Apparel – Bathing garments
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-07
2001-06-05
Hale, Gloria M. (Department: 3765)
Apparel
Bathing garments
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240560
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a swimsuit with interchangeable accessories and, more particularly, to a swimsuit including a plurality of loops and hook and loop fastening means for interchangeable attachment of elongate strips (straps), linked chains or other accessories thereto in order to provide a variety of styles, appearances and adjustable fitting of the swimsuit to the wearer's body.
2. Description of the Related Art
Men's and women's swimsuits are available in a variety of styles ranging from conservative and conventional looks to more exotic and risque fashions. Generally, each style swimsuit has a particular cut which fits differently on each person's body, depending on the person's overall physique. In many instances, a person will buy a swimsuit, after trying it on briefly in the store, because they are attracted to the particular style of the suit. However, once they wear the swimsuit, which may be several months later, they sometimes feel uncomfortable with the fit because the swimsuit doesn't compliment their physical features. This may be due to a change in the person's weight or physical condition since purchasing the swimsuit. Otherwise, it may be that the swimsuit style, size and cut is simply not right for that person's body type. Unfortunately, most stores will not allow a swimsuit to be returned once it has been purchased. Further, it is usually not possible to alter the fit of the swimsuit so that it conforms more properly to the person's physical features.
Another concern, particularly of women, is the need to have several swimsuits, preferably of a different appearance, so that the person does not have to wear the same swimsuit each day. This is a particular concern when vacationing at a resort or on a cruise ship wherein the wearer of the swimsuit may be seen by the same people every day for a week or more. However, considering the time and expense involved in shopping for more than one swimsuit, it is not surprising that most people do not maintain a selection of swim wear in their wardrobe.
Accordingly, there is an urgent need for a versatile, all-in-one swimsuit which allows the wearer to adjustably fit the swimsuit to their body and which further allows for selective positioning and attachment of straps, linked chains, band wraps, and other accessories to alter the cut, style, fit and appearance of the swimsuit, thereby providing a plurality of swimsuit styles, with adjustable fitting, all in one swimsuit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a versatile swimsuit which incorporates a plurality of loop members at strategic locations to facilitate interchangeable attachment and adjustable positioning of straps, linked chains, ties, or like articles to secure and adjustably fit the swimsuit to the wearer's body. The straps, linked chains, or the like may be attached to different ones of the loop members on the swimsuit according to the fit and style desired by the wearer. The swimsuit further uses hook and loop fasteners for removable and interchangeable attachment of various accessories to the swimsuit.
In one embodiment, a woman's bikini-style swimsuit includes a top and a separate bottom. The lower edge of the bikini top, along an inside of the cups, is provided with a strip of loop component material (i.e., the soft component) of a hook and loop fastening system. Similarly, the top front edge, along the inside of the swimsuit bottom, is provided with a strip of the loop component material. Various accessories are provided with the hook component of the hook and loop fastening system to facilitate removable attachment of the accessories to the swimsuit and/or bottom. In particular, a skirt is attachable to the swimsuit bottom along the top inner edge of the swimsuit bottom, using the hook and loop fasteners, so that the skirt surrounds the wearer's body and hangs downwardly in covering relation to the swimsuit bottom and legs of the wearer. In another embodiment, a gown is attachable to the lower inside edge of the swimsuit top, so that the gown surrounds the wearer's body from the lower edge of the swimsuit top, to the legs or ankles. Another accessory is a mid panel which attaches between the lower inside edge of the swimsuit top and the top inside front edge of the swimsuit bottom, extending therebetween and covering the stomach of the wearer, thereby giving the appearance of a one piece style swimsuit. The invention further includes a sash which attaches to the swimsuit top and extends across the breasts and about the back of the wearer, in covering relation to the swimsuit top. The sash can be used in conjunction with the gown to achieve a formal appearance.
The invention further includes band wraps which are structured to be removably wrapped about various areas of the swimsuit in order to gather the material within the grasp of the band wrap, thereby altering the cut of the swimsuit while also providing a decorative enhancement. Specifically, one or more band wraps may be fitted to a bikini bottom to alter the cut of the bikini bottom from a conventional style to a Brazilian cut style or, alternatively, a thong. The band wraps may further be used on a bikini top, between the cups, to alter or enhance the appearance of the bikini top.
In another embodiment, for both a man's or woman's swimsuit, means are provided for removable attachment of a fabric panel to the swimsuit bottom. Specifically, the fabric panel may include a number or other indicia thereon, such as a participant's number in a race (e.g., a marathon, triathlon, etc.).
In still another embodiment, a loop is releasably attachable to the swimsuit bottom for hanging articles on the loop, such as keys, a shirt, a hat, etc.
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Downey P.A. Robert M.
Hale Gloria M.
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