SWIMWEAR WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS

Abstract

An interchangeable swimsuit comprising a top having a left cup and a right cup for covering a wearer's breasts where each of the cups has a plurality of integrated loops disposed on each of the cups, as well as a clip and/or strap for releasably attaching the left cup to the right cup; and a bottom having a generally triangular shaped front panel and a generally triangular shaped back panel with each panel having two hip vertices and a crotch vertex which are interchangeably mated to another, as well as a clip and/or strap for releasably attaching the hip vertices and a hook and loop and/or an additional fastener for releasably attaching the crotch vertex.

Description

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional patent application of Frank Scozzafava, Ser. No. 61/348,857 for SWIMWEAR WITH INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS, filed on May 27, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This patent application pertains to swimwear, and more specifically, pertains to women's bikinis. Even more specifically, this patent application relates to women's bikinis comprised of interchangeable components which create a finished article.

2. BACKGROUND

For the most part, women's swimwear, and particularly bikinis, comprises a swimsuit top and swimsuit bottom. Traditional women's one-piece swimsuits cannot be modified after purchase. Thus, if styles change, a woman must purchase a new swimsuit. Two piece bikinis provide a wearer with a bit more of an opportunity to personalize as the wearer can mix and match different tops and bottoms. However, the wearer is limited to merely swapping tops and bottoms and cannot modify the constituent components which make up each individual swimsuit piece. Various attempts have been made to overcome these limitations.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,028,740 presents a convertible beach attire comprising a bikini bottom and a detachable modesty panel removably attached to the bottom using a connector. When swimming, the wearer can remove the modesty panel and wear the swimsuit as a traditional bikini. When not in the water, the wearer can attach the modesty panel to more completely cover the lower portion of the body. Although described as convertible, the attire described merely provides a attachment device for draping a modesty panel. The materials comprising the swimsuit are not modified. Additionally, the connectors are non-removable further limiting the ability to customize the appearance of the suit. Thus, the wearer is unable to alter the appearance of the suit after purchase.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,145 discloses a convertible bathing suit which converts from a two-piece bikini to a one-piece suit. The bottom band of the bikini top and the waist band of the bikini bottom are equipped with a number of snaps. A series of different styled panels are equipped with mating snaps such that the panels can be removably attached to the bikini top and bottom so as to cover the midriff of the wearer. Further provided are modesty panels which drape from the bikini bottom. This design, however, does not provide for the alteration of the bikini top and bottom. The style and appearance of the bikini cannot be modified after purchase.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,560 provides for a swimsuit bikini with loops for attaching removable fasteners and accessories. The bikini top has a plurality of integrated loops which allow for removable attachment of straps or chains. These straps or chains are used to secure the top to the wearer. Further provided are hook and loop fasteners for removable attachment of additional fabrics such as skirt or gown materials. While this bikini provides for interchangeable designs and accessories, there are a number of drawbacks with this disclosure. First, the ability to customize the design changes is limited by failing to provide for an interchangeable fastening means. The straps are looped upon themselves rather than being removably attached with a stylish clip or clasp. Second, while the sides of the bikini bottom can be modified with different straps or chains, the actual front and rear panels of the bikini are static. That is, there is no way to change to physical appearance of the bikini bottom other than by changing side straps. This limits the customizability of the bikini as the number of tops which aesthetically match to bottoms is restricted.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/728,294 describes a modular swimsuit and a method of construction such a swimsuit. The modular swimsuit consists of a bikini top and bottom where the top is constructed of two triangular shaped cups and the bottom is an hour glass shaped piece of fabric. The two halves of the bikini top are held together by a strap. Each of the tops and straps has an integral loop. The loops are connected by use of a spring-loaded clasp. The front and rear portions of the bottom of the suit are fastened over the wearer's hips using a strap. Similar to the top, the strap is connected to the bottom using a spring-loaded clasp. However, a significant drawback of this design that although the bikini bottom can be modified with different straps or chains, the actual front and rear panels of the bikini cannot be changed or exchanged with alternative panels.

Thus, it is readily apparent that there is a long-felt need for a fully customizable swimsuit that permits the wearer to change the physical appearance of the top and bottom units of the suit.

The present disclosure overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks by provision of a swimsuit having interchangeable components constructed through a three-part system thereby providing for the creation of a variety of swimsuit styles and appearances. The three-piece system comprises a swimsuit unit (either a “one-piece” suit or a two-piece bikini), interchangeable clips, and interchangeable straps. The left and right cups of the swimsuit top, as well as the front and back panels of the swimsuit bottom are fully interchangeable. The swimsuit unit and interchangeable straps each possess at least one integrated, sewn-in hoop. The sewn-in hoops removably accept the interchangeable clips to create a completed swimsuit unit. Additionally, interchangeable ornaments may be applied to the swimsuit unit using the same or additional interchangeable clips. The swimsuit components may be of a variety of colors and materials, such as fabric, leather or a synthetic material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the disclosure to provide a swimsuit comprising a suit unit made up of interchangeable top left cups and top right cups and bottom front panels and bottom back panels with integrated hoops and interchangeable clips for altering the make-up of the suit unit while also permitting the attachment of interchangeable components such as straps, charms, etc. to the swimsuit.

It is another object of the disclosure to provide a selection of interchangeable components such as straps, charms, etc. manufactured from a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, fabric, leather, and synthetics.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a variety of interchangeable clips that come in several shapes based on utility and aesthetics.

The objects of the invention are achieved by provision of an interchangeable swimsuit with a three part clip and loop design, with the ability to interchange the cups and panels of the suit unit, as well as to allow for interchanging the straps from the suit unit. This interchangeability is achieved by outfitting the swimsuit cups and panels with integrated loops to which specially designed clips can then attach. All straps are made with integrated loops at the ends. The loops are then attached to the clip by sliding each end through the integral opening in the clip creating a finished product. The crotch region of the bottom panels is further provided with a releasable closure which enables full interchangeability of the front and back panels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure and the manner in which it may be practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a bikini style swimsuit of one embodiment of the present disclosure on a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the assembled strap, clip, and cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the disassembled strap, clip, and top cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and top cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 300 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the disassembled clip and top cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a bikini top of an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the untied tie and top cup of a bikini top of a second embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom front panel of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom back panel of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and front panel of a bikini bottom of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 400 of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the disassembled clip and front panel of a bikini bottom of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 400 of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom front panel of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a front perspective view of a bikini bottom back panel of a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a general crotch closure of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and loop closure.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and loop closure with additional metal rings and tabs closure.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and loop closure with additional buttons closure.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and loop closure with an additional singular metal loop and hook closure.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a disassembled crotch closure of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing a hook and loop closure with additional snaps closure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112.

Adverting now to the drawings, with reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a swimsuit of the present disclosure is indicated generally by numeral 100. Swimsuit 100 is made up generally of a suit unit comprised of a swimsuit top 20 and swimsuit bottom 30. Top right and left cups 22 and 24, respectively, are attached to one another by a first clip 40 to create bikini top 20. Bikini bottom 30 is comprised of front and rear panels 32 and 34, respectively, and each is attached to one another using a second clip 40 and a third clip (not shown). Each top cup and bottom panel incorporates at least one integrated loop through which clip 40 is inserted to construct a completed swimsuit 100. Clips 40 can be made out of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, etc. Clips 40 are hooplike members that can be round, rectangular, roughly D-shaped, or any other shape. Clips 40 can have an open profile or a closed profile. For instance, closed profile clips can use a carabiner-like closing mechanism. Optionally, an open profile clip can further comprise a spur on the interior surface of one or both open ends of the clip gap. These spurs prevent the straps from slipping free of the clips while the swimsuit is worn. An optional decorative accessory 70 can be attached to any of clips 40 of a completed swimsuit 100 to further personalize the finished product. As shown in FIG. 1, bottom panel 32 may further be attached to bikini top 20 to form a “one-piece” swimsuit.

A front perspective view of an embodiment of a bikini top of the present disclosure is indicated by numeral 210 in FIG. 2. Bikini top 210 is comprised of two generally triangular shaped cups 212 and 214. In this embodiment, two of the three vertices of the generally triangular shape are sewn with integrated loops 50, while the third vertex has elongated strap or strip 25. The elongated strap or strip is either of single piece construction with its respective cup 212 or 214, or is sewn onto its respective cup. Strap 25 is used to tie the bikini top around the back of the wearer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each cup 212 and 214 does not have an integrated strap to tie the swimsuit top behind a wearer's neck. Rather, these cups have integrated loop 50 at the top vertex of each cup. Neck straps 26 have integrated loops 28 at one end as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Neck straps 26 are attached to swimsuit top cups 212 or 214 through clip 40. Swimsuit top cups 212 or 214 each have an integrated loop 50 at the vertex located between the breasts, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Clip 40 is used to removably secure the two cups to one another via integrated loops 50 to form completed bikini top 210. Although shown with attached strap 26, an alternative embodiment is envisioned wherein each top cup 212 and 214 is provided with a third integrated loop. Further provided is a back strap having an integrated loop at one end similar to neck strap 26, with the back strap being removably secured to its respective cup with additional clips 40.

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the assembled strap, clip, and top cup of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 200 of FIG. 2, while FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the disassembled strap, clip, and top cup of a bikini top. During assembly, integrated loop 50 of top cup 214 is inserted within a gap in clip 40 and clip 40 is rotated so that top cup 214 will not become dislodged from clip 40. Similarly, integrated loop 28 of neck strap 26 is inserted within a gap in clip 40 and positioned so that neck strap 26 will not become dislodged from clip 40. In a preferred embodiment, clip 40 has an open profile having a clip gap. The open profile clip further has a spur on the interior surface of one or both open ends of the clip gap. The spurs aid in preventing unwanted disassembly when the swimsuit is being worn.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and top cups of a bikini top of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 300 of FIG. 2 while FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the disassembled clip and top cups of the bikini top. During assembly, integrated loop 50 of each of top cups 212 and 214 is inserted within a gap in clip 40 with clip 40 positioned so that top cups 212 and 214 will not become dislodged from clip 40 during wear.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a bikini top of an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure as indicated by numeral 220. Bikini top 220 is comprised of two generally triangular shaped cups 222 and 224. In this embodiment, two of the three vertices of the generally triangular shape are sewn with integrated loops 50 (as shown in FIG. 6), while the third vertex has elongated strap or strip 225. The elongated strap or strip is either of single piece construction with its respective cup 222 or 224, or is sewn onto its respective cup. Strap 225 is used to tie the bikini top around the back of the wearer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each cup 222 and 224 does not have an integrated strap to tie the swimsuit top behind a wearer's neck. Rather, each cup has integrated loop 50 at its top vertex. Neck straps 26 have integrated loops and are removably attached to swimsuit top cups 222 or 224 through clip 40. Swimsuit top cups 222 or 224 each have an integrated loop 50 at the vertex located between the breasts, as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the untied tie and top cup 224 of a bikini top of the second embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, cups 222 and 224 are secured to one another between the breasts by tie 240.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are front perspective views of a bikini bottom front panel and back panel, respectively, of one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each panel is a generally triangular shape piece of fabric having a right hip vertex, a left hip vertex and a crotch vertex. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate one possible arrangement for securing the hip portions of the bottom panels. In this embodiment, each of the hip vertices has integrated loop 50 for removably securing clip 40. Although FIGS. 7A and 7B are shown as a brief, it is further envisioned that alternative bottom panels can be used including but not limited to a thong, French bikini, Tanga, scoop, mid scoop, string bikini, low rise, high waist, hipster, and the like.

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the assembled clip and bottom panels of a bikini bottom of one embodiment of the present disclosure taken generally from boxed region 400 of FIG. 7A while FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the disassembled clip and bottom panels of the bikini bottom. During assembly, integrated loop 50 of each of bottom panels 32 (and 34) is inserted within a gap in clip 40 with clip 40 positioned so that bottom panels 32 and 34 will not become dislodged from clip 40 during wear. It is further envisioned that interchangeable side pieces can be used to attach bottom front panel 32 to bottom back panel 34 of a bikini in certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The side pieces can be composed of chains, straps of varying width and/or thickness, or braided straps, and the like.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are front perspective views of a bikini bottom of an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, an elongated strap 340 passes through integrated loops 50 located at each of the right and left hip areas of bottom front panel 32 to bottom back panel 34. The elongated strap is then tied to secure the bikini bottom at the wearer's hips.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a general crotch closure of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure. The crotch vertex of bikini bottom front panel 32 and bottom back panel 34 overlap one another to form closure region 60. Closure region 60 is equipped with a closing means such that the two halves of the bikini bottom are secured in the crotch area, and along with the hip attaching means shown in FIGS. 7A through 9B, form a completed bikini bottom 30 as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69. One half of hook and loop closing means 69 is affixed, preferably through stitching, to the inner surface of bottom front panel 32 while the second half of hook and loop closing means 69 is affixed to the outer surface of bottom back panel 34. To secure the crotch closure, the two halves of the hook and loop closing means are pressed together so that the bottom front panel 32 is on top of bottom back panel 34.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with additional metal rings 61 and tabs 62 closing means. In a preferred embodiment, three metal tabs 62 are releasably inserted into rings 61 to secure crotch closure region 60. Hook and loop closing means 69 provides additional security and assists in preventing tabs 62 from dislodging from rings 61. Although described as having three tabs and rings, it is envisioned that any number of tabs and rings can be used, depending on the width of the crotch region as well as user comfort.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an additional embodiment of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with additional button closing means. In this embodiment, three buttons 63 are releasably inserted into holes 64 to secure crotch closure region 60. Hook and loop closing means 69 provides additional security and assists in preventing buttons 63 from dislodging from holes 64. Although described as having three buttons, it is envisioned that any number of buttons can be used, depending on the width of the crotch region as well as user comfort

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with additional metal clip 65 and catch 66 closing means. In a preferred embodiment, clip 65 is releasably affixed onto catch 66 to secure crotch closure region 60. Hook and loop closing means 69 provides additional security and assists in preventing clip 65 from dislodging from catch 66.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a bikini bottom of the present disclosure showing disassembled crotch closure region 60 having a hook and loop closing means 69 with additional snap closing means. In a preferred embodiment, three male snaps 68 are releasably inserted into corresponding female snaps 67 to secure crotch closure region 60. Hook and loop closing means 69 provides additional security and assists in preventing male snaps 68 from dislodging from female snaps 67. Although described as having three snaps, it is envisioned that any number of snaps can be used, depending on the width of the crotch region as well as user comfort.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Claims

1. An interchangeable swimsuit comprising:

a top having a left cup that interchangeably mates with a right cup for covering a wearer's breasts wherein at least one integrated loop is positioned and disposed on each of said cups for engaging a means for releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup and a means for supporting said top on said wearer;

a bottom having a generally triangular shaped front panel interchangeably mated with a generally triangular shaped back panel wherein each panel has a right hip vertex, a left hip vertex and a crotch vertex; and

a means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel.

2. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said at least one integrated loop is one integrated loop disposed one each cup between said wearer's breasts and said means for releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup is a hoop-like clip inserted into both of said at least one integrated loops, and said means for supporting said top is at least one flexible elongate member fixedly attached to each of said cups.

3. The swimsuit of claim wherein said at least one integrated loops is two integrated loops disposed one each cup with a first integrated loop being disposed between said wearer's breasts for releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup, and with a second integrated loop disposed on each of said cups for releasably attaching at least one flexible elongate member for supporting said top on said wearer.

4. The swimsuit of claim wherein said at least one integrated loops is three integrated loops disposed one each cup with a first integrated loop being disposed between said wearer's breasts for releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup, with a second integrated loop disposed on each of said cups for releasably attaching at least one neck flexible elongate member for supporting said top on said wearer, and with a third integrated loop disposed on each of said cups for releasably attaching at least one back flexible elongate member for supporting said top on said wearer.

5. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said at least one integrated loop is disposed between said wearer's breasts and said means for releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup is a hoop-like clip inserted into each of said at least one integrated loops, and at least one flexible elongate member is removably affixed to each hoop-like clip.

6. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said at least one integrated loop is disposed between said wearer's breasts and said means for releasably attaching said left cup to said right cup is a flexible elongate member inserted into both of said at least one integrated loops.

7. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein each of said hip vertices has in integrated loop.

8. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel of said bottom is a hoop-like clip removably inserted into respective right side and left side integrated loops disposed at each of said hip vertices.

9. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel of said bottom is a second plurality of hoop-like clips inserted into each of said integrated loops disposed at each of said hip vertices.

10. The swimsuit of claim 9 wherein at least one flexible elongate member is removably affixed between hoop-like clips which are removably affixed on respective right side and left side integrated loops disposed at each of said hip vertices.

11. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex is a hook and loop closure.

12. The swimsuit of claim 11 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex further comprises at least one ring and at least one tab.

13. The swimsuit of claim 12 wherein at least one ring is three rings and at least one tab is three tabs.

14. The swimsuit of claim 11 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex further comprises at least one male snap and at least one female snap.

15. The swimsuit of claim 14 wherein at least one ring male snap is three male snaps and at least one female snap is three female snaps.

16. The swimsuit of claim 11 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex further comprises at least one button and at least one button hole.

17. The swimsuit of claim 16 wherein at least one button is three buttons and at least one button hole is three button holes.

18. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex comprises at least one ring and at least one tab.

19. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex comprises at least one male snap and at least one female snap.

20. The swimsuit of claim 1 wherein said means for releasably attaching said back panel to said front panel at said crotch vertex comprises at least one button and at least one button hole.