U.S. patent application number 13/117094 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-01 for swimwear with interchangeable components.
Invention is credited to Frank C. Scozzafava.
Application Number | 20110289646 13/117094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45020835 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110289646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scozzafava; Frank C. |
December 1, 2011 |
SWIMWEAR WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS
Abstract
An interchangeable swimsuit comprising a top having a left cup
and a right cup for covering a wearer's breasts where each of the
cups has a plurality of integrated loops disposed on each of the
cups, as well as a clip and/or strap for releasably attaching the
left cup to the right cup; and a bottom having a generally
triangular shaped front panel and a generally triangular shaped
back panel with each panel having two hip vertices and a crotch
vertex which are interchangeably mated to another, as well as a
clip and/or strap for releasably attaching the hip vertices and a
hook and loop and/or an additional fastener for releasably
attaching the crotch vertex.
Inventors: |
Scozzafava; Frank C.; (New
York, NY) |
Family ID: |
45020835 |
Appl. No.: |
13/117094 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61348857 |
May 27, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/67 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 15/00 20130101;
A41D 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/67 |
International
Class: |
A41D 7/00 20060101
A41D007/00 |
Claims
1. An interchangeable swimsuit comprising: a top having a left cup
that interchangeably mates with a right cup for covering a wearer's
breasts wherein at least one integrated loop is positioned and
disposed on each of said cups for engaging a means for releasably
attaching said left cup to said right cup and a means for
supporting said top on said wearer; a bottom having a generally
triangular shaped front panel interchangeably mated with a
generally triangular shaped back panel wherein each panel has a
right hip vertex, a left hip vertex and a crotch vertex; and a
means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front
panel.
2. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said at least one integrated
loop is one integrated loop disposed one each cup between said
wearer's breasts and said means for releasably attaching said left
cup to said right cup is a hoop-like clip inserted into both of
said at least one integrated loops, and said means for supporting
said top is at least one flexible elongate member fixedly attached
to each of said cups.
3. The swimsuit of claim wherein said at least one integrated loops
is two integrated loops disposed one each cup with a first
integrated loop being disposed between said wearer's breasts for
releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup, and with a
second integrated loop disposed on each of said cups for releasably
attaching at least one flexible elongate member for supporting said
top on said wearer.
4. The swimsuit of claim wherein said at least one integrated loops
is three integrated loops disposed one each cup with a first
integrated loop being disposed between said wearer's breasts for
releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup, with a second
integrated loop disposed on each of said cups for releasably
attaching at least one neck flexible elongate member for supporting
said top on said wearer, and with a third integrated loop disposed
on each of said cups for releasably attaching at least one back
flexible elongate member for supporting said top on said
wearer.
5. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said at least one integrated
loop is disposed between said wearer's breasts and said means for
releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup is a hoop-like
clip inserted into each of said at least one integrated loops, and
at least one flexible elongate member is removably affixed to each
hoop-like clip.
6. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said at least one integrated
loop is disposed between said wearer's breasts and said means for
releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup is a flexible
elongate member inserted into both of said at least one integrated
loops.
7. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein each of said hip vertices has in
integrated loop.
8. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel of said bottom is a
hoop-like clip removably inserted into respective right side and
left side integrated loops disposed at each of said hip
vertices.
9. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel of said bottom is a
second plurality of hoop-like clips inserted into each of said
integrated loops disposed at each of said hip vertices.
10. The swimsuit of claim 9 wherein at least one flexible elongate
member is removably affixed between hoop-like clips which are
removably affixed on respective right side and left side integrated
loops disposed at each of said hip vertices.
11. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex
is a hook and loop closure.
12. The swimsuit of claim 11 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex
further comprises at least one ring and at least one tab.
13. The swimsuit of claim 12 wherein at least one ring is three
rings and at least one tab is three tabs.
14. The swimsuit of claim 11 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex
further comprises at least one male snap and at least one female
snap.
15. The swimsuit of claim 14 wherein at least one ring male snap is
three male snaps and at least one female snap is three female
snaps.
16. The swimsuit of claim 11 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex
further comprises at least one button and at least one button
hole.
17. The swimsuit of claim 16 wherein at least one button is three
buttons and at least one button hole is three button holes.
18. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex
comprises at least one ring and at least one tab.
19. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex
comprises at least one male snap and at least one female snap.
20. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably
attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex
comprises at least one button and at least one button hole.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional patent
application of Frank Scozzafava, Ser. No. 61/348,857 for SWIMWEAR
WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS, filed on May 27, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This patent application pertains to swimwear, and more
specifically, pertains to women's bikinis. Even more specifically,
this patent application relates to women's bikinis comprised of
interchangeable components which create a finished article.
[0004] 2. BACKGROUND
[0005] For the most part, women's swimwear, and particularly
bikinis, comprises a swimsuit top and swimsuit bottom. Traditional
women's one-piece swimsuits cannot be modified after purchase.
Thus, if styles change, a woman must purchase a new swimsuit. Two
piece bikinis provide a wearer with a bit more of an opportunity to
personalize as the wearer can mix and match different tops and
bottoms. However, the wearer is limited to merely swapping tops and
bottoms and cannot modify the constituent components which make up
each individual swimsuit piece. Various attempts have been made to
overcome these limitations.
[0006] For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,740 presents a convertible
beach attire comprising a bikini bottom and a detachable modesty
panel removably attached to the bottom using a connector. When
swimming, the wearer can remove the modesty panel and wear the
swimsuit as a traditional bikini. When not in the water, the wearer
can attach the modesty panel to more completely cover the lower
portion of the body. Although described as convertible, the attire
described merely provides a attachment device for draping a modesty
panel. The materials comprising the swimsuit are not modified.
Additionally, the connectors are non-removable further limiting the
ability to customize the appearance of the suit. Thus, the wearer
is unable to alter the appearance of the suit after purchase.
[0007] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,145 discloses a convertible
bathing suit which converts from a two-piece bikini to a one-piece
suit. The bottom band of the bikini top and the waist band of the
bikini bottom are equipped with a number of snaps. A series of
different styled panels are equipped with mating snaps such that
the panels can be removably attached to the bikini top and bottom
so as to cover the midriff of the wearer. Further provided are
modesty panels which drape from the bikini bottom. This design,
however, does not provide for the alteration of the bikini top and
bottom. The style and appearance of the bikini cannot be modified
after purchase.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,560 provides for a swimsuit bikini with
loops for attaching removable fasteners and accessories. The bikini
top has a plurality of integrated loops which allow for removable
attachment of straps or chains. These straps or chains are used to
secure the top to the wearer. Further provided are hook and loop
fasteners for removable attachment of additional fabrics such as
skirt or gown materials. While this bikini provides for
interchangeable designs and accessories, there are a number of
drawbacks with this disclosure. First, the ability to customize the
design changes is limited by failing to provide for an
interchangeable fastening means. The straps are looped upon
themselves rather than being removably attached with a stylish clip
or clasp. Second, while the sides of the bikini bottom can be
modified with different straps or chains, the actual front and rear
panels of the bikini are static. That is, there is no way to change
to physical appearance of the bikini bottom other than by changing
side straps. This limits the customizability of the bikini as the
number of tops which aesthetically match to bottoms is
restricted.
[0009] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/728,294 describes a
modular swimsuit and a method of construction such a swimsuit. The
modular swimsuit consists of a bikini top and bottom where the top
is constructed of two triangular shaped cups and the bottom is an
hour glass shaped piece of fabric. The two halves of the bikini top
are held together by a strap. Each of the tops and straps has an
integral loop. The loops are connected by use of a spring-loaded
clasp. The front and rear portions of the bottom of the suit are
fastened over the wearer's hips using a strap. Similar to the top,
the strap is connected to the bottom using a spring-loaded clasp.
However, a significant drawback of this design that although the
bikini bottom can be modified with different straps or chains, the
actual front and rear panels of the bikini cannot be changed or
exchanged with alternative panels.
[0010] Thus, it is readily apparent that there is a long-felt need
for a fully customizable swimsuit that permits the wearer to change
the physical appearance of the top and bottom units of the
suit.
[0011] The present disclosure overcomes the above mentioned
drawbacks by provision of a swimsuit having interchangeable
components constructed through a three-part system thereby
providing for the creation of a variety of swimsuit styles and
appearances. The three-piece system comprises a swimsuit unit
(either a "one-piece" suit or a two-piece bikini), interchangeable
clips, and interchangeable straps. The left and right cups of the
swimsuit top, as well as the front and back panels of the swimsuit
bottom are fully interchangeable. The swimsuit unit and
interchangeable straps each possess at least one integrated,
sewn-in hoop. The sewn-in hoops removably accept the
interchangeable clips to create a completed swimsuit unit.
Additionally, interchangeable ornaments may be applied to the
swimsuit unit using the same or additional interchangeable clips.
The swimsuit components may be of a variety of colors and
materials, such as fabric, leather or a synthetic material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is the object of the disclosure to provide a swimsuit
comprising a suit unit made up of interchangeable top left cups and
top right cups and bottom front panels and bottom back panels with
integrated hoops and interchangeable clips for altering the make-up
of the suit unit while also permitting the attachment of
interchangeable components such as straps, charms, etc. to the
swimsuit.
[0013] It is another object of the disclosure to provide a
selection of interchangeable components such as straps, charms,
etc. manufactured from a variety of materials such as, but not
limited to, fabric, leather, and synthetics.
[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a variety
of interchangeable clips that come in several shapes based on
utility and aesthetics.
[0015] The objects of the invention are achieved by provision of an
interchangeable swimsuit with a three part clip and loop design,
with the ability to interchange the cups and panels of the suit
unit, as well as to allow for interchanging the straps from the
suit unit. This interchangeability is achieved by outfitting the
swimsuit cups and panels with integrated loops to which specially
designed clips can then attach. All straps are made with integrated
loops at the ends. The loops are then attached to the clip by
sliding each end through the integral opening in the clip creating
a finished product. The crotch region of the bottom panels is
further provided with a releasable closure which enables full
interchangeability of the front and back panels.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present disclosure and the manner in which it may be
practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a bikini style swimsuit
of one embodiment of the present disclosure on a wearer.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a bikini top of one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the assembled strap, clip,
and cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present
disclosure taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the disassembled strap, clip,
and top cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present
disclosure taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and top
cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure
taken generally from boxed region 300 of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the disassembled clip and top
cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure
taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a bikini top of an
alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the untied tie and top cup of
a bikini top of a second embodiment of the present disclosure as
shown in FIG. 5.
[0025] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom front
panel of one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom back
panel of one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and front
panel of a bikini bottom of one embodiment of the present
disclosure taken generally from boxed region 400 of FIG. 7A.
[0028] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the disassembled clip and
front panel of a bikini bottom of one embodiment of the present
disclosure taken generally from boxed region 400 of FIG. 7A.
[0029] FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom front
panel of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 9B is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom back
panel of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a general crotch closure of a
bikini bottom of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure
of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and
loop closure.
[0033] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure
of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and
loop closure with additional metal rings and tabs closure.
[0034] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure
of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and
loop closure with additional buttons closure.
[0035] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure
of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and
loop closure with an additional singular metal loop and hook
closure.
[0036] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure
of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and
loop closure with additional snaps closure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like
reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural
elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several
drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the
entire written specification of which this detailed description is
an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together
with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the
entire "written description" of this invention as required by 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112.
[0038] Adverting now to the drawings, with reference to FIG. 1, an
embodiment of a swimsuit of the present disclosure is indicated
generally by numeral 100. Swimsuit 100 is made up generally of a
suit unit comprised of a swimsuit top 20 and swimsuit bottom 30.
Top right and left cups 22 and 24, respectively, are attached to
one another by a first clip 40 to create bikini top 20. Bikini
bottom 30 is comprised of front and rear panels 32 and 34,
respectively, and each is attached to one another using a second
clip 40 and a third clip (not shown). Each top cup and bottom panel
incorporates at least one integrated loop through which clip 40 is
inserted to construct a completed swimsuit 100. Clips 40 can be
made out of any suitable material, including but not limited to
metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, etc. Clips 40 are hooplike members
that can be round, rectangular, roughly D-shaped, or any other
shape. Clips 40 can have an open profile or a closed profile. For
instance, closed profile clips can use a carabiner-like closing
mechanism. Optionally, an open profile clip can further comprise a
spur on the interior surface of one or both open ends of the clip
gap. These spurs prevent the straps from slipping free of the clips
while the swimsuit is worn. An optional decorative accessory 70 can
be attached to any of clips 40 of a completed swimsuit 100 to
further personalize the finished product. As shown in FIG. 1,
bottom panel 32 may further be attached to bikini top 20 to form a
"one-piece" swimsuit.
[0039] A front perspective view of an embodiment of a bikini top of
the present disclosure is indicated by numeral 210 in FIG. 2.
Bikini top 210 is comprised of two generally triangular shaped cups
212 and 214. In this embodiment, two of the three vertices of the
generally triangular shape are sewn with integrated loops 50, while
the third vertex has elongated strap or strip 25. The elongated
strap or strip is either of single piece construction with its
respective cup 212 or 214, or is sewn onto its respective cup.
Strap 25 is used to tie the bikini top around the back of the
wearer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each cup 212 and 214
does not have an integrated strap to tie the swimsuit top behind a
wearer's neck. Rather, these cups have integrated loop 50 at the
top vertex of each cup. Neck straps 26 have integrated loops 28 at
one end as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Neck straps 26 are attached to
swimsuit top cups 212 or 214 through clip 40. Swimsuit top cups 212
or 214 each have an integrated loop 50 at the vertex located
between the breasts, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Clip 40 is used
to removably secure the two cups to one another via integrated
loops 50 to form completed bikini top 210. Although shown with
attached strap 26, an alternative embodiment is envisioned wherein
each top cup 212 and 214 is provided with a third integrated loop.
Further provided is a back strap having an integrated loop at one
end similar to neck strap 26, with the back strap being removably
secured to its respective cup with additional clips 40.
[0040] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the assembled strap, clip,
and top cup of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present
disclosure taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2, while
FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the disassembled strap, clip, and
top cup of a bikini top. During assembly, integrated loop 50 of top
cup 214 is inserted within a gap in clip 40 and clip 40 is rotated
so that top cup 214 will not become dislodged from clip 40.
Similarly, integrated loop 28 of neck strap 26 is inserted within a
gap in clip 40 and positioned so that neck strap 26 will not become
dislodged from clip 40. In a preferred embodiment, clip 40 has an
open profile having a clip gap. The open profile clip further has a
spur on the interior surface of one or both open ends of the clip
gap. The spurs aid in preventing unwanted disassembly when the
swimsuit is being worn.
[0041] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and top
cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure
taken generally from boxed region 300 of FIG. 2 while FIG. 4B is an
exploded view of the disassembled clip and top cups of the bikini
top. During assembly, integrated loop 50 of each of top cups 212
and 214 is inserted within a gap in clip 40 with clip 40 positioned
so that top cups 212 and 214 will not become dislodged from clip 40
during wear.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a bikini top of an
alternative embodiment of the present disclosure as indicated by
numeral 220. Bikini top 220 is comprised of two generally
triangular shaped cups 222 and 224. In this embodiment, two of the
three vertices of the generally triangular shape are sewn with
integrated loops 50 (as shown in FIG. 6), while the third vertex
has elongated strap or strip 225. The elongated strap or strip is
either of single piece construction with its respective cup 222 or
224, or is sewn onto its respective cup. Strap 225 is used to tie
the bikini top around the back of the wearer. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 5, each cup 222 and 224 does not have an integrated
strap to tie the swimsuit top behind a wearer's neck. Rather, each
cup has integrated loop 50 at its top vertex. Neck straps 26 have
integrated loops and are removably attached to swimsuit top cups
222 or 224 through clip 40. Swimsuit top cups 222 or 224 each have
an integrated loop 50 at the vertex located between the breasts, as
shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the untied tie and
top cup 224 of a bikini top of the second embodiment of the present
disclosure as shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS.
5 and 6, cups 222 and 224 are secured to one another between the
breasts by tie 240.
[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B are front perspective views of a bikini
bottom front panel and back panel, respectively, of one embodiment
of the present disclosure. Each panel is a generally triangular
shape piece of fabric having a right hip vertex, a left hip vertex
and a crotch vertex. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate one possible
arrangement for securing the hip portions of the bottom panels. In
this embodiment, each of the hip vertices has integrated loop 50
for removably securing clip 40. Although FIGS. 7A and 7B are shown
as a brief, it is further envisioned that alternative bottom panels
can be used including but not limited to a thong, French bikini,
Tanga, scoop, mid scoop, string bikini, low rise, high waist,
hipster, and the like.
[0044] FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and bottom
panels of a bikini bottom of one embodiment of the present
disclosure taken generally from boxed region 400 of FIG. 7A while
FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the disassembled clip and bottom
panels of the bikini bottom. During assembly, integrated loop 50 of
each of bottom panels 32 (and 34) is inserted within a gap in clip
40 with clip 40 positioned so that bottom panels 32 and 34 will not
become dislodged from clip 40 during wear. It is further envisioned
that interchangeable side pieces can be used to attach bottom front
panel 32 to bottom back panel 34 of a bikini in certain embodiments
of the present disclosure. The side pieces can be composed of
chains, straps of varying width and/or thickness, or braided
straps, and the like.
[0045] FIGS. 9A and 9B are front perspective views of a bikini
bottom of an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In
this embodiment, an elongated strap 340 passes through integrated
loops 50 located at each of the right and left hip areas of bottom
front panel 32 to bottom back panel 34. The elongated strap is then
tied to secure the bikini bottom at the wearer's hips.
[0046] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a general crotch closure of a
bikini bottom of the present disclosure. The crotch vertex of
bikini bottom front panel 32 and bottom back panel 34 overlap one
another to form closure region 60. Closure region 60 is equipped
with a closing means such that the two halves of the bikini bottom
are secured in the crotch area, and along with the hip attaching
means shown in FIGS. 7A through 9B, form a completed bikini bottom
30 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a bikini
bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch
closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69. One half
of hook and loop closing means 69 is affixed, preferably through
stitching, to the inner surface of bottom front panel 32 while the
second half of hook and loop closing means 69 is affixed to the
outer surface of bottom back panel 34. To secure the crotch
closure, the two halves of the hook and loop closing means are
pressed together so that the bottom front panel 32 is on top of
bottom back panel 34.
[0048] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a
bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch
closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with
additional metal rings 61 and tabs 62 closing means. In a preferred
embodiment, three metal tabs 62 are releasably inserted into rings
61 to secure crotch closure region 60. Hook and loop closing means
69 provides additional security and assists in preventing tabs 62
from dislodging from rings 61. Although described as having three
tabs and rings, it is envisioned that any number of tabs and rings
can be used, depending on the width of the crotch region as well as
user comfort.
[0049] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an additional embodiment of a
bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch
closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with
additional button closing means. In this embodiment, three buttons
63 are releasably inserted into holes 64 to secure crotch closure
region 60. Hook and loop closing means 69 provides additional
security and assists in preventing buttons 63 from dislodging from
holes 64. Although described as having three buttons, it is
envisioned that any number of buttons can be used, depending on the
width of the crotch region as well as user comfort
[0050] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a
bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch
closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with
additional metal clip 65 and catch 66 closing means. In a preferred
embodiment, clip 65 is releasably affixed onto catch 66 to secure
crotch closure region 60. Hook and loop closing means 69 provides
additional security and assists in preventing clip 65 from
dislodging from catch 66.
[0051] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a
bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch
closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with
additional snap closing means. In a preferred embodiment, three
male snaps 68 are releasably inserted into corresponding female
snaps 67 to secure crotch closure region 60. Hook and loop closing
means 69 provides additional security and assists in preventing
male snaps 68 from dislodging from female snaps 67. Although
described as having three snaps, it is envisioned that any number
of snaps can be used, depending on the width of the crotch region
as well as user comfort.
[0052] Although the invention has been described with reference to
certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It
should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited
to the particular details described above and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
* * * * *