US20140013488A1

US20140013488A1 - Decorative Multifunctional Apparel Coupler

Info

Publication number: US20140013488A1
Application number: US13/750,358
Authority: US
Inventors: Noel Mary MATHUR
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-07-16
Filing date: 2013-01-25
Publication date: 2014-01-16

Abstract

A decorative multifunctional apparel coupler that functions as an aesthetic accessory with the functional means to easily and quickly modify an article of clothing, in order to make said article of clothing more fashionable. The present invention accomplishes this through the use of a decorative piece that is operatively engaged to a fastener assembly. The decorative piece is provided as an aesthetically pleasing surface that contributes to the aesthetic benefits of the fastener assembly by providing a mounting that additionally obscures the fastener assembly while in use. The fastener assembly is the functional component of the present invention that is capable of receiving and retaining clothing straps or material in a manner which alters the appearance of the article of clothing. The relationship between the fastener assembly and the decorative piece change the immediately recognizable fashion aspect of an outfit's neckline while additionally enabling adjustability of clothing straps.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Se. No. 61/672,155 filed on Jul. 16, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparel accessory, more specifically to a decorative multifunctional coupler that is utilized to gather clothing material together for the purposes of altering the appearance of a piece of apparel. Additionally the present invention is utilized to gather clothing material together for the purposes of modifying the effective length of the straps for the piece of apparel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to compensate for the expenses and practical inconvenience associated with purchasing and regularly wearing a wardrobe of fashionable apparel, many consumers utilize aesthetic accents such as shells, pendants, or other wearable jewelry. Many simple articles of jewelry are both less expensive to maintain than fashion clothing, and can be worn with a number of outfits, providing a widely applicable fashionable item. Jewelry pieces of various size and specie have thus become popular as accents to clothing.
While jewelry provides one source of fashion, there are still occasions when it is more desirable to wear fashionable apparel rather than jewelry, which continues to pose an as yet unsolved difficulty, as the expense of fashion clothing is also compounded by the difficulty in quickly changing from everyday wear to fashion clothing. Especially when not near a wardrobe or clothing supply, it may be impossible or impractical to change clothing, even if such a change is highly desirable for social reasons. The expense of purchasing a large collection of fashionable clothing is additionally made less convenient by the large amount of space and time required for the maintenance and storage of a large number of fashion clothing articles, as well as maintenance costs associated with proper cleaning and caring for a large number of high-quality articles. Many individuals find the effort and expense associated with fashionable articles of clothing to be prohibitive to everyday use of aesthetically appealing clothing.
One of the main aesthetic elements of clothing fashion is the neckline of an article of clothing. While the necklines of most everyday clothing articles are focused primarily on functionality, those persons interested in fashion must frequently purchase specialty garments, typically much more expensive than more common articles, in order to achieve the aesthetic appearance associated with fashionable articles. As the neckline is an immediately recognizable element of fashion, changes to the neckline of an article of clothing provide a strong aesthetic appeal, and can serve to vastly change the perceived beauty of clothing. Another important aspect of fashion is establishing a suitable fit for any clothing being worn, as oversized and ill-fitting clothing is frequently seen as an indicator of disregard for beauty or a lack of aesthetic appreciation.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a decorative multifunctional apparel coupler that functions as an aesthetic accessory with the functional means to easily and quickly modify an article of clothing, in order to make said article of clothing more fashionable. The present invention accomplishes this through the use of a decorative piece that is operatively engaged to a fastener assembly. the decorative piece functions as a pleasing aesthetic surface that contribute to the aesthetic benefits of the fastener assembly. The fastener assembly is the functional component of the present invention that is capable of receiving and retaining clothing straps or material in a manner which alters the appearance of the article of clothing. The relationship between the fastener assembly and the decorative piece change the immediately recognizable fashion aspect of an outfit's neckline while additionally enabling adjustability of clothing straps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the decorative multifunctional apparel coupler displaying the component orientation of the decorative piece and the fastener assembly as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of the decorative multifunctional apparel coupler displaying the component orientation of the decorative piece and the fastener assembly as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top down elevation view of the decorative multifunctional apparel coupler displaying the component orientation of the decorative piece and the fastener assembly as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the decorative multifunctional apparel coupler displaying the component orientation of the decorative piece and the fastener assembly as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the decorative multifunctional apparel coupler engaged with an article of clothing displaying the component orientation of the decorative piece and the fastener assembly as per the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a frontal perspective view of a user wearing an article of clothing that is capable of being coupled to the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a frontal perspective view of a user wearing an article of clothing that is being engaged with the current embodiment of the present invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is a decorative multifunctional apparel coupler that is designed to modify the appearance of a piece of apparel by gathering portions of said apparel to a central point coincident with the present invention. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler is provided as a temporary aesthetic modification, but can additionally serve as a practical apparel modifier by gathering portion of said apparel in order to alter fitment of said piece of apparel. The present invention comprises a decorative piece 1 and a fastener assembly 4. The fastener assembly 4 is operatively coupled to the decorative piece 1. The decorative piece 1 serves as an aesthetic feature, but additionally provides the present invention with a means to obscure the fastener assembly 4. The fastener assembly 4 is the functional component that is able to gather portions of apparel to a central point coincident with the present invention.
Referencing FIG. 2, the decorative piece 1 of the present invention comprises an embellishment 2 and a fastener mount 3. The embellishment 2 is an aesthetic component of the decorative piece 1 and is provided as the most visibly prominent component. The fastener mount 3 serves as the attachment point that joins the decorative piece 1 to the fastener assembly 4. The embellishment 2 is found coincident with the fastener mount 3. The embellishment 2 is provided as a forward facing component of the decorative piece 1 while the fastener mount 3 is a positioned on the rearward portion of the embellishment 2.
Referencing FIG. 1, the fastener assembly 4 of the present invention is capable of receiving and retaining clothing straps or material in a manner which alters the appearance of the article of clothing. The fastener assembly 4 is capable of retaining at least two opposed pieces of material, and drawing any retained material together. The fastener assembly 4 comprises a decorative piece mount 5, a first coupler assembly 8, a second coupler assembly, a first apparel attachment region 14, and a second apparel attachment region 15. The decorative piece mount 5 is the component that serves as the attachment point between the fastener assembly 4 and the decorative piece 1. The decorative piece mount 5 is found engaged to the fastener mount 3. Additionally, the decorative piece mount 5 is as an integral component that interacts with all subcomponents of the fastener assembly. The decorative piece mount 5 is found positioned adjacent to the fastener mount 3 opposite the embellishment 2, wherein the fastener mount 3 is found positioned between the decorative piece mount 5 and the embellishment 2. The decorative piece mount 5 comprises a first end 6 and a second end 7. The first end 6 and the second end 7 are provided by bisecting the decorative piece mount 5 longitudinally into the first end 6 and the second end 7. Both the first coupler assembly 8 and the second coupler assembly 11 are provided as the practical components responsible for gathering and retaining portions of the apparel to a central point. The first coupler assembly 8 and the second coupler assembly 11 are each found coupled adjacent to the decorative piece 1, wherein the second coupler assembly 11 is found coupled adjacent to the decorative piece mount 5 opposite the first coupler assembly 8. Specifically, the first coupler assembly 8 is found coupled adjacent to the first end 6, while the second coupler assembly 11 is found coupled adjacent to the second end 7. Both the first apparel attachment region 14 and the second apparel attachment region 15 function as the interstitial spaces where the portions of the apparel would be gathered by the present invention. The first apparel attachment region 14 is found positioned between the first coupler assembly 8 and the decorative piece mount 5. The second apparel attachment region 15 is found positioned between the second coupler assembly 11 and the decorative piece mount 5. The first apparel attachment region 14 is found positioned adjacent to the decorative piece mount 5, wherein the decorative piece mount 5 is found positioned between the fastener mount 3 and the first apparel attachment region 14. The second apparel attachment region 15 is found positioned adjacent to the decorative piece mount 5, wherein the decorative piece mount 5 is found positioned between the fastener mount 3 and the second apparel attachment region 15. Specifically, the first apparel attachment region 14 is found positioned adjacent to the first end 6, while the second apparel attachment region 15 is found positioned adjacent to the second end 7.
Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the first coupler assembly 8 of the present invention comprises a first retainer mechanism 9 and a first coupler arm 10. The first retainer mechanism 9 and the first coupler arm 10 are provided as the functional means of retaining portions of gathered apparel within the first apparel attachment region 14. The first retainer mechanism 9 is coupled to the first end 6, while the first coupler arm 10 is attached to the first retainer mechanism 9 opposite the first end 6. Through the aforementioned positional relationship described between the first end 6, the first retainer mechanism 9, and the first coupler arm 10, the first apparel attachment region 14 is further described as being bordered by the second apparel attachment region 15, the first coupler arm 10, the first retainer mechanism 9, and the first end 6.
Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the second coupler assembly 11 of the present invention comprises a second retainer mechanism 12 and a second coupler arm 13. The second retainer mechanism 12 and the second coupler arm 13 are provided as the functional means of retaining portions of gather apparel within the second apparel region. The second retainer mechanism 12 is coupled to the second end 7, while the second coupler arm 13 is attached to the second retainer mechanism 12 opposite the second end 7. Through the aforementioned positional relationship described between the second end 7, the second retainer mechanism 12, and the second coupler arm 13, the second apparel attachment region 15 is further described as being bordered by the first apparel attachment region 14, the second end 7, the second retainer mechanism 12, and the second coupler arm 13.
Referencing FIG. 7, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the decorative piece 1 provides a pleasing aesthetic appearance to contribute to the aesthetic benefits of the functional use of the fastener assembly 4. The decorative piece 1 is of sufficient size, in order to obscure the fastener assembly from view while the decorative multifunctional apparel coupler is in use. The decorative piece 1 is made of any material or pattern which is aesthetically pleasing, including but not limited to shells, pendants, cabochons, or other jewelry findings. In additional embodiment of the present invention, the material construction or aesthetic structural features of the embellishment 2 are provided in a manner that comprises the entirety of the decorative piece. In this additional embodiment, said materials and structural features would be constructed in a manner that provides a sufficiently stable and structurally sound means to couple with the fastener assembly 4. Still, in another additional embodiments of the present invention, the embellishment 2 would consist of any design, pattern, or material that is desired, that partially comprises or attaches to the fastener mount 3 of the decorative piece 1.
Referencing FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the fastener assembly 4 capable of releasing held portions of gathered apparel when desired by the user, permitting the present invention to be detached from the piece of apparel without permanent modification or damage to said piece of apparel. It should be noted that through the aforementioned functionality the fastener assembly 4 allows the temporary adjustment of the apparel by gathering portions and holding portions of said apparel within the fastener assembly 4 allowing for an aesthetic change to the appearance of said piece of apparel. The present invention changes the aesthetics appearance of the piece of apparel by moving portions of said apparel towards the medial line of the chest or back, thus aesthetically changing the neckline or back view of an article of clothing. This serves the function of increasing the aesthetic appeal of said apparel through the creation of a fashionable and easily noticeable neckline or back view. The substantial change in appearance also serves to effectively produce a new article of clothing, allowing the use of a single garment in social situations normally demanding the use of two or more articles of clothing.
Referencing FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the fastener assembly 4 can be utilized to adjust the neckline of a plurality of articles of clothing that include, but are not limited to, a tank top, camisole, and halter top spaghetti strap dress, tank dress, bra, nightgown, or bathing suit top, as well as any combination thereof. Furthermore, the releasable relationship between the fastener assembly 4 and piece of apparel means that the portions of said apparel can be collected at a location or in a manner desired by the user, this relationship increases the functional adjustability of the present invention. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler is therefore able to be worn in a variety of positions or orientations on the body, and gather material at a number of different relative locations, enabling the creation of a multiplicity of styles and appearances as desired by the user. Corresponding to the capability of the present invention to modify the relative position of material on an article of clothing, the present invention can also serve to temporarily adjust the strap length, strap width, or strap position for an article of clothing, providing for a more comfortable or attractive fit of the modified article of clothing.
Referencing FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the fastener assembly 4 is provided as a metal shank, wherein the metal shank comprises two opposing arcuately shaped receiving joints that are capable of accepting and retaining clothing straps or other clothing material through the effects of tension and friction. The fastener assembly 4 is therefore made easily attachable and detachable from the article of clothing, while the rigidity of the metal shank ensures that clothing material is fixedly gathered
Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in the current embodiment of the present invention the decorative piece 1 is operatively coupled to the fastener assembly 4 by way of the engagement between the fastener mount 3 and the decorative piece mount 5. While the engagement between the fastener mount 3 and the decorative piece mount 5 is provided as a static relationship, wherein the decorative piece mount 5 and the fastener mount 3 around permanently affixed to each other, it should be noted that in an additional embodiment of the present invention the decorative piece mount 5 and the fastener mount 3 are provided being detachably engaged to one another. The detachable engagement between the decorative piece mount 5 and the fastener mount 3 provides the present invention with to detach and replace the decorative piece 1 or the fastener assembly 4 due to changing aesthetic preferences or accidental damage of either component. It should be noted that the connection between decorative piece mount 5 and the fastener mount 3, in either embodiment, should be sufficient as to hold the fastener assembly 4 and the decorative piece 1 when engaged. Furthermore, it should be clarified that the fastener assembly 4 and the decorative piece 1 are provided with relationship that accounts for the fastener assembly 4 and the decorative piece 1 being constructed from a singular piece of material, wherein the fastener assembly 4 could be formed or molded to the decorative piece 1.
Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the first apparel attachment region 14 and the first coupler assembly 8 are provided with a positional and operative relationship that allows portions of gathered apparel to be retained within the first apparel attachment region 14 by way of the first retainer mechanism 9 and the first coupler arm 10. While the operative relationship between the first coupler assembly 8 and the first apparel attachment region 14 is not explicitly described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an additional embodiment describes the first coupler arm 10 being elastically retained proximal to the first end 6 by way of the first retainer mechanism 9. The aforementioned relationship provided between the first coupler arm 10 and the first end 6 by the first retainer mechanism 9 is explicitly described as elastic, wherein the first coupler arm 10 is able to pivot about the first retainer mechanism 9 allowing a secure but elastically retainable means to hold gathered portions of apparel within the first apparel attachment region 14. It should be noted that in all embodiments of the present invention the relationship between the first retainer mechanism 9 and the first coupler arm 10 provides a detachable means to hold the gather portions of apparel within the first apparel attachment region 14.
In the current embodiment of the present invention, the second apparel attachment region 15 and the second coupler assembly 11 are provided with a positional and operative relationship that allows portions of gathered apparel to be retained within the second apparel attachment region 15 by way of the second retainer mechanism 12 and the second coupler arm 13. While the operative relationship between the second coupler assembly 11 and the second apparel attachment region 15 is not explicitly described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an additional embodiment describes the second coupler arm 13 being elastically retained proximal to the second end 7 by way of the second retainer mechanism 12. The aforementioned relationship provided between the second coupler arm 13 and the second end 7 by the second retainer mechanism 12 is explicitly described as elastic, wherein the second coupler arm 13 is able to pivot about the second retainer mechanism 12 allowing a secure but elastically retainable means to hold gathered portions of apparel within the second apparel attachment region 15. It should be noted that in all embodiments of the present invention the relationship between the second retainer mechanism 12 and the second coupler arm 13 provides a detachable means to hold the gather portions of apparel within the second apparel attachment region 15.
Referencing FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the first apparel attachment region 14 is provided as the interstitial space that holds gathered portions of apparel. While a dimensional relationship exists between the first apparel attachment region 14 and the bordering components of the first end 6, the first retainer mechanism 9, the first coupler arm 10, and the second apparel attachment region 15, the dimensional relationship between components is generally understood as static. In an additional embodiment of the present invention the first coupler arm 10 is found being adjustably coupled to the first end 6 by way of the first retainer mechanism 9. The adjustability of the first coupler arm 10 to the first end 6 provides a variable dimensional relationship with the first apparel attachment region 14, wherein increases or decreases in the dimensions of the first end 6, the first coupler arm 10, or the first retainer mechanism 9 translates into a proportional increase in the area of the first apparel attachment region 14.
Referencing FIG. 3, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the second apparel attachment region 15 is provided as the interstitial space that holds gathered portions of apparel. While a dimensional relationship exists between the second apparel attachment region 15 and the bordering components of the second end 7, the second retainer mechanism 12, the second coupler arm 13, and the first apparel attachment region 14, the dimensional relationship between components is generally understood as static. In an additional embodiment of the present invention the second coupler arm 13 is found being adjustably coupled to the second end 7 by way of the second retainer mechanism 12. The adjustability of the second coupler arm 13 to the second end 7 provides a variable dimensional relationship with the second apparel attachment region 15, wherein increases or decreases in the dimensions of the second end 7, the second coupler arm 13, or the second retainer mechanism 12 translates into a proportional increase in the area of the second apparel attachment region 15.
In the current embodiment of the present invention, the fastener assembly 4 is provided in a manner that permits the use a can be constructed utilizing a plurality of construction material. The materials utilized to construct the fastener assembly 4 should be sufficiently capable of resisting the efforts of the held portions of gathered apparel to return to a resting state, and as such, must be of sufficiently rigid or of a sufficiently elastic material, dependent on the manner and nature used by both the first coupler assembly 8 and the second coupler assembly, to restrict movement of the gathered portions of apparel.
In the current embodiment of the present invention the decorative piece 1 can be fabricated from a plurality of materials as well as combinations of materials. The materials utilized in the construction of the decorative piece 1 should be able to provide a manner in which to integrate the fastener mount 3 and the embellishment 2 while providing adequate structural stability for the operative coupling between the decorative piece 1 and the fastener assembly. The material construction of the decorative piece 1 should additionally fulfill the aesthetic function of the present invention.
In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the fastener assembly 4 can be affixed to any singular piece of clothing material, such as a clothing strap, that allows for the attachment of the fastener assembly. When applied in this manner, the present invention can serve to modify the shape, width, or appearance of the singular piece of clothing material as desired by the user. The present invention can also be used purely for the aesthetic properties of the decorative piece 1, thus serving as ornamental jewelry capable of being fastened to any piece of clothing material. In either of these uses, the aesthetic appearance of the article of clothing to which the present invention is affixed to is modified as desired by the user to increase the aesthetic appeal.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A decorative multifunctional apparel coupler comprises,

a decorative piece;

a fastener assembly;

the decorative piece comprises an embellishment and a fastener mount;

the fastener assembly comprises a decorative piece mount, a first coupler assembly, a second coupler assembly, a first apparel attachment region, and a second apparel attachment region;

the decorative piece mount comprises a first end and a second end;

the first coupler assembly comprises a first retainer mechanism and a first coupler arm;

the second coupler assembly comprises a second retainer mechanism and a second coupler arm; and

the decorative piece being operatively coupled to the fastener assembly.

2. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the embellishment being positioned coincident to the fastener mount;

the first coupler assembly being coupled adjacent to the decorative piece mount;

the second coupler assembly being coupled adjacent to the decorative piece mount, opposite the first coupler assembly;

the first apparel attachment region being positioned between the first coupler assembly and the decorative piece mount; and

the second apparel attachment region being positioned between the second coupler assembly and the decorative piece mount.

3. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the fastener mount being positioned between the decorative piece mount and the embellishment;

the decorative piece mount being engaged to the fastener mount;

the decorative piece mount being positioned between the first apparel attachment region and the fastener mount; and

the decorative piece mount being positioned between the second apparel attachment region and the fastener mount.

4. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 3 comprises,

the decorative piece mount being detachably engaged to the fastener mount.

5. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 1 comprises,

the decorative piece mount being longitudinally bisected into the first end and the second end;

the first end being coupled to the first retainer mechanism;

the first coupler arm being attached to the first retainer mechanism, opposite the first end;

the second end being coupled to the second retainer mechanism;

the second coupler arm being attached to the second retainer mechanism, opposite the second end;

the first apparel attachment region being bordered by the second apparel attachment region, the first retainer mechanism, the first coupler arm, and the first end; and

the second apparel attachment region being bordered by the first apparel attachment region, the second retainer mechanism, the second coupler arm, and the second end.

6. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 5 comprise,

the first coupler arm being elastically retained proximal to the first end by way of the first retainer mechanism; and

the second retainer mechanism being elastically retained proximal to the second end by way of the second coupler arm.

7. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 5 comprise,

the first coupler arm being adjustably coupled to the first end by way of the first retainer mechanism, wherein the area of the first apparel attachment region proportionally increased or decreased relative to the adjustability of said coupling; and

the second retainer mechanism being adjustably coupled to the second end by way of the second coupler arm, wherein the area of the second apparel attachment region being proportionally increased or decreased relative to the adjustability of said coupling.

8. A decorative multifunctional apparel coupler comprises,

a decorative piece;

a fastener assembly;

the decorative piece comprises an embellishment and a fastener mount;

the decorative piece mount comprises a first end and a second end;

the second coupler assembly comprises a second retainer mechanism and a second coupler arm;

the decorative piece being operatively coupled to the fastener assembly;

the embellishment being positioned coincident to the fastener mount;

9. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 8 comprises,

the fastener mount being positioned between the decorative piece mount and the embellishment;

the decorative piece mount being engaged to the fastener mount;

10. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 9 comprises,

the decorative piece mount being detachably engaged to the fastener mount.

11. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 8 comprises,

the first end being coupled to the first retainer mechanism;

the second end being coupled to the second retainer mechanism;

12. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 11 comprise,

13. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 11 comprise,

14. A decorative multifunctional apparel coupler comprises,

a decorative piece;

a fastener assembly;

the decorative piece comprises an embellishment and a fastener mount;

the decorative piece mount comprises a first end and a second end;

the decorative piece being operatively coupled to the fastener assembly;

the embellishment being positioned coincident to the fastener mount;

the first apparel attachment region being positioned between the first coupler assembly and the decorative piece mount;

the second apparel attachment region being positioned between the second coupler assembly and the decorative piece mount;

the decorative piece mount being engaged to the fastener mount;

the decorative piece mount being positioned between the first apparel attachment region and the fastener mount;

the decorative piece mount being positioned between the second apparel attachment region and the fastener mount; and

the decorative piece mount being detachably engaged to the fastener mount.

15. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 14 comprises,

the first end being coupled to the first retainer mechanism;

the second end being coupled to the second retainer mechanism;

16. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 14 comprise,

17. The decorative multifunctional apparel coupler as claimed in claim 14 comprise,