US20030221244A1 - System for accessorizing casual apparel - Google Patents

Abstract

Decorative accessories for clothing items are removably supported thereon by hook-and-loop type fasteners. Cuffs are removably secured to the distal ends of legs of pants, cuffs are removably secured to the distal ends of sleeves of tops, and collars are removably secured to neck openings of tops by the hook-and-loop type fasteners. Patches, which may be associated with nations or sports teams attending sports events, with characters and attractions at theme parks, etc. are removably attached to garments utilizing hook-and-loop type fasteners. Collectibles; pictures and other indicia identified with entertainers and other personalities; tickets, licenses and other items subject to inspect by authorities are removably displayed on garments utilizing hook-and-loop type fasteners.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY
• This application claims priority of prior provisional Application Serial No. 60/371,797 filed Apr. 11, 2002, currently pending, and of prior provisional Application Serial No. 60/408,330 filed Sep. 5, 2002.[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This invention relates generally to the accessorizing of apparel items including trousers, shirts, and the like, and more particularly to a system for removably attaching accessories to jeans, tops, and other items of casual apparel. The invention further relates to removably displaying photographs and other indicia identified with persons and other subject matters on apparel items.[0002]
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Trousers manufactured from denim and other materials and commonly referred to as blue jeans or simply jeans are worn throughout the world for work, play, and casual living. Although jeans intended to be worn by adults are seldom provided with decorative accessories, children's jeans are often provided with decorative cuffs, pockets, etc. which are made from materials differing in texture and color from the fabric of the jeans themselves. Similarly, tops manufactured for use by children are often provided with decorative accessories such as cuffs, collars, pockets, and/or various types of patches.[0003]
• Heretofore decorative accessories for casual apparel including jeans, tops, and similar garments have been permanently attached. This practice necessitates the purchase of multiple garments in order to suit the needs of various activities and occasions.[0004]
• The present invention comprises a system for accessorizing casual clothing which overcomes the foregoing and other problems. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention, cuffs, pocket patches, and other accessories are removably secured to jeans and other trousers. Similarly, cuffs, patches, and collars are removably secured to tops such as t-shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, jackets, other outer wear, and the like. More particularly, accessary items for trousers and tops are removably secured using hook-and-loop type fasteners.[0005]
• As is well known, pins representative of the participating nations or teams are collected and exchanged among visitors to the Olympics® and other sporting events. Similarly, attendees at theme parks such as Disney World® collect and exchange pins representative of various cartoon characters, rides and other attractions, etc. The present invention further contemplates the replacement of such pins with patches which are identified with nations or teams participating in sporting events, characters and attractions at theme parks, etc. The patches are removably secured to wearing apparel utilizing hook-and-loop type fasteners.[0006]
• Baseball cards and cards associated with other sporting activities, photographs and other items distributed on behalf of entertainers and other personalities at concerts and other venues, and similar items are often referred to as collectibles. The present invention further contemplates the removable display of such collectibles on clothing items. The collectible display apparatus can also be used to display tickets, licenses, and other items that are subject to inspection by designated authorities.[0007]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:[0008]
• FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a first embodiment of the invention;[0009]
• FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view the embodiment of FIG. 1 in which certain component parts have been broken away more clearly to illustrate the invention;[0010]
• FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative configuration of the first embodiment of the invention;[0011]
• FIG. 4 is an exploded view which diagrammatically illustrates a second embodiment of the invention;[0012]
• FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of certain component parts of the second embodiment of the invention;[0013]
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of an alternative configuration of the second embodiment of the invention;[0014]
• FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 further illustrating the alternative configuration of the second embodiment of the invention;[0015]
• FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a third embodiment of the invention;[0016]
• FIG. 9 is an exploded view further illustrating the third embodiment of the invention; and[0017]
• FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative configuration of the third embodiment of the invention.[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring to FIG. 1, a pair of[0019]jeans10 is diagrammatically illustrated. Although the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 in conjunction with jeans, it will be understood that the invention is equally applicable to other types of trousers. Thejeans10 are provided withdecorative cuffs12 which are removably secured at the lower ends of thelegs14 thereof. Thecuffs12 are typically fabricated from a fabric which differs in color, texture, and/or pattern from that of thejeans10.
• Referring to FIG. 2, the[0020]cuffs12 have afirst component16 of a hook-and-loop type fastener extending around the exterior thereof while thelegs14 of thejeans10 have theopposite component18 of the hook-and-loop type fastener extending around the interior thereof. In this manner thecuffs12 that were originally supplied with thejeans10 are easily and readily removed and replaced with cuffs comprising a different color, texture, and/or fabric.
• Referring to FIG. 3,[0021]cuffs12′ are securable to thelegs14 of thejeans10 in lieu of thecuffs12. Thecuffs12′ are longer than thecuffs12, and thereby adapts thejeans12 to continuing use by children as they grow. In some instances it may be preferable to fabricate either thecuffs12 or thecuffs12′ from the same fabric as that is used in the manufacture of thejeans10 so that thecuffs12 and/or thecuffs12′ become an extension of thelegs14 thereof.
• Referring to FIG. 4, the present invention is also applicable to a wide variety of tops, including t-shirts, tank tops, sweatshirts, etc. Although a[0022]pullover type top20 is illustrated in FIG. 3, it will be understood that the invention is also applicable to tops having front, back, or side openings which are normally secured in the closed condition by buttons, snaps, zippers, and similar fasteners.
• The[0023]top20 is provided withcuffs22 which are removably secured to the ends of thesleeves24 of thetop20. Thecuffs22 are typically fabricated from a fabric which differs in color, texture, and/or pattern from that of thetop20. As is illustrated in FIG. 4, thecuffs22 have afirst component26 of a hook-and-loop type fastener extending around the interior thereof while the ends of thesleeves24 of thetop20 are provided with theopposite component28 of the hook-and-loop type fastener.
• The[0024]top20 is also provided with aremovable collar32 which normally extends around a neck opening34 at the upper end of thetop20. Theopening34 has afirst component36 of a hook-and-loop type fastener extending around the exterior thereof, while theopposite component38 of the hook-and-loop type fastener extends around the interior of thecollar32.
• Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the[0025]top20 may be provided withcuffs22′ having afirst component26′ of a hook-and-loop fastener extending around the exterior thereof. Theopposite component28′ of the hook-and-loop fastener extends around the interior of thesleeve24 to securely retain thecuff22′ in engagement therewith.
• FIG. 6 further illustrates an[0026]extension39 which may be secured to the lower end of thetop20 in a manner similar to the connection of thecuffs22′ to thesleeves24 thereof, that is, by securing a first component of a hook-and-loop fastener around the exterior of theextension39 and securing the opposite component of the hook-and-loop fastener around the interior of thetop20 at the lower end thereof. Thecuffs22′ and theextension39 may be formed from the same material as thetop20 thereby accommodating thetop20 to the needs of growing children. Alternatively, thecuffs22′ and theextension39 may comprise decorative items in which case thecuffs22′ and/or theextension39 can be formed from fabrics which differ in color and/or texture from the fabric utilized in the manufacture of thetop20.
• The[0027]jeans10 of FIG. 1 and/or thetop20 of FIG. 3 may be provided with one ormore pockets40. If so, the pocket may be provided with a decorative covering orpatch42. Afirst component46 of a hook-and-loop type fastener is secured to the interior side of the decorative covering orpatch42, while theopposite component48 of the hook-and-loop type fastener is secured to the exterior of thepocket40. It will be understood that the decorative covering orpatch42 can be secured directly to thetop20 utilizing the hook-and-loop type fastener and that the use of a pocket in association with the covering orpatch42 is not required.
• An important feature of the invention comprises coordination of the accessorizing of the jeans or[0028]other trousers10 of FIG. 1 with thetop20 of FIG. 2. For example, thecuffs12 of thejeans10 and thecuffs22 and/or thecollar32 of thetop20 may be constructed from the same material such as an animal print, a plaid, a selected solid color, etc. Another option is the use of the same material for the decorative coverings orpatches42 used on thejeans10 and thetop20.
• Referring to FIG. 8, a[0029]garment50 is provided with thefirst component52 of a hook-and-loop type fastener. The positioning of thecomponent52 relative to thegarment50 as shown in FIG. 5 is illustrative only, it being understood that thecomponent52 may be positioned at any desired location on any type of garment. Thecomponent52 receives a patch having the opposite component of the hook-and-loop type fastener secured thereto. The patch may be indicative of and associated with a country or team participating in a sporting event such as the Olympics, etc. The patch may also be indicative of a character or attraction at a theme park. The patch may also comprise a fanciful representation of a flower or an animal, or a representation of a real or imagined person. Other utilizations of such a patch will readily suggest themselves for those skilled in the art.
• The size and shape of the[0030]component52 of the hook-and-loop type fastener is preferably closely matched to the size and shape of the patch utilized in conjunction therewith. In such manner accidental or mischievous disengagement of the patch from thecomponent52 and thegarment50 is prevented.
• Referring to FIG. 9, the display technique illustrated in FIG. 8 and described hereinabove in connection therewith may be utilized to display the[0031]components56 comprising acollection58. For example, thecomponents56 comprising thecollection58 may be representative of the various nations participating in the Olympics®. Alternatively, thecomponents56 comprising thecollection58 may be representative of the various teams participating in a multi-team sporting event. Thecomponents56 comprising thecollection58 may also comprise photographs or other indicia representative of individual members comprising a particular athletic team, band or other musical group, etc. Thecomponents56 comprising thecollection58 may also comprise tickets or other indicia demonstrating attendance at a series of athletic contests, concerts or other musical events, etc. Thecomponents56 comprising thecollection58 may also comprise photographs or other indicia of family members, friends, pets, etc. which are particularly important to the owner of thegroup58.
• Regardless of the contents of a[0032]particular collection58, the display technique illustrated in FIG. 8 and described hereinabove in connection therewith may be utilized to selectively displayparticular components56 of thegroup58 on clothing items. Alternatively, a particular garment may be provided withmultiple components52 thereby facilitating the simultaneous display ofmultiple components56 of aparticular collection58 on an individual clothing item.
• As will be understood, the present invention contemplates providing each[0033]component56 of eachcollection58 with a component of a hook-and-loop fastener which is opposite from but otherwise compatible with thecomponent52 that is secured to thegarment50 as shown in FIG. 8. By engaging the hook-and-loop component which is secured to the reverse side of thecomponent56 of thecollection58 with thecomponent52 which is secured to thegarment50 thecomponent56 of thecollection58 is removably secured to thegarment50 for displayed thereon.
• FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative technique for displaying the[0034]components56 of the selectedcollection58 on a garment. Adisplay container60 has a transparentfront surface62 and a transparent or opaquerear surface64. A component of a hook-and-loop type fastener is secured to the rear surface of theback layer64. The hook-and-loop fastener component which is secured to the rear surface of theback layer64 is opposite from but otherwise compatible with the hook-and-loop component52 which is secured to thegarment50. Thus, by engaging the hook-and-loop fastener component which is secured to the rear surface of theback layer64 of thedisplay apparatus60 with the hook-and-loop component52 which is secured to thegarment50 thedisplay apparatus60 is releaseably secured on thegarment50.
• A selected[0035]component56 from aparticular collection58 is positioned between theback layer64 and thetransparent front layer62 of thedisplay apparatus60 prior to or after the connection of thedisplay apparatus60 to thegarment50 utilizing the hook-and-loop fastener components which are secured to thedisplay apparatus60 and to thegarment50, respectively. The previously selectedcomponent56 of thecollection58 may be replaced with a different component either by providingmultiple display apparatus60 each containing aparticular component56, or by simply removing one of thecomponents56 and by replacing it with adifferent component56 comprising thecollection58.
• The[0036]display apparatus60 is also adapted for the display of items which must be available for inspection by appropriate authorities. For example, thedisplay apparatus60 may be utilized to receive and display tickets for sporting events, musical events, and the like. Thedisplay apparatus60 may be utilized to receive and display airline tickets and/or boarding passes. Another advantageous use of thedisplay apparatus60 is the display of hunting licenses, fishing licenses and similar items indicating the right or permission to engage in particular activities.
• Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.[0037]

Claims (17)

1. A system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel comprising:

an item of wearing apparel having a first component of a hook-and-loop type fastener secured thereto; and

a decorative accessory for the item of wearing apparel having the opposite component of the hook-and-loop type fastener secured thereto whereby the decorative accessory is removably secured to the item of wearing apparel.

2. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises trousers having legs, and wherein the decorative accessory for the item of wearing apparel comprises cuffs removably secured to the lower ends of the legs of the trousers.

3. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises trousers of the type having patch pockets, and wherein the decorative accessory for the item of wearing apparel comprises decorative patches removably secured to the patch pockets of the trousers.

4. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises trousers of the type having legs and patch pockets and wherein the decorative accessory includes cuffs removably secured to the ends of the legs of the trousers and patches removably secured over the patch pockets of the trousers.

5. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises a top having sleeves, and wherein the decorative accessory for the item of wearing apparel comprises cuffs removably secured to the ends of the sleeves of the top.

6. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises a top having a neck opening at the top thereof, and whereof the decorative accessory for the item of wearing apparel comprising a collar removably secured around the neck opening of the top.

7. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises a top of the type having a patch pocket, and wherein the decorative accessory for the item of wearing apparel comprises a decorative patch secured to the patch pocket of the top.

8. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises a top and wherein the decorative accessory comprises an extension removably secured to the lower end of the top.

9. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprises a top of the type having sleeves and a neck opening, and wherein the decorative accessory for the item of wearing apparel comprises cuffs removably secured to the ends of the sleeves and a collar removably secured around the neck opening.

10. The system for removably securing accessories to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 1 wherein the item of wearing apparel comprising a top of the type having sleeves and a body covering portion which is open at the bottom, and wherein the decorative accessory includes cuffs removably secured to the ends of the sleeves and an extension removably secured to the bottom of the body portion.

11. A system for removably securing patches to items of wearing apparel comprising:

an item of wearing apparel having a first component of a hook-and-loop type fastener secured thereto; and

a patch having the opposite component of the hook-and-loop type fastener secured thereto whereby the patch is removably secured to the item of wearing apparel.

12. The system for removably securing patches to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 11 wherein the patch comprises a decorative fabric layer.

13. The system for removably securing patches to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 11 wherein the patch comprises indicia of a particular person.

14. The system for removably securing patches to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 11 wherein the patch comprises indicia of attendance at a particular entertainment event.

15. The system for removably securing patches to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 11 wherein the patch comprises indicia relating to a particular team participant in a sporting event.

16. The system for removably securing patches to items of wearing apparel according toclaim 11 wherein the patch comprises indicia of membership in a particular organization.

17. A system for removably displaying items on wearing apparatus comprising:

a display apparatus having a transparent front panel, a rear panel, and means permanently securing the front panel to the rear panel around the entire peripheries thereof except for an open portion facilitating insertion and removal of display items behind the transparent front panel and in front of the back panel;

a first component of a hook-and-loop fastener secured to the back panel of the display apparatus on the side thereof opposite the front panel;

an item of wearing apparel; and

the second component of the hook-and-loop fastener being permanently secured to the item of wearing apparel whereby the display apparatus is removably secured to the item of wearing apparel.

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