US20130118041A1

US20130118041A1 - Footwear accessory device

Info

Publication number: US20130118041A1
Application number: US13/294,589
Authority: US
Inventors: Kimberly Ann Nearing
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-11
Filing date: 2011-11-11
Publication date: 2013-05-16

Abstract

A footwear accessory device includes a thin, flexible element having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The thin, flexible element forms a base portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion and a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion. A decorative element is coupled to one of the leg portions and is exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element. One or more first fastening devices are coupled to the base portion and a second fastening device is coupled to each of the first and second leg portions. The one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage respective ones of the second fastening devices.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a footwear accessory device and, more particularly relates to a temporary footwear accessory device that is adorned with one or more decorative elements or embellishments.

BACKGROUND

Embellishments on footwear are known and exist in various forms. The vast majority of embellishments on footwear are permanent in nature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a footwear accessory device includes a thin, flexible element having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The thin, flexible element forms a base portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion and a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion. A decorative element is coupled to one of the leg portions and is exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element. One or more first fastening devices are coupled to the base portion and a second fastening device is coupled to each of the first and second leg portions. The one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage respective ones of the second fastening devices.
In general, the footwear accessory device is adapted to be temporarily coupled to the footwear and, subsequently removed with a great degree of ease.
In some implementations, the thin flexible element is a substantially non-rigid material, such as leather, suede, textiles, cloth, wool gabardine, rubber, plastic or the like. In some implementations, the substantially non-rigid material is formed from a plurality of flat metal (or similar material) links coupled to one another in a manner that facilitates flexibility.
A coupling agent typically couples the decorative element to the first (or second) leg portion. The coupling agent can be, for example, adhesive material, a sewn thread connection, a hook and loop connection, a snap connection, a button connection or the like.
In a typical implementation, the first leg portion and the second leg portion extend from the first end of the base portion in respective lengthwise directions. Moreover, the width of the first leg portion typically is greater than a width of the second leg portion.
The first leg portion can be bent at a distal end thereof to define a first foot section, and the second leg portion can be bent at a distal end thereof to define a second foot section. The width of the first foot section can be greater than a width of the second foot section. The decorative element can be coupled to the first foot section of the first leg portion.
The first leg portion generally extends from the base portion in a different direction than the second leg portion. However, in some implementations, the first leg portion and the second leg portion can be substantially parallel to one another.
A distal end of the first leg portion typically has two or more sides that are contoured so that if the first leg portion is folded over the base portion and the second fastening device on the first leg portion is coupled to one or more of the first fastening devices of the base portion, each of the two or more contoured sides on the distal end of the first leg portion is registered with corresponding sides of the base portion. Additionally, a distal end of the second leg portion typically has two or more sides that are contoured so that if the second leg portion is folded over the base portion and the second fastening device on the second leg portion is coupled to one of the one or more first fastening devices of the base portion, each of the two or more contoured sides on the distal end of the second leg portion is registered with corresponding sides of the base portion.
In some implementations, the second fastening devices are coupled to the flexible element at one of the first or second major surfaces opposite to the first or a second major surface where the decorative element is coupled.
The flexible element can be, for example, substantially Y-shaped, substantially V-shaped or substantially U-shaped with a curved or substantially flat bottom.
The first and second fastening devices generally are re-closeable fasteners, such as hook and loop type fastening elements, snap-based fasteners, button-based fasteners, hook and eye-based fasteners, thread eye-based fasteners, frog and toggle-based fasteners.
The decorative element can be secured to the first or second major surface of the flexible element. The one or more first fastening devices can be connected, for example, to a first one of the first and second major surfaces where the second fastening device is connected to an opposite one of the first and second major surfaces.
In another aspect, a method of temporarily decorating footwear is disclosed. The footwear includes a sole portion and one or more straps coupled to the sole portion and arranged to engage a person's foot. The method includes providing a footwear accessory device that includes a thin, flexible element having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The thin, flexible element forms a base portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion and a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion. A decorative element is coupled to one of the leg portions and is exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element. One or more first fastening devices are coupled to the base portion and a second fastening device is coupled to each of the first and second leg portions. The one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage respective ones of the second fastening devices. The method further includes securing the footwear accessory device to the footwear by folding the first leg portion, the second leg portion and/or the base portion around one or more of the straps on the footwear.
In some implementations, the footwear is a flip flop and the one or more straps include a thong fitting proximate a front end of the flip flop, a first strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a first side of the sole portion and a second strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a second side of the sole portion. In those implementations, the method includes positioning the footwear accessory device so that the first and second leg portions extend in a substantially forward direction relative to the flip flop under the first and second strap portions, respectively, with the thong fitting of the flip flop extended between the first and second leg portions, folding the second leg portion over at least part of the second strap portion and fastening the second leg portion to the base portion and folding the first leg portion over at least part of the first strap portion and part of the second leg portion and fastening the first leg portion to the base portion.
Certain embodiments include fastening the second leg portion to the base portion and fastening the first leg portion to the base portion comprises fastening a hook and loop style fastening means, fastening one or more snap connections, fastening one or more or buttons into button holes. A variety of other options are possible as well.
In some implementations, the footwear is a sandal with one more substantially straight straps that extend from a first side of the sandal to a second side of the sandal to engage a person's foot by extending over the foot. In those implementations, the method includes positioning the footwear accessory device so that the first and second leg portions extend under the one or more substantially straight straps, folding the first and second leg portions over respective parts of the one or more substantially straight straps and fastening the first and second leg portions to the base portion.
The one or more first fastening devices can be connected to a first one of the first and second major surfaces and wherein the second fastening device is connected to an opposite one of the first and second major surfaces. In those instances, the method further includes folding the base portion over the one or more straps so that the one or more first fastening devices face substantially away from the sole to engage each of the second fastening devices.
The one or more straps can include one or more substantially straight straps, two or more crossed straps; flip-flop style straps, cross-shaped straps and shoelaces.
In yet another aspect, an assembly includes footwear having a sole portion and one or more straps (including, for example, laces) coupled to the sole portion and configured to engage a person's foot; and a footwear accessory device coupled to the one or more straps. The footwear accessory device includes a thin, flexible element having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The flexible element has a base portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion and a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion. A decorative element is coupled to the first leg portion and exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element. One or more first fastening devices are coupled to the base portion. A second fastening device coupled to each of the first and second leg portions. The one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage each of the second fastening elements. One or more of the first leg portion, the second leg portion and the base portion are folded around the one or more straps on the footwear.
In some implementations, one or more of the following advantages are present.
For example, an easy to apply and easy to remove decorative footwear accessory device enables a person to adorn a variety of footwear styles. Additionally, an opportunity is provided to adorn footwear with a wide variety of one or more decorative elements/embellishments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of a footwear accessory device.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a rear elevation view of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are top views showing the footwear accessory device of FIG. 1A being coupled to a flip flop.

FIG. 2D is a top view of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 1A with a large decorative element coupled to a flip flop.

FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of a footwear accessory device.

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a rear elevation view of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 4A to 4D are top views showing the footwear accessory device of FIG. 3A being coupled to a flip flop.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are top views of the footwear accessory device of FIG. 3A being coupled to a sandal.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are top views showing alternate ways to align the footwear accessory device of FIG. 1A for connection to footwear having an alternative strap design. Like reference numerals refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A footwear accessory device 100 is disclosed herein in the form of a relatively simple, decorative device that can easily be coupled to and subsequently removed from engagement with different styles of footwear (e.g., sandals, flip flops and even shoes or sneakers). In a typical implementation, the device is adapted so that it can be coupled to one or more straps or one or more laces on the footwear. The ease with which the footwear accessory device 100 can be connected to and removed from footwear makes it an ideal accessory to adorn an otherwise mundane-looking flip flop, for example, and make it look much more interesting and stylish.
The footwear accessory devices 100 can include various different decorative elements (e.g., jewels, ribbons, bows, etc.) and include different colors, patterns, textures and combinations thereof. Given the numerous potential design options, a consumer could temporarily change the look of footwear they already own or new footwear on which they could add their own creative vision.
It is anticipated, therefore, that a particular consumer may, for example, own multiple footwear accessory devices 100, each of which having a different decorative appearance. Thus, the consumer may, when travelling, for example, may bring fewer pairs of footwear (e.g., sandals or the like) than he/she otherwise would have brought, but bring multiple different footwear accessory devices 100 to change up the look of the footwear throughout the trip. This, therefore, would enable the wearer to create the impression of multiple different pairs of footwear without the inconvenience of having to carry multiple different pairs of footwear while travelling.
FIGS. 1A-1C show an exemplary implementation of a footwear accessory device 100.
The illustrated footwear accessory device 100 is formed from a thin, flexible element 102. The thin, flexible element may be formed, for example, from a substantially non-rigid material, such as leather, suede, a textile, cloth, wool gabardine, rubber, plastic or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the substantially non-rigid material can include a plurality of flat metal links (or the like) coupled to one another in a manner that facilitates flexibility of the overall structure.
In the illustrated implementation, the thin, flexible element 102 has a first major surface 104 (facing out of the page in FIG. 1A) and a second major surface 106 (facing into the page in FIG. 1A) opposite the first major surface 104.
The thin, flexible element 102 is in a substantially Y-shaped form. However, in other embodiments, the thin flexible element 102 can be substantially V-shaped, substantially U-shaped or have any other shape that would lend itself to the uses disclosed herein.
The Y-shaped form of the thin, flexible element 102 includes a base portion 108, a first leg portion 110 a and a second leg portion 110 b. The base portion 108 in the illustrated implementation is substantially rectangular. The first leg portion 110 a extends from a first end (i.e., an upper end) of the base portion 108 in a first direction. The second leg portion 110 b also extends from the first end (i.e., the upper end) of the base portion 108, but in a second direction that is different than the first direction.
In the illustrated implementation, there is an angle 0 between the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b. In a typical implementation, the angle θ is between about 45 and 90 degrees. More typically, the angle θ is between about 60 and 80 degrees. In other embodiments, the first and second can be configured in a different manner than shown in the figure. For example, in some implementations, the shape of the bottom of the device may be U-shaped or a variety of other shapes.
In the illustrated implementation, the first leg portion 110 a is bent at a distal end thereof to define a first foot section 114 a and the second leg portion 110 b is bent at a distal end thereof to define a second foot section 114 b.
The illustrated footwear accessory device 100 includes a decorative element 112 (represented schematically as a rectangle in FIG. 1A) exposed at (and coupled to) its first major surface 104. In the illustrated implementation, the decorative element 112 is coupled to the first leg portion 110 a and, more particularly, is coupled to the first foot section 114 a of the first leg portion 110 a. However, in other implementations, the decorative element can be coupled to other parts of the thin, flexible element 102, such as to the second leg portion 110 b or even the base portion 108. Moreover, the decorative element 112 can be coupled to any area on the second major surface 106 of the thin flexible element 102.
The decorative element 112 can be any kind of decorative element and is typically designed so that it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the footwear accessory device 100.
The decorative element 112 can be coupled to the thin, flexible element 102 with a coupling agent, such as adhesive material, a sewn thread connection, a hook and loop connection, a snap connection or a button connection, etc. In some implementations, the decorative element 112 is coupled to the thin, flexible element by virtue of having a coupling element connected to it that gets wrapped around the thin, flexible member 102.
In some implementations, the footwear accessory device 100 can include multiple decorative elements 112. In those implementations, the decorative elements 112 can be the same or different from one another and can be positioned about the thin, flexible element in a variety of ways. They can be coupled to one or both of the major surfaces 104, 106 and can be arranged to form a variety of patterns, etc. on one or both of the surfaces 104, 106.
In a typical implementation, the portions of the thin, flexible element 102 that support the decorative element (or elements) may have physically larger dimensions that other similar portions of the thin, flexible element that are not supporting a decorative element. In the illustrated example, the first leg portion 110 a, including the first foot section 114 a, support the decorative element 112, whereas the similar second leg portion, including the second foot section 114 b, do not support any decorative element. Therefore, in the illustrated implementation, the first leg portion 110 a is wider than the second leg portion 110 b (i.e., W1>W2) and the first foot section 114 a is wider than the second foot section 114 b (i.e., W3>W4). In some implementations, the first leg portion 110 a has the same width as the second leg portion 110 b and/or the first foot section 114 a has the same width as the second foot section 114 b.
FIG. 1B shows the substantially uniform thickness of the thin, flexible element 102 and the decorative element 112 projecting from the first major surface 104 of the thin, flexible element 102.
FIG. 1C shows fastening devices 116 a, 116 b and 116 c coupled to the distal ends of the base portion 108, the first leg portion 110 a and the second leg portion 110 b. In the illustrated implementation, the fastening devices 116 a, 116 b and 116 c include a first fastening device 116 a on the base portion 108 and second fastening devices 116 b, 116 c on each of the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b. In general, the fastening devices 116 a, 116 b, 116 c are adapted so that the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b can be folded over and temporarily coupled to the base portion 108. So, for example, the first fastening device 116 a can be a loop-type fastening device and the second fastening devices 116 b, 116 c can be hook-type fastening devices so that the fastening devices 116 a, 116 b, 116 c collectively form hook and loop type connections (e.g., Velcro™ connections). Other fastening devices 116 a, 116 b, 116 c can be used as well including, for example, reusable adhesive material, snap connections, button connections, etc.
In the illustrated implementation, the fastening devices 116 a, 116 b and 116 c extend over substantially the entire distal ends of the base portion 108, the first leg portion 110 a (including the first foot section 114 a) and the second leg portion 110 b (including the second foot section 114 b). This, however, can vary. In some embodiments, the fastening devices can cover only part of the distal ends of the base portion 108, the first leg portion 110 a and the second leg portion 110 b and may or may not extend all the way to the distal tips thereof.
Similarly, if the fastening devices are buttons or the like, the buttons/button holes can be positioned in any manner that is convenient.
FIGS. 2A-2D show the footwear accessory device 100 of FIG. 1 being coupled to footwear, which in the illustrated example is a flip flop 220.
The flip flop 220 has a sole portion 221, a thong fitting 224 that extends from the sole portion 221, a first strap portion 222 a and a second strap portion 222 b that extend from the thong fitting 224. When worn, the thong fitting 224 typically would reside between a person's big toe and second toe. The first strap portion 222 a extends from the thong fitting 224 to a first side of the sole portion 221 and the second strap portion 222 b extends from the thong fitting 224 to a second side of the sole portion 221 opposite the first side.
According to the illustrated method the footwear accessory device 100 is secured to the flip flop 220 by folding the first leg portion 110 a and the second leg portion 110 b around the first and second strap portions 222 a, 222 b on the flip flop.
More particularly, the method includes first positioning the footwear accessory device 100, as shown in FIG. 2A, so that the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b extend in a substantially forward direction relative to the flip flop 220 under the first and second strap portions 222 a, 222 b, respectively, with the thong fitting 224 of the flip flop 220 extended between the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b.
Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second leg portion 110 b is folded over at least part of the second strap portion 110 b and fastened to the base portion 108. More particularly, the fastening device 116 c on the second leg portion 110 b is fastened to a portion of the fastening device 116 a on the base portion 108.
Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, the first leg portion 110 a is folded over at least part of the first strap portion 222 a and part of the second leg portion 110 b and is fastened to the base portion 108. More particularly, the fastening device 116 b on the first leg portion 110 a is fastened to a portion of the fastening device 116 a on the base portion 108.
In the folded configuration of FIG. 2C, the decorative element 112 is exposed for viewing. Moreover, the footwear accessory device 100 is tightly coupled to the straps of the flip flop 220. Additionally, the folded-over portions of the first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b collectively cover the entire fastening device 116 on the base portion 108 of the footwear accessory device 100. Lateral movement across the foot of the wearer is substantially prevented by the footwear accessory device's 100 engagement to the thong fitting 224.
In the illustrated example, the distal end of the first leg portion 110 a has two sides 230 a, 230 b that are contoured so that when the first leg portion 110 a is folded over and secured to the base portion 108, the two contoured sides 230 a, 230 b on the distal end of the first leg portion 110 a are registered with (i.e., aligned with) corresponding sides 232 a, 232 b of the base portion 108, respectively. Moreover, the distal end of the second leg portion 110 b has two sides 234 a, 234 b that are contoured so that if the second leg portion 110 b is folded over and secured to the base portion 108, the two contoured sides 234 a, 234 b on the distal end of the second leg portion 110 b are registered with corresponding sides 232 b, 232 c of the base portion, respectively. This arrangement ensures a clean looking, compact device 100 when in the folded position of FIG. 2C.
FIG. 2D shows an example of what the flip flop 220 of FIG. 2C would look like if the decorative element 112 where a large element.
FIGS. 3A to 3C show another exemplary implementation of a footwear accessory device 300.
The illustrated footwear accessory device 300 is similar to the footwear accessory device 100 of FIG. 1, but with a few exceptions.
For example, the shape of the base portion 308, the first leg portion 310 a and the second leg portion 310 b in the footwear accessory device 300 of FIG. 3A is somewhat different than the corresponding shapes in the footwear accessory device 100 of FIG. 1A.
Additionally, the fastening devices 316 a, 316 b and 316 c are in the form of snap-type connections. Moreover, the snap-type connections on the base portion 308 are on the first major surface 304, whereas the snap-type connections on the first leg portion 310 a and the second leg portion 310 b are on the second major surface 306, opposite the first major surface 304. The snap-type connections on the first and second leg portions 310 a, 310 b are adapted to engage respective ones of the snap-type connections on the base portion 308.
Also, the illustrated footwear accessory device 300 does not include foot sections (although in some embodiments, foot sections could be added to the illustrated footwear accessory device 300), like the first and second foot sections 114 a, 114 b in the footwear accessory device 100 of FIG. 1A.
FIGS. 4A-4D show the footwear accessory device 300 of FIG. 3A being coupled to footwear, which in the illustrated example is a flip flop 220.
According to the illustrated method, the footwear accessory device 300 is secured to the flip flop 220 by folding the base portion 308 up and then folding the first leg portion 310 a and the second leg portion 310 b so that 310 b is over 310 a around the first and second strap portions 222 a, 222 b on the flip flop to connect the snap-type connections. Typically, the thinner of the leg portions would be folded first and the thicker of the leg portions—with the embellishment—would be folded second.
More particularly, the method includes first positioning the footwear accessory device 300, as shown in FIG. 4A, so that the first and second leg portions 310 a, 310 b extend in a substantially forward direction relative to the flip flop 220 under the first and second strap portions 222 a, 222 b, respectively, with the thong fitting 224 of the flip flop 220 extended between the first and second leg portions 310 a, 310 b.
Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the base portion 308 is folded up and, at least partially over the first and second strap portions 222 a, 222 b and/or part of the thong fitting. This causes the snap-type connections (i.e., 316 a, 316 b), which are on the first major surface 304 of the base portion 308 to face upward.
Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, the second leg portion 310 b is folded over the base portion 308 and the snap-type connection on the second leg portion 310 b is coupled to the corresponding snap-type connection on the base portion 308.
Next, as shown in FIG. 4D, the first leg portion 310 a is folded over at least part of the second leg portion 310 b and the base portion 308 and the snap-type connection on the first leg portion 310 a is coupled to the corresponding snap-type connection on the base portion 308.
In the folded configuration of FIG. 4D, the decorative element 112 is exposed for viewing. Moreover, the footwear accessory device 300 is tightly coupled to the straps of the flip flop 220. Lateral movement across the foot of the wearer is substantially prevented by the footwear accessory device's 300 engagement to the thong fitting 224.
FIGS. 5A to 5D show the footwear accessory device 300 of FIG. 3A being coupled to footwear, which in the illustrated example is a sandal 550 that includes a single, laterally extending strap 552. In the illustrated example, the strap 552 is coupled to the sole portion 554 of the sandal at opposite sides of the sole portion 554. The footwear accessory device 300 can similarly be coupled to a sandal that includes multiple straps that extend laterally across a sandal.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show two exemplary ways that the footwear accessory device 100 of FIG. 1 can be aligned with a sandal 660 that has a sole portion 662 and a different strap design than those discussed above.
In particular, the illustrated strap design includes an ankle strap 664 adapted to extend around the ankle of a wearer, a longitudinal strap 664 that extends from the ankle strap 664 to a front end of the sole portion 662 and a lateral strap 666 that extends laterally across the foot of the wearer and is connected at opposite ends to the sole portion 662. The lateral strap 666 is optionally connected to the longitudinal strap 664 at their point of intersection.
In FIG. 6, for example, the footwear accessory device 100 is positioned with its first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b extended frontward relative to the sandal close to the intersection of the longitudinal strap 664 and the lateral strap 666, with each leg portion 110 a, 110 b positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal strap 664.
From its configuration shown in FIG. 6, the footwear accessory device 100 can be manipulated in much the same way as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2B and 2C to couple the footwear accessory device 100 to the sandal 660.
In FIG. 7, the footwear accessory device 100 is flipped around 180 degrees relative to its position in FIG. 6. The first and second leg portions 110 a, 110 b extend rearward relative to the sandal 660 close to the intersection of the longitudinal strap 664 and the lateral strap 666, with each leg portion 110 a, 110 b positioned on an opposite side of the longitudinal strap 664.
From its configuration shown in FIG. 7, the footwear accessory device 100 can be manipulated in much the same way as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2B and 2C to couple the footwear accessory device 100 to the sandal 660.
A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, the size and shape, both relative and actual, of various parts of the footwear accessory device can be varied considerably. The material used to form the thin, flexible element and the decorative elements can be a variety of different materials or combinations of materials. The different features disclosed herein in connection with the different implementations can be combined into various other implementations without departing from the spirit of the invention. The footwear accessory device can be used to adorn non-footwear (e.g., backpack straps, etc.). The order of step described in connection with the techniques disclosed herein may be modified in a variety of ways as well.
The footwear accessory devices disclosed herein can be used on any type of footwear including all types of sandals, such as flip flops, single or multiple strapped sandals, crossed straps, straight straps, etc.
Although the figures show footwear accessory devices being connected to a single item of footwear (e.g., a left foot flip flop), a corresponding footwear accessory device for the other foot would typically be provided as well. In a typical implementation, the footwear accessory devices for opposite feet would be (but need not be) mirror images of one another.
Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A footwear accessory device comprising:

a thin, flexible element having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the flexible element comprising:

a base portion,

a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion; and

a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion;

a decorative element coupled to the first leg portion and exposed at the first major surface of the flexible element;

one or more first fastening devices coupled to the base portion; and

a second fastening device coupled to each of the first and second leg portions,

wherein the one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage each of the second fastening devices.

2. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the thin flexible element is a substantially non-rigid material.

3. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the substantially non-rigid material is selected from the group consisting of leather, suede, textiles, cloth, wool gabardine, rubber, plastic and the like.

4. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the substantially non-rigid material comprises a plurality of flat metal links coupled to one another in a manner that facilitates flexibility.

5. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 further comprising:

a coupling agent to couple the decorative element to the first leg portion, wherein the coupling agent is selected from the group consisting of adhesive material, a sewn thread connection, a hook and loop connection, a snap connection, a button connection, and the like.

6. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion extend from the first end of the base portion in respective lengthwise directions, and wherein a width of the first leg portion is greater than a width of the second leg portion.

7. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the first leg portion is bent at a distal end thereof to define a first foot section, and wherein the second leg portion is bent at a distal end thereof to define a second foot section.

8. The footwear accessory device of claim 7 wherein a width of the first foot section is greater than a width of the second foot section.

9. The footwear accessory device of claim 7 wherein the decorative element is coupled to the first foot section of the first leg portion.

10. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the first leg portion extends from the base portion in a different direction than the second leg portion.

11. The footwear accessory device of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the first leg portion has two or more sides that are contoured so that if the first leg portion is folded over the base portion and the second fastening device on the first leg portion is coupled to one or more of the first fastening devices of the base portion, each of the two or more contoured sides on the distal end of the first leg portion is registered with corresponding sides of the base portion, and

wherein a distal end of the second leg portion has two or more sides that are contoured so that if the second leg portion is folded over the base portion and the second fastening device on the second leg portion is coupled to one of the one or more first fastening devices of the base portion, each of the two or more contoured sides on the distal end of the second leg portion is registered with corresponding sides of the base portion.

12. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the second fastening devices are coupled to the flexible element at one of the first or second major surfaces opposite to the first or a second major surface where the decorative element is coupled.

13. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the flexible element is substantially Y-shaped, substantially V-shaped, substantially U-shaped with a curved or substantially flat bottom.

14. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the first and second fastening devices comprise re-closeable fasteners.

15. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the re-closeable fasteners are selected from the group consisting of hook and loop type fastening elements, snap-based fasteners, button-based fasteners, hook and eye-based fasteners, thread eye-based fasteners, frog and toggle-based fasteners.

16. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the decorative element is secured to the second major surface of the flexible element.

17. The footwear accessory device of claim 1 wherein the one or more first fastening devices are connected to a first one of the first and second major surfaces and wherein the second fastening device is connected to an opposite one of the first and second major surfaces.

18. A method of temporarily decorating footwear, wherein the footwear comprises a sole portion and one or more straps that are coupled to the sole and arranged to engage a person's foot, the method comprising:

providing a footwear accessory device, the footwear accessory device comprising:

a thin, flexible element with a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the flexible element having a base portion, a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion; and a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion;

one or more first fastening devices coupled to the base portion; and

a second fastening device coupled to each of the first and second leg portions, wherein the one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage each of the second fastening elements; and

securing the footwear accessory device to the footwear by folding the first leg portion, the second leg portion and/or the base portion around one or more of the straps on the footwear.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the footwear is a flip flop and the one or more straps include a thong fitting proximate a front end of the flip flop, a first strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a first side of the sole portion and a second strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a second side of the sole portion, the method comprising:

positioning the footwear accessory device so that the first and second leg portions extend in a substantially forward direction relative to the flip flop under the first and second strap portions, respectively, with the thong fitting of the flip flop extended between the first and second leg portions;

folding the second leg portion over at least part of the second strap portion and fastening the second leg portion to the base portion; and

folding the first leg portion over at least part of the first strap portion and part of the second leg portion and fastening the first leg portion to the base portion.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the fastening the second leg portion to the base portion and fastening the first leg portion to the base portion comprises fastening a hook and loop style fastening means, fastening one or more snap connections, fastening one or more buttons into button holes, or the like.

21. The method of claim 18 wherein the footwear is a sandal with one more substantially straight straps that extend from a first side of the sandal to a second side of the sandal to engage a person's foot by extending over the foot, the method comprising:

positioning the footwear accessory device so that the first and second leg portions extend under the one or more substantially straight straps;

folding the first and second leg portions over respective parts of the one or more substantially straight straps; and

fastening the first and second leg portions to the base portion.

22. The method of claim 18 wherein the one or more first fastening devices are connected to a first one of the first and second major surfaces and wherein the second fastening device is connected to an opposite one of the first and second major surfaces, the method further comprising:

folding the base portion over the one or more straps so that the one or more first fastening devices face substantially away from the sole to engage each of the second fastening devices.

23. The method of claim 18 wherein the one or more straps is selected from the group consisting of: one or more substantially straight straps, two or more crossed straps; flip-flop style straps, cross-shaped straps and shoelaces.

24. An assembly comprising:

footwear having a sole portion and one or more straps coupled to the sole portion and configured to engage a person's foot; and

a footwear accessory device coupled to the one or more straps,

wherein the footwear accessory device comprises:

a base portion,

a first leg portion that extends from a first end of the base portion; and

a second leg portion that extends from the first end of the base portion;

one or more first fastening devices coupled to the base portion; and

a second fastening device coupled to each of the first and second leg portions,

wherein the one or more first fastening devices are configured to securely engage each of the second fastening elements,

wherein one or more of the first leg portion, the second leg portion and the base portion are folded around the one or more straps on the footwear.

25. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the footwear is a flip flop and the one or more straps comprise a thong fitting proximate a front end of the flip flop, a first strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a first side of the sole portion and a second strap portion extending from the thong fitting to a second side of the sole portion,

wherein the footwear accessory device is positioned so that the first and second leg portions extend from the base portion in a substantially forward direction relative to the flip flop under the first and second strap portions, respectively, with the thong fitting of the flip flop extended between the first and second leg portions,

wherein the second leg portion is folded over at least part of the second strap portion and fastened to the base portion, and

wherein the first leg portion is folded over at least part of the first strap portion and part of the second leg portion and is fastened to the base portion.

26. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the thin flexible element is a substantially non-rigid material selected from the group consisting of leather, suede, textiles, cloth, wool gabardine, rubber, plastic, and the like.

27. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the substantially non-rigid material comprises a plurality of flat metal links coupled to one another in a manner that facilitates flexibility.

28. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion extend from the first end of the base portion in respective lengthwise manners, and wherein a width of the first leg portion is greater than a width of the second leg portion.

29. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the first leg portion is bent at a distal end thereof to define a first foot section,

wherein the second leg portion is bent at a distal end thereof to define a second foot section,

wherein a width of the first foot section is greater than a width of the second foot section and wherein the decorative element is coupled to the first foot section of the first leg portion.

30. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the first leg portion extends from the base portion at a first angle and wherein the second leg portion extends from the base portion at a second angle that is different than the first angle.

31. The assembly of claim 24 wherein a distal end of the first leg portion has two or more sides that are contoured to register with corresponding sides of the base portion, and wherein a distal end of the second leg portion has two or more sides that are contoured to register with corresponding sides of the base portion.

32. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the first and second fastening devices are implemented using a fastening means selected from a group consisting of: adhesive material, hook and loop type fastening elements, snaps and buttons.

33. The assembly of claim 24 wherein the one or more straps is selected from the group consisting of: one or more substantially straight straps, two or more crossed straps; flip-flop style straps, cross-shaped straps and shoelaces.