Bathing suit

Abstract

A separable bathing suit top comprising: at least one top-central part, anda first top-piece and a second top-piece; the second top-piece attached or reversibly attachable to the first top-piece; each top-piece independently reversibly attachable to a top-central part wherein the at least one top-central part, first top-piece and second top-piece have matching colors, and, optionally, patterns, such that the first top-piece and second top-piece, when attached to the at least one top-central part, are essentially visually indistinguishable from the at least one top-central part.

Description

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a bikini-type bathing suit is provided that includes detachable pieces of fabric. The detachable pieces may provide more coverage of the wearer's chest, hips, and buttocks when they are attached to non-detachable, main tops and bottoms of the bathing suit.

The detachable pieces, when not attached to the main worn parts of the garment, may be fastened (by a zipper, Velcro, buttons, snaps, ties, and/or drawstrings) to each other at their edges so as to form a wallet or purse.

The detachable pieces can be detached from the worn parts of the garment while the wearer is wearing them and without completely undressing, so that the wearer does not need to seek privacy to change the configuration.

The wearer may attach the detachable additional components of the garment to the worn parts while the wearer is wearing them.

This design therefore allows the wearer to adapt to circumstances where she prefers either more or less coverage of her body. This design allows all the above flexibility without the need for the wearer to carry additional articles of clothing.

According to one aspect, a separable bathing suit top is provided, comprising:

• • at least one top-central part, and
  • a first top-piece and a second top-piece;

the second top-piece attached or reversibly attachable to the first top-piece;

each top-piece independently reversibly attachable to a top-central part.

In some embodiments each top-central part comprises a first profile, and

• • each top-piece comprises a second profile essentially matching the first profile.
  • In some embodiments each top-central part comprises a top-central top edge; the top-central top edge comprising an outer top-central top end, and
    • each top-piece comprises a top-piece bottom edge; each top-piece bottom edge extending from an outer top-piece bottom end to an inner top-piece bottom end;
  • wherein the outer top-piece bottom ends of the first top-piece and the second top-piece essentially abut the outer top-central top ends, when the top-piece bottom edges are attached to the top-central top edges.
  • Some embodiments comprise two top-central parts connectable to each other, each top-central top edge extending from an inner top-central top end to the outer top-central top end,
  • wherein the inner top-piece bottom ends of the first top-piece and the second top-piece essentially abut the inner top-central top ends, when the top-piece bottom edges are attached to the top-central top edges.
    • In some embodiments each top-central top edge comprises a top first zipper part and each top-piece bottom edge comprises a top second zipper part;
    • each first zipper part and each second zipper part are connectable to form a functional top zipper,
    • wherein: the zipper comprises a tab, and
    • the bathing suit top is configured to allow opening the top zipper by pulling the tab from proximal to an inner top-central top end to proximal to an outer top-central top end.
  • In some embodiments the top second zipper part comprises the tab.
  • In some embodiments the at least one top-central part, first top-piece and second top-piece have matching colours, and, optionally, patterns, such that the first top-piece and second top-piece, when attached to the at least one top-central part, are essentially visually indistinguishable from the at least one top-central part.
  • In some embodiments each top-central top edge and each top-piece bottom edge comprise at least one loop,
  • wherein each top-piece is independently reversibly attachable to a top-central part by the loops.
  • Some embodiments are configured to allow at least one loop of a top-central top edge extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of a top-piece bottom edge.
  • Some embodiments are configured to allow at least one loop of a top-piece bottom edge extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of a top-central top edge.
  • In some embodiments each top-piece further comprises a drawstring weavable through the loops, the weaving engaging a top-piece bottom edge with a top-central top edge.
  • In some embodiments each drawstring extends from an outer top-piece bottom end.
  • In some embodiments each drawstring comprises a free end, wherein the free end is compressed and or hardened.
  • According to another aspect, a kit is provided comprising any of the bathing suit tops described above and a tool capable of helping with attaching each top-piece to a top-central part by the loops.
  • According to yet another aspect, a separable bathing suit bottom is provided comprising:
    • a bottom-central part, and
    • a first bottom-piece and a second bottom-piece;
  • each bottom-piece independently reversibly attachable to the bottom-central part.
    • In some embodiments the bottom-central part comprises two first profiles, and
      • each bottom-piece comprises a second profile essentially matching a first profile.
  • In some embodiments the bottom-central part comprises a front side and a back side,
    • wherein the back side comprises the two first profiles.
  • In some embodiments the bottom-central part, first bottom-piece and second bottom-piece have matching colours, and, optionally, patterns, such that the first bottom-piece and second bottom-piece, when attached to the bottom-central part, are essentially visually indistinguishable from the bottom-central part.
  • According to another aspect, a bathing suit is provided comprising any of the bathing suit tops described above and any of the bathing suit bottoms described above.
    • Some embodiments allow the first top-piece and the second top-piece attached thereto, and/or at least one bottom-piece attached thereto, and/or to
    • allow the first bottom-piece and the second-bottom piece attached thereto, to form at least one receptacle selected from a group consisting of: wallet, bag, purse, sock, and combinations thereof.
    • In some embodiments the bottom-central part comprises two bottom first zipper parts and each bottom-piece comprises a bottom second zipper part;
    • each bottom first zipper part and each bottom second zipper part are connectable to form a functional bottom zipper,
    • wherein: each bottom zipper comprises a tab, and
    • the bathing suit bottom is configured to allow opening each bottom zipper by pulling the tab from proximal to the back side towards the front side.
  • In some embodiments each bottom second zipper part comprises the tab.
  • In some embodiments each bottom first zipper part comprises a bottom stop, insertable into the tab.
  • In some embodiments the bottom-central part further comprises at least two flaps and at least one patch, all adjacent to a bottom stop, and wherein the bathing suit bottom is configured to allow, when the bottom-central part is detached from the first bottom-piece and second bottom-piece, wrapping each flap around a bottom stop and engaging the at least one patch.
  • According to another aspect, a bathing suit is provided comprising the any of the bathing suit bottoms described above and any of the bathing suit tops described above in particular the bathing suit bottoms equipped with zippers and the bathing suit top equipped with zippers.
  • In some embodiments the bottom-central part comprises at least two loops and each of the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece comprise at least one loop,
  • wherein each bottom-central part is independently reversibly attachable to the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece by the loops.
  • Some embodiments are configured to allow at least one loop of the first bottom-piece and at at least one loop of the second bottom-piece extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of the bottom-central part.
  • Some embodiments are configured to allow at least one loop of at least one loop of the bottom-central part extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of the first bottom-piece and at at least one loop of the second bottom-piece.
  • In some embodiments each of the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece further comprises a drawstring weavable through the loops, the weaving engaging the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece with bottom-central part.
  • In some embodiments a drawstring extends from the first bottom-piece and a drawstring extends from the second bottom-piece, and wherein the bathing suit is configured to allow weaving the drawstrings from proximal to the back side towards the front side and tying the drawstrings on the front side.
  • In some embodiments each drawstring comprises a free end, wherein the free end is compressed and or hardened.
  • In some embodiments the bottom-central part comprises two patches, each patch comprising a hole, affixed to the bottom-central part, and having at least one free patch edge or section thereof, and wherein the bottom is configured to allow threading each weaved drawstring through each hole and subsequently tying the drawstrings together.
  • In some embodiments each patch is triangular.
  • In some embodiments the bottom-central part further comprises belt-loops.
  • According to yet another aspect a kit is provided comprising any of the bathing suit bottoms described above and a tool capable of helping attaching each of the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece to the bottom-central part by the loops.
  • According to yet another aspect, a bathing suit is provided comprising the bathing suit bottom equipped with loops the bathing suit top equipped with loops.
  • According to another aspect, a bathing suit is provided comprising the bathing suit bottom equipped with loops and the bathing suit top equipped with loops, wherein each top piece further comprises a triangular patch visually similar to the triangular patches of the bathing suit bottom.This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Brief Description of the Figures and the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a illustrates a garment embodiment laid flat, with detachable pieces attached to their corresponding main worn parts with zippers, in a full coverage configuration, where the garment includes two top-central parts;

FIG. 1b shows the same garment laid flat, with all the detachable pieces partially attached, to illustrate how the detachable pieces may separate from their corresponding main worn parts during a process of changing to a skimpy coverage configuration;

FIG. 1c depicts the same garment laid flat, with detachable pieces fully detached from their corresponding main worn parts, at the end of the process of changing to a skimpy configuration;

FIG. 1d shows the bikini bottom part of the garment laid flat, with detachable pieces partially detached from their corresponding main worn parts, as in the process of changing from the full to skimpy configurations;

FIG. 1e shows the middle of the bikini bottom part of the garment, with detachable pieces partially detached from their corresponding main worn parts, as in the process of changing the configuration;

FIG. 1f illustrates another embodiment, laid flat, with detachable pieces attached to their corresponding main worn parts with zippers, in a full coverage configuration, and including only one top-central part;

FIG. 2a illustrates another garment embodiment, with the main worn parts, as it would fit on a wearer, in a configuration without the detachable pieces, that is, with the least coverage of the body; front view;

FIG. 2b shows the garment as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration with the detachable pieces attached to the bikini bottom, that is, with more coverage of the wearer's hips and buttocks; rear view; the detachable pieces attached with Velcro;

FIG. 2c illustrates the garment as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration with the detachable pieces attached to the bikini top and to the bikini bottom, that is, with more coverage of the wearer's chest, hips, and bottom; side view;

FIG. 2d depicts the bikini bottom part of garment on the wearer, with one of the detachable pieces partially detached, as in the process of changing from one configuration to another; rear view;

FIG. 2e depicts the garment on the wearer, with the detachable pieces of the bikini top partially detached, as in the process of changing from one configuration to another; front view;

FIG. 3a illustrates detachable pieces of the bikini top, in a configuration in which the detachable pieces form a wallet or purse, and in which the detachable pieces are attached to each other in a symmetric configuration;

FIG. 3b shows detachable pieces of the bikini top, in a configuration in which the detachable pieces form a wallet or purse, and in which the detachable pieces are rotated by 120 degrees with respect to each other, and

FIG. 4 shows detachable pieces of the bikini bottom, in a configuration in which the detachable pieces form a wallet or purse.

FIG. 5a shows the closed configuration of the strip bikini top, as it would fit on the wearer breast area, in the configuration with the detachable pieces attached to the bikini top, that is, with more coverage. The detachable pieces attached with a zipper.

FIG. 5b shows the opened configuration of the strip bikini top;

FIG. 5c is an enlarged view of the configuration shown in FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6a shows the closed configuration of the strip bikini bottom, as it would fit on the wearer, that is, with more coverage of the wearer's hips and buttocks; rear view; the detachable pieces attached with zipper.

FIG. 6b shows the opened more revealing configuration of the strip bikini bottom;

FIG. 6c is an enlarged view of the configuration shown in FIG. 6a;

FIG. 7a shows the closed more covered configuration of the strip bikini as a whole. The bikini is closed with a zipper.

FIG. 7b shows the opened less covered configuration of the strip bikini as a whole. The strip bikini is closed with a zipper.

FIG. 8a shows the closed configuration of the strip bikini top, as it would fit on the wearer breast area, in the configuration with the detachable pieces attached to the bikini top, that is, with more coverage. The detachable pieces are attached with drawstrings.

FIG. 8b shows the opened configuration of the strip bikini top, as it would fit on the wearer breast area, in the configuration without the detachable pieces on the bikini top, that is, with less coverage;

FIG. 8c is an enlarged view of the configuration shown in FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9a shows the closed configuration of the strip bikini bottom, as it would fit on the wearer's hips and buttocks; rear view, in the configuration with the detachable pieces attached to the bikini bottom, that is, with more coverage. The detachable pieces are attached with drawstrings.

FIG. 9b shows the opened configuration of the strip bikini bottom, as it would fit on the wearer's hips and buttocks; rear view, in the configuration without the detachable pieces, that is, with less coverage;

FIG. 9c is an enlarged view of the configuration shown in FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10a shows the closed and more covered configuration of the strip bikini as a whole. The strip bikini is closed with drawstrings.

FIG. 10b shows the opened and less covered configuration of the strip bikini as a whole.

FIG. 11a shows the middle of the bikini bottom part of the garment, with detachable pieces partially detached from their corresponding main worn parts, as in the process of changing the configuration with two covering flaps at the bottom of the middle part.

FIG. 11b depicts the full garment laid flat, with detachable pieces fully detached from their corresponding main worn parts, at the end of the process of changing to a skimpy or less covered configuration; The bottom of the bikini has two flaps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides specific details for an understanding of various examples of the technology. One skilled in the art will understand that the technology may be practiced without many of these details. In some instances, structures and functions may not have been shown or described in detail or at all to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the description of the examples of the technology. It is intended that the terminology used in the description presented below be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, notwithstanding that it is exemplified by specific examples and not every possible permutation is shown in full detail. Although certain terms may be emphasized below, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise” and “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,”, “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to particular portions of this application. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of one or more items in the list.

As used herein, “attachable”, “detachable”, “releasable,” “connect,” “connected,” “connectable,” “disconnect,” “disconnected,” and “disconnectable” refer to two or more structures or components which may be connected or disconnected, generally in a repeatable manner.

Several prior-art designs allow a wearer to switch between covering and uncovering their body in the area between the underbust and the lower waist, by so doing switching between a one-piece suit and a bikini. Many bathing suit wearers, however, have a preference for garments that allow them to cover and uncover portions of their chest, and portions of their hip and buttocks (i.e. nether area), without wearing a one-piece suit.

Some bathing suits have pockets built in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,771,036 B2, “Pocket Bra”. However, there is a widespread preference among women for purses over pockets, and, to our knowledge, there is no women's bathing suit that incorporates components that can be reconfigured to provide the user with a receptacle such as a purse or a wallet.

According to one aspect, a bikini top is provided that can easily be transformed to change the coverage of the wearer's chest area.

According to another aspect, a bikini bottom is provided that can easily be transformed to change the coverage of the wearer's nether area.

According to another aspect, a bikini bottom and bikini top are provided that can easily be transformed to change the coverage of the wearer's nether and chest area, respectively. Such a swim suit provides the wearer with a very helpful versatility in the amount of skin exposure. According to another aspect, a method is provided that allows easily changing coverage of wearer's nether and/or chest regions, in a public area.

Garment embodiments described herein are a women's bathing suit or part of a bathing suit, in which the top and/or bottom parts have components that can attach and detach to give either more or less coverage, respectively, of the wearer's body.

In some embodiments, when the detachable parts are detached from the bathing suit, they can be attached to one another other at their edges so as to form at least one receptacle such as a wallet or a purse.

One part of the garment may be a bathing suit top, which covers the chest, and another part may be a bathing suit bottom, which covers the buttocks and hips. The top and bottom pieces will generally be disconnected, i.e., in the style of a bikini, but not in all embodiments. If they are connected, it will generally be tenuously: in no embodiments will the garment be what is regarded as a one-piece bathing suit.

Each of the top and the bottom parts may have removable components that can be repeatedly attached and detached.

FIG. 1a illustrates a garment embodiment 10′ laid flat, with several parts attached to one another with zippers, in a full coverage configuration where the garment includes a bikini top 12′ and a bikini bottom 14′;

FIG. 1b shows the same garment 10′ laid flat, with all the parts partly attached, to illustrate how the parts may separate during a process of changing to a skimpy coverage configuration;

FIG. 1c depicts the same garment 10′ laid flat, with several parts detached from one another, at the end of the process of changing to a skimpy configuration;

FIG. 1d shows the bikini bottom 14′ laid flat, with several parts partly detached from one another, as in the process of changing between the full to skimpy configurations, and

FIG. 1e shows an expanded partial view of the bikini bottom 14′, with various parts partly detached from one another, as in the process of changing the configuration;

FIG. 1f illustrates a garment embodiment 10″ laid flat, with several parts attached to one another with zippers, in a full coverage configuration, wherein the garment 10″ includes one top-central part 12a″;

FIG. 2a illustrates another garment embodiment 20, with several main worn parts, as it would fit on a wearer, in a configuration without the detachable pieces, that is, with the least coverage of the body; front view;

FIG. 2b shows the garment 20 as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration with the detachable pieces attached to the bikini bottom 24, that is, with more coverage of the wearer's hips and buttocks; rear view;

FIG. 2c illustrates in a side view the garment 20 as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration with the detachable pieces attached to the bikini top 22 and on the bikini bottom 24, that is, with more coverage of the wearer's chest, hips, and buttocks.

• • Referring in particular to FIG. 1a, according to one aspect, a separable bikini top 12′ is provided, the top 12′ comprising:
    • at least one top-central part 12′b1, 12′b2, and
    • a first top-piece 12′a1 and a second top-piece 12′a2.
    • the second top-piece 12′a2 is attached or reversibly attachable to the first top-piece 12′a1 for example with neck straps.
  • each top-piece 12′a, 12′a2 is independently reversibly attachable to a top-central part 12′b1, 12′b2 respectively.
    • When worn the at least one top-central part 12′b1, 12′b2 typically extend from the wearer's underbust upward to above the wearer's nipples, and the top-pieces 12′a, 12′a2 typically extend above the at least one top-central part and are tied to each other behind the wearer's neck.
    • The bikini top 12′ is shown as part of a garment 10′, which further comprises a separable bikini bottom 14′ described below. However, some bikini top embodiments may be provided with a regular, non-separable bikini bottom known in the art. Similarly, some bikini bottom embodiments may be provided with a regular, non-separable bikini top known in the art.
  • In some embodiments:
    • each bikini top-central part 12′a1, 12′a2 comprises a first profile 13′a1, 13′a2, respectively, and
    • each bikini top-piece 12′b1, 12′b2 comprises a second profile 13′b1, 13′b2 respectively, essentially matching the first profile 13′a1, 13′a2, respectively.

Lines 13′a1, 13′a2, 13′b1, 13′b2 of the bikini top 12′ merely illustrate the profiles and are not necessarily physically distinct components. For example, the lines may indicate edges, but the edges need not have physical lines there such as in the form of stitches. Note that the matching of the first profile 13′a1, 13′ a2 and the second profile 13′b1, 13′b2 helps conceal the fact that the top 12′ comprises detachable pieces, such that a bystander may conclude that the top 12′ is a regular non-separable bikini top known in the art.

• • Referring now to FIG. 2c, first top-central part 22a and first top
  • piece 22b1 of garment 20 correlate with first top-central part 12′a1 and first top piece 12′b1 in FIG. 1a. First top-central part 22a and first top piece 22b1 have matching designs such that the first top-central part 22a and first top piece 22b1, when properly attached together, appear like a regular, known in the art bikini top, such as the rightmost edges of the first top-central part 22a and of the first top piece 22b1 may be “matched,” that is, the lines of the bikini's attached central and additional parts may be without discontinuities, so they do not necessarily appear to others as separate and detachable components.
  • Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a: each top-central part 12′a1, 12′a2 comprises a top-central top edge 15′a1, 15′a2, respectively; each top-central top edge 15′a1, 15′a2 comprises an outer top-central top end 16′a2. Each top-piece 12′b1, 12′b2 comprises a top-piece bottom edge 15′b1, 15′b2 respectively; the top-piece bottom edge 15′b1, 15′b2 each extending from an outer top-piece bottom end 16′b2 to an inner top-piece bottom end 16′b1;wherein the outer top-piece bottom ends 16′b2 of the first top-piece 12′b1 and the second top-piece 12′b2 essentially abut the outer top-central top ends 16′a2, when the top-piece bottom edges 15′b1, 15′b2 are attached to the top-central top edges 15′a1, 15′a2.

Some bikini-top embodiments 12″ comprise only one top central-part 12a, such as shown in FIG. 1f.

For this type of embodiment 12″ top central-part 12a is defined to comprise two outer top-central ends 16″a. There are no inner top-central ends. For such embodiment 12″ there is no need for abutment of the inner top-central ends 16″b1, only need for abutment of the outer top-central ends 16″b2 with outer top-central ends 16″a.

When worn the top-central part 12a typically extends from the wearer's underbust upward to above the wearer's nipples, and the top-pieces 12″b, 12″b2 typically extend above the at least one top-central part and are tied to each other behind the wearer's neck.

In contrast, in embodiments 12′ shown in FIGS. 1a to 1e, there is need for abutment of inner top-central ends 16′b1 with inner top-central top ends 16′a1, so that there is proper alignment and profile matching of the top-central part 12′a1, 12′a2 with the attached top piece 12′b1, 12′b2 respectively, as shown.

Embodiments such as depicted in FIGS. 1a-1e comprise two top-central parts 12′a1 and 12′a2 connectable to each other. The top-central top edge 15′a1, 15′ a2 each extend from an inner top-central top end 16′a1 to the outer top-central top end 16′ a2,

• • The inner top-piece bottom ends 16′b1 of the first top-piece 12′b1 and the second top-piece 12′b2, essentially abut the inner top-central top ends 16′a1, when the top-piece bottom edges 15′b1, 15′b2 are attached to the top-central top edges 15′a1, 15′a2 respectively.Referring now in particular to FIG. 1b,
  • each top-central top edge 15′b1, 15′b2 comprises a top first zipper part 17′a1, 17′a2 respectively, and each top-piece bottom edge 15′b1, 15′b2 comprises a top second zipper part 17′b1, 17′b2.
  • As shown in FIG. 1a, each first zipper part 17′a1, 17′a2 and each second zipper part 17′b1, 17′b2 are connectable to form a functional top zipper 17′a, 17′b,
  • wherein: the top zipper 17′a, 17′b comprises a tab 18′, and
  • the bikini top 12″ is configured to allow opening the top zipper 17′a, 17′b by pulling the tab 18 from proximal to an inner top-central top end 16′a1 to proximal to an outer top-central top end 16′ a2.

When the wearer wishes to remove part of the bikini top 12′, it is most convenient to hold two tabs 18′ that are disposed proximal to the wearer's mid-chest, between the breasts, and pull the tabs 18′ outwards towards the wearer's armpits. FIG. 1b shows the separable bikini top 12′ partially unzipped, and FIG. 1c shows the separable bikini top 12′ completely unzipped such that the first top-piece 12′b1 and the second top-piece 12′b2 can be freely removed from the wearer,

Note that the first top-piece 12′b1 and the second top-piece 12′b2 do not need to be detached from each other to be removed from the at least one top-central part 12′b1, 12′b2. It may be convenient to reattach the two top-pieces 12′b1, 12′b2 while they are still attached to each other, retaining a relative positioning of the top-pieces 12′b1, 12′b2 and at least one top-central part 12′b1, 12′b2 that is customized to the wearer's measurements. When the using a swimsuit with first profiles 13′a1 and optionally 13′a2 that are substantially straight, removal of the two top-pieces 12′b1, 12′b2 leaves at least one top-central part that does not require a neck strap. In some embodiments (not shown) the first profile may be substantially non-straight, such as have an upside-down V or U shape, as apparent when viewing the first profile when the swimsuit is worn with the top-pieces attached. For such embodiments the at least one top-central part further comprise neck straps, which may be left untied when the top pieces are attached to the at least one top-central part.

Other embodiments such as 20 depicted in FIGS. 2a-2e may be without zippers but rather the the top pieces 22b1, 22b2 are attached to central-top part/s 22a by other means such as Velcro strips 27a, as shown in FIG. 2e.

At present I believe that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a-1e operates most efficiently, but the other embodiments are also satisfactory.

In some embodiments such as the top 22 of suit 20 shown in FIG. 2c, the at least one top-central part 22a, first top-piece 22b1 and second top-piece 22b2 have matching colours, and optionally patterns 29, such that the first top-piece 22b1 and second top-piece 22b2, when attached to the at least one top-central part 22a, are essentially visually indistinguishable from the at least one top-central part 22a.

According to another aspect, demonstrated in FIGS. 2a-2e a bikini bottom 24 is provided, the bikini bottom 24 comprising:

• • a bottom-central part 24a, and
  • a first bottom-piece 24b1 and a second bottom-piece 24b2;
  • each bottom-piece 24b1, 24b2 independently reversibly attachable to the bottom-central part 24a.

The bikini bottom 24 is shown as part of a garment 20, which further comprises a bikini top 22, but some bathing suit bottom embodiments may be provided alone, e.g. bikini 24 for topless bathing, or for use with a top that is not separable.

Similar to the top, and in reference to FIG. 2d, the bottom-central part 24a comprises two first profiles 25a1 and 25a2, and

each bottom-piece comprises a second profile 25b1, 25b2 essentially matching first profile 25a1, 25a2 respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 2c and 2d, in preferred embodiments the bottom-central part 24a comprises a front side 21a and a back side 21b,

wherein the back side 21b comprises the two first profiles 25a1, 25a2.

As regarding the top, in some embodiments the bottom-central part 24a, first bottom-piece 24b1 and second bottom-piece 24b2 have matching colours, and optionally patterns 39, such that the first bottom-piece 24b1 and second bottom-piece 24b2, when attached to the bottom-central part 24a, are essentially visually indistinguishable from the bottom-central part 24a.

In some embodiments a bathing suit is provided comprising the bathing suit top of any of the top embodiments described above, and the bathing suit bottom of the bottom embodiments described above.

A skilled in the art will appreciate that the top and the bottom may be matched is various styles to enhance the appearance of a regular bathing suit that is not built of detachable pieces and main worn parts.

There are no restrictions on the materials from which the central main worn parts and detachable pieces of the garment may be made, provided they are suitably comfortable, provide sufficient coverage and support of the body, and are suitable in the water and out of the water. Possible embodiments comprise fabric, leather, plastic, metal, strings, meshes, beads, and stones and combinations thereof.

All parts of the bathing suit may contain pockets.

The detachable pieces components attach and detach from the central main worn parts of the bikini top and bikini bottom of the bathing suit at or close to the edges of the pieces. There is no restriction on the ways that the central main worn parts and detachable pieces of the bathing suit can be attached to each another, provided that the connections are sufficiently secure, sufficiently comfortable to wear, can be opened and closed by the wearer without undue difficulty, and can be worn in the water and out of the water. Possible features are zippers, Velcro, buttons, snaps, and ties, and combinations thereof.

As in the bikini top 22 of the embodiment 20 shown in FIGS. 2a-2e, the bottom pieces 24b1, 24b2 have Velcro strips 27b that can be engaged with correspondent strips (not shown) on bottom-central part 24a. In some preferred embodiments the removable parts 22b1, 22b2, 24b1 and 24b2 comprise the hook fasteners type of Velcro strip 27a, 27b respectively, whereas the correspondent main worn parts 22a, 24a respectively comprise the softer Velcro strips (not shown) that comprise loops engageable with the hooks. The strips 27a, 27b having the hooks are preferably on exterior sides of the removable parts to prevent contact with the wearer's skin and the correspondent Velcro strips on the main parts are on interior side of the main parts, invisible to a viewer even when the removable parts are removed.

The detachable pieces, when detached from the main parts of the bathing suit, can be attached to one another at or near their edges to form pockets and thus serve as wallets or purses.

Thus, according to another aspect, a bathing suit is provided that is configured to:

allow the first top-piece and the second top-piece attached thereto, and/or at least one bottom-piece attached thereto, and/or to

allow the first bottom-piece and the second-bottom piece attached thereto, to form at least one receptacle selected from a group consisting of: wallet, bag, purse, sock, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 3a illustrates detachable pieces of a bikini top 12′″ of a bathing suit 10′″, in a configuration in which the detachable pieces 12′″b1, 12′″b2 form a wallet or purse 40, and in which the detachable pieces 12′″b1, 12′″b2 are attached to each another in a symmetric configuration;

FIG. 3b shows detachable pieces of a bikini top 12″″ of a bathing suit 10″″, in a configuration in which the detachable pieces 12″″b1, 12″″b2 form a wallet or purse 42,

and in which the detachable pieces are rotated by 120 degrees with respect to each other, and

FIG. 4 shows detachable pieces of a bikini bottom 24′″ of a bathing suit 10′″, in a configuration in which the detachable pieces 24′″b1, 24′″b2 form a wallet or purse 44.

Thus

The detachable pieces 12′″b1, 12′″b2, for the top 12′″ of the bathing suit, respectively, may attach to each another symmetrically, that is, bottom edge to bottom edge, inside edge to inside edge, and outside edge to outside edge, or they may attach to one another 12″″b1, 12″″b2 after a rotation of approximately 120 degrees, as in FIG. 3b that is, bottom edge to outside edge, outside edge to inside edge, and inside edge to bottom edge.

Note the asymmetry of the connections, such that the detachable pieces can attach correctly either to the main worn central parts of the bathing suit or to the other detachable pieces. That is, zipper, Velcro, buttons, and snaps all have one type of fastener on one side and a different complementary type of fastener on the other side. If the detachable pieces are to attach both to the main worn central parts of the garment and to the opposite detachable pieces, the corresponding edges should have the correct complementary fasteners.

Thus the top and the bottom main worn central parts of the garment will have opposite types of fasteners on their left and right sides, and the corresponding detachable pieces will have complementary edges that can be fastened to each another. The edge-edge fasteners will generally have one edge that in the wallet or purse configuration is more easily opened and closed than the other edges, so that the wallet or purse holds its contents securely and so that the contents are accessible to the user.

The user may prefer the straps of the purse configuration of the additional top pieces to connect into a knot 12′″g (FIG. 3a) or 12″″g (FIG. 3b) from different corners of the purse, as is conventional for purses, because this option provides more stability and accessibility. If the bikini top detachable pieces of the bathing suit are connected symmetrically, one edge of the detachable pieces of the bathing suit may contain eyelets 12h through which a neck strap 12′″f1 or 12′″f2 may be threaded so that the strap 12′″f1 or 12′″f2 is unattached from a different point on the material than the point at which the strap 12′″f1, 12′″f2 holds up the pieces 12′″b1, 12′″b2 when they are being worn as part of a bathing suit 10′″. When the detachable pieces 12″″b1, 12″″b2 attach to one another after a rotation of approximately 120 degrees, as in FIG. 3b, there may be no need for loops.

Two possible embodiments of the eyelets 12h are (1) holes near an edge of one or two of the additional pieces and (2) small loops attached to one or two edges of the additional pieces.

FIGS. 5a and 5b show a bikini top 212′ of a bathing suit 200′, in a configuration in which the detachable pieces 21′b5 may each form a wallet or purse 44.

The top 212′ includes two main types of pieces, the upper parts (Top pieces) 21′b5 and the lower parts (top central parts) 26′ a5. Each lower part 26′ a5 interfaces with four strips. Two middle strips are sewed into the fabric. The top and the bottom strips can be sewed or go through folds in the strip bikini top's fabric. The upper part has two side strips that can hold the top around the wearers' neck.

FIG. 5a illustrates the garment embodiment 200′, as it would fit on a wearer, in a configuration with the detachable pieces 21′b5, that is, with the most coverage of the body; front view. The top 212′ is closed with zippers 21′a5.

FIG. 5b shows the garment 200′ as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration without the detachable pieces (top pieces), that is, with less coverage of the wearer's breasts.

FIG. 5c is a further expanded view of the perspective shown in FIG. 5a.

FIGS. 6a, 6b are close up figures that shows a strip bikini bottom embodiment 30′.

FIG. 6a is a close up perspective of the strip bikini bottom 230′ in the closed state. In this case, the bottom has more coverage. The zipper 31′a6

goes from the upper back side all the way to the bottom of the bikini bottom but not to the front side of the bottom central part. The zipper helps with the attachment of the additional pieces (first and second bottom-pieces) 32′a6 to cover more areas of the wearer's bottom and hips. The triangle shapes 33′a6 are for decoration only and are absent in some embodiments.

FIG. 6b illustrates a front close up view of a swimsuit bottom 230′ as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration without the detachable pieces, that is, with less coverage of the wearer's hips, and buttocks. The zipper in both the strip bikini top 212′ and bottom 230′ offer a much easier way to change from a more covered look to a less covered and less conservative look, without the need to go to a private place and without taking off the wearer's clothes.

FIG. 6c is a further expanded view of the perspective shown in FIG. 6a.

The bikini bottom 230′ comprises:

• • At least one inner part 31′b6;
  • at least two outer detachable parts 32′ a6
  • at least two strings at each side 34′ a6.Each outer-piece (bottom piece) 32′a6 is attached or is reversibly attachable to the first inner-piece (bottom central part) 31′b6 for example with a zipper.
  • Note that there can be two strings on each side in order to tie the strip bikini bottom to the wearer's hips. In additional to their being functional they can be decorational as well.

FIG. 7a shows the full strip bikini 200′ with all the parts attached one to the other with full coverage. The parts are attached with a zipper.

FIG. 7b shows the full strip bikini, with several parts detached from one another, at the end of the process of changing to a skimpy configuration; The slider and the pull tab of the zipper is detached with the detached parts. The remaining bottom central part stays with no additional parts.

FIG. 8a illustrates another bikini top 440 of a garment embodiment 400, as it would fit on a wearer, in a configuration with the detachable pieces attached, that is, with the most coverage of the body; front view; The top is closed with a drawstring 42′a8. The right and the left parts of the strip bikini top would have a drawstring 42′ a8 inserted in small loop holes 41′b8 that fit the drawstring therein 42′a8 and allow a comfortable insertion and taking easily the drawstring 42′a8 out from these loop holes 41′b8. The insertion of the drawstrings 42′a8 begins from the outer side of the strip bikini's top to the inner side. The two strings can be tied together at the middle of the breast.

FIG. 8b shows the bikini top 440 as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration without the detachable pieces 41′a8 engaged with the strip bikini top 40′, that is, with less coverage of the wearer's breasts. The upper parts (top-pieces) are detached. The small rounded loop holes 41′b8 remain at the strip bikini's top as a decorational feature.

FIG. 8c is a further expanded view of the perspective shown in FIG. 8a.

The bikini top 440 includes two main pieces: The upper parts (the top pieces) and the lower parts (top—central parts). The lower parts each interface with four strips and the upper parts interface with two strips. The lower parts share a first middle strip which is sewed into the fabric. Another middle strip is sewed into the fabric of each lower part and extends out with a free end. The free end can be tied to each other behind the wearer's back. The top and the bottom strips can be sewed onto, or go through folds in the strip bikini top's fabric. The bottom strip has two free ends that can also be tied behind the wearer's back. The top strip can be similarly used but may be tied behind the wearer's neck.

The upper parts each have two side strips that can hold the top around the wearers' neck which would help in holding the upper part from falling over.

The other strip 460 serves as a drawstring.

FIGS. 9a and 9b are a close-up figures that show a bikini bottom 450 of the bathing suit 400. The strip bikini bottom 450 includes two main types of parts. The two main parts can be attached with a drawstring. The wearer can decide whether to attach or detach the parts. The decision will be made according to the amount of coverage required.

FIG. 9a is a close-up perspective of the attachable strip bikini bottom 450 at the closed state. In this case, the bottom has more coverage. The drawstring 51′a9

goes from the upper back side all the way to the upper front side of the bikini bottom. The drawstring helps with the attachment of the additional piece 41′a8 to cover more areas of the wearer bottom and hips. The triangular patch 55′a9 is an important feature that helps the drawstring to stay drawn and to be directed for tying. The drawstring 42′a8 can also be inserted into an additional belt-hoop like piece of fabric 54′a9 to allow more stability to the drawstring's positioning and to make sure it stays at place without worrying about it coming off. These two parts also add to the aesthetics of the strip bikini bottom and can serve as decoration when the drawstring is not attached. The triangular patch has a hole, and is stitched to the bottom part, on 1-2 sides; The lower loopholes 52′a9 are for the insertion of the drawstrings 51′a9. The upper loopholes of the front side of the bikini bottom are just for decoration and are not used to the insertion of the drawstring.

In other embodiments the shape of the features used to stabilize and guide the tying of the drawstring may substantially differ, yet fulfill the same purpose.

FIG. 9b illustrates a front close up view of the bottom 450 as it would fit on the wearer, in the configuration without the detachable pieces, that is, with less coverage of the wearer's hips, and buttocks. The drawstrings 51′ a9 in both the strip bikini top 440 and bottom 450 offer a much easier way to change from a less covered look to a more covered and conservative look, without the need to go to a private place and without taking off the wearer's clothes.

FIG. 9c is a further expanded view of the perspective shown in FIG. 9a.

FIG. 10a shows the full strip bikini with the drawstrings 500′, with all the parts attached one to the other with full coverage. The parts are attached with the drawstrings.

FIG. 10b shows the full strip bikini 400, with several parts detached from one another, at the end of the process of changing to a skimpy configuration; The bikini stays with loopholes on its sides as a decoration after taking the drawstrings out. This provides a much easier and faster way for the wearer to change from a covered into a skimpy look.

The drawstrings go through the loopholes to ensure the attaching of the parts together. Returning to FIG. 9, the drawstring has a compressed piece 53′a9 that allows an easier insertion of the drawstring into the small loop holes on the strip bikini's top and bottom. This compressed end is similar to the ends of shoe laces. The compressed pieces make it easier thread the loopholes and thus to tie the pieces of the strip bikini together.

The wearer can choose to use a sewing tool, a macrame needle, a hooked device or any tool that can help with the insertion of the drawstrings into the holes.

Some kit embodiments (not shown) include the bikini suit with loopholes and drawstrings, and the sewing tool as well.

Returning to embodiments equipped with zippers:

FIG. 11a shows an expanded partial view of another bikini bottom 60′ embodiment, with various parts partly detached from one another, as in the process of changing the configuration;

Shown in both of the FIGS. 11a and 11b is are a part of the exterior of the bottom part. The embodiment has flaps 61′a1l, shown in FIG. 11b, extending from inside the bottom part 60′ but they are invisible in FIG. 11a because they are completely inside when the bottom part 60′ is zipped. You have to completely remove the removable parts to be able to swing the flaps into view. So what you see in FIG. 11a are scotch patches 61′b11. These scotch patches 61′b11 are used to hold the flaps when they are swung out and thus firmly and stably cover the the bottom stop of the zipper This piece of fabric is used to make the wearer more comfortable without worrying about the bottom stop of the zipper that can poke or make her uncomfortable.

The wearer has a choice either to use these flaps to cover the zipper stop, or not to use the flaps.

Clarifications about Terminology

In the discussion, unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as “substantially” and “about” that modify a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the invention, are to be understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended.

It should be noted that the term “item” as used herein refers to any physically tangible, individually distinguishable unit of packaged or unpackaged good or goods. Positional terms such as “upper”, “lower” “right”, “left”, “bottom”, “below”, “lowered”, “low”, “top”, “above”, “elevated”, “high”, “vertical” and “horizontal” as well as grammatical variations thereof as may be used herein do not necessarily indicate that, for example, a “bottom” component is below a “top” component, or that a component that is “below” is indeed “below” another component or that a component that is “above” is indeed “above” another component as such directions, components or both may be flipped, rotated, moved in space, placed in a diagonal orientation or position, placed horizontally or vertically, or similarly modified. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the terms “bottom”, “below”, “top” and “above” may be used herein for exemplary purposes only, to illustrate the relative positioning or placement of certain components, to indicate a first and a second component or to do both.

“Coupled with” means indirectly or directly “coupled with”.

It is important to note that the methods described above are not limited to the corresponding descriptions. For example, the method may include additional or even fewer processes or operations in comparison to what is described herein and/or the accompanying figures. In addition, embodiments of the method are not necessarily limited to the chronological order as illustrated and described herein.

It should be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element or feature, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element. Hence, reference to “an element” or “at least one element” for instance, may also encompass “one or more elements”.

Unless otherwise stated, the use of the expression “and/or” between the last two members of a list of options for selection indicates that a selection of one or more of the listed options is appropriate and may be made.

It is noted that the term “perspective view” as used herein may also refer to an “isometric view” and vice versa.

It should be appreciated that certain features which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, example and/or option, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment, example, and/or option are inoperative without those elements. Accordingly, features, structures, characteristics, stages, methods, modules, elements, entities or systems disclosed herein, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate examples, may also be provided in combination in a single example. Conversely, various features, structures, characteristics, stages, methods, modules, elements, entities or systems disclosed herein, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single example, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

It is noted that the term “exemplary” is used herein to refer to examples of embodiments and/or implementations, and is not meant to necessarily convey a more desirable use-case.

In alternative and/or other embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

Throughout this description, various embodiments may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include—where applicable—any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals there between.

While the aspects have been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as scope limitations, but rather as exemplifications of some of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A separable bathing suit top comprising: at least one top-central part, anda first top-piece and a second top-piece;the second top-piece attached or reversibly attachable to the first top-piece;each top-piece independently reversibly attachable to a top-central partwherein the at least one top-central part, first top-piece and second top-piece have matching colors, and, optionally, patterns, such that the first top-piece and second top-piece, when attached to the at least one top-central part, are essentially visually indistinguishable from the at least one top-central part.

2. The bathing suit top of claim 1, wherein: each top-central part comprises a top edge which comprises a top first zipper part and each top-piece comprises a bottom edge which comprises a top second zipper part;each first zipper part and each second zipper part are connectable to form a functional top zipper,wherein: the zipper comprises a tab, andthe bathing suit top is configured to allow opening the top zipper by pulling the tab from proximal to an inner top-central top end to proximal to an outer top-central top end.

3. The bathing suit top of claim 2, wherein the top second zipper part comprises the tab.

4. The bathing suit top of claim 1, wherein each at least one top-central part and each top-piece comprise at least one loop, wherein each top-piece is independently reversibly attachable to a top-central part by the loops.The bathing suit top of claim 4, configured to allow at least one loop of a top-central part extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of a top-piece or to allow at least one loop of a top-piece extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of a top-central part.

5. The bathing suit top of claim 4, each top-piece further comprising a drawstring weavable through the loops, the weaving engaging a top-piece with a top-central part.

6. The bathing suit of claim 5, wherein each drawstring extends from an outer top-piece bottom end.

7. A separable bathing suit bottom comprising: a bottom-central part, anda first bottom-piece and a second bottom-piece;each bottom-piece independently reversibly attachable to the bottom-central part, wherein:the bottom-central part comprises two first profiles, and each bottom-piece comprises a second profile essentially matching a first profile.

8. The bathing suit bottom of claim 7, wherein: the bottom-central part comprises a front side and a back side,wherein the back side comprises the two first profiles.

9. The bathing suit bottom of claim 7, wherein the bottom-central part, first bottom-piece and second bottom-piece have matching colours, and, optionally, patterns, such that the first bottom-piece and second bottom-piece, when attached to the bottom-central part, are essentially visually indistinguishable from the bottom-central part.

10. A bathing suit comprising the bathing suit top of claim 1 and the bathing suit bottom of claim 7.

11. The bathing suit of claim 10, configured to: allow the first top-piece and the second top-piece attached thereto, and/or at least one bottom-piece attached thereto, and/or toallow the first bottom-piece and the second-bottom piece attached thereto,to form at least one receptacle selected from a group consisting of: wallet, bag, purse, sock, and combinations thereof.

12. The bathing suit bottom of claim 7, wherein: the bottom-central part comprises two bottom first zipper parts and each bottom-piece comprises a bottom second zipper part;each bottom first zipper part and each bottom second zipper part are connectable to form a functional bottom zipper,wherein: each bottom zipper comprises a tab, andthe bathing suit bottom is configured to allow opening each bottom zipper by pulling the tab from proximal to the back side towards the front side.

13. The bathing suit bottom of claim 12, wherein each bottom second zipper part comprises the tab.

14. The bathing suit bottom of claim 13, wherein each bottom first zipper part comprises a bottom stop, insertable into the tab.

15. The bathing suit bottom of claim 7, wherein the bottom-central part comprises at least two loops and each of the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece comprise at least one loop, wherein each bottom-central part is independently reversibly attachable to the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece by the loops.

16. The bathing suit bottom of claim 15, configured to allow at least one loop of the first bottom-piece and at least one loop of the second bottom-piece extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of the bottom-central part, or to allow at least one loop of at least one loop of the bottom-central part extending through, and thereby engaging, at least one loop of the first bottom-piece and at least one loop of the second bottom-piece.

17. The bathing suit bottom of claim 16, each of the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece further comprising a drawstring weavable through the loops, the weaving engaging the first bottom-piece and the second bottom-piece with bottom-central part.

18. The bathing suit bottom of claim 17, wherein a drawstring extends from the first bottom-piece and a drawstring extends from the second bottom-piece, and wherein the bathing suit is configured to allow weaving the drawstrings from proximal to the back side towards the front side and tying the drawstrings on the front side.

19. The bathing suit bottom of claim 18, wherein the bottom-central part comprises two patches, each patch comprising a hole, affixed to the bottom-central part, and having at least one free patch edge or section thereof, and wherein the bottom is configured to allow threading each weaved drawstring through each hole and subsequently tying the drawstrings together.