Detachable decorative accessory for clothing

Abstract

A detachable decorative accessory for a zippered garment includes a fabric panel having a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side and a second zipper element disposed along a second longitudinal side. The first and second zipper elements are configured to mate and cooperate respectively with a first cooperating zipper element on a first edge and a second cooperating zipper element on a second edge of the zippered garment to secure the fabric panel thereto. The fabric panel may include indicia such as appliqués, embroidery, or prints affixed to a surface of the fabric panel. The detachable decorative accessory provides easy attachment and removal of the fabric panel to customize the appearance of zippered garments. A customization system and method for customizing the zippered garment or base garment is provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 705,107, filed on Oct. 9, 2024. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates to detachable accessories for customizing clothing, and more particularly, to customizable and interchangeable decorative accessories for garments having zippers.INTRODUCTION

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Clothing serves not only a purpose of protection and comfort, but may also be used as a means of personal expression and identity communication. However, a certain piece of clothing or garment may lack versatility after a length of time as each piece of clothing may be created for a specific occasion or purpose without the capability to adapt. This limitation may force a consumer to acquire numerous separate items to accommodate varying social occasions, personal preferences, or affiliations, which results in an extensive wardrobe with associated costs and associated storage challenges.

[0005] Certain customization methods for clothing present drawbacks that limit the practical application of the customization method. One customization method includes an iron-on patch which offers personalization on an article of clothing but may damage fabric fibers through heat application. The iron-on patch may also create a permanent alteration that cannot be easily reversed or removed. Another customization method includes a removable sleeve which may be cumbersome to apply due to complex attachment mechanisms and may potentially compromise the structural integrity of the original article of clothing. These solutions lack durability and fail to withstand repeated use which leads to premature degradation and replacement of the article of clothing.

[0006] In sports and collegiate apparel, customization of clothing may prove difficult to achieve. An individual wanting to show support for a certain team or institute by wearing an article of clothing with indicia representing a team, organization, or affiliation would have to purchase separate garments for each affiliation. The individual could not wear the same article of clothing for a different institute, organization, or affiliation. Acquiring separate garments for each entity provides a financial burden on the individual as well as another storage challenge. This inflexibility is impractical as it forces consumers to choose limited representation options or invest in clothing that may see infrequent use.

[0007] The rise of environmental consciousness in fashion consumption has highlighted a need for sustainable fashion options. Consumers may wish to extend garment lifecycles and reduce overall clothing acquisition but there does not appear to be effective modification solutions available as certain solutions require purchasing new materials or new components for modification of an existing garment. This contradicts the sustainability objectives as it adds more material consumption rather than maximizing use of an existing garment. Permanent modification methods may also militate against future adaptations which may force replacement of the existing garment when the preference of the consumer changes.

[0008] There is a continuing need for a versatile, user-friendly customization method that provides garment modification without permanent alteration or damage to the existing garment. Desirably, such a solution would be interchangeable to accommodate changing preferences or affiliations, utilize sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact, offer broad compatibility across various garment types and sizes, and maintain durability through repeated use while preserving the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the existing garment.SUMMARY

[0009] In concordance with the instant disclosure, a versatile, user-friendly customization method that provides garment modification without permanent alteration or damage to the existing garment, is interchangeable to accommodate changing preferences or affiliations, utilizes sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact, offers broad compatibility across various garment types and sizes, and maintains durability through repeated use while preserving the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the existing garment, has surprisingly been discovered.

[0010] The present technology includes articles of manufacture, systems, and processes that relate to a detachable decorative accessory configured to couple to a zippered garment such as a hoodie and jacket. The present technology enhances the versatility of clothing without permanent alteration.

[0011] In certain embodiments, a detachable decorative accessory for a zippered garment may be provided. The detachable decorative accessory may include a fabric panel having a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side of the fabric panel and a second zipper element disposed along the second longitudinal side of the fabric panel. The fabric panel may include indicia on an outer surface of the fabric panel. The fabric panel may be removably coupled to another fabric panel.

[0012] In other embodiments, a customizable garment system may be provided. The customizable garment system may include a zippered garment including a first cooperating zipper element disposed along a first edge and a second cooperating zipper element disposed along a second edge of the zippered garment. The customizable garment system may further include a first detachable decorative accessory for the zippered garment including a fabric panel having a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side of the fabric panel and a second zipper element disposed along a second longitudinal side of the fabric panel. The customizable garment system may further include a second detachable decorative accessory configured to be removably coupled in series to each of the first detachable decorative accessory and the zippered garment. Advantageously, the customizable garment system allows a user to customize the zippered garment by removably coupling at least one detachable decorative accessory to increase a width or size of the zippered garment without permanently altering the zippered garment.

[0013] In certain embodiments, a customizable garment system may be provided. The customizable garment system may include a base garment and a detachable decorative accessory. The base garment may include a cooperating fastening mechanism. The detachable decorative accessory may include a fabric panel having a fastening mechanism. The detachable decorative accessory may be configured to be removably coupled to the base garment by coupling the fastening mechanism of the fabric panel to the cooperating fastening mechanism of the base garment. The fastening mechanism of the fabric panel may include zipper elements, snap buttons, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and combinations thereof. The cooperating fastening mechanism of the base garment may include zipper elements, snap buttons, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, and combinations thereof. The base garment may be a jacket, a hoodie, or any garment configured to receive the fabric panel of the detachable decorative accessory and may be configured to maintain a size of the base garment when the fabric panel is attached to the base garment. The customizable garment system may also be configured as a kit.

[0014] In further embodiments, a method of customizing a garment may be provided. The method may include a step of providing a zippered garment including a first cooperating zipper element disposed along a first edge and a second cooperating zipper element disposed along a second edge of the zippered garment. The method may include a step of providing a detachable decorative accessory for the zippered garment including a fabric panel having a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side of the fabric panel and a second zipper element disposed along a second longitudinal side of the fabric panel. The method may include a step of removably coupling the detachable decorative accessory to the zippered garment. This step may include cooperating each of the zipper elements of the zippered garment with the zipper elements of the fabric panel.

[0015] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0016] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a detachable decorative accessory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a right-side elevational and perspective view of the detachable decorative accessory shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a left-side elevational and perspective view of the detachable decorative accessory shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the detachable decorative accessory shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the detachable decorative accessory, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating a fabric panel and another fabric panel for removably coupling to one another.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the fabric panel and the another fabric panel shown in FIG. 6, particularly illustrating the fabric panel coupled to the another fabric panel, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a detachable decorative accessory, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating a fabric panel and another fabric panel connected via a connecting member such as a hood.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the detachable decorative accessory shown in FIG. 7.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the detachable decorative accessory shown in FIG. 7, particularly illustrating the fabric panel coupled to the another fabric panel.

[0026] FIG. 10 is an environmental view of a customizable garment system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating a single fabric panel removably coupled to the zippered garment.

[0027] FIG. 11 is an environmental view of the customizable garment system shown in FIG. 10, particularly illustrating the fabric panel uncoupled to the second cooperating zipper element of the zippered garment.

[0028] FIG. 12 is an environmental view of the customizable garment system, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating a fabric panel and another fabric panel removably coupled to the zippered garment.

[0029] FIG. 13 is an environmental view of the customizable garment system shown in FIG. 12, particularly illustrating the fabric panel and the another fabric panel coupled together.

[0030] FIG. 14 is an environmental view of a customizable garment system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating different fastening mechanisms such as a button fastening the fabric panel to the garment having buttons.

[0031] FIG. 15 is an environmental view of a customizable garment system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating different fastening mechanisms such as a hook-and-loop fastener which fastens the fabric panel to the garment having the hook-and-loop fastener.

[0032] FIG. 16 is an environmental view of a customizable garment system, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, particularly illustrating different fastening mechanisms such as a snap-button fastening the fabric panel to the garment having snap buttons.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method of customizing a zippered garment, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and / or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and / or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0035] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0036] As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

[0037] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly engaged to,”“directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,”“adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,”“second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0039] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,”“outer,”“beneath,”“below,”“lower,”“above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.

[0040] Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0041] In a certain embodiment, a detachable decorative accessory 100 for a zippered garment 101 may be provided, with reference to FIGS. 1-9. A customizable garment system 200 may also be provided with reference to FIGS. 10-16. A method 300 of customizing the zippered garment 101 may be provided with reference to FIG. 17. Advantageously, the detachable decorative accessory 100 may improve the customization of the zippered garment 101 without compromising the structural integrity of the zippered garment 101 or permanently altering the zippered garment 101.

[0042] As used herein, the terms “zippered garment” may be defined as any article of clothing that includes a zipper for closure and fastening of two sides of the article of clothing. The zippered garment may be understood as fabric configured to be worn on the body for protection, modesty, or fashion and may include the zipper for non-permanent fastening of the article of clothing. Fastening of the two sides may join the article of clothing while unfastening may open the article of clothing. Examples of the zippered garment may include a zippered jacket or a zippered hoodie or a zippered shirt. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable zippered garment within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1-9, the detachable decorative accessory 100 may include a fabric panel 102. The fabric panel 102 may be elongated and substantially rectangular in shape. The fabric panel 102 may be configured with dimensions substantially equal in length to a length of the zippered garment 101. The fabric panel 102 may be configured to be removably coupled to the zippered garment 101 for customization of the zippered garment 101 without the need for any permanent alterations thereto. The fabric panel 102 may be created out of a flexible material including, but not limited to, cotton, wool, or synthetics. The fabric panel 102 may also be created by any material produced by weaving or knitting fibers. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable material to manufacture and create the fabric panel 102 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] The fabric panel 102 may be created in various colors as well as include indicia 105 on an outer surface 103 of the fabric panel 102 such as letters, numbers, images, and combinations thereof, as shown in FIGS. 5-6. The fabric panel 102 may include indicia 105 representing a mark of a certain affiliate for representation and support of certain affiliations. The outer surface 103 may allow for the customization of the fabric panel 102 as the user may configure the outer surface 103 with certain branding, such as a logo of a sports team, college insignia, business branding, or other decorative configurations. The outer surface 103 may also include ornamental indicia such as appliqués, embroidery, or prints that may be affixed to the outer surface 103 of the fabric panel 102. Desirably, this allows the user to upcycle clothing materials such as cotton or denim as a base of the zippered garment 101, which contributes to environmental sustainability as the user may reuse existing zippered garments 101 to include certain indicia 105 on the outer surface 103 of the fabric panel 102 to attach thereto.

[0045] The outer surface 103 of the fabric panel 102 may also be manufactured of a similar fabric to the zippered garment 101 to provide a seamless extension of the zippered garment 101. Alternatively, the outer surface 103 may be manufactured of a different fabric than the zippered garment 101 such as a textured fabric to distinguish and customize the zippered garment 101 without permanently altering the zippered garment 101. Advantageously, the fabric panel 102 may be easily coupled to an existing zippered garment 101 for upcycling the zippered garment 101, improving sustainability in overconsumption of clothing. The outer surface 103 of the fabric panel 102 may also include a pocket for holding objects such as a smartphone, a writing instrument, a key, and more. One of ordinary skill in the art may configure the outer surface 103 of the fabric panel 102 in any configuration within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] The fabric panel 102 may be customized by the user or wearer to include sports affiliations, college and university branding, corporate branding, as well as customized as a fashion accessory. Desirably, the detachable decorative accessory 100 may allow the user to customize hoodies or jackets for different games or school events to show school spirit, providing the user flexibility, or alternatively presents a business with a unique promotional item, allowing the fabric panel 102 to be easily altered.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1-9, the fabric panel 102 may include a first zipper element 104 and a second zipper element 106. The first zipper element 104 may be disposed along a first longitudinal side 108 of the fabric panel 102 and the second zipper element 106 may be disposed along a second longitudinal side 110 of the fabric panel 102. The first longitudinal side 108 of the fabric panel 102 may be disposed parallel to the second longitudinal side 110 of the fabric panel 102. Connecting each of the first longitudinal side 108 and the second longitudinal side 110 is a top side 112 and a bottom side 114 of the fabric panel 102, which collectively define portions of the substantially rectangular fabric panel 102. In turn, this also positions the first zipper element 104 parallel to the second zipper element 106.

[0048] The first zipper element 104 and the second zipper element 106 may each include a plurality of teeth 116 disposed along a portion 115 of a length (L1) of the fabric panel 102. Alternatively, the plurality of teeth 116 may be disposed along an entirety of the length (L1) of the fabric panel 102. It should be appreciated that the terms “teeth” may be understood to define interlocking components of the first zipper element 104 and the second zipper element 106 attached to the fabric panel 102 for engaging with the zippered garment 101. The plurality of teeth 116 may also be understood to define a zipper track including a row of teeth disposed on the fabric panel 102 that connect and separate to corresponding teeth on the zippered garment 101. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable zipper element within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] The second zipper element 106 may further include a slider element 118 configured to slidably couple to the plurality of teeth 116 on the second zipper element 106. The slider element 118 may be configured to engage and disengage the coupling of the fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101, as described herein. The slider element 118 may include a pull tab 120 allowing the user to grasp the pull tab 120 for pulling the slider element 118 along the plurality of teeth 116 or zipper track. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable slider element 118 within the scope of the present disclosure for the second zipper element 106. It should be appreciated that the slider element 118 may be disposed on only one of the second zipper element 106 or the first zipper element 104. This is to allow the fabric panel 102 to couple to corresponding zipper elements of the zippered garment 101, as described herein.

[0050] The detachable decorative accessory 100 may also include another fabric panel 102′, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to FIGS. 5-6. The another fabric panel 102′ may include the same components of the fabric panel 102, as described herein. The another fabric panel 102′ may be configured to cooperate with and be removably coupled to the fabric panel 102. The wearer may also couple a third fabric panel 102″ in series as well. The wearer may removably couple one fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101, or more than one fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable configuration to couple a desired number of fabric panels 102 to the zippered garment 101 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the fabric panel 102 and the another fabric panel 102′ may also be connected via a connecting member 122 that configures the fabric panel 102 integral to the another fabric panel 102′. The connecting member 122 may be connected to a first portion 121 of the fabric panel 102 and a first portion 121′ of the another fabric panel 102′. The connecting member 122 may be configured as a hood, a scarf, a hat, and combinations thereof. The connecting member 122 may be understood as a component configured to surround a head of the wearer, such as a hoodie, for example, where the hoodie connects a portion of the fabric panel 102 to the another fabric panel 102′. The connecting member 122 may create a substantially continuous surface 124 from the fabric panel 102 to the another fabric panel 102′. This substantially continuous surface 124 defines the connection between the two components which are integral to one another, in this embodiment. One of ordinary skill in the art may configure the detachable decorative accessory 100 in any configuration within the scope of the present disclosure including the connecting member 122 in various arrangements.

[0052] With reference to FIGS. 10-16, embodiments of the customizable garment system 200 is illustrated. The customizable garment system 200 may include the detachable decorative accessory 100, as described herein, and a base garment 201. The base garment 201 may be any garment made of clothing. The base garment 201 may be configured for customization and non-permanent alteration for cooperating with the detachable decorative accessory 100. The base garment 201 may be provided as any article of clothing configured to receive and be coupled with the detachable decorative accessory 100.

[0053] With particular reference to FIGS. 10-13, the base garment 201 may be the zippered garment 101, as described herein. The zippered garment 101 may be understood to be a hoodie or jacket with zippers, as described herein, and may further include a first cooperating zipper element 202 disposed along a first edge 206 and a second cooperating zipper element 204 disposed along a second edge 208 of the base garment 201 or the zippered garment 101. It should be appreciated that the first cooperating zipper element 202 and the second cooperating zipper element 204 may be understood to include similar components to the first zipper element 104 and the second zipper element 106 to cooperate therewith the fabric panel 102.

[0054] More specifically, the first cooperating zipper element 202 and the second cooperating zipper element 204 may include a plurality of teeth 210, as described herein. The first edge 206 and the second edge 208 of the zippered garment 101 may include the plurality of teeth 210. The first cooperating zipper element 202 of the first edge 206 may also include a slider element 212 with a pull tab 214, as described herein. The second cooperating zipper element 204 of the second edge 208 does not include the slider element 212. This allows the first cooperating zipper element 202 of the first edge 206 with the slider element 212 to cooperate with the first zipper element 104 of the fabric panel 102 while the second cooperating zipper element 204 of the second edge 208 cooperates with the slider element 118 of the second zipper element 106. In turn, the left-most side of the fabric panel 102, specifically the opening and closing of the first zipper element 104 is controlled by the slider element 212 of the zippered garment 101 while the right-most side of the fabric panel 102, specifically the slider element 118 of the second zipper element 106 controls the opening and closing of the second cooperating zipper element 204 of the zippered garment 101.

[0055] It should also be appreciated that the zippered garment 101 may be sized such that coupling one or more fabric panels 102 to the zippered garment 101 provides for achieving a desired and consistent size of the customizable garment system 200. In particular, it should be understood that the customizable garment system 200 may be configured such that the attachment of the fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101 does not change or increase the intended size of the zippered garment 101. The fabric panels 102 may be configured in certain widths to maintain the desired or intended size of the zippered garment 101. The zippered garment 101 may be provided in a certain size and the coupling of the one or more fabric panels 102 may keep the size consistent. The customizable garment system 200 may provide interchangeability to allow the user or the wearer to customize the appearance of the zippered garment 101 without changing the size of the zippered garment 101. Accordingly, it should also be appreciated that the fabric panels 102 for a particular customizable garment system 200 may be provided in in a variety of widths to facilitate maintaining a desired size of the zippered garment 101 when coupling one or more of the fabric panels 102 thereto.

[0056] For example, the customizable garment system 200 may include the zippered garment 101 and at least one fabric panel 102. The zippered garment 101 may be configured as a size medium, for example, where the user purchases the customizable garment system 200 as a kit with the intended size of the customizable garment system 200 including the zippered garment 101 to be a medium for comfortable wear. The at least one fabric panel 102 may be configured in a desired width to maintain the size medium of the zippered garment 101 when the at least one fabric panel 102 is coupled thereto. This may include coupling one fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101 for maintaining the desired size of the zippered garment 101. Alternatively, this may include coupling more than one fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101 for maintaining the desired size of the zippered garment 101. The at least one fabric panel 102 may include indicia 105 on the outer surface 103 for representing different affiliations. The outer surface 103 may be customizable such that interchanging the fabric panels 102 does not increase nor change the intended medium size of the zippered garment 101. This is particularly useful when the user intends to purchase a base garment such as a jacket for football games, for example, and intends to change the fabric panel 102 for different football affiliations or football events, while maintaining the size medium for comfort. One of ordinary skill in the art may configure the customizable garment system 200 in any configuration within the scope of the present disclosure to maintain a size of the zippered garment 101 or increase the size of the zippered garment 101 as desired.

[0057] It should also be appreciated that the fabric panel 102 may include stitching on the outer surface 103. The stitching on the fabric panel 102 may be particularly configured to align with stitching on the zippered garment 101 for aesthetic appearance. For example, the stitching on the fabric panel 102 may be configured to be aligned with the stitching of pockets on the zippered garment 101. One of ordinary skill in the art may configure the stitching on the fabric panel 102 in any configuration to align with the stitching of the zippered garment 101 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the customizable garment system 200 may include the detachable decorative accessory 100 coupled to the zippered garment 101. Desirably, the detachable decorative accessory 100 enables modification of hoodies and jackets enhancing versatility and aesthetic apparel of these articles of clothing. Alternatively, the customizable garment system 200 may include at least one detachable decorative accessory 100 coupled together in series, as particularly shown in FIGS. 12-13. More specifically, the customizable garment system 200 may include a first detachable decorative accessory 100 and a second detachable decorative accessory 100′ coupled in series between the zippered garment 101. The fabric panel 102, 102′ may be longitudinally coupled to one another in series between the first cooperating zipper element 202 and the second cooperating zipper element 204 of the zippered garment 101.

[0059] In particular, the fabric panel 102, 102′ may include a first length (L1), as described herein and shown in FIG. 3. The first edge 206 and the second edge 208 of the zippered garment 101 may include a second length (L2), as shown in FIG. 11, that is substantially equal to the first length (L1). This allows the fabric panel 102 to blend with the zippered garment 101 by extending the size of the zippered garment 101 or by achieving a desired appearance of the zippered garment 101 without altering the original size and fit of the zippered garment 101. Alternatively, the first length (L1) may be more than the second length (L2). One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable configuration for the fabric panel 102 to cooperate with the zippered garment 101 within the scope of the present disclosure. The fabric panel 102, 102′ may also include a width (W1), as shown in FIG. 1, to add necessary volume to the zippered garment 101 if the zippered garment 101 no longer comfortably fits the user, which is sustainable in the long-run as this allows users to extend the life of a certain article of clothing. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable width for the fabric panel 102 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] The first detachable decorative accessory 100 may be longitudinally coupled to the second detachable decorative accessory 100′ in series between the first cooperating zipper element 202 and the second cooperating zipper element 204. In particular, when both accessories 100, 100′ are coupled in series, the first detachable decorative accessory 100 may cooperate with each of the first cooperating zipper element 202 of the zippered garment 101 and the second detachable decorative accessory 100′ while the second detachable decorative accessory 100′ may cooperate with each of the first detachable decorative accessory 100 and the second cooperating zipper element 204 of the zippered garment 101. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12-13, the first cooperating zipper element 202 of the zippered garment 101 with the slider element 212 may cooperate with the first zipper element 104 of the fabric panel 102, the slider element 118 of the second zipper element 106 may cooperate with the first zipper element 104′ of the another fabric panel 102′, and the second cooperating zipper element 204 of the zippered garment 101 cooperates with the slider element 118′ of the second zipper element 106′ of the another fabric panel 102′.

[0061] With continued reference to FIGS. 12-13, the fabric panel 102, 102′ may be positioned between the first edge 206 and the second edge 208 of the zippered garment 101 for coupling thereto. The fabric panel 102, 102′ is disposed between the first cooperating zipper element 202 and the second cooperating zipper element 204 of the zippered garment 101 to cooperate with and expand the size of the zippered garment 101. Specifically, the fabric panel 102, 102′ is disposed between the first edge 206 and the second edge 208 of the zippered garment 101. In this configuration, the fabric panel 102 cooperates with the first cooperating zipper element 202 of the zippered garment 101 while the another fabric panel 102′ cooperates with the second cooperating zipper element 204 of the zippered garment 101. Advantageously, coupling the detachable decorative accessory 100, 100′ in series adds volume to the zippered garment 101 such that the user may alter the fit of the zippered garment 101 on the wearer for comfort. Desirably, the user may alter the fit of the zippered garment 101 without permanent alterations. Alternatively, the zippered garment 101 may be sized for the addition of the detachable decorative accessory 100, 100′ to achieve the desired size of the zippered garment and thus not altering the intended fit or the intended size, as described herein.

[0062] The customizable garment system 200 may also be configured as a kit, allowing the user to customize the zippered garment 101 with multiple different fabric panels 102. The kit may include the zippered garment 101 and different style fabric panels 102 to allow the user to mix and match the fabric panels 102 to the zippered garment 101 in series for customizing the appearance of the zippered garment 101. Desirably, the kit provides the base garment 201 such as the zippered garment 101 and the means to modify the base garment 201 where the base garment 201 may be configured in particular dimensions for the user based on the user preference. It should also be understood that the base garment 201 and the fabric panels 102 may be configured to be used in combination and maintain a desired size of the zippered garment 101 where the use of the fabric panels 102 modifies the appearance of the zippered garment 101 but does not substantially change the size or fit of the zippered garment 101, as described herein.

[0063] The fabric panel 102 may be configured with other fastening mechanisms to couple the fabric panel 102 to the base garment 201, as shown in FIGS. 14-16. The fabric panel 102 may be configured with any closure method or fastening mechanism commonly found in garments including, but not limited to, a button, an eyelet, a snap-fastener, a hook-and-loop fastener, a hook fastener, a zipper, a string, a frog button, and combinations thereof. It should be appreciated that the frog button or pankou may be understood to define a decorative button and a string which loops around the decorative button to fasten a garment from edge to edge or side to side. The frog button is disposed along the front of the jacket or garment with knots or buttons and corresponding strings to loop the string around the knot or button for fastening the garment. The fabric panel 102 may include any fastening mechanism disposed along each of the first longitudinal side 108 and the second longitudinal side 110 for coupling the fabric panel 102 to the base garment 201 with corresponding fastening mechanisms. The versatility of the detachable decorative accessory 100 allows for application to a wide range of garment types to expand beyond zippered garments 101, as shown in FIGS. 14-16. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable fastening mechanism for the fabric panel 102 to attach to a garment such as the base garment 201 with various closure mechanisms within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] In certain embodiments, with reference to FIGS. 14-16, the customizable garment system 200 may be provided with different fastening means or mechanisms. The customizable garment system 200 may include the base garment 201 and the detachable decorative accessory 100. The base garment 201 may be a jacket, a hoodie, or any garment configured to receive the fabric panel 102 of the detachable decorative accessory 100. The base garment 201 may include a cooperating fastening mechanism 203. The cooperating fastening mechanism 203 may be disposed along each of the first edge 206 and the second edge 208 of the base garment 201. The detachable decorative accessory 100 may include the fabric panel 102 having a fastening mechanism 205. The fastening mechanism 205 may be disposed along each of the first longitudinal side 108 and the second longitudinal side 110 of the fabric panel 102. The detachable decorative accessory 100 may be configured to be removably coupled to the base garment 201 by coupling the fastening mechanism 205 of the fabric panel 102 to the cooperating fastening mechanism 203 of the base garment 201. The fastening mechanism 205 of the fabric panel 102 may be configured to cooperate and engage with the cooperating fastening mechanism 203 of the base garment 201. The fastening mechanism 205 of the fabric panel 102 may include zipper elements (as described herein), snap buttons, buttons, eyelets, hook-and-loop fasteners, strings, frog buttons, and combinations thereof. The cooperating fastening mechanism of the base garment 201 may include zipper elements, snap buttons, buttons, eyelets, hook-and-loop fasteners, strings, frog buttons, and combinations thereof. The fabric panel 102 coupled to the base garment 201 may be configured to maintain the size of the base garment 201 when the fabric panel 102 is attached to the base garment 201 or alternatively increase the size of the base garment 201.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 17, the method 300 of customizing the zippered garment 101 may be shown. The method 300 may include a step 302 of providing the zippered garment 101, as described herein. The method 300 may include a step 304 of providing detachable decorative accessory 100, as described herein. The method 300 may include a step 306 of removably coupling the detachable decorative accessory 100 to the zippered garment 101. The step 306 may further include aligning the first zipper element 104 with the first edge 206 of the zippered garment 101 and aligning the second zipper element 106 with the second edge 208 of the zippered garment 101. This ensures proper attachment and coupling of the fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101 for enhanced functionality. The step 306 may further include engaging the slider element 212 of the first cooperating zipper element 202 of the zippered garment 101 with the first zipper element 104 of the fabric panel 102 and engaging the slider element 118 of the second zipper element 106 of the fabric panel 102 with the second cooperating zipper element 204 zippered garment 101. This attaches the fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101. The user may potentially interchange the fabric panel 102 and may also couple another fabric panel 102′ in series to expand the width of the zippered garment 101.

[0066] Advantageously, the detachable decorative accessory 100 and customizable garment system 200 provides a versatile, non-permanent solution that militates against the need for consumers to purchase multiple separate garments for different occasions or affiliations. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the customizable garment system 200 allows consumers to change the appearance of the garment without changing the size and fit. The fabric panel 102 may utilize the first zipper element 104 and the second zipper element 106 to removably couple the fabric panel 102 to the zippered garment 101 without any permanent modification or damage to the zippered garment 101. The customizable garment system 200 promotes environmental sustainability by enabling users to upcycle the zippered garment 101 with the interchangeable fabric panel 102 featuring customizable indicia 105, thereby extending the lifecycle of the zippered garment 101 and reducing overall clothing acquisition without requiring the purchase of new materials or components. Furthermore, the fabric panels 102 may withstand repeated use while preserving both structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the zippered garment 101, satisfying the continuing need for a user-friendly customization method that accommodates changing preferences or affiliations through easily interchangeable components.

[0067] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

1. A detachable decorative accessory for a zippered garment, comprising:a fabric panel having a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side of the fabric panel and a second zipper element disposed along second longitudinal side of the fabric panel.

2. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 1, wherein each of the first zipper element and the second zipper element include a plurality of teeth disposed along a portion of a length of the fabric panel.

3. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 2, wherein the plurality of teeth is disposed along an entirety of the length of the fabric panel.

4. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 3, wherein the second zipper element includes a slider element slidably coupled to the plurality of teeth, the slider element includes a pull tab.

5. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 1, wherein a surface of the fabric panel includes indicia.

6. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 1, further including another fabric panel configured to be removably coupled to the fabric panel.

7. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 6, wherein the another fabric panel is connected to the fabric panel via a connecting member.

8. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 7, wherein the connecting member is configured as a hood, a scarf, a hat, or combinations thereof.

9. The detachable decorative accessory of claim 8, wherein the connecting member creates a continuous surface from the fabric panel to the another fabric panel.

10. A customizable garment system, comprising:a base garment including a cooperating fastening mechanism; anda detachable decorative accessory including a fabric panel having a fastening mechanism, the detachable decorative accessory configured to be removably coupled to the base garment by coupling the fastening mechanism of the fabric panel to the cooperating fastening mechanism of the base garment.

11. The customizable garment system of claim 10, wherein the cooperating fastening mechanism of the base garment includes a first cooperating zipper element disposed along a first edge and a second cooperating zipper element disposed along a second edge of the base garment.

12. The customizable garment system of claim 11, wherein the fastening mechanism of the fabric panel includes a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side of the fabric panel and a second zipper element disposed along a second longitudinal side of the fabric panel.

13. The customizable garment system of claim 12, wherein the first zipper element of the fabric panel is configured to be removably coupled to the first cooperating zipper element of the base garment, and the second zipper element of the fabric panel is configured to be removably coupled to the second cooperating zipper element of the base garment.

14. The customizable garment system of claim 10, further comprising another detachable decorative accessory including another fabric panel having the fastening mechanism, the another detachable decorative accessory configured to be removably coupled to each of the detachable decorative accessory and the base garment.

15. The customizable garment system of claim 10, wherein removably coupling the detachable decorative accessory to base garment is configured to maintain a size of the base garment.

16. The customizable garment system of claim 15, wherein removably coupling the detachable decorative accessory to the base garment is configured to increase the size of the base garment.

17. The customizable garment system of claim 10, wherein the cooperating fastening mechanism of the base garment and the fastening mechanism of the detachable decorative accessory is one of snap buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, strings, frog buttons, and combinations thereof.

18. The customizable garment system of claim 10, wherein:the cooperating fastening mechanism of the base garment includes a first cooperating zipper element disposed along a first edge and a second cooperating zipper element disposed along a second edge of the base garment;the fastening mechanism of the fabric panel includes a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side of the fabric panel and a second zipper element disposed along a second longitudinal side of the fabric panel;the first zipper element of the fabric panel is configured to be removably coupled to the first cooperating zipper element of the base garment, and the second zipper element of the fabric panel is configured to be removably coupled to the second cooperating zipper element of the base garment; andremovably coupling the detachable decorative accessory to the base garment is configured to maintain a size of the base garment.

19. A kit for customizing a garment, comprising:the base garment; andthe detachable decorative accessory of claim 10.

20. A method of customizing a garment, comprising:providing a zippered garment including a first cooperating zipper element disposed along a first edge and a second cooperating zipper element disposed along a second edge of the zippered garment; andproviding a detachable decorative accessory for the zippered garment, including:a fabric panel having a first zipper element disposed along a first longitudinal side of the fabric panel and a second zipper element disposed along a second longitudinal side of the fabric panel; andremovably coupling the detachable decorative accessory to the zippered garment.

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