Methods and apparatus for coupling an accessory to clothing items

Abstract

A coupling element adapted to couple an accessory to a clothing item includes including an external surface and an internal surface surrounding an opening. The external surface is adapted to fixedly attach to the clothing item, and the opening and the internal surface are adapted to receive, engage and detachably couple with the accessory. Numerous other aspects are provided.

1 . A coupling element adapted to couple an accessory to a clothing item, comprising:
 a loop or an enclosure including an external surface and an internal surface surrounding an opening; and   wherein the external surface is adapted to fixedly attach to the clothing item, and the opening and the internal surface are adapted to receive, engage and detachably couple with the accessory.   
     
     
         2 . The coupling element of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling element comprises a loop. 
     
     
         3 . The coupling element of  claim 2 , wherein the coupling element includes a plurality of loop sections. 
     
     
         4 . The coupling element of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling element comprises a pocket. 
     
     
         5 . The coupling element of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling element is formed so as to blend in appearance with the clothing item. 
     
     
         6 . The coupling element of  claim 1 , wherein the accessory includes a fastening element, the fastening element being insertable into the opening and adapted to engage with the internal surface of the coupling element. 
     
     
         7 . A clothing item adapted to include a removable accessory comprising:
 at least one clothing surface;   a coupling element including an external surface and an internal surface surrounding an opening; and   wherein the external surface of the coupling element is fixedly attached to at least one clothing surface and the opening and the internal surface are adapted to receive, engage and detachably couple with the accessory.   
     
     
         8 . The clothing item of  claim 7 , wherein the clothing item comprises footwear. 
     
     
         9 . The clothing item of  claim 8 , wherein the clothing item comprises a thong sandal having a thong portion and the external surface of the coupling element is coupled to the thong portion. 
     
     
         10 . The clothing item of  claim 7 , wherein the coupling element is formed so as to blend in appearance with the clothing item. 
     
     
         11 . The clothing item of  claim 7 , wherein the coupling element comprises a loop having a plurality of loop sections including a first end section, a middle section and a second end section. 
     
     
         12 . The clothing item of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second end sections are fixedly coupled to clothing surfaces of the clothing item, and the middle section is adapted to receive the accessory. 
     
     
         13 . A method of providing a clothing item with an accessory comprising:
 attaching a coupling element to the clothing item, the coupling element having an opening and a surface for receiving and engaging a fastening element of the accessory;   inserting the fastening element of the accessory into the opening of the coupling element such that it couples to the surface of the coupling element in a detachable manner.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the coupling element is attached to the clothing item in a location that promotes display of the accessory. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the coupling element is formed so as to blend in appearance with the clothing item. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the coupling element comprises a loop or enclosure having an opening.