WO2015179912A1

WO2015179912A1 - Adornment accessory for footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2015179912A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050276
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ana SLAVKA
Original assignee: Global Shopping Network Pty Limited (Abn: 19 071 260 341)
Priority date: 2014-05-26
Filing date: 2015-05-25
Publication date: 2015-12-03

Abstract

Adornment accessories for varying a visual appearance of apparel, or more specifically in some embodiments, of footwear, being worn by a user are disclosed. In some preferred embodiments, an adornment accessory comprises: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel or footwear; and first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position; wherein the first and second user-selected positions have a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the apparel or of the footwear, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the apparel or footwear being observed on the user is of a different type, model or brand to that of the apparel or of the footwear being worn by the user. Also disclosed are methods enabling a user to vary a visual appearance of apparel, or more specifically in some embodiments, of footwear, being worn by the user, and methods of varying a visual appearance of apparel, or more specifically in some embodiments, of footwear.

Description

ADORNMENT ACCESSORY FOR FOOTWEAR

Field of the invention

The invention relates to adornment accessories. More specifically, the invention relates to accessories that are adapted, in use, to change a visual appearance of apparel being worn by a user. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the invention relates to adornment accessories adapted so that they can, in use, change the visual appearance of footwear being worn by a user from a first visual appearance suitable, for example, for casual attire, to at least a second visual appearance suitable, for example, for formal or glamorous attire.

Background to the invention

Typically, clothing and footwear are designed to have particular visual features. Those visual features are, however, fixed once the apparel has been manufactured. This is because the inherent characteristics of manufactured apparels is that they are typically made from particular materials in accordance with particular designs and, once so made, do not have the ability to be changed such that a visual appearance of the apparel can be varied.

This imposes significant limitations on apparels. Notably, it restricts the ability for apparels to provide a variety of appearances. It also restricts the ability for a particular item of apparel to be worn in different environments, for example, warm and cold environments.

Fashion designers have made various attempts to overcome these restrictions, including by designing apparels with different colours/patterns on the outside relative to those on the inside such that, for example, by turning their jackets inside out, users can selectively choose which of two designs they will wear on a particular occasion. Although these designs add some visual feature adaptability to particular apparel, they only work for apparels that can be worn if turned inside out and they only provide users with two possible options.

Fashion designers have also included zipper segments at an appropriate position on jacket/trouser sleeves, enabling users to unzip and remove a segment

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Substitute Sheet of the apparel's sleeves thereby turning a long-sleeve jacket into a short sleeve or sleeveless jacket or a pair of trousers into a pair of shorts or a pair of culottes. However, users need to ensure they safely pack the sleeve sections so removed, and carry/transport them. Further, zippers can have mechanical problems and their functionality deteriorate.

Other limitations on apparels derived from their inherent characteristics include that they restrict users' ability to wear the same item of apparel at different occasions requiring different forms of attire, for example, casual attire versus formal attire. Accordingly, people are often required to change at least some of their apparels when going from one occasion in which one form of attire is appropriate to another occasion in which a different form of attire is

appropriate.

This limitation is exemplified well with respect to footwear. People commonly wear joggers whilst in transit to a destination, especially when a proportion of the journey will involve walking or running. However, it may not be appropriate for them to wear joggers in the environment of their destination, for example, an office environment, restaurant or formal party. To overcome this issue, it is common for such people to carry in a backpack or handbag a set of shoes that would be appropriate for the environment of the destination. Upon arrival, they then swap the joggers with the other shoes. However, this is cumbersome, requiring users to carry a bag of sufficient size to carry at least the bigger of the two pairs of shoes, let alone any other belongings.

In addition, users must either accept the perhaps disagreeable fact that they are exposing the content of their bag to contamination from shoes which they wore in transit, or they must find a means to protect the content of their bag by, for example, also carrying a second bag into which the used pair of shoes can be placed. The second bag is then a yet further item to carry/transport or, in some instances, may be placed within the backpack or handbag.

Furthermore, different environments have different dress codes or established dressing conduct, resulting in the need for a variety of different pairs of shoes. Similarly, some outfits are more aesthetically pleasing to the user

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Substitute Sheet and/or others when worn with certain outfits. Both of these issues require users to own several pairs of shoes. This can be expensive and requires users to have sufficient storage space to keep the many pairs of shoes. The issue of sufficient space is amplified when users are travelling and may only have a suitcase within which to store their shoes and other belongings.

Moreover, the lack of flexibility offered to users by apparels, including clothing and footwear is, or can be, frustrating.

Accessories for adorning shoes are known. For example, the inventions claimed in US 1 ,555,418, US 7,614,126 and US 8,539,653 and US Patent Application Publication No 2006/0156586 are each essentially directed to a strap for a shoe comprising different portions and being of a length which enables the strap, in use, to enwrap, and thereby be anchored to, the user's shoe, such as a high heel shoe. A portion of the strap underlies the shoe sole. A similar theme of having such an invention engage with a portion of the footwear appears in the invention of GB 2492898 A. However, in that case, instead of having a portion of a strap underlying a shoe sole, the invention includes a sleeve like member that passes over the heel of the shoe and for the most part relies on the user owning shoes that have detachable uppers to enable the invention to have utility. An "upper" is that portion of the shoe which would, in use, cover the dorsum of the user's foot.

While these inventions provide one way of adorning a shoe, their respective functionalities are essentially linked to the type and size of the shoe being worn. Further, as they include a component that is required to extend around, and engage with, a portion of the shoe, it would be readily apparent to observers that the shoe being worn by the user is adorned by a separate accessory, and is not a stand alone shoe type and/or model and/or brand. In at least one sense, this defeats the purpose of attempting to adorn a shoe so as to give it a visual appearance of being a different, for example, more elegant, model of footwear. Another invention attempting to provide a means to adorn a shoe is disclosed in US Publication No 2005/0278976 A1 . In that case, an open sock

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Substitute Sheet arrangement includes an upper edge with a decorative feature. The upper edge is adapted, in use, to align with or conceal an opening of an upper cavity in a boot. The upper cavity is that part of the boot through which the user passes his/her foot when donning the boot. A key limitation of this invention is that it requires the footwear to be of a kind that includes an upper cavity - essentially a boot only or, at best, a shoe with a high/tall ankle covering. Furthermore, as is explained in considerable and repetitive detail in that patent specification, a necessary step in donning the invention is adjusting the invention after both it and the shoe have been donned so as to ensure that the positioning of the invention does, as desired, vary the appearance of the boot. Ultimately, the appearance of the boot is only varied at its upper end and the appearance variation would not be able to give an observer an impression that the type, model or brand of footwear is varied as a result of use of the invention.

US Publication No 2006/0075661 A1 discloses a uni-sex multi-sport footwear accessory shaped as an ankle band for use as an indicia displaying device, and includes an upper band adapted to encircle a wearer's lower leg. The upper band displays the indicia. In that case, the invention is adapted to engage the user's foot rather than to engage the shoe. Although formed of flexible material, the invention has an essentially fixed arrangement. The purpose of the invention is to provide a means of displaying indicia, such as logos or team names, just above the user's shoe. The purpose of the invention is not to vary a visual appearance of the user's footwear, and especially not so as to lead an observer to think s/he is looking at a shoe which is of a different model, brand or type to the one actually being worn by the user. Significantly, even when the invention is being worn, an observer would not perceive any visual appearance variation in the user's footwear, nor even contemplate that such was intended. Rather, at best, an observer might note the upper band above the user's footwear and observe that certain indicia are displayed on that upper band.

The present invention seeks to address at least some of the issues raised above by providing an adornment accessory adapted, in use, to vary a visual appearance of apparel being worn by the user.

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Substitute Sheet Any reference to or discussion of any document, act or item of knowledge in this specification is included solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any of these matters or any combination thereof, formed at the priority date, part of the common general knowledge, or was known to be relevant to attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an adornment accessory for varying a visual appearance of apparel being worn by a user, the adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel; and first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position; wherein the first and second user-selected positions have a spatially- defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the apparel. Preferably, the adornment accessory is adapted such that its use is not immediately apparent to nearby observers. When the adornment accessory is in use according to the invention, an unknowing observer is preferably left to believe that the apparel being observed on the user is of a different type, model or brand to that of the apparel being worn by the user. In some preferred embodiments, when the adornment accessory is in use, the visual feature component does not appear to be a component of an adornment accessory. In some such

embodiments, the visual feature component appears to be, or to substantially be, a component of the apparel.

In the same and/or other such embodiments, at least one of the first and second anchor sections does not appear to be a component of the adornment

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Substitute Sheet accessory. In some of these embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections is, or is substantially, disguised or concealed by at least a portion of the apparel, and/or appears to be, or to substantially be, a component of the apparel.

At least one of the anchor sections in preferred embodiments of the invention is an open strap-like member adapted to be strapped to or around a corresponding user-selected position. In some such embodiments, the open strap-like member takes the form of a belt-like arrangement, permitting the user to close the strap-like member by engaging a clasp mechanism as required. The clasp mechanism may be provided by a traditional frame-style buckle, with a frame-and-prong design adapted to enable a user to pass one of the open ends of the strap-like member through a frame located toward an end of the other open end of the strap-like member until the strap-like member engages loosely or firmly (at the user's discretion) around the body part corresponding to one of the user- selected positions for the anchor section. At this position, one of a plurality of adjacent apertures passing through, and generally located parallel to a

longitudinal axis of, the other open end of the strap-like member, will preferably align with a position relative to the frame, and a prong in operable proximity to the frame. Preferably, when the prong is passed through the aligned aperture, the clasp mechanism can be closed, thereby anchoring the strap-like member to a user-selected position on a body part.

The invention is not, however, limited such that if the open strap-like member takes the form of a belt-like arrangement, the clasp mechanism is provided by a traditional frame-style buckle. Other clasp mechanisms which may be used include a plate-style buckle, a box-out buckle, a box-frame buckle, or any other mechanism that would enable an open strap-like member to be anchored to a body part. The invention is also not limited such that a clasp mechanism is required. For example, each open end of the strap-like member may also be tied together, including in a bow or other knot arrangement. Alternatively, they may be joined together by Velcro, a push button mechanism, or by any means capable of generally keeping two ends releasably secured together.

It will be apparent that, when used in this specification, the word "anchor"

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Substitute Sheet and grammatical variations thereof, should not be construed to only mean forcibly and tightly connected or firmly affixed to the body part. In the context of this invention, the word "anchor" also encompasses circumstances in which a user wishes to anchor the anchor section to the body part in a loose fashion, permitting a degree of movement of the anchor section relative to the body part. The word, therefore, includes within its scope a full range of possibilities between forcibly and tightly connected or firmly affixed, and secured or connected in a loose fashion, to the body part.

In further preferred embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections can take the form of a closed strap-like member. According to some such

embodiments, the closed strap-like member is a loop through which a part of the body can be passed. For example, if the adornment accessory is being used to vary a visual feature of footwear, the user can pass his/her toes through the closed strap-like member and slide the closed strap-like member proximally along his/her foot and/or leg until the closed strap-like member is positioned at or adjacent the first-or second-user selected position.

In accordance with other such embodiments, at least one anchor section is adapted to loop at least one of the user's toes, thereby being anchored, in use, to the at least one toe, rather than being positioned further along the user's foot or leg. In these embodiments, at least one of the user selected positions is at or adjacent the metatarsophalangeal joints.

In embodiments wherein at least one of the anchor sections takes the form of a closed strap-like member, a loop formed by the strap-like member can have a fixed or elastic circumference. The elasticity of the circumference may result from one or more portions of the circumference being formed of a material having elastic properties, or from the entirety of the circumference being formed of such a material. Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections is a closed strap-like member adapted to be looped onto or adjacent a corresponding user-selected position. The material characteristics of an anchor section in the form of an open strap-like member can also be similar to or the same as that described above in

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Substitute Sheet respect of closed strap-like members. Indeed, it will be appreciated that anchor sections according to the invention can be formed of permutations and

combinations of the many embodiments described and/or contemplated herein.

In yet still further preferred embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections is a cup-like member adapted to cup a body part at or adjacent a corresponding user-selected position. In some such embodiments, the cup-like member is adapted to cup a bony protrusion or digit. For example, when an adornment accessory is adapted to be used to vary a visual feature of footwear, the cup-like member may be adapted to cup the bony protrusion of the foot surrounding the calcaneus. In an alternative embodiment, the cup-like member may be adapted to cup a toe of the user or a portion of the user's foot sole.

Cup-like members according to the invention may, like other forms of anchor sections described and/or contemplated herein, be formed of material having different characteristics, including, for example, fixed or elastic properties. They may be hard or soft. Indeed, the material from which anchor sections, including cup-like members, can be formed include leather, faux leather, fur, rubber, elastic, metal, lace, or any other suitable material or combinations thereof.

Typically, cup-like members are formed into a size sufficient to cup or cover an averaged size bony protrusion or digit. That is to say, in preferred

embodiments, anchor sections which take the form of a cup-like member are formed in a One-size-fits-all' configuration. However, the invention encompasses different sized cup-like members being formed to correspond, for example, to different shoe or, for example, glove, sizes.

In the same or different preferred, or alternative, embodiments, another factor which may bear on the selected size into which cup-like members are formed includes the different styles of apparel for which the adornment accessory may be used to vary a visual feature. Preferably, the size a cup-like member is formed will facilitate concealment of the use of the invention from nearby observers. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that preferred cup-like members are adapted for their specific purpose. For example, in some preferred

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Substitute Sheet embodiments of the adornment accessory adapted to vary a visual appearance of a shoe wherein at least one of the anchor sections takes the form of a cup-like member, the cup-like member is a substantially cavernous shape with a mouth and depth adapted to receive a toe. In other such preferred embodiments, the cup-like member is a substantially cavernous shape with a mouth large enough, or expandable to large enough, to encompass a user's heel and a depth sufficient, or expandable to be sufficient, to encompass a proportion of the bony protrusion created by the calcaneus bone. In some preferred embodiments, the cup-like member is sized such that, in use, a portion of a perimeter of the mouth does not extend passed a mid-point of the user's foot sole. In other

embodiments, the cup-like member is sized such that, in use, a portion of a perimeter of the mouth does not extend more than a length equal to

approximately one quarter of the length of the user's sole, and in yet still further embodiments, a portion of a perimeter of the mouth does not extend more than a length equal to approximately one eighth of the length of the user's sole.

In some alternative embodiments of the adornment accessory adapted to vary a visual appearance of a shoe wherein at least one of the anchor sections takes the form of a cup-like member, the cup-like member has a substantially flattened semi-circular cross-section and is adapted to receive a length of the user's foot sole. The depth of cup-like members in some such embodiments may be minimal, with sides only sufficiently long as to substantially inhibit sideways movement of the cup-like member relative to the user's foot sole.

In yet still further preferred and alternative embodiments, the adornment accessory further comprises at least one additional anchor section, the additional anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at an additional user- selected position. Persons skilled in the art would appreciate that adornment accessories according to the invention can have any number of anchor sections. The number of anchor sections selected for a particular embodiment will preferably depend on the number of anchor sections required to vary at least one visual appearance of apparel as desired and/or, for example, the number of readily available positions for a user to select at or adjacent to which the anchor sections will be secured to one or more body parts. Preferably, all of the user-

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Substitute Sheet selected positions will have a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the apparel. In some preferred and alternative embodiments, at least one of the additional anchor sections is adapted to be anchored to the or a part of the apparel and/or to an item or a part of an item of clothing, footwear or other accessory, such as a fashion accessory, otherwise being worn, used or carried by the user.

Each of the anchor sections may be formed of the same or of different material/s to one another. In some preferred embodiments, at least two of the anchor sections are integrally formed as a single item. Some such embodiments are exemplified wherein the first and second anchor sections together form a loop-like structure. In such embodiments, the loop-like structure is passed over an appendage, such as a foot, of the user, and advanced proximally until the first anchor section is at or adjacent the first-user selected position and the second anchor section is at or adjacent the second-user selected position. In some of these embodiments, the first- and second-user selected positions are on substantially opposite sides of the user's appendage, and the spatial relationship between these first- and second-user selected positions is such that at least one visual appearance of the apparel being worn by the user is varied by the visual feature component of the adornment accessory. This spatial relationship can also be such that a sufficient degree of tension is created between the first and second anchor sections as a result of the interposed appendage such that they are each relatively firmly secured to or adjacent their respective corresponding user selected position.

In other preferred embodiments wherein at least two of the anchor sections are integrally formed into a loop-like structure, a user may twist the loop-structure into, for example, a substantially figure eight shape. The substantially figure eight shape is preferably formed such that the first anchor section is positioned on one loop of the figure eight essentially opposite a position where the two loops crossover each other, and the second anchor section is positioned on the other loop of the figure eight essentially opposite a position where the two loops cross-over each other. Some such preferred embodiments enable a user to don the adornment accessory such that there is at least one body joint interposed

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Substitute Sheet between the first user-selected position and the second user-selected position.

For example, once in a substantially figure eight shape, a user may pass his/her toes through both loops of the figure eight and advance the adornment accessory proximally such that the more proximal loop is advanced passed the ankle until the first anchor section is at or adjacent the user's Achilles tendon or calf. The more distal loop is not advanced beyond the mid-region of the user's foot and the second anchor section is at or adjacent a portion of the user's foot sole. In such embodiments, a skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the position where the two loops of the figure eight shape cross-over each other, will be somewhere close to the ankle joint, whether on the back, the front or elsewhere around the circumference of the ankle joints. Preferably, that crossover position will be on the back of the user's foot substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the foot.

The invention according to such embodiments envisages there being more than two anchor sections integrally formed. In some such cases, a user can twist the adornment accessory such that there is a loop for each or more than one anchor section. However, other embodiments envisage each anchor section being of different physical form, whether integrally or separately formed from one or more of the other anchor sections. Indeed, according to some preferred embodiments, each of the anchor sections are adapted to connect with or engage at least one other anchor section and/or the visual feature component.

Moreover, in preferred and alternative embodiments, the spatially-defined relationship between the first and the second user-selected positions is such that there is at least one body joint interposed between the first user-selected position and the second user-selected position. The first user-selected position may be proximal to the at least one body joint and the second user-selected position is distal to the at least one body joint. Alternatively, the first user-selected position is proximal to a first body joint and the second user-selected position is distal to a second body joint, wherein the second body joint is distal to the first body joint. For example, in some preferred embodiments wherein the adornment accessory is adapted for varying a visual feature of footwear, at least one body

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Substitute Sheet joint is one of the ankle joints and the first user-selected position is between the knee and the at least one ankle joint and the second user-selected position is proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joints. (For ease of reference, the ankle joints are collectively referred to in the singular variously throughout this specification; that is, for example, as 'the ankle joint'.). In some such preferred embodiments, the first user-selected position is between the knee and ankle joints and the second user-selected position is distal to a metatarsophalangeal joint. In some of these embodiments at least one of the anchor sections is adapted to be anchored to at least one of the user's toes, for example, by looping over the at least one toe.

The visual feature component is adapted to vary a visual appearance of apparel being worn by a user of the adornment accessory. In some preferred embodiments, the visual feature component is provided by at least one of the anchor sections. In other embodiments, the visual feature component is connected to or is adapted to connect to or engage with at least one of the anchor sections.

Preferably, in use, the visual feature component varies at least one visual feature of the apparel so as to change the visual appearance of at least a portion of the apparel. In preferred and alternative embodiments, the visual feature component varies the visual appearance of the apparel from a first visual appearance to at least a second visual appearance, wherein, for example, the first visual appearance is a visual appearance of the apparel without the user using an adornment accessory. In some such embodiments, the first visual appearance is an appearance that makes the apparel appropriate for a form of casual attire. In some of the same and other such embodiments, the second visual appearance is an appearance that makes the apparel appropriate for a form of formal attire, because, for example, the adornment accessory, in use, 'dresses up' the appearance of the apparel.

Persons skilled in the art would readily appreciate that the invention is not necessarily limited by the number of changes in visual appearances to the apparel which can be achieved by the visual feature component. Indeed, in some

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Substitute Sheet embodiments, the visual feature component varies the appearance of the apparel from a first visual appearance to a second visual appearance and/or to an additional visual appearance. The additional visual appearance of some embodiments is an appearance that makes the apparel appropriate for a form of glamorous attire.

Preferably, the visual feature component includes a visual feature which, in use, is added to the visual feature/s of the apparel. For example, the visual feature includes one or more diamonds (whether genuine or manufactured), one or more star-shapes, one or more stripes (whether of the same or of different colour). The visual feature component may include one or more chains (whether heavy or light), one or more feathers or furs, one or more jewelry items or one or more strings or laces (whether of the same or of different colours, qualities and/or materials), one or more tassels, beads, studs or pom-poms. Moreover, the invention envisages the visual feature component including any item or visual feature which is capable of varying a visual feature of apparel being worn by the user.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the visual feature component includes one or more visual features adapted such that, when the adornment accessory is in use, the visual appearance of the apparel is varied, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the apparel being worn by the user is of a different type, model and/or brand to that of the apparel itself.

In some preferred and alternative embodiments, the adornment accessory does not provide a physical support for the body part or parts on which it is used. In some such embodiments, and some others, the adornment accessory provides a decorative function only.

It will be readily apparent that the adornment accessory of both preferred and alternative embodiments can be adapted to be used with different kinds of apparel, including clothing wear, under-garments, such as lingerie, footwear or other items of apparel. In particularly preferred embodiments, the adornment accessory is adapted to enable a user to vary a visual appearance of footwear. There is no limitation

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Substitute Sheet on the kind of footwear with which the adornment accessory according to the invention can be used. Such footwear includes thongs, slippers, joggers, pumps or high-heel shoes, boots, ballet flats, open and closed shoes, clogs, sandals, and any other form of footwear. According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an

adornment accessory for varying a visual appearance of footwear being worn by a user, the adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the footwear; and first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position; wherein the first and second user-selected positions have a spatially- defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the footwear, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the footwear being observed on the user is of a different type, model or brand to that of the footwear being worn by the user.

In preferred and alternative embodiments, the adornment accessory is adapted so that there is need for engagement with, connection to, or physical reliance upon, a portion of the footwear or of other apparel, to enable the adornment accessory to vary the visual appearance of the footwear or of other apparel.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method enabling a user to varying a visual appearance of apparel being worn by the user, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel; and first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to

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Substitute Sheet be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position; enabling the user to select the first and second user-selected positions in a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the apparel.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method enabling a user to vary a visual appearance of footwear being worn by the user, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising:

a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the footwear; and

first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position; enabling the user to select the first and second user-selected positions in a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the footwear, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the footwear being observed on the user is of a different type, model or brand to that of the footwear being worn by the user.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of varying a visual appearance of apparel, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel; and first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position;

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Substitute Sheet selecting the first user-selected position and the second user-selected position in a spatially-defined relationship such that the adornment accessory will vary a visual appearance of the apparel as desired; donning the adornment accessory such that the first anchor section is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the first user-selected position and the second anchor section is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the second user- selected position; and donning the apparel.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of varying a visual appearance of footwear, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the footwear; and

first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position;

selecting the first user-selected position and the second user-selected position in a spatially-defined relationship such that the adornment accessory will vary a visual appearance of the footwear;

donning the adornment accessory such that the first anchor section is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the first user-selected position and the second anchor section is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the second user- selected position; and

donning the footwear, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the footwear being observed on the user is of a different type, model or brand to that of the footwear being worn by the user.

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Substitute Sheet Brief description of the drawings:

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein the visual feature component is attached to the first anchor section.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein the visual feature component is attached to the first anchor section. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein the first and second anchor sections are integrally formed into an open loop arrangement.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein the first and second anchor sections are integrally formed into a closed loop arrangement.

Figure 5A is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein the first anchor section is in the form of a cup-like member.

Figure 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating the embodiment of the adornment accessory depicted in Figure 5A donned by user in preparation for varying a visual appearance of apparel about to be worn by a user; in this case, the apparel could be, for example, a thong or a sandal.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein the first anchor section is in the form of a cup-like member. This embodiment also includes an additional anchor section.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, which is a variation on the theme of the

embodiment depicted in figure 6 wherein the first anchor section is in the form of an open loop-like structure rather than a cup-like member.

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Substitute Sheet Figure 8 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein there are two additional anchor sections.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein there are two additional anchor sections. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the adornment accessory depicted in Figure 9, illustrating how the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of apparel; in this case, a high-heel shoe.

Figure 1 1 is a side view of an apparel - in this case a high heel shoe - with which the adornment accessory according to the invention can be used. Figure 12 is a perspective view of an adornment accessory in accordance with a preferred embodiment, wherein there are multiple additional anchor sections.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the adornment accessory depicted in Figure 12, donned by a user in preparation for varying a visual appearance of apparel about to be worn by a user; in this case, the apparel is a high-heel shoe as depicted in Figure 1 1 .

Figure 14 is a side view of the embodiment of the adornment accessory from Figure 12, illustrating how the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of apparel being worn by a user; in this case, a high-heel shoe as depicted in Figure 1 1 .

Detailed description of the drawings:

In accordance with the invention there is provided an adornment

accessory 10 for varying a visual appearance of apparel 20 being worn by a user 40, the adornment accessory 10 comprising: a visual feature component 30 adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel 20; and first and second anchor sections (1 1 and 12), the first anchor section 1 1 adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position 50 and the second anchor section 12 adapted to be anchored to a body part at or

18

Substitute Sheet adjacent a second user-selected position 60; wherein the first and second user-selected positions (50 and 60) have a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory 10 varies a visual appearance of the apparel 20. Preferably, the adornment accessory 10 is adapted such that its use is not immediately apparent to nearby observers. In some preferred embodiments, when the adornment accessory 10 is in use, the visual feature component 30 does not appear to be a component of an adornment accessory 10. In some such embodiments, the visual feature component 30 appears to be, or to substantially be, a component of the apparel 20.

In the same and/or other such embodiments, at least one of the first and second anchor sections (1 1 and 12) does not appear to be a component of the adornment accessory 10. In some of these embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections (1 1 , 12 or 19) is, or is substantially, disguised or concealed by at least a portion of the apparel 20, and/or appears to be, or to substantially be, a component of the apparel 20.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the visual feature component 30 includes one or more visual features adapted such that, when the adornment accessory 10 is in use, the visual appearance of the apparel 20 is varied, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the apparel being worn by the user is of a different type, model and/or brand to that of the apparel 20 itself (i.e. the apparel without the adornment accessory).

In the following text, which provides a detailed description of the figures, the specification focuses on preferred embodiments of the adornment accessory 10 adapted to be used with footwear. However, as already discussed and as would be apparent to the skilled addressee, the adornment accessory 10 can be adapted to be used with different forms of apparel 20.

In preferred embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections (1 1 , 12 and/or 19) can take the form of a closed strap-like member. In some preferred

embodiments, at least two of the anchor sections (1 1 , 12 and/or 19) are integrally

19

Substitute Sheet formed as a single item. Some such embodiments are exemplified wherein the first and second anchor sections (1 1 and 12) together form a loop-like structure.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate similar embodiments of the adornment accessory 10, with each having different design features for their respective visual feature component 30.

In such embodiments, the loop-like structure is passed over the user's foot (not shown), and advanced proximally until the first anchor section 1 1 is at or adjacent the first-user selected position (not shown) and the second anchor section 12 is at or adjacent the second-user selected position (not shown). In the embodiments depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the first anchor section 1 1 and the second anchor section 12 are integrally formed into a single closed loop structure. The closed strap-like member is a loop through which a part of the body can be passed. In the embodiments depicted in those figures, the user 40 can pass his/her toes through the closed strap-like member and slide the closed strap-like member proximally along his/her foot and/or leg until the closed straplike member is positioned at or adjacent the first- or second-user selected position (not shown).

For the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first- and second-user selected positions (1 1 and 12) are on substantially opposite sides of the user's foot or leg (not shown), and the spatial relationship between these first- and second-user selected positions (1 1 and 12) is such that at least one visual appearance of the apparel 20 being worn by the user is varied by the visual feature component 30 of the adornment accessory. This spatial relationship is also such that a sufficient degree of tension is created between the first and second anchor sections (1 1 and 12) by the interposed foot/leg (not shown) such that they are each relatively firmly secured to or adjacent their respective corresponding user selected position (not shown).

The closed-loop can have a fixed or elastic circumference. In the

embodiments depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the closed-loop has elasticity provided by an elastic portion 13 formed as part of the circumference. However, in other embodiments, the material from which the closed-loop is formed can have elastic

20

Substitute Sheet properties throughout the entirety of the circumference.

In further preferred embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections (1 1 , 12 or 19) in preferred embodiments of the invention is an open strap-like member adapted to be strapped to or around a corresponding user-selected position (50, 60 or 70). In some such embodiments, the open strap-like member takes the form of a belt-like arrangement, permitting the user 40 to close the strap-like member by engaging a clasp mechanism as required. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 3.

The clasp mechanism may be provided by a traditional frame-style buckle, with a frame-and-prong design adapted to enable a user 40 to pass one of the open ends (not marked) of the strap-like member through a frame 14 located toward an end of the other open end (not marked) of the strap-like member until the strap-like member engages loosely or firmly (at the user's discretion) around the body part corresponding to one of the user-selected positions (50, 60 or 70) for that anchor section (1 1 , 12 or 19). At this position, one of a plurality of adjacent apertures 16 passing through, and generally located parallel to a longitudinal axis of, the other open end (not marked) of the strap-like member, will preferably align with a position relative to the frame 14, and a prong 15 in operable proximity to the frame 14. Preferably, when the prong 15 is passed through the aligned aperture 16, the clasp mechanism can be closed, thereby anchoring the strap-like member to one or more user-selected positions (50, 60 or 70) on a body part.

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the first- and second-anchor sections (1 1 and 12) are integrally formed into a loop-like structure. As shown, a user may twist the loop-structure into, for example, a substantially figure eight shape. The substantially figure eight shape is preferably formed such that the first anchor section 1 1 is positioned on one loop of the figure eight essentially opposite a position where the two loops cross-over each other, and the second anchor section 12 is positioned on the other loop of the figure eight essentially opposite a position where the two loops cross-over each other. Some such preferred embodiments enable a user to don the adornment accessory 10 such

21

Substitute Sheet that there is at least one body joint interposed between the first user-selected position and the second user-selected position (not shown).

For example, once in a substantially figure eight shape, a user (not shown) may pass his/her toes (not shown) through both loops of the figure eight and advance the adornment accessory 10 proximally such the more proximal loop is advanced passed the ankle (not shown) until the first anchor section 1 1 is at or adjacent the user's Achilles tendon or calf (not shown). The more distal loop is not advanced beyond the mid-region of the user's foot (not shown) and the second anchor section 12 is at or adjacent a portion of the user's foot sole (not shown). In such embodiments, a skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the position where the two loops of the figure eight shape cross-over each other, will be somewhere close to the ankle joint (not shown), whether on the back, the front or elsewhere around the circumference of the ankle joint (not shown).

Preferably, that cross-over position will be on the back of the user's foot (not shown) substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the foot (not shown).

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the visual feature component 30 is provided by a speckled pattern on a surface of the adornment accessory 10 substantially interposed between the first anchor section 1 1 and the second anchor section 12. The second anchor section 12 includes an elastic portion 30 to provide a user (not shown) with the ability to, for example, increase the amount by which the open-loop arrangement is tightened around the body part while reducing the risk of cutting off blood circulation to at least one body part enwrapped by the adornment accessory 10.

Nevertheless, as previously explained, it will be apparent that, when used in this specification, the word "anchor" and grammatical variations thereof, should not be construed to only mean forcibly and tightly connected or firmly affixed to the body part. In the context of this invention, the word "anchor" also

encompasses circumstances in which a user 40 wishes to anchor one or more anchor sections (1 1 , 12 and/or 19) to the body part in a loose fashion, permitting a degree of movement of the anchor section/s (1 1 , 12 and/or 19) relative to the body part.

22

Substitute Sheet The embodiment depicted in Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the adornment accessory 10 in which the first anchor section 1 1 and the second anchor section 12 are integrally formed into a closed loop-like structure. In this embodiment a series of apertures (not marked) on each side of portions of the adornment accessory 10 interposed between the first- and second-anchor sections (1 1 and 12), provide passages through which a draw-string or lace (not marked) can be passed.

As illustrated, the draw-string or lace (not marked) can be used to bring the two sides through which the apertures (not marked) pass together. In this embodiment, the visual feature component 30 is provide by a combination of the arrangement of the two sides through which the apertures (not marked) pass and the draw-string or lace.

In use to vary a visual appearance of a shoe, the first anchor section 1 1 of the depicted embodiment could be secured above the user's ankle (not shown) and the second anchor section 12 could be secured underneath the mid-section of the user's foot sole (not shown). The visual feature 30 would then rest on top of the back of a shoe (not shown) and/or the user's foot (not shown), thereby varying a visual appearance of the shoe (not shown). This embodiment of the invention could be used to cause, for example, a ballet flat type casual shoe to appear to be a more formal or glamorous lace-up shoe.

In yet still further preferred embodiments, at least one of the anchor sections (1 1 , 12 and/or 19) is a cup-like member adapted to cup a body part at or adjacent a corresponding user-selected position (50, 60 and/or 70). In some such embodiments, the cup-like member is adapted to cup a bony protrusion or digit. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5A and 5B, the cup-like member is adapted to cup the bony protrusion of the foot surrounding the calcaneus (not shown). That anchor section 1 1 is formed in a 'one-size-fits-all' configuration based on graded size ranges, such that, for example, different sized cup-like members are formed to correspond to different foot or shoe sizes. As shown, the cup-like member is a substantially cavernous shape with a mouth 17 and crevice 18 with a depth. The mouth 17 is large enough to

23

Substitute Sheet encompass a user's heel (not shown, but illustrated in Figure 5B) and crevice 18 has a depth sufficient to encompass a proportion of the bony protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in Figure 5B) created by the calcaneus bone. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5A and 5B, the second anchor section 12 is provided by an open loop arrangement using a standard frame-and-prong clasp. The visual feature component 30 of this embodiment is located on a surface of the adornment accessory which faces outwardly when the adornment accessory 10 is in use. In the embodiment depicted, the second anchor section 12 would, in use, be preferably secured above a user's ankle (illustrated in Figure 5B) and the visual feature component 30 would be visible as a belt-band. This embodiment could be used, for example, to cause a simple sandal or thong for casual attire appear to be a more formal sandal, appropriate for both formal and/or more glamorous attire.

In yet still further embodiments, the adornment accessory 10 further comprises at least one additional anchor section 19, the additional anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at an additional user-selected position 70.

Persons skilled in the art would appreciate that adornment accessories 10 according to the invention can have any number of additional anchor sections 19. The number of additional anchor sections 19 selected for a particular

embodiment will preferably depend on the number of anchor sections (1 1 , 12 and 19) required to vary at least one visual appearance of apparel 20 as desired and/or, for example, the number of readily available positions for a user to select at or adjacent to which the anchor sections (1 1 , 12 and 19) will be secured to one or more body parts. All of the user-selected positions will have a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory 10 varies a visual appearance of the apparel 20. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the spatially-defined relationship is a spatially-defined relationship of at least one of the user-selected positions (1 1 ,12 or 19) relative to at least one other of the user- selected positions (1 1 ,12 or 19). The embodiment depicted in Figure 6 is a similar embodiment to that depicted in Figure 5. In Figure 6, however, the adornment accessory 10 includes

24

Substitute Sheet an additional anchor section 19.

The embodiment depicted in Figure 7 is a similar embodiment to that depicted in Figure 6. In Figure 7, however, the first anchor section 1 1 takes the form of a strap or loop-structure, rather than a cup-like member. In use of the embodiment in Figure 7, the first anchor section 1 1 could be located on the user's foot sole (not shown) adjacent or anterior to the heel (not shown). The first anchor section could also be located on the user's foot sole (not shown) adjacent or anterior to a mid-section of the user's foot sole. Additional anchor section 19 and second anchor section 12 could then be positioned proximal to the user's ankle joint (not shown), such that, for example, second anchor section 12 is interposed between the user's knee (not shown) and the user's ankle (not shown), relatively closer to the user's ankle (not shown).

The embodiment depicted in Figure 8 illustrates another variation of the adornment accessory 10, having two additional anchor sections 19. In this embodiment, the second anchor section 12 takes the form of a closed-loop arrangement and includes an elastic section 13 to facilitate, for example, use on different sized feet and/or positioning at different locations on a foot (not shown). The first anchor section 1 1 takes the form of an open-loop arrangement and uses a variation on the classic frame-and-prong clasp arrangement. Additional anchor sections 19 take a similar form to that of the first anchor section 1 1 , and are connected to the first anchor section 1 1 by connecting means (not marked) represented in Figure 8 by a substantially rectangular shaped piece of material. Connecting means (not marked) is joined to the first anchor section 1 1 and each of the additional anchor sections 19 by sewing in this embodiment. However, it would be apparent to the skilled addressee that the join between the connecting means (not marked) and the first anchor section 1 1 and each of the additional anchor sections 19 can be achieved by any suitable means, whether permanent (such as with fabric glue) or temporary (such as with Velcro or a button clip mechanism). Like the embodiments depicted in Figures 3, 4 and 7, the embodiment in

Figure 8 is positioned, in use, such that the joints comprising the user's ankle (not

25

Substitute Sheet shown) are interposed between the first anchor section 1 1 and the second anchor section 12. Specifically, in use, the second anchor section 12 could be located on the user's foot sole (not shown) adjacent or anterior to the heel (not shown). The second anchor section 12 could also be located on the user's foot sole (not shown) adjacent or anterior to a mid-section of the user's foot sole. First anchor section 1 1 could then be positioned proximal to the user's ankle joint (not shown), such that, for example, first anchor section 1 1 is interposed between the user's knee (not shown) and the user's ankle (not shown), relatively closer to the user's ankle (not shown). Additional anchor sections 19 would then be located distal to the first anchor section 1 1 .

Moreover, in use, the spatially-defined relationship between the first and the second user-selected positions (50 and 60) is such that there is at least one body joint interposed between the first user-selected position 50 and the second user- selected position 60. The first user-selected position 50 may be proximal to the at least one body joint and the second user-selected position 60 is distal to the at least one body joint. Alternatively, the first user-selected position 50 is proximal to a first body joint and the second user-selected position 60 is distal to a second body joint, the second body joint may be distal to the first body joint.

In particularly preferred embodiments, wherein the adornment accessory is adapted for varying a visual feature of footwear, at least one body joint is an ankle joint and the first user-selected position 50 is between the knee and ankle joints and the second user-selected position 60 is proximal to the

metatarsophalangeal joints. In some such preferred embodiments, the first user- selected position 50 is between the knee and ankle joints and the second user- selected position 60 is distal to a metatarsophalangeal joint.

As is well illustrated in the Figures, the reverse of what has been described above is also envisaged by the invention; that is, in some embodiments, the first anchor section 1 1 is located such that, in use, its position will be proximal the ankle, and the second anchor position 12 is located such that, in use, its position will be distal the ankle. Since, as described herein, the first user-selected position 50 corresponds to the position at or adjacent to which the first anchor

26

Substitute Sheet section will, in use, be located, and the second user-selected position 60 corresponds to the position at or adjacent to which the second anchor section 12 will, in use, be located, the position of body joints relative to the first and second user-selected positions 50 and 60 will be the reverse of that described in the preceding paragraphs.

Figure 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of the adornment accessory that, like the embodiment depicted in Figure 8, has two additional anchor sections 19. The embodiment depicted in Figure 9 is, in that sense, a variation on the theme of the embodiment depicted in Figure 8. However, it is apparent that, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 9, each of the anchor sections (1 1 , 12, 19 and 19) have been integrally formed or fixedly connected to a central spine-like piece (not marked), part of which provides the visual feature component 30 of this adornment accessory 10.

In Figure 10, the adornment accessory 10 of Figure 9 is depicted with a high heel shoe 20. The user's leg is not shown in this Figure. However, it can be readily seen that, when the adornment accessory 10 is put into use with this particular high heel shoe 20, the visual appearance of the shoe is transformed, such that a shoe which typically appears suitable for office attire, now has an appearance suitable for a party or an otherwise glamorous function. Moreover, in preferred embodiments, the visual feature component 30 is adapted to vary a visual appearance of apparel 20 being worn by a user 40 of the adornment accessory 10. As illustrated in the Figures generally, or as would be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the visual feature component 30 can be provided by at least one of the anchor sections (1 1 , 12 and/or 19). Alternatively, the visual feature component 30 is connected to or is adapted to connect to or engage with at least one of the anchor sections (11 , 12 and/or 19).

Preferably, in use, the visual feature component 30 varies at least one visual feature of the apparel 20 so as to change the visual appearance of at least a portion of the apparel 20. In preferred and alternative embodiments, the visual feature component 30 varies the visual appearance of the apparel 20 from a first visual appearance to at least a second visual appearance. The first visual

27

Substitute Sheet appearance of the apparel 20 is typically a visual appearance of the apparel 20 alone, without the adornment accessory 10 being used. In some embodiments, the first visual appearance is an appearance that makes the apparel 20 appropriate for a form of casual attire. In some of the same and other such embodiments, the second visual appearance is an appearance that makes the apparel 20 appropriate for a form of formal attire. In some embodiments, the visual feature component 30 varies the appearance of the apparel 20 from a first visual appearance to a second visual appearance and/or to an additional visual appearance. The additional visual appearance of some embodiments is an appearance that makes the apparel 20 appropriate for a form of glamorous attire.

Preferably, the visual feature component 30 includes a visual feature which, in use, is added to the visual feature/s of the apparel 20. For example, the visual feature component can include one or more diamonds (whether genuine or manufactured) (see, for example, Figures 5 to 7), one or more star- or flower shapes (see, for example, Figure 1 ), one or more stripes (whether of the same or of different colour). The visual feature component 30 may include one or more chains (whether heavy or light) (see, for example, Figure 2), one or more feathers or furs, one or more jewelry items or one or more strings or laces (whether of the same or of different colours, qualities and/or materials), and one or more tassels (see, for example, Figure 4), beads, studs or pom-poms. Moreover, as previously explained, the invention envisages the visual feature component 30 including any item or visual feature which is capable of varying a visual feature of apparel 20 being worn by the user 40.

There is no particular limitation on the kind of footwear with which the adornment accessory 10 according to the invention can be used. Such footwear includes thongs, slippers, joggers, pumps or high-heel shoes, ballet flats, boots, open and closed shoes, clogs, sandals, and any other form of footwear.

The invention also provides a method enabling a user 40 to vary a visual appearance of apparel 20 being worn by the user 40, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory 10 comprising: a visual feature component 30 adapted to vary a visual appearance

28

Substitute Sheet of the apparel 20; and first and second anchor sections (1 1 and 12), the first anchor section 1 1 adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position 50 and the second anchor section 12 adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position 60; enabling the user to select the first and second user-selected positions (50 and 60) in a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory 10 varies a visual appearance of the apparel 20.

The invention further provides a method of varying a visual appearance of apparel 20, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory 10 comprising: a visual feature component 30 adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel 20; and first and second anchor sections (1 1 and 12), the first anchor section 1 1 adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position 50 and the second anchor section 12 adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position 60; selecting the first user-selected position 50 and the second user-selected position 60 in a spatially-defined relationship such that the adornment accessory 10 will vary a visual appearance of the apparel 20 as desired; donning the adornment accessory 10 such that the first anchor section 1 1 is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the first user-selected position 50 and the second anchor section 12 is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the second user-selected position 60; and donning the apparel 20.

Figures 12 to 14 illustrate, in a stepwise fashion, one preferred manner in which one embodiment of an adornment accessory 10 can be used to vary a visual appearance of an apparel 20; in this case, a high heel shoe 20 as depicted in Figure 1 1 . It will be apparent that the high heel shoe 20 is a non-dressy basic

29

Substitute Sheet high heel shoe suitable for office attire.

In order to vary the visual appearance of the high heel shoe 20 to provide it with the look of a dressier and more glamorous shoe suitable for a glamorous function, the adornment accessory depicted in Figure 12 is provided. In this embodiment of the adornment accessory 10, the second anchor section 12 has a substantially horseshoe-shape cross-section. Longitudinally, the second anchor section 12 is adapted to saddle a back portion of the user's heel (as shown in Figure 13) and/or a back portion of the high heel shoe 20 (as shown in Figure 14). First anchor section 1 1 is adapted to extend around the user's forefoot at or adjacent to the metatarsophalangeal joints. This positioning is well illustrated in Figure 14. There are a total of ten additional anchor sections 19. One additional anchor section 19 is located proximal to the first anchor section 1 1 , and is adapted, in use, to extend around a mid-portion of the user's 40 foot sole (see Figure 14, not marked). The balance of nine additional anchor sections 19 are band-like members which extend between outer ends (not marked) of the substantially horseshoe-shaped cross-section of the second anchor section 12. As is well illustrated in Figure 13, in use, the nine additional anchor sections are adapted to extend around the back of the user's 40 foot and the user's 40 shin. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, a visual appearance of the high heel shoe depicted in Figure 1 1 can be varied from a first visual appearance suitable for office attire to a second visual appearance suitable for glamorous function attire, as depicted in Figure 14 using an adornment accessory 10 according to this invention. Thus, in the example depicted in the final four Figures, starting barefoot or with a sock or stocking, a user 40 dons the adornment accessory 10, positioning it such that: the second anchor section 12 is at or adjacent a second user-selected position 60 covering or substantially covering the user's 40 Achilles tendon (not marked);

30

Substitute Sheet the first anchor section 1 1 is at or adjacent a first user-selected position 50 in the vicinity of the user's 40 forefoot (not marked), at or adjacent the

metatarsophalangeal joints; a first additional anchor section 19 (adjacent the first anchor section 1 1 ) in the vicinity of a mid-section of the user's 40 foot sole; and the nine additional anchor sections 19 along the back of the user's 40 foot and shin (not marked).

The user 40 then dons the high heel shoe 20, and its visual appearance is varied as desired. It will be appreciated by persons skill in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be noted that, throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as

"comprising" and "comprises", is not intended to exclude other variants or additional components, integers or steps. Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

31

Substitute Sheet

Claims

1 . An adornment accessory for varying a visual appearance of footwear being worn by a user, the adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the footwear; and first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position; wherein the first and second user-selected positions have a spatially- defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the footwear, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the footwear being observed on the user is of a different type, model or brand to that of the footwear being worn by the user.

2. The adornment accessory of claim 1 adapted so that there is need for engagement with, connection to, or physical reliance upon, a portion of the footwear, to enable the adornment accessory to vary the visual appearance of the footwear.

3. The adornment accessory of claim 1 or 2 wherein, in use, the visual feature component does not appear to be a component of an adornment accessory, and/or at least one of the first and second anchor sections does not appear to be a component of an adornment accessory.

4. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the spatially-defined relationship is such that the ankle joint is interposed between the first user-selected position and the second user-selected position.

5. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one of the anchor sections is an open strap-like member adapted to be strapped to or around a corresponding user-selected position.

6. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein at least one of the anchor sections is a closed strap-like member adapted to be looped onto a

32

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU corresponding user-selected position.

7. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein at least one of the anchor sections is a cup-like member adapted to cup a body part at or adjacent a corresponding user-selected position.

8. The adornment accessory of claim 7 wherein the cup-like member is adapted to cup a bony protrusion or digit.

9. The adornment accessory of claim 8 wherein the bony protrusion is a portion of the foot surrounding the calcaneus.

10. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 9 further comprising at least one additional anchor section, the additional anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at an additional user-selected position.

1 1 . The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the visual feature component is provided by at least one of the anchor sections.

12. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the visual feature component is connected to or is adapted to connect or engage with at least one of the anchor sections.

13. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the visual feature component varies the appearance of the footwear from a first visual appearance to a second visual appearance and/or to an additional visual appearance.

14. A method enabling a user to vary a visual appearance of footwear being worn by the user, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising:

enabling the user to select the first and second user-selected positions in a

33

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the footwear, leaving an unknowing observer to believe that the footwear being observed on the user is of a different type, model or brand to that of the footwear being worn by the user.

15. A method of varying a visual appearance of footwear, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the footwear; and

16. An adornment accessory for varying a visual appearance of apparel being worn by a user, the adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel; and first and second anchor sections, the first anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a first user-selected position and the

34

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU second anchor section adapted to be anchored to a body part at or adjacent a second user-selected position; wherein the first and second user-selected positions have a spatially- defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the apparel.

17. A method enabling a user to varying a visual appearance of apparel being worn by the user, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising:

a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel; and

enabling the user to select the first and second user-selected positions in a spatially-defined relationship such that, in use, the adornment accessory varies a visual appearance of the apparel.

18. A method of varying a visual appearance of apparel, the method comprising: providing an adornment accessory comprising: a visual feature component adapted to vary a visual appearance of the apparel; and

selecting the first user-selected position and the second user-selected position in a spatially-defined relationship such that the adornment accessory will vary a visual appearance of the apparel as desired;

donning the adornment accessory such that the first anchor section is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the first user-selected position and the

35

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU second anchor section is anchored to a body part at or adjacent the second user- selected position; and donning the apparel.

19. The adornment accessory of claim 16 or the method of claim 17 or 18 wherein the apparel is footwear.

20. The adornment accessory of any one of claims 1 to 13, 16 or 19 or the method of any one of claims 14 to 15 or 16 to 19 wherein the footwear is a thong, slipper, jogger, pump or high-heel shoe, boot, ballet flat, open or closed shoe, clog or sandal.

36

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU