Clothing Accessory for Customizing Leggings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothing accessory for customizing a look of a legging without making permanent modifications to the legging. The accessory can be used to temporarily cover a hem of leg portions of the legging for customizing the look of the legging. The accessory is made of stretchable and flexible material and is in the form of a closed loop or band circular garment. In use, the clothing accessory is worn under the hem of the legging such that a portion extends out from under the hem and the extended portion is curled over the hem to cover an exterior portion of the hem to customize the look of the legging. The accessory comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs and can be interchangeably used with leggings to personalize the look of the leggings.

Claims

1. A legging clothing accessory comprising: a first stretchable elastic band having a first surface and an opposing second surface for applying to a hem of a legging; a top seam; a bottom seam; wherein said first surface comprises a first decorative design; wherein said second surface comprises a second decorative design; wherein said first decorative design is the same as said second decorative design; wherein said first stretchable elastic band comprises a first portion positioned under the hem of the legging and a second portion extending below the hem of the legging; and further wherein said second portion is turned inside out to expose an initial inner surface portion to an outer surface portion.

2. The legging clothing accessory of claim 1, further comprising a second stretchable elastic band having a first surface and an opposing second surface for applying to another hem of the legging.

3. The legging clothing accessory of claim 2, wherein said first surface of said second stretchable elastic band comprises a third decorative design and said second surface of said second stretchable elastic band comprises a fourth decorative design.

4. The legging clothing accessory of claim 3, wherein said third decorative design is the same as said fourth decorative design.

5. The legging clothing accessory of claim 3, wherein said second decorative design is the same as said fourth decorative design.

6. The legging clothing accessory of claim 3, wherein said second decorative design is different from said fourth decorative design.

7. The legging clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said first stretchable elastic band and said second stretchable elastic band comprise a height from about 2 inches to about 8 inches.

8. The legging clothing accessory of claim 7, wherein said first stretchable elastic band and said second stretchable elastic band comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a spandex, a cotton, and a polyester.

9. The legging clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said first stretchable elastic band and said second stretchable elastic band comprise a height from about 3 inches to about 5 inches.

10. The legging clothing accessory of claim 9, wherein said first stretchable elastic band and said second stretchable elastic band comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a spandex, a cotton, and a polyester.

11. A legging clothing accessory comprising: a first elastic band having a first surface and an opposing second surface for applying to a hem of a legging; a second elastic band having a first surface and an opposing second surface for applying to another hem of the legging; wherein said first surface of said first elastic band comprises a first decorative design and said second surface of said first elastic band comprises a second decorative design; wherein said first surface of said second elastic band comprises a third decorative design and said second surface of said second elastic band comprises a fourth decorative design; wherein said first decorative design is the same as said second decorative design; wherein said third decorative design is the same as said fourth decorative design; wherein each said first elastic band and said second elastic band comprise a first portion positioned under the hem of the legging and a second portion extending below the hem of the legging; and further wherein each said second portion is turned inside out to expose an initial inner surface portion to an outer surface portion.

12. The legging clothing accessory of claim 11, wherein said first decorative design is the same as said third decorative design.

13. The legging clothing accessory of claim 11, wherein said second decorative design is the same as said fourth decorative design.

14. The legging clothing accessory of claim 11, wherein said first decorative design is different from said third decorative design.

15. The legging clothing accessory of claim 11, wherein said second decorative design is different from said fourth decorative design.

16. The legging clothing accessory of claim 11, wherein said first elastic band and said second elastic band comprise a height from about 2 inches to about 8 inches.

17. The legging clothing accessory of claim 16, wherein said first elastic band and said second elastic band comprise a material selected from a group consisting of a spandex, a cotton, and a polyester.

18. A legging clothing accessory comprising: a first elastic band having a first surface and an opposing second surface for applying to a hem of a legging; a second elastic band having a first surface and an opposing second surface for applying to another hem of the legging; wherein said first surface of said first elastic band comprises a first decorative design and said second surface of said first elastic band comprises a second decorative design; wherein said first surface of said second elastic band comprises a third decorative design and said second surface of said second elastic band comprises a fourth decorative design; wherein each said first elastic band and said second elastic band comprise a first portion positioned under the hem of the legging and a second portion extending below the hem of the legging; wherein each said second portion is turned inside out to expose an initial inner surface portion to an outer surface portion; and further wherein said second decorative design is the same as said fourth decorative design.

19. The legging clothing accessory of claim 18, wherein said first decorative design is the same as said third decorative design.

20. The legging clothing accessory of claim 18, wherein said first elastic band and said second elastic band comprise a height from about 2 inches to about 8 inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the legging clothing accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing accessory being worn under a legging prior to curling over the hem in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing accessory being curled over the hem to customize the legging in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the leggings being customized using the customizing accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a planar view of another embodiment of the legging customization accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a wearer wearing the legging customized with the legging hem accessory in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0028] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an article of clothing and a method that allows users to customize the look of their leggings without making permanent modifications. There is also a long-felt need in the art for an article of clothing and a method that improves and personalizes the look of leggings. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing accessory that can be used for temporarily customizing any leggings. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing accessory that does not require sewing or permanent attachment to a legging. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a method of customizing the leggings in a cost-effective and convenient manner. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing accessory that provides several different colors, styles, and designs to leggings. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a clothing accessory that stays in place via tension to customize a legging with a different appearance without having to make permanent modifications.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a method of temporarily customizing the look of a legging. The method includes the steps of placing a hem clothing accessory under a hem of each leg portion of the legging such that a portion of the clothing accessory hides under the hem and a remaining or exposed portion of the clothing accessory extends out of the hem; curling the remaining or exposed portion of the accessory over the hem to cover an exterior surface of the hem wherein the accessory sticks to the hem to cover the exterior surface of the hem such that the accessory is visible from the outside, thereby customizing the look of the legging.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the legging clothing accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The legging clothing accessory 100 of the present invention is made of a stretchable elastic form fitting material, such as a blend of spandex, cotton, polyester, and other clothing material. More specifically, the clothing accessory 100 is in the form of a closed loop or band that can be applied to a hem of the legging and is placed around the hem via tension. The accessory 100 has a first surface 102 and an opposing second surface 104 wherein the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 have a common top seam 106 and a common bottom seam 108. The first surface 102 and the second surface 104 may have a common design 110 or alternatively may have different designs printed on them. It is to be appreciated that the hem of the legging can be positioned generally proximal to the ankle, or proximal to the calf area, of the wearer of the leggings.

[0031] The clothing accessory 100 is sewn along a sewn edge 112 to form a closed loop or band and may have a width or height from about 2″ to about 8″, in another embodiment from about 2″ to 6″, and yet still another embodiment from about 3″ to about 5″. The legging customization clothing 100 is configured to be placed partially under the hem of a legging and a remaining or exposed portion is stretched over the hem such that the remaining or exposed portion is visually exposed from the outside to give a customized look to the legging as described in detail later in the disclosure. The clothing accessory 100 when applied to the legging is held in place via tension and the accessory 100 conforms to the shape of the hem of the legging. The accessory 100 can be available in different colors, styles, and designs for accommodating different fashion styles.

[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing accessory 100 being worn under a legging prior to curling over the hem in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The legging clothing accessory 100 is designed to temporarily customize and personalize a legging 200 without requiring any sewing or permanent attachment of the accessory 100 to the legging 200. As illustrated, for using the accessory 100 to customize the legging 200, the accessory 100 is separately placed under the separate legs 202, 204 of the legging 200 such that a first portion 114 of the accessory 100 is placed under the hem 206, 208 of the legging legs 202, 204, respectively. The hem 206, 208 of the legging legs 202, 204 can be positioned proximal to an ankle 209 of the wearer. The accessories 100 placed under legs 202, 204 can be of the same design or different designs as per preferences of a wearer. The first portion 114 of the accessory 100 is hidden under the leggings 200 and is not visible from the outside. The accessory 100 is placed such that a second portion (remaining or exposed portion) 116 of the accessory 100 extends out from the legging legs 202, 204. It should be noted that either the first surface 102 or the second surface 104 can touch or contact the interior surface of the legs 202, 204 when the accessory 100 is placed under the hems.

[0033] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view showing the clothing accessory 100 being curled over the hem to customize the legging in accordance with the disclosed architecture. For customizing the legging 200, the second (remaining) portion 116 of the accessory 100 is held by a user and is curled over the hem 208 to cover an external surface 210 of the hem 208. The stretchable fabric of the accessory 100 allows the accessory 100 to cover the hem 208 in a stable manner using the force of tension without impacting the shape of the hem 208. The first portion 114 and the second portion 116 conform to the hem and are placed inside and outside of the hem 208, respectively. In a similar manner, the accessory 100 is worn on the other leg to fully customize the look of the leggings as per the preference of the wearer. In use, opposite surfaces of the accessory 100 cover the interior surface and exterior surface of the hem. It is to be appreciated that the hem of the legging legs can be positioned proximal to a calf 211 of the wearer based on the length of the legs 202, 204 of the legging 200.

[0034] The size of the first portion 114 and the second portion 116 can be decided by a wearer as per preferences and when the accessory 100 is not required, the accessory 100 can be removed from under the legging 200 and may also be replaced with an accessory of another design or fabric.

[0035] The accessory 100 can be placed under a leg 202, 204 of the legging 200 with the legging 200 being worn by the wearer. The accessory 100 has elastic and stretchable properties and therefore, does not slide or tighten when worn by a wearer. The second portion 116 includes an outer surface portion 117 and an inner surface portion 119.

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the leggings being customized using the customizing accessory 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As illustrated, the accessory 100 is curled over the hems 206, 208 of the legging legs 202, 204 such that the remaining or exposed portion 116 covers the external surfaces 210, 302 of the hems of the legs 202, 204 such that the initial outer surface portion 117 is pulled upward over hems 206, 208 of the legs 202, 204, wherein the inner surface portion 119 becomes the outer surface that is visually exposed from the outside and therefore, provides a customized look to the leggings. In other words, the second portion 116 is turned inside out.

[0037] The width of the accessory 100 can be customized so as to cover a desired portion of the hem. The accessory 100 can be available in numerous styles, colors, sizes, and designs to accommodate virtually any user desire and preferences. Further, the accessory 100 can be folded at any length to make the hidden (first) portion 114 and the exposed (second) portion 116 of any desired width.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a planar view of another embodiment of the legging customization accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In the present embodiment, the accessory 400 includes an embroidery design 402 printed on both sides. The accessory 400 forms a closed loop or band like the other embodiments of the present invention and can be placed under the hem and curled over the hem to cover the exterior surface for customizing a legging.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a wearer wearing the legging customized with the legging hem accessory 400 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. A wearer 500 can wear the legging 502 personalized with the accessory 400 worn on the hem of both the legs 504, 506 of the legging 502. The accessory 400 is removably attached to the legging 502 and can be interchangeably used on other leggings and can also be replaced with clothing accessories of different designs and fabric.

[0040] It should be appreciated that the clothing accessory of various embodiments of the present invention allows users to customize the look of their leggings without making permanent modifications. The accessory is washable, stretchable and can have a customized width and size.

[0041] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “legging hem accessory”, “clothing accessory”, “legging clothing accessory”, “accessory”, and “legging customization accessory” are interchangeable and refer to the removably attached clothing accessory 100 of the present invention for customizing leggings.

[0042] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the removably attached clothing accessory 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the removably attached clothing accessory 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the removably attached clothing accessory 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the removably attached clothing accessory 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the removably attached clothing accessory 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.