US20080092265A1 - Garment for selectively receiving interchangeable and reusable user customizable attachments - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a garment having a set of fasteners to selectively receive a decorative covering to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to the field of garments and, more particularly, to a garment for selectively receiving interchangeable and removable user customizable attachments altered to present a distinctive visual appearances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Most people, both adults and children, wear garments that are produced in bulk and sold in mass quantities and thus provide little consumer individuality, except as determined by designers. Individuality is important to people and is often exhibited through tattoos, piercing, hair colorings and so forth. Garments like pants, shorts and shirts have changed little over the past few years, except for minor changes in the lengths, textures, materials and features and given the volume of garments produced, it is difficult to impart individuality to the garments, e.g., everyone has jeans and a dress shirt.
• Versatility of the garment offers another challenge for the consumer. In addition, a single garment may be used in different setting and combined with several different outfits to create a coordinated wardrobe. However, the garments remain mass produced and consumers are very limited with their styling options when purchasing a garment and any individualism results from the choice of colors, combinations, garment style or accessories, e.g., purses, shoes, cufflinks, watch, necklace, etc. In addition, purchasing multiple decorative garments can become cost prohibitive, e.g., the same shirt in every color.
• For example, it is quite common for people to need two different types of garments, e.g., business and casual. A businessperson might be dressed up for the business environment and at some point during the day need to “dress down” for a different event, e.g., going to a casual meeting after work, a dinner or ball game where it is beneficial to wear a short sleeve shirt). Under these circumstances, the businessperson would need to have two different types of shirts available, one long sleeve shirt for work and one short sleeve shirt for play. The same is true for most garments, e.g., dress slacks and causal slacks, dress skirts and causal skirts, etc.
• The issue of convertible clothing has been addressed in the art to some extent. For example, U.S. patent application Publication No. 20050198724 entitled “Interchangeable hemline for the hem of a garment” relates to the interchangeable hemline for changing the style of the hem of a garment. The decorative strip extends around the bottom hem of garment to extend the structural portion of the garment and alter the length of the garment.
• U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,435 entitled “Convertible Trousers” discloses a convertible trouser having a plurality of interchangeable leg portions that may be arranged in various configurations to produce a variable length, which may be altered to present several different visual appearances, variable length and appearance. The interchangeable leg portions are tubular and affix to the garment to actually extend the structure of the garment.
• U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,892 entitled “Convertible clothing” discloses trousers and a long sleeve shirt that convert to shorts and a short sleeve shirt, respectively. The trousers and shirt have lower leg portions and lower sleeve portions, which may be removed or attached to allow the clothing to convert from winter to summer clothing or vice versa by removing or attaching the sleeve or leg portions. Accessory pocket components for storing beepers, coins or other similar devices are removably attached to either of the seasonal pants or shirts as desired. However, these attachments are designed to alter the structure and function of the clothing by the addition or removal of structural materials, e.g., legs, sleeves and/or pockets.
• Accordingly, there is a need for a garment that is attractive and provides the user with the ability to customize or individualize areas of the garment using interchangeable and removable attachments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides a garment that is attractive and provides customization, individualism and/or expression of moods, opinions, or commentary, while forming a distinctive visual appearance. For example, the garment includes a set of fasteners to engage selectively one or more decorative coverings that cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance. A variety of decorative coverings may be used with a single garment depending on the desired appearance. In general, the set of fasteners may be positioned along a seam of the garment, substantially parallel to a seam of the garment, substantially perpendicular to a seam of the garment, in a geometric pattern or a combination thereof. For example, pants may be worn to work in the morning and in the evening the pants may be receive a decorative covering of feathers for a stylish night out.
• The present invention provides a garment having a first set of fasteners and one or more decorative coverings have a second set of fasteners to engage selectively two or more of the first set of fasteners. The one or more decorative coverings cover at least a portion of the garment to form a distinctive visual appearance.
• The present invention provides a method of making a garment having one or more removable decorative coverings by attaching a first set of fasteners to a garment and a second set of fasteners to the one or more removable decorative coverings shaped to cover at least a portion of the garment. The second set of fasteners mates to the first set of fasteners to secure removably the one or more removable decorative coverings to at least a portion of the garment to form a distinctive visual appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:
• FIG. 1, a front view of a garment worn by a consumer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown;
• FIGS. 2A,2B,2C,2D and2E illustrate garments in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention;
• FIGS. 3A,3B,3C,3D,3E,3F and3G illustrate garments in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is a front view of a garment worn by a consumer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS. 5A,5B,5C and5D illustrate garments in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention;
• FIGS. 6A,6B,6C,6D,6E,6F,6G,6H and6I illustrate various garments in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention;
• FIGS. 7A,7B,7C,7D and7E illustrate various garments in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention; and
• FIGS. 8A,8B,8C,8D and8E illustrate various individual fasteners of the set of fasteners in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. The discussion herein relates primarily to garments in general and may be any type of garment, made of any material and of any size.
• As used herein, the term “garment” refers to any article of clothing that covers a portion of a wearer of the garment, such as a shirt, blouse, dress, skirt, vest, sweater, t-shirt, sweatshirt, jumpsuit, t-shirt, tank top, slip, camisole, teddie, gown, pajama, romper, onesy, etc. In addition, the garment may include multiple layers of material to form an interior and exterior with material of similar or dissimilar materials. The garment may be made in part from a variety of materials, e.g., natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, denim, hemp, silk and man made fibers such as nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene elastomer, natural or synthetic leather, animal hide, natural or synthetic fur or feathers, beads, leaves and mixtures thereof.
• As used herein, the term “decorative covering” refers to any article that covers a portion of a garment. The decorative covering may be made in part from a variety of materials, e.g., natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp, silk and man made fibers such as nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, denim, polypropylene elastomer, natural or synthetic leather, animal hide, natural or synthetic fur or feathers, leaves and mixtures thereof.
• Now referring toFIG. 1, a front view of agarment100 worn by the consumer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thegarment100 is configured in a conventional manner to accommodate therein a human body, that of a man, women, child, or infant. In addition, thegarment100 may be adapted to fit various animals of various sizes and shapes. Thegarment100 may be a shirt, pants, a top, shorts, jeans, a skirt, a dress shirt, a knit shirt, a T-shirt, a jacket, a blouse, a pullover, a warm-up suit top or bottom, jogging suit top, sweat suit top or bottom, a dress, a sport coat, a coat, a wind breaker, a snow suit, a ski outfit, a snowboard outfit, coveralls, a night gown, socks, hose, undergarments, overcoats, dance outfits, ballet outfits, costumes, sports outfits, etc. Thegarment100 also includes accessories that include, but not limited too, shoes, ties, gloves, a scarf, an apron, overshoes, flip flops, bedroom shoes, watches, hats, etc. In addition, thegarment100 may be any item worn by an animal, e.g., pet boots, sweaters, coats, hats, horse bridals, horse blankets, collars and the like.
• In one embodiment, thegarment100 is ashirt102 that includes afront panel104, which may or may not include buttons, a back panel (not shown), acollar106 and twosleeves108 and110 located on the sides of theshirt102 and attached to both thefront panel104 and the back panel (not shown). Thegarment100 includes a set offasteners114 positioned to receive selectively the mating set offasteners116 on thedecorative covering112. Thedecorative covering112 may take a variety of different shapes and forms that may mimic at least a portion of the shape of thegarment100, hang loosely about at least a portion of thegarment100, fit snugly to at least a portion thegarment100 or may be different from thegarment100 to create a unique style and/or combination.
• Generally, the garment may include one or more sets of fasteners positioned along a seam of the garment, substantially parallel to a seam of the garment, substantially perpendicular to a seam of the garment, in a geometric pattern or a combination thereof. In addition, the number of fasteners in a set of fasteners may depend on the garment and range from 2 to several dozen fasteners. The type of fastener may vary by location, position, function or desire.
• Now referring toFIGS. 2A,2B,2C,2D and2E, agarment200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are shown. InFIG. 2A, a front view of thegarment200 is shown, which is ashirt202 and includes afront panel204 that may or may not include a button, a back panel (not shown), acollar206, and twosleeves208 and210 located on the sides of theshirt202 and attached to both thefront panel204 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt202 includes a set offasteners214 positioned to receive selectively a decorative covering (not shown).FIG. 2B is a front view of adecorative covering212 having aneck218 and asleeve220. In addition, thedecorative covering212 includes a mating set offasteners216 positioned to mate to the corresponding set of fasteners (not shown) on the shirt (not shown).
• FIG. 2C is a front view of ashirt202 engaging adecorative covering212. Theshirt202 includes afront panel204, a back panel (not shown), acollar206, and twosleeves208 and210 located on the sides of theshirt202 and attached to both thefront panel204 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt202 includes the set offasteners214 positioned to receive selectively thedecorative covering212. The set offasteners214 align with the mating set offasteners216 to position thedecorative covering212 into the desired location. Theneck218 andsleeve220 of thedecorative covering212 align with theneck206 andsleeve210 of theshirt202, respectively to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 2D is a side view of ashirt202 engaging adecorative covering212. Theshirt202 includes afront panel204, aback panel222, acollar206, and afirst sleeve210 and a second sleeve (not shown) located on the sides of theshirt202 and attached to both thefront panel204 and theback panel222. Theshirt202 includes a set offasteners214 positioned to receive selectively thedecorative covering212. Theneck218 and thesleeve220 of thedecorative covering212 align with theneck206 and thesleeve210 of theshirt202, respectively, to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 2E is a back view of theshirt202 engaging thedecorative covering212. Theshirt202 includes a front panel (not shown), aback panel222, acollar206, and twosleeves208 and210 located on the sides of theshirt202 and attached to both thefront panel204 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt202 includes a set offasteners214 positioned to receive selectively adecorative covering212. The set offasteners214 align with the mating set offasteners216 to position thedecorative covering212 and align theneck218 and thesleeve220 of thedecorative covering212 with theneck206 and thesleeve210 of theshirt202 to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIGS. 3A,3B,3C,3D,3E,3F and3G illustrate a garment in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3A is a front view of ashirt302 engaging adecorative covering312. Theshirt302 includes afront panel304, a back panel (not shown), acollar306, and twosleeves308 and310 located on the sides of theshirt302 and attached to both thefront panel304 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt302 includes a set offasteners314 positioned to receive selectively thedecorative covering312. The set offasteners314 align with the mating set offasteners316 to position thedecorative covering312. Theneck318 andsleeves320 of thedecorative covering312 align with theneck306 andsleeves308 and310 of theshirt302, to cover at least a portion of thegarment300 and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 3B is a front view of ashirt302 engaging a first decorative covering312aand a second decorative covering312b. Theshirt302 includes afront panel304, a back panel (not shown), acollar306 and twosleeves308 and310 located on the sides of theshirt302 and attached to both thefront panel304 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt302 includes a set offasteners314 positioned to receive selectively the first decorative covering312aand the second decorative covering312b. The set offasteners314 align with the mating set offasteners316 on the first decorative covering312aand the second decorative covering312bto position the first decorative covering and second decorative covering312aand312binto the desired position. The neck318aand318band sleeves320aand320bof thedecorative covering312 align with theneck306 andsleeves308 and310 of theshirt302 to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance. InFIG. 3B, the first and second decorative coverings312aand312bare materials of different texture, material, color and so-forth.
• FIG. 3C is a front view of ashirt302 engaging adecorative covering312. Theshirt302 includes afront panel304, a back panel (not shown), acollar306, and twosleeves308 and310 located on the sides of theshirt302 and attached to both thefront panel304 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt302 includes a set offasteners314 positioned to receive selectively adecorative covering312. The set offasteners314 align with the mating set offasteners316 to position thedecorative covering312 into the desired position. Theneck306 includes set offasteners316 to position thedecorative covering312 into the desired position to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 3D is a front view of ashirt302 engaging adecorative covering312. Theshirt302 includes afront panel304, a back panel (not shown), acollar306, and twosleeves308 and310 located on the sides of theshirt302 and attached to both thefront panel304 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt302 includes a set offasteners314 positioned to receive selectively thedecorative covering312. The set offasteners314 align with the mating set offasteners316 to position thedecorative covering312 to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 3E is a back view of ashirt302 engaging adecorative covering312. Theshirt302 includes aback panel322, a front panel (not shown), acollar306, and twosleeves308 and310 located on the sides of theshirt302 and attached to both the front panel (not shown) and theback panel322. Theshirt302 includes a set offasteners314 positioned to receive selectively adecorative covering312. The set offasteners314 align with the mating set offasteners316 to position thedecorative covering312 to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 3F is a front view of theshirt302 engaging a first decorative covering312aand a second decorative covering312b. Theshirt302 includes afront panel304, a back panel (not shown), acollar306, and twosleeves308 and310 located on the sides of theshirt302 and attached to both thefront panel304 and the back panel (not shown). Theshirt302 includes a set offasteners314 positioned to receive selectively the first decorative covering312aand the second decorative covering312b. The set offasteners314 align with the mating set offasteners316 to position the first and second decorative coverings312aand312b. The neck318aand318band sleeves320aand320bof thedecorative covering312 align with theneck306 andsleeves308 and310 of theshirt302, respectively to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance. InFIG. 3F, the first and second decorative coverings312aand312bare from materials of different texture, material, color and so-forth.
• FIG. 3G is a side view of ashirt302 engaging adecorative covering312. Theshirt302 includes afront panel304, aback panel322, acollar306, and afirst sleeve310 and a second sleeve (not shown) located on the sides of theshirt302 and attached to both thefront panel304 and theback panel322. Theshirt302 includes one ormore fasteners314 positioned to receive selectively adecorative covering312. The set offasteners314 align with the mating set offasteners316 to position thedecorative covering312 to cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• Now referring toFIG. 4, a front view of agarment400 worn by the consumer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Thegarment400 is a pair ofpants424 configured to accommodate therein the lower half of a human torso. The pair ofpants424 includes afront panel404 and a pair of apertures that form the twolegs426 and428 that are attached to thefront panel404 and extend around to the back panel (not shown). The twolegs426 and428 are dimensioned to accommodate a pair of human legs. The pair ofpants424 may optionally include buttons, zippers, one or more pockets, a set of belt loops, suspender attachments or a combination thereof on thefront panel404, the back panel (not shown), the twolegs426 and428 or a combination thereof.
• The pair ofpants424 includes a set of fasteners414 positioned to receive selectively a mating set of fasteners416 on the decorative coverings412aand412b.FIG. 4 illustrates a different pattern for each set of fasteners414 positioned on the twolegs426 and428. Thefirst leg426 includes a set of fasteners extending along the outer edge of thefirst leg426. The decorative covering412aattaches to the set of fasteners416 on thefirst leg426 and extends around thefirst leg426. Thesecond leg428 includes a set of fasteners extending along theouter edge430 and theinner edge432 of thesecond leg428. The decorative covering412battaches to the set of fasteners416 on thesecond leg426 and extends from theouter edge430 and theinner edge432 of thesecond leg428. The decorative coverings412aand412bmay take a variety of different shapes and forms that may mimic the shape of thegarment100, hang loosely about thegarment100, fit snugly to thegarment100 or may be different from thegarment100 to create a unique style and/or combination.
• Now referring toFIGS. 5A,5B,5C and5D agarment500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are shown.FIG. 5A is a front view of thegarment500 and illustration of a pair ofpants502. The pair ofpants502 includes afront panel504 which may or may not include buttons, a back panel (not shown), twolegs526 and528 that are attached to thefront panel504 and extend around to the back panel (not shown) to form a pair of apertures that fit the legs of a consumer (not shown). The pair ofpants502 includes a set offasteners514 positioned to receive selectively a decorative covering (not shown). The set offasteners514 align with the mating set of fasteners (not shown) to position the decorative covering (not shown) to cover at least a portion of the pair ofpants502 and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 5B is a front view of adecorative covering512 having aleg covering portion530. In addition,decorative covering512 includes a mating set offasteners516 positioned to mate to the corresponding set of fasteners (not shown) on the pair of pants (not shown).
• FIG. 5C is a front view of the pair ofpants502 engaging thedecorative covering512. The pair ofpants502 includes afront panel504, a back panel (not (not shown), twolegs526 and528 that are attached to thefront panel504 and extend around to the back panel (not shown) to form a pair of apertures that fit the legs of a consumer (not shown). The pair ofpants502 includes a set offasteners514 positioned to receive selectively adecorative covering512. The set offasteners514 align with the mating set offasteners516 to position thedecorative covering512 into the desired position to cover at least a portion of the pair ofpants502 and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIG. 5D is a side view of a pair ofpants502 engaging adecorative covering512. The pair ofpants502 includes afront panel504, aback panel522, afirst leg526 and a second leg (not shown) that are attached to thefront panel504 and extend around to theback panel522 to form a pair of apertures that fit the legs of a consumer (not shown). The pair ofpants502 includes a set offasteners514 positioned to receive selectively adecorative covering512. The set offasteners514 align with the mating set offasteners516 to position thedecorative covering512 to cover at least a portion of the pair ofpants502 and form a distinctive visual appearance.
• FIGS. 6A,6B,6C,6D,6E,6F,6G,6H and6I illustrate various garments in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 6A is a front view illustrating a pair ofpants602 having twolegs626 and628 attached to thefront panel604 and extending around to the back panel (not shown). The pair ofpants602 includes a set offasteners614 extending down the middle of theleg626 and a set offasteners614 extending down the seams of theleg628. A decorative covering (e.g., feathers, beads, etc. (not shown)) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of thegarment602.
• FIG. 6B is a front view illustrating a pair ofshorts602 having twolegs626 and628 attached to thefront panel604 and extending around to the back panel (not shown). The pair ofshorts602 includes a set offasteners614 extending about the outer seam of theleg626 and a set offasteners614 extending between the outer seam and the inner seam of theleg628.
• FIG. 6C is a front view illustrating a pair of ¾ length pants orlong shorts602 having twolegs626 and628 attached to thefront panel604 and extending around to the back panel (not shown). The pair of ¾ length pants602 includes a set offasteners614 extending down the outer seam ofleg626 andleg628.
• FIG. 6D is a back view illustrating a pair ofpants602 having twolegs626 and628 attached to theback panel622 and extending around to the front panel (not shown). The pair ofpants602 includes a set offasteners614 extending down the middle of theleg626 and a set offasteners614 extending down the seams of theleg628. For example, the decorative covering (e.g., feathers, beads, etc. (not shown)) may be positioned to extend from the set offasteners614 extending down the middle of theleg626 around the seam (outer, inner or both) to a second set of fasteners (not shown) on the backside of theleg626 or back to the set offasteners614 extending down the middle of theleg626.
• FIG. 6E is a front view illustrating a pair ofpants602 having twolegs626 and628 attached to thefront panel604 and extending around to the back panel (not shown). The pair ofpants602 includes a set offasteners614 extending about the inner seam, the outer seam and between the inner and outer seam of theleg626 and a multiple set offasteners614 extending between the inner and outer seam of theleg628.
• FIG. 6F is a front view illustrating askirt632 having afront panel604 that extends around to theback panel622. Theskirt632 includes a set offasteners614 extending about thefront panel604 and/or theback panel622.
• FIG. 6G is a front view illustrating askirt632 having afront panel604 that extends around to the back panel (not shown). Theskirt632 includes a set offasteners614 extending about edges of thefront panel604 and/or theback panel622.
• FIG. 6H is a front view illustrating adress634 having afront panel604 which may or may not include buttons, a back panel (not shown), aneck606, and twosleeves636 and638 located on the sides of thedress634 and attached to both thefront panel604 and the back panel (not shown). Thedress634 includes alower panel640 that extends around to the back panel (not shown). Thedress634 includes one or more set offasteners614 positioned about thedress634. In the depicted embodiment, adecorative sleeve642 is positioned about thesleeve636 of thedress634 by a set offasteners614. Thedress634 includes one or more set offasteners614 positioned about theneck606 to receive a decorative collar644. Thedress634 also includes adecorative skirt646 positioned about thelower panel640 by one or more set offasteners614. Thedecorative sleeve642, decorative collar644, and/ordecorative skirt646 may take a variety of different shapes and forms that may mimic the shape of thedress634, hang loosely about thedress634, fit snugly to thedress634 or may be different from thedress634 to create a unique style and/or combination.
• FIG. 6I is a front view illustrating atank top602 having twoarm holes626 and628 about thefront panel604 and the back panel (not shown). Thetank top602 includes a set offasteners614 extending about the outer edges of thetank top602. The set offasteners614 allow the attachment of accessories (not shown), sleeves (not shown) and hood (not shown) or a combination thereof about the twoarm holes626 and628 and/or thefront panel604.
• The multiple sets of fasteners allow numerous configurations for attaching decorative covering to garments. The decorative covering may be positioned on the front, the back or both. In addition, the decorative covering may cover a portion of the garment, substantially all of the garment or be used to position wire, beads, flowers, symbols through connecting the fasteners. A garment may have numerous fasteners; however, it is not necessary to use each decorative covering as an attachment point.
• FIGS. 7A,7B,7C,7D and7E illustrate various garments in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention.FIG. 7A is a front view illustrating aglove748 having a set offasteners714 extending about the center and open end of theglove748.FIG. 7B is a view illustrating a flip-flop750 having a set offasteners714 extending about the strap of the flip-flop750.FIG. 7C is a view illustrating aboot752 having a set offasteners714 extending about the side and edge of theboot752.FIG. 7D is a side view illustrating ahat754 having a set offasteners714 extending about the side of thehat754.FIG. 7E is a side view illustrating adog jacket756 having a set offasteners714 extending about the side and edge of thedog jacket756. In addition to thedog jacket756, the present invention may be applied to any garment that may be worn by an animal, e.g., animal boots, animal sweeter, animal hats, animal costumes, animal collars and the like.
• The set of fasteners may be used to attach a decorative covering to a garment in a fashion that can be non-destructive and interchangeable. The set of fasteners include many types of securing mechanisms known to the skilled artisan, e.g. a hook and/or loop of a hook and loop fastener system, fasteners, buttons, hooks, catches, snaps, latches, buckles, loops, ties, clamps, connectors, couplers, links, bands, zippers, releasable adhesive, and/or any other releasable mechanism for attachment. The set of fasteners may include any number of fasteners desired and be positioned at virtually any position on a garment. The set of fasteners may be positioned on the inside of the garment, the outside of the garment or both. In addition, the set of fasteners may or may not be positioned uniformly, randomly and/or symmetrically on the garment. For example,FIGS. 8A,8B,8C,8D and8E illustrate various individual fasteners of the set of fasteners in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 8A is a side view of anindividual fastener814 of the set of fasteners (not shown). Thefastener814 includes apin858 positioned about afirst material860 that mates to a receiving fitting862 positioned about asecond material864 to connect removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864. Thepin858 penetrates the receiving fitting862 and secures frictionally thefastener814. Thepin858 may include a wide region (not shown); the receiving fitting862 may include a narrow region (not shown) or both in order to secure frictionally thefastener814.
• FIG. 8B is a view of an individual fastener of the set of fasteners (not shown). The fastener includes abutton866 attached to afirst material860, that mates to a receiving aperture868 positioned about asecond material864 to connect removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864. Thebutton866 penetrates the receiving aperture868 and secures frictionally thefastener814.
• FIG. 8C is a view of an individual fastener of the set of fasteners (not shown). The fastener includes ahook material870 positioned about afirst material860, that mates to aloop material872 positioned about asecond material864 to connect removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864. The contact of thehook material870 and theloop material872 create a friction fit that secures thehook material870 to theloop material872.
• FIG. 8D is a view of an individual fastener of the set of fasteners (not shown). The fastener includes a tape material874 positioned about afirst material860 that mates to asecond material864 to connect removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864.
• FIG. 8E is a side view of an individual fastener of the set of fasteners (not shown). The fastener includes amagnetic tab876 positioned about afirst material860 that mates to areceiving tab878 positioned about asecond material864. The magnetic attraction between themagnetic tab876 and receivingtab878 connect removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864.
• FIG. 8F is a side view of an individual fastener of the set of fasteners (not shown). The fastener includes afirst hook880 positioned about afirst material860 that mates to asecond hook882 positioned about asecond material864. Thefirst hook880 and thesecond hook882 interact to form a friction fitting to secure removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864.
• FIG. 8G is a side view of an individual fastener of the set of fasteners (not shown). The fastener includes apin858 positioned about afirst material860, that mates to a receiving fitting862 positioned about asecond material864 to connect removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864. Amagnetic tab884 is positioned about athird material886 that mates to the receiving fitting862 positioned about thesecond material864 to secure thethird material886 and thesecond material864 by the magnetic attraction between themagnetic tab884 and receiving fitting862. Thus, multiple layers of decorative coverings may be secured using a single fastener.
• FIG. 8H is a side view of an individual fastener of the set of fasteners (not shown). The fastener includes apin858 positioned about afirst material860, that mates to a receiving fitting862 positioned about asecond material864 to connect removably thefirst material860 andsecond material864. A second receiving fitting888 is positioned about athird material886 that mates to thepin858 to secure thefirst material860, thesecond material864 and thethird material886. In addition, the receiving fitting862 that attaches to thepin858 may be a double sided fitting to allow the connection of a second fastener to connect multiple layers of decorative coverings by using the a single fastener.
• Thegarment100 may be any item worn by a human. The garment may be made and sized for men, women, children of various ages or midgets. The garment may be a shirt, dress shirt, T-shirt, jacket, blouse, pullover, warm-up suit top, jogging suit top, sweat suit top, dress, sport coat, coat, etc. In addition, the garment may be made and sized for any animal and any age animal, e.g., pet boots, sweaters, coats, hats, horse bridals, horse blankets, collars and the like. Thedecorative covering212 may be any item that in-part covers a garment and may be of any shape, thickness, material, size or the like.
• In addition, the present invention includes fastener coverings that engage the fasteners of the set of fasteners that are not in use. The fastener coverings may be decorative fastener coverings that include decorative and functional items attached to the decorative fastener covering. For example, a decorative fastener covering having a set of feathers attached can be attached to the fastener of a garment to add a feathered look to portions of the garment. In addition, the decorative fastener covering itself may be decorated with designs, materials, sequins, stones, metals, ribbons and so forth to provided a customizable look.
• Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims

Claims (24)

1. An interchangeable user customizable garment comprising:

a garment having a set of fasteners to selectively receive one or more decorative coverings that cover at least a portion of the garment and form a distinctive visual appearance.

2. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the set of fasteners comprise hooks, loops, buttons, catches, snaps, latches, buckles, loops, ties, clamps, connectors, couplers, links, bands, zippers, releasable adhesives or a combination thereof.

3. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the set of fasteners are positioned along a seam of the garment, substantially parallel to a seam of the garment, substantially perpendicular to a seam of the garment, in a geometric pattern or a combination thereof.

4. The garment ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more decorative designs on the garment, the one or more decorative coverings or both.

5. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the garment comprises a shirt, a blouse, a dress, pants, a coat, a jacket, a hat, gloves, a skirt, shorts, a vest, a sweater, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, a jumpsuit, a tank top, a slip, a camisole, a teddie, an undergarment, a gown, pajamas, a romper, a onesy, a pullover, a warm-up suit, a jogging suit, a sweat suit or a combination thereof.

6. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the garment comprises one or more natural fibers, man made fibers, leather, cotton, denim, wool, linen, hemp, silk, nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene elastomer, leather, animal hide, fur, feathers, leafs or a combination thereof.

7. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more decorative coverings comprise one or more natural fibers, man made fibers, leather, cotton, denim, wool, linen, hemp, silk, nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene elastomer, animal hide, plastic, glass, polymers, metals, stones or a combination thereof.

8. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more decorative coverings comprise leather, fur, feathers, leafs, beads, chains, tassels, fringe, fastener coverings, lace, garland, swag, metal, stones, sequins or combinations thereof.

9. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more decorative coverings are attached to at least two fasteners of the set of fasteners to cover at least a portion of the garment.

10. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the garment accommodates a human or an animal.

11. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the garment and the one or more decorative coverings comprise the same type of material.

12. A garment comprising:

a garment having a first set of fasteners;

one or more decorative coverings having a second set of fasteners to selectively engage two or more first set of fasteners, wherein the one or more decorative coverings covers at least a portion of the garment to form a distinctive visual appearance.

13. The garment ofclaim 12, wherein the set of fasteners comprise hooks, loops, buttons, catches, snaps, latches, buckles, loops, ties, clamps, connectors, couplers, links, bands, zippers, releasable adhesives or a combination thereof

14. The garment ofclaim 12, further comprising one or more decorative designs on the garment, the decorative covering or both.

15. The garment ofclaim 12, wherein the garment comprises a shirt, a blouse, a dress, pants, a coat, a jacket, a hat, gloves, a skirt, shorts, a vest, a sweater, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, a jumpsuit, a tank top, a slip, a camisole, a teddie, an undergarment, a gown, pajamas, a romper, a onesy, a pullover, a warm-up suit, a jogging suit, a sweat suit or a combination thereof.

16. The garment ofclaim 12, wherein the garment comprises one or more natural fibers, man made fibers, leather, cotton, denim, wool, linen, hemp, silk, nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene elastomer, leather, animal hide, fur, feathers, leafs or a combination thereof.

17. The garment ofclaim 12, wherein the one or more decorative coverings comprise one or more natural fibers, man made fibers, leather, cotton, denim, wool, linen, hemp, silk, nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene elastomer, leather, animal hide, fur, feathers, leafs or a combination thereof.

18. The garment ofclaim 12, wherein the one or more decorative coverings comprise leather, fur, feathers, leafs, beads, chains, tassels, fringe, fastener coverings, lace, garland, swag, metal, stones, sequins or combinations thereof.

19. A method of making a garment having one or more removable decorative coverings comprising the steps of:

attaching a first set of fasteners to a garment;

attaching a second set of fasteners to a decorative coverings shaped to cover at least a portion of the garment, wherein the second set of fasteners mate to two or more fasteners of the first set of fasteners to secure removably the one or more removable decorative coverings to at least a portion of the garment to form a distinctive visual appearance.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the set of fasteners comprise hooks, loops, buttons, catches, snaps, latches, buckles, loops, ties, clamps, connectors, couplers, links, bands, zippers, releasable adhesives or a combination thereof.

21. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the garment comprises a shirt, a blouse, a dress, pants, a coat, a jacket, a hat, gloves, a skirt, shorts, a vest, a sweater, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, a jumpsuit, a tank top, a slip, a camisole, a teddie, an undergarment, a gown, pajamas, a romper, a onesy, a pullover, a warm-up suit, a jogging suit or a sweat suit.

22. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the garment comprises one or more natural fibers, man made fibers, leather, cotton, denim, wool, linen, hemp, silk, nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene elastomer, leather, animal hide, fur, feathers, leafs or a combination thereof.

23. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the one or more removable decorative coverings comprise one or more natural fibers, man made fibers, leather, cotton, denim, wool, linen, hemp, silk, nylon, viscose, acetate, polyester, polyamide, polypropylene elastomer, leather, animal hide, fur, feathers, leafs or a combination thereof.

24. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the one or more decorative coverings comprise leather, fur, feathers, leafs, beads, chains, tassels, fringe, fastener coverings, lace, garland, swag, metal, stones, sequins or combinations thereof.

Images