U.S. patent application number 11/082121 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for device and method of use for converting style of clothing and decorating clothing.
Invention is credited to Hock, John Raymond, Zic-Hock, Doreen Theresa.
Application Number | 20050155138 11/082121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32467775 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050155138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zic-Hock, Doreen Theresa ;
et al. |
July 21, 2005 |
Device and method of use for converting style of clothing and
decorating clothing
Abstract
A device and methods for converting and decorating clothing are
disclosed. The device includes a center connection part, and a
plurality of extensions, each with one end connected to the center
connection part and with another end connected to an attachment
structure. The method includes attaching one or more first
extensions of the device to one or more first locations of a
clothing and attaching one or more second extensions to one or more
second locations of the clothing to convert the clothing from one
style to another style, or to decorate the clothing. Also disclosed
is a multifunctional jewelry piece which can be used to convert a
style of clothing, to provide ornamentation to clothing, and to
provide ornamentation to a person's body.
Inventors: |
Zic-Hock, Doreen Theresa;
(Boca Raton, FL) ; Hock, John Raymond; (Boca
Raton, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YI LI
CUSPA TECHNOLOGY LAW ASSOCIATES
11820 SW 107 AVENUE
MIAMI
FL
33176
US
|
Family ID: |
32467775 |
Appl. No.: |
11/082121 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11082121 |
Mar 16, 2005 |
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10306578 |
Nov 27, 2002 |
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6868555 |
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11082121 |
Mar 16, 2005 |
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10215932 |
Aug 10, 2002 |
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6785910 |
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60416734 |
Oct 8, 2002 |
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60374580 |
Apr 23, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/244 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20130101;
A44C 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/244 |
International
Class: |
A41D 005/00; A41D
007/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A device for decorating clothing comprising: a center connection
means, and three linear extensions extending radially from said
center connection means, each said linear extension having a first
end portion being connected to said center connection means and a
second opposing end portion being connected to a hook, wherein
attaching said three linear extensions by said hooks to three
locations of said clothing on a same side of an user's body
provides a decoration to said clothing.
2. The device of claim 22, wherein said center connection means is
a loop.
3. The device of claim 22, wherein said center connection means is
a plate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of patent application
Ser. No. 10/306,578 filed Nov. 27, 2002, which claims the benefit
under 35 USC 119 (e) of the provisional application Ser. No.
60/416,734, filed Oct. 8, 2002; and which is also a
continuation-in-part of patent application Ser. No. 10/215,932,
filed Aug. 10, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,910, which claims the
benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of the provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/374,580, filed Apr. 23, 2002. All prior patent
applications are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to clothing
accessories, and more particularly to a device which enables
converting a style of clothing, decorating clothing or a person's
body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Thong-type bikini swimsuit bottoms and briefs are known in
the art. They are particularly suitable for sun tanning because of
large areas of body exposure. However, extensive body exposures can
also be embarrassing to many users when walking around in a public
area, such as at a beach or a resort.
[0004] On the other hand, one-piece swimsuits or bikini swimsuits
have less body exposures. It is more comfortable to wear one-piece
or bikini swimsuits at a beach or at a pool party. However, when
the swimsuit wearer is exposed to the sun or the lamps of a tanning
booth, these types of swimsuits will leave a white outline of the
shape of the garment. The white outline will often be seen when the
person wears a swimsuit or other piece of clothing having a shape
different from the one used to obtain the tan.
[0005] Therefore, because of the above-described reasons, it is
desirable to have different types of swimsuits and to select the
appropriate one for a specific purpose and occasion. However, this
can be costly and inconvenient. Particularly with a two-piece
bikini swimsuit, the top portion already provides a sufficient body
exposure. To obtain sun tan around the buttocks, one needs to
change to a thong style swimsuit.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,560 (to DeCaro) discloses a versatile
swimsuit with accessories, which utilizes a band wrap at selected
areas to change the shape of a bikini top, adjust the cut, and
style of a swimsuit. More particularly, DeCaro teaches using a band
wrap to wrap the rear panel of a swimsuit together to provide a
thong style like swimsuit. The band wrap is made of a flexible
material including elastic between the opposing inner and outer
fabric panel. However, although using a band wrap to wrap a small
area may be feasible, to wrap an entire rear panel into a tubular
band wrap can be difficult and uncomfortable. Furthermore, the band
wrapped rear panel has a poor appearance, which will affect
negatively on a user's interest.
[0007] Based on above discussion, it is apparent that it is
desirable to have a swimsuit accessory device which enables a
convenient conversion of a conventional or a bikini swimsuit style
to a thong style as needed. Furthermore, it is also desirable to
have a device which is able to convert the front panel of a
swimsuit to a style having more body exposure for the purpose of
sun tanning.
[0008] Such a need is not only present for swimsuits, it is also
desirable to have the device applicable to panties so that the
conversion can be made conveniently in a private environment.
[0009] Moreover, it is further desirable to have a device which is
not only able to convert the style of a bottom panel of a swimsuit
or panties, it is also able to convert the style of a top panel of
a swimsuit, or a tube top, or a bra.
[0010] Additionally, it is also desirable to have a multifunctional
device which enables converting the style of clothing and also
decorating the clothing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
device for converting a style of clothing. The device comprises a
center connection means, and a plurality of extensions, each the
extension having a first end portion being connected to the center
connection means and a second end portion being connected to an
attachment means.
[0012] In a further embodiment, the present invention is directed
to the method of use the device for converting a style of clothing.
The method includes attaching one or more extensions by attachment
means to one or more first locations of the clothing, and attaching
one or more second extensions by the attachment means to one or
more second locations of the clothing, whereby a portion of said
clothing between said extensions is tightened, causing a conversion
of said clothing from one style to another style.
[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention is further
directed to a method of decorating clothing. The method includes
attaching one or more first extensions by attachment means to one
or more first locations of the clothing, and attaching one or more
second extensions by the attachment means to one or more second
locations of the clothing to provide decoration of the
clothing.
[0014] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
a multifunctional jewelry piece, which includes a center connection
means, and a plurality of extensions, each the extension having a
first end portion being connected to the center connection means
and a second end portion being connected to an attachment means.
The multifunctional jewelry piece can be used to convert a style of
clothing, to provide ornamentation to clothing, and to provide
ornamentation to a person's body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustrative drawing of the device of one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustrative drawing of the device with a
circular center connection means of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustrative drawing of the device with a
triangular center connection means of one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an illustrative drawing of the device with a
decorative center connection means and extensions of one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an illustrative drawing of the device with four
extensions of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B show the device with foldable extensions of
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7A shows a bottom rear panel of a bikini swimsuit. FIG.
7B shows the bottom rear panel of the bikini swimsuit of FIG. 7A
after being converted to a thong style by applying the device of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows the device having one attachment means attached
to the top edge of the bottom rear panel of a one-piece
swimsuit.
[0024] FIG. 9A shows the device with one attachment means attached
to a loop on the rear panel of a one-piece swimsuit.
[0025] FIG. 9B shows the device with one attachment means attached
to an attachment opening on the rear panel of a one-piece
swimsuit.
[0026] FIG. 10 shows the device with two attachment means attached
to two attachment openings on the rear panel.
[0027] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the application of the device
of present invention to convert a swimsuit from a bikini style to a
thong style.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates one intended use of the device of
present invention for sun bathing.
[0029] FIGS. 13A and 13B are two prospective views of an adjustable
device of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 14A shows a bottom front panel of a bikini swimsuit and
FIG. 14B shows the bottom front panel of the bikini swimsuit of
FIG. 14A after being converted by applying the device of the
present invention to a style having more body exposure.
[0031] FIG. 15A shows a tube top and FIG. 15B shows the tube top of
FIG. 15A after being converted, by applying the device of the
present invention, to a cup shape.
[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates the device of the present invention
attached to a cup of a bikini swimsuit top for decorating the
swimsuit.
[0033] FIG. 17 illustrates the device of the present invention
attached to the front bottom panel of a bikini swimsuit for
decorating the swimsuit.
[0034] FIG. 18 illustrates the device of the present invention
attached to the center of the top panel of a bikini swimsuit for
decorating the swimsuit.
[0035] FIG. 19 illustrates the use of the device of the present
invention as part of a necklace.
[0036] FIG. 20 illustrates using the device of the present
invention to convert a T-shirt to a tank top style.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows one example of
one embodiment of the device of the present invention. The device
10 comprises a plurality of extensions 12, first end portions 14 of
extensions 12 being connected together; and an attachment means 20
being connected to a second end portion 16 of each extension
12.
[0038] In a more preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, device 10
comprises a center connection means 30; and a plurality of
extensions 12, a first end portion 14 of each extension 12 being
connected to center connection means 30; and an attachment means 20
being connected to second end portion 16 of each extension 12.
[0039] The center connection means 30 can be in various shapes,
such as a circular ring as shown in FIG. 2, a triangular ring as
shown in FIG. 3, or other suitable shapes. As shown in FIG. 4,
center connection means 30 can be a circular plate with a plurality
of apertures around the periphery of the circular plate for
connecting with a plurality of extensions 12. Furthermore, center
connection means 30 can have various sizes. Additionally, center
connection means 30 can be decorative with printings, such as
designer logos, brand names or cartoon characters; or decorative
with patterns.
[0040] The center connection means 30 can be made of a variety of
materials. Suitable examples include metal, plastic, rubber and
fabric.
[0041] The extension 12 can be connected directly to center
connection means 30, for example tied on, welded on, or through an
additional connection ring 18 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. With
connection ring 18, extension 12 can be moved freely around center
connection means 30, which provides flexibility in adjusting
attachment positions.
[0042] Extension 12 can be chains, strips, strings, connected
beads, connected loops. They can be made of variety of materials,
including metal, plastic, rubber, fabric, elastic material, string,
and beads. Extension 12 can also be decorative, with colors,
decorative patterns, and decorative material surfaces. FIG. 4 shows
extensions 12 made of stringed beads, and with a designer logo
printed on the surface of center connection means 30. With
decorative designs, the device of the present invention can be made
like jewelry, which will not only service as a swimsuit accessory
for style conversion, but also function as swimsuit decoration.
[0043] The attachment means 20 can be hooks, buttons, clasps,
clamps, snaps, Velcro.TM. (adhesive plastic), or other suitable
means. The plurality of attachment means 20 in one device can be
the same, and can also be different. FIG. 1 to 5 show illustrative
examples of attachment means 20 as S-shape hooks. In FIG. 9A, one
of attachment means, attached to loop 86 of the swimsuit, is a
Velcro.TM. attachment.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, extensions 12 are made of
foldable material such as aluminum strip. With this type of
extension, no additional attachment means are required. The second
end portion 16 itself can function as an attachment means, as shown
in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0045] When in use, a swimsuit wearer attaches two extensions 12 of
device 10 through attachment means 20 to two sides 82 of a bottom
rear panel 80 of a swimsuit, as shown in FIG. 7B, and attaches one
or more extensions 12 through attachment means 20 to one or more
locations around the waist portion of the swimsuit, such as top
edge 84 of rear panel 80 in FIG. 7B. The two extensions 12 attached
to two sides 82 pull the swimsuit bottom rear panel together and
hold rear panel 80 around the center, which converts a bikini or
conventional style to a thong style. Therefore, using the device of
the present invention, one can conveniently convert a rear panel of
a swimsuit to a shape which provides more body exposure for sun
tanning.
[0046] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the use of device 10 of the
present invention to convert a rear panel of a two-piece bikini
swimsuit to a thong style. The device of the present invention can
also be used for converting a one-piece swimsuit. FIG. 8 shows a
one-piece swimsuit which has a low back cut. As shown, one of
extension 12 of device 10 can be attached to top edge of rear panel
80, similar to the use with bikini swimsuit shown in FIG. 7B. FIGS.
9A and 9B show that a one-piece swimsuit can have a built-in
attachment location for use with the device of the present
invention. In FIG. 9A, a one-piece swimsuit has a loop 86 around
the waist portion on rear panel 80. In FIG. 9B, a one-piece
swimsuit has an attachment hole 88 around the waist portion of rear
panel 80, and attachment hole 88 can further be decorated. As
shown, one of extension 12 can be attached to loop 86, or
attachment hole 88, and two extensions 12 can be attached to the
two sides 82 of rear panel 80 as illustrated previously.
[0047] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example of using the device
of the present invention to convert the bottom rear panel of a
bikini swimsuit into a thong. FIG. 12 further illustrates the
intended use of the device of the present invention for sun
bathing.
[0048] The devices shown in FIG. 1 to 4, FIG. 6 to 9 and FIG. 12
have three extensions 12. However, more than three extensions can
be utilized for the purpose of the present invention, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 10. The length of each extension 12 can be the same,
and can also be different, depending on the configuration of the
swimsuit. For example, the extension attached to top edge 84 of
rear panel 80, or loop 86 can be longer than the extensions
attached to two sides 82 of rear panel 80, if top edge 84 or loop
86 has a relatively higher position.
[0049] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides an
adjustable center connection means 31 which has an adjustment
mechanism for adjusting the length of extension 12. FIGS. 13A and
13B show an example of an adjustable device. In this case, two
extensions 12 for attaching two sides of a swimsuit are connected
together by an extension connector 12'. As shown, adjustable center
connection means 31 has a holder 32 with two apertures housing
extension connector 12', and spring loaded slide plate 33 inserted
inside holder 32. With this device, a user can push in slide plate
33 and pull extension connector 12' to adjust the lengths of
extensions 12 based on the swimsuit size, style, and user's
individual needs. Other suitable adjustment means can also be
utilized for the purpose of the present invention.
[0050] The device 10 of the present invention can also be used to
convert the front bottom panel of a bikini or panties to a style
which has more body exposure, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B.
In FIGS. 14A and 14B, and several other examples hereinafter,
extension 12 is made of metal rings.
[0051] Furthermore, device 10 of the present invention can be
utilized to convert the styles of panties, in addition to
swimsuits. In a similar manner as previously described for
converting the style of the bottom panel of a swimsuit, device 10
can be attached to the rear or front panel of panties to convert
the panties to a style having more body exposure.
[0052] In a further embodiment, device 10 of the present invention
can be used to convert the style of the top panel of a bikini, a
tube top, or a bra having a flat front panel without cups. As shown
in FIGS. 15A and 15B, attaching two extensions 12 to top edge 112
of a tube top 110 and another extension 12 to bottom edge 114 of
tube top 110 converts tube top 110 to a style having reduced center
portion, which has more body exposure, and also a decorative shape.
FIG. 15B shows three extensions 12 of device 10 being used for the
conversion. However, if only two extensions 12 are used, one
attached to the top edge and one attached to the bottom edge, the
same conversion can also be achieved.
[0053] Furthermore, device 10 of the present invention can also be
used to convert styles of other clothing. As an example, FIG. 20
shows a conversion of a regular T-shirt to a tank top style using
device 10. As show, two extensions 12 are used for the conversion.
It is apparent that a third or a forth extension can also be
utilized for the conversion if desired.
[0054] Therefore, based on the above descriptions, the present
invention provides, in general, a method of converting clothing
using the device of the present invention. The method comprises the
steps of attaching device 10 by one or more first extensions 12 by
attachment means 20 to one or more first locations of a clothing;
and attaching one or more second extensions 12 by the attachment
means 20 to one or more second locations of the clothing, whereby a
portion of the clothing between the attached extensions is
tightened, which results in a conversion of the clothing from one
style to another style. Herein, the first and second extensions can
be the same, and can also be different as described previously.
Furthermore, the one or more first locations can be the same or
different. Similarly, the one or more second locations can be the
same or different. Moreover, the clothing includes top and bottom
panels of a swimsuit, bra, panties, T-shirts and outerwear.
[0055] The device of the present invention provides a swimsuit
wearer an ability to conveniently change a conventional style
swimsuit, more suitable in a public environment, into a shape with
more body exposures for sun bathing and sun tanning. Therefore, the
present invention provides a practical solution for easy conversion
of swimsuit styles between different environments. Furthermore, it
costs much less to use the devices of the present invention to
convert swimsuit styles than possessing multiple swimsuits of
different styles.
[0056] The device of the present invention can be sold as an
after-market product for use with user's existing swimsuit, and it
can also be sold together with a swimsuit as an accessory or
decoration. Moreover, because of its decorative feature, the device
of the present invention can also be used as a decoration of a
thong style swimsuit, where a conversion is not even required.
[0057] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a kit
for making a device. The kit comprises extension materials, a
plurality of attachment means, center connection means, and an
instruction on how to make the device. Because of its structural
simplicity, low cost, and decorative features, users can make
various devices with their choices of color, material, and style.
Using the kit a user can make devices with or without the center
connection means, with three or more extensions, or with only two
extensions.
[0058] In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a
method of decorating clothing using the device of the present
invention. The method comprises the steps of attaching device 10
comprising a center connection means 30, and a plurality of
extensions 12, first end portions of extensions 12 being connected
to center connection means 30, a second end portion of each of
extensions 12 being connected to an attachment means 20, by one or
more extensions 12 by attachment means 20 to one or more first
locations of clothing, and attaching one or more extensions 12 by
attachment means 20 to one or more second locations of the clothing
to provide a decoration of the clothing. The clothing includes top
and bottom panels of a swimsuit, bra, panties, T-shirt and
outerwear.
[0059] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of using device 10 to
decorate the top panel of a bikini or a bra. As shown, the device
10 has three extensions 12, one extension 12 being attached to the
top 122 of cup 120 by attachment means 20, and two other extensions
12 being attached to the left and right side 124 of cup 120,
respectively, by attachment means 20. The device 10 provides a
beautiful and unique decoration of the bikini top.
[0060] FIG. 18 shows another example of using device 10 to decorate
the top panel of a bikini or a bra. As shown, the three extensions
12 are attached to the top and bottom edges around the center of
the top panel of the bikini or a bra to provide ornamentation.
Moreover, the device of the present invention can also be attached
easily on various locations of a knitted sweater, cardigan, or
other suitable outerwear for decorating the clothing.
[0061] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of using device 10 to
decorate the bottom panel of a bikini or panties. As shown, one
extension 12 is attached to a side 132 of the front bottom panel
130 of a bikini by attachment means 20, and two other extensions 12
are attached to the waist portion 134 by attachment means 20. Once
again, such an attachment of device 10 provides a unique decoration
to the bikini bottom.
[0062] Additionally, attachments as shown in FIG. 16 to 18 also
provide a storage of the device when it is not used for converting
the swimsuit or lingerie. The unique decorations illustrated in
FIG. 16 to 18 create unprecedented new decorations to swimwears and
lingerie.
[0063] Furthermore, the device of the present invention can be
utilized as a jewelry piece such as a pendant, a part of a
necklace, a part of a wrist bracelet, a part of a ankle lace, or an
earring. Because of the multiple functionality of the device, the
present invention has provided a multifunctional jewelry piece.
Similarly, the multifunctional jewelry piece 10 comprises a center
connection means 30, and a plurality of extensions 12, first end
portions of extensions 12 being connected to center connection
means 30, a second end portion of each of extensions 12 being
connected to an attachment means 20, as shown in FIG. 2. The
multifunctional jewelry piece 10 can further comprise a linkage
means. The linkage means links one of plurality extensions 12 to
another one of plurality of extensions 12.
[0064] The multifunctional jewelry piece 10 can be used to convert
a style of clothing, to provide ornamentation to clothing, and to
provide ornamentation to a person's body. FIG. 19 illustrates an
example which uses the multifunctional jewelry piece 10 as part of
a necklace 140.
[0065] While the present invention has been described in detail and
pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings, these should not be
construed as limitations on the scope of the present invention, but
rather as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. It
will be apparent, however, that various modifications and changes
can be made within the spirit and the scope of this invention as
described in the above specification and defined in the appended
claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *