U.S. patent application number 12/616462 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for brassiere having removable display apparatus and related methods.
Invention is credited to Mary Kay Unitan.
Application Number | 20100154472 12/616462 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42264122 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100154472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Unitan; Mary Kay |
June 24, 2010 |
BRASSIERE HAVING REMOVABLE DISPLAY APPARATUS AND RELATED
METHODS
Abstract
Brassieres having removable display apparatus are disclosed. The
display apparatus is securable around a band between the cups of a
brassiere. The display apparatus may have a cincture to secure the
relative position of the body of the display apparatus and the band
of the brassiere. The methods disclosed include securing a display
apparatus to brassiere and displaying a message or image on a
display device of the display apparatus.
Inventors: |
Unitan; Mary Kay; (Maple
Grove, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Clise, Billion & Cyr, P.A.
605 U.S. Highway 169, Suite 300
Plymouth
MN
55441
US
|
Family ID: |
42264122 |
Appl. No.: |
12/616462 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61113419 |
Nov 11, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.11 ; 450/39;
63/20; 63/23; 63/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/08 20130101;
A44C 15/0045 20130101; A41C 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.11 ; 63/20;
63/23; 63/40; 450/39 |
International
Class: |
A44C 25/00 20060101
A44C025/00; A44C 13/00 20060101 A44C013/00; A44C 1/00 20060101
A44C001/00; A44C 11/00 20060101 A44C011/00; A41C 3/00 20060101
A41C003/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a brassiere comprising a first cup and
a second cup secured together by a band extending between the first
cup and the second cup; and a display apparatus comprising a body
and a display device, the body defining a first end and a second
end and a first arm and a second arm, the first arm is removably
attached to the second arm to form a loop secured around the band
and the display device attached to the lower end of the body.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cincture defining
an cincture aperture, the first arm and the second arm of the body
extending through the cincture aperture and the cincture slidably
engaged around the first arm and the second arm to secure the body
about the band of the brassiere.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display device is
removably attached to the body.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cincture, wherein
the cincture is slidably attached to the body.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display device includes an
alterable message or image.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the display device includes an
alterable message or image.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises a
locket, a charm, a strap, a button, a pin, a rope, a ribbon, a
chain, or an elastic band.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first arm of the body is
removably attached to the second arm of the body with a
fastener.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the fastener comprises a hook
and ladder fastener, a clasp, a snap, a button, a caribiner, a hook
and eye, a buckle, a pin, or combinations thereof.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a pad that
contacts the fastener.
11. A method of attaching and using a removable display apparatus
comprising: a) providing a brassiere comprising a band defining a
front portion and a back portion; b) providing a removable display
apparatus comprising i) a body comprising a first end and a second
end and a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm is
removably attached to the second arm with a fastener; ii) a display
device removably attached to the second end of the body, wherein
the display device includes a message or image; c) looping the
first arm and second arm around a center front portion of the band
of the brassiere; and d) fastening the fastener to attach the
second arm of the body to the first arm of the body.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the message or image of the
display device is alterable, and further comprising attaching a
message or image to the display device.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising detaching the
display device from the display apparatus.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the display apparatus further
comprises a cincture slidably attached to the body, and further
comprising sliding the cincture along the body to secure the body
to the center front portion of the band of the brassiere.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims benefit and priority from a
U.S. provisional patent application having application Ser. No.
61/113,419, filed Nov. 11, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present inventions relate to clothing and, more
particularly, to a brassiere and display apparatus and related
methods for securing and positioning a display on a brassiere.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention provides an apparatus comprising a brassiere
having a display apparatus secured to the brassiere. Other article
of clothing or other object with a display apparatus removably
attached to the brassiere, other article of clothing or other
object. The display apparatus comprises a body that may contain a
fastener, and a display device attached to the body. In one
embodiment, a cincture may be slidably attached to the body. In
other embodiments, the display device is removably attached to the
body, the display device includes an alterable message or image,
and/or the display device comprises a locket, a charm, a strap, a
button, a pin, a rope, a ribbon, a chain, or an elastic band. In
other embodiments, the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener,
a clasp, a snap, a button, a caribiner, a hook and eye, a buckle, a
pin, or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the
apparatus may include a pad that contacts the fastener.
[0004] The invention also provides a method of attaching and using
a removable display apparatus by looping the body of the apparatus
around a center front portion of a brassiere or around a part of
another article of clothing or around a part of an object, and
fastening a fastener on the body of the apparatus to attach the
display apparatus. In one embodiment, the method further comprises
attaching a message or image to the display device of the
apparatus. In another embodiment, the method further comprises
detaching the display device from the display apparatus. In yet
another embodiment, the method includes sliding a cincture along
the body of the apparatus to secure the body to the brassiere,
article of clothing or other object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one exemplary embodiment
of a brassiere with the display apparatus 20 in accordance with
aspects of the present inventions;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one exemplary embodiment
of the display apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the
present inventions;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of one exemplary embodiment
of the display apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the
present inventions;
[0008] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, illustrate a side view of exemplary
embodiments of the display apparatus 20 and a cross sections of a
band of a brassiere in accordance with aspects of the present
inventions;
[0009] FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an embodiment of the
cincture 70, and FIG. 5B illustrates a cross sectional view of an
embodiment of the cincture 70 in accordance with aspects of the
present inventions; and
[0010] FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show one embodiment of the display
apparatus 20 and one embodiment of a method of using the display
apparatus 20 in accordance with aspects of the present
inventions.
[0011] All Figures are illustrated for ease of explanation of the
basic teachings of the present inventions only. The extensions of
the Figures with respect to number, position, relationship and
dimensions of the parts to form the embodiment will be explained or
will be within the skill of the art after the following description
has been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and
dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight,
strength, flow and similar requirements will likewise be within the
skill of the art after the following description has been read and
understood.
[0012] Where used in various Figures of the drawings, the same
numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the
terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "forward," "rear," "first,"
"second," "inside," "outside," and similar terms are used, the
terms should be understood to reference only the structure shown in
the drawings and utilized only to facilitate describing the
illustrated embodiments. Similarly, when the terms "proximal,"
"distal," and similar positional terms are used, the terms should
be understood to reference the structures shown in the drawings as
they will typically be utilized by a user who of with an apparatus
in accordance with the present inventions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present inventions provide apparatus 10 that may include
a removable display apparatus 20 adapted to be secured to a
brassiere 12 and associated methods. The apparatus 10 may include a
brassiere 12 including a removable display apparatus 20. The
methods may include securing a removable display apparatus 20 on a
brassiere 12, other undergarment, or other article of clothing to
display information, as well as displaying various adornments. As
illustrated generally throughout the figures, the brassiere 12,
other article of clothing or other object having a removable
display apparatus 20 according to the present invention may include
a brassiere 12, and a display apparatus 20.
[0014] The figures generally illustrate embodiments of the
brassieres 12 having removable display apparatus 20 including
aspects of the present inventions. The particular exemplary
embodiments of brassieres 12 having removable display apparatus 20
illustrated in the figures have been chosen for ease of explanation
and understanding of the present inventions. These illustrated
embodiments are not meant to limit the scope of coverage but,
instead, to assist in understanding the context of the language
used in this specification and in the appended claims. Accordingly,
apparatus 10 having variations of the brassiere 12 and/or removable
display apparatus 20 that differ from the particularly illustrated
exemplary embodiments may be encompassed by the appended
claims.
[0015] The apparatus 10 of the present inventions may include a
brassiere 12 configured to be worn about the chest of a person, and
a removable display apparatus 20. The brassiere 12 can have a
variety of configurations as will be recognized by those skilled in
the arts. In certain aspects, the brassiere 12 may include a first
cup 14, a second cup 16, one or more straps 18, and a band 90. The
first cup 14 and the second cup 16 are attached to one another with
the band 90. A first end of the band 90 is typically attached to a
first cup 14 and a second end of the band 90 is attached to the
second cup 16. In certain aspects, the band 90 may be secured to or
integral with a first cup 14 and a second end secured to or
integral with the second cup 16.
[0016] The display apparatus 20 may comprise a body 30 and a
display device 80. The body 30 is generally configured to be
secured to the band 90 and to support and/or suspend the display
device 80. In one embodiment, the display apparatus 20 is attached
to the band 90 at the front of the brassiere 12 between the first
cup 14 and the second cup 16. The display device 80 is typically
positioned below the band 90.
[0017] The body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20 may
include or consist of an elongated member having a first end and a
second end. The body 30 is typically flexible. The body 30 may be
configured as a strap, a rope, a ribbon, a chain, an elastic band,
or similar structure along all or a portion of the length of the
body 30. The body 30 may be further configured as, without
limitation, linear, coiled, zigzag, or other suitable form. A
fastener 60 may be provided at one or both of the first end and the
second end of the body 30. The fastener 60 may be integral with or
secured to the body 30. In one aspect, the body 30 may define or
include an aperture at a first end configured to receive and retain
a fastener 60 at a second end of the body 30. The body 30 may
further define or include an aperture configured to receive and
retain at least a portion of a display device 80. The display
device 80 may be a detachable member having a first end and a
second end. The first end of the display device 80 may include an
attachment element 60 and the second including a display device 80.
In certain aspects, the second end of the body 30 may be secured to
the first end of the display device 80.
[0018] The display apparatus 20 may be attached to the brassiere 12
by having the band 90 of the brassiere 12 secured within a loop
formed by the body 30. In one aspect, the body 30 may be formed
into a loop positioned around the band 90 to attach the display
device 80 to the brassiere. The loop may be formed by securing the
ends of the body 30 to one another with the fastener 60. In certain
aspects, the fastener 60 may be any type of suitable fastener 60,
including, without limitation, a hook and eye, hook and loop
(Velcro), a snap fastener 60, a button and buttonhole or loop, a
clasp, a caribiner, a buckle, a pin, and combinations thereof. The
fastener 60 may be at the first end of the body 30 or may include
cooperating components at both a first end and a second end of the
body 30. In some embodiments, the fastener 60 may be integral with
the attachment device, while the fastener 60 may be separate form
the attachment device in other embodiments.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the first end of the body 30 may
include or define an aperture that is part of the fastener 60. The
aperture may be an eye, a loop, a ring, a hole in first end of the
body 30 configured to be received by and retained upon the
undergarment by means of a second part of the fastener 60. The
geometry of the aperture in the body 30 portion of the attachment
device may be configured to conform to the geometry of the
particular fastener 60 that is used in conjunction with the
attachment device. For example, if a fastener 60 in the form of a
strap is contemplated, then the aperture in the body 30 may be
configured as a rectangular opening through which the second part
of the fastener 60 configured as a strap may pass and may retain
its generally rectangular shape. As additional examples, the
aperture may be configured as a hole to receive a second part of
the fastener 60 in the form of a rope, the aperture may be
configured to receive various hooks. The aperture may be configured
to receive, for example, a ring so that a hook on the end of a
fastener 60 configured as a cable may then be attached to the ring.
Other ways of attaching the attachment device to the brassiere 12,
undergarment, or other object, and corresponding configurations for
the aperture would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art
upon review of this disclosure. It should also be noted that the
aperture may be substantially enclosed by the body 30 of the
removable display apparatus 20, or the aperture may be only partly
enclosed by the body 30. An example of the latter would be a
rectangular aperture configured to receive a strap and having one
open side so that the side of the strap may be passed into the
aperture. Depending upon the particular configuration, the fastener
60 may be made from various synthetic materials, including, without
limitation, nylon, polyester, rayon, and synthetic rubber, natural
materials, including, without limitation, silk, hemp, linen, wool,
cotton, wood, manila, and leather, and various metals, including,
without limitation, nickel, silver, gold, brass, steel and
combinations thereof as would be readily understood.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the body 30 can include a pad or
similar device to shield the wearer's body 30 from any abrasion
from the fastener 60. The pad is typically configured to
comfortably contact the skin of a wearer. The pad can be made from
any suitable material, including, without limitation, cotton, silk,
hemp, linen, wool, natural sponge, synthetic sponge, polyester, and
nylon.
[0021] In certain embodiments, the body 30 of the removable display
apparatus 20 may be configured to receive a cincture 70,
circumferentially retaining the body 30 and slidably connected to
the body 30. The cincture 70 may be configured as a ring defining a
cincture 70 aperture. The cincture 70 aperture may be configured to
receive the body 30. The body 30 may be formed into a loop such
that the cincture 70 is positioned over the body 30 between the
components of the fastener 60 at the first end and the second end
of the body 30 and the display device 80. The cincture 70 may be
slidably received over the body 30 such that the cincture 70 may be
drawn toward either the components of the fastener 60 or the
display device 80. The cincture 70 may be made from various
synthetic materials, natural materials, or various metals. The
cincture 70 may have different configurations, depending on the
configuration of the body 30 of the removable display device 80.
For example, cincture 70 may be, without limitation, a circular or
elliptical ring, a rectangle, a triangle or other
configuration.
[0022] The display device 80 may be configured as a charm, a
locket, pendant and generally includes a writing surface, a display
surface generally configured to display an image or writing. In
certain aspects, the display device 80 may be configured to receive
an alterable message or image. The message or image may be
presented on a display surface of the display device 80. The
message or image may be attached to or integral with the display
surface. In certain aspects, the display device 80 may include a
programmable electronic display. The display device 80 may include
a suitable retainer for the message or image. In some embodiments,
the display device 80 may include a locket that may contain an
alterable message or image. In other embodiments, the retainer may
include a transparent or translucent cover to protect the message
or image or to keep the message or image in place. In some
embodiments, the message or image may be attached to the display
device 80 using a permanent or removable glue, a fastener 60 such
as, without limitation, a pin, a hook and eye, a loop and a pin or
nail, a tack, or other suitable fastener 60. In some embodiments
the display device 80 may include a cover that can be opened to
reveal the message or image.
[0023] The display device 80 may be permanently or removably
attached to the body 30. In embodiments in which the display device
80 is permanently attached to the body 30, it may be attached by
sewing, welding soldering or other suitable method. In other
embodiments the body 30 and display device 80 may be formed from a
single piece of material. In additional embodiments, the display
device 80 may be removably attached to the body 30. In certain
embodiments, the display device 80 and the second end of the body
30 may be attached with a fastener 60. In some embodiments, one
part of the fastener 60 is attached or is part of the body 30 and
the other part of the fastener 60 is attached to or is part of the
display device 80. The part of the fastener 60 attached to the body
30 can be attached to the body 30 at any part of the body 30,
including, without limitation, the second end of the body 30. The
part of the fastener 60 attached to the display device 80 can be
attached to the display device 80 at any part, including, without
limitation, the first end of the display device 80 or the center of
the display device 80. The fastener 60 may be any suitable fastener
60, including, without limitation, a hook and eye, hook and loop
(Velcro), a snap, a button and buttonhole or loop, a clasp, a
caribiner, a buckle, a pin, and combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, the fastener 60 includes a pad or similar device to
contact the wearer's body 30 to prevent abrasion or general
discomfort from contact of the wearer's skin with the fastener
60.
[0024] The apparatus 10 may have one or more display devices 80. In
some embodiments, the apparatus may have more than one display
device 80 attached to the body 30. In other embodiments, one
display device 80 at a time is attached to the body 30. In this
way, different display device 80s may be attached to the same body
30. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 may have more than one body 30
to be used with a display device 80.
[0025] In one embodiment, the display apparatus 20 is attached to a
brassiere 12 at the center front of the brassiere. In another
embodiment, the display apparatus 20 is attached to the center
front of the brassiere 12 using the fastener 60 on the body 30 of
the apparatus. In some embodiments, a message or image is attached
to the display device 80. In one aspect, a message may be attached
to the display device 80, the display device 80 may be removably
attached to the body 30 of the apparatus and the apparatus may be
removably attached to the center front of the brassiere. The
cincture 70 may be moved to keep the body 30 of the apparatus in
place. In another embodiment, while the display apparatus 20 may be
attached to the brassiere 12, the display device 80 may be detached
from the display apparatus 20. The display apparatus 20 may be
removed from the brassiere 12 by unfastening the fastener 60 on the
body 30. In one embodiment, the cincture 70 may be moved before
unfastening the fastener 60 on the body 30.
[0026] The specific devices and processes illustrated in the
attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an
apparatus 10 in accordance with aspects of the present inventions.
The apparatus 10 includes a brassiere 12 having removable display
apparatus 20 secured to the brassiere 12. The brassiere 12 includes
first cup 14 and a second cup 16 configured to support the breasts
of a user. The first cup 14 may be secured to the second cup 16 by
a band 90. The band 90 may be secure between the first cup 14 and
the second cup 16. A first end of the band 90 may be typically
secured to or integral with the first cup 14. A second end of the
band 90 may be typically secured to or integral with the second cup
16. Various straps 20 may be provided in various configurations
that will be recognized by those skilled in the art to secure the
first cup 14 and the second cup 16 at the desired location on the
user. The straps 20 typically extend around the shoulders and/or
torso of the user. The removable display apparatus 20 includes a
body 30 configured to be secured to the band 90 of the brassiere 12
and to support a display device 80. As illustrated, the body 30 may
be elongated and flexible and may be secured in a loop around the
band 90 of brassiere 12. The body 30 includes a cincture 70 secured
around the loop. The cincture 70 may be secured between the band 90
and the display device 80 and may be configured to securely
position the body 30 about the band 90. The cincture 70 may be
configured to reduce the size of the loop so that a portion of the
loop may be sized to be securely positioned about the band 90. The
display device 80 may be secured to and supported by the body 30.
As illustrated, the removable display apparatus 20 is positioned at
the center front portion of a brassiere 12. Also as illustrated,
the removable device 32 draws the elongated flexible body 30 in a
downward direction from the band 90 under the force of gravity.
[0028] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of a removable
display apparatus 20 according to the present invention. The body
30 is shown as being configured as an elongated ribbon with a first
end 36 and a second end 38. When worn by a user, an upper end 32 of
the body 30 may be positioned adjacent to the band 90 of the
brassiere 12 and the display device 80 may be positioned at a lower
end 34 of the body 30 as generally illustrated in FIG. 2. In this
embodiment, the display device 80 includes an attachment element 52
configured as an eyelet for attaching the display device 80 to the
body 30. Accordingly, the attachment element 52 may be attached to
the body 30 by threading the body 30 through the eyelet 52, so that
the attachment 52 element may be positioned at any location along
the body 30. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
display device 80 also includes a display surface 56. The display
surface 56 may be used to display an exhibit, which may be an
image, a word, a phrase, a combination of words and image, and the
like. In some embodiments, the rim or lip 54 may be used to secure
the exhibit on the display surface. The exhibit may also be secured
to the display surface 56 in other ways will be recognized by those
skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure.
[0029] The illustrated body 30 includes a fastener 60 configured
for exemplary purposes as a snap. The fastener 60 includes a first
portion 62 and a second portion 64, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The
first portion 62 may be secured to the body 30 near the first end
36, and the second portion 64 may be secured to the body 30 near
the second end 38. The fastener 60 may be secured to the body 30 by
sewing, gluing, or other methods known to the skilled artisan. The
fastener 60 allows the body 30 of the display apparatus 20 to be
secured in a loop around the band 90 of brassiere 12. This may be
accomplished by looping the first end 33 of the body 30 around the
band 90 of the brassiere 12 and contacting the first portion 62 of
the snap 60 with the second portion 64 of the snap 60, so that the
first portion 62 and second portions 64 of the snap 60 are secured
together, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and the body 30 may be looped
around band 90 of brassiere 12. The body 30 also includes a
cincture 70. The illustrated cincture 70 is configured as a ring or
cylinder, and may be circumferentially attached to the body 30. The
cincture 70 may be slidably attached to the body 30, so that it may
be moved along the body 30 when two portions of the body 30 are in
contact with each other as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the
cincture 70 on the body 30 before the fastener 60 may be closed.
FIG. 2 shows the cincture 70 after the fastener 60 may be closed
and the so that a portion of the loop of the body 30 may be sized
to be securely positioned about the band 90 of the brassiere 12.
The first portion 62 and the second portion 64 of the fastener may
be configured to bring together a first arm 42 and a second arm 44
of the body 30 to form a loop in the body 30 to receive the band 90
of a brassiere 12.
[0030] FIG. 4A to 4C illustrate embodiments of different fasteners
60 of the removable display apparatus 20 in a side view with a
cross-section through the band 90 of a brassiere 12, demonstrating
an exemplary fastening features. In the embodiment in FIG. 4A, the
body 30 includes a first portion 62 of a fastener 60 configured as,
a hook. The hook may be positioned at or near the first end 36 of
the body 30 and may be configured to fasten onto a second portion
64 of a fastener 60, configured as a loop or an eye. The second
portion 64 of the fastener 60 may be located near the second end 34
of the body 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the first and second
ends 36, 38 of the body 30 are positioned on the back portion 19 of
band 90 of the brassiere 12, so that the first portion 62, the
hook, of the fastener 60, and the second part 64 of the fastener
60, the loop, are engaged to fasten the removable display apparatus
20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12. Positioning the first
and second ends 33, 34 of the body 30 on the back portion 19 of the
band 90 of the brassiere 12 has the advantage of concealing the
fastener 60 of the body 30, so that the fastener 60 may be not
visible on the portion of the body 30 positioned on the front
portion 17 of the band 90 of the brassiere 12. In other
embodiments, the second part of the fastener 60, the loop or eye,
may be positioned at the second end 34 of the body 30.
[0031] FIG. 4B illustrates a body 30 of a removable display
apparatus 20 in side view, demonstrating an exemplary fastening
feature, namely a hook-and-loop (Velcro) material. In this
embodiment, the body 30 includes a first portion 62 of a fastener
60 configured as, a portion of hook material. The hook material may
be located near the first end 33 of the body 30 and may be
configured to fasten onto a second portion 64 of a fastener 60,
configured as a portion of loop material. The second portion 64 of
the fastener 60 may be located near the second end 34 of the body
30. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first and second ends 33, 34 of
the body 30 are positioned on the back portion 19 of band 90 of the
brassiere 12, so that the first portion 62, the hook material, of
the fastener 60, and the second part 64 of the fastener 60, the
loop material, are engaged to fasten the removable display
apparatus 20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12.
[0032] FIG. 4C illustrates a side view of a removable display
apparatus 20 demonstrating an exemplary fastening feature, namely a
clasp and an attached ring. In this embodiment, the first portion
62, the clasp, of the fastener 60 may be attached to the body 30 at
the first end 33, and the second portion of the fastener 60 64 may
be attached to the body 30 at the second end 34. The first portion
62, the clasp may be attached to the first end 33 of the body 30
and the second portion 64, the ring, may be attached to the second
end 34 of the body 30 33 by sewing, stapling or other means known
to the skilled artisan. The loop may be swivelably attached to the
body 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the first and second ends 33,
34 of the body 30 are positioned on the back portion 19 of band 90
of the brassiere 12, so that the first portion 62, the clasp, of
the fastener 60, and the second portion 64, the ring, of the
fastener 60, are engaged to fasten the removable display apparatus
20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C, Positioning the first and
second ends 33, 34 of the body 30 on the back portion 19 of the
band 90 of the brassiere 12 has the advantage of concealing the
fastener 60 of the body 30, so that the fastener 60 may be not
visible on the portion of the body 30 positioned on the front
portion 17 of the band 90 of the brassiere 12. The first and second
ends 33, 34 of the body 30 may also be positioned on the front
portion 17 of band 90 of brassiere 12, particularly when there may
be a decorative function associated with the fastener 60.
[0034] FIG. 5A illustrates an end view of an embodiment of the
cincture 70. In this embodiment, the cincture 70 has a cylindrical
shape with an outer surface 35 and an inner surface 37. The
cylindrical shape of the cincture 70 defines an aperture 38
configured to receive the body 30 of the removable display
apparatus 20. The inner surface 37 of the cincture 70 contacts the
body 30 of the removable display apparatus 20. The cincture 70
illustrated in FIG. 5A may also be a ring or a circular band. FIG.
5B illustrates a cross sectional side view of the cincture 70. In
this embodiment, the cincture 70 has a cylindrical shape with outer
and inner surfaces 35, 37 and an aperture 38 configured to receive
the body 30. In operation, the body 30 of the removable display
apparatus 20 may be in contact with the inner surfaces 37 of the
cincture 70.
[0035] FIGS. 6A through 6C illustrate the use of an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention using an exemplary fastener 60,
namely a hook and eye system, with the cincture 70 as a slidably
adjustable band. FIG. 6A shows the removable display apparatus 20
30 in the open position after the body 30 has been looped around
band 90 of brassiere 12. To position the body 30 of the removable
display apparatus 20 in the position illustrated in FIG. 6A, the
first end 33 of the body 30 was positioned at the back portion 19
of band 90. The arrow shows the movement of the second portion 64,
the eyelet, of fastener 60 toward the first portion 62, the hook,
of the fastener 60. FIG. 6B illustrates the movement of the
cincture 70 after the first portion 62, the hook, of the fastener
60 has been attached to the second portion 64, the eyelet, of the
fastener 60. The cincture 70 may be moved along the body 30 of the
display apparatus 20 toward the band 90 of the brassiere 12. FIG.
6C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
with the fastener 60, hook-and-eyelet system, fully engaged and the
cincture 70 fully raised to secure part of the body 30 of the
display apparatus 20 around the band 90 of the brassiere 12.
[0036] The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely
exemplary embodiments of the present inventions. Upon review of the
specification, one skilled in the art will readily recognize from
such discussion, and from the accompanying figures and claims, that
various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the following claims.
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