Package Kit of Bra Straps

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to providing a package of detachable straps for a bra having straps that look like clothing and/or match clothing or complement and enhance clothing in keeping with fashion. Additionally, the present invention relates to providing a set of interchangeable straps in a package for a bra that may be configured with a plurality of interchangeable straps.

Background of the Invention

[0002] It is presently fashionable for women to wear clothing that exposes the shoulders and arms of the wearer, and the wearer's bra straps. It is known to provide a bra with straps that are detachable from the bra body. As interchangeable straps come in pairs, an increased number of the set of interchangeable straps also increases the likelihood of losing matching pairs of straps.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0003] The present invention provides a package for storing detachable bra straps. In one preferred embodiment, the package comprises pairs of detachable bra straps, each pair being of a different appearance (e.g., color, pattern, texture, material, etc.) and each pair of bra straps being separately housed in the package. The package includes different compartments, each compartment configured to holding a separate detachable pair of bra straps. The package may be of different shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of different types of detachable bra straps.

[0004] Other objects, features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the

detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary preferred embodiments, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the following description may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the description should be understood to include all such variations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which: [0006] FIG. 1 is a drawing of a package for storing detachable bra straps configured in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0007] FIG. 2 is a drawing of a bra with detachable bra straps that may be used with the detachable bra straps configured in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0008] FIG. 3 is a top elevational view of a base with a plurality of bra straps secured thereon in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0009] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of the base and bra straps of FIG. 3; and

[0010] FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the base and bra straps of FIG.3 in a bag.

[0011] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The best mode contemplated by the inventor as of the filing of this application is a zippered container or kit containing seven (7) pairs of changeable elastic adjustable straps in an array of colors ready to attach to any convertible strapless bra. The kit facilitates the user matching and/or camouflaging the bra strap with an outfit, or allows the user to

emphasize the bra strap look by using a bra strap with a color contrasting with the color of the outfit employed by the user or a pattern or other design of the user's choice. The kit expands the user's lingerie wardrobe while saving the user money in terms of the cost of purchasing multiple bras. By doing so, the user also saves in terms of drawer space. The best mode of the kit thus provides versatility by providing seven color options allowing one strapless bra to achieve seven different looks.

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a package 100 for storing detachable bra straps. Package 100 includes a container 104 and a lid 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1, container 104 and lid 102 are circular in shape. Preferably the container and lid are made from see-through soft plastic. In other preferred embodiments, container 104 and lid 102 can also be of a square, round, octagonal or other shapes. Further, package 100 may be made of various materials, including fabric, soft or hard plastic, or a combination thereof. In one preferred embodiment, all of package 100 or a part thereof, such as lid 102, maybe translucent.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, container 104 includes a set of teeth 108a on a container zipper portion 108 and lid 102 includes a matching set of teeth 106a on a Kd zipper portion 106 that allows lid 102 to be zipped shut to container 104 when a pull-tab 110 on a slider 112 is pulled. Specifically, set of teeth 108a on container zipper portion 108 and matching set of teeth 106a on lid zipper portion 106 are meshed together by slider 112 to form a zipper chain 118, which is the continuous piece that is formed when both halves of a zipper are meshed together. In one preferred embodiment, the type of chain that is used in the construction of the zipper may be a metal chain, molded plastic chain or coil (nylon) chain. Lid zipper portion 106 and container zipper portion 108 attach to the lid and container, respectively, at a tape portion (not shown), which is the fabric part of the zipper.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment, the zipper is a heat-sealable zipper, also known as a weldable laminated zipper, which may be any zipper that has a strip of plastic fused to each half of the zipper tape to allow a manufacturer to electronically "weld" the zipper onto the garment or item that is being manufactured, without the need of sewing or stitching. In another preferred embodiment, instead of using a zipper to secure lid 102 to container 104, a hook and loop type fastener may be used. In yet another preferred embodiment, a clasp system may be used. In still yet another preferred embodiment, lid 102 may be buttoned to container 104.

[0016] Displaced in container 104 is a plurality of compartments 114. In one preferred embodiment, each compartment in the plurality of compartments 114 is sized to contain a pair of detachable bra straps 116. For example, in one preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, there may be 7 compartments in the plurality of compartments 114. Although not shown, each of these compartments may be of different sizes and or shapes with respect to each other. In addition, there may also be multiple layers of the plurality of compartments that may be separated by one or more dividers, such as a sheet of material similar to material that is used for package 100. The number of compartments contained within package 100 is limited only by the size of package 100. Preferably from 4 to 10 compartments per layer are used, even more preferably one layer with 7 compartments. The compartments may be of different sizes although the same size is preferred where the straps are all of the same size.

[0017] Each pair of detachable bra straps 116, if contained in individual compartments, are separated so to avoid intermingling and tangling of the straps, with each pair of straps placed in a different compartment. For example, each pair of straps of a separate color may be separated for easy access. In another preferred embodiment, each compartment is separately sealable, so each pair of straps may be secured in their own compartment.

[0018] The size of package 100 may be variable depending on the materials of the detachable bra straps. For example, the height of container 104 may range from approximately one-half inch, for one layer of compartments, to many inches if multiple layers of compartments are contained in container 104. In addition, the size of each container may be proportioned according to the height of container 104. For example, if the height of container 104 is one-half inch, then each compartment may need to be sized at a diameter of two inches as the compartment is relatively flat. Also, the compartments may be oversized to account for the material of the detachable bra straps being of a thick material.

[0019] The bra straps can be formed of a uniform material composition along the entire length, i.e., no portion made entirely of elastic. The straps could be wider or thinner than a normal bra strap. The bra and package of detachable straps may be sold as a unit with an article of clothing.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a bra with detachable straps usable with the present invention.

A bra generally indicated at 200 includes a body portion 212 and straps 214. Body portion 212 has attachment means that interacts with attachment means formed on straps 214 to detachably attach straps 214 to body 212. In the bra system as shown in FIG. 2, a material loop 220 is formed on body 212 and a hook 222 is attached to the lower ends of the straps 214 such that hooks 222 hooks into loops 220 to attach strap 214 to body 212. As can be understood, any known attachment means can be used to interconnect the straps with the bra, including, but not limited to, buttons, hook and pile fastener assemblies, any sort of hook and loop system or any other attachment system known in the art. Importantly, in this preferred embodiment of the invention, straps 214 can be attached and detached to body 212 such that any desired straps, of a plurality of straps, can be utilized with the body of the bra. For example, straps 314 or 414 each of which contain fastening means 322 and

422 respectively, can be substituted for straps 214 to provide a bra with straps of a desired design or color.

[0021] The bra with attached detachable straps can be sold with a single body portion

212 and a plurality of different colors or straps 214, 314, 414 having different designs thereon. Straps 214, 314, 414 would be packaged in container 104, with each pair of straps being contained in a different one of the compartments in plurality of compartments 114. Alternatively, bra body 212, container 104 and straps 214, 314, 414, etc. can be sold individually such that one can buy a bra body and whatever straps one wishes to place into the compartments in plurality of compartments 114. Alternatively, the straps 214, 314, or 414 can be sold as a unit with outer garments, with container 104 being included. Any of the straps 214, 314, 414, etc. used in connection with body 212 can be formed in accordance with the discussion set forth herein with respect to other preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0022] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment includes a base 60 for holding a plurality of bra straps. In a preferred embodiment, the base 60 is generally round and flat and includes a plurality of recesses 62 positioned about the outer edge thereof for securing the bra straps 214, 314, 414 and 514 in place. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the recesses 62 are circumferentially positioned about the outer edge of the base 60. The bra straps 214, 314, 414 and 514 are positioned in the recesses 62 and secured around the base 60 as is shown in the figures. In a preferred embodiment, the straps are arranged so that they overlap at the center of the base 60 in an aesthetically pleasing spoke-type pattern, as shown in FIG. 3. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the recesses 62 are arranged into recess pairs 62a and 62b. Each recess of a recess pair is disposed on an opposite side of the base 60, thereby allowing the straps therein to cross or overlap at the center.

[0024] The base 60 can be any desired shape. For example, in another embodiment, base 60 can by square or rectangular. In other embodiments, the recesses can be omitted. The base 60 can be configured to hold any number of straps.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 5, the base 60 and straps 214, 314, 414 and 514 can be placed and/or sold in a cover 300. Similar to the package described above, it can be sized to fit any desired base 60 and can be made of different materials, translucent or opaque. Cover 300 also preferably includes some type of closure or fastening means, such as a zipper, clasps, buttons or any other known in the art.

[0026] The preferred embodiments described above are exemplary preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of, and departures from, the above-described preferred embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Various modifications to these preferred embodiments may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the novel aspects described herein. Thus, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the preferred embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. The word "exemplary" is used exclusively herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any preferred embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the scope of the following claims.