Method and apparatus for temporarily and decoratively altering clothing

Abstract

A garment assembly includes a garment and a temporary hemming element. The garment comprises at least one fold wherein a portion of the garment is folded back upon itself. The temporary hemming element comprises a pin having a distal end extending from a second side of an outer portion. The outer portion is located on the garment so that the pin extends through the fold until it penetrates completely through the fold. An inner portion of the temporary hemming element receives the distal end of the pin of the outer portion to create a temporary decorative hem. The temporary hemming element can have at least two pins to inhibit movement of the temporary hemming element.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/080,380, filed Mar. 15, 2005, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/012,640, filed Nov. 13, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,865,751, and U.S. provisional application No. 60/248,015, filed on Nov. 13, 2000, all of which are incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to temporarily and decoratively altering items, such as hems of clothing or other fabric articles.

2. Description of the Related Art

Clothing is generally mass produced in a variety of sizes. Most casual clothing can be purchased in a range of sizes, and requires no alteration. On the other hand, some formal clothing is manufactured to be tailored when purchased to more accurately fit the purchaser. For example, slacks are made with very long legs so that purchasers of different heights having roughly the same waist size can purchase the slacks and have the leg length altered before wearing them. These alterations are effectively permanent because in order to have the slacks resized, the wearer must be return to the tailor, get remeasured, and if sufficient fabric is left (e.g., in a cuff), have the legs length altered.

Although generally acceptable, this system of permanent alteration does not very well address the different contexts in which a pair of slacks are worn. For example, different styles of shoes may be worn that effectively change the desired length of the slacks (i.e., high heels may require longer slack legs than flat shoes). In that case, the slack legs are either made for heels (and therefore are too long for flat shoes), or they are made for flat shoes (and therefore too short for heels). Custom tailoring each pair of slacks for each pair of shoes, while possible, is not very economical.

Furthermore, clothing for children quickly gets outgrown as the child gets older. Thus, hemming, altering, or folding up sleeves, pant legs, etc., of children's clothing is often used since much of the time clothing for children is purchased with “room to grow.” Moreover, children often like to fold or alter clothing for decorative purposes. However, folding or other altering may not always be visually pleasing, nor does it always provide the capability of holding the clothing securely in place.

Various devices are used in conjunction with clothing. For example, it is known to attach a safety pin to a piece of clothing to hold it up. However, such pins are not very attractive and can be difficult to attach if multiple folds or thick fabric is involved. Also, tie tacks are known, which serve primarily to hold a tie close to the shirt of the wearer. Of course, a wide variety of buttons and pins have been attached to clothing for decoration or identification of the wearer, e.g., decorative pins or nametags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, a garment assembly comprises a garment having an elongated border. A decorative system is configured to alter the appearance and effective length of the garment. The decorative system comprises a plurality of elongated decorative elements and a plurality of coupling elements. Each of the elongated decorative elements has a free end and a fixed end. Each coupling element is configured to support the decorative system. The coupling elements each comprise an outer portion, an inner portion, and a connecting portion extending therebetween. The plurality of coupling elements are adjacent the elongated border of the garment and spaced from each other. The connecting portions of the coupling elements support the fixed ends of the decorative elements and extend through the garment. The coupling elements temporarily secure the decorative system to only one side of the garment. When so secured, the free ends of the elongated decorative elements extend past the elongated border.

In some embodiments, a method for temporarily decorating a garment is provided. The method comprises positioning a decorative system on a garment having at least one edge. The decorative system has at least one coupling element that supports the decorative system. The at least one coupling element is temporarily coupled to the garment such that the decorative system extends only along one side of the garment and below the at least one edge of the garment.

In some embodiments, a decorative system is provided for selectively changing the effective length of a garment having at least one elongated edge. The decorative system comprises a decorative element having an upper edge and a lower free edge. A plurality of piercing members extends from the decorative element and are configured to be inserted through a garment without damaging the garment. Each of plurality of clasping elements comprises a recess for receiving a corresponding piercing member and a surface to engage the garment. When the decorative element is coupled to a garment, the lower edge of the decorative element extends past an elongated edge of the garment.

In some embodiments, a temporary decorative border for flexibly adorning a garment having a finished hem comprises a mounting portion and a plurality of elongated decorative elements. Each of the elongated decorative elements has a free end and a fixed end. The fixed ends are coupled to the mounting portion. The temporary decorative border further comprises a plurality of coupling elements. Each coupling element comprises a piercing member and a releasable clasping portion. The piercing member is configured to be inserted through the mounting portion and through a garment without visibly damaging the garment. The releasable clasping portion is configured to engage selectively the piercing member. When the plurality coupling elements are placed adjacent an elongated edge of a garment, the free ends of the elongated decorative elements extend past the finished hem of the garment, providing a temporary decorative border.

In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a garment assembly that includes a garment and a temporary hemming element. The garment has an extending portion that comprises at least one fold wherein a portion of the garment is folded back upon itself. The temporary hemming element comprises an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion of the temporary hemming element comprises a first, decorative side, a second side opposite the first side, and a pin having a distal end extending from the second side. The outer portion is located on the garment so that the pin extends through the fold until it penetrates completely through the fold. The inner portion of the temporary hemming element comprises an aperture configured to temporarily secure the distal end of the pin of the outer portion. It will be appreciated that in another assembly the pin can extend from the inner portion to be temporarily secured to the outer portion.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for temporarily, decoratively altering a garment. A garment is provided. At least a portion of the garment is folded over upon itself to create a folded portion. The folded portion has an inward side facing the skin of the wearer and an outward side facing away from the skin of the wearer. At least one temporary hemming element is provided that comprises an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion comprises a first, decorative side, a second side opposite the first side, and a pin having a distal end. The pin extends from the second side. The inner portion comprises an aperture configured to temporarily secure the distal end of the pin of the outer portion. The distal end of the pin of the outer portion is pushed through the folded portion so that the distal end of the pin extends through the folded portion until it penetrates completely through the folded portion. The inner portion is attached to the outer portion so that the distal end of the pin of the outer portion extends through the aperture. This method is repeated for each of the temporary hemming elements.

In another embodiment, a temporary hemming apparatus is provided for altering the size of a garment having a folded-over portion. The temporary hemming apparatus comprises an outer portion configured to attach to an outer portion of the garment. The outer portion comprises a first, decorative side, and a second side opposite the first side configured to abut the folded-over portion of the garment. An inner portion comprises a first side configured to abut the folded-over portion of the garment, and a second side that is configured to reside proximate the wearer. The temporary hemming apparatus also comprises an elongate piercing member having a distal end. At least one of the inner portion and outer portion is configured to secure the distal end of the elongate piercing member.

These embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiments disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention, certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having reference to the figures that follow, of which:

FIG. 1A is a pictorial representation of a garment assembly that includes a garment having at least one temporary hemming element applied thereto.

FIG. 1B is a pictorial representation of another garment assembly that also includes a garment having at least one temporary hemming element applied thereto.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section plane 2-2 shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a temporary hemming element.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the temporary hemming element.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the temporary hemming element.

FIG. 5A is a top view of one embodiment of an inner portion, or bar, with internal structure to secure the outer portion of a temporary hemming element.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the temporary hemming element.

FIG. 6A is a top view of another embodiment of an inner portion, or bar, with internal structure to secure the outer portion of a temporary hemming element.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a temporary hemming element with a pair of fixation structures.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of garment assembly having a plurality of temporary coupling elements applied thereto.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section plane 9-9 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the garment assembly of FIG. 8 as viewed from the interior of the garment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a decorative element that can be coupled to a garment.

FIG. 12 is another garment having a plurality of coupling elements applied thereto.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial representation of multi-piece garment assembly having a plurality of temporary coupling elements applied thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A garment assembly is disclosed wherein a garment is temporarily and decoratively hemmed, or altered. Many different types of garments can be temporarily and decoratively hemmed using the embodiments disclosed herein, e.g., a shirt (see FIG. 1A), or a pair of slacks or pants (see FIG. 1B). Different embodiments of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein also could be applied to a skirt, a dress, shorts, and socks. Other garments could also be altered by the embodiments described herein, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. As used herein, the term “garment” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and is intended to include, without being limited to, clothing, clothing accessories, and a variety of household items, such as curtains, drapes, bed linens, slipcovers, and shower curtains. Each of these garments can be altered by the embodiments described herein. In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein could be used to secure two or more fabric objects together, such as securing comforters to duvet covers.

As shown in FIG. 1A, one embodiment includes a garment 10. As may be seen, the garment 10 of FIG. 1A is preferably an article of clothing, more preferably a shirt having an extending portion 15. As shown, the extending porting 15 is a sleeve of the garment 10. The extending portion 15 includes a fold, or a folded portion 25. The fold 25 is a portion of the garment 10 that is folded back upon itself at least once if not more. This causes at least one length of garment overlap. When the extending portion 15 of the garment 10 is formed with only one length of garment overlap, a relatively slight alteration of the garment length is achieved. While the length of garment overlap of the folded portion 25 is shown on the outside of the extending portion 15, one skilled in the art will recognize that the folded portion 25 can also be positioned on the inside of the garment, i.e., with the folded portion 25 facing the skin of the wearer.

The apparatus and method disclosed herein advantageously permit more than one length of overlap of the extending portion 15 of the garment 10. By increasing the number of lengths of overlap, the garment assembly may be more extensively and dramatically altered. This can enable the wearer of the garment to change a full-length sleeve to a three-quarter length sleeve, or even to a short sleeve.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, a garment 10 may include more than one extending portion 15. For example, the garment 10 of FIG. 1A has another extending portion 20 that may also have a folded portion 25. Thus the shirt of FIG. 1A could be converted from a full length shirt to one that exposes a portion of the wearer's lower torso.

The embodiment of FIG. 1A also shows that a temporary alteration of the garment 10 may be achieved using a plurality of temporary hemming elements 30 attached to the folded portion 25. In one embodiment, a set of twelve temporary hemming elements 30 is used. The elements 30 thereby secure the folded portion 25 in the folded configuration, and thus maintain the alteration as long as the elements 30 are affixed to the garment 10. With twelve elements 30, even the widest pant leg, straight skirt, or A-line skirt can be pleasingly altered. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, fewer than twelve elements 30 could be used. For some extending portions, a single temporary hemming element 30 may be used. A wearer may only require a single hemming element 30 if the extending portion is relatively small, such as a sleeve. Alternately, only a few elements 30 may be used if the wearer prefers that the extending portion assume an arcuate or other desired shape.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of the garment assembly disclosed herein. The garment 45 has an extending portion 50, which is a pant leg, and a folded portion 55. As in FIG. 1A, the temporary hemming elements 30 are attached to the folded portion 55. The attachment of the temporary hemming elements 30 to the garment 45 is shown in more detail by the cross section 2-2 of FIG. 1B and is discussed below in more detail in connection with FIG. 2.

The elements 30 preferably have an outer portion 35 with a first, decorative side 40. The decorative side might have a stylized cat's face that is white and that has pink ears. In addition, the decorative side 40 might have a heart (shown in FIG. 1A), a star (shown in FIG. 1B), or a diamond. The decorative side 40 could be configured with other decorative figures as well. The decorative side 40 might have a symbol representing affiliation with a group. For example, the decorative side 40 could have a junior high or high school mascot, team name or school symbol or name. Also, the side 40 could equally well be made with a college or professional team mascot, or a college organization's name or symbol. The decorative side 40 can pleasingly be made either to have a generally flat surface or to have a contoured surface. In the flat configuration, the decorative side 40 can be generally more subdued, as might be appropriate for a more formal setting. The contoured configuration of the decorative side 40 might better suit a stronger expression of the wearer's individuality.

The outer portion 35 also has a second side 60 that is opposite the first side 40 (see FIG. 3). The outer portion has a pin 65 that has a distal end 70 and an end 75. The end 75 of the pin 65 is opposite the distal end 70 and is connected to the second side 60 of the outer portion 35. Of course, the pin 65 may be connected to the second side 60 of the outer portion 35 in many ways, as is known in the art. For example, the pin 65 and the outer portion 35 may be integrally made.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the various components of one of the temporary hemming elements 30 and also shows an application of one of the elements 30 to the garment 45. As may be seen, the outer portion 35 is located on the garment 45 so that the pin 65 extends through the fold 55 until it penetrates completely through the fold 55. As shown in more detail in connection with FIG. 2, the element 30 extends through the folded portion 55, and is secured to it. The element 30 thereby maintains the folded portion 55 in the folded configuration, and thus maintains the alteration of the garment 45 as long as the element 30 is affixed to the garment 45. One advantage of the element 30 is that when the wearer wishes to remove the alteration of the garment 10 or 45 maintained thereby, the element 30 may simply be removed and the folded portion 25, 55 unfolded, returning the garment 10 or 45 to an unfolded configuration.

As may be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the element 30 further comprises an inner portion 80 that has a garment-facing side 85 and a wearer-facing side 90. The inner portion 80 has a bore 95 that extends from an aperture 100 in the garment-facing side 85. In one embodiment, the aperture 100 and the bore 95 may together secure the pin 50 so that the inner portion 80 and outer portion 35 remain connected while the garment 10 or 45 is temporarily altered. In another embodiment, the aperture 100 may alone secure the inner portion 80 to the outer portion 35 to maintain the temporary alteration of the garment 10 or 45. The inner portion 80 and the outer portion 35 are secured in one of a number of ways known in the art, including screw-in type and push-in type.

Although the temporary hemming element 30 has been described above as comprising the pin 65 attached to the outer portion 35 and received in the aperture 100 of the inner portion 80, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced with the pin 65 mounted on the inner portion 80 and with the outer portion 35 having the aperture 100 to receive the pin 65. In addition, the temporary hemming element is not limited to being made with a pin, and other methods of attaching an inner portion to an outer portion through a fold of clothing or other material may also be used.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the temporary hemming element 105. The element 105 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-3. However, the inner portion 110 has a wearer-facing side 115 that has a compliant surface 120. The compliant surface is made of a material that does not irritate the skin in those applications where wearer-facing side 115 of the temporary hemming element 105 is positioned proximate the skin of the wearer. The compliant surface 120 may comprise an additional material applied to the wearer-facing side 115, such as felt or another soft cloth-like material. The wearer facing side could also be a more rigid material, but one that is selected to be non-irritating to the skin, such as Teflon. Alternately, the entire inner portion 110 could be made of a compliant material, such as plastic. In another variation, the compliant surface 120 may comprise a smooth surface advantageously configured to not snag underlying clothing. Such a material could be, for example, a plastic material, or a rubber material.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a temporary hemming element 125. The element 125 is similar to the element 105 shown in FIG. 4. However, the outer portion 130 has more than one pin 135. This, it will be appreciated that hemming elements may be elongate in shape. Each of the pins 135 preferably has a groove 140 proximate the distal end. These pins may be secured by a bar 145 having internal structure that clasps the pins 135. As shown in FIG. 5A, the bar 145 comprises a first lateral edge 150 and a second lateral edge 155. The inside of the first and second lateral edges 150, 155 contact a corresponding lever 160. The lever 160 comprises at least two apertures 165. The pins 135 of the element 125 are secured by a wearer or user who presses against the opposite lateral sides 150, 155 of the bar 145. This causes the apertures 165 to open. Then the bar 145 and the pins 135 are positioned so that the pins 135 are within the apertures 165. The wearer or user then releases the opposite lateral sides 150, 155 so that the apertures 165 contract and secures the pins 135 at the grooves 140. This keeps non-symmetrically shaped outer portions 130 in their proper orientations. In another embodiment, the multi-pin arrangement shown in FIG. 5 can be secured by two separate pieces similar to the inner portion 80.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a temporary hemming element 170. The element 170 is similar to the element 105 shown in FIG. 4. However, the outer portion 175 has more than one pin 180. Each of the pins 180 have a notched portion 185 with a latch receiving portion 190. The notched portion could be semicircular, as in FIG. 6. These pins 180 may be secured by a bar 195 having internal structure that clasps the pins 180. As shown in FIG. 6A, the bar 195 comprises a first lateral side 200, a second lateral side 205, a cavity 210, and a clasping device 215. The clasping device 215 comprises a manipulable bar 220 and a pair of elongate latches 225 that are slideable through the first lateral side 200 and the second lateral side 205. The pins 180 of the element 195 are secured by a wearer or user who locates the outer portion 175 and the inner portion, or bar 195, so that the pins 180 extend into the cavity 210. The wearer or user then slides the latches 225 of the clasping device 215 into the cavity 210 and into the latch receiving portion 190 of the notched portion 185 of the pin 180. The wearer or user then slides the clasping device 215 until the latches 225 extend through the second lateral side 205. Once located in the latch receiving portion 190 of the notched portion 185 of the pin 180, the clasping device 215 secures the outer portion 175 to the bar 195. This keeps non-symmetrically shaped outer portions 635 in their proper orientations.

The embodiments disclosed herein have several advantages. For example, the temporary hemming elements 30, 105, 125, 170 make it possible to maintain clothing length, e.g., the hem of pants, shirts, etc., at the correct length. As mentioned above, this can be particularly useful for children who are rapidly growing and for whom clothing is bought that is slightly larger than appropriate. This quick and temporary clothing adjustment is also particularly advantageous for people who wear a variety of shoes with their pants, for example, flat shoes or high heels.

Another advantage of the temporary hemming elements 30, 105, 125, 170 is that they provide a decorative feature for clothing that is flexible in its application. One way in which they are flexible is that the user can purchase one or more elements 30, 105, 125, 170 and use them as appropriate for more formal occasions or for casual occasions. The elements 30, 105, 125, 170 are also flexible in that they can be applied in other ways to clothing or household items. The elements could also be used to attach cuffs, lace, scarves, collars, hoods, decorative patches, nametags, etc., to clothing. In the home, the elements 30, 105, 125, 170 can be used to attach ribbons, embroidery, tassels, trim, and other decorative elements to furnishings, curtains, etc. The elements 30, 105, 125, 170 are also flexible in that they also can be used to fasten many items. For example, they can be used to fasten tiebacks to drapes and in lieu of or to replace buttons on clothing. Being decorative in nature, the elements 30, 105, 125, 170 can also be applied to various accessories to decorate them. For example, one or more of the elements could be applied to a purse, a belt, or a backpack to decorate them. The elements 30, 105, 125, 170 can also be used to decorate the home.

It will be appreciated that various methods may be used with the apparatus above. In particular, methods of temporarily and decoratively altering clothing can be practiced with the above apparatus. Also, decorative securement of one fabric object to another can be practiced.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a temporary hemming element. The hemming element 300 is configured to engage a garment and maintain a desired position. The illustrated hemming element 300 includes a plurality of fixation elements 302 that can engage the garment to limit or prevent movement of the hemming element 300 relative to the to garment. In another embodiment, a single fixation element 302 is provided. As used herein, the term “fixation element” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary meaning and includes, without limitation, a structure configured to limit or prevent movement of an element (e.g., a coupling element, a hemming element, etc.) relative to a structure attached thereto. In some embodiments, the fixation element can comprise one or more of the following: anti-rotation structures, prongs, protrusions, adhesives, textured surfaces, spikes, or other surface treatments that can grip onto a surface.

When a garment is disposed between an outer portion 306 and an inner portion (not shown), an inner face 310 of the outer portion 306 can, e.g., abut the face the garment. The fixation elements 302 extend from the inner face 310 and can interact with the garment to limit sliding of the outer portion 306 along the surface of the garment. For example, when a pin 307 of the hemming element 300 extends through the material of a garment, the fixation elements 302 can secure the outer portion 306 to the garment, thereby inhibiting rotation of the outer portion 306 about an axis 312 of the pin 307.

The illustrated outer portion 306 comprises a pair of fixation elements 302 spaced from the pin 307. However, the outer portion 306 can have any suitable number of fixation elements 302 depending on the design of the hemming element. A skilled artisan can select the configurations and the positions of the fixation elements.

The illustrated fixation elements 302 are in the form of protrusions that extend outwardly from the inner face 310. When the hemming elements 300 are attached to the garment, the fixation elements 302 can press the garment against an inner portion or backing (e.g., a clasping element) to securely hold the hemming element 300 in place. In other embodiments, the fixation elements 302 can be configured to pierce and extend partially or completely through the garment. The length of the fixation elements 302 can be selected to achieve the desired interaction with the garment.

Any of the hemming elements and coupling elements described herein can be modified with one or more fixation elements. A hemming element may have a preferred orientation based on its design. For example, it may be desirable to have the heart shaped hemming element 35 of FIG. 1 in the illustrated upright position. The hemming elements or coupling elements may also have other designs, such as a flag, a depiction of a person's face, symbol, cartoon character, graphic, or the like that can have a preferred orientation. The wearer can place the hemming element at a particular location with a desired orientation, and fixation elements can ensure that the element stays in the desired orientation.

FIG. 8 illustrates a garment system 358 comprising a garment 360 and a decorative system 368 attached thereto by one or more coupling elements 374. As used herein, the term “coupling element” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and is intended to include, without being limited to, a device that can be used to couple, either permanently or temporarily, one or more items together. The terms “coupling element” and “hemming element” can be used interchangeably herein.

The decorative system 368 can be an aesthetically pleasing and stylish decorative feature temporarily coupled to the garment 360, and may include a plurality of coupling elements 374. The decorative system 368 can be substituted with another decorative system to achieve a different overall appearance of the garment system 358. Any number of decorative systems 368 can be attached to the garment 360. The illustrated garment system 358 has pant legs having a decorative system 368 attached thereto. In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment, each of the decorative systems 368 extends from a corresponding border of a pant leg to produce an eye-catching and stylish garment. The decorative system 368 can extend about a portion or along substantially the entire border of the garment 360.

In various embodiments, the decorative systems can extend along any length of an opening, such as an opening of a pant leg (illustrated), waist of a pair of pants, cuffs of a shirt or blouse, bottom opening of a shirt or blouse, or other type of garment. It is contemplated that the decorative system 368 can be attached at any position.

The coupling elements 374 can be similar to or different from the temporary hemming elements described above. A plurality of coupling elements 374 positioned along the garment 360 can securely hold and support the decorative system 368. The number and position of the coupling elements 374 can be selected based on the desired style and appearance of the garment system 358. The garment system 358 can comprise at least one, two, three, four, or five coupling elements per foot of the decorative system. The coupling elements can support the decorative system. However, if the decorative element is flexible, more coupling elements can be used. For example, the garment system 358 can comprise at least six, seven, nine, twelve, fourteen, or sixteen coupling elements per foot of the decorative system, especially if the decorative system is extremely flexible. The number of coupling elements can be selected to limit or prevent sagging of the decorative system. The number of coupling elements used to affix the decorative systems to a garment can be selected based on the desired appearance and position of the decorative system. In some embodiments, the garment system 358 can comprise closely space coupling elements. For example, the garment system 358 can comprise at least one, two, three, four, or five coupling elements per inch of the decorative system.

In some embodiments, the coupling elements 374 can be easily removed manually. For example, if the wearer desires to remove or replace the decorative system 368, the wearer can manually remove the coupling elements 374 to detach the decorative system 368 from the garment 360. Another decorative system can then be applied to the garment 360 by utilizing the same or different coupling elements. Various types of decorating systems can be temporarily attached to garment 360 by utilizing the coupling elements 374.

The coupling elements may or may not be suitable for washing with the garment 360. In some embodiments, the decorative systems 368 may not be suitable for washing, e.g., in a washing machine. For example, the decorative system may comprise beads, lace, silk, fabric, leather, other materials or combination of these materials that are often not suitable for simultaneously washing with the garment 360. Advantageously, the illustrated decorative system 368 can be conveniently decoupled from the garment 360 by unfastening and removing the coupling elements 374. Once the decorative system 368 is removed, the garment 360 can be washed alone and the decorative system 368 can be reattached to the cleaned garment 360 by utilizing the coupling elements 374.

Another advantage of these systems is that the user is provided with flexibility in adorning the garment. For example, the decorative system 368 can be easily removed in some embodiments, restoring the original finished hem or border of the garment. The coupling elements 374 can be configured to not visibly damage the garment 360 when affixed thereto.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the garment system 358 and the decorative system 368 being held by at least one temporarily coupling element 374. The coupling element 374 can comprise an outer portion 380 that is coupled to an inner portion 382. The outer portion 380 faces the exterior of the garment 360 while the inner portion 382 faces the interior of the garment 360. A connecting portion 390 of the outer portion 380 can extend through the garment 360 and is securely gripped by the inner portion 382.

The illustrated inner portion 382 is a clasping element that can be operated to grip and release selectively the connecting portion 390. The illustrated inner portion 382 includes a pair of handles or prongs 384 that can be squeezed inwardly to decouple the inner portion 382 from the outer portion 380. When the handles 384 are released, the inner portion 382 can be fixedly attached to the connecting portion 390.

The connecting portion 390 in some embodiments can be a pin that is integrally formed with the outer portion 380, as described above. To attach the decorative system 368 to the garment 360, the connecting portion 390 can be pushed through the garment 360 so that an end of the connecting portion 390 extends to the interior of the garment. The inner portion 382 can then be slid over the end of the connecting portion 390 and can be selectively attached thereto. The handles 384 can be actuated to release the inner portion 382 from the connecting portion 390 to reposition or remove the inner portion 382.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the decorative system 368 can have an upper end 392 and a lower end 394. The lower end 394 preferably terminates at a free edge end that hangs below the edge 396 of the garment 360. Preferably a substantial portion of the decorative system 368 extends past the edge 396 of the garment 360. The decorative system 368 can be positioned on only one side of the garment 360 and can extend past the edge 396 of the garment 360. As such, the lower end 394 of the decorative system 368 can be spaced from the edge 396 of the garment 360. The decorative system 368 can be easily applied to the garment by coupling the upper end 392 to the garment. Additionally, the lower end 394 of the decorative system 368 can swing freely when garment 360 is worn. The coupling elements 374 (FIG. 9) are preferably adjacent the edge 396 of the garment 360.

In some embodiments, the decorative systems can extend on both sides of the garment. For example, a decorative system can be folded about an edge of the garment, such that the decorative system can extend on both sides of the garment. Such decorative systems can be used to adorn a garment without hemming the garment.

The decorative system 368 of FIG. 10 has a plurality of elongated, decorative elements 370 attached to a mounting portion 400. The mounting portion 400 can extend along the edge 396 of the garment 360 and can be configured to allow the connecting portion 390 of the coupling element 374 to pass therethrough. The illustrated mounting portion 400 is in the form of an elongated strip or band that is connected to fixed ends 401 of the decorative elements 370, although the mounting portion 400 can also be a chain, elongated member (e.g., a wire, rope, string, etc.), or the like. Any suitable attachment means can be used to couple the fixed ends 401 of the decorative elements 370 to the mounting portion 400. In some embodiments, attachment means include, but are not limited to, stitching, adhesives, hooks, clasping elements, coupling elements, and the like.

The decorative element 370 can comprise the fixed end 401, a free end 403, and a decorative feature 405 therebetween. The decorative features 405 can be evenly spaced or unevenly spaced (not shown) along the decorative elements 370. The decorative elements 370 can be spaced evenly or unevenly along at least a portion of the garment 360. In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative elements 370 are somewhat regularly spaced along the edge 396 of the garment 360. The fixed ends 401 of the decorative elements 370 are attached to the mounting portion 400. The decorative elements 370 can hang freely from the mounting portion 400 and can terminate at lower free ends 403. As such, movement of the wearer can cause the decorative elements 370 to swing freely. The decorative elements 370 are preferably sized so that they extend out of the opening of the garment by a distance of about 1 cm, 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, and ranges encompassing such lengths. In some embodiments, the decorative elements 370 extend below the edge 396 of the garment 360 by a distance of at least 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, and ranges encompassing such distances. The decorative elements 370 can adorn an edge of a garment without substantially changing the effective size of the garment. In some embodiments, the decorative elements 370 extend past the edge 396 of the garment 360 by a distance of at least 3.5 cm, 5 cm, 7 cm, 10 cm, and ranges encompassing such distances. These decorative elements 370 can be employed to change the effective size of the garment.

The number and spacing of the decorative elements can be selected to achieve a desired overall appearance of the garment. For example, the decorative system 368 can comprises at least one, two, three, four, or five decorative elements per foot of the decorative system. The decorative elements can adorn the garment without effectively changing the length of the garment. However, as the number of decorative elements is increased, the decorative elements may provide a visually effective lengthening of the garment. As used herein, the term “effectively lengthen” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and is intended to include, without being limited to, changing the length of a fabric having a finished hem. For example, the second garment portion 486 of FIG. 13 can effectively lengthen the illustrated garment. In some embodiments, the decorative system 368 of FIG. 8 can comprise at least six, seven, nine, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, or twenty decorative elements per foot of the decorative system. As such, the discrete decorative elements can effectively alter the length and, thus, the overall appearance and size of the garment 360. The density of the discrete decorative elements can be increased to ensure that the garment is effectively lengthened. In some embodiments, a plurality of decorative elements per inch can be used to effectively lengthen a finish hem of a garment.

The decorative features 405 of the decorative elements 370 can each comprise one or more beads that are strung together on a chord (e.g., a wire, rope, string, filament, etc.). The beads can be of any color and size and may or may not match the color of the garment 360. In some embodiments, the decorative elements 370 can comprise one or more of the following: strung beads, fringe, material (e.g., fabric such as lace and silk), chains, tassels, ribbon, and the like. The decorative system 368 can have decorative elements 370 that are similar to or different than each other. In some embodiments, the decorative elements 370 can form a regular or irregular repeating pattern depending on the desired appearance of the garment.

In some embodiments, the decorative system 368 comprises a material that is different from the material forming the garment 360. For example, the garment 360 can comprise mostly cotton and the decorative system 368 can comprise a synthetic material, such polyester. The decorative system can also be a different color than the garment.

The decorative systems can be attached to the interior side or the exterior side of the garments. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8-10, the decorative system 368 is coupled to the interior side of the garment 360. The decorative system can be dimensioned to extend below the edge 396 of the garment. Such decorative elements 370 can hang from the garment 360 so that the free ends 394 swing freely due to the movement of the wearer.

FIG. 11 illustrates a decorative system 420 that is configured to be mounted to a garment by a single coupling element. The illustrated decorative system 420 comprises a decorative element 424 having a fixed end 422 in the form of a mounting portion. The mounting portion 422 can be an aperture configured to receive a connecting portion of the coupling element. The connecting portion of the coupling element can be inserted through the aperture of the mounting portion 422, such that the decorative system 420 hangs freely from the coupling element.

The illustrated decorative element 424 comprises a plurality of strung beads 426 that are spaced along the length of the decorative element 424. A plurality of decorative systems 420 can be attached to a garment 460 by a plurality of coupling elements (e.g., coupling elements 374), wherein each coupling element supports at least one decorative system 420.

FIG. 12 illustrates a garment system 430 comprising a garment 431 (e.g., a shirt or blouse) that comprises a plurality of decorative systems. Decorative systems 432a, 432b are attached to the right sleeve and left sleeve, respectively. A decorative system 434 is coupled to a lower end 440 of the garment 431. Each of the decorative systems is attached to the garment 431 by at least one coupling element. In the illustrated embodiment, the decorative system 432a is attached to right sleeve by a plurality of coupling elements 436a adjacent the edge of the right sleeve. Similarly, the decorative system 432b is attached to the left sleeve by a plurality of coupling element 436b adjacent the edge of the left sleeve.

The illustrated decorative system 434 is in the form of an elongated strip the extends below the lower end 440 of the garment 431. The decorative system 434 preferably extends past and hangs below the edge of the garment 431. The height of the decorative system 434 can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease the length of the exposed portion of the decorative system 434. The coupling elements 446 can penetrate and extend through both the garment 431 and the decorative system 434 in the manner described above. The decorative elements 446 can be positioned at any point between an upper edge 450 and a lower edge 452 of the decorative system 434.

It is contemplated that the decorative systems can be used in combination with a garment that has been hemmed. For example, a decorative system can be mounted to the hemmed garment illustrated in FIG. 2. A coupling element in the form of a hemming element can be used to hem and adjust the length of a garment, while also temporarily holding and securing a decorative system that may enhance the appearance of the garment. Of course, the decorative system can be used to visually change the effective length of the garment.

The coupling elements can be used to attach a decorative system at any point along a garment. For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a decorative system 460 that is attached to the garment 431 by a plurality of coupling elements 462. The decorative system 460 can circumscribe at least a portion of the garment 431. The illustrated decorative system 460 is in the form of a chain, although the decorative system 460 can be any of the other decorative systems disclosed herein. For example, the decorative system 460 can be a belt or sash that is coupled to a garment (e.g., a pair of pants). Any number of decorative systems 460 can be coupled to the exterior or interior of the garment 431.

Various types of decorative elements, decorative systems, and coupling elements can be mixed and matched for various garment designs. When the wearer wants a different look, the wearer can remove decorative elements or attach new decorative elements to the garment to achieve a different overall look. Advantageously, the decorative systems can in some embodiments be used to enhance the appearance of the garment without changing the length of the supporting garment. That is, if the garment fits the wearer, the coupling elements can be used to attach decorative systems to the garment without changing the effective length of the garment. However, if the size garment needs to be hemmed, the coupling elements can both be used to hem the garment and also to hold to decorative systems. If the garment needs to be lengthened, the decorative system can be used to lengthen selectively the garment. Thus, the wearer has flexibility in changing the fit and appearance of any garment.

The coupling elements can also be used to secure together one or more pieces of a garment. As shown in FIG. 13, a garment system 480 comprises a plurality of coupling elements 482 that secure together a first garment portion 484 and a second garment portion 486. The illustrated garment system 480 is in the form of a skirt; however, the garment system 480 can be any other type of garment.

The lower portion 486 has an upper end 490 that is positioned within the interior of the first portion 484. As such, the first portion 484 overlays the upper end 490 of the lower portion 486. Each of the coupling elements 482 extends through and secures together the first portion 484 and the second portion 486. If the wearer desires to wear a shortened skirt, the coupling elements 482 can be removed to detach the second portion 486 from the first portion 484. The wearer can then wear only the first portion 484 for a shortened skirt.

Alternatively, the second portion 486 can be substituted with a decorative system described above, or a different second portion. For example, if the wearer decides to change the style of the skirt, the wearer can substitute the second portion 486 with another second portion of a different style. In this manner, different configurations of garments can be achieved by switching and matching various design components.

The coupling elements can also be used to couple together portions of other types of clothing. For example, a pair of pants can have detachable legs that are coupled to an upper pants portion by a plurality of coupling elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various coupling elements and garments can be employed.

The coupling elements can also be used in other applications. For example, coupling elements can be used to attach one or more decorative systems to household items. The household items can be furniture (e.g., sofas, chairs, etc.), lighting (e.g., light fixtures, lamps, etc.), bedding (e.g., bed linens, bed skirts), towels, tablecloths, and the like. In some embodiments, the coupling elements are used to attach one or more decorative systems to an edge of a furniture (e.g., a lamp shade). The connection portion of the coupling elements can pierce and penetrate a lamp shade and can extend through a decorative system to securely and temporarily affix the decorative system to the lamp shade.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A garment assembly comprising:

a garment having an elongated border;

a decorative system configured to alter the appearance and effective length of the garment, the decorative system comprising: a plurality of elongated decorative elements, each of the elongated decorative elements having a free end and a fixed end; and a plurality of coupling elements, each coupling element being configured to support the decorative system, the coupling elements each comprising an outer portion, an inner portion, and a connecting portion extending therebetween;

wherein the plurality of coupling elements are adjacent the elongated border of the garment and spaced from each other, the connecting portions of the coupling elements support the fixed ends of the decorative elements and extend through the garment, the coupling elements temporarily secure the decorative system to only one side of the garment such that the free ends of the elongated decorative elements extend past the elongated border.

2. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the decorative system further comprises an elongated mounting portion, the fixed ends of the elongated decorative elements are coupled to the mounting portion, and the coupling elements extend through the mounting portion.

3. The garment assembly of claim 2, wherein the mounting portion is a strip coupled to the fixed ends of the elongated decorative elements, the strip extends along the elongated border.

4. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated decorative elements are spaced from each other along the border of the garment.

5. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the decorative system extends along substantially the entire length of the border of the garment.

6. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the fixed end is positioned between the garment and the outer portion or the inner portion of the corresponding coupling element.

7. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the elongated decorative elements comprises a plurality of beads strung on a chord.

8. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the border of the garment defines an opening of the garment.

9. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated decorative elements hang freely when the garment is being worn.

10. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the coupling elements comprises a decorative face and at least one fixation element configured to engage the garment.

11. A method for temporarily decorating a garment, the method comprising:

positioning a decorative system on a garment having at least one edge, the decorative system having at least one coupling element supporting the decorative system; and

temporarily coupling the at least one coupling element to the garment such that the decorative system extends only along one side of the garment and below the at least one edge of the garment.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one coupling element comprises an inner portion, an outer portion, and a connecting portion, wherein the decorative system is positioned between the garment and one of the inner portion and the outer portion, and the connecting portion extends through the garment and the decorative system.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the decorative system comprises a plurality of elongated decorative elements spaced from each other, and the decorative elements are positioned along the at least one edge of the garment.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one coupling element is proximate the at least one edge of the garment.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one coupling element comprises an outer portion, an inner portion, and a connecting portion having a distal end, at least one of the outer portion and the inner portion being configured to be temporarily secured to the distal end of the connecting portion.

16. A temporary decorative border for flexibly adorning a garment having a finished hem, the decorative border comprising:

a mounting portion;

a plurality of elongated decorative elements, each of the elongated decorative elements having a free end and a fixed end, the fixed ends being coupled to the mounting portion; and

a plurality of coupling elements, each coupling element comprising a piercing member and a releasable clasping portion, the piercing member configured to be inserted through the mounting portion and a garment, without visibly damaging the garment, the releasable clasping portion configured to engage selectively the piercing member;

wherein when the plurality coupling elements are placed adjacent an elongated edge of a garment, the free ends of the elongated decorative elements extend past the finished hem of the garment, providing a temporary decorative border.

17. The temporary decorative border of claim 16, wherein the mounting portion is an elongated strip.

18. The temporary decorative border of claim 16, wherein the temporary decorative border is configured to extend on only one side of a garment when the plurality of coupling elements temporarily affix the decorative border to the garment.

19. A decorative system for selectively changing the effective length of a garment having at least one elongated edge, the decorative system comprising:

a decorative element having an upper edge and a lower free edge;

a plurality of piercing members extending from the decorative element and configured to be inserted through a garment without damaging the garment; and

a plurality of clasping elements, each comprising a recess for receiving a corresponding piercing member and a surface to engage the garment;

wherein when the decorative element is coupled to a garment, the lower edge of the decorative element extends past an elongated edge of the garment.

20. The decorative system of claim 19, wherein the decorative element comprises a plurality of elongated elements, each elongated element has a free end at the lower free edge, a fixed end at the upper edge, and a decorative feature extending therebetween.

21. The decorative system of claim 19, wherein the decorative element is positioned on only one side of a garment when the decorative element is mounted to the garment.