accessory system whereby several embellishments can be adapted to selectively engage a base accessory. The system should be easy to use and embellishments should be adapted for use with different base accessories. For example, a heart-shaped embellishment can be attached to a hair clip, but later attached to a shirt thereby achieving a different look with the same embellishment. The embellishments and base accessories can be sold as individual or multiple units, but in some embodiments the personal accessory system can be sold as a kit containing multiple base accessories, embellishments, or any other desired item. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1A  depicts an embodiment of a personal accessory system comprising a base accessory coupled with an embellishment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1B  depicts an embodiment of a base accessory coupled with a complementary fastening component. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1C  depicts a side view of an embodiment of the base accessory having a non-uniform width. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1D  depicts an embodiment of a complementary fastening component. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  depicts an embodiment of headband base accessory having a smaller width coupled with a bow embellishment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  depicts an embodiment of a base accessory having a smaller width coupled with a complementary fastening component. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2C  depicts a side view of an embodiment of the base accessory having a uniform width. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  depicts an embodiment of a base accessory coupled with an embellishment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  depicts an embodiment of a base accessory coupled with a complementary fastening component. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  depicts an embodiment of a base accessory being coupled with an embellishment having a flower shape. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  depicts a side view of an embodiment of complementary fastening components having male and female members. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  depicts a top view of an embodiment of complementary fastening components having male and female members. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4D  depicts a side view of an embodiment of complementary fastening components having male and female members, with the male member having two prongs. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a base accessory comprising multiple complementary fastening components that are reinforced with raised sections partially surrounding apertures. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of a base accessory comprising multiple complementary fastening components that are reinforced with raised sections completely surrounding apertures. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A  depicts a top view of an embodiment of a base accessory coupled with multiple types of embellishments. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7B  depicts a side view of an embodiment of a base accessory coupled with multiple types of embellishments. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7C  depicts a front view of an embodiment of a base accessory coupled with multiple types of embellishments. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8A  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of an elastic band. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8B  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a hair clip. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8C  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a hair pin. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8D  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a hat. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8E  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a cap. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9A  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a bracelet. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9B  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a purse. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9C  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a lunch bag. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9D  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a backpack. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9E  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of an article of clothing. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9F  depicts an embodiment of the base accessory in the form of a shoe. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  depicts a kit comprising a base accessory, a plurality of first embellishments, and a plurality of second embellishments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]      FIGS. 1A-1C  depicts an embodiment of a personal accessory system  100 . The personal accessory system  100  can be comprised of at least one base accessory  102  and at least one embellishment  106 . The base accessory  102  and the embellishment  106  can each comprise one or more complementary fastening components  104 . In some embodiments, a personal accessory system  100  can comprise a plurality of embellishments  106  that can be interchangeable and can be selectively coupled with the base accessory  102  via the complementary fastening components  104 . 
         [0037]    In some embodiments the personal accessory system  100  can be designed for use with hair or a person&#39;s head. In some embodiments, the personal accessory system  100  can be in the form of a headband, as shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . In other embodiments, the personal accessory system  100  can be an elastic band ( FIG. 8A ), a hair clip ( FIG. 8B ), a hair pin ( FIG. 8C ), a hat ( FIG. 8D ), a cap ( FIG. 8E ), or any other known and/or convenient accessory for use with hair and/or a person&#39;s head. In alternate embodiments, the personal accessory system  100  can be jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet; clothing, such as a belt or shoes; a bag, such as a purse, handbag, backpack, suitcase, or computer case; or any other known and/or convenient item that can be carried or worn by a user. 
         [0038]    The base accessory  102  can be comprised of resin, plastic, metal, leather, polyvinyl chloride, fabric, polymer, silicone, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the base accessory  102  can be covered or wrapped in a different material. The base accessory  102  can have any shape or size. In some embodiments, the base accessory  102  can be in the form of a headband. In embodiments in which the base accessory  102  is a headband, the headband can have a width of  15  millimeters as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C , a width of  5  millimeters as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , have any other known and/or convenient width, and/or have a variable width or thickness. Moreover, in some embodiments in which the base accessory  102  is a headband the width and/or thickness of the headband can be uniform along the entire length or circumference of the headband, as shown in the side view depicted in  FIG. 2C . In other embodiments in which the base accessory  102  is a headband, the width and/or thickness of the headband can be varied at different points of the headband, as shown in the side view depicted in  FIG. 1C . In alternate embodiments, the base accessory  102  can be in the form of any other item, such as a bracelet ( FIG. 9A ), purse ( FIG. 9B ), lunch bag ( FIG. 9C ), backpack ( FIG. 9D ), article(s) of clothing ( FIG. 9E ), shoes ( FIG. 9F ) and/or any other personal item or accessory. 
         [0039]    The base accessory  102  can have a smooth surface or can have ridges, bumps, or any other desired texture. In some embodiments, the base accessory  102  can be coated with ultraviolet-resistant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and/or antifungal coating. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the base accessory  102  can comprise anti-slip coating, such as silicone. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A,  3 A,  4 A, and  7 , one or more embellishments  106  can be selectively coupled with the base accessory  102 . The embellishments  106  can vary in size, shape and design. In some embodiments one or more embellishments  106  can be formed as a bow, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In other embodiments one or more embellishments  106  can be formed as a flower, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In still other embodiments, one or more embellishments can be formed as a letter, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In yet other embodiments, one or more embellishments can be formed as any other desired and/or aesthetically pleasing adornment. In some embodiments, the embellishment  106  can have a design and/or decoration, including gems, stones, sequins, glitter, ribbons, cartoon characters, monograms, or any other design, decoration or characteristic displayed in any artistic medium. In some embodiments, the embellishments  106  can have thread holes  110  that can allow any desired type of adornment to be sewn to the embellishment  106 , such as the disc shaped embellishments  106  shown in  FIG. 7 . The one or more embellishments  106  can be made of resin, fabric, leather, silicone, metal, plastic, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. 
         [0041]    Each base accessory  102  and each embellishment  106  can comprise one or more complementary fastening components  104 . The complementary fastening components  104  can be configured such that one complementary fastening component  104  can selectively attach to a separate complementary fastening component  104 . In some embodiments the complementary fastening components  104  can be snaps, as shown in  FIGS. 1B-1D . In other embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be male and female members.  FIG. 4B  depicts a side view of an embodiment of complementary fastening components  104  comprising male and female members.  FIG. 4C  depicts a top view of an embodiment of complementary fastening components  104  comprising male and female members. In some embodiments having male and female members, the male member can have one or more protrusions  112 , such as bulbs, prongs or screws, and the female member can have one or more apertures  114  configured to accept the protrusions  112 . In some embodiments having male and female members the one or more protrusions  112  can be snapped into the apertures  114 , screwed into the apertures  114 , turned into the apertures  114  in a quarter turn, half turn, three quarter turn, full turn, or any other turn, press fit into the apertures  114 , friction fit into the apertures  114 , or inserted into the apertures  114  in any other known or desired manner. As shown in  FIG. 4D , in some embodiments having two or more protrusions  112 , the two or more protrusions  112  can be inserted into a single aperture  114 . In some embodiments the male and/or female members can have thread holes  110  such that the complementary fastening component can be sewn to an embellishment  106  or a base accessory  102 . In yet other embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be magnets, hook and loop members, buckles, reusable adhesive members, or any other known and/or convenient fastener  118 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The complementary fastening components  104  can be made of polyurethane, metal, plastic, resin, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. 
         [0042]    One or more complementary fastening components  104  can be coupled with the base accessory  102 . In some embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be formed directly into the base accessory  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . In other embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be sewn into the base accessory  102  by inserting thread, wire, or any other elongated member through thread holes  110  within the complementary fastening component  104 . In still other embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be coupled with the base accessory  102  by adhesives, screws, bolts, ironing, fusing, or any other convenient manner. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, the base accessory  102  can comprise one complementary fastening component  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In alternate embodiments, the base accessory  102  can comprise a plurality of complementary fastening components  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-7 . In some embodiments having a plurality of complementary fastening components  104 , the complementary fastening components  104  can be evenly spaced about the base accessory  102 . In alternate embodiments having a plurality of complementary fastening components  104 , the complementary fastening components  104  can be grouped together in any location on the base accessory  102  or be arranged in any other configuration. The complementary fastening components  104  can be located on the outer surface of the base accessory  102 . In some embodiments in which the complementary fastening components  104  are male and female members, the male members can be coupled with the base accessory  102 , as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . In other embodiments in which the complementary fastening components  104  are male and female members, the female members can be coupled with the base accessory  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . 
         [0044]    Each embellishment  106  can comprise one or more complementary fastening components  104 . The complementary fastening components  104  can be located on the underside of the embellishment  106 , on the side of the embellishment  106 , or at any other location on the embellishment  106 . In some embodiments, each embellishment  106  can comprise one complementary fastening component. In other embodiments, an embellishment  106  can comprise more than one complementary fastening component  104  spaced apart such that they can attach to more than one complementary fastening component  104  on the base accessory  102 . In some embodiments in which the complementary fastening components  104  are male and female members, the female members can be coupled with the embellishment  106 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . In other embodiments in which the complementary fastening components  104  are male and female members, the male members can be coupled with the embellishment  106 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be formed directly into the embellishment  106 . In other embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be sewn into the embellishment  106  by inserting thread, wire, or any other elongated member through thread holes  110  within the complementary fastening component  104 . In still other embodiments, the complementary fastening components  104  can be coupled with the embellishment  106  by adhesives, screws, bolts, ironing, fusing, or any other convenient manner. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the base accessory  102  can comprise one or more attachment sections  108 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . An attachment section  108  can comprise an area immediately surrounding a complementary fastening component  104 . In some embodiments, the attachment section  108  can be comprised of a reinforced version of the same material as the material that comprises the rest of the base accessory  102 . In other embodiments, the attachment section  108  can be comprised of a material different from that of the rest of the base accessory  102 . In some embodiments, the attachment section  108  can be comprised of a textured material so as to provide more friction when in contact with the embellishment  106 , thereby preventing slippage or movement of the embellishment  106 . In other embodiments, the attachment section  108  can be a removable piece of material comprising the complementary fastening component  104 , such that the attachment section  108  can be moved to any desired point on the base accessory  102 . In some embodiments, the attachment sections  108  can be raised portions of the base accessory  102  that surround or partially surround the apertures  114  of the female members of the complementary fastening components  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 4A  depicts the operation of the personal accessory system  100 . In use, a user can select a desired embellishment  106  and removably couple the selected embellishment  106  with the base accessory  102  by attaching a complementary fastening component  104  on the selected embellishment  106  to a complementary fastening component  104  on the base accessory  102 . In embodiments in which the base accessory  102  comprises multiple complementary fastening components  104 , the user can choose to attach the embellishment  106  to any of the complementary fastening components  104  on the base accessory  102 . When a user desires the personal accessory system  100  to have a different appearance, the user can attach a different embellishment  106  to a separate complementary fastening component  104  on the base accessory  102 , and/or remove an already-attached embellishment  106  from the base accessory  102  and attach a different embellishment  106  to the base accessory  102  at the same complementary fastening component  104  on the base accessory  102 . The user can also choose to remove an embellishment  106  attached to one base accessory  102  and attach the embellishment  106  to a different base accessory  102 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 7A-7C  depict a top view, a side view, and a front view of an embodiment of a base accessory  102  in use with multiple types of embellishments  106 . The user can choose to attach different types of embellishments  106  to different complementary fastening components  104  on the base accessory  102 . By way of a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7A-7C , an embellishment  106  in the shape of a stylized letter B can be attached to the complementary fastening component  104  on the left side of the base accessory  102 , while embellishments  106  in the shape of a disc can be attached to the complementary fastening components  104  on the top and top right sections of the base accessory  102 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 7C , in some embodiments items other than embellishments  106  can be attached to the base accessory. In some embodiments one or more plugs  116  can be coupled with one or more complementary fastening components  104  on the base accessory  102 . The plug  116  can be coupled with the base accessory  102  at a complementary fastening component  104  such that the plug  116  covers the complementary fastening component  104 , thereby making the complementary fastening component  104  less noticeable to a viewer. In some embodiments the plug  116  can be made of the same material as the base accessory  102 . In other embodiments the plug  116  can be made of a different material than the base accessory  102 . In some embodiments the surface of the plug  116  can have the same pattern, texture, or color as the base accessory  102 . In some embodiments, the plug  116  can comprise a complementary fastening component  104  of the same type as the embellishments  106 . In some embodiments, the plug  116  can be flush with the surface of the base accessory  102  when inserted into the complementary fastening component  104 . In other embodiments, the plug  116  can extend from the surface of the base accessory  102  when inserted into the complementary fastening component  104 . The plug  116  can be a size and shape such that when the plug  116  is inserted into the complementary fastening component  102 , it can cover the complementary fastening component, cover the attachment section  108 , or have any other shape or size. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of a personal accessory system kit  1000 . Any form and any number of the base accessories  102  and embellishments  106  can be grouped together and sold as a kit  1000 . By way of a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , a base accessory  1002  formed as a headband can be grouped into a kit  1000  with a first plurality of embellishments  1004  formed as bows, and a second plurality of embellishments  1006  formed as flowers. In some embodiments, the kit can comprise multiple forms of base accessories  1002 . In some embodiments, the kit can comprise a first plurality of embellishments  904  and a second plurality of embellishments  1006 . In alternate embodiments, the kit  1000  can comprise any number of embellishments  106 . The embellishments  106  in the kit  1000  can be all of the same type, or a variety of types. 
         [0050]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.