CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/528,117, filed on August 26, 2011, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to connecting embellishments onto an accessory, in particular embellishments that may be stacked together.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Typically, personal accessories are sold without decorative items attached thereto. Such personal accessories include, for example, shoes, sandals, flip flops, headbands, barrettes, hats, bags, hair clips, and pet collars. Decorative items (e.g., a flower, a ribbon, etc.) can enhance the appearance of personal accessories and allow personalization of such personal accessories.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment assembly comprising a decorative embellishment including a connector. The connector comprises a first mating portion. The assembly further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching the decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the first mating portion of the decorative embellishment.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system for attaching one or more decorative embellishments on to an accessory. The system comprises plural decorative embellishments. Each decorative embellishment includes a connector for engaging with a connector of another decorative embellishment, such that two or more decorative embellishments may be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments. The system further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the connector of a decorative embellishment.

[0006] The present invention also provides a method comprising attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory via a mounting mechanism comprising an interlocking portion. The decorative embellishment includes a connector comprising a first mating portion for engaging with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement, and stacking of embellishments to accessories.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory with a detachable stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. IB illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory with a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 2 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative

embellishment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative embellishment shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative embellishment shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative button cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative button cap shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative button cap shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. [0018] FIG. 4B illustrates how different decorative embellishments may be detachably connected to form a stack of decorative embellishments, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4C illustrates how a stack of decorative embellishments may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the assembly of a stack of decorative embellishments, and the detachable attachment of the stack to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing in detail a stack of decorative embellishments detachably attached to a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates an example sleeve component including a mounting mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the example sleeve component shown in FIG. 5 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 5C illustrates how a stack of decorative embellishments may be detachably attached to a sleeve component, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process for arranging a stack of decorative embellishments, and attaching the stack on to an accessory, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention relate to connecting embellishments onto an accessory, in particular embellishments that may be stacked together. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement and stacking of embellishments to accessories.

[0027] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an attachment assembly comprising a decorative embellishment including a connector. The connector comprises a first mating portion. The assembly further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching the decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the first mating portion of the decorative embellishment.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a system for attaching one or more decorative embellishments on to an accessory. The system comprises plural decorative embellishments. Each decorative embellishment includes a connector for engaging with a connector of another decorative embellishment, such that two or more decorative embellishments may be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments. The system further comprises a mounting mechanism for attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory. The mounting mechanism comprises an interlocking portion for engaging with the connector of a decorative embellishment.

[0029] The present invention also provides a method comprising attaching a decorative embellishment on to an accessory via a mounting mechanism comprising an interlocking portion. The decorative embellishment includes a connector comprising a first mating portion for engaging with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism. Further embodiments of the invention allow detachable attachment, engagement, and stacking of embellishments to accessories.

[0030] A connector of each decorative embellishment further comprises a second mating portion for engaging with a first mating portion of another decorative embellishment. Two or more decorative embellishments can be arranged as a stack of decorative embellishments. The stack of decorative embellishments can be attached on to the accessory by engaging a first mating portion of a decorative embellishment of said stack with the interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism.

[0031] For each decorative embellishment, a first mating portion of said decorative embellishment comprises a socket, wherein said socket has a barrel including a recess. A second mating portion of said decorative embellishment comprises a double stud, wherein said double stud includes a barrel and a protrusion. Said decorative embellishment has an aperture passing there through for receiving the protrusion of said double stud. Said socket receives the protrusion of said double stud after the protrusion has been inserted through the aperture of said decorative embellishment.

[0032] The mounting mechanism further comprises an eyelet, wherein said eyelet includes a protrusion. The interlocking portion of the mounting mechanism comprises a stud, wherein said stud has a barrel including a recess. Said stud receives the protrusion of said eyelet after the protrusion has been inserted through one of the following: an aperture of an accessory, or an aperture of a sleeve component.

[0033] In one embodiment, one or more decorative button caps are provided. Each decorative button cap comprises an eyelet including a protrusion, a button cap plate, and a socket, wherein said socket has a barrel including a recess. A decorative button cap further comprises a fabric piece and a button element.

[0034] For each decorative embellishment, a barrel of a double stud of said decorative embellishment can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket of another decorative embellishment, a socket of a decorative button cap, and the stud of the mounting mechanism.

[0035] The barrel of the stud of the mounting mechanism can be received by, and detachably engaged with, a socket of a decorative embellishment, and a socket of a decorative button cap. [0036] In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism is permanently affixed to the accessory. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism is permanently affixed to a sleeve component including a pair of opposing openings, wherein said pair of opposing openings allows the accessory to slide through said sleeve component.

[0037] FIG. 1A illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory 50 with a detachable stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An accessory 50 may be a shoe, a flip flop, a sandal, a headband, a barrette, a hat, a bag, a hair clip, a pet collar, etc. The accessory 50 illustrated in FIG. 1 A is a flip flop 1 with a strap 1 A (i.e., a thong) that holds the flip flop 1 to a foot. The strap 1 A may be a Y-shaped strap, a single strap, or the like.

[0038] The pattern, shape, color and size of a decorative embellishment 100 may vary. A decorative embellishment 100 may be shaped as a flower, a ribbon, or any other relatively flat trim piece of decorative item or fabric/textile. As described in detail later herein, each decorative embellishment 100 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with another decorative embellishment 100. Multiple decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably connected together to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100.

[0039] The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a front side IF of the strap 1 A via a mounting mechanism 30 (FIG. IB). For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 is detachably attached to a center IB (FIG. IB) of the front side IF of the strap 1A.

[0040] In another embodiment, multiple decorative embellishments 100 may be permanently affixed together to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, and the stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be permanently attached to the strap 1A of the flip flop 1.

[0041] FIG. IB illustrates a front side perspective view of an accessory 50 with a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a portion of the accessory 50. For example, as shown in FIG. IB, the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to the center IB of the strap 1 A of the flip flop 1. In another embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is removably attached to the accessory 50.

[0042] The mounting mechanism 30 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative embellishment 100 or a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100. The mounting mechanism 30 is further adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative button cap 200 (FIG. 3A).

[0043] FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded view of a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is a stud and eyelet fastener comprising an eyelet 30A and an interlocking portion 30B. In one embodiment, the interlocking portion 30B is a stud 30B.

[0044] The eyelet 30A comprises an eyelet base portion 30C and a protrusion (i.e., male component) 3 OP extending upwardly and outwardly from the eyelet base portion 30C. The stud 30B comprises a stud base portion 30D including an aperture 3 OH shaped to receive the protrusion 30P (FIG. 5B) of the eyelet 30A. The stud 30B further comprises a barrel 30E extending upwardly and outwardly from the stud base portion 30D. The barrel 30E includes a recess 30R (FIG. 5B).

[0045] The barrel 30E is adapted to engage and mate with a first mating portion 20B (FIG. 2C) of a decorative embellishment 100. In one embodiment, the first mating portion 20B (FIG. 2C) of a decorative embellishment 100 comprises a socket 20B. The barrel 30E is further adapted to engage and mate with a socket 200C (FIG. 3C) of a decorative button cap 200.

[0046] As stated above, in one embodiment, the mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a portion of the accessory 50. As shown in FIG. 1C, the center IB of the strap 1 A of the flip flop 1 includes an aperture 1H that is shaped to receive the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A. The aperture 1H extends from the front side IF of the strap 1 A to a rear side 1R of the strap 1A. [0047] In one embodiment, to affix the mounting mechanism 30 to the center IB of the strap 1A, the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A is inserted through the aperture 1H from the rear side 1R of the strap 1A. The stud 30B is then joined together with the eyelet 30A by mating the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A with the aperture 3 OH of the stud 30B. In another embodiment, to affix the mounting mechanism 30 to the center IB of the strap 1A, a snap press machine may be used to crimp together the eyelet 30A and the stud 30B. Crimping together the eyelet 30A and the stud 30B rolls the protrusion 3 OP down, thereby tightening the eyelet 30A against the stud 30B.

[0048] FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative

embellishment 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As stated above, the shape of a decorative embellishment 100 may vary. The decorative

embellishment 100 illustrated in FIG. 2A is shaped as a flower.

[0049] In one embodiment, a decorative embellishment 100 includes a connector (i.e., connecting mechanism) 20 adapted for detachable snap engagement with another decorative embellishment 100, the mounting mechanism 30, or a decorative button cap 200. The connector 20 comprises a first mating portion 20B and a second mating portion 20A. In one embodiment, the connector 20 is a snap fastener comprising a double stud (i.e., gypsy stud) 20A and a socket 20B (FIG. 2B). The double stud 20A and the socket 20B are positioned on opposing sides of the decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the double stud 20A is disposed at a top side 100A of the decorative embellishment 100. The socket 20B is shown in ghost lines in FIG. 2A.

[0050] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative embellishment 100 shown in FIG. 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The socket 20B is disposed at a bottom side 100B of the decorative

embellishment 100. The double stud 20A is shown in ghost lines in FIG. 2B.

[0051] FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative embellishment 100 shown in FIG. 2 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the double stud 20A comprises a flange portion 20C. A protrusion (i.e., male component) 20P extends downwardly and outwardly from a side of the flange portion 20C. A barrel 20D extends upwardly and outwardly from an opposing side of the flange portion 20C. The barrel 20D includes a recess 20R.

[0052] In one embodiment, the socket 20B has a barrel 20E. The barrel 20E comprises an aperture 20H shaped for receiving the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A. The barrel 20E further comprises a recess 20RR.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2C, the decorative embellishment 100 further comprises an aperture 100H that is shaped to receive the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A. The aperture 100H extends from the top side 100A to the bottom side 100B of the decorative embellishment 100. To affix the double stud 20A to the decorative embellishment 100, the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A is inserted through the aperture 100H from the top side 100A of the decorative embellishment 100. The double stud 20A is then joined together with the socket 20B by mating the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A with the aperture 20H of the socket 20B.

[0054] In one embodiment, the recess 20RR of the socket 20B is shaped for receiving the barrel 20D of the double stud 20 A of another decorative embellishment 100. For example, stacking a first decorative embellishment 100 above a second decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 inside a recess 20RR of the first decorative embellishment 100. The barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and holds the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 within the recess 20RR of the first decorative embellishment 100.

[0055] The recess 20RR of the socket 20B is also shaped for receiving the barrel 30E of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30. For example, connecting a decorative embellishment 100 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 20 inside the recess 20RR of the decorative embellishment 100. The barrel 20E of the decorative embellishment 100 engages and holds the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 within the recess 20RR of the decorative embellishment 100.

[0056] In another embodiment where each decorative embellishment 100 does not have a socket 20B, the recess 20R of the double stud 20 A is shaped to receive the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20 A of another decorative embellishment 100. For example, stacking a first decorative embellishment 100 above a second decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the protrusion 20P of the first decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 20R of the second decorative embellishment 100 such that the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the flange portion 20C of the first decorative embellishment 100.

[0057] In yet another embodiment where each decorative embellishment 100 does not have a socket 20B, the protrusion 20P of the double stud 20A is shaped to be received by the recess 3 OR of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30. For example, connecting a decorative embellishment 100 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the protrusion 20P the decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 3 OR of the mounting mechanism 30 such that the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 engages and mates with the flange portion 20C of the decorative embellishment 100.

[0058] FIG. 3 A illustrates a top perspective view of an example decorative button cap 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As described in detail later herein, the decorative button cap 200 is adapted for detachable snap engagement with a decorative embellishment 100 or the mounting mechanism 30.

[0059] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example decorative button cap 200 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The decorative button cap 200 comprises a socket 200C. In one embodiment, the socket 200C has a barrel 200E including a recess 200RR.

[0060] The recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200 is shaped for receiving a barrel 20D of a double stud 20A of a decorative embellishment 100. For example, stacking a decorative button cap 200 above a decorative embellishment 100 involves inserting the barrel 20D of the decorative embellishment 100 inside the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. The barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and holds the barrel 20D of the decorative embellishment 100 within the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. [0061] The recess 20RR of the decorative button cap 200 is also shaped for receiving the barrel 30E of the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30. For example, connecting a decorative button cap 200 to the mounting mechanism 30 involves inserting the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 20 inside the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. The barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and holds the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 within the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200.

[0062] FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the example decorative button cap 200 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The decorative button cap 200 further comprises an eyelet 200 A, and a button cap plate 200B. The eyelet 200A includes an eyelet base portion 200F and a protrusion (i.e., male component) 200P extending downwardly and outwardly from the eyelet base portion 200F.

[0063] The button cap plate 200B includes an aperture 200H shaped to receive the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A. The barrel 200E of the socket 200C also includes an aperture 200HH shaped to receive the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A.

[0064] To form the button cap 200, the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200A is inserted through the aperture 200H of the button cap plate 200B, such that the eyelet base portion 200F rests directly above the button cap plate 200B. The socket 200C is then joined together with the button cap plate 200B and the eyelet 200A by mating the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 20 A with the aperture 200HH of the socket 200C.

[0065] In one embodiment, the button cap 200 further comprises a fabric piece 200D and a button element 200G for concealing the eyelet 200A. As shown in FIG. 3C, the fabric piece 200D may include a graphic design. In one example implementation, the button element 200G is dome-shaped. The fabric piece 200D may be a relatively flat piece of fabric that is substantially circular in shape. The fabric piece 200D is laid on top of the button element 200G. After the button cap plate 200B is joined with the socket 200C and the eyelet 200A as described above, the fabric piece 200D and the button element 200G are crimped together (e.g., using a button press machine) with the button cap plate 200B to form the button cap 200. Crimping rolls the protrusion 200P of the eyelet 200 A down, thereby tightening the eyelet 200 A against the socket 200C. Crimping further tightens the button element 200G with the fabric piece 200D against the eyelet 200A and the socket 200C.

[0066] FIG. 4A illustrates a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A stack 60 comprises two or more decorative embellishments 100, wherein said two or more decorative embellishments 100 are detachably connected. A bottommost decorative embellishment 100 is a decorative embellishment 100 of a stack 60 that is positioned at the bottom of the stack 60. A topmost decorative embellishment 100 is a decorative embellishment 100 of a stack 60 that is positioned at the top of the stack 60.

[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the stack 60 comprises a first decorative embellishment 100 and a second decorative embellishment 100. The first and the second decorative embellishments 100 may have different shapes, sizes, colors and/or patterns. The first and the second decorative embellishments 100 are the topmost and the

bottommost decorative embellishments 100 of the stack 60, respectively.

[0068] A decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected to the topmost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. As shown in FIG. 4 A, a button cap 200 is attached to the first decorative embellishment (i.e., the topmost decorative embellishment) 100.

[0069] FIG. 4B illustrates how different decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably connected to form a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The decorative button cap 200 may be stacked above the first decorative embellishment 100 by detachably connecting a top side 100A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with the decorative button cap 200. Specifically, the double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 is engaged and mated with the socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200.

[0070] The second decorative embellishment 100 may be stacked below the first decorative embellishment 100 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a top side 100A of the second decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the double stud 20A of the second decorative

embellishment 100 is engaged and mated with the socket 20B (shown in ghost lines) of the first decorative embellishment 100.

[0071] FIG. 4C illustrates how a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to the mounting mechanism 30 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60 with the mounting mechanism 30. Specifically, the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 is engaged and mated with the socket 20C (FIG. 2C) of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.

[0072] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the assembly of a stack 60 (FIG. 4C) of decorative embellishments 100, and the detachable attachment of the stack 60 to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. To assemble a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a second decorative embellishment 100. For example, the first decorative embellishment 100 is stacked above the second decorative embellishment 100 by interlocking the double stud 20A of the second decorative embellishment 100 with the socket 20B of the first decorative embellishment 100.

Specifically, the barrel 20D of the second decorative embellishment 100 is inserted into the recess 20R of the first decorative embellishment 100. The recess 20R receives the barrel 20D, and the barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and retains the barrel 20D within the recess 20RR.

[0073] A decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected with a decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. For example, the decorative button cap 200 may be stacked above the first decorative embellishment 100 by interlocking the double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with the socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200. Specifically, the barrel 20D of the first decorative embellishment 100 is inserted into the recess 200RR of the decorative button cap 200. The recess 200RR receives the barrel 20D, and the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and retains the barrel 20D within the recess 200RR. [0074] The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30 by interlocking the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 with the socket 20C of the second decorative embellishment 100. Specifically, the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30 is inserted into the recess 20R of the second decorative embellishment 100. The recess 20RR receives the barrel 30E, and the barrel 20E of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and retains the barrel 30E within the recess 20RR.

[0075] FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view showing in detail a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 detachably attached to a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one example, a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 includes a first decorative embellishment 100 and a second decorative embellishment 100. As shown in FIG. 4E, the barrel 20E of the first decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the barrel 20D of a second decorative embellishment 100.

[0076] A decorative button cap 200 may be detachably connected with the first decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. As shown in FIG. 4E, the barrel 200E of the decorative button cap 200 engages and mates with the barrel 20D of the first decorative embellishment 100.

[0077] To detachably attach the stack 60 to a mounting mechanism 30, the barrel 20E of the second decorative embellishment 100 engages and mates with the barrel 30E of the mounting mechanism 30.

[0078] FIG. 5A illustrates an example sleeve component 300 including a mounting mechanism 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In another

embodiment, a mounting mechanism 30 is not permanently affixed to an accessory 50 (FIG. 5C). The accessory 50 (e.g., a headband) may utilize a sleeve component 300 including a mounting mechanism 30. The mounting mechanism 30 is permanently affixed to a side of the sleeve component 300. The sleeve component 300 further includes a pair of opposing openings 300H that allows an accessory 50 to slide through the sleeve component 300. [0079] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded view of the example sleeve component 300 shown in FIG. 5A, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one

embodiment, the sleeve component 300 is formed using a first felt piece 300 A and a second felt piece 300B.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5B, the first felt piece 300A includes an aperture 300HH that is shaped to receive the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 3 OA. The protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A is inserted through the protrusion 300HH from a rear side 300R of the first felt piece 300A. The stud 30B is then joined together with the eyelet 30A by mating the protrusion 3 OP of the eyelet 30A with the aperture 3 OH of the stud 30B.

[0081] The felt pieces 300A and 300B are then sewn together to form the sleeve component 300. An opening 300H (FIG. 5A) is left at each opposite end of the sleeve component 300.

[0082] FIG. 5C illustrates how a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to a sleeve component 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The accessory 50 illustrated in FIG. 5C is a headband 2. The sleeve component 30 may be positioned anywhere on the headband 2 by sliding the headband 2 through the pair of opposing openings 300H of the sleeve component 300.

[0083] The stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 may be detachably attached to the mounting mechanism 30 of the sleeve component 30 by detachably connecting a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60 with the mounting mechanism 30. Specifically, the stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30 is engaged and mated with the socket 20C (FIG. 2C) of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.

[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example process 400 for arranging a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100, and attaching the stack 60 on to an accessory 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In process block 401, a stack 60 of decorative embellishments 100 is arranged (i.e., assembled) by detachably connecting a first decorative embellishment 100 with either a second decorative embellishment 100 or a decorative button cap 200.

[0085] In one example, a top side 100A of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a bottom side 100B of a second decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 20B of the second decorative embellishment 100. In another example, a bottom side 100B of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a top side 100A of a second decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a double stud 20A of the second decorative embellishment 100. In yet another example, a top side 100 A of a first decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a decorative button cap 200 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the first decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 200C of the decorative button cap 200.

[0086] In process block 402, it is determined whether another decorative embellishment 100 is to be included in the stack 60. If another decorative embellishment is to be included in the stack 60, proceed to process block 403 wherein another decorative embellishment 100 is detachably connected with either the bottommost or the topmost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60.

[0087] In one example, a top side 100A of another decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative

embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a double stud 20A of the other decorative embellishment 100 with a socket 20B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100. In another example, a bottom side 100B of another decorative embellishment 100 may be detachably connected with a top side 100A of a topmost decorative embellishment 100 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the other decorative embellishment 100 with a double stud 20A of the topmost decorative embellishment 100.

[0088] If the stack 60 is complete (i.e., no other decorative embellishments to include in the stack 60), proceed to process block 404 wherein the stack 60 is detachably attached on to an accessory 50 using a mounting mechanism 30. The mounting mechanism 30 is adapted to detachably connect to the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 of the stack 60. In one example, a bottom side 100B of the bottommost decorative

embellishment 100 may be detachably connected to the mounting mechanism 30 by engaging and mating a socket 20B of the bottommost decorative embellishment 100 with a stud 30B of the mounting mechanism 30.

[0089] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0090] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.