US20070157575A1

US20070157575A1 - Package kit of bra straps

Info

Publication number: US20070157575A1
Application number: US11/321,321
Authority: US
Inventors: Amy Yasbeck
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-12-28
Filing date: 2005-12-28
Publication date: 2007-07-12
Also published as: WO2007079320A3; WO2007079320A2

Abstract

A package for storing detachable bra straps having a zippered package for storing pairs of detachable bra straps, each pair being of a different appearance and each pair of bra straps being separately housed in the zippered package. The zippered package has different compartments, each compartment configured to holding a separate detachable pair of bra straps.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to providing a package of detachable straps for a bra having straps that look like clothing and/or match clothing. 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.
2. Background of the Invention
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

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.
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

The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a drawing of a package for storing detachable bra straps configured in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and,
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.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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.
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, may be translucent.
In one preferred embodiment, container 104 includes a set of teeth 108 a on a container zipper portion 108 and lid 102 includes a matching set of teeth 106 a on a lid 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 108 a on container zipper portion 108 and matching set of teeth 106 a 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.
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.
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.
Each pair of detachable bra straps 116, if contained in individual compartment, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Claims

1. A method of packaging a plurality of pairs of bra straps, each pair having a different appearance, comprising:

providing a container having a plurality of compartments; and,

placing each pair of bra straps of a different appearance in a different one of the plurality of compartments.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the container having the plurality of compartments comprises providing a separate cover for each of the plurality of compartments.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing the container having the plurality of compartments comprises providing multiple layers of the plurality of compartments.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein providing multiple layers of the plurality of compartments comprises providing a divider between each layer of the multiple layers of the plurality of compartments.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising covering the plurality of compartments with a lid.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein covering the plurality of compartments comprises zipping the lid to the container.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the lid comprises a hook and loop-type fastening system, and covering the plurality of compartments comprises attaching the lid to the container using the hook and loop-type fastening system.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the lid comprises a button-closure system, and covering the plurality of compartments comprises attaching the lid to the container using the button-closure system.

9. A packaging for a plurality of pairs of detachable bra straps comprising:

a container; and,

a plurality of compartments in the container, each compartment in the plurality of compartment sized to house at least one detachable bra strap pair.

10. The packaging of claim 9, further comprising at least one detachable bra strap pair displaced within one compartment of the plurality of compartments.

11. The packaging of claim 9, further comprising a cover for covering the container and the plurality of compartments.

12. The packaging of claim 11, wherein the cover is attached to the container.

13. The packaging of claim 11, wherein the cover is hingedly attached to the container.

14. The packaging of claim 11, further comprising:

a container zipper portion attached to the container, and

a cover zipper portion attached to the cover;

wherein the cover is attached to the container when the container zipper portion is attached to the cover zipper portion.

15. The packaging of claim 11, further comprising a hook and loop-type fastening system having a hook-type fastener and a loop-type fastener coupled to the cover and the container, wherein the cover is attached to the container when the hook-type fastener is coupled to the loop-type fastener.

16. The packaging of claim 11, further comprising a button-type fastening system coupled to the cover and the container, wherein the cover is attached to the container when the cover is buttoned to the container.

17. A packaging for a plurality of detachable bra straps comprising:

a container;

a plurality of compartments in the container, each compartment in the plurality of compartment sized to house at least one detachable bra strap pair;

a cover for covering the container and the plurality of compartments; and,

fastening means for attaching the cover to the container.

18. The packaging of claim 17, further comprising at least one of the plurality of detachable bra strap pairs displaced within one compartment of the plurality of compartments.

19. The packaging for a plurality of detachable bra strap pairs of claim 17 wherein the fastening means comprises a zipper.

20. The packaging for a plurality of detachable bra straps of claim 17 wherein the fastening means comprises a hook and loop-type fastening system.

21. The packaging for a plurality of detachable bra straps of claim 17 wherein the fastening means comprises a button-type fastening system.

22. The packaging for a plurality of detachable bra straps of claim 17 wherein the fastening means comprises a clasp fastening system.

23. A bra strap package comprising:

a container having a generally circular cross-section, the container including plastic, generally see-through, side walls and a top, the top being connected to the side walls with a zipper;

between 4 and 10 compartments disposed in the container; and

a pair of bra straps in each compartment, with each pair of bra straps in each compartment being different in appearance from the other bra strap pairs in the package.