US20140053309A1

US20140053309A1 - Universal Fashionable Flexible Connector for Swimwear

Info

Publication number: US20140053309A1
Application number: US13/954,707
Authority: US
Inventors: Karla MEDINA
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-08-22
Filing date: 2013-07-30
Publication date: 2014-02-27

Abstract

A fashionable flexible attire arrangement of which two or more portions of a clothing ensemble are stylistically connected via an at least one universal fashionable flexible connector. Typically the clothing ensemble is swimwear and has an at least one covering garment and a plurality of attachment pieces connected around the at least one covering garment. The at least one universal fashionable flexible connector has an ornamental body, which is uniquely shaped in order to provide a fashionable appearance of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector. A plurality of loops positioned around the ornamental body provide the means for attaching the at least one ornamental body to the plurality of attachment pieces of the clothing ensemble. When worn outdoors, the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector will act to produce styled tan lines in the shape of the at least one ornamental body, much like a tattoo.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/691,971 filed on Aug. 22, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to clothing. More specifically the present invention is a clothing system that utilizes a universal fashionable flexible connector to connect two or more portions of an article of clothing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swimwear is a form of clothing that is often worn when one is performing water activities, particularly outdoors. Today there is a wide variety of different swimwear options for both men and women, with styles varying in relation to body coverage and the type of material used in the construction of the swimsuit. Typical male swimsuits include boardshorts and swim trunks, while typical female swimsuits include one-pieces, bikinis, and bikini variations. While most swimsuits provide the same functionality, their overall appearance often varies in accordance with the current social fashion trends. Bikinis, in particular, are open to unique designs as they comprise straps and/or connectors to join different portions of the swimsuit. However, these straps and connectors are often simple loops. Additionally, these connectors are often rigid, being made of plastic or metal, which detracts from the comfort of the swimsuit while it is worn by an individual.
Therefore it is the object of the present invention to provide a universal fashionable flexible connector that stylistically connects different portions of a swimsuit together. The universal fashionable flexible connector has an ornamental body and a plurality of loops through which attachment pieces of the swimsuit are coupled. The ornamental body provides a uniquely styled design and can be designed to reflect abstract images, letters, numbers, etc. Unlike traditional swimwear connectors that are rigid, the universal fashionable flexible connector contours to the shape of the user's body, and as such, the universal fashionable flexible connector is more comfortable to wear than traditional swimwear connectors. The universal fashionable flexible connector can be sized and shaped to match the style of any covering garment, thus a universal fashionable flexible connector can be found to match the fashion sense of almost all individuals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector having specifically two loops in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector having specifically three loops in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector being used as a side strap to connect the front and back portions of a bikini bottom.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector being used as a shoulder strap to connect the front and back portions of a bikini top.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector being used as a back strap to connect the side portions of a bikini top

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector being used as a central fastener to connect the side and rear straps of a bikini bottom.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector being used as a central fastener to connect the side and rear straps of a bikini top.

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.
The present invention is a fashionable flexible attire arrangement that is applicable to women, men, transgender individuals, and children of any age. The fashionable flexible attire arrangement comprises at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 and a clothing ensemble 2. The clothing ensemble 2 provides the fabric or other material expanse that covers a user, while the universal hub connects portions of the clothing ensemble 2 to each other in order to provide a garment that can be securely worn. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clothing ensemble 2 is swimwear, however, it is possible for the clothing ensemble 2 to be any other articles of clothing including, but not limited to, tank tops, dresses, and lingerie.
Typically when at an outdoor venue, such as at the beach, camping, etc., an individual will tan if he or she is exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. For the individual who tans, the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 can be used to provide the individual with a temporary tan line tattoo. Particularly when used in part with a clothing ensemble 2 that is swimwear, the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 acts as a tan line stencil when the fashionable flexible attire arrangement is worn outdoors. Rather than bland, simple geometric tan lines, the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 allows the user to obtain fashionable tan lines that mimic the outline of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1.
In reference to FIGS. 3-4, the at least one clothing ensemble 2 comprises at least one covering garment 21 and a plurality of attachment pieces 22. The at least one covering garment 21 is the fabric portion of the clothing ensemble 2 that is formed into traditional pieces of clothing. For example, the at least one covering garment 21 can be an upper garment such as a bikini top, a lower garment such as a bikini bottom or a combination of an upper garment and a lower garment. The at least one covering garment 21 can be any article of clothing that requires the use of straps or similar connecting members.
The plurality of attachment pieces 22 is the portion of the clothing ensemble 2 to which the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is removably attached or permanently connected, and as such the plurality of attachment pieces 22 is connected to the at least one covering garment 21. The plurality of attachment pieces 22 is perimetrically positioned around the at least one covering garment 21 in the typical locations where straps or similar connecting members would be connected to an article of clothing. For example, the plurality of attachment pieces 22 would be positioned around the top edge of a tank top, or at the corners of the front and back pieces of a bikini bottom.
The plurality of attachment pieces 22 can be designed as any formation to allow for the coupling of the clothing ensemble 2 and the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of attachment pieces 22 is an eyelet, a hook, a strap, or a combination thereof. The eyelet can be as simple as a hole in the at least on covering garment or a more complex looped portion of material, while the hook can be either single or double sided depending on the application of the hook. The particular type of attachment piece used depends on the desired connection between the clothing ensemble 2 and the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 (i.e. temporary or permanent), as well as the desired style of the clothing ensemble 2.
In reference to FIGS. 1-2, the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is the device that connects two or more sections of the clothing ensemble 2 to each other. The at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is bendable such that the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector contours to the shape of the individual's body. In this way, the functionality of the clothing ensemble 2 to which the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is attached is not compromised. The shape and dimensions of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 are designed in accordance to the style and form of the clothing ensemble 2 to which the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is attached. Each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 comprises an ornamental body 11 and a plurality of loops 12. The ornamental body 11 is the decorative portion of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 and provides the unique overall appearance to the fashionable flexible attire arrangement. The ornamental body 11 can be constructed to reflect any number of designs and/or styles of clothing, such as abstract images, letters, numbers, or the combination thereof. Additionally, items such as rhinestones or jewels may be embedded into, or otherwise attached to, the ornamental body 11 in order to further enhance the appearance of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1.
In further reference to FIGS. 1-2, the plurality of loops 12 is the component of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 that allows the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 to be attached to the clothing ensemble 2. The plurality of loops 12 is positioned laterally around the ornamental body 11 and each of the plurality of loops 12 comprises a first loop end 16 and a second loop end 17. The first loop end 16 of each of the plurality of loops 12 is adjacently connected to the ornamental body 11, such that the first loop end 16 of each of the plurality of loops 12 is permanently joined with the ornamental body 11. Unlike, the first loop end 16, the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 can be either connected to the ornamental body 11 in a permanent fashion or attached to the ornamental body 11, such that the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 is detachable from the ornamental body 11. The second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 is either permanently connected or removably attached to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16.
The nature of the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 being affixed temporarily or permanently to the ornamental body 11 allows for varying functionality of the present invention. For example, a permanent connection between the second end loop of each of the plurality of loops 12 and the ornamental body 11 may provide easier and/or cheaper manufacture of the present invention. However, by allowing the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 to be detached from the ornamental body 11, an individual is given the ability to interchange the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 and/or the clothing ensemble 2. This temporary attachment allows a user to create an almost unlimited number of stylistic combinations of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connectors 1 and clothing ensemble 2.
Any type of fastening mechanism may be used to secure the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 to the ornamental body 11, when a temporary attachment is desired. Types of fastening mechanisms that may be used include, but are not limited to, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or clasps. Depending on the desired fastening mechanism, it may be necessary to design the first loop end 16 of each of the plurality of loops 12 such that the first loop end 16 of each of the plurality of loops 12 is hingedly connected to the ornamental body 11, or otherwise pivotally connected. Allowing the first loop end 16 of each of the plurality of loops 12 to be hingedly or pivotally connected to the ornamental body 11 in turn allows each of the plurality of loops 12 to be pulled away from the ornamental body 11 creating a gap between the two bodies. The provided gap allows for the plurality of loops 12 to more readily be attached to the plurality of attachment pieces 22.
It is also possible for the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 to not be attached to the at least one ornamental body 11. The second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 can be positioned near the ornamental body 11 such that there is a gap between the second loop end 17 and the ornamental body 11. In this way, the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 can be slipped through the plurality of attachment pieces 22 when each of the plurality of attachment pieces 22 is an eyelet. Even though the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 may not be attached to the ornamental body 11, the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 may still be in contact with the ornamental body 11. In this way, the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 may be held in pressure contact with the ornamental body 11 such that a secure closed loop is formed, yet the second loop end 17 of each of the plurality of loops 12 can still be pulled away from the ornamental body 11 leaving a gap through which the plurality of loops 12 can be attached to the plurality of attachment pieces 22.
In reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3-5, the plurality of loops 12 is specifically two loops in a first embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 comprises a first loop 13 and a second loop 14 along with the ornamental body 11. Like the plurality of loops 12 described above, the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 each have a first loop end 16 and a second loop end 17. The ornamental body 11 is a thin, elongated member and the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are positioned opposite of each other along the ornamental body 11. The first loop end 16 of both the first loop 13 and second loop 14 is adjacently connected to the ornamental body 11. The second loop end 17 of the first loop 13 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16 of the first loop 13. Similarly, the second loop end 17 of the second loop 14 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16 of the second loop 14. The first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces 22, allowing the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 to connect two portions of the clothing ensemble 2. In the first embodiment of the present invention the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is used in conjunction with the clothing ensemble 2 being swimwear.
In reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6-7, the plurality of loops 12 is specifically three loops in a second embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is flexible and comprises a first loop 13, a second loop 14, and a third loop 15 along with the ornamental body 11. Like the plurality of loops 12 described above, the first loop 13, the second loop 14, and the third loop 15 each have a first loop end 16 and a second loop end 17. The ornamental body 11 is a thin, elongated member and the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are positioned opposite of each other across the ornamental body 11, while the third loop 15 is positioned about one end of the ornamental body 11. The first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are also positioned along the ornamental body 11 such that both the first loop 13 and the second loop 14 are equidistant from the third loop 15. The first loop end 16 of the first loop 13, second loop 14, and third loop 15 is adjacently connected to the ornamental body 11. The second loop end 17 of the first loop 13 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16 of the first loop 13. Similarly, the second loop end 17 of the second loop 14 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16 of the second loop 14. Likewise, the second loop end 17 of the third loop 15 is connected to the ornamental body 11 adjacent to the first loop end 16 of the third loop 15. The first loop 13, second loop 14, and third loop 15 are coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces 22, allowing the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 to connect two portions of the clothing ensemble 2. In the second embodiment of the present invention the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is used in conjunction with the clothing ensemble 2 being swimwear.
In the preferred method of use, the clothing ensemble 2 is swimwear. The at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is coupled to the desired plurality of attachment pieces 22 in order to create the desired clothing arrangement. For example, the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 can be coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces 22 to form the shoulder strap of a bikini top, the back strap of a bikini top, the side strap of a bikini bottom, etc. If the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 is permanently connected to the clothing ensemble 2, then the individual will choose the desired fashionable flexible attire arrangement to wear. Otherwise, the individual can choose the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1 and the clothing ensemble 2 he or she desires in order to create his or her own unique look. Once the individual has dressed in his or her fashionable flexible attire arrangement, he or she can then proceed with the activities of his or her liking. When the individual is wearing the fashionable flexible attire arrangement in an outdoor venue, the individual may tan after prolonged exposure to the sun. If the individual tans, then he or she will have acquired tan lines in the stylistic shape of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector 1. In this way, the individual has a temporary, tattoo-like design imprinted on their skin, which is more desirable than boring and bland, straight tan lines.
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 clothing system comprises:

at least one universal fashionable flexible connector;

a clothing ensemble;

each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector comprises an ornamental body and a plurality of loops;

the clothing ensemble comprises an at least one covering garment and a plurality of attachment pieces;

each of the plurality of loops comprises a first loop end and a second loop end;

the plurality of loops being laterally positioned around the ornamental body;

the first loop end of each of the plurality of loops being adjacently connected to the ornamental body;

the plurality of attachment pieces being perimetrically positioned around the at least one covering garment;

the plurality of attachment pieces being connected to the at least one covering garment; and

the plurality of loops being coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces.

2. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second loop end of each of the plurality of loops being connected to the ornamental body adjacent to the first loop end.

3. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the second loop end of each of the plurality of loops being attached to the ornamental body adjacent to the first loop end, wherein the second loop end is detachable from the ornamental body.

4. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of loops being specifically two loops.

5. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the plurality of loops being specifically three loops.

6. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

each of the plurality of attachment pieces being components selected from the group consisting of an eyelet, a hook, a strap, and a combination thereof.

7. The clothing system as claimed in claim 1 comprises:

the clothing ensemble being swimwear.

8. A clothing system comprises:

at least one universal fashionable flexible connector;

a clothing ensemble;

each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector comprises an ornamental body, a first loop, and a second loop;

the first loop and the second loop each comprise a first loop end and a second loop end;

the first loop and the second loop being positioned opposite of each other along the ornamental body;

the first loop end of the first loop and the first loop end of the second loop being adjacently connected to the ornamental body;

the second loop end of the first loop being connected to the ornamental body adjacent to the first loop end of the first loop;

the second loop end of the second loop being connected to the ornamental body adjacent to the first loop end of the second loop;

the plurality of attachment pieces being connected to the at least one covering garment;

the first loop and the second loop being coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces; and

the clothing ensemble being swimwear.

9. The clothing system as claimed in claim 8 comprises:

10. A clothing system comprises:

at least one universal fashionable flexible connector;

a clothing ensemble;

each of the at least one universal fashionable flexible connector comprises an ornamental body, a first loop, a second loop, and a third loop;

the first loop, the second loop, and the third loop each comprise a first loop end and a second loop end;

the first loop and the second loop being positioned opposite of each other across the ornamental body;

the first loop and the second loop being positioned equidistant from the third loop;

the first loop end of the first loop, the first loop end of the second loop, and the first loop end of the third loop being adjacently connected to the ornamental body;

the second loop end of the third loop being connected to the ornamental body adjacent to the first loop end of the third loop;

the first loop, the second loop, and the third loop being coupled to the plurality of attachment pieces; and

the clothing ensemble being swimwear.

11. The clothing system as claimed in claim 10 comprises: