TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to bridal wear for use at venues where the bridal wear has a high likelihood of getting wet, such as at the swimming pool or the beach.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A wedding dress is not made or designed for the beach, swimming pool, or any other venue with a high likelihood of the bridal wear getting wet. As such, with current bridal wear, a bride would not want to go to the beach or swimming pool. In addition, a bride could not dress specifically for the beach or pool while maintaining the look of a bride. Furthermore, a bride could not participate in water activities, including going swimming, in traditional bridal wear. In certain areas where the weather is hot, however, a bride may want to be able to enjoy the water, either at the swimming pool or beach, while still maintaining the elegant look of a bride.

[0003] For the foregoing reasons there is a need for bridal wear that can be worn at venues where there is a high likelihood that the bridal wear will get wet.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention is a bridal wear designed to be worn at the beach or swimming pool or any other venue where there is a high likelihood that the bride will get wet. As such, the bridal wear is designed to be worn as or with swimwear or beachwear. The swimwear/beachwear garment can have the feature of attaching and detaching the essential bridal wedding train to create fashionable bridal wear for swim and beach lifestyle. The attachment of the bridal wedding train to swimwear/beachwear garment creates a new innovative purpose, functionality and visually fashionable appeal for the bride. This invention also creates a new product category in the wedding, swimwear/beachwear industries.

[0005] The bridal wear can comprise a bridal wedding train and an attachment device connected to the bridal wedding train so that the bridal wedding train can be attached to a garment. In some embodiments, the bridal wear can further include a corresponding attachment device that can be connected to the garment so that the bridal wedding train can be attached to the garment via the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device. In some embodiments, the bridal wear comprises a bridal wedding train having an attachment device and a garment having the corresponding attachment device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention can be the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device to fasten to the bridal wedding train and the garment to provide a method of manufacturing the bridal wear for use at venues where the bridal wear has a high likelihood of getting wet.

[0007] As the bridal wear is designed for use at the beach or swimming pool, the garment can be any outfit used in such an environment, such as swimwear and beachwear. The bridal wear can come with multiple different types of swimwear and beachwear to which the bridal wedding train is attachable and detachable so that the bride can enjoy the fashionable coordination of bridal swimwear and beachwear made from water resistant fabrics for the purpose of becoming wet if needed.

[0008] The freely decorative bridal wedding train is made specifically for attachment and detachment to swimwear/beachwear. Thus, this invention solves the problem of combining the bridal wedding train with swimwear/beachwear, and creates bridal wear for use at the beach and pool. Now the bride can join in with all the fun festivities on her wedding day without feeling constrained to a traditional wedding dress that is not designed to get wet or be wet, allowing the bride to enjoy her wedding celebration in a more relaxed and leisure way, while still being the belle of the ball and the center of attention, or being noticed or recognized as the bride, while making a fashion statement and dressing fashionably for that wedding occasion at the beach or swimming pool.

[0009] The bridal wedding train can be attached to the garment using an attachment system comprising an attachment device and a corresponding attachment device that attaches to, and can be released from, each other. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment system is a uniquely designed double-pronged hook and heart-shaped eye system. The attachment system can be made of plastic, corrosion-resistant metal, or other suitable water resistant materials for swimwear.

[0010] The garment and bridal wedding train primary color scheme may be of the color white for the purpose and function of being bridal wear for a bride to be fashionably dressed as a bride for the beach and pool. Currently popular colors associated with bridal wear include off white, nude, and baby pink, but any additional colors may be used for bridal wear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figures 1 A-1D show the front of a bridal wedding train with an attachment device, the back of a one-piece bathing suit as the garment with a corresponding attachment device, the back view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment, and a front view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment. The insets show a close-up of the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device.

[0012] Figures 2A-2D show the front of a bridal wedding train with an attachment device, the back of a bikini bottom as the garment with a corresponding attachment device, the back view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment, and a front view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment. The insets show a close-up of the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device.

[0013] Figures 3A-3D show the front of a bridal wedding train with an attachment device, the back of a bikini top as the garment with a corresponding attachment device, the back view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment, and a front view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment. The insets show a close-up of the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device.

[0014] Figures 4A-4D show the front of a bridal wedding train with an attachment device, the back of a top as the garment with a corresponding attachment device, the back view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment, and a front view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment. The insets show a close-up of the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device.

[0015] Figures 5A-5D show the front of a bridal wedding train with an attachment device, the back of shorts as the garment with a corresponding attachment device, the back view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment, and a front view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment. The insets show a close-up of the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device.

[0016] Figures 6A-6D show the front of a bridal wedding train with an attachment device, the back of pants as the garment with a corresponding attachment device, the back view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment, and a front view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment. The insets show a close-up of the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device. [0017] Figures 7A-7D show the front of a bridal wedding train with an attachment device, the back of a dress as the garment with a corresponding attachment device, the back view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment, and a front view of the bridal wedding train attached to the garment. The insets show a close-up of the attachment device and the corresponding attachment device.

[0018] Figures 8A-8B show the front and back of an embodiment of a wedding bridal train.

[0019] Figure 9A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an attachment system.

[0020] Figure 9B shows an exploded view of the attachment system shown in Figure 9A.

[0021] Figure 10A shows a front view of an embodiment of a hook.

[0022] Figure 10B shows a side view of the hook shown in Figure 10 A.

[0023] Figure 11 shows a front view of an eye to mate with the hook.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0025] The present invention is directed towards bridal wear specifically designed for use during a wedding celebration where the bride could get wet, such as at the beach or swimming pool. With reference to Figures 1 A-7D, the bridal wear can comprise a bridal wedding train 102, a garment 104 onto which the bridal wedding train 102 can be attached, an attachment device 106 connected to either the bridal wedding train 102 or the garment 104, and a corresponding attachment device 108 connected to the other of the garment 104 or the bridal wedding train 102 so that the bridal wedding train 102 can be attached to the garment 104.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the bridal wedding train 102 may be attached to a garment 104, such as the rear bottom portion of a swimsuit (panties portion of the swimsuit), the top part of the swimsuit (bra portion), or beachwear cover-up robe, dress, shorts, skirt, pants and all other articles of clothing associated with swimwear or beachwear. The bridal wedding train 102 creates a bridal wear look for the beach by attaching the bridal wedding train 102 to swimwear or beachwear garments 104. The bridal wedding train 102 can be removable if desired. The bridal wedding train 102 may be made of a water resistant swimwear material of spandex, nylon, lycra, tactel and other like synthetic water resistant fibers and/or other materials or fabrics that are designed to be worn while wet. In other words, the bridal wedding train 102 is substantially made of water resistant material, rather than simply incorporating or being adorned with small water resistant pieces. For example, at least 50% of the bridal wedding train 102 can be made of water resistant material. In some embodiments, at least 60 percent of the bridal wedding train 102 can be made of water resistant material. In some embodiments, at least percent of the bridal wedding train 102 can be made of water resistant material. In some embodiments, at least 80 percent of the bridal wedding train 102 can be made of water resistant material. In some embodiments, at least 90 percent of the bridal wedding train 102 can be made of water resistant material. In some embodiments, the entire bridal wedding train 102 can be made of water resistant material.

[0027] Figures 1A-7D show examples of the bridal wedding train 102 having an attachment device 106, a variety of different styles of garments 104 having a corresponding attachment device 108, a rear view of the bridal wear with the bridal wedding train 102 attached to the garment 104, and a front view of the bridal wear with the bridal wedding train 102 attached to the garment 104. The garment 104 can be any type of clothing typically worn at the beach or a swimming pool. By way of example only, the garment can be a one-piece bathing suit (Figures IB- ID), bikini bottoms (Figures 2B-2D), bikini bra (Figures 3B-3D), beachwear top (Figures 4B-4D), beachwear shorts (Figures 5B-5D), beachwear pants (Figures 6B-6D), beachwear skirt, beachwear dress (Figures 7B-7D), beachwear robe, two-piece bathing suit, and the like. Preferably, the attachment device 106 or the corresponding attachment device 108 on the garment 104 can be located on the lower portion of the rear of the garment 104 adjacent to the lumbar region and buttocks to simulate a typical wedding train. Alternatively, the attachment device 106 or corresponding attachment device 108 can be located on the upper part of the garment, either in front or back, adjacent to the bust line or thoracic region. In a preferred embodiment where the garment is swimwear/beachwear, the location of the attachment device 106 or corresponding attachment device 108 is typically located on the rear, lower or upper part of the swimwear/beachwear garment (rear lumbar or thoracic region).

[0028] With reference to Figures 8A-8B, the wedding bridal train 102 comprises an upper portion 112 and a train portion 114 dangling from the upper portion 112. The bridal wedding train 102 can be from one to ten feet long in length. Wedding terminology pertaining to lengths of train are watteau, sweep, court, royal, cathedral and chapel. The weight of the attachable/detachable bridal wedding train 102 can be from one to two pounds depending on size, and made of water resistant material that comprises, for example, any one or more of nylon, lycra, spandex, polyester, chiffon and other like synthetic water resistant fibers. [0029] Typically, because the train dangles from the body, the attachment device 106 or corresponding attachment device 108 is centrally located at the top of the wedding bridal train 102 as shown in Figure 8 A.

[0030] The wedding train 102 may also include water resistant embellishments 110 for swimwear/beachwear such as brooches, buckles, bows, or other pieces made of plastic, glass, alloy, rhinestone, metal, other various materials, and water resistant fibers and fabrics. For example, the bridal wedding train 102 may comprise a fabric bow design and/or draping of fabric designs, but it is not limited to such designs. The functionality and placement of the bridal wedding train 102 remains the same but the physical design can change slightly with different water resistant fabrics and/or embellishments 110 made for swimwear or beachwear.

[0031] In some embodiments, a slit or hole 116 in rear portion of bridal wedding train 102 can be created through which a detachable belt 118 can be looped. The belt 118 may be made of water resistant materials of spandex, nylon, lycra, tactel and other like synthetic water resistant fibers and not limited to water resistant embellishments 110 for swimwear/beachwear garment 104, such as brooches, buckles, plastic, glass, alloy, rhinestone, metal and other various materials.

[0032] The bridal wedding train material may be made of a one, two, or four way stretch water resistant fabric made of spandex, nylon, polyester, lycra, tactel, chiffon, and other like synthetic water resistant materials or other fabrics or materials that are designed to be worn while wet. If the bride chooses to take a swim she can remove the bridal wedding train 102 but only if she chooses because the bridal wedding train 102 is typically made of water resistant material and can withstand and be wearable in water without water damage.

[0033] As such, the bridal wedding train 102 may be a removable piece equipped with an attachment device 106 (or corresponding attachment device 108), with a corresponding attachment device 108 (or attachment device 106) on the garment 104. By way of example only, such attachment device 106 may be a hook on the train 102 that will mate with a corresponding eye on the garment 104, or vice versa, to allow the train 102 to be attached or detached as desired from the garment 104. Preferably, the hook is a double-pronged hook that connects or detaches to a heart-shaped eye, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0034] With reference to Figures 10A-10B, in the preferred embodiment, the attachment device 106 can be a hook comprising an attaching portion 120 and a mating portion 130. The attaching portion 120 is used to fasten the attachment device 106 either to the bridal wedding train 102 or the garment 104. Thus, the attaching portion 120 can be rivets, hooks, pins, clips, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the attaching portion 120 can be a pair of rings 122a, 122b, each ring having a stem 124a, 124b extending therefrom. The stem 124a, 124b connects the attaching portion 120 to the mating portion 130. In some embodiments, the stem 124a, 124b can be connected to the mating portion 130 by being integrally formed as a single piece, or can be connected to the mating portion 130 by welding, soldering, adhesives, clips, and the like.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, each stem 124a, 124b is connected to its respective ring 122a, 122b at a medial location 126a, 126b. From the medial location 126a, 126b, each stem 124a, 124b extends away and laterally from their respective ring 122a, 122b, thereby creating a wedge 128a, 128b in between the stem 124a, 124b and its respective ring 122a, 122b.

[0036] The mating portion 130 of the attachment device 106 is configured to mate with the corresponding attachment device 108. By way of example only, the mating portion 130 can have a button, a hook, hook-and-loop, clip, pin, magnet, and the like.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, the mating portion is a hook, and more preferably, a double-pronged hook having a first prong 132a and a second prong 132b. From a side profile as shown in Figure 10B, the double-pronged hook has a typical“U”-shaped profile (upside-down “U” in Figure 10B) having a back side 131 projecting away from the rings 122a, 122b at their respective stems 124a, 124b while remaining in the same plane defined by the rings 122a, 122b. The back side 131 curves forward out of the plane defined by the rings 122a, 122b into an intermediate portion 133a, 133b, 133c. The intermediate portion 133a, 133b, 133c then curves into a front side 35 that curves back toward the rings 122a, 122b defining a second plane parallel to, but offset from, the plane defined by the rings 122a, 122b.

[0038] From a front view as shown in Figure 10A, each prong 132a, 132b has a“U”-shaped. configuration, comprising a lateral leg 134a, 134b, a medial leg 136a, 136b, parallel to the lateral leg 134a, 134b, and a connecting leg 138a, 138b connecting a lateral leg 134a, 134b to its respective medial leg 136a, 136b to complete the“U”-shaped configuration. The medial legs 136a, 136b may be connected together for stability. Preferably, the medial legs 136a, 136b are connected together opposite the connecting legs 138a, 138b, and along the middle intermediate portion 133c.

[0039] With reference to Figure 11, the corresponding attachment device 108 also has an attaching portion 140 and a reciprocal mating portion 150. Like the attaching portion 120 of the attachment device 106, the attaching portion 140 of the corresponding attachment device 108 is used to fasten the corresponding attachment device 108 to the bridal wedding train 102 or the garment 104. Thus, the attaching portion 140 can be rivets, hooks, pins, clips, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the attaching portion 140 can be a pair of rings 142a, 142b, each ring having a stem 144a, 144b extending therefrom. The stem 144a, 144b connects the attaching portion 140 to the reciprocal mating portion 150. In some embodiments, the stem 144a, 144b can be connected to the reciprocal mating portion 150 by being integrally formed as a single piece, or can be connected to the reciprocal mating portion 150 by welding, soldering, adhesives, clips, and the like.

[0040] The reciprocal mating portion 150 is generally heart-shaped with two curved humps 152a, 152b connected together in a mirror-image arrangement at a central line 154 (imaginary) of the reciprocal mating portion 150. Bilaterally arranged side arms 156a, 156b emanating from the humps 152a, 152b (from where the humps 152a, 152b are not connected) converge towards each other as they approach and connect with their respective stems 144a, 144b of the attaching portion 140 to complete the heart shape. The attaching portion 140 and the reciprocal mating portion 150 can be integrally formed as a single piece (one-piece), or two separated pieces connected together.

[0041] The reciprocal mating portion 150 of the corresponding attachment device 108 defines a heart-shaped hole 158 into which the mating portion 130 of the attachment device 106 can be inserted. In use, the connecting legs 138a, 138b of the hook portion 130 of the attachment device 106 are inserted through the heart-shaped hole 158 of the reciprocal mating portion 150 of the corresponding attachment device 108. The lateral intermediate portions 133a, 133b of each prong 132a, 132b of the mating portion 130 engage the respective humps 152a, 152b of the reciprocal mating portion 150 to secure the bridal wedding train 102 to the garment 104. The middle intermediate portion 133c can engage the point where the two humps 152a, 152b connect. Thus, by seating the prongs 132a, 132b onto the humps 152a, 152b, the bridal wedding train 102 can be mounted on the garment 104.

[0042] The attachment device 106 and corresponding attachment device 108 may comprise two connecting units that withstand rust issues and water damage. As such, the attachment device 106 and corresponding attachment device 108 can be water resistant. For example, attachment device 106 and corresponding attachment device 108 can be made of plastic and/or metal. Preferably, attachment device 106 and corresponding attachment device 108 can be made of white plastic and/or metal material and fixed to the bridal wedding train 102 or the garment 104 using the attaching portions 120, 140. For example, the attachment device 106 and corresponding attachment device 108 can be attached to the bridal wedding train 102 or the garment 104 using stitching, rivets, and the like. The attachment device 106 and corresponding attachment device 108 can be removably attached to the bridal wedding train 102 or garment 104 using detachable fasteners, such as hooks, clips, pins, and the like.

[0043] In an alternative embodiment, the medial legs 136a, 136b and intermediate portion 133 may have different configurations. In one alternative embodiment, the medial legs 136a, 136b and the middle intermediate portion 133c may be eliminated and the connecting legs 138a, 138b may simply be joined together. In another alternative embodiment, the medial legs 136a, 136b may be longer, so that the middle intermediate portion 133c sits slightly higher than the lateral intermediate portions 133a, 133b, which may allow the hook to better engage with the heart-shaped eye, particularly as to engagement of the middle intermediate portion 133 with the“indentation” of the heart shape eye along the central line 154, and the lateral intermediate portions 133 better engage with the humps 152a, 152b.

[0044] The bridal wear of the present invention can be manufactured by fastening the attachment device 106 or the corresponding attachment device 108 to the bridal wedding train 102. The other of the attachment device 106 or the corresponding attachment device 108 can be attached to the garment 104. The bridal wedding train 102 can then be attached to the garment 104 via the attachment device 106 and the corresponding attachment device 108.

[0045] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0046] This invention may be industrially applied to the development, manufacture, and use of bridal wear in which an attachment device 106 and a corresponding attachment device 108 allows a bridal wedding train 102 to be attached to a garment 104 in a quick and easy manner for use at venues with a high likelihood for the bridal wear to get wet. As such, the bridal wedding train 102 and garment 104 can be made of water resistant material to allow the bride to enjoy a wedding celebration without any concern for getting wet and/or having the bridal wear suffer water damage.